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These Walls Remember
When two estranged sisters inherit a home possessed by the horrors of its dark past, they must work together to survive in this viscerally chilling Southern gothic novel from the critically acclaimed author of This Cursed House.
Do not go into the attic, the note warned.
But that’s exactly what sisters Mickie and Delilah do when they inherit a distant relative’s house in Savannah, Georgia. They intend to sell the property, divide the proceeds, and go their separate ways once and for all.
But 724 Hartford Street has other plans.
As the sisters realize there is far more to this house and its history than meets the eye, past wounds begin to fester and spill into the present in eerie ways. Tensions also flare between the sisters and the sleepy little Savannah community, many members of which suspect more than they are willing to share about what has occurred inside at this address.
When Delilah’s behavior turns first strange and then alarming, it becomes apparent that selling the home is no longer an option. And Mickie must fight to save her sister from the house, which is holding on to its own dark past—or they will both succumb to that which hungers inside its walls.
These Walls Remember is Southern gothic literature at its finest, by an author whose evocative, penetrating writing and use of hauntings to unflinchingly depict historical trauma gets right under the skin and explores the many ways loss, grief, and remembrance manifest themselves in the home as well as in the people who live inside it.
Do not go into the attic, the note warned.
But that’s exactly what sisters Mickie and Delilah do when they inherit a distant relative’s house in Savannah, Georgia. They intend to sell the property, divide the proceeds, and go their separate ways once and for all.
But 724 Hartford Street has other plans.
As the sisters realize there is far more to this house and its history than meets the eye, past wounds begin to fester and spill into the present in eerie ways. Tensions also flare between the sisters and the sleepy little Savannah community, many members of which suspect more than they are willing to share about what has occurred inside at this address.
When Delilah’s behavior turns first strange and then alarming, it becomes apparent that selling the home is no longer an option. And Mickie must fight to save her sister from the house, which is holding on to its own dark past—or they will both succumb to that which hungers inside its walls.
These Walls Remember is Southern gothic literature at its finest, by an author whose evocative, penetrating writing and use of hauntings to unflinchingly depict historical trauma gets right under the skin and explores the many ways loss, grief, and remembrance manifest themselves in the home as well as in the people who live inside it.
Audible Audio
First published August 18, 2026
About the author
Del Sandeen
13 books224 followersDel Sandeen lives in northeast Florida, where she works as a copy editor and writes speculative fiction. Her work has appeared in FIYAH: Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction, Nightlight podcast, and Gay Magazine. This Cursed House is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
September 1, 2026
Trauma Manifests
In “These Walls Remember,” Del Sandeen proves that we don't just move into new homes—we bring our own ghosts with us. A haunting exploration of the Southern Gothic, Sandeen’s novel sidesteps tired slasher tropes to offer something far more unsettling: an intimate study of how grief and trauma can manifest as true terror. The horror here isn't merely about monsters under the bed; it is a heavy, lingering weight born of the past.
Although the setup – estranged sisters Mickie and Delilah inheriting a Savannah home—begins with a classic premise, Sandeen quickly elevates the material. What truly distinguishes the novel is its integration of the oppressed Black experience with the supernatural. The horror isn't arbitrary; it springs directly from the home's past and is set in motion by the inhumane racial treatment of its original owners. Sandeen forces the reader to confront how American history encompasses too many horror stories, showing that the most chilling specters are the ones created by dehumanization and systemic suffering.
I particularly appreciated the focus on the trio of strong African American females at the heart of the story. Seeing Mickie, Delilah, and Joy navigate their complex family dynamics while fighting for one another provided a grounded, emotional anchor that made the supernatural elements feel much more consequential.
While the character work is undeniably the book's greatest strength, the setting provides a more mixed experience, a missed opportunity. While there were a few "joking asides"—references to the idea that “you know there’s ghosts all over Savannah”—the location itself felt largely incidental to the plot. The atmosphere was certainly evocative, but the aura and local flavor of Savannah felt underutilized.
Ultimately, “These Walls Remember” challenges our expectations of a haunted house. We are conditioned to expect these structures to embody some singular, objective evil, but Sandeen posits a more psychological question: how much of the haunting is the house, and how much is the pain we bring inside with us? It is a creepy, atmospheric read that succeeds because it prioritizes the human cost of grief over cheap, gross-out scares.
Thank you to the Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #TheseWallsRemember #NetGalley
In “These Walls Remember,” Del Sandeen proves that we don't just move into new homes—we bring our own ghosts with us. A haunting exploration of the Southern Gothic, Sandeen’s novel sidesteps tired slasher tropes to offer something far more unsettling: an intimate study of how grief and trauma can manifest as true terror. The horror here isn't merely about monsters under the bed; it is a heavy, lingering weight born of the past.
Although the setup – estranged sisters Mickie and Delilah inheriting a Savannah home—begins with a classic premise, Sandeen quickly elevates the material. What truly distinguishes the novel is its integration of the oppressed Black experience with the supernatural. The horror isn't arbitrary; it springs directly from the home's past and is set in motion by the inhumane racial treatment of its original owners. Sandeen forces the reader to confront how American history encompasses too many horror stories, showing that the most chilling specters are the ones created by dehumanization and systemic suffering.
I particularly appreciated the focus on the trio of strong African American females at the heart of the story. Seeing Mickie, Delilah, and Joy navigate their complex family dynamics while fighting for one another provided a grounded, emotional anchor that made the supernatural elements feel much more consequential.
While the character work is undeniably the book's greatest strength, the setting provides a more mixed experience, a missed opportunity. While there were a few "joking asides"—references to the idea that “you know there’s ghosts all over Savannah”—the location itself felt largely incidental to the plot. The atmosphere was certainly evocative, but the aura and local flavor of Savannah felt underutilized.
Ultimately, “These Walls Remember” challenges our expectations of a haunted house. We are conditioned to expect these structures to embody some singular, objective evil, but Sandeen posits a more psychological question: how much of the haunting is the house, and how much is the pain we bring inside with us? It is a creepy, atmospheric read that succeeds because it prioritizes the human cost of grief over cheap, gross-out scares.
Thank you to the Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #TheseWallsRemember #NetGalley
May 20, 2026
Talk about a real summer horror! I just knew when I heard Del was coming out with another haunted house book, she was gonna take it to a whole different level 😮💨👏🏽
These Walls Remember stands out in so many ways to me. Firstly, I really enjoyed the emotional depth that this had. Connecting the house being haunted to grief and its lasting effects was brilliant. The constant themes of the grief being greedy and consuming everything when you keep it to yourself spoke volumes to me.
I also loved the dynamic between Mickie, Delilah, and Joy. I was genuinely scared for them for a second 😅but the way they kept fighting for each other even through their own fear and reluctance was so real. Their relationship grounded the story in such a beautiful way, and I loved watching them slowly come together to save both the house and Lewis. The ending really brought everything full circle for me.
And lastly, this had the PERFECT amount of scary tbh. I’m not even gonna hold you, I was definitely a lil spooked at times 🫣 but it never felt like horror just for shock value. Every creepy moment made me more curious about what was really happening inside that house and why. Del balanced the tension, mystery, and emotional moments so well that I was locked in the entire time.
These Walls Remember stands out in so many ways to me. Firstly, I really enjoyed the emotional depth that this had. Connecting the house being haunted to grief and its lasting effects was brilliant. The constant themes of the grief being greedy and consuming everything when you keep it to yourself spoke volumes to me.
I also loved the dynamic between Mickie, Delilah, and Joy. I was genuinely scared for them for a second 😅but the way they kept fighting for each other even through their own fear and reluctance was so real. Their relationship grounded the story in such a beautiful way, and I loved watching them slowly come together to save both the house and Lewis. The ending really brought everything full circle for me.
And lastly, this had the PERFECT amount of scary tbh. I’m not even gonna hold you, I was definitely a lil spooked at times 🫣 but it never felt like horror just for shock value. Every creepy moment made me more curious about what was really happening inside that house and why. Del balanced the tension, mystery, and emotional moments so well that I was locked in the entire time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Me on This Book in Eight Ironic English Words:
Don't let the damn dog inside or anything...
Haunted house or haunted family?
That's the question These Familiar Walls kept asking me, and I loved that it refused to settle for an easy answer.
It's a sister story and a haunted house story, two of my favorite literary tropes. I came in with high expectations.
The author rewarded them by building an intricate mystery out of behavior instead of exposition. Every conversation, every strange interaction, every uneasy moment felt like story evidence.
Especially Wes.
(TW: animal neglect, animal cruelty.)
I watched that dog like a hawk because it was obvious he wasn't just a dog. He was evidence. I just didn't know of what yet.
The plot is messy, and I think that works here.
The ending surprised me, not because it tied everything together, but because it was willing to leave major conflicts unresolved.
It feels almost anti-plot, refusing the tidy resolution haunted house stories usually promise. Instead, it asks what it means to live alongside things that never fully resolve.
I loved that.
I also appreciated how honestly the novel portrays characters empathizing with people who are apparently or historically mentally ill. It felt authentic instead of sentimental.
If you enjoy gothic settings, haunted houses, complicated sisters, and stories where the evidence keeps collecting new meanings as you read, I'd absolutely recommend this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for an accessible ARC. 📚
Content Notes:
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animal cruelty, animal neglect, estrangement, mental illness, sanatoriums, death in an institution, ableism, death of family, haunted house, ghosts, possession
Me on This Book in Eight Ironic English Words:
Don't let the damn dog inside or anything...
Haunted house or haunted family?
That's the question These Familiar Walls kept asking me, and I loved that it refused to settle for an easy answer.
It's a sister story and a haunted house story, two of my favorite literary tropes. I came in with high expectations.
The author rewarded them by building an intricate mystery out of behavior instead of exposition. Every conversation, every strange interaction, every uneasy moment felt like story evidence.
Especially Wes.
(TW: animal neglect, animal cruelty.)
I watched that dog like a hawk because it was obvious he wasn't just a dog. He was evidence. I just didn't know of what yet.
The plot is messy, and I think that works here.
The ending surprised me, not because it tied everything together, but because it was willing to leave major conflicts unresolved.
It feels almost anti-plot, refusing the tidy resolution haunted house stories usually promise. Instead, it asks what it means to live alongside things that never fully resolve.
I loved that.
I also appreciated how honestly the novel portrays characters empathizing with people who are apparently or historically mentally ill. It felt authentic instead of sentimental.
If you enjoy gothic settings, haunted houses, complicated sisters, and stories where the evidence keeps collecting new meanings as you read, I'd absolutely recommend this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for an accessible ARC. 📚
Content Notes:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
animal cruelty, animal neglect, estrangement, mental illness, sanatoriums, death in an institution, ableism, death of family, haunted house, ghosts, possession
September 11, 2026
In typical Joanna fashion, I did not read the synopsis of this book before jumping into it. All I knew was that it involved a haunted house and that it was written by Del Sandeen, whose book This Cursed House I really enjoyed when it was released two years ago.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this is a book about possession, as I’ve been craving a good possession story for a couple of years now. These Walls Remember definitely delivered on that front.
This book was also creepy, creepier than I expected it to be. What I really enjoyed was how the creepiness gradually built throughout the story. Moment by moment, things became more unsettling, and the atmosphere kept getting darker and creepier as the story progressed.
Overall, These Walls Remember is a creepy, mysterious, gothic read that gave me exactly the kind of possession story I’ve been wanting, and I’m so glad I went into it knowing as little as I did. I recommend picking up These Walls Remember this spooky season!
Thank you Netgalley, Berkley, and Del Sandeen for the ARC.
These Walls Remember is out now.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this is a book about possession, as I’ve been craving a good possession story for a couple of years now. These Walls Remember definitely delivered on that front.
This book was also creepy, creepier than I expected it to be. What I really enjoyed was how the creepiness gradually built throughout the story. Moment by moment, things became more unsettling, and the atmosphere kept getting darker and creepier as the story progressed.
Overall, These Walls Remember is a creepy, mysterious, gothic read that gave me exactly the kind of possession story I’ve been wanting, and I’m so glad I went into it knowing as little as I did. I recommend picking up These Walls Remember this spooky season!
Thank you Netgalley, Berkley, and Del Sandeen for the ARC.
These Walls Remember is out now.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of These Walls Remember, by Del Sandeen, from Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 2 ⭐
This book was…….messy.
Messy to the point that my inner developmental editor kicked in, hard, and I started trying to figure out how to tidy it up, make it a better/easier read.
Because it had some good stuff going. Just way too much stuff.
After finishing it (WAY past my bedtime, because I am still ramped up on poison ivy-necessitated steroids), I realized that if a client or former student had turned this in to me, I would have given it back to them without editing it, saying, essentially, you’ve got some strong ideas and characters here, but you haven’t developed any of them fully enough. Either start over from scratch, or pick two main non-primary storylines to weave through in conjunction with the primary and ditch the rest. And, also? You didn’t do Savannah justice as its own character. No way can I edit you out of the multiple holes into which you’ve dug yourself.
Now, all that said, I saw this morning that this is Del Sandeen’s second novel, so I’m going to put her everything-and-the-kitchen-sink-ness with this book down to sophomore slump, and at some point give her debut (This Cursed House) a go, because it sounds even more up my proverbial angst-ridden alley.
Off I go now, to dig my own holes. (The manual labor kind—hit up one of my local Lowe’s yesterday. Spring has sprung, needs must and what have you.)
DESCRIPTION
When two estranged sisters inherit a home possessed by the horrors of its dark past, they must work together to survive in this viscerally chilling Southern gothic novel from the critically acclaimed author of This Cursed House.
Do not go into the attic, the note warned.
But that’s exactly what sisters Mickie and Delilah do when they inherit a distant relative’s house in Savannah, Georgia. They intend to sell the property, divide the proceeds, and go their separate ways once and for all.
But 724 Hartford Street has other plans.
As the sisters learn about this house and its history, past wounds begin to fester and spill into the present: strange visions, memory lapses, unexplained accidents, and surreal echoes of the house’s previous inhabitants—some of whom disappeared after living in the home. The sisters suspect the residents of the sleepy Savannah neighborhood know more than they’re saying about what really happened there.
And then Delilah, once adamant about selling and never looking back, develops an uncanny attachment to the house, her personality changing in alarming ways. Mickie knows that she’ll have to pull her sister from the home’s clutches or they will both succumb to that which hungers in its walls.
Received a complimentary copy of These Walls Remember, by Del Sandeen, from Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 2 ⭐
This book was…….messy.
Messy to the point that my inner developmental editor kicked in, hard, and I started trying to figure out how to tidy it up, make it a better/easier read.
Because it had some good stuff going. Just way too much stuff.
After finishing it (WAY past my bedtime, because I am still ramped up on poison ivy-necessitated steroids), I realized that if a client or former student had turned this in to me, I would have given it back to them without editing it, saying, essentially, you’ve got some strong ideas and characters here, but you haven’t developed any of them fully enough. Either start over from scratch, or pick two main non-primary storylines to weave through in conjunction with the primary and ditch the rest. And, also? You didn’t do Savannah justice as its own character. No way can I edit you out of the multiple holes into which you’ve dug yourself.
Now, all that said, I saw this morning that this is Del Sandeen’s second novel, so I’m going to put her everything-and-the-kitchen-sink-ness with this book down to sophomore slump, and at some point give her debut (This Cursed House) a go, because it sounds even more up my proverbial angst-ridden alley.
Off I go now, to dig my own holes. (The manual labor kind—hit up one of my local Lowe’s yesterday. Spring has sprung, needs must and what have you.)
DESCRIPTION
When two estranged sisters inherit a home possessed by the horrors of its dark past, they must work together to survive in this viscerally chilling Southern gothic novel from the critically acclaimed author of This Cursed House.
Do not go into the attic, the note warned.
But that’s exactly what sisters Mickie and Delilah do when they inherit a distant relative’s house in Savannah, Georgia. They intend to sell the property, divide the proceeds, and go their separate ways once and for all.
But 724 Hartford Street has other plans.
As the sisters learn about this house and its history, past wounds begin to fester and spill into the present: strange visions, memory lapses, unexplained accidents, and surreal echoes of the house’s previous inhabitants—some of whom disappeared after living in the home. The sisters suspect the residents of the sleepy Savannah neighborhood know more than they’re saying about what really happened there.
And then Delilah, once adamant about selling and never looking back, develops an uncanny attachment to the house, her personality changing in alarming ways. Mickie knows that she’ll have to pull her sister from the home’s clutches or they will both succumb to that which hungers in its walls.
June 1, 2026
It took me a bit to warm up to this book. The first 20% of the book felt like trope was stacked on trope which was stacked on trope. (Siblings who don’t get along inherit a spooky old house out of the blue from an elderly relative who they barely knew existed and argue about what to do about it. They were told to stay out of the attic so of course they aren’t going to do that -and more!). It was a little jarring and prevented me from settling in and becoming immersed. I took a break for a few hours and came back just before the book exploded into a vivid piece of gothic horror with loads of dread and things that go bump in the night. I was suddenly invested and read straight through to the end. No way was I doing anything else until I found out how this ended. The ending was an over-explanatory fizzle, but that middle was a page-turner.
This is a review of an uncorrected proof and represents my honest opinion of this ARC. Thanks to Del Sandeen, Berkley, and NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy it.
This is a review of an uncorrected proof and represents my honest opinion of this ARC. Thanks to Del Sandeen, Berkley, and NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy it.
August 23, 2026
I absolutely had to read this book after loving Del Sandeen’s previous book, “This Cursed House.” And oh boy, “These Walls Remember” live up to expectations! It had that amazing Southern gothic feel that Sandeen has just perfected and combined with truly creepy horror!
Mickie and her estranged sister Delilah inherit a beautiful home in Savannah from an unknown relative at the perfect time: both are out of down on their luck and out of options. But the minute they step inside of the house, they realize something is wrong. The house has a heavy, dark feeling about it. And then Delilah begins acting strangely.
This novel is told mostly from Mickie and Delilah’s POVs, but there are flashbacks showing the history of the house interspersed throughout the book.
Obviously, I loved this one. It has just about everything that a good spooky book needs to make it great, from atmosphere to lore, ghosts and flawed characters. Plus the author knows how to throw some great twists and turns in there. Seriously, the greatness of this book is in the carefully thought out details and nuances.
I have to say that I liked “This Cursed House” slightly better, as this one could have used slightly more action in the middle, but I still LOVED this book. Del Sandeen is quickly becoming my favorite horror author.
I can’t say enough about this book except buy it; you won’t be disappointed!!
Mickie and her estranged sister Delilah inherit a beautiful home in Savannah from an unknown relative at the perfect time: both are out of down on their luck and out of options. But the minute they step inside of the house, they realize something is wrong. The house has a heavy, dark feeling about it. And then Delilah begins acting strangely.
This novel is told mostly from Mickie and Delilah’s POVs, but there are flashbacks showing the history of the house interspersed throughout the book.
Obviously, I loved this one. It has just about everything that a good spooky book needs to make it great, from atmosphere to lore, ghosts and flawed characters. Plus the author knows how to throw some great twists and turns in there. Seriously, the greatness of this book is in the carefully thought out details and nuances.
I have to say that I liked “This Cursed House” slightly better, as this one could have used slightly more action in the middle, but I still LOVED this book. Del Sandeen is quickly becoming my favorite horror author.
I can’t say enough about this book except buy it; you won’t be disappointed!!
September 1, 2026
a little underwhelmed but this was a quick read !!
August 23, 2026
If you love Southern Gothic Horror, then Del Sandeen should definitely be on your radar. This is the second book I've read of hers, and the blend of haunted house horror, grief, trauma, and depiction of historical racism is superb, Her characters are interesting and full of feminine badassery. For horror lightweights, this is a great book to give spooky chills without the gore that makes horror a difficult genre for some readers. Highly recommend adding this to your spooky reading list!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
August 23, 2026
it was good i guess but for some reason it made me feel nothing? on paper it would be everything i love but i finished it feeling completely un-impacted by the story and the characters
May 2, 2026
Thank you to BerkleyPub for the copy!
Two estranged sisters come together to deal with an inherited home, planning to sell it and move on. But once they arrive, things feel off. The house holds a history that doesn’t want to be forgotten and as time passes, it starts to really affect them. When one sister starts to really change, it’s clear that something very dark is happening in this house.
This one had such a strong creepy atmosphere. The relationship of the sisters really added an emotional depth to the story. The dual timelines also really added to that creeping dread of what happened in that house.
Read if you like…
👻Haunted House
🖤Southern Gothic Atmosphere
💔Family Drama
😱Unsettling and Creepy
Two estranged sisters come together to deal with an inherited home, planning to sell it and move on. But once they arrive, things feel off. The house holds a history that doesn’t want to be forgotten and as time passes, it starts to really affect them. When one sister starts to really change, it’s clear that something very dark is happening in this house.
This one had such a strong creepy atmosphere. The relationship of the sisters really added an emotional depth to the story. The dual timelines also really added to that creeping dread of what happened in that house.
Read if you like…
👻Haunted House
🖤Southern Gothic Atmosphere
💔Family Drama
😱Unsettling and Creepy
September 15, 2026
These Walls Remember by Del Sandeen is a tragic yet horror filled book.
Mickie and Delilah inherit a home together but unfortunately, they want to just sell and get away from each other. But he sisters find that there is so much history to the house and a part of that history has grabbed hold of Delilah. Mickie fights to release the house's hold on her sister bringing them closer together in the end.
Wow, what a read this book is. It's exactly the kind of haunted house novels I like to get lost in. There is so much here: horror, mystery and tragedy. Character development is great. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters.
If you like haunted house story, don't miss this one. You won't want to put it down!
Mickie and Delilah inherit a home together but unfortunately, they want to just sell and get away from each other. But he sisters find that there is so much history to the house and a part of that history has grabbed hold of Delilah. Mickie fights to release the house's hold on her sister bringing them closer together in the end.
Wow, what a read this book is. It's exactly the kind of haunted house novels I like to get lost in. There is so much here: horror, mystery and tragedy. Character development is great. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters.
If you like haunted house story, don't miss this one. You won't want to put it down!
August 30, 2026
I loved all of the characters and the idea behind the story but I never felt drawn in enough to it. I think this was a •me• issue simply because I recently read a book with a very similar plot that and this one felt too much alike but not as engaging.
Did Not Finish
September 12, 2026I was bored.
August 20, 2026
Are you on the lookout for a chilling haunted house read for Halloween? Well, your search ends here! This story has it all: a creepy house, inexplicable occurrences, themes of grief and sadness, and a dog that emerges unscathed!
It all begins with the gripping line: “The house eats.” Whether that piques your interest or not is up to you, but I found myself totally captivated! The narrative follows two estranged sisters, Mickie and Delilah, who inherit an old house in Savannah, Georgia. Their plan? To sell the house and split the profits or maybe even turn it into an Airbnb. However, the house comes with a warning about the attic, advising them not to go up there. The sisters carry a lot of resentment and sadness towards one another, which tends to surface at the most inconvenient moments, setting the stage for deeper exploration of their issues.
To understand the house's history, we get glimpses into the lives of Lewis and Mae Bell, who originally built it back in 1910. The home bears Lewis's sorrow, grief, and trauma; it feels heavy and, as it turns out, quite hungry. The house is also shrouded in the mystery of vague disappearances, and their late aunt rarely left home or entertained guests. As events begin to unfold, it becomes clear that Mickie won't be able to sell the house due to Delilah's strange behavior. Interestingly, a dog appears, but don't worry, he’s safe!
The vivid descriptions of the surroundings and strange occurrences made the eeriness crawl under my skin. At one point, I found myself holding my breath, unsure of what would happen next and how it all would tie together. You will join Mickie on her mission to free her sister from the clutches of malevolence while unearthing the haunted house's past. There’s always a sacrifice or a 'silent hero' in the mix, but you’ll have to read it to find out for yourself. Make sure to add this to your Halloween TBR!
The author did an excellent job keeping me on edge. I felt creeped out, claustrophobic, and haunted by the house and its eerie happenings. And of course, the characters ignore the warning and head into the attic! Why do people always rush toward danger in scary movies? If you appreciate haunted houses and Southern Gothic horror that delve into themes like racial trauma, sisterhood, gentrification, and the injustices of the past, then this one is for you. It’s a fast-paced read that’s hard to put down. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to grab my nightlight and maybe sage my house after finishing this! Ha!
Thank you, Berkley and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It all begins with the gripping line: “The house eats.” Whether that piques your interest or not is up to you, but I found myself totally captivated! The narrative follows two estranged sisters, Mickie and Delilah, who inherit an old house in Savannah, Georgia. Their plan? To sell the house and split the profits or maybe even turn it into an Airbnb. However, the house comes with a warning about the attic, advising them not to go up there. The sisters carry a lot of resentment and sadness towards one another, which tends to surface at the most inconvenient moments, setting the stage for deeper exploration of their issues.
To understand the house's history, we get glimpses into the lives of Lewis and Mae Bell, who originally built it back in 1910. The home bears Lewis's sorrow, grief, and trauma; it feels heavy and, as it turns out, quite hungry. The house is also shrouded in the mystery of vague disappearances, and their late aunt rarely left home or entertained guests. As events begin to unfold, it becomes clear that Mickie won't be able to sell the house due to Delilah's strange behavior. Interestingly, a dog appears, but don't worry, he’s safe!
The vivid descriptions of the surroundings and strange occurrences made the eeriness crawl under my skin. At one point, I found myself holding my breath, unsure of what would happen next and how it all would tie together. You will join Mickie on her mission to free her sister from the clutches of malevolence while unearthing the haunted house's past. There’s always a sacrifice or a 'silent hero' in the mix, but you’ll have to read it to find out for yourself. Make sure to add this to your Halloween TBR!
The author did an excellent job keeping me on edge. I felt creeped out, claustrophobic, and haunted by the house and its eerie happenings. And of course, the characters ignore the warning and head into the attic! Why do people always rush toward danger in scary movies? If you appreciate haunted houses and Southern Gothic horror that delve into themes like racial trauma, sisterhood, gentrification, and the injustices of the past, then this one is for you. It’s a fast-paced read that’s hard to put down. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to grab my nightlight and maybe sage my house after finishing this! Ha!
Thank you, Berkley and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 17, 2026
“Death comes in threes. That’s what Big Mama had always said.”
If you are looking for gothic horror:
-multiple POVs
-dual timeline
-complex sisterly bonds
-haunted house & haints
-heavy grief trope
-healing & forgiveness
-low stakes horror
-queer representation
-under 350 pages
-based in Savannah, GA
This was really good.
D. Sandeen gave us a slow burn story with a mix of thrill, grief, tension & survival. The characters were relatable, multilayered and complex. This read like issues that lots of families go through.
As far as it being horror, I wouldn’t say it was super horrifying. It had elements of horror but, the story was laced with so many other strong topics that feeling “scared” wasn’t a frequent emotion that I had while reading this.
I did love and appreciate that this was actually a haunted house story. I’ve read a lot of “haunted house” books where it isn’t about the house at all or that the house isn’t what’s haunted. When I am looking for a book that claims to center haunted houses that’s what I want and D. Sandeen gave us that.
This was an original, beautifully written story.
If you’re a reader who prefers their horror to be low stakes or a blend of horror and less scary topics then this is perfect for you.
If you are looking for gothic horror:
-multiple POVs
-dual timeline
-complex sisterly bonds
-haunted house & haints
-heavy grief trope
-healing & forgiveness
-low stakes horror
-queer representation
-under 350 pages
-based in Savannah, GA
This was really good.
D. Sandeen gave us a slow burn story with a mix of thrill, grief, tension & survival. The characters were relatable, multilayered and complex. This read like issues that lots of families go through.
As far as it being horror, I wouldn’t say it was super horrifying. It had elements of horror but, the story was laced with so many other strong topics that feeling “scared” wasn’t a frequent emotion that I had while reading this.
I did love and appreciate that this was actually a haunted house story. I’ve read a lot of “haunted house” books where it isn’t about the house at all or that the house isn’t what’s haunted. When I am looking for a book that claims to center haunted houses that’s what I want and D. Sandeen gave us that.
This was an original, beautifully written story.
If you’re a reader who prefers their horror to be low stakes or a blend of horror and less scary topics then this is perfect for you.
September 30, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ As someone whom drowns in the grief of losing my favorite girl, my maternal grandmother; this book gave me all the feels. I couldn’t help but feel heavy after reading, burdened with a sadness reflective of my own. The storyline’s journey through trauma, grief and forgiveness, forced me to look at my own struggles and just let it out. Trying to contain grief, sorrow and sadness, well , it will eat you up.
August 26, 2026
3.25 ⭐️
I don’t know what was more terrifying, the haunted house or the amount of times we had to listen to the idea of this house going on the market.
I don’t know what was more terrifying, the haunted house or the amount of times we had to listen to the idea of this house going on the market.
September 23, 2026
So I feel a little conflicted about this book. I enjoyed the story right from the start. The two sisters were complex characters trying to resolve past issues. But for me, this book felt slow moving, and not a lot happened for the first half. Yes, there were creepy things going on, but nothing really scary. The second half of the book picked up, and I did end up reading the second half in one sitting. This is a thought provoking story about the nature of grief.
August 30, 2026
3 stars.
I really wanted to like this book. I started off enjoying this book. About a third of the way through it started getting rough. The story dragged on much longer than it needed to. Then after the long drag, the finish seemed rushed.
I finished it even though several times I wanted to just put it aside and move on.
I really wanted to like this book. I started off enjoying this book. About a third of the way through it started getting rough. The story dragged on much longer than it needed to. Then after the long drag, the finish seemed rushed.
I finished it even though several times I wanted to just put it aside and move on.
August 18, 2026
The house eats! 🏚
As soon as I heard Del Sandeen was coming out with another haunted house book I knew I would be sat and I was not wrong.
These Walls Remember is more then just a haunted house horror book. There are elements of family trauma and grief and found family issues also. It also touches on how grief will stay with you and how it can fester into something dangerous and deadly.
We have 2 sisters that find out that they have an aunt that recently passed away and they are her only living relatives. There's no money to inherit but there is a house in Savannah, GA that stands empty that Delilah and Mickie decide to fix up and possibly turn into an Air B&B.
Strange things start to happen and unexplained happenings plague the sisters, what have they gotten themselves into.
This book is for southern gotic lovers that also love horror with a haunted house element.
5 🌟's!
As soon as I heard Del Sandeen was coming out with another haunted house book I knew I would be sat and I was not wrong.
These Walls Remember is more then just a haunted house horror book. There are elements of family trauma and grief and found family issues also. It also touches on how grief will stay with you and how it can fester into something dangerous and deadly.
We have 2 sisters that find out that they have an aunt that recently passed away and they are her only living relatives. There's no money to inherit but there is a house in Savannah, GA that stands empty that Delilah and Mickie decide to fix up and possibly turn into an Air B&B.
Strange things start to happen and unexplained happenings plague the sisters, what have they gotten themselves into.
This book is for southern gotic lovers that also love horror with a haunted house element.
5 🌟's!
August 23, 2026
I knew going into reading this book that this was a ghost-themed story. It delivered a sub-par ghost story.
September 11, 2026
There were some good ideas here, but I felt they were bogged down by repetition and forgettable characters (except for Wes and Abram).
August 9, 2026
3.75 Stars
This Southern Gothic story set in Savannah and featuring two estranged sisters and a haunted house was a slow burn tale of grief, acceptance and bonds. I quite enjoyed the sentient house aspect, and the concept of grief becoming a living thing.
I also liked the side characters: the funny neighbors, Abrams the local healer, the dog Wes who is more than he seems, etc.
The plot itself is slow and meandering, because the house shows its true nature over time. There is a mystery element here too, as Mickie and Delilah have to uncover the past disappearances and the identity of the strong being haunting the place, so I enjoyed that a lot too. There were some creepy moments and a powerful, emotional resolution at the end.
I’m docking a star only because I would have liked a bit more characterization, some more backstory for the other haunted characters that appear, and a lot more creepiness/gore to truly make this feel like a haunted house story. I would say this is a true Southern Gothic tale with some creepy elements. I would have loved to have more visualizations about pain manifesting into other things rather than having to read it in passing. I would read another book by this author for sure though!
This Southern Gothic story set in Savannah and featuring two estranged sisters and a haunted house was a slow burn tale of grief, acceptance and bonds. I quite enjoyed the sentient house aspect, and the concept of grief becoming a living thing.
I also liked the side characters: the funny neighbors, Abrams the local healer, the dog Wes who is more than he seems, etc.
The plot itself is slow and meandering, because the house shows its true nature over time. There is a mystery element here too, as Mickie and Delilah have to uncover the past disappearances and the identity of the strong being haunting the place, so I enjoyed that a lot too. There were some creepy moments and a powerful, emotional resolution at the end.
I’m docking a star only because I would have liked a bit more characterization, some more backstory for the other haunted characters that appear, and a lot more creepiness/gore to truly make this feel like a haunted house story. I would say this is a true Southern Gothic tale with some creepy elements. I would have loved to have more visualizations about pain manifesting into other things rather than having to read it in passing. I would read another book by this author for sure though!
August 13, 2026
Estranged sisters Mickie and Delilah reunite when they unexpectedly inherit a house from an estranged aunt they barely remember. They don't know much about their aunt or the home, other than that she tried to burn the house down and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital, where she eventually passed away. However, she did leave a note behind that said to stay out of the attic.
🕯️ The sisters plan to sell the home, but while cleaning, they discover that the attic is locked and that there are roots and herbs outside the door that look like some kind of protection charm. But that doesn't stop the sisters from breaking in, and once they do, all sorts of weird things begin to transpire.
🕯️〰️🕯️〰️🕯️〰️🕯️〰️🕯️〰️🕯️〰️🕯️〰️
A Southern Gothic novel that will give you goosebumps. It was the perfect balance of emotion, mystery, tension, and supernatural elements while keeping me spooked.
𝔽𝕠𝕣 𝕗𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝕠𝕗:
🕯️ 𝖦𝗈𝗍𝗁𝗂𝖼 𝗌𝖾𝗍𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗌
🕯️ 𝖧𝖺𝗎𝗇𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗌𝖾𝗌
🕯️ 𝖢𝗈𝗆𝗉𝗅𝗂𝖼𝖺𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖿𝖺𝗆𝗂𝗅𝗒 𝗋𝖾𝗅𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉𝗌
🕯️ 𝖧𝗂𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗂𝖼𝖺𝗅 𝖿𝗂𝖼𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇
🕯️ The sisters plan to sell the home, but while cleaning, they discover that the attic is locked and that there are roots and herbs outside the door that look like some kind of protection charm. But that doesn't stop the sisters from breaking in, and once they do, all sorts of weird things begin to transpire.
🕯️〰️🕯️〰️🕯️〰️🕯️〰️🕯️〰️🕯️〰️🕯️〰️
A Southern Gothic novel that will give you goosebumps. It was the perfect balance of emotion, mystery, tension, and supernatural elements while keeping me spooked.
𝔽𝕠𝕣 𝕗𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝕠𝕗:
🕯️ 𝖦𝗈𝗍𝗁𝗂𝖼 𝗌𝖾𝗍𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗌
🕯️ 𝖧𝖺𝗎𝗇𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗌𝖾𝗌
🕯️ 𝖢𝗈𝗆𝗉𝗅𝗂𝖼𝖺𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖿𝖺𝗆𝗂𝗅𝗒 𝗋𝖾𝗅𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉𝗌
🕯️ 𝖧𝗂𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗂𝖼𝖺𝗅 𝖿𝗂𝖼𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇
June 23, 2026
ARC review
Solid 3.5 stars. Mostly because of the pace at the beginning, the paranormal aspect and haunted house aspect would totally go 4.5.
I have to say I almost gave up on this one. It is very slow at the beginning. Maybe half way through you start to really see the “creepy” factor and German edge of your seat chills. I greatly enjoyed the middle. It was what I was hoping for. The mind games of paranormal sneakiness, the did I or didn’t I nature of wondering if those doors were open or if you really saw what you saw. All very creepy, well done, and thought out well.
The ending seemed a bit lacking to me, like maybe it could have should have been wrapped up a but different but still ended ok—the ending didn’t ruin it or make me angry about it. I was just hoping for something else.
Over all a really good and well written story about a very creepy house that many people refused to believe was really haunted. However it doesn’t take much time inside the house for it to show you just what it is about.
Also loved that this book was written by an African American woman and had African American forward characters. Just overall a great creepy haunted house story if you can stick with it past the first 1/3 or so where it’s slow and rough to get through.
Solid 3.5 stars. Mostly because of the pace at the beginning, the paranormal aspect and haunted house aspect would totally go 4.5.
I have to say I almost gave up on this one. It is very slow at the beginning. Maybe half way through you start to really see the “creepy” factor and German edge of your seat chills. I greatly enjoyed the middle. It was what I was hoping for. The mind games of paranormal sneakiness, the did I or didn’t I nature of wondering if those doors were open or if you really saw what you saw. All very creepy, well done, and thought out well.
The ending seemed a bit lacking to me, like maybe it could have should have been wrapped up a but different but still ended ok—the ending didn’t ruin it or make me angry about it. I was just hoping for something else.
Over all a really good and well written story about a very creepy house that many people refused to believe was really haunted. However it doesn’t take much time inside the house for it to show you just what it is about.
Also loved that this book was written by an African American woman and had African American forward characters. Just overall a great creepy haunted house story if you can stick with it past the first 1/3 or so where it’s slow and rough to get through.
September 3, 2026
Grief, Trauma, and a Ravenous House!!
These Walls Remember by Del Sandeen is so much more than a haunted house story. Yes, there are strange visions, unsettling encounters, and a house in Savannah that seems determined to hold on to its past. There are sequences that feel like an episode of Charmed chock full of horror. But the real horror comes from the grief, guilt, and generational trauma woven into every page. When estranged sisters Mickie and Delilah inherit their Aunt Haddie’s home, they expect a quick sale and an even quicker exit. Instead, they find themselves unraveling a history of loss that stretches back generations, forcing them to confront not only the house's secrets but their own.
Del Sandeen transforms grief into something tangible in this story. The house has become this physical representation of grief and its ability to be all consuming. This house doesn't just remember tragedy, it feeds on it. The story explores how pain can be inherited, how guilt can fester when left unspoken, and how entire families can be shaped by wounds that never properly healed. The dual timelines add incredible emotional weight, revealing the devastating history embedded within the walls while deepening the struggles of the present-day characters. You get 3 generations of characters, and it’s terrifying the weight of grief. The book feels emotional and overwhelming a times and I found myself tearing up as I devoured this book. I found myself just sitting with what Del Sandeen was saying about loss and the ways we carry it. Equal parts Southern Gothic, family drama, and ghost story, These Walls Remember is haunting not only because of what lurks in the dark, but how we linger and hold on to our feelings can be the most terrifying thing in the world! Don’t miss this one!!
These Walls Remember by Del Sandeen is so much more than a haunted house story. Yes, there are strange visions, unsettling encounters, and a house in Savannah that seems determined to hold on to its past. There are sequences that feel like an episode of Charmed chock full of horror. But the real horror comes from the grief, guilt, and generational trauma woven into every page. When estranged sisters Mickie and Delilah inherit their Aunt Haddie’s home, they expect a quick sale and an even quicker exit. Instead, they find themselves unraveling a history of loss that stretches back generations, forcing them to confront not only the house's secrets but their own.
Del Sandeen transforms grief into something tangible in this story. The house has become this physical representation of grief and its ability to be all consuming. This house doesn't just remember tragedy, it feeds on it. The story explores how pain can be inherited, how guilt can fester when left unspoken, and how entire families can be shaped by wounds that never properly healed. The dual timelines add incredible emotional weight, revealing the devastating history embedded within the walls while deepening the struggles of the present-day characters. You get 3 generations of characters, and it’s terrifying the weight of grief. The book feels emotional and overwhelming a times and I found myself tearing up as I devoured this book. I found myself just sitting with what Del Sandeen was saying about loss and the ways we carry it. Equal parts Southern Gothic, family drama, and ghost story, These Walls Remember is haunting not only because of what lurks in the dark, but how we linger and hold on to our feelings can be the most terrifying thing in the world! Don’t miss this one!!
August 24, 2026
These Walls Remember by Dell Sandine, when Mickey shows up in Savannah for her aunt Millie‘s funeral she is surprise to learn she, being her aunt closest living survivor gets her home and then her sister Delilah shows up. Mickey and Delilah are like night and day sun and moon and that’s just the beginning of the reasons they don’t get along but they’ll have to live together because Delilah wants to sell it and Nikki doesn’t quite know what she wants to do with the house. There were lots of papers given to her about the home some seem like writings from a crazy rambling old lady but the one that tells them to stay out of the addict is the first one Delilah disregards when she gets to the house. things only become stranger this is when they get introduced to previous owners. I don’t want to say too much about this but I will say it has one of the best twist in a horror book and just so those who know we know it’s when Delilah goes missing right before joy shows up when Nick is doing research on the address. I think the book could’ve been better but it definitely held my attention with such an original plot point I really got reinvested in the book and I really love the way essentially Love wins the day. This truly was a pretty good book it could’ve been shorter and maybe sussed out a little better but ultimately if you love a horror story you’ll probably like this book I know I did because I’m finding myself not wanting to say anything bad but also at the same time wanting to be honest. I do recommend it but definitely read it when you’re in the mood for a good horror story with a great plot twist. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer,#MyHonestReview,
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