This one is probably a 2.5/5 for me, but I am going to round down because I found more bad than good in the story. I absolutely fell in love with the premise but unfortunately it wasn't executed well. And that twist ending could be seen coming from a mile away except maybe how Javier preserved their bodies/thought Lena was still "alive". It felt like a lackluster story, and definitely can't be described as horror as it isn't really scary at all.
I do feel as if the writing style is very readable, so I still got through this one really quickly and didn't feel like I had to push myself to get there.

I hate doing reviews like this, but I just didn’t like this book. And I’m so sorry about that. I wanted to love it. I adored the whole idea of it, but the actual read fell short.

Prior to writing this review, I took another look to see what age group the book was intended for. You see, it feels a lot like a middle grade book with a few adult parts. Unfortunately, it’s intended for adults.

The story is simple and the spooky parts are mild at best with very few surprises. Our characters range from thin to caricature, none of them developed into living, breathing people. And the pace? Slow.

The book simply took me far too long to read and I ended it not enjoying it.

This one simply wasn’t for me. Your mileage may vary.

• ARC via Publisher

I have read a number of books by Christina Henry and loved them. My favorite was Near the Bone, so I was really excited to see this upcoming title and eager to get started. I did finish the book but I can't say I enjoyed it. Harry and her son Gabe are forced to move from their apartment and are invited to live with a film director that Harry has been working for. The house is full of objects and costumes from his movies and it doesn't take long before Harry knows there's an entity haunting the house and soon haunting her son as well. I really didn't like the main character Harry at all which made it difficult to care what happened to her.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this digital ARC.

I have super mixed feelings about this one, you guys. I generally enjoy Christina Henry's novels and thought that her previous book, Good Girls Don't Die, was fantastic. The House that Horror Built, on the other hand … I dunno. I enjoyed parts of it, but ultimately I think it just fell a little flat for me?

But let's start with the good, shall we? I love the premise, which is definitely original. I mean, obviously haunted house stories are nothing new, but I really like the idea of a reclusive horror film director with all of these creepy movie props in his urban gothic mansion. It's almost like the setting of, well … a horror flick, which I guess maybe is what Henry was going for? Really, the entire plot is rather movie-ish, which is kind of fun. The whole thing with the Sten costume is straight out of a low budget horror film and yet somehow it doesn't come across as too cheesy.

I also really liked Harry's backstory, as I am a sucker for any book/film that involves an escape from an obsessively religious-bordering-on-cultish family. The flashes back to her childhood were really well done and were some of my favorite parts of this novel.

Unfortunately, despite these really great ideas, there just wasn't a whole lot of suspense to be found, much less outright terror. The scary bits were way too few and far between, and I'm using the word “scary” very liberally here. The ending was also so, so, so very obvious from almost the beginning, so much that I was certain that there was going to be a big twist at the end that would leave me shocked. Nope. The Big Bad(s) is(are) exactly who you think, no surprises there. Sure, there were a few scenes that were unexpected (like the one involving the locked bedroom), but the overall plot had no real twists or turns. This isn't entirely a bad thing – sometimes you know who the villains are in a book or film from the very beginning by design – but I just kind of felt like the ending was supposed to be more than what it was? Like it was supposed to be this big surprise but fell short?

So, yeah. Great premise, interesting storylines, lackluster execution. I really wanted to like this one more than I did because it had so much potential, but in the end it was just kind of … okay. I have a feeling that others will enjoy this one much more than I did, though, so don't take my word for it. If you're a fan of Christina Henry and/or horror films and/or haunted house novels, definitely give it a read and decide for yourself.

Overall rating: 3.45 stars, rounded down.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

"The House That Horror Built" by Christina Henry is an engaging Gothic paranormal horror story that you can enjoy in one sitting, thanks to its gripping pace and compelling chapters that draw you into the mysteries of the Graystone Chicago mansion.

Following the story of Harry, a single mother and housemaid, who, after losing her job, takes a position in a mansion tied to famous horror filmmaker Javier Castillo. Harry, along with her son Gabe, faces eviction due to gentrification, adding urgency to her new job.

As mysterious events unfold in the mansion, threatening entities emerge, and Harry becomes entangled in its secrets, driven by the need to protect her son. The narrative offers an easy and captivating horror experience. However, a desire for a more conclusive ending leaves some questions about the surviving characters unanswered.

Christina Henry gave me chills with The House That Horror Built. Definitely a must read, I couldn’t put this book down until I’d finished it!

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"The House That Horror Built" by Christina Henry is a spine-tingling novel that masterfully blends elements of mystery, horror, and suspense. Set in the gothic mansion of the reclusive horror film director Javier Castillo, the story follows Harry Adams, a single mother working as a cleaner in the mansion, as she uncovers a labyrinth of terrifying secrets that lurk within its walls.

Henry's storytelling is atmospheric and immersive, capturing the essence of a classic horror setting. The mansion, Bright Horses, is a character in its own right, filled with eerie props, costumes, and a palpable sense of foreboding. The descriptions of the mansion, with its hidden rooms and haunting atmosphere, are vivid and compelling, drawing the reader into the heart of the story's suspense.

The protagonist, Harry, is a well-developed character, her determination to support her son driving her to unravel the mysteries of the mansion. Her gradual discovery of the sinister secrets of Bright Horses, coupled with her need to maintain her job, creates a tense narrative that keeps the reader engaged. The character of Javier Castillo, shrouded in mystery and scandal, adds depth and intrigue to the plot.

The novel excels in its slow build-up of suspense and horror. The mysterious noises Harry hears behind a locked door, and her ensuing investigation, are skillfully woven into the narrative, escalating the sense of danger and suspense. Henry's writing is adept at creating a chilling and claustrophobic atmosphere, making this a perfect read for fans of the horror genre.

However, readers who prefer fast-paced plots might find the novel's deliberate pacing and focus on atmospheric build-up less appealing. Additionally, the blending of horror with the mundane aspects of Harry's job as a cleaner might not resonate with everyone.

Content warnings for themes of horror, mystery, and potentially frightening scenarios are appropriate. The book will appeal most to readers who enjoy a blend of horror, suspense, and gothic elements in their fiction.

In conclusion, "The House That Horror Built" by Christina Henry is a haunting and suspenseful novel that expertly combines the chilling aspects of horror with a compelling mystery. Its atmospheric setting, intriguing characters, and masterful storytelling make it a standout read for fans of the horror and suspense genres.

I really enjoyed this book. The house's atmosphere was phenomonal and I was so creeped out by the hoard of movie props that may or may not be coming after you! The ending did feel a touch rushed-- I really wanted to sit and savor the reveal but all of the sudden, the book was over. But a fantastic addition to Henry's collected works!

This is a chilling and riveting Gothic paranormal horror story that can be devoured in one sitting, thanks to its compelling pacing and captivating chapters that invite you to unravel the big mystery in the Graystone Chicago mansion.

The gripping mystery revolves around Harry, a single mother and housemaid with a unique connection to horror stories, recently unemployed, she takes a job in a mansion linked to a renowned horror filmmaker, Javier Castillo. Harry, along with her gifted son Gabe, faces eviction due to gentrification, adding urgency to her new job.

As Harry observes the bond forming between Gabe and Javier, inexplicable occurrences in the mansion heighten tension, mysterious entities pose threats, and Harry becomes entangled in the mansion's mysteries, realizing she must protect her son.

The story offers an easy and gripping horror experience. Yet, the desire for an epilogue and a less abrupt ending leaves some aspects unexplained about the surviving characters.

I requested a digital copy in order to sample the prose on my phone (since I don't have a eReader) before requesting a physical copy for review. My review will be based on the physical ARC I read (if I qualify)

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

Well, this is a chilling, gripping, and riveting Gothic paranormal horror story that you can devour in one sitting, thanks to its compelling pacing and captivating chapters that entice you to unravel the big mystery and discover what is truly happening in the Graystone Chicago mansion, "Bright Horses."

The gripping mystery centers around Harry, a single mother and housemaid (though not the Millie the maid type from Freida McFaden's tales). She lost her job in a restaurant during the pandemic and considers herself fortunate to find work in a mansion, cleaning terrifying costumes and props related to horror movies. As a film enthusiast and cinephile, Harry, who found strength in horror stories and films to break free from her dogmatic family in her youth, is now raising her fourteen-year-old gifted son, Gabe. They face the risk of eviction from their highly affordable apartment due to the latest gentrification project.

Enter Javier Castillo, a renowned horror filmmaker for whom Harry works. He has chosen a secluded life surrounded by the artifacts of his art, created after his son Michael became involved in a murder and disappeared with his beloved wife. Despite his seemingly strange and reclusive nature, Javier suffers from loneliness. Learning about Harry's son, he invites them to dinner to get to know young Gabriel better.

Harry reluctantly observes the special bond forming between her son and Javier. Simultaneously, she notices logically unexplainable occurrences in the house, such as a woman's voice screaming for help and a moving mask with clawing hands, posing potential threats. She realizes she's not the only one witnessing these events. As she races to finish cleaning the house and secure another job, mysterious entities intensify their threats. Slowly, she becomes entangled in the mysteries of the mansion, understanding that she must find a way out to protect her son as the truth begins to unveil itself.

I would rate it between 3.5 to 4 stars. It's an easy and gripping horror novel. However, I wish there were an epilogue, and the ending didn't feel so abrupt, leaving some aspects unexplained about the surviving characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this riveting book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Harry Adams is a CRAZY Horror Movie fan - so much that it caused a split from her controlling parents which technically lead her on the path of living paycheck to paycheck as she does today; She makes a living in Chicago with her young son whom she is completely devoted to.

Her love of the genre has also, however, enabled her to become the housekeeper of the very famous and very reclusive horror movie director Javier Castillo. Javier is hiding away from some dark history and Harry comes to his mansion a few days a week to dust and care for all of the famous props and multitude of rooms.

There is one room that she does not have access to, and it is easy for her to keep her head down and ignore it. But one day, Javier invites her to come to dinner with her young son. What happens next will keep you up all night!

A very beguiling and unique look at horror movies and haunted houses!#berkley #christinahenry #Thehousethathorrorbuilt

3 stars

This kind of fell flat for a Christina Henry book. Was this one written by a ghost writer, was she under pressure to produce another book? With a title and description like this one, I expected a lot more horror. It felt like at most a mystery? The characters weren’t very relatable and it was just bland.

This had potential, but is overwhelmed by characters over explaining why they're doing intensely illogical things. A major player read as one dimensional as well, so the reading experience was...dissonant.

While I liked the family dynamics in this book, I found myself wanting more from the scares.

With a Title like "The House that Horror Built", I really wanted more inventive sources for the scares but it leans more mystery than horror.

It reminds me a lot of the style of horror that T. Kingfisher uses in A House with Good Bones. Not intense enough to rattle a seasoned fan of the genre but spooky enough to be a reader's first introduction to it.

The title and cover would have you believe that this book is going to be similar to "Final Girls Support Group", "My Heart is a Chainsaw", and other more meta examinations of the horror novel but it really isn't.

It read more thriller than horror. Personally I found myself waiting for the next scare and grew weary with how long the gaps are in between each. It reads less slow burn and more frustratingly slow. The wait didn't amplify the scares, all it did was make me sigh in relief because something actually happened.