Book Review: Incidents Around the House

Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman

Genres: Horror, Paranormal, Fiction

Pages: 373

Format: ebook

My Rating: 👎🏻

Reading this book felt like the universe was pulling a prank on me. If Josh Malerman’s goal was to prank his readers, congratulations, sir, mission accomplished.

At first, I was hooked. The book had a solid premise, I won’t lie. Creepy, disturbing, and full of potential. I was even into the child’s POV, thinking it was creative. And then came the betrayal.

I hate the fact that I was enjoying it so much halfway through until everything turned downhill, especially the very last 4 chapters to be precise. The ending was the absolute worst part. I expected all incidents would tie all together. I thought answers were coming, that we’d finally know who Other Mommy is. But nope! Instead, the book offers a big fat nothing.

I mean, seriously? Nothing?! Just a vague, lazy ending that feels like Malerman ran out of ideas or just got bored of writing more chapters and decided to leave the ending mysterious.

By the time I reached the last page, I was sitting there like a fool, questioning my life choices and wondering if should’ve just read another book instead.

I somehow felt sorry for Bela. Her parents are simply irresponsible. Ursula was a walking red flag, probably the worst mother figure I’ve seen in a book in ages. Russ was kinda tolerable. But really, who in their right mind thought it was a good idea to make Bela call him ‘daddo’? That was pure cringe cause who talks like that? Jesus!

And while reading this book, I kept asking myself, how old was Bela? Was she 6? 4? Who knows! If I remember clearly, the book never mentioned it. I don’t think I knew Belah was 8 until I read the blurb. However, the author made her talk like she was 3 with that ‘daddo’ nonsense.

Also, why was Bela the only kid at that bizarre party full of adults? Her dance performance for her parents’ friends was one of the most disturbing moments in this book. I couldn’t help but feel everyone watching her was a creep.

And speaking of the elephant in the room: Other Mommy, we never learn anything about her! Why does she want Bela’s heart? What’s her deal? What’s her world beyond the closet? Is she a metaphor for bad parenting? A closet-dwelling demon? A bored ghost? Seriously, what is she?!

The entire book was full of plot holes. Lois Anthony was of no use. Bela’s grandma is forgettable.  The book had a strong beginning, but then everything didn’t make any sense. The writing was fine since the story is told from the perspective of a little girl. But at some moments, it felt more like AI-written or something. I wouldn't be surprised if the cringe word of ‘daddo’ was suggested by AI.

To sum all up, Incidents Around the House was like a beautifully wrapped gift box filled with… nothing. It was definitely a trap. Was it scary? Not really. Disturbing? Somehow. Worth my time? Absolutely not. And the ending was rubbish. One star. Period.