Definitely a different story than what I was expecting. It’s written in three parts, with each part changing up the direction of the story arc. The first section, as narrated by a teenager, portrayed the horror of the story in a way reminiscent of Harry Potter or A Series of Unfortunate Events-like one of those books written for one age group but enjoyed by many. Part two follows him into adulthood, beginning on an even keel and then flipping everything upside down…much like part three. You end up with more questions and it could be this way or it could be THIS way..

Well written, an enjoyable and fast read! Thanks to Jo Nesbø and Knopf for making this advance copy available on NetGalley! A great pick for a seasonal Halloween read.

I'm not really sure how to feel about this book. I feel like it had such a good start, but landed short with a lot. And just when you think its wrapping up... BAM a twist that no one sees coming. Then AGAIN!

I'm a fan of twists, don't get me wrong- but I felt like this was a bumpy road. I loved the first half, I really did. I wish the story explained it in more detail, and if it was just that, I'd proably give it a 4 stars.

It lost a star because I felt like there was just too much going on. When you think you figured it out, the book twisted everything you knew and chucked it out the window.

It was good non the less, just may be a hit or miss for some people.

I’ve loved every one of the Harry Hole novels, though I’ve not read any of Jo Nesbo’s books. When I saw the blurb for The Night House, I thought I’d take a chance on the book, especially as it wasn’t his usual crime novel.

Richard Elauved is a fourteen year old, sent to live with relatives in the small town of Ballantine after his parents die in a fire. Right at the opening of the book, he forces a “friend” Tom (Richard is pretty much a loner) to make a prank phone call, only to find that Tom is being eaten by the phone receiver. Then another “ friend” disappears while in Richard’s company. From there, Part One of The Night House relates what happens to Richard and the events that occur at the terrible house. Then we get to Part Two, which throws a monkey wrench into the story, as does Part Three, even more so.

I must admit I have negative feelings about The Night House. At the beginning of the book, I just couldn’t stand Richard’s character, and hated the juvenile style of writing. But then, as I continued into Part Two, I found there’s a reason for all this. By that time, however, I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue but I did. Then I got to Part Three, with its overarching explanation for all the prior events. It just fell flat on its face, leaving this reader very annoyed.

My disappointment in The Night House won’t keep me from reading any further novels by Mr. Nesbo. I’m glad he had the courage to branch out into horror, but, for me, his foray into the genre didn’t really work.

My thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing an ARC of the novel.

Reading this book is a lot like getting pied in the face. You might get a chuckle out of it and it might tickle your sweet tooth but in the end it’s just a big mess that’ll never fully clean up. Toss in some vaguely ridiculous and reductive mental health plot points and you’ve got quite the recipe. Night House is popcorn horror at best, never quite sure what it wants to be or where it’s going but you might get a kick out of some of the set pieces.

**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Knopf and Netgalley**

The synopsis of the book sounded intriguing but just wasn’t for me, perfect for a different audience that enjoys horror books set with younger main characters. At first the book was giving me IT and Stranger Things Vibes but just wasn’t hitting what I enjoy in thriller/horror books.

This should have been a movie.

Putting aside the excessive amount of homophobia, misogyny, and fatphobia that made this book hard to read at times, the story moves too fast to really sink into the world and horror. It reads in bits like a middle grade book in it's prose and plotting (but I would not recommend it as middle grade). I would much rather see the body horror described on the screen than with descriptions on the page (I also think the twists could work better on screen)

**********Spoilers ********

Richard was the absolute worst at the start/middle of the book and made it actively difficult to read this book. In those sections his behavior towards others is deplorable, but the third section just makes the rest not work as well.

I would love to see a review of this from someone with schizophrenia/associated mental illnesses, because maybe it addresses those themes well. But for me, on first reading, those themes are so fully disguised that I spent a lot of time wondering what the "horror" in this book was actually about.

Was it a twist on bullying, where the bully becomes the victim, either by disbelief and rejection(first section ) or the vigilante actions of their victims later on(second part)?

Maybe I would change my mind rereading the book knowing the ending, but I frankly had a horrible time reading it.

This was the first book by Nesbo I’ve ever read and I really enjoyed it! I am, however, glad I had not read any of other works before reading this one. I was able to go into this book without any expectations of how it would compare to his other books.

This was a very entertaining story within a story within a story. I’m usually able to guess where a thriller/mystery book is going before it gets there, but there were 2 separate twists I didn’t see coming and that kept me on my toes. The characters remained consistent throughout the book, but each part took you deeper into them. The entire story flowed naturally into each part despite the unusual twists it took. The book was part Stephen King, 80s horror movie, creature feature, and psychological journey all in one for me.

I did wish the book had been just a little longer so some parts could have more detail, but I can see how it would’ve changed the pacing of the book. This was a quick, fast paced read that can be finished in one sitting.

This book was unique in that it felt as though it was split into three different realities and at the same time building on top of one another. The story followed Richard trying to solve the mystery of his friends disappearing while at the same time trying to make the town believe it wasn't him. I liked the paranormal nature of the book that made you step outside the normal reality that we live in. The ending rounded out the story very well that gave each part great context and explained the roller coaster that Richard went on throughout the book.

Jo Nesbo steps out the box with The Night House. A ghost story that just keeps in giving. Don’t read this just before bed!

After losing his parents in a tragic fire, fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved moved in with his aunt and uncle. In Ballantyne, he became an outcast due to his bullying, thieving tendencies, and knack for troublemaking. Richard's life took a sinister turn when he convinced his friend Tom to partake in a prank phone call that turned into a horrifying incident—Tom was consumed by the phone receiver. The police got involved, thrusting Richard into a whirlwind of disbelief.

Confessing the truth to the police yielded only one believer: Karen, a classmate who joined him in pursuing the hidden truth that the authorities overlooked. Together, they traced the eerie phone number to an abandoned house in the enigmatic Mirror Forest. What they uncovered there defied logic and changed their lives forever.

With the unsettling disappearances of two more "friends," including Karen, Richard's quest to prove his innocence intensified into a race against the unknown. Yet, a lingering doubt remained: Was Richard truly a reliable narrator?

My Reaction:
This is my first book by Jo and it won't be my last. I really enjoyed the instant horror of the book and the horror spattered throughout the novel. It was creepy and the descriptions of Tom being eaten through the phone were very unsettling.

I'm very conflicted about the 15 years later section of the book - I feel like it wasn't necessary, but at the same time it hit home that Richard is an unreliable narrator.

Also, the whole town being affected by IMU didn't seem plausible to me. I know it's a novel and things aren't going to be plausible, but this seemed a little extra.

What I enjoyed:
. The random bouts of horror
. The absurdity of the situations
. Unreliable narrator

What I disliked:
. The ending
. Book was kinda boring - it needed the random bits of horror to keep me interested in reading it
. The dialogue was a tad stale

Teenager Richard Elauved is taken in by his aunt and uncle in the small town of Ballantyne following the death of his parents. His cruel attitude towards his classmates leaves him with few friends, aside from fellow outsider Karen for whom he harbors a burgeoning crush, and Tom who himself is often ridiculed for his stutter, including by Richard. One day while walking along the riverbank, Richard and Tom come upon a weirdly isolated phone booth and Richard comes up with the idea to prank call a random number in the phone book. Though initially hesitant, Tom relents and dials up the first name they land on: Imu Jonasson. After seeming to pull off the gag perfectly, things take a dark turn and the phone's receiver begins to pull the boy into itself, leaving Richard stunned and alone.

Unsurprisingly, no one believes Richard's version of events. That the name and number they dialed no longer appear in the phone book doesn't help matters. He sticks to his story however, to the consternation of his family and the authorities. When another of his classmates vanishes in his presence, it is decided to send him away to the Rorrim Correctional Facility for Young People, which harbors its own dark secrets and sheds further light on what exactly might be happening. When the book then flashes forward fifteen years to Richard attending a class reunion, things take an even more unexpected turn.

This slim book doesn't waste any time in dialing up the horror and doesn't pause much for air from there. Nesbø adapts his writing style to smartly match the age of our narrator in the different sections, while maintaining a pervasive sense of dread throughout. The threat in the novel, and perhaps even the novel itself, seems to operate outside of any hitherto understood logic, keeping readers disoriented and on the edge of their seats. Some of the later turns the story takes don't feel as successful as the earlier portions, but all in all The Night House winds up being a satisfyingly eerie thriller that questions the very nature of the truth and the fallibility of memory.

If you are a horror reader, this novel is most definitely for you. Jo Nesbo doesn't wait a second before she has you sunk into this story. The plot is so fast and eventful. This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Well, I'm really not sure how to summarize this book without spoilers, and I've never had such a gamut of emotions while reading something before.

I enjoy Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole books, and if you're looking for that style, I think you might be just a little disappointed. The Night House is endlessly bleak, but it's not a gritty crime thriller. It starts as straight horror, but ends on something else entirely.

We're first introduced to Richard Elauved, a 14-year-old sent to live with foster parents after his own die tragically in a house fire. He's an outcast in Ballantyne and knows it, and builds walls around himself. He's hard to like in part one and other reviewers have noted being unable to get past his insulting personality. All I can offer is that if you push through, I thought the author does a nice job trying to get you to see that "hurt people hurt people." It doesn't necessarily excuse behaviors or make them ok, but there's a clear psychological element going on--Richard is dealing with a lot of trauma.

That being said, and while I may recommend this as a book where Nesbo tries to do something different narratively, if I had been reading this solely for pleasure and not through NetGalley, I would most likely have given up when gears shifted so suddenly in part two. You really do start to feel cheated with every narrative shift, and I don't think the payoff at the end, nor the sympathy I eventually felt for Richard are enough for me to feel entirely satisfied with this book.

Special thanks to Knopf for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC through NetGalley.

This has to be the BEST book Nesbo has written!! DO NOT read this book alone or before bed!! It’s sooo scary and with 3 twists in the story that will leave you speechless. Kudos Nesbo for a true horror story & this really needs to be made into a movie!! Thanks for the advanced copy!!

Jo Nesbo is a Norwegian author known for his crime fiction novels, notably the Harry Hole series. He is the magician of mystery and is back with "The Night House," a novel that grips you and doesn't let go.

Meet Jon, a former cop haunted by his past and plunged into a whirlwind of intrigue. Set against a backdrop that's as enigmatic as the characters themselves, Nesbo's storytelling shines.

Nesbo's words paint vivid pictures, immersing you in the eerie world of "The Night House." The tension simmers, rising steadily as secrets unravel. When you think you've got it figured out, Nesbo twists the plot, leaving you hungry for answers.

Digging into the minds of his characters, Nesbo unearths their fears and motivations, adding layers that keep you guessing. While the pace might not be breakneck, the journey is worth every step.

In "The Night House," Jo Nesbo again proves why he's a master weaver of tales. If you crave a psychological thriller that hooks you deep and leaves you thinking, give this one a go.

I flew through this book. It had such great twists throughout the whole story and didn't even guess the ending at all. Such a wicked little book that everyone is going to love this Halloween!!! Seriously so creepy what happened to both Tom and Jack!

"The Night House" by Jo Nesbo is a chilling and atmospheric horror novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful plot and eerie atmosphere.

The story follows fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved, who, after the tragic death of his parents, is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in the isolated town of Ballantyne. Richard becomes an outcast in his new environment, especially after a classmate named Tom goes missing, and rumors point to Richard as the culprit. Richard claims that Tom was sucked into a telephone booth by supernatural forces, a story no one believes except for Karen, another outsider who encourages Richard to investigate. As Richard delves into the mystery, he discovers a connection between the disappearances and an abandoned house in the Mirror Forest. The novel takes a dark turn when Richard begins hearing sinister whispers and facing inexplicable phenomena that threaten to drive him to the brink of madness.

Nesbo's writing is masterful in creating a tense and foreboding atmosphere that is reminiscent of classic horror novels. The small town setting adds to the sense of isolation and claustrophobia, amplifying the fear that something sinister lurks just beyond the edge of perception. The author skillfully weaves together elements of the supernatural, psychological horror, and mystery, keeping readers guessing about what is real and what might be imagined by Richard.

The character of Richard is complex and unreliable, making for an engaging and disorienting reading experience. The blurring of reality and the supernatural creates a sense of unease that resonates throughout the novel. The pacing is well-managed, gradually building suspense and tension until the climactic and shocking conclusion.

"The Night House" stands out for its unique blend of horror subgenres and its ability to keep readers guessing until the very end. Nesbo delivers a spine-chilling narrative that plays with the boundaries of reality and fear, leaving readers questioning the nature of the supernatural forces at play. With its well-crafted suspense, vivid descriptions, and haunting imagery, this novel is a must-read for fans of psychological horror and supernatural mysteries.

Disorienting. Are you ever sure that you know the difference between reality and a nightmare . . . or a nice dream and a delusion? Can you truly trust what you have witnessed? These are the kind of questions Richard Elauved has to confront while explaining to the local police that his friend was ghoulishly swallowed by a telephone booth receiver. He proclaims his innocence in the friend's disappearance. Richard is angry, frustrated, and desperately wants to be believed.  There is a thin, but important thread that runs through this narrative that melds dark reality and bizarre fantasy into a young man's truth.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Night House for my unbiased evaluation.  3.5 stars

I don't think Jo Nesbo can write anything but captivating stories with excellent characters. This book is no exception but it differs from his Harry Hole series or his other standalone books in its structure and genre.

After Fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved's parents die in a house fire, he goes to live with his aunt and uncle in the tiny town of Ballantyne, but he has problems adjusting to his new environment and classmates. Viewed as an outcast, Richard befriends fellow outcast Tom, who goes missing after he and Richard were last seen together. Richard swears Tom was eaten by a telephone after making a prank call. It's no small wonder that the police do not believe him. When another classmate goes missing after being in Richard's company, suspicion rises. Richard is convinced a long-abandoned house on the edge of a creepy forest is somehow responsible for his missing classmates, but how to prove it?

This is a horror story, not a police procedural. and it's great to see Nesbo playing around with a different genre. As usual, the writing and the characters are outstanding in this atmospheric novel. It is a story within a story and its structure and content may not appeal to all, but if you enjoy good storytelling, this book is just the ticket.

Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is October 3, 2023.

A twisting, dark tale that will leave you questioning what is real and what is an illusion at the end.

In many ways, the Night House is a story within a story within a story. Maybe. With a slow and disturbing start that can be hard to get through, when you are done reading The Night House you won't be quite sure which of the stories ultimately has the truth.

At times the story can feel almost too casual, like a darker literary novel more than a horror or thriller. But those casual moments are contrasted with darker details, that draw you in and have you questioning what you just read... and what will happen next.

Most masterful are the twists. You will start to wonder why the book feels like it is wrapping up so early, and then the twists begin.

An enjoyable read for fans of multi-layered horror stories, with a focus on self, the way we treat others, and the how the way we view the world colors our perspectives.