"That's the thing though. Everyone went on vacation here when they were a kid. When you're on vacation you don't see the rot. You don't see the rust or the nasty words graffitied on hidden walls. You don't see the pain, the sadness, the evil, the dull, gray, never-ending boredom that leads people to drink and smoke and fight and die... You don't see a murder house. You don't see anything." 

After the death of her mother, Sarah's life spirals into depression and an overdose. It was an accident, but her kids don't think so. Her husband, Patrick, decides they all need a fresh start - move into his childhood home, known as the Murder House due to the deaths that occured in the past 15 years. Patrick believes they can bring life back into the home, but strange things start happening. Sarah knows something's wrong, and delves to discover the truth behind the house and Patrick's past. 

I think this book wins the award for most annoying characters ever. I've never been so frustrated as I raged at each member of the family - the lack of communication and responsibility, unpredictability, and the spiral into dysfunction. With that being said, everything about it is what made the book work. It was very well written to the point where I constantly thought, "Do I hate this person or do I feel bad for them?" Each character's personality fleshed out the story and kept the flow going. 

There were a lot of twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat. Everytime I suspected one thing, something else happened to have me re-evaluate the story. The more we delved into Patrick's past, the more lies came to light. I enjoyed how the story slowly unraveled itself and the ending was shocking. 

It's been awhile since I've read a psychological thriller that reeled me right in and held my interest. This book was dark and compelling!