What do you think?
Rate this book
Little Book Series II
The Dollhouse
WELCOME TO THE PATTEN MANOR HOUSE.
It’s a horror house, a slaughter house, a devil house. And it’s something else a dollhouse.
Reginald Lympton collects dollhouses, and now that he’s acquired the rare Patten Dollhouse, he can boast the most preeminent collection in the world. But after visions too abominable to reckon and nightmares blacker than the most bottomless abyss, he discovers in short order that his acquisition is not a prized collector’s item at all but a diabolical thoroughfare designed to serve the darkest indulgences of the King of Terrors.
Now, Edward Lee, the master of hardcore horror, has penned this audacious homage to the master of the Victorian ghost story, M.R. James.
It’s a horror house, a slaughter house, a devil house. And it’s something else a dollhouse.
Reginald Lympton collects dollhouses, and now that he’s acquired the rare Patten Dollhouse, he can boast the most preeminent collection in the world. But after visions too abominable to reckon and nightmares blacker than the most bottomless abyss, he discovers in short order that his acquisition is not a prized collector’s item at all but a diabolical thoroughfare designed to serve the darkest indulgences of the King of Terrors.
Now, Edward Lee, the master of hardcore horror, has penned this audacious homage to the master of the Victorian ghost story, M.R. James.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2024
31 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Edward Lee
267 books1,451 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Edward Lee is an American novelist specializing in the field of horror, and has authored 40 books, more than half of which have been published by mass-market New York paperback companies such as Leisure/Dorchester, Berkley, and Zebra/Kensington. He is a Bram Stoker award nominee for his story "Mr. Torso," and his short stories have appeared in over a dozen mass-market anthologies, including THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES OF 2000, Pocket's HOT BLOOD series, and the award-wining 999. Several of his novels have sold translation rights to Germany, Greece, and Romania. He also publishes quite actively in the small-press/limited-edition hardcover market; many of his books in this category have become collector's items. While a number of Lee's projects have been optioned for film, only one has been made, HEADER, which was released on DVD to mixed reviews in June, 2009, by Synapse Films.
Lee is particularly known for over-the-top occult concepts and an accelerated treatment of erotic and/or morbid sexual imagery and visceral violence.
He was born on May 25, 1957 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Bowie, Maryland. In the late-70s he served in the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, in Erlangen, West Germany, then, for a short time, was a municipal police officer in Cottage City, Maryland. Lee also attended the University of Maryland as an English major but quit in his last semester to pursue his dream of being a horror novelist. For over 15 years, he worked as the night manager for a security company in Annapolis, Maryland, while writing in his spare time. In 1997, however, he became a full-time writer, first spending several years in Seattle and then moving to St. Pete Beach, Florida, where he currently resides.
Of note, the author cites as his strongest influence horror legend H. P. Lovecraft; in 2007, Lee embarked on what he calls his "Lovecraft kick" and wrote a spate of novels and novellas which tribute Lovecraft and his famous Cthulhu Mythos. Among these projects are THE INNSWICH HORROR, "Trolley No. 1852," HAUNTER OF THE THRESHOLD, GOING MONSTERING, "Pages Torn From A Travel Journal," and "You Are My Everything." Lee promises more Lovecraftian work on the horizon.
Edward Lee is an American novelist specializing in the field of horror, and has authored 40 books, more than half of which have been published by mass-market New York paperback companies such as Leisure/Dorchester, Berkley, and Zebra/Kensington. He is a Bram Stoker award nominee for his story "Mr. Torso," and his short stories have appeared in over a dozen mass-market anthologies, including THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES OF 2000, Pocket's HOT BLOOD series, and the award-wining 999. Several of his novels have sold translation rights to Germany, Greece, and Romania. He also publishes quite actively in the small-press/limited-edition hardcover market; many of his books in this category have become collector's items. While a number of Lee's projects have been optioned for film, only one has been made, HEADER, which was released on DVD to mixed reviews in June, 2009, by Synapse Films.
Lee is particularly known for over-the-top occult concepts and an accelerated treatment of erotic and/or morbid sexual imagery and visceral violence.
He was born on May 25, 1957 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Bowie, Maryland. In the late-70s he served in the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, in Erlangen, West Germany, then, for a short time, was a municipal police officer in Cottage City, Maryland. Lee also attended the University of Maryland as an English major but quit in his last semester to pursue his dream of being a horror novelist. For over 15 years, he worked as the night manager for a security company in Annapolis, Maryland, while writing in his spare time. In 1997, however, he became a full-time writer, first spending several years in Seattle and then moving to St. Pete Beach, Florida, where he currently resides.
Of note, the author cites as his strongest influence horror legend H. P. Lovecraft; in 2007, Lee embarked on what he calls his "Lovecraft kick" and wrote a spate of novels and novellas which tribute Lovecraft and his famous Cthulhu Mythos. Among these projects are THE INNSWICH HORROR, "Trolley No. 1852," HAUNTER OF THE THRESHOLD, GOING MONSTERING, "Pages Torn From A Travel Journal," and "You Are My Everything." Lee promises more Lovecraftian work on the horizon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 11, 2017
Written as an homage to M.R. James, this had a very old school flavor to it, but lacked the trademark Lee touch. I kept waiting for it to get Edward crazy, but it didn’t. Too bad too because it was surprisingly funny in parts and had a lot of potential, just didn’t really go anywhere. Felt rushed. It was still pretty good, but could have been much better.
May 27, 2024
A Horror Bookworm Recommendation
The Dollhouse by Edward Lee
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
Celebrated collector of dollhouses, Reginald Lympton, has just stumbled across the find of the century. An “Exemplary Dollhouse VG Condition c 1690 with figurines and accessories.” En route to purchase the perfect acquisition from a reputable dealer, Lympton attempts to seal the bargain contract, but is it a deal with the devil?
The Dollhouse, a journey into horror and the macabre, is presented to you by the one and only Edward Lee. Constructed of overwhelming strangeness and implementing that terrifying, gritty and sexualized story telling style we all have grown to love, Edward Lee imprisons his readers once again using a bit of the occult and morbid eroticism.
When Edward Lee writes…people read! The Dollhouse is no exception to his craft that induces a fearful apprehension. The vibe of “something bad is going to happen” from chapter to chapter is the unpleasant and inevitable sucker-punch of the unexpected. Edward Lee’s literary genius allows the reader to create horrific images by the use of their own imagination. The Dollhouse is a devilish piece of dark art that is guaranteed to leave an evil taste in your mouth.
God or Satan. Devils or Angels. Warlocks or Witches. The Dollhouse holds secrets that cannot be explained or fathomed. Edward Lee harnesses that disturbed thought-provoking vibe of Rod Serling’s Night Gallery, which in turn merits a five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
The Dollhouse by Edward Lee
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
Celebrated collector of dollhouses, Reginald Lympton, has just stumbled across the find of the century. An “Exemplary Dollhouse VG Condition c 1690 with figurines and accessories.” En route to purchase the perfect acquisition from a reputable dealer, Lympton attempts to seal the bargain contract, but is it a deal with the devil?
The Dollhouse, a journey into horror and the macabre, is presented to you by the one and only Edward Lee. Constructed of overwhelming strangeness and implementing that terrifying, gritty and sexualized story telling style we all have grown to love, Edward Lee imprisons his readers once again using a bit of the occult and morbid eroticism.
When Edward Lee writes…people read! The Dollhouse is no exception to his craft that induces a fearful apprehension. The vibe of “something bad is going to happen” from chapter to chapter is the unpleasant and inevitable sucker-punch of the unexpected. Edward Lee’s literary genius allows the reader to create horrific images by the use of their own imagination. The Dollhouse is a devilish piece of dark art that is guaranteed to leave an evil taste in your mouth.
God or Satan. Devils or Angels. Warlocks or Witches. The Dollhouse holds secrets that cannot be explained or fathomed. Edward Lee harnesses that disturbed thought-provoking vibe of Rod Serling’s Night Gallery, which in turn merits a five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
June 5, 2017
A Surprisingly enjoyable book in spite of how much of a departure it is for Lee. There were a few minor disappointments but the ending served the purpose of turning what might have been a so-so read into a really good one for me. 100 pages of Lee-esque horror done in tribute to, and in the vein of, author M.R. James, creator of The Haunted Doll's House. If you don't mind it extreme and riddled with gratuitous sex, give it a shot. It's a fun read.
July 22, 2025
Reginald Lympton sets out to acquire an incredibly rare dollhouse, but in doing so, makes a deal with the devil himself. This is a pretty short read that entertains throughout, but unfortunately this felt like it was just totally missing something. If not for a good bit of sexual humor, this would be a mostly forgettable read that delivered in concept only while failing in terms of execution. I wanted to like this a lot more but unfortunately I wasn't feeling this much at all, so 2/5 seems like a fair rating. I look forward to checking out more from Edward Lee, because I know he's considered a legend, but so far I haven't been super impressed with his work.
August 11, 2024
Edward Lee is one of those authors that I have been meaning to read more but haven't yet. Years ago, I was introduced to his books in a readalong for "The BigHead" which is a brilliant book if you can get past the surface horror.
A few nuggets ago, I decided to read "The DollHouse.". The ominous cover grabbed my attention instantly. Dollhouses can make creepy stories. Recently, I watched an episode on creepshow that was about a sinister dollhouse.
WOW!! What a story!! Edward Lee writes this story in the style of one of his favorite authors so it's quite different than his normal works.
Reginald Lympton is a dollhouse collector. He wants the ones made by the premier maker and they are not cheap! There is a rumor that this premier maker completed a fourth and final dollhouse that was considered his masterpiece. One day, Lympton receives a notice that the fourth one is for sale and rushes over to buy it. The dollhouse was perfectly crafted with figurines and furniture.
At only 63 pages, this novella is terrifying. Little did Lympton know... He had made a deal with the devil. After, he brings it home the horror begins. There are smells and sounds that create a nightmare for Lympton. A great quick read. On to my next Edward Lee book.
A few nuggets ago, I decided to read "The DollHouse.". The ominous cover grabbed my attention instantly. Dollhouses can make creepy stories. Recently, I watched an episode on creepshow that was about a sinister dollhouse.
WOW!! What a story!! Edward Lee writes this story in the style of one of his favorite authors so it's quite different than his normal works.
Reginald Lympton is a dollhouse collector. He wants the ones made by the premier maker and they are not cheap! There is a rumor that this premier maker completed a fourth and final dollhouse that was considered his masterpiece. One day, Lympton receives a notice that the fourth one is for sale and rushes over to buy it. The dollhouse was perfectly crafted with figurines and furniture.
At only 63 pages, this novella is terrifying. Little did Lympton know... He had made a deal with the devil. After, he brings it home the horror begins. There are smells and sounds that create a nightmare for Lympton. A great quick read. On to my next Edward Lee book.
January 31, 2017
Edward Lee channels M.R. James. How could the results not be interesting?
This little tome mixes the outrageous excesses of classic Lee with the wry wit and erudite prose of James. I can definitely understand why this book wouldn't work for everyone, but for me, it did. Swimmingly.
Edward Lee is always working on multiple levels. Even when he's describing (or reveling in) the most depraved acts, he's lurking just off-stage, chuckling at the audience's outrage and winking at his readers. With most writers, this sort of approach would be disastrous. With Lee, however, it works.
In my humble opinion, this is because Lee has a brilliant mind.
But like I said, your mileage may vary.
This little tome mixes the outrageous excesses of classic Lee with the wry wit and erudite prose of James. I can definitely understand why this book wouldn't work for everyone, but for me, it did. Swimmingly.
Edward Lee is always working on multiple levels. Even when he's describing (or reveling in) the most depraved acts, he's lurking just off-stage, chuckling at the audience's outrage and winking at his readers. With most writers, this sort of approach would be disastrous. With Lee, however, it works.
In my humble opinion, this is because Lee has a brilliant mind.
But like I said, your mileage may vary.
November 12, 2025
This really wasn't for me. The writing style really took me out of the story.
Want to read
December 1, 2015Contents:
09 - Preface
11 - "A Dollhouse"
this is copy 61 of 500 signed and numbered copies, signed by Ed Lee.
09 - Preface
11 - "A Dollhouse"
this is copy 61 of 500 signed and numbered copies, signed by Ed Lee.
July 22, 2017
You can never go wrong with a little Ed Lee - but this one went by too fast!
RTC!
RTC!
December 17, 2021
Edward Lee to mistrz horroru ekstremalnego – horroru opartego o hiperbolę wszelkiej wyobrażalnej obrzydliwości, horroru przerysowanego, absolutnie niepoprawnego, w którym dominują przemoc i seks na dokładkę. To podgatunek horroru tylko wyłącznie dla pełnoletnich koneserów, czytelników o mocnych żołądkach i równie wytrzymałej wyobraźni.
Mając w pamięci takie tytuły jak „Bighead”, „Czachówa” czy „Minotauress” z łatwością można zapomnieć jak fantastycznym pisarzem Edward Lee faktycznie jest. Ten twórca ma niezwykle giętkie pióro i wyrabiany latami warsztat, dzięki któremu może bawić się formą, może bawić się tropami i kliszami, serwując co mu tylko wyobraźnia podsunie. „Domkiem dla lalek” składa hołd jednemu z mistrzów klasyki grozy, akademickiemu profesorowi, którego opowieści o tajemniczych manuskryptach i eliksirach zachwycają do dziś, czyli M.R. Jamesowi. Kto pamięta chociażby „Opowieści starego antykwariusza”, ten wie, że James – a tym samym jego opowieści – miały bardzo charakterystyczny styl i równie rozpoznawalną konstrukcję. Jego bohaterowie natomiast, musieli mierzyć się z tajemniczym i nienazwanym, zupełnie nie będąc na to przygotowanym. Wkraczali w ciemność nieświadomi zagrożeń, jakie nań czyhają.
Edward Lee podebrał dokładnie ten format opowieści, wymieszał ze znaną tylko sobie domieszką sekretnego ekstremalnego składnika, by stworzyć nowelę, która zaciekawia, rozbawia i fantastycznie bawi się jamesową formą właśnie. Dorzuca stylizowany język, tajemniczą otoczkę, bohaterów sprytnych i wrednych, którzy kryją w sobie więcej, niż mogłoby się wydawać. Nie zapomnijmy jednak o tym, co z Jamesa tworzy Lee, czyli o ekstremie właśnie. W „Domku dla lalek” akcja wypełniona jest seksualnymi dygresjami, obleśnymi komentarzami i mrzonkami naszego bohatera. Nie sposób go polubić i nawet kiedy jego życie staje się nie do zniesienia – nie sposób mu współczuć. I o to chodzi.
Jest prawdą powszechnie znaną, że do prozy Edwarda Lee mam prawdziwą słabość. Ekstrema w jego wykonaniu bowiem nie ma sobie równych. Ma swój styl, ma swój sznyt, ma wyrobione pióro, które daje czytelnikowi dokładnie to, czego oczekuje. Za to go cenię i to w nim uwielbiam. „Domek dla lalek” to taka historia do opowiadania przy kominku z perwersyjnym twistem, więc po dobranocce. Sama historia tytułowego domku i jego twórcy jest już tak porywająca, że mam nadzieję, że kiedyś powstanie prequel, wstęp niejako, który prowadzi kilkaset lat później prosto w objęcia niefortunnego Lymptona. Nie mówiąc o sprzedawcy owego domku i jego córce, którzy sami w sobie stanowią fascynujące kuriozum pośród bohaterów. Mam wrażenie zresztą, że gdzieś już ich kiedyś spotkałam u Lee, wydali mi się znajomi – czy to możliwe, że Lee nawiązuje w „Domku dla lalek” do powieści z okultystyczną nutą, czyli „Witch Water”? Być może, uniwersum Lee bowiem uzupełnia się i dopełnia, a dla czytelnika to czysta radocha wyszukiwać kolejne odniesienia.
Tak – tej zimy wszyscy miłośnicy Bezsennych Śród w wersji ekstremalnej czytają „Domek dla lalek” Edwarda Lee.
Mając w pamięci takie tytuły jak „Bighead”, „Czachówa” czy „Minotauress” z łatwością można zapomnieć jak fantastycznym pisarzem Edward Lee faktycznie jest. Ten twórca ma niezwykle giętkie pióro i wyrabiany latami warsztat, dzięki któremu może bawić się formą, może bawić się tropami i kliszami, serwując co mu tylko wyobraźnia podsunie. „Domkiem dla lalek” składa hołd jednemu z mistrzów klasyki grozy, akademickiemu profesorowi, którego opowieści o tajemniczych manuskryptach i eliksirach zachwycają do dziś, czyli M.R. Jamesowi. Kto pamięta chociażby „Opowieści starego antykwariusza”, ten wie, że James – a tym samym jego opowieści – miały bardzo charakterystyczny styl i równie rozpoznawalną konstrukcję. Jego bohaterowie natomiast, musieli mierzyć się z tajemniczym i nienazwanym, zupełnie nie będąc na to przygotowanym. Wkraczali w ciemność nieświadomi zagrożeń, jakie nań czyhają.
Edward Lee podebrał dokładnie ten format opowieści, wymieszał ze znaną tylko sobie domieszką sekretnego ekstremalnego składnika, by stworzyć nowelę, która zaciekawia, rozbawia i fantastycznie bawi się jamesową formą właśnie. Dorzuca stylizowany język, tajemniczą otoczkę, bohaterów sprytnych i wrednych, którzy kryją w sobie więcej, niż mogłoby się wydawać. Nie zapomnijmy jednak o tym, co z Jamesa tworzy Lee, czyli o ekstremie właśnie. W „Domku dla lalek” akcja wypełniona jest seksualnymi dygresjami, obleśnymi komentarzami i mrzonkami naszego bohatera. Nie sposób go polubić i nawet kiedy jego życie staje się nie do zniesienia – nie sposób mu współczuć. I o to chodzi.
Jest prawdą powszechnie znaną, że do prozy Edwarda Lee mam prawdziwą słabość. Ekstrema w jego wykonaniu bowiem nie ma sobie równych. Ma swój styl, ma swój sznyt, ma wyrobione pióro, które daje czytelnikowi dokładnie to, czego oczekuje. Za to go cenię i to w nim uwielbiam. „Domek dla lalek” to taka historia do opowiadania przy kominku z perwersyjnym twistem, więc po dobranocce. Sama historia tytułowego domku i jego twórcy jest już tak porywająca, że mam nadzieję, że kiedyś powstanie prequel, wstęp niejako, który prowadzi kilkaset lat później prosto w objęcia niefortunnego Lymptona. Nie mówiąc o sprzedawcy owego domku i jego córce, którzy sami w sobie stanowią fascynujące kuriozum pośród bohaterów. Mam wrażenie zresztą, że gdzieś już ich kiedyś spotkałam u Lee, wydali mi się znajomi – czy to możliwe, że Lee nawiązuje w „Domku dla lalek” do powieści z okultystyczną nutą, czyli „Witch Water”? Być może, uniwersum Lee bowiem uzupełnia się i dopełnia, a dla czytelnika to czysta radocha wyszukiwać kolejne odniesienia.
Tak – tej zimy wszyscy miłośnicy Bezsennych Śród w wersji ekstremalnej czytają „Domek dla lalek” Edwarda Lee.
June 13, 2017
Never having read the work of M.R. James on which Edward Lee bases his story for this novelette, I must say that THE DOLL HOUSE was still a thrill to me. The author goes for the atmospheric route and the result is quite impressive. Not to say that he fails to add his touch. The climax in THE DOLL HOUSE is totally Lee. But the most important thing I remember about this title is how much the author has grown as a writer. His narrative is as its strongest. Of course if you’re on the lookout for slice and dice mayhem you might find this one a tad slow but if you’re ready for something different from the man, then you’ve come to the right title.
September 1, 2017
Marvelous! Edward Lee does some of his best work when he's attempting to do a pastiche of authors he is inspired by like Lovercraft or, in this case, M.R. James. Though I'm not familiar with James, through Lee's masterful filter, I feel I now do.
Edward Lee is brilliant at utilizing old world language and has the ability to sound intelligent and deviant in the same sentence. The DOLL HOUSE out that ability on display. So much quality and depth of story gets packed into this short novella.
Reading things from Lee like Header can sometimes make you forget just how wide ranging and deeply talented Edward Lee is. Reading stories like The Workhouse is a slap in the face to remind you the brilliance of Edward Lee lies somewhere far deeper than the ability to make you like and have an erection at the same time. At his best he makes your brain puke and have an erection at the same time.
Edward Lee is brilliant at utilizing old world language and has the ability to sound intelligent and deviant in the same sentence. The DOLL HOUSE out that ability on display. So much quality and depth of story gets packed into this short novella.
Reading things from Lee like Header can sometimes make you forget just how wide ranging and deeply talented Edward Lee is. Reading stories like The Workhouse is a slap in the face to remind you the brilliance of Edward Lee lies somewhere far deeper than the ability to make you like and have an erection at the same time. At his best he makes your brain puke and have an erection at the same time.
August 18, 2023
To było tak inne od tego co zwykle czytam, że aż mnie zupełnie wciągnęło
January 16, 2018
In his latest novella, The Doll House, author Edward Lee openly makes a valiant pastiche of M.R. James, the father of Victorian supernatural. A decadence of word and style, Lee still manages to succumb to his base desire and delivers a book that is just as vile, sexual, and violent as anything else in his back catalog of 40+ books.
Reginald Lympton collects dollhouses, and now that he’s acquired the rare Patten Doll House, he can boast the most preeminent collection in the world. But after visions too abominable to reckon, and nightmares blacker than the most bottomless abyss, he discovers in short order that his acquisition is not a prized collector’s item at all but a diabolical thoroughfare designed to serve the darkest indulgences of the King of Terrors.
More than just a clone of M. R. James’ work, The Doll House perfectly captures the Jamesian technique while remaining true to Lee’s own voice. The plot and narration of the character Reginald Lympton is prim and proper, yet surprisingly funny. Reginald’s journey to the house in which the dollhouse is held and being sold makes you forget the fact that nothing horrific happens for the majority of the book, well, other than the sometimes ghastly and crude thoughts of sexual desire from our narrator.
Not for the easily offended, a message regarding any of Lee’s work, The Doll House is a hedonistic and voyeuristic look at a greedy man’s desire. More than just a simple homage, this is a blast for any Lee fan.
Review from: http://horror-underground.com/2018/01...
Reginald Lympton collects dollhouses, and now that he’s acquired the rare Patten Doll House, he can boast the most preeminent collection in the world. But after visions too abominable to reckon, and nightmares blacker than the most bottomless abyss, he discovers in short order that his acquisition is not a prized collector’s item at all but a diabolical thoroughfare designed to serve the darkest indulgences of the King of Terrors.
More than just a clone of M. R. James’ work, The Doll House perfectly captures the Jamesian technique while remaining true to Lee’s own voice. The plot and narration of the character Reginald Lympton is prim and proper, yet surprisingly funny. Reginald’s journey to the house in which the dollhouse is held and being sold makes you forget the fact that nothing horrific happens for the majority of the book, well, other than the sometimes ghastly and crude thoughts of sexual desire from our narrator.
Not for the easily offended, a message regarding any of Lee’s work, The Doll House is a hedonistic and voyeuristic look at a greedy man’s desire. More than just a simple homage, this is a blast for any Lee fan.
Review from: http://horror-underground.com/2018/01...
June 5, 2016
#195/500 S/L copies
A LITTLE MAGENTA BOOK ABOUT A DOLLHOUSE is the ninth book in the Borderlands Press "mini" collection. This one is by horror master Edward Lee, and is his "homage" to the style of M.R. James. Lee takes one of James' famous stories, and--keeping with the language James would use--transforms it into something more--infusing his own, personal style into it.
Fans of Lee will be delighted with this twisted tale of depravity that comes in the form of a highly sought-after, collector's dollhouse. The fans of M.R. James, will likewise be able to pick up and appreciate the writing style that Lee uses in keeping to his tribute.
A great edition to the Borderlands' line, and collector's alike!
Highly recommended!
A LITTLE MAGENTA BOOK ABOUT A DOLLHOUSE is the ninth book in the Borderlands Press "mini" collection. This one is by horror master Edward Lee, and is his "homage" to the style of M.R. James. Lee takes one of James' famous stories, and--keeping with the language James would use--transforms it into something more--infusing his own, personal style into it.
Fans of Lee will be delighted with this twisted tale of depravity that comes in the form of a highly sought-after, collector's dollhouse. The fans of M.R. James, will likewise be able to pick up and appreciate the writing style that Lee uses in keeping to his tribute.
A great edition to the Borderlands' line, and collector's alike!
Highly recommended!
December 1, 2017
I am an Edward Lee fan but this was not his usual style and it just wasn't for me. Maybe because I am not an M.R. James fan and have not read his work. This was a disappointment to me. I expect an Edward Lee to test my gag reflex but this one just gave me a headache.
November 16, 2025
Now this one is an acquired taste. An antiquarian horror tale written in the style of Montague Rhodes James, combined with some of Edward Lee's most recognisable and outrageous tropes.
The unyielding early 1900's vocabulary (an impressive literary feat of its own) is likely to alienate most readers, but it will be fun for those who enjoy classic gothic literature.
The unyielding early 1900's vocabulary (an impressive literary feat of its own) is likely to alienate most readers, but it will be fun for those who enjoy classic gothic literature.
September 16, 2017
Great job although I wish it were longer. Pretty tame compared to most of his work, although Lee does come up with some interesting terms for mammary glands. I believe he did a good job with emulating early 20th century writing style, adding his own twist to it made this highly entertaining.
April 7, 2019
Leave it to Edward Lee to turn a child hood play thing into something twisted, perverse and creepy that will give you nightmares. I love it! Haha
August 29, 2022
XD co to było
December 31, 2024
I dread thinking that when I tell people I like horror, they think more of authors like this than like, say, John Langan.
February 2, 2022
Dziełko to jest pastiszem stworzonym w hołdzie dla M. R. Jamesa.
Reginald Lympton, hedonistyczny i chciwy, zapalony kolekcjoner domków dla lalek, szczycący się okazałą kolekcją pewnego dnia trafia na okazję życia... Zdobywa unikatowy domek dla lalek sygnowany przez Pattena... Nie wie jednak, że ów domek nie jest zwyczajny, a czymś znacznie mroczniejszym. Wydobywający się z niego dźwięk diabelskich kurantów będzie jego najmniejszym problemem...
Język jakim została napisana ta historyjka wystylizowany jest na początek XX wieku. Jest zabawnie, satyrystycznie. Sposób prowadzenia narracji sprawia, że wsiąka się w tę tajemniczą historię, słucha się tego niczym strasznej i pikantnej opowieści z wypiekami na twarzy. Fabuła jest prosta i okraszona aurą tajemniczości. Cała historia przesiąknięta jest erotyką momentami obrzydliwą. Autor nie opisuje wszystkiego dosadnie, stonuje i zręcznie naprowadza czytelnika pozostawiając ogromne pole popisu dla jego wyobraźni. Bohaterowie są barwni, mają swoją głębię. Nie brak tu voyeurystycznego spojrzenia na głównego protagonistę. Zakończenie to prawdziwa miazga! Zaskoczyło mnie!
Bawiłam się przy niej wybornie! Polecam fanom nie tylko ekstremy, ale i mocnych horrorów.
Reginald Lympton, hedonistyczny i chciwy, zapalony kolekcjoner domków dla lalek, szczycący się okazałą kolekcją pewnego dnia trafia na okazję życia... Zdobywa unikatowy domek dla lalek sygnowany przez Pattena... Nie wie jednak, że ów domek nie jest zwyczajny, a czymś znacznie mroczniejszym. Wydobywający się z niego dźwięk diabelskich kurantów będzie jego najmniejszym problemem...
Język jakim została napisana ta historyjka wystylizowany jest na początek XX wieku. Jest zabawnie, satyrystycznie. Sposób prowadzenia narracji sprawia, że wsiąka się w tę tajemniczą historię, słucha się tego niczym strasznej i pikantnej opowieści z wypiekami na twarzy. Fabuła jest prosta i okraszona aurą tajemniczości. Cała historia przesiąknięta jest erotyką momentami obrzydliwą. Autor nie opisuje wszystkiego dosadnie, stonuje i zręcznie naprowadza czytelnika pozostawiając ogromne pole popisu dla jego wyobraźni. Bohaterowie są barwni, mają swoją głębię. Nie brak tu voyeurystycznego spojrzenia na głównego protagonistę. Zakończenie to prawdziwa miazga! Zaskoczyło mnie!
Bawiłam się przy niej wybornie! Polecam fanom nie tylko ekstremy, ale i mocnych horrorów.
November 8, 2024
Interesting read
Whilst I enjoyed the read it took some getting into. The story was good but the continued narrative method and also the old age speak had me taking a few pages to get used to but once you got into that frame of mind it was easier to read and begin to enjoy. So whilst enjoying the storyline i didn't enjoy the narrative part where bits were missed and stated as a discernable reader. I felt like I was missing chapters. But that is only an option and personal preference to myself as, as I said the storyline is really good and I really enjoyed it.
Whilst I enjoyed the read it took some getting into. The story was good but the continued narrative method and also the old age speak had me taking a few pages to get used to but once you got into that frame of mind it was easier to read and begin to enjoy. So whilst enjoying the storyline i didn't enjoy the narrative part where bits were missed and stated as a discernable reader. I felt like I was missing chapters. But that is only an option and personal preference to myself as, as I said the storyline is really good and I really enjoyed it.
November 7, 2019
Written like M.R. James but distinctly Ed Lee
If you know anything about author Edward Lee, it probably is that he is one of the most extreme purveyors of horror stories since splatterpunk became a recognized subgenre. But unless you've not only read his work, but also sampled multiple offerings by the author, you'd be surprised to find out how intelligent his writing really is. "The Doll House" is a great example of just how versatile he can be, but also how rigidly he clings to his formula of shocking readers with sex, gore, and body fluids.
Here is his attempt to tell a story in the vain of one of his idols, ghort-story master M.R. James. Though I would not say this novella is in any way an attempt to actually mimic the master, Lee does a fantastic job of capturing the rythym, language, and feel of early twentieth century weird fiction in a way that feels both satirical and loving. But he takes you out of that world sometimes too abruptly when he suddenly lapses into his "sailor talk" and his frat-boy descriptions of coital buggery. It's as if he didn't want his fans to forget this was an Ed Lee story, and so felt obligated to shoehorn his signature gross-outs throughout the narrative, and it didn't add anything to the overall plot. Instead, it made the whole product feel more like one big Victorian fart joke. In Lee's better works, his potty humor is often used for much appreciated comic relief, a breather from his otherwise intense and difficult narratives of extreme horrors. And his comic style has always felt somehow more mature than at first glance, full of punk sensibility and social criticism. Not so with the "Doll House." Sure, it was funny to read about a stuffy English country aristocrat "raising the tent," but it got a bit monotonous and belabored an already beaten point.
If Lee wanted to leave his stamp on an M.R. James-style story, I think it would have worked better to make it a little more horrific rather than one big dirty joke. This was a missed opportunity to show the world that Ed Lee can unsettle readers in any voice or subgenre without having to resort to the cheap shocks.
But this is still an entertaining read, and a short one, so if you are not put off by humor in bad taste and are curious about what Ed Lee was trying to pull of here, give it a look.
If you know anything about author Edward Lee, it probably is that he is one of the most extreme purveyors of horror stories since splatterpunk became a recognized subgenre. But unless you've not only read his work, but also sampled multiple offerings by the author, you'd be surprised to find out how intelligent his writing really is. "The Doll House" is a great example of just how versatile he can be, but also how rigidly he clings to his formula of shocking readers with sex, gore, and body fluids.
Here is his attempt to tell a story in the vain of one of his idols, ghort-story master M.R. James. Though I would not say this novella is in any way an attempt to actually mimic the master, Lee does a fantastic job of capturing the rythym, language, and feel of early twentieth century weird fiction in a way that feels both satirical and loving. But he takes you out of that world sometimes too abruptly when he suddenly lapses into his "sailor talk" and his frat-boy descriptions of coital buggery. It's as if he didn't want his fans to forget this was an Ed Lee story, and so felt obligated to shoehorn his signature gross-outs throughout the narrative, and it didn't add anything to the overall plot. Instead, it made the whole product feel more like one big Victorian fart joke. In Lee's better works, his potty humor is often used for much appreciated comic relief, a breather from his otherwise intense and difficult narratives of extreme horrors. And his comic style has always felt somehow more mature than at first glance, full of punk sensibility and social criticism. Not so with the "Doll House." Sure, it was funny to read about a stuffy English country aristocrat "raising the tent," but it got a bit monotonous and belabored an already beaten point.
If Lee wanted to leave his stamp on an M.R. James-style story, I think it would have worked better to make it a little more horrific rather than one big dirty joke. This was a missed opportunity to show the world that Ed Lee can unsettle readers in any voice or subgenre without having to resort to the cheap shocks.
But this is still an entertaining read, and a short one, so if you are not put off by humor in bad taste and are curious about what Ed Lee was trying to pull of here, give it a look.
September 2, 2025
Well that was...not great. I had high hopes after reading the reviews, but I think M.R. James would be quite disappointed.
Numerous typos and some misused words. Do people not hire editors anymore? The gratuitous sex was not unexpected (the author and the reviews make it clear what you're in for), but it also didn't seem to belong in the story. It's like the book stopped frequently and played Mad Libs with characters and body parts.
The _____ put his _____ in the _____'s _____. Or at least thought about it.
BREASTS.
BRRRRREAAASSTSSS.
Humph humph, I say, British things.
Anyway, the haunted dollhouse--
Wait, wait BREEEAAAASSSSSTSSSSS.
The overall plot was pretty good, but the tone never quite landed right.
Numerous typos and some misused words. Do people not hire editors anymore? The gratuitous sex was not unexpected (the author and the reviews make it clear what you're in for), but it also didn't seem to belong in the story. It's like the book stopped frequently and played Mad Libs with characters and body parts.
The _____ put his _____ in the _____'s _____. Or at least thought about it.
BREASTS.
BRRRRREAAASSTSSS.
Humph humph, I say, British things.
Anyway, the haunted dollhouse--
Wait, wait BREEEAAAASSSSSTSSSSS.
The overall plot was pretty good, but the tone never quite landed right.
August 27, 2017
Disturbing As Ever
When i get a Lee novel i know that anything and everything can happen within it.
In this case a very greedy man that gets more then he bargained for. I really hated this guy and can only say w/o spoilers that Karma for him really is a female dog....
The Doll House makes me glad i grew up with action figures....
Pick this up!!! But only if you're not easily offended.
When i get a Lee novel i know that anything and everything can happen within it.
In this case a very greedy man that gets more then he bargained for. I really hated this guy and can only say w/o spoilers that Karma for him really is a female dog....
The Doll House makes me glad i grew up with action figures....
Pick this up!!! But only if you're not easily offended.
October 10, 2017
Quite a bit of fun
Interestingly enough, the story starts out as a polar opposite to Mr Lee's usual style. It more resembles a voice from the 19th century. This however, doesn't last long before descending into a hysterical romp more indicative of the author. You can see the end coming from a mile away, but it's one hell of a view.
Interestingly enough, the story starts out as a polar opposite to Mr Lee's usual style. It more resembles a voice from the 19th century. This however, doesn't last long before descending into a hysterical romp more indicative of the author. You can see the end coming from a mile away, but it's one hell of a view.
September 13, 2025
My first Edward Lee - and from what I understand - I didn’t get the “full thing” he does by reading this story but I still enjoyed it. Quite vulgar and gross for being so quick too.
I especially liked the writing style. The author interjecting. Curious if his other writing echoes that or if this was a one off. Will have to read more to find out!
I especially liked the writing style. The author interjecting. Curious if his other writing echoes that or if this was a one off. Will have to read more to find out!
July 12, 2017
Pretty good short story. Nice quick read. A little on the tamer, milder side. I would recommend this book to newer fans of Mr. Lee. Ed Lee is an amazing hardcore horror author. I would have given 5 stars, but it just didn't have that big of a shock factor that his other books do.
December 28, 2017
How can you not love it?
Pastiche indeed! Delightfully decadent in verbiage and depravity both, yet, maintaining that line that needed to be held to for the true link to James to be maintained.
More, I demand more!
Pastiche indeed! Delightfully decadent in verbiage and depravity both, yet, maintaining that line that needed to be held to for the true link to James to be maintained.
More, I demand more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews