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A review by smalltowncreepy
The Day of the Door by Laurel Hightower
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
I received an ARC and the following review is my own opinion.
CW: abusive parent, flashbacks to child abuse and child death
As someone who experienced childhood trauma at the hands of a narcissistic mother, this book gutted me. I read it in one sitting but even then, I had to take breaks to move around the house and remind myself that I was not there, that I wasn't with her (my mother or Stella in the book). I felt Nate's anxiety in my own body. Laurel Hightower wrote this type of trauma, dealing with gaslighting and how even years later away from the abuser can put you back in that headspace, so well it was a horror all by itself.
As a paranormal investigator, I loved how Hightower depicted the ghost hunters and the para-psychiatrist Carrie. Discussions about ethics of these shows, techniques, and the throwback feelings to the classic Poltergeist, were excellent.
The only complaint I have about the book is I wanted more - which is the best complain to have. I really hope we get another book in this universe soon specifically about Carrie and her life, casework, etc.
Highly recommend Day of the Door for fans of exorcist horror that are looking for a fresh take on the topic.
CW: abusive parent, flashbacks to child abuse and child death
As someone who experienced childhood trauma at the hands of a narcissistic mother, this book gutted me. I read it in one sitting but even then, I had to take breaks to move around the house and remind myself that I was not there, that I wasn't with her (my mother or Stella in the book). I felt Nate's anxiety in my own body. Laurel Hightower wrote this type of trauma, dealing with gaslighting and how even years later away from the abuser can put you back in that headspace, so well it was a horror all by itself.
As a paranormal investigator, I loved how Hightower depicted the ghost hunters and the para-psychiatrist Carrie. Discussions about ethics of these shows, techniques, and the throwback feelings to the classic Poltergeist, were excellent.
The only complaint I have about the book is I wanted more - which is the best complain to have. I really hope we get another book in this universe soon specifically about Carrie and her life, casework, etc.
Highly recommend Day of the Door for fans of exorcist horror that are looking for a fresh take on the topic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Grief, Child death, Death, Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Domestic abuse