The House Where Death Lives

May 27, 2024
In this speculative fiction anthology, which spans genres and cultural traditions, Brown (Damned If You Do), who also contributes, gathers 16 horror writers—including Traci Chee, Rosiee Thor, and Justine Pucella Winans—to tell grisly tales about a haunted house from the perspectives of residents and visitors alike. Selections are set in individual areas of the house and grounds—love frees a ghost from an attic purgatory in Courtney Gould’s gripping “Good Morning, Georgia.” In Sandra Proudman’s futuristic, escape room–esque tale “Smartmonster,” which takes place on the second floor, strangers struggle for survival in a deadly AI-controlled gauntlet that leads them through myriad hidden passageways. Downstairs, sisters sacrifice greatly to save each other in Liz Hull’s aching “After Midnight,” while “Mirror, Mirror” by Nora Elghazzawi, also set on the second floor, follows a djinn that preys on vanity from the mirror it’s trapped in. Themes of love, loss, and transition are woven throughout simmering romances and expansive adventures, which come together to build a collection of Haunting of Hill House–inspired tales that is cohesive, reflective, and satisfying. Ages 14–up. Agent: Renee Nyen, KT Literary.

June 15, 2024
Sixteen authors conduct a haunted tour of a house that forces us to look at the ghosts we don't want to see. In this collection, readers take a journey through stories that are divided into sections: "Attic," "Down the Stairs," "Second Floor," "First Floor," and Grounds." The stories, which are rooted in various folkloric and mythological traditions, are by a diverse range of authors, including newer voices and well-established fan favorites, such as Traci Chee and Nova Ren Suma. Some of the standout entries include Courtney Gould's "Good Morning, Georgia," which plays with perception as two teenage girls communicate through a vanity mirror; Kay Costales' "Cradle and All," in which the Tiyanak, a blood-sucking creature from Filipino mythology, appears to a girl who's haunted by a loss; and Nora Elghazzawi's "Mirror, Mirror," which introduces readers to a djinn who will prompt them to question what they'd be willing to give up to get what they want. Equally strong are Gina Chen's "Like Mother," which describes a deal with a demon and a commentary on the traumas, losses, and legacies of the immigration experience, and "In Deep" by C.L. McCollum, focused around a murky pond at a B&B where heartbreak and revenge thrive. Loss and grief of various kinds are at the core of each story in this engaging volume. Will make readers lock their doors, turn on the lights, and cover every mirror in the house. (Horror anthology. 14-18)

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August 1, 2024
Grades 9-12 Sixteen haunting and luminous stories by as many YA authors tell the reader tales of the people connected to the floors of an old house. Starting in the attic, "Good Morning, Georgia," by Courtney Gould, features Leah, a girl whose mother has grounded her indefinitely, or so it would seem. The stories progress down the floors of the house with a range of ghosts: Anak, the narrator of Kay Costales' "Cradle and All," is aware of the various ghosts in her home, but at night she is haunted by a particular ghost related to her secret abortion. "After Midnight," by Liz Hull, features Rowan, a girl who misses her dead sister so much she willingly performs a terrible ritual to bring her sister near--but is it truly her sister returning? In "The Grey Library," by Nova Ren Suma, a babysitter takes care of a very strange toddler and meets a horrifying fate. Each story has a unique take on how the house is haunted and will stay with the reader for a long time.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 30, 2024

Gr 10 Up-In a house unbound by the laws of the natural world, where death follows the inhabitants, these 16 stories by a mix of well-known and newer authors trail through the dark hallways of human fear. As readers progress from the attic down through each room of the house, it gives way to secrets and stories of the deaths it has seen. Other than the house as a pathway from one to the next, little common ground can be found in the stories, which represent a broad array of identities and topics. Illustrations are a chilling addition to this dark collection that bridges space between abortion, monsters, ghosts, infant loss, societal pressure, devotion beyond death to a sibling, and more: while the stories are only connected to each other by their taking place in the same house, the blend of horror with deeply emotional scenarios creates a poignant and evocative whole. Particularly creepy pieces include "Cradle and All" by Kay Costales, "Mirror, Mirror" by Nora Elghazzawi, and "Like Mother" by Gina Chen. VERDICT An inspired concept, somewhat successfully executed, but with some truly haunting tales. Purchase where anthologies circulate well.-Allie Stevens

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