Reviews

This slow burn haunted house novel is a readable and accessible horror novel. Setting aside the period-typical sexism—of which there’s quite a bit—it is an enjoyable project delving into this early example of many of the now recognizable hallmarks of atmospheric horror.

juksu's review

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

If I take this at face value, it's pulp fiction plain and simple. I saw more in it — I'm very skeptical that Marasco intended this to be about the sacrifices and suffering of women for the sake of domesticity. Maybe! Others have pointed out feminist interpretations.

But for what it is, I think it's a decent horror novel about slow descent into madness and loss of control. I feel like any genre savvy reader will get what's going on very quickly, but it was passably enjoyable nonetheless.

Content Warnings

v_v_'s review

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

tanasay's review

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2.0

It was too creepy for me actually to read. I skipped to the last chapter and found out that what I thought was going to happen did happen, and I am done.

catmilkremedies's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5/5
One of the tightest haunted house tales I’ve read

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