I read an e-galley of a book that comes out, appropriately enough, in September 2023. I read a tiny little description of it, saw that there was a haunted house, and put in a request. I thought it was a great title and was really stoked to read it. And then... I didn't like it. BUT, it got a starred review on Publisher's Weekly. So, there's that.

Orlando, Carissa- The September House
OK, here's the deal- I wanted something scary. The ghosts didn't spook me. There was quite alot of gore, which I don't like. The main character keeps up an inner monologue that the PW reviewer found amusing. I didn't. Humor is so subjective.
Here's the short version: a woman and her husband move into their dream house, a beautiful Victorian. They haven't been able to buy a house for years- their daughter is grown when they move in- and the narrator moved around a good deal as a kid, so the house was really important to her. Then, she finds out early on that it's haunted. Blood down the walls, wailing, ghosts, etc. She researches and finds out all their names. Scary basement. Then her husband goes missing. That's not a spoiler- it happens just before the story starts.
It's called The September House because the haunting really ramps up that month. Unfortunately, the MC's daughter is coming to visit in September, being naturally upset that her dad's gone missing.
So, there are ghosts a-plenty, but they aren't very scary. Even the biggest, baddest ghost just wasn't scary. The gore is treated so casually that it's supposed to be a joke. The main character is sort of trapped in the house, and the book is comparing that to being trapped in an abusive marriage. But in a funny way. I skimmed through the climax because of the gore. I just hate that stuff. If you like a haunted house story in which the ghost are just matter-of-fact characters and don't mind some gore, it's worth a try.
To be fair, I will say this- it did keep my attention. Maybe because I kept waiting for it to get scary. I don't know, but I read it in three days. I did like the descriptions of the house.
The link above is an affiliate link, and if you don't think I deserve a commission because I was mean about the book, there's probably a buy link in the PW review linked above. Or ask your library to get it.

When Margaret and Hal finally find their dream home they jump at the chance to live there. That is until they find their home is haunted with the ghosts of previous inhabitants and one who seems hell bent on keeping them there forever.

What did I just read? I seriously could not put this one down. I loved the mix of horror and humor and this officially got me out of my August reading slump. This one is dark and the ghosts are straight out of a nightmare (even if some are quite helpful and make you tea). I highly recommend this one if you are ok with a little (cough *a lot*) of blood and gore and are ready to start spooky season.

Thank you NetGalley, Berkley, and Carissa Orlando for the advanced copy of The September House in exchange for my honest review.

This was a lot of fun for a horror novel! I loved all the different "pranksters" as well as our female protagonist, Margaret's, commentary on them. I honestly wondered if I myself was starting to lose it a little bit by the end of this one.

The final climax *really* packed a punch, and despite how graphically it was written, I could not stop reading. I also enjoyed how everything played out. There was one element of the story that was predictable, but I thought it was handled in a way that I didn't mind having figured it out. (Incredibly cryptic but I don't want to spoil anything).

I would loooove to see this one turned into a movie! I'm excited to read more from this author in the future.

The September House will be on US bookshelves September 5th!

Wow! What a book! A true horror take on a haunted house story. Margaret is our protagonist who is DETERMINED to stay in that house no matter what. Like, good for her, but she put up with a lot more than I would've. Her husband Hal left a month before, not wanting to face another extra spooky September. Now, her daughter Katherine is there (for the first time) to find Hal and Margaret is running herself ragged to keep Katherine from finding out the house is haunted.

We slowly find out that Margaret, Hal, and Katherine have quite the past, they were not a healthy, functioning family. September House is truly a masterclass in family systems and abuse. I can't say much without spoiling but there were so many larger truths and stories shown through Margaret and Katherine's actions/interactions.

There's also some solid, creepy hauntings at play! To avoid spoilers I'll just say that ending was amazing on so many levels. If you are looking for a spooky season horror story I highly recommend this one!

Margaret and Hal dreamed of owning their own home. When they get a chance to purchase a Victorian house for a song, they jump at it. So what if it’s haunted? Wouldn’t you do anything to stay in your own home?

This was a twisty, unsettling horror novel. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

Trigger warning for domestic abuse and alcoholism
From the first line of of Chapter One, “The walls of the house were bleeding again.” you get a pretty good idea that this is about a haunted house. Specifically, the dream house of artist Margaret and her writer-husband Hal. The house is a lovely old Victorian, in need of some minor repairs, and remarkably affordable. Oh, and there were a few murders in the house previously, but that was over 100 year ago and certainly of no concern. If life is like a horror novel, though, always be concerned when the realtor casually mentions murder. At its core, I found this book to be about how we can learn to justify almost anything, from domestic abuse (I shouldn’t have made him mad) to bleeding walls (it only happens in September, and doesn’t leave a permanent stain).
However, Margaret’s husband has left and their adult daughter, Katherine, has been unable to reach him. Katherine is unaware of the peculiarities of the house, having moved away before they purchased it and not visiting since. Her father’s disappearance has driven Katherine to finally come to the house and search for him, and of course it is September. September when the walls bleed , screams are heard all night, and ghosts multiply in number.
The book uncovers its secrets at a satisfying rate. As the story continues, you almost start to think the way Margaret does – that everything is really just a mild inconvenience when compared to how magnificent the house is. And honestly, who wouldn’t like a ghost maid who anticipates your every need and works for free? But if Hal merely left Margaret, as she contends, then why hasn’t anyone seen or heard from him in weeks? And what is going on in that basement?
The book leads you down several possible paths, all somewhat logical, as the story progresses. And although presented with a firm conclusion, I was still pondering whether I had the real story, or was it just Margaret’s version?
Overall, a very enjoyable book that will leave you wondering just how much could you ignore and justify to have a “happy” life?

This is the perfect ghost/haunted house story to read during spooky season. I started this book at night but decided not to freak myself out too much and put it down for the next day. LOL

I knew I was going to love it from the first chapter. The writing just drew me in. I loved the narrator, Margaret. She was not leaving her house. It is finally her perfect house after years of sacrificing.

Margaret and her husband, Hal, finally find the house of their dreams and for a steal of a price. They are hoping it will be a refresh in their marriage now that their daughter is out of the house. She can paint and Hal can write. Soon, they find that the house is haunted, and everything comes to a head every year in the month of September.

After four years of it, Hal can't take it anymore and leaves. Their daughter, Katherine, calls Margaret questioning her about Hal's whereabouts. Katherine is a force to be reckoned with (and that is putting it lightly) and decides to come to Margaret and look for Hal in the month of September. How is Margaret going to keep Katherine from witnessing the strange things going on?

This is so good. I can't believe it is a debut. It was heading for a five-star read and then I thought I saw where it was going, was a little disappointed and was thinking four stars, but was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong and liked how the author took it and ended the story. Back to five stars!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Very engaging and hard to put down story of a haunting, with sneaky comedy pervasive. This was an unexpected delight! Wonderful characters and action that will keep you guessing up until the end.

What would you do for the love of a house? Would you stay no matter what is going on around you or would you run? Margaret and Hal have dealt with this question for the past four years. Hal says sell it, run, get as far away as possible. This is Margaret’s dream home. She has filled it with things she loves, it is beautiful beyond her dreams, and she is staying. No matter what the pranksters throw at her. Blood slowly dripping down the walls, ghosts biting at her, staring her down, pointing to the basement…There are a variety of ghosts that inhabit this house. Most are good, some are scared, a few want revenge, and one is terrifying beyond your wildest imagination. Are you ready for Spooky Season? You better buckle up for this ride!

I ripped through this book at breakneck speed. The characters and mystery of the house swirling together. Wanting to know how this gorgeous house turned so very bad. Building up until September arrives and the entire house vibrates with spirits. Looking to grab Margaret’s attention any way possible. There is also a family element that winds in, around, and through the terror. Adding an additional layer or depth to the book! This is an intense, creeptastic debut by Carissa Orlando. It was the perfect way to jump into all things terrifying. Thank you to Carissa Orlando and Berkley Publishing for this mesmerizing haunting, that never let up!

September House is fun! It is such a unique and creative take on the haunted house ghost story. It's the perfect book for the transition period between summer to fall. 🍂

So, basically the walls of this haunted house bleed every September...there is a woman living there who has learned to coexist with the various spirits haunting her home. Some are more helpful than others...and some have little fangs and very little impulse control. 🤭 Her husband is missing, and things take off from there.

Overall, this book is macabre, a little campy, and quirky. There is plenty of creepiness but also kinda cute in its own way at times? It gave me Disney Haunted Mansion vibes. I think fans of Grady Hendrix books will enjoy this.

It is a great ghost story for spooky season and everyone looking for Halloween reads should consider it when it's published September 5th!

"The September House" by Carissa Orlando is a haunting and atmospheric debut novel that skillfully blends domestic drama with supernatural terror. Orlando crafts a chilling tale that lingers in the corners of your mind long after the final page is turned. The protagonist, Margaret, is a complex and determined character whose refusal to be driven out by the sinister occurrences in her haunted home adds a layer of tension and intrigue to the story. As September arrives with its eerie rituals, the hauntings escalate in intensity, feeding the unsettling atmosphere that permeates the narrative. The author's deft exploration of family dynamics, secrets, and the thin boundary between reality and the supernatural adds depth to the story. With a mix of suspense, dark humor, and emotional resonance, "The September House" invites readers to confront their fears alongside Margaret, resulting in a deeply satisfying and thought-provoking read. Orlando's debut establishes her as a talented storyteller with a knack for weaving intricate webs of tension and intrigue.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars

The September House is a unique and entertaining horror novel. The story follows Margaret, a woman so determined to live in her dream home that she will ignore that it is haunted. After her husband leaves one day, it becomes increasingly difficult for Margaret to hide the harrowing hauntings that occur in her house every September. Everything becomes even more complicated when her daughter comes to visit and starts asking questions about her missing father.

This was such a fun read. It is completely unlike anything I’ve read and absolutely perfect for spooky season. It combines horror with family drama and a hefty dose of humor. Don’t miss out on this haunted house story!

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

LOVED IT!!! I think this book is an extended metaphor for abuse and abusive relationships - at least I couldn't help thinking it was. That said, it was done SO WELL! I loved how Orlando used the haunted house and gaslighting throughout the novel. This would be a great addition to your fall tbr. Some bits are a little repetitive, but I still enjoyed the book.

This book was had one of the most satisfying endings I have read in a long time. I really loved this book and the way it told Margaret's story as well as the story of the house and its other inhabitants. While this book certainly is horror, it is also funny. The ghosts, who she refers to as pranksters, all have distinct identities and the way she handles them, especially as September gets rolling, is excellent. Margaret's refusal to leave a house that is quite clearly haunted (and not in a nice way) because it represents stability and home and belonging is so relatable, especially for this Millennial who is unlikely to be able to afford a home of their own unless it has some serious problems. As you read, you peel back more and more layers about Margaret's life prior to coming to the house and how those experiences have shaped her response to the house and the eventual disappearance of her husband, who desperately wants to leave the åhouse. So much fun to read. Loved this one and I can't wait to see what Orlando has up her sleeve next. I hope it is more haunted houses!

Thank you to Berkeley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The September House early in exchange for a review.

The September House, written by Carissa Orlando, is a truly remarkable and captivating piece of literature that takes readers on an exhilarating journey. With its shocking and electrifying narrative, this book seamlessly transitions from savagely funny moments to spine-chilling terror, leaving readers on the edge of their seats with every turn of the page. Orlando's work fearlessly delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring the sinister aspects that are often left unspoken. This compelling novel is an absolute must-read for horror enthusiasts, as it offers a unique and original perspective that will leave a lasting impression.

Determined to live in her dream home, Margaret is elated when she and her husband Hal come across an old Victorian-style home for sale at a price within their budget. Everything is falling into place. Everything is perfect...right?

Of course not. Not only is the house haunted, but Hal decides to leave after he's had enough and cannot be found. When Hal and Margaret's adult daughter, Katherine discovers that her father is missing, she insists on coming over to help look for him. Margaret is less than thrilled about her daughter's arrival because she'd prefer that Katherine didn't experience the hauntings. Little does she know, the house has way more to reveal in the weeks ahead.

One of the descriptors for this book is "layered," and it wasn't until I was a chunk of the way in that I fully understood how that applied to this story. I thought this book was going in one direction, then it switched gears on me, and then did that again. I was not prepared for what was coming, which made this book all the more enjoyable (and devastating).

I found the author's portrayal of Margaret truly intriguing. Initially, her behavior and thought processes evoked laughter, yet as the layers gradually peeled away, I gained a profound insight into her character and what truly motivates her.

I was not prepared for what transpired and this is a book I won't forget. It's one that made me feel a whole range of emotions, and I'll be looking forward to more from Carissa Orlando.

The September House is both harrowing and horrifying and would be enjoyed by people who liked Grady Hendrix's How to Sell a Haunted House and Sarah Gailey's Just Like Home.

September House is a haunted house thriller with a ghostly psychological spin. A debut title from Carissa Orlando, perfect for readers of Grady Hendrix’s How to Sell a Haunted House or Riley Sager’s Home Before Dark.

What would you do when you finally find your dream home only to discover it’s haunted? Margaret and her husband Hal are thrilled to finally have a home of their own after both growing up in a series of short term rentals. When strange noises begin and start to escalate during the month of September, Margaret remains stubbornly intent to stay. She figures if they follow the rules, they can weather the paranormal activity. But when Hal goes missing and her daughter decides to visit, for the first time ever, Margaret must figure out how to shield her from the ghostly disturbances and claim her dream house for their own.

Family secrets are gradually revealed adding to the increasing suspense, September House is a darkly humorous and completely original entry into this genre. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the arc in return for my honest review.

1. Yet another haunted house book in July and another one I really enjoyed. The September House is a really unique take on this trope as we come to our protagonist several years after she has moved into the house and is therefore well aware of all it contains and how to deal with the strange and frightening events that occur within its walls. Instead, we get a fascinating story that delves into mental health and what it takes to survive. This one should come with a hefty trigger warning regarding domestic violence and its message is arguably questionable, but I enjoyed it a lot nonetheless.

2. Me? Actually reading an ARC before its publication date? Whatever next?! The September House by Carissa Orlando is one I’ve been looking forward to for some time and it didn’t disappoint. It certainly wasn’t the book I was expecting to read and - as I mentioned in my July wrap-up - I’d strongly suggest that anyone with any personal history involving domestic violence look up some trigger warnings before reading, but it was a brilliant and chilling read that explored the blurry line between paranormal experiences and mental health issues.

This was a great quick read! Loved the character development and storyline. Also tackles difficult topics of abuse, which at times can seem parallel to a haunting.

If you’re in the mood for a haunted house story, look no further! This book regrettably was read before bed and I can’t wait for the forthcoming nightmares to commence. The plot was sinister, the story fast-paced, and the cast of ghosts ranged from a helpful maid to a terrifying child murderer that kept me on edge the entire time. The living characters were kinda meh, the daughter had a real mouth on her! My favorite character was the house. I appreciate when a haunted house story delivers when it makes the setting a central character instead of just a place where scary things happen inside. Maybe read this one during the day with the lights on, with the doors locked.