Review of Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman
From the moment I heard about Incidents Around the House, I found myself captivated, not just by its spine-tingling premise, but also by the promise of Josh Malerman’s unique storytelling. If you’ve read his previous works, you know he has a knack for blending horror with heart in ways that are both unsettling and deeply human. After diving into this latest novel, I can’t help but reflect on how Malerman has struck gold yet again, crafting a narrative that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
A Haunting Journey
The story centers around an 8-year-old girl named Bela, who is haunted by a malevolent presence she calls Other Mommy. At first, this being seems friendly, but as the plot unfolds, the true terror of Other Mommy becomes apparent. This premise alone hooked me, and Malerman’s ability to express the world through the eyes of a child added a layer of authenticity that made the eerie moments all the more impactful. There’s something inherently creepy about seeing the supernatural through a child’s innocent lens, and the age-appropriate logic Bela uses to justify her experiences only amplifies the horror.
The pacing is superb—right from the beginning, Malerman introduces Other Mommy without making us wait, thrusting the reader into a whirlwind of chilling incidents around the house. The urgency of the narrative kept my heart racing, and I found myself completely absorbed in Bela’s plight. The stakes are raised as her parents, initially dismissing their daughter’s fears, find themselves pulled inexorably into a web of terror that threatens to unravel their family as well.
Characters That Resonate
One of my personal favorite elements was Grandma Ruth. She embodies the comforting presence we all long for amidst chaos. Her wisdom and unwavering love served as an anchor for both Bela and her parents, adding a much-needed lightness to the otherwise dark atmosphere of the novel. Malerman masterfully balances the heaviness of horror with the warmth of family bonds, making each character feel real and relatable.
The writing itself is vivid and grounded, punctuated by haunting imagery that stayed with me long after I finished the book. The horror elements were skillfully executed; I found myself picturing certain scenes with unsettling clarity, a testament to Malerman’s ability to conjure visceral images. The sprinkling of occult themes added depth, inviting readers to contemplate the darker side of familial love and the lengths we go to protect one another.
Audiobook Experience
As someone who revels in the audiobook format, I can’t recommend this particular rendition enough. Narrated by Delanie Nicole Gill, the performance felt so authentic that at times I forgot I was listening to an adult voice; Gill expertly captured the essence of an 8-year-old girl, adding a haunting layer to the narrative. It’s a decision that made the already eerie story feel even more immersive, drawing me deeper into Bela’s world.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Incidents Around the House is a riveting exploration of childhood fears, familial bonds, and the supernatural. I rated it 4.5 stars, rounding up because the audiobook experience elevated it so significantly. I found it to be the best of Malerman’s works I’ve encountered so far, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it to horror readers of all kinds. Whether you’re a longtime admirer of Malerman or a newcomer to his haunting tales, this book is a must-read that will linger in your mind long after you’ve set it down.
Thank you, Del Rey, for providing me with a copy to savor. My excitement for Malerman’s next release is palpable!
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