The Night House

4.5 stars

If you’re expecting a crime Harry Hole type novel then think again as one of my favourite authors takes us in a different direction here.

After his parents tragically die in a house fire, Richard Elauved is sent to live in rural, remote Ballatyne with his aunt and uncle. Richard becomes an outcast amongst his classmates though it’s fair to say that he doesn’t help himself. When fellow student Tom goes missing no one believes the strange and horrifying tale that Richard tells, except for Karen. This is just the start of some dark and destructive happenings with Richard become increasingly desperate to prove his innocence. Richard narrates the story which is split into three parts.

Wow! This is a shortish novel at 224 pages but it sure packs a punch and that punch differs in each of the sections with the style of writing altering too. This is one of several clever elements contained within these pages. Some of the images especially in Parts 1 and 2 are so vividly surreal they jump off the pages as if they are a horror film and there are some great film references to support this. This novel has everything you would want from a horror story, from dark forests to local legends to creepy haunted houses - the Night House of the title and which the excellent cover replicates so effectively. There are some yukky, gruesome incidents in places with a moody, spooky, eerie, secretive, sinister and evil tone which induces fear. To say there is atmosphere in abundance is an understatement. It’s chock full of tension and suspenseful moments with those horror Stephen King like vibes centre stage.

In Part 1 the story is pure horror which is when Richard is aged 14 and Part 2 is fifteen years later and several times in this section I almost shout ‘Whaaattt?’ or words to that effect. My mind blows and then I think I’m starting to make sense of it and then Jo Nesbø bends your mind again and there’s a mind blow that almost sends me into orbit. In Part 3, everything unlocks, it starts to slot into place, we learn things, we grow in understanding- or do we???? I love the way the author keeps you guessing right to the end with the final twist and the rest is up to you.

Overall, this is a very well written and compelling novel that has the reader asking a multitude of questions and there are some little breadcrumbs to follow along this very different and twisty journey. Here is proof that you don’t need 400+ pages to deliver a punchy wow factor and often less is more.

This publishes in the UK on 28/9 and would make an excellent spooky season choice.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Vintage for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

A book the stuff of nightmares. The writer producing a storyline that would cause Stephen King to tremble. The reader, compelled to turn each page not quite realising that each page turned, draws them more deeply into a terrifying scenario of which there is no escaping. Richard, the chief protagonist, the centre figure in a family tragedy leaving him not only an orphan but suffering with disabling PTSD. A new home, new school, caring foster parents and yet an inability to connect, move on and embrace this second chance. The first part of the book from Richards perspective is that of a constant battle with himself between right and wrong, good and evil and his own impression of how others perceive him as opposed to what they really think. A deep need to lash out and hurt others before others hurt him. The second part of this story seems to indicate an upbeat change in circumstances and fortunes with optimism for the various characters to experience a change in fortunes , in parallel with a forlorn hope that a more upbeat future for all is on the horizon. To avoid spoilers, the conclusion is delivered as if escaping the darkest of storms only to be thrust into the bowels of hell. All will be explained but it doesn’t mean as is normally the case, “and they lived happily ever after” or did they? As a prolific reader of all genres, it is impossible to categorise this unsettling book other than to fasten your seat belt, go along for the ride and be prepared for sleepless nights and vivid dreams. Many thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.