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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
4 books238 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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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Secret Attic by Chelsae Conradt
3.65 rounded up to 4🔮orbs
Est. Pub. Date: June 2, 2026
Poisoned Pen Press
In the cobwebs…
💡 Orbs Prologue: Small dust particles float amongst a sliver of light that peaks through a webbed crack in the darkness of an otherwise spider-infested attic. The soft thuds of carpeted footsteps echo outside a hidden door. An executioner or a savior, both would be a welcome sight through all this naked silence. Peace in my death, I suppose that is how it should be, but yet I am restless and vindictive. My friends, the murder of crows, have attempted to help, but to no avail. 'Tis a miserable life sitting with a porcelain head and glass eyeballs that appear as if weeping from a distance. Their shiny gloss tells a grim story. Shocking secrets have tormented the lives of many in the small community of Rockside Bay…who is to blame?
🧐 A small glimpse: Addison and Luke Lowe, husband and wife, have returned to Luke’s hometown to clean up his childhood home after his mother, Barb, has passed. Addison’s history with Barb was tempestuous during the best of times, as Addison failed to live up to Barb’s high expectations. Her son deserved better. During the uncomfortable unpacking of Barb’s expensive property, it becomes clear that more is afoot here. Questions begin to hinder Addison’s ability to get in and get out quickly, as something begins to orbit her, in need of help. Chelsea Conradt has concocted a novel that will have you second-guessing entering an attic by your lonesome while simultaneously questioning your closest relationships.
👍 Orbs Pros: A small oceanside village horror vibe! I dug it! Where everyone knew everyone’s business, or so they thought! Backstories become crucial in lending some quite interesting breadcrumbs for the reader to ponder. Empathy for Addison! Conradt did a great job of constructing Addison’s character. I was interested in watching my girl figure out the truth!
👎 Orbs Cons: Lacked a serious “scary” moment! A disturbing mood rolled in like fog throughout, but behind the veil, there was a missing punch to the gut that I may have desired. Were there any surprises? Hmmm! Somewhat debatable! The story closes with food for thought!
Slightly Recommended: Was it good? Yes! However, nothing blew me away. That is to say, you must be the judge here! If you love horror that rests on more of a psychological level, without a ton of grotesqueness, this very well may be one to seek out.
💡 Orbs Epilogue: The woman of the house? Or perhaps her son has come. Who can I trust? My lifeless limbs flop as if my soul has been siphoned from existence, and in reality, I suppose that is the truth. Boxes upon boxes, stacked in the other room, hold pertinent clues that might surely reveal the truth. For I am not the only victim. There are others, and we sit and wait for a release from this material world. Our doll-like figures, sculpted eerily to resemble our living bodies, await you, dear reader. Can you help us?
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC through NetGalley. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3.65 rounded up to 4🔮orbs
Est. Pub. Date: June 2, 2026
Poisoned Pen Press
In the cobwebs…
💡 Orbs Prologue: Small dust particles float amongst a sliver of light that peaks through a webbed crack in the darkness of an otherwise spider-infested attic. The soft thuds of carpeted footsteps echo outside a hidden door. An executioner or a savior, both would be a welcome sight through all this naked silence. Peace in my death, I suppose that is how it should be, but yet I am restless and vindictive. My friends, the murder of crows, have attempted to help, but to no avail. 'Tis a miserable life sitting with a porcelain head and glass eyeballs that appear as if weeping from a distance. Their shiny gloss tells a grim story. Shocking secrets have tormented the lives of many in the small community of Rockside Bay…who is to blame?
🧐 A small glimpse: Addison and Luke Lowe, husband and wife, have returned to Luke’s hometown to clean up his childhood home after his mother, Barb, has passed. Addison’s history with Barb was tempestuous during the best of times, as Addison failed to live up to Barb’s high expectations. Her son deserved better. During the uncomfortable unpacking of Barb’s expensive property, it becomes clear that more is afoot here. Questions begin to hinder Addison’s ability to get in and get out quickly, as something begins to orbit her, in need of help. Chelsea Conradt has concocted a novel that will have you second-guessing entering an attic by your lonesome while simultaneously questioning your closest relationships.
👍 Orbs Pros: A small oceanside village horror vibe! I dug it! Where everyone knew everyone’s business, or so they thought! Backstories become crucial in lending some quite interesting breadcrumbs for the reader to ponder. Empathy for Addison! Conradt did a great job of constructing Addison’s character. I was interested in watching my girl figure out the truth!
👎 Orbs Cons: Lacked a serious “scary” moment! A disturbing mood rolled in like fog throughout, but behind the veil, there was a missing punch to the gut that I may have desired. Were there any surprises? Hmmm! Somewhat debatable! The story closes with food for thought!
Slightly Recommended: Was it good? Yes! However, nothing blew me away. That is to say, you must be the judge here! If you love horror that rests on more of a psychological level, without a ton of grotesqueness, this very well may be one to seek out.
💡 Orbs Epilogue: The woman of the house? Or perhaps her son has come. Who can I trust? My lifeless limbs flop as if my soul has been siphoned from existence, and in reality, I suppose that is the truth. Boxes upon boxes, stacked in the other room, hold pertinent clues that might surely reveal the truth. For I am not the only victim. There are others, and we sit and wait for a release from this material world. Our doll-like figures, sculpted eerily to resemble our living bodies, await you, dear reader. Can you help us?
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC through NetGalley. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted to love this book because the premise had so much potential, and there were definitely moments that pulled me in. The atmosphere was creepy enough to keep me turning the pages, and I liked the mystery surrounding the attic and everything hidden inside it.
That being said, it just felt like something was missing for me. I kept waiting for the scares to really hit, but most of the time the tension never fully paid off. It wasn’t bad by any means, and I was still invested enough to finish it, but I wanted more genuinely unsettling moments and a bigger emotional payoff in the end.
Overall, this wasn’t the worst thriller/horror read I’ve picked up, but it didn’t quite deliver the level of fear and suspense I was hoping for. A solid 3 star read for me.
That being said, it just felt like something was missing for me. I kept waiting for the scares to really hit, but most of the time the tension never fully paid off. It wasn’t bad by any means, and I was still invested enough to finish it, but I wanted more genuinely unsettling moments and a bigger emotional payoff in the end.
Overall, this wasn’t the worst thriller/horror read I’ve picked up, but it didn’t quite deliver the level of fear and suspense I was hoping for. A solid 3 star read for me.
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?
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 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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really liked Chelsea Condrat The Farmhouse so when I seen she had The Secret Attic coming out I got very excited. This is one of my most anticipated releases of 2026 and much like The Farmhouse I really enjoyed this book. It’s definitely a more slow paced thriller/horror but I hadn’t mind the pacing, I felt that it gave a fair amount of time to really get to know both of our main characters. I really liked Addison and Luke, they were a nice couple to follow and I felt like they had a nice genuine connection to one another. Some of my favorite parts of the story was just them talking and being each others shoulder to lean on.
When they start to go through boxes the tension of the plot thickens. The writing does a really good job of creating a tense, suspenseful, and eerie atmosphere. These dolls weren’t the only thing that was downright creepy about this story, there were plenty of other more horror aspects that I hadn’t seen coming but played so nicely into this book. The Secret Attic definitely had me feeling all over the place, I hadn’t known who to trust or what was truly going on until the very end. I feel pretty good about the ending, this was a nice tense and eerie thriller read. I liked that the story tackled some serious issues but it still found moments to show both the strong connection between the main couple and some more funny moments. I had also absolutely loved the scenes with the crows, while they added some tension with the gifting trinkets thing, much like Addison I had found a weird comfort in them. Thank you to the publisher for my complimentary review copy.
When they start to go through boxes the tension of the plot thickens. The writing does a really good job of creating a tense, suspenseful, and eerie atmosphere. These dolls weren’t the only thing that was downright creepy about this story, there were plenty of other more horror aspects that I hadn’t seen coming but played so nicely into this book. The Secret Attic definitely had me feeling all over the place, I hadn’t known who to trust or what was truly going on until the very end. I feel pretty good about the ending, this was a nice tense and eerie thriller read. I liked that the story tackled some serious issues but it still found moments to show both the strong connection between the main couple and some more funny moments. I had also absolutely loved the scenes with the crows, while they added some tension with the gifting trinkets thing, much like Addison I had found a weird comfort in them. Thank you to the publisher for my complimentary review copy.
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.
Read
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.
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
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTS1yWqv5/
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTS1yWqv5/
April 6, 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 13, 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).
August 31, 2026
2 stars--meh.
Overlong. Could have been a short story. It's apparent to the reader what's going on at about the 25% mark, but the protagonist NEVER figures it out until it's explained to her at the end--annoying. The writing isn't good and the protagonist never takes action--just gets scared, but does nothing about it. Over and over.
Overlong. Could have been a short story. It's apparent to the reader what's going on at about the 25% mark, but the protagonist NEVER figures it out until it's explained to her at the end--annoying. The writing isn't good and the protagonist never takes action--just gets scared, but does nothing about it. Over and over.
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 11, 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
May 31, 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 7, 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 5, 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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What in the world did I just read 👀📖✨
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press 🖊✨ for sending me this ARC.
This book was creepy, unsettling, mysterious, and honestly… really good. From the moment Addison inherits her mother-in-law Barb’s massive estate, you can already feel that something is deeply wrong. And the deeper she digs through Barb’s hoarded rooms and hidden secrets, the darker and stranger everything becomes.
The atmosphere in this book was SO well done 😮💨 The house almost feels alive — the dolls, the attic, the crows, the secrets hidden everywhere… it all gave me this constant feeling of unease. And Luke? Oh Luke 👀🚩
That man had me suspicious the entire time.
But here’s my issue… WHO exactly was the real villain here?! Was it Barb, the controlling and manipulative mother-in-law? Or was it Luke, the son who clearly learned his mother’s cruel ways because in her eyes he could do no wrong? Or honestly… were they BOTH just equally terrible? 😭
That ending left me with SO many questions.
I really enjoyed the story and the plot overall, but the reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because there were moments where it felt a bit slow and somewhat repetitive. Still, once things started unraveling, I was hooked and needed answers.
If you enjoy gothic vibes, creepy family secrets, emotionally messy characters, and psychological suspense with a dark atmosphere, this one is definitely worth picking up
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press 🖊✨ for sending me this ARC.
This book was creepy, unsettling, mysterious, and honestly… really good. From the moment Addison inherits her mother-in-law Barb’s massive estate, you can already feel that something is deeply wrong. And the deeper she digs through Barb’s hoarded rooms and hidden secrets, the darker and stranger everything becomes.
The atmosphere in this book was SO well done 😮💨 The house almost feels alive — the dolls, the attic, the crows, the secrets hidden everywhere… it all gave me this constant feeling of unease. And Luke? Oh Luke 👀🚩
That man had me suspicious the entire time.
But here’s my issue… WHO exactly was the real villain here?! Was it Barb, the controlling and manipulative mother-in-law? Or was it Luke, the son who clearly learned his mother’s cruel ways because in her eyes he could do no wrong? Or honestly… were they BOTH just equally terrible? 😭
That ending left me with SO many questions.
I really enjoyed the story and the plot overall, but the reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because there were moments where it felt a bit slow and somewhat repetitive. Still, once things started unraveling, I was hooked and needed answers.
If you enjoy gothic vibes, creepy family secrets, emotionally messy characters, and psychological suspense with a dark atmosphere, this one is definitely worth picking up
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!
🐦⬛
If you get a chance to hear this author speak she is very personable and interesting. Now I am going to read her debut.
🐦⬛
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!
🐦⬛
If you get a chance to hear this author speak she is very personable and interesting. Now I am going to read her debut.
Did Not Finish
March 12, 2026This book, while it has an interesting story line, I felt the build up is just too slow and it felt hard to keep my interest peaked. At times, it felt repetitive and I just wanted to skip over those parts to find out what was going to happen!
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 8, 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.
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