I devoured this book in one day. When I saw Josh Malerman had a new book coming out, I was so excited and this book did not disappoint. It was terrifying, thoughtful, and suspenseful. I'm scared to go down into my basement to change the laundry right now.

Incidents Around the House is an amazing and riveting work, and simply one of the greatest horror reading experiences I've had. Malerman is able to embed himself so artfully into the POV of a young girl, yet at the same time, develop characters around her. And you will be scared not only for this young girl, but for yourself. The monsters in my closet, long ago forgotten about, felt relief as I read this novel, for I believe in them again. There's a clear vintage horror influence yet a Cormac McCarthy feel. Genuine scares for those who thought they'd never be scared again. Other Mommy is such a very cool, pretty, and powerful monster who keeps the reader guessing. But as the best horror does, it's not just the monsters but the humans in our life that hurt us just the same.

Five shining stars.

Omg please make this a movie because this book had me TERRIFIED.

I loved this so much. Everything about it. It was creepy and had me staring at my dark closet like 👁️👄👁️

This gave me Guillermo Del Toro’s “Mama” vibes. I totally pictured that entity as Other Mommy.

I have a feeling this is going to be the hot new book of the summer and for good reason! It’s so scary and very easy to follow. The POV from the child was unique & the short chapters kept the story flowing nicely. I’ll be thinking about this one long after reading it.

Delightfully scary and chilling, I had to read it in the daytime only. Josh Malerman is an incredible horror writer and this is one of his best.

Thank you to Josh Malerman and NetGally for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

First off, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I have always been a fan of haunted house/ghost stories and this hit every point for me!

The book is written really well with a unique perspective I've not seen done very often - written from the perspective of a child. Who is the one being haunted. I think the author did a great job in capturing the innocent way kids will view the world around them and how they will accept things most adults wouldn't - especially in the case of appearance or origin.

It was absolutely terrifying, seeing the way that Bela's innocence and naivete was manipulated and used against her throughout the book, and I cried for her when that innocence was tarnished.

Without giving too much away, I think the creepiest part of the story (besides this being something that comes from the closet because that just hits the traumatized child in us all) was the not knowing what was real and what wasn't.

If you like stories like Paranormal Activity or the Conjuring, definitely read this book!

I’ve been a huge fan of Josh Malerman‘s ever since I discovered his 2014 debut Bird Box, which as most horror fans know, went on to become a cultural phenomenon. Not only was it one of the key novels that reignited my passion for reading after many years away, but it was a fresh and unique take on one of my favorite subgenres – post-apocalyptic horror. Ever since that moment, Malerman has become an insta-buy author for me and has since gone on to explore many different types of horror. There’s the subtle horror of A House at the Bottom of the Lake, the weird western Unbury Carol, the all-out nightmare fuel of Pearl (aka On This, The Day of the Pig) and the sprawling, genre-exploding Ghoul N’ The Cape. That’s not even counting the other finished novels that Josh has finished over the years that haven’t been released to a wide audience yet.

I’ve been lucky enough to chat with Josh multiple times on the Ink Heist podcast and one thing that always jumps out at me is his infectious passion for horror and writing. I’ve always felt that carried over into his books and it’s one of the special ingredients that make his books so hard to put down. Josh’s seemingly effortless storytelling style instantly feels warm and inviting, even though you know there are untold horrors hidden waiting further in the shadows.

The other secret ingredient? Well, that’s something I’ve yet to come up with an accurate word for. It’s more of a feeling, like the same thrill you might get trading stories of the uncanny over drinks with a friend at a bar. So when I received a review copy of Incidents Around the House, it totally destroyed my TBR and shot straight to the top of the pile.

Incidents Around the House chronicles a haunting through the eyes of eight-year-old Bela, as her and her family are terrorized by a malevolent entity she has dubbed “Other Mommy”. Bela’s experiencing a turbulent time in her life when she first hears Other Mommy’s voice whisper from the dark depths of her closet “Hello, there. Who are you?” She starts to think of Other Mommy as a friend, someone who can make her laugh and keep her company. But soon Other Mommy has a request of her own for Bela and keeps repeating the same phrase night after night, “Can I go inside your heart?” She usually says no with little consequence from Other Mommy, but lately Other Mommy has been growing impatient. She’s been growing bolder, making her presence known in the house and testing the boundaries of how far she is willing to go to get Bella to say yes. As Bela and her family are plunged into a living nightmare, their love for one another will be tested and they will need to rely on each other if they have any hope for escape.

I love when writers take big swings, and Malerman definitely takes them with Incidents Around the House. It’s a risky move, building the narrative solely through Bela’s perspective and having it be rooted as closely to reality as possible. If there’s too much detail and description, the story becomes unbelievable and it’s obvious it’s an adult telling the story. If there’s not enough, it’s equally unbelievable because kids are extremely observant but just express themselves differently. I think Malerman nails this balance and his approach definitely pays off. He blends the palpable fear of being confronted with the unknown and the inherent curiosity kids have to create some truly bone-chilling scenes that will have readers screaming at Bela and her family to not just leave their home, but burn it to the ground. Also, by filtering the novel through Bela, it allows Malerman to experiment with form. He often uses short, punchy sentences and eschews traditional punctuation often in order to further add realism to the story. But it not only allows for realism, it also creates a propulsive pace that keeps readers on their toes and keeps the story from ever hitting lulls. It keeps you reading along and dropping your guard so that when Other Mommy pops up seemingly out of nowhere, you’re just as startled as Bela, Ursula and Russ. That being said, while I loved this approach, I can see the opinions over the style of Incidents Around the House being as divisive as the opinions of Kyle Edward Ball’s 2022 film Skinamarink.

For the longest time I thought On This, The Day of the Pig was the undisputed, most terrifying novel of Malerman’s career, carrying the burning spirit of vintage horror paperbacks and using it to inflict nightmarish visions on unsuspecting readers. That was until I met Other Mommy and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before Other Mommy pops up in my nightmares. I don’t want to spoil what Other Mommy looks like or what it’s capable of because those moments of discovery are best experienced with as little warning as possible. One thing I can guarantee is that each interaction between the characters and Other Mommy will make your skin-crawl. The reason I think Other Mommy is so effective as an antagonist is that through Bela’s childhood innocence, we are given just enough information to paint a vague picture of what this entity might look like. After that, Malerman uses a series of actions to present the dangers facing Bela and her family, but the reader is also able to fill in the blanks of Other Mommy’s appearance and abilities with their own imagination.

I think that is one of the things that made this novel particularly terrifying for me, that it not only engaged my imagination, but also dredged up memories from my own childhood. To keep a long story short, growing up I lived with my mom and stepdad in a very old house, one that sat directly next door to the restaurant my mom worked at. I can’t tell you the exact year the house was built, only that it was around the same time as the restaurant, which famously housed George Washington for a night or two. Years later, my step dad would tell me stories of how he would be woken up from a dead sleep when doors separating the rooms would slam shut, despite all of the windows being closed. The restaurant also boasted its share of ghost stories. How do all of these things tie into Incidents Around the House? Well, that house is where I had not one, but two, imaginary friends. A man and a woman. I don’t remember anything about them other than their names and sure, on the surface, it seems innocent enough. A young kid creating imaginary friends is almost a rite of passage. Any memories I had of them have been eroded by time, but when I look back and think of those stories and the fact they only resided in that house…I can’t help but wonder if I narrowly escaped my own Other Mommy situation.

I had an absolute blast with Incidents Around the House and it’s definitely in the running for not just the scariest Malerman book, but also my personal favorite. As you venture into the darkness that lurks within these pages and you hear the creaking of your house or get a sense of unease when you glance at the darkness of a closet or room, ask yourself – is it just a trick of your imagination or is it an entity of your own, coming to ask you, “Can I come into your heart?”

I'm incredibly grateful to Del Rey Books, Josh Malerman, and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC. This story is told from the viewpoint of eight-year-old Bela, the story unfolds as she discovers her room is haunted by an entity known as Other Mommy, who desires to possess her. Bela's parents begin to notice her distress, but initially, they dismiss it as a product of her imagination. However, when they witness Other Mommy themselves, they flee the house, seeking spiritual help to rid Bela of this haunting presence. Despite their efforts, Other Mommy remains steadfastly attached to Bela. Will Bela succumb to her, or will she find the strength to resist? I was engrossed by the supernatural elements of the story, and the perspective of the preteen protagonist brought depth to the complex family dynamics. I devoured this book and had so much fun with it!

EASY 5 STARS. I wish I could give this one more.
I am SOOOOOO thankful to Del Rey Books, Josh Malerman, and Netgalley for granting me advanced digital access to this haunted house story before it hits shelves on June 25, 2024.

Told from the POV of an eight-year-old girl, Bela, she finds that her house, specifically her room, is haunted by an entity called Other Mommy. Yikes. Other Mommy wants to enter Bela's heart or, plainly speaking, to and possess her.

Bela's real Mommy and Daddo start to notice that something is up with their kiddo. After discovering Other Mommy, they hesitate to believe their daughter's explanations are anything more than a creative imagination. When Mommy sees Other Mommy in the "flesh" one evening, they flee the house and commit to being on the run from this spectral presence, seeking help from any spiritual guidance they can find. This is obviously few and far between as far as numbers go, and it's not long before they nab some help from a local mystic who does her best to perform an exorcising of sorts to rid Bela of this tormenting.

Other Mommy is LATCHED on, and there's no escaping her grasp. Will Bela let her in, or stand strong to fight her/it off?

I loved the supernatural spookiness of this book, and I feel like the preteen perspective helped to animate the complex and broken family dynamic that we see amongst Grandma Ruth, Daddo, Mommy, Bela, and of course, Other Mommy. I don't think I've ever read a book so fast. Bravo.

In "Incidents Around the House," Josh Malerman skillfully crafts a narrative that delves into the depths of human fear and the unknown. Through vivid descriptions and meticulously constructed scenes, Malerman creates an atmosphere of palpable tension that permeates every page of the book.

The characters are not just archetypes, but fully realized individuals with their own fears, motivations, and secrets. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn deeper into their lives, rooting for them to overcome the mounting obstacles they face.

What sets Malerman's work apart is his ability to blend elements of horror with psychological suspense. Each incident in the house serves as a catalyst for exploring the characters' innermost fears and desires, leading to unexpected twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end.

Moreover, Malerman's prose is as haunting as it is beautiful, drawing readers into the world he has created with lyrical precision. From the eerie whispers of the wind to the unsettling silence of the deserted house, every detail is meticulously rendered, immersing readers in a world that is both familiar and terrifyingly unknown.

Overall, "Incidents Around the House" is a testament to Malerman's mastery of the genre and a thrilling read for anyone who enjoys a good scare. It's a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned, leaving readers eagerly awaiting Malerman's next chilling tale.

3/5 Stars, thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced copy to review.

I received an advanced review copy of this book from NetGalley.
Josh Malerman is one of my favorite authors and my favorite books by him are Inspection, Unbury Carol, and Bird Box.

This story captured my attention from the start and had me looking around at my closet doors and the ceilings after evenings spent reading this story. In my opinion Malerman perfectly blends telling you some details and leaving others out, which lets your mind speculate and in many cases is scarier than if he directly told you the information. One thing I would have wanted in this story was to know Bela's age. It was difficult in some scenes to paint the picture of what was happening without knowing her exact age. I also wanted to have the story continue a bit longer than where it ended. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. This review is also posted on Goodreads.

Another 5 star read from Josh Malerman! This book hooks you from the start and doesn't let you go. I read this in one day, the pages practically turned themselves! You don't want to skip out on this one!

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC of Incidents around the House by Josh Malerman.

This has to be my favorite book by him. I don’t scare easily and this book had me creeped out and I couldn’t put it down. It would make an excellent movie. I really like books that can be creepy and scary without gore and grossness. The unique writing style helped with adding a layer of suspense and tension. This is definitely a book you may need to stick in the freezer!

Bela has an apparition that visits her at night that she calls “Other Mommy.” Other Mommy asks Bela nightly if she can go into her heart to reincarnate herself. Bela both finds comfort and is scared of Other Mommy. Things begin to turn when not only does Bela start to see Other Mommy outside of her house, but the people around her start to see her as well. Now, it is a race for her parents to save themselves and their daughter from Other Mommy.

Look, if you’ve been here for more than a minute, you know that my history with Josh Malerman novels is a little rocky. But THIS BOOK! I’m not exaggerating when I say I couldn’t put it down! Even with work and sleep I managed to finish it in less than 24 hours, something I haven’t done in a *very* long time.

With light shades of Coraline, this is the story of Bela, a young girl tormented nightly by her “imaginary friend” Other Mommy, who only wants to get into Bela’s heart, and the incredible and wrenching lengths her parents go to in order to save her from the not so imaginary monster.

The entire book is written from Bela’s pov, and because of how well Malerman’s writing draws us into her childish innocence, the scares hit extra hard! More than once I accidentally gasped out loud and caught some real weird looks from my go-workers. 🤣

But it’s not just the scares that are effective (although WOW are they effective). When Bela’s parents argue, we feel her anxiety. When painful truths come to light, we hurt with her. And when Other Mommy reveals her true self, we don’t just feel her fear, we are also afraid.

O my goodness- I think this is Josh Malerman’s best story yet. I was totally glued to the pages and couldn’t put it down…except for at night because I was too creeped out to read it in the dark! A fantastic, horrifying take on a haunted house/monster story. I loved every second.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this as an ARC.

Yeesh! I wasn’t really expecting this level of creep – I should’ve known better. I’m usually not scared by ghosts or hauntings but this one got under my skin. It’s insidious and sinister and completely unlike anything I’ve read before.

Bela lives with her mommy and daddo, usually pretty happily, except for ‘other mommy’ who lives in her closet and used to be nice but now, not so much. “Other mommy’ is always asking if she can go into Bela’s heart. Bela always says no and the more she says no, the more persistant ‘other mommy’ gets.

Because this is told from Bela’s POV, it gives a uniquely terrifying perspective; Bela is limited by age in her understanding of the real world so adding in something unnatural is way outside the realm of understanding and explanation.

This is a story I won’t be forgetting anytime soon and I won’t be saying anything more about the plot. Go in as blind as possible on this one, you won’t regret it.

My thanks to Random House Publishing for this gifted DRC.

Thanks to Del Rey and NetGalley for this advanced reading copy in exchanged for my unbiased review.

I should probably acknowledge upfront that I am a big fan of horror books, movies, haunted houses at Halloween and all sorts of options for a good scare. And I have loved Josh Malerman’s books in the past. So I was looking forward to reading this book.

As I started reading this book, I was slightly taken aback, because the plot concept was so familiar. I mean Neil Gaiman’s [book:Coraline|17061] is only one of the books I can think of with the premise of a young girl who is visited by an evil entity pretending to be her parent.

Granted, the descriptions of the Other Mother were nicely understated enough to allow the reader’s imagination to effectively pump up the horror, and the plot zips along with many really spooky events. But, I still felt a bit let down by Malerman’s use of such an obvious horror trope in what felt like a storyline that I had seen too often before.

But, if it had just been another version of this somewhat stale story, I would not have given it 4 out of 5 stars (high praise for me—only a ver few all-time favorites get 5 stars). But, as the book continued on, I found that the circumstances that underlie Bela’s visitations became clearer, and at the same time they felt more emotionally truthful. By the end of the book, I was left with a completely different sense of horror; horror based mostly upon the pain that we can do to the people that we love.

In service of not spoiling things, I don’t want to say anything more, except that this book has left me feeling some major feelings that are quite different than my usual experience at the end of a horror novel. And for me, that is a very good thing.

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

Josh Malerman has outdone himself!

This story is about Bela, a little girl whose family turmoil often pushes her into the arms of Other Mother, the creature from her closet. Will Bela let Other Mother into her heart, or will she work with her family to rid themselves of this monster once and for all?

Malerman's mention of Goblin, Michigan, and the characters from some of his other works is reminiscent of Stephen King's Castle Rock character cameos.

Malerman has just done for closets what King did for clowns. I read this in one sitting, because I just couldn’t pry myself away. Unrelenting tension and dread, interrupted only by moments of terror.

This book is utterly terrifying in the very best way! Every time I picked it up a feeling of dread crept into me. Having Bela, a young child, narrate the events in the story creates a unique and unsettling experience for the reader. This is definitely my favorite Josh Malerman book and reminds me a bit of “Half theHouse is Haunted” in his short story collection “Spin a Black Yarn. Highly recommend this book for a spine tingling, shivering and unputdownable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.