Sometimes the dead reach back...
Leigh Harker’s quiet suburban home was her sanctuary for more than a decade, until things abruptly changed. Curtains open by themselves. Radios turn off and on. And a dark figure looms in the shadows of her bedroom door at night, watching her, waiting for her to finally let down her guard enough to fall asleep.
Pushed to her limits but unwilling to abandon her home, Leigh struggles to find answers. But each step forces her towards something more terrifying than she ever imagined.
A poisonous shadow seeps from the locked door beneath the stairs. The handle rattles through the night and fingernails scratch at the wood. Her home harbours dangerous secrets, and now that Leigh is trapped within its walls, she fears she may never escape.
Do you think you’re safe?
You’re wrong.
I’ve read a few Darcy Coates novels, but this one is unlike any of those I’m familiar with. It’s creepy, chilling, and guaranteed to have you leaving lights on all over the house – but the premise is something I haven’t come across in other horror novels. Which is why this review will be brief since I don’t do spoilers.
I’m not the first reviewer to say they almost DNFed the book, but most of those reviewers also encouraged readers to stick with it, and everything would soon make sense. The beginning is slow, filled with the monotonous details of Leigh’s everyday life interspersed with some terrifying moments that didn’t seem to make sense. I couldn’t imagine why the author chose to begin the story this way. Trust me when I say you’ll be rewarded with a jaw-dropping reveal later on. Everything will click.
Something else resides in Leigh’s house with her. The doorknob of a locked closet under the stairs rattles at night when whatever is on the other side tries to get out. It watches while she sleeps – if she ever manages to get any. Then there’s the harrowing encounter with sharp tools in a gardening shed when the door mysteriously slams shut and traps her inside. There’s no shortage of gripping scenes that may have you holding your breath while reading. Coates draws the reader in and makes them feel as if they’re right beside Leigh experiencing every terrifying moment with her.
Surprisingly, the story also contains some bittersweet and heartfelt scenes – and I can’t say that about most horror novels I’ve read. Part of the ending shot out of left field for me, but it comes with an explanation. If you’re looking for a different spin on the haunted house tale, give this novel a chance. Just remember to hang with it a few chapters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
I’m intrigued. I wonder what the story is behind the haunting. No, don’t tell me! I’ll have to read it for myself.:-) Good review, Teri!
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No reveals here, Priscilla, lol. It was a surprising twist and put things in a new perspective. Thanks!
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Wow. This must have a lot going on, because you said very little. I almost feel like this should be seen visually rather than read. But now I’m intrigued because I know next to nothing about this story other than it’s super creepy, and I want to know more! Thanks, Teri.
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Honestly, it would make a fantastic movie, Staci. I could easily imagine it on the screen.
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I did DNF a book by her once before. Maybe I just needed to stick with it like you did with this one. This sounds different and intriguing, a chilling ghost story. Definitely has potential for my TBR. Great review, Teri!
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I’m so glad I looked at the other reviews, Mae. I just couldn’t figure out why the story was playing out that way. It was worth sticking with it.
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Good to know.
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I’m seeing more haunted house tales getting reviews. Maybe the seasons are changing, or maybe their gaining in prominence.
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I’ve always loved a good haunted house story, but you’re right about the reviews. People seem to be either die-hard horror fans or doing everything they can to avoid the genre.
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Maybe I should write a haunted house… in the apocalypse… with a romantic element. Sounds like that’s what the world wants right now.
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I think you’re right, lol. I’d read it!
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Damn I think I’d die of a heart attack! 😂
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I know your aversion to horror, Sophie – definitely not one for you, lol!
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This sounds like a very intriguing story. So many good aspects, but I have to wonder if I wouldn’t be one of those people to DNF it. It’s good to know ahead of time that it’s worth it to stick with it a while. Great review!
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Those other reviewers sure convinced me to stay with it, Tessa. I have to wonder how many readers will drop it if they’re not prepared. Thanks for visiting!
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Enjoyed the review, Teri.
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Thanks, John!
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Sound like this had terrible start but tirned into amazing horror novel as story progressed. Amazing review, Teri!
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I was puzzled at first, but I’m sure glad I stuck around, Yesha. Hope you’re having a great weekend!
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Interesting review, Teri. I guess you agree with the other reviewers to stick with it. The author lucked out. I’m not a huge fan of horror so will probably skip this one, but it is tempting. Thanks for the review. 🙂
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If it had been an author I’d never read before, I probably would have dropped it. Being familiar with this author’s writing style, I wondered what was going on since it was nothing like her other books. It was a bit to slog through at first, but I’m glad I did. Have a great week, Diana!
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Hi Teri, I am almost certain I read a review for this book recently. I think it may have been on Mae Clair’s site. The warning about the slow beginning was the same in that review. It does sound like a good book despite the slow start.
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You might have seen it here on a WWW Wednesday post. If you can get over the slow beginning hump, it’s a nice twist on the haunted house tale.
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Yes, that is the other option. I like the sound of it.
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