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A review by the_sassy_bookworm
It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Book Review: It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest
Rating: 4 Stars
I just finished It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest, and this was a solid read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story revolves around Ronnie Mitchell, a woman grappling with grief who unknowingly steps into a world far darker than she anticipated when she buys a dilapidated cliffside mansion. This house is no ordinary fixer-upper—it’s haunted by the malevolent spirit of Venita Rost, a silent film star whose wrath has claimed many lives. Alongside Venita is Inspector Bartholomew Sloan, her eternal nemesis, trapped in a ghostly limbo, watching helplessly as Venita’s fury unfolds.
Ronnie’s arrival stirs up old ghosts—both literal and figurative—and introduces new threats, including a mysterious man whose connection to the house spells danger. As Ronnie’s skepticism fades, the story blurs the line between the living and the dead, creating a tense atmosphere where survival feels uncertain.
One of the first things that grabbed me was the book’s striking cover—a vivid red that perfectly captures the eerie and captivating vibe inside. Cherie Priest’s writing is immersive and well-paced, making it easy to get lost in the haunting setting. The cliffside mansion itself almost becomes a character, with its history and secrets woven seamlessly into the narrative. The cast of characters felt fleshed out and interesting, adding depth to the supernatural thriller.
Overall, It Was Her House First is an entertaining blend of mystery, horror, and suspense that I’d recommend to fans of ghost stories with a twist. It might not have been perfect enough for five stars, but it certainly delivered a gripping and satisfying read. If you’re in the mood for something atmospheric with a haunting edge, this one’s worth checking out.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
I just finished It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest, and this was a solid read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story revolves around Ronnie Mitchell, a woman grappling with grief who unknowingly steps into a world far darker than she anticipated when she buys a dilapidated cliffside mansion. This house is no ordinary fixer-upper—it’s haunted by the malevolent spirit of Venita Rost, a silent film star whose wrath has claimed many lives. Alongside Venita is Inspector Bartholomew Sloan, her eternal nemesis, trapped in a ghostly limbo, watching helplessly as Venita’s fury unfolds.
Ronnie’s arrival stirs up old ghosts—both literal and figurative—and introduces new threats, including a mysterious man whose connection to the house spells danger. As Ronnie’s skepticism fades, the story blurs the line between the living and the dead, creating a tense atmosphere where survival feels uncertain.
One of the first things that grabbed me was the book’s striking cover—a vivid red that perfectly captures the eerie and captivating vibe inside. Cherie Priest’s writing is immersive and well-paced, making it easy to get lost in the haunting setting. The cliffside mansion itself almost becomes a character, with its history and secrets woven seamlessly into the narrative. The cast of characters felt fleshed out and interesting, adding depth to the supernatural thriller.
Overall, It Was Her House First is an entertaining blend of mystery, horror, and suspense that I’d recommend to fans of ghost stories with a twist. It might not have been perfect enough for five stars, but it certainly delivered a gripping and satisfying read. If you’re in the mood for something atmospheric with a haunting edge, this one’s worth checking out.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️