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A review by theboundless_bookworm
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
3.0
Selecting a horror fiction to delve into presents a challenge. Many books within this genre have left readers underwhelmed, primarily because, let's admit it: horror often finds its peak in cinematic translation. For a horror novel to truly stand out, the elements of gothic narrative and the chilling factor need to be impeccably crafted. Unless a book is penned with surgical precision, horror fiction often fails to send shivers down the readers' spines.
"How to Sell A Haunted House" commenced in an intriguing manner. I delved into the first few pages during the late night while everyone else slumbered, and, indeed, I was spooked. Hendrix's writing resonated deeply, affirming to any first-time reader of his works that horror undeniably resides within his realm. The sheer idea that the book's antagonist is a possessed puppet compensates for all the terrifying elements one might conjure.
The storyline primarily revolves around the estranged siblings Louise and Mark, who tragically lost their parents in an untimely accident. Left with the task of deciding what to do with their inherited haunted house to move forward in life, they encounter a significant dilemma: how on earth can one sell a haunted property?
This book is infused with the elements of both gothic and supernatural horror. Hendrix seamlessly incorporates foreshadowing, gore, and surprise, making the plot itself hit closer to home. However, what distinguishes it is its sense of humor, or more precisely, its absurdity. I distinctly recall chuckling at the utter nonsense and sheer foolishness of Louise and Mark's predicament and how they managed to go through hell and back facetiously (I still can't get over the saw scene). Their banter proved exhausting, yet paradoxically, impossible to put down.
Overall, the book packs a punch, yet I anticipated more. As I mentioned earlier, the narrative began strongly, incorporating all the essential horror elements to captivate readers. Then it gradually evolved into a mix of humor, horror, and recklessness. This diverse blend left a lasting impression, ensuring that the book remains an unforgettable experience. Despite the lack of something I can't quite identify--an ingredient that is still missing--"How to Sell A Haunted House" is a narrative that delves into the life of an unconventional family with its quirks, estrangements, and peculiar methods of expressing love. Ultimately, it underscores the idea that despite their eccentricities, that very family is all you've got.
"How to Sell A Haunted House" commenced in an intriguing manner. I delved into the first few pages during the late night while everyone else slumbered, and, indeed, I was spooked. Hendrix's writing resonated deeply, affirming to any first-time reader of his works that horror undeniably resides within his realm. The sheer idea that the book's antagonist is a possessed puppet compensates for all the terrifying elements one might conjure.
The storyline primarily revolves around the estranged siblings Louise and Mark, who tragically lost their parents in an untimely accident. Left with the task of deciding what to do with their inherited haunted house to move forward in life, they encounter a significant dilemma: how on earth can one sell a haunted property?
This book is infused with the elements of both gothic and supernatural horror. Hendrix seamlessly incorporates foreshadowing, gore, and surprise, making the plot itself hit closer to home. However, what distinguishes it is its sense of humor, or more precisely, its absurdity. I distinctly recall chuckling at the utter nonsense and sheer foolishness of Louise and Mark's predicament and how they managed to go through hell and back facetiously (I still can't get over the saw scene). Their banter proved exhausting, yet paradoxically, impossible to put down.
Overall, the book packs a punch, yet I anticipated more. As I mentioned earlier, the narrative began strongly, incorporating all the essential horror elements to captivate readers. Then it gradually evolved into a mix of humor, horror, and recklessness. This diverse blend left a lasting impression, ensuring that the book remains an unforgettable experience. Despite the lack of something I can't quite identify--an ingredient that is still missing--"How to Sell A Haunted House" is a narrative that delves into the life of an unconventional family with its quirks, estrangements, and peculiar methods of expressing love. Ultimately, it underscores the idea that despite their eccentricities, that very family is all you've got.