I loved this ya horror! This book had me completely captivated and I had a really hard time putting this one down. When Ghosts Call Us Home was such a delightful, spooky, and atmospheric read that I thoroughly enjoyed. This book was so well written and had a super intriguing plot!

Read this if you like:

🏚️ Haunted Houses
🏚️ Unreliable Narrators
🏚️ Psychological Horror
🏚️ Atmospheric Reads

I highly recommend picking this book up for the spooky season!

When Ghosts Call Us Home by Katya deBecerra is a YA Horror novel that is the Haunting-of-Hill-House meets found-footage horror. I can not agree more with that description. The only thing I would change is the horror part. This book is a great representation of paranormal/mystery/thriller, but the horror vibes weren’t as pronounced as they could have been.

This book is about Sophia Galich’s search for her missing sister, Layla. Layla is five years Sophia’s senior, and when Sophia was twelve, Layla single-handedly created, filmed, and produced a found-footage horror movie in the vein of The Blair Witch Project. Basically, Layla filmed her younger sister terrified out of her mind and formed it into a movie. Why did Layla do this you ask? That’s a good question. I asked the same thing as I read about how much Sophia missed her sister and how frantic she was to find her. But, that’s love isn’t it? It makes you do things you wouldn’t normally do because love makes you irrational. All of that aside, Sophia’s undying love and respect for her sister leads her back to Cashore house, the place where Layla filmed her. It’s also the place where Sophia developed mental and emotional problems and where Layla went missing two years before the start of the book.

I’m aware that I'm trash-talking Layla, but it’s easy to do when the only version of her that the reader sees is the one that a now seventeen year-old Sophia gives through her point of view. Either we see the Layla from when Sophia was twelve, the enigmatic and strong older sister, or we see her as Sophia remembers her before she went missing two years prior. Therefore, assumptions were easily formed about Layla. But, Sophia, being our earnest and loving MC, pushes for her sister so much that eventually the reader is compelled to give Layla the benefit of the doubt.

So, the plot of this book. How exactly does Layla plan on finding her sister? Where does she look? First of all, Layla went missing at Cashore House from her college dormitory. This is a haunted house novel after all. But, how does a seventeen year-old get back to the house that her parents renovated over 5 years prior? She takes part in a reenactment put on by a director trying to reignite his career. Or, is he? Before the start of this so-called tribute, Sophia is uncomfortable and everyone is suspect. Oh, did I mention that Sophia doesn’t actually believe in the supernatural? But, love. So, Sophia participates in reenacting scenes from her sister’s famous movie in order to figure out what happened to her sister. At first, she believes that she’s doing this to jog her memories, but then that twists into a cult mission/adventure straight out of The Ring meets Scooby Doo. She has to look for those clues in order to unveil that ghost.

Naturally, there is a romance, and naturally I could've done without it. It felt a little shallow and rushed. But, honestly, that wasn’t the love interest’s fault. A Lot of the characters, especially the side characters felt underdeveloped. I felt like knowing I could read the book without ever knowing most of their names.

The main problem that I had with this book was the disjointedness of the plot as well as the lack of supernatural/paranormal horror vibes. I think this was due to the constant interruptions of the plot where Sophia would explain and explain and explain again about either Layla’s movie or the concept of found-footage horror. It made it difficult to remain fully immersed in the plot and the story.

Looking at this review, it seems so negative. But, we’re going to blame the book I read before this one. It was a total mood-killer and sent me into a mini reading slump. I’m going to give it 3 stars for now. Might change that later.

I want to start off by saying I am aware I’m not the intended audience for this novel. However, I feel like it would take a certain kind of student to love this book, and they are most likely an avid reader. The writing is lush and atmospheric. It’s haunting, and leaves you with an unsettling itch underneath your skin. I appreciate those aspects of the story. The premise is wild. A haunted house where a couple of teenagers filmed a supposed haunting, and after one goes missing the other returns 5 years later to try to find her. I was hooked. But I think my disconnect comes from hating the narrator. I don’t know what it was about Sophia, but I just didn’t find her interesting. She should be. She experienced a lot. But I just find her underdeveloped. I feel like the trauma of having your sister go missing wouldn’t be the sole crux of your personality, and that’s all she really talks about. I felt that the ballet connection could’ve been expressed more thoroughly since other plot points are given so much time. Overall I think this is a decent story to add to the horror section of a library.

I absolutely flew through this. I was reading this while sick and I'm pretty sure I read this in like one 8-hour sitting, LOL. This was super easy to read, but the writing wasn't too simplistic it was still really beautifully done. This was such a compelling plot/premise, and the setting was so atmospheric and spooky. I had a great time with this and I could totally see Netflix making this into a movie. I do wish, though, that the website was a little bit better explained/we got a bit more information on how that all worked, because I was a little bit confused on how it all worked together. But, even with that, I still enjoyed this so much. I think this is coming out at a perfect time--spooky season! I cannot wait for my library to get our copies in, because I think our teens (and adults, too!) will really enjoy this.

4.5 stars- loved it.

I read this in two sitting because I could not put it down, I would have read it in one sitting if I didn't have to go to work LOL. It was captivating, atmospheric, super eerie but also cozy in many ways, kept me on the edge of my seat. Written beautifully and so easy to read, I think this would make for a great movie adaptation.

This would have been a 5 star read but there were a few things that didn't quite make sense to me, like the website and how it operated. Some of the "path levels" were a little confusing and and I just couldn't see how it tied in together. Overall, a wonderful read that I think I would recommend to everyone.

Read this if you enjoy: haunted houses, sister bonds, ya books, psychological horror, paranormal, horror movies, found footage movies, mystery and twists.

Thanks to netgalley and Page Street Publishing, Page Street YA for sharing a digital copy for me to read and review, as always, opinions are my own 🤘🏻💀🤘🏻

For me, this is one of the good, haunted house stories that I've read. It got me hook right at the start. It was creepy and intriguing. Only, I didn't quite get how the last path worked because there were two of them, but it hurriedly ended and only focused on Sophia. It would be interesting to see too, how the path worked for Arthur, so we can understand what happened to the others. But it was great overall, I'll recommend it.

I really enjoyed this book and I thought it was a great choice for the autumn season that is approaching. I live in Texas, so it was really nice to feel transported into a Gothic setting different from my own.

3 stars

This is going to be a hit for the y/a group but I’m not sure it’ll hold up for the older group. It is well written, however I found it hard to relate to the characters.
All that being said it is marked for y/a so it’s a win! It is spooky and it has lots references that todays youth will relate to.

I really enjoyed this book and it’s perfect for spooky season that is upon us. Sophia has to return to the home of her nightmares in order to find her sister. After starring in her sister Layla’s horror film (that garnered a cult following) when she was twelve, Sophia has been left with trauma of how the movie played out. When her sister becomes missing, it’s up to her to explore the clues left behind in this movie and face her fears by returning to her childhood home. Such a rich story and well done!

Beautifully written, this one is full of love and desperation, against the backdrop of well done horror imagery.

Sophia doesn’t have pleasant memories of Cashore House. It’s the place where her older sister Layla made an independent amateur horror film, starring a then 12 year old Sophia, called Vermillion. Now, Layla has gone missing and Sophia not only has to maneuver through the crazy fans of this cult classic film, but she must return to where it all began. Whatever it takes to find her sister.

I thought this was so well done! I absolutely loved the idea of the film Vermillion, the way it is experienced through Sophia, the lore, the scary process of filming… and ultimately what it does to Sophia mentally through the next few years. Going back to this Cashore House makes her revisit all those fears she had from being a child on such a horrific set.

Presently, the lengths she goes to search for Layla bring forth old memories, gaining her further insights into this twisted game being played with her. There are some really well melding layers to this book. It kept me fully engaged from beginning to end.

When Ghosts Call Us Home
by Katya de Becerra
Pub Date: 03 Oct 2023

Haunting of Hill House meets found-footage horror in this edge-of-your-seat thriller that explores the power of family ties and the trauma that lurks there.

When Sophia Galich was twelve, she starred in her older sister Layla’s amateur horror movie Vermillion, which recorded raw footage of her very real reactions to scenes her sister concocted in their old Californian house on the coast—Cashore House.

In the years after the film’s release, Sophia’s relationship with her sister became more strained, while her memories of the now-infamous house fueled her nightmares. Vermillion amassed an army of fanatical fans who speculated about the film’s hidden messages, and it was rumored that Layla made a pact with the devil—her soul in exchange for fame and arcane knowledge. Sophia dismissed this as gossip…until Layla disappeared.

Now, Sophia must study the trail of clues Layla has left behind, returning to the very place where it all began. As she gets closer and closer to Cashore House’s haunted heart, she must once again confront the ghosts of her childhood. But the house won’t reveal its secrets without a fight.

This book is just not for me. I maybe would’ve liked it if I’d read it several years ago, but as an adult the main character’s decisions feel so silly and poorly planned.

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

**Book Review: When Ghosts Call Us Home**

In "When Ghosts Call Us Home," readers are treated to a spine-tingling narrative that seamlessly marries the eerie ambiance of "The Haunting of Hill House" with the riveting allure of found-footage horror. This gripping thriller delves into the complexities of family bonds and the haunting repercussions of past traumas, all set against the backdrop of a coastal Californian mansion named Cashore House.

At the center of the story is Sophia Galich, who once played a pivotal role in her older sister Layla's amateur horror film, Vermillion. The film's raw footage captured Sophia's authentic reactions to the chilling scenes concocted by Layla within the walls of their childhood home. As years passed, the once-close sisters drifted apart, and Sophia found herself plagued by nightmares fueled by memories of Cashore House.

The aftermath of Vermillion's release led to an influx of devoted fans speculating about hidden messages within the film. Dark rumors circulated, suggesting that Layla had struck a sinister pact for fame and arcane knowledge, trading her soul to the devil. Sophia had initially dismissed these tales as mere gossip, until Layla mysteriously vanished.

Sophia embarks on an intense journey, following Layla's enigmatic trail of clues back to Cashore House. As she delves deeper into the mansion's haunted heart, Sophia must confront the ghosts of her own childhood and navigate the chilling secrets that refuse to remain hidden. The story's atmosphere is both chilling and captivating, with the coastal mansion setting vividly portrayed and its characters, although not without their flaws, offering relatable and sympathetic qualities.

The narrative aptly weaves the themes of family dynamics, supernatural intrigue, and psychological horror. As Sophia navigates her quest, readers witness the evolution of her relationship with her missing sister, uncovering layers of complexity and betrayal. The novel's comparison to Shirley Jackson's masterpiece is well-deserved, and it may even encourage young readers to explore the psychological depths of Jackson's work.

The story holds an intensity that might prove a touch overwhelming for younger readers, yet older teens are bound to be enthralled. The burgeoning romance subplot brings a more accessible dimension to the narrative, adding a relatable layer while avoiding the trappings of a toxic relationship trope.

Sophia's journey is the beating heart of the story, marked by her determination to rescue her sister and her growing realization of Layla's multifaceted character. The narrative beautifully explores sisterhood dynamics, making for a refreshing departure from the usual older-sibling-rescuing-younger-sibling trope.

The web of intrigue deepens as Sophia immerses herself in the lore surrounding Vermillion and its devoted fanbase, the V-heads. The mysterious online presence and tantalizing hints add layers of unease and suspense, particularly as Sophia grapples with her own memories being tampered with by a malevolent force.

Although the novel's resolution is ultimately satisfying, the final act feels somewhat rushed, detracting slightly from the otherwise expertly crafted pacing. Overall, "When Ghosts Call Us Home" is a hauntingly atmospheric tale that captivates with its exploration of family ties, psychological tension, and the eerie allure of a haunted house. This upcoming release is undoubtedly a must-add to any reader's October reading list.

A good read for YA kids looking for something scary, but not quite ready for true horror. The ties to social media and online culture are relatable.

The gothic, creepy vibes were fantastic here. I enjoyed the smooth writing and the characters as well. This will be perfect for young adults and everyone looking for an atmospheric, ghostly read.

This haunting tale will become your next obsession. It's spooky and mysterious. The tension mounts as the MC realizes that she can't trust her own memories and perception, and it leads to a wonderfully creepy conclusion. Good luck putting it down!

“When Ghosts Call Us Home” by Katya de Becerra is a beautifully written gothic ghost story. 17 year old Sophia has returned Cashore House five years after starring in her older sister’s Layla’s famous film Vermillion, and two years after Layla’s disappearance. Sophia never believed in ghosts, but she can’t really remember her time spent in Cashore House. Maybe ghosts are real, yearning to be alive, and angry over past injustices. A truly haunting read, which will have you sleeping with the light on. For fans of classic horror and TV shows like “Haunting of Hill House.

A younger sister thrusts herself back into the haunted house of her past in this slow burn YA horror novel. Sophia’s sister, Layla, rose to fame after filming young Sophia’s “fake” encounters with a ghost called V. Then, years later, Layla disappears. Offered a chance to go back to the house that started it all in a “sequel” to the first movie, Sophia agrees though without the permission of her parents. At the house, old memories are cast in new, older light. How did her sister fake everything so well as a teenager? And why do the memories seem so different now Sophia isn’t a twelve year old enraptured by her older sister’s every move? As the supposedly artificial horror of the sequel spirals out of control, Sophia is left with more questions than ever. But to rescue her sister, she’ll persist the gaps in her memory and the impossible feats of the new director’s humanly vision, While repetitive at times, this creeping horror novel is a current take on a haunted house and cult films with their darkly obsessed fans.

When Ghosts Call Us Home was a lyrical, sometimes confusing, but always atmospheric story of Sophia Galich's journey back into the house, and the amateur horror movie, that made her older sister Layla famous.

I thought the author did a great job of exploring Sophia's trauma and grief around her older sister's disappearance and the memories of the movie she stared in as a child that later became a cult classic. I also enjoyed her relationship with Arthur and the strangeness of The Path as they both traveled it together. My biggest critique comes during the early chapters of the book, which felt a little info-dumpy, but I'm glad I stuck with it because I quickly became sucked into the rest of the story.