A review by effinalice
The Spite House by Johnny Compton

mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The Spite House is a slow burn gothic horror haunted house story.

We follow Eric Ross and his two daughters, Dess and Stacy, who are on the run. The family is constantly on the move looking for their next paycheck and avoiding local law enforcement. Eric comes across an Ad that appears too good to be true but desperate for some stability for his family he decides to take the job, Eric becomes the caretaker of an old derelict Spite House in the state of Texas. The Masson House is notoriously one of the most haunted places in the state and Eric's job is to document whatever paranormal activity might be occurring inside for Eunice, the houses owner. Simple right? but Eunice and Eric and the house are hiding secrets about their past that can endanger them all.

I loved the Spite House. It was the perfect creepy slow burn book to read during these cold January days in the PNW.
Johnny Compton does a fantastic job in creating a rich and layered story with compelling characters and a gothic setting. There are so many secrets and a large cast of characters. I loved how it all came together at the end as Compton began to peel back the layers and weave the separate narratives together.

I'd recommend this book to people who like slow burn suspense, great characters and a gothic setting.

I would highly recommend to pick up the audiobook for this one. It is narrated by Adam Lazarre-White. His voice is so captivating.

TW: I would be remiss to not mention this specially with all the recent events in the U.S but there is potential hostage/active shooter situation in the book.