I really liked this novel. I found the timeline changes and some of the plot points confusing but the characters are dynamic and unique. I enjoyed the incorporation of Irish folklore. I wish certain things had been explained a bit more clearly or completely but that may resolve itself during the second read through. It is definitely unsettling and suspenseful.

I'm not quite sure what to say about this book.
It was an absolute joy to read. The author's voice was compelling, the characters were flawed and fascinating.
I got a bit lost toward the end. The climax seemed muddled, as if I'd unwittingly skipped several pages here and there. * While I enjoyed the ending with regards to our characters, the ending of the uncanny bits felt unsatisfactory (though I could've missed something in the weirdness at the end).

The book follows Ashling Mallen who refuses to let her girlfriend Betty Fitzpatrick near her family. The fact that Betty is a girl is not what worries her. It is that she has become convinced that the horrors inflicted on her family are connected to a seemingly innocent children's TV show, Puckeen, featuring a small black goat puppet who lives in a box and never comes out. Well, almost never. This multi-generational story weaves between time and point of view to create an unsettling mystery. Readers will mostly follow the Larkin/Mallen family at the center of the drama, but the stakes run much deeper. Ireland as a whole will be affected by what unfolds.
First, to address the box in the room: Puckeen is not a real TV show that I as an American reader was simply unfamiliar with. At least, as far as my research tells me, it doesn't exist. But it feels like it did. Sharpson's description is so evocative that I had to check. And the costumes, the plot (or lack thereof), the repetition---these things were all present in the shows I remember from my childhood. Clowns and boxes, what more do you need?

How about rings? Another detail that felt so real, but isn't. I think Sharpson has does this so well because these inclusions are just a step away from our reality. Any fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer knows of the claddagh ring. Why wouldn't Ireland have more rings with specific iconography and a rich history? These details are so present throughout that I even began questioning the real ones. Heinz Haunted House, for example, was real. I just regrettably cannot buy this spooky canned spaghetti in 2023.

I've talked a lot about specific details that create a sense of unreality. That is because this is foundational to experience the book. Because this story has so many threads, the setting is the most consistent character I can tell you about. I don't fault the book for this. That's the nature of folklore, isn't it? There are characters in the tales, but they are predominantly about place.

If you are wanting to pick this up due to the folklore connection, you won't be disappointed. The rules and details have changed, at least for certain things, but you'll recognize them. Betty Fitzpatrick is even a folklore student. The stories she studies--and hears firsthand--will help you out if you don't have the background knowledge. It's a clever framing device that I applaud Sharpson for utilizing.

And speaking of background knowledge, this book has its origins in a monologue. A monologue inspired by a very old story. Theater in Knock Knock, Open Wide is a connector. It bring Ashling and Betty together. It brings other stories to life within this world. The author's note may come at the end of the book, but to me, this knowledge brings so much to the book. It becomes a circle.

Knock Knock, Open Wide is a folktale. A dark and at times gruesome one, but that's a bit of a tradition too. It's a story in dialogue with what has come before and what will come after. And if you look inside it, follow the threads down, you may end up looking at a version of yourself.

I had no idea what to expect going into this, but I'm really glad I requested it. This is a truly terrifying horror novel in the vein of Mister Magic by Kiersten White with a touch of Irish mythology. I loved the alternating points of view and time periods in this book; I enjoyed all the perspectives equally, which doesn't happen often. I was creeped out from the first page, and that sense of dread only compounded as I continued to read. This is definitely one you don't want to read at night.

When I finished reading this book, I remember my resounding thoughts being "damn, that was really good". And I'm devastated to say that now, a week and a half later, I've totally lost the plot. This book slipped out of my memory so fast. So I'm docking a few fractions of a star for staying power, but I did really enjoy this while reading, so I'll do my best to recap.

This book has a hell of a plot. So many seemingly unrelated points come together at the end to form a cohesive timeline and structure, which I was very impressed with. I really did have no idea where Sharpson was taking us half the time, and I always enjoy that in a good horror. Some of the imagery, especially the children's TV show, the night on the farm, and what happens during the climax, were especially unsettling and vivid and well-written. Slow burn folklore horror is perhaps one of my favorite horror subgenres, and I loved the Celtic/Irish influence here.

If I'm remembering correctly, there are a couple of questions that I had that were left unanswered in a rather unsatisfying manner (specifically about what happened to Etain that night), but I don't have many complaints. Definitely a good addition to any horror-lover's TBR.

This novel is about Etain, who is involved in a freak accident that leads her into a series of bizarre horrors, and how that night changes the rest of her life. It’s about Ashling, her daughter, and the woman Ashling falls in love with. It’s about a long-running TV series remembered differently by everyone who watched it. It’s dark and sinister, but full of life and love, too. Loved this novel!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for this e-arc.

This is the first book I've read by Sharpson but I will definitely be checking out his other work. The writing in this one is incredible and so atmospheric. Even though I had some moments of confusion, especially towards the end, I just got so drawn into this story and couldn't put the book down. Queer horror is my favorite thing to read and this is an amazing addition to the genre.

This book was an unwinding horror - coiled and waiting. I was immediately sold when I saw there was a folk horror coming out based on Irish folklore. The story was creepy and unnerving the whole time through and I couldn't stop reading to see what happened next. To me, it was refreshing to see more of the Fae/Changeling horrors from myth --especially with the influx of Fae romance to date. It was everything I wanted in a horror novel, and Neil Sharpson will be an auto-buy author for me from now on. If you like Folk- Horror, Eldritch Horror, or even just the entire horror genre, I would recommend this book.

Tremendous THANK YOU to Tor Nightfire and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this via eARC!

Thank you so much to the publisher, Tor Nightfire, for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is such a gripping read, I had a hard time putting it down! I love how the reveals in this book were handled so smoothly, it truly fit well into the narrative. The characters were so compelling and I enjoyed following the family over the course of two generations.

I felt so creeped out reading this book (in the best way possible) and the more I think about it, the more I think how clever this book was in it's execution and storyline. It's unlike anything I have ever read, which is certainly hard to find these days.

I would definitely recommend this to horror fans, it's a must-read!

This one is just in time for Halloween and you need to order it now!! Combining Irish folklore with elements of The Exorcist and a dash of eldritch horror thrown in for good measure.... this one is a wild ride.

I will admit that this one took a little bit of getting into, due mostly to alternating timelines and sheer chaos. BUT by the end I was full invested and mind blown.

Without giving too much away, check this one out if you like horror, Irish folklore, and investigative journalism!!

**Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for the eARC of this terrifying title!!**

A perfect autumnal read requires a particular vibe. Atmospheric - something that matches the melancholic, moody nature of this time of year. Something that makes you want to wrap your cardigan tightly around you as a chill runs down your spine despite that mug of something warm in your hands.

And this? This is a perfect autumnal read.

The feeling is palatable, you can practically sense it seeping off the page. Descriptions of the lush Irish countryside collide with the heart-stopping terrors that permeates this novel. The horrors not just supernatural, but in the mundane and ordinary as well.

Etain finds a corpse in the road one night. The decisions she makes from that moment on creates ripple effects that are felt for generations. Plenty of unsettling and unexpected twists and turns in this unique horror story, but don’t forget to throw in a creepy children’s tv show, mommy issues, and a tender queer love story at the heart of it all.

At times I did find myself lost or felt the story slowing down, but ultimately it was this tension building that helped wrap up everything in a satisfying way.

This unsettling book may be the best thing i’ve read all year. Would absolutely recommend.

I really enjoyed the setting and aspects of Irish Folklore. While I was initially intrigued by the beginning of the story and what happened to Etain, it took quite a bit for the story to take off. I did enjoy the back-and-forth between the past and present and I enjoyed seeing how the multiple threads were introduced to all come together. Once we get toward the end of the story and learn the true sinister nature of the TV show, that's when things really take off and have me glued to the pages.

Etain is driving home at night one night when she finds a dead body. Her actions change her life forever. Now, 20 years later, Betty meets Etain's daughter Ashling at college and falls for her. Together, they unravel Ashling's family's sinister past.

I think it took too long to get to the suspense and creepiness for me. I was expecting the first couple pages to be Etain finding the body but it takes longer than expected. It does pick up some when we get to Betty and Ashling, but the writing style didn't convey the horror and suspense I think the author was going for.

I really liked this read. I loved the setting and tone, and I really liked the Celtic touches in the story. The setting was so well realized and helped to heighten the spooky/creepy tone of the work. While I think this story had a bit of a rough start--pacing and structure issues--the horror aspects are super compelling and I'm glad I stuck through it! I cannot wait for more from this author! What a great read for the Spooky Season!

I definitely enjoyed this creepy and tense read, and specifically loved all of the Celtic references found within it! I thought the Irish countryside setting was really unique place to read about, and liked all the bits of slang used throughout the novel.

I found some of the earlier parts of the book to be a little confusing and I had to reread a few sections to get a full grasp of what was going on, but I was enjoying the horror / romance aspects enough to want to push through these times. I’m so glad I did!

Highly recommend to fans of Irish folklore and general horror!

In alternating timelines, horror and Celtic myth are woven into a family’s history and the secrets kept there. At the heart of it all, is an Irish children’s television show with an even darker presence. When the door between the known and unknown opens, it can never close again.

KNOCK KNOCK, OPEN WIDE by Neil Sharpson was a truly enjoyable coming of age horror novel!

I was a bit nervous about the folklore element when diving into this one, but found that it really took a backseat to the family and relationship dynamics that showed up on page.

This book managed to bring tears to my eyes and the dialogue felt so unbelievably natural at times that I was completely sucked in.

The spooky element definitely hit when it needed to and added a really nice mystery to the story!

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Publication Date: October 3

This was a generational story with so many layers. I found the writing to be really engaging and the characters so well executed.

Equal parts family trauma and unique horror melt seamlessly to make Ashling one of my favorite literary characters in a long time. But, I have to say that there was a lot going on. I really enjoyed Ashling and the story of her past, her mother’s past… the unsettling atmosphere was palpable. There were moments where I felt adrift a little in the story, though.

This story is wild! I loved the creativity, creepiness, and structure! There are several different storylines going on that I liked because it gave this story extra dimension. I loved how odd this tale was. Right from the start, I knew I was getting into a really cool horror.

This author included some takes on Irish folklore, which really added to the tale. I always love when there are different aspects happening that get tied together in the end. Overall, I found this a unique and satisfying horror!

Out October 3, 2023!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

This was a fun, creepy, and atmospheric book that was the perfect blend of weird horror. I really like the uniqueness of the book and thought the first half was stronger than the last half. I will say sometimes, things got a little confusing, but overall a fun book to give a try.

"Knock Knock, Open Wide weaves horror and Celtic myth into a terrifying, heartbreaking supernatural tale of fractured family bonds, the secrets we carry, and the veiled forces that guide Irish life.

Driving home late one night, Etain Larkin finds a corpse on a pitch-black country road deep in the Irish countryside. She takes the corpse to a remote farmhouse. So begins a night of unspeakable horror that will take her to the very brink of sanity.

She will never speak of it again.

Two decades later, Betty Fitzpatrick, newly arrived at college in Dublin, has already fallen in love with the drama society, and the beautiful but troubled Ashling Mallen. As their relationship blossoms, Ashling goes to great lengths to keep Betty away from her family, especially her alcoholic mother, Etain.

As their relationship blossoms, Betty learns her lover's terrifying family history, and Ashling's secret obsession. Ashling has become convinced that the horrors inflicted on her family are connected to a seemingly innocent children's TV show. Everyone in Ireland watched this show in their youth, but Ash soon discovers that no one remembers it quite the same way. And only Ashling seems to remember its star: a small black goat puppet who lives in a box and only comes out if you don't behave. They say he's never come out.

Almost never.

When the door between the known and unknown opens, it can never close again."

Children's entertainment is inherently creepy, so I'm all for this book.