The Spite House – Johnny Compton

Released yesterday!

Thanks to Tor Nightfire for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review

THE SPITE HOUSE – Johnny Compton (Released February 7th, 2023)

Book Description:

Eric Ross is on the run from a mysterious past with his two daughters in tow. Having left his wife, his house, his whole life behind in Maryland, he’s desperate for money–it’s not easy to find safe work when you can’t provide references, you can’t stay in one place for long, and you’re paranoid that your past is creeping back up on you.

When he comes across the strange ad for the Masson House in Degener, Texas, Eric thinks they may have finally caught a lucky break. The Masson property, notorious for being one of the most haunted places in Texas, needs a caretaker of sorts. The owner is looking for proof of paranormal activity. All they need to do is stay in the house and keep a detailed record of everything that happens there. Provided the house’s horrors don’t drive them all mad, like the caretakers before them.

The job calls to Eric, not just because there’s a huge payout if they can make it through, but because he wants to explore the secrets of the spite house. If it is indeed haunted, maybe it’ll help him understand the uncanny power that clings to his family, driving them from town to town, making them afraid to stop running. A terrifying Gothic thriller about grief and death and the depths of a father’s love, Johnny Compton’s The Spite House is a stunning debut by a horror master in the making.

My Thoughts: 5/5 stars

Whenever I read horror I’m always reminded why I love the genre. I need to focus on reading more of it throughout this year because while I do love my thrillers and historical fiction, this is just my absolute favorite. So I did not realize that spite houses were an actual thing – a structure built solely to irritate neighbors and basically be an eyesore. I love that some houses are literally built out of spite and, oh boy, the Masson House is one of them. Just an added bonus that it’s said to be incredibly haunted. I think this is a stellar debut and some parts were so chilling and creepy. I practically yelled when the back outside door slammed in the high winds while reading 😂 I don’t want to give away too much other than that I highly recommend it.