Member Reviews
Scary but darkly funny at times. Enjoyed every second of this book and can't wait to read more and see this movie/tv show when it is out. Would recommend to friends and family and customers.
A lot of people hate this book because they find it so odd but I think the ending makes it worth the read. Yes, the book is creepy and weird, but that is what Grady Hendrix does and he does it well. I mean, an obnoxious and angry little puppet that acts like a child and attacks you? It's both comical and horrifying.
There are a few gory scenes for those of you who are squeamish like me. A couple of them involve eyes. I will say however that I was able to tolerate them and I can't stand anything gory or anything involving eyeballs and I came out of the book unscathed so maybe you will too.
Grady Hendrix has done it again! I loved Monster Houseas a kid and have looked to find more "haunted house" books ever since and it is safe to say this book scratched that itch. I love how he injects humour into his work.
One thing that is clear about Grady Hendrix as a writer is that the man is not subtle. I quite liked about two-thirds of this book and the first half had some genuinely creepy moments. But then the central conceit just ... well, Hendrix turned it up to eleven and it got weird. Really, really weird. And disturbing and gross. Which is all good and well -- the horror genre is incredibly broad, and its fans all gravitate to different elements. No fault to Mr. Hendrix that his approach doesn't sustain my interest throughout an entire book (an issue I've encountered in his other works).
My biggest issue was the ending. Or, should I say, the endings, plural. The last quarter of the book was a bit like watching the extended version of Peter Jackson's The Return of the King: Just when you thought you'd reached the end, hulloo, there's more. And then more, And yet even more. It just became a bit of a slog, and I struggled to just get to the end of the book already.
As always, your mileage may vary.
The five stages of grief bracket the sections of this haunted house novel revolving around the messy sibling dynamic in the aftermath of loss. Louise begrudgingly returns home after her parents die in an odd scene, her brother Mark infuriatingly contrarian no matter what she does. Needing his help to get their parent's place sold, the house full of her mom's dolls and crafts, they both are thrown into situation where tensions are high, sibling dynamics are heightened, and dolls eyes are watching everywhere.
Fun and scary! What else would I expect from Grady Hendrix? I don't think I will ever look at puppets the same way, ever again.
Fun horror novel that blends humor and fright. Hendrix is obviously very creative but some ideas were pretty out there. Overall enjoy.
This is a delightful blend of horror, humor, and all things creepy, making it a must-read for fans of the genre—especially if you have a soft spot for puppets like I do. Hendrix has crafted a story that’s both eerie and entertaining, with just the right amount of suspense to keep you turning the pages.
The novel's premise is intriguing from the start, and Hendrix does a fantastic job of balancing the haunted house elements with the unique quirkiness of puppet-related scares. As someone who loves anything involving puppets, I was thrilled to see how central they were to the story, adding a wonderfully creepy layer to the haunting.
The characters are well-drawn, and the dynamics between them add depth to the supernatural elements. The tension builds nicely throughout the book, leading to an ending that, while it does go a little bonkers and off-the-rails, is still a wild and fun conclusion to an already thrilling ride.
Hendrix’s writing is sharp and engaging, blending horror with humor in a way that makes even the most outlandish moments feel grounded and enjoyable. While the ending might push the boundaries of believability, it’s all part of the charm that makes this book so fun to read.
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix is a thrilling and spooky read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Louise, who has to sell her parents' house after their sudden deaths, only to discover it’s haunted. The blend of horror, humor, and heartfelt moments makes it a unique and engaging novel. Hendrix's writing is captivating, and the plot twists keep you guessing. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy a mix of scares and laughs with a touching story.
Another fantastic Grady Hendrix horror novel, this time with a haunted house and creepy puppets. There is also great conversation on sibling dynamics and grief.
Grady Hendrix's "How to Sell a Haunted House" is a hilarious yet chilling adventure through the world of real estate and ghosts. Following Helen, a struggling agent tasked with selling a haunted mansion, the story is a perfect blend of scares and laughs. With witty prose and memorable characters, it's a spooky delight that hooked me from start to finish. If you're up for a fun and spooky read, this novella is a must!
Atmospheric, tense, and genuinely creepy, this book about a haunted house and possessed puppets was Grady Hendrix at his unhinged best.
After finishing this novel, I quickly realized that it has probably become my favorite horror book of all time. There is just something about Grady Hendrix that I absolutely adore and I think he is at his best in this novel.
This was a fantastic book! Perfect balance between horror and the exploration of grief following the death of a loved one. Will absolutely recommend this book to others.
Truly, a spectacular horror that isn't outright gory but is perfectly unsettling. I may not always choose to read a horror novel, but I will always choose a Grady Hendrix story. I hate creepy dolls, but they were perfect here and easily sewed in the unease and fear throughout the story.
This is now my third read from this author. Each time I’m met with a bit of shock? They have such a fun twist and take on the classic aspects of horror but shine a new and fun light to them. Honestly I enjoy Grady’s work far more then Stephen king and think he’s got what it takes to be top name in the horror section. Well done and can’t wait to read more and see where the next tale takes us.
If you’re a fan of creepy dolls and puppets, family drama, and good, campy horror, pick up How to Sell a Haunted House. Just beware of taxidermy squirrel nativities…
See my review for Monster Librarian here: https://www.monsterlibrarian.com/TheCirculationDesk/book-review-how-to-sell-a-haunted-house-by-grady-hendrix/
What I love about a novel surrounding a story around a home is the way the setting is able to encase and symbolize the true investigation of the story: broken, complex family relationships and the journey to attempt to repair them. While some of the interactions between characters (and the characters themselves) could be frustrating at times, it still always felt realistic to me in how a damaged relationship can manifest into poor decisions and even poorer communication. This was a gripping ride from page 1, and the "creep" factor kept me at the edge of my seat. Hendrix does not shy away from gore, but compared to other books of his that I've read this is slightly more on the tame side and never felt like it was too out of place going for just a shock value. Loved this journey and look forward to reading and enjoying more by the author!
Grady Hendrix is always a pure delight. His humor and horror hit the right way every time.
I enjoyed his dividing of the book into the stages of grief, I felt that was a crafty way to tell the story.
I have never been disappointed by Grady Hendrix and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.
I think I'm realizing that Grady Hendrix's books and writing style just aren't for me, so I don't want to pan this book because I do think there are many people who will enjoy it (and who have already enjoyed it).