Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman
I was looking forward to this book. I read mixed reviews but wanted to read it for myself. I started the audiobook and was surprised to hear the narrator talk in a squeaky voice, since this book is from an 8 year old’s perspective. I almost DNFed it but I was intrigued and thankfully it got better. We’re immediately introduced to Other Mommy and she scared the bejeezus out of me!
I’m not sure how to feel about this. I was expected a crazy twist but it didn’t happen. It was pretty eerie and kept me really interested. I just thought osme things didn’t make sense. The ending was okay but I wanted more!
3 ⭐
Review on Fable
There were definitely some scary parts in this book and listening this on audiobook made it even creepier. Unfortunately, the second half of this book falls flat and fails to keep me interested. There are other things happening besides being haunted by an evil entity that needed either more context or be integrated more within the story.
“Can I go inside your heart?”
We start the book in the point of view of an 8-year-old girl named Bela. She talks to her “imaginary friend” Other Mommy who lives in her closet and visits her every night asking her the same questions, “Can I go inside your heart?”. And every time Bela says no! But Other Mommy is starting to appear in other places besides her closet; during the day at home, at the playground, and even pretends to be other people. Bela tries to tell her parents what she’s experiencing to her parents but they don’t believe her. Until Other Mommy shows herself to Bela’s real mommy. Then things start to take a turn for the worst.
Like I mentioned above, if you love horror and don’t mind plot holes, maybe you’ll like this book. However, I don’t recommend it. Although I gave it 3 ⭐, it was more for the scary parts and the unexpected ending that left me wanting an explanation.
Character Summary
Are you currently reading and are lost with who is who? Read below for a spoiler-free character list:
Bela – Narrator, 8 year old who’s haunted by Other Mommy
Other Mommy – Entity who lives in Bela’s closet, talks to Bela every night
Mommy (Ursula) – Bela’s mom, has some hidden secrets
Daddo (Russ)- Bela’s dad, the “perfect” father/husband
Grandma Ruth – Mommy’s mother, voice of reason
Lois – Psychic trying to help Bela
Evelyn – Grandma’s friend
Calvin – Bela’s friend
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