So far, I have adored everything Alix E. Harrow has released. I kind of feel like she’s been writing for me. Spooky houses, strong female characters, historical mysteries, and journeys of self discovery are prevalent in all her books. AND I’M TOTALLY HERE FOR IT! So far she seems completely immune to the subsequent book syndrome that plagues many authors, as she hasn’t cranked out anything sub-par under the pressure of publication. As a matter of fact, I’ve enjoyed every one of her books as much or even better than the last. First of all, let’s take a moment to marvel at these book covers!

Synopsis

Starling House follows Opal, a young woman with a checkered past and no REAL home to speak of, or so she thinks. It turns out, the definition of “home” will play a major part in the plot of this novel. Beneath the veneer of fantasy and small-town politics is a story of intense self discovery, and I loved every second of it! Opal is very complicated. She’s not afraid to lie, cheat or steal, but she does it all out of love. You see, she’s the only one there to care for her younger brother, Jasper. Jasper is bright and talented and deserves so much more than this meager existence they inherited from their mother.

For a long time, Opal has had nightmares about Starling House, and these nightmares finally draw her to the door of the mysterious mansion with a past even more checkered than her own. There she meets the current warden of Starling House, Arthur. Arthur is enigmatic, eccentric, and a complete and utter dick. Despite warning Opal to run from Starling House and never look back, she can’t stay away. The unlikely duo will find themselves unraveling mysteries about Starling House and about themselves along their journey of discovery, a journey that will prove to be more than a little dangerous.

Review

I loved it all. I love Harrow’s measured and lyrical writing. I love her character development and the complexity she infuses into each and every character and each and every relationship. I love the atmosphere and the way Starling House permeates the whole tone of the novel. It’s this perfect mix of everything Gothic, the creepy and the beautiful all intertwined into something that keeps you entranced from page one. I love the history of the house and the sadness that fuels the life inside it. I love the horror and the gore and the ooey gooey grossness that Harrow writes so well. I love the concept of choosing whether to allow pain to seethe, spread and destroy, or to heal and allow something new to grow in its place. This book presents so many challenges to our perceptions. Namely, what form does love really take? What does it mean to have a home? And when do you let go?

If I had one quibble, it’s that Opal seemed a bit dense sometimes. I felt like the light bulb went on over head way after us readers, and that could really make a reveal feel anti-climactic. How can your lead character survive the drama if she’s always the last one to get the point?? Get it together, Opal!!

Despite that one minor quibble, I still loved this magical book and I will pick up anything and everything that Alix E. Harrow writes with sheer glee.

Reading Challenge Category: #3 – Reese’s Book Club pick

Published October 3, 2023 by Macmillan Audio. ISBN 9781250882783. Runtime 12 hrs 26 mins. Narrated by Natalie Naudus.