June 10, 2024
Young, who writes children's books, YA, and adult fiction as Karen McQuestion, offers her horror debut, using a haunted house to trap a rather unlikable protagonist. Mark Norman is a guy who has used his looks and charm to skate by in life, until those traits stop working. He needs a job, and there's an opportunity for him in Alden Manor, caring for elderly oddball siblings Roy and Alma Walgrave. He gets some help from fellow caregiver Lisa, but she confesses that there is something strange about the house, something "putting thoughts" in her head. Thinking that this could be the score of a lifetime, Mark ingratiates himself with the old couple in hopes of inheriting their estate, despite his creepy feelings and bad dreams. Craig A. Hart offers a solid narration, particularly when he voices grandfatherly Roy. Even so, listeners will likely figure out the plot twist long before the shallow and duplicitous Mark, who has a frustrating lack of awareness. VERDICT Although Hart's narration is unimpeachable, the story offers little depth and few surprises. Listeners might enjoy seeing Mark getting his comeuppance, or they might rejoice when the book finally reveals its obvious twist.--James Gardner
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