3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

The Dollhouse is an suspenseful and disturbing thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The Dollhouse is a multiple POV story that centers around a set of twin story follows a set of twins, Angel and Bud, as they are kidnapped from their home. Along with another girl, the twins are forced to endure disturbing recreational of their kidnapper’s childhood memories and tasks that involve severe punishments if they fail. All while time is ticking down on their usefulness and as a result their lives. This lead to to a suspenseful and terrifying atmosphere that constantly had me worrying about the kids’ safety.

The last 80 or so pages contained so much tension and suspense that left me debating on how the kids would escape. Although I guessed some of the minor plot twists, the major one shocked me and left me confused and questioning everything I thought I knew. I’m still not completely sure I understood the twist.

One critique I had was that the book ended a bit abruptly. The end was one of the most suspenseful parts and I felt that it could have lasted a little longer after all the built up to it. Also, I wanted to see more of how the characters were coping after everything that happened.

Overall, The Dollhouse was a thrilling and scary ride from beginning to end and had an ending that left me intrigued for the next book in the series.

Peter Baden's daughter was kidnapped almost a year ago. He has not given up and is still searching for her. He also helps other families who are going through the same thing, Which is how he meets Shine.

Shine's twins, Angel and Bud, have just been kidnapped. And they look very similar to his Olivia. Everyone thinks Shine did something to her kids.

Alfred is trying to change his past. He needs human dolls to help him do that.

This was a very interesting story, and I was unable to predict what was coming, so I was just along for the ride. I love the way everything came together in the end.

Book: The Dollhouse by Sara Ennis
Published: June 1. 2021 - OUT NOW
Rating: 2-2.5🌟

I picked this one up on a whim from the @NetGalley ‘Read Now’ section after seeing soooo many amazing five-star reviews and was honestly super excited for it. It started off strong and I was super intrigued because it has such an interesting premise… but once I got 15% into it, it was downhill from there. There’s just something about it (or a lot of somethings) that didn’t work for me.

The content wasn’t a problem for me despite the fact that it’s entirely focused on child abuse because I tend to read a lot of darker themed books—so that was fine and didn’t trigger me at all—but instead was the execution of the story, plot, and writing. The writing was clunky and repetitive, the characters were all really whiney, super unlikeable and didn’t feel like very real people, while the ‘villain’ reminded me SO MUCH of Jack (the villain) from B.A. Paris’ book Behind Closed Doors (which I also didn’t really like). I honestly could not stand Jack and the whole time I just kept feeling like I was reading about Jack 2.0. The main protagonist, Angel, was also very annoying and I feel like she had way too many opportunities to save everyone and repeatedly just fumbled it all up.

These are just some of my immediate thoughts—all I can really say is that it just didn’t work for me and I probably won’t be running to read the second book.

HOWEVER, if you liked Behind Closed Doors, you’ll likely enjoy this one.

This book was awesome. Addictive and disturbing. The perfect psychological thriller. Sara Ennis has written book one in a series that I'm here for. What happens when four kids are kidnapped and taken to The Dollhouse? Who would do such a thing? And' will they survive?

One of the best thrillers I've read all year!!!!!

The Doll House by Sarah Ennis is a psychological thriller that was both uncomfortable but also a page turner at the same time. This one had my heart pumping.

Brief Synopsis: This book is about a man named Alfred who kidnaps children and keeps them in the basement of his house- also known as the doll house. Alfred lived a traumatic childhood full of pain and sorrow and has a photo album to prove it. He has the children reenact parts of his childhood as he retakes photos. The photos however are not always as innocent as they appear in the original. The Dolls need to find a way out of there… and fast. Alfred’s punishments get more and more intense and it begins to appear like they all may not make it out alive.

Overall thoughts: I think this book is for people who have thicker skin than I do. I liked the overall premise and thought it would be a little more like Room but once I got into the book, it was a bit too much horror and gore for me. I also was unaware that this is the first book of a series and I don’t think I will be reading the next book. I liked the children and their determination but Alfred’s antics were all a little too much for me. I found myself skimming through the photo parts to get them over with quicker. I think this book is written well and I like the short chapters but the details were a bit much for me. If you like the overall concept of Room but also like the creepiness of the movie Saw you’ll probably enjoy this one.

Overall Rating: 3.5 It wasn’t written poorly, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

This book was a roller coaster! There were so many surprising twists and I couldn’t stop reading. I read this in 24 hours. I felt like I was right there with the kids in that basement, feeling what they were feeling.

Thank you Netgalley and Sara Ennis for a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review.

This book was a rollercoaster ride. It was sick and twisted in a good way. The characters were likable and unlikable. The plot was interesting and one I’ve never heard or thought of. I couldn’t put it down because I was so busy rooting for some of the characters to win. I wanted to see how everything unfolded. The author took her time to write this story where it would draw you in and have you thinking of ways for them to win as well. This book is a locked-room/psychological thriller. I can’t wait to read the next installment. All in all, I give this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

The Dollhouse by Sara Ennis was a rather twisted, dark, intense read. I was completely captivated but at the same time completely creeped out. I almost equate reading the Dollhouse to driving by a terrible car accident. You want to look and see what has happened but at the same time you are scared to see the carnage. Not sure that makes sense but that’s how I felt reading The Dollhouse. It was extremely well written, and had a huge plot twist that I didn’t see coming. If you are looking for an adrenaline inducing, intense psychological thriller (borderline horror) to read, then The DollHouse is definitely that book!

Angel and Bud, 14 year old twins are abducted from their trailer park after their mother Sunshine, leaves them alone for the weekend. Their abductor drugs them and when they wake up they are locked in an underground Dollhouse. They soon discover they are not alone. 17 year old Olivia was abducted 1 year earlier. Their abductor Jennifer, does not work alone. Alfred demands she abducts blond, blue eyed children that resemble dolls and his dead sister Felicity. Alfred keeps his “dolls” locked away and plays horrible cruel games with them.

Thank you NetGalley, Sara Ennis and Booksirens for my electronic ARC, in exchange for my honest review. 4/5 stars for me. I will definitely be reading the sequel.

The Dollhouse
By Sara Ennis
Swipe ➡️ for synopsis
This was one helluva ride! Thanks Farah @mama for the buddy read on this.
Look, I’m not going to sugar coat it, this was quite graphic in parts, to the point I had to put it down and breath. It was a tough but fabulous read. Dark, disturbing, suspenseful and fast paced. Short chapters kept me hooked and wanting to keep reading on. The true essence of a psychological thriller.

It’s a story of children being abducted, forced to live in a basement and made to dress and perform as dolls by their captor. Full synopsis on next page and I don’t want to give away any spoilers. I felt (darker) Flowers in the Attic vibes. The twists … Sara Ennis mastered them in this, her debut novel.
This won’t be for everyone, especially as it revolves around children and some harrowing situations.

This is my first by author Sara Ennis and will definitely not be my last!

I was floored by this story. This book is dark but it is captivating! I will say that some of the violence is detailed so it may not be for the more squeamish or sensitive. The scenario in this story is terrifying but the characters were layered and I needed to keep reading. There also were some genuinely shocking moments that I did not expect. This is unlike any book I have ever read and I intend that as a compliment. There were some moments that strained credibility but overall this is a strong outing. I look forward to reading the second in this duality.

If you’re looking for a creepy thriller this is it!

Alfred kidnaps children to be his dolls, children that have blond hair and blue eyes. He has built his own dollhouse and uses the children to recreate old photographs from the past. Alfred can be mean and has a temper.

Twins, Angel and Bud, and Olivia are his current dolls. They reluctantly do everything that Alfred wants. They desperately need to escape before Alfred takes it too far, but how?

Alfred is a very disturbing man, so be forewarned.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one! It was fast paced, and I couldn’t put it down. It was told through multiple POV’s of Alfred, the children, parents of the children and the FBI. I was hooked by the first page and couldn’t wait to find out how it was going to end.

This is the first book in a series and so I'm excited to see what the author has in store for us next!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for my honest review,

I was so nervous going into this book, I had heard nothing but amazing things from my friends and I’m so glad I wasn’t disappointed. This book was so good and fun - highly recommend!!

The Dollhouse
Sara Ennis
#netgalley #thedollhouse #mustread #thriller #saraennis #bookrecommendation

So glad I have next one already- I cannot wait to read more of this story!

Bud and Angel's mom goes on a trip - leaving her 14 yo twins home alone. Shortly after Shine leaves, Jennifer grabs Angel. Bud races to save her, only to be taken as well.
They are forced to acclimate to The Dollhouse - school time, meal time, and so much humiliation. Along with the First Doll, Olivia.
Peter, Olivia's father, uses his wealth and contacts to help other parents with lost children, even Shine. His obsession pushes Peter to keep Olivia's case open, in the public, desperate for any clues.
And Alfred - the man who owns the Dolls.
Just a chilling, horror, terrifying novel. Well done!

Gripping and disturbing. I found myself struggling to put this down! The chapters are short which makes the book flow easily and made me keep going for just one more chapter. I think this book was greatly helped by the multiple POV storylines all interconnecting. The big reveal at the end with our male villain was shocking and a huge "ah ha" moment that made so many things click into place, it made me wish I would have realized it sooner, so clever! The contents of this book will no be for a lot of readers so check trigger warnings!

Angel and Bud don't have the best family situation, but they have each other. When their mom leaves them on their own to go to Chicago, Angel isn't sure with how to fill her time. A kind looking woman stumbles upon their neighboorhood and asks Angel for directions. Next thing she knows, she waking up in the Dollhouse. She isn't alone, her brother is there too, but she is very much afraid. Something is seriously wrong with the people holding her captive, and they're insanely unpredictable. She is expected to do as she is told and will be pushed to limits she did not know existed. Fearful for her life she is determined to get her, and the others, out. Even if she is successful, will she ever truly be herself again or has the dollhouse changed her forever?

I had some issues with the overall plot and timeline. With the dates at the top of each chapter, it appears that the story begins in August. Then a few chapters later it is suddenly September 3rd, but its mentioned that they've been gone for 4 months... but yet it was August when they were taken? And similarly, towards the end when they celebrate Bud's "birthday" it is mentioned that his birthday is in June but then at the end Angel celebrates in September? The whole timeline seemed off and funky. At times it seemed that many many months had passed but the entire timeline fits within a few months so overall it felt confusing.

Absolutely loved this crazy book! It was thrilling and scary and jolting and disturbing! It was amazing!! The writing was phenomenal and completely sucked me in from the very start. The story doesn’t drag on unnecessarily and has the perfect pacing to keep you hooked until the very last word! Even without a twist thrown in, which is literally just thrown in there and it was like WHAT, it was brilliant.

So many characters so many directions but all so perfect. Alfred is a doll collector of sorts with many many issues, obviously. Olivia is the daughter of Peter who has been missing for a year and is the first doll. Peter is hunting all connections possible as well as for getting his daughter back. Twins Angel and Bud are the next two at the age of 14 and they’re all thrown in together into the Dollhouse to try and make Alfred happy with photo shoots and recreating his past into a better way. This is the bare backbone of the story and the rest is so worth to be read!

Yes it is dark and twisted but the author just absolutely killed it on bringing the characters and situation to life. You feel panic and anger and angst! I am definitely off to read the following book immediately.

Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

HOLY FREAKING MOLY . This book was so damn good in a dark, disturbing, messed up, spectacular kind of way! This book is like the definition of anxiety. While reading it I was definitely going through sweaty palms, high heart rate, inability to sit still and general feelings of being on-edge. Phew!

I want to say this book was unputdownable, but nope, definitely had to put it down for breaks. It was SO intense!

The writing style has most definitely wowed me, to take such a dark story and write it so beautifully and well organized takes some true talent!

I’m truly speechless over this one. What a masterpiece of a psychological thriller/horror. I think it might take a few days for me to recover from this one - but no time to recover quite yet cause here I go diving into the second book of the series … lord help me. 😂

I've had a hard time trying to write this review, because I just don't know what to say about this book. This was more of a 2.5 rounded up to a 3 for me. It was well written and I liked the flow, but the topic was just too heavy for me. I have yet to be disturbed or felt uncomfortable from a book until now. There were a lot of great reviews I saw for this book, which is why I picked it up when it was a "read now" option on netgalley, but it just did not sit well with me. Please check CW before reading this.

I don't even know how to summarize this book, so I'm going to skip this part of my review this time. I finished this about 2 weeks ago, and it still makes me uncomfortable just thinking about it. I don't want to read about child abuse, and this was just too much.

Wow, I am glad that this is what some of us call a "bookstagram made me do it" read; Sara Ennis' The Dollhouse is an intensely dark, keep you reading late at night (if you can handle it!) thriller. I appreciate the chance to read this book in anticipation of the sequel, which I will read and review soon!

This book is made for a reader like me who does not mind dark themes when they are handled in a way that is not gratuitous or made to glamorize crime and harm to women or children; this book does take on these themes but does so in a way that did not alienate me and focused not just on victimization themes but on resilience and strength. This was a welcome change of pace from general thrillers and procedurals that I read, and enjoy, and a welcome new author for me to follow and support. The goal of a book like this is to engage a reader, to introduce a complex set of twists and darkness, and to create a sense of eerie uncertainty in the reader; the bring the reader along on a story that is not straightforward but is rewarding at the end. 3.5 starts, rounded up to 4 as I am already downloading the next book in this series for review soon!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sara Ennis for this ebook and for the next book as well. I appreciate the chance to support a new thriller and a new writer,

Alfred kidnaps children to be the "dolls" in his Dollhouse. But Alfred is not as predictable as the kids think and soon they are being tortured. Will they ever escape?⁣
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Holy cracker moly! It's not often I read a thriller that is so dark and disturbing. This book will be hard to read for a lot of people, especially considering there are children involved. There were parts where I felt incredibly squeamish with the amount of detail given but the writing style is simply addictive. The short chapters, multiple POV's and constant twists and turns really kept me hooked. If you enjoyed The Butterfly Garden, then you'll enjoy this book.

This book was a lot to handle and I have been sitting on this review for sometime.I loved the premise and wanted to love this book, but it was just okay.

I knew going in this would be disturbing but I've heard that before about other books and found them okay (not sure what that says about me) but I found myself skimming past parts that I didn't want to absorb (the cruelty and torture for example). This did feel more like a horror than a psychological thriller.

This story of children being abducted and forced to live in a dollhouse in a basement and perform at the whims of a psycho is difficult to read at times.

It was well written and fast-paced. I enjoyed the different points of view and the twist that I did not see coming.
There is going to be a sequel and I may have to check it out.