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These Walls Remember
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Expected 18 Aug 26Win a free print copy of this book!
16 days and 12:04:59
10 copies available
U.S. only
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.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 18, 2026
About the author
Del Sandeen
13 books209 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 33 reviews
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.
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
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.
Read
July 6, 2026🏚️ These Walls Remember 🏚️
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Gothic Horror
• Haunted House
• Estranged Sisters
• Family Secrets
• Ghostly Visions
• Cursed Inheritance
_ _ __
📅 Pub Date: August 18, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Gothic Horror
• Haunted House
• Estranged Sisters
• Family Secrets
• Ghostly Visions
• Cursed Inheritance
_ _ __
📅 Pub Date: August 18, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Thank you Berkley/Penguin Random House for this ARC.
I have to say, it's not quite what I expected from the description of the book, but in a GOOD way! I was expecting the typical, cliche horroresque vibes that come with most books involving hauntings. I expected a lot of drama, lots of tense posture sitting there reading it just waiting to see what happened next.
Don't get me wrong, there was still plenty of drama but I really enjoyed the way that the conflict between characters played a central part in the plot. Instead of it being ONLY the problems with the house and the spooky vibes of characters figuring out how to handle a haunting/otherworldy things, it equally focused on both the house they'd inherited and the issues between family members. It was a really good mix of incorporating fighting, healing, and real life family dynamics that had me really invested in the characters.
The bit of back and forth between time periods was really easy to navigate and didn't disrupt the flow of the book. A lot of stories I've read with back and forths either overdo it or don't label it properly and it makes it hard to get into the story when you're constantly questioning when or what's going on. It was a very smooth transition and not done TOO much, giving just enough backstory for you to think you knew what would happen next in the story, only to be surprised and thrown for a loop again!
It was a really easy read for me but still kept my attention, and I was realllllly invested in watching how the relationship between Delilah and Mickie changed throughout the story. The side characters that you're introduced to along the way were a riot, too, some of them were just so silly but realistic that I couldn't help but laugh.
Got about 90% of the way through the book and thought things were settled down before I got thrown for one last loop that had me shooing everyone away so I could sit and read it to get to the final conclusion.
Would definitely be interested in checking out some of the author's other work after this.
I have to say, it's not quite what I expected from the description of the book, but in a GOOD way! I was expecting the typical, cliche horroresque vibes that come with most books involving hauntings. I expected a lot of drama, lots of tense posture sitting there reading it just waiting to see what happened next.
Don't get me wrong, there was still plenty of drama but I really enjoyed the way that the conflict between characters played a central part in the plot. Instead of it being ONLY the problems with the house and the spooky vibes of characters figuring out how to handle a haunting/otherworldy things, it equally focused on both the house they'd inherited and the issues between family members. It was a really good mix of incorporating fighting, healing, and real life family dynamics that had me really invested in the characters.
The bit of back and forth between time periods was really easy to navigate and didn't disrupt the flow of the book. A lot of stories I've read with back and forths either overdo it or don't label it properly and it makes it hard to get into the story when you're constantly questioning when or what's going on. It was a very smooth transition and not done TOO much, giving just enough backstory for you to think you knew what would happen next in the story, only to be surprised and thrown for a loop again!
It was a really easy read for me but still kept my attention, and I was realllllly invested in watching how the relationship between Delilah and Mickie changed throughout the story. The side characters that you're introduced to along the way were a riot, too, some of them were just so silly but realistic that I couldn't help but laugh.
Got about 90% of the way through the book and thought things were settled down before I got thrown for one last loop that had me shooing everyone away so I could sit and read it to get to the final conclusion.
Would definitely be interested in checking out some of the author's other work after this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC of These Walls Remember by Del Sandeen.
Del Sandeen really knows how to write a haunted house story that feels deeply unsettling and emotionally grounded. The second I heard this book was another Southern gothic haunted house story, I knew it was going to deliver, and it absolutely did. These Walls Remember is eerie, emotional, and packed with the kind of creeping dread that sticks with you long after you finish reading.
What stood out most to me was how beautifully the haunting was tied to grief and the damage that comes from carrying pain alone. The house doesn’t just feel haunted by ghosts — it feels haunted by memory, trauma, resentment, and loss. The themes surrounding grief being consuming and almost greedy when left unspoken added so much emotional depth to the story and made the horror feel meaningful instead of just scary for the sake of it.
I also really loved the relationship dynamics between Mickie, Delilah, and Joy. Their family tension felt authentic, messy, and believable, but underneath all of it was genuine love and loyalty. Watching them slowly come together despite fear, anger, and years of hurt was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book. There were definitely moments where I was stressed for them because this house was creepy, but their determination to fight for each other grounded the entire story emotionally.
And the horror itself? Perfect balance for me. Creepy without relying on nonstop shock value. The atmosphere was heavy and unsettling in the best way, and every strange thing happening inside the house just made me more desperate to uncover the truth behind it. The Southern gothic setting, the layered history of the home, and the slow unraveling of its secrets made this incredibly immersive.
If you love haunted house stories with emotional depth, family drama, gothic atmosphere, and genuinely unsettling moments, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Del Sandeen really knows how to write a haunted house story that feels deeply unsettling and emotionally grounded. The second I heard this book was another Southern gothic haunted house story, I knew it was going to deliver, and it absolutely did. These Walls Remember is eerie, emotional, and packed with the kind of creeping dread that sticks with you long after you finish reading.
What stood out most to me was how beautifully the haunting was tied to grief and the damage that comes from carrying pain alone. The house doesn’t just feel haunted by ghosts — it feels haunted by memory, trauma, resentment, and loss. The themes surrounding grief being consuming and almost greedy when left unspoken added so much emotional depth to the story and made the horror feel meaningful instead of just scary for the sake of it.
I also really loved the relationship dynamics between Mickie, Delilah, and Joy. Their family tension felt authentic, messy, and believable, but underneath all of it was genuine love and loyalty. Watching them slowly come together despite fear, anger, and years of hurt was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book. There were definitely moments where I was stressed for them because this house was creepy, but their determination to fight for each other grounded the entire story emotionally.
And the horror itself? Perfect balance for me. Creepy without relying on nonstop shock value. The atmosphere was heavy and unsettling in the best way, and every strange thing happening inside the house just made me more desperate to uncover the truth behind it. The Southern gothic setting, the layered history of the home, and the slow unraveling of its secrets made this incredibly immersive.
If you love haunted house stories with emotional depth, family drama, gothic atmosphere, and genuinely unsettling moments, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
These Walls Remember was such an enjoyable read! Del Sandeen does a wonderful job creating an eerie, atmospheric setting that immediately pulled me in. The house almost felt like its own character, and I loved uncovering its secrets right alongside the main character.
I especially enjoyed the way the story blended family history, mystery, and supernatural elements. There were so many moments that left me wondering what was really happening, and I found myself eager to keep reading to see how everything would come together. The emotional layers added so much depth and made the story about more than just solving a mystery.
The pacing was a little slower than I usually gravitate toward, especially through parts of the middle, which is the only reason this wasn’t quite a five-star read for me. That said, the slower pace allowed the suspense to build naturally, and I felt the ending was well worth the journey.
If you enjoy gothic fiction, haunted houses, family secrets, and stories with a supernatural twist, I definitely recommend picking this one up. Del Sandeen has written a captivating debut, and I’ll be looking forward to seeing what she writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the privilege of receiving an ARC to read and review.
I especially enjoyed the way the story blended family history, mystery, and supernatural elements. There were so many moments that left me wondering what was really happening, and I found myself eager to keep reading to see how everything would come together. The emotional layers added so much depth and made the story about more than just solving a mystery.
The pacing was a little slower than I usually gravitate toward, especially through parts of the middle, which is the only reason this wasn’t quite a five-star read for me. That said, the slower pace allowed the suspense to build naturally, and I felt the ending was well worth the journey.
If you enjoy gothic fiction, haunted houses, family secrets, and stories with a supernatural twist, I definitely recommend picking this one up. Del Sandeen has written a captivating debut, and I’ll be looking forward to seeing what she writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the privilege of receiving an ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: These Walls Remember by Del Sandeen
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Horror
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: August 18, 2026
352 pages
🏚 Haunted House
🔄 Dual Timelines x Multiple POV
🍼 Tragic History
⛓️ Breaking Generational Curses
🗝 Dark Secrets
I was so excited when I saw Del Sandeen was coming out with another gothic horror! I loved This Cursed House, so I definitely went in with high hopes and was not disappointed!
The setup grabbed my attention immediately. We cycle between different POVs (Delilah, Mickie, Joy, Abram, and Lewis) and timelines (present day and 1910). The story bounces between the sisters navigating the strange occurrences in the home while trying to decide how to proceed, and Lewis building the home decades prior and the plight that later ensued.
I loved the idea of the haunted home, the strange ways the entity manifested, and the stories behind the people who went missing. The overall message of loving your family and ending generational curses made my heart so happy.
Another great read from an amazing author. If you're looking for your next spooky season read and want a bit of the paranormal, look no further!
Thank you so much Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for the digital review copy
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Horror
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: August 18, 2026
352 pages
🏚 Haunted House
🔄 Dual Timelines x Multiple POV
🍼 Tragic History
⛓️ Breaking Generational Curses
🗝 Dark Secrets
I was so excited when I saw Del Sandeen was coming out with another gothic horror! I loved This Cursed House, so I definitely went in with high hopes and was not disappointed!
The setup grabbed my attention immediately. We cycle between different POVs (Delilah, Mickie, Joy, Abram, and Lewis) and timelines (present day and 1910). The story bounces between the sisters navigating the strange occurrences in the home while trying to decide how to proceed, and Lewis building the home decades prior and the plight that later ensued.
I loved the idea of the haunted home, the strange ways the entity manifested, and the stories behind the people who went missing. The overall message of loving your family and ending generational curses made my heart so happy.
Another great read from an amazing author. If you're looking for your next spooky season read and want a bit of the paranormal, look no further!
Thank you so much Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for the digital review copy
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I have really been on a horror kick lately and I don't see it stopping any time soon!
I really enjoyed Del Sandeen's debut novel This Cursed House, so when I heard about her newest suspense/horror novel, THESE WALLS REMEMBER, I knew that I needed to snatch it up. Thank you @berkleypub for this gifted copy! I took it all over NYC this past work week and couldn't put it down!
When sisters Mickie and Delilah inherit a mysterious Savannah house with one chilling rule—never enter the attic—they uncover dark secrets that refuse to stay buried. As the home's sinister past tightens its grip, Mickie must fight to save her sister before the house claims them both.
This was a creepy, atmospheric Southern Gothic ghost story that balanced supernatural chills with an emotionally compelling family drama. I loved the strained relationship between sisters Mickie and Delilah, the seamless dual timelines, and the heartbreaking history of the house, all of which kept me invested from start to finish. While it wasn't the scariest haunted house novel I've read, its eerie atmosphere, memorable characters, and satisfying ending made it a thoroughly enjoyable read. If you enjoyed The September House by Carissa Orlando, THESE WALLS REMEMBER is a must read! STARS: 4, PUB: 8/18
I really enjoyed Del Sandeen's debut novel This Cursed House, so when I heard about her newest suspense/horror novel, THESE WALLS REMEMBER, I knew that I needed to snatch it up. Thank you @berkleypub for this gifted copy! I took it all over NYC this past work week and couldn't put it down!
When sisters Mickie and Delilah inherit a mysterious Savannah house with one chilling rule—never enter the attic—they uncover dark secrets that refuse to stay buried. As the home's sinister past tightens its grip, Mickie must fight to save her sister before the house claims them both.
This was a creepy, atmospheric Southern Gothic ghost story that balanced supernatural chills with an emotionally compelling family drama. I loved the strained relationship between sisters Mickie and Delilah, the seamless dual timelines, and the heartbreaking history of the house, all of which kept me invested from start to finish. While it wasn't the scariest haunted house novel I've read, its eerie atmosphere, memorable characters, and satisfying ending made it a thoroughly enjoyable read. If you enjoyed The September House by Carissa Orlando, THESE WALLS REMEMBER is a must read! STARS: 4, PUB: 8/18
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a good, creepy ghost story that I finished pretty quickly. It centers on sisters Mickie and Delilah, who inherit a house from an unknown aunt. Both down on their luck, and estranged from one another, they come together to try to figure out what they want to do with the house when, almost immediately, it becomes clear that there is something spiritual at play.
Both characters, as well as Delilah's daughter Joy, are realistic and likable characters, and I also enjoyed the cast of neighbors that were trying to help them out. The story of poor Lewis and his history with the house was super heart-breaking, and I enjoyed how the author tied the past owners' stories into the current story, The story was fast-paced and very eerie at times. I thought it was a good old-fashioned ghost story and I was gripped throughout. I liked the ending and thought it worked for the rest of the story,
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I'd recommend to those who enjoy this genre. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Both characters, as well as Delilah's daughter Joy, are realistic and likable characters, and I also enjoyed the cast of neighbors that were trying to help them out. The story of poor Lewis and his history with the house was super heart-breaking, and I enjoyed how the author tied the past owners' stories into the current story, The story was fast-paced and very eerie at times. I thought it was a good old-fashioned ghost story and I was gripped throughout. I liked the ending and thought it worked for the rest of the story,
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I'd recommend to those who enjoy this genre. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
My word, this was such a sad story.
At first I thought, ‘ohhhh juicy I’m loving the dynamic and tension’ …. And then we got to Lewis’ chapters. And they hurt. They hurt so bad. My heart ached, truly.
I just really loved and felt the juxtaposition between the timelines. I almost wish there were more of Lewis’ chapters more dragged out. Lord knows I love a good cry.
I really think this was an awful, treacherous and accurate story of racism in Lewis’ time period, as well as the current day. And it’s horrific to read about. Which is what made this book so good, and so engaging.
I’m really glad to have been gifted this ARC. I feel like I needed it. I often throw myself into fantasy books and sci fi as an escape. They’re still filled with stories that hold mirrors to reality but this one.. this one was just reality with a paranormal horror story around it. Sometimes you need to hear the stuff that hurts. You need to learn from the past. You need to let the bad parts be known. And if not, the grief eats you.
Wonderfully done. Thank you Berkley & Del Sandeen.
At first I thought, ‘ohhhh juicy I’m loving the dynamic and tension’ …. And then we got to Lewis’ chapters. And they hurt. They hurt so bad. My heart ached, truly.
I just really loved and felt the juxtaposition between the timelines. I almost wish there were more of Lewis’ chapters more dragged out. Lord knows I love a good cry.
I really think this was an awful, treacherous and accurate story of racism in Lewis’ time period, as well as the current day. And it’s horrific to read about. Which is what made this book so good, and so engaging.
I’m really glad to have been gifted this ARC. I feel like I needed it. I often throw myself into fantasy books and sci fi as an escape. They’re still filled with stories that hold mirrors to reality but this one.. this one was just reality with a paranormal horror story around it. Sometimes you need to hear the stuff that hurts. You need to learn from the past. You need to let the bad parts be known. And if not, the grief eats you.
Wonderfully done. Thank you Berkley & Del Sandeen.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was really good, I could hardly put it down. Who would have known a house could hold such power over people? It took me awhile to figure out exactly what what’s wrong with the house and how it could be fixed. If it could be fixed. Our two main protagonists are Black women who are also sisters. It was nice to see Black women first and front as so often it’s white women in these types of novels. Both of these women carried a lot of intense baggage and had major issues with each other. As someone with sisters, I could relate to their relationship and how complicated it was. Grief and anger are major components of the storyline and very powerfully done. As the story progressed, the author slowly pulled it all together nicely so they when the end arrived, it wasn’t a shock but an incredible revelation. Definitely for fans of paranormal and suspense. *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Southern gothic horror story about two sisters inheriting a haunted house.
Mickie and Delilah Taylor inherit their Aunt Haddie’s house at 724 Hartford Street in Savannah. Initially they want to sell it but something takes over as they start to discover something sinister may have happened to Haddie. The sisters have been estranged for sometime but when Delilah goes missing, Mickey is frantic to find her. More things are revealed about the house like Haddie tried to burn it down. When what is revealed happened to Delilah, the atmospheric creep rises - no spoilers here.
Simultaneous to the sisters’ story is a story about earlier owners of the house. This plays into what’s happening at 724 Hartford Street.
The book alternates between time 1910 and the present. Initially when the story switched to the past, the chapter heading altered you to this. Later chapters don’t say what year so pay attention. Plenty of atmosphere and horror to keep the suspense going.
This is book for Southern gothic horror lovers. Be sure to read in the daylight though.
My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for granting me access to this ARC.
Mickie and Delilah Taylor inherit their Aunt Haddie’s house at 724 Hartford Street in Savannah. Initially they want to sell it but something takes over as they start to discover something sinister may have happened to Haddie. The sisters have been estranged for sometime but when Delilah goes missing, Mickey is frantic to find her. More things are revealed about the house like Haddie tried to burn it down. When what is revealed happened to Delilah, the atmospheric creep rises - no spoilers here.
Simultaneous to the sisters’ story is a story about earlier owners of the house. This plays into what’s happening at 724 Hartford Street.
The book alternates between time 1910 and the present. Initially when the story switched to the past, the chapter heading altered you to this. Later chapters don’t say what year so pay attention. Plenty of atmosphere and horror to keep the suspense going.
This is book for Southern gothic horror lovers. Be sure to read in the daylight though.
My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for granting me access to this ARC.
June 11, 2026
These Walls Remember was definitely one of the stranger books I've read this year, and I mean that in a good way. It has an eerie, unsettling atmosphere with plenty of creepy moments, but underneath the supernatural elements is a thoughtful exploration of grief, family, and the things we inherit from those who came before us.
I found myself drawn into the mystery and the deeper emotional themes, even when the story took some unexpected turns. The oddness of it all somehow worked for me and kept me turning the pages.
My one hang-up, though, is something I can't seem to reconcile. Haddie is referred to several times as their aunt, but the book also states that Haddie was an only child. Did I miss an explanation somewhere, or is this a continuity error? It's one of those little details that lodged itself in my brain and refused to leave.
Even with that lingering question, I enjoyed the creepy atmosphere and the way the story tackled loss and family secrets. If you like gothic fiction with a touch of the uncanny and a lot of heart, this one is worth picking up.
I found myself drawn into the mystery and the deeper emotional themes, even when the story took some unexpected turns. The oddness of it all somehow worked for me and kept me turning the pages.
My one hang-up, though, is something I can't seem to reconcile. Haddie is referred to several times as their aunt, but the book also states that Haddie was an only child. Did I miss an explanation somewhere, or is this a continuity error? It's one of those little details that lodged itself in my brain and refused to leave.
Even with that lingering question, I enjoyed the creepy atmosphere and the way the story tackled loss and family secrets. If you like gothic fiction with a touch of the uncanny and a lot of heart, this one is worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had the best time reading this! Was i scared at some points ? Yes , but did i love it ? Also yes. Mickie and Delilah’s relationship as sisters had its ups and downs that they needed to work through. At the same time Joy, Delilah’s daughter, also had unresolved issues that needed to be worked through with her mom and aunt. The house was haunted and was its own entity itself . I love the multiple POV and different timelines . Lewis was the first owner/builder of the house and lost his wife and child in a tragic accident. It was so interesting to see how that played out with coming to the present with the aunts and Joy. This might be my first southern gothic and i LOVED it. I had so many emotions going through this book from scared/anxiety to relief and resolve . Thank you NetGalley for the EArc! I can’t wait to purchase the physical copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“That hunger was a void, vast and dark.”
Estranged sisters Mickie and Delilah inherit a distant relatives house. It comes with a warning of “do not go into the attic”, which is absolutely not heeded. While initially planning to sell and go their separate ways, they soon realize the house has plans of its own.
I enjoyed that this story has multiple POVs, but I didn’t always know whose I was reading from right away.
However, I loved that the horror is not reliant on jump scares. Instead, there is a slow, aching dread inside of 724 Hartford Street, and it will stick with you long after the final page is read.
Pretty sure I won’t be going into any attics anytime soon after this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Del Sandeen for this eARC!
Estranged sisters Mickie and Delilah inherit a distant relatives house. It comes with a warning of “do not go into the attic”, which is absolutely not heeded. While initially planning to sell and go their separate ways, they soon realize the house has plans of its own.
I enjoyed that this story has multiple POVs, but I didn’t always know whose I was reading from right away.
However, I loved that the horror is not reliant on jump scares. Instead, there is a slow, aching dread inside of 724 Hartford Street, and it will stick with you long after the final page is read.
Pretty sure I won’t be going into any attics anytime soon after this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Del Sandeen for this eARC!
May 27, 2026
Estranged sisters inherit an old house from a distant relative. The sisters wish to prepare the house for sale, but the house has its own agenda.
What I liked best about this book was how it takes a familiar horror trope (desperate family comes into a possibly haunted property) and uses it to expose the real horrors of Black history. For example, there’s that classic scene where the new homeowner scours the town’s archives to find out more about the property and previous residents. In this book, that scene comes up with no hits because the mainstream newspapers didn’t document what happened to Black homes and families.
Theme-wise the book explores the passing down of anger, grief, and pain. It also highlights the importance of leaning on others to help process these feelings in constructive ways that promote healing and create healthier cycles for future generations.
My only criticism is the inconsistency of pacing. Several aspects of the story became very repetitive. (I don’t know how many times we had to hear about the dog disappearing or not wanting to go upstairs.) At other times, especially near the end, things were tied up so fast I had trouble tracking what happened.
Issues aside, the themes and incorporation of historical realities made this a worthwhile read for me.
What I liked best about this book was how it takes a familiar horror trope (desperate family comes into a possibly haunted property) and uses it to expose the real horrors of Black history. For example, there’s that classic scene where the new homeowner scours the town’s archives to find out more about the property and previous residents. In this book, that scene comes up with no hits because the mainstream newspapers didn’t document what happened to Black homes and families.
Theme-wise the book explores the passing down of anger, grief, and pain. It also highlights the importance of leaning on others to help process these feelings in constructive ways that promote healing and create healthier cycles for future generations.
My only criticism is the inconsistency of pacing. Several aspects of the story became very repetitive. (I don’t know how many times we had to hear about the dog disappearing or not wanting to go upstairs.) At other times, especially near the end, things were tied up so fast I had trouble tracking what happened.
Issues aside, the themes and incorporation of historical realities made this a worthwhile read for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
[arc review]
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
These Walls Remember releases August 18, 2026
2.5
“As long as people remembered the dead, they were never truly gone, were they?”
Two estranged sisters inherit the estate of their late great-aunt, but when they come face to face with the ghosts of 724 Hartford Street, deciding whether to keep or sell the property becomes the least of their worries.
I loved the thematic use of grief and how the house affected the sisters differently. That being said, I thought the story could’ve packed more of a punch in the form of a novella. Incorporating more first-person perspectives from past occupants alongside Lewis’s would’ve intensified the haunted atmosphere and added another layer of dimension, which is what I felt the narrative was missing.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
These Walls Remember releases August 18, 2026
2.5
“As long as people remembered the dead, they were never truly gone, were they?”
Two estranged sisters inherit the estate of their late great-aunt, but when they come face to face with the ghosts of 724 Hartford Street, deciding whether to keep or sell the property becomes the least of their worries.
I loved the thematic use of grief and how the house affected the sisters differently. That being said, I thought the story could’ve packed more of a punch in the form of a novella. Incorporating more first-person perspectives from past occupants alongside Lewis’s would’ve intensified the haunted atmosphere and added another layer of dimension, which is what I felt the narrative was missing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
No one does Southern creep and horror like Del Sandeen. Add in family rage and drama, a house that eats people and a pair of estranged sisters - and you have an amazing book! The brutal experiences, raw honesty of a house's past - so well done.
Told in dual timelines -
The first family to live in the house: the joy, pride, love, and devastating events creating a ravenous home.
Two sisters inherit the house in present day - both struggling and no real home, decide to clean it up and open as a B&B. Weird things happen - Delilah can't stay out of the attic. Mickie is losing her patience. And then Delilah disappears.
A slow build creepy house tale!
Told in dual timelines -
The first family to live in the house: the joy, pride, love, and devastating events creating a ravenous home.
Two sisters inherit the house in present day - both struggling and no real home, decide to clean it up and open as a B&B. Weird things happen - Delilah can't stay out of the attic. Mickie is losing her patience. And then Delilah disappears.
A slow build creepy house tale!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The concept of this book is heartbreaking but the story ends gently. Overall, this story was good and kept my attention. There were a few scenes where I felt a little lost and could have benefitted from a bit more detail or from the scene being slowed down a bit.
The story of 2 estranged sisters and the daughter who has avoided a relationship with her mother, one of those sisters, is a true-to-life scenario that I think many readers will relate to. Overall, I enjoyed this book.
The concept of this book is heartbreaking but the story ends gently. Overall, this story was good and kept my attention. There were a few scenes where I felt a little lost and could have benefitted from a bit more detail or from the scene being slowed down a bit.
The story of 2 estranged sisters and the daughter who has avoided a relationship with her mother, one of those sisters, is a true-to-life scenario that I think many readers will relate to. Overall, I enjoyed this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am really enjoying this author!
These Walls Remember is a chilling haunted house story that delves deeply into grief and historical racism.
I adored our two prickly sisters. They are damaged, but are also genuinely good people at heart. They aren't your typical gothic waifs - they're older, lifeworn, and so very relatable.
I'll admit I would have liked just a little bit of edge. The story is softer. While still providing some scary moments, it's a little more about the feels than the scares.
Looking forward to whatever the author brings us next!
These Walls Remember is a chilling haunted house story that delves deeply into grief and historical racism.
I adored our two prickly sisters. They are damaged, but are also genuinely good people at heart. They aren't your typical gothic waifs - they're older, lifeworn, and so very relatable.
I'll admit I would have liked just a little bit of edge. The story is softer. While still providing some scary moments, it's a little more about the feels than the scares.
Looking forward to whatever the author brings us next!
July 27, 2026
This was an excellent book. It sucked me right in. Southern gothic, family secrets, and a haunted house? What more could a person want? The complexity of Mickie and Delilah’s relationship kept me intrigued. The tragedy of Lewis’ dreams had me weeping (literally, and on the train no less). Del Sandeen is a revelation. I’ll read absolutely anything by her now. I already own a copy of This Cursed House, but haven’t read it yet, and now it’s shot its way up to the top of the tbr pile. Highly recommend for horror, historical fiction, and mystery fans.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
While this started off with a strong premise, it falls a bit flat in character development. You really only learn bits and pieces about the protagonists, so they never get to the place where they seem like fully fleshed out people. Some of the tropes are also a bit played out in this genre, so they seem a bit trite.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you #NetGalley and #BerkleyPublishingCompany for the ARC read of this novel.
I am rating this story 3 stars. What was missing to me was the horror aspect. I wanted to love this book but didn’t find myself fully invested in the story unfortunately.
I feel like this was a quick read that I finished in a little under two days but I can’t say that I loved it. I did like it though.
I am rating this story 3 stars. What was missing to me was the horror aspect. I wanted to love this book but didn’t find myself fully invested in the story unfortunately.
I feel like this was a quick read that I finished in a little under two days but I can’t say that I loved it. I did like it though.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed reading this book. It gave me the perfect creepy, unsettling vibe that I look for in ghost stories. Reading the story and having some of the past come to the present really messed together well. I would definitely say this is the perfect halfway to Halloween, or October read. I enjoyed the characters and their development. I would recommend to those who like creepy stories.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars
This started really strong, and stayed really strong until about the 60% mark. It started feeling very easy, and/or didn't make sense. Felt a little drawn out and like it could've ended earlier. Definitely hurts to read though, almost cried. Writing is absolutely beautiful.
This started really strong, and stayed really strong until about the 60% mark. It started feeling very easy, and/or didn't make sense. Felt a little drawn out and like it could've ended earlier. Definitely hurts to read though, almost cried. Writing is absolutely beautiful.
April 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved the premise of this book. It was truly haunting and heartbreaking. The writing is beautiful and atmospheric. The characters could be fleshed out a little more in my opinion. The switching view points is hard to follow. The last quarter of the novel was hard for me to follow and that’s kind of where it fell apart for me.
I really enjoyed Del Sandeen’s This Cursed House and this novel is very reminiscent of that same energy but it fell a little flat for me in comparison.
I really loved the premise of this book. It was truly haunting and heartbreaking. The writing is beautiful and atmospheric. The characters could be fleshed out a little more in my opinion. The switching view points is hard to follow. The last quarter of the novel was hard for me to follow and that’s kind of where it fell apart for me.
I really enjoyed Del Sandeen’s This Cursed House and this novel is very reminiscent of that same energy but it fell a little flat for me in comparison.
Want to Read
April 1, 2026Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC! These Walls Remember by Del Sandeen comes out on August 18, 2026.
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