I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love when horror explores grief. I love hauntings as metaphors for trauma. And when all that serves as a backdrop for a difficult family dynamic? Sign me up.

And if you're putting that in a satirical campy context? I'm here for it.

I knew very little about this book going into it, and I recommend that you do the same. Grady Hendrix delivers the usual, including lots of amusing banter and Chekhov's guns that go off when you least expect them.

If you need more of a selling point: the novel follows Louise who, after the sudden death of her parents, needs to navigate:
- her turbulent relationship with her younger brother
- her responsibilities towards her five year old daughter who she had to leave across the country when dealing with funeral stuff
- a cast of kooky aunts
- a very frustrating will
- So. Many. Creepy. Puppets.

(Fun fact: this book came out on my birthday, which was another sign that I would enjoy it.)

Recommended if you're creeped out by dolls and/or puppets, have a dysfunctional relationship with an adult sibling, and love family secrets.

More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/7rhiwvWp9YY