Every September Brings Chaos!

4.5.

From the moment Margaret stepped onto the expansive grounds of the sprawling one-hundred-and-fifty-year-old Victorian house she knew she was home. Her husband, Hal, was equally impressed by what a bargain it was, and they excitedly made plans to settle in and redecorate.

Their first few months living there were fine and dandy. Until September rolled around, and with it came the blood, starting on the third floor, dripping down the walls. Then came the moaning, followed by ghosts of former residents reappearing and disappearing. But the worst thing they discover about the house is the basement, there’s something truly terrifying down there. Something that, after four years of living there, has caused Margaret and Hal to board up the door.

My first horror read selection for the start of the spooky season was the right call. The September House was an inventive variation on the haunted house and ghost tropes, and the quality writing and imaginative plot immersed me in the story from the first chapter. As did the numerous shocking twists, red herrings, and phenomenal, strong ending. A surprisingly empowering, empathetic, poignant read.  

Because of its comedic tone I would characterise it as medium horror although warnings for grisly scenes, gory descriptions, and serious issues. It did remind me somewhat of American Horror Story Season 1: Murder House, in that the ghosts interacted with and conversed with the living, and behaved as if they were still alive, but The September House wasn’t as black comedy nor as disturbing content wise as AHS.

A fun, enjoyable, addictive horror novel. I highly recommend reading The September House this October. I hope my next pick is also a creepy winner.