This was a read in one day kind a book! I just couldn't put it down, it was so creepy and I haven't been spooked by a book in ages. The unique twist on this book is it's told entirely from the pov of a child so you hear her story of the monster terrorizing her family and how she reacts to the world around her. It was so well done. The monster itself was terrifying and the way it evolved! So as a reader you're not sure what's next up its sleeve. Easily a 5/5.

AHHH!!! I need to start off by saying that Josh Malerman Is the absolute king of horror! He knows exactly how to get under your skin and have you looking over your shoulder! If you're into paranormal or monster horror, PICK THIS UP! No regrets, I promise.

The writing style adds so much more to the creepy factor and also just helps you fly through this book... I just needed to know what was going on!!!

Huge thanks to Random House Publishing Group & NetGalley for an early copy!

A terrifying new novel from modern master of horror Josh Malerman. Incidents Around the House is chock full of cinematic haunts and jump scares. This one is a page turner that will leave readers guessing until the book's conclusion. Ultimately, the ending left me wanting a little bit more in terms of resolution, but I still found the story very enjoyable and will definitely be recommending this book to library patrons and friends alike.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey for the eARC of this book.

Thank you to Random House Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an early digital copy of Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman in exchange for my honest opinion. This post will also be available on my Goodreads profile of Reading Xennial.


The thing in Bela’s closet is real and the grown-ups don’t know how to protect her.


This book is so terrifying and feels like an actual nightmare. I made the mistake of starting this book in the afternoon thinking I could stop after a few hours and pick it back up the next day. After some convincing from my children, I was able to put it down, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the story when I wasn’t reading it. Even now after finishing it a couple of days ago, I’m still thinking about this book. I live in New England and now every time the furnace kicks on with all its clicks and moans, I question if “Other Mommy” is nearby. I’ve had a harder time sleeping because I’m worried something is creeping near my bed or in my closet. I know it’s not rational but this book convinces you that it’s possible.


It’s told from the perspective of a young girl Bela and the format takes some getting used to. It’s an interesting viewpoint reading about something so horrible through the lens of someone so innocent. Malerman did an amazing job setting a scene and bringing the reader through this nightmare along with Bela and her family. There were places when I literally had goosebumps on my arms from how creepy this story was (Chapter 18). Malerman’s way of describing things is so visceral that it’s hard to forget. For example, the way he described something as simple and common as a “breath” gave me actual shivers.

I decided to rate this 5 stars. I rarely rate books 5 stars but this one earned it. Usually, if a book can make me connect with the characters and feel on a deep level then it earns that rating. This book made me feel so strongly even if those feelings were terror and sadness.

This book is not for the faint of heart. If you spook easily, I’d recommend skipping this one. If you’re into horror and looking for a new take on a “monster in the closet” kind of story, I can’t recommend this enough. You won’t be disappointed.

Some books are amazing because of the journey and what it does to you as you are reading it, and this is one of those books. It was initially jarring to have the narrator be a child. But after I adjusted, I really melted into Bela's character. This book is oozing with unrelenting dread and things never really relax. It was just so tense, and I was waiting for things to happen with every turn of the page. Other Mommy was quite the frightening entity and one that I won't soon forget.

Other things I wanted to note about the book, if you love some of the Malerman's other books, he does drop some cameo's from his other work, so that was fun. I also loved the short chapters, that really helped to keep things moving.

This might be my favorite book by Malerman and the tension is right up there with Bird Box.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eArc. All opinions are my own.

First, I have to thank Netgalley and Random House Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for a review. I am extremely grateful.

If you've followed me for any stretch of time, you know that there isn't much that scares me. I've been reading horror since I was about 8 years old - making that roughly 50 years. Few books have the ability to actually cause me to jump at sounds, look around, or even just put it down for a few minutes to compose myself (all things people have said about stories they've read).

You may also remember that I consider Josh Malerman a friend, and will read his grocery list if he published it - but, you should also know that I am anything, if not candid, and honest - especially when it comes to writing reviews.

All that being said, I can sum up INCIDENTS AROUND THE HOUSE like this - "HOLY HELL!"

Two days later, and I'm still looking up at my ceiling every time the house settles and the floor creaks. I certainly picked the wrong time to read this book, and you, the general reader, should be glad it's coming out in the Summer, and not in the middle of Winter like it is now. The howling winds, and 5pm darkness certainly heightens the affect; but one that the horror novice may not appreciate as much as I do.

Believe me, you've been warned.

Read this book in a room with no closets, the lights turned on, on a bright sunny day, and in a one-story house; and I am willing to bet you STILL look over your shoulder once or twice.

Josh takes a different approach to writing this story in that it's written from the perspective of an 8-year-old; so the style may be a little off-putting at the beginning. Stick with it, you'll get used to it.

What I really like about Josh's stories (in general) is that he throws in a lot of philosophy. He doesn't just entertain you with a gripping tale, but forces you to reflect on your own life, and what your place is in the world. My favorite was chapter 50 - Bela's Grandma is basically trying to explain to an 8 year old how to deal with trauma, relationships, and forgiveness - and it is just so beautifully written, that I had to read it twice, just to ingest everything.

Again, this was one hell of a scary ride, and those who truly know me, know I don't say that lightly. You're going to want to change all the knobs on your closet doors to ones with locks, and, like me, will still jump at a floor creek days later.

First thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for allowing me to read this ARC. Incidents Around The House is such a delightful horror story told from the point of view of the young girl the entity is haunting. This work of art finds smalls fears you didn’t know existed within yourself and brings them into the light. This is the story of innocence and how not even that can even save you when it comes to the true horrors of life.
Like a diary entry from a child in paranormal activity this books chills every bone you have.
Such a good read for those into simple true to life horrors .

This was a fun time! Now, I’m not usually creeped out by “monster/paranormal” reads, but this one had me looking over my shoulder in the dark a few times! The character connection within this story was great - I was invested in the relationships each character had with one another - especially our three main characters: Bela, Russ and Ursula. This engagement with the characters not only kept me turning each page, but intensified the creepy factor because there’s a sense of caring about these people. It DID get a bit repetitive in the middle, that’s the only portion I found to drag a bit. Other than that, I continually wanted to know more and find out who or what, “Other Mommy” is. Josh Malerman has a way with words. Hitting you in your realistic feels while haunting the hell out of you! I definitely highlighted a quote or two. Overall, this was pretty freaking awesome. Creep factor was high, and the characters were relatable. 4 stars!

I do love me some Josh Malerman, and this novel was no exception. I'm fairly desensitized to horror novels, but this book truly creeped me out. It was the subtle trembling beneath the surface mixed with the overt scares. I found my heart race increasing as each Act concluded. The ending is thought provoking, and I'm still not one-hundred percent I fully understand, but who cares? Sometimes it's what's left unsaid that keeps a book embedded in your subconscious. Aside from A House at the Bottom of a Lake, this is Malerman's most riveting tale since Bird Box. Loved it!

Wow! Unsettling, psychologically terrifying and utterly brilliant.
One of the greatest horror books I have read for awhile. Definitely one to be read in the dark, on your own, with the sound of just the house creaking around you and a storm howling outside.
That about sums up the atmosphere of this book!
Told through Bella’s thoughts and conversations, the writing style took a little adjusting too but once you are used to the writing method the book is unputadownable! I was awake all night reading this one.
If you have closet doors in your bedroom you may want to put something heavy in front of them. You certainly don’t want to leave them open a crack!
‘Other Mother’ begins off as Bella’s only friend, until she starts to act creepy but only Bella knows about her and can see her.
She has a question for Bella, ‘Can I live in your heart?’ and talking about carnation – reincarnation. But the more Bella says no the creepier Other Mother gets until it just isn’t Bella that can hear, smell and see her.
As the family make a mad dash from the house they don’t know what to do or where to go for help because Other Mother isn’t just haunting their house, she has attached herself to Bella. Wherever Bella goes, Other Mother follows.
The stress starts to show the cracks in the family dynamic and Other Mother loves cracks.
The story follows the family as they try to deal with this entity and keeping Bella safe.
This book is a full on psychological horror thriller that I would love to see brought to the big screen, the book is like watching a horror movie.
Horror and supernatural fans will devour this book whole and be left wanting more.
Incidents Around the House will be published on June 25, 2024 and is available to preorder now.
Be prepared to be freaked out!

Another super creepy read from Josh Malerman. Honestly love when a book takes place in my home state. Meet Bella…. Who’s chatting with her “other mommy”. A wild paranormal roller coaster.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley. Thank you to Random House Publishing and Josh Malerman for this opportunity. I'm going to be honest, straight out of the gate. I did not think I was going to get far into this book at all. The writing style was weird in terms of not only the way the words lay upon the page but just the overall feeling. It ends up serving the book pretty well, actually, and I'm not sure if it's done the way I read it on purpose or if it's going to be touched up before full publication. I hope it stays as is. I actually really liked this book. Supernatural is not something I gravitate towards. It's too unbelievable for me to truly get into it. I thought of this book the entire time I wasn't reading it. I was soooooo curious what exactly it was all getting to. The ending had me feeling... well, I said WTF. I rarely ever reread books, and I just might on this one. Definitely suspenseful, not gory or disgusting. I had a little issue with the way the big twist was worded in terms of how the child was being told. It didn't seem like appropriate word choices that would help her understand what's actually being said since she is so young and innocent. Overall, I definitely recommend it.

God rest my soul, I miss who I used to be before I read this. This book is by far the scariest thing I’ve ever read. My heart pounded, I haven’t slept well in days. I’ll never go to the bathroom in the middle of the night again without a certain scene playing in my head. The author created such an intense atmosphere of dread and tension all through the (very well written and believable) POV of an 8 year old. I loved it!

Wow. Just wow. This was unbelievably unique, unsettling, dark yet thought-provoking. I may just have nightmares of "Other Mommy" now. To say this author is talented is putting it lightly. It takes a lot for a book to scare me, which rarely happens, but this one did the trick, making me check all the closets in my house. In a world where I can't remember what I read a week ago, this is one of those stories that I will remember years down the road. Brilliant and original, I highly recommend this to all horror lovers. Five Stars.

Thank you, Netgalley, and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC.

4.5 stars

I have a very complicated love/hate relationship with Malerman. This particular book is a love.
I’m really going to have to think on what the end of this book means, or maybe the book as a whole. But holy cow, this book was freekin creepy. It is very rare that I get actually creeped out, but this one really did it for me.

This is a very complex story, and I’m not normally a person that tries to read too deeply into my regular fictional entertainment reads, but I know there is a lot more to this than what’s on the surface. Some is fairly obvious but that ending has me reeling. Either way, Bravo Mr. Malerman, you’ve really got a good o e here.

Bela, Mommy and Daddo live together in their house. And Other Mommy lives in Bela’s bedroom closet. She’s getting closer and closer and asks Bela, “Can I go inside your heart?” Bela doesn’t want to say yes, but isn’t that what friends do?

This new work from the author of BIRD BOX is delightfully creepy and was even better than I thought. Highly recommended.

This was the most unsettling and disturbing thing I've read in years! This fast-paced horror starts within a family in which a girl is being haunted by a sinister presence. This was an extremely gripping story from the first page to the last, with mounting tension and danger. I loved the way the story was told, mainly through the dialog that takes place between the girl and the adults. This was truly a masterpiece that any horror fan will not want to miss!

Wow. I’m absolutely stunned and blown away by this book.

I’ve been a Malerman fan since Bird Box, and I loved it that he was able to make me tense enough to cover my mouth while reading (which only one other author has ever done to me). This book, though, made me cover my mouth more than 10 times! Even more, I literally squirmed around a few times. And at one point, I gasped so loudly that it woke my cat up! All of this to say that Incidents Around the House is now one of my all-time favorite books and should definitely be at the top of your TBR list.

Writing a book completely from the point of view of a young character can go wrong very quickly, but Malerman nailed it. Everything about the narrator’s words and thoughts screamed ‘this was written by a child’ to me. Malerman deserves a major standing ovation for what he’s accomplished here.

I also loved it that Malerman let some of his own thoughts about life, and trying to protect the part of you that’s open to other things, filter through the adult lens (especially Daddo and Grandma). I’ve noticed that each of his books seems to be increasingly like this, and it’s so wonderful.

This book is tense and freaky. It managed to tear my heart out and rip it to shreds, too. But there were also moments that had me literally laughing out loud. If this sounds good to you (and it really should), order this book. You won’t be sorry.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.

I think I've hurt my vocal cords after screaming too much! Well, Josh Malerman seemed to see through my bluff when I insisted I rarely get scared by horror movies and novels because real-life experiences are more terrifying than fiction. He raised the level of fear for pretentious readers like me a notch higher! Now, I'm on the verge of panicking, afraid to walk in my own house. Every cracking sound makes me jump down to the floor, covering my head with my hands and closing my eyes, counting to ten thousand. That's how my dear husband found me and took pictures, which he shared on his Insta, already garnering 15 thousand likes! I hate my life!

Anyways, writing a book review without giving too much away is the toughest job, especially for this book. I can barely say a few words to define the plot. Here they are: Little Bela meets her imaginary friend, "the other mother," who lives in her closet and sometimes appears at her bedside, chatting and giggling with her. She even mentioned her existence to her momma Ursula and daddo Russ, and they acted like it was a joke. But when the other mother talks about carnation or reincarnation, and Bela refuses to let her into her heart, things take a dark turn. As more days pass, Bela realizes the other mother is not her friend; she's an entity that truly wants to enter her heart, growing stronger and following her everywhere. When Bela's family's foundation starts crumbling down, the entity becomes even stronger.

Bela is not the only one who sees her, and there's no escaping this monstrous entity. It traces every step Bela takes. What happens if Bela decides to say yes? Can she save her family, or is there a way to kill the monster before it takes her heart? If there is, what would be the cost?

Oh boy! I've never been so scared by any book! It chilled me to my bones; my blood ran cold! I'm honestly whispering because I lost my voice from screaming at each chapter. I couldn't take it anymore and covered my eyes not to read more, but my prankster husband took the book, read aloud, and dropped it as he cried like a baby! I'm not exaggerating, guys; this book scared the living daylights out of me! But it's incredibly good! The narration style was like it's written by a child, which was a bit distracting, but it never failed to send shivers down my spine.

I cannot give less than 5 stars to this book, the fairest grade, but I warn you—it's extremely spine-tingling. You might want to leave a light on when you sleep for weeks and invite all your relatives to sleep in your living room together for a month. That's how frightening it is. But, absolutely, I recommend it to horror lovers looking for something creative and mind-blowing!

I hope this book gets adapted into a screenplay so I can hit the theaters to watch and scream through the scenes like an opera lady or young Jamie Lee Curtis.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing/Ballentine/Del Rey for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of “Incidents Around the House” by Josh Malerman. I was so excited to recieve this ARC because I loved “Bird Box”. Unfortunately I have to say this book fell flat for me. In the beginning, it definitely scared me which is where the two stars came from. Two stars for the creepy factor. The middle of the book got too repetitive for me, unfortunately. I do like the overall psychological horror theme of innocence lost, but I just didn’t feel like it was translated well within the story. I have to say the ending was anti climactic. I was hoping for so much more as I was getting closer to the end. I will say the story did keep me engaged the entire time.