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Grimm House: For Kids ages 7 - 11
For fans of Coraline and A Series of Unfortunate Events"A very gripping and haunting tale."--Molly's Book Nook ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"If you're looking for a great story to read with the lights on this is the one for you."-- The Book Whisperers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"What is this place?" Hadley asked, looking around the dark paneled entryway."This is our home," Aunt Charmaine said. "Welcome to Grimm House."When Hadley's parents leave on a cruise and then are reported lost at sea, her perfect world is turned upside down. In a flash she is whisked away to a new life of drudgery at Grimm House where she waits on not one but two persnickety old aunts. As she grudgingly fulfills their commands of cooking, cleaning, and even after-dinner-dancing, she comes to suspect the aunts are really witches who are scheming to take the thing she loves best.With only her wits and the help of some unlikely new friends, Hadley makes a plan to escape Grimm House and find her way home before it's too late.For ages 7 - 11, or those who are young at heart
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
85 people are currently reading
4789 people want to read
About the author
Karen McQuestion
52 books2,650 followersKaren McQuestion is an Amazon Charts bestselling author whose books have sold over three million copies. Some of her titles include The Moonlight Child, Dovetail, and A Limited Run.
Her publishing story has been covered by the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, and NPR. Additionally she appeared on ABC's World News Now and America This Morning.
Her website:www.karenmcquestion.com\
Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-M...
Her publishing story has been covered by the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, and NPR. Additionally she appeared on ABC's World News Now and America This Morning.
Her website:www.karenmcquestion.com\
Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-M...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 30, 2016
4.5 STARS
One of the most exciting Middle Grade reads I have read. It took me straight out of my reading slump this month and got me back in the swing of things.
I almost wish it was slightly longer so I can keep reading and being creeped out!
Brilliant beginning, thrilling plot line and the ending was satisfying .
One of the most exciting Middle Grade reads I have read. It took me straight out of my reading slump this month and got me back in the swing of things.
I almost wish it was slightly longer so I can keep reading and being creeped out!
Brilliant beginning, thrilling plot line and the ending was satisfying .
March 2, 2018
three cheers for two star reads with amazing endings that threaten to turn it all around!!!!
this book follows Hadley, a lil girl who loves to dance. Hadley's parents are on a cruise so she's just chillin with a next-level disinterested babysitter (which, as a former babysitter, is a trope i have a problem with. let me tell you, if you weren't Mr. Rogers incarnate it was onto the next 16 year old with free time on Friday afternoons).
cue: this creeeeepy old lady comes to the door and says Hadley's parents are LOST at SEA! and that she's Hadley's great great aunt (or third cousin twice removed or half-cousin's grandmother or something equally ridiculous) and Hadley will be staying with her for the time being thank you very much.
so Hadley ends up at Grimm House (not to be confused with Graham Place, her apartment building) with two old creeps who smell like dirty laundry. (that's canon.)
it felt kind of half-baked and done (picture a not-as-good Coraline) for the vaaaast majority of the book. but then the ending was totally amazing! everything came together in a way i didn't expect at all. color me impressed.
bottom line: i feel like even the most eh middle grade is better than most YA.
thanks to goodreads giveaways for the ebook!
-----------------
PRE-REVIEW
GUESS WHO JUST WON A GIVEAWAY
this book follows Hadley, a lil girl who loves to dance. Hadley's parents are on a cruise so she's just chillin with a next-level disinterested babysitter (which, as a former babysitter, is a trope i have a problem with. let me tell you, if you weren't Mr. Rogers incarnate it was onto the next 16 year old with free time on Friday afternoons).
cue: this creeeeepy old lady comes to the door and says Hadley's parents are LOST at SEA! and that she's Hadley's great great aunt (or third cousin twice removed or half-cousin's grandmother or something equally ridiculous) and Hadley will be staying with her for the time being thank you very much.
so Hadley ends up at Grimm House (not to be confused with Graham Place, her apartment building) with two old creeps who smell like dirty laundry. (that's canon.)
it felt kind of half-baked and done (picture a not-as-good Coraline) for the vaaaast majority of the book. but then the ending was totally amazing! everything came together in a way i didn't expect at all. color me impressed.
bottom line: i feel like even the most eh middle grade is better than most YA.
thanks to goodreads giveaways for the ebook!
-----------------
PRE-REVIEW
GUESS WHO JUST WON A GIVEAWAY
October 22, 2021
Grimm House by Karen McQuestion is a middle grade story that is a great read at any age. The story revolves around Hadley who has just learned her parents have vanished on a capsized cruise ship. Forced to move in with her 2 Aunts Maxine and Charmaine, but all is not what it appears to be at the Grimm House or the story either.
The story is filled with twist and turns and some surprises that had me turning pages wondering what was coming next. Hadley is a great character as are all the characters in the story. The mood of the story is creepy to say the least. here are some important lessons to be learned about what we are all capable of if we set our minds to it.
The story has a great little ending that I rather enjoyed and added a neat little bow to the whole story. An easy recommendation for a fast, fun read with some chills, but nothing to devastating.
The story is filled with twist and turns and some surprises that had me turning pages wondering what was coming next. Hadley is a great character as are all the characters in the story. The mood of the story is creepy to say the least. here are some important lessons to be learned about what we are all capable of if we set our minds to it.
The story has a great little ending that I rather enjoyed and added a neat little bow to the whole story. An easy recommendation for a fast, fun read with some chills, but nothing to devastating.
February 19, 2018
Hadley, is a ten year old girl, whose parents are going on a cruise. Hadley is left with a young teenager name Zoe, who is suppose to watching her. Hadley, has a passion for dancing. She has her own room, where she can practice everyday. One day, she hopes to be a professional dancer. Out of no where, Maxine Grimm, shows up at Hadley's front door. She tells Hadley, that there has been an accident on the ship, and her parents could be lost at sea. Maxine, claims to be her aunt, and whisk her away to the Grimm House. Once Hadley reaches the Grimm House, she finds out that she has other aunt, named Charmaine. Hadley can't understand why her parents, never mention them. Everything in the old house, is covered in mildew, and it is very creepy looking. The aunts tell Hadley, that she must do all the chores, before she can go outside. Once outside, Hadley looks for a way to escape but can't find. Hadley inquires about her parents but the aunts claim to have no more news about them. The aunts insist that Hadley dance for them every evening. The aunts have a deep dark secret, and Hadley must find out what it is. This is a well crafted story for children.
March 16, 2016
This book was a short, quick, and easy middle grade story. It was an enjoyable story to read. I think fans of Alice & Wonderland, Hans & Gretel, or Wizard of Oz would enjoy reading this book. At certain points in this book it made me think of those stories. This book could easily become one of those classic fairy tale stories that you read to your children and they pass on to their children. It also had a cute little life lesson story to it.
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See the rest of this review: http://www.bookaholicbanter.com/
February 10, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A girl is at home with her baby sitter, when a pair of old women, claiming to be her great aunts come in and take her to their home.
It turns out they are a type of vampire. Instead of blood, they live forever by sucking the passion out of kids, whether it be dance, art or poetry.
Making friends with a talking cockroach, she tries to escape her fate.
Pretty decent for kids.
A girl is at home with her baby sitter, when a pair of old women, claiming to be her great aunts come in and take her to their home.
It turns out they are a type of vampire. Instead of blood, they live forever by sucking the passion out of kids, whether it be dance, art or poetry.
Making friends with a talking cockroach, she tries to escape her fate.
Pretty decent for kids.
March 18, 2016
(copied from my blog)
Writing (world building, characters, style, etc.):
I don’t really have much to say, it was a good middle grade book. Good writing, good style, excellent descriptions, and interesting characters. I really liked the way the author described things. It was all so easy to visualize and it was easy for me to immerse myself in the story.
I liked how things came together in the end, I love endings like that.
Did I learn anything? Did it make me think?
I don’t know if this was the author’s intention, but this book reminded me that sometimes people do good things for others without expecting anything in return. I was taught that when you do something for others you shouldn’t expect something in return. That you should do something for others out of the kindness of your heart. However, growing up changed that. Before I realized, I was living in a world where people expected something in return for their “donations” (shakes head). That’s not what donation means people! Sadly, on the rare occasions someone offers to do something for me, instead of feeling glad that someone is willing to help me or do something for me, I feel suspicious and I wonder what it is they want from me. *sigh*
Overall feelings:
This was a fun, quick, middle grade read. The story and characters were interesting and I actually wish there was a sequel.
Writing (world building, characters, style, etc.):
I don’t really have much to say, it was a good middle grade book. Good writing, good style, excellent descriptions, and interesting characters. I really liked the way the author described things. It was all so easy to visualize and it was easy for me to immerse myself in the story.
I liked how things came together in the end, I love endings like that.
Did I learn anything? Did it make me think?
I don’t know if this was the author’s intention, but this book reminded me that sometimes people do good things for others without expecting anything in return. I was taught that when you do something for others you shouldn’t expect something in return. That you should do something for others out of the kindness of your heart. However, growing up changed that. Before I realized, I was living in a world where people expected something in return for their “donations” (shakes head). That’s not what donation means people! Sadly, on the rare occasions someone offers to do something for me, instead of feeling glad that someone is willing to help me or do something for me, I feel suspicious and I wonder what it is they want from me. *sigh*
Overall feelings:
This was a fun, quick, middle grade read. The story and characters were interesting and I actually wish there was a sequel.
December 29, 2016
Synopsis :
When Hadley's parents leave on a cruise and then are reported lost at sea, her perfect world is turned upside down.
In a flash she is whisked away to a new life of drudgery at Grimm House where she waits on not one but two persnickety old aunts. As she grudgingly fulfils their commands of cooking, cleaning, and even after-dinner-dancing, she comes to suspect the aunts are really witches who are scheming to take the thing she looks best best.
With only her wits and the help of some unlikely new friends, Hadley makes a plan to escape Grimm House and find her way home before it's too late.
Rating : 4½/5
Review :
First of all how can I post a spoiler free review when I have so many things to say? I mean, I found two sides of rh story. One, the side that narrates the story and the other, which narrates the inner core of it. I am not embarrassed in the least to point out myself to be one of those readers who always tend to find another meaning to a story, whether it be something the author wants to imply or not.
Now,getting back to the main reason of this post - the review. Yes, the book is indeed quite interesting and spooky (at some points). I have read Karen McQuestion's work before - To a Distant Star, from where I know one thing for sure, the author has a beautiful writing style which reads like me or maybe every reader will find very gripping. The book not even once made me feel like putting it down.
The story revolves around Hadley, a sweet little girl, the apple of her parents' eyes and passionate about dance. She loves to dance, not just that, she lives dance. All was well, a happy family, a happy life, a happy girl, everything one requires to describe his/her life as normal. However, it didn't last long. With the coming of Maxine Grimm carrying with her an unpleasant news, Hadley's beautiful world came crashing down. For the woman carrying the news is her aunt and the news she was carrying was of Hadley's parents having reported lost at sea while on a cruise. She is left with no other option but be whisked away to her old weird aunts' sick, old, spooky Grimm House. There she is asked, to do all the house chores, be it by sweet talk or force. One thing she was allowed to do on her own accord was dancing. Her aunts watched every night as she danced elegantly under the chandelier. As time went by, she got wind of something funny about the whole affair, starting from her parents being lost to the aunts letting her dance her the chandelier. This curiosity is fuelled by the entry of Gigi the bug with thousands of it's kind who claim to be fast and smart and indestructible; impossible to get rid of and Hadley's only help. With their help, she slowly unfolds all the dark secrets and paves out her way through all the struggle.
What I learnt from the book is the passion a person requires to make his/her dreams come true. When a child sees dreams, he/she always shows deep passion and desires to do something with it. But as the child grows up, the passion grows old. The struggle that life provides with passing time, washes away the passion. But if passion is snatched out of a child, if he/she stops dreaming, will be/she ever grow up? If the child doesn't even give up, maybe the adult won't give up as well. Maybe the undying passion of the child will water the dry tree of passion in an adult. Don't know if I have made my points clear; don't know if I have made myself understandable, but at least I have tried. A child should never give up on his/her passion. A child should never be told to give up on his/her passion. Passion should never be snatched away from a child.
It is the innocent minds of children in whom passion occupies the biggest place.
When Hadley's parents leave on a cruise and then are reported lost at sea, her perfect world is turned upside down.
In a flash she is whisked away to a new life of drudgery at Grimm House where she waits on not one but two persnickety old aunts. As she grudgingly fulfils their commands of cooking, cleaning, and even after-dinner-dancing, she comes to suspect the aunts are really witches who are scheming to take the thing she looks best best.
With only her wits and the help of some unlikely new friends, Hadley makes a plan to escape Grimm House and find her way home before it's too late.
Rating : 4½/5
Review :
First of all how can I post a spoiler free review when I have so many things to say? I mean, I found two sides of rh story. One, the side that narrates the story and the other, which narrates the inner core of it. I am not embarrassed in the least to point out myself to be one of those readers who always tend to find another meaning to a story, whether it be something the author wants to imply or not.
Now,getting back to the main reason of this post - the review. Yes, the book is indeed quite interesting and spooky (at some points). I have read Karen McQuestion's work before - To a Distant Star, from where I know one thing for sure, the author has a beautiful writing style which reads like me or maybe every reader will find very gripping. The book not even once made me feel like putting it down.
The story revolves around Hadley, a sweet little girl, the apple of her parents' eyes and passionate about dance. She loves to dance, not just that, she lives dance. All was well, a happy family, a happy life, a happy girl, everything one requires to describe his/her life as normal. However, it didn't last long. With the coming of Maxine Grimm carrying with her an unpleasant news, Hadley's beautiful world came crashing down. For the woman carrying the news is her aunt and the news she was carrying was of Hadley's parents having reported lost at sea while on a cruise. She is left with no other option but be whisked away to her old weird aunts' sick, old, spooky Grimm House. There she is asked, to do all the house chores, be it by sweet talk or force. One thing she was allowed to do on her own accord was dancing. Her aunts watched every night as she danced elegantly under the chandelier. As time went by, she got wind of something funny about the whole affair, starting from her parents being lost to the aunts letting her dance her the chandelier. This curiosity is fuelled by the entry of Gigi the bug with thousands of it's kind who claim to be fast and smart and indestructible; impossible to get rid of and Hadley's only help. With their help, she slowly unfolds all the dark secrets and paves out her way through all the struggle.
What I learnt from the book is the passion a person requires to make his/her dreams come true. When a child sees dreams, he/she always shows deep passion and desires to do something with it. But as the child grows up, the passion grows old. The struggle that life provides with passing time, washes away the passion. But if passion is snatched out of a child, if he/she stops dreaming, will be/she ever grow up? If the child doesn't even give up, maybe the adult won't give up as well. Maybe the undying passion of the child will water the dry tree of passion in an adult. Don't know if I have made my points clear; don't know if I have made myself understandable, but at least I have tried. A child should never give up on his/her passion. A child should never be told to give up on his/her passion. Passion should never be snatched away from a child.
It is the innocent minds of children in whom passion occupies the biggest place.
January 16, 2016
When Hadley’s parents leave on a cruise and then are reported lost at sea, her perfect world is turned upside down.
In a flash she is whisked away to a new life of drudgery at Grimm House where she waits on not one but two persnickety old aunts. As she grudgingly fulfills their commands of cooking, cleaning, and even after-dinner-dancing, she comes to suspect the aunts are really witches who are scheming to take the thing she loves best.
With only her wits and the help of some unlikely new friends, Hadley makes a plan to escape Grimm House and find her way home before it’s too late.
For ages 7 - 11, or those who are young at heart.
- - - - -
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: a read akin to that of Coraline, by Neil Gaiman; wicked witches, magical chandeliers, and talking cockroaches; a fun, whimsical, and horrifying read; the main character finds strength in self; some awesome morals
Huge thanks to Karen McQuestion for exchanging a free copy of this book in return for an honest review! This in no way altered my opinions or review of this read.
This is such an entertaining, horrifying read—I'm not sure how Karen McQuestion managed to pull off that mix, but she did, and she did so wonderfully. This has something like Coraline to it—the villains are exaggerated and terrifying, the main character timid at first but quickly finding hidden strengths in herself. Also, there are talking cockroaches, which brought both a sense of disturbed fascination and abject hilarity to the situation—even when the situation wasn't funny at all.
I warn potential readers--especially those who are sensitive or who are easily triggered--right off the bat: there are some difficult to swallow scenes in this read. There is abuse, both physical and emotional. The Aunts are more than terrifying—they're manipulative, and cruel, and mean-spirited. So if things like this bother you, perhaps this read isn't the right fit for you as a reader. I'd suggest thinking about it before cracking the spine.
Apart from that, the characters are well-written, spine-tingling, and endearing all at once. The story of a girl coming into her own and finding strengths in herself she didn't realize she possessed is, while not a new idea, done in an interesting way. Her character arc from first to last page is both endearing and filled with whimsy.
And while creepy, this read sucks you in, latches on, and refuses to let go until the climax has passed, the drama has settled, and our main character finds herself back where she belongs. The morals spaced throughout—from standing up for yourself, to loving the you that you are—are sure to touch and shape any who pick this read up.
I had SO MUCH fun stepping into this world, and really enjoyed the sense of otherness I got from the settings, characters, and plot. Plus (and I know I've said this before, but I'm repeating myself)--there are talking cockroaches! I'd definitely recommend to lovers of Neil Gaiman's Coraline, or those who love whimsical worlds and horrifying villains. If you read one midgrade novel this year, make it this one—you won't regret it!
In a flash she is whisked away to a new life of drudgery at Grimm House where she waits on not one but two persnickety old aunts. As she grudgingly fulfills their commands of cooking, cleaning, and even after-dinner-dancing, she comes to suspect the aunts are really witches who are scheming to take the thing she loves best.
With only her wits and the help of some unlikely new friends, Hadley makes a plan to escape Grimm House and find her way home before it’s too late.
For ages 7 - 11, or those who are young at heart.
- - - - -
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: a read akin to that of Coraline, by Neil Gaiman; wicked witches, magical chandeliers, and talking cockroaches; a fun, whimsical, and horrifying read; the main character finds strength in self; some awesome morals
Huge thanks to Karen McQuestion for exchanging a free copy of this book in return for an honest review! This in no way altered my opinions or review of this read.
“No, no, no. The kids still live. The ashes are what's left after the witches suck the talent out of them. The ashes are a longing for what might have been. The ashes are the void you feel when you don't have your passion anymore.”
This is such an entertaining, horrifying read—I'm not sure how Karen McQuestion managed to pull off that mix, but she did, and she did so wonderfully. This has something like Coraline to it—the villains are exaggerated and terrifying, the main character timid at first but quickly finding hidden strengths in herself. Also, there are talking cockroaches, which brought both a sense of disturbed fascination and abject hilarity to the situation—even when the situation wasn't funny at all.
I warn potential readers--especially those who are sensitive or who are easily triggered--right off the bat: there are some difficult to swallow scenes in this read. There is abuse, both physical and emotional. The Aunts are more than terrifying—they're manipulative, and cruel, and mean-spirited. So if things like this bother you, perhaps this read isn't the right fit for you as a reader. I'd suggest thinking about it before cracking the spine.
Nick had pretended to agree with her, but secretly he was sickened by the idea. In his notebook, he wondered: “Will I be the same person if I can't put my thoughts down in words? Will my life be the same without my poetry?”
Apart from that, the characters are well-written, spine-tingling, and endearing all at once. The story of a girl coming into her own and finding strengths in herself she didn't realize she possessed is, while not a new idea, done in an interesting way. Her character arc from first to last page is both endearing and filled with whimsy.
And while creepy, this read sucks you in, latches on, and refuses to let go until the climax has passed, the drama has settled, and our main character finds herself back where she belongs. The morals spaced throughout—from standing up for yourself, to loving the you that you are—are sure to touch and shape any who pick this read up.
And Hadley danced, perfectly in sync with the music, swaying from side to side as if her life depended on it. Above her the light felt her energy and came to life, flickering and buzzing, a chandelier dragon ready to devour her. But not today. Today she would be the one slaying the dragon.
I had SO MUCH fun stepping into this world, and really enjoyed the sense of otherness I got from the settings, characters, and plot. Plus (and I know I've said this before, but I'm repeating myself)--there are talking cockroaches! I'd definitely recommend to lovers of Neil Gaiman's Coraline, or those who love whimsical worlds and horrifying villains. If you read one midgrade novel this year, make it this one—you won't regret it!
February 24, 2024
An okay mid-lit horror story. The MC was a little too dumb for my tastes and the book has definitely caused at least one child to make their personality about being obsessed with roaches.
December 9, 2024
Not a bad book but the whole time reading this book, it reminded me of Carolin. 😦 I am thinking this is ⭐️⭐️ really due to the similarity.
February 12, 2016
Ohhhh This book!!! This is the second Karen McQuestion book we've been lucky enough to review on our blog and her stories just get better and better.
This book has so many shades of creepy it's hard to pin it down but I'm going to try. If you were a kid in the 90's you probably read a lot of R.L. Stine and his wildly successful horror series Goosebumps. This book is like a combination of that and Neil Gaiman's Coraline. It's creepy and hauntingly beautiful.
The book begins with a young 10 year old girl Hadley whose parents are away on a cruise trip. Hadley is a dancer she has natural talent and the dedication to practice for hours to improve her natural talent. In other words Hadley has PASSION for dancing. This is important to note because passion is what the two "Aunts" are after when one shows up to her house to tell her that her parents have gone missing at sea.
Hadley is at first suspicious of this Aunt that she knew nothing about until this night but Aunt Maxine convinces her that she has to come with her until her parents can be found.
Enter GRIMM HOUSE. This is the name of the house that Aunt Maxine and her sister Aunt Charmaine live in. The house is old, mildewy, and everything a creepy haunted house should be. The aunts inform Hadley that she'll be in charge of cleaning the house because "that's what children are for". The aunts then take Hadley on a tour of Grimm House and it's important to pay attention to the details that Hadley notices throughout the house they play a part in the ending of the story. To that end I'm not going to go into too much detail about the house itself, I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise, the only major thing to note is the Aunts tell her not to go into the attic for ANY REASON!
Aunt Maxine says "It will be the end of you, and I mean that exactly as it sounds."
Hadley is put to work cleaning Grimm House and a routine soon follows. She is taught how to cook and it's her job to make breakfast every morning, then clean house, wash the dishes, then she gets an hour outside for "fresh air" but the sky over Grimm House is always grey and dreary. At night after dinner Hadley dances for the aunts and they cheer her on and clap for her until she dances until she's exhausted and sore. Each day is the same routine until Hadley is told to sweep the basement. It's in the basement that she makes the acquaintance of the green glowing eyed roach GiGi. GiGi can talk and so can all her roach friends. GiGi tells Hadley that the roaches can be her friends and help her. At first Hadley is resistant to GiGi's friendship but soon learns that the roaches of Grimm House are special in their own way.
I can't tell you too much more without giving away spoilers and that would be truly tragic. I can tell you that I haven't read a book this amazing in a long time. I could not put this book down and my son was just as obsessed with it. If you're looking for a great story to read with the lights on this is the one for you. Regardless of your age you're going to fall in love with Grimm House, Hadley, and all her roach friends.
Grimm House comes out on February 15th and you can pick up a copy online at Amazon. Yes just in time to gift this book to your valentine.
This book has so many shades of creepy it's hard to pin it down but I'm going to try. If you were a kid in the 90's you probably read a lot of R.L. Stine and his wildly successful horror series Goosebumps. This book is like a combination of that and Neil Gaiman's Coraline. It's creepy and hauntingly beautiful.
The book begins with a young 10 year old girl Hadley whose parents are away on a cruise trip. Hadley is a dancer she has natural talent and the dedication to practice for hours to improve her natural talent. In other words Hadley has PASSION for dancing. This is important to note because passion is what the two "Aunts" are after when one shows up to her house to tell her that her parents have gone missing at sea.
Hadley is at first suspicious of this Aunt that she knew nothing about until this night but Aunt Maxine convinces her that she has to come with her until her parents can be found.
Enter GRIMM HOUSE. This is the name of the house that Aunt Maxine and her sister Aunt Charmaine live in. The house is old, mildewy, and everything a creepy haunted house should be. The aunts inform Hadley that she'll be in charge of cleaning the house because "that's what children are for". The aunts then take Hadley on a tour of Grimm House and it's important to pay attention to the details that Hadley notices throughout the house they play a part in the ending of the story. To that end I'm not going to go into too much detail about the house itself, I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise, the only major thing to note is the Aunts tell her not to go into the attic for ANY REASON!
Aunt Maxine says "It will be the end of you, and I mean that exactly as it sounds."
Hadley is put to work cleaning Grimm House and a routine soon follows. She is taught how to cook and it's her job to make breakfast every morning, then clean house, wash the dishes, then she gets an hour outside for "fresh air" but the sky over Grimm House is always grey and dreary. At night after dinner Hadley dances for the aunts and they cheer her on and clap for her until she dances until she's exhausted and sore. Each day is the same routine until Hadley is told to sweep the basement. It's in the basement that she makes the acquaintance of the green glowing eyed roach GiGi. GiGi can talk and so can all her roach friends. GiGi tells Hadley that the roaches can be her friends and help her. At first Hadley is resistant to GiGi's friendship but soon learns that the roaches of Grimm House are special in their own way.
I can't tell you too much more without giving away spoilers and that would be truly tragic. I can tell you that I haven't read a book this amazing in a long time. I could not put this book down and my son was just as obsessed with it. If you're looking for a great story to read with the lights on this is the one for you. Regardless of your age you're going to fall in love with Grimm House, Hadley, and all her roach friends.
Grimm House comes out on February 15th and you can pick up a copy online at Amazon. Yes just in time to gift this book to your valentine.
March 21, 2016
Such a creepy little middle grade story! This book could easily be a fairy tale beside the best of them. At times it reminded of Cinderella, but was definitely it's own story. The shorter length was perfect, if it was any longer it would have dragged a little. I felt like the ending was absolutely perfect for this book! I listened to the audiobook, and I think that would be the best way to experience this story. I really enjoyed this audiobook, and I recommend this to anyone who thinks a creepy fairy tale sounds good!
**I was provided with this audiobook in exchange for an honest review
**I was provided with this audiobook in exchange for an honest review
July 3, 2016
I won this paperback book in an Amazon giveaway on Twitter. I pretty much felt like I hit a jackpot. It was fast paced and the characters were delightful. As soon as I finish my friend's child took home to read it. It is great for middle schoolers or any one who enjoys a fantastic tale.
March 16, 2021
Hadley's parents win a cruise and she is left with a teenage babysitter. Two great-aunts take her to their house claiming her parents were lost at sea. They expect her to do chores during the day and dance in the evenings. It isn't until halfway through the book that Hadley starts seriously questioning what is happening.
The book is kind of a cross between Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Hansel and Gretel. It also brings to mind stories like Matilda and Coraline. It's spooky but not overly scary. (Nothing scarier than cockroaches.) It's predictable which isn't a bad thing in a children's book.
My biggest problem with this book was I didn't feel connected to Hadley. I don't even know how old she was to say if her actions were age appropriate. I just found her rather bland.
The book is kind of a cross between Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Hansel and Gretel. It also brings to mind stories like Matilda and Coraline. It's spooky but not overly scary. (Nothing scarier than cockroaches.) It's predictable which isn't a bad thing in a children's book.
My biggest problem with this book was I didn't feel connected to Hadley. I don't even know how old she was to say if her actions were age appropriate. I just found her rather bland.
March 14, 2025
"Grimm House” is a short dark fantasy book, written by Karen McQuestion. The book describes the journey of a young girl who loves to dance and who ends up living in Grimm House with two ugly aunts. Hadley - the main character - have to figure out the darkest secret of this house, while trying to survive in this dark, horrible house with two cruel women. The book's aesthetic is similar with the aesthetic of books "Coraline" and "A Series of Unfortunate Events." The book is short (around 200 pages), but the way the author describes the events makes it feel that the story is long and breathtaking.
December 29, 2020
I won this book in a competition but I didn’t get to read it straight away due to my teenage daughter taking a liking to it.
So I’ve just finished reading it and I don’t mind saying, ‘it gave me the willies a bit.’
The way parts slot into place was very clever too.
It could quite easily have been a story from the ‘Grimm Fairytales.’
Sometimes children believe adults because 🤷🏻♀️ why not? If someone knows quite a lot about you and it all sounds kosher, why wouldn’t you believe them?
And yet, in every tale ever (almost) this becomes the comeuppance of the wee boy/ girl/ creature.
Very cleverly put together as was the ending, would I recommend it? Absolutely
So I’ve just finished reading it and I don’t mind saying, ‘it gave me the willies a bit.’
The way parts slot into place was very clever too.
It could quite easily have been a story from the ‘Grimm Fairytales.’
Sometimes children believe adults because 🤷🏻♀️ why not? If someone knows quite a lot about you and it all sounds kosher, why wouldn’t you believe them?
And yet, in every tale ever (almost) this becomes the comeuppance of the wee boy/ girl/ creature.
Very cleverly put together as was the ending, would I recommend it? Absolutely
April 27, 2018
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This is definitely the kind of story I would have loved when I was in middle school. It reminded me a lot of Coraline and A Series of Unfortunate Events, which seems to be an oft-repeated statement in the reviews I've read. Although I found it a bit young for my taste now, it's a great read for kids that's just scary enough without having the potential to really disturb young readers.
This is definitely the kind of story I would have loved when I was in middle school. It reminded me a lot of Coraline and A Series of Unfortunate Events, which seems to be an oft-repeated statement in the reviews I've read. Although I found it a bit young for my taste now, it's a great read for kids that's just scary enough without having the potential to really disturb young readers.
March 4, 2017
Audible:Hadleys parents go missing from a cruise ship.A woman shows up at the door and whisks Hadley away to her house.The 'Aunts' are up to no good and only Hadley and her friends can stop them.Nicely narrated by Stacey Glemboski.A book Tweens would enjoy.I was provided this book by the author, narrator or publisher.
October 19, 2020
What a great read, with a powerful punch, Hadley’s parents went on a cruise and Zoe the neighbor is watching her. A knock on the door was a older lady dressed funny to tell her your parents are missing you need to come with me Hadley’s life is turned upside down. All she had left is her passion for dance, Hadley doesn’t understand the strang e things going on . Are they witches?
January 13, 2022
This was a wonderful audiobook to listen to on my commute to and from work. Very exciting but also soothing because I knew nothing truly terrible would happen as it is a children’s book. I love McQuestion’s writing and this was no exception.
February 16, 2018
This was another free book from Goodreads. It reminded me of some of the middle school reads of Neil Gaiman. I enjoyed it very much.
February 22, 2018
An absolute joy. In the vein of Coraline. I was frustrated, concerned, suspicious - and everything else the character went through. Don't let anything steal your passion!
February 25, 2018
Different
It was good read. The author did a good job describing what was happening. It was like you were there while reading the story
It was good read. The author did a good job describing what was happening. It was like you were there while reading the story
June 17, 2018
Wonderful book
Love the story. Kept me guessing till the end. Hope there are more stories to come very soon. Love to hear more.
Love the story. Kept me guessing till the end. Hope there are more stories to come very soon. Love to hear more.
September 19, 2018
I received this book from a Goodreads give away.
It was an enjoyable read. If you have a 3-4th grader who enjoys spooky things, they may like this.
It was an enjoyable read. If you have a 3-4th grader who enjoys spooky things, they may like this.
October 7, 2018
I actually liked this, I found tidbits here that reminded me of when I was young. Very well written and entertaining.
October 6, 2019
This is a cute Y.A. book. It was an interesting, quick read. I'm sure that most young adults would enjoy it.
March 10, 2020
It was ok
Easy enough to follow along and a quick read before bed. It is definitely a children’s book but I don’t think my kiddos would enjoy it.
Easy enough to follow along and a quick read before bed. It is definitely a children’s book but I don’t think my kiddos would enjoy it.
October 29, 2020
I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway! I thought this was a great middle age book - especially to read around Halloween time! There was a clear message in the story and the character could be relatable to many young readers! As an adult, I thought the book was a bit 'cheesy' in some places, but would still be great for a young reader!
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