A Guest in the House

In A Guest in the House, Emily Carroll explores grief and identity through Abby's unsettling journey, revealing dark family secrets and haunting dreams.

In A Guest in the House, Emily Carroll weaves a contemporary gothic horror tale that delves deep into the complexities of grief and identity. The story follows Abby, who has settled into a seemingly perfect married life with David and his stepdaughter, Crystal. However, beneath the surface of their domestic bliss lies an unsettling mystery surrounding Crystal's mother, an artist whose past is shrouded in silence. As Abby navigates her new family dynamics, she finds herself haunted by memories and dreams that challenge her understanding of happiness and fulfillment.

The narrative unfolds in a house by the water, a setting that becomes a character in its own right, harboring secrets and echoes of the past. Carroll expertly blends elements of horror with poignant themes of loss and the struggle for self-acceptance. The reader is drawn into Abby's world, where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, and the ghosts of the past loom large. Through her evocative storytelling, Carroll captures the essence of fear, both external and internal, as Abby confronts her own demons and the legacy of those who came before her.

With its rich illustrations and haunting prose, A Guest in the House is not just a tale of terror; it is a profound exploration of what it means to be truly alive amidst the shadows of the past. Fans of Stephen King and Neil Gaiman will find themselves captivated by Carroll's unique voice and her ability to evoke deep emotional resonance within the framework of a chilling narrative.