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The Doll's House: A Short Story
A widowed mother, ready to give love another chance, moves into her fiancé’s old family home with her teenage daughter. But as they try to build a future together, the past refuses to let go in this haunting short story from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger.
When Jules first meets the handsome artist Kirin, she’s still mourning her husband’s death, but a fairytale romance soon sweeps her off her feet. Now she and her daughter Scout are moving out of the city and into Kirin’s once-lonely mansion. He’s thoughtfully updated and adapted the home to match their personalities. But Scout is determined to keep her father’s memory alive by rejecting the new life her mother and Kirin have spun for her.
Scout’s sullenness begins to fade, though, when she finds a beautiful handmade doll in one of the many empty rooms in the house. Kirin says that the doll belonged to his late sister and he’d like Scout to have it. Scout’s hopeful for a connection over their shared grief, but as she grows more curious about Kirin’s sister, she can’t escape the feeling that a danger lurks in the house…and its gaze is fixed on her mother.
When Jules first meets the handsome artist Kirin, she’s still mourning her husband’s death, but a fairytale romance soon sweeps her off her feet. Now she and her daughter Scout are moving out of the city and into Kirin’s once-lonely mansion. He’s thoughtfully updated and adapted the home to match their personalities. But Scout is determined to keep her father’s memory alive by rejecting the new life her mother and Kirin have spun for her.
Scout’s sullenness begins to fade, though, when she finds a beautiful handmade doll in one of the many empty rooms in the house. Kirin says that the doll belonged to his late sister and he’d like Scout to have it. Scout’s hopeful for a connection over their shared grief, but as she grows more curious about Kirin’s sister, she can’t escape the feeling that a danger lurks in the house…and its gaze is fixed on her mother.
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First published September 12, 2024
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About the author
Lisa Unger
50 books10.9k followersLisa Unger is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of twenty-three novels, including her upcoming release SERVED HIM RIGHT (March, 2026). With books published in thirty-three languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, she is regarded as a master of suspense.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,368 reviews
September 17, 2024
The Doll's House written by Lisa Unger was an action packed spooky novella filled with supernatural vibes and contemporary feels. This novella was only ninety-eight pages, but it was filled with so much action and thrilling moments where it felt like my heart was going to drop out of my chest. The Doll's House was so creepy that my jaw was on the floor a numerous amount of times. Although this short story didn't give me nightmares like I thought it would, it still made me keep a flashlight next to my pillow when I went to sleep at night. I loved this short novella, but the reason I gave it four stars is because I feel like it needed to be a full novel, and the ending was ended abruptly. When I saw the cover for The Doll's House, I knew I had to get my hands on this novella immediately and I'm so happy I had the privilege to read this story because it definitely amazed me, I was NEVER once bored. If you are looking for a spooky read for this Halloween season, look no further than The Doll's House written by Lisa Unger, I just can't stop recommending this short story. The body chills were CHILLING. Ladies and gentlemen, if you do decide to read this novella, think twice about keeping a flashlight next to you at night.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND AMAZON ORIGINAL STORIES FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!
"💔There was no tomorrow when the person you loved most died💔."
"💫Embrace the new. Let the old fall away like a shed skin. Be the new💫."
"😞👿Predators and abusers can sense your pain and weakness. It's their gift😢👿."
Jules Cranor is widowed at the age of thirty-seven and a single mom to her seventeen year old daughter, Scout. After losing her husband Doug, Jules has sworn off love, but that's until a handsome artist sweeps Jules off of her feet in a fairy tale romance. When Jules falls in love with this handsome stranger, she wants to pack up and her and Scout's lives in the city and move into a once lonely mansion with her new love bug, Kirin Winslow. Scout and Jules used to be super close, but now that Jules wants to up and leave their lives in the city, Scout looks at her mom like she's a rival gang member. Scout doesn't want to leave her friends behind, but does she really have a choice at seventeen years old? Scout was super shy, but she had a fireball of a personality, her smart ass comments always had me giggling. Doug Cranor was a famous novelist, he battled severe depression. Doug committed suicide in his hotel room in Los Angles when he was on the road for one of his book events. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and hug Jules and Scout after everything they have been through, it was truly heart breaking hearing them talk about their lives after Doug's passing left them heart broken and alone.
Kirin Winslow is a world renowned puppet and doll maker, Kirin's doll's and puppets all have names and stories behind their creations. Kirin also owns Winslow House which is a castle/country manor. Winslow House is a smart home and Vivi is the voice of the smart house, Vivi controls the lights, the temperature, and the locks on every single door. Kirin has also made accommodations to meet Jules and Scout's needs and of course Vivi knows their names. One night when Scout can't sleep, she decides to walk through Winslow House and check every room. Scout stumbles upon this room with pink carpeted floor and a doll sitting on a shelf, somehow Kirin finds Scout wandering the halls and he tells her the story of the doll. Kirin had made a doll of his sister Emma to honor her life. Emma was presumed dead, but her body was never found and she has her own room in Kirin's mansion. This doll of Emma is kind of creepy. The doll's dress is made out of an old shirt Emma owned, the doll's shoes are made out of Emma's homecoming dress and many more of the doll's features are made out of Emma's things. One day, when Jules is in The Grief Garden she sees a girl with dark hair, torn black jeans, a tattered t-shirt, and tears of mascara running down her face. The Grief Garden was built by Kirin and Emma's mom, it's a place to decompress and pray.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND AMAZON ORIGINAL STORIES FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!
"💔There was no tomorrow when the person you loved most died💔."
"💫Embrace the new. Let the old fall away like a shed skin. Be the new💫."
"😞👿Predators and abusers can sense your pain and weakness. It's their gift😢👿."
Jules Cranor is widowed at the age of thirty-seven and a single mom to her seventeen year old daughter, Scout. After losing her husband Doug, Jules has sworn off love, but that's until a handsome artist sweeps Jules off of her feet in a fairy tale romance. When Jules falls in love with this handsome stranger, she wants to pack up and her and Scout's lives in the city and move into a once lonely mansion with her new love bug, Kirin Winslow. Scout and Jules used to be super close, but now that Jules wants to up and leave their lives in the city, Scout looks at her mom like she's a rival gang member. Scout doesn't want to leave her friends behind, but does she really have a choice at seventeen years old? Scout was super shy, but she had a fireball of a personality, her smart ass comments always had me giggling. Doug Cranor was a famous novelist, he battled severe depression. Doug committed suicide in his hotel room in Los Angles when he was on the road for one of his book events. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and hug Jules and Scout after everything they have been through, it was truly heart breaking hearing them talk about their lives after Doug's passing left them heart broken and alone.
Kirin Winslow is a world renowned puppet and doll maker, Kirin's doll's and puppets all have names and stories behind their creations. Kirin also owns Winslow House which is a castle/country manor. Winslow House is a smart home and Vivi is the voice of the smart house, Vivi controls the lights, the temperature, and the locks on every single door. Kirin has also made accommodations to meet Jules and Scout's needs and of course Vivi knows their names. One night when Scout can't sleep, she decides to walk through Winslow House and check every room. Scout stumbles upon this room with pink carpeted floor and a doll sitting on a shelf, somehow Kirin finds Scout wandering the halls and he tells her the story of the doll. Kirin had made a doll of his sister Emma to honor her life. Emma was presumed dead, but her body was never found and she has her own room in Kirin's mansion. This doll of Emma is kind of creepy. The doll's dress is made out of an old shirt Emma owned, the doll's shoes are made out of Emma's homecoming dress and many more of the doll's features are made out of Emma's things. One day, when Jules is in The Grief Garden she sees a girl with dark hair, torn black jeans, a tattered t-shirt, and tears of mascara running down her face. The Grief Garden was built by Kirin and Emma's mom, it's a place to decompress and pray.
August 18, 2024
I’m not surprised that Lisa Unger’s short fiction has been nominated for the Edgar and ITW Thriller Awards or that it has been anthologized in “The Best American Mystery and Suspense”. Only a few authors can write short stories which feel as complex and complete as hers do.
Jules is still mourning her husband when she meets Kirin, and falling in love again was the last thing she expected to do. But, she and her teenage daughter, Scout are now moving into his old family home, “The Winslow House”. He has thoughtfully updated it to be a SMART HOME, with “Vivi” taking care of your every need.
Despite her beautiful new room, Scout still feels like an outsider until she finds a beautiful, handmade doll which belonged to Kirin’s late sister, Emma. Perhaps Kirin can understand her grief after all?
Yet, there is a sense of foreboding which lingers…
And, why does Jules continue to see a blue eyed girl in the torn jeans, with mascara running down her face, in the beautiful “grief garden” out back?
This is a perfect AMAZON ORIGINAL short story (96 pages) for Spooky Season. It has both a SUPERNATURAL vibe, and a CONTEMPORARY feel (the author incorporates some interesting new APPS that I had only recently heard about into the story). And, it will be released on September 12, 2024.
I can’t decide what was most creepy-the Smart House, the dolls that Kirin created, or the girl in the garden!
And, if you haven’t already read it, don’t miss reading another of her short stories-“The Sleep Tight Motel” too!
I received a gifted copy through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Jules is still mourning her husband when she meets Kirin, and falling in love again was the last thing she expected to do. But, she and her teenage daughter, Scout are now moving into his old family home, “The Winslow House”. He has thoughtfully updated it to be a SMART HOME, with “Vivi” taking care of your every need.
Despite her beautiful new room, Scout still feels like an outsider until she finds a beautiful, handmade doll which belonged to Kirin’s late sister, Emma. Perhaps Kirin can understand her grief after all?
Yet, there is a sense of foreboding which lingers…
And, why does Jules continue to see a blue eyed girl in the torn jeans, with mascara running down her face, in the beautiful “grief garden” out back?
This is a perfect AMAZON ORIGINAL short story (96 pages) for Spooky Season. It has both a SUPERNATURAL vibe, and a CONTEMPORARY feel (the author incorporates some interesting new APPS that I had only recently heard about into the story). And, it will be released on September 12, 2024.
I can’t decide what was most creepy-the Smart House, the dolls that Kirin created, or the girl in the garden!
And, if you haven’t already read it, don’t miss reading another of her short stories-“The Sleep Tight Motel” too!
I received a gifted copy through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
October 12, 2024
Lisa Unger has written my kind of spooky in her most recent short story, which I can only say makes me glad I wasn’t much of a doll kind of girl growing up!
When renowned puppet and doll maker Kirin Winslow invites his love Jules and her 17-year-old daughter Scout to live with him on his 20-acre estate, it looks like a dream come true. After losing her husband by his own hand, Jules is convinced that Kirin’s devotion and kindness to her and Scout will be the new start for them that they both need.
One person who’s not thrilled with this move is Scout. She and Jules have always been close, and even more so after her dad’s death, but now Jules has sold their beloved NYC apartment, moved Scout away from her school and friends and seems to be growing strangely less available for her by the day. Maybe the beautiful doll she discovered while wandering the house can keep her company …
You know it’s only going to get creepier when a doll is introduced, right? Add in an eerily polite AI smart home assistant named Vivi and that creepy quotient only multiplies! Told in alternating chapters by Jules and Scout, I enjoyed the dual POVs and how their stories came together for the spine-chilling conclusion.
This was engaging from the get-go, and I had a lot of fun with it. Though just under 100 pages, I felt like I got a complete and satisfying story arc, which is a credit to Unger’s talent, since that often doesn’t happen with short stories. It was never full-on scary, but the vibes stayed weird and ominous throughout, with VERY light touches of horror and the supernatural. Think of it more as a creepy mystery-suspense.
If you want a quick, entertaining read for the spooky season (or you need something to do while hiding from the trick-or-treaters on Halloween night … not saying I’d do that *cough*), this may be worth your time!
★★★★
Thanks to Amazon Original Stories, NetGalley and author Lisa Unger for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s available now on Amazon Prime.
When renowned puppet and doll maker Kirin Winslow invites his love Jules and her 17-year-old daughter Scout to live with him on his 20-acre estate, it looks like a dream come true. After losing her husband by his own hand, Jules is convinced that Kirin’s devotion and kindness to her and Scout will be the new start for them that they both need.
One person who’s not thrilled with this move is Scout. She and Jules have always been close, and even more so after her dad’s death, but now Jules has sold their beloved NYC apartment, moved Scout away from her school and friends and seems to be growing strangely less available for her by the day. Maybe the beautiful doll she discovered while wandering the house can keep her company …
You know it’s only going to get creepier when a doll is introduced, right? Add in an eerily polite AI smart home assistant named Vivi and that creepy quotient only multiplies! Told in alternating chapters by Jules and Scout, I enjoyed the dual POVs and how their stories came together for the spine-chilling conclusion.
This was engaging from the get-go, and I had a lot of fun with it. Though just under 100 pages, I felt like I got a complete and satisfying story arc, which is a credit to Unger’s talent, since that often doesn’t happen with short stories. It was never full-on scary, but the vibes stayed weird and ominous throughout, with VERY light touches of horror and the supernatural. Think of it more as a creepy mystery-suspense.
If you want a quick, entertaining read for the spooky season (or you need something to do while hiding from the trick-or-treaters on Halloween night … not saying I’d do that *cough*), this may be worth your time!
★★★★
Thanks to Amazon Original Stories, NetGalley and author Lisa Unger for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s available now on Amazon Prime.
August 25, 2024
This was a well thought-out short story with enough depth and closure to satisfy this reader!
Following the death of her husband, Jules quickly falls for Kirin who sweeps her off her feet with a whirlwind romance and marriage. Jules daughter Scout however is no fan of this new man in her mom’s life. To complicate things further, it also means Scout must now leave her friends and school behind when they move into Kirin’s mansion.
And things still aren’t adding up for Scout regarding Kirin. Now more than ever, she has serious doubts that he can be trusted.
This book is classified as horror. For me, it was more just a short story with an eerie element to it. So have no fear my fellow scaredy-cats! You can get through these one with ease. (Just as I did)!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories
Following the death of her husband, Jules quickly falls for Kirin who sweeps her off her feet with a whirlwind romance and marriage. Jules daughter Scout however is no fan of this new man in her mom’s life. To complicate things further, it also means Scout must now leave her friends and school behind when they move into Kirin’s mansion.
And things still aren’t adding up for Scout regarding Kirin. Now more than ever, she has serious doubts that he can be trusted.
This book is classified as horror. For me, it was more just a short story with an eerie element to it. So have no fear my fellow scaredy-cats! You can get through these one with ease. (Just as I did)!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories
August 17, 2024
From the get-go, I have to say this book is packed with action, and I honestly wished it was a full-length novel. There’s so much happening, and while everything is crystal clear and straight to the point, I craved a bit more build-up to the events that unfolded. I was blown away by how well the characters were developed in such a short span—by the end, I felt like I knew each one personally. I wouldn’t have minded an extra epilogue from Kirin’s perspective, just to get inside his head a bit more. But overall, I’m really satisfied with how it all wrapped up. Big thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Original Stories for letting me read and review this ARC!
September 24, 2024
EXCERPT: (This excerpt contains some spoilers - so if this concerns you please skip forward to the ABOUT section.)
JULES
God, I miss him so much. Doug, it must be said, was not a great husband. An A-plus father, but just barely clinging to a passing grade as a spouse. He was bad with money, left us with more debt than I was aware of. He was periodically unfaithful - once a publicist, once a superfan who followed him on tour. He battled depression most of his life and finally took his life in a Los Angeles hotel room on the road for his last novel.
But, wow, did I love him. Against all reason and good sense, I loved him deeply. I tried to shield Scout from the worst of it. She doesn't know we had to sell the apartment, that I needed the money to pay off Doug's debts. I didn't want her to know that he left us in such a mess, without even a note of explanation or a goodbye.
I sit across from him, staring. This is not right. He's not here.
'Rich, handsome, successful, devoted,' he says. 'You've leveled up, Jules. Good for you.'
I am not going to answer him, because that would mean that I'm not aware I'm hallucinating. I'm just going to pretend this isn't happening.
'It's picture perfect, just like you always wanted. Except for the grief garden, the scared mystery girl warning you away, and the whole locked-in-your room thing,' he says. 'That's a little sus, as the kids say.'
ABOUT 'THE DOLL'S HOUSE': When Jules first meets the handsome artist Kirin, she’s still mourning her husband’s death, but a fairytale romance soon sweeps her off her feet. Now she and her daughter Scout are moving out of the city and into Kirin’s once-lonely mansion. He’s thoughtfully updated and adapted the home to match their personalities. But Scout is determined to keep her father’s memory alive by rejecting the new life her mother and Kirin have spun for her.
Scout’s sullenness begins to fade, though, when she finds a beautiful handmade doll in one of the many empty rooms in the house. Kirin says that the doll belonged to his late sister and he’d like Scout to have it. Scout’s hopeful for a connection over their shared grief, but as she grows more curious about Kirin’s sister, she can’t escape the feeling that a danger lurks in the house…and its gaze is fixed on her mother.
MY THOUGHTS: Delicious!
I loved the creepiness, the sense of foreboding. Lisa Unger is one of the few authors who can fully round out a short story, providing the full tense and suspenseful reading experience in very short (92 pages) format. The Doll's House lacks for nothing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheDollsHouse #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Lisa Unger lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
DISCLSOURE: Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for providing a digital ARC of The Doll's House: A Short Story by Lisa Unger for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
JULES
God, I miss him so much. Doug, it must be said, was not a great husband. An A-plus father, but just barely clinging to a passing grade as a spouse. He was bad with money, left us with more debt than I was aware of. He was periodically unfaithful - once a publicist, once a superfan who followed him on tour. He battled depression most of his life and finally took his life in a Los Angeles hotel room on the road for his last novel.
But, wow, did I love him. Against all reason and good sense, I loved him deeply. I tried to shield Scout from the worst of it. She doesn't know we had to sell the apartment, that I needed the money to pay off Doug's debts. I didn't want her to know that he left us in such a mess, without even a note of explanation or a goodbye.
I sit across from him, staring. This is not right. He's not here.
'Rich, handsome, successful, devoted,' he says. 'You've leveled up, Jules. Good for you.'
I am not going to answer him, because that would mean that I'm not aware I'm hallucinating. I'm just going to pretend this isn't happening.
'It's picture perfect, just like you always wanted. Except for the grief garden, the scared mystery girl warning you away, and the whole locked-in-your room thing,' he says. 'That's a little sus, as the kids say.'
ABOUT 'THE DOLL'S HOUSE': When Jules first meets the handsome artist Kirin, she’s still mourning her husband’s death, but a fairytale romance soon sweeps her off her feet. Now she and her daughter Scout are moving out of the city and into Kirin’s once-lonely mansion. He’s thoughtfully updated and adapted the home to match their personalities. But Scout is determined to keep her father’s memory alive by rejecting the new life her mother and Kirin have spun for her.
Scout’s sullenness begins to fade, though, when she finds a beautiful handmade doll in one of the many empty rooms in the house. Kirin says that the doll belonged to his late sister and he’d like Scout to have it. Scout’s hopeful for a connection over their shared grief, but as she grows more curious about Kirin’s sister, she can’t escape the feeling that a danger lurks in the house…and its gaze is fixed on her mother.
MY THOUGHTS: Delicious!
I loved the creepiness, the sense of foreboding. Lisa Unger is one of the few authors who can fully round out a short story, providing the full tense and suspenseful reading experience in very short (92 pages) format. The Doll's House lacks for nothing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheDollsHouse #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Lisa Unger lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
DISCLSOURE: Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for providing a digital ARC of The Doll's House: A Short Story by Lisa Unger for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 14, 2024
1.9 "boring, predictable, but may be a crowd pleaser" stars !!!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Amazon Original Stories for this novella (way too long for a short story or maybe that was the bo....). I am providing an honest review. This will be released September 2024.
I have read Beautiful Lies and that was a very good 3.5 stars but have not read anymore by this author.(Until now muahaha)
This had adequate popular fiction prose of a 2.5 star variety.
The characters were not so believable.
Ms. Unger took almost every trope from popular chicklit and gothic horror and managed to be cliche in almost every circumstance. Way too much nonsense pushed into this....
Predictable and frustrating while also eliciting both eyerolls and yawns.....
I would rename this...The Dull House (a way too long short story)
I am reluctantly placing this on my 2 star shelf and I suspect that this will be a crowd pleaser....
August 21, 2024
Promising premise but falls short in execution.
Lisa Unger is a hit or miss author for me. However, this Amazon original short story caught my eye. I love scary plots about creepy dolls! At less than 100 pages, I figured I would give it a shot.
A widowed mother and teenage daughter move into her fiancé’s ancestral smart house to begin their new life together. Both Jules and Scout are still mourning the suicide of their family patriarch. Her fiancé Kirin updates the house to suit their desires and a ghost can be seen haunting the grounds. When Scout finds a doll in Kirin’s sister Emily’s old room, she becomes curious about her disappearance. What happened to Emily? Are they in danger?
I really enjoyed the first half of the short story. However, I was left with so many unanswered questions in the end as things started to get really wacko. The premise just fell apart, as if Unger didn’t really know where where she wanted to go with the story. I might have enjoyed this more if it was a full length book.
3.5/5 stars rounded down
Expected publication date: 9/12/24
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon publishing for the ARC of The Doll’s House in exchange for an honest review.
Lisa Unger is a hit or miss author for me. However, this Amazon original short story caught my eye. I love scary plots about creepy dolls! At less than 100 pages, I figured I would give it a shot.
A widowed mother and teenage daughter move into her fiancé’s ancestral smart house to begin their new life together. Both Jules and Scout are still mourning the suicide of their family patriarch. Her fiancé Kirin updates the house to suit their desires and a ghost can be seen haunting the grounds. When Scout finds a doll in Kirin’s sister Emily’s old room, she becomes curious about her disappearance. What happened to Emily? Are they in danger?
I really enjoyed the first half of the short story. However, I was left with so many unanswered questions in the end as things started to get really wacko. The premise just fell apart, as if Unger didn’t really know where where she wanted to go with the story. I might have enjoyed this more if it was a full length book.
3.5/5 stars rounded down
Expected publication date: 9/12/24
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon publishing for the ARC of The Doll’s House in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2024
This is a short story which was available on Amazon Originals.
I personally find dolls pretty spooky so a horror story centered around a doll maker in an isolated mansion should really get to me! However, although I found the story very entertaining and beautifully written, I felt that it lacked suspense. I could guess most of the time what would happen next which definitely lowers the scary rating!
Still four stars because it was a pleasure to read, the characters were well done, and it was a great way to spend an hour on a quiet afternoon. That last paragraph though! Now if the author wanted to write a part two but featuring Vivi and Shiva - that could certainly be very scary indeed.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I personally find dolls pretty spooky so a horror story centered around a doll maker in an isolated mansion should really get to me! However, although I found the story very entertaining and beautifully written, I felt that it lacked suspense. I could guess most of the time what would happen next which definitely lowers the scary rating!
Still four stars because it was a pleasure to read, the characters were well done, and it was a great way to spend an hour on a quiet afternoon. That last paragraph though! Now if the author wanted to write a part two but featuring Vivi and Shiva - that could certainly be very scary indeed.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 2, 2024
Jules, a widow, and her teenage daughter Scout move with Jules' rich and handsome boyfriend Kirin, an artist, into his palatial family home.
This is an enjoyable short story by Lisa Unger, a little bit psychological horror, a little bit of a mystery involving Kirin's missing sister, along with a smattering of teenage angst on the part of Scout. As you may or may not know, I usually avoid short stories but I was hearing so much about this one and it was Read Now on Netgalley; need I say more?! It felt like there was too much crammed into such a short book and it was a little predictable. I think I would've liked it more if it was longer and edgier. There are many many 4 and 5 star reviews so I'm definitely an outlier on this one.
My thanks to Amazon Original Stories via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novella. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: September 12, 2024
This is an enjoyable short story by Lisa Unger, a little bit psychological horror, a little bit of a mystery involving Kirin's missing sister, along with a smattering of teenage angst on the part of Scout. As you may or may not know, I usually avoid short stories but I was hearing so much about this one and it was Read Now on Netgalley; need I say more?! It felt like there was too much crammed into such a short book and it was a little predictable. I think I would've liked it more if it was longer and edgier. There are many many 4 and 5 star reviews so I'm definitely an outlier on this one.
My thanks to Amazon Original Stories via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novella. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: September 12, 2024
August 26, 2024
After the death of her husband Jules has met and begun seeing someone new. Kirin is kind and comforting and has asked Jules and her teenage daughter to move from their NYC apartment into his mansion upstate. Scout, Jules' daughter, is very unhappy about being uprooted at the start of her senior year in high school. Jules tries to convince and console her that this move will be what is good for both of them.
So you know what that means, right? NOTHING good will ever come of this.
This is a super quick short story that features creepy dolls, puppets, and has a supernatural spin to the plot line. Personally, I felt this story started strong but kind of went haywire toward the end. Motivations and such just didn't make much sense to me. Perhaps if this was longer and it did a deeper dive into character development this would have worked out better.
All in all this was pretty good. I wasn't wowed but I was entertained. I think other readers will enjoy this but you will need to buy into what Unger's selling, if you can't, then you may be disappointed. 3.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for my complimentary copy.
So you know what that means, right? NOTHING good will ever come of this.
This is a super quick short story that features creepy dolls, puppets, and has a supernatural spin to the plot line. Personally, I felt this story started strong but kind of went haywire toward the end. Motivations and such just didn't make much sense to me. Perhaps if this was longer and it did a deeper dive into character development this would have worked out better.
All in all this was pretty good. I wasn't wowed but I was entertained. I think other readers will enjoy this but you will need to buy into what Unger's selling, if you can't, then you may be disappointed. 3.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for my complimentary copy.
March 2, 2025
A dark and captivating short story!
Jules is excited about moving into her fiance's mansion. After becoming a widow, she never expected to fall in love again. When she met Kirin, she was lonely, and her teenage daughter, Scout, was the only thing keeping her sane.
But Scout can’t forget her father. She misses him every day and wishes she could talk to him again. She’s not thrilled that her mother sold their apartment and that they’re now moving in with Kirin. Losing her father changed her world, and now she has to start over at a new school, too. She doesn’t dislike Kirin, exactly—they even have something in common: he’s lost someone as well.
Yet, as they approach Kirin’s home, a sense of dread spreads through Scout.
What dark mysteries are hidden within the house—and the doll she is given?
It was truly entertaining from beginning to end. The narrators did a fantastic job setting the perfect tone of suspense and foreboding.
My only complaint? I wish it had been longer!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Amazon Original Stories via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Jules is excited about moving into her fiance's mansion. After becoming a widow, she never expected to fall in love again. When she met Kirin, she was lonely, and her teenage daughter, Scout, was the only thing keeping her sane.
But Scout can’t forget her father. She misses him every day and wishes she could talk to him again. She’s not thrilled that her mother sold their apartment and that they’re now moving in with Kirin. Losing her father changed her world, and now she has to start over at a new school, too. She doesn’t dislike Kirin, exactly—they even have something in common: he’s lost someone as well.
Yet, as they approach Kirin’s home, a sense of dread spreads through Scout.
What dark mysteries are hidden within the house—and the doll she is given?
It was truly entertaining from beginning to end. The narrators did a fantastic job setting the perfect tone of suspense and foreboding.
My only complaint? I wish it had been longer!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Amazon Original Stories via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
December 12, 2025
I'll never look at a doll the same again
This short story involves a widow woman who finds love again and moves into her partners home with her teenage daughter but some supernatural spookiness is happening.
For a short story this was entertaining and the characters were interesting to read about. The atmosphere was there and i really felt the ominous settings.
I just know if this was a full length novel it would have been spectacular.
3.5 ⭐
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pre read
I enjoyed the Kill Klause by this author!
This is another short book with a juicy blurb!
I hope it delivers just the same!
This short story involves a widow woman who finds love again and moves into her partners home with her teenage daughter but some supernatural spookiness is happening.
For a short story this was entertaining and the characters were interesting to read about. The atmosphere was there and i really felt the ominous settings.
I just know if this was a full length novel it would have been spectacular.
3.5 ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
I enjoyed the Kill Klause by this author!
This is another short book with a juicy blurb!
I hope it delivers just the same!
September 6, 2024
Lisa Unger has been a fave for years, and with this new short story, I remember why. Suspenseful. Dramatic. Dark. Add in some futuristic technology and a potentially psycho-ish plot, who knows what's really behind the doll's eyes. I wish this were longer because it really captured my attention. It could've easily been a full-length novel.
August 31, 2024
The short story had a lot of good things about it, but I think it would have been better if it had been fleshed out a little more. I thought some things moved crazily fast and would have been more effective and creepy if they had been a little slower. Overall this story wasn’t bad, it was a fun ride even if it was very predictable. I liked the two narrators and I thought their experiences with grief were both good. Scout and her mom have moved in with her mom’s new boyfriend who is a famous artist and puppeteer. Scout didn’t want to move and leave behind everything she’d shared with her father but as a teenager she didn’t have much choice. But it’s clear this new house is holding secrets, but will Scout and her mother find them in time?
September 13, 2024
Jules and her daughter Scout are starting a new life away from NYC to live with Kirin in his beautiful home. Scout is reluctant and full of resentment principally because leaving their apartment means leaving multiple memories of her late father. She also thinks that Kirin is too perfect and she just wants to run. His house is a smart home in more ways than one, the controller is known as Vivi. Even loved up Jules thinks this is a bit weird. Is their new home and Kirin perfect …..or???? How does the dolls house fit in? That would be telling. Buckle up as this could get bumpy.
You’ve only got to say ‘doll’ to me and I’m a bit freaked out and as for old dolls. Yikes. If you add in Vivi and the rest of it, it’s definitely as creepy as. This short story is tense and suspenseful with off kilter notes from the start.
Overall, a good read.
Kindle Unlimited
You’ve only got to say ‘doll’ to me and I’m a bit freaked out and as for old dolls. Yikes. If you add in Vivi and the rest of it, it’s definitely as creepy as. This short story is tense and suspenseful with off kilter notes from the start.
Overall, a good read.
Kindle Unlimited
January 25, 2025
This was a fun little novella listen.
Interesting story about a mom and daughter who move into the new man’s house, but odd things continue to occur.
Is it a ghost? Did something happen in the house? Is someone trying to warn them? The story makes you question who it is or WHAT it is that’s doing all these unusual things.
If you want a one sit read or listen with a little mystery and intrigue, give this one a go.
Interesting story about a mom and daughter who move into the new man’s house, but odd things continue to occur.
Is it a ghost? Did something happen in the house? Is someone trying to warn them? The story makes you question who it is or WHAT it is that’s doing all these unusual things.
If you want a one sit read or listen with a little mystery and intrigue, give this one a go.
September 23, 2024
My thanks to Amazon Originals, Lisa Unger and Netgalley.
I've not read too many of Lisa Unger books. Hell, I may have only read 2 others by her! But, I've enjoyed everything of hers that I've read. This novella was slightly different. Not in the enjoyment level, just in the maybe wanting more level? I'm actually unsure about that!
First off..Doll houses.....only creepy when dolls are actually added!
Second off.....fucking dolls!
Third off..... Dude who creates dolls!
So, great concept, Lisa fucking Unger! You managed to make my skin crawl!
Also, I'm giving this 3.5 stars rounded down. Only because...DOLLS.
Honestly? I'm 60 years old and have only once owned a doll. She was a ballerina that I thought was from my dad, but turned out it was a lie from my grandma. I'm still clueless about why I don't like dolls! Lol!
Just kidding. Not clueless on that front.
I've not read too many of Lisa Unger books. Hell, I may have only read 2 others by her! But, I've enjoyed everything of hers that I've read. This novella was slightly different. Not in the enjoyment level, just in the maybe wanting more level? I'm actually unsure about that!
First off..Doll houses.....only creepy when dolls are actually added!
Second off.....fucking dolls!
Third off..... Dude who creates dolls!
So, great concept, Lisa fucking Unger! You managed to make my skin crawl!
Also, I'm giving this 3.5 stars rounded down. Only because...DOLLS.
Honestly? I'm 60 years old and have only once owned a doll. She was a ballerina that I thought was from my dad, but turned out it was a lie from my grandma. I'm still clueless about why I don't like dolls! Lol!
Just kidding. Not clueless on that front.
October 14, 2024
Reality or Imagination
Jules was mourning her deceased husband and still imagines that she sees him, but has moved on with a charming puppet artist name Kirin. Her daughter Scout is slow to adapt, but makes friends at her new school.
Strange things happen and Kirin starts to get creepy and Jules has experiences she can’t tell whether or not they happened or happened as Kirin explains them.
Scout meets the family of the man who love Kirin’s missing sister. He has been searching for the sister Emma for years.
This is an excellent psychological thriller that keeps you on your toes and makes you wonder how much of the crazy things are really happening or if stress makes people see things. I enjoyed this very much and it was a quick read.
Jules was mourning her deceased husband and still imagines that she sees him, but has moved on with a charming puppet artist name Kirin. Her daughter Scout is slow to adapt, but makes friends at her new school.
Strange things happen and Kirin starts to get creepy and Jules has experiences she can’t tell whether or not they happened or happened as Kirin explains them.
Scout meets the family of the man who love Kirin’s missing sister. He has been searching for the sister Emma for years.
This is an excellent psychological thriller that keeps you on your toes and makes you wonder how much of the crazy things are really happening or if stress makes people see things. I enjoyed this very much and it was a quick read.
April 1, 2025
I didn’t find this book to be scary. It was a good read and did have some twists to it. This book had potential of being a really great horror book, but it just missed the mark for me. I rate this short story a 2.5 out of 5 stars!
September 26, 2024
Creepy McCreeperson, this was really good!!
I loved the ending—not a twist I’d expected.
I loved the ending—not a twist I’d expected.
August 19, 2024
I don’t really have anything to say about the book. It was a short read, predictable, and a bit boring. There was nothing special about the plot, and the characters were implausible at times. I have trust issues most of the time, so I couldn’t really fathom how anyone could so easily trust others.
The mystery is totally obvious from the get-go.
Anyways. Thanks Netgalley & Amazon Original Stories for the ARC.
The mystery is totally obvious from the get-go.
Anyways. Thanks Netgalley & Amazon Original Stories for the ARC.
October 6, 2024
Jules, a widow, is swept off her feet by handsome, rich, Kirin, who offers her the security she craves for herself and her daughter, Scout.
Obviously, everything (including Kirin) is not as it seems, and when some odd things occur, Scout knows she has to solve the mystery, and protect her mother.
This may be relatively short, but it still delivers.
Obviously, everything (including Kirin) is not as it seems, and when some odd things occur, Scout knows she has to solve the mystery, and protect her mother.
This may be relatively short, but it still delivers.
October 27, 2024
We listened to this on a little family road trip to tour a university--the perfect short audiobook for a 2 hour drive. We discussed what worked and didn't work when we finished. There was a shared appreciation for the mother/daughter relationship and the set up with the new house. We liked the slow process of grieving the loss of a loved one while trying to go on living. The smart house technology was fun and we enjoyed the creepy element of the dolls/puppets/creatures.
I felt like the dual narrative was unnecessary. I preferred Scout's (the daughter) POV more than the mother's (Jules). The dark academia element with the daughter and her character arc was so much more dynamic.
We all felt that the story was a little predictable and unrealistic.
The boyfriend needed more of a backstory.
Still, an enjoyable and entertaining audiobook experience for making the time go by in the car
I felt like the dual narrative was unnecessary. I preferred Scout's (the daughter) POV more than the mother's (Jules). The dark academia element with the daughter and her character arc was so much more dynamic.
We all felt that the story was a little predictable and unrealistic.
The boyfriend needed more of a backstory.
Still, an enjoyable and entertaining audiobook experience for making the time go by in the car
October 19, 2024
Lisa Unger is a master at atmosphere and she delivers in this novella. It’s dark, creepy, gritty and oh so easy to binge. The characters are compelling (particularly Scout and Kirin) and I found myself completely intrigued throughout. I highly recommend checking this one out for spooky season.
Read if you like:
▪️paranormal vibes
▪️creepy dolls
▪️multiple POVs
▪️elements of mild horror
▪️atmospheric stories
Thank you Amazon Original Stories for the advanced copy.
Read if you like:
▪️paranormal vibes
▪️creepy dolls
▪️multiple POVs
▪️elements of mild horror
▪️atmospheric stories
Thank you Amazon Original Stories for the advanced copy.
April 8, 2025
it’s giving 2016 wattpad 😬 not in a good way
September 22, 2025
An amazing creepy and eerie short story!
Jules, a recent widow still mourning the death of her husband, surprises herself by falling in love with Kirin Winslow, a renowned artist who makes puppets and dolls, moving to his house in the country with her 17 years-old daughter Scout.
Scout is not happy to leave the city and her friends.
Yes Kirin is hot, rich, loves her, loves her mother and makes her happy.
Too perfect to be true!
She's angry with Jules for moving forward and leaving her father behind!
The house is stunning, controlled by an AI named Vivi, but it's not Home!
Then she finds a beautiful doll in Emma's room, Kirin's sister who disappeared a long time ago, body never to be found.
Kirin says it belonged to Emma and offers her the doll. He must be grieving too and there's kind of a connection between them.
Nevertheless she feels that someting evil, bad, is lurking in the house aiming to harm her mother!
Told by Jules and Scout in alternating chapters, it leads to a very horrifying and chilling ending!
Jules, a recent widow still mourning the death of her husband, surprises herself by falling in love with Kirin Winslow, a renowned artist who makes puppets and dolls, moving to his house in the country with her 17 years-old daughter Scout.
Scout is not happy to leave the city and her friends.
Yes Kirin is hot, rich, loves her, loves her mother and makes her happy.
Too perfect to be true!
She's angry with Jules for moving forward and leaving her father behind!
The house is stunning, controlled by an AI named Vivi, but it's not Home!
Then she finds a beautiful doll in Emma's room, Kirin's sister who disappeared a long time ago, body never to be found.
Kirin says it belonged to Emma and offers her the doll. He must be grieving too and there's kind of a connection between them.
Nevertheless she feels that someting evil, bad, is lurking in the house aiming to harm her mother!
Told by Jules and Scout in alternating chapters, it leads to a very horrifying and chilling ending!
October 3, 2024
Jules, a widowed mother, moves into her fiance's old family mansion with her teenage daughter, Scout.
Ready to give love another chance they quickly discover that danger lurks around every corner.
A quick and creepy read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for an arc of this short story in exchange for my honest review.
Ready to give love another chance they quickly discover that danger lurks around every corner.
A quick and creepy read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for an arc of this short story in exchange for my honest review.
October 10, 2024
Enjoyable novella for the most part. Unger can be a good writer, but endings seem to be her weak point, with this story being a case in point. She seems to have given an explanation for what happened, but then she adds a little something extra that weakens the plot rather than strengthening it. If you can ignore that, you will probably like this story.
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