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Komorebi Serial Killers #1
The Dollhouse
A dark psychological thriller for fans of Pretty Girls and Still Missing.
Alfred collects Dolls. Not the kind found in stores—the kind that breathe. The kind that scream.
Angel and Bud never had a perfect home. Their father is in prison, and their mother barely notices them. Survival has always been up to them. But nothing could have prepared them for what Alfred has planned.
Now, they are Dolls, captives in a place where obedience means survival. Every day is a new game. A new test. A new chance to get it wrong. Recreating old family photos is just the beginning. Alfred’s sense of humor is cruel, and his punishments are deadly.
One second too late, and someone dies. One wrong move, and Alfred makes sure they never move again.
Angel isn’t strong. She isn’t brave. She’s terrified. But if she wants to survive—and save the new child Alfred has chosen—she’ll have to out-think a madman before time runs out.
Peter Baden gave up his career to search for his missing daughter, never giving up hope. He doesn’t know that she’s trapped in the Dollhouse. He doesn’t know a killer is playing with her life. And he doesn’t know that time is running out—not just for her, but for another child Alfred is about to take.
A dark, psychological thriller with relentless tension and a race against time.
For fans of Pretty Girls, Still Missing and The Chain.
Alfred collects Dolls. Not the kind found in stores—the kind that breathe. The kind that scream.
Angel and Bud never had a perfect home. Their father is in prison, and their mother barely notices them. Survival has always been up to them. But nothing could have prepared them for what Alfred has planned.
Now, they are Dolls, captives in a place where obedience means survival. Every day is a new game. A new test. A new chance to get it wrong. Recreating old family photos is just the beginning. Alfred’s sense of humor is cruel, and his punishments are deadly.
One second too late, and someone dies. One wrong move, and Alfred makes sure they never move again.
Angel isn’t strong. She isn’t brave. She’s terrified. But if she wants to survive—and save the new child Alfred has chosen—she’ll have to out-think a madman before time runs out.
Peter Baden gave up his career to search for his missing daughter, never giving up hope. He doesn’t know that she’s trapped in the Dollhouse. He doesn’t know a killer is playing with her life. And he doesn’t know that time is running out—not just for her, but for another child Alfred is about to take.
A dark, psychological thriller with relentless tension and a race against time.
For fans of Pretty Girls, Still Missing and The Chain.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2021
1459 people are currently reading
10496 people want to read
About the author
Sara Ennis
41 books298 followersTime for an updated 'bio.'!
Things about me:
• I lived in 19 houses before I was 20 years old, and my family was not in the military.
• I started an animal/human welfare nonprofit that continues to operate and keep families together.
• For 8 years I owned a buy one, give one pet food brand that supported rescues & shelters across the country.
• Unsurprisingly, I have a thing for ‘special’ animals like my dog Chance, who was paralyzed in the back end, and my canine child Charlie, who was born blind. No animals will ever be hurt or killed in my books. (People are totally fair game.)
• Even though I’m not a tech bro, I lived in my warehouse for a year (not as cool as it sounds, btw).
• Before I ran away from home in LA and moved to Iowa, I worked with celebs.
• I used to have severe social phobia; now I’m a big-mouthed, opinionated beast.
Things about me:
• I lived in 19 houses before I was 20 years old, and my family was not in the military.
• I started an animal/human welfare nonprofit that continues to operate and keep families together.
• For 8 years I owned a buy one, give one pet food brand that supported rescues & shelters across the country.
• Unsurprisingly, I have a thing for ‘special’ animals like my dog Chance, who was paralyzed in the back end, and my canine child Charlie, who was born blind. No animals will ever be hurt or killed in my books. (People are totally fair game.)
• Even though I’m not a tech bro, I lived in my warehouse for a year (not as cool as it sounds, btw).
• Before I ran away from home in LA and moved to Iowa, I worked with celebs.
• I used to have severe social phobia; now I’m a big-mouthed, opinionated beast.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 622 reviews
January 14, 2023
Well this was a DNF for me after days of picking it up, then needing a break from the prose it was disturbing, dark & I just could not go onDNF @ 51 % .
This was another locked room prose that has been done many times before Alfred kidnapped children with blonde hair & blue eyes keeps them in The Doll House where he re enacts photos of them going back to his child hood his partner in this hideous prose Jennifer helps the kids although she is like a Sargent pulling them into line.
Alfred gives them chores they have to do in a certain time but if they don’t TORTURE occurs TW there is child abuse graphic scenes of sexual assault I just could not go on this to me was abhorrent & utterly disgusting 🤢 I am not reading the next I’m this series was a tough read how a woman can write these sort of themes is beyond my comprehension.
This was another locked room prose that has been done many times before Alfred kidnapped children with blonde hair & blue eyes keeps them in The Doll House where he re enacts photos of them going back to his child hood his partner in this hideous prose Jennifer helps the kids although she is like a Sargent pulling them into line.
Alfred gives them chores they have to do in a certain time but if they don’t TORTURE occurs TW there is child abuse graphic scenes of sexual assault I just could not go on this to me was abhorrent & utterly disgusting 🤢 I am not reading the next I’m this series was a tough read how a woman can write these sort of themes is beyond my comprehension.
October 27, 2021
This book has been compared to Room, I can’t comment as I haven’t read that one but this book was a fairly standard story about children who are abducted and ‘kept’. It was well written enough to keep my interest and the characters were well drawn. I had no trouble relating to those poor children.
Peter Baden was a well known media personality until daughter, Olivia, was abducted over a year ago. She would be 15 years old now. Peter now devotes himself to looking for Olivia and helping other families who have had children abducted in any way he can with his considerable resources. We also meet the Evanston family - mother Sunshine (yes I know) and her 14 year old twin children Angel and Bud. Shine, as she likes to be called, feels the kids are old enough to look after themselves for a few days and she heads off on a jaunt. Bad idea mum!
The twins are grabbed and whisked away in the boot of a car. A woman called Jennifer seems to be designated to look after them and she is nice enough to them. But the man called Albert is nasty and unpredictable. Despite the kids not being subjected to sexual abuse, they were emotionally battered and, over time, the mistreatment and torture got more severe. Olivia is here too and the kids decide they must have a plan to escape or seek help before it is too late. Albert seems to be unravelling!
Peter works with Shine for a while and them with Marnie Hartling - the mother of another, much younger, girl who was more recently abducted, hoping against hope that Olivia will be found soon.
There was nothing particularly new about the premise but the characters of those kids kept me interested in the story. There was one major twist which I had already guessed but another twist that I hadn’t. The story got very suspenseful towards the end as you the sense that time really is running out for the kids. Thank you to BookSirens for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Peter Baden was a well known media personality until daughter, Olivia, was abducted over a year ago. She would be 15 years old now. Peter now devotes himself to looking for Olivia and helping other families who have had children abducted in any way he can with his considerable resources. We also meet the Evanston family - mother Sunshine (yes I know) and her 14 year old twin children Angel and Bud. Shine, as she likes to be called, feels the kids are old enough to look after themselves for a few days and she heads off on a jaunt. Bad idea mum!
The twins are grabbed and whisked away in the boot of a car. A woman called Jennifer seems to be designated to look after them and she is nice enough to them. But the man called Albert is nasty and unpredictable. Despite the kids not being subjected to sexual abuse, they were emotionally battered and, over time, the mistreatment and torture got more severe. Olivia is here too and the kids decide they must have a plan to escape or seek help before it is too late. Albert seems to be unravelling!
Peter works with Shine for a while and them with Marnie Hartling - the mother of another, much younger, girl who was more recently abducted, hoping against hope that Olivia will be found soon.
There was nothing particularly new about the premise but the characters of those kids kept me interested in the story. There was one major twist which I had already guessed but another twist that I hadn’t. The story got very suspenseful towards the end as you the sense that time really is running out for the kids. Thank you to BookSirens for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
3.5 stars rounded up.
January 1, 2022
Hot fudge sundae, hold the ice cream!
When twins, Bud and Angel are abducted, Peter Baden takes notice. His daughter Olivia was also taken almost a year ago and he has spent all of his time since with his new foundation aiding other families in the search for their children. Maybe he will also find his own daughter one day.
Meanwhile, Bud and Angel have been made captives in a place called the Dollhouse, where they must recreate family photos with their captors. However, Alfred and Jennifer are not easy to please. When the photos start to run out, they realize they don’t have lot of time left. They must find a way to escape before something really bad happens.
This self-published book has been receiving a lot of praise and publicity, so I decided to take a chance on it. While it is impressive, I think that it best fits into the YA thriller genre. Natasha Preston fans will love this one! At almost 400 pages, it felt a bit too long and drawn out and would have greatly benefitted from a good edit. It also contained so many spelling and grammatical errors, that I kept thinking I was reading an ARC.
While the plot is over the top at times, it has bit of a well appreciated V.C. Andrews vibe. I enjoyed the creepy, fast-paced readability of the writing, but found the twists to be very predictable, especially if you read a lot of psychological thrillers. Those new to this genre maybe more surprised. I wish the author had explored more of Alfred’s past, as that plot line is what intrigued me the most. Will I read the next book in the series? Probably not. The writing was just lacking an adult sophistication that I don’t think I will get from the next.
3.5/5 stars rounded up for being Sara Ennis’s debut novel!
When twins, Bud and Angel are abducted, Peter Baden takes notice. His daughter Olivia was also taken almost a year ago and he has spent all of his time since with his new foundation aiding other families in the search for their children. Maybe he will also find his own daughter one day.
Meanwhile, Bud and Angel have been made captives in a place called the Dollhouse, where they must recreate family photos with their captors. However, Alfred and Jennifer are not easy to please. When the photos start to run out, they realize they don’t have lot of time left. They must find a way to escape before something really bad happens.
This self-published book has been receiving a lot of praise and publicity, so I decided to take a chance on it. While it is impressive, I think that it best fits into the YA thriller genre. Natasha Preston fans will love this one! At almost 400 pages, it felt a bit too long and drawn out and would have greatly benefitted from a good edit. It also contained so many spelling and grammatical errors, that I kept thinking I was reading an ARC.
While the plot is over the top at times, it has bit of a well appreciated V.C. Andrews vibe. I enjoyed the creepy, fast-paced readability of the writing, but found the twists to be very predictable, especially if you read a lot of psychological thrillers. Those new to this genre maybe more surprised. I wish the author had explored more of Alfred’s past, as that plot line is what intrigued me the most. Will I read the next book in the series? Probably not. The writing was just lacking an adult sophistication that I don’t think I will get from the next.
3.5/5 stars rounded up for being Sara Ennis’s debut novel!
December 2, 2022
Excellent writing and over-the-top suspense!
Sara Ennis is another author with a twisted mind that I’m adding to my favorite author list! The imaginations of some authors are both impressive and terrifying at the same time and she is one of those authors. I’d be concerned if I was living in the same house!
The Dollhouse—Book #1 in the Duality series—has a chilling premise and multiple twists that come from left field. Be warned, this well-written but tragic story centers around child abduction and abuse and can be hard for some to read.
The suspense was over-the-top as these children are exposed to unimaginable situations by the monster who abducted them. They never know when he’ll make an appearance and what horror lies in wait. They are now only dolls for his repulsive amusement.
I wish I hadn’t put this book off for so long! There are just too many books to read. I have the prequel, Two Lies & a Truth, which I hope to get to very soon. And then I hope to read the next two books in this spine-tingling series soon!
Thank you to Sara Ennis for providing this gifted ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#saraennisthedollhouse #netgalley #SaraEnnis #TheDollHouse #giftedARC #justfinishedreading #honestreview #bookseries #childabuction #kindleunlimited #bookreviewer #childabuse #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram
Sara Ennis is another author with a twisted mind that I’m adding to my favorite author list! The imaginations of some authors are both impressive and terrifying at the same time and she is one of those authors. I’d be concerned if I was living in the same house!
The Dollhouse—Book #1 in the Duality series—has a chilling premise and multiple twists that come from left field. Be warned, this well-written but tragic story centers around child abduction and abuse and can be hard for some to read.
The suspense was over-the-top as these children are exposed to unimaginable situations by the monster who abducted them. They never know when he’ll make an appearance and what horror lies in wait. They are now only dolls for his repulsive amusement.
I wish I hadn’t put this book off for so long! There are just too many books to read. I have the prequel, Two Lies & a Truth, which I hope to get to very soon. And then I hope to read the next two books in this spine-tingling series soon!
Thank you to Sara Ennis for providing this gifted ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#saraennisthedollhouse #netgalley #SaraEnnis #TheDollHouse #giftedARC #justfinishedreading #honestreview #bookseries #childabuction #kindleunlimited #bookreviewer #childabuse #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram
August 16, 2021
Boy am I struggling with this review…I think I’m still digesting…this was a lot. I really wanted to love it, but it was just okay for me.
The Dollhouse had a strong premise, which kept me invested, but it also felt slow and drawn out at times, despite the many moving parts. The large cast of characters tended to muddle the storyline and I think I could’ve done without some of them.
I knew this would be a dark, disturbing read going into it, but still found myself cringing at times—the torture scenes were a bit much and at times the kids almost didn’t seem effected enough (psychologically) by what they were going through (I say that as a mother of teens the same age). I don’t know how to explain it other than to say something felt off with their characters—maybe the dialogue or just their reactions in general were unnatural.
This kind of felt more like a messed up version of YA horror (is that even a thing?) than a psychological thriller to me. 🤷🏼♀️ That said, something kept me turning the pages…but maybe this just wasn’t quite my cuppa tea?
The Dollhouse had a strong premise, which kept me invested, but it also felt slow and drawn out at times, despite the many moving parts. The large cast of characters tended to muddle the storyline and I think I could’ve done without some of them.
I knew this would be a dark, disturbing read going into it, but still found myself cringing at times—the torture scenes were a bit much and at times the kids almost didn’t seem effected enough (psychologically) by what they were going through (I say that as a mother of teens the same age). I don’t know how to explain it other than to say something felt off with their characters—maybe the dialogue or just their reactions in general were unnatural.
This kind of felt more like a messed up version of YA horror (is that even a thing?) than a psychological thriller to me. 🤷🏼♀️ That said, something kept me turning the pages…but maybe this just wasn’t quite my cuppa tea?
January 27, 2022
I was very intrigued when I read the description for me. There need to be strong trigger warnings for abuse (physical, sexual, child specific), kidnapping, and torture. While this book was at times graphic, that didn’t really bother me. I found myself unable to buy into the story somehow. The characters felt flat to me and I felt like the book would have benefited from much more editing. I found myself picking other books up instead of finishing this one despite the compelling story line. I hope the author’s next book will be better, but I’m not sure how I feel about there being a sequel to this book. I also believe the twist could have been done in a different way for a little more authenticity. I found lots of pieces to be unbelievable (like Angel’s trips to the store. Overall I think I was disappointed, but there was potential and I would likely try another one by this author if the opportunity presented itself.
October 31, 2021
The Dollhouse is a really dark and disturbing read. I found it to be a bit more of a horror at times than a psychological thriller. This was a book that I was seeing all over the place and I had to see what the all the fuss was about. So glad that I did.
I read alot of thrillers, and alot of books with pretty dark themes. The Dollhouse sounded right up my alley and it was. The story of kidnapped teenagers, twins Angel and Bud who are taken from their home while their mother is away. They arrive at The Dollhouse and meet Olivia who has been there for quite some time. Their captor, Alfred is a sick and messed up individual who likes to play games with his 'dolls'
I can see that this book won't be for everyone, but if you like a twisted book that will keep you turning those pages then grab The Dollhouse. Looking forward to the next book in December
I read alot of thrillers, and alot of books with pretty dark themes. The Dollhouse sounded right up my alley and it was. The story of kidnapped teenagers, twins Angel and Bud who are taken from their home while their mother is away. They arrive at The Dollhouse and meet Olivia who has been there for quite some time. Their captor, Alfred is a sick and messed up individual who likes to play games with his 'dolls'
I can see that this book won't be for everyone, but if you like a twisted book that will keep you turning those pages then grab The Dollhouse. Looking forward to the next book in December
September 12, 2021
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Fans of “Room” and “You” will fall in love with Sara Ennis’ newest work, “The Dollhouse”.
One year ago, Peter Baden’s teenage daughter, Olivia, disappeared. In order to cope with her loss, Peter uses his wealth to establish a foundation, through which he helps other parents who have had children taken from them. When he hears about a mother whose young twins were taken from their home, Peter can’t help but see the similarities between the twins and Olivia- all are similar in appearance, age, and size, and both had been featured on TV months before their abduction. Peter knows that he must do whatever it takes to determine if there’s a connection, and to try and bring his daughter home alive.
“The Dollhouse” is a horrifying stalker/kidnapper novel that seeps into your bones and will keep you up at night. To think this is only Ennis’ second novel is astounding, as her writing talent in “Dollhouse” seems far more worthy of a much more published author.
The novel is told from the perspectives of the kidnapped children, especially Angel, the kidnapper and Peter, and from different time periods within a year from when the children were taken to present day. Each very short and compulsively readable chapter is easily labeled with the date, making the plot easy to follow. The plot itself was unique and creative, and Ennis added a few of her own original details to the “kidnapped child” storyline that pulled me right in.
Albert was terrifying as the character of the abductor (no spoilers here, the kidnapper is revealed right from the beginning) and his twisted family background was heartbreaking, leaving its mark in such an indelible way. When the twist came around, it was not a new or novel twist, and has been done in several novels of its type before, but it was certainly unexpected! The twist came out of thin air, and I completely wasn’t expecting it, but it tightened all the loose ends remaining and brought the ‘psychological suspense’ of the novel to the forefront.
This novel may not be for everyone (what novel is?) but it was definitely my kind of read. Captivating, heartbreaking and entertaining, “The Dollhouse” is one of those novels that will completely take you by surprise- in the best possible way.
Fans of “Room” and “You” will fall in love with Sara Ennis’ newest work, “The Dollhouse”.
One year ago, Peter Baden’s teenage daughter, Olivia, disappeared. In order to cope with her loss, Peter uses his wealth to establish a foundation, through which he helps other parents who have had children taken from them. When he hears about a mother whose young twins were taken from their home, Peter can’t help but see the similarities between the twins and Olivia- all are similar in appearance, age, and size, and both had been featured on TV months before their abduction. Peter knows that he must do whatever it takes to determine if there’s a connection, and to try and bring his daughter home alive.
“The Dollhouse” is a horrifying stalker/kidnapper novel that seeps into your bones and will keep you up at night. To think this is only Ennis’ second novel is astounding, as her writing talent in “Dollhouse” seems far more worthy of a much more published author.
The novel is told from the perspectives of the kidnapped children, especially Angel, the kidnapper and Peter, and from different time periods within a year from when the children were taken to present day. Each very short and compulsively readable chapter is easily labeled with the date, making the plot easy to follow. The plot itself was unique and creative, and Ennis added a few of her own original details to the “kidnapped child” storyline that pulled me right in.
Albert was terrifying as the character of the abductor (no spoilers here, the kidnapper is revealed right from the beginning) and his twisted family background was heartbreaking, leaving its mark in such an indelible way. When the twist came around, it was not a new or novel twist, and has been done in several novels of its type before, but it was certainly unexpected! The twist came out of thin air, and I completely wasn’t expecting it, but it tightened all the loose ends remaining and brought the ‘psychological suspense’ of the novel to the forefront.
This novel may not be for everyone (what novel is?) but it was definitely my kind of read. Captivating, heartbreaking and entertaining, “The Dollhouse” is one of those novels that will completely take you by surprise- in the best possible way.
May 21, 2024
3.5 stars
I know I am quite late in reading and reviewing this book but have to say I did enjoy it with its large amount of creepiness and quick happenings.
The most alarming character, Alfred, loved his dolls. his human ones. So, when the compulsion hit him he would send his alter ego character, Jennifer, on the prowl to find what he needed. Captured by Jennifer was Olivia, the daughter of a wealthy Peter Baden. She is joined by the twins Angel and Bud. Peter has dedicated his life to finding Olivia and other lost children.
Alfred uses the children to restage old photos of his. He has sinister intentions and is a psychopath, prone to violence when things are not as he imagines.
Which of the children will survive being captive in the dollhouse or will they all perish in the heat of Alfred's outbursts.
I know I am quite late in reading and reviewing this book but have to say I did enjoy it with its large amount of creepiness and quick happenings.
The most alarming character, Alfred, loved his dolls. his human ones. So, when the compulsion hit him he would send his alter ego character, Jennifer, on the prowl to find what he needed. Captured by Jennifer was Olivia, the daughter of a wealthy Peter Baden. She is joined by the twins Angel and Bud. Peter has dedicated his life to finding Olivia and other lost children.
Alfred uses the children to restage old photos of his. He has sinister intentions and is a psychopath, prone to violence when things are not as he imagines.
Which of the children will survive being captive in the dollhouse or will they all perish in the heat of Alfred's outbursts.
January 17, 2022
I wasn’t sure what to expect based on the premise of this book but it just didn’t work for me. I thought it was creepy and weird and some parts made me feel uncomfortable. I didn’t like the writing style and thought the book was insanely to long!! It definitely could have wrapped up quicker. Maybe this author’s next one will be better.
Creepy Alfred collects “dolls”. He dresses them up and manipulates them into posing in re-staged photos. Alfred is very weird and has a hair trigger temper especially when things don’t go according to plan. Jennifer balances out Alfred. She is nice to the “doll” and provides them with food, clothing etc. Just don’t make her angry.
Twins Angel and Bud are Alfred’s newest dolls and are desperately trying to hold it together. They form a friendship with Alfred’s first “doll” and struggle to figure out an escape plan.
Simultaneously, Peter Baden’s daughter disappeared almost a year ago. He quit his job as a journalist and has devoted all his time on trying to find her as well as helping parents of other missing children. Will he be able to find his daughter?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Creepy Alfred collects “dolls”. He dresses them up and manipulates them into posing in re-staged photos. Alfred is very weird and has a hair trigger temper especially when things don’t go according to plan. Jennifer balances out Alfred. She is nice to the “doll” and provides them with food, clothing etc. Just don’t make her angry.
Twins Angel and Bud are Alfred’s newest dolls and are desperately trying to hold it together. They form a friendship with Alfred’s first “doll” and struggle to figure out an escape plan.
Simultaneously, Peter Baden’s daughter disappeared almost a year ago. He quit his job as a journalist and has devoted all his time on trying to find her as well as helping parents of other missing children. Will he be able to find his daughter?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 10, 2022
TRIGGER WARNING - Child abuse, torture, psychological and physical abuse, humiliation and more.
The Dollhouse is a terrifying place for Alfred to keep real life ‘Dolls’. Blonde haired - Blue-eyed beauties that will help him re-write history. Olivia is his first ‘Doll’ abducted from California, nearly a year ago without a trace, her father is desperate to find her. Peter Baden is a respected journalist with funding to spare and he will stop at nothing to find his daughter alive.
In Indiana, Twins, Angel and Bud are used to making do with the bare minimum. Their dad is in jail and their mum ‘Sunshine’ is a free spirit who leaves them to their own devices. Now, also abducted and held captive in the ‘Dollhouse’ things have taken a turn for the worse. The three ‘Dolls’ are forced to recreate memories from Alfred’s past doing creepy photoshoots that often end in physical and mental torture. As the photo’s in the album start to dwindle so do the ‘Dolls’ hopes and at being saved. Angel is forced to muster up all her courage to commit an act of bravery that the ‘Dolls’ hope will save their lives, as things seem to be spiralling out of control in Alfred’s hellish world of make believe…
Full disclosure… I am completely fascinated by the concept of people being ‘stolen’ and kept in basements or dungeons or in this case ‘Dollhouse’. I don’t know what that says about me 😳 but either way I was drawn to this story like a moth to a flame. 🔥
What a completely and utterly messed up story Sara Ennis has put together for us, my goodness I was completely captivated by the ‘Dollhouse’ and the poor kids and the things they had to endure. This story is definitely not for the faint of heart and while there is no child sexual abuse there is plenty of abuse of the physical and mental kind. I wanted to reach into the pages and bring Olivia, Bud and Angel out to safety. 💔
The concept of a ‘Dollhouse’ with real life Dolls is completely horrific and the idea that your child old be snatched up never to be seen again is just terrifying. Sara Ennis, manages to fill the pages with dread and suspense to the point that you feel like something more is coming even though what does come is far more than the kids ever bargained for. 🫣
Told mostly from the POV of Angel (one of the twins captured into the Dollhouse) while she is captive and also from the POV of Olivia’s dad while he is desperately trying to find his missing daughter. This is a devastating tale of evil at work and kids who are paying the price. 👹
Angel is a sensitive soul and she is scared to death (rightly so) and she cannot seem to get her emotions under control, a point that Olivia likes to point out during their ordeal. 💖
Olivia is stoic and uses mental escapism to get away from the ordeal that is unfolding but also snark towards the new ‘dolls’ Angel and Bud. 💜
Bud is wild… he wants to kick and punch his way out of this scene but being a gangly 14 year old he is no match for Alfred and Jennifer both who are much stronger than any of the kids. 💙
As Angel is more ‘malleable’ according to Alfred she is given ‘tests’ to complete ones that could be life threatening if not completed exactly as planned - of course she is set up to fail so you are on the edge of your seat hoping for the best but expecting the worst at all times. 😰
My only complaint with this book is that it felt a little long - there could have been 50-100pages less and the story still would have been great, I am happy to accept that this is a debut and I think that as the stories go on (there are three in the series with two prequel type novellas) they will be tightened up and refined. 😮💨
As stated this is definitely not for the feint of heart and I may or may not have shed a tear - I did there I said it… what a truly emotional story. 😭
I will definitely be reading book number two in the series The Hunted: Sins of the Father which if you are lucky you can still request from NetGalley as a ‘Read Now’. 🤞
Book three is also available to read The Mercy: Angel of Death and Sara has kindly made her Novellas Two Lies & a Truth and Veronique available for free download and I will be giving both of those a look once I have finished the series too.
The Dollhouse is a terrifying place for Alfred to keep real life ‘Dolls’. Blonde haired - Blue-eyed beauties that will help him re-write history. Olivia is his first ‘Doll’ abducted from California, nearly a year ago without a trace, her father is desperate to find her. Peter Baden is a respected journalist with funding to spare and he will stop at nothing to find his daughter alive.
In Indiana, Twins, Angel and Bud are used to making do with the bare minimum. Their dad is in jail and their mum ‘Sunshine’ is a free spirit who leaves them to their own devices. Now, also abducted and held captive in the ‘Dollhouse’ things have taken a turn for the worse. The three ‘Dolls’ are forced to recreate memories from Alfred’s past doing creepy photoshoots that often end in physical and mental torture. As the photo’s in the album start to dwindle so do the ‘Dolls’ hopes and at being saved. Angel is forced to muster up all her courage to commit an act of bravery that the ‘Dolls’ hope will save their lives, as things seem to be spiralling out of control in Alfred’s hellish world of make believe…
Full disclosure… I am completely fascinated by the concept of people being ‘stolen’ and kept in basements or dungeons or in this case ‘Dollhouse’. I don’t know what that says about me 😳 but either way I was drawn to this story like a moth to a flame. 🔥
What a completely and utterly messed up story Sara Ennis has put together for us, my goodness I was completely captivated by the ‘Dollhouse’ and the poor kids and the things they had to endure. This story is definitely not for the faint of heart and while there is no child sexual abuse there is plenty of abuse of the physical and mental kind. I wanted to reach into the pages and bring Olivia, Bud and Angel out to safety. 💔
The concept of a ‘Dollhouse’ with real life Dolls is completely horrific and the idea that your child old be snatched up never to be seen again is just terrifying. Sara Ennis, manages to fill the pages with dread and suspense to the point that you feel like something more is coming even though what does come is far more than the kids ever bargained for. 🫣
Told mostly from the POV of Angel (one of the twins captured into the Dollhouse) while she is captive and also from the POV of Olivia’s dad while he is desperately trying to find his missing daughter. This is a devastating tale of evil at work and kids who are paying the price. 👹
Angel is a sensitive soul and she is scared to death (rightly so) and she cannot seem to get her emotions under control, a point that Olivia likes to point out during their ordeal. 💖
Olivia is stoic and uses mental escapism to get away from the ordeal that is unfolding but also snark towards the new ‘dolls’ Angel and Bud. 💜
Bud is wild… he wants to kick and punch his way out of this scene but being a gangly 14 year old he is no match for Alfred and Jennifer both who are much stronger than any of the kids. 💙
As Angel is more ‘malleable’ according to Alfred she is given ‘tests’ to complete ones that could be life threatening if not completed exactly as planned - of course she is set up to fail so you are on the edge of your seat hoping for the best but expecting the worst at all times. 😰
My only complaint with this book is that it felt a little long - there could have been 50-100pages less and the story still would have been great, I am happy to accept that this is a debut and I think that as the stories go on (there are three in the series with two prequel type novellas) they will be tightened up and refined. 😮💨
As stated this is definitely not for the feint of heart and I may or may not have shed a tear - I did there I said it… what a truly emotional story. 😭
I will definitely be reading book number two in the series The Hunted: Sins of the Father which if you are lucky you can still request from NetGalley as a ‘Read Now’. 🤞
Book three is also available to read The Mercy: Angel of Death and Sara has kindly made her Novellas Two Lies & a Truth and Veronique available for free download and I will be giving both of those a look once I have finished the series too.
January 13, 2022
Now THIS is a psychological thriller! A total mind f*** ...
October 4, 2021
Dark and twisted! You know that moment something is sick and disturbing but you cannot not take your eyes away! THIS is it! It had my attention at every page. It was a difficult read at times and be warned may be a trigger for some people but the author did a brilliant job of reeling you in to the lives of the main characters and wanting the best outcome for them! If you love a twisty, dark thrill ride, this one needs to get on your shelves!
March 4, 2022
If you like a very dark, disturbing, creepy and suspenseful book - then this one is right up your alley.
I'm not sure what I was thinking when I picked this book to read off of NetGalley. Well, I do know - I saw great reviews of it and people were talking about it so I was interested. This is off the beaten path for me. I enjoy thrillers, but this level of abuse and trauma was a lot for me. I still was engaged throughout - I just had a stomach ache throughout too.
Blonde kids are getting stolen and brought to a "dollhouse" so that a very disturbed individual can reenact childhood memories and in the process, try to change the narrative, and feel like he is getting revenge. Unfortunately he came from a background of bullying and childhood trauma that has formed him into a multiple-personality mess. His story is definitely tragic, but I wish there was just a little more about his backstory. Told in different POVs, we glance at his childhood, but the details are never really shared.
I always enjoy when the author gets me to love some of the characters, and hate others. I found that in this book. Overall I thought this book was suspenseful, twisty and surprising. I thought the ending succeeded in making the reader interested in picking up the second book to see more of that character and his or her trajectory.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sara Ennis for the copy to read and review.
I'm not sure what I was thinking when I picked this book to read off of NetGalley. Well, I do know - I saw great reviews of it and people were talking about it so I was interested. This is off the beaten path for me. I enjoy thrillers, but this level of abuse and trauma was a lot for me. I still was engaged throughout - I just had a stomach ache throughout too.
Blonde kids are getting stolen and brought to a "dollhouse" so that a very disturbed individual can reenact childhood memories and in the process, try to change the narrative, and feel like he is getting revenge. Unfortunately he came from a background of bullying and childhood trauma that has formed him into a multiple-personality mess. His story is definitely tragic, but I wish there was just a little more about his backstory. Told in different POVs, we glance at his childhood, but the details are never really shared.
I always enjoy when the author gets me to love some of the characters, and hate others. I found that in this book. Overall I thought this book was suspenseful, twisty and surprising. I thought the ending succeeded in making the reader interested in picking up the second book to see more of that character and his or her trajectory.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sara Ennis for the copy to read and review.
September 6, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Author Sara Ennis for this ARC.
This book surprised me in many ways. I'm not a fan of detective books, but this book did not focus on that aspect. Instead, it focused on the crime itself--a disturbed man with tumultuous past kidnapping young, blonde girls and making them into living dolls. Yes, he's psychotic, wicked, depraved--a damn well written villain. I wanted--no, needed him dead. Because the story focused on Alfred and his victims, aside from my hatred for him, I built an emotional bond with the kids: Olivia, Bud, and Angel. Their ordeal was twisted and sickening. I so wanted them to get out, get away, and move on.
Superb writing. Marvelous characters. Electrifying story.
This book surprised me in many ways. I'm not a fan of detective books, but this book did not focus on that aspect. Instead, it focused on the crime itself--a disturbed man with tumultuous past kidnapping young, blonde girls and making them into living dolls. Yes, he's psychotic, wicked, depraved--a damn well written villain. I wanted--no, needed him dead. Because the story focused on Alfred and his victims, aside from my hatred for him, I built an emotional bond with the kids: Olivia, Bud, and Angel. Their ordeal was twisted and sickening. I so wanted them to get out, get away, and move on.
Superb writing. Marvelous characters. Electrifying story.
July 16, 2021
Full review on instagram @thriller_chick
January 1, 2022
⭐️3.5 Stars⭐️
The Dollhouse by Sara Ennis
I really wanted to love this book, it’s all over Instagram and I know many will love it but it didn’t work for me because there was just too much detail pertaining to child torture and violence.
The Dollhouse is a dark and disturbing read, I felt it was more leaning towards horror. The characters were exceptionally portrayed and the storyline although predicable did have a surprising twist which was well executed.
The story is not for the faint of heart, teens are abducted and kept prisoner by a twisted individual who likes to play games with them and have them re-stage old photographs. He is overwhelmingly brutal and holds them captive in a place called the Dollhouse.
I really felt the terror of the captives, it was horrifying! The book did keep me intrigued but I would have loved more backstory and less torture scenes.
I have the authors second book to read The Hunted: Sins of the Father and look forward to reading this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sara Ennis for the ebook.
The Dollhouse by Sara Ennis
I really wanted to love this book, it’s all over Instagram and I know many will love it but it didn’t work for me because there was just too much detail pertaining to child torture and violence.
The Dollhouse is a dark and disturbing read, I felt it was more leaning towards horror. The characters were exceptionally portrayed and the storyline although predicable did have a surprising twist which was well executed.
The story is not for the faint of heart, teens are abducted and kept prisoner by a twisted individual who likes to play games with them and have them re-stage old photographs. He is overwhelmingly brutal and holds them captive in a place called the Dollhouse.
I really felt the terror of the captives, it was horrifying! The book did keep me intrigued but I would have loved more backstory and less torture scenes.
I have the authors second book to read The Hunted: Sins of the Father and look forward to reading this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sara Ennis for the ebook.
June 25, 2021
This is easily the best novel I have read all year, hands down! I have never even heard of this author before and all of a sudden kindle is telling me to read this book and I’m blown away!
The subject matter, the emotions, the web of characters, the different points of view. It was brilliant! BRILLIANT.
The subject matter, the emotions, the web of characters, the different points of view. It was brilliant! BRILLIANT.
November 27, 2025
Possible Trigger Warnings: Child Abduction, Child Death
Alfred collects Dolls. Not the kind found in stores—the kind that breathe. The kind that scream.
At the beginning of the story, two teenagers, twins Angel and Bud, are kidnapped by a woman: Jennifer. They find that they are in the basement of with another girl, Olivia. They then discover that their only function...the reason they are there, is to recreate scenes from the childhood of Jennifer’s partner, Alfred. Alfred refers to the children as his “dolls. He's trying to exorcise the demons of his past. it makes you cringe to consider what kind of past this man must have had to turn him into this present-day monster.
In the meantime, Olivia’s father, a journalist, tries to reach out to the twins' mother, to explain that he can see similarities in their situations that lead him to believe that the same person or people are behind both kidnappings.
The rest of the book switches between the perspectives of the children, those that are looking for them, and Edward, a high-school teacher whose role only becomes clear closer to the end...an end that culminates in a breathless race against time to save them before Alfred decides that he is finished with his "dolls."
Pay attention to the trigger warnings. Even though the book was well written...it will diffidently NOT be for everyone. The middle section is almost "too much" with very graphic violence being inflicted on the young captives. I read a lot of this, but it was almost too much and at one point I was ready to give it up. It was at that point that the focus changed, and it improved... somewhat. I mainly wanted to find out what Jennifer's motivation was in this whole scheme. If you are still reading at this point, you'll find that it does become a little clearer...but the situation is a bit of a cliché. 3 stars due to what seemed to me to be an excessive amount of dwelling on the torture scenes and not enough on the reasoning behind it all.
Alfred collects Dolls. Not the kind found in stores—the kind that breathe. The kind that scream.
At the beginning of the story, two teenagers, twins Angel and Bud, are kidnapped by a woman: Jennifer. They find that they are in the basement of with another girl, Olivia. They then discover that their only function...the reason they are there, is to recreate scenes from the childhood of Jennifer’s partner, Alfred. Alfred refers to the children as his “dolls. He's trying to exorcise the demons of his past. it makes you cringe to consider what kind of past this man must have had to turn him into this present-day monster.
In the meantime, Olivia’s father, a journalist, tries to reach out to the twins' mother, to explain that he can see similarities in their situations that lead him to believe that the same person or people are behind both kidnappings.
The rest of the book switches between the perspectives of the children, those that are looking for them, and Edward, a high-school teacher whose role only becomes clear closer to the end...an end that culminates in a breathless race against time to save them before Alfred decides that he is finished with his "dolls."
Pay attention to the trigger warnings. Even though the book was well written...it will diffidently NOT be for everyone. The middle section is almost "too much" with very graphic violence being inflicted on the young captives. I read a lot of this, but it was almost too much and at one point I was ready to give it up. It was at that point that the focus changed, and it improved... somewhat. I mainly wanted to find out what Jennifer's motivation was in this whole scheme. If you are still reading at this point, you'll find that it does become a little clearer...but the situation is a bit of a cliché. 3 stars due to what seemed to me to be an excessive amount of dwelling on the torture scenes and not enough on the reasoning behind it all.
September 1, 2021
I’m not even sure if I can say this on here, but HOLY CRAP!!! I’m so blown away by what I just read. I literally had to reread what I had just read a handful of times to make sure I wasn’t just conjuring up something. THIS WAS AN AMAZING THRILLER!! It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, it’s dark, it gets uncomfortable, it makes you want to cry and scream, but just wow.
Thank you Book Sirens and Sara Ennis for the opportunity to read this brilliantly twisty but epic novel for an honest review! I can’t wait to read the sequel 😍
Thank you Book Sirens and Sara Ennis for the opportunity to read this brilliantly twisty but epic novel for an honest review! I can’t wait to read the sequel 😍
March 20, 2024
I would definitely give this book 4.25/5 stars! It had a couple twists in it that I did not see coming. Loved it and can’t wait to continue to series.
June 1, 2025
When I saw the reviews about how dark this book was, I was really intrigued…… as a huge fan of Mo Hayder I do love a dark and twisty novel. I personally didn’t find this that dark but for readers who aren’t used to dark novels, I can understand why they would.
If it was weird to say, I enjoyed a book with a subject like this one; but I thought the writing style was captivating the twists I did not see coming and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series
If it was weird to say, I enjoyed a book with a subject like this one; but I thought the writing style was captivating the twists I did not see coming and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series
August 16, 2021
See more book talk on Instagram @book.wired
TW: child abuse, torture, DID
I'm having a problem with figuring out a rating for this book. So I'm going to write out my thoughts and hopefully that will make things more clear.
This book started out with huge promise for me. It follows many characters, but our main character is a 14 year old girl named Angel. She and her brother are kidnapped by a man and kept in his "dollhouse" where they're forced to recreate photos of his past. This is supposed to help him "fix" things, however he is easy to anger and takes it out on the kids by abusing and torturing them.
Things I liked:
- Fast-read, I always wanted to flip the page.
- it's in the victim's POV, while it's happening, which I eat up!
- They're isolated.
- I really rooted for the kids in the house!
Things I didn't like:
- The writing wasn't great. A lot of overexplaining and the dialogue didn't flow well all the time.
- Some parts seemed unnecessary. In the big picture, I don't think we "needed" Edward's POV.
- You are expected to suspend belief a lot more than I would have liked. For example, a child is kidnapped from a daycare, and the daycare worker just takes a young child's word that the stolen child's aunt came to get her. And doesn't realize anything is amiss until her mom shows up to get her. She never saw the woman, the name wasn't on an approved list, nothing.
- The ending is kind of where it fell apart for me.
- We never really find out what happens to our villin.
Spoiler ahead
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- (the big one) I didn't like the "hollywood" use of DID (dissociative identity disorder, before 1994 it was known as multiple personality disorder) to create a villin. That just didn't sit right with me.
Could it happen? Sure, anything is possible, but if you listen to real people who have DID, you would know they are much more likely to be the victim of abuse than the abuser. People with DID have already been vilified enough we don't need any more stories adding to it. Especially, when it seemed to me that not enough research, or sensitivity readers were involved.
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Okay, so looking over my thoughts it's like 2 for the ending and 4 for the rest of the book. I'll settle on 3 for now.
There is a sequel, apparently, I don't know what it will go into since this story wrapped up nicely. At this time, I don't see myself continuing.
TW: child abuse, torture, DID
I'm having a problem with figuring out a rating for this book. So I'm going to write out my thoughts and hopefully that will make things more clear.
This book started out with huge promise for me. It follows many characters, but our main character is a 14 year old girl named Angel. She and her brother are kidnapped by a man and kept in his "dollhouse" where they're forced to recreate photos of his past. This is supposed to help him "fix" things, however he is easy to anger and takes it out on the kids by abusing and torturing them.
Things I liked:
- Fast-read, I always wanted to flip the page.
- it's in the victim's POV, while it's happening, which I eat up!
- They're isolated.
- I really rooted for the kids in the house!
Things I didn't like:
- The writing wasn't great. A lot of overexplaining and the dialogue didn't flow well all the time.
- Some parts seemed unnecessary. In the big picture, I don't think we "needed" Edward's POV.
- You are expected to suspend belief a lot more than I would have liked. For example, a child is kidnapped from a daycare, and the daycare worker just takes a young child's word that the stolen child's aunt came to get her. And doesn't realize anything is amiss until her mom shows up to get her. She never saw the woman, the name wasn't on an approved list, nothing.
- The ending is kind of where it fell apart for me.
- We never really find out what happens to our villin.
Spoiler ahead
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
- (the big one) I didn't like the "hollywood" use of DID (dissociative identity disorder, before 1994 it was known as multiple personality disorder) to create a villin. That just didn't sit right with me.
Could it happen? Sure, anything is possible, but if you listen to real people who have DID, you would know they are much more likely to be the victim of abuse than the abuser. People with DID have already been vilified enough we don't need any more stories adding to it. Especially, when it seemed to me that not enough research, or sensitivity readers were involved.
.
Okay, so looking over my thoughts it's like 2 for the ending and 4 for the rest of the book. I'll settle on 3 for now.
There is a sequel, apparently, I don't know what it will go into since this story wrapped up nicely. At this time, I don't see myself continuing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2021
Trigger warnings:
“She doesn’t look like a kidnapper”
This is not an easy one to review. I have a lot to say about this book, however, I will try and keep it short-ish. We are following Angel and her twin brother Bud as they are abducted by a stranger. They are put in a basement or “the Dollhouse” as the abductor refers to it and are forced to reenact moments of the abductor’s childhood.
Before I started this book I read previous reviews. They all talked about the cruelty of the story, which honestly just spiked my interest. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed. I am a big fan of books that make you feel uncomfortable and Sara Ennis delivered. In addition to the horrific atmosphere, however, Ennis put a lot of thought into the characters and their development as well (I especially enjoyed the multiple points of view presented in this novel). As a result, we have a truly unsettling book that makes the reader question his or her own morals in a way.
I do agree with other reviewers that some of the decisions that were made seemed a little unrealistic, however, I try not to judge a character’s decisions just because I would have reacted differently. I had a little bit of a hard time at the beginning of the book, as I kept picturing the characters much younger than they actually were. This changed throughout the story and maybe this is another sign of character development that I just didn’t recognize as such at the time.
I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a very creepy and horrific read. Perfect for Halloween!
**Thank you to Sara Ennis and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“She doesn’t look like a kidnapper”
This is not an easy one to review. I have a lot to say about this book, however, I will try and keep it short-ish. We are following Angel and her twin brother Bud as they are abducted by a stranger. They are put in a basement or “the Dollhouse” as the abductor refers to it and are forced to reenact moments of the abductor’s childhood.
Before I started this book I read previous reviews. They all talked about the cruelty of the story, which honestly just spiked my interest. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed. I am a big fan of books that make you feel uncomfortable and Sara Ennis delivered. In addition to the horrific atmosphere, however, Ennis put a lot of thought into the characters and their development as well (I especially enjoyed the multiple points of view presented in this novel). As a result, we have a truly unsettling book that makes the reader question his or her own morals in a way.
I do agree with other reviewers that some of the decisions that were made seemed a little unrealistic, however, I try not to judge a character’s decisions just because I would have reacted differently. I had a little bit of a hard time at the beginning of the book, as I kept picturing the characters much younger than they actually were. This changed throughout the story and maybe this is another sign of character development that I just didn’t recognize as such at the time.
I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a very creepy and horrific read. Perfect for Halloween!
**Thank you to Sara Ennis and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2021
Thank you to Sara Ennis and Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story of children who are abducted and forced to live in a "dollhouse" in a basement and perform at the whims of a madman is not for the faint of heart. The Dollhouse reminds me of a screwed up version of Flowers in the Attic. The book was fast paced and disturbing which made for a quick, enjoyable read. There is a huge, whopper of a twist towards the end of the book that I did not see coming at all.
I've been struggling with what I think of the book since I finished. While the overall premise is interesting and unique, there are some problems that are just too hard for me to overlook.
1. There's a sequel in the works. Imo this should really be a stand alone book. If a real person went through the same thing as the MC they would behave completely differently warranting no need for a second book.
2. The book is too long and the editing really lets the book down.
3. Without spoiling anything, the twist makes aspects of the novel inaccurate. I don't want to spoil this, so I'll just say, it usually doesn't work this way.
I realize I'm most likely going to be in the minority here, but overall The Dollhouse just didn't work for me as much as I wanted it to. I just didn't click with it, although you may have better luck. Recommended for lovers of: psychological suspense/thrillers, mysteries, serial killers, general fiction, women's fiction, psychology.
This book contains a number of triggers including: abduction, kidnapping, torture, abuse, murder, and drugs.
This story of children who are abducted and forced to live in a "dollhouse" in a basement and perform at the whims of a madman is not for the faint of heart. The Dollhouse reminds me of a screwed up version of Flowers in the Attic. The book was fast paced and disturbing which made for a quick, enjoyable read. There is a huge, whopper of a twist towards the end of the book that I did not see coming at all.
I've been struggling with what I think of the book since I finished. While the overall premise is interesting and unique, there are some problems that are just too hard for me to overlook.
1. There's a sequel in the works. Imo this should really be a stand alone book. If a real person went through the same thing as the MC they would behave completely differently warranting no need for a second book.
2. The book is too long and the editing really lets the book down.
3. Without spoiling anything, the twist makes aspects of the novel inaccurate. I don't want to spoil this, so I'll just say, it usually doesn't work this way.
I realize I'm most likely going to be in the minority here, but overall The Dollhouse just didn't work for me as much as I wanted it to. I just didn't click with it, although you may have better luck. Recommended for lovers of: psychological suspense/thrillers, mysteries, serial killers, general fiction, women's fiction, psychology.
This book contains a number of triggers including: abduction, kidnapping, torture, abuse, murder, and drugs.
November 12, 2024
Whoa! What a mind blowing psychological thriller this book was. First I was in fear for the young characters. Why you ask? Well I will tell you.
We all know what transpires in these deep intense books. The writer had me by the collar shaking me wildly as she feed me each sentence that took plight in my imagination. I was here. I was there! I was hopeful.
Then I was thrown in diaper as I trudged along with the young characters as they battled the inhumanity of it all. Needless to say readers, but I will any way. This was a brilliant book. I normally don’t read books with journalists perspective, however I was hooked with Peter’s studios accounts in the book. I loved everything about the book.
Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
We all know what transpires in these deep intense books. The writer had me by the collar shaking me wildly as she feed me each sentence that took plight in my imagination. I was here. I was there! I was hopeful.
Then I was thrown in diaper as I trudged along with the young characters as they battled the inhumanity of it all. Needless to say readers, but I will any way. This was a brilliant book. I normally don’t read books with journalists perspective, however I was hooked with Peter’s studios accounts in the book. I loved everything about the book.
Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
February 7, 2022
If you like your thrillers very dark and twisty, you will want to check this one out. The story is told from several different POVs. Alfred has had a difficult upbringing and is trying to heal the wounds of the past. To do this, he needs dolls, lots of blonde haired, blue eyed dolls, to help him play act the past and rewrite his history. Young teen siblings Angel and Bud have been abducted, ensnared in Alfred's web. He will put them in his Dollhouse and play with them, at least until he gets bored and wants a new toy. They scramble to learn the rules of the game that will allow them to survive. In the meantime, Peter Baden is a famous journalist whose daughter Olivia was abducted a year prior. He's been monitoring any abductions involving kids the same ages for connections, and he thinks he's found one. Can he track down Olivia before her time runs out.
I loved this book, I couldn't put it down. It was everything I love in a thriller. Super dark, disturbing, horrifying at times. Great characters, twists I didn't see coming. The pacing was good too - things kept moving forward with lots of action and short chapters. I'd say this book has one foot firmly on each side the thriller and horror genres and I'm here for it. You won't be able to stop flipping the pages. I'm excited that I already have the sequel and I can't wait to get started to see what comes next.
Thank you to @netgalley and @saraenniswrites for providing me with this ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.
I loved this book, I couldn't put it down. It was everything I love in a thriller. Super dark, disturbing, horrifying at times. Great characters, twists I didn't see coming. The pacing was good too - things kept moving forward with lots of action and short chapters. I'd say this book has one foot firmly on each side the thriller and horror genres and I'm here for it. You won't be able to stop flipping the pages. I'm excited that I already have the sequel and I can't wait to get started to see what comes next.
Thank you to @netgalley and @saraenniswrites for providing me with this ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 16, 2021
This was such a wild and twisted psychological thriller! It was enchantingly dark and creepy and I was totally invested throughout!
I also found it exceedingly disturbing and one hell of an emotional rollercoaster!
After seeing sooooo many 5 stars views, I was just hoping for a more mind blowing moment but still certainly a solid, suspenseful read and I’m looking forward to digging into the next in the Duality series!
I also found it exceedingly disturbing and one hell of an emotional rollercoaster!
After seeing sooooo many 5 stars views, I was just hoping for a more mind blowing moment but still certainly a solid, suspenseful read and I’m looking forward to digging into the next in the Duality series!
November 29, 2021
3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
The Dollhouse is an suspenseful and disturbing thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The Dollhouse is a multiple POV story that centers around a set of twin story follows a set of twins, Angel and Bud, as they are kidnapped from their home. Along with another girl, the twins are forced to endure disturbing recreational of their kidnapper’s childhood memories and tasks that involve severe punishments if they fail. All while time is ticking down on their usefulness and as a result their lives. This lead to to a suspenseful and terrifying atmosphere that constantly had me worrying about the kids’ safety.
The last 80 or so pages contained so much tension and suspense that left me debating on how the kids would escape. Although I guessed some of the minor plot twists, the major one shocked me and left me confused and questioning everything I thought I knew. I’m still not completely sure I understood the twist.
One critique I had was that the book ended a bit abruptly. The end was one of the most suspenseful parts and I felt that it could have lasted a little longer after all the built up to it. Also, I wanted to see more of how the characters were coping after everything that happened.
Overall, The Dollhouse was a thrilling and scary ride from beginning to end and had an ending that left me intrigued for the next book in the series.
The Dollhouse is an suspenseful and disturbing thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The Dollhouse is a multiple POV story that centers around a set of twin story follows a set of twins, Angel and Bud, as they are kidnapped from their home. Along with another girl, the twins are forced to endure disturbing recreational of their kidnapper’s childhood memories and tasks that involve severe punishments if they fail. All while time is ticking down on their usefulness and as a result their lives. This lead to to a suspenseful and terrifying atmosphere that constantly had me worrying about the kids’ safety.
The last 80 or so pages contained so much tension and suspense that left me debating on how the kids would escape. Although I guessed some of the minor plot twists, the major one shocked me and left me confused and questioning everything I thought I knew. I’m still not completely sure I understood the twist.
One critique I had was that the book ended a bit abruptly. The end was one of the most suspenseful parts and I felt that it could have lasted a little longer after all the built up to it. Also, I wanted to see more of how the characters were coping after everything that happened.
Overall, The Dollhouse was a thrilling and scary ride from beginning to end and had an ending that left me intrigued for the next book in the series.
October 23, 2021
Wow, what a wild ride! I went into this not exactly sure what to expect and it did not disappoint! Picture this, a man named Alfred abducts children in order to "re-create" photos of his own twisted childhood abuse. Nothing could possibly go wrong... right?
What I loved:
- It felt suspenseful throughout the entire novel
- I felt so many raw emotions
- It was dark and twisted!!
- Character development
- It felt so original
What I didn't love:
- There was a few typos that I noticed
Sara is a phenomenal writer and I was able to visualize everything quite well. The novel starts off strong and doesn't let you go until you finish reading. I felt whole-heartedly invested into the lives of these children as we read on about the terrors that happen within the dollhouse. The story alone is so incredibly gripping, but the way you invest into these characters stays with you even after you've finished reading.
I did not see that twist in the end and I was left pleasantly surprised. I thought Sara did a great job leading the reader into seeing what she was laying out, but in a very clever way that didn't tip me off too much.
It has been a while since a book left me with a "hangover" and this one will absolutely stay with me for a long time. I cannot wait to see what Sara puts out next!!
What I loved:
- It felt suspenseful throughout the entire novel
- I felt so many raw emotions
- It was dark and twisted!!
- Character development
- It felt so original
What I didn't love:
- There was a few typos that I noticed
Sara is a phenomenal writer and I was able to visualize everything quite well. The novel starts off strong and doesn't let you go until you finish reading. I felt whole-heartedly invested into the lives of these children as we read on about the terrors that happen within the dollhouse. The story alone is so incredibly gripping, but the way you invest into these characters stays with you even after you've finished reading.
I did not see that twist in the end and I was left pleasantly surprised. I thought Sara did a great job leading the reader into seeing what she was laying out, but in a very clever way that didn't tip me off too much.
It has been a while since a book left me with a "hangover" and this one will absolutely stay with me for a long time. I cannot wait to see what Sara puts out next!!
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