BLACK MIRROR meets Darcy Coates in this exploration of the dangerous, dark side of beauty in the digital age, with a gothic, haunted-house setting.
When Izzy is dragged from Brooklyn to a tiny town for her parents’ new job, she’s not thrilled. The silver lining is the gorgeous old mansion she’s moved into: the former home of an artist’s muse who died tragically in a fire. But the house has its quirks: whole floors are closed off, paintings are covered up, and cell reception is nonexistent.
Izzy throws herself into starting an Instagram fashion account using the gowns and jewelry she finds hidden away in the house. She looks perfect in the photos–almost unnaturally perfect–and they quickly go viral. Soon she’s got a new best friend, a potential boyfriend, and is surrounded by a group of girls who want the photoshoots and fame for themselves. But there’s a darkness in the house, and a darkness growing in Izzy, too. When girls start dying, it’s clear that something–or someone–in the house is growing in power, with deadly intentions.
I have to admit – I would have passed up this book if it hadn’t mentioned Black Mirror, Darcy Coates, and a gothic, haunted-house setting. The cover didn’t scream horror to me.
The descriptions of the old mansion Izzy and her family relocate to paint a picture of a beautiful home that’s falling into ruin. I could easily imagine the architectural details and understand Izzy’s unexpected delight when seeing it for the first time. This haunted house had the potential to offer those delicious spine-tingling chills horror fans chase after, and I was excited to delve into its darkness. Maybe I’ve read so many books in this genre that I’ve become immune, but I never felt the chills. There are some eerie moments, but when the situation really starts to become intense, the scene never plays out. Something would interrupt it, leaving Izzy to rationalize what happened. Without giving away spoilers, the reader isn’t given much time to get to know Izzy before she moves into the house, and it was difficult for me to emphathize with her – she’s a difficult person to like. The final scene builds up to a tension-filled, creepy climax, but then ends abruptly and leaves several questions unanswered.
Kudos to the author for an admirable job of calling attention to the dark sides of vanity and obsession with social media and the effects both can have on a person. While this is an enjoyable read, I’d recommend it for the younger YA crowd.
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 
The cover doesn’t say “horror” to me, either. The Black Mirror comp did sound appealing. Maybe the younger crowd will enjoy the book. Thanks, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I nearly skimmed right over it, but when it mentioned gothic horror I gave it a look. Hope you’re having a great week, Staci!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The blurb sounded really appealing, especially the gothic vibe. What a shame this one missed the mark. It does sound like the younger YA crowd might gobble it up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve come across plenty of YA books that are easily crossovers, but this one didn’t have that feel. I suspect the 13-15 year olds would be all over it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the review, Teri. Yeah, the cover certainly doesn’t seem scary…where’s the blood?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right? More blood! Horror fans would be all over it, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoy haunted house setting but i have never come across a horror that scared me. Great review, Teri!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So far, neither have I, Yesha. I will admit that The Shining gave me goosebumps at one point – so awesome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right – the cover and genre don’t match up and a haunted house that doesn’t give the reader chills :0 But, I do like the message it delivers – it’s so important! Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I completely agreed with the message, Tessa. The MC became a different person once she started relying so heavily on social media.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The cover didn’t do much for me, Teri, nor anything related to Instagram and selfies. Lol. But parts of the description are appealing. Your thoughts about the read have steered me away, but I can definitely see how this might work for the younger crowd!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The cover and description don’t seem to match up. It was really the description of the manor that grabbed my attention. The younger crowd would love this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the cover, except I don’t see it as horror. I like the premise of the book, too. It sounds like it could have been executed a little better . . . or maybe it’s just aimed at a different audience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not your typical horror cover at all. I enjoyed the first part of the novel more than the last – that was when the social media took over and the MC became pretty unbearable. Definitely for the younger YA crowd.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A grand review, Teri. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is helpful, Teri. I liked the cover, especially the model’s pink/rose hair. I agree that there’s so much potential with the setting. When I was a little girl I used to have dreams that I’d found a bunch of beautiful clothes in my closet. LOL.
I appreciate your objective review. Hugs on the wing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The pink hair sure grabs the attention! I’m such a sucker for an old manor/estate setting – like you said, so much potential. I sure wouldn’t mind finding beautiful clothes in my closet – as long as I didn’t have to shop for them, lol!
LikeLike
I like the cover (though it looks more like YA than horror) and the blurb. It’s too bad it was marketed in the wrong genre.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Parts of it were eerie, but sometimes I think I’ve read so much horror that I’m immune, lol. Other readers may find it scarier. Hope you’re having a fantastic weekend, Jacquie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This cover would put me off too, Teri, and your review doesn’t convince me, sadly. I have discovered great books with poor covers, but this doesn’t seem to be one of them.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I loved the setting, but the story not so much, Robbie. But then I’ve loved other books I almost skipped because of the cover. You just never know.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is true. I rarely even look at the cover of a book.
LikeLiked by 1 person