This book really reminds me of the black phone! A young boy moves in with his grandparents and people start disappearing. But no one will believe him when he says they got sucked into the receiver of the phone in the phone booth… page turner and fun to read!

This book was unique in that it felt as though it was split into three different realities and at the same time building on top of one another. The story followed Richard trying to solve the mystery of his friends disappearing while at the same time trying to make the town believe it wasn't him. I liked the paranormal nature of the book that made you step outside the normal reality that we live in. The ending rounded out the story very well that gave each part great context and explained the roller coaster that Richard went on throughout the book.

Jo Nesbo steps out the box with The Night House. A ghost story that just keeps in giving. Don’t read this just before bed!

After losing his parents in a tragic fire, fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved moved in with his aunt and uncle. In Ballantyne, he became an outcast due to his bullying, thieving tendencies, and knack for troublemaking. Richard's life took a sinister turn when he convinced his friend Tom to partake in a prank phone call that turned into a horrifying incident—Tom was consumed by the phone receiver. The police got involved, thrusting Richard into a whirlwind of disbelief.

Confessing the truth to the police yielded only one believer: Karen, a classmate who joined him in pursuing the hidden truth that the authorities overlooked. Together, they traced the eerie phone number to an abandoned house in the enigmatic Mirror Forest. What they uncovered there defied logic and changed their lives forever.

With the unsettling disappearances of two more "friends," including Karen, Richard's quest to prove his innocence intensified into a race against the unknown. Yet, a lingering doubt remained: Was Richard truly a reliable narrator?

My Reaction:
This is my first book by Jo and it won't be my last. I really enjoyed the instant horror of the book and the horror spattered throughout the novel. It was creepy and the descriptions of Tom being eaten through the phone were very unsettling.

I'm very conflicted about the 15 years later section of the book - I feel like it wasn't necessary, but at the same time it hit home that Richard is an unreliable narrator.

Also, the whole town being affected by IMU didn't seem plausible to me. I know it's a novel and things aren't going to be plausible, but this seemed a little extra.

What I enjoyed:
. The random bouts of horror
. The absurdity of the situations
. Unreliable narrator

What I disliked:
. The ending
. Book was kinda boring - it needed the random bits of horror to keep me interested in reading it
. The dialogue was a tad stale

Teenager Richard Elauved is taken in by his aunt and uncle in the small town of Ballantyne following the death of his parents. His cruel attitude towards his classmates leaves him with few friends, aside from fellow outsider Karen for whom he harbors a burgeoning crush, and Tom who himself is often ridiculed for his stutter, including by Richard. One day while walking along the riverbank, Richard and Tom come upon a weirdly isolated phone booth and Richard comes up with the idea to prank call a random number in the phone book. Though initially hesitant, Tom relents and dials up the first name they land on: Imu Jonasson. After seeming to pull off the gag perfectly, things take a dark turn and the phone's receiver begins to pull the boy into itself, leaving Richard stunned and alone.

Unsurprisingly, no one believes Richard's version of events. That the name and number they dialed no longer appear in the phone book doesn't help matters. He sticks to his story however, to the consternation of his family and the authorities. When another of his classmates vanishes in his presence, it is decided to send him away to the Rorrim Correctional Facility for Young People, which harbors its own dark secrets and sheds further light on what exactly might be happening. When the book then flashes forward fifteen years to Richard attending a class reunion, things take an even more unexpected turn.

This slim book doesn't waste any time in dialing up the horror and doesn't pause much for air from there. Nesbø adapts his writing style to smartly match the age of our narrator in the different sections, while maintaining a pervasive sense of dread throughout. The threat in the novel, and perhaps even the novel itself, seems to operate outside of any hitherto understood logic, keeping readers disoriented and on the edge of their seats. Some of the later turns the story takes don't feel as successful as the earlier portions, but all in all The Night House winds up being a satisfyingly eerie thriller that questions the very nature of the truth and the fallibility of memory.

If you are a horror reader, this novel is most definitely for you. Jo Nesbo doesn't wait a second before she has you sunk into this story. The plot is so fast and eventful. This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Well, I'm really not sure how to summarize this book without spoilers, and I've never had such a gamut of emotions while reading something before.

I enjoy Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole books, and if you're looking for that style, I think you might be just a little disappointed. The Night House is endlessly bleak, but it's not a gritty crime thriller. It starts as straight horror, but ends on something else entirely.

We're first introduced to Richard Elauved, a 14-year-old sent to live with foster parents after his own die tragically in a house fire. He's an outcast in Ballantyne and knows it, and builds walls around himself. He's hard to like in part one and other reviewers have noted being unable to get past his insulting personality. All I can offer is that if you push through, I thought the author does a nice job trying to get you to see that "hurt people hurt people." It doesn't necessarily excuse behaviors or make them ok, but there's a clear psychological element going on--Richard is dealing with a lot of trauma.

That being said, and while I may recommend this as a book where Nesbo tries to do something different narratively, if I had been reading this solely for pleasure and not through NetGalley, I would most likely have given up when gears shifted so suddenly in part two. You really do start to feel cheated with every narrative shift, and I don't think the payoff at the end, nor the sympathy I eventually felt for Richard are enough for me to feel entirely satisfied with this book.

Special thanks to Knopf for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC through NetGalley.

This has to be the BEST book Nesbo has written!! DO NOT read this book alone or before bed!! It’s sooo scary and with 3 twists in the story that will leave you speechless. Kudos Nesbo for a true horror story & this really needs to be made into a movie!! Thanks for the advanced copy!!

Jo Nesbo is a Norwegian author known for his crime fiction novels, notably the Harry Hole series. He is the magician of mystery and is back with "The Night House," a novel that grips you and doesn't let go.

Meet Jon, a former cop haunted by his past and plunged into a whirlwind of intrigue. Set against a backdrop that's as enigmatic as the characters themselves, Nesbo's storytelling shines.

Nesbo's words paint vivid pictures, immersing you in the eerie world of "The Night House." The tension simmers, rising steadily as secrets unravel. When you think you've got it figured out, Nesbo twists the plot, leaving you hungry for answers.

Digging into the minds of his characters, Nesbo unearths their fears and motivations, adding layers that keep you guessing. While the pace might not be breakneck, the journey is worth every step.

In "The Night House," Jo Nesbo again proves why he's a master weaver of tales. If you crave a psychological thriller that hooks you deep and leaves you thinking, give this one a go.

I flew through this book. It had such great twists throughout the whole story and didn't even guess the ending at all. Such a wicked little book that everyone is going to love this Halloween!!! Seriously so creepy what happened to both Tom and Jack!

"The Night House" by Jo Nesbo is a chilling and atmospheric horror novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful plot and eerie atmosphere.

The story follows fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved, who, after the tragic death of his parents, is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in the isolated town of Ballantyne. Richard becomes an outcast in his new environment, especially after a classmate named Tom goes missing, and rumors point to Richard as the culprit. Richard claims that Tom was sucked into a telephone booth by supernatural forces, a story no one believes except for Karen, another outsider who encourages Richard to investigate. As Richard delves into the mystery, he discovers a connection between the disappearances and an abandoned house in the Mirror Forest. The novel takes a dark turn when Richard begins hearing sinister whispers and facing inexplicable phenomena that threaten to drive him to the brink of madness.

Nesbo's writing is masterful in creating a tense and foreboding atmosphere that is reminiscent of classic horror novels. The small town setting adds to the sense of isolation and claustrophobia, amplifying the fear that something sinister lurks just beyond the edge of perception. The author skillfully weaves together elements of the supernatural, psychological horror, and mystery, keeping readers guessing about what is real and what might be imagined by Richard.

The character of Richard is complex and unreliable, making for an engaging and disorienting reading experience. The blurring of reality and the supernatural creates a sense of unease that resonates throughout the novel. The pacing is well-managed, gradually building suspense and tension until the climactic and shocking conclusion.

"The Night House" stands out for its unique blend of horror subgenres and its ability to keep readers guessing until the very end. Nesbo delivers a spine-chilling narrative that plays with the boundaries of reality and fear, leaving readers questioning the nature of the supernatural forces at play. With its well-crafted suspense, vivid descriptions, and haunting imagery, this novel is a must-read for fans of psychological horror and supernatural mysteries.

Disorienting. Are you ever sure that you know the difference between reality and a nightmare . . . or a nice dream and a delusion? Can you truly trust what you have witnessed? These are the kind of questions Richard Elauved has to confront while explaining to the local police that his friend was ghoulishly swallowed by a telephone booth receiver. He proclaims his innocence in the friend's disappearance. Richard is angry, frustrated, and desperately wants to be believed.  There is a thin, but important thread that runs through this narrative that melds dark reality and bizarre fantasy into a young man's truth.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Night House for my unbiased evaluation.  3.5 stars

I don't think Jo Nesbo can write anything but captivating stories with excellent characters. This book is no exception but it differs from his Harry Hole series or his other standalone books in its structure and genre.

After Fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved's parents die in a house fire, he goes to live with his aunt and uncle in the tiny town of Ballantyne, but he has problems adjusting to his new environment and classmates. Viewed as an outcast, Richard befriends fellow outcast Tom, who goes missing after he and Richard were last seen together. Richard swears Tom was eaten by a telephone after making a prank call. It's no small wonder that the police do not believe him. When another classmate goes missing after being in Richard's company, suspicion rises. Richard is convinced a long-abandoned house on the edge of a creepy forest is somehow responsible for his missing classmates, but how to prove it?

This is a horror story, not a police procedural. and it's great to see Nesbo playing around with a different genre. As usual, the writing and the characters are outstanding in this atmospheric novel. It is a story within a story and its structure and content may not appeal to all, but if you enjoy good storytelling, this book is just the ticket.

Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is October 3, 2023.

A twisting, dark tale that will leave you questioning what is real and what is an illusion at the end.

In many ways, the Night House is a story within a story within a story. Maybe. With a slow and disturbing start that can be hard to get through, when you are done reading The Night House you won't be quite sure which of the stories ultimately has the truth.

At times the story can feel almost too casual, like a darker literary novel more than a horror or thriller. But those casual moments are contrasted with darker details, that draw you in and have you questioning what you just read... and what will happen next.

Most masterful are the twists. You will start to wonder why the book feels like it is wrapping up so early, and then the twists begin.

An enjoyable read for fans of multi-layered horror stories, with a focus on self, the way we treat others, and the how the way we view the world colors our perspectives.

I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"She’s going to burn. The girl you love is going to burn. There’s nothing you can do about it."

"Then again, Richard may not be the most reliable narrator of his own story . . ."

The premise of this book promised to be spine tingling and full of horror. As a horror fan myself, I was immediately enticed by it. The thought that something more sinister was going on behind the scenes that maybe even our narrator wasn't the best narrator to have. It had all the makings to be a deeply disturbing book. In my honest opinion, it completely feel flat.

I really had to push myself through this book at times. I had no idea what I was reading or what was going on. I don't know if it was the translation or what but it was hard to follow at times. From the type of descriptions used to the entire structure of the sentences. I had to go back and read several areas again just to be able to grasp what was going on. It also felt a lot like it was trying to be similar to "The Silent Patient". Like at the end everything comes together in a way no one would have expected. And that's a great way to go about it but honestly, the entire book leading up to that, didn't make the twist at the ending that believable or honestly that shocking.

Again, while I may not have liked the book doesn't mean that you will not. If you are a fan of horror, this book is worth investigating. If you are a fan of the author's, then maybe this will be more your speed.

Wow, this book caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting to be so fully pulled into this story. I found myself so invested in these characters.

A young teenage Richard is sent to live with his aunt and uncle after the death of his parents. New in town and the curious companion of not one, but two children who disappear, Richard is lost and alone, knowing nobody believes what he saw really happen. All but Karen, a fellow student who believes Richard’s story.

While trying to track down the evil that started this whole mess, he unwittingly invites it into his life. Plagued by this terrible voice on the end of every phone line, Richard is running for his life.

But, not all is as it’s seems and in order to figure out the truth, you must read for yourself.

This gave the perfect balance of horror and intrigue. I devoured this one so quick. The visual horror is fantastic, but it’s the deeper meaning that I found so interesting.

When a fourteen-year old Richard’s parents die in a house fire, he is sent to live with an aunt and uncle in a very remote town. His classmates think he is odd. To be honest, Richard does nothing to refute that.

So when Tom goes missing from town, Richard and his wild story about what happened, is now a suspect. No one believes him except one girl, Karen.

This is a horror story. The writing style changed throughout and I was okay with that. Nesbo is a genius at this genre. If you only know his Harry Hold stories, try this one.

NetGalley/ Knopf Publishing, October 03, 2023

I did not know what to expect with this one. I’m a big fan of the author but horror is usually not his genre. The story starts off like teen horror in the vein of Stephen King’s “It” but then takes a wild turn along the lines of Shutter Island or Inception. I was having a hard time figuring out what was reality, and what was psychosis. This was a really great short read that can be completed in one sitting.

Going in, I knew nothing about the book, but the cover was intriguing. I got through over half the book thinking the story was about 1 thing, only to start second guessing myself and the plot. And then to be completely surprised at the end by what happened. Never saw it coming.
I really enjoyed the read, and it kept me enthralled the whole time.

I wanted to like this novel more than I did. Based on the cover and the description I was expecting either a haunted house story or at least a supernatural story. It's neither. It's psychological horror at best. I don't particularly like psychological horror. Or slasher stories. Or sadistic horror.

My other issue with this novel is structural. It is really a story within a story within yet another story. It's basically a variation on the "it was all a dream" trope. Not what I was expecting at all. I would have rated it less but the writing itself is reasonably competent. So if you like psychological horror, and/or if you like or at least don't mind the "dream" trope, you might well enjoy the story. Unfortunately I didn't overly enjoy it.