Cherie Priest delivers another eerie and atmospheric tale that kept me turning pages late into the night. It Was Her House First is a slow-burning haunted house story steeped in tension, grief, and ghostly revenge. The setting is vividly drawn—equal parts southern charm and creeping dread—and the characters feel raw and real, especially the protagonist grappling with her past and the house’s sinister secrets.

What really worked for me was the pacing: Priest knows how to let the horror build gradually, layering subtle chills before plunging you into full-on dread. The house itself is a character, looming and unforgettable, and Priest masterfully blends psychological tension with supernatural elements.

If you’re a fan of Shirley Jackson, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, or gothic fiction with a modern twist, this one’s for you. It’s unsettling in the best way.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.