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Welcome Home, Mariam
Not yet published
Expected 10 Nov 26Left with no memory of her disappearance or the events preceding it, Mariam returns to her rural childhood home with her beloved Mother and Father, or at least a couple claiming to be. Once she arrives at their isolated farmhouse, vivid hallucinations start to fill the void left by her total amnesia. Mariam loses hours sleepwalking from one horror to another. Meanwhile, everyone seems eager to welcome Mariam home—from her parents to the neighbors and townspeople who stand on the property line, just watching. They leave flowers and extravagant gifts on the front step. They pry into her family’s affairs, into her rehabilitation. They pretend not to see Mariam deteriorate in front of them.
If this is a haunting, then exhumation will require Mariam to remember who she was before. And once she knocks enough dirt loose, her past self might just claw out of the grave to expose the carnivorous truth underneath the house’s floorboards.
If this is a haunting, then exhumation will require Mariam to remember who she was before. And once she knocks enough dirt loose, her past self might just claw out of the grave to expose the carnivorous truth underneath the house’s floorboards.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Reading for review in the October issue of Library Journal
Three Words That Describe This Book: intense psychological horror, cult-ish, violent
This book is upsetting. The violence and supernatural horror meets the lengths humans will go to to protect themselves and their interstate in service of (in this case) the house that they feed so it protects them. The trauma here-- inflicted against Miriam is A LOT. Anyone who faced child abuse as a kid should not read this. But her rage makes sense as we learn of her true trauma. Her amnesia is also not a gimmick, between the drug her family gives her and the trauma, it is understandable.
This book is VERY intense gas lighting. VERY intense and active. This is not Rebecca. The dissonance here is palpable. Miriam is unreliable because she has amnesia, but she (and as a result we because this story is only from her perspective and quite frankly, it would not work at all if the pot was any other way) knows what she is being told is wrong.
Miriam-- about to turn 25-- is brought back home after being found violently destroying an apartment a few hours north of where she grew up. She is brought back home-- possible kidnapping they say. But she knows something is off. She appears to have no friends, her room seems like that of a child, there are videos of weird birthday parties.
She cannot remember her parents but she does remember the town doctor and someone named Beth.
Her parents and the town -- all of them-- missed her greatly. So much so that the entire town looks run down when she returns but as she is back, it is slowly sprucing itself up. There are ruined remains of other homes near her house. Her house is isolated and people from town are sent to check on her and make sure she is safe and in the house.
The book is Miriam figuring out what happened, why she has had such a strange life tethered to her house. And what is going to happen on her 25th birthday.
This book is upsetting on many levels, but they are all tethered to very real horrors. Adding the cult-like worshipping of the house and the town doing whatever it demands-- no matter how awful-- adds to the horror and makes it palpable and quite honestly, palatable, in a way that real human violence cannot be easily explained.
Mix of the closed town, can't leave, with a very dangerous secret of Hex with the horrific human traditions of The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. A good comp for the underrated Bride of the Tornado by James Kennedy-- they are both isolated small towns with a cult like feel and very real human violence to protect/satisfy the supernatural horror that may or may not be in the town.
Cabin at the End of the World by Tremblay -- that is the level of psychological horror and violence. But this one has less hope. Not no hope, but not the soul cleansing hopeful ending to the horror that Tremblay had.
Three Words That Describe This Book: intense psychological horror, cult-ish, violent
This book is upsetting. The violence and supernatural horror meets the lengths humans will go to to protect themselves and their interstate in service of (in this case) the house that they feed so it protects them. The trauma here-- inflicted against Miriam is A LOT. Anyone who faced child abuse as a kid should not read this. But her rage makes sense as we learn of her true trauma. Her amnesia is also not a gimmick, between the drug her family gives her and the trauma, it is understandable.
This book is VERY intense gas lighting. VERY intense and active. This is not Rebecca. The dissonance here is palpable. Miriam is unreliable because she has amnesia, but she (and as a result we because this story is only from her perspective and quite frankly, it would not work at all if the pot was any other way) knows what she is being told is wrong.
Miriam-- about to turn 25-- is brought back home after being found violently destroying an apartment a few hours north of where she grew up. She is brought back home-- possible kidnapping they say. But she knows something is off. She appears to have no friends, her room seems like that of a child, there are videos of weird birthday parties.
She cannot remember her parents but she does remember the town doctor and someone named Beth.
Her parents and the town -- all of them-- missed her greatly. So much so that the entire town looks run down when she returns but as she is back, it is slowly sprucing itself up. There are ruined remains of other homes near her house. Her house is isolated and people from town are sent to check on her and make sure she is safe and in the house.
The book is Miriam figuring out what happened, why she has had such a strange life tethered to her house. And what is going to happen on her 25th birthday.
This book is upsetting on many levels, but they are all tethered to very real horrors. Adding the cult-like worshipping of the house and the town doing whatever it demands-- no matter how awful-- adds to the horror and makes it palpable and quite honestly, palatable, in a way that real human violence cannot be easily explained.
Mix of the closed town, can't leave, with a very dangerous secret of Hex with the horrific human traditions of The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. A good comp for the underrated Bride of the Tornado by James Kennedy-- they are both isolated small towns with a cult like feel and very real human violence to protect/satisfy the supernatural horror that may or may not be in the town.
Cabin at the End of the World by Tremblay -- that is the level of psychological horror and violence. But this one has less hope. Not no hope, but not the soul cleansing hopeful ending to the horror that Tremblay had.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Page Street Horror for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Welcome Home, Mariam” by Sanchita Mitra is a slow-burn nightmare about family secrets, trauma, gaslighting, and a town that will do anything to keep its house happy.
This story follows 24-year-old Mariam, who is found after apparently destroying an apartment several hours away from the rural town where she supposedly grew up. The problem? Mariam doesn't remember any of it. She doesn't remember leaving. She doesn't remember her parents. She barely remembers the town. And yet, when she is brought back home, everyone seems to know exactly who she is.
At first, her parents seem relieved and loving. The townspeople are thrilled she's back. Everything should feel comforting. Except... it doesn't.
Mariam's room looks like it belongs to a child. There are strange birthday videos she doesn't remember. People from town keep showing up to check on her. The house feels wrong. The town looks run-down, except it seems to slowly become healthier and more alive now that Mariam has returned. There are ruined houses surrounding the property. And everyone seems very, very interested in making sure Mariam stays inside.
What really worked for me was how closely the reader follows Mariam's perspective. We don't get some convenient explanation of what's actually happening while she's stumbling around in the dark. We discover everything as she does, which makes the gaslighting especially effective. Mariam knows that what people are telling her doesn't quite line up with what she's experiencing, but because she has amnesia, she's constantly questioning herself.
Can she trust her memories? Can she trust her parents? Can she trust the doctor? Can she trust the town? Can she trust the house?
Honestly, by the middle of the book, I was suspicious of everything
The house itself is probably my favorite part of the horror. This is very much a house-as-a-character story, and the house has a bizarre relationship with the entire town. The people living there basically treat it like something that must be appeased at all costs. Their devotion becomes increasingly cult-like, and the implications of what they're willing to do to keep the house happy are genuinely disturbing.
I also really liked the way the supernatural horror mixes with very real human horror. There's a lot going on with childhood trauma, abuse, manipulation, and the destruction of trust. And honestly, that made the supernatural elements even more effective. The scariest part isn't simply that the house might be alive. It's the realization that the people who are supposed to protect Mariam may be the people she needs protection from.
And Mariam herself? I really felt for her.
Her anger is intense, but once you start understanding what she's been through, that rage makes complete sense. Her memory loss also never felt like a cheap mystery gimmick. Between her trauma and what her family has done to her, there are understandable reasons she can't remember her past. Watching her slowly recover pieces of herself and realize what has actually happened to her was one of the strongest parts of the story.
The pacing is definitely slow burn, though. If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller where something happens every five pages, this probably isn't it. The book spends a lot of time building the atmosphere, establishing the town, letting Mariam question everything, and slowly revealing pieces of the mystery.
Personally, I think the slower pacing worked because the whole book has this oppressive, claustrophobic feeling. You're supposed to feel trapped with Mariam. You're supposed to be confused. You're supposed to wonder whether you're being lied to.
Thankfully, the payoff is worth it. Once Mariam's memories start coming back and the pieces begin falling into place, the story picks up considerably. I especially appreciated that the various questions raised throughout the book actually get answers. I never felt like I was being handed mystery after mystery just for the sake of being mysterious.
Overall, “Welcome Home, Mariam” is a dark, atmospheric, deeply unsettling psychological horror. Reading about Mariam’s fight to understand her own past, reclaim her memories, and figure out who she can actually trust made for a seriously disturbing reading experience.
“Welcome Home, Mariam” by Sanchita Mitra is a slow-burn nightmare about family secrets, trauma, gaslighting, and a town that will do anything to keep its house happy.
This story follows 24-year-old Mariam, who is found after apparently destroying an apartment several hours away from the rural town where she supposedly grew up. The problem? Mariam doesn't remember any of it. She doesn't remember leaving. She doesn't remember her parents. She barely remembers the town. And yet, when she is brought back home, everyone seems to know exactly who she is.
At first, her parents seem relieved and loving. The townspeople are thrilled she's back. Everything should feel comforting. Except... it doesn't.
Mariam's room looks like it belongs to a child. There are strange birthday videos she doesn't remember. People from town keep showing up to check on her. The house feels wrong. The town looks run-down, except it seems to slowly become healthier and more alive now that Mariam has returned. There are ruined houses surrounding the property. And everyone seems very, very interested in making sure Mariam stays inside.
What really worked for me was how closely the reader follows Mariam's perspective. We don't get some convenient explanation of what's actually happening while she's stumbling around in the dark. We discover everything as she does, which makes the gaslighting especially effective. Mariam knows that what people are telling her doesn't quite line up with what she's experiencing, but because she has amnesia, she's constantly questioning herself.
Can she trust her memories? Can she trust her parents? Can she trust the doctor? Can she trust the town? Can she trust the house?
Honestly, by the middle of the book, I was suspicious of everything
The house itself is probably my favorite part of the horror. This is very much a house-as-a-character story, and the house has a bizarre relationship with the entire town. The people living there basically treat it like something that must be appeased at all costs. Their devotion becomes increasingly cult-like, and the implications of what they're willing to do to keep the house happy are genuinely disturbing.
I also really liked the way the supernatural horror mixes with very real human horror. There's a lot going on with childhood trauma, abuse, manipulation, and the destruction of trust. And honestly, that made the supernatural elements even more effective. The scariest part isn't simply that the house might be alive. It's the realization that the people who are supposed to protect Mariam may be the people she needs protection from.
And Mariam herself? I really felt for her.
Her anger is intense, but once you start understanding what she's been through, that rage makes complete sense. Her memory loss also never felt like a cheap mystery gimmick. Between her trauma and what her family has done to her, there are understandable reasons she can't remember her past. Watching her slowly recover pieces of herself and realize what has actually happened to her was one of the strongest parts of the story.
The pacing is definitely slow burn, though. If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller where something happens every five pages, this probably isn't it. The book spends a lot of time building the atmosphere, establishing the town, letting Mariam question everything, and slowly revealing pieces of the mystery.
Personally, I think the slower pacing worked because the whole book has this oppressive, claustrophobic feeling. You're supposed to feel trapped with Mariam. You're supposed to be confused. You're supposed to wonder whether you're being lied to.
Thankfully, the payoff is worth it. Once Mariam's memories start coming back and the pieces begin falling into place, the story picks up considerably. I especially appreciated that the various questions raised throughout the book actually get answers. I never felt like I was being handed mystery after mystery just for the sake of being mysterious.
Overall, “Welcome Home, Mariam” is a dark, atmospheric, deeply unsettling psychological horror. Reading about Mariam’s fight to understand her own past, reclaim her memories, and figure out who she can actually trust made for a seriously disturbing reading experience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25 stars
What a ride! I was hooked from the very start read it in one sitting. I was equal parts tense, apprehensive, and horrified as I read Welcome Home, Mariam, a psychological thriller filled with supernatural elements, superstition, and a town fueled with a desire to survive no matter the cost.
The story begins as 24 year old Mariam returns to her home in a small town where everyone seems to know everything about everyone. She has been gone for about a year and her parents have been desperately searching for her. Unfortunately, we know about as much of her time away as Mariam knows- she can't remember anything. Initially, Mariam is comforted by her parents' concern and their eagerness to keep her away from the probing eyes of the townspeople. Through the help of the town's doctor, though,Mariam learns the terrifying truth about her life in this rural town.
For a good portion of the novel, the reader is uncertain what is going on, but one thing is for certain there are very strange people living in this town and something extremely bizarre is occurring in Mariam's house. Creepy visits from the townspeople who gather in groups to peer inside the house hoping to catch a glimpse of Mariam. Or the odd and disconcerting sounds that Mariam hears in the middle of the night. Is the house trying to communicate with her? What about the very peculiar way that the family celebrates Mariam's birthdays?
As the Mariam gradually recovers her memories, she must struggle with ways to survive what awaits her on her 25th birthday.
A vivid, atmospheric setting with a strong FMC whom the reader is rooting for from the very beginning. It is heart-wrenching and terrifying. Sanchita Mitra's writing is haunting and immersive; we feel Mariam's distress and frustrations as she works through her puzzling existence and we cheer her on as she begins to figure out the ways to survive.
Trigger Warnings: violence, abuse, murder
Thank you to Net Galley and Page Street Horror for the ARC of the novel. It was very enjoyable!
What a ride! I was hooked from the very start read it in one sitting. I was equal parts tense, apprehensive, and horrified as I read Welcome Home, Mariam, a psychological thriller filled with supernatural elements, superstition, and a town fueled with a desire to survive no matter the cost.
The story begins as 24 year old Mariam returns to her home in a small town where everyone seems to know everything about everyone. She has been gone for about a year and her parents have been desperately searching for her. Unfortunately, we know about as much of her time away as Mariam knows- she can't remember anything. Initially, Mariam is comforted by her parents' concern and their eagerness to keep her away from the probing eyes of the townspeople. Through the help of the town's doctor, though,Mariam learns the terrifying truth about her life in this rural town.
For a good portion of the novel, the reader is uncertain what is going on, but one thing is for certain there are very strange people living in this town and something extremely bizarre is occurring in Mariam's house. Creepy visits from the townspeople who gather in groups to peer inside the house hoping to catch a glimpse of Mariam. Or the odd and disconcerting sounds that Mariam hears in the middle of the night. Is the house trying to communicate with her? What about the very peculiar way that the family celebrates Mariam's birthdays?
As the Mariam gradually recovers her memories, she must struggle with ways to survive what awaits her on her 25th birthday.
A vivid, atmospheric setting with a strong FMC whom the reader is rooting for from the very beginning. It is heart-wrenching and terrifying. Sanchita Mitra's writing is haunting and immersive; we feel Mariam's distress and frustrations as she works through her puzzling existence and we cheer her on as she begins to figure out the ways to survive.
Trigger Warnings: violence, abuse, murder
Thank you to Net Galley and Page Street Horror for the ARC of the novel. It was very enjoyable!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC Review❣️
4.5 hearts for me!
This was a slow-paced, deeply unsettling read that had me completely invested in figuring out what was really happening. The story takes its time, but for me, that worked because every detail felt important. Mariam’s memory loss, her return to a home she can barely remember, the strange behaviour of the people around her, and the increasingly disturbing things she discovers kept me questioning everything alongside her. What stayed with me most was the idea of trust. We grow up believing there are certain people we can trust blindly especially our parents. But what happens when the very people who are supposed to protect you are the ones who break that trust? That question made Mariam’s situation even more disturbing, because the horror isn’t just about what is happening around her; it is also about realizing that the people closest to you may not be who you believe they are.
The book is intense, detailed, and at times genuinely upsetting, particularly because of the themes of trauma, abuse, manipulation, and violence. I was especially invested in Mariam’s journey as she slowly tries to piece together her past and understand why her life has always seemed so strangely connected to her home. The psychological aspect really worked for me, the uncertainty, the gaslighting, and the constant feeling that something was terribly wrong made me want to keep reading and understand the truth. The horror gradually becomes more palpable, and the cult-like devotion surrounding the house adds another disturbing layer to the story.
This is definitely not a fast-paced thriller, it is a slow burn that requires patience, but I appreciated how much detail went into building the atmosphere and Mariam’s psychological state. I was too invested in uncovering what had happened, and by the end, I felt that 4.5 stars was absolutely deserved.
A disturbing, atmospheric psychological horror that made me question everything and everyone.
4.5 hearts for me!
This was a slow-paced, deeply unsettling read that had me completely invested in figuring out what was really happening. The story takes its time, but for me, that worked because every detail felt important. Mariam’s memory loss, her return to a home she can barely remember, the strange behaviour of the people around her, and the increasingly disturbing things she discovers kept me questioning everything alongside her. What stayed with me most was the idea of trust. We grow up believing there are certain people we can trust blindly especially our parents. But what happens when the very people who are supposed to protect you are the ones who break that trust? That question made Mariam’s situation even more disturbing, because the horror isn’t just about what is happening around her; it is also about realizing that the people closest to you may not be who you believe they are.
The book is intense, detailed, and at times genuinely upsetting, particularly because of the themes of trauma, abuse, manipulation, and violence. I was especially invested in Mariam’s journey as she slowly tries to piece together her past and understand why her life has always seemed so strangely connected to her home. The psychological aspect really worked for me, the uncertainty, the gaslighting, and the constant feeling that something was terribly wrong made me want to keep reading and understand the truth. The horror gradually becomes more palpable, and the cult-like devotion surrounding the house adds another disturbing layer to the story.
This is definitely not a fast-paced thriller, it is a slow burn that requires patience, but I appreciated how much detail went into building the atmosphere and Mariam’s psychological state. I was too invested in uncovering what had happened, and by the end, I felt that 4.5 stars was absolutely deserved.
A disturbing, atmospheric psychological horror that made me question everything and everyone.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of Advanced copy received by NetGalley
This was a slow paced thriller that blended small town superstition, cult like beliefs, psychological horror, and the lasting effects of childhood violence. The story really plays with the idea of what happens when the people and places that are supposed to make you feel safe become the very things you should fear.
Mariam is found alone and with no memory of who she is or what happened to her. She is brought back to the rural home she supposedly grew up in, where a couple claiming to be her parents are waiting for her. But nothing feels quite right. Her memories don’t come back, strange hallucinations begin, she starts losing time, and the townspeople seem almost too happy to have her home. As Mariam tries to piece together her past, she begins uncovering some very disturbing truths about her family, her childhood, and the town surrounding her.
This definitely wasn’t a fast paced thriller. It takes its time building the atmosphere and slowly unraveling what is really happening, but there were some genuinely unsettling moments along the way. The cultish behavior and town superstition added an eerie layer, while the themes surrounding childhood violence and trauma made the horror feel even darker.
I really enjoyed watching everything slowly come together, and I thought the story unraveled well. The ending was especially well written and gave the story a satisfying conclusion.
A slow burn, unsettling thriller with psychological horror, disturbing family secrets, and a whole town obessed with keeping the house happy.
This was a slow paced thriller that blended small town superstition, cult like beliefs, psychological horror, and the lasting effects of childhood violence. The story really plays with the idea of what happens when the people and places that are supposed to make you feel safe become the very things you should fear.
Mariam is found alone and with no memory of who she is or what happened to her. She is brought back to the rural home she supposedly grew up in, where a couple claiming to be her parents are waiting for her. But nothing feels quite right. Her memories don’t come back, strange hallucinations begin, she starts losing time, and the townspeople seem almost too happy to have her home. As Mariam tries to piece together her past, she begins uncovering some very disturbing truths about her family, her childhood, and the town surrounding her.
This definitely wasn’t a fast paced thriller. It takes its time building the atmosphere and slowly unraveling what is really happening, but there were some genuinely unsettling moments along the way. The cultish behavior and town superstition added an eerie layer, while the themes surrounding childhood violence and trauma made the horror feel even darker.
I really enjoyed watching everything slowly come together, and I thought the story unraveled well. The ending was especially well written and gave the story a satisfying conclusion.
A slow burn, unsettling thriller with psychological horror, disturbing family secrets, and a whole town obessed with keeping the house happy.
September 30, 2026
*4.25 stars*
Welcome Home, Mariam is the perfect refreshing combination of a sentient haunted house story mixed with small town cult horror. Imagine something similar to Starling House meets Window's Bay, with an extra bit of a psychological Momento-esque elements.
The pacing is appropriate for the story; I felt like it started off a bit slow and then it really picks up towards the middle/end when Mariam's memories start to come back.
What I really love about this story was that we gradually learn things about the town, the house, and her family along with Mariam. The reader isn't exposed to information before she is, and it's like we are following along with her journey closely with her. I think this works well because it helps us be more empathetic to her life and situation. I really enjoyed Mariam as a main character. Sometimes it felt like you could really feel her rage radiating right off of the page.
As I was reading I was often left with questions, but the next few pages or chapter always answered them. The story didn't leave me confused or leave any lose threads plot wise, which I appreciate! I'd love to know more about this town in a second book/novella type of story. Maybe not what happens to her after, but a prequel of some sort that gives more context to the towns superstitions in the past.
Read if you love:
- isolation and dread
- small town secrets and superstition
- psychological horror
- eerie cult horror
Thank you to Page Street Horror and NetGalley for a copy of this e-ARC!
Welcome Home, Mariam is the perfect refreshing combination of a sentient haunted house story mixed with small town cult horror. Imagine something similar to Starling House meets Window's Bay, with an extra bit of a psychological Momento-esque elements.
The pacing is appropriate for the story; I felt like it started off a bit slow and then it really picks up towards the middle/end when Mariam's memories start to come back.
What I really love about this story was that we gradually learn things about the town, the house, and her family along with Mariam. The reader isn't exposed to information before she is, and it's like we are following along with her journey closely with her. I think this works well because it helps us be more empathetic to her life and situation. I really enjoyed Mariam as a main character. Sometimes it felt like you could really feel her rage radiating right off of the page.
As I was reading I was often left with questions, but the next few pages or chapter always answered them. The story didn't leave me confused or leave any lose threads plot wise, which I appreciate! I'd love to know more about this town in a second book/novella type of story. Maybe not what happens to her after, but a prequel of some sort that gives more context to the towns superstitions in the past.
Read if you love:
- isolation and dread
- small town secrets and superstition
- psychological horror
- eerie cult horror
Thank you to Page Street Horror and NetGalley for a copy of this e-ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you @netgalley for letting me read this arc in exchange for an honest review!
Welcome Home, Mariam is about Mariam (lol, who else?! 🤣) who has been missing. When she's finally found and brought back to her house it feels different. Not only does Mariam not remember here life here but strange things are happening. People keep staring through the windows and Mariam has the weirdest dreams 👀
This book is a psychological horror story but that doesn't quite hit the vibe for me. I would say it's a slow paced thriller with supernatural aspects.
✨️ When I read the blurb I was so enthusiastic but overall the book did disappoint me unfortunately. The beginning had met intrigued but then I felt like everything became so repetitive. Something I really hate about books? BEING REPETITIVE!! 🥲
Don't get me wrong, the idea of this story is great and I did sympathize with Mariam. The cultish vibe it gave me was interesting and the ending did surprise me. So I don't want to be all negative about this story because there were a lot of nice elements. ❤️ However, we always post honest reviews and it could have been better in my opinion. I don't really get the evil parents thing here. They hate her but always take care of her?! It's confusing to me.. 😬
Overall a fun story but you do have to push through the middle part. It does feel like a perfect Autumn read so if you are interested, this is the time to read it! 🍂
Welcome Home, Mariam is about Mariam (lol, who else?! 🤣) who has been missing. When she's finally found and brought back to her house it feels different. Not only does Mariam not remember here life here but strange things are happening. People keep staring through the windows and Mariam has the weirdest dreams 👀
This book is a psychological horror story but that doesn't quite hit the vibe for me. I would say it's a slow paced thriller with supernatural aspects.
✨️ When I read the blurb I was so enthusiastic but overall the book did disappoint me unfortunately. The beginning had met intrigued but then I felt like everything became so repetitive. Something I really hate about books? BEING REPETITIVE!! 🥲
Don't get me wrong, the idea of this story is great and I did sympathize with Mariam. The cultish vibe it gave me was interesting and the ending did surprise me. So I don't want to be all negative about this story because there were a lot of nice elements. ❤️ However, we always post honest reviews and it could have been better in my opinion. I don't really get the evil parents thing here. They hate her but always take care of her?! It's confusing to me.. 😬
Overall a fun story but you do have to push through the middle part. It does feel like a perfect Autumn read so if you are interested, this is the time to read it! 🍂
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Welcome Home, Mariam by Sanchita Mitra is a horror novel about a young woman being returned to her home and parents by authorities, with no memory of her life before she was discovered in someone’s destroyed apartment. She doesn’t recognize her hometown or anyone in it; but they seem to be all-too familiar with her. Kept locked inside by the people claiming to be her parents, and constantly stalked by the townspeople who gather around the edge of the property, Mariam struggles to piece her fractured memories back together and learn what, exactly, has happened to her inside of this strange house.
I’m a big fan of horror that begins with the protagonist suffering from amnesia, and having to solve the mystery of their past before they can move forward, so I was sold on the premise from the beginning. This book is violent and brutal, and pulls no punches where the horror is concerned. Whenever Mariam was sitting in her room, I could viscerally feel the dusty, oppressive weight of moving quietly so that no one else in the house will hear you. The weight of being an adult still unable to defy their parents.
I would recommend this book to fans of house-as-character stories, fans of psychological horror, and adult children of abusive parents who want to explore that in the horror space.
Thank you Page Street Horror for providing this advance copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I’m a big fan of horror that begins with the protagonist suffering from amnesia, and having to solve the mystery of their past before they can move forward, so I was sold on the premise from the beginning. This book is violent and brutal, and pulls no punches where the horror is concerned. Whenever Mariam was sitting in her room, I could viscerally feel the dusty, oppressive weight of moving quietly so that no one else in the house will hear you. The weight of being an adult still unable to defy their parents.
I would recommend this book to fans of house-as-character stories, fans of psychological horror, and adult children of abusive parents who want to explore that in the horror space.
Thank you Page Street Horror for providing this advance copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
September 14, 2026
Thank you Page Street Horror and Sanchita Mitra for this pre release copy of Welcome Home Mariam through NetGalley.
3.25 stars rounded down to 3.
Welcome Home Mariam is the story of Mariam, who is suffering from amnesia at the beginning of the story but is lovingly looked after by her parents. As her memories return, Mariam finds herself in an unbelievable situation that causes her to question who she is and who she can trust.
This book is part fever dream and part possessive haunted house, with a heeping scoop of cult mentality.
I found it difficult to sick with and almost dnf but I am glad I persevered as the ending was better than I expected.
I know that there are many readers that will resonate better with this book than I did. The author is a gifted writer, this just was not my cup of tea.
3.25 stars rounded down to 3.
Welcome Home Mariam is the story of Mariam, who is suffering from amnesia at the beginning of the story but is lovingly looked after by her parents. As her memories return, Mariam finds herself in an unbelievable situation that causes her to question who she is and who she can trust.
This book is part fever dream and part possessive haunted house, with a heeping scoop of cult mentality.
I found it difficult to sick with and almost dnf but I am glad I persevered as the ending was better than I expected.
I know that there are many readers that will resonate better with this book than I did. The author is a gifted writer, this just was not my cup of tea.
October 2, 2026
Mariam is found in a vandalized apartment completely alone. She has no memory of what happened or who she even is.
She ends up back home with a couple claiming to be her parents, but she has no memory of them. Inside the house, her room is frozen in time from a past version of herself.
Eventually Mariam has hallucinations, she’s hearing things, and starts sleepwalking. The odd part, the towns people watch her full of smiles like they know her. But she has no recollection of them.
Overall, I found the story to be more slow paced than I prefer. It took me a bit to get through it, but I’m glad I did because the ending was satisfying and well written.
Release Date: November 10th, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Page Street Horror for the opportunity to read this eARC for an honest review!
She ends up back home with a couple claiming to be her parents, but she has no memory of them. Inside the house, her room is frozen in time from a past version of herself.
Eventually Mariam has hallucinations, she’s hearing things, and starts sleepwalking. The odd part, the towns people watch her full of smiles like they know her. But she has no recollection of them.
Overall, I found the story to be more slow paced than I prefer. It took me a bit to get through it, but I’m glad I did because the ending was satisfying and well written.
Release Date: November 10th, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Page Street Horror for the opportunity to read this eARC for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5⭐️
This book shocked me with how good it was, especially for a debut author!
I was sufficiently creeped out the whole time. The writing introduced a sense of dread that I felt throughout the book. I was hooked and didn’t want to put it down. It revolves around the memory loss of our main character, Mariam, as she returns home after being “kidnapped”. As the story goes on, we learn more about her parents, her house, and her town along with her, which left me yearning for answers. Such culty vibes. I was very satisfied with the ending. I highly recommend adding to your fall TBR!
Thank you to Page Street Horror for the gifted copies for my bookclub 🖤
This book shocked me with how good it was, especially for a debut author!
I was sufficiently creeped out the whole time. The writing introduced a sense of dread that I felt throughout the book. I was hooked and didn’t want to put it down. It revolves around the memory loss of our main character, Mariam, as she returns home after being “kidnapped”. As the story goes on, we learn more about her parents, her house, and her town along with her, which left me yearning for answers. Such culty vibes. I was very satisfied with the ending. I highly recommend adding to your fall TBR!
Thank you to Page Street Horror for the gifted copies for my bookclub 🖤
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If strange cult vibes with a heavy dose of folk horror is your jam; this very well could be your next favorite read. Weird and unsettling, this was a slower burn that had me hooked from the very beginning and never let up. I was totally invested in the plight of our main character, Mariam, and was rooting for her the entire time. This one doesn't necessarily tie up every loose end, or answer every question, but left me slightly stunned and might have just enough juice for a sequel?
Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me access to this advanced readers copy free of charge. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me access to this advanced readers copy free of charge. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
September 25, 2026
“Welcome Home, Mariam” - “Sometimes a house is not a home and a home not a house.”
★★★★☆ (4,5)
This novel was unsettling, dark and really kept me in a chokehold of constant dread, worried about what would come to light next and how all of it would unfold. True horrors may be hidden within the walls of our souls, but sometimes they are hidden within the wallpaper of our homes. “Welcome Home, Mariam” is a unique tale that could’ve easily been an Ari Aster movie. Watch out world, Sanchita Mitra has made her debut and you might not be ready for it!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.
★★★★☆ (4,5)
This novel was unsettling, dark and really kept me in a chokehold of constant dread, worried about what would come to light next and how all of it would unfold. True horrors may be hidden within the walls of our souls, but sometimes they are hidden within the wallpaper of our homes. “Welcome Home, Mariam” is a unique tale that could’ve easily been an Ari Aster movie. Watch out world, Sanchita Mitra has made her debut and you might not be ready for it!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was gifted a copy of this eARC. All opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley and Page Street Horror.
4.5 Stars
This story picks up when Mariam has returned home after an extended time period where she was believed to have been kidnapped and she has no memories. As she spends more time with her parents and in her childhood home, memories start to return and she realizes things aren't what she thought. Her 25th birthday is approaching and, as this seems to be a more important date than Mariam could even guess, she must figure out what to do to save herself.
If you need a really eerie, haunted house, creepy neighbors story for this spooky season, this is a great option for you!
4.5 Stars
This story picks up when Mariam has returned home after an extended time period where she was believed to have been kidnapped and she has no memories. As she spends more time with her parents and in her childhood home, memories start to return and she realizes things aren't what she thought. Her 25th birthday is approaching and, as this seems to be a more important date than Mariam could even guess, she must figure out what to do to save herself.
If you need a really eerie, haunted house, creepy neighbors story for this spooky season, this is a great option for you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Mariam is returned to her parents by the police, she has no memory of them at all. Or of the home they take her to, the home they say she grew up in. The large and isolated farmhouse doesn't feel cozy or welcoming to Mariam. She spends most of her time sleeping, but when awake she struggles to remember anything from her past. The townspeople seem either frightened or in awe of her. As her memory slowly returns, she realizes that she is probably in danger, but from what?
This is one dark, atmospheric novel, and when Mariam (and the reader) finally get answers, they are neither expected nor comforting. When reading, I was reminded of The Dark Secret of Harvest Home. That folklore, creepy-town feel is all over this one, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
This is one dark, atmospheric novel, and when Mariam (and the reader) finally get answers, they are neither expected nor comforting. When reading, I was reminded of The Dark Secret of Harvest Home. That folklore, creepy-town feel is all over this one, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
All the creepy vibes you’d want in a story where you can’t trust anything, even the MC’s missing memories. Perfect for spooky season.
August 29, 2026
I really liked the claustrophobic and cultish vibe of this book.
The people in the town Mariam found herself in were strange and uncanny, especially Kent. What was up with that guy? Mariam's mother and father were seriously messed up and and even the house was bonkers.
The story was more violent than I expected (in a good way). I audibly gasped at one part that I won't spoil but you'll know if you read it. You'll know.
The ending was very "Good For Her" and it was awesome.
This is a good one to read if you're a fan of horror with cults and don't mind a bit of body horror.
Thanks very much to Page Street Horror for the ARC.
The people in the town Mariam found herself in were strange and uncanny, especially Kent. What was up with that guy? Mariam's mother and father were seriously messed up and and even the house was bonkers.
The story was more violent than I expected (in a good way). I audibly gasped at one part that I won't spoil but you'll know if you read it. You'll know.
The ending was very "Good For Her" and it was awesome.
This is a good one to read if you're a fan of horror with cults and don't mind a bit of body horror.
Thanks very much to Page Street Horror for the ARC.
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