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stitching_ghost's review
4.0
Knock Knock offers a fun twist on ghost stories and the nature of ghosts part dysfunctional family story, part horror, part paranormal investigation and all a "you won't see time go by" kind of quick read.
The interesting structure really allows Miller's ability to give multiple characters a unique voice to really shine. The main characters are all heartbreaking and endearing in a way that makes them feel real and the dysfunctional family dynamic seemed all too plausible.
The interesting structure really allows Miller's ability to give multiple characters a unique voice to really shine. The main characters are all heartbreaking and endearing in a way that makes them feel real and the dysfunctional family dynamic seemed all too plausible.
thesleepyreader79's review
4.0
I have had this book for several months now. I was debating reading it because its not my preferred genre. But seeing as I am related to the author (by marriage) and its the spooky time of year, I thought I might give it a go.
The story is one of love, loss and disfunction. Millie Carver lives alone in the house she grew up in and raised her own children in. She starts to hear things, voices, music and knocking. Shadowy figures and lights coming on by themselves, even items being moved about her house. Is she losing it, or is the house haunted?
Millie and her husband Arthur had two children, Mitch and Suzanne. Her relationship with her kids was strained. Mitch went off to be a busy doctor and Suzanne was just a huge disappointment. No grandchildren, no one to leave a legacy. As a mother, I think this is one of all our fears. That our kids will grow up and never have a relationship with us. I know that I myself have a strained relationship with my own mother, a result of the same thing that happened to Suzanne in the book (you'll have to read it to find out what I'm talking about). But I could also feel the love between Millie and Arthur. I feel very much like that with my own husband and have often wondered what I will be like if he's goes first. The thoughts of being without him are often too much for me to handle.
When Millie's daughter calls in a local paranormal research team they aren't sure if or what they'll find in this big, old house. And yet they do find something. More than Suzanne was ready for, I think. Without giving too much away, I figured out part of the ending. But was surprised by the final ending for sure. I felt sad in a way with how it ended. I did like the paranormal notes at the end, a neat way of tying things up.
All in all its a good read for the spooky season. Its a novella so its a quick read, I was able to read it in one sitting. If you enjoy the paranormal, ghost stories and surprise endings then this book is surely one you should pick up.
The story is one of love, loss and disfunction. Millie Carver lives alone in the house she grew up in and raised her own children in. She starts to hear things, voices, music and knocking. Shadowy figures and lights coming on by themselves, even items being moved about her house. Is she losing it, or is the house haunted?
Millie and her husband Arthur had two children, Mitch and Suzanne. Her relationship with her kids was strained. Mitch went off to be a busy doctor and Suzanne was just a huge disappointment. No grandchildren, no one to leave a legacy. As a mother, I think this is one of all our fears. That our kids will grow up and never have a relationship with us. I know that I myself have a strained relationship with my own mother, a result of the same thing that happened to Suzanne in the book (you'll have to read it to find out what I'm talking about). But I could also feel the love between Millie and Arthur. I feel very much like that with my own husband and have often wondered what I will be like if he's goes first. The thoughts of being without him are often too much for me to handle.
When Millie's daughter calls in a local paranormal research team they aren't sure if or what they'll find in this big, old house. And yet they do find something. More than Suzanne was ready for, I think. Without giving too much away, I figured out part of the ending. But was surprised by the final ending for sure. I felt sad in a way with how it ended. I did like the paranormal notes at the end, a neat way of tying things up.
All in all its a good read for the spooky season. Its a novella so its a quick read, I was able to read it in one sitting. If you enjoy the paranormal, ghost stories and surprise endings then this book is surely one you should pick up.
woffordleejones's review
5.0
Heather Miller’s debut Knock, Knock was the perfect read as autumn begins to decend. It’s a great read at any time of the year, but it hit a chord with me during this fall season. With overtones of an ancient (haunted) house, paranormal investigators, shadowy figures, disembodied voices, the history (and secrets) of the Carver family, and the “knock-knock”-ing of the title, that and more; you have all the makings of a spooky-creepy read. I loved it. The way Heather writes keeps the action and story moving along for a fast-paced read. Love her description as well; she paints beautiful images. Loved her story, and I’m sure you will too; it’s perfect for anyone wanting a haunting read.
michaelrgoodwin's review
4.0
With her debut novella, Miller gives us a combination haunted house/ghost story that is steeped in pure gothic vibes. It radiates chill and gloom from page one.
We meet Millie, an old woman who is living alone in her house. Her children have moved on with their lives and she feels forgotten, and then there's the odd things that's been happening around the house. Noises. Temperature changes. A feeling of not being alone.
As the story progresses with expert pacing and the intensity builds, I became fully invested in what was going to happen next. The big twist at the end was one I did not see coming, and it reshapes everything that came before it. It was very clever, and executed very well.
This is definitely recommended to anyone who is looking for a quick and spooky gothic ghost story.
We meet Millie, an old woman who is living alone in her house. Her children have moved on with their lives and she feels forgotten, and then there's the odd things that's been happening around the house. Noises. Temperature changes. A feeling of not being alone.
As the story progresses with expert pacing and the intensity builds, I became fully invested in what was going to happen next. The big twist at the end was one I did not see coming, and it reshapes everything that came before it. It was very clever, and executed very well.
This is definitely recommended to anyone who is looking for a quick and spooky gothic ghost story.
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