This was a bit too slow and repetitive to create the suspense I expect in a horror story. The same things just keep happening in different places. I also couldn't quite buy into this being narrated by a very young child. Just ok, not great. 3 stars

I like to think I read a lot of horror and have a good grasp on the genre, its history, and its writers. Josh Malerman has previously been very hit or miss for me overall in my personal grand horror scheme.

There is no miss here. This book is legitimately, unironically, one of the (if not THE) scariest modern horror books I’ve read in a long time. This will generate a deserved level of hype and I’m also confident that it’s going to make for a very creepy film one day too. It’s simply that well realized, written, paced, you name it.

There’s really not much more I can say to sell it any better than that. It’s simply a must read that from page one hooks you into a nightmare that will make even the seasoned horror vet wary of what the closet doors will do in the dark.

**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Random House and Netgalley**

A very young Bela is growing up in a house full of secrets She has a ‘friend’ Other Mommy. At first Other Mommy wants to make Bela happy, to make her laugh, to get close to her and Bela keeps her to herself. Other Mommy gets brave and asks Bela, ‘Can I go in your heart?’ This changes the tone for everything.
This immersive, sinister read has the reader turning pages and wondering where Other Mommy will show up, what will happen and how will they dispense with her? Told from the child’s perspective, this version of the Boogeyman in the closet story is vivid and you can see Other Mommy, smell Other Mommy and watch her come off the page. You can feel the tension within the family as other Mommy gets bolder and wants to get inside of Bela’s heart.
I would encourage you to get to know your author and his journey through this book – just in case you are a little let down at the end. Also, like other readers I was confused at (1) Bela’s actual age (2) the location of the book wasn’t made clear until more than 2/3rds of the way through and (3) well you are barreling on a speed train of fear and are expecting to be so scared you throw the book or sleep with the lights on… but you aren’t.
Either way it was phenomenal and the author is brilliant. 4 out of 5 stars for me. Thank you to Josh Mallerman, NetGalley, Random House Publishing, Ballentine, Del Ray for an advanced readers copy

This book drags. Lots of books drag in interesting ways—In Search of Lost Time, Bleak House. But this is a horror novel. A spooky thing drives a family, whose young daughter is the narrator, from their house, so they go to another house, the spooky thing follows them, so they go to another house, the spooky thing follows them, so they go to another house, the spooky thing follows them, so they go to a hotel, etc., etc. I can’t begin to stress how completely unlike a real little girl the narrator sounds. She sounds 16 at least, maybe a precocious 14. But she’s supposed to be 8. Just a mess. And, by the way? Not scary.

I stayed up all night to finish this one. What a creepy little book! Original in both voice and concept; I enjoyed this one greatly!

When I started this story, told by 8 year old Bela, I wasn;t sure if I could take a child's voice. I should have known that as a master of horror (Bird Box), Malerman would take that voice and make me forget all about the child's tone. Because Bela, is in danger. There is something, something very very scary in the house that she calls, "Other Mommy." Other Mommy can't be seen by the rest of the family, but "she" is there.

What does she want? Something horrific. She asks, over and over again,“Can I go inside your heart?” Join Bella and her family as they fight against the horrible, the horrific and the unseen! I was certainly frightened and needed a comic break so I could go to sleep!
#randomhouse #ballantine #delray #joshmalerman #incidentsaroundthehouse

When their daughter, Bela, starts talking about seeing 'Other Mommy' in her room, Russ & Ursula write it off. Lots of kids have imaginary friends, right? Then, after an incident on the playground, things escalate quickly. 'Other Mommy' had never done bad things and had never left the house before.... and now suddenly she and her bad intentions seem to be following the family.

I absolutely could not put this book down. Initially the writing style took me a minute to get used to, but it ended up being part of the reason the book was such a quick read. Seeing the story through Bela's perspective was enthralling-- she doesn't have an adult's grasp on the world, but she sees and understands so much more than her parents realize. You as the reader being able to see things only Bela sees makes the whole thing deeply creepy. By the time the parents really understand, it's so far gone that you understand how they become so panicked. The entire time I was reading I kept thinking that telling the story in the style Malerman does lends itself so well to the screen. This book adopted by the people who did 'Haunting of Hill House' would be absolutely terrifying.

This book was just phenomenal. 10/10. I cannot wait for all my horror fan friends to read it!!

First of all, I want to thank Netgalley and Ballantine/Del Rey for letting me read an eARC of Incidents Around the House. Incidents was my first time reading Josh Malerman, and I want to say I am absolutely blown away, as this was a nonstop thrill ride that was dread-inducing at times. I think the greatest asset to the novel is the character development, which is the beating heart of the story. The reason I say this is that as you go forward in the story, you become enraptured by the family and are rooting for them to succeed. The 8-year-old child, who is the protagonist and main narrator of the story, becomes one of the most interesting protagonists I've come across as you witness events unfolding through her eyes. Incidents Around the House is one of the easiest recommendations I can make to readers who love horror and scary fiction.

I usually switch back and forth between a few different books when I read, so when I sit and devote all of my reading time to one book, you know it's a winner. I probably blew through this book in four days, and I hated to put it down whenever I had to stop.

INCIDENTS AROUND THE HOUSE is a sparsely populated story about a family dealing with an incursion by a being that they call "Other Mommy", who has been haunting their daughter for as long as she can remember. At first a friendly presence, lately Other Mommy has been asking young Bela if she can "come into" Bela's heart, and is growing impatient with Bela's refusal to give permission.

The book moves like a freight train, and Malerman kept me flipping pages relentlessly.....I was a little taken aback by his decision to have the entire book narrated by Bela- It seemed like a needlessly limiting device to have everything told from her perspective- but he overcame my doubts within a few chapters, and I was won over. The story unfolds with a tension and inevitability that reminded me of The Exorcist, although the stories and manner of telling them are miles apart. I bought into Bela's plight totally, and I made sure that my closet door was closed tight every night at bedtime.

That said.....Malerman started to lose me in the home stretch of the book. A moment that I felt was intended to be a big, shattering revelation kind of fell flat for me, and halted the book's momentum almost completely. He got the train back on the rails in time for the end, but the book never fully hooked me again after that, and that's a shame. Still a great read, but I wish he had handled that moment differently, as it made the difference between a good book and a great one.

Told from the child’s perspective, this is an interesting tale. I wish we would have found out Bela’s age- not knowing made it a little tricky to gain my footing. However. While creepy, I did not find this book scary, at all.

Immersive and suitably sinister. A recommended purchase for collections where horror and Malerman's previous work is popular.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Bela's a little girl. Other Mommy lives in her closet. She used to think Other Mommy was her friend. Now she is not so sure.

Kinda sounds like Coraline. But it is not Coraline.
1. This is not a problem a kid can fix by making good choices.
2. Do not give this to your child to read. This is a grown up horror novel.

I read a lot of horror novels. Some are gory. Some are unsettling Few are genuinely scary. This book scared me. I took it in two big gulps. It's not super short, but it almost felt like a novella since it is such a such a page turner, written in the language of a child.

Two quibbles: I was never really sure of Bela's age. It would have helped me visualize if I could tell if she was 6 or 10. Also I thought they were in England til about 3/4 of the way through. Kent must mean Kent, OH?

5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Del Ray for the ARC, I genuinely appreciated getting to rid this in the darkest days of winter.

Leave the lights on while reading this very creepy and original story@ Josh Malerman is a favorite author of mine and I couldn't wait to read this one and wasn't disappointed. Bella is a little girl who lives with her mommy and daddo (as she call him). Oh, and one other person lives with Bella: A woman who lives in her closet who Bella calls "Other Mommy". Other mommy started as a friend, but now she seems kinda scary like when her face is upside down or when she pleads with Bella to be allowed into her heart. Bella doesn't quite know what that means, but something keeps telling her to say no.

Told entirely in the voice of a child, this is a very original form of the boogyman in the closet story. I did wish at times for just a chapter or two from the adult points of view because the child only view at times required Bella to seem more grown up than she should. It isn't too long before other people begin seeing other mommy too, and the adults are even more scared of her than little Bella. The interesting thing about the book is that is about a literal demon who hides in the closet, but the demon could also represent the fractured marriage and family life that is haunting parents Ursula and Russ, and how it affects Bella. I didn't much like the parents Russ is passive although he dearly loves Bella and Ursula is cheating on her husband and constantly complaining about being tied down even though she has a job and many friends in addition to her family.

As the family tries everything to rid themselves of the demon and to repair their family, the tension builds and I found myself not wanting to put the book down. Highly recommend! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC for review.

3.5

I had a lot of expectations for Incidents Around The House. I was incredibly happy when I finally got the email that I was accepted for it, so happy in fact that I went and told my mom. I fully consumed this book within a few hours, so *why* do you ask - did it take me so long to write up a full review for this? Because for all the scares, terrors, and intrigue that made up this compelling narrative - the ending left me feeling utterly empty and at best very confused.

One of the best aspects of this story, was its narration - which is done by a very young child . I did not get scared per se, but I DID make the mistake of curling up in my living room at 3am reading this which made me immensely paranoid. (My living room has huge NON tinted glass windows where other mommy coulda been peeking in idk). A mark of a good horror book is that they seep into my dreams, even as a 26 year old woman that STILL happens to me, and 'other mommy' actually ended up making a dramatic appearance in them. That just proves to me that the book does horror and subtly VERY well. It's the aspects left over that ended up dragging it down for me.

Malerman loves working with metaphor and If I hadn't went and read interviews Malerman had done about this book after finishing it; I literally would have had my experience completely ruined by angry confusion about an ending that seemed entirely half-baked. The entire story worked towards something SO hard, it clawed and carved it's way to it - only to completely undo it's own hard work and narrative. Now if you look up his interviews after finishing this, you'll have more of a understanding of why - but it really didn't change how much of a let down it was for me because it happened SO fast with almost no explanation or follow up.

Not to mention every character besides the little girl was completely infuriating, every single person was selfish in the end. I even liked other mommy more than I liked her own mother. It got to such a point that it felt like other mommy might be saving her from having such idiotic parents. It's horror was repetitive, it's obstacles were repetitive, and the ending was blindsiding. One shouldn't have to go find interviews to get rid of their confusion, the allegory and metaphor should be sufficed enough within the story it pertains to. But the narration, which was still brilliant, is at the mercy of child - and it just didn't do that.

Who would have thought that a thriller told from the POV of a child would be so compelling and scary? I sure didn't. Josh Malerman perfectly captures the confusion, terror, and heartbreak that this young girl, Bela, is feeling from the very first page. It may be disconcerting to some but Bela's POV really works.

Bela's life consists of her Mommy, Daddo, and Grandma Ruth. What her family doesn't know is that Bela also relies on an entity called Other Mommy that lives in her closet. Other Mommy starts out friendly and Bela quickly becomes attached to her. As time goes on, Other Mommy starts to ask disturbing questions and doing things that scare Bela. She starts to question whether she and Other Mommy were ever really friends, or if Other Mommy has bad plans for her.

Other Mommy starts getting bolder. She starts showing herself to other people. Bela's parents are terrified and their strained relationship starts to buckle under the pressure. Bela wonders what will happen if she says yes to Other Mommy's questions? Will she be able to make Other Mommy go away? Can she save her family?

I'm glad I read this book during the day as some parts of the story were absolutely chilling. Certain parts are still stuck in my head and creeping me out. Don't worry, no spoilers, you'll have to read and be terrified for yourself to understand. The scares are masterfully written and that they are being experienced from Bela's point of view really heightens the terror.

I finished this book in five hours. I just could not put it down. It's fast paced but in such a way as to keep the tension level high. Josh Malerman is an exceptional storyteller and this book will keep you on edge until the very last line. I would love to see this made into a movie. I highly recommend reading this with the lights on and I promise you will never look at your closet the same way again.

So many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Del Rey for the advanced reader copy of an incredible book.

Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman is a tense suspenseful story told from the point of view of a child. Bela lives with her Mommy and Daddo and her Other Mommy. At first Other Mommy is her friend but she quickly becomes something scary.
The story is quite intense and frightening at times. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and captivated. If you are reading this alone in the dark, you will definitely be turning on a light because the atmosphere is creepy. You feel like you are Bela, a scared little girl hiding under the covers. You see the dysfunction of her family structure as well as the slow evolution of terror she feels regarding Other Mommy.
Josh Malerman has again proven that he is a master at horror. He has created this story in a way that puts you in the child's shoes. He creates a heart pounding tale of evil that keeps you looking over your shoulder into the dark corners of your room. I wasn't thrilled about the final scene but I enjoyed the intensity of the story up to that point.
Thank you to Netgalley, Ballantine Del Ray, and Random House Press for the advanced copy. The opinions are my own.

[Blurb goes here]

Josh Malerman consistently proves himself as a master of horror, and his latest book is no exception. In this captivating story, he embarks on a new challenge, weaving a chilling tale through the innocent eyes of an eight-year-old girl named Bela.

Bela lives with Mommy, Daddo... and something else. She can't remember when she saw her first, but she remembers that some time ago, they were friends. This enigmatic figure, referred to as Other Mommy by Bela, harbors a disturbing desire to get into Bela's heart. Despite Bela's inability to understand the implications, her resolute response remains an emphatic "no."

The tension heightens as Other Mommy becomes increasingly insistent, leading to ominous consequences when Bela refuses to share her heart. Malerman skillfully constructs the groundwork for a chilling story that threatens to fracture Bela's family.

I skipped the blurb on this novel altogether. It is, after all, a Josh Malerman book, and I'm a big fan. Skipping the blurb represented one tiny problem: as I said, the story is told through Bela's eyes. So my first reaction was "Really? What the hell!" but as I read on, Bela's account made more sense. Malerman successfully captures the essence of innocence attempting to make sense of the horrors surrounding Bela.

Taking on the challenge of giving voice to a small child is no small feat, but Malerman accomplishes it with expertise. He skillfully amplifies the sense of dread and anxiety, turning the narrative up a notch or two. Bela's limited vocabulary is supplemented by phrases her Daddo told her, adding layers of authenticity to her character.

The prose is impeccably crafted, maintaining a palpable sense of impending doom throughout. Malerman's knack for creating an eerie atmosphere is like a walk in the park. He's always been amazing on that front.

For those in search of their next great horror story, "Incidents Around the House" is a compelling and unsettling journey into the unknown. Malerman's ability to draw readers into a world of dread and suspense makes this novel a must-read for fans of the genre. Don't miss out on the spine-tingling experience that awaits within its pages.

Thank you for the advanced copy!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman.

I was really excited to get this after reading one of Malerman’s short stories; It Waits In The Woods.

Incidents Around The House is written from the perspective of an elementary school girl named Bela. When I first started it, I was highly skeptical of that because I wasn’t sure how he’d pull off writing an entire book from that perspective. Amazingly enough after the first chapter, I was hooked.

Bela has a “friend” she calls Other Mommy who comes out of the closet at night. At first Other Mommy is nice and they laugh together and Bela considers her a friend.

But then she says to Bela, “can I go into your heart?”

Okay creep factor x 1000. This is a demonic entity who wants to basically infiltrate a child to reincarnate.

Bela parents don’t know about O.M. At first but there are little hints like once her dad comes in and smells a sewage smell in her bathroom and thinks Bela has some serious stomach issues.

Eventually though others can see O.M. Trust me, this family loses friends in a heartbeat after O.M. Begins to show herself to people.

The book did drag a little bit because O.M. Didn’t really DO anything to them she’d just show up, make scary faces or scream. She didn’t do anything really in the house.

Positively the entire book though, I felt scared. I had to finish reading because I wanted to know if they were able to conquer Other Mommy.

I did give the book 3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars. If you want an anxiety and scared feeling for an entire book, I would recommend. Also, the point of view from a little girl was written extremely well. I was on edge the whole book and couldn’t put it down. I read it in less than 2 days. The conclusion was meh. I felt a bit let down and hoped for a more large and explosive ending. But, such is life and not always does good prevail over evil. I would like to read more of Malerman’s work.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group/Del Rey and Net Galley for this ARC, publication date June 25, 2024.

Told entirely in the perspective of young Bela, this horror not only had scares and creepiness but also a well told story of a broken family. Mommy, Daddo, and Grandma Ruth are doing their best for Bela but “Other Mommy” has other ideas about what’s best for her.

Fast paced, unsettling, haunting.