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The Secret Attic
The past isn't just haunting her—it's hunting her.
Addison Lowe knew her mother-in-law despised her, but inheriting Barb's massive estate after her death feels less like closure and more like a trap. Barb's hoarded rooms aren't just filled with clutter—they're filled with secrets. And it's Addison's job to unearth them while Luke grieves the loss of the mother he could never let go of.
But Luke grows stranger with every box they open—restless, secretive, cruel in ways Addison has never seen. And the house itself seems to breathe with Barb's presence. Ivy claws through the windows. A murder of crows drops trinkets at her feet. Dolls stare from the shadows, labeled with names Addison doesn't recognize—until she does. One doll bears the name Cassidy Warren, a girl who vanished years ago. And the more Addison uncovers, the more Barb's legacy seems tied to the streak of "bad luck" that has haunted Rockside Bay for decades.
The deeper Addison digs, the clearer it some secrets were meant to stay buried. And the husband she thought she knew may be hiding the darkest one of all…
Addison Lowe knew her mother-in-law despised her, but inheriting Barb's massive estate after her death feels less like closure and more like a trap. Barb's hoarded rooms aren't just filled with clutter—they're filled with secrets. And it's Addison's job to unearth them while Luke grieves the loss of the mother he could never let go of.
But Luke grows stranger with every box they open—restless, secretive, cruel in ways Addison has never seen. And the house itself seems to breathe with Barb's presence. Ivy claws through the windows. A murder of crows drops trinkets at her feet. Dolls stare from the shadows, labeled with names Addison doesn't recognize—until she does. One doll bears the name Cassidy Warren, a girl who vanished years ago. And the more Addison uncovers, the more Barb's legacy seems tied to the streak of "bad luck" that has haunted Rockside Bay for decades.
The deeper Addison digs, the clearer it some secrets were meant to stay buried. And the husband she thought she knew may be hiding the darkest one of all…
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2026
About the author
Chelsea Conradt
3 books212 followersChelsea Conradt is the USA Today bestselling author of The Farmhouse and The Secret Attic. She writes twisty speculative thrillers and psychological horror. Her short fiction has appeared in The Sunday Morning Transport and the Fractured Reveries anthology. Her stories are packed with both murder and kindness because we can be more than one thing.
When not writing stories that make you question what’s real, she is likely watching a baking show or a true-crime documentary. She is nothing if not on brand. Chelsea lives in Texas with her husband, son, and two big dogs.
When not writing stories that make you question what’s real, she is likely watching a baking show or a true-crime documentary. She is nothing if not on brand. Chelsea lives in Texas with her husband, son, and two big dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews
May 18, 2026
I recently read The Secret Attic by Chelsea Conradt, and I really enjoyed it. It falls into the psychological thriller / eerie mystery genre, and it has just enough creepiness to make you very aware of any attic, cupboard, or suspiciously quiet room in your house.
The story is an easy and engaging read that pulls you in quite quickly without being too complicated. I liked that it was accessible, because it meant I could just enjoy the story without overthinking it, but it still managed to keep a steady eerie feeling throughout.
The characters are fairly simple, but they work well within the story and help everything flow smoothly. For me, the standout element was definitely the atmosphere. There’s a constant sense that something isn’t quite right, and it builds in a way that kept me slightly suspicious of absolutely everything.
And then there are the dolls’ heads… I have no idea who decided those needed to exist in this book, but I would like to have a word. They were genuinely creepy in the best (and worst) way, and they definitely stayed in my mind long after I finished reading — possibly against my will.
Chelsea Conradt’s writing style is clear, straightforward, and very easy to read. It doesn’t try to be overly complicated, which actually works really well because it keeps the pace moving and lets the creepier moments do their job properly. It’s definitely a “just one more chapter” kind of book… which somehow turns into finishing half the book in one sitting.
The plot is interesting and easy to follow, without being overly twist-heavy or confusing. It keeps a steady sense of mystery and unease, which made it engaging from start to finish.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Secret Attic. It’s a fun, eerie read that delivers just the right amount of chills without going too far. A perfect quick thriller — just maybe don’t read it alone at night, and definitely don’t think too hard about what might be above your ceiling.
Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and author Chelsea Conradt for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: June 9th 2026
The story is an easy and engaging read that pulls you in quite quickly without being too complicated. I liked that it was accessible, because it meant I could just enjoy the story without overthinking it, but it still managed to keep a steady eerie feeling throughout.
The characters are fairly simple, but they work well within the story and help everything flow smoothly. For me, the standout element was definitely the atmosphere. There’s a constant sense that something isn’t quite right, and it builds in a way that kept me slightly suspicious of absolutely everything.
And then there are the dolls’ heads… I have no idea who decided those needed to exist in this book, but I would like to have a word. They were genuinely creepy in the best (and worst) way, and they definitely stayed in my mind long after I finished reading — possibly against my will.
Chelsea Conradt’s writing style is clear, straightforward, and very easy to read. It doesn’t try to be overly complicated, which actually works really well because it keeps the pace moving and lets the creepier moments do their job properly. It’s definitely a “just one more chapter” kind of book… which somehow turns into finishing half the book in one sitting.
The plot is interesting and easy to follow, without being overly twist-heavy or confusing. It keeps a steady sense of mystery and unease, which made it engaging from start to finish.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Secret Attic. It’s a fun, eerie read that delivers just the right amount of chills without going too far. A perfect quick thriller — just maybe don’t read it alone at night, and definitely don’t think too hard about what might be above your ceiling.
Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and author Chelsea Conradt for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: June 9th 2026
April 17, 2026
The Crows, The Dolls, & ALL THE CREEPY
Chelsea Conradt absolutely flexes her talent in The Secret Attic. She is a phenomenally talented writer and The Secret Attic cements this for me. This is controlled, confident storytelling that knows exactly what it’s doing. She leads you down one path, lets readers settle in, and then yanks the rug out so fast it leaves you spinning in the best way. The misdirection here is next-level. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on what kind of story this is, Conradt shifts the ground beneath you. What starts rooted in gaslighting and simmering marital partnership slowly mutates into something far stranger, brushing up against mysticism and a decades-old mystery that refuses to stay buried. You might think you know where this story is going, believing clues placed along the way, telling a deliberate and layered story. Then the twists start unrolling, the imagery darkens like an evil storm and it explodes in a fiery crash.
And just when you think it can’t get any more unsettling, you get the birds (minus murderous intentions and more a Murder). THE CROWS. The atmosphere they bring is so eerie, so loaded with meaning, that they practically become a character of their own. Conradt uses them like a warning system, a haunting presence that keeps the tension dialed all the way up. What really got me is how seamless it all feels. Everything blends in this beautiful way. There are some serious undertones to this story and some personal connections and I think it blended in this exceptional thriller. The shifts in tone, in genre, in reality itself, none of it feels forced. It’s psychological, it’s uncanny, and it lingers. This is an author who fully understands how to manipulate both story and reader, and she does it with serious skill.
PS - I’m still just as concerned with Conradt’s coffee intake for her characters and for herself. The amount of coffee mentions is like my fun counting task as I read!
Chelsea Conradt absolutely flexes her talent in The Secret Attic. She is a phenomenally talented writer and The Secret Attic cements this for me. This is controlled, confident storytelling that knows exactly what it’s doing. She leads you down one path, lets readers settle in, and then yanks the rug out so fast it leaves you spinning in the best way. The misdirection here is next-level. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on what kind of story this is, Conradt shifts the ground beneath you. What starts rooted in gaslighting and simmering marital partnership slowly mutates into something far stranger, brushing up against mysticism and a decades-old mystery that refuses to stay buried. You might think you know where this story is going, believing clues placed along the way, telling a deliberate and layered story. Then the twists start unrolling, the imagery darkens like an evil storm and it explodes in a fiery crash.
And just when you think it can’t get any more unsettling, you get the birds (minus murderous intentions and more a Murder). THE CROWS. The atmosphere they bring is so eerie, so loaded with meaning, that they practically become a character of their own. Conradt uses them like a warning system, a haunting presence that keeps the tension dialed all the way up. What really got me is how seamless it all feels. Everything blends in this beautiful way. There are some serious undertones to this story and some personal connections and I think it blended in this exceptional thriller. The shifts in tone, in genre, in reality itself, none of it feels forced. It’s psychological, it’s uncanny, and it lingers. This is an author who fully understands how to manipulate both story and reader, and she does it with serious skill.
PS - I’m still just as concerned with Conradt’s coffee intake for her characters and for herself. The amount of coffee mentions is like my fun counting task as I read!
March 17, 2026
2.75/5
Thank you NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Chelsea Conradt for gifting me with this ARC to review! I wish I could give this a higher rating but unfortunately it fell pretty flat to me and I was left a bit unsatisfied.
Liked:
-creepy little dolls. There is just something about dolls that is so off putting. The porcelain ones are the worst honestly, they reek of evil (shoutout to my grandma who gave me one and I tossed that shit in my hope chest because I thought it would come alive at night).
Disliked:
-stop saying OMG or “____ king, king of ____” or “queen of _____”. It made me cringe every single time. Grown ass adults talking like that (absolutely not, if they were teens I wouldn’t be as cringed out)
-grow a spine and leave that man! Luke fucking sucked and I have to deal with Addison saying how much she loved him and how great he was (hint: he’s not). Their relationship pissed me off and I preferred when Addison was off on her own talking to the crows and blubbering over the boxes.
-the concept was interesting but there were too many unanswered questions. The crow’s role wasn’t fully fleshed out, how Barb made the dolls (magic?), shape shifting house?
Thank you NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Chelsea Conradt for gifting me with this ARC to review! I wish I could give this a higher rating but unfortunately it fell pretty flat to me and I was left a bit unsatisfied.
Liked:
-creepy little dolls. There is just something about dolls that is so off putting. The porcelain ones are the worst honestly, they reek of evil (shoutout to my grandma who gave me one and I tossed that shit in my hope chest because I thought it would come alive at night).
Disliked:
-stop saying OMG or “____ king, king of ____” or “queen of _____”. It made me cringe every single time. Grown ass adults talking like that (absolutely not, if they were teens I wouldn’t be as cringed out)
-grow a spine and leave that man! Luke fucking sucked and I have to deal with Addison saying how much she loved him and how great he was (hint: he’s not). Their relationship pissed me off and I preferred when Addison was off on her own talking to the crows and blubbering over the boxes.
-the concept was interesting but there were too many unanswered questions. The crow’s role wasn’t fully fleshed out, how Barb made the dolls (magic?), shape shifting house?
March 22, 2026
This is my second read by Chelsea Conradt and I’m really starting to fall in love. And it’s not just because we share a first name!
Reading has always been a passion of mine. It brings me comfort. I believe certain books fall in your lap at the right time. This book fell into mine days after a close friend suffered a miscarriage. My heart fell into my stomach when I read the authors note at the beginning. I really appreciate her warning readers but also choosing a subject in her book that so many women experience.
The story is Coraline for adults. There’s some kind of creepy magic going on that will have you turning pages to uncover. It finishes on a twist that will make you wish for 100 more pages.
Thank you to Chelsea Conradt, NetGalley, and Poisoned Pen Press. I have written this review voluntarily and honestly.
Reading has always been a passion of mine. It brings me comfort. I believe certain books fall in your lap at the right time. This book fell into mine days after a close friend suffered a miscarriage. My heart fell into my stomach when I read the authors note at the beginning. I really appreciate her warning readers but also choosing a subject in her book that so many women experience.
The story is Coraline for adults. There’s some kind of creepy magic going on that will have you turning pages to uncover. It finishes on a twist that will make you wish for 100 more pages.
Thank you to Chelsea Conradt, NetGalley, and Poisoned Pen Press. I have written this review voluntarily and honestly.
February 20, 2026
First, I would like to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an ARC copy for my unbiased review.
We all hear stories about the Mother-in-law and how no one will ever be good enough for their child. Imagine your mother-in-law dies and now you and your spouse are tasked with cleaning up and preparing the estate for sale. This is where we find our main character Addison. She’s willing to do whatever she can for her husband to help him through this difficult time, but she’s not the first person to feel or do things for her husband, his mother was the first woman in his life.
Full of atmospheric suspense, puzzle piecing, and just sheer creepiness, the slow and steady discoveries keep you wondering what’s going to happen next. From a home that contains years of family history, a small town that is full of stories, dolls, and crows, there’s so much to be unpacked…literally. Can a marriage already suffering from a loss, survive a mother-in-law even if she’s dead? Join Addison as she pieces together a family history, struggles with the memory of her mother-in-law, and a husband she thought she knew.
This book has so many creepy elements and twists that keep you going, because just like Addison, you want to know what’s really going on.
We all hear stories about the Mother-in-law and how no one will ever be good enough for their child. Imagine your mother-in-law dies and now you and your spouse are tasked with cleaning up and preparing the estate for sale. This is where we find our main character Addison. She’s willing to do whatever she can for her husband to help him through this difficult time, but she’s not the first person to feel or do things for her husband, his mother was the first woman in his life.
Full of atmospheric suspense, puzzle piecing, and just sheer creepiness, the slow and steady discoveries keep you wondering what’s going to happen next. From a home that contains years of family history, a small town that is full of stories, dolls, and crows, there’s so much to be unpacked…literally. Can a marriage already suffering from a loss, survive a mother-in-law even if she’s dead? Join Addison as she pieces together a family history, struggles with the memory of her mother-in-law, and a husband she thought she knew.
This book has so many creepy elements and twists that keep you going, because just like Addison, you want to know what’s really going on.
June 2, 2026
Now that was creepy!!!
A slow burning story that I had to read with the lights on. Sinister dolls with real people’s names on the boxes and a murder of crows.. all it needed was a frightful clown and that would have killed me! Luke and his wife Addison are clearing out his mother’s house after her death. She was a bit of a hoarder and the place is a mess. Addison stumbles across a secret door which leads to a dark room filled with boxes filled with dolls. The house and the crows seem to be talking to her and giving her clues about something that has gone on in this house.
The ending shocked me, there were plenty of twists and turns throughout. Hard to say too much more without spoilers, but it was frightening 😱
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press on NetGalley for my copy of this book to read.
A slow burning story that I had to read with the lights on. Sinister dolls with real people’s names on the boxes and a murder of crows.. all it needed was a frightful clown and that would have killed me! Luke and his wife Addison are clearing out his mother’s house after her death. She was a bit of a hoarder and the place is a mess. Addison stumbles across a secret door which leads to a dark room filled with boxes filled with dolls. The house and the crows seem to be talking to her and giving her clues about something that has gone on in this house.
The ending shocked me, there were plenty of twists and turns throughout. Hard to say too much more without spoilers, but it was frightening 😱
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press on NetGalley for my copy of this book to read.
June 21, 2026
La premisa estaba buena, una mujer ayuda a su marido a vaciar la casa de su madre fallecida para venderla, y descubre un ático secreto lleno de muñecas perturbadoras con nombres de chicas. El problema es que el libro se vende como misterio, pero de misterio no tiene nada. Desde muy temprano me pareció obvio lo que estaba pasando, así que nunca sentí esa intriga o necesidad de seguir leyendo para descubrir la verdad.
Además, tiene algunos elementos sobrenaturales que aparecen y quedan sin explicación, como si la autora hubiera querido agregar algo inquietante pero después no supiera qué hacer con eso. La escritura tampoco me terminó de convencer, por momentos se me hizo bastante densa y usaba expresiones o modismos “juveniles” pero quedaban raros y poco naturales.
Creo que la idea base era buena, pero no la desarrolló bien. La “investigación” empieza bastante avanzada la historia, faltaron pistas falsas, más tensión y personajes que reaccionaran de forma creíble. Muchas veces sentí que actuaban como robots.
También me faltó contexto. Es de esos libros que terminás sintiendo que están a medio armar, faltan personajes, faltan detalles y faltan respuestas. Había material para hacer una historia realmente inquietante, pero para mí se quedó corta en casi todos los aspectos….
Además, tiene algunos elementos sobrenaturales que aparecen y quedan sin explicación, como si la autora hubiera querido agregar algo inquietante pero después no supiera qué hacer con eso. La escritura tampoco me terminó de convencer, por momentos se me hizo bastante densa y usaba expresiones o modismos “juveniles” pero quedaban raros y poco naturales.
Creo que la idea base era buena, pero no la desarrolló bien. La “investigación” empieza bastante avanzada la historia, faltaron pistas falsas, más tensión y personajes que reaccionaran de forma creíble. Muchas veces sentí que actuaban como robots.
También me faltó contexto. Es de esos libros que terminás sintiendo que están a medio armar, faltan personajes, faltan detalles y faltan respuestas. Había material para hacer una historia realmente inquietante, pero para mí se quedó corta en casi todos los aspectos….
June 25, 2026
A banger! Lowkey witchy vibes, small town secrets, dysfunctional relationships, and easy to fly through
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May 13, 2026
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**
DNF at 20%
I'm not adding a star review as I didn't finish the book so that wouldn't be entirely fair. I will say though, I have some thoughts.
As a professional editor and someone who has a degree in publishing and professional writing, I would never have moved this manuscript past the slush pile.
Technically and stylistically, this is a poorly written book, at least for adults. If I was the editor, I would've sent it back for either a full re-submission after the author took some more writing classes, or have them restructure it to a YA novel. The writing level is YA at most, and it could possibly do well in the age bracket.
Maybe I'm in the minority here, but personally I found the characters flat and unsubstantiated. Everything about the story and characters was derived from stereotypes and the dialogue...godawful. I saw another reviewer say it was like a teenager wrote the dialogue and that's an apt description.
I mean, given that James Patterson is one of the most popular authors in the world, and his writing was literally taught in my university program as an example of very poor quality writing, I'm sure The Secret Attic will do fine.
DNF at 20%
I'm not adding a star review as I didn't finish the book so that wouldn't be entirely fair. I will say though, I have some thoughts.
As a professional editor and someone who has a degree in publishing and professional writing, I would never have moved this manuscript past the slush pile.
Technically and stylistically, this is a poorly written book, at least for adults. If I was the editor, I would've sent it back for either a full re-submission after the author took some more writing classes, or have them restructure it to a YA novel. The writing level is YA at most, and it could possibly do well in the age bracket.
Maybe I'm in the minority here, but personally I found the characters flat and unsubstantiated. Everything about the story and characters was derived from stereotypes and the dialogue...godawful. I saw another reviewer say it was like a teenager wrote the dialogue and that's an apt description.
I mean, given that James Patterson is one of the most popular authors in the world, and his writing was literally taught in my university program as an example of very poor quality writing, I'm sure The Secret Attic will do fine.
April 13, 2026
I had high hopes going into this one but sadly it just left me disappointed. The premise sounded appealing to me but I wasn’t a fan of how the story was executed. The set up was good; a woman, helping her grieving husband take care of his late mother’s estate, finds mysterious things hidden that make her question who her mother-in-law actually was. I felt many things were repeated too often like the MC reiterating how much her MIL disliked her and how she needed to set her feelings aside to be there for her husband.
I did like the eeriness of the story but was still left with questions when it concluded. What was the role of the crows? How did the house seem to shapeshift? Was magic involved? I wanted to like this story more but the execution just was lacking.
I did like the eeriness of the story but was still left with questions when it concluded. What was the role of the crows? How did the house seem to shapeshift? Was magic involved? I wanted to like this story more but the execution just was lacking.
June 19, 2026
Lots of tension and suspense leading up to the ending, which was unexpected and not where I thought it was going 😳
Perfect for readers who love a slow burn and supernatural (on the lighter side).
Perfect for readers who love a slow burn and supernatural (on the lighter side).
June 16, 2026
Thank you to Poisoned Press for the ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Behind Every Closed Door
From the very first pages, The Secret Attic creates an unsettling atmosphere that seeps into every corner of the story. An inheritance that feels more like a punishment than a gift, a mother-in-law whose influence lingers long after death, and a house overflowing with secrets combine to create a mystery that constantly hints that something is deeply wrong.
The strongest aspect of this novel is undoubtedly its atmosphere. The sprawling estate feels alive in the most uncomfortable way. Dolls watching from dark corners, crows leaving strange gifts, rooms packed with decades of hoarded possessions, and ivy creeping across the house all contribute to a growing sense of unease. Chelsea Conradt excels at making ordinary objects feel threatening, turning clutter into clues and silence into suspicion.
Addison is an easy protagonist to root for. While sorting through Barb's belongings, she finds herself uncovering far more than family secrets. As the mystery surrounding Cassidy Warren begins to unfold, the tension steadily grows. At the same time, Luke's increasingly unsettling behavior adds another layer of uncertainty. The question is no longer what Barb was hiding, but who can still be trusted.
The novel shines most when exploring the toxic bonds that can exist within families. Grief, manipulation, obsession, and control weave through the story, creating a psychological edge that often proves more compelling than the mystery itself.
Unfortunately, the pacing occasionally struggles to maintain momentum. Some sections feel repetitive as Addison continues digging through Barb's possessions, and several reveals become predictable before they arrive. While the ending provides answers, it never fully reaches the emotional impact the build-up seemed to promise.
Even so, The Secret Attic remains an engaging psychological mystery filled with gothic undertones, family secrets, and a persistent feeling of dread. The house may be overflowing with clutter, but buried beneath it lies a story that keeps the pages turning.
Unreliable husband | Family secrets | Haunted inheritance | Missing girl mystery | Psychological paranoia | Gothic house | Dead mother-in-law influence | Gaslighting vibes | Small-town curse | Doll imagery horror | Domestic suspense | Secrets in the walls
Behind Every Closed Door
From the very first pages, The Secret Attic creates an unsettling atmosphere that seeps into every corner of the story. An inheritance that feels more like a punishment than a gift, a mother-in-law whose influence lingers long after death, and a house overflowing with secrets combine to create a mystery that constantly hints that something is deeply wrong.
The strongest aspect of this novel is undoubtedly its atmosphere. The sprawling estate feels alive in the most uncomfortable way. Dolls watching from dark corners, crows leaving strange gifts, rooms packed with decades of hoarded possessions, and ivy creeping across the house all contribute to a growing sense of unease. Chelsea Conradt excels at making ordinary objects feel threatening, turning clutter into clues and silence into suspicion.
Addison is an easy protagonist to root for. While sorting through Barb's belongings, she finds herself uncovering far more than family secrets. As the mystery surrounding Cassidy Warren begins to unfold, the tension steadily grows. At the same time, Luke's increasingly unsettling behavior adds another layer of uncertainty. The question is no longer what Barb was hiding, but who can still be trusted.
The novel shines most when exploring the toxic bonds that can exist within families. Grief, manipulation, obsession, and control weave through the story, creating a psychological edge that often proves more compelling than the mystery itself.
Unfortunately, the pacing occasionally struggles to maintain momentum. Some sections feel repetitive as Addison continues digging through Barb's possessions, and several reveals become predictable before they arrive. While the ending provides answers, it never fully reaches the emotional impact the build-up seemed to promise.
Even so, The Secret Attic remains an engaging psychological mystery filled with gothic undertones, family secrets, and a persistent feeling of dread. The house may be overflowing with clutter, but buried beneath it lies a story that keeps the pages turning.
Unreliable husband | Family secrets | Haunted inheritance | Missing girl mystery | Psychological paranoia | Gothic house | Dead mother-in-law influence | Gaslighting vibes | Small-town curse | Doll imagery horror | Domestic suspense | Secrets in the walls
June 9, 2026
The Secret Attic by Chelsea Conradt
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
3.5 stars
This has all the ingredients of a popcorn thriller. You know, a mysterious house, secrets hiding in dark corners, and suspicious behavior that makes you side eye everyone. It gave me strong McFadden vibes, which can be a compliment or a warning depending on your thriller preferences. I kept waiting for the story to hit the gas pedal, but for long stretches it felt like it was circling the block looking for a parking spot.
The mystery itself was occasionally enough to keep me turning pages, but I never felt completely invested in the characters or the story, really. There were a lot of secrets being kept, but I somehow wasn’t particularly concerned about uncovering any of them. There were moments of tension sprinkled throughout, but they were separated by a lot of repetitive questioning, suspicious glances, and me repeatedly checking how many chapters were left.
The ending finally delivered some twists, but it wasn’t enough to fully make up for the slower journey getting there. If you’re looking for a quick, bingeable thriller with a familiar domestic suspense formula, this one may work for you. For me, The Secret Attic landed squarely in the “entertaining enough, but forgettable by next week” category. Not terrible, not amazing, just a solid 3.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the digital advanced reader copy.
Publish date: June 2, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
3.5 stars
This has all the ingredients of a popcorn thriller. You know, a mysterious house, secrets hiding in dark corners, and suspicious behavior that makes you side eye everyone. It gave me strong McFadden vibes, which can be a compliment or a warning depending on your thriller preferences. I kept waiting for the story to hit the gas pedal, but for long stretches it felt like it was circling the block looking for a parking spot.
The mystery itself was occasionally enough to keep me turning pages, but I never felt completely invested in the characters or the story, really. There were a lot of secrets being kept, but I somehow wasn’t particularly concerned about uncovering any of them. There were moments of tension sprinkled throughout, but they were separated by a lot of repetitive questioning, suspicious glances, and me repeatedly checking how many chapters were left.
The ending finally delivered some twists, but it wasn’t enough to fully make up for the slower journey getting there. If you’re looking for a quick, bingeable thriller with a familiar domestic suspense formula, this one may work for you. For me, The Secret Attic landed squarely in the “entertaining enough, but forgettable by next week” category. Not terrible, not amazing, just a solid 3.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the digital advanced reader copy.
Publish date: June 2, 2026
April 15, 2026
I really enjoyed reading The Secret Attic by Chelsea Conradt and I would like to thank Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC for review consideration.
The following is my personal perspective on the book.
The Secret Attic It’s a deliciously creepy tale of a son tasked with clearing out his childhood home after the passing of his socialite mother… from the unfavoured daughter-in-law’s POV.
As Luke and Addison begin to sift through the vast amount of belongings his mother Barb has accumulated over the years, Addison discovers a hidden room beyond her mother-in-law’s closet. Within this secret room, Addison finds a mountain of boxes; each labeled with the name of a woman. Who are these women? She has even more questions when she looks inside and the contents causes her blood to run cold.
This book was a slow burn and although I found the first half a little repetitive, I enjoyed the character development for both the living and deceased. The overall concept of this book was really intriguing (and creepy!) which kept me wanting to read more.
3.75 ⭐️
The following is my personal perspective on the book.
The Secret Attic It’s a deliciously creepy tale of a son tasked with clearing out his childhood home after the passing of his socialite mother… from the unfavoured daughter-in-law’s POV.
As Luke and Addison begin to sift through the vast amount of belongings his mother Barb has accumulated over the years, Addison discovers a hidden room beyond her mother-in-law’s closet. Within this secret room, Addison finds a mountain of boxes; each labeled with the name of a woman. Who are these women? She has even more questions when she looks inside and the contents causes her blood to run cold.
This book was a slow burn and although I found the first half a little repetitive, I enjoyed the character development for both the living and deceased. The overall concept of this book was really intriguing (and creepy!) which kept me wanting to read more.
3.75 ⭐️
June 5, 2026
This is not my typical genre, but I really enjoyed it. Chelsea Conradt manages to write things as eerie but not gory, which definitely is more my vibe. While it is a quick read, I did wish at times that the story moved a bit faster but overall would recommend this as a great read for someone traveling or relaxing on a decidedly less eerie beach. I will definitely be reading others by Chelsea. Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced copy!
June 3, 2026
Sadly, this one didn’t live up to my expectations. It’s never a good sign when a book takes me over a month to finish because I keep setting it aside in favor of more engaging reads.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary eARC from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to read it ahead of publication.
The premise immediately grabbed my attention, and the crows are basically my spirit animal, so I was excited to see how they would factor into the story. Unfortunately, their presence never felt fully developed or satisfactorily resolved. Instead, they seemed to be woven into the plot without a clear purpose, alongside several other story elements that were introduced but ultimately left dangling. By the end, there were simply too many unanswered questions and plot threads that never came together.
Another issue for me was the occasional word choice, which felt surprisingly juvenile and out of step with the rest of the prose. On the positive side, the writing is straightforward and free of unnecessary fluff, which is something I appreciate in a thriller. However, those jarring moments stood out even more because of the otherwise clean writing style.
The pacing was also incredibly slow, with a significant amount of repetition that didn’t seem to move the story forward. Overall, the book would have benefited from tighter editing and a more focused narrative.
One thing prospective readers should know is that the story does lean into supernatural elements. While the execution didn’t work for me, I actually enjoyed that aspect and felt it added an eerie atmosphere to the novel.
In the end, this is a book that had all the ingredients for a compelling thriller, but the execution never quite came together. Despite its strong premise and unsettling atmosphere, it ultimately left me wishing the story had delivered on the promise of its intriguing setup.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary eARC from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to read it ahead of publication.
The premise immediately grabbed my attention, and the crows are basically my spirit animal, so I was excited to see how they would factor into the story. Unfortunately, their presence never felt fully developed or satisfactorily resolved. Instead, they seemed to be woven into the plot without a clear purpose, alongside several other story elements that were introduced but ultimately left dangling. By the end, there were simply too many unanswered questions and plot threads that never came together.
Another issue for me was the occasional word choice, which felt surprisingly juvenile and out of step with the rest of the prose. On the positive side, the writing is straightforward and free of unnecessary fluff, which is something I appreciate in a thriller. However, those jarring moments stood out even more because of the otherwise clean writing style.
The pacing was also incredibly slow, with a significant amount of repetition that didn’t seem to move the story forward. Overall, the book would have benefited from tighter editing and a more focused narrative.
One thing prospective readers should know is that the story does lean into supernatural elements. While the execution didn’t work for me, I actually enjoyed that aspect and felt it added an eerie atmosphere to the novel.
In the end, this is a book that had all the ingredients for a compelling thriller, but the execution never quite came together. Despite its strong premise and unsettling atmosphere, it ultimately left me wishing the story had delivered on the promise of its intriguing setup.
June 8, 2026
This is a thriller, mystery packed novel with a touch of horror that will keep you wanting the truth!
Luke and Addison are each other’s sole mates which explains why Addison is right there by Luke’s side when he loses his mother and they are challenged to clear out her cluttered estate.
The “clutter” has more secrets than anyone knows , dolls with shifting eyes and “real” hair. Addison is trying to “handle” Mrs. Lowe’s room but the ornate door in the closet leading to an ever changing “secret attic” keeps calling her back in more ways than one.
The house is a ghostly pulsing spirit of Luke’s mother but it seems there are more spirits there than just hers. Boxes filled with oddities has Addison questioning Luke and he continually brushes her off until he can’t anymore. The boxes have names written on them, one of them is Luke’s high school girlfriend’s little sister, Cassidy, who’s been missing for years.
The twisted grabbing vines from the floorboard are trying to give Addison a message! For a small town, Rockside Bay, off the Oregon Coast has had their fair share of tragedy’s and “accidents” including Addison’s when she miscarried. Coincidence?
I loved the crows and their role since I have my own crows 🐦⬛ in my backyard , I will never look at them the same. I loved this twisted read. For me, a little slower in the middle but it didn’t keep me from wanting more. It developed the characters and gave the structure it needed to understand the depth of Luke and Addison. Just when you think things are tied up in a nice bow, the SHOCK will make you shutter, keep reading!
Thanks to @authorchelseaconradt @poisonedpenpress @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Luke and Addison are each other’s sole mates which explains why Addison is right there by Luke’s side when he loses his mother and they are challenged to clear out her cluttered estate.
The “clutter” has more secrets than anyone knows , dolls with shifting eyes and “real” hair. Addison is trying to “handle” Mrs. Lowe’s room but the ornate door in the closet leading to an ever changing “secret attic” keeps calling her back in more ways than one.
The house is a ghostly pulsing spirit of Luke’s mother but it seems there are more spirits there than just hers. Boxes filled with oddities has Addison questioning Luke and he continually brushes her off until he can’t anymore. The boxes have names written on them, one of them is Luke’s high school girlfriend’s little sister, Cassidy, who’s been missing for years.
The twisted grabbing vines from the floorboard are trying to give Addison a message! For a small town, Rockside Bay, off the Oregon Coast has had their fair share of tragedy’s and “accidents” including Addison’s when she miscarried. Coincidence?
I loved the crows and their role since I have my own crows 🐦⬛ in my backyard , I will never look at them the same. I loved this twisted read. For me, a little slower in the middle but it didn’t keep me from wanting more. It developed the characters and gave the structure it needed to understand the depth of Luke and Addison. Just when you think things are tied up in a nice bow, the SHOCK will make you shutter, keep reading!
Thanks to @authorchelseaconradt @poisonedpenpress @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 30, 2026
Hoarding: a compulsion to collect things in mass quantities, that the hoarder has attached some intense emotional attachment too, that hinders the hoarder’s ability to process a difficult or trying time in their life and moving forward.
The story of The Secret Attic is an uncovering of a deeply unsettled time in the recently deceased, Barb Lowe’s life and the hoarding that seems to have hidden a plethora of disturbing behaviors and issues.
Barb, as the reader learns showed no affection to daughter in law, Addison and now as loathsome as it could be, Addison must aid her husband in cleaning out the house, but what if one item removed sets off a chain reaction of seemingly impossible events? Events that puts husband, Luke and his bizarre childhood in a bad light?
This second story from Chelsea Conradt is just as sinister in its depictions of dysfunctional families, and the darker side of motherhood as her first story, The Farmhouse; where that one displayed the shivers and shadowy monsters, this one delves deep into darkened souls.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for this intensely dark arc of motherhood and all its “trappings”!,
The story of The Secret Attic is an uncovering of a deeply unsettled time in the recently deceased, Barb Lowe’s life and the hoarding that seems to have hidden a plethora of disturbing behaviors and issues.
Barb, as the reader learns showed no affection to daughter in law, Addison and now as loathsome as it could be, Addison must aid her husband in cleaning out the house, but what if one item removed sets off a chain reaction of seemingly impossible events? Events that puts husband, Luke and his bizarre childhood in a bad light?
This second story from Chelsea Conradt is just as sinister in its depictions of dysfunctional families, and the darker side of motherhood as her first story, The Farmhouse; where that one displayed the shivers and shadowy monsters, this one delves deep into darkened souls.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for this intensely dark arc of motherhood and all its “trappings”!,
April 15, 2026
The Secret Attic is dark, unsettling, drama, and creepy.
This was a tense, atmospheric read that kept me curious to uncover what was really going on behind closed doors. I thought the storyline was different and unique, which kept my attention page after page.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, and Chelsea Conradt for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This was a tense, atmospheric read that kept me curious to uncover what was really going on behind closed doors. I thought the storyline was different and unique, which kept my attention page after page.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, and Chelsea Conradt for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
April 7, 2026
After reading Chelsea Conradt’s debut last year, she’s become an author whose books I have to read. The Secret Attic was the perfect creepy, gothic thriller.
It’s a slow burn, which really helps build the tension. Although I will say, some parts were kind of repetitive which sort of dragged it out. I loved Addison as a main character, I found the dolls creepy as hell and overall the book had some excellent twists and a satisfying ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
It’s a slow burn, which really helps build the tension. Although I will say, some parts were kind of repetitive which sort of dragged it out. I loved Addison as a main character, I found the dolls creepy as hell and overall the book had some excellent twists and a satisfying ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
March 16, 2026
Thank you to net gallery and Poison Pen Press for this ARC.
The Secret Attic is a slow burn Gothic thriller that takes place in Oregon. Addison Lowe’s mother-in-law has recently passed away. Addison and her husband Luke return to his childhood home to clear out her belongings. Addison and her mother-in-law never got along. Barb seemed to have an open dislike for Addison, so she wasn’t sad to hear of her passing.
As they’re cleaning out the house, Addison finds a secret attic. The door of the attic is and her mother-in-law’s bedroom. When Addison opens the door, she finds a room full of boxes with girls names on them. As she starts to open some of the boxes, she finds creepy porcelain dolls, as well as some of the girls belongings. What unfolds is a mystery surrounding why does Barb have these things? Does Luke know these girls? And what happened to them?
I found the story, Yuri and suspenseful and the best possible ways. There’s a hint of the supernatural that makes you wonder. Is this a ghost story or a mystery. I found out was a very likable character and I was rooting for her throughout the story. However, I did find the book a bit slow. There is minimal dialogue between Addison and Luke as well as other characters in the story. Mainly what you’re reading about is Addison’s experiences in Barb’s house as she sorts through the attic. The story does pick up at the end and many of the loose threads are nicely tied up. The book ends on a little bit of a cliffhanger and leaves the story open to a sequel if the author is so desires. Overall, I’d recommend a secret in the attic for those who like mystery, especially Gothic mysteries.
The Secret Attic is a slow burn Gothic thriller that takes place in Oregon. Addison Lowe’s mother-in-law has recently passed away. Addison and her husband Luke return to his childhood home to clear out her belongings. Addison and her mother-in-law never got along. Barb seemed to have an open dislike for Addison, so she wasn’t sad to hear of her passing.
As they’re cleaning out the house, Addison finds a secret attic. The door of the attic is and her mother-in-law’s bedroom. When Addison opens the door, she finds a room full of boxes with girls names on them. As she starts to open some of the boxes, she finds creepy porcelain dolls, as well as some of the girls belongings. What unfolds is a mystery surrounding why does Barb have these things? Does Luke know these girls? And what happened to them?
I found the story, Yuri and suspenseful and the best possible ways. There’s a hint of the supernatural that makes you wonder. Is this a ghost story or a mystery. I found out was a very likable character and I was rooting for her throughout the story. However, I did find the book a bit slow. There is minimal dialogue between Addison and Luke as well as other characters in the story. Mainly what you’re reading about is Addison’s experiences in Barb’s house as she sorts through the attic. The story does pick up at the end and many of the loose threads are nicely tied up. The book ends on a little bit of a cliffhanger and leaves the story open to a sequel if the author is so desires. Overall, I’d recommend a secret in the attic for those who like mystery, especially Gothic mysteries.
June 3, 2026
The Secret Attic by Chelsea Conrad, Addison has accompanied her husband to Oregon to help clean out his mother‘s house who recently passed away. Addison was well aware of the fact her mother-in-law had something close to the stain for her and the fact that she’s now deceased doesn’t at all calm Addison’s mind. They have also recently lost a baby something Addison mentioned time and time again but how that she’s keeping her grieving at a minimum so as to help her husband look process I bet she said this at least 20 times. She also said dozen of times that she was there to help Luke and that she would be by his side to help him… What… You guessed it process it. It seems dear departed mil was a hoarder of the best variety she would buy boxes and boxes of brand new top-tier items like Sephora Jimmy Choo and just never opened the box and there were many mini boxes. When Luke asked Addison to clean out his mother’s room she agrees despite her hesitant and it’s there that she finds a door in the closet to a secret addict or at least the first one. The things she finds in the attic will bring up questions that her beloved husband Luke not only refuses to answer but his adamant about the fact they just forget it. All Addison can do is keep moving on because as she reminds us she’s there to help Lucas process despite still mourning for her loss Baby. I’m only saying that because that’s how it mentioned in the book frequently and all the time. She does take refuge in the garden with the crows who her husband Lucas as well as his departed mother have totally adverse opinions they think they’re dangerous. They lae in wait to get revenge and he doesn’t want Addison feeding them at all. soon Addison becomes aware her and Luke are not the only ones in the house and she definitely doesn’t know how to feel about that but she’s going to stay to help Luke because she’s a good wife and that’s what good wives do. things are getting even worse when she starts having nightmares that affect her daily life with messages and warnings and the girl she sees in her dreams will soon appear to her during the day as well, not to mention the feathers she finds in the strangest places. this book bordered all the creepy and unsettling but due to all the repetition and irritants like that I found it hard to get into the book because I mean the author does to repeat almost everything she says 1 million times having said that I still read the book all the way through with no brakes and I think others would really like this book because my yucks are not yours so I would still recommend it definitely. #NedGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
Read
May 27, 2026We've all heard the horror stories of a Mother in law who believes that no one will ever be good enough for her son. Chelsea Conradt took that to the next level and said here, clean out her house and find a secret attic full of creepy dolls while you're at it!
After just experiencing a loss as a couple, Addison is trying to navigate her own grief while supporting her husband, Luke through the loss of his mother, Barb, who has never liked her.
Addison takes full control of sorting the house while compartmentalizing her own emotions and swallowing her disdain for her late Mother in law to be a supportive wife to Luke.
After going through Barb's room, creepy things start taking place. Addison uncovers a secret attic full of boxes with women's names on them, porcelain dolls with life-like eyes that seem to follow her, and weird vines that somehow grow into the house?
The atmosphere was quite creepy. The pacing was a little off for me personally. I'm unsure if that was just my preference, or if that was to be intentional of the "fever dream" Addison could be experiencing in the house. I really enjoyed Conradt's writing style, and I did fly through this book in a day racing to get some of my theories proven right or wrong. Unfortunately at the end we are still left with quite a few things unanswered. I don't mind an ambiguous ending, but this felt too rushed. Even an epilogue, or an extra POV from Barb or Luke would have changed my experience with the book.
Luke is a horrible person and no matter how much Addison described her devotion to him or how amazing he was, that just solidified how much of a crap bag he is. Conradt did nail the "infuriating husband in a thriller" trope. Trust a murder of Crows before you trust a Mama's boy! (or your evil Mother in law)
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this early. All opinions are my own.
After just experiencing a loss as a couple, Addison is trying to navigate her own grief while supporting her husband, Luke through the loss of his mother, Barb, who has never liked her.
Addison takes full control of sorting the house while compartmentalizing her own emotions and swallowing her disdain for her late Mother in law to be a supportive wife to Luke.
After going through Barb's room, creepy things start taking place. Addison uncovers a secret attic full of boxes with women's names on them, porcelain dolls with life-like eyes that seem to follow her, and weird vines that somehow grow into the house?
The atmosphere was quite creepy. The pacing was a little off for me personally. I'm unsure if that was just my preference, or if that was to be intentional of the "fever dream" Addison could be experiencing in the house. I really enjoyed Conradt's writing style, and I did fly through this book in a day racing to get some of my theories proven right or wrong. Unfortunately at the end we are still left with quite a few things unanswered. I don't mind an ambiguous ending, but this felt too rushed. Even an epilogue, or an extra POV from Barb or Luke would have changed my experience with the book.
Luke is a horrible person and no matter how much Addison described her devotion to him or how amazing he was, that just solidified how much of a crap bag he is. Conradt did nail the "infuriating husband in a thriller" trope. Trust a murder of Crows before you trust a Mama's boy! (or your evil Mother in law)
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this early. All opinions are my own.
June 9, 2026
2.5 rounded down
Addison and her husband, Luke, are back in Rockside Bay to clean out Luke's mother's estate after her death. This task is incredibly difficult for Addison, not only because her former mother-in-law hated her, but because Barb was also a hoarder. Every room is packed with brand new items to sift through, and as Addison gets deeper into the mess, more secrets are waiting to be discovered. Strange things also start happening the more she uncovers - Luke starts to act in odd ways, ivy is growing into the house, and a murder of crows takes up residence in the backyard. The strangest thing is all of the dolls hidden in the attic. Each doll seems to be connected to a resident of Rockside Bay who has suffered some kind of tragedy. Was Barb behind all of this bad luck? And what will Addison find the more she digs? Was she next on Barb's list before her death?
Ugh, I wanted to love this one so much! The premise was great, but the execution fell very flat for me. I struggled to get through it, as nothing really happened until about 80% of the way through. Some of the twists were obvious from the start, too. I love haunted house-type vibes, and this wasn't really giving it. I would have loved to have more in the book about the crows and the ivy. I feel like that would have added the extra creepy element to make the story addictive. I appreciate the grief element of the book and how different people handle grief in different ways. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book. I think if you're looking for a good summer thriller, others will tick more of your boxes. Though I seem to be in the minority here.
Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Chelsea Conradt for a copy of this book. I received this ARC for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Addison and her husband, Luke, are back in Rockside Bay to clean out Luke's mother's estate after her death. This task is incredibly difficult for Addison, not only because her former mother-in-law hated her, but because Barb was also a hoarder. Every room is packed with brand new items to sift through, and as Addison gets deeper into the mess, more secrets are waiting to be discovered. Strange things also start happening the more she uncovers - Luke starts to act in odd ways, ivy is growing into the house, and a murder of crows takes up residence in the backyard. The strangest thing is all of the dolls hidden in the attic. Each doll seems to be connected to a resident of Rockside Bay who has suffered some kind of tragedy. Was Barb behind all of this bad luck? And what will Addison find the more she digs? Was she next on Barb's list before her death?
Ugh, I wanted to love this one so much! The premise was great, but the execution fell very flat for me. I struggled to get through it, as nothing really happened until about 80% of the way through. Some of the twists were obvious from the start, too. I love haunted house-type vibes, and this wasn't really giving it. I would have loved to have more in the book about the crows and the ivy. I feel like that would have added the extra creepy element to make the story addictive. I appreciate the grief element of the book and how different people handle grief in different ways. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book. I think if you're looking for a good summer thriller, others will tick more of your boxes. Though I seem to be in the minority here.
Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Chelsea Conradt for a copy of this book. I received this ARC for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.
June 10, 2026
A grieving family returns to an old house to clear out the past… only to uncover handmade dolls that look disturbingly like people in town, including the FMC- Addison herself. From that chilling premise alone, The Secret Attic hooked me, and its creeping sense of dread never let go!
The atmosphere in this book was easily my favourite part. The decaying house, locked rooms, cold spots, mysterious dolls, and ever-present crows created a constant feeling of unease. The house felt so vivid and alive that it became a character in its own right. I also loved Addison’s monologues- she was sharp, relatable, and just suspicious enough to have me questioning everything alongside her.
The first half moves at a slower pace and occasionally felt repetitive, but once the story starts revealing its secrets, I was completely hooked. The twists kept coming, and that final reveal genuinely gave me chills!
I also ended up listening to the audiobook when it released, and Brittany Pressley absolutely nailed the narration. She brought Addison’s anxiety, curiosity, and growing sense of dread to life so effortlessly that I found myself even more immersed in the story. Her performance added another layer of tension to an already atmospheric read and made those creepy moments hit even harder.
Part gothic horror, part domestic thriller, and packed with buried secrets, grief, manipulation, and mystery, this was an eerie, addictive read that had me side-eyeing every creak in my house.
If you enjoy slow-burn thrillers, haunted-house vibes, creepy dolls, and stories that keep you guessing until the very last page, definitely add this one to your TBR!
Thank you to @poisonedpenpress for early access to this eARC.
The atmosphere in this book was easily my favourite part. The decaying house, locked rooms, cold spots, mysterious dolls, and ever-present crows created a constant feeling of unease. The house felt so vivid and alive that it became a character in its own right. I also loved Addison’s monologues- she was sharp, relatable, and just suspicious enough to have me questioning everything alongside her.
The first half moves at a slower pace and occasionally felt repetitive, but once the story starts revealing its secrets, I was completely hooked. The twists kept coming, and that final reveal genuinely gave me chills!
I also ended up listening to the audiobook when it released, and Brittany Pressley absolutely nailed the narration. She brought Addison’s anxiety, curiosity, and growing sense of dread to life so effortlessly that I found myself even more immersed in the story. Her performance added another layer of tension to an already atmospheric read and made those creepy moments hit even harder.
Part gothic horror, part domestic thriller, and packed with buried secrets, grief, manipulation, and mystery, this was an eerie, addictive read that had me side-eyeing every creak in my house.
If you enjoy slow-burn thrillers, haunted-house vibes, creepy dolls, and stories that keep you guessing until the very last page, definitely add this one to your TBR!
Thank you to @poisonedpenpress for early access to this eARC.
June 2, 2026
That’s definitely a fever dream type of a book. I liked the concept of a murder mystery with a cruel mother-in-law. But I don’t think that I’m that much into it, even the creepy dolls (the trope that scars me the most) failed to capture me. It feels to me that a lot of things were put there just for the sake of being scary or mysterious. I’m still not sure what part the crows, the vines, the icy drafts, the neck tingles, the ghostly hands leaving bruises and all that play. Are they trying to help or stop or have some other motivation?
My favorite part was the couple, Addison and Luke. Their relationship is just the most green flag relationship I’ve ever seen in a book. It was a joy to observe them and every time I thought, alright here the shit goes down, either of them will pull through with solid communication.
The annoying part was Addison’s “Excuse me?!” at every turn. Yes, it’s definitely justified and conveys the right emotion, but so much that it became cringy.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sharing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own
My favorite part was the couple, Addison and Luke. Their relationship is just the most green flag relationship I’ve ever seen in a book. It was a joy to observe them and every time I thought, alright here the shit goes down, either of them will pull through with solid communication.
The annoying part was Addison’s “Excuse me?!” at every turn. Yes, it’s definitely justified and conveys the right emotion, but so much that it became cringy.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sharing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own
June 1, 2026
3★
This was a super interesting concept! I enjoyed the subtle supernatural vibes, and I am a sucker for thrilling and almost disturbing horror stories. Addison was a strong and well fleshed-out protagonist, and there were plenty of intriguing twists and plot points.
However, the pacing was off with this. I understand it was meant to be a slow burn mystery, but it was too slow in some points. I also had quite a few unanswered questions at the end where I feel like the book lacked clarity.
Luke was boring and I did not like him.
This had a very intriguing plot and was very imaginative, but overall wasn’t executed as well as I’d hoped.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the digital review copy in exchange for a review.
This was a super interesting concept! I enjoyed the subtle supernatural vibes, and I am a sucker for thrilling and almost disturbing horror stories. Addison was a strong and well fleshed-out protagonist, and there were plenty of intriguing twists and plot points.
However, the pacing was off with this. I understand it was meant to be a slow burn mystery, but it was too slow in some points. I also had quite a few unanswered questions at the end where I feel like the book lacked clarity.
Luke was boring and I did not like him.
This had a very intriguing plot and was very imaginative, but overall wasn’t executed as well as I’d hoped.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the digital review copy in exchange for a review.
June 16, 2026
Massive thanks to Chelsea Conradt, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy of The Secret Attic. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.
The story is told from the POV of Addison, who is helping her husband, Luke, clear out his mother's home after her death. Luke is understandably grieving, while Addison is just doing her best to support him in what is an uncomfortable environment for her due to a difficult relationship with her deceased mother-in-law. She also has her own unresolved grief to contend with.
It all starts out quite innocuous, with the two of them steadily working through the house's belongings. Luke's mum was a serious hoarder so there is plenty of work to be done.
Everything changes, though, when Addison finds a secret door hidden in the back of her mother-in-law's closet. That's when things start to get really weird!
This book was seriously creepy. As a reader, I felt just as unsettled as Addison by the setting. Whether its the dolls with real hair that resemble local women, the persistent and seemingly friendly (?) crows in the garden, or Luke's distinctly sketchy behaviour, I never felt like I could fully settle while reading it.
I'll admit that it took me a little while to vibe with Addison as a character but I came to really feel for her and get a sense of who she was as a person. I enjoyed the slightly dry and sarcastic tone that the author achieved in her voice.
My head was spinning as the book reached its conclusion and things just got more and more messed up. I had genuine goosebumps in the final few pages and by the final words I was gasping in disbelief as the full extent of events finally became clear.
It was a strong four-star read for the majority of the book but the final chapter pushed it up to a definite five stars. A must read!
The story is told from the POV of Addison, who is helping her husband, Luke, clear out his mother's home after her death. Luke is understandably grieving, while Addison is just doing her best to support him in what is an uncomfortable environment for her due to a difficult relationship with her deceased mother-in-law. She also has her own unresolved grief to contend with.
It all starts out quite innocuous, with the two of them steadily working through the house's belongings. Luke's mum was a serious hoarder so there is plenty of work to be done.
Everything changes, though, when Addison finds a secret door hidden in the back of her mother-in-law's closet. That's when things start to get really weird!
This book was seriously creepy. As a reader, I felt just as unsettled as Addison by the setting. Whether its the dolls with real hair that resemble local women, the persistent and seemingly friendly (?) crows in the garden, or Luke's distinctly sketchy behaviour, I never felt like I could fully settle while reading it.
I'll admit that it took me a little while to vibe with Addison as a character but I came to really feel for her and get a sense of who she was as a person. I enjoyed the slightly dry and sarcastic tone that the author achieved in her voice.
My head was spinning as the book reached its conclusion and things just got more and more messed up. I had genuine goosebumps in the final few pages and by the final words I was gasping in disbelief as the full extent of events finally became clear.
It was a strong four-star read for the majority of the book but the final chapter pushed it up to a definite five stars. A must read!
June 27, 2026
There are some doors YOU should never OPEN figuratively or physically in THIS CASE!!!
🐦⬛
This story is atmospheric, creepy, leave the lights on and all the things you want in a thriller.
🐦⬛
A hidden door! NOPE, NADA, but curiosity always wins. You know when you’re reading and you know not to go in the basement or attic!!! Imagine a hidden door.
🐦⬛
She had me at CREEPY dolls, ghosts, mother-in-law drama and crows!
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If you get a chance to hear this author speak she is very personable and interesting. Now I am going to read her debut.
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This story is atmospheric, creepy, leave the lights on and all the things you want in a thriller.
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A hidden door! NOPE, NADA, but curiosity always wins. You know when you’re reading and you know not to go in the basement or attic!!! Imagine a hidden door.
🐦⬛
She had me at CREEPY dolls, ghosts, mother-in-law drama and crows!
🐦⬛
If you get a chance to hear this author speak she is very personable and interesting. Now I am going to read her debut.
April 3, 2026
ARC Review:✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’m mere feet from a dead person. A murder victim-no one who dies from natural causes gets hidden beneath the begonias.”
My first read from @authorchelseaconradt & @poisonedpenpress and it did not disappoint ✨
A slow-burn thriller layered with rich character depth, haunting flashbacks, and a thread of romance woven throughout. The storytelling really shines in how vividly each scene is painted—you feel completely immersed in the main character’s world.
It’s definitely a longer read (word count TBD since it’s not yet published), but one that rewards your patience. I’m so glad I stayed with it… that twist at the end made it all worth it
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’m mere feet from a dead person. A murder victim-no one who dies from natural causes gets hidden beneath the begonias.”
My first read from @authorchelseaconradt & @poisonedpenpress and it did not disappoint ✨
A slow-burn thriller layered with rich character depth, haunting flashbacks, and a thread of romance woven throughout. The storytelling really shines in how vividly each scene is painted—you feel completely immersed in the main character’s world.
It’s definitely a longer read (word count TBD since it’s not yet published), but one that rewards your patience. I’m so glad I stayed with it… that twist at the end made it all worth it
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