Review - The Spite House by Johnny Compton

Synopsis -

Eric Ross is on the run from a mysterious past with his two daughters in tow. Having left his wife, his house, his whole life behind in Maryland, he's desperate for money—it's not easy to find steady, safe work when you can't provide references, you can't stay in one place for long, and you're paranoid that your past is creeping back up on you.

When he comes across the strange ad for the Masson House in Degener, Texas, Eric thinks they may have finally caught a lucky break. The Masson property, notorious for being one of the most haunted places in Texas, needs a caretaker of sorts. The owner is looking for proof of paranormal activity. All they need to do is stay in the house and keep a detailed record of everything that happens there. Provided the house’s horrors don’t drive them all mad, like the caretakers before them.

The job calls to Eric, not just because there's a huge payout if they can make it through, but because he wants to explore the secrets of the spite house. If it is indeed haunted, maybe it'll help him understand the uncanny power that clings to his family, driving them from town to town, making them afraid to stop running.

Review -

This is a haunted house tale that is a good deal different than most others that I have read. While the house does indeed play a major role in how the story unfolds, it's the haunting of the main characters that is where the real creepiness lies.

There are a couple of different mysteries taking place in The Spite House, both of which converge in a rather clever way. While one character fears what death may bring, another tries to grapple with how a family member was returned from death's grip.

Fans of gothic horror will enjoy the slow burn pacing and character development, although for me, there were times when things moved a little too slowly. Still, a solid read that I would recommend. You can nab your copy HERE.

4 stars out of 5