How true is the phrase that when something sounds too good to be true, then it usually is? That certainly is the case with the house that Tommy and Kate were able to buy in the old town in Italy for just one euro! It makes for a great story though. Because that wonderful looking house certainly has a dark history. Personally I would have left when the locked door opened in the night and definitely when I found out its dark past! So many secrets known to the townsfolks (and even Tommy's family) that should have been shared to these newcomers. That might have made a difference to Kate and Tommy though not nearly as scary a story so I guess I am glad it went the way it did. It had lots of creepy and scary bits and the end was unexpected but I thought it fit well and added to the horror.

A good book to read in this Halloween season! Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book to read and review.

I really, really wanted to like this book. The plot was promising, but it was such a slow burn that by the time the story escalated, my enthusiasm was long gone. I also did not particularly like either protagonist, which was disappointing. I found them both pretty irritating. The conclusion, however, was utterly wild. So, if you relish slow-building narratives, this book might be right up your alley. Unfortunately, I found it too slow and none of the horror elements managed to scare me.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

When I finished this one, my first thought was WTH did I just read!?!

This book goes a little bonkers in the end, but what a scary wild ride it was to get there.

A couple relocates to a small town in Italy and quickly discovers something isn't right about their house. The way the author uses rats totally creeped me out and made my skin.

Although the ending wasn't my favorite, this was still a great horror read.

** spoiler alert ** I really enjoyed this! I got a nice atmospheric feel of Sicily from the descriptions of the town and being Italian myself, I loved the creepy old Italian church sh*t plot. I liked the main characters and their dynamic (they’re a couple), and i was a little surprised by the ending and happy there was no like, demonic pregnancy/offspring thing. (I read another Christoper Golden where that did happen, so I was glad it wasn’t used again in this one!) I wish it had gotten into the background of the real estate agent more (people protecting the demons but not demons?), and it got moving a little slowly in the beginning for me, but those are my only real criticisms, such as they are. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by Christopher Golden so far! Thank you to St Martin’s Press for the galley.

Kate and Tommy decide to move to a rundown town in Sicily, named Becchina. Becchina is home to Tommy's last remaining family members, his father's parents. It is a rundown town, offering houses at a small price with the caveat that the buyer would live there for five years and help turn the town into the thriving town it once was. It was a deal of a lifetime. Tommy would be able to get to know his grandparents and they both could live a less stressful life.What they did not know was that they had purchased the House of Last Resort, a house with an ominous background.
The House of Last Resort has a very interesting plotline. However, it builds incredibly slowly. Once it reaches the crest of excitement, it ends without any satisfaction. At times, I was bored and I'd stop reading for awhile. When I picked it back up, it was still not exciting enough for me to get invested. I could see the potential of a great horror story but it fell flat on the delivery. If you like horror similar to the movies, The Invitation, The Lighthouse, Hereditary, or It Comes At Night, then this is the book for you. It just wasn't the book for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy of the book. The opinions are my own.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Jan. 30, 2024
“All Hallows” by author Christopher Golden was a five-star, heart-pounding, goosebump-inducing read for me so I immediately jumped at the chance to read his newest novel, “The House of Last Resort”.
The mayor of Becchina, a small, half-abandoned town in Italy, has offered an incentive to those outside of Italy who are willing to come to the town and try and jumpstart the tourist industry. Most homes for sale are selling for only a single Euro, as long as the owners agree to renovate and to stay put. Newlyweds Katie and Tommy see an offer they can’t refuse and find themselves purchasing a large estate in the town, close to Tommy’s aging grandparents who he hasn’t seen in years, since his father refused to ever return to the country after a fight with Tommy’s grandfather. Tommy is hoping to rekindle his relationship with his grandparents, find out what caused the rift in the first place and start a life with his new bride. But all is not what it seems as the house Tommy and Katie bought has been labeled “The House of Last Resort” by locals, and its spooky history has the couple regretting their decision but when Tommy is personally drawn into the dark past, neither he nor his wife will be able to leave.
Golden’s “Resort” has all the makings of a spooky read- a haunted house in a nearly-abandoned town with a past of demons and exorcisms gone terribly wrong. The premise intrigued me right off the bat, and the house’s history with failed exorcisms was supremely clever and unique.
Both Tommy and Katie tell the story, although it is obvious that Tommy is the protagonist, with his family connections to the town and its dark history. Although there is nothing specific I can pinpoint that brought me to this conclusion, I wasn’t a huge fan of the couple. They were young millennial newlyweds, which isn’t offensive on its own, but I did not connect with them in any way. Golden’s plot and spooky setting had me turning the pages, but I didn’t really care about the character’s outcomes.
I loved the house and the history that came with it! Demons, ghosts, possessions? Don’t mind if I do. This novel had a moderately satisfying ending, but it wasn’t one hundred percent conclusive, so Golden did leave some room for readers to imagine the outcome. That being said, if Golden returns to this plot, I want to see more of a prequel, with the history and the past residents of the house being explored. “The House of Last Resort” is a super spooky read for the fall and I hope it hits the same with readers when it’s released in January!

"House of Last Resort" is a gripping and atmospheric novel that masterfully blends the allure of a picturesque Italian town with an ever-escalating sense of dread. The portrayal of Becchina is nothing short of enchanting, capturing the essence of a half-abandoned, beautifully crumbling hilltop town that beckons readers with its haunting charm.

The novel's strength lies in its ability to immerse readers in the unfolding mystery while gradually building a sense of foreboding. The slow melt into atmospheric dread is executed with precision, leaving readers both intrigued and unnerved as they follow the American couple, Tommy and Kate Puglisi, on their adventure to this seemingly idyllic destination.

Tommy and Kate are compelling protagonists, and their evolving relationship adds depth to the story. As they navigate the eerie occurrences within their new home, their emotions and bond are palpable, making them relatable and endearing to readers.

The climax and resolution of the story are particularly satisfying. The revelation of the house's dark history, intertwined with the secrets of the Church, adds a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. The final revelation and the lurking presence in the catacombs beneath Becchina culminate in a chilling and unforgettable ending that lingers in the reader's mind long after the last page is turned.

"House of Last Resort" is a haunting and captivating tale that seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery, family ties, and supernatural horror. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys atmospheric storytelling and a slow descent into an unsettling world of secrets and shadows.

Thank you, NetGalley! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I thoroughly enjoyed "House of Last Resort" and would highly recommend it to fellow readers.

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.

The House of Last Resort is a well written, slow burn thriller with paranormal aspects/vibes, set in a half empty town in Italy. First off, the location and nearly abandoned towns were brilliant and upped the eeriness. I also loved the vivid descriptions of the town and how quiet it is.

It took me a while to write this review because I’m still a bit iffy on the book as a whole. I wasn’t a fan of either main character, I felt rather annoyed with both of them throughout the story. I also found it a bit too slow paced for my liking. Overall, it was an interesting story with several twists which kept my interest.



Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you toNetgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and ghe author for gge ARC of this book.

This author was new to me. I must say that this was a creepy delight to read!

I've been to Italy on a recent trip and was easily able to visualize the story in my mind, in that setting.
Thr author did a great job building the haunting, eerie storyline.

An absolute thrill of a read!

If you only pick this up for the atmosphere that would be enough.

Thank you to netgalley for the digital ARC.

The House of Last Resort by Christopher Golden is a captivating and chilling novel that immerses readers in an atmosphere of foreboding. From the very first page, the book exudes an unsettling sense of dread that keeps readers hooked until the very end. Personally, I found it impossible to put down.

This gripping tale takes place within the confines of a mysterious house, where the characters are confronted with their deepest fears and darkest secrets. Golden's masterful storytelling skillfully weaves together a narrative that is both haunting and suspenseful, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.

The House of Last Resort is a testament to Golden's ability to create an atmosphere that is both eerie and captivating. Each page is filled with a palpable sense of menace, making it an enthralling read for fans of the horror genre. The author's attention to detail and vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, allowing readers to feel as though they are right there, experiencing the chilling events alongside the characters.

In addition to its gripping plot, the novel also delves into the complex psychology of its characters. As they navigate the treacherous corridors of the house, their fears and vulnerabilities are laid bare, adding depth and complexity to the story. Golden's exploration of the human psyche adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking read.

Overall, The House of Last Resort is a must-read for anyone seeking a thrilling and atmospheric novel. Christopher Golden's ability to create a sense of unease and his skillful storytelling make this book a standout in the genre. Prepare to be captivated from beginning to end as you delve into the dark and mysterious world within the pages of this exceptional novel.

The atmosphere was totally there in this book!

Tommy and Kate leave their American consumerism life behind to move to Italy, a place that Tommy spent much of his childhood with his grandparents.

They have bought this huge fixer upper house and have just arrived to put their key in the door, but something is wrong with this house. It’s not just the air of the house or the feeling of being watched, it’s something more… something sinister.

Tommy’s Nonna is furious with house they have purchased, meaning that there is something going on with the house that the locals know about, but he and Kate don’t. They soon find out, though.

The orchestration of this book was fabulous. The evil elements were some that I absolutely LOVE in horror books, so this worked really well for me! I’m all about anything to do with the evil side of church and religion.

I enjoyed this one and was properly creeped out. That ending was just iconic horror.

With that said, there was a bit of stagnation for me leading up to the last third of the book. I almost gave up but really glad I kept going.

Excellent premise and much to love about this one.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Everything I wanted in a book like this. I loved this trope. Thank you so much netgalley. Thank you Christopher golden

(Full review on website)

It’s worth noting I’m not easily pleased with haunted house stories. Most of them have left fairly standard impressions on me or none at all. The House of Last Resort falls somewhere in the upper middle range. I think Golden is an excellent writer with a great knack for taking familiar tropes and executing them in a way that breathes new life into them, this story included. However, I did feel it took too long for things to happen. I was somewhere around 40% on my Kindle before things started to creep with unease. Luckily, the final 15% or so is tense and nerve-wracking. I wish we could have gotten more from these demons and their abilities throughout the story, even if they were just sprinkled. But we were mostly provided opening and shut doors, coupled with shadows and sounds. These sorts of things fall flat for me. But the finale is a good one that is not rushed at all. And those final pages—this story gets the ending it deserved. I was worried I would get something candy coated but Golden did not disappoint. Again, I just wish there had been more from the first half of the novel.

I low-key swore off Christopher Golden's books after having read Soulless and Road of Bones (they both had fantastic premises but ultimately fell a bit flat for me), but The House of Last Resort sounded right up my alley (a haunted house and Italy and Catholic Church shenanigans – yes, please!) and so I had to give his writing one more shot. And, well, I'm happy to report that this book was pretty dang good. I mean, I'm still slightly traumatized by the ending, but that seems pretty par for the course as far as Golden's books are concerned.

So, yeah, the setting. Amazeballs. I loved the descriptions of Sicily and I may or may not have spent last night Googling “one euro houses in Italy” and “is it hard for Americans to get permanent residency in Italy?” I mean, I'm definitely rethinking that idea now that I've read the book in its entirety (and also because it sounds complicated AF to move to Italy long-term as a non-European – any Italians out there interested in a sham marriage?*), but the setting is really fabulous.

I do have to say, however, that I was tremendously annoyed by the main characters, Tommy and Kate, and their “American savior” complexes. Who moves to a new location and immediately thinks “I know better how to fix this place than the people whose families have been here for generations!” At least get your boxes unpacked before you start making plans for restoring the ancient catacombs, sheesh.

This book is a rather slow burn up until the last 30% or so, but there were still parts that were properly creepy. That scene with Kate and Nonno when they're alone together? Heck, yes, that's exactly what I came here looking for!

And the ending? Well, thanks Mr. Golden, I'll be sending you my therapy bill. At least I mostly saw it coming and had time to prepare myself.

Final rating: 3.85 stars, rounded up. If you like haunted house stories set in exotic locations, The House of Last Resort is worth a read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

*I'm just joking, really. Please don't send me creepy PMs.

I love a good is-it-or-isn't-it haunted house story, and this one delivered all the things I love about that type of story as well as a couple completely unexpected twists and turns.


Tommy and Kate buy a fixer upper in Sicely with dreams of starting a new, slower paced life. They're full of hope and excitement about their  fresh start, but relatives and local residents seem wary of their new home. Everyone seems to know a secret about their dream house that they're reluctant to share. When Tommy and Kate come up with a plan to revitalize the small, dying village and set up a tourism board to help draw visitors they discover more than they bargained for as the dark history of their house comes to light. 


Hidden rooms, glimpses of shadowy figures in the dark, and hints of a malevolent presence all set against the idyllic backdrop of the sunny Italian countryside gave this story an insidious, ominous feel that I loved. The happiness and promise Tom and Kate felt with their new home slowly shifted toward dread and the fear that their new life wasn't all they'd hoped it would be. The setting added an element of believability to the story that's often missing with haunting stories. It's easy to imagine how hard it would be to believe evil exists in such a seemingly peaceful location.


The House of Last Resort was a satisfying horror tale that initially sounded like well traveled ground but offered a few surprises as well as a nicely paced plot, a unique setting and backstory, and a strong sense of uneasiness that slowly transitioned into dread and horror. The first half of the book was a slow burn focused on developing the story and character's relationships, but the action really took off around the halfway point and maintained an unputdownable momentum up until the shocking ending. This is my favorite Christopher Golden book from the last few years and should be a crowd pleaser for longtime fans as well as new readers who enjoy a well developed plot and an epic, action filled ending.

Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for providing me a copy to read and review.

This book was really difficult to get into. Most of the time I could not keep up with what was going on with the characters or the storyline, perhaps it was me. A beautiful abandoned home available to anyone who wants it. One euro. You read that right. Only stipulation you must stay for five years. Everything should go great right. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The quaint town of Becchina is beautiful but in desperate need of new blood to restore it. The mayor, in hopes of rebuilding, offers abandoned homes to anyone in the world for a single Euro, as long as the buyer promises to live there for at least five years. Tommy and Kate Puglisi decide it's an offer they can’t refuse as they both work remotely and Becchina is home to Tommy's grandparents. The home the purchase appears perfect, but as soon as they move in they begin to notice strange things, find locked doors, and a hidden portion of the house they didn't know existed. They soon learn their house has a dark history and is known as The House of Last Resort for a reason.

The House of Last Resort is a entertaining new horror novel by author Christopher Golden. The novel follows a young couple who leave their busy lives and friends behind in hopes of restarting in a quaint little town in Italy. They take an offer, purchasing a fixer-upper home for a euro, which seems to good to be true. They quickly discover their home, dubbed the home of last resort, was used by the church for mental patients which were deemed "incurable" and some quite possible who were possessed by demons. There were some creepy moments leading up to the finale however this one was a bit slow paced for me. Tommy's secret backstory with his family is implied many times but the explanation doesn't really come until much later in the novel. As much as I wanted to love this one it ended up being just a mediocre read for me but still perfect for getting in the "Fall mood".