A review by brandilovesbooks
The September House by Carissa Orlando

challenging dark sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Margaret lives in a Haunted House.  She knows the rules- if she touches a trickster, she'll get a flash of their last moments; stay out of Elias' space and she'll avoid his teeth, and don't go into the basement.  Every September, the activities of the tricksters get worse throughout the month.  This September things are complicated by a visit from Margaret's daughter Katherine.  Katherine has never visited the house and is driven to do so now by the mysterious disappearance of her father.

Angelique, the trickster maid with a crushed skull, and Edith, Margaret's only friend, help her hide the happenings in the house from Katherine.  

The September House is rather deep.  Margaret is not your typical horror heroine.  Her past has taught her to be flexible around others and to follow rules.  Her most important rule, one any mother can understand, is to protect her daughter.

There is lots of gore in this book.  There are scenes that are worthy of nightmares.  The part leading up to the climax is grotesque.  If you can stomach it, The September House is a book about a resilient woman who won't let a Haunted House get the best of her.  I definitely recommend.
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