You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by thorns_and_proses
Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Just Like Home is a haunting, twist-filled novel that kept me guessing from beginning to end. I flew through it, eager to unravel the unsettling mystery at its core. Sarah Gailey masterfully blends horror, suspense, and deeply personal family trauma into a story that feels as intimate as it is eerie.
The characters, especially Vera, are compelling and layered. Vera’s return to her childhood home slowly unveils the horrors of her past, with fragmented memories creeping in at just the right moments. Watching her piece together what’s real and what’s remembered adds a delicious tension to the narrative. The horror elements — both supernatural and psychological — are done incredibly well and always serve the story rather than overwhelming it.
This isn’t your typical horror novel, and that’s exactly what makes it stand out. There’s something darkly poetic about the way Gailey explores grief, legacy, and the lingering shadows of family secrets. The audiobook is also worth noting — the narration is immersive and perfectly matched to the story’s mood.
I highly recommend Just Like Home to readers who enjoy horror with depth: stories that involve toxic or complex family dynamics, fictional crime, mystery, and a touch of the paranormal. The ending especially is satisfying and memorable — a perfect finish to an unusual, gripping read.
The characters, especially Vera, are compelling and layered. Vera’s return to her childhood home slowly unveils the horrors of her past, with fragmented memories creeping in at just the right moments. Watching her piece together what’s real and what’s remembered adds a delicious tension to the narrative. The horror elements — both supernatural and psychological — are done incredibly well and always serve the story rather than overwhelming it.
This isn’t your typical horror novel, and that’s exactly what makes it stand out. There’s something darkly poetic about the way Gailey explores grief, legacy, and the lingering shadows of family secrets. The audiobook is also worth noting — the narration is immersive and perfectly matched to the story’s mood.
I highly recommend Just Like Home to readers who enjoy horror with depth: stories that involve toxic or complex family dynamics, fictional crime, mystery, and a touch of the paranormal. The ending especially is satisfying and memorable — a perfect finish to an unusual, gripping read.