Killer House Party by Lily Anderson

Red Solo cups? Check. Snacks? Check. Abandoned mansion full of countless horrors that won’t let you leave? Check.

The Deinhart Manor has been a looming shadow over town for as long as anyone can remember, and it's been abandoned for even longer. When the final Deinhart descendent passes, the huge gothic manor is up for sale for the first time ever. Which means Arden can steal the keys from her mom’s real estate office...

It’s time for a graduation party that no one will ever forget. Arden and her best friends Maddy, Remi, and Shane, each have different reasons for wanting to throw the party to end all parties. But when the manor doors bar everyone inside and the walls begin to bleed, all anyone wants to do is make it out alive.

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With its chilling atmosphere and high stakes, this book delivers a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping ride, perfect for fans of horror and haunted house stories. Each of the characters brings their own complexity to the narrative, and as their pasts are slowly revealed, the terror they face inside the manor feels all the more personal. The author balances moments of tension and dread with the chaotic energy of teenage rebellion, making it feel both relatable and utterly terrifying.

The story builds on classic haunted house tropes while adding fresh twists, from the group dynamic to the house’s malevolent behavior. It’s clear that each horrific event they face ties to secrets the manor holds about the Deinhart family. With every chapter, you’re left wondering who (or what) is truly in control—and whether anyone will make it out alive.

I am a little disappointed that we didn't find out the true story. I know that's not really the point - the point is the legend that's sprung up around the house, not the truth of it - but even in the flashbacks, we didn't see what was really happening, only moments and pieces of the story.

This novel is not just about the supernatural; it’s about friendship, facing fears, and dealing with the consequences of actions. The relationships between Arden, Maddy, Remi, and Shane evolve as the story progresses, pushing them to their limits both mentally and emotionally. Will they make it out as friends—or at all?

Whether you’re here for the thrills, the mystery, or the tension-filled group dynamics, this book promises a heart-pounding, page-turning experience that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

The Killer House Party publishes on the 1st October, 2024. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.