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The Beast You Let In
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Expected 7 Apr 26Everyone in the rural town of Ashling knows the tale of Veronica Green, a teen who was murdered in the woods. But did a party trick bring her back to claim her revenge? A fast-paced, suspenseful YA horror from the author of Summer's Edge and People Like Us.
There is no one Hazel trusts less than her self-centered twin, Beth. Like when Beth storms out of a party, abandoning Hazel when she didn't want to attend in the first place. Rather than chasing after her, Hazel throws herself into flirting and telling ghost stories over a Ouija board. She might not be the popular twin, but she can be fun too.
Except Beth doesn't come home that night, and Hazel's anger morphs into anxiety. It only sharpens when Beth reappears a day later, disoriented and claiming to be Veronica Green, a teen who was murdered in their small town years before. If it isn't a possession, Beth is really good at faking it. Did they accidentally release a vengeful horror during the party?
Hazel must uncover what happened to Veronica all those years ago if she's going to save Beth. But the truth may destroy them both—if they don't destroy each other first.
There is no one Hazel trusts less than her self-centered twin, Beth. Like when Beth storms out of a party, abandoning Hazel when she didn't want to attend in the first place. Rather than chasing after her, Hazel throws herself into flirting and telling ghost stories over a Ouija board. She might not be the popular twin, but she can be fun too.
Except Beth doesn't come home that night, and Hazel's anger morphs into anxiety. It only sharpens when Beth reappears a day later, disoriented and claiming to be Veronica Green, a teen who was murdered in their small town years before. If it isn't a possession, Beth is really good at faking it. Did they accidentally release a vengeful horror during the party?
Hazel must uncover what happened to Veronica all those years ago if she's going to save Beth. But the truth may destroy them both—if they don't destroy each other first.
304 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 7, 2026
4 people are currently reading
8520 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 10, 2025
Dana Mele's unreliable narrators make me want to write essays, and I mean that in the best possible way. Hazel and Beth have been trying to unravel the mystery of Veronica Green, but the REAL mystery is what the hell is going on in the heads of their loved ones, and they're each missing pieces of the truth they haven't even thought to look for. As in Summer's Edge (which you should ALSO totally read if you haven't already), changing perspectives changes EVERYTHING.
What makes this book so gripping and scary isn't just the supernatural rabbit hole opening under the narrators' feet--it's the insight into the terrifying reality that other people are fundamentally unknowable, no matter how much we love them. But there are grounds for hope, too, in their fierce determination to reach each other across that gulf anyway, despite all their hurts and secrets and resentments and their increasingly hostile small-town environment.
This is compelling, thoughtful, timely horror, not to mention a hell of a ride. SMASH THAT PREORDER BUTTON.
What makes this book so gripping and scary isn't just the supernatural rabbit hole opening under the narrators' feet--it's the insight into the terrifying reality that other people are fundamentally unknowable, no matter how much we love them. But there are grounds for hope, too, in their fierce determination to reach each other across that gulf anyway, despite all their hurts and secrets and resentments and their increasingly hostile small-town environment.
This is compelling, thoughtful, timely horror, not to mention a hell of a ride. SMASH THAT PREORDER BUTTON.
December 10, 2025
A YA Horror set in a small N.Y. town with a dirty little secret, a possession, and the younger generations feeling the pressure of the older generations bias against the lgbtq+ community and autism. The representation for autism and lgbtq+ is truly the star of the story, as the raw frustration and emotions of the main characters shined through the author’s writing.
The characters were very well developed, and I loved the unreliable narration between the twin sisters Hazel and Beth, as it felt extremely real given they are teenagers in highschool and what they were going through in a small town.
The plot however felt clunky to me, almost like the author was trying to add too many elements into the story so some of it ended up taking away from the overall story. Still really enjoyed it though, and some of those scenes were incredibly spooky!
The characters were very well developed, and I loved the unreliable narration between the twin sisters Hazel and Beth, as it felt extremely real given they are teenagers in highschool and what they were going through in a small town.
The plot however felt clunky to me, almost like the author was trying to add too many elements into the story so some of it ended up taking away from the overall story. Still really enjoyed it though, and some of those scenes were incredibly spooky!
November 24, 2025
This was a fun YA horror to read. There is possession, murder, family drama, and a small town with a lot of secrets to hide. The plot was great, but I do wish there had been a bit more character development. Hazel and her sister Beth were very different people and it was interesting to see how that played out in their family and the story as a whole.
The possession aspect of the story was creepy and definitely kept me on my toes! I won’t go into that too much! I don’t want to spoil anything.
I thought this book had great queer representation. Everything about the small town of Ashling felt very oppressive and I really felt for Hazel and her “friends.” I think a lot of young readers will probably be able to relate to some aspects of that part of the story.
Overall, this was a fun, engaging YA horror. I enjoyed the possession and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
The possession aspect of the story was creepy and definitely kept me on my toes! I won’t go into that too much! I don’t want to spoil anything.
I thought this book had great queer representation. Everything about the small town of Ashling felt very oppressive and I really felt for Hazel and her “friends.” I think a lot of young readers will probably be able to relate to some aspects of that part of the story.
Overall, this was a fun, engaging YA horror. I enjoyed the possession and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
November 17, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and sourcebooks fire for this ARC!
First half of this book had promise, but fell short of my expectations. Wasn’t a bad book, just wasn’t what I expected when I went into. Loved the horror elements to the story and I was curious to see how it all played out. Just was let down in the second half. There were parts of the story that I felt weren’t needed and could have been left out of the story. But overall it was an entertaining read, just not as mind blowing as I had hoped.
First half of this book had promise, but fell short of my expectations. Wasn’t a bad book, just wasn’t what I expected when I went into. Loved the horror elements to the story and I was curious to see how it all played out. Just was let down in the second half. There were parts of the story that I felt weren’t needed and could have been left out of the story. But overall it was an entertaining read, just not as mind blowing as I had hoped.
Read
November 19, 2025Damn, this book is so good. The way it showcases the different sides of autism, as well as queerness, was incredible. Plus, it does so in the way of a small town that isn't safe, that keeps secrets, and forces the worst out of people. It holds a lot of anger, but it also holds a lot of love, because it is possible to work for change.
November 13, 2025
This was such a great book! There is family drama, horror, BODY HORROR, Psychological Thrills, LGBTQA+ , suspense, & paranormal elements in "The Beast You Let In". I was not expecting the twist that came with this one! I am still in complete shock! The darkness in this book doesn't just come from "the bad guy"! This book literally had me on the edge of my seat, I read it within just a few hours! I absolutely had to find out MORE! Go ahead, take this book for a spin! You will not regret it!!
*I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
*I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
November 12, 2025
4.5
As soon as I downloaded this one I immediately read it!
The description sounded right up my alley and I absolutely get Jennifer body’s vibes which count me in! We get to see the relationship of sisters Beth and hazel and along the way solve the murder of a teen! We also get to read about acceptance and how small town minds can have prejudices and try to make you into something you’re not
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC
As soon as I downloaded this one I immediately read it!
The description sounded right up my alley and I absolutely get Jennifer body’s vibes which count me in! We get to see the relationship of sisters Beth and hazel and along the way solve the murder of a teen! We also get to read about acceptance and how small town minds can have prejudices and try to make you into something you’re not
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The Beast You Let In” by Dana Mele is a YA psychological horror that thrives on atmosphere and the weight of small-town secrets. Plus, this book has an unreliable narrator, which is a trope I absolutely love. Mele crafts a story where the real horror isn’t just possession or murder; it’s prejudice, silence, and the way trauma warps both memory and identity.
Set in a small New York town with a long, ugly history, the story centers on twin sisters Hazel and Beth, whose alternating perspectives create a fractured, unreliable narrative that feels painfully authentic. As teenagers navigating high school, grief, and a community that refuses to accept difference, their voices clash and overlap in ways that constantly keep you questioning what’s real, what’s remembered, and what’s being suppressed. The twins’ relationship is one of the book’s greatest strengths; it’s messy, emotional, and charged with love, resentment, and misunderstanding. I thought their relationship felt very realistic and those with siblings (especially twins) will definitely relate to these characters.
At the heart of the story is a town that protects its own worst instincts. Older generations cling to bias and tradition, particularly toward queer and autistic people, and that pressure bears down hard on the younger characters. The autism and LGBTQ+ representation is handled with raw honesty and frustration, capturing both the exhaustion of being misunderstood and the anger that comes from being told, whether explicitly or implicitly, that you are the problem. These elements aren’t background details; they are central to the horror, shaping the characters’ fear, guilt, and isolation.
The plot combines possession and psychological unraveling, often blurring the line between supernatural threat and internalized trauma. At times, the story feels crowded, as if too many ideas are competing for space, which can make the story feel clunky in places. Still, Mele’s sharp, cinematic writing carries the book through those moments, delivering scenes that are genuinely creepy and emotionally charged. Ordinary settings like empty rooms, tense hallways, familiar faces feel loaded with dread, as though something terrible is always just out of sight.
What truly elevates “The Beast You Let In” is its exploration of gaslighting, both external and internal. The story asks who gets believed, who gets labeled dangerous, and how fear can turn victims into scapegoats. It’s a story filled with rage, but also with love, especially the kind that pushes back against a town determined to stay the same.
Overall, “The Beast You Let In” is a haunting exploration of trauma, queerness, neurodivergence, and the monsters communities create when they refuse to confront their own sins. This book is perfect for readers who love unreliable narrators, small-town horror, and stories where the scariest beast is the one people pretend doesn’t exist.
“The Beast You Let In” by Dana Mele is a YA psychological horror that thrives on atmosphere and the weight of small-town secrets. Plus, this book has an unreliable narrator, which is a trope I absolutely love. Mele crafts a story where the real horror isn’t just possession or murder; it’s prejudice, silence, and the way trauma warps both memory and identity.
Set in a small New York town with a long, ugly history, the story centers on twin sisters Hazel and Beth, whose alternating perspectives create a fractured, unreliable narrative that feels painfully authentic. As teenagers navigating high school, grief, and a community that refuses to accept difference, their voices clash and overlap in ways that constantly keep you questioning what’s real, what’s remembered, and what’s being suppressed. The twins’ relationship is one of the book’s greatest strengths; it’s messy, emotional, and charged with love, resentment, and misunderstanding. I thought their relationship felt very realistic and those with siblings (especially twins) will definitely relate to these characters.
At the heart of the story is a town that protects its own worst instincts. Older generations cling to bias and tradition, particularly toward queer and autistic people, and that pressure bears down hard on the younger characters. The autism and LGBTQ+ representation is handled with raw honesty and frustration, capturing both the exhaustion of being misunderstood and the anger that comes from being told, whether explicitly or implicitly, that you are the problem. These elements aren’t background details; they are central to the horror, shaping the characters’ fear, guilt, and isolation.
The plot combines possession and psychological unraveling, often blurring the line between supernatural threat and internalized trauma. At times, the story feels crowded, as if too many ideas are competing for space, which can make the story feel clunky in places. Still, Mele’s sharp, cinematic writing carries the book through those moments, delivering scenes that are genuinely creepy and emotionally charged. Ordinary settings like empty rooms, tense hallways, familiar faces feel loaded with dread, as though something terrible is always just out of sight.
What truly elevates “The Beast You Let In” is its exploration of gaslighting, both external and internal. The story asks who gets believed, who gets labeled dangerous, and how fear can turn victims into scapegoats. It’s a story filled with rage, but also with love, especially the kind that pushes back against a town determined to stay the same.
Overall, “The Beast You Let In” is a haunting exploration of trauma, queerness, neurodivergence, and the monsters communities create when they refuse to confront their own sins. This book is perfect for readers who love unreliable narrators, small-town horror, and stories where the scariest beast is the one people pretend doesn’t exist.
December 1, 2025
A chilling, psychologically layered thriller that blurs the line between monster and memory
The Beast You Let In is a gripping descent into fear, guilt, and the shadows we carry. Dana Mele crafts a thriller that feels both claustrophobic and strangely intimate—one that creeps under your skin not because of jump-scare horror, but because it understands how trauma reshapes a life in ways even the closest people can’t see.
The novel follows Sloane, whose obsessive need to control her environment stems from a past she’s desperate to outrun. When eerie incidents begin to unravel the fragile structure she’s built, Mele refuses to let the reader trust any single explanation. Is Sloane truly in danger, or is she being haunted by something entirely internal? The ambiguity is the book’s greatest strength—a constant tug between psychological and supernatural possibilities that keeps the tension simmering.
Mele’s writing is sharp, cinematic, and emotionally raw. She excels at atmosphere: the hum of an empty apartment, the wrongness of a door left ajar, the way fear echoes louder in isolation. Even ordinary scenes feel loaded with dread, creating a persistent sense that something terrible is just about to happen. Readers who loved The Haunting of Hill House (Jackson or Flanagan), Home Before Dark by Riley Sager, or The Witchery will instantly connect with this vibe-forward style.
What elevates the story is Mele’s exploration of gaslighting—internal and external—and the slow erosion of trust. Sloane is messy, flawed, and painfully believable, and the novel invites readers to sit with her instability rather than judge it. By the final act, the lines between beast and victim, threat and memory, are devastatingly tangled.
A moody, unsettling psychological thriller, The Beast You Let In is perfect for readers who crave stories where fear is both literal and metaphorical—and where the scariest thing might be the part of yourself you tried to bury.
The Beast You Let In is a gripping descent into fear, guilt, and the shadows we carry. Dana Mele crafts a thriller that feels both claustrophobic and strangely intimate—one that creeps under your skin not because of jump-scare horror, but because it understands how trauma reshapes a life in ways even the closest people can’t see.
The novel follows Sloane, whose obsessive need to control her environment stems from a past she’s desperate to outrun. When eerie incidents begin to unravel the fragile structure she’s built, Mele refuses to let the reader trust any single explanation. Is Sloane truly in danger, or is she being haunted by something entirely internal? The ambiguity is the book’s greatest strength—a constant tug between psychological and supernatural possibilities that keeps the tension simmering.
Mele’s writing is sharp, cinematic, and emotionally raw. She excels at atmosphere: the hum of an empty apartment, the wrongness of a door left ajar, the way fear echoes louder in isolation. Even ordinary scenes feel loaded with dread, creating a persistent sense that something terrible is just about to happen. Readers who loved The Haunting of Hill House (Jackson or Flanagan), Home Before Dark by Riley Sager, or The Witchery will instantly connect with this vibe-forward style.
What elevates the story is Mele’s exploration of gaslighting—internal and external—and the slow erosion of trust. Sloane is messy, flawed, and painfully believable, and the novel invites readers to sit with her instability rather than judge it. By the final act, the lines between beast and victim, threat and memory, are devastatingly tangled.
A moody, unsettling psychological thriller, The Beast You Let In is perfect for readers who crave stories where fear is both literal and metaphorical—and where the scariest thing might be the part of yourself you tried to bury.
October 27, 2025
The Beast You Let In by Dana Mele is an atmospheric, twisty, and emotionally charged psychological thriller that sinks its claws into you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Mele masterfully weaves suspense, grief, and obsession into a darkly compelling narrative that blurs the line between reality and nightmare.
The writing is sharp and haunting, with a creeping sense of dread that builds beautifully. Each chapter peels back a new layer of mystery, revealing shocking truths about trauma, memory, and the monsters we carry inside. Mele’s characters are complex and flawed—especially the protagonist, whose descent into paranoia and guilt feels disturbingly real.
What really stands out is the atmosphere. You can feel the tension in every scene—like something dangerous is lurking just beyond the edge of perception. The pacing is relentless, but it never sacrifices emotional depth. By the time the final twist hits, you’ll be questioning everything you thought you knew.
If you love dark psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators, chilling secrets, and lyrical writing, this book is a must-read. Dana Mele delivers a haunting exploration of what happens when the past refuses to stay buried—and the beast you let in refuses to leave.
The writing is sharp and haunting, with a creeping sense of dread that builds beautifully. Each chapter peels back a new layer of mystery, revealing shocking truths about trauma, memory, and the monsters we carry inside. Mele’s characters are complex and flawed—especially the protagonist, whose descent into paranoia and guilt feels disturbingly real.
What really stands out is the atmosphere. You can feel the tension in every scene—like something dangerous is lurking just beyond the edge of perception. The pacing is relentless, but it never sacrifices emotional depth. By the time the final twist hits, you’ll be questioning everything you thought you knew.
If you love dark psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators, chilling secrets, and lyrical writing, this book is a must-read. Dana Mele delivers a haunting exploration of what happens when the past refuses to stay buried—and the beast you let in refuses to leave.
November 13, 2025
Twins, Possession, and tight knit small-town secrets.
As children, twin sisters Hazel and Beth were close, even called themselves Bethanhazel. But as they got older, Beth become a good liar, popular, and grated on Hazel, who was quieter and had less friends. Now in high school, the two are far from friends, but Hazel agrees to attend a party with Beth one night after some begging, only to be left there by Beth. Hazel decides she won't let her sister's actions ruin her night and she ends up playing spin the bottle and attempting to summon a local myth through a Ouija board.
The next morning, she wakes up at home, eager to find out what happened with her sister, only Beth isn't there. After a stressful 24 hours, Beth returns, but claims to be Veronica Green, the same local legend the teens had tried to summon the night before. Veronica Green was a teen when she was murdered in their town years before, when their parents were their age. Beth is a known liar, but some of the facts she knows are things no one has ever shared about this night.
Is Beth possessed? What really happened to Veronica Green? And who will pay for her murder?
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.
As children, twin sisters Hazel and Beth were close, even called themselves Bethanhazel. But as they got older, Beth become a good liar, popular, and grated on Hazel, who was quieter and had less friends. Now in high school, the two are far from friends, but Hazel agrees to attend a party with Beth one night after some begging, only to be left there by Beth. Hazel decides she won't let her sister's actions ruin her night and she ends up playing spin the bottle and attempting to summon a local myth through a Ouija board.
The next morning, she wakes up at home, eager to find out what happened with her sister, only Beth isn't there. After a stressful 24 hours, Beth returns, but claims to be Veronica Green, the same local legend the teens had tried to summon the night before. Veronica Green was a teen when she was murdered in their town years before, when their parents were their age. Beth is a known liar, but some of the facts she knows are things no one has ever shared about this night.
Is Beth possessed? What really happened to Veronica Green? And who will pay for her murder?
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.
November 30, 2025
I was one chapter into this book when I got that moment of “oh wow, this is going to be GOOD” and I truly had such a fun time reading this. This is ya mystery meets supernatural thriller and completely un-put-down-able!
When Hazel’s twin sister Beth ditches her at a party Hazel didn’t want to go to in the first place, she gets back at her by joining Beth’s friends and having fun. When Beth doesn’t make it home Hazel starts to panic. When she finally does return, she is different. Beth is claiming to be someone else… someone everyone knows about. Veronica Green was a murdered teen who they attempted to speak to through a ouija board the night before.
The dynamic between these sisters was so interesting. Beth and Hazel don’t get along and uncovering the reasons why, seeing how they interact together, how their parents interact with them… it paints a picture. When you bring in this possession aspect, it calls into question susceptibility and state of mind in such a great way.
I enjoyed this so much and highly recommend it.
When Hazel’s twin sister Beth ditches her at a party Hazel didn’t want to go to in the first place, she gets back at her by joining Beth’s friends and having fun. When Beth doesn’t make it home Hazel starts to panic. When she finally does return, she is different. Beth is claiming to be someone else… someone everyone knows about. Veronica Green was a murdered teen who they attempted to speak to through a ouija board the night before.
The dynamic between these sisters was so interesting. Beth and Hazel don’t get along and uncovering the reasons why, seeing how they interact together, how their parents interact with them… it paints a picture. When you bring in this possession aspect, it calls into question susceptibility and state of mind in such a great way.
I enjoyed this so much and highly recommend it.
November 13, 2025
This was good to begin with, I enjoyed the writing style and the mystery of the storyline surrounding Veronica kept me gripped for the most part. I’m not an avid horror reader so there were parts where I didn’t really understand what was going on, the bit about the honeybees for example left me a little confused.
Unfortunately, the last quarter of the book I found that I lost interest and ended up skim reading parts to make it to the end.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read though. I feel like maybe I was the wrong type of audience with this being YA. There were quite a few references to pronouns too - which I don’t have a problem with, it just felt a little repetitive at times in my opinion.
I’m sure fans of YA books or a younger aged audience would enjoy this one, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of the YA Horror/Fantasy genre.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Out 7th April 2026.
Unfortunately, the last quarter of the book I found that I lost interest and ended up skim reading parts to make it to the end.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read though. I feel like maybe I was the wrong type of audience with this being YA. There were quite a few references to pronouns too - which I don’t have a problem with, it just felt a little repetitive at times in my opinion.
I’m sure fans of YA books or a younger aged audience would enjoy this one, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of the YA Horror/Fantasy genre.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Out 7th April 2026.
November 9, 2025
This book is fun, it's spooky, it hits all the genre tropes in the right way. It evokes the amusement park horror nostalgia, the 80s/90s, and the angst of youth and trying to fit in in a way that transcends its true nature about the struggle to find your place in society if you're queer or trans.
It's about the vulnerability of trusting others and the negatives of withholding trust. It's about being able to see others beyond our presuppositions - in other words, it's a very real human struggle in a supernatural setting.
It's about the vulnerability of trusting others and the negatives of withholding trust. It's about being able to see others beyond our presuppositions - in other words, it's a very real human struggle in a supernatural setting.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I got this book through a giveaway at the Charleston, SC YALLFest. The synopsis immediately drew me in. I think the concept was fascinating and as someone who enjoys mysteries/horrors, I found this interesting. I will say I feel like the resolution came on almost too quickly and with a “Disney” solution. I would still recommend this book if you want an enjoyable book that talks about murder, vengeance, possession, and so much more.
November 29, 2025
Very cool idea, different from what I've read before. Just a bit lacking in the execution and characters. I enjoyed the second half better than the first. Hazel's half dragged. All she did was think about her sad past. I really didn't like her at all. Beth was a lot more interesting. She added some much needed life to the story
August 29, 2025
ARC from Edelweiss
Fast paced horror with lots of twists. Towards the end I kind of guessed how it was going to end, but I did not expect some of the aspects! At times it felt like there was a little too much happening for how short the book was, but it did add to the pacing of it.
Fast paced horror with lots of twists. Towards the end I kind of guessed how it was going to end, but I did not expect some of the aspects! At times it felt like there was a little too much happening for how short the book was, but it did add to the pacing of it.
December 11, 2025
This was such a fun book to read. I really liked the unreliable narrators, and I definitely wasn’t expecting the twist towards the middle of the book. I liked that it bounced between the two sisters. I had an issue putting this book down, and I was definitely invested. Sort of dark, sort of funny, and definitely captivating.
Thanks for NetGalley for the copy of this ARC. This will be out in April of 2026.
Thanks for NetGalley for the copy of this ARC. This will be out in April of 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rated 3.5 really.
RTC closer to pub date.
RTC closer to pub date.
December 16, 2025
This was all the right dark and scary I could ask for. A pair of sisters bring to light all the secrets of their small town, and their parents role in the tragic effects unfold. This story was soooooo good!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews