I don’t read a lot of horror books, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed The September House. Even more impressive is that this is Carissa Orlando’s debut novel, and it feels so polished and well-crafted.

I listened to the audiobook, which pulled me right into the unsettling atmosphere. The narrator’s performance was fantastic and gave me chills more than once. The story is creepy and eerie without being overwhelmingly terrifying, which made it perfect for me. It had just the right level of spookiness, and the atmosphere was wonderfully unsettling while still accessible. The tone never felt too heavy or depressing, making it an ideal choice for autumn or Halloween reading.

Margaret and her family were fascinating to follow, and the house itself was unforgettable. Every September, it comes alive with walls that bleed, ghostly figures in the shadows, and chilling screams at night. I loved how Orlando put a fresh spin on the haunted house trope, balancing mystery, dread, and intrigue in a way that kept me listening into the wee hours of the night.

What stood out most was how Margaret accepted the hauntings. Her relationship with the house gave it a personality of its own, almost like another character in the story. Their strange bond brought moments of humor, tenderness, and even warmth alongside the darker, more disturbing scenes. The emotional range kept me hooked, and the ending delivered some shocking twists I never saw coming.

This book reminded me of Grady Hendrix’s writing style, but I actually found Orlando’s writing even stronger. This book was a clever, inventive, and memorable read that I absolutely loved. I cannot wait to see what she writes next. Highly recommend!