It’s hard for me to pass up a horror novel – especially with a cover like this one. Full confession – when I was a young girl my mom, without asking for my opinion, redecorated my bedroom with Holly Hobbie pink and white gingham. That was an entirely different situation than portrayed in this book, but no less of a horror story for me.
After Evie’s parents’ divorce, she, her mother, and younger brother relocate to a small town and move into an old house that’s been in the family for many years. Even though the locals call it Horror House, it’s rent free which works perfectly for their current finances. The house has your standard creepy attic and cellar, and it’s not long before Evie starts hearing voices. Despite that, she’s interested in learning more about the house’s history and uncovering what might have happened to Holly Hobbie. She disappeared from her bedroom, now Evie’s bedroom, years ago without a trace. In exploring the house Evie discovers an old chest in the attic containing Holly’s diary that sheds more light on her disappearance and an old doll – that speaks to Evie.
Besides all the chilling happenings in the house, Evie’s family isn’t in the best place right now – her mom’s new job requires long hours, her younger brother is hanging out with troublesome new friends, and none of them are handling the divorce well. She’s also being threatened by a mean girl at school over a boy and begins to react to situations in uncharacteristic ways. Evie turns to her psychic aunt who also lives in town, but refuses to go into the Horror House. She performs a tarot card reading for Evie that parallels what’s currently happening along with disturbing results for her future.
This is a light horror read that felt more like middle grade than YA to me, and I’d recommend it for the lower end of the YA spectrum. For some reason I thought it was a standalone, but it ends on a cliffhanger and another book is coming. I’d recommend this for readers who prefer their horror more eerie than terrifying.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
After Evie’s parents’ divorce, she, her mother, and younger brother relocate to a small town and move into an old house that’s been in the family for many years. Even though the locals call it Horror House, it’s rent free which works perfectly for their current finances. The house has your standard creepy attic and cellar, and it’s not long before Evie starts hearing voices. Despite that, she’s interested in learning more about the house’s history and uncovering what might have happened to Holly Hobbie. She disappeared from her bedroom, now Evie’s bedroom, years ago without a trace. In exploring the house Evie discovers an old chest in the attic containing Holly’s diary that sheds more light on her disappearance and an old doll – that speaks to Evie.
Besides all the chilling happenings in the house, Evie’s family isn’t in the best place right now – her mom’s new job requires long hours, her younger brother is hanging out with troublesome new friends, and none of them are handling the divorce well. She’s also being threatened by a mean girl at school over a boy and begins to react to situations in uncharacteristic ways. Evie turns to her psychic aunt who also lives in town, but refuses to go into the Horror House. She performs a tarot card reading for Evie that parallels what’s currently happening along with disturbing results for her future.
This is a light horror read that felt more like middle grade than YA to me, and I’d recommend it for the lower end of the YA spectrum. For some reason I thought it was a standalone, but it ends on a cliffhanger and another book is coming. I’d recommend this for readers who prefer their horror more eerie than terrifying.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.