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Family
The Bennett family is broken. After a series of devastating events, they leave their old lives behind and start over in a new town. The move is supposed to give them a chance to heal and to help mend their familial bonds, but they soon discover some wounds run deeper than others, and they always leave scars.
And there’s something seriously wrong with their new house.
There’s a presence lurking within the walls, walking the halls at night, and it seems to know everything about the Bennetts. Their secrets, their desires…and their fears.
What starts out as mild paranormal activity quickly escalates into a full-on supernatural assault by an entity whose motives are as nebulous as its origins. If the Bennetts hope to survive, they will have to confront the horrors of their past, forgive each other for the wrongs they’ve done, and come together as a single powerful force.
As Family.
Praise for Ian Rogers and FAMILY
"Authentically scary, FAMILY is a séance in a box. I read a big chunk of this book alone in the house. Not the smartest decision I've ever made. Ian Rogers has horror in his bones."
—Josh Malerman, New York Times bestselling author of Bird Box and Incidents Around the House
“A little bit Poltergeist, a little bit Us, a lot of Haunting of Hill House…but mostly itself, Ian Rogers’s Family is full of hidden passageways and trap doors and secrets. This is very much a novel of 2024, which means the monsters are not in the house, but inside us. As usual, Rogers proves twisty and not for the faint of heart.”
—Glen Hirshberg, author of Tell Me When I Disappear
“Rogers is a consummate master of supernatural terror and this, his gripping debut novel, is a startling showcase for his uncanny talents. Family is a haunted house story with a twist that keeps on twisting until it wrings the blood out of its titular subjects. Some books can only be read in the daylight hours and this is one of them.”
—David Demchuk, author of RED X
“Rogers is among the finest writers currently exploring the disturbing terrain of the suburban home. Prepare yourself for a strange and thrilling journey. You’re in the hands of an exceptionally talented storyteller. You won’t be disappointed.”
—S.P. Miskowski, author of The Best of Both Worlds
"Ian is a fantastic storyteller of horror. He has an ability to create a unique reading experience with great scares and memorable characters."
—Sam Raimi, writer-director of Evil Dead
“A talent for finding the terrifying in the seemingly ordinary... Every House is Haunted is classic horror in the style of Shirley Jackson, Richard Matheson, and early Stephen King.”
—Library Journal
And there’s something seriously wrong with their new house.
There’s a presence lurking within the walls, walking the halls at night, and it seems to know everything about the Bennetts. Their secrets, their desires…and their fears.
What starts out as mild paranormal activity quickly escalates into a full-on supernatural assault by an entity whose motives are as nebulous as its origins. If the Bennetts hope to survive, they will have to confront the horrors of their past, forgive each other for the wrongs they’ve done, and come together as a single powerful force.
As Family.
Praise for Ian Rogers and FAMILY
"Authentically scary, FAMILY is a séance in a box. I read a big chunk of this book alone in the house. Not the smartest decision I've ever made. Ian Rogers has horror in his bones."
—Josh Malerman, New York Times bestselling author of Bird Box and Incidents Around the House
“A little bit Poltergeist, a little bit Us, a lot of Haunting of Hill House…but mostly itself, Ian Rogers’s Family is full of hidden passageways and trap doors and secrets. This is very much a novel of 2024, which means the monsters are not in the house, but inside us. As usual, Rogers proves twisty and not for the faint of heart.”
—Glen Hirshberg, author of Tell Me When I Disappear
“Rogers is a consummate master of supernatural terror and this, his gripping debut novel, is a startling showcase for his uncanny talents. Family is a haunted house story with a twist that keeps on twisting until it wrings the blood out of its titular subjects. Some books can only be read in the daylight hours and this is one of them.”
—David Demchuk, author of RED X
“Rogers is among the finest writers currently exploring the disturbing terrain of the suburban home. Prepare yourself for a strange and thrilling journey. You’re in the hands of an exceptionally talented storyteller. You won’t be disappointed.”
—S.P. Miskowski, author of The Best of Both Worlds
"Ian is a fantastic storyteller of horror. He has an ability to create a unique reading experience with great scares and memorable characters."
—Sam Raimi, writer-director of Evil Dead
“A talent for finding the terrifying in the seemingly ordinary... Every House is Haunted is classic horror in the style of Shirley Jackson, Richard Matheson, and early Stephen King.”
—Library Journal
- GenresHorror
Hardcover
Published October 31, 2024
2 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Ian Rogers
119 books199 followersIan Rogers is the author of the award-winning collection, Every House Is Haunted. His novelette, “The House on Ashley Avenue,” was a finalist for the Shirley Jackson Award and is currently being adapted into a feature film produced by Sam Raimi. His debut novel, Family, was published by Earthling Publications. He is also the creator of the Black Lands series. The first book, Sycamore, was published by Cemetery Dance Publications.
Ian's short fiction has appeared in several publications, including Tor.com, Cemetery Dance, Broken Pencil, and Shadows & Tall Trees. His work has been selected for The Best Horror of the Year and Imaginarium: The Best Canadian Speculative Writing.
Ian lives with his wife and two cats in Peterborough, Ontario. For more information, visit ianrogers.ca.
Ian's short fiction has appeared in several publications, including Tor.com, Cemetery Dance, Broken Pencil, and Shadows & Tall Trees. His work has been selected for The Best Horror of the Year and Imaginarium: The Best Canadian Speculative Writing.
Ian lives with his wife and two cats in Peterborough, Ontario. For more information, visit ianrogers.ca.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 14, 2025
a nuclear family plus cat move into a new home and soon must confront their weaknesses and dark sides made tangible. hypochondriac son is beset by disease; rebellious teen finds herself slipping into a discarded past persona; workaholic mother is stalked by something monstrous outside of the home; injured, insecure dad must deal with a strangely taunting haunting while at home, including a literally hollow man. what is at the root of these terrors? the family must come together to understand.
for a horror writer, Ian Rogers is unusually benign and sunny. he is genuinely rooting for his troubled, realistic, sympathetically-drawn characters - characterization is in the King vein, not the Straub. similarly, his prose is clear and transparent (perhaps even obvious at times), despite the ambiguity of the story itself and the opacity of the threats to his cast. many horror writers have disturbing and often deeply pessimistic views of humanity on display or bubbling beneath the surface. not so much with Rogers. unlike the sort of horror I often read, Family was a pleasant and life-affirming experience. the book is a morality play where the author is firmly on the side of his cast and their ability to succeed at life. I like positive things, occasionally.
also features a scene where a bully gets what they deserve, and then some. much to every reader's satisfaction.
for a horror writer, Ian Rogers is unusually benign and sunny. he is genuinely rooting for his troubled, realistic, sympathetically-drawn characters - characterization is in the King vein, not the Straub. similarly, his prose is clear and transparent (perhaps even obvious at times), despite the ambiguity of the story itself and the opacity of the threats to his cast. many horror writers have disturbing and often deeply pessimistic views of humanity on display or bubbling beneath the surface. not so much with Rogers. unlike the sort of horror I often read, Family was a pleasant and life-affirming experience. the book is a morality play where the author is firmly on the side of his cast and their ability to succeed at life. I like positive things, occasionally.
also features a scene where a bully gets what they deserve, and then some. much to every reader's satisfaction.
June 3, 2025
Ian Rogers’ Family is a gripping and emotionally charged horror novel that redefines what a haunted house story can be. From the very first page, Rogers draws the reader into the lives of the Bennett family—each of them carrying wounds both visible and unseen—as they attempt to start over in a new home that soon reveals a sinister awareness of its own. But the true brilliance of Family lies not just in its chilling supernatural elements, but in its exploration of grief, guilt, and the fragile bonds that hold a family together.
Rogers crafts his characters with empathy and depth. Jack’s trauma, Laura’s creeping dread, Jessica’s adolescent rebellion, and young Stanley’s innocence twisted by fear—all are rendered with nuance and realism. The horrors they face, while undeniably terrifying, are also metaphorical reflections of their internal struggles. The novel doesn’t rely on cheap scares; instead, it builds an atmosphere of dread that lingers long after the final chapter. Rogers’ prose is both elegant and unsettling, a perfect match for the slow burn tension that escalates toward a devastating and satisfying climax.
In a genre crowded with predictable tropes, Family stands out as something special. It’s as much a psychological portrait of a family in crisis as it is a ghost story, and Rogers balances those elements with remarkable skill. Fans of Shirley Jackson, Paul Tremblay, or Mike Flanagan’s work will find much to admire here. With Family, Ian Rogers proves himself a major voice in modern horror—one who knows that the scariest things aren’t always what go bump in the night, but what lives inside us, unspoken.
Rogers crafts his characters with empathy and depth. Jack’s trauma, Laura’s creeping dread, Jessica’s adolescent rebellion, and young Stanley’s innocence twisted by fear—all are rendered with nuance and realism. The horrors they face, while undeniably terrifying, are also metaphorical reflections of their internal struggles. The novel doesn’t rely on cheap scares; instead, it builds an atmosphere of dread that lingers long after the final chapter. Rogers’ prose is both elegant and unsettling, a perfect match for the slow burn tension that escalates toward a devastating and satisfying climax.
In a genre crowded with predictable tropes, Family stands out as something special. It’s as much a psychological portrait of a family in crisis as it is a ghost story, and Rogers balances those elements with remarkable skill. Fans of Shirley Jackson, Paul Tremblay, or Mike Flanagan’s work will find much to admire here. With Family, Ian Rogers proves himself a major voice in modern horror—one who knows that the scariest things aren’t always what go bump in the night, but what lives inside us, unspoken.
September 21, 2024
Thank you to Paul at Earthling for providing me with a galley of this book for review!
Family is Ian Rogers’ debut novel and is about the Bennett family as they move into a new house for a fresh start. Strange things begin to happen to each of them as they become more and more isolated from each other. Jack, the father, thinks their new house is haunted.
Ian Rogers hit a home run with this one. This is a fresh take on the haunted house novel with strong characters (every character feels real and flawed). This is a fantastic book and I can’t wait to read more of Rogers’ work.
Family is being released by Earthling as a limited edition hardcover. Check it out!
Family is Ian Rogers’ debut novel and is about the Bennett family as they move into a new house for a fresh start. Strange things begin to happen to each of them as they become more and more isolated from each other. Jack, the father, thinks their new house is haunted.
Ian Rogers hit a home run with this one. This is a fresh take on the haunted house novel with strong characters (every character feels real and flawed). This is a fantastic book and I can’t wait to read more of Rogers’ work.
Family is being released by Earthling as a limited edition hardcover. Check it out!
September 5, 2024
Paul Miller at Earthling Publications was kind enough to send me an Advanced Reader Copy of Family, by Ian Rogers. It is the 2024 choice for Earthling’s Halloween Series.
I had purchased the last three picks for the series and loved them. Ian Rogers is an author that I had not known of, and Family is his debut novel. I trusted Paul Miller’s judgement and purchased the limited edition before reading the book.
I’m so glad I did.
Family is about a family of four. (Mother, father, teenage daughter and younger son.) Their life was good, but it had been disrupted by injury, a career ruined, and an expelled student. A new start in a new home in a different state was their solution.
That solution was a failure. Things are happening to the family in their new home, and the father thinks it’s the new house. You’ve got to read this book to find out.
I love haunted house stories, and expected that’s what I was getting into, but it’s more.
Perhaps the thing I like most about Family, is the family. Each of them are great. They are all flawed, but I like them. I want them to come through. I want them to step up for themselves and each other. I want them to make a comeback.
I enjoyed Ian Rogers debut novel so much that I also ordered his novella from PS Publishing, GREY.
Whatever Ian writes next, I’m in!
I had purchased the last three picks for the series and loved them. Ian Rogers is an author that I had not known of, and Family is his debut novel. I trusted Paul Miller’s judgement and purchased the limited edition before reading the book.
I’m so glad I did.
Family is about a family of four. (Mother, father, teenage daughter and younger son.) Their life was good, but it had been disrupted by injury, a career ruined, and an expelled student. A new start in a new home in a different state was their solution.
That solution was a failure. Things are happening to the family in their new home, and the father thinks it’s the new house. You’ve got to read this book to find out.
I love haunted house stories, and expected that’s what I was getting into, but it’s more.
Perhaps the thing I like most about Family, is the family. Each of them are great. They are all flawed, but I like them. I want them to come through. I want them to step up for themselves and each other. I want them to make a comeback.
I enjoyed Ian Rogers debut novel so much that I also ordered his novella from PS Publishing, GREY.
Whatever Ian writes next, I’m in!
June 16, 2025
what a great take on a haunted house story. this family finds them selves in a fight with themselves to rid their life of bad things happening to each of them. Ian done a great job creating characters that i felt like i knew and understood, took time with each family member and i was really engaged the entire book. Loved how he used different point of views, and the time line switching was used very effectively in this one. absolutely loved it!!
March 30, 2025
"Family" by Ian Rogers is a captivating read that expertly weaves together the perspectives of each family member, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. From the very first page, I was drawn in by the engaging short chapters that made it easy to lose track of time. Each chapter felt like a new adventure, pulling me deeper into the lives of the Bennetts and their haunting journey.
As I progressed through the book, I particularly appreciated the way Rogers structured the narrative. The shortened chapters towards the end were a brilliant choice, propelling me toward a thrilling conclusion that left me on the edge of my seat. It was as if the pacing mirrored the rising tension within the story, making it impossible to put the book down.
Rogers' descriptive prose truly shines in the scariest moments, bringing the imagery to life in a way that is both vivid and haunting. I could feel the tension in the air and the weight of the family's struggles, which made the supernatural elements all the more impactful. The way he captures the fear and uncertainty each character faces adds depth to the story, making it not just a horror tale, but a profound exploration of family dynamics and personal growth.
Overall, "Family" is a masterfully crafted novel that combines suspense, emotion, and stunning imagery. Ian Rogers has created a gripping narrative that will stay with me long after the final page. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling read that delves into the complexities of family relationships while delivering spine-chilling moments.
As I progressed through the book, I particularly appreciated the way Rogers structured the narrative. The shortened chapters towards the end were a brilliant choice, propelling me toward a thrilling conclusion that left me on the edge of my seat. It was as if the pacing mirrored the rising tension within the story, making it impossible to put the book down.
Rogers' descriptive prose truly shines in the scariest moments, bringing the imagery to life in a way that is both vivid and haunting. I could feel the tension in the air and the weight of the family's struggles, which made the supernatural elements all the more impactful. The way he captures the fear and uncertainty each character faces adds depth to the story, making it not just a horror tale, but a profound exploration of family dynamics and personal growth.
Overall, "Family" is a masterfully crafted novel that combines suspense, emotion, and stunning imagery. Ian Rogers has created a gripping narrative that will stay with me long after the final page. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling read that delves into the complexities of family relationships while delivering spine-chilling moments.
May 7, 2025
Ian Rogers does a wonderful job of layering his characters, making them feel real and authentic. Amid all the supernatural horrors unfolding in the story, the Bennett family stands out as a believable, emotionally complex unit. Their personal struggles and past mistakes pile up, creating tension that feels just as threatening as the external dangers they face. Each family member wrestles with their own fears, guilt, and anxieties, often shutting themselves off from one another. This emotional distance forces them to confront their demons alone. The central question becomes will the Bennetts remain isolated and fall apart, or come together as a family to face the monsters lurking in their past? One of the story’s biggest takeaways personally for me is that while it’s necessary to move forward from life’s hardships, true healing only comes from facing them head-on.
October 28, 2024
Wonderful story! Really enjoyed this one. Had some very creepy parts. Great pick for the Halloween Series. Great ending.
March 2, 2025
Wow. Just wow. Great build Up, suspense getting more and more tense every chapter.
September 5, 2024
**REVIEW - FAMILY by Ian Rogers
"A little bit Poltergeist, a little bit Us, a lot of The Haunting of Hill House... but mostly itself, Ian Rogers's Family is full of hidden passageways, trap doors, and secrets. This is very much a novel of 2024, which means the monsters are not in the house, but inside us. As usual, Rogers proves twisty and not for the faint of heart." - Glen Hirshberg, author of Tell Me When I Disappear
The moment Earthling Publications announced they had a few galley copies available for Ian Rogers' debut novel Family, I jumped at the chance to get my hands on one.
With that captivating blurb alone, it promised to be exactly the kind of psychological horror that grabs me, so I reached out immediately.
To my surprise and excitement, Paul Miller quickly responded and offered me an advance copy.
Thank you again, Paul Miller , for this opportunity!
Family is Earthling’s 2024 Halloween Series pick, and though I’m familiar with the series, this is the first title I’ve had the chance to review in advance.
Given how much I enjoyed this one, I’m regretting not picking up the earlier titles, but let’s focus on Family here, because it deserves all the attention it can possibly get.
Ian Rogers, while known for his short stories and novellas, makes his full-length novel debut with Family, and it's an impressive one at that- a brilliant introduction to his talents.
The novel follows the Bennett family- Jack, Laura, Jessica, and Stanley- who move into a new home after a series of personal disasters and tragedies threatened to tear their family apart.
Jack, seriously injured in a workplace accident, now struggles with everyday life, haunted by vivid and terrifying hallucinations that blur the line between reality and nightmare.
His wife Laura, was forced to leave her dream job and is now haunted on a daily basis by an otherworldly and disturbing creature.
Jessica, a teenager grappling with the usual adolescent challenges, encounters a dark and vicious version of herself, adding a chilling twist to her already tumultuous journey through life.
Meanwhile, young Stanley- a sweet but anxious boy- finds his hypochondria escalating into something far more sinister.
At first glance, it may seems like your classic haunted house story, filled with unsettling occurrences and ominous tension.
But Family quickly evolves into something far deeper and much more disturbing.
Each character’s psychological unraveling is brilliantly depicted, making you feel as if the real horror lies not just within the house but within themselves.
The dynamics in the Bennet family is what really makes this novel stand out from the others i've read before this.
The Bennetts maybe flawed but remain very likable. Then again, which family is truly perfect?
And as their circumstances deteriorate even further, you just can’t help yourself but root for them.
The dialogue throughout the novel is beautifully written, making each interaction between the characters feel authentic and drawing you into their world.
Rogers does an incredible job building up tension, and the haunting elements are truly terrifying.
What begins as a seemingly familiar haunted house story quickly twists into something far more unexpected and unsettling.
I was fully immersed in the psychological breakdown of the characters and the escalating terror within the house.
Rogers’ pacing is excellent, ramping up the tension as each family member faces their own unique, horrific ordeal.
And when i was almost done reading Family, i immediately ordered his novella Grey through PS Publishing.
If any of Ian's future work is anything like his debut novel, then definitely count me in for whatever comes next.
Well done Ian!
FAMILY can still be purchased right now via Earthling Publications here;
https://www.earthlingpub.com/ir_famil...
"A little bit Poltergeist, a little bit Us, a lot of The Haunting of Hill House... but mostly itself, Ian Rogers's Family is full of hidden passageways, trap doors, and secrets. This is very much a novel of 2024, which means the monsters are not in the house, but inside us. As usual, Rogers proves twisty and not for the faint of heart." - Glen Hirshberg, author of Tell Me When I Disappear
The moment Earthling Publications announced they had a few galley copies available for Ian Rogers' debut novel Family, I jumped at the chance to get my hands on one.
With that captivating blurb alone, it promised to be exactly the kind of psychological horror that grabs me, so I reached out immediately.
To my surprise and excitement, Paul Miller quickly responded and offered me an advance copy.
Thank you again, Paul Miller , for this opportunity!
Family is Earthling’s 2024 Halloween Series pick, and though I’m familiar with the series, this is the first title I’ve had the chance to review in advance.
Given how much I enjoyed this one, I’m regretting not picking up the earlier titles, but let’s focus on Family here, because it deserves all the attention it can possibly get.
Ian Rogers, while known for his short stories and novellas, makes his full-length novel debut with Family, and it's an impressive one at that- a brilliant introduction to his talents.
The novel follows the Bennett family- Jack, Laura, Jessica, and Stanley- who move into a new home after a series of personal disasters and tragedies threatened to tear their family apart.
Jack, seriously injured in a workplace accident, now struggles with everyday life, haunted by vivid and terrifying hallucinations that blur the line between reality and nightmare.
His wife Laura, was forced to leave her dream job and is now haunted on a daily basis by an otherworldly and disturbing creature.
Jessica, a teenager grappling with the usual adolescent challenges, encounters a dark and vicious version of herself, adding a chilling twist to her already tumultuous journey through life.
Meanwhile, young Stanley- a sweet but anxious boy- finds his hypochondria escalating into something far more sinister.
At first glance, it may seems like your classic haunted house story, filled with unsettling occurrences and ominous tension.
But Family quickly evolves into something far deeper and much more disturbing.
Each character’s psychological unraveling is brilliantly depicted, making you feel as if the real horror lies not just within the house but within themselves.
The dynamics in the Bennet family is what really makes this novel stand out from the others i've read before this.
The Bennetts maybe flawed but remain very likable. Then again, which family is truly perfect?
And as their circumstances deteriorate even further, you just can’t help yourself but root for them.
The dialogue throughout the novel is beautifully written, making each interaction between the characters feel authentic and drawing you into their world.
Rogers does an incredible job building up tension, and the haunting elements are truly terrifying.
What begins as a seemingly familiar haunted house story quickly twists into something far more unexpected and unsettling.
I was fully immersed in the psychological breakdown of the characters and the escalating terror within the house.
Rogers’ pacing is excellent, ramping up the tension as each family member faces their own unique, horrific ordeal.
And when i was almost done reading Family, i immediately ordered his novella Grey through PS Publishing.
If any of Ian's future work is anything like his debut novel, then definitely count me in for whatever comes next.
Well done Ian!
FAMILY can still be purchased right now via Earthling Publications here;
https://www.earthlingpub.com/ir_famil...
December 28, 2024
An ordinary family experiences a variety of extraordinary circumstances. By moving into a new house they hope to rebuild their lives and become ordinary again. This novel is a creepy delight, with shadows moving just beyond the edge of vision. The pace is quick, engaging and teasing the reader into consuming more despite the unfinished chores.
November 27, 2024
A huge thanks to Earthling Pub for sending an ARC my way!
A solid debut, Family by Ian Rogers takes a rather calculated approach to the haunted house trope. The Bennett family leaves behind the life they knew to start over fresh after a slew of unfortunate incidents. Yet something lingers in the halls of their new home that is not soon to forget the past.
Haunted house stories are some of my favorite forms of horror for how unique they are. I’ve written about this before, but the different forms that haunted house stories have taken in modern horror fiction always manage to be extra captivating. The same can be said for Family, a story that proves the past has rather sharp claws that have hooked their way into each member of the Bennett family. Rogers makes this haunting known through the use of division amongst the family. Mother, father, son, and daughter all experience various conflicts that drive them apart in this strange new life that reinforces remoteness rather than connection. Like I mentioned previously, it’s a rather calculated way to bring about malevolence and something that sets this story apart from others.
Ian Rogers makes a memorable impression with this debut novel, one that’s fueled with psychological division and terror. Family is not a conventional haunted house story but for the best reasons possible.
A solid debut, Family by Ian Rogers takes a rather calculated approach to the haunted house trope. The Bennett family leaves behind the life they knew to start over fresh after a slew of unfortunate incidents. Yet something lingers in the halls of their new home that is not soon to forget the past.
Haunted house stories are some of my favorite forms of horror for how unique they are. I’ve written about this before, but the different forms that haunted house stories have taken in modern horror fiction always manage to be extra captivating. The same can be said for Family, a story that proves the past has rather sharp claws that have hooked their way into each member of the Bennett family. Rogers makes this haunting known through the use of division amongst the family. Mother, father, son, and daughter all experience various conflicts that drive them apart in this strange new life that reinforces remoteness rather than connection. Like I mentioned previously, it’s a rather calculated way to bring about malevolence and something that sets this story apart from others.
Ian Rogers makes a memorable impression with this debut novel, one that’s fueled with psychological division and terror. Family is not a conventional haunted house story but for the best reasons possible.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews