Member Reviews

This was definitely disappointing. I was completely sold by the blurb and the premise of an escape room horror is always intriguing but for me it fell flat. I didn’t really like any of the characters and the story line kept getting more and more surreal as it went on, nice idea but maybe escape room books written this way should be left for the screen!

Was this review helpful?

Horribly written, and there wasn't an ending! There were some delightful interesting situations the characters found themselves in, however overall I would not recommend.

Was this review helpful?

I think the puzzles are the most interesting piece of the story. Escape rooms with higher stakes are interesting to read, but one after another, it can get a little repetitive. The relationships between the characters keep things moving enough that they don't get really stale. I think it's an average thriller with an interesting element.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to netgalley for providing an e-galley for review. Puzzle House is my first Duncan Ralston, but it won't be my last. What presents as a traditional escape room mystery novel, quickly turns much, much darker. To escape each room requires a sacrifice. Time and space does not seem to add up. Then the character who "wins" escapes into a brave, new world. What a ride.

Was this review helpful?

It is definitely a one of a kind! I can definitely see the movie influences with it, like Saw among others. I read this in one day. It is action packed with believable characters. I'm claustrophobic, so this was pretty intense. I enjoyed unraveling the mystery behind Puzzle House while I read it. Nothing is predictable at all.

Was this review helpful?

A really intriguing well written book with interesting characters and a foreboding setting, not too keen on the ending though.
Things suddenly progressed into madness that was quite unexpected and the abrupt finale wasn’t satisfying enough for me.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Wicked House Publishing, NetGalley and Duncan Ralston for the chance to read Puzzle House in advance. This was quite a mind twisting adventure and very entertaining. The story is well written and I thought it was a great escape room type mystery/ horror story. I definitely would not have wanted to be stuck in this house.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley,publisher ,author for providing me with my advance copy ♥️

“Puzzle House” by Duncan Ralston is a scary story about a family trapped in a haunted house with a puzzle in the backyard. The house changes and adapts to their fears, making it hard for them to escape.

The author creates a spooky atmosphere, making you feel uneasy and unsure. The family has secrets, and the house uses them to make things scarier. The writing is vivid and suspenseful, with clever hints throughout.

The book explores how fear can take over, how past traumas can haunt us, and how obsession can be dangerous. “Puzzle House” is a chilling horror story that keeps you on edge.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve really enjoyed all of Duncan Ralstons books I’ve read so far. I’m about to read he next book now and realized that I still needed to review this book. I love these kind of stories and look forward to reading everything he comes out with. Cannot recommend his books enough.

Was this review helpful?

Escape rooms and Saw are easily my all time favourite things so when I saw that there was a book like this I couldn’t wait to cozy up and read! I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading with all the twists and turns keeping me on my toes for the majority of the book! Will definitely be picking up more for this author in the future!

Was this review helpful?

To say I was completely engrossed in this story is an understatement. I easily finished it in one sitting. There was never a dull moment. It was filled with suspense, horror, gore. As a fan of scary movies, this was a great representation in a book. The movie was playing along in my head the entire time. Until the twist at the end. Without adding a spoiler, I will just say it lost me and it lost stars because of it.
The book ends with what feels like a potential set up for more. I know other reviewers are requesting more but I think I prefer to leave it here.

Was this review helpful?

A good premise, but zero execution. It is underwhelming and poorly plotted. I was never invested enough to care about anyone. It was headed for a solid 2 stars and then came the stupidest ending. After all that, we get zero answers!

Was this review helpful?

WOW, what a read! As normal Duncan rocks!!!

The plot was intense and kept me reading!!! If you are looking for a boom you can't put down this is it!!

Thanks NetGalley!!!

Was this review helpful?

This was a fun book. I wrongly assumed it was a pretty straightforward plot, but definitely enjoyed the darker elements that present later in the book.

The author does a solid job of connecting the dots without jamming them into your eyeballs.

I still have zero plans to read Woom (extreme is just not my jam), but will happily read further horror novels from Duncan Ralston in the future.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

WOW, what a read! The plot was intense, powerful and thrilling and held me captive all the way through! The characters fairly leaped off the page, and the tension was palpable. If you are looking for a twisted read that you just CAN’T put down, then this is DEFINITELY the book for you!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

Was this review helpful?

Puzzle House was a fun, fast read. Readers hoping for more Woom-esque extreme content will doubtlessly be disappointed, as Ralston has instead delivered a wild adventure a la House on Haunted Hill and Saw. A few twists and turns that the reader won't likely see coming, too.

Was this review helpful?

What a quick and twisty read! My first Duncan Ralston book, but definitely won't be my last. Didn't see the twist at the end coming at all. Hoping the story continues because I would love to read more about the new world that was developing.

Thank you Wicked House Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Was this review helpful?

Duncan Ralston never disappoints and Puzzle House is no exception. A combination of gruesome details and world building, extreme horror readers are sure to be delighted with this one. I could have a whole PH series and it still wouldn’t be enough. Part Squid Game, part Saw, and part Duncan’s brilliant twisted and creative mind, PH is a must read for any extreme horror fan!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book. I immediately knew I was going to love this book when I saw the cover, title, and plot. This book was literally like playing the movie Saw in your head. If you’re a fan of that, you’ll love this. It was awesome.

Was this review helpful?

This was the second book that I read by this author. I have to say both books were completely different.

This book was a wild ride. As I was reading, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. The ending took me by surprise and I wasn't ready for the book to be over.

I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. It definitely was better than the first book I read by him. It was also a quick read.

Was this review helpful?