Many thanks to @prhaudio for the #gifted copy. 

 

Campy horror mixed with a dysfunctional family in the throes of grief.  

 

My mom has a creepy old doll.  (Actually, creepy might not be a strong enough word.)  It has always given me the heebie jeebies.  I’ve given her explicit instruction to make sure the doll is given to someone who will appreciate it because it’s never ever coming to my house. 

 

So the premise of this horror book, where my mom’s creepy doll is exchanged for an even creepier puppet, should’ve really peeked my interest.  It should’ve easily freaked me out.  Yet.  

 

While there were parts of the story that I couldn’t look away from and parts that made me laugh,  the overall story progressed at a snail’s pace and just didn’t hold my interest. Much of the storyline deals with family dysfunction rooted in generational trauma, which I often read and enjoy. Yet here, I was bored.  And maybe most telling… when horrendous things happened to the characters, I found myself not really caring.    

 

It’s obvious I’m an outlier on this book.  Maybe I’m getting too old for campy horror?   Maybe Hendrix isn’t the right fit for me?  Maybe I’ve been spoiled by Catriona Ward’s (exceptionally plotted) horror style?  

 

🎧One thing that worked… the audiobook narration.  Jay Aaseng and Mikhaila Aaseng bring Louise and Mark to life with their depiction.