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Het Nachthuis
Na de tragische dood van zijn ouders verhuist de veertienjarige Richard naar Ballantyne, waar hij bij zijn oom en tante gaat wonen. Maar daar is niet alles wat het lijkt...
Richard wordt in het kleine stadje al gelijk als een verschoppeling behandeld en wanneer een klasgenoot vermist raakt, gelooft niemand hem als hij zegt dat hij Tom zag verdwijnen in een telefooncel aan de rand van het bos.
De politie weigert de zaak serieus te nemen, dus Richard gaat zelf op onderzoek uit. De telefooncel leidt naar een verlaten huis diep in het bos. Daar vangt hij in het raam een glimp op van een angstaanjagend gezicht. En dan beginnen de stemmen tegen hem te praten.
Richard wordt in het kleine stadje al gelijk als een verschoppeling behandeld en wanneer een klasgenoot vermist raakt, gelooft niemand hem als hij zegt dat hij Tom zag verdwijnen in een telefooncel aan de rand van het bos.
De politie weigert de zaak serieus te nemen, dus Richard gaat zelf op onderzoek uit. De telefooncel leidt naar een verlaten huis diep in het bos. Daar vangt hij in het raam een glimp op van een angstaanjagend gezicht. En dan beginnen de stemmen tegen hem te praten.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2023
1115 people are currently reading
24821 people want to read
About the author
Jo Nesbø
183 books23.2k followersJo Nesbø is a bestselling Norwegian author and musician. He was born in Oslo and grew up in Molde. Nesbø graduated from the Norwegian School of Economics with a degree in economics. Nesbø is primarily famous for his crime novels about Detective Harry Hole, but he is also the main vocals and songwriter for the Norwegian rock band Di Derre. In 2007 Nesbø also released his first children's book, Doktor Proktors Prompepulver.
Series:
* Harry Hole
* Doktor Proktor
For exclusive content about Jo Nesbø and his books, register for the official fan newsletter: https://jonesbo.com/newsletter/
Series:
* Harry Hole
* Doktor Proktor
For exclusive content about Jo Nesbø and his books, register for the official fan newsletter: https://jonesbo.com/newsletter/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,347 reviews
February 13, 2024
(1.5)
This was a disaster.
Okay okay okay... one positive note: There were a few really well written scenes sprinkled throughout the book, but they were few and far between. The book at times feels incredibly outdated with it's fatphobic remarks and it's comments drenched in misogyny. The story itself felt like it had too many ideas thrown together in a bucket and left unfinished before hitting publication. The book is split up into three parts with part one taking up a majority of the book. It felt like part two and part three were set in place to explain and make up for part one, but they were too short and left me rolling my eyes with frustration.
This was a disaster.
Okay okay okay... one positive note: There were a few really well written scenes sprinkled throughout the book, but they were few and far between. The book at times feels incredibly outdated with it's fatphobic remarks and it's comments drenched in misogyny. The story itself felt like it had too many ideas thrown together in a bucket and left unfinished before hitting publication. The book is split up into three parts with part one taking up a majority of the book. It felt like part two and part three were set in place to explain and make up for part one, but they were too short and left me rolling my eyes with frustration.
July 29, 2025
Blinded by another stunning cover...
Sadly, The Night House was a complete flop for me. I get it. The format, and certain aspects, were creative and I give props for that, but in order to get there, it had to utilize certain plot devices that are a huge turn off for me.
It hurts me to rate this low, but I rate based on my reading experience and this was not a good one.
In this story we meet 14-year old, Richard Elauved, who moves in with his Aunt and Uncle after his parents pass away in a tragic house fire.
As if the loss of his parents wasn't bad enough, the move puts Richard in a new school, and at 14, it's not comfortable to be the new kid. Ballantyne is a small town as well, and since Richard is from a city, its a big change for him.
Although he is an outsider, Richard does make a couple of friends. Unfortunately, one of these friends, Tom, goes missing after he and Richard are hanging out one afternoon. Richard claims Tom got sucked through an old phone receiver, but of course, no one believes him.
Except for Karen. One of the few other friends he has made. Karen is an outcast as well and instead of laughing at Richard's story, she encourages him to pursue it, and to hunt down the clues the police refuse to investigate.
After another classmate disappears after spending time alone with Richard, it's more important than ever for Richard to prove he's innocent. Richard would never hurt anyone, would he?
This story could essentially be broken down into three parts. For me, the first most closely resembled what I thought I had signed up for and although I thought Richard was a jerk, some of the plot developments were interesting.
By Act II, I was sort of ticked that it took a particular sharp turn, then by Act III, I was over it completely.
Needless to say, I can appreciate the thought that Nesbø put into the construction of this story, and I do feel like it is a bit of a clever take on some classic themes.
It does feel like Nesbø's read some R.L. Stine. If he hasn't, I would be surprised, because this does mirror some of the early Goosebumps tone quite a bit in the first section. From there it gets progressively more Adult, but I digress.
In spite of the fact that this wasn't a hit for me, I know a lot of Readers will have fun with it. If the plot devices suit your tastes, you could end up loving it. I encourage everyone who thinks it sounds interesting to give it a go.
Thank you to the publisher, Knopf, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Regardless of the outcome, I'm glad I gave it a shot!
Sadly, The Night House was a complete flop for me. I get it. The format, and certain aspects, were creative and I give props for that, but in order to get there, it had to utilize certain plot devices that are a huge turn off for me.
It hurts me to rate this low, but I rate based on my reading experience and this was not a good one.
In this story we meet 14-year old, Richard Elauved, who moves in with his Aunt and Uncle after his parents pass away in a tragic house fire.
As if the loss of his parents wasn't bad enough, the move puts Richard in a new school, and at 14, it's not comfortable to be the new kid. Ballantyne is a small town as well, and since Richard is from a city, its a big change for him.
Although he is an outsider, Richard does make a couple of friends. Unfortunately, one of these friends, Tom, goes missing after he and Richard are hanging out one afternoon. Richard claims Tom got sucked through an old phone receiver, but of course, no one believes him.
Except for Karen. One of the few other friends he has made. Karen is an outcast as well and instead of laughing at Richard's story, she encourages him to pursue it, and to hunt down the clues the police refuse to investigate.
After another classmate disappears after spending time alone with Richard, it's more important than ever for Richard to prove he's innocent. Richard would never hurt anyone, would he?
This story could essentially be broken down into three parts. For me, the first most closely resembled what I thought I had signed up for and although I thought Richard was a jerk, some of the plot developments were interesting.
By Act II, I was sort of ticked that it took a particular sharp turn, then by Act III, I was over it completely.
Needless to say, I can appreciate the thought that Nesbø put into the construction of this story, and I do feel like it is a bit of a clever take on some classic themes.
It does feel like Nesbø's read some R.L. Stine. If he hasn't, I would be surprised, because this does mirror some of the early Goosebumps tone quite a bit in the first section. From there it gets progressively more Adult, but I digress.
In spite of the fact that this wasn't a hit for me, I know a lot of Readers will have fun with it. If the plot devices suit your tastes, you could end up loving it. I encourage everyone who thinks it sounds interesting to give it a go.
Thank you to the publisher, Knopf, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Regardless of the outcome, I'm glad I gave it a shot!
July 27, 2023
4.5 stars
If you’re expecting a crime Harry Hole type novel then think again as one of my favourite authors takes us in a different direction here.
After his parents tragically die in a house fire, Richard Elauved is sent to live in rural, remote Ballatyne with his aunt and uncle. Richard becomes an outcast amongst his classmates though it’s fair to say that he doesn’t help himself. When fellow student Tom goes missing no one believes the strange and horrifying tale that Richard tells, except for Karen. This is just the start of some dark and destructive happenings with Richard become increasingly desperate to prove his innocence. Richard narrates the story which is split into three parts.
Wow! This is a shortish novel at 224 pages but it sure packs a punch and that punch differs in each of the sections with the style of writing altering too. This is one of several clever elements contained within these pages. Some of the images especially in Parts 1 and 2 are so vividly surreal they jump off the pages as if they are a horror film and there are some great film references to support this. This novel has everything you would want from a horror story, from dark forests to local legends to creepy haunted houses - the Night House of the title and which the excellent cover replicates so effectively. There are some yukky, gruesome incidents in places with a moody, spooky, eerie, secretive, sinister and evil tone which induces fear. To say there is atmosphere in abundance is an understatement. It’s chock full of tension and suspenseful moments with those horror Stephen King like vibes centre stage.
In Part 1 the story is pure horror which is when Richard is aged 14 and Part 2 is fifteen years later and several times in this section I almost shout ‘Whaaattt?’ or words to that effect. My mind blows and then I think I’m starting to make sense of it and then Jo Nesbø bends your mind again and there’s a mind blow that almost sends me into orbit. In Part 3, everything unlocks, it starts to slot into place, we learn things, we grow in understanding- or do we???? I love the way the author keeps you guessing right to the end with the final twist and the rest is up to you.
Overall, this is a very well written and compelling novel that has the reader asking a multitude of questions and there are some little breadcrumbs to follow along this very different and twisty journey. Here is proof that you don’t need 400+ pages to deliver a punchy wow factor and often less is more.
This publishes in the UK on 28/9 and would make an excellent spooky season choice.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Vintage for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
If you’re expecting a crime Harry Hole type novel then think again as one of my favourite authors takes us in a different direction here.
After his parents tragically die in a house fire, Richard Elauved is sent to live in rural, remote Ballatyne with his aunt and uncle. Richard becomes an outcast amongst his classmates though it’s fair to say that he doesn’t help himself. When fellow student Tom goes missing no one believes the strange and horrifying tale that Richard tells, except for Karen. This is just the start of some dark and destructive happenings with Richard become increasingly desperate to prove his innocence. Richard narrates the story which is split into three parts.
Wow! This is a shortish novel at 224 pages but it sure packs a punch and that punch differs in each of the sections with the style of writing altering too. This is one of several clever elements contained within these pages. Some of the images especially in Parts 1 and 2 are so vividly surreal they jump off the pages as if they are a horror film and there are some great film references to support this. This novel has everything you would want from a horror story, from dark forests to local legends to creepy haunted houses - the Night House of the title and which the excellent cover replicates so effectively. There are some yukky, gruesome incidents in places with a moody, spooky, eerie, secretive, sinister and evil tone which induces fear. To say there is atmosphere in abundance is an understatement. It’s chock full of tension and suspenseful moments with those horror Stephen King like vibes centre stage.
In Part 1 the story is pure horror which is when Richard is aged 14 and Part 2 is fifteen years later and several times in this section I almost shout ‘Whaaattt?’ or words to that effect. My mind blows and then I think I’m starting to make sense of it and then Jo Nesbø bends your mind again and there’s a mind blow that almost sends me into orbit. In Part 3, everything unlocks, it starts to slot into place, we learn things, we grow in understanding- or do we???? I love the way the author keeps you guessing right to the end with the final twist and the rest is up to you.
Overall, this is a very well written and compelling novel that has the reader asking a multitude of questions and there are some little breadcrumbs to follow along this very different and twisty journey. Here is proof that you don’t need 400+ pages to deliver a punchy wow factor and often less is more.
This publishes in the UK on 28/9 and would make an excellent spooky season choice.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Vintage for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
May 8, 2025
I enjoyed, in varying degrees, HARRY HOLE 1-10. After that, it dwindles in excitement for me. And while I know these are very different genres, for an author I once adored, this reads terribly.
I had hoped for horror. Part 1 was mostly that, and it was fine. I disliked Part 2. I hated Part 3. Is this actually a horror? Is it even a crime? I'd be hard pressed to label it at this point, but suffice to say, I did not enjoy myself. Very glad I didn't drive to Pasadena for the launch.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf
I had hoped for horror. Part 1 was mostly that, and it was fine. I disliked Part 2. I hated Part 3. Is this actually a horror? Is it even a crime? I'd be hard pressed to label it at this point, but suffice to say, I did not enjoy myself. Very glad I didn't drive to Pasadena for the launch.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf
October 17, 2023
4.5
This psychological horror/why all the low ratings!?! takes us to a journey inside twisted minds, where nightmares rule and souls are tormented.
A spooky looking house, a flesh eating telephone, creepy insects everywhere; are they real or hallucinations?
Did our young narrator really see one of his friends being swallowed by a telephone receiver?
Did another of his friends really turn to an insect?
Everyone thinks he has killed his own friends and disposed of their bodies. The police don’t believe his scenarios; hell sometimes he doesn’t believe them himself.
Who could he really trust?
And who is this Imu Jonasson everyone in town tries not to talk about?
This psychological horror/why all the low ratings!?! takes us to a journey inside twisted minds, where nightmares rule and souls are tormented.
A spooky looking house, a flesh eating telephone, creepy insects everywhere; are they real or hallucinations?
Did our young narrator really see one of his friends being swallowed by a telephone receiver?
Did another of his friends really turn to an insect?
Everyone thinks he has killed his own friends and disposed of their bodies. The police don’t believe his scenarios; hell sometimes he doesn’t believe them himself.
Who could he really trust?
And who is this Imu Jonasson everyone in town tries not to talk about?
October 9, 2023
Surprising and disturbing!
The Night House initially captured my attention with its incredibly spooky cover. What gorgeous artwork! I hadn’t read a book by this author yet, so I wanted to give it a try. Then I read some less than stellar reviews. Still unsure if this book was for me, I decided to listen to the audiobook, read by Michael Crouch.
The book is divided into three parts. The first section is a nostalgic throwback to the 1980s and reads like YA horror. Fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved explains that when he moved to Ballentyne to live with his aunt and uncle, his “friends” began to disappear. One is eaten by a payphone and the other turns into a cicada. He is blamed for their murders and sent to a children’s prison. As the school bully, Richard is a somewhat unlikeable character, so I struggled to sympathize with him. The plot gives off Stranger Things vibes, but in a more simplistic way. I give this section 3.25 stars.
Part two completely switches gears and takes place fifteen years later. This is where the first major twist occurs, and I did not see it coming! While this type of twist has been used before in horror novels, it really works well here. 3.75 stars.
However, in part three, Nesbo twists this tale again into something entirely different! Wow! This section is mind-blowing, similar to what I have come to expect from the brilliant mind of Catriona Ward. I am still unsure whether I actually understood what I read. 4 stars.
Overall, I seem to have had an opposite reaction to this book than other reviewers by enjoying the latter half more than the beginning. I mostly enjoyed this plot and am intrigued to read more from Nesbo. Unfortunately, I didn’t love Michael Crouch’s narration, so recommend reading the text instead.
3.5 stars rounded up
The Night House initially captured my attention with its incredibly spooky cover. What gorgeous artwork! I hadn’t read a book by this author yet, so I wanted to give it a try. Then I read some less than stellar reviews. Still unsure if this book was for me, I decided to listen to the audiobook, read by Michael Crouch.
The book is divided into three parts. The first section is a nostalgic throwback to the 1980s and reads like YA horror. Fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved explains that when he moved to Ballentyne to live with his aunt and uncle, his “friends” began to disappear. One is eaten by a payphone and the other turns into a cicada. He is blamed for their murders and sent to a children’s prison. As the school bully, Richard is a somewhat unlikeable character, so I struggled to sympathize with him. The plot gives off Stranger Things vibes, but in a more simplistic way. I give this section 3.25 stars.
Part two completely switches gears and takes place fifteen years later. This is where the first major twist occurs, and I did not see it coming! While this type of twist has been used before in horror novels, it really works well here. 3.75 stars.
However, in part three, Nesbo twists this tale again into something entirely different! Wow! This section is mind-blowing, similar to what I have come to expect from the brilliant mind of Catriona Ward. I am still unsure whether I actually understood what I read. 4 stars.
Overall, I seem to have had an opposite reaction to this book than other reviewers by enjoying the latter half more than the beginning. I mostly enjoyed this plot and am intrigued to read more from Nesbo. Unfortunately, I didn’t love Michael Crouch’s narration, so recommend reading the text instead.
3.5 stars rounded up
June 22, 2023
Omg, ta książka tak mi się kojarzy z „Ostatnim domem na zapomnianej ulicy”! Do tego ten klimat — totalnie Kingowski!
April 28, 2024
I cannot understand why this book got such low ratings! I thought it was funny, horrific, weird and very smart. So it wasn't Harry Hole! Nesbo is quite capable of writing something different and doing it well.
The main character is a totally unreliable narrator but as it turns out this is not his fault. The book is written in three parts and the first is horror - but funny at the same time. You have to read it to understand. The second part explains the first and makes sense of everything. And then the whole thing takes a complete about turn and just as you feel you are getting a grip - it ends.
Maybe I have a weird taste in books but I loved it. Still looking forward to the chance of another Harry Hole though.......
The main character is a totally unreliable narrator but as it turns out this is not his fault. The book is written in three parts and the first is horror - but funny at the same time. You have to read it to understand. The second part explains the first and makes sense of everything. And then the whole thing takes a complete about turn and just as you feel you are getting a grip - it ends.
Maybe I have a weird taste in books but I loved it. Still looking forward to the chance of another Harry Hole though.......
November 10, 2023
My thanks to Knopf, Jo Nesbo and Netgalley.
So, I've always said that out there books are never too far out there..well I suppose that I've finally found a story that says I'm a tall, scrawny assed liar!
This was just too effing ridiculous! It was a weird story that became too much.
I'm putting this down to a brain fart.
I've still every intention of reading other Nesbo books, but this was really a waste of time.
So, I've always said that out there books are never too far out there..well I suppose that I've finally found a story that says I'm a tall, scrawny assed liar!
This was just too effing ridiculous! It was a weird story that became too much.
I'm putting this down to a brain fart.
I've still every intention of reading other Nesbo books, but this was really a waste of time.
September 28, 2023
Jo Nesbø is the brilliant author behind the Harry Hole book series. The Night House is nothing like his book series. This is a coming of age, horror, mystery thriller. It has a YA feel to it, which is not a bad thing at all, but as the book is classified as ‘adult’, be aware that it feels more on the YA side.
Richard Elauved was fourteen years old when he went to live with his aunt and uncle after his parents’ deaths. He is an outcast but makes friends with his classmate, Tom. When Tom goes missing no one believes Richard when he tells them that he saw Tom being sucked into the receiver of a phone in a phone booth. Then another classmate disappears....
Richard is not the most reliable narrator....
This is a short book and can easily be read in 1 to 2 days. Nesbø threw in a couple of twists along the way, giving readers bits of information at a time. I thought I knew where things were going, I was wrong, wrong, wrong. I like it when that happens. But even thought I did not figure out where this book was heading, it did not wow me as I was anticipating.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but didn't love it quite like I have his Harry Hole books. I was hoping for scary and creepy. There are some creepy moments; how could there not be with someone being sucked into a phone, but I was hoping this would be heavy on the fright. The first part of the book was my favorite section. I have to give Nesbø props for branching out in a new genre and keeping me guessing.
Plus, that cover!!!!!
Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Richard Elauved was fourteen years old when he went to live with his aunt and uncle after his parents’ deaths. He is an outcast but makes friends with his classmate, Tom. When Tom goes missing no one believes Richard when he tells them that he saw Tom being sucked into the receiver of a phone in a phone booth. Then another classmate disappears....
Richard is not the most reliable narrator....
This is a short book and can easily be read in 1 to 2 days. Nesbø threw in a couple of twists along the way, giving readers bits of information at a time. I thought I knew where things were going, I was wrong, wrong, wrong. I like it when that happens. But even thought I did not figure out where this book was heading, it did not wow me as I was anticipating.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but didn't love it quite like I have his Harry Hole books. I was hoping for scary and creepy. There are some creepy moments; how could there not be with someone being sucked into a phone, but I was hoping this would be heavy on the fright. The first part of the book was my favorite section. I have to give Nesbø props for branching out in a new genre and keeping me guessing.
Plus, that cover!!!!!
Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
October 8, 2023
*2.5 stars rounded up
After a tragic accident, 14-year-old Richard is sent to live with his aunt and uncle. Soon after arriving, Richard becomes a social outcast and is blamed for the disappearance of his classmate Tom. Richard is adamant that he had nothing to do with Tom’s disappearance and that Tom was sucked through a phone in a phone booth. After another classmate vanishes, Richard must work against a sinister force dark to clear his name.
I really really really wanted to love this one. I’ve read and enjoyed several of Nesbo’s crime thrillers but unfortunately, his attempt at horror was a big fail for me.
Part 1 had me hooked and I was really getting into the story. Part 1 is a traditional campy young adult-ish horror story that even though it had some issues, was still entertaining. But when I got to part 2, the story took a bit strange turn, to say the least. When I got to part 3, I felt that the story went downhill fast.
Without giving anything away, I will say that my main issue with part 3 is that the author unfairly perpetuated a stereotype of a certain mental disorder. The stereotype is that people suffering from this disorder must be institutionalized and cannot function in an everyday setting, which is entirely untrue and offensive.
My other issue was with the main character Richard. Richard is a little jerk, a fact that he’s proud of. He’s full of misogyny, fat shaming, and homophobia. When bad stuff started happening around him, it was hard for me to care enough to sympathize with him.
I listened to the audiobook version which was read by the amazing Michael Crouch (previously narrated Chain Gang All Stars, The Great Believers, and many more). The highlight of the story for me was his fantastic reading!
The Night House by Jo Nesbo was published on October 3 so it is available now! Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio and AA Knopf for the gifted copies!
Disclaimer:
Even though I didn’t love this one, I’m sure a lot of other readers will. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, take my reviews with a grain of salt. Just because I didn’t love it, doesn’t mean you won’t. I would hate to know that I dissuaded a reader from picking up a book just because I didn’t like it.
After a tragic accident, 14-year-old Richard is sent to live with his aunt and uncle. Soon after arriving, Richard becomes a social outcast and is blamed for the disappearance of his classmate Tom. Richard is adamant that he had nothing to do with Tom’s disappearance and that Tom was sucked through a phone in a phone booth. After another classmate vanishes, Richard must work against a sinister force dark to clear his name.
I really really really wanted to love this one. I’ve read and enjoyed several of Nesbo’s crime thrillers but unfortunately, his attempt at horror was a big fail for me.
Part 1 had me hooked and I was really getting into the story. Part 1 is a traditional campy young adult-ish horror story that even though it had some issues, was still entertaining. But when I got to part 2, the story took a bit strange turn, to say the least. When I got to part 3, I felt that the story went downhill fast.
Without giving anything away, I will say that my main issue with part 3 is that the author unfairly perpetuated a stereotype of a certain mental disorder. The stereotype is that people suffering from this disorder must be institutionalized and cannot function in an everyday setting, which is entirely untrue and offensive.
My other issue was with the main character Richard. Richard is a little jerk, a fact that he’s proud of. He’s full of misogyny, fat shaming, and homophobia. When bad stuff started happening around him, it was hard for me to care enough to sympathize with him.
I listened to the audiobook version which was read by the amazing Michael Crouch (previously narrated Chain Gang All Stars, The Great Believers, and many more). The highlight of the story for me was his fantastic reading!
The Night House by Jo Nesbo was published on October 3 so it is available now! Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio and AA Knopf for the gifted copies!
Disclaimer:
Even though I didn’t love this one, I’m sure a lot of other readers will. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, take my reviews with a grain of salt. Just because I didn’t love it, doesn’t mean you won’t. I would hate to know that I dissuaded a reader from picking up a book just because I didn’t like it.
August 7, 2023
Eh…
Sometimes you really, really, really want to like a book. And you really, really, really don’t like it. This, unfortunately, is that book.
I’m not sure what I expected here. The first part reads like middle grade fiction, but instead of starring a plucky kid you like, you get…Richard. And Richard should have a certain four-letter nickname to match his personality. It’s also RL Stine level horror without enough camp.
In the 2nd part, we realize that Richard at least knows he was a (insert that four-letter word here), but he’s still irritating and what happens in this section manages to mix bizarre with boring – and that’s hard to do.
Finally, we have section 3 in which the author basically tells us that sections 1 and 2 were a complete waste of your time and you wonder why you even read this.
Most definitely not for me.
• ARC via Publisher
Sometimes you really, really, really want to like a book. And you really, really, really don’t like it. This, unfortunately, is that book.
I’m not sure what I expected here. The first part reads like middle grade fiction, but instead of starring a plucky kid you like, you get…Richard. And Richard should have a certain four-letter nickname to match his personality. It’s also RL Stine level horror without enough camp.
In the 2nd part, we realize that Richard at least knows he was a (insert that four-letter word here), but he’s still irritating and what happens in this section manages to mix bizarre with boring – and that’s hard to do.
Finally, we have section 3 in which the author basically tells us that sections 1 and 2 were a complete waste of your time and you wonder why you even read this.
Most definitely not for me.
• ARC via Publisher
October 28, 2025
I'm a big fan of Jo Nesbø's 'Harry Hole' books, about a Norwegian police detective, and I enjoyed Nesbø's update of 'Macbeth' for the Hogarth Shakespeare series. In 'The Night House', Nesbø dips a toe into the horror genre, and the novel is appropriate for both young adult and adult fans of creepy crawly stories.
*****
After losing his parents in a tragedy, fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved goes to live with his Uncle Frank and Aunt Jenny in the town of Ballantyne, which Richard considers 'a little shithole with shitty little kids.'
Richard is always looking for trouble, and when a classmate named Tom, who has a stutter, mentions, "Now, in the sp-sp-spring, the river is scary and dangerous", Richard convinces Tom to come to the river with him.
At the river, Richard tosses in a Luke Skywalker action figure he stole.....
.....and then, wanting to cause more mischief, Richard convinces Tom to make a prank call from a phone booth near the main road.
The phone booth contains a phone book, and Richard randomly picks the number for someone called Imu Jonasson.
Richard then dials and orders Tom to say "Hi Imu. I'm the devil and I'm inviting you to hell. Because that's where you belong."
The phone then proceeds to consume Tom, 'as if the receiver does what some insects do with their prey: they inject something that turns the flesh to jelly, which they can then slurp up.'
Richard reports the disaster to Sheriff McClelland, who doesn't believe him, and thinks Richard must have pushed Tom into the river.
The police search for Tom to no avail, after which Agent Dale from the Federal Police shows up to investigate.
The only person who seems to believe Richard is a pretty schoolmate named Karen, who has a rebellious streak of her own.
Richard and Karen learn that Imu Jonasson, who lived in a big mansion called 'The Night House', was institutionalized, and hasn't been seen in Ballantyne for years.
Richard convinces another classmate, nicknamed Fatso, to check out 'The Night House' with him, and the boys discover that the mansion is an abandoned, creepy, mysterious place.
Afterwards, Fatso has dinner at Richard's house, after which Fatso turns into an insect and flies away.
Fatso's vanishing convinces the authorities that Richard needs serious help. Since the boy is a minor, he's sent to the Rorrim Correctional Facility for Young People, and more strange things happen.
To say more would be a spoiler, but I will say this is an entertaining story with surprises galore. I'd recommend the book to readers who enjoy light-ish horror stories.
Thanks to Netgalley, Jo Nesbø, and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
October 14, 2023
3 middling stars. I’ve enjoyed a couple of Nesbo’s “Harry Hole” stories before, but this one wasn’t quite up to that standard, IMHO. As other reviewers have mentioned it was told it three parts, and to me, each was less successful than the previous. I also really, really disliked the protagonist, Richard, who started right off as a little 💩. I seriously had a hard time getting through this one, as my interest waned greatly with each part, it just felt a whole lot longer than its actual page count. I did like the twists here, but the ending was just too OTTP to redeem it for me. Next up!
July 3, 2023
I would like to thank netgalley,and Random house UK.and the author Jo Nesbo for an early copy of his book.
This Is my first read from this author, I'm not really into horror books but this one caught my eye. Didnt find this scary at all this book made me laugh in parts.Richard moves in with his aunt and uncle house as Tom he was with disappeared in a phone box,no one believes him then another disappeared...an okay read wanted it to be scary it's more for teenagers to read.
Will review on goodreads, and Amazon uk.
This Is my first read from this author, I'm not really into horror books but this one caught my eye. Didnt find this scary at all this book made me laugh in parts.Richard moves in with his aunt and uncle house as Tom he was with disappeared in a phone box,no one believes him then another disappeared...an okay read wanted it to be scary it's more for teenagers to read.
Will review on goodreads, and Amazon uk.
October 24, 2023
Richard Elauved is only fourteen years old when he moves in with his aunt and uncle after a tragedy kills his parents. Some people would consider Richard a wise ass, trouble maker sort of kid. One day he dares another child of making a prank phone call. Imagine his surprise when the phone devours the boy. Shortly after that incident he watches another boy he enjoyed picking on turn into an insect. Of course the police aren't buying his stories and since he was the last person with either of these boys before they vanished they are demanding answers to their whereabouts.
That's all I'm willing to say plot wise. This was my first Nesbo book and I am thrilled to say it was a success. I'll admit that this story grew on me the longer time I spent with it. I was initially afraid that this would read too young adult but that wasn't the case at all. I really enjoyed Richard as a character. Flaws and all. He often came across as a bully but it was obvious that deep down he was really just an insecure kid that had experienced tragedy at too far a young age. He's even the first to admit that he can be a bit of an a-hole. Yet something about him endeared himself to me. The book is broken down into three sections and after the initial set up in section one Nesbo flips the script in the later sections with reveals the reader (me!) never saw coming. A very clever ending made this entire reading experience worthwhile. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for my complimentary copy.
That's all I'm willing to say plot wise. This was my first Nesbo book and I am thrilled to say it was a success. I'll admit that this story grew on me the longer time I spent with it. I was initially afraid that this would read too young adult but that wasn't the case at all. I really enjoyed Richard as a character. Flaws and all. He often came across as a bully but it was obvious that deep down he was really just an insecure kid that had experienced tragedy at too far a young age. He's even the first to admit that he can be a bit of an a-hole. Yet something about him endeared himself to me. The book is broken down into three sections and after the initial set up in section one Nesbo flips the script in the later sections with reveals the reader (me!) never saw coming. A very clever ending made this entire reading experience worthwhile. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for my complimentary copy.
August 6, 2023
Well, that was certainly … unpredictable.
Me reading Part One: This is great – I love the whole “kid fights the Big Bad Evil that adults don't believe in” trope! Wonder why it has such mediocre reviews on Goodreads?
Me reading Part Two: WTF?!
Me reading Part Three: Oh. Falls asleep ten minutes in.
So, yeah, overall it was definitely a mixed bag. I really enjoyed Part One even though I felt that the ending was a little weak. If it had stopped there, I probably would have given it a four star rating. Part Two threw me for a loop and I found the change in the plot to be disconcerting, but figured it was going to be an It type of thing, where adults come back home to finish fighting the Big Bad that terrorized them as children. Ha ha ha ha, I'm so naive. Part Three cleared things up but was by far the most boring of the three, and I really did doze off halfway through.
While I can't say that I exactly enjoyed this book as a whole, it definitely had some twists that I didn't see coming and I guess I actually kind of appreciate that it confused the heck out of me? I read a lot of horror and mystery novels, and it's been a long time since a book truly shocked me but Jo Nesbø has managed it with The Night House.
Final rating: Three stars, I suppose? How do you properly rate a novel that's as schizophrenic as this one??
Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
Me reading Part One: This is great – I love the whole “kid fights the Big Bad Evil that adults don't believe in” trope! Wonder why it has such mediocre reviews on Goodreads?
Me reading Part Two: WTF?!
Me reading Part Three: Oh. Falls asleep ten minutes in.
So, yeah, overall it was definitely a mixed bag. I really enjoyed Part One even though I felt that the ending was a little weak. If it had stopped there, I probably would have given it a four star rating. Part Two threw me for a loop and I found the change in the plot to be disconcerting, but figured it was going to be an It type of thing, where adults come back home to finish fighting the Big Bad that terrorized them as children. Ha ha ha ha, I'm so naive. Part Three cleared things up but was by far the most boring of the three, and I really did doze off halfway through.
While I can't say that I exactly enjoyed this book as a whole, it definitely had some twists that I didn't see coming and I guess I actually kind of appreciate that it confused the heck out of me? I read a lot of horror and mystery novels, and it's been a long time since a book truly shocked me but Jo Nesbø has managed it with The Night House.
Final rating: Three stars, I suppose? How do you properly rate a novel that's as schizophrenic as this one??
Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
September 16, 2023
Blurring the boundaries between originality and absurdity…..
Book Information
“The Night House” by Jo Nesbo, is a 256-page horror novel scheduled to be published on October 3, 2023. It was translated by Neil Smith. Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.
Summary
Following the tragic demise of his parents in a house fire, fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in the remote town of Ballantyne. He becomes an outcast and is accused of a classmate's disappearance. Only Karen, another outsider, believes his claim that a mysterious phone booth sucked Tom into a horror movie scenario. Richard investigates, leading him to an eerie house in Mirror Forest and unsettling voices foretelling doom. As more classmates vanish, Richard must clear his name and battle the dark magic gripping Ballantyne.
My Thoughts
"The Night House" by Jo Nesbo is a book that skillfully weaves between reality and the paranormal, delivering a story that is very odd, sometimes absurd, yet anything but predictable. While it has its moments of genuine creepiness, the narrative can be hard to follow in some parts, making it a bit like R.L. Stein without the charm that often accompanies such tales.
One of the standout aspects of the book is its originality. However, it sometimes leans a bit too deep into the bizarre, testing the boundaries of what readers may find acceptable. The writing style, though not necessarily intended for young adults, reads like middle-grade fiction, which may affect its appeal to some readers.
The novel is divided into three parts, with the first part being the strongest in terms of storytelling and engagement. Unfortunately, the second leans heavily into the bizarre, and not necessarily in a favorable way.
Part three didn’t resonate with me. Nesbo makes use of a trope that I just don’t appreciate—others’ opinions may vary. It felt to me like an attempt to salvage a disjointed and implausible narrative, coming across as a shortcut in the writing process rather than a satisfying resolution.
This is a hard book to review. I read it all the way through. There were certainly parts I enjoyed, but also lots of “come on—really?” parts.
Recommendation
"The Night House" offers a blend of the paranormal and reality, with moments of genuine creepiness and originality. However, its unpredictable nature, young adult writing style, and occasional disorientation may leave some readers with mixed feelings about the book. Recommended if you enjoy quick but bizarre reads.
Rating
3 Killer Phone Stars
Book Information
“The Night House” by Jo Nesbo, is a 256-page horror novel scheduled to be published on October 3, 2023. It was translated by Neil Smith. Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.
Summary
Following the tragic demise of his parents in a house fire, fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in the remote town of Ballantyne. He becomes an outcast and is accused of a classmate's disappearance. Only Karen, another outsider, believes his claim that a mysterious phone booth sucked Tom into a horror movie scenario. Richard investigates, leading him to an eerie house in Mirror Forest and unsettling voices foretelling doom. As more classmates vanish, Richard must clear his name and battle the dark magic gripping Ballantyne.
My Thoughts
"The Night House" by Jo Nesbo is a book that skillfully weaves between reality and the paranormal, delivering a story that is very odd, sometimes absurd, yet anything but predictable. While it has its moments of genuine creepiness, the narrative can be hard to follow in some parts, making it a bit like R.L. Stein without the charm that often accompanies such tales.
One of the standout aspects of the book is its originality. However, it sometimes leans a bit too deep into the bizarre, testing the boundaries of what readers may find acceptable. The writing style, though not necessarily intended for young adults, reads like middle-grade fiction, which may affect its appeal to some readers.
The novel is divided into three parts, with the first part being the strongest in terms of storytelling and engagement. Unfortunately, the second leans heavily into the bizarre, and not necessarily in a favorable way.
Part three didn’t resonate with me. Nesbo makes use of a trope that I just don’t appreciate—others’ opinions may vary. It felt to me like an attempt to salvage a disjointed and implausible narrative, coming across as a shortcut in the writing process rather than a satisfying resolution.
This is a hard book to review. I read it all the way through. There were certainly parts I enjoyed, but also lots of “come on—really?” parts.
Recommendation
"The Night House" offers a blend of the paranormal and reality, with moments of genuine creepiness and originality. However, its unpredictable nature, young adult writing style, and occasional disorientation may leave some readers with mixed feelings about the book. Recommended if you enjoy quick but bizarre reads.
Rating
3 Killer Phone Stars
October 6, 2023
This was my first Jo Nesbo and I’m sad to report that . . . .
I understand that horror is not his typical bag and mad props to him for venturing into a new genre, but oooooooof was this not great.
The story here is about Richard, a boy who has come to live with his aunt and uncle after his parents’ deaths. He’s unliked by most of his classmates and a bully to boot. Everyone aside from Tom, that is, another unfortunate member of the same caste of students Richard belongs to. When Tom goes missing, it is Richard who is blamed – especially given the fantastical story of Tom being eaten by a public payphone. And when another student Jack never arrives at home Richard is once again the last to have known his whereabouts leaving the police with no choice but to send him to lockdown.
So that’s all I’m going to give as far as synopsis go. Just know for me the first 2/3 of this book read VERY young adult (aside from the foul language). Part 2 attempts to explain the reasoning why, but it was waaaaaaay too late after slogging through such horrible writing and then Part 3 takes another turn. Hopefully others will like this more than I did, but eesh it’s a 1 Star for me.
Advanced copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I understand that horror is not his typical bag and mad props to him for venturing into a new genre, but oooooooof was this not great.
The story here is about Richard, a boy who has come to live with his aunt and uncle after his parents’ deaths. He’s unliked by most of his classmates and a bully to boot. Everyone aside from Tom, that is, another unfortunate member of the same caste of students Richard belongs to. When Tom goes missing, it is Richard who is blamed – especially given the fantastical story of Tom being eaten by a public payphone. And when another student Jack never arrives at home Richard is once again the last to have known his whereabouts leaving the police with no choice but to send him to lockdown.
So that’s all I’m going to give as far as synopsis go. Just know for me the first 2/3 of this book read VERY young adult (aside from the foul language). Part 2 attempts to explain the reasoning why, but it was waaaaaaay too late after slogging through such horrible writing and then Part 3 takes another turn. Hopefully others will like this more than I did, but eesh it’s a 1 Star for me.
Advanced copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2023
Well well well! What a huge pleasant surprise it was reading The Night House!
This was split into three parts and each one will blow your mind more than the next. Twists? Turns? Yeah! Loads of them.
Thrilling and gripping, this has it all packed into less pages than you would imagine.
But.. its Jo Nesbo right? This mans talent is clearly endless. This new style was so intense i tore through this and cant wait to read anything he produces next.
Fabulous🌟 Riveting 🌟 Moreish 🌟Mind Bending!
Huge applause to Jo Nesbo for blessing us with his latest work. Many thanks to the Publishers and Netgalley for an ARC.
Publication Date 28/9/23
Review written 25/9/23
This was split into three parts and each one will blow your mind more than the next. Twists? Turns? Yeah! Loads of them.
Thrilling and gripping, this has it all packed into less pages than you would imagine.
But.. its Jo Nesbo right? This mans talent is clearly endless. This new style was so intense i tore through this and cant wait to read anything he produces next.
Fabulous🌟 Riveting 🌟 Moreish 🌟Mind Bending!
Huge applause to Jo Nesbo for blessing us with his latest work. Many thanks to the Publishers and Netgalley for an ARC.
Publication Date 28/9/23
Review written 25/9/23
September 9, 2023
This book was totally different from Jo’s Harry Hole series. It was more like a retro 80’s horror flick. It was full of screwed up delightful characters and had me quickly flipping the pages. I hope Jo puts out more books like this. Thanks NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor for this ARC that will be released October 3, 2023!
October 3, 2023
The beginning of this book started off really strong. I was totally getting 90s horror vibes from my childhood. Richard Elauved moves to a small town to live with his aunt and uncle after the tragic death of his parents. When a classmate goes missing, Richard is left with a story no adult would ever believe. About halfway through the book, the point of view changes to that of adult Richard, and the rest of the book honestly felt like I was stuck in a fever dream.
October 31, 2023
Jo Nesbo’s “The Night House” is my nominee for the 2023 Best Plot Twist in a Horror Novel. The fact that he pulls off two major twists—-neither of which I saw coming at all—-should be of major significance in the committee’s decision. (And since the committee is comprised of me, myself, and I, Nesbo should be a shoe-in.)
The book starts with two boys of middle school age who pull a prank call on a random person in the phone book in a pay phone box (remember those?) literally in the middle of nowhere, and the phone literally starts to eat one of the kids by slurping him through the holes of the speaker and receiver. (I realize younger generations have no idea what I just described, but thankfully Nesbo had a cover artist actually draw one of those old-fashioned phones.)
If that isn’t creepy enough, a few pages later, another kid turns into a cicada and is crushed under the shoe of another kid.
Nesbo has nailed the ‘80s horror vibe perfectly. Anyone who grew up on a steady diet of Stephen King, Peter Straub, and Dean Koontz will find much to love in the first 160 pages of the book. Written as a kind of (adult) homage to the young adult horror novels of the late-‘80s-early-‘90s by Christopher Pike and R.L. Stine, “The Night House” is bonkers. Also pretty damned gory, so be forewarned.
Then, at about the 3/4 mark, Nesbo does something to pull the proverbial rug out from under the reader. Then, somewhere on the 7/8 mark, he does it again. Trust me, I want to tell you all about it, but I can’t because that would be spoiling it.
Rest assured, this is a damn good horror novel, one that actually has some interesting things to say about childhood trauma and the fallibility of memory.
The book starts with two boys of middle school age who pull a prank call on a random person in the phone book in a pay phone box (remember those?) literally in the middle of nowhere, and the phone literally starts to eat one of the kids by slurping him through the holes of the speaker and receiver. (I realize younger generations have no idea what I just described, but thankfully Nesbo had a cover artist actually draw one of those old-fashioned phones.)
If that isn’t creepy enough, a few pages later, another kid turns into a cicada and is crushed under the shoe of another kid.
Nesbo has nailed the ‘80s horror vibe perfectly. Anyone who grew up on a steady diet of Stephen King, Peter Straub, and Dean Koontz will find much to love in the first 160 pages of the book. Written as a kind of (adult) homage to the young adult horror novels of the late-‘80s-early-‘90s by Christopher Pike and R.L. Stine, “The Night House” is bonkers. Also pretty damned gory, so be forewarned.
Then, at about the 3/4 mark, Nesbo does something to pull the proverbial rug out from under the reader. Then, somewhere on the 7/8 mark, he does it again. Trust me, I want to tell you all about it, but I can’t because that would be spoiling it.
Rest assured, this is a damn good horror novel, one that actually has some interesting things to say about childhood trauma and the fallibility of memory.
February 15, 2024
I don’t know how I let this book sit on my to be read shelf for so long. I really like a good mess with your mind horror and I think this got there for me. I will admit it was a little odd to be reading an adult book focused on a 14 year old, but as the story went on it made more and more sense. This is the kind of book where once you feel like you understand what’s happening something switches suddenly and everything you thought was true is wrong. 14 year old Richard moves in with his aunt and uncle after his parents die in a fire. But the small town they live in, Ballantyne, is strange. When another child is eaten by a phone in a phone booth Richard tries to tell the truth, but no one believes him and everyone thinks he is behind that child’s disappearance. I will say the main character Richard is hard to like, but I don’t think that makes him a bad protagonist of this story. As the story went on I felt like I understood him a bit better and understood why he was a bit of a jerk. I don’t think I have Jo Nesbo before but this one definitely intrigued me and I will be exploring more.
January 25, 2024
The Night House is a horror novel by Jo Nesbø, who is primarily known for his crime novels, notably those featuring police detective Harry Hole as the protagonist. I'll give it to this book, it has possibly the most shocking opening I've ever read in a novel. In the first ten pages of this book, a kid is literally eaten by the receiver in a telephone booth. Yes, you read that right. A kid is eaten by a phone.
The book also has an interesting structure. Told in three parts, there is a huge twist at the start of both part two and part three that each turn the story as you knew it completely on its head. The twist at the start of part two is truly awful, and parts one and two of this book are generally nonsensical and pretty terrible. In part three, which is only the last 30-or-so pages of the book, the twist takes the book in a very Shutter Island-esque direction, and for me that twist and how it played out redeemed the book quite a bit for me.
By the end of part two, this was firmly in my "10 worst books of all time" list, but part three redeemed it enough to take it out of that list of dumpster fires completely and earn it a two-star rating. Definitely a book where the ending is good, but where the godawful journey it takes to get there isn't really worth it. It's simply not worth reading through 220 pages of complete garbage just to get 30 decent pages at the very end.
Can't say I'd recommend this one.
The book also has an interesting structure. Told in three parts, there is a huge twist at the start of both part two and part three that each turn the story as you knew it completely on its head. The twist at the start of part two is truly awful, and parts one and two of this book are generally nonsensical and pretty terrible. In part three, which is only the last 30-or-so pages of the book, the twist takes the book in a very Shutter Island-esque direction, and for me that twist and how it played out redeemed the book quite a bit for me.
By the end of part two, this was firmly in my "10 worst books of all time" list, but part three redeemed it enough to take it out of that list of dumpster fires completely and earn it a two-star rating. Definitely a book where the ending is good, but where the godawful journey it takes to get there isn't really worth it. It's simply not worth reading through 220 pages of complete garbage just to get 30 decent pages at the very end.
Can't say I'd recommend this one.
January 27, 2024
Me ha sorprendido gratamente esta novela de supuesto terror. De hecho, para mí ha sido una novela de suspense con toques sangrientos.
Al inicio me sentía un poco desubicada y no sabía por qué pasaban ciertos eventos pero al leer la tercera parte me ha dejado sin palabras. Lo recomiendo mucho.
.
I was pleasantly surprised by this supposed horror novel. In fact, for me it has been a suspense novel with bloody touches.
At first I felt a little lost and I didn't know why certain events were happening, but reading the third part left me speechless. I highly recommend it.
Al inicio me sentía un poco desubicada y no sabía por qué pasaban ciertos eventos pero al leer la tercera parte me ha dejado sin palabras. Lo recomiendo mucho.
.
I was pleasantly surprised by this supposed horror novel. In fact, for me it has been a suspense novel with bloody touches.
At first I felt a little lost and I didn't know why certain events were happening, but reading the third part left me speechless. I highly recommend it.
October 19, 2024
The most “and then I woke up” as book
March 6, 2025
The Night House by Jo Nesbø is a completely different read compared to Jo's usual books and I absolutely loved it! If Stephen King's It and Shutter Island had a book baby, this would be it!
We follow fourteen-year-old Richard Eleauved after he's moved to a town called Ballantyne to live with his aunt and uncle following the loss of his parents. As Richard struggles to find where he fits in with his peers at school a horrifying event happens. Richard is out by the lake playing with his classmate Tom when the pair go to an old telephone box, and Richard dares Tom to prank call a random number from the phone book inside. But the prank backfires when the telephone eats Tom and leaves Richard traumatised and the number one suspect for Tom's dissappearance - after all, who in their right mind would believe his story?
When another boy who's spent time with Richard goes missing, Richard knows he can't tell anyone what happened to him as they will definitely not believe what happened this time when they don't believe what happened to Tom. Richard gets sent to a mental institution where further strange things happen until he escapes and takes control of the situation and finally finds an ally who believes him.
The book is broken into three parts; the first mentioned above, a school reunion 15 years later and then the final part, which I won't mention as I don't want to ruin it for anyone.
This is suspenseful, dark, spooky, creepy and filled with unease and I couldn't put it down. I really hope Jo writes more in this genre as I'm all here for it. I honestly don't understand the low ratings on this one!
We follow fourteen-year-old Richard Eleauved after he's moved to a town called Ballantyne to live with his aunt and uncle following the loss of his parents. As Richard struggles to find where he fits in with his peers at school a horrifying event happens. Richard is out by the lake playing with his classmate Tom when the pair go to an old telephone box, and Richard dares Tom to prank call a random number from the phone book inside. But the prank backfires when the telephone eats Tom and leaves Richard traumatised and the number one suspect for Tom's dissappearance - after all, who in their right mind would believe his story?
When another boy who's spent time with Richard goes missing, Richard knows he can't tell anyone what happened to him as they will definitely not believe what happened this time when they don't believe what happened to Tom. Richard gets sent to a mental institution where further strange things happen until he escapes and takes control of the situation and finally finds an ally who believes him.
The book is broken into three parts; the first mentioned above, a school reunion 15 years later and then the final part, which I won't mention as I don't want to ruin it for anyone.
This is suspenseful, dark, spooky, creepy and filled with unease and I couldn't put it down. I really hope Jo writes more in this genre as I'm all here for it. I honestly don't understand the low ratings on this one!
October 1, 2025
Felt like YA...then felt worse...then turned into an absolute mess.
Me thinks me and Nesbo be doneski.
2 Ineffective Stars
Me thinks me and Nesbo be doneski.
2 Ineffective Stars
August 16, 2023
I had only read Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole crime novels, so I picked this up since it was another genre by this author. Horror - very different type of book from Harry Hole. I found it imaginative, but not really scary since it was all unbelievable and could never really happen. Still a good story with lots of surprises.
Description:
In the wake of his parents' tragic deaths in a house fire, fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved has been sent to live with his aunt and uncle in the remote, insular town of Ballantyne. Richard quickly earns a reputation as an outcast, and when a classmate named Tom goes missing, everyone suspects the new, angry boy is responsible for his disappearance. No one believes him when he says the telephone booth out by the edge of the woods sucked Tom into the receiver like something out of a horror movie. No one, that is, except Karen, a beguiling fellow outsider who encourages Richard to pursue clues the police refuse to investigate. He traces the number that Tom prank called from the phone booth to an abandoned house in the Black Mirror Wood. There he catches a glimpse of a terrifying face in the window. And then the voices begin to whisper in his ear . . .
You know who I am. She's going to burn. The one you love is going to burn. There's not a thing you can do about it.
When another classmate disappears, Richard must find a way to prove his innocence--and preserve his sanity--as he grapples with the dark magic that is possessing Ballantyne and pursuing his destruction.
Then again, Richard may not be the most reliable narrator of his own story . . .
My thoughts:
I liked the creativity and the story fit the weird imaginings of a young boy until the story changed. The protagonist is definitely an unreliable narrator. The twists and turns of the story were both imaginative and surprising. The book was fairly quick to read and I do have to say it kept my interest, even though much of it are things that would not and could not happen. I found Richard to be an engaging character and I like him and felt bad for him. I was not scared, though, and in a horror book I expected to be. This book had an inventive, creative plot and was well paced. It was divided into sections, with a different view in each section - although all are from Richard's point of view. There were some key horror elements like the creepy house hidden away, a correctional facility, etc.
Thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on October 3, 2023.
Description:
In the wake of his parents' tragic deaths in a house fire, fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved has been sent to live with his aunt and uncle in the remote, insular town of Ballantyne. Richard quickly earns a reputation as an outcast, and when a classmate named Tom goes missing, everyone suspects the new, angry boy is responsible for his disappearance. No one believes him when he says the telephone booth out by the edge of the woods sucked Tom into the receiver like something out of a horror movie. No one, that is, except Karen, a beguiling fellow outsider who encourages Richard to pursue clues the police refuse to investigate. He traces the number that Tom prank called from the phone booth to an abandoned house in the Black Mirror Wood. There he catches a glimpse of a terrifying face in the window. And then the voices begin to whisper in his ear . . .
You know who I am. She's going to burn. The one you love is going to burn. There's not a thing you can do about it.
When another classmate disappears, Richard must find a way to prove his innocence--and preserve his sanity--as he grapples with the dark magic that is possessing Ballantyne and pursuing his destruction.
Then again, Richard may not be the most reliable narrator of his own story . . .
My thoughts:
I liked the creativity and the story fit the weird imaginings of a young boy until the story changed. The protagonist is definitely an unreliable narrator. The twists and turns of the story were both imaginative and surprising. The book was fairly quick to read and I do have to say it kept my interest, even though much of it are things that would not and could not happen. I found Richard to be an engaging character and I like him and felt bad for him. I was not scared, though, and in a horror book I expected to be. This book had an inventive, creative plot and was well paced. It was divided into sections, with a different view in each section - although all are from Richard's point of view. There were some key horror elements like the creepy house hidden away, a correctional facility, etc.
Thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on October 3, 2023.
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