Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) - reviewed on 10/25/2023 + 596 more book reviews

I never would've read A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher if it hadn't been the book club pick this month. Much to my surprise, I enjoyed aspects of this novel that has elements of several genres, including horror. It was perfect for October reading.

I liked main character Samantha's dry wit and practical sensibilities. She visits her mother in North Carolina after a family member expressed concern. As Sam arrives, several vultures are near the house - odd. Then she notices the decor reverted from her mother's colorful choices to the bland preferences of her 20-years-deceased grandmother. This is just the beginning of the strange things Sam notices but tries to rationalize. Can she understand her mother's strange behavior and learn about her family's history in the process?

The gothic, family drama, humor, and mystery aspects of the story most appealed to me, and the secondary characters are interesting. I was able to handle the horror because it wasn't overly graphic and occurred only in the last quarter. There's a lot of talk about bugs due to Sam's profession, and that became tiresome after awhile.

Our group found much to discuss about this 250-page novel. Some gave it five stars while others couldn't overcome several plot holes/unanswered questions. I rarely wish books to be lengthier but wonder if some subplots could've been wrapped up if the book was 50 pages longer.

I'm glad the Bookworms Book Club continually challenges me to step outside my reading comfort zones to explore new-to-me books and authors.

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