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Home
Death can invade any home.
The town of Oak Hollow, Ohio is dying. Jobs are scarce, crime is rampant, and the authorities aren’t helping.
But, when the infamous haunted house on Asher Street is quickly converted to a funeral home, it appears something has come to pick clean the bones of this once-proud Midwestern town.
Who is Lloyd Mnemic? Can his kindly offer of free funeral services be trusted?
***
If you were given the chance to speak to a deceased loved one, would you take it?
What if all it cost was a bit of your time?
The town of Oak Hollow, Ohio is dying. Jobs are scarce, crime is rampant, and the authorities aren’t helping.
But, when the infamous haunted house on Asher Street is quickly converted to a funeral home, it appears something has come to pick clean the bones of this once-proud Midwestern town.
Who is Lloyd Mnemic? Can his kindly offer of free funeral services be trusted?
***
If you were given the chance to speak to a deceased loved one, would you take it?
What if all it cost was a bit of your time?
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2024
191 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
About the author
Ben Young
13 books116 followersBen lives in the Cincinnati, OH area with his family and dogs, where he is currently working on more stories which may or may not ever see the light of day. He does not enjoy writing about himself, especially in the third person like this. Find him online at www.benyoungstories.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
March 31, 2025
Ben Young is a gifted storyteller, reminiscent of Stephen King in his prime…and I don’t write those words lightly! In HOME, Young perfectly balances creepy vibes with a splattering of gore, while bringing relatable characters to life. My favorite? Cowboy, the rescued greyhound, of course! HOME is the real deal from a rising star in the horror genre.
February 10, 2025
⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️
Home is a masterpiece of horror. Brilliantly written. A haunted funeral home, an ancient creature, and a town on the verge of dying itself. Something foul is in Oak Hollow. There are some amazing characters in the story... but a few will stick out.... gross you out, make you say what the hell was that. The song "you are my sunshine ".... will never be the same again when I hear it... thanks, Myrtle.
“What they all want to forget is that death is always beside them. It walks slowly, but it never stops. Death is patient and silent. It needs no permission. Every breath brings it closer, and death does not need to hurry. Because it always wins. Everything dies."
☠️“Listen carefully, and do exactly as I say.”☠️.... Go buy this book.
Home is a masterpiece of horror. Brilliantly written. A haunted funeral home, an ancient creature, and a town on the verge of dying itself. Something foul is in Oak Hollow. There are some amazing characters in the story... but a few will stick out.... gross you out, make you say what the hell was that. The song "you are my sunshine ".... will never be the same again when I hear it... thanks, Myrtle.
“What they all want to forget is that death is always beside them. It walks slowly, but it never stops. Death is patient and silent. It needs no permission. Every breath brings it closer, and death does not need to hurry. Because it always wins. Everything dies."
☠️“Listen carefully, and do exactly as I say.”☠️.... Go buy this book.
June 9, 2024
Amazing 👏
Ben Young has a real talent for writing a book, making you think it's going to be about one thing... and then smack you in the face with something else entirely.
I loved this book and its characters. Some of the characters really grew on me, one in particular that initially I didn't think I would care for.
Full review to come.
Ben Young has a real talent for writing a book, making you think it's going to be about one thing... and then smack you in the face with something else entirely.
I loved this book and its characters. Some of the characters really grew on me, one in particular that initially I didn't think I would care for.
Full review to come.
May 10, 2025
I can say with 100% certainty, this is a one of a kind, incredibly unique book. I've never read anything like it, and I'd bet you haven't either. Home is - at its heart - a story of human mortality, under the guise of horror. It reads like a Goosebumps book for adults. I had such a fun time reading it. I love Young's style of writing, it's somehow poetic yet accessible. A must read for modern horror lovers!
June 26, 2024
This was the second book I've read from Ben Young and I have to say this was just as good as Stuck. A haunted house is converted into a funeral home. We all know that's a recipe for a haunting time. Not to mention, the owner is offering free services, what can possibly go wrong?
In the sick twisted mind of Ben Young? Everything! The characters were well-written and the plot was suspenseful until the very end. At first, the POV shift stumped me but I worked my way through it and the reward for sticking with it was well worth it. Just like Stuck, this one gives you the feeling of claustrophobia.
I found myself struggling to put the book down when real life told me I had something to do. Glad I pushed through and finished it. Well done, Ben!
The next time you see a haunted funeral home, it might be wise to keep your distance or you might find yourself going HOME...
In the sick twisted mind of Ben Young? Everything! The characters were well-written and the plot was suspenseful until the very end. At first, the POV shift stumped me but I worked my way through it and the reward for sticking with it was well worth it. Just like Stuck, this one gives you the feeling of claustrophobia.
I found myself struggling to put the book down when real life told me I had something to do. Glad I pushed through and finished it. Well done, Ben!
The next time you see a haunted funeral home, it might be wise to keep your distance or you might find yourself going HOME...
August 31, 2024
I loved this book for what it is supposed to be. A little trip down into the depths of terror. I’m not looking for a social commentary about the failing economy of small town America or suicide and the wake it leaves behind. I want to be lured down the stairs into the basement with a chance that I may not return the same person. This story delivers that. It delivers and keeps you hooked.
For me I feel like I could tease out the Bradbury and King influences.
I understand this author has a horror story about caves. That may very well be my next read.
Thanks to my wife for uncovering this wonderful world of independent authors of horror.
For me I feel like I could tease out the Bradbury and King influences.
I understand this author has a horror story about caves. That may very well be my next read.
Thanks to my wife for uncovering this wonderful world of independent authors of horror.
March 2, 2024
‘Death as a business model is ingenious’
When the major employer leaves Oak Hollow, the small town falls into despair. The only new business to open in years is the Mnemic Family Funeral Home - in an abandoned house rumoured to be haunted. It doesn’t take long before customers arrive!
The narrative is exposed through expertly drawn alternating character stories: a recluse; the bereaved; a traumatised hoarder; an abandoned child and amateur psychopath; and Lloyd Mnemic, the Funeral Director. With the exception of the latter, you cannot but hope for redemption for those who bear witness, and those who are manipulated.
Ben Young once again demonstrates his prowess as a master story teller.
Releases on 22 March. Hit that ‘Want To Read’ tab on GoodReads. You honestly don’t want to miss this!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
The cover of Home By Ben Young shows a skull partially covered by a white shroud. The crest of the Mnemic Family Funeral HOME is superimposed: the crest is topped with the words. Media Vita In Morte Sumus.
When the major employer leaves Oak Hollow, the small town falls into despair. The only new business to open in years is the Mnemic Family Funeral Home - in an abandoned house rumoured to be haunted. It doesn’t take long before customers arrive!
The narrative is exposed through expertly drawn alternating character stories: a recluse; the bereaved; a traumatised hoarder; an abandoned child and amateur psychopath; and Lloyd Mnemic, the Funeral Director. With the exception of the latter, you cannot but hope for redemption for those who bear witness, and those who are manipulated.
Ben Young once again demonstrates his prowess as a master story teller.
Releases on 22 March. Hit that ‘Want To Read’ tab on GoodReads. You honestly don’t want to miss this!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
The cover of Home By Ben Young shows a skull partially covered by a white shroud. The crest of the Mnemic Family Funeral HOME is superimposed: the crest is topped with the words. Media Vita In Morte Sumus.
July 27, 2025
Delivers a refreshingly eerie narrative. The ominous house transforms into an even more menacing funeral home, and then the fatalities occur. The tension builds steadily, impacting the entire town. A chilling, atmospheric read — highly recommended!
June 18, 2024
This book is brilliant! I loved every page - each character was so interesting, the story was perfectly disturbing and well thought-out, and there were just enough wtf moments, (Myrtle 🤦♀️) that I found myself picking it up every spare minute I could get to myself.
I would definitely recommend, and I’m looking forward to reading more by Ben Young!
I would definitely recommend, and I’m looking forward to reading more by Ben Young!
August 9, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
A creepy, supposedly haunted building, now turned into a funeral home owned by a mysterious man that no one knows anything about, what could possibly go wrong?
• multiple characters + POVS
• Character development
• Grief horror
• Best doggo
This is the second book I’ve read from the author Ben Young. I have read his novel “Stuck” before this one, and I can definitely see the similarities between the two both writing style wise and story wise. This book was a trip from beginning to end. We follow multiple characters, POVs changing each chapter, as we fall down this terrifying reality in Oak Hollow. I really enjoyed getting into each characters stories. I do feel as if some we got more back story than others, but with so many characters that can be expected. I absolutely loved Walt’s character and I was rooting for him through and through! Also, Cowboy is BEST DOGGO. I thought the aspect of Walt dealing with grief while experiencing all of this was a nice touch because I believe it allows for a lot of growth for his character by the end of it. Myrtle also had some interesting character development that I truthfully was not expecting. The characters were all interesting, especially Lloyd Mnemic, I found myself so invested in founding out what exactly was going on with his character.
My complaint with this story is honestly the length. I feel like it could have been shorter, I found myself kind of tired toward the end and was wondering how much more I had to go. The story does wrap up nicely and I enjoyed the ending, I just feel as if there was a lot to get through to get to the end.
I highly recommend both this novel and Ben Young’s other novel “Stuck”. He is definitely a talented author and I will be on the lookout for more of his releases for sure!
A creepy, supposedly haunted building, now turned into a funeral home owned by a mysterious man that no one knows anything about, what could possibly go wrong?
• multiple characters + POVS
• Character development
• Grief horror
• Best doggo
This is the second book I’ve read from the author Ben Young. I have read his novel “Stuck” before this one, and I can definitely see the similarities between the two both writing style wise and story wise. This book was a trip from beginning to end. We follow multiple characters, POVs changing each chapter, as we fall down this terrifying reality in Oak Hollow. I really enjoyed getting into each characters stories. I do feel as if some we got more back story than others, but with so many characters that can be expected. I absolutely loved Walt’s character and I was rooting for him through and through! Also, Cowboy is BEST DOGGO. I thought the aspect of Walt dealing with grief while experiencing all of this was a nice touch because I believe it allows for a lot of growth for his character by the end of it. Myrtle also had some interesting character development that I truthfully was not expecting. The characters were all interesting, especially Lloyd Mnemic, I found myself so invested in founding out what exactly was going on with his character.
My complaint with this story is honestly the length. I feel like it could have been shorter, I found myself kind of tired toward the end and was wondering how much more I had to go. The story does wrap up nicely and I enjoyed the ending, I just feel as if there was a lot to get through to get to the end.
I highly recommend both this novel and Ben Young’s other novel “Stuck”. He is definitely a talented author and I will be on the lookout for more of his releases for sure!
January 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
This was a really strong indie horror read and absolutely worth picking up if you enjoy unsettling, yet quiet atmospheric stories. The writing was immersive and beautifully done, and Ben Young clearly has a talent for crafting a story that pulls you in and keeps you feeling uneasy.
The characters were well developed, and it’s clear a lot of time, effort, and research went into this book. The atmosphere was especially well done, creating a steady sense of tension and dread rather than relying on cheap scares. This isn’t a “woo-woo” or jump-scare type of horror. It's quiet horror, and the kind that lingers and leaves you feeling uncomfortable long after you finish. There are scenes that I will not be able to forget about...I'm looking at you Myrtle the Turtle.
That said, the pacing did slow a SMIDGE in the middle, which is not uncommon for me to notice as a reader. While the writing itself remained strong, there were moments where the story felt like it lingered slightly longer than necessary before picking back up again toward the end.
Overall, this was a very impressive indie horror novel and an easy 4.5-star read for me. I absolutely loved this and want to read more. If you enjoy quiet, atomopsheric, character-driven horror that is going to make you feel uncomfortable and unsettled, then this one is definitely worth checking out.
This was a really strong indie horror read and absolutely worth picking up if you enjoy unsettling, yet quiet atmospheric stories. The writing was immersive and beautifully done, and Ben Young clearly has a talent for crafting a story that pulls you in and keeps you feeling uneasy.
The characters were well developed, and it’s clear a lot of time, effort, and research went into this book. The atmosphere was especially well done, creating a steady sense of tension and dread rather than relying on cheap scares. This isn’t a “woo-woo” or jump-scare type of horror. It's quiet horror, and the kind that lingers and leaves you feeling uncomfortable long after you finish. There are scenes that I will not be able to forget about...I'm looking at you Myrtle the Turtle.
That said, the pacing did slow a SMIDGE in the middle, which is not uncommon for me to notice as a reader. While the writing itself remained strong, there were moments where the story felt like it lingered slightly longer than necessary before picking back up again toward the end.
Overall, this was a very impressive indie horror novel and an easy 4.5-star read for me. I absolutely loved this and want to read more. If you enjoy quiet, atomopsheric, character-driven horror that is going to make you feel uncomfortable and unsettled, then this one is definitely worth checking out.
December 26, 2024
I loved this book. Ben Young yet again manages to strike readers in the heads and heart with this powerhouse of a tale. A small town, dying an inevitable financial death breathes a sigh of relief when a new business opens in town, inside a house that has scared generations. A funeral home with a kindly director who just wants to help ease people through the difficult process of death. No charge at all... just a bit of your time.
Home is small town horror on a cosmic scale. Young weaves a tale that will keep you reading voraciously right up until the very unexpected end. His character development is second to none and his writing style is both amazing prose, yet conversational at the same time. He explored deep concepts here but in a fashion that readers will understand and lap it up. I felt like I knew everyone in the book by the time I was done and Young managed to make me care about all of them... other than a certain funeral director.
This is a must read cozy horror book told by an author whom I hold is extremely high regard. Don't miss the chance to follow Ben as he guides you through the horror of small town life in Home.
Home is small town horror on a cosmic scale. Young weaves a tale that will keep you reading voraciously right up until the very unexpected end. His character development is second to none and his writing style is both amazing prose, yet conversational at the same time. He explored deep concepts here but in a fashion that readers will understand and lap it up. I felt like I knew everyone in the book by the time I was done and Young managed to make me care about all of them... other than a certain funeral director.
This is a must read cozy horror book told by an author whom I hold is extremely high regard. Don't miss the chance to follow Ben as he guides you through the horror of small town life in Home.
October 12, 2024
this is the first book by Ben Young i have read and i can honestly say, this was a fantastic read. i met Ben at the TBR Con in Knoxville, TN and he was so nice and just a joy to talk to. for me, this book checked all the boxes. it roped me in at the start and kept me completely interested throughout the entire book! 5 star read for sure
March 7, 2024
I finished this book late last night. It has been a while since a book kept me so engrossed in the story that I stayed up till 3 am to finish it, but this one did.
This book just solidified Ben Young as one of my Roman Empire authors. If he wrote a story on an obscure bathroom stall, in a sketch part of town, all the way across the country, I would hunt down that bathroom to read what he wrote. I digress.
Where do I begin?
I feel like nothing I can say will do any sort of justice for this book. It starts with the idea of a haunted house, throws in a little small town history, with an added twist of something primeval to create a cacophony of mayhem and terror. You know something isn't right because that's why you're here, but you aren't sure what direction the nightmare will go. And when it all unravels you find yourself still struggling to find your footing and figure out the mystery of the nightmare till the very end.
The Story:
I LOVED this book, from start to finish. From the beginning, this story sank it's trocar into me and didn't let go till the end. It grips you and leaves you wanting to know what happens next at every turn. The story is so well crafted and I found myself gasping, whisper-yelling "No!", cringing, or closing my Kindle to just sit and process what I had read several times.
Young has a way of making you feel claustrophobic with his writing. He starts with a broad overview of the town and it's history and slowly begins to narrow the scope of the story to one central location. Sure the events that occur happen in various places throughout the story, but those events all lead to one singular location and he works to move you there in a masterful way, leaving you no choice but to brave the depths with him.
The Characters:
The story is told in 3rd person omniscient, from the perspectives of multiple characters who all live in the town of Oak Hollow - a grieving widow, a recluse, an outcast, an elderly woman. Each character is extremely unique and has a fully developed voice that distinguishes them from the others.
The POV shifts in each chapter to present the events of the story from varying perspectives. And each chapter ends leaving you wanting to know what happens next for each character, while sucking you into the POV of the next.
None of the characters feel like static caricature; each one is so well-developed and fleshed out, flawed, and real.
The Horror:
The way the horrors of the story are woven into the narrative so seamlessly is astounding. There is an overall sense of foreboding throughout that gets under your skin and puts you on the edge of your seat. There are times where the horror builds gradually over the course of a chapter, and then there are times where it comes out of nowhere and slaps you across the face suddenly. It's FANTASTIC.
I can't say enough about this book, and it is easily one of my top reads so far this year.
This book just solidified Ben Young as one of my Roman Empire authors. If he wrote a story on an obscure bathroom stall, in a sketch part of town, all the way across the country, I would hunt down that bathroom to read what he wrote. I digress.
Where do I begin?
I feel like nothing I can say will do any sort of justice for this book. It starts with the idea of a haunted house, throws in a little small town history, with an added twist of something primeval to create a cacophony of mayhem and terror. You know something isn't right because that's why you're here, but you aren't sure what direction the nightmare will go. And when it all unravels you find yourself still struggling to find your footing and figure out the mystery of the nightmare till the very end.
The Story:
I LOVED this book, from start to finish. From the beginning, this story sank it's trocar into me and didn't let go till the end. It grips you and leaves you wanting to know what happens next at every turn. The story is so well crafted and I found myself gasping, whisper-yelling "No!", cringing, or closing my Kindle to just sit and process what I had read several times.
Young has a way of making you feel claustrophobic with his writing. He starts with a broad overview of the town and it's history and slowly begins to narrow the scope of the story to one central location. Sure the events that occur happen in various places throughout the story, but those events all lead to one singular location and he works to move you there in a masterful way, leaving you no choice but to brave the depths with him.
The Characters:
The story is told in 3rd person omniscient, from the perspectives of multiple characters who all live in the town of Oak Hollow - a grieving widow, a recluse, an outcast, an elderly woman. Each character is extremely unique and has a fully developed voice that distinguishes them from the others.
The POV shifts in each chapter to present the events of the story from varying perspectives. And each chapter ends leaving you wanting to know what happens next for each character, while sucking you into the POV of the next.
None of the characters feel like static caricature; each one is so well-developed and fleshed out, flawed, and real.
The Horror:
The way the horrors of the story are woven into the narrative so seamlessly is astounding. There is an overall sense of foreboding throughout that gets under your skin and puts you on the edge of your seat. There are times where the horror builds gradually over the course of a chapter, and then there are times where it comes out of nowhere and slaps you across the face suddenly. It's FANTASTIC.
I can't say enough about this book, and it is easily one of my top reads so far this year.
August 18, 2024
starts slow than picks up
I almost gave up because of the slow start but it does start to pick up in the middle of the book. Reminds me a lot of Stephen king in the horror style.
I almost gave up because of the slow start but it does start to pick up in the middle of the book. Reminds me a lot of Stephen king in the horror style.
January 7, 2025
Grief horror at its finest
“Death comes on its own time, in its own way. It can invade even the safest home.”
“If it helps, in my experience, what death wants us to do, is pause. And take stock. Consider what is most important because we all have limited time. Everything dies, Kathrine. Everything. And this is a reminder that you will die too. So embrace this pause that death is offering and seek understanding with it.
Home by Ben Young is an emotional tour de force that takes readers on a harrowing journey through loss, despair, and supernatural terror. Having read his debut novel, Stuck, last year and been thoroughly impressed, I can confidently say that Young has made remarkable strides as an author with his sophomore effort.
Set in the struggling town of Oak Hollow, the story begins with the arrival of a new business-a funeral home- sparking hope for an economic revival among its residents. But questions linger: What kind of hope can a funeral home bring, and why here? When mysterious deaths and strange occurrences begin to plague the town, protagonist Walt is thrust into a confrontation with unimaginable darkness.
Young has earned the title of “master of grief horror” in my opinion. In both Stuck and Home, he introduces characters facing some of the most challenging moments of their lives, only to layer supernatural horrors on top of their emotional struggles. The result is a raw, unsettling narrative that feels both personal and otherworldly.
What truly stands out is how Young weaves his story with a nod to Stephen King while carving out his own voice in the indie horror community. The character of Lloyd Mnemic is a standout, evoking comparisons to King’s Needful Things and the iconic Leeland Gaunt. Yet. Mnemic is undeniably his own chilling force, adding to the rich tapestry of the novel’s terror.
With Home, Ben Young proves he is an author to watch, combining sharp storytelling with an uncanny ability to delve into the human psyche. This is a must-read for horror fans, particularly those who appreciate tales of grief and resilience intertwined with supernatural dread. If you haven’t picked up Home yet, don’t wait-this is a book that lingers long after the last page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
“Death comes on its own time, in its own way. It can invade even the safest home.”
“If it helps, in my experience, what death wants us to do, is pause. And take stock. Consider what is most important because we all have limited time. Everything dies, Kathrine. Everything. And this is a reminder that you will die too. So embrace this pause that death is offering and seek understanding with it.
Home by Ben Young is an emotional tour de force that takes readers on a harrowing journey through loss, despair, and supernatural terror. Having read his debut novel, Stuck, last year and been thoroughly impressed, I can confidently say that Young has made remarkable strides as an author with his sophomore effort.
Set in the struggling town of Oak Hollow, the story begins with the arrival of a new business-a funeral home- sparking hope for an economic revival among its residents. But questions linger: What kind of hope can a funeral home bring, and why here? When mysterious deaths and strange occurrences begin to plague the town, protagonist Walt is thrust into a confrontation with unimaginable darkness.
Young has earned the title of “master of grief horror” in my opinion. In both Stuck and Home, he introduces characters facing some of the most challenging moments of their lives, only to layer supernatural horrors on top of their emotional struggles. The result is a raw, unsettling narrative that feels both personal and otherworldly.
What truly stands out is how Young weaves his story with a nod to Stephen King while carving out his own voice in the indie horror community. The character of Lloyd Mnemic is a standout, evoking comparisons to King’s Needful Things and the iconic Leeland Gaunt. Yet. Mnemic is undeniably his own chilling force, adding to the rich tapestry of the novel’s terror.
With Home, Ben Young proves he is an author to watch, combining sharp storytelling with an uncanny ability to delve into the human psyche. This is a must-read for horror fans, particularly those who appreciate tales of grief and resilience intertwined with supernatural dread. If you haven’t picked up Home yet, don’t wait-this is a book that lingers long after the last page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
November 8, 2024
'Home' is a very clever title for this book. Thematically and scenically. I didn't know anything about this story before I read it either. It was "recommended" through other books.
'Home' by Ben Young is placed in Ohio in a very rural town called Oak Hollow. It is a dying town and recently the local "haunted house" has been bought out. It is soon to become 'Mnemic Family Funeral Home.' See, told you the title was pretty clever.
The story is told from a few different points of view being Preston, Myrtle, and Walt Jr. predominantly (brief moments of other characters).
Preston is a young adult male whom was abandoned and has mental health issues. Myrtle is an older woman (eighties or so from what I gathered) who has mental health issues. Then, Walt Jr. who I assume from his father being older -- somewhere in his late 50s-60s. He doesn't necessarily have mental health issues - but definitely has some form of social anxiety. He also has a retired greyhound named Cowboy.
The stories of all these characters come back to Lloyd Mnemic and the future of Oak Hollow.
So -- now to my review. This book definitely put me behind my tentative book a month schedule. It was so incredibly slow (especially upfront) that I put off reading it. I found the writing style to be a little bit dry. There are no issues with reading it - it has good quality. There are a lot of elements of the story I did enjoy - but they panned away like a soft rated R movie.
Myrtle to me as a character had a lot of interesting qualities but she was not necessarily a well written female. Preston was likely the most confusing as I couldn't relate to him at all. Walt Jr. really was the most well written character of the whole thing along with Lloyd Mnemic.
The gore laced bits were sufficient but as I said -- nothing so horrifying that it would make you gag or go wide-eyed. I was also fairly impressed with the author's use of embalming technique and use of tools. (I once upon a time was a mortician). I, personally, wouldn't cavity embalm without aspirating first. Which... I mean, it's a book, I can give leeway.
The first chapter of the book with the tour guide (whom we actually see later) is really hard to want to read through. I mean... really hard. It didn't get better until maybe the last quarter of the book.
Fine book if you like supernatural horror, slight body horror. A good spooky October/Fall read as well.
'Home' by Ben Young is placed in Ohio in a very rural town called Oak Hollow. It is a dying town and recently the local "haunted house" has been bought out. It is soon to become 'Mnemic Family Funeral Home.' See, told you the title was pretty clever.
The story is told from a few different points of view being Preston, Myrtle, and Walt Jr. predominantly (brief moments of other characters).
Preston is a young adult male whom was abandoned and has mental health issues. Myrtle is an older woman (eighties or so from what I gathered) who has mental health issues. Then, Walt Jr. who I assume from his father being older -- somewhere in his late 50s-60s. He doesn't necessarily have mental health issues - but definitely has some form of social anxiety. He also has a retired greyhound named Cowboy.
The stories of all these characters come back to Lloyd Mnemic and the future of Oak Hollow.
So -- now to my review. This book definitely put me behind my tentative book a month schedule. It was so incredibly slow (especially upfront) that I put off reading it. I found the writing style to be a little bit dry. There are no issues with reading it - it has good quality. There are a lot of elements of the story I did enjoy - but they panned away like a soft rated R movie.
Myrtle to me as a character had a lot of interesting qualities but she was not necessarily a well written female. Preston was likely the most confusing as I couldn't relate to him at all. Walt Jr. really was the most well written character of the whole thing along with Lloyd Mnemic.
The gore laced bits were sufficient but as I said -- nothing so horrifying that it would make you gag or go wide-eyed. I was also fairly impressed with the author's use of embalming technique and use of tools. (I once upon a time was a mortician). I, personally, wouldn't cavity embalm without aspirating first. Which... I mean, it's a book, I can give leeway.
The first chapter of the book with the tour guide (whom we actually see later) is really hard to want to read through. I mean... really hard. It didn't get better until maybe the last quarter of the book.
Fine book if you like supernatural horror, slight body horror. A good spooky October/Fall read as well.
March 4, 2024
I had a lot of trouble writing a review for this one. Not for any other reason than trying to avoid spoilers and absolute rambling (it’s gonna happen, rambling is unavoidable at this point. If it’s not your thing, skim quick but BUY THE BOOK!!!)This is a very discussable book, and I find that is very rare occurrence for me.
First off Ben Young is incredible at writing such descriptive imagery. It’s vivid and gross and fascinating and does what it’s meant to do.
Some quotes I highlighted:
“A glop of discharge fell from its open mouth, like a puddle of chocolate syrup on the concrete”
“The skin of its forehead loosened, sliding and squelching like bad fruit”
“Long knotted fingers like discolored crab legs”
Another thing is he has nailed his characters. Each has a very unique and distinctive personality. My favorite character arc was Myrtle, but she also gave me the most disturbing scene I have ever read, and I won’t be able to scrub my brain of that…thanks Ben.
I wish there was more of Preston’s arc. His felt not quite explored to its full potential.
I wanted to hug Walt like every single time he appeared.
I could go on for pages, but I won’t. Please believe me and others who have received and reviewed arcs of this, that it is a fantastic and quick read (4.5 hours for me).
This is my first book by Ben Young but as you can likely deduce it’s not my last.
Available for purchase (and you know you want to, just do it 😉🫶🏻) March 22!
First off Ben Young is incredible at writing such descriptive imagery. It’s vivid and gross and fascinating and does what it’s meant to do.
Some quotes I highlighted:
“A glop of discharge fell from its open mouth, like a puddle of chocolate syrup on the concrete”
“The skin of its forehead loosened, sliding and squelching like bad fruit”
“Long knotted fingers like discolored crab legs”
Another thing is he has nailed his characters. Each has a very unique and distinctive personality. My favorite character arc was Myrtle, but she also gave me the most disturbing scene I have ever read, and I won’t be able to scrub my brain of that…thanks Ben.
I wish there was more of Preston’s arc. His felt not quite explored to its full potential.
I wanted to hug Walt like every single time he appeared.
I could go on for pages, but I won’t. Please believe me and others who have received and reviewed arcs of this, that it is a fantastic and quick read (4.5 hours for me).
This is my first book by Ben Young but as you can likely deduce it’s not my last.
Available for purchase (and you know you want to, just do it 😉🫶🏻) March 22!
July 19, 2024
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Ok Ben, you already had me at historical old creepy house that is possibly haunted!! Add in a funeral home that suddenly takes up in the house, and then some scary creature that’s been around for centuries, and you’ve got a really unique horror story!
The characters are very well developed and I really felt like I knew them, and I cared about what happened to them in the story. I really loved the different point of views that were telling the story and it kept everything interesting and me hooked on the story.
And let’s not forget my VERY favorite part of the book: Ben’s own dog Coyboy (a retired greyhound) is one of the characters in the book! He is a real hero, alongside his owner Walt. Poor Walt is going through the grief cycles of losing his beloved father. He is able to use his father’s notes about the town and the darkness within it, and the book he started writing to help and save the day and heal himself as well.
I discovered Ben and his book through the love of our sighthound dogs! Ben is a terrific guy as well as a friend now and so is his amazing wife Lauren! It’s funny how our dogs bring us together to make lifelong friends!
I can’t wait to read the next Ben Young novel! He’s a talented writer and deserves all of the recognition and success he gets!
Ok Ben, you already had me at historical old creepy house that is possibly haunted!! Add in a funeral home that suddenly takes up in the house, and then some scary creature that’s been around for centuries, and you’ve got a really unique horror story!
The characters are very well developed and I really felt like I knew them, and I cared about what happened to them in the story. I really loved the different point of views that were telling the story and it kept everything interesting and me hooked on the story.
And let’s not forget my VERY favorite part of the book: Ben’s own dog Coyboy (a retired greyhound) is one of the characters in the book! He is a real hero, alongside his owner Walt. Poor Walt is going through the grief cycles of losing his beloved father. He is able to use his father’s notes about the town and the darkness within it, and the book he started writing to help and save the day and heal himself as well.
I discovered Ben and his book through the love of our sighthound dogs! Ben is a terrific guy as well as a friend now and so is his amazing wife Lauren! It’s funny how our dogs bring us together to make lifelong friends!
I can’t wait to read the next Ben Young novel! He’s a talented writer and deserves all of the recognition and success he gets!
February 28, 2025
I went into Home blind, knowing nothing other than it involved a funeral home. Truth be told, I'm kind of glad I did because it made the impact of the story hit so much more. Home was surprisingly creepy! Especially Mr. Mnemic and his apprentice, Preston.
Ben created such an interesting cast of characters, and an absolutely fascinating mythos for his villain (though the beetle trivia being one of the last things I read before I went to bed about did me in). The more I read, the more I found myself getting attached to characters and needing to see how their story would play out. And the character I ended up getting most attached to finally survived!
I'm going to need more with Mr. Mnemic, for sure. He's exceedingly creepy, and I'm highly offended by his weird, squiggly anemone fingers, but I'm so curious about his history and the things he's done and seen over the years. And where he's going in the future! There's so much to learn there, and I really hope Ben writes more about him, if only because I haven't gotten enough of his salad fingers.
Home is a great read, and it's a massive shame that it took me this long to read it! I made a lot of really cool connections to elements of the story, and I had a fun time throwing myself into the story and getting to know these characters and Cowboy!
Ben created such an interesting cast of characters, and an absolutely fascinating mythos for his villain (though the beetle trivia being one of the last things I read before I went to bed about did me in). The more I read, the more I found myself getting attached to characters and needing to see how their story would play out. And the character I ended up getting most attached to finally survived!
I'm going to need more with Mr. Mnemic, for sure. He's exceedingly creepy, and I'm highly offended by his weird, squiggly anemone fingers, but I'm so curious about his history and the things he's done and seen over the years. And where he's going in the future! There's so much to learn there, and I really hope Ben writes more about him, if only because I haven't gotten enough of his salad fingers.
Home is a great read, and it's a massive shame that it took me this long to read it! I made a lot of really cool connections to elements of the story, and I had a fun time throwing myself into the story and getting to know these characters and Cowboy!
April 15, 2025
Home by Ben Young
Easily a five star read.⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️
“Death can invade any home.
The town of Oak Hollow, Ohio is dying. Jobs are scarce, crime is rampant, and the authorities aren't helping. But, when the infamous haunted house on Asher Street is quickly converted to a funeral home, it appears something has come to pick clean the bones of this once-proud Midwestern town. Who is Lloyd Mnemic? Can his kindly offer of free funeral services be trusted?
If you were given the chance to speak to a deceased loved one, would you take it?
What if all it cost was a bit of your time?”
This was hands down one of the best books I’ve ever read. The way i felt for (most of) the character’s, made me so attached that i do think about one almost daily. It’s a book that kept me on my toes, creeped me out, made me laugh and cry (seriously), reminded me of my fear of dirt cellars, had me literally gag at one point.
Anyone whos worked with me knows it takes ALOT to gross me out in the prep room (embalmer). Well, this Fother mucker did it in less than a chapter. And- it’s not even gruesome / gory!
This book was also one of the only non-fiction stories with a funeral home as its main location, that was actually ACCURATE. I was genuinely impressed. Ben Young is a treasure, anyone who works in death care, needs to protect him at all costs!
So, go get it. Read it. Report back. Do it now!
Easily a five star read.⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️
“Death can invade any home.
The town of Oak Hollow, Ohio is dying. Jobs are scarce, crime is rampant, and the authorities aren't helping. But, when the infamous haunted house on Asher Street is quickly converted to a funeral home, it appears something has come to pick clean the bones of this once-proud Midwestern town. Who is Lloyd Mnemic? Can his kindly offer of free funeral services be trusted?
If you were given the chance to speak to a deceased loved one, would you take it?
What if all it cost was a bit of your time?”
This was hands down one of the best books I’ve ever read. The way i felt for (most of) the character’s, made me so attached that i do think about one almost daily. It’s a book that kept me on my toes, creeped me out, made me laugh and cry (seriously), reminded me of my fear of dirt cellars, had me literally gag at one point.
Anyone whos worked with me knows it takes ALOT to gross me out in the prep room (embalmer). Well, this Fother mucker did it in less than a chapter. And- it’s not even gruesome / gory!
This book was also one of the only non-fiction stories with a funeral home as its main location, that was actually ACCURATE. I was genuinely impressed. Ben Young is a treasure, anyone who works in death care, needs to protect him at all costs!
So, go get it. Read it. Report back. Do it now!
September 10, 2025
"Home" hits...well, close to home...at least for this small-town Heartland reader.
A shrinking Midwestern town is nearing its end. Businesses are up and leaving, and the citizens who remain are those who have called Oak Hollow, Ohio, home all their lives. They are those too stubborn to give up, or too nostalgic and sentimental to vacate the town they call home, despite it having practically hollowed itself out.
And like many shrinking towns in middle America, Oak Hollow has its idiosyncrasies. The Banana Split festival and 'supposedly' haunted attractions chief among them. So, when a sign appears in the old haunted house on Asher Street, advertising it as the future site of the Mnemic Family Funeral Home, the whispers begin.
With an antagonist similar to that of Stephen King's "Needful Things" and a host of fragile and broken characters that must navigate their way through personal trauma and clandestine twisted machinations, "Home" offers cringe-worthy bargains, dire consequences, and unsettling truths scurrying beneath its cover.
Whether it be the contemporary grief elements or the twisted supernatural repercussions, this story delivers tense scenes and dark consequences that will leave many fearful of what happens next. Almost as if a hollow pit opened up within the book's pages, sucking readers into the horrifying perils awaiting anyone who gets too close.
A shrinking Midwestern town is nearing its end. Businesses are up and leaving, and the citizens who remain are those who have called Oak Hollow, Ohio, home all their lives. They are those too stubborn to give up, or too nostalgic and sentimental to vacate the town they call home, despite it having practically hollowed itself out.
And like many shrinking towns in middle America, Oak Hollow has its idiosyncrasies. The Banana Split festival and 'supposedly' haunted attractions chief among them. So, when a sign appears in the old haunted house on Asher Street, advertising it as the future site of the Mnemic Family Funeral Home, the whispers begin.
With an antagonist similar to that of Stephen King's "Needful Things" and a host of fragile and broken characters that must navigate their way through personal trauma and clandestine twisted machinations, "Home" offers cringe-worthy bargains, dire consequences, and unsettling truths scurrying beneath its cover.
Whether it be the contemporary grief elements or the twisted supernatural repercussions, this story delivers tense scenes and dark consequences that will leave many fearful of what happens next. Almost as if a hollow pit opened up within the book's pages, sucking readers into the horrifying perils awaiting anyone who gets too close.
January 22, 2025
‘Home’ is the second full length novel release by Ben Young. I can now happily say I have read and enjoyed both ‘Stuck’ and ‘Home’!
Over the past year, I’ve grown closer to Ben both as a colleague/fellow author and as a friend. We’ve talked at length about our approaches to writing and found out how similarly we both operate.
I can tell by Ben’s writing, the strength of his plot, and his ability to build out an atmospheric world and well fleshed out characters that he works diligently to craft his story and make sure everything comes seamlessly together.
With ‘Home’, I found this story to be an enthralling one. I felt engaged with all the different character’s POV’s and their stories melding into one.
Lloyd Mnemic - the story’s main antagonist was exactly what I would want with that type of creature. Cunning. Intelligent. Evil. Thoroughly enjoyed Lloyd (hey, that rhymes! Ha!)
I would also like to add that I now feel like I am educated well enough to be a mortician! Haha
Overall, I really enjoy Ben’s writing and can’t wait to see what his next effort brings to the world! 5 stars!
Over the past year, I’ve grown closer to Ben both as a colleague/fellow author and as a friend. We’ve talked at length about our approaches to writing and found out how similarly we both operate.
I can tell by Ben’s writing, the strength of his plot, and his ability to build out an atmospheric world and well fleshed out characters that he works diligently to craft his story and make sure everything comes seamlessly together.
With ‘Home’, I found this story to be an enthralling one. I felt engaged with all the different character’s POV’s and their stories melding into one.
Lloyd Mnemic - the story’s main antagonist was exactly what I would want with that type of creature. Cunning. Intelligent. Evil. Thoroughly enjoyed Lloyd (hey, that rhymes! Ha!)
I would also like to add that I now feel like I am educated well enough to be a mortician! Haha
Overall, I really enjoy Ben’s writing and can’t wait to see what his next effort brings to the world! 5 stars!
July 11, 2025
Ben Young did his research and it shows.
I am a former mortician. In a lot of cases, when I read books about funeral homes and the author attempts to explain what happens behind the scenes, I end up wanting to find the author to give them a personal demonstration of certain techniques... Young is a shining example of well-researched prose and when he did need to take artistic license, it didn't interrupt the flow or make me ask too many questions. He even worked in some references to embalming history.
I'd give him five stars for that alone, but the book he built around the mortuary scenes is *chef's kiss*.
The characters are amazing. Mnemic is the best villain I've read in a long time. Even though the characters feel like separate stories, the way Young brings them together and entwines them is perfect.
His prose is brilliant. I didn't want to put the book down, but I also didn't want to pick it up because I didn't want it to end.
Every mortician who likes horror should get themselves a copy of HOME. Hell, every horror reader should purchase a copy of HOME to enjoy. It's a book I wholeheartedly recommend.
I am a former mortician. In a lot of cases, when I read books about funeral homes and the author attempts to explain what happens behind the scenes, I end up wanting to find the author to give them a personal demonstration of certain techniques... Young is a shining example of well-researched prose and when he did need to take artistic license, it didn't interrupt the flow or make me ask too many questions. He even worked in some references to embalming history.
I'd give him five stars for that alone, but the book he built around the mortuary scenes is *chef's kiss*.
The characters are amazing. Mnemic is the best villain I've read in a long time. Even though the characters feel like separate stories, the way Young brings them together and entwines them is perfect.
His prose is brilliant. I didn't want to put the book down, but I also didn't want to pick it up because I didn't want it to end.
Every mortician who likes horror should get themselves a copy of HOME. Hell, every horror reader should purchase a copy of HOME to enjoy. It's a book I wholeheartedly recommend.
March 14, 2024
Just finished this; it took me twice the time I'd planned for it, because it was too good to read it in one go. In fact, I had to pace myself, to savor the terrific writing, the brilliant plot, and the plain, clean prose: an easy read, yet full of what I expect from good horror - believable characters, an interesting threat, and a story that grows naturally out of the setting and the premises. 'Home' is indeed one hell of a rollercoaster ride! It reads like a cross between King and Gaiman, though far more straightforward than either. I thought it was a haunted house story; it isn't. Midway through I found myself wondering where this is going, then the book snuck up on me and made me re-evaluate. I especially liked the meaningful, respectful way in which Young treats death, old age, mental issues, and sacrifice: detailed descriptions of how death (and embalming!) works, what it implies for the bereaved, and how dignity does not diminish with age. 5 solid stars, and highly recommended!
December 11, 2024
Home
By Ben Young
⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️⚰️/5
Home by Ben Young is one of the top slow burner books I've read all year.
The town of Oak Hollow, Ohio is dying. Jobs are scarce, crime is rampant, and the authorities aren’t helping.
But, when the infamous haunted house on Asher Street is quickly converted to a funeral home, it appears something has come to pick clean the bones of this once-proud Midwestern town.
Young is a master of crafting and fully fleshing out all of his characters. Home is told from multiple POVs along a linear timeline and he meticulously uses his words to create visceral reactions to characters. I even went as far as messaging him and telling him how much I hoped one of his characters, "gets shredded into pieces," because he MADE me feel genuinely irate with their personality.
I was confident I knew where this story was going to lead me but I was so wrong which is my favorite type of story.
Please, go in blind and love every minute of it!
March 17, 2025
3.5/5⭐, rounded up
As has been said by many others, this novel has a very strong Needful Things feel to it, albeit on a much smaller scale. A strange gentleman comes to the small, dying town of Oak Hollow and sets up shop in the most (allegedly) haunted house in the neighbourhood. And his shop is a funeral home. And suddenly, this funerary business is picking up.
I enjoyed the overall feel of the story and the characters, who I found relatable and, if not necessarily loveable, certainly sympathetic. And yes, the comparisons to King's style are there, but (and don't get me wrong here, I was an avid King fan for a very long time) I actually found Young's pacing more enjoyable because it wasn't as bloated. And that's me who actually places Needful Things at the top of my favourite King novels.
Overall an enjoyable novel, and now I'm adding Young to my authors to watch (and adding Stuck to my tbr).
As has been said by many others, this novel has a very strong Needful Things feel to it, albeit on a much smaller scale. A strange gentleman comes to the small, dying town of Oak Hollow and sets up shop in the most (allegedly) haunted house in the neighbourhood. And his shop is a funeral home. And suddenly, this funerary business is picking up.
I enjoyed the overall feel of the story and the characters, who I found relatable and, if not necessarily loveable, certainly sympathetic. And yes, the comparisons to King's style are there, but (and don't get me wrong here, I was an avid King fan for a very long time) I actually found Young's pacing more enjoyable because it wasn't as bloated. And that's me who actually places Needful Things at the top of my favourite King novels.
Overall an enjoyable novel, and now I'm adding Young to my authors to watch (and adding Stuck to my tbr).
May 8, 2025
So many thoughts with this read!
First off, I am so glad that Ben Young mentioned Needful Things in his Author’s Note because that was definitely a parallel I drew. The small town where something sinister moves in, how can you not think of the classic. The rotation between characters and the true focus on developing them also reminds me of a King novel.
That leads to my second thought, I am so here for a redemption arc! I loved when that showed up! I also loved Walt and his dog Cowboy.
Now with the I’m sure to be constant mentions of how Home is similar to Needful Things, I think it’s important to note Home is wholly unique. Lloyd’s great project will likely give me nightmares. His character went in a direction I never would have predicted I mean, a… redacted… Really!?
Special callout for the cover that I love even more after reading the book and being able to catch little details.
First off, I am so glad that Ben Young mentioned Needful Things in his Author’s Note because that was definitely a parallel I drew. The small town where something sinister moves in, how can you not think of the classic. The rotation between characters and the true focus on developing them also reminds me of a King novel.
That leads to my second thought, I am so here for a redemption arc! I loved when that showed up! I also loved Walt and his dog Cowboy.
Now with the I’m sure to be constant mentions of how Home is similar to Needful Things, I think it’s important to note Home is wholly unique. Lloyd’s great project will likely give me nightmares. His character went in a direction I never would have predicted I mean, a… redacted… Really!?
Special callout for the cover that I love even more after reading the book and being able to catch little details.
June 14, 2024
Are we born to live or born to die? Death is inevitable, so why do we waste so much time leaving words unsaid? We know Time isn’t guaranteed, so why are we left with so many regrets? What would you say to those you lost if given the chance?
I just finished Home by Ben Young and these are just some of the questions I asked myself. It was such a thought-provoking, fantastic read. Each character was well developed, flaws and all, so you can truly connect and understand their journeys. The funeral director and the home were a vibe all their own, giving me the creeps with every interaction. Would you trust in someone offering free services in an abandoned house?
After reading Stuck by Ben Young, I quickly put him on my list of authors to watch and nabbed this copy from the Scares that Care fundraiser. If you haven’t picked up either of these books, add them to your list.
I just finished Home by Ben Young and these are just some of the questions I asked myself. It was such a thought-provoking, fantastic read. Each character was well developed, flaws and all, so you can truly connect and understand their journeys. The funeral director and the home were a vibe all their own, giving me the creeps with every interaction. Would you trust in someone offering free services in an abandoned house?
After reading Stuck by Ben Young, I quickly put him on my list of authors to watch and nabbed this copy from the Scares that Care fundraiser. If you haven’t picked up either of these books, add them to your list.
July 24, 2024
Ben Young’s second novel, Home, is a stellar follow-up to his first, the highly engaging and poignant Stuck. I love a good small-town horror story, and this definitely fits that bill. A creepy funeral home where what’s on the inside doesn’t match the outside, and an even more unsettling funeral home director were the central focus of this story. Unsavory characters, town gossips, and the people who just want to keep to themselves all blended seamlessly to portray the types of people familiar to anyone who has ever lived in a small community. Young’s writing is incredibly descriptive, with moments that made me want to gag, and at other times so beautiful and touching it brought tears to my eyes. Add to that the sweetest greyhound rescue you’ve ever met, this is a book you don’t want to miss!
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