"Harry Adams loves horror movies, so it’s no coincidence that she accepted a job cleaning house for horror-movie director Javier Castillo. His forbidding gray-stone Chicago mansion, Bright Horses, is filled from top to bottom with terrifying props and costumes as well as glittering awards from his career making movies that thrilled audiences—until family tragedy and scandal forced him to vanish from the industry.
Javier values discretion, and Harry always tries to keep the house immaculate, her head down, and her job safe. Then she hears noises from behind a locked door, noises that sound remarkably like a human voice calling for help. Harry knows not asking questions is a vital part of keeping her job, but she soon discovers that the house may be home to secrets she can’t ignore." -Goodreads

Life has been insane lately, and I've barely been reading. So unlike me and it's making me sad.
I am glad that I was able to pick this book up though! It was such a fun read and SO spooky at parts! Definitely has me ready for spooky season! This book was so entertaining! I highly recommend this one! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

3.5 ⭐️

Quick, entertaining & atmospheric!

THE HOUSE THAT HORROR BUILT by CHRISTINA HENRY is an easy to follow and straightforward read that gave me just enough creep to keep me engaged right to the very end.

I really enjoyed the gothic atmospheric vibe and there was a slight supernatural undertone to the story that I quite enjoyed. I wouldn’t necessarily say that I was spooked or creeped out by what was happening but I was invested enough and sometimes that’s all I need from a story.

I did have a slight suspicion of what was going on but never guessed the motivation behind it though. So to me it had a surprising conclusion.

I would definitely recommend this one if you want to read a horror story that’s more on the milder and tamer side!

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley, and Christina Henry for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book.

This was a great book that didn’t feel like it fell into typical tropes - I loved the nod to classic horror characters. The characters are fully developed and I felt the struggles of our main character. So many horror books make the main character dumb, and this one wasn’t - she didn’t always love the decisions she was making, but it felt like she truly had no other options.

3.75, rounded up

one thing about Christina Henry - she's gonna take her time. and that's ok with me! i enjoyed settling in for good, old fashioned gothic mystery. i also appreciated the Del Toro & Doug Jones inspirations and all the horror movie love.

The House That Horror Built follows a woman, Harry as she struggles to take care of herself and her teenage son while making ends meet. Soon she gets caught up in the world of her boss, Javier Castillo, the renowned horror film director that Harry has long been a fan of. All she wants to do is respect his privacy and keep her job. As she starts hearing noises behind walls and seeing movement in still film props that can not be explained it is clear something is wrong and she'll have to protect herself and her son.

My favorite thing about this was how character-driven it felt. All the characters were vivid in their portrayals and I enjoyed the vignettes introducing me to each backstory.

Despite the interesting character introductions and moments throughout, overall this book did not hold my attention. I felt the pacing and tension were none existent. Harry as a lead character was incredibly boring and took no action throughout the story. When the conclusion finally came around I was not waiting with bated breath like I wanted to be. I also felt large parts of the book could have been cut with absolutely no impact on the story because very little connected in a meaningful way.

This felt almost like it wanted to be lit fic commentary on horrible Hollywood director types (which would have been awesome), but I felt I was promised haunted house chills and thrills, and I didn't get them.

A house I wouldn't be willing to work in.

I ended up listening to this book and found myself needing to rewind and re-listen as I was easily distracted from listening.

I love the idea of a house of horror memorabilia and a mysterious director. There were a lot of plot point going on and found myself a little confused from time to time.

This was such a great, quick read. Christina Henry is fabulous at setting a creepy tone where you know something is just not right. The end of this book is just a+. I can't say it was a total surprise, but it was thoroughly entertaining. The perfect spooky house/ghost story for upcoming spooky season.

From the shelves

Through spring and summer, we now fall into reading


By Tom Mayer
tmayer@cullmantimes.com

So many books, so little time, so … let’s get to it. Here we offer two dozen titles that I’ve picked and plucked from the … more than a few dozen … I receive from publishers each year. From the best nonfiction (and a journey through history with Pope Francis), children’s fiction (just try to resist a story with the title, “Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week”) and fiction from acknowledged masters to masters-in-the-making, this list isn’t exhaustive — somewhere north of 1 million books are published each year — but I’m betting you’ll find more than few titles listed here to ignite your fall reading.

“Ferris” (Candlewick) by Kate DiCamillo: Introduce a ghost and a family of warring raccoons into Ferris Wilkey’s summer before fifth grade and it becomes a season of sheer pandemonium. As always, DiCamillo's writing shines with warmth and empathy.

“After Annie” (Random House) by Anna Quindlen: A poignant story of loss and the long road to healing following the death of Annie Bowen as her husband, children and closest friend are left to understand and repair the chasms left in their own lives and addictions. The novel is a beautiful exploration of love, grief and resilience.

“The Number One Lawyer” (Little, Brown and Company) by James Patterson and Nancy Allen: The authors team for a fast-paced legal thriller about a top lawyer who becomes a top murder suspect following the death of his wife. The novel is a gripping page-turner filled with unexpected twists and turns.

“Life: My Story Through History” (HarperOne) by Pope Francis, translated by Aubrey Botsford: Pope Francis shares his personal journey intertwined with pivotal moments in modern history, offering insights into his faith and leadership. This memoir is a deeply reflective and inspirational account of a life dedicated to service.

“Friends in Napa” (Mindy’s Book Studio) by Stella Yasmin Marikar with an introduction by Mindy Kaling: Marikar’s novel is a delightful exploration of friendship and wine in California's Napa Valley, where six old friends reunite to navigate life’s complexities … and the illusion of friendship. The story is filled with warmth, humor and a touch of nostalgia.

“Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week” (Peachtree) by Sarah L. Thomson, illustrated by Vin Vogel: Thomson presents a heartwarming tale of friendship, adventure and Otto the dog that turns two soon-to-be friends' world upside down. Those who loved “The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking” will relish this new tale.

“For Worse” (Blackstone Publishing, paperback) by L.K. Bowen: This dark thriller puts readers into intricate plots of marital revenge as Ellie tries to, again, leave her seemingly picture-perfect married life. A tale about a psychologically abusive, manipulative and cruel marriage keeps readers on the edge.

“The Forgetters” (Heyday) by Greg Sarris: Sarris delivers a compelling tale of memory and identity, as two crow sisters, Question Woman and Answer Woman, must work in tandem to recount the journeys of the Forgetters. The novel, told in the style of Southern Pomo and Coast Miwok creation stories, is a profound meditation on the power of storytelling.

“Lost to Dune Road” (Thomas & Mercer, paperback) by Kara Thomas: Pulled back into an unsolved murder after a mistake ruined her reporting career, Lee Ellerin finds a chance for redemption in finding the killer. Thomas weaves a tale of secrets buried along a road to vindication. The story is a haunting exploration of the past's grip on the present.

“Pictures of Time” (Silver Street Media, large format) by David Alexander with graphic design by Tommy Steele: A tale of time is told through photographs as the book explores how art and science converge and cross. The book is rich with vivid descriptions and thought-provoking themes.

“Murder on Demand” (Blackstone Publishing) by Al Roker and Matt Costello: Book 4 in Roker’s The Morning Show Murders series takes place a decade after Billy Blessing’s adventure in Chicago. Much has changed for Blessing in the past 10 years, but when a woman walks into his life talking about murder, things start to seem very familiar. The novel is a clever, fast-paced thriller with a bookish twist.

“Matterhorn” (Mac Dekker Book 1) by Christopher Reich: Mac Dekker is living in an Alpine village, trying to put his past in the past — until he learns that his son, following in his footsteps, was killed in the Alps. Reich crafts a tense military thriller set against the backdrop of a high-stakes mission. The novel is packed with action, suspense and geopolitical intrigue.

“The Hunter’s Daughter” (Berkley, paperback) by Nicola Solvinic: Suppressed childhood memories return after Lt. Anna Koray kills a man in the line of duty. The novel is a haunting exploration of family as a serial killer emerges — and one who is both copying her father and seems to know way too much about her.

“The House That Horror Built” (Berkley, paperback) by Christina Henry: House cleaner Harry Adams tries to do her job, keep her head low and safeguard the employment she need to support her son. She maintains all of that until she hears noises from behind a locked door that sound like a human cry for help. The story is a spine-chilling mix of gothic horror and psychological suspense.

“In Our Stars” (The Doomed Earth Duology) (Ace) by Jack Campbell: Campbell’s space opera is an epic tale of love, loss, and interstellar conflict. The novel is a sweeping adventure that explores the human spirit's resilience in the vastness of space as the genetically engineered — and ostracized because of it — Lt. Selene Genji is thrust four decades into the past with a chance to save Earth from the annihilation she witnessed in her present time.

“Freeset” (The Four Cities Series Book 3) (Blackstone) by Sarina Dahlan: This sequel to “Reset” (“Preset” was the first in the series) continues the thrilling saga of a group of Dreamers fighting to find each other after Tabula Rosa — the process that wipes citizens’ memories every four years. The story is built on a foundation of family and hope … and fragile trusts.

“Camino Ghosts” (Doubleday) by John Grisham: The best of the Camino Island series to date (“Camino Island” and “Camino Winds” preceded), Grisham’s latest legal drama follows a seasoned lawyer on a quest for justice in a small coastal town. The justice here is social as the sole descendent of a community of runaway Black slaves must save a haunted island, and her heritage, from the hands and wallets of developers. The novel is a gripping exploration of corruption and redemption.

“Lake County” (Thomas & Mercer, paperback) by Lori Roy: Reimagining the life of Marilyn Monroe, aka Aunt Jean, involves a niece and her boyfriend, who also happens to be part of the illegal bolita he’s running on mob lands. When he’s forced to make a deal that could save both of their lives, worlds are altered in an atmospheric 1950s setting from the Edgar Award-winning Roy.

“Serendipity” (Dutton, paperback) by Becky Chalsen: Chalsen weaves a heartwarming tale of unexpected love and second chances set in the charming backdrop of a seaside town. The novel is a delightful mix of romance, humor and serendipitous moments as Maggie reconnects with her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend. In a summer share house named Serendipity, Maggie, with the help of her friends, will try to get her life back on track — if she can avoid the drama running on the rails.

“Shelterwood” (Ballantine Books) by Lisa Wingate: Exploring a centuries-old legacy of missing child cases, Wingate’s novel tells the story of a long-hidden burial site in the newly minted Horsethief Trail National Park. When a ranger’s quest for justice unearths more than the burials from a century ago, the book becomes a poignant exploration of memory, loss and the story of children abandoned by the law.

“The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra Needle” (Holiday House) by Dan Gutman: Gutman’s novel is a playful retelling of Cleopatra’s life, with a humorous twist that reimagines history: Could Central Park’s Cleopatra’s Needle have been built by thousands of people in 1461 BCE? The story is a fun and educational romp through the ancient world.

“Jackpot Summer” (Penguin) by Elysa Friedland: Born into a frugal family, the four Jacobson siblings have nonetheless made a mess of their adult financial lives. Whiles one declines to partake, the other three buy a (winning) Powerball ticket and soon find their lives really spiraling out of control. The story is a suspenseful exploration of greed, family, fate and drama.

“The Helper” (Blackstone) by M.M. Dewil: Written by a former monk from North India who is today an award-winning Hollywood director and director, Dewil’s novel is laced with lies, deceit, revenge and how one woman struggles to earn her own piece of the American Dream. The debut is a testament to the author’s biting wit and satirical commentary.

“Winter Lost” (Mercy Thompson, book 14) (Ace) by Patricia Briggs: Ancient and arcane magics are at work, as is Mercy Thompson Hauptman’s mate, a werewolf protector of the Tri-Cities of Washington State, and her brother, Adam, who needs a helping hand in Montana. “Winter Lost” is the 14th segment of this best-selling, highly rated urban fantasy series.

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dnf at 15%

there wasn't anything necessarily wrong with the book, but I found even this far in that I couldn't get connected to the story or the characters at all.

I should have loved this book. It had SO much potential. I absolutely loved the premise of a haunted house full of seemingly sentient movie props and costumes. I loved the backstory of our main character and was fully invested in the first half of the book. As the story progressed, I kept anticipating...something. But it fell flat for me. I was craving more excitement from the second half of this book. I wanted it to keep me up at night! (sigh) It didn't.

I typically really enjoy Christina Henry's books, but this one just did not do it for me. I enjoyed parts of it, but overall I just didn't get into it.

The House That Horror Built had all the elements to become a truly haunting story, but ultimately I found the major twist and ending to be a bit strange. Sure, I didn't see it coming, but thought it was just a weird twist.

The story follows single mom Harry who is obsessed with horror films and her son. She takes a job cleaning the home of famed horror director Javier Castillo, who moves to Chicago after his wife and son go missing. Harry suspects the house is haunted after weird things begin happening and she receives visions. After a dinner goes wrong, and she starts being stalked by a reporter, she and her son move in with Javier. More weird things happen.

The book certainly kept me entertained, but I wish the story took a different turn then it did. It certainly was gothic and atmospheric, but I wanted more of a creepy ghost story.

Thank you Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
3.5/5 stars

One of my go to authors so I will read anything that they publish. This was not my favorite but still a good read. I love the idea of that house and was thinking about Guillermo del Toro the whole time. He would never lol. I will still recommend this book and look forward to more from the author. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy. I did also purchase a copy for my home library and will be loaning it out often.

This was a too slow burn gothic horror novel with a chaotic ending that did not leave me satisfied. Pacing on this was way off.

Harry Adams is a single mother raising a teenage boy in the post-COVID world. She's willing to do anything to provide a better world for her son and she takes whatever job she can get, currently it's cleaning houses. Being a fan of horror movies, when horror film director Javier Castillo is looking for a new cleaner, Harry goes for the job. The house is practically a museum to the genre films she has grown up with and she likes having the opportunity to clean for Javier. He has just one rule for Harry - to never enter a specific room.
When Harry hears what sounds like human voices behind the door she must never enter, she wonders what might be going on, but keeps her head down and goes on with her work. When she's sure she not only hears voices but someone actually calling for help ... she keeps her head down and continues her work. She needs to support her son, Gabe, after all, and it's best not to get involved.

But there are things here that Harry, a regular in the house, simply can't ignore forever.

Author Christina Henry has penned some of my favorite horror novels, so expectations are always high when she's got a new book out. This one, however, really fails to deliver.

The set-up is unremarkable but definitely serviceable for a horror story - an average person in a house filled with objects of horror from the most horrific films ever. But the set-up shouldn't last for 80% of the book and that's what this feels like. Harry's lack of concern for the house and constant reminding us that she's working for her very good son, grows stale quickly.

I've written before: establishing and maintaining a sense of horror for an entire novel is very difficult. We need a rise and fall in horror that builds, culminating in a terrifying climax. We don't get any of that rising horror here - just a last minute climax that doesn't quite come out of nowhere, but we were never appropriately led into it.

Looking for a good book? The House That Horror Built by Christina Henry misses the mark with a slow page-turner that doesn't provide the suspense you want in a horror novel.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a disappointment. Last year, I read "Good Girls Don't Die," and it was such an excellent book. Comparing this book to "Good Girls" and I can't help but feel utterly disappointed. I read this book in a book club and we all rated this book low.

It was the ending. It read like ChatGPT. It didn't follow Henry's writing patterns. It was because we felt like this turned into AI towards the end that we rated the book low. It is also because of this, I could not share this book on the blog. I cannot recommend books where it feels like AI was used to complete the story. It would be dishonest to my followers.

I also did not want to share what came from the book club chat, because Henry is such a wonderful author. I wasn't about to talk crap about her work publicly.

Perhaps her next title will be better. "Good Girls" was so amazing. I loved it. But this one just didn't live up to Christina Henry's previous work.

A house cleaner, Harry, forms a friendship with her employer- a reclusive horror director who lives in his home, surrounded by props and memorabilia from various horror movies. When things start to go bump in the night, Harry starts to look into the mysteries surrounding the directors past to save her family. Unfortunately, not much to say about this one. I was obsessed with the premise, loved the title, loved the cover, usually love the author- but it just didn’t leave any solid impression on me. I read this maybe a month ago and I’m already fuzzy on details. I like pieces of this, but as a cohesive whole it didn’t leave a lasting impression. It’s just fine!

My review will post on my instagram @boozehoundbookclub

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for an advanced copy of this ebook! I definitely have mixed feelings about this book.

On one hand, I love so many of the aspects and tropes that the author used. For starters, I am a sucker for a haunted house story, and this is giving all of those vibes and more. I also really appreciated the backstory of our main character Harry leaving a cult and surviving on her own - super unique and now something I will look for in other novels. And of course, with our homeowner being a reclusive horror movie director, there are so many great conversations and moments for horror movie fans.

On the other hand, this horror didn't have many "horrific" moments, which could be great for a beginner horror reader. However, I was anxiously waiting for more creepy/scary scenes, and I was left a little disappointed by the lack of them. Because of this, I felt some of the beginning drag at times. When things started to get exciting at the end when all is revealed, the story ends with such an abrupt stop I literally had to check back to see if I accidentally skipped a chapter or two. I would've loved to see what happened next after the final scene.

I will say, I am definitely intrigued by Christina Henry's writing style and creativity, and will absolutely be checking out more of her books.

THE HOUSE THAT HORROR BUILT by Christina Henry @authorchristinahenry is out today from #Berkley @berkleypub (#BerkleyPartner)! Swipe right to read the synopsis. ➡️

I had an easy enough time getting into the book and that helps a lot when you’re in a reading slump. And then around the halfway point I couldn’t put it down because the characters were so good! And the story was not what I was expecting but also it kind of was. I can’t say more because I’m afraid to spoil anything.

I loved how fast Harry, the main character, accepted supernatural occurrences and not only that but OTHERS did as well bc I didn’t want to read 300+ pages of a woman trying to convince the men in her life to believe her. There were a couple jump scares and I loved them. Def gave me the creeps once or twice.

The book took place during the pandemic years so some things in the storyline made more sense like Harry’s money problems, trouble finding a new apartment, etc. you could sense the world growing smaller around her. Terrible things kept happening where she felt she had no choice in certain circumstances where different decisions would have given her a different life. Whether or not she made the wrong decisions is something older and more experienced readers will probably differ on.

I liked the subtle comparisons between Harry as a mother and Lena. As well as their sons and how they turned out. Lots of commentary on gender, privilege, class status, etc. it just sucks the ending was kind of lacking for me.

Overall I really enjoyed the book though! It was the first book that helped distract me for a bit with all the horrible things going on in the world in Palestine and Congo.

Thank you @berkleypub for my gifted copy! Really enjoyed it.

A horror fan exploring a haunted house is a great setup for an atmospheric, gothic haunted house tale. Henry brings the atmpsphere, but the scares and suspense are too light here to make an impact and the pacing lulls. While a lot of that can be explained away by the horror savviness of the protagonist, it's without the humor or levity to help point out the trope subversion. It winds up more horror lite, a solid gateway horror read but not much more.