e-ALC, 07:07:28
Narrated by: Jeff Ebner
Release Date: July 28, 2026
Published by: Books On Tape
Read from: July 27-28, 2026
Stand-alone
Source: PRH Audio (I received this ALC from the publisher and their app. This did nothing to influence my review.)
Content Warning: Fire
For Readers of: Audio, Horror, Sparkly Cover, Middle Grade, Most Anticipated, MysteryWhen a boy moves into his late grandfather’s mansion, he discovers eerie spell books, creepy dolls, and strange noises. But one doll feels especially off—maybe it’s nothing, or maybe it’s…watching. This creepy middle grade read is perfect for fans of the Goosebumps series.
Garrett never met his grandfather, Burke, but he’s heard the stories from his mother. Burke was an enormously successful writer, but he was also notoriously cruel, especially to his family. After he passes away suddenly, Garrett and his mother are told that his enormous fortune is hers…if they agree to spend a week at his estate.
The house is a monument to Burke’s obsession with puppet-like dolls, and the attic is packed with cryptic notes and ancient books. It’s clear that his grandfather was up to something, but Garrett can only guess what, and his fear only deepens when he finds a creepily detailed doll with ‘Marion’ written on the foot.
As the week progresses, Garrett realizes that the house isn’t what it seems. An old typewriter clicks away on its own. There are sounds in the night that come from the basement. And strangest of all is Marion, who always seems to be watching…
*MY THOUGHTS*
As soon as I heard about this book I knew I need to get my hands on it. Y’all know how I felt about Grin, so I was hella excited for this one. And sure enough, it was just as creepy and weird as the last one. This MG horror book is one that I will see passed around I’m sure.
Normally I do not like dolls, but I went ahead and read it anyways because I like D.W’s work so much. And let me say I was right to do so. It was so good. Creepy af but it was good. I hated every second of it LOL Dolls creep me out so I know it will also creep the kiddos out too. I can’t wait to see this on different Halloween displays.
So the plot was the only thing I didn’t love. The reason? The ending tells why this happened, and then it was over. Idk, I wanted more of the story I think. But at least we got to the ending and got some closure so I won’t complain too much. But I’m pretty sure this was a me thing, so I’ll just leave it alone lol But still, I enjoyed it.
The characters were pretty cool too. Garrett was not my favorite, but that was because he was so easily overtaken LOL But the new bestie was funny and I laughed way too hard at the way he was like hell naw. He didn’t take any chances whatsoever about that house and I can’t say I blame him. What they found there is nothing more than the most unhinged, creepy a*s s**t I’ve ever heard of. A centipede, a spider, and the big ass thing made me up this book down to go and take a walk lol This was one of the weirdest, creepiest things ever LOL And the last character, that was in the object, made me cry. I was not expecting for a horror novel to make me cry.
I don’t want to say more because of the mystery part of this, but just know this was a crazy ass book. I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like this before. Now go pick this up so I have someone to talk to about this!
Overall, I give this
