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jenmarchal's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
justinkhchen's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
A layered gothic horror with an old-school feel, The Spite House reminds me a lot of horror novels from the 80s, such as The Elementals by Michael McDowell, and Maynard's House by Herman Raucher, where the story starts out as a character-focused slowburn, then nosedives into a horror that's more psychological and fantastical (like a drug-induced nightmare rather than the typical ghosts and spirits). It also has a very consistent undercurrent of dread throughout, which is a tone mainstream horror literature has moved away from lately. Its departure from trends makes The Spite House a standout read.
The audiobook has noticeably elevated my overall experience; Johnny Compton's writing is sharp, but leans on the stoic side, which can make the story coming across like a news report, rather than a passionate telling. But Adam Lazarre-White's performance infuses a lot of humanity back into this material, and makes the characters come to life. If you find the physical read is too dry and clinical, I would highly recommend giving the audiobook a try.
The Spite House is surprisingly complex, with the integration of American history and architectural terminology (spite house is a real thing!), alongside the fictional familial drama (there are like 2–3 family histories we're following throughout). Even though nearing the end it does get a little convoluted trying to wrap everything up, I appreciate the effort in trying to compose something different, rather than just a straightforward haunted house story.
The lore of J-horror The Grudge is another work that comes to mind; playing with the theme of a place being 'cursed' by all the extreme emotions from the people who have resided there prior. The Spite House is an acquired taste — it's purposefully slow (but not aimless), constructing its horror upon an intangible concept, and vague on giving answers in its closure. Readers expecting a page turner might be taken aback by how much threads need to be untangled in this shortish book, but this is 100% a memorable read.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
A layered gothic horror with an old-school feel, The Spite House reminds me a lot of horror novels from the 80s, such as The Elementals by Michael McDowell, and Maynard's House by Herman Raucher, where the story starts out as a character-focused slowburn, then nosedives into a horror that's more psychological and fantastical (like a drug-induced nightmare rather than the typical ghosts and spirits). It also has a very consistent undercurrent of dread throughout, which is a tone mainstream horror literature has moved away from lately. Its departure from trends makes The Spite House a standout read.
The audiobook has noticeably elevated my overall experience; Johnny Compton's writing is sharp, but leans on the stoic side, which can make the story coming across like a news report, rather than a passionate telling. But Adam Lazarre-White's performance infuses a lot of humanity back into this material, and makes the characters come to life. If you find the physical read is too dry and clinical, I would highly recommend giving the audiobook a try.
The Spite House is surprisingly complex, with the integration of American history and architectural terminology (spite house is a real thing!), alongside the fictional familial drama (there are like 2–3 family histories we're following throughout). Even though nearing the end it does get a little convoluted trying to wrap everything up, I appreciate the effort in trying to compose something different, rather than just a straightforward haunted house story.
The lore of J-horror The Grudge is another work that comes to mind; playing with the theme of a place being 'cursed' by all the extreme emotions from the people who have resided there prior. The Spite House is an acquired taste — it's purposefully slow (but not aimless), constructing its horror upon an intangible concept, and vague on giving answers in its closure. Readers expecting a page turner might be taken aback by how much threads need to be untangled in this shortish book, but this is 100% a memorable read.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
youngthespian42's review against another edition
4.0
This is an old school haunted house story. The premise feels a little similar to The Shinning but don’t let that dissuade you. The spooks are real and the character and relationships feel fresh. Excited to read to see where this author goes next.
kentrellsplace's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
dr_dr_olshakes's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A really solid haunted house story! I love how subtle some of the house's influence was, and how well that emphasized when the house was really doing its work.
I also found the exploration of rage (and spite) quite interesting. What is the use of anger, what is it cost, and what it it's worth? The same thing with fear. I'm thinking explicitly of Grandpa Fred's use of anger to ignite fear in others and get his way, as paired with the house's anger and the fear that engenders in Eunice. Anger is so tempting, and can have such a strong impact, and sometimes, in this book, the cost is worth it.
I'm very fond of haunted house stories, and I loved this book's approach to the concept!
I also found the exploration of rage (and spite) quite interesting. What is the use of anger, what is it cost, and what it it's worth? The same thing with fear. I'm thinking explicitly of Grandpa Fred's use of anger to ignite fear in others and get his way, as paired with the house's anger and the fear that engenders in Eunice. Anger is so tempting, and can have such a strong impact, and sometimes, in this book, the cost is worth it.
I'm very fond of haunted house stories, and I loved this book's approach to the concept!
misty_muskrat's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
4.75