The House Rules

The House Rules #1

by Calvin Naraghi

While normally a death in the family, brings people together, that is just not the case for Lonnie Grambell. After the mysterious death of his older brother, his rich parents decide to send him away to boarding school, cutting off all communication for the better part of a decade. Now on the night of his graduation, Lonnie finds his world flipped upside down once more as he receives a formal invitation asking him to return for the summer before college.

Driven by curiosity and an urge for answers, he ventures home only to find that it is far from the family reunion he was expecting. Arriving at his parents mansion in the New York countryside, he is faced with a warped version of the world he remembered as a child. Bombarded with lavish meals, expensive gifts, and an invitation alongside his parents to the most exclusive and secret gala in New York, he feels that it all must be a dream.

That is until he wakes up after the party, and finds himself in a nightmare. Balancing a splitting headache and a loss of memory, he comes to realize that he is in some kind of twisted underground maze full of hidden cameras, deadly traps, and unspeakable horrors behind every corner. Suddenly in a fight for his life, Lonnie must overcome all odds and best his captors at their own game.

The only question is... what are the rules?

Genres: Horror, Ebooks, Thriller, Mystery

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2024

Reviews

[Tammie P ℓօรƭเɳαɓօօҡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Calvin Naraghi's The House Rules launches readers into a classic "survival game" scenario, delivering a competent, yet unexceptional take on the "rich people's games" trope. The premise certainly hooks you: Lonnie Grambell returns to his wealthy family's New York estate, attends a secret gala, and wakes up in a twisted underground maze full of deadly traps. While the premise provided the necessary stakes, I found myself lacking an emotional attachment to Lonnie and the supporting characters, so whether the characters lived or died ultimately held little weight. Moreover, the twists/reveals felt telegraphed; I anticipated them far too early, which significantly diminished their emotional impact.

The closing line, 'The House Always Wins,' was thematically fitting. However, while the ending was adequate and provided closure, it failed to leave me completely satisfied or wowed.

In short, The House Rules is a straightforward, middle-of-the-road thriller. Recommended for: fans of this trope who are just looking for a quick read.

[Horror Haus Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This was a tense, atmospheric horror-thriller with some deliciously gothic undertones. The mansion was described in such vivid, unsettling detail that it became a character in its own right. The plot is gripping and full of suspense, though the pacing did feel a bit uneven in places. Certain scenes didn’t quite unfold as powerfully as they seemed meant to, which occasionally pulled me out of the moment. But other than that, this book was well written and the story kept me engaged from start to finish.

If you’re a fan of dark thrillers with a gothic edge, this one’s definitely worth picking up!!!!

[Abby Draper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard about this book on Instagram and was instantly interested in reading it. I really enjoyed it and it was such a good mix of dark, grotesque, and odd. Throughout the story, I was reminded of lots of other stories from The Addams Family, to Garten of Banban, to The Island of Doctor Moreau.

My comment for improvement would be that some of the action (particularly toward the beginning) was hard to follow. It was like, “He did this and this and flip and boom and then things happened.” I think the author had a better idea of what was happening than what he wrote down. However, this only happened a few times and didn’t really detract from the story.

Saying that, I really enjoyed the book and its unique story and mix of vibes!

[Julia Roberts · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was just so weird. The writing was all over the place and not very descriptive. The story line was never really set up well. The whole time reading you’re just thinking, what the heck is going on, and not in a fun way.

[Jerri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love escape rooms. I loved the Saw movies. Naturally, I assumed that I'd love this. I didnt connect with any of the characters. They were two dimensional and I never once cared about them. The writing was ok nothing more. The story was lacking. The ending terrible. I am sure there is a market for this one but for me - "ok" was as good as it got.

[Sarah Wakeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wild ride! After dealing with the loss of his brother, Lonnie was left to figure out life on his own with very unreliable parents.
When they randomly come back in the picture with all sunshine and rainbows like there hadn’t been an 8 year gap in their relationship, are trying to figure out what the motive here is. Jumping into this book was nothing like I have read before! It was quickly paced, action packed and full of thrill! Great writing!

[Shannon]

DNF @ 42%

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how fast-paced this was and how I was able to just read it in one sitting. This story kept me interested and enjoyed the storyline that he created. I kept getting The Cabin in the Woods and Escapse Room vibes, which I loved about this book. Lonnie was a character I enjoyed and looking forward to the next book to see where this goes next.

[J.R. R. Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finshed this book by and it was so good! I loved the writing style and how it felt like you were in the scene with the characters. It was very different from what I usually read in horror which is why i enjoyed it so much. Great work overall, I finished in a day.

[Shannon Mabrito · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very strange book. The concept is there, and I understand the meaning behind it. But it felt too close to the "Cabin in the Woods" movie with sacrifices to ancient gods. I give the author props because it was a creative concept, but it fell short for me.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story here but I also have some (hopefully) constructive criticism for the future. I found that as I read along it felt as though the author had a thesaurus at hand and tried to use as many different adjectives as possible. Descriptions sometimes felt over done in the sense that not every sentence needs a unique adjective. Some of them didn’t even fit with what was being described. Just my take, and overall I thought this was an engaging YA read.

[Rylee Hjorth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, it was just okay in my opinion. I'd never read any gothic horror before this, and I was excited going into it. The attention to detail and description of the book are by far the best aspects of it, which is really what kept me hooked. The mystery of the manor and the trials was also intriguing as each detail about them was revealed, which was very spooky. I loved the gritty technological aspects of it as well and thought it created a strong, unique atmosphere that I wasn't expecting when I started.

I was worried that with the nature of the plot and the position of the characters solely focusing on escaping, there wouldn't be any room to see their development or learn a lot about them. To me, I think that's what kept this book from being great. Calvin did a good job incorporating flashbacks here and there to show Lonnie, Hannah, and Jamie's relationship, as well as some of Lonnie's backstory. The setup with the three of them at the beginning was great too, as was the exhaustion and dread hanging over them during the final scene, but everything seemed flat to me. They were one-dimensional and just like faceless people trying to escape, and it felt hard for me to care about them since I didn't know a ton about them or who they were. I liked Lonnie's backstory and seeing his mental struggles since it gave him depth, but I wish his personality had shone through more. Hannah and Jamie, however, don't really surpass the role of girlfriend and best friend, and didn't really pop off the page. Their three personalities in general weren't very distinct, and I think more in-depth character work could've elevated the story.

With that being, I don't think that detracts from the strong plot and creepy details surrounding it. I was always intrigued to see what happened and understand the mystery of what was going on, but I think the icing on the cake would've been deeper, more complex characters who could make the world feel more alive.

[Saija P · Rating 1 out of 5]

The real maze was surviving Lonnie.

This book had potential, but every time it started to build tension, the author slammed the brakes with a random flashback or emotional detour. The pacing is all over the place. One moment someone’s running for their life, and the next we’re deep in childhood memories or pointless dialogue that kills any momentum the story managed to create.

Lonnie, the main character, is unbearable. He spends most of the book yelling, crying, and threatening to vomit at every minor inconvenience. It stops being sympathetic and starts feeling like a drinking game. Every bad decision he makes feels designed to frustrate the reader. Doors are left open, people stop to chat mid-crisis, and the monsters politely wait for everyone to finish their emotional monologues before attacking again.

The cult plot could have been interesting if it made sense. Apparently everyone knew about the sacrifice and Lonnie’s “destiny,” but nobody thought to prepare him for it. Instead, we get endless “I had no choice” speeches that make every character sound spineless. The big twists are predictable, the deaths feel random, and the dialogue is pure melodrama.

The ending is the final insult. The villain is killed off instantly for convenience, the monsters just decide to chill at sunrise, and we’re expected to believe that’s closure. I wasn’t scared or emotional by the end. Just tired.

I finished it out of pure spite. The only real horror here was realizing how many times I had to watch Lonnie almost throw up.

[Readers Choice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calvin Naraghi's “The House Rules” is a captivating novel that keeps readers hooked from the start. The story follows Leonard, known as Lonnie, whose life takes a tragic turn at the age of ten when his brother Ben dies from an overdose. Following this, Lonnie is sent to boarding school, where he spends the next several years. By the time he graduates from Dreyaird Academy at eighteen, his parents have distanced themselves so much that they don’t even attend his graduation.

Unexpectedly, Lonnie receives an invitation from his parents to spend time at their estate before heading off to university—a gesture that leaves him both surprised and bitter. He had tried countless times to contact them during his time at school, but they had consistently ignored him, making it clear they didn’t want him at home.

Upon arriving at the estate, the housekeeper, Hilda, warns him that he shouldn’t have returned. Confused, Lonnie soon realizes something is off. His wealthy parents are preparing for their annual party, which seems to have no real purpose other than celebration. What secrets are hidden in the house? That’s for readers to uncover.

Lonnie is a character readers will instantly empathize with, and the story's suspenseful twists kept me riveted until the very end. The book’s cover and title fit the tone perfectly, and I found myself eagerly turning pages, finishing it in one sitting. Naraghi's storytelling has left me eager to explore more of his work in the future.

[A.A. DuHern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just turned the last page, and wow—this was haunting. The ending is nothing short of breathtaking and fully earns its gothic horror mantle. I was left speechless, chilled to the bone, and deeply unsettled.

Throughout the read, I kept thinking, “Wow—he really knows how to paint a scene.” The mansion itself breathes with life under Naraghi’s pen: grand staircases, narrow hallways, and shadow‑cloaked stairways are described with such precision and atmosphere that the visuals practically leap off the page. His word choices and carefully placed sensory cues create an immersive Gothic aesthetic that’s as enthralling as it is unsettling.

However, my only critique is that a few scenes could use more vivid detail. It’s clear the author had a precise vision for the characters’ actions, but it doesn’t always translate seamlessly on the page. This didn’t detract from my enjoyment—just a small observation.

Naraghi has a knack for cinematic characterization, doling out just enough detail to make every figure feel vital. Familiar tropes are gently upended, so each guest at the party surprises you with unexpected depth and purpose. Every interaction, whether with family or friends, carries weight, reinforcing that no one in this house is merely background decoration.

Overall, this is a truly great reading experience, and if this is your genre, PICK IT UP. You will enjoy it.

[maddy decarvalho · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5
This is a debut so definitely came into this with that in mind! I really liked the story and the dark aspects, those things worked really well. It was really intricate and shows how the wealthy essentially sacrifice their humanity to keep their wealth. The end and how Lonnie initially gets trapped ties together really well. Some pretty good plot twists, that were shocking, but foreshadowed relatively well. I really did appreciate the darkness of this story and the deeper themes. I would definitely recommend it if you do like a gothic book with modern flare.
Some things that didn’t work entirely for me was that maybe this book would have worked better in first person, as in a few moments it was hard to see the characters emotions, but rather just actions which made it harder to feel the impacts of some of the heavy moments. I also felt like the dialog was a little bit unnatural, not overly so. Some things also did feel out of character or inconsistent but none of it was too distracting.
Overall, a great debut and I’m curious to see where the sequel will go.

[Elle Wildes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House Rules pulled me in from the very first page. It’s an emotionally rich and suspenseful story that explores grief, identity, and what it means to return “home” when that place—and the people in it—no longer feel familiar.

Naraghi does an incredible job capturing the complexity of a young man navigating loss and family dysfunction, all while teasing out a deeper mystery that keeps the pages turning. The writing is vivid, the dialogue feels authentic, and the setting (a mysterious estate that seems to have secrets of its own) is practically a character in itself.

What I loved most is that this book doesn’t just tell a story—it unfolds it, with heart, tension, and a growing sense of unease that hints at something more beneath the surface. It’s thoughtful, a little eerie, and definitely hard to put down.

If you enjoy character-driven suspense with emotional weight—and a touch of the gothic—this one’s for you

[Korey Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

*writing this review at 4:44 AM simply because I could not put this down*

This debut novel was surprisingly captivating, pulling me in despite being outside my usual genre. I was hooked from page one, staying up late to devour this "rich people survival game" story. The action was well-crafted, and the vivid descriptions truly brought the setting to life. The subtle foreshadowing was a highlight, adding layers to the suspense.

While a few moments were slightly confusing, the book's momentum never faltered. I read it cover to cover in just four hours! I did find myself wishing for deeper character development, feeling more connected to the side character, Jamie, than to Lonnie himself.

Overall, "The House Rules" is an exciting and well-executed read. I'm eager to explore more of Naraghi's world in the second book.

[Scott Lovelace · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible debut!  Lonnie's older brother is dead. There are some mysterious people at the funeral. Fast forward eight years. Lonnie is graduating from high school with his future set. His parents have been nonexistent in his life for the past eight years. He receives a letter from his parents after graduation requesting him come home. He decides to go home in the Catskill mountains. After some awkward interactions with his parents, the casually invite him to the biggest gala of the year. At the party in this gigantic mansion, he finds himself in a fight for his life. Its a case of Saw meets Maze Runner. Non stop action, with some crazy twists and turns that I didn't see coming.

5 stars

[Beatriz Barros · Rating 4 out of 5]

🖤 Just devoured The House Rules by Calvin Naraghi and I’m so glad to say it was a 4⭐️ read for me!

This book pulled me in from the very first pages…it was creepy, surreal, and impossible to look away from. It’s got that elite party meets escape room meets gothic horror vibe that I love for my summer of horror & romance.

The house itself? A full character. Every new room felt like a puzzle I needed to solve, and at times I could swear the walls were closing in 😮‍💨

The ending? Incredible twist. Watching Jamie and Lonnie fall into the same fate as Hannah the year before gave me chills in the best way. I love when horror feels like a cycle.

I’m definitely picking up the next one… because THAT cliffhanger?? 👀

[Stephanie Zimmerman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aw man.. I truly wanted to like this book. I was introduced to this book by the authors video on TikTok and you can tell he’s worked so hard on this, but I just didn’t like it.

The two main reasons why was because I felt we had hardly any backstory and I didn’t care about a single character because I felt like we barely knew anything about them?

When it finally got to the fast paced parts, I was enjoying it and it was giving very much saw vibes, but then I was disappointed again by the ending.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one!

Calvin Naraghi’s The House Rules mixes slow-burn gothic horror with the pace of a thriller, turning Lonnie’s tense & awkward return home after a decade away into something far more horrifying and disturbing.

I particularly loved his vivid descriptions of the house and maze, and the escape-room-style twists kept me on edge and guessing right up to the end. Naraghi builds tension so well, and I’m already looking forward to the sequel that’s coming out this fall.

[Maiya P. K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was supremely entertaining. I personally thought Lonnie was relatable. There were scenes that were so realistic it was hard to get out of my head. Apart from his parents and the main character himself, the detail and character personification of the castle was a character in itself. It was so unsettling and spooky which is exactly what I expected and wanted.
Overall, this book was written very well and I enjoyed the plot.

[Eugenia L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, flawed vocabulary

This was a good and interesting story, however, I found the use of incorrect wording to be rather distracting throughout. The author needed to research the meaning of some of his adverbs and adjectives better so as to choose ones that would actually convey what he was trying to get at. Really, he just needed a better proofreader. Overall, it was still a very enjoyable story.

[Laura McCloud · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing this book, I am still processing it all. You think you have a grasp on what is happening and then all of a sudden you are hit with something completely new and unexpected. The shocks continue all the way to the end of this one! If you’re a fan of unthinkable situations, this book is it. It’ll make your draw drop, heart ache, and mind bend putting together all that is happening. If this sounds up your alley, this quick, twisty read is absolutely worth it!

[Cole Adlam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved The House Rules. Calvin did a thrilling job with the books main character Lonnie. He was completely relatable and honestly a breath of fresh air for a young male character. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists in the storyline and am happy to hear there will be a second novel. If you enjoy a thriller ya read with escape room and horror vibes give it a go!

[Mrs. Jackal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic story. It was engaging throughout the whole book. It was hard to put down. It had an interesting plot that begged you to keep reading until you finally found out what was going to happen. It built a world I'd be interested in delving further into. It kept me guessing until the very end. If you like thrillers and horror I would definitely recommend this book.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars…a wild ride…solid debut. Gothic horror is not my usual genre, but I was intrigued and wanted to give it a go. Happy I did as this was a fun read. The story grabbed me immediately and kept me fully engrossed. I did find the flow wasn’t always the smoothest, but it didn’t pull me out of the freaky mansion horror.

[Adrian G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy, atmospheric, and impossible to look away from. The House Rules mixes family secrets, eerie traditions, and a cursed mansion full of horrors. Lonnie's story kept me hooked, and the "rules" themselves are chilling. A little dense in spots, but overall a haunting and quick read. A solid debut for this new author.

[Jennifer]

This was not good. Bizarre writing (“coughed sarcastically”??). Boring, flat characters. Strange plot that really made no sense and left more questions than answers. Honestly, I have no clue why I kept reading.

2 stars only because I finished this book.