This is a fantastically creepy thriller from the author of Lock Every Door and Final Girls. There are Amityville Horror vibes, with hints of The Haunting of Hill House and The Shining. Who can resist a haunted house story?! Not me, that’s for sure.
There are two narratives. One is in the present day, told by house renovator Maggie Holt. The other is an extract from a book written by her father about the spooky goings-on at Baneberry Hall, a run-down place in Vermont with a grim history. Something happened that was so terrible, that the Holt family fled and never returned. Now, after her father’s death, Maggie has inherited Baneberry Hall and is determined to discover what really happened. She was only five at the time of the alleged hauntings and either doesn’t remember much or has blocked it out.
I like how Riley Sager expertly teases us. Were the ghostly events real or can they all be explained rationally? What secrets are Maggie’s parents hiding? Why did her father write the book? And would Maggie be different, less bitter, without the notorious fame which has plagued her life? It was very intriguing and I kept on turning the pages. There were so many twists at the end of the book, you probably won’t guess all of them.
Recommended! Thank you to the publisher Hodder and Stoughton for the advance copy via NetGalley. The book was published this month and is now available to buy.
Okay, it sounds perfect for an October read! I’m adding it to my basket! Great review 🙂
Yes, definitely ideal for that time of year! Thanks for reading 🙂
This sounds brilliant, and perfect for this time of year…adding to my list 😊 great review as always 😊
If you want a scare then I’d recommend 😉 Thank you!
Fab review must add this to Goodreads!
Thanks! A good one to read for the spooky season 😀
I hope they’re not real ghosts and it can be explained rationally. I like this author and hope he doesn’t venture too far into the fantastical/paranormal. Great review lovely!
Hmm well you’ll just have to find out if they are real or not 😉 Thanks for reading!
I really need to read this! Great review 🙂
Thanks! Yes, you do 😀
Great review! I’ve had this book sitting on my dresser for a minute. Sounds like a great October read!
Thank you 🙂 The ideal time for you to pick up the book and get scared 😉
You’ve got me on this one! I’ve added it to my list 🙂
Thanks! 😀 Glad my review persuaded you.
Great review, my friend! This sounds like something I’d love to read especially when it’s recommended by you! But the cover though… not a fan 😅
Thanks Jee! You can always trust my recommendations 😉 I don’t like the cover either.