I can’t watch scary movies anymore (Paranormal Activity pretty much ruined
that for me), but I love suspenseful, thrilling books, and Sonja Condit’s
Starter House is deliciously
creepy.
The novel opens with a young married couple moving into their first home together. After searching for months Lacey has finally found a house that instantly captivates her, and after a childhood spent moving from place to place, sleeping in cars and motel rooms, she believes she’ll finally be able to settle down. But hesitant words of warning from the real-estate agent set off the story’s vaguely uncomfortable, ubiquitous sense of unease surrounding the house. Inside the house lurk dark forces that rush down stairs and a creepy child specter who can be eating sugar cookies one moment but whose tantrums can utterly destroy rooms the next. Lacey must figure out how to pacify this spirit in the house before her own son is born into a hostile environment where only one child is tolerated.
Starter House is extremely well written, able to evoke moments of both suspenseful anticipation and the beauty of being a mother and teacher, while Lacey’s character really draws you into her fright and the horrible decisions she is forced to contemplate. I seriously recommend looking out for this one, which comes out January of next year. If you can’t wait that long to experience this chilling story, eGalleys are currently available on Edelweiss.
-Amanda
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