This read was an uncomfortable, disturbing and skin crawling one. I was unsure of how I felt about the collector, I new that I didn't like them and that I would never want to meet them.

This was the perfect dark and twisty book! Exactly everything I love in a creepy story. I felt the middle dragged out a little but the ending was well worth it! I couldn't put this one down! I loved all the characters and the entire plot! Such a great read!

First, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me access to the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This review is late, and man am I mad about it.

Peter Baden's daughter Olivia disappeared almost a year ago, and he has been relentless in his quest to bring his daughter home.

When Angel Evanston's mom Sunshine leaves the 14 year old and her twin brother Bud alone for the weekend, she has no idea the nightmare that will follow.

Which brings us to Alfred. Alfred is disturbed - very disturbed. Intent on rewriting his past by recreating its key moments through photos. He needs "dolls" - live, blonde, blue-eyed children to stand in for the key players. But he's not just content in rewriting his past, he needs to exact revenge on who he perceives as the main perpetrator in his misery - his sister, Felicity.

Bud, Angel, and Olivia are now prisoners in Alfred's Dollhouse, living in constant fear of his tempers, photo shoots, and sadism. The only way out of the Dollhouse is if they stay alert, stay smart, and keep a cool head - something they all struggle to do.


This book needs a few major trigger warnings. These warnings include, but are not limited to - child neglect, child abuse, sexual abuse, torture, drug use, kidnapping, and vivid depictions of violent.

Since it went off the air, I've had Criminal Minds shaped itch that has been tough to scratch. This book read like a Criminal Minds episode, without the police and FBI angle. We're seeing the story unfold from multiple points of view - the victim (Angel), the father (Peter Baden), and a mysterious narrator Edward. The triple POVs add to the quick clip of the story, switching back and forth with ease and in a way that was not jarring. This story is DARK and raises enough questions as you read to make sure you stay interested.

My one complaint, and it is a small one, is that the twist (without giving away spoilers) made some prior parts of the book confusing and somewhat implausible. I will say it took me completely off guard, which is hard to do.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and, even though it sounds strange to say, do look forward to reading the second book in the series.

This book had me gripped from the very first page, dark and twisted with a well written villain. This book had raw emotion and was complete with suspense all the way through. its a creepy sociological thriller which i would recommend if you have the stomach!!

This is a creepy scary book! Very well done. Easy to read. I’m left with unpleasant images (in the best way possible, good on the author). This book will stay with me for quite some time! I recommend if you enjoy a good horror/psychological thriller.

Are you missing Criminal Minds? Then I have the book for you! The Dollhouse is creepy and psychologically thrilling; a story that would have been featured in the show.

Peter Baden's daughter was abducted a year ago; since then he has left his career as a respected journalist to find her and help other parents in the same position. When twins Angel and Bud go missing, he tries to help their flighty mother find her children.

The twins are imprisoned in the Dollhouse. These “dolls” are forced to re-stage old photographs: the unsub trying to recreate his own miserable life. He believes these “dolls” will be the answer to his trauma by rewriting his past. Angel is cast as his sister, and her abuse is unfathomable. But the photo album is running out of photos and the captured “dolls” must come up with a plan to save their lives.

While this doesn't follow profilers, the novel bounces from Angel's perspective to Peters. Angel's chapters record the abuse, violence, and hardships the children go through. We see how the unsub sees his family in these children. It's interesting to see those connections and why his behavior is the way it is. We also feel the pain the children endure. I can just see this book directed by Matthew Gray Gubler and it's wicked scary.

Trigger Warning
Not only is there child abuse and violence, but mental illness is also a focus of this book. It is used in a stereotypical media version of mental illness. It is not realistic and, for some this, could trigger their mental illness or anger people in the way it is used. While reading this, remember this is fictitious and mental illness doesn't mean people are evil criminals.

If you and your friends love twisting psychological thrillers, then The Dollhouse is for you.

I received an ARC from the publisher; all opinions are my own.

This book has multiple character POV's but is done in third person. Honestly, I was incredibly nervous, because I had started a book with a similar title and synopsis and it very quickly became a DNF for me - in fact, I only managed to get 6% into the book before giving it up. This book, however, was well executed. I am so thankful for that! We meet a lot of characters along the way, and some definitely aren't who you think they are - again, something done well by the author. Honestly, I have to give this five feathers, because I couldn't put it down once I started, and because it did what the other book couldn't. One thing I would like to mention, is that there are definitely some errors within the book. Extra words (in one spot "the the" is left in this copy) and minor grammatical oversights. It didn't stop me from enjoying the book, though. I hope these were fixed before release!
There is child abuse throughout the novel, as well as mentions of rape (in passing, not described). Murder is mentioned and described in detail in numerous sections. A few cuss words, including the *c* word, and the *f* word. Honestly, I recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers. It's great!
Thank you so much NetGalley, for a wonderful read!
You can follow my link, to see my full review on my website! Will also be reviewing on GoodReads!

I had a lot of WTH moments when reading this book and I read a lot of dark books. However, this book knocked my socks off. It was fresh and different from a lot of other psychological thrillers I have read. It is disturbing and will have you shaking your head in shock. I could not put it down! There are trigger warnings - child abuse, murder, abuse, assault.

Twins, Angel and Bud, are kidnapped. They find themselves being called "dolls" and living in a "Dollhouse" along with another girl who has been missing for a year. Alfred, their keeper, is a sick man. He goes to great lengths to make them conform so he can forget his past.

If you like reading psychological thrillers that drift a bit into horror then this one is for you!

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley and the author for the #gifted copy of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Pros: What a dark and tense book! This story goes to some messed-up places. It kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time.
Cons: Even though the tension was there throughout the book it did seem to be slow in places. There was a lot of action but I felt I was missing a connection with the characters or lacked the feelings or emotions of the characters a bit.
This was a great plot (WOW) and would be a great read for someone that likes a more plot-driven than character-driven storylines.

I understand there is a lot of hype around this book, and a lot of people have really liked it. I have to say, I am not one of them. This book read like a YA novel to me, which I don't ever like to read. I did not connect with the writing style, and I got bored with the dialogue between the main characters. I found it very difficult to finish. I guess I am just an oddball out of the crowd on this one.

The Dollhouse by Sara Ennis
I give this book 4.5 stars

Alfred needs dolls that will help him rewrite his past and change his future.
3 are now captives in a place called the Dollhouse.They are forced to re-stage old photographs, but satisfying Alfred is not easy……..
And there aren’t many photos left!

This brilliant psychological thriller is creepy,twisted and more than a little bit disturbing.The well written plot and memorable characters held my attention from the beginning and had me on the edge of my seat,feeling a gauntlet of emotions..l was totally invested in Angel and equally disgusted with Alfred.l particularly loved the way the Police investigation was kept as a smaller portion so all the attention and focus was on the horror of what was going on.
Book 2 is coming out shortly and l cannot wait!!!
With thanks to Netgalley and Sara Ennis for my chance to read and review this book

This book seriously gave me the creeps, and at times I had to put it down because I couldn't believe what I was reading. What goes on in this author's mind, I'll never know! It's uncomfortable, sickening, and downright bloody brilliant! I'm so glad this was recommended to me and that I managed to get a copy. Thank you so much. I'm really looking forward to the next book.

If you’re like me and relax by reading messed up books, than look no further than The Dollhouse. This is a dark and disturbing read that totally hit the spot for me.

Kidnapper with serious family issues that causes him to recreate his past using human “dolls” ? ✔️
Interesting plot that keeps you turning the pages for answers ? ✔️
An ending that leaves you so excited for book two? ✔️✔️

There is some graphic content so please DM me if you want any TW. If you liked The Butterfly Garden, this will be right up your alley.

I can’t wait to dig into Hunter: The Sins of the Father !

Thank you to @netgalley and the author for the eARC to read and review. This one is out now.

4.5 stars

This book will suck you right in, I did not want to put it down! It's so well-written, the characters were completely realistic, the story was so vivid in my mind! Not to mention, it took me a good 5 minutes to pick my jaw up off the floor when I was hit with a big twist that I definitely did NOT see coming!

When I finished this book, I immediately started it's sequel "The Hunted: Sins of the Father", and so far I don't want to put it down either!

Who needs to watch movies when you have a book like this?

Sara has a wonderful way of creating exactly what you want, in a thriller/horror book. It was brutal, blunt and right in your face, it was disturbing the least and the more you read the more you wish you didn't. 

I absolutely loved the main plot, and thought it was very creative. I did have an idea early on, but thought no way that wouldn't be possible but low and behold what happens; exactly what i think wouldn't happen. 

I would recommend this book if you loved movies like Saw, where the victims are made to participate in "games or activities"  where they don't want to do but need to in order to survive. 

Thank you @netgalley and @saraenniswrites for the gifting the ebook of The DollHouse to me. I'm now off to finish the second book The Hunted:The Sins of The Father. Which I literally started straight away 😱

I do issue this book with some trigger warnings of extreme child abuse and mental health.

There's already quite a buzz around this book on social media so I had to read it.

It's a 'children getting abducted and locked in a basement' psychological thriller, so beware it's dark and includes some very dark elements.

Two of the children who get snatched are twins Angel and Bud, while Peter is a journalist whose own daughter Olivia disappeared a year ago who refuses to give up the search.

We see the lives and struggle of the children trapped in 'The Dollhouse' while Peter leads the investigation on the outside.

It is dark, twisted and fast. It keeps the threat and tension high and is emotionally involving.

There was one element I didn't like, but it set up a great twist. While this isn't the very best book about kids locked in a basement that I've read, (still Lucinda Berry's Appetite For Innocence), it is a fast and gripping read. It is easy to forget this is a self published debut, I'm sure it will be a huge success amongst psychological thriller fans.

Today (1st December) sees the publication of book two The Hunted: Sins Of The Father, which I've started already.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sara Ennis

5⭐️ gore score 4/5
Duality #1

Don’t let the pretty gothic mystery style cover fool you, this is one of the darkest grittiest most emotional books I’ve ever read.

A psychological thriller by a new to me author. The story uses the trope of abducted and ‘kept’ children. In this case teenage twins Angel and Bud.
Peter’s story is very moving, his daughter Olivia was stolen. He is obsessed with all children taken looking for links. He is still on a mission a year later to try and find his daughter.

There is a very good pace and plenty of tension. The physical and psychological torture is disturbing and I had a lot of emotional investment with the captive teenagers. In some ways I felt sorry for Albert as we learn of his abusive childhood.
Its very moving, the emotional baggage keeps piling up throughout leaving me wrung out.

It has several threads to the storyline which intertwine and unravel.

This is one hell of a WOW book. It had me in floods of tears.

This is the darkest book I’ve read

It won’t appeal to everyone because of the subject matter.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫- {THE DOLLHOUSE- SARA ENNIS}

Its every parents worst nightmare. Someone is targeting and kidnapping children from different states around the country with blonde hair, blue eyes, and who have recently been on national television. The chosen are being kept locked away in “the dollhouse” where they are treated as real living dolls, forced to recreate family photos from their kidnappers twisted past. His attempts to rewrite history through these shoots involve torture and psychological mind games, and as they get closer and closer to finishing the album the dolls realize their time in the dollhouse is running out.

💭 This book was MESSED up. Absolutely terrifying thriller! The concept was unique, there was a huge twist at the end that added a whole other element of psychological terror. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! And just a warning ⚠️ The torture scenes are pretty graphic ☠️

Wow this book was intense! It was emotional, suspenseful and disturbing. Definitely not for those with a weak stomach and the child abuse in it was difficult to read but overall it was a crazy story. Need to read a happy book after that but then I'll be back for the next book in this series!

This book is absolutely riveting! An unputdownable thriller, The Dollhouse keeps the reader on their toes.
Angel, Bud, and Olivia were absolute heroes! Excellent writing, promising characters and a good pace makes this book a hit.