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Homemade Haunting
Charlie Walker doesn’t believe in God or the supernatural. But Charlie’s views change when he takes the biggest risk of his life―he quits his job to write the novel he’s always wanted to write. The problem is that Charlie is a method writer. Since he’s writing horror, he needs to experience horror. Charlie begins to dabble with the supernatural and experiences the paranormal around his house. Messages appear on mirrors, furniture moves, and his kids start seeing things. Charlie is so lost in his book that he can’t see how it’s affecting his family. He thinks if he just stops, it will all wash away. It doesn’t. Friends convince Charlie that his only choice is to find God to save his family and home. Charlie becomes the unlikely hero in a supernatural battle. As he fights for his home and family, he meets his guardian angel and the demon assigned to him. Is Charlie going crazy? Is there really a supernatural war taking place around Charlie’s home, the neighborhood mailbox, and local swimming pool? Homemade Haunting is a comedy, thriller, and allegory―just the type of story expected from Rob Stennett.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2011
4 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Rob Stennett
10 books29 followersI have written screenplays, stage plays, and all sort of other stories. The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher is my first novel, and the best thing I've ever penned to paper for what it's worth.
I'm trying to write stories that satirize, poke and prod at religion while also showing it's value and significance in our culture. At least that's what I think I'm trying to do. But maybe I'm off. Maybe I'm trying to do something much scarier.
I'm trying to write stories that satirize, poke and prod at religion while also showing it's value and significance in our culture. At least that's what I think I'm trying to do. But maybe I'm off. Maybe I'm trying to do something much scarier.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 5, 2017
I totally enjoyed this book!
The main character in this book is a writer and he has hit a writing block wall. Sooooo in order to break that wall he decides to create and experience as many paranormal avenues that he can. He visits a witchcraft shop in town and buys things he thinks will bring about more imagination in himself. What is brought about because of that are not at all what he and his family expect.
The many things that happen are hilarious and actually very spooky at times. This was a gem of a book. Deff unique and creative on the writers part.
The main character in this book is a writer and he has hit a writing block wall. Sooooo in order to break that wall he decides to create and experience as many paranormal avenues that he can. He visits a witchcraft shop in town and buys things he thinks will bring about more imagination in himself. What is brought about because of that are not at all what he and his family expect.
The many things that happen are hilarious and actually very spooky at times. This was a gem of a book. Deff unique and creative on the writers part.
March 26, 2011
I am a big fan of mainstream horror, suspense, so when I was given the opportunity to review "Homemade Haunting" by Rob Stennett the title intrigued me, and the cover had me wondering what it was all about, but what I found inside the covers of the book was what really held my attention!
Charlie Walker lost his faith in God at the age of seven when God failed to answer his prayers to save his mother who was dying of cancer. Now thirty years later when Charlie is asked by his wife Rachel what he would like for his birthday, the answer he gives is that he would like to quit his job as a high school English teacher for six months so he can write a best selling horror novel. When she agrees they sell their home and find a cheap rental in Castle Rock. As he starts to write the first few chapters come easy, but then nothing,and he comes to realize that he can't possibly write about something he knows nothing about, so he decides to dabble in the supernatural for inspiration. His first foray into the supernatural is buying and using a Ouija board, which seems to work because the chapters are flowing again, but he is also experiencing some weird things in the house. When he confides in his wife about what he has been doing she jumps on board with him and soon she seems almost obsessed with the paranormal. It soon becomes a battle of spiritual warfare, and when Charlie's guardian angel shows up and allows him to see the demons that are wreaking havoc on his family, Charlie does the only thing he can do, he turns to God to save his family!
I really enjoyed this book! While this book deals with the topic of paranomal and "demons" the author writes it in such a way that it isn't really scary, he actually weaves alot of quirky humor into the story.I loved the footnotes peppered throughout the story and found myself reading them first thing when I found them on the page, and acutally had to laugh about the refrence to The Ghost Hunters on Sci-Fi, because its a show I watch regularly!
The thing that really jumped out at me throughout the story is just how easy it is to allow darkness into our lives,and once its there its not always so easy to get rid of. I found it very refreshing that I could read a story about the supernatural that also has a spiritual message woven in.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Charlie Walker lost his faith in God at the age of seven when God failed to answer his prayers to save his mother who was dying of cancer. Now thirty years later when Charlie is asked by his wife Rachel what he would like for his birthday, the answer he gives is that he would like to quit his job as a high school English teacher for six months so he can write a best selling horror novel. When she agrees they sell their home and find a cheap rental in Castle Rock. As he starts to write the first few chapters come easy, but then nothing,and he comes to realize that he can't possibly write about something he knows nothing about, so he decides to dabble in the supernatural for inspiration. His first foray into the supernatural is buying and using a Ouija board, which seems to work because the chapters are flowing again, but he is also experiencing some weird things in the house. When he confides in his wife about what he has been doing she jumps on board with him and soon she seems almost obsessed with the paranormal. It soon becomes a battle of spiritual warfare, and when Charlie's guardian angel shows up and allows him to see the demons that are wreaking havoc on his family, Charlie does the only thing he can do, he turns to God to save his family!
I really enjoyed this book! While this book deals with the topic of paranomal and "demons" the author writes it in such a way that it isn't really scary, he actually weaves alot of quirky humor into the story.I loved the footnotes peppered throughout the story and found myself reading them first thing when I found them on the page, and acutally had to laugh about the refrence to The Ghost Hunters on Sci-Fi, because its a show I watch regularly!
The thing that really jumped out at me throughout the story is just how easy it is to allow darkness into our lives,and once its there its not always so easy to get rid of. I found it very refreshing that I could read a story about the supernatural that also has a spiritual message woven in.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2016
This book was nothing like I imagined it would be. It was actually refreshing and taught a valuable lesson. I think this is a book everyone should read.
March 3, 2019
Entertaining enough, but I didn’t buy this expecting to get preached to. I wanted a horror story, not a sermon. If you go into it knowing that, it may be a better experience.
January 1, 2022
You know this is gonna be a riot when there's an in-your-face reference to Friday the 13th in the beginning! Last time I tried enjoying any Christian entertainment that was a parody of horror, it was super cringy and I almost didn't make it through because it took itself too seriously both with in its presentation of a "Christian take" on "secular stuff" and being message-driven.
This is the needed opposite. The author intended it to be silly and, while it has its serious moments in the second half, he pulls of the silliness just right without being sledgehammer-level-subtle with the message. Sprinkled throughout are references to scarythings. Stephen King, aforementioned Friday the 13th, and The Exorcist, to name a couple. If you're a big fan of horror, you can spot and enjoy them.
The occasional footnotes also helped with the touch of world building and the narrator's head space and show how clueless he is about how the Christian and demonic worldviews work and clash (not sure I'll look at Wesson oil the same).
I know I don't read much comedy (think the last one I read was Good Omens), but this is worth checking out!
This is the needed opposite. The author intended it to be silly and, while it has its serious moments in the second half, he pulls of the silliness just right without being sledgehammer-level-subtle with the message. Sprinkled throughout are references to scarythings. Stephen King, aforementioned Friday the 13th, and The Exorcist, to name a couple. If you're a big fan of horror, you can spot and enjoy them.
The occasional footnotes also helped with the touch of world building and the narrator's head space and show how clueless he is about how the Christian and demonic worldviews work and clash (not sure I'll look at Wesson oil the same).
I know I don't read much comedy (think the last one I read was Good Omens), but this is worth checking out!
June 9, 2021
This book has a fairly weird plot. There is a lot that goes on in the book, but I feel as though it should have been a little slower. If the book were a little slower it would have been able to fully play out each part of the plot, and not make it feel so rushed. I do like that there is a 6 month jump in the book that explains how the family is now. But overall this book wasn’t my favorite paranormal/mysterious read.
May 16, 2018
I didn't know what I was getting into when I choose this book, but I'm glad I did. A reply enjoyable story with a lesson. Bottom line is Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it. I will definitely be looking for this author again.
September 20, 2023
Well written but not enjoyable.
April 7, 2025
I wish I could give this 6 stars.
April 18, 2011
Title: HOMEMADE HAUNTING
Author: Rob Stennett
Publisher: Zondervan
March 2011
ISBN 978-0-310-33147-6
Genre: Fiction/Christian Suspense
Charlie Walker is certain that there is a book inside of him. It’s just waiting to get out. So Charlie does what any other would-be author would do . . . he quits his job, sells his house, and uproots his family to move into a run-down rental place, “just for six months, so I can really concentrate on my book.” One problem. Charlie’s horror story . . . isn’t scary.
Charlie is a student of the “method writing” movement. He figures that if he could only “experience” what he is wanting to write about, the writing will take care of itself. Thus begins Charlie’s descent into a world that is best left undisturbed. A world where the supernatural is very real, very scary, and very, very dangerous. Beginning with what Charlie feels is an innocent purchase of a Ouija board, slowly his entire family is sucked into the vortex of evil that personifies Satan himself. The question remains. . . will Charlie live long enough to finish his book?
Rob Stennett writes a page-turner of a book, keeping the action moving and the suspense building, all the while offering spiritual wisdom that provides much food for thought, while making it easy to digest. Rob Stennett is very aware that the supernatural, and Satan, and God, and angels, and demons, are very real. He is also very aware of the way in which Satan first deceives his victims, and then destroys them. One quotation from the book (which I will be making a permanent part of my library,) continues to haunt me with its eternal truth: “if you want your family to be safe, you need to stop chasing the dark and you need to find a way to embrace the light.” In light of the spiritual darkness in which this world seems to be immersed, these words shine a beacon of hope, which points unerringly toward the truth.
I recommend this book to those who are, or who knows someone who is, dabbling in the darkness, thinking that it’s all a bunch of parlor tricks and party favors. It’s time to wake up. This book could sound the needed wake-up call. This is an excellent book; the action grabs you from the first page, and the spiritual wisdom is presented in such a way that you find yourself learning without even realizing it. 284 pages. $14.99.
Author: Rob Stennett
Publisher: Zondervan
March 2011
ISBN 978-0-310-33147-6
Genre: Fiction/Christian Suspense
Charlie Walker is certain that there is a book inside of him. It’s just waiting to get out. So Charlie does what any other would-be author would do . . . he quits his job, sells his house, and uproots his family to move into a run-down rental place, “just for six months, so I can really concentrate on my book.” One problem. Charlie’s horror story . . . isn’t scary.
Charlie is a student of the “method writing” movement. He figures that if he could only “experience” what he is wanting to write about, the writing will take care of itself. Thus begins Charlie’s descent into a world that is best left undisturbed. A world where the supernatural is very real, very scary, and very, very dangerous. Beginning with what Charlie feels is an innocent purchase of a Ouija board, slowly his entire family is sucked into the vortex of evil that personifies Satan himself. The question remains. . . will Charlie live long enough to finish his book?
Rob Stennett writes a page-turner of a book, keeping the action moving and the suspense building, all the while offering spiritual wisdom that provides much food for thought, while making it easy to digest. Rob Stennett is very aware that the supernatural, and Satan, and God, and angels, and demons, are very real. He is also very aware of the way in which Satan first deceives his victims, and then destroys them. One quotation from the book (which I will be making a permanent part of my library,) continues to haunt me with its eternal truth: “if you want your family to be safe, you need to stop chasing the dark and you need to find a way to embrace the light.” In light of the spiritual darkness in which this world seems to be immersed, these words shine a beacon of hope, which points unerringly toward the truth.
I recommend this book to those who are, or who knows someone who is, dabbling in the darkness, thinking that it’s all a bunch of parlor tricks and party favors. It’s time to wake up. This book could sound the needed wake-up call. This is an excellent book; the action grabs you from the first page, and the spiritual wisdom is presented in such a way that you find yourself learning without even realizing it. 284 pages. $14.99.
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February 12, 2018A horror novel on the shelf of your local Christian bookstore? Not what you'd expect, unless you found Ted Dekker's section. Even less likely is a horror novel about a man writing a horror novel, but thanks to one of the most creative minds in fiction, that's what you'll find in Homemade Haunting.
Rob Stennett tells the story of Charlie, an English teacher who decides to take six months off from work to finish his dream--write a bestselling horror novel. But only a few weeks into the process, Charlie realizes that his draft isn't very scary. The problem? Charlie isn't scared and doesn't really believe in supernatural things. So to experience the eeriness that is necessary to write the suspense he needs, Charlie begins to sample occult practices.
First he tries a Ouija board, then a book of spells, and then finally ghost hunts. All of this is meant to be harmless fun in the name of research, but it soon turns serious as Charlie and his family are faced with evidence of another world within their home. It isn't long before Charlie realizes that his wife and kids' souls are at stake.
Homemade Haunting is a great novel. I was worried that it would essentially be a cautionary tale against dabbling in the occult, but it was far from preachy. There are Christians in the story that explain their abhorrence of the things Charlie is dabbling in, but they are realistic and never have words placed in their mouths. For the most part, Stennett just lets the characters react to situations that they create, and you can't ask for more from an author.
While this novel isn't as thick on the satire like his previous works, if you've enjoyed Stennett's past books, you'll love this engaging and sometimes creepy tale.
Rob Stennett tells the story of Charlie, an English teacher who decides to take six months off from work to finish his dream--write a bestselling horror novel. But only a few weeks into the process, Charlie realizes that his draft isn't very scary. The problem? Charlie isn't scared and doesn't really believe in supernatural things. So to experience the eeriness that is necessary to write the suspense he needs, Charlie begins to sample occult practices.
First he tries a Ouija board, then a book of spells, and then finally ghost hunts. All of this is meant to be harmless fun in the name of research, but it soon turns serious as Charlie and his family are faced with evidence of another world within their home. It isn't long before Charlie realizes that his wife and kids' souls are at stake.
Homemade Haunting is a great novel. I was worried that it would essentially be a cautionary tale against dabbling in the occult, but it was far from preachy. There are Christians in the story that explain their abhorrence of the things Charlie is dabbling in, but they are realistic and never have words placed in their mouths. For the most part, Stennett just lets the characters react to situations that they create, and you can't ask for more from an author.
While this novel isn't as thick on the satire like his previous works, if you've enjoyed Stennett's past books, you'll love this engaging and sometimes creepy tale.
March 31, 2011
I liked Rob’s writing right away. I could get into this book from page one. I seriously think there is something going on about ghosts lately though, this is the third book I’ve read with the topic – using the same references and atheist names in it. This one is my favorite out of them. It was probably the scariest (got goosebumps) and got the most laughs out of it. While the main character is an unlikely hero you could sympathize with his plight.
It was easy to see how he got started and how it whirled into the downfall it had become. I think most issues begin like this in our lives – simple issues that get out of control and eat us up. It really had me thinking about things that we’ve invited into our lives and what I should be letting go of.
While I think the topic is controversial for most – he deals with ghosts and demons, and other evil things. I think Rob deals with it and makes it work in his story. He lightens it up with the humor (very tongue-in-cheek), but really the story is shroud in darkness and I think any middle class family could probably relate to. He gives details into how his thinking began and where he ended (how’s that for being vague lol). I loved the sub-notes, and all the funny comments. I felt like he was talking to me (and if anyone knows me a rabbit hole usually happens after a sentence or two lol) I totally loved ending!
I’d easily pick up another book by Rob and read it! Kinda freaky but it had the power to shine the light on the darkness and uncover the mystery of it.
*review copy provided
It was easy to see how he got started and how it whirled into the downfall it had become. I think most issues begin like this in our lives – simple issues that get out of control and eat us up. It really had me thinking about things that we’ve invited into our lives and what I should be letting go of.
While I think the topic is controversial for most – he deals with ghosts and demons, and other evil things. I think Rob deals with it and makes it work in his story. He lightens it up with the humor (very tongue-in-cheek), but really the story is shroud in darkness and I think any middle class family could probably relate to. He gives details into how his thinking began and where he ended (how’s that for being vague lol). I loved the sub-notes, and all the funny comments. I felt like he was talking to me (and if anyone knows me a rabbit hole usually happens after a sentence or two lol) I totally loved ending!
I’d easily pick up another book by Rob and read it! Kinda freaky but it had the power to shine the light on the darkness and uncover the mystery of it.
*review copy provided
September 21, 2011
Snappy. Brow raising. Quick paced. The thing I loved most about this book was the writing. Author Rob Stennett knows how to wield a pen—or keyboard, as the case may be—cutting in dialogue and internal monologue with keen sharpness. I especially appreciated the off-the-cuff humor, and yes, I may have even chuckled out loud once (a rarity).
Make no mistake, though. This is a horror novel. Things that go bump in the night are showcased in all their glory. The closer I got to the end of the novel, the more I wondered if and/or how this tale would be redeemed with a satisfying, happy ending. Don’t worry. It does. But you’ll be kept guessing until the very end.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend this to young teens. There’s so much occult information in here that I foresee their curiosity radars zing off the screen. But older teens, especially the vampire/zombie crowd, and definitely adults will appreciate the handling of things unseen in Home Made Haunting…an interesting excursion into one family’s descent into the supernatural.
Make no mistake, though. This is a horror novel. Things that go bump in the night are showcased in all their glory. The closer I got to the end of the novel, the more I wondered if and/or how this tale would be redeemed with a satisfying, happy ending. Don’t worry. It does. But you’ll be kept guessing until the very end.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend this to young teens. There’s so much occult information in here that I foresee their curiosity radars zing off the screen. But older teens, especially the vampire/zombie crowd, and definitely adults will appreciate the handling of things unseen in Home Made Haunting…an interesting excursion into one family’s descent into the supernatural.
July 20, 2012
I have read and enjoyed everything Rob Stennett has put out there so far, and I had high hopes for this book. One of my favorite books is The Novel by James A. Michener, so learning that this was also a story from an author's perspective about writing a novel was very exciting. From the moment I clicked into this ebook on my Kindle, it was all over, I knew I would not be going to sleep until I finished reading. I read it completely in one sitting. It was so riveting, Stennett's rich storytelling is some of the best I've experienced.
I happen to love horror stories, and this one did not disappoint. The element of "This could happen to you" was strong, as though any of us could stumble upon evil if we took a wrong turn in our lives.
The only thing I really wished for after reading it was that it'd been longer, it would've been great to stay locked into the creepy world that was created for more time, but that was a selfish wish. It was exactly the right length and now I just have to impatiently wait for the next offering from this unique and talented author.
I happen to love horror stories, and this one did not disappoint. The element of "This could happen to you" was strong, as though any of us could stumble upon evil if we took a wrong turn in our lives.
The only thing I really wished for after reading it was that it'd been longer, it would've been great to stay locked into the creepy world that was created for more time, but that was a selfish wish. It was exactly the right length and now I just have to impatiently wait for the next offering from this unique and talented author.
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April 10, 2012Hard book to review. The author is funny and I laughed out loud at times. The book was creepy in places. I really enjoyed reading it and would give it at least a four star review. The only thing stopping me - the theology was a little off. I wish I knew how to hide part of my review and then I would list what the problems is and keep the rest of the review public. Anyhow because of the odd theology at the end which is not even far off if one or two lines were added I can't give this book a great review. I still think that a book that sells as Christin fiction needs to have proper theology as its' main goal. Spookiness and humour must come second.
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September 30, 2012This was a really imaginative story. I bought this from a fellow member of Willamette Writers, and I am glad that I did.
I loved the premise; being an author myself, I can understands the extremes to which Stennett's protagonist goes to write a good story. I don't think I would sell my house and live in some fleabag rental like Charlie does, but I can almost rationalize it.
Charlie's experiences with the Dark Side, especially through the use of a Ouija board, was not surprising to me. I found Stennett's idea of the multi-patron guardian angel somewhat different, but not objectionable.
I would highly recommend this book.
I loved the premise; being an author myself, I can understands the extremes to which Stennett's protagonist goes to write a good story. I don't think I would sell my house and live in some fleabag rental like Charlie does, but I can almost rationalize it.
Charlie's experiences with the Dark Side, especially through the use of a Ouija board, was not surprising to me. I found Stennett's idea of the multi-patron guardian angel somewhat different, but not objectionable.
I would highly recommend this book.
October 25, 2015
This is fun, and scary, and above all, gets to the truth behind many ghostly encounters. That is, demonic activity. It really is one of those books that is hard to stop reading. I wanted to find out what happens next.
September 23, 2016
This book was funny and a little creepy and a very enjoyable read. Very clear message about "playing" with darkness. It would lead to intriguing discussions if read by a small group, book club, or Bible study.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews