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Book #67
4/5
A few loose ends in this one, but in this case, it's okay to leave some things open to interpretation. Part mystery, part supernatural (maybe?), it kept me hooked the whole time.

I love a good haunted house story. This one was pretty good and was creepy at times. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I‘m a sucker for haunted house stories, but this didn‘t work for me. Great premise and set-up and then it lost me by the end.

Personally, I found nothing wrong with the writing or story except that there was too much of it.I found there were many major controversial topics brought into the story which couldn‘t realistically be addressed. It would have been easier if they were mentioned as an aside and not focused since ultimately they don‘t play a role in the story. Then, the storyline becomes confusing with the history regarding ownership of the house through the years.

George built the Octagon House in Sumner Mills for his bride, but she never lived in it, disappearing with her child never to be seen again. The tenancy of the next family ended in a terrible tragedy. Since then, the basement has exercised a horrible draw on young women — and Abby can‘t stay away. Part ghost story, part exploration of mental illness. Strong story but with a weirdly plodding pace. I almost bailed, but wound up reading every word.

I ended up really enjoying this one even more than I was expecting! It‘s creepy and atmospheric and has an interesting surprise that I truly did not see coming. It‘s pretty sad in parts but also hopeful in others. My only real complaint is that I wasn‘t crazy about the narrator. Just didn‘t find her voice all that pleasing. Either way a really good story! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

April #BookSpin
@TheAromaofBooks

Beneath the Stairs is a well-written novel about how traumatic experiences can haunt a person. Three women experience something unexplainable at the Octagon House, a rundown house that was the site of family murder.

Started this atmospheric mystery\thriller tonight. I wonder if it will be a ghost story,, too?

Wow- what an impressive debut novel! Dominated by the Octagon House, this atmospheric and unsettling tale weaves together a modern and historical story that is hard to put down! With spooky imagery, Fawcett nails not only traumas of adulthood but also the dynamics of adolescent friendships. Fans of Jennifer McMahon‘s books like myself are sure to enjoy this captivating read! I really enjoyed this and can‘t wait to see what she writes next!

Clare returns home after receiving news that Abby, her childhood best friend is in a coma following a suicide attempt at Octagon House, an abandoned property. As Clare digs into the days leading to Abby‘s attempt, she finds all roads lead back to Octagon House and its dark history. This book gave me the creeps in the best way. Look out for this one on Feb 22/22. Thanks to NetGalley and @SimonSchuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Jennifer Fawcett undoubtedly managed this complex story well. The aspects that frustrated or disappointed me were largely a reflection of my reading preferences. I didn‘t care for the romantic aspect for reasons I won‘t spoil here, I didn‘t feel the reveal was especially exciting, and I disliked the tidiness of the ending.

My full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4294184731