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Shadow House #4
The Missing
A new, stand-alone installment in the exciting Shadow House series that invites you to step inside the ghost story!
Shadow House never sleeps . . .
Five children have been lured into Shadow House, all for different reasons. None of them knows the others. And none of them knows what to do when they can't find a way back out.
But something is different inside the house. Someone -- or something -- is there with them, and seems to know more than they do. Only how are the kids supposed to decide if that someone is trying to help them . . . or trap them there forever?
Step into Shadow House.
Shadow House never sleeps . . .
Five children have been lured into Shadow House, all for different reasons. None of them knows the others. And none of them knows what to do when they can't find a way back out.
But something is different inside the house. Someone -- or something -- is there with them, and seems to know more than they do. Only how are the kids supposed to decide if that someone is trying to help them . . . or trap them there forever?
Step into Shadow House.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
35 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Dan Poblocki
25 books647 followersAuthor of The Stone Child, The Nightmarys, The Ghost of Graylock, and the Mysterious Four series,The Haunting of Gabriel Ashe, and The Book of Bad Things.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 9, 2024
میتونست این جلد خیلیییی بهتر باشه
به نظرم یه جلد دیگه هم باید داشته باشه چون واقعا الان نفهمیدم چی شد 🧍🏼♀️
ولی تجربه لذتبخشی بود واقعااا
به نظرم یه جلد دیگه هم باید داشته باشه چون واقعا الان نفهمیدم چی شد 🧍🏼♀️
ولی تجربه لذتبخشی بود واقعااا
April 27, 2019
*3.5*
Not the best in the series. While creative, spooky, and with a more climatic ending than No Way Out, it still lacks the other books' atmosphere and prose. An effective prequel, tying up several loose ends, but would have been better if more information had been provided involving Poppy, Azumi, and Dash. Does the world know of their involvement in the house? Are they still safe?
I also would have liked if more had been added on to the mystery, maybe several more plot twists about the house and the secret society that was involved in its devilry. Nothing here stood out for me like it could've.
An overall decent read, even though it doesn't live up to the other books in this series.
Not the best in the series. While creative, spooky, and with a more climatic ending than No Way Out, it still lacks the other books' atmosphere and prose. An effective prequel, tying up several loose ends, but would have been better if more information had been provided involving Poppy, Azumi, and Dash. Does the world know of their involvement in the house? Are they still safe?
I also would have liked if more had been added on to the mystery, maybe several more plot twists about the house and the secret society that was involved in its devilry. Nothing here stood out for me like it could've.
An overall decent read, even though it doesn't live up to the other books in this series.
November 29, 2021
How did Larkspur House turn evil? What became of Marcus Geller after he apparently died in book two of the Shadow House series? Many questions remained after the first three books, but in 2018 the trilogy was followed up by The Missing. Would it resolve the lingering mysteries of Larkspur and the house's obsession with terrorizing kids? The book begins with Jason Geller and his sister Lou, whose parents lately won't stop arguing. Their latest tiff centers around an antique dollhouse that gives Lou recurring nightmares, but that concern fades into the background when Jason's aunt Paige calls to say his cousin Marcus is missing. Jason's mother and Lou hop on a flight to Ohio so they can support Aunt Paige in person and maybe help the investigation. Jason doesn't realize he will be just as involved without leaving his house.
Drawn to the basement by a strange feeling, Jason finds Lou's dollhouse in a secret room. Inside the architecturally detailed antique he sees several lifelike dolls, and Jason's stomach knots when he recognizes one that looks just like his sister. In Ohio, Lou awakens from a nap to find herself inside of dark, sprawling Larkspur House, with several other kids as confused as she. There's Sadie, the Canadian music prodigy; Cal, an aspiring filmmaker; Rufus, a tall, awkward boy; and Nina, a pretty fashionista of east Indian extraction. The five kids—it's always five with Larkspur—want to leave this creepy mansion, but the doors won't budge and the glass is unbreakable. At home, Jason watches his sister and her companions move about the dollhouse, unseen by them except for a few brief moments when he's able to project himself inside Larkspur. He can do this thanks to Consolida (Connie) Caldwell, the ghost girl responsible for drawing Jason to the dollhouse in the first place. Connie thought Larkspur was dead after Poppy, Azumi, and Dash escaped in No Way Out, but the house rebuilt itself by feasting on the fear of a new quintet of kids. To deal the death blow to the miasmic mansion, Lou must lead Sadie, Cal, Rufus, and Nina to each find an object they hold dear somewhere in the house, and annihilate that object. But Jason sees a black cloud following them, a living presence he has to keep away from Lou and her friends if they're to survive and complete their task. Can Larkspur be destroyed for good?
I hoped The Missing would fill in the plot gaps left by the first three books, but it was not to be. In fact, many more questions are raised. At least we learn something about Marcus's fate, though. The fact that each of the five kids has a distinct way of coping with Larkspur's terrors is a promising concept, but doesn't go much of anywhere in this book. All told, The Missing is an unnecessary epilogue to the Shadow House series that obscures rather than clarifies, and doesn't live up to the drama or surprises in The Gathering, You Can't Hide, and No Way Out. You'd be better off skipping this book so your memories of the trilogy aren't clouded by a fourth novel I can only describe as a misfit. The Missing isn't terrible as a standalone, I should add, and I'd consider rating it one and a half stars. Even when not at his best, Dan Poblocki's stories are readable.
Drawn to the basement by a strange feeling, Jason finds Lou's dollhouse in a secret room. Inside the architecturally detailed antique he sees several lifelike dolls, and Jason's stomach knots when he recognizes one that looks just like his sister. In Ohio, Lou awakens from a nap to find herself inside of dark, sprawling Larkspur House, with several other kids as confused as she. There's Sadie, the Canadian music prodigy; Cal, an aspiring filmmaker; Rufus, a tall, awkward boy; and Nina, a pretty fashionista of east Indian extraction. The five kids—it's always five with Larkspur—want to leave this creepy mansion, but the doors won't budge and the glass is unbreakable. At home, Jason watches his sister and her companions move about the dollhouse, unseen by them except for a few brief moments when he's able to project himself inside Larkspur. He can do this thanks to Consolida (Connie) Caldwell, the ghost girl responsible for drawing Jason to the dollhouse in the first place. Connie thought Larkspur was dead after Poppy, Azumi, and Dash escaped in No Way Out, but the house rebuilt itself by feasting on the fear of a new quintet of kids. To deal the death blow to the miasmic mansion, Lou must lead Sadie, Cal, Rufus, and Nina to each find an object they hold dear somewhere in the house, and annihilate that object. But Jason sees a black cloud following them, a living presence he has to keep away from Lou and her friends if they're to survive and complete their task. Can Larkspur be destroyed for good?
I hoped The Missing would fill in the plot gaps left by the first three books, but it was not to be. In fact, many more questions are raised. At least we learn something about Marcus's fate, though. The fact that each of the five kids has a distinct way of coping with Larkspur's terrors is a promising concept, but doesn't go much of anywhere in this book. All told, The Missing is an unnecessary epilogue to the Shadow House series that obscures rather than clarifies, and doesn't live up to the drama or surprises in The Gathering, You Can't Hide, and No Way Out. You'd be better off skipping this book so your memories of the trilogy aren't clouded by a fourth novel I can only describe as a misfit. The Missing isn't terrible as a standalone, I should add, and I'd consider rating it one and a half stars. Even when not at his best, Dan Poblocki's stories are readable.
October 18, 2019
A book that I hadn't expected given everything in the first 3 books, but a book I am happy exists. This is a sequel to the first books. Marcus appears again and I wasn't always too happy to see him. But we also have new characters, new, as the house would call it, victims who have to do everything to escape and make sure that the house won't ever get up again. I read, or listened, to this book every time I went to the gym for some extra exercise. That is why I won't be writing a long review as while there were elements I remember... I need to see the words to actually get them in my head. My head is just too full and if I listen to something and hear other things around me, it gets muddled.
Still I loved the book, I loved the bond between sister and brother. And the ending was fabulous. It was creepy at times, horribly creepy, and I enjoyed it quite a lot.
Still I loved the book, I loved the bond between sister and brother. And the ending was fabulous. It was creepy at times, horribly creepy, and I enjoyed it quite a lot.
October 19, 2018
this was just not good the writing was so weak i recommend the other three books before this book they are much better
November 24, 2021
من دوست داشتم نویسنده از پاپی، آزومی و دش بیشتر بگه.
اما این جلدم خیلی نفسگیر بود.
امیدوارم حداقل مارکوس به آرامش کامل رسیده باشه. انصافا حق مارکوس این نبود.
اما این جلدم خیلی نفسگیر بود.
امیدوارم حداقل مارکوس به آرامش کامل رسیده باشه. انصافا حق مارکوس این نبود.
March 27, 2019
Name: Taren Zietlow
Book title: Shadow House: The Missing
Personal response (3-5 sentences)
I think this book was the most off topic from the previous ones. None of the main characters besides Marcus and Connie were even mentioned. However, I did like the way they still transitioned it to someone else's unmentioned point of view, especially since it was someone like Marcus’s cousin who had no knowledge about what the previous main characters witnessed.
Plot summary (5-7 sentences)
This book starts off from the perspective of Jason, Marcus’s cousin, with his little sister Louise. They hear their parents talking about Marcus and how he has gone missing. They later find out he is in fact still at Larkspur and still alive. A day later Louise disappears and finds herself in a real-life version of her dollhouse, which of course is the Larkspur house. She finds herself with three other people who all own something from the house like her, Sadie with a ukulele, Nina with a cloak, Cal with a camera and Roufus with a sketchbook. Together they all must retrieve and destroy their items without getting killed or discovered with the help of Jason and Connie on the “outside” of the house. Marcus, however, is the only one who does not escape and is consumed by the house of Larkspur.
Recommendation (3-5 sentences)
I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in reading the final book of the series to see how it will end. Of course, they would have to read all of the previous books as well. Any fans of horror and mystery would love to at least start this series and then eventually get to this book. Overall, this was a pretty short series, so any people looking for a short but interesting series to finish, then this would be my first recommendation.
Book title: Shadow House: The Missing
Personal response (3-5 sentences)
I think this book was the most off topic from the previous ones. None of the main characters besides Marcus and Connie were even mentioned. However, I did like the way they still transitioned it to someone else's unmentioned point of view, especially since it was someone like Marcus’s cousin who had no knowledge about what the previous main characters witnessed.
Plot summary (5-7 sentences)
This book starts off from the perspective of Jason, Marcus’s cousin, with his little sister Louise. They hear their parents talking about Marcus and how he has gone missing. They later find out he is in fact still at Larkspur and still alive. A day later Louise disappears and finds herself in a real-life version of her dollhouse, which of course is the Larkspur house. She finds herself with three other people who all own something from the house like her, Sadie with a ukulele, Nina with a cloak, Cal with a camera and Roufus with a sketchbook. Together they all must retrieve and destroy their items without getting killed or discovered with the help of Jason and Connie on the “outside” of the house. Marcus, however, is the only one who does not escape and is consumed by the house of Larkspur.
Recommendation (3-5 sentences)
I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in reading the final book of the series to see how it will end. Of course, they would have to read all of the previous books as well. Any fans of horror and mystery would love to at least start this series and then eventually get to this book. Overall, this was a pretty short series, so any people looking for a short but interesting series to finish, then this would be my first recommendation.
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October 30, 2019My summary: Shadow house By Dan Poblocki Is a challenging book for me to know what was like happening or going on in the story. This story is about two family’s Louise and Jason which are discussing or arguing about a toy or something that is Called a dollhouse that they apparently donated it but then came back to their house which was in the basement but one of their family members the aunt calls and says that her children or son has gone missing named Marcus so the mom decides to go with her little daughter named Lou which I think was worried or scared of the dollhouse so they took her to help find Marcus and also be away from the dollhouse meanwhile the dad and the son Jason stayed. But while the mom and Lou all of a sudden Lou goes missing and after something happening to Jason him being connected to the dollhouse or lured. Later Jason tries to discover or find out where he is but then all of a sudden finds his sister named Lou with I think other people or dolls were with her and Jason thinks of a way to get them both out. Someone or something says that this was her house first and that their dad/Jasons dad was apart of a secret that could of or was cursed in the original or normal larkspur house. But while Lou is trapped in the dollhouse she discovers or finds 5 more children or something or maybe some helpers un Sadie and others. Jason also discovers or finds children or his friend Nina and Rufus maybe others. But then all of a sudden Marcus was connected to this the whole time and maybe explains why he disappeared and maybe a key to the dollhouse. Later on, they discover scary monsters or stuff like openings but the children find out to release people out of the dollhouse to get them back home to their house so maybe is the terror is over. Or is it? This is the end of my summary I hoped you liked it and give me tips on what to work on :)
Author’s summary I think:
Five children not know anyone, don't know how to get out or go home a way out, something changes differently in the home/house, someone else knows what they're doing or know more of like what’s happening, kids don't know if someone is trying to help them or trying to trap them there/at dollhouse forever and ever Step in the shadow house. Or could it be over?
Author’s summary I think:
Five children not know anyone, don't know how to get out or go home a way out, something changes differently in the home/house, someone else knows what they're doing or know more of like what’s happening, kids don't know if someone is trying to help them or trying to trap them there/at dollhouse forever and ever Step in the shadow house. Or could it be over?
January 21, 2025
تموم کردن مجموعه احساس عجیبیه
من جای نویسنده بودم نمیگفتم این یه مجموعهی چهار جلدیه میگفتم سه گانهاست با یه جلد فرعی
بچهها آخر جلد سه فرار میکنن از خونه و جلد چهارم راجب بچههای دیگهایه که از یه نسخهی دیگهای از این خونه فرار میکنن و بنظرم خوندنش واجب نیست و دل بخواهیه
اصلا کشش سه جلد اول رو نداشت اولاش کند بود از وسطاش یهو خیلی تند شد اصلا اون فضای ترسناکی که سه جلد اول داشت رو نداشت و واقعا فرعی بود
خوندنش هم بیشتر از چیزی که فکر میکردم طول کشید چون کشش نداشت و خسته کننده بود و عملا اسلامپم کرد
برام جالبه بدونم که ۱۹ صفحه اختلاف بین انگلیسی و فارسیش واسه چیه و چرا اون همه حذفیات داره این جلد، مگه چی داشت که حذف کردین بابا کتاب نوجوانه
ولی با همهی اینا بازم دلم میخواد ازش اقتباس ببینم و به همه این مجموعه رو معرفی میکنم چون حیفه انقدر آندر ریتد باشه همچین مجموعهای
من جای نویسنده بودم نمیگفتم این یه مجموعهی چهار جلدیه میگفتم سه گانهاست با یه جلد فرعی
بچهها آخر جلد سه فرار میکنن از خونه و جلد چهارم راجب بچههای دیگهایه که از یه نسخهی دیگهای از این خونه فرار میکنن و بنظرم خوندنش واجب نیست و دل بخواهیه
اصلا کشش سه جلد اول رو نداشت اولاش کند بود از وسطاش یهو خیلی تند شد اصلا اون فضای ترسناکی که سه جلد اول داشت رو نداشت و واقعا فرعی بود
خوندنش هم بیشتر از چیزی که فکر میکردم طول کشید چون کشش نداشت و خسته کننده بود و عملا اسلامپم کرد
برام جالبه بدونم که ۱۹ صفحه اختلاف بین انگلیسی و فارسیش واسه چیه و چرا اون همه حذفیات داره این جلد، مگه چی داشت که حذف کردین بابا کتاب نوجوانه
ولی با همهی اینا بازم دلم میخواد ازش اقتباس ببینم و به همه این مجموعه رو معرفی میکنم چون حیفه انقدر آندر ریتد باشه همچین مجموعهای
January 28, 2022
I enjoyed the book, it was my favorite of the 4 in this series and the app was the funnest. This series is definitely a must read for those who like horror books that scare but not to the extreme.
I will absolutely try reading more of this authors books and see if I enjoy his author books as much as this.
I will absolutely try reading more of this authors books and see if I enjoy his author books as much as this.
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October 23, 2020not scary but at the end the music was scary
July 2, 2019
To be the last book of the Shadow House series, I think wasn't the best choice. The last book should've been "No Way Out" (Book 3) because it concluded the storyline well. This book I found was a bit unnecessary. It followed two brand new characters through their journey of conquering the Shadow House and its powers.
As much as I love the Shadow House series, this wasn't as scary as the previous three books. I believe the writing was completely different. While I was reading, I felt as if I was starting all over from the beginning of the series, which made it a bit boring in my perspective. It was lacking the creepy photos as well that usually appear when describing a horrifying scene. To conclude, I would only recommend the first three books out of this series.
As much as I love the Shadow House series, this wasn't as scary as the previous three books. I believe the writing was completely different. While I was reading, I felt as if I was starting all over from the beginning of the series, which made it a bit boring in my perspective. It was lacking the creepy photos as well that usually appear when describing a horrifying scene. To conclude, I would only recommend the first three books out of this series.
January 25, 2019
4.5🌟
I really enjoyed the audiobook for this one. I liked it more than book 3, which I had originally thought was the end of the series. Thank goodness it wasn't; 'Missing' answered a lot of questions I'd had at the end of 'No Way Out'. A new character arc began, and I loved it! Not sure if the series is over now...I hope not. Bring on the creeps!
I really enjoyed the audiobook for this one. I liked it more than book 3, which I had originally thought was the end of the series. Thank goodness it wasn't; 'Missing' answered a lot of questions I'd had at the end of 'No Way Out'. A new character arc began, and I loved it! Not sure if the series is over now...I hope not. Bring on the creeps!
April 24, 2019
Great read for young horror fans! This new horror novel is the fourth book of the "Shadow House" series. Even though it is the fourth novel, the reader does not need to have read the first three books to understand the plot of the latest book. The story begins with an argument between siblings, Jason and Louise (Lou) about a strange dollhouse that belonged to their mother. Recently, Lou has been having nightmares where she finds herself trapped inside the creepy dollhouse with other children. However, she doesn't know what the nightmares mean. When Jason and Lou's cousin, Marcus, goes missing, Lou knows the dollhouse has something to do with this bizarre occurrence. Lou travels with her mother to console Marcus' family, but she soon disappears too. At the same time, Jason is drawn to the old dollhouse by a strange voice. Upon further investigation of the dolls inside, he notices that one of the dolls is a tiny version of his sister! Jason is befriended by a friendly ghost named Connie who aids him in his attempts to destroy the dollhouse and free his sister. Lou, on the other hand, finds that her nightmares have become a reality and she has become trapped in the dollhouse! As she ventures throughout the house, she encounters four other children who are also trapped inside with her. Join the kids on their journey as they work together to survive the Shadow House and escape the monsters that lurk in the shadows.
This book is a new and interesting twist on traditional horror and I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. The characters were enjoyable, and the story was suspenseful. This book is more of a "mellow horror" which is perfect for younger readers who want to read a scary story without feeling frightened.
Review by Roksanna K, age 14, Broward Mensa
This book is a new and interesting twist on traditional horror and I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. The characters were enjoyable, and the story was suspenseful. This book is more of a "mellow horror" which is perfect for younger readers who want to read a scary story without feeling frightened.
Review by Roksanna K, age 14, Broward Mensa
January 7, 2019
{My thoughts} – Just when I’d thought this series was concluded it came back with an incredible addition. The Shadow House is definitely a creepy house. This book is a lot like the previous three. It is about the Larkspur house and mentions some more of the background history that the readers hadn’t already read about in the previous books.
Larkspur house is dying since the last children it had gathered up had managed to escape. Since they had escaped that meant it needed new children. New children whose fear it needed to heal and mend itself so that it could continue on living.
There are quite a few twists in this book that leave me wondering if there is going to be more to come or if this was the conclusion. I really enjoyed reading through this book as I did the previous three. It has some illustrations in it that you can find a graphic on that then can be entered into the APP that has been developed for the series to get more bonus short stories to read as well. I think the APP addition was a brilliant idea and that it allows children to better explore the world of Shadow House.
I recommend this book and the series for any child that has shown an interest in scary type stories and or books. It’s a very mellow horror for children and it is an interesting story to read. If your child is interested in this genre then it is worth picking up the first book in the series at least to see if they like it and would like to read the remainder of the books that have released.
Larkspur house is dying since the last children it had gathered up had managed to escape. Since they had escaped that meant it needed new children. New children whose fear it needed to heal and mend itself so that it could continue on living.
There are quite a few twists in this book that leave me wondering if there is going to be more to come or if this was the conclusion. I really enjoyed reading through this book as I did the previous three. It has some illustrations in it that you can find a graphic on that then can be entered into the APP that has been developed for the series to get more bonus short stories to read as well. I think the APP addition was a brilliant idea and that it allows children to better explore the world of Shadow House.
I recommend this book and the series for any child that has shown an interest in scary type stories and or books. It’s a very mellow horror for children and it is an interesting story to read. If your child is interested in this genre then it is worth picking up the first book in the series at least to see if they like it and would like to read the remainder of the books that have released.
May 12, 2019
Kids are always going crazy over the scary books. They just love to try to scare themselves. Some students give them a wide berth but others seek them with vengeance. I didn't realize this was the 4th book in the series, I never start a series out of order (I'm far too linear for that nonsense). I listened to the audio and it was well produced. Voices and sounds were great and I'm sure it added to the suspense. I'm not sure how a straight read through will come across, you'll need to add lots of imagination.
However, I thought this was a very good, yet innocent thriller to add to the library collection. It's complete with a creepy dollhouse and some great sibling bonding over what appears to be life and death situations. The plot is a little cliche but I think it's just right for an elementary library.
From the other reviews, It looks like the other books in the series 1-3 might be better so that makes me even more confident that these would be a good addition to the library.
However, I thought this was a very good, yet innocent thriller to add to the library collection. It's complete with a creepy dollhouse and some great sibling bonding over what appears to be life and death situations. The plot is a little cliche but I think it's just right for an elementary library.
From the other reviews, It looks like the other books in the series 1-3 might be better so that makes me even more confident that these would be a good addition to the library.
November 7, 2023
The final instalment in the Shadow House series, answering several burning questions left at the end of book 3.
Follow Lou, her brother Jason, and 4 other new children as they fight to escape the still clinging to un-life Larkspur House. And the house is determined to win on this time.
I will absolutely recommend this book/series to any horror fan (young and young at heart) as it is an enjoyable overarching narrative. However, this last book left a little to be desired in terms of character developments and pace. I truly feel that, given the same amount of page time as the previous books, this would be a 5star read. There are certain parts that feel rushed, and the characters are not as fully explored like the original 5 of Larkspur.
That being said, I still loved this novel and found it answered most if not all the questions left at the end of No Way Out. Also, highly recommend checking out the app that accompanies these books, as it offers even more backstory/ Larkspur lore, and engaging and terrifying tales from Shadow House!
Follow Lou, her brother Jason, and 4 other new children as they fight to escape the still clinging to un-life Larkspur House. And the house is determined to win on this time.
I will absolutely recommend this book/series to any horror fan (young and young at heart) as it is an enjoyable overarching narrative. However, this last book left a little to be desired in terms of character developments and pace. I truly feel that, given the same amount of page time as the previous books, this would be a 5star read. There are certain parts that feel rushed, and the characters are not as fully explored like the original 5 of Larkspur.
That being said, I still loved this novel and found it answered most if not all the questions left at the end of No Way Out. Also, highly recommend checking out the app that accompanies these books, as it offers even more backstory/ Larkspur lore, and engaging and terrifying tales from Shadow House!
June 15, 2022
Once again, it was an okay book. The ending was meh, and I have no clue if the Curse is actually broken, bc there was that whole thing with Connie and how now she shows up in mirrors for Jason and gives him gifts just like she did with Poppy. I think that's pretty epic, they are alike now. Anyway, I'm glad the series is over, not that I didn't like it, it just that I'm happy I dont have to read the same "Curse of Larkspur house" anymore. It was getting old. I really did like it though. And I did also think that the 4th book was unnecessary, but it was still a clever concept. I definitely liked Jason. And I also never found out if the Marcus that was there was his spirit or if the creature brought him there after Poppy, Dash, and Azumi left him against that tree in the 2nd book I think. So yeah. Cool beans, finished series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2025
Stars: 2 ⭐️⭐️
Cover design: 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I started this book not noticing that it was the fourth in the series. 😅 I don’t think it really mattered much though.
I picked it up from the little library by my house and now I’m asking myself why. Why did I read this?
I did not feel connected to any of the characters. The one I got closest to connecting with was Jason. Also, it was very easy to predict. I predicted almost every twist.
I felt like the only emotion they really portrayed was fear. Even though this is a horror book, you need more emotion than that. It just wasn’t for me. If I had to recommend it to anyone it would be to 3rd or 4th graders.
🌟Good Quote🌟:
“Would you mind staying in here for a little while? Just until I get back to sleep?” Lou couldn’t stop herself from smirking. “My how things have changed,” she whispered.”
Cover design: 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I started this book not noticing that it was the fourth in the series. 😅 I don’t think it really mattered much though.
I picked it up from the little library by my house and now I’m asking myself why. Why did I read this?
I did not feel connected to any of the characters. The one I got closest to connecting with was Jason. Also, it was very easy to predict. I predicted almost every twist.
I felt like the only emotion they really portrayed was fear. Even though this is a horror book, you need more emotion than that. It just wasn’t for me. If I had to recommend it to anyone it would be to 3rd or 4th graders.
🌟Good Quote🌟:
“Would you mind staying in here for a little while? Just until I get back to sleep?” Lou couldn’t stop herself from smirking. “My how things have changed,” she whispered.”
November 29, 2019
loved the first three books in the shadow house series , the story builds well the puzzles get you thinking and you really want the characters to win over the evil in the house, there are some plot twist that do come as a surprise and keep you on your toes.
however this book as book four was so not needed , it felt rushed and lacked a lot of how well the first three books were written . i can now say i read all four but i was disappointed to this “add on”
however this book as book four was so not needed , it felt rushed and lacked a lot of how well the first three books were written . i can now say i read all four but i was disappointed to this “add on”
October 20, 2025
i feel like this last book wasn't particularly needed. i really liked Lou and Jason's kinship, and Connie being a more active character in helping the kids escape was nice, but i didn't really care about this new group. i feel like the story should have ended after Poppy, Dash and Azumi destroyed the pact but eh, this feels a little nightmare on elm street which was cool.
poor Marcus. let Marcus rest.
poor Marcus. let Marcus rest.
November 24, 2018
I was no that impressed by this book. I still found it interesting but it was also confusing. I kept finding myself going back to reread parts because something didn't make sense. It was full of action but the jumping back and forth from Lou and friends to her brother and Connie made it difficult to follow at times.
January 25, 2019
Larkspur House is dying and it's looking for some more children's souls to feed upon. But this time around it devises new and surprising ways to lure children into it's deadly clutches. This time, the kids have a little help from a surprising place and Larkspur might just be closing its doors forever.
Definitely not as good as the other books but the new twist made it interesting.
Definitely not as good as the other books but the new twist made it interesting.
April 29, 2022
Not my favorite out of the series. It could have been better. I don’t really get how before the house was a house in the middle of nowhere now somehow Larkspur is a dollhouse. I mean it’s really confusing. I liked it though. I just wish it would have been better. Wish there was a little more action. Better traps and twists and turns like in the first 3 installments in this series.
February 13, 2019
Continues the remnants of the last story in a new setting, with (mostly) new characters. Not quite as exciting as the first three books, but still a fun, fast-paced read for fans of the rest of the series. 212 pages.
May 20, 2019
An excellent ending to the Larkspur House saga.
This story is slightly different than the other three books in the series... Overall, the series feels like a trilogy with a sequel to serve as the epilogue to finish off the ending. Nonetheless, you can't miss this spooky finale!
This story is slightly different than the other three books in the series... Overall, the series feels like a trilogy with a sequel to serve as the epilogue to finish off the ending. Nonetheless, you can't miss this spooky finale!
May 22, 2019
Well this definitely didn't go where I thought it was going to. At first I felt like it was a bit unnecessary, but the more I read the more I liked it. It was such a neat expansion on the lore and power of Larkspur House. This was such a great series, and this was a really good ending.
November 7, 2019
I think this book was great since I’m only in middle school it’s scary but not to much so I can present this for book reports cause some of the kids in my class can get scared easily it really helps but for older audience this book isn’t really for them.
January 27, 2021
Creepy kids' books! This book is about the family of one the original five characters in the first three books. I was hoping to hear about what happened to the first main character, but there was no mention of her.
June 7, 2019
Didn't like the ending, but it was still a page turner.
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