Eric Ross is on the run from a mysterious past with his two daughters in tow. Having left his wife, his house, his whole life behind in Maryland, he’s desperate for money–it’s not easy to find safe work when you can’t provide references, you can’t stay in one place for long, and you’re paranoid that your past is creeping back up on you.
When he comes across the strange ad for the Masson House in Degener, Texas, Eric thinks they may have finally caught a lucky break. The Masson property, notorious for being one of the most haunted places in Texas, needs a caretaker of sorts. The owner is looking for proof of paranormal activity. All they need to do is stay in the house and keep a detailed record of everything that happens there. Provided the house’s horrors don’t drive them all mad, like the caretakers before them.
The job calls to Eric, not just because there’s a huge payout if they can make it through, but because he wants to explore the secrets of the spite house. If it is indeed haunted, maybe it’ll help him understand the uncanny power that clings to his family, driving them from town to town, making them afraid to stop running. A terrifying Gothic thriller about grief and death and the depths of a father’s love, Johnny Compton’s The Spite House is a stunning debut by a horror master in the making.
I have a weakness for haunted house stories – especially atmospheric Gothic ones. When I was sent the NetGalley widget for this novel, I immediately downloaded it.
Unemployed Eric Ross and his daughters, eighteen-year-old Dess and seven-year-old Stacy, are on the run. For the past year, they’ve lived in cheap hotels and moved around every few days. Eric picks up odd jobs here and there where no one asks questions. Looking over their shoulder and being paranoid are now habits. Even young Stacy has been trained on an escape plan. When Eric receives an offer to stay in the Masson House, supposedly one of the most haunted places in the state, and keep a record of paranormal activity, he accepts the job. The money is almost too good to be true and will relieve their financial stress. Now he and his family just have to survive.
I didn’t get a strong Gothic vibe from this story, but it sure provides unnerving, atmospheric scenes. Shadows in corners, disembodied voices, possible spirit possessions, creepy ghost children, doors opening and closing on their own – all good things for horror/paranormal fans. Even though Eric is frightened, he puts his family first and is determined to stick it out and earn the small fortune promised if he completes the job. He’s a pretty stubborn guy and very protective of his daughters. Stacy’s ability to see and communicate with some of the spirits will send tingles down your spine.
While reading, I kept wondering what happened to send this family on the run, and when the reason is casually mentioned in a sentence, I immediately halted and said “Wait – what?????” It’s a shocker, folks. I’d also never heard of a spite house, but it’s a building constructed or modified solely to annoy the neighbors. I did a Google search, and there are several across the country.
This is an impressive debut, and an author to watch for horror/paranormal fans. I’m excited to see what Compton does next.
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 
Can you believe people in real life build spite houses? I can think of better things to do with my money! This sounds like a spooky book. Great review, Teri!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Totally agree, Priscilla! I’d never heard of them until reading this book. So many better things to do with your money.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds like it was scare me 🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
It didn’t scare me, but then again I’ve been reading books like this since I was about ten. Some awesome imagery.
LikeLike
Super review, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I looked up spite houses after reading this post, Teri, and some of them are rather cute! I guess the neighbors had issues anyway. The book sounds entertaining, and now I want to know why the family was on the run! Great review and teaser, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought so too, Diana. I guess they didn’t fit with the neighborhood, codes, blocked views, etc. This was an outstanding debut, and I’m excited to see what this author comes up with next.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had a horrible neighbor once who put up a spite fence. It wasn’t ugly but it blocked our view. He was an attorney and he was relentless! We eventually ended up moving. It’s a real thing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The stupidity of some people never ceases to amaze me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The cover looks unnerving and atmospheric too. This is probably a bit outside of my comfort zone but I’m glad you enjoyed it so much. Excellent review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That cover just looks ominous, doesn’t it? From the moment they step inside the house, weird things happen. Thanks, Tessa!
LikeLike
That’s interesting that it’s a Spite House. I’ve never heard the term before, but I’ll be looking it up now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hadn’t either, Wendy, but it’s a real thing. The images I saw were pretty cute, but I guess the houses didn’t fit in with the others, blocked views, etc.
LikeLike
Sounds really good. I’m already curious to know why they were on the run. Amazing review, Teri!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I promise it’s a reason you’d never guess, Yesha. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry I missed this yesterday. It must have posted after I was done going through my blog list.
This sounds like a story I’d love, especially if you were so shocked but a reveal at the end. And I’m intrigued by the concept of spite houses. I think I know a few in real life, but I had no idea it was something so common as to have a defined name.
Thanks, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was quite a twist, Staci – sure didn’t see that one coming. I’d never heard of spite houses, but considering how petty some people are, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise.
LikeLiked by 1 person