Hey everyone! I hope you are all doing well. Before I introduce you to this book, I suggest you check out my review of Horrorstor, also by Grady Hendrix. Recently, I created an account on StoryGraph, which is an app that allows you to keep track of what you’re reading. If you want, you can follow me (N0vel_Ideas) and you can see what reviews I have coming up or we can even buddy read if you want. Now, back to the matter at hand. I was a bit nervous to read this book because it seemed like everyone either had this in their top ten or bottom ten when it came to reviewing it. I try not to be influenced by too many reviews but it is hard to ignore a book that it seems like everyone is talking about. I don’t necessarily consider this part of the content warning but if you are freaked out by puppets and/or dolls then this is probably not the book for you. Anyways, let’s talk about How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix.

Content Warning: Disturbing Imagery, Violence, Graphic Descriptions of Injuries, Harsh Language, Harm Towards Children, Discussions About Grief and Mourning

Louise is shocked when her estranged brother calls her one day to tell her that their parents died in a car accident. As upset as she is, Louise is reluctant to leave her young daughter with her ex and return to her childhood home in South Carolina. What she especially doesn’t want to deal with is her parents’ home, which contains all of the remnants of her mom’s lifelong passion: puppets and dolls. On top of that, Louise’s brother Mark wants to fight over their inheritance. As they continue to fight over the house, they begin to realize that there is something else in the house that will stop at nothing to make sure they don’t sell it…..

I’m pleased to say that I was pleasantly surprised by Grady Hendrix’s most recent novel. Hendrix has an interesting way of writing (what I am going to dub) “quirky horror.” The whole puppet/doll aspect of the novel was certainly unique. I thought that this novel elevated that particular subgenre of horror. I got similar vibes to Chucky at times. The novel does balance some more gratuitous moments of horror, suspense, and rather heartfelt themes of grief and mourning. I will say that this book does get a little slow towards the middle and is a bit predictable, but honestly, I was fine with that. It was a solid, enjoyable horror novel. I am going to go ahead and recommend How to Sell a Haunted House if you want to dive a little deeper into the horror genre.