My First Creepy Book of the Season: The Doll House

It’s getting to be that time of year when I’m looking for some scary stuff to read. I was super happy to get approved for an early copy of The Doll House by Phoebe Morgan, because I mean, just look at the cover! The Doll House is released today, and is definitely a book for those of you that like a little horror with your thrillers.

You never know who’s watching…

Corinne’s life might look perfect on the outside, but after three failed IVF attempts it’s her last chance to have a baby. And when she finds a tiny part of a doll house outside her flat, it feels as if it’s a sign.

But as more pieces begin to turn up, Corinne realises that they are far too familiar. Someone knows about the miniature rocking horse and the little doll with its red velvet dress. Someone has been inside her house…

How does the stranger know so much about her life? How long have they been watching? And what are they waiting for…?

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

a surprising past, dangerous acquaintances, and desperate revenge

What I liked: 

1. I loved the creepy vibe of this book! Throughout the story, Corinne, our main character, is discovering pieces of her childhood doll house unexpectedly in her home. This is especially unnerving, because you know that someone is coming into her house and placing them there. I came to love the moments when Corinne would be home alone, because they always left me sitting on the edge of my seat.

2. The formatting is great for a suspense novel. You bounce between  “then” and “now” chapters, and the mystery of the then sections (who is the narrator? When did these take place?) really keeps you turning the pages.

3. There is a lot happening, but in a good way. The book focuses on Corinne and her boyfriend, Dominic, but the secondary focus is on Corinne’s family. You find more and more chapters detailing some of her family member’s lives, and at first you don’t understand why they’re involved with the main plot. As the story progresses, however, you realize that the creepy happenings involving Corinne are much bigger than you thought.

4. The ending! It’s definitely satisfying. At first, when things started to escalate, I wasn’t sure I liked where everything was going. In the end (especially those last 1-2 chapters!), I was pleased! View Spoiler »It ended on a much more eerie note than I thought it was going to, and that appeals to my horror-loving heart! « Hide Spoiler

This is a fun and creepy page-turner. While the ending might have been somewhat predictable, it’s still a worthwhile thriller with excellent horror elements! I would recommend it to anyone looking to be a bit unsettled.

Do you plan on picking up some scary reads for the impending spooky season?

A.S. Thornton

A.S. Thornton has evolved from book blogger to author with a particular fondness for writing forbidden love in ancient deserts. When not writing, she’s caring for dogs and cats as a veterinarian. You’ll never find animals at the center of her writing, though, because those fictional worlds don’t have veterinarians and her literal brain can’t accept that the poor critters would be without parasite prevention. Thornton’s debut, DAUGHTER OF THE SALT KING is available wherever books are sold.