Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

Genre: Fantasy, Horror | Publication Date: October 3, 2023 | Narrated by: Natalie Naudus

☕ Quick Take:

A chilling, gothic tale of haunted houses, buried secrets, and the fight for a place to call home.

📖 Plot Overview:

In the dying town of Eden, Kentucky, whispers of the mysterious Starling House and its reclusive last heir, Arthur Starling, have long persisted. Built by the enigmatic nineteenth-century author E. Starling before her disappearance, the house has stood abandoned, shrouded in rumors and secrets. Opal, a young woman determined to escape the bad luck that’s plagued her life, takes an unexpected job offer at the sinister Starling House, hoping it might be her chance to get her brother out of Eden.

But as she becomes entangled in the house’s dark history and its brooding inhabitant, Opal finds herself facing sinister forces beyond her understanding. To save herself and her brother, she must confront the buried secrets of the past and fight for a home she never thought she’d find.

💭 My Thoughts:

Starling House was everything I hoped for—dark, atmospheric, and genuinely spine-chilling. Natalie Naudus delivered an incredible narration, perfectly capturing Opal’s complex emotions, from her bitterness and stubborn resolve to her moments of sheer panic. The history woven into the story was fascinating, and I could easily imagine this book being adapted for the screen with its vivid, cinematic feel.

I’m glad I waited to read this during the fall season because it was the perfect overcast, spooky read. There were moments when listening at night made me shiver, but that only added to the experience. If you’re looking for a story that blends gothic fantasy with horror elements, this is the book for you. It completely satisfied my craving for a dark, haunting tale.

🌙 Standout Moments:

The eerie descriptions of Starling House, with its shifting shadows and unsettling presence, were unforgettable. The tension between Opal and Arthur kept me hooked, and the gradual reveal of the house’s history was both intriguing and disturbing.

🌱 Who Should Read This?

Fans of gothic fantasy, haunted house stories, and eerie, atmospheric reads will love Starling House. If you enjoyed Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia or The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, this book is a must-read.

📚 Final Thoughts:

Starling House is a beautifully written, haunting tale that’s perfect for fans of dark, gothic stories. Alix E. Harrow has crafted a compelling narrative filled with eerie suspense, complex characters, and a chilling atmosphere. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a spooky, immersive read.