Let Him in

I can't emphasize enough how much I enjoyed this book. The writing is excellent. The pace is an unwavering, captivating slow burn, punctuated only by moments of revelation and sheer dread. It's downright creepy right up until the very end!

I highly recommend it.

Thank you, NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and William Friend for the opportunity to read and review the advanced reader copy of this book.

I haven't read a story that sent shivers down my spine for a long time.

This was creatively spooky in a wonderful way. I found myself wanting to avoid reading this at night time because of how tense the story was. It was as if you could feel the fear of the characters, themselves.

I'm struggling to believe that this could possibly be a debut with how well it was written and paced.

Let Him In is a horror that you can't help but enjoy and fear at the same time. I can't wait to see what comes next from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Spooky Debut Novel
“Let Him In” by William Friend is a debut novel that immediately caught my attention with its striking cover and held it throughout its spine-tingling narrative. This story delves into the intricate web of family dynamics, presenting a haunting tale that is equal parts unsettling and riveting.

The narrative revolves around Dad, Alfie, and his twin daughters, Cassia and Sylvie, who are grappling with the sudden and unexpected loss of their beloved partner and mother, Pippa. Alfie, overwhelmed by his own grief, finds himself navigating the challenging task of single parenting. Despite the difficulties, he believes they are managing as well as can be expected. However, everything changes when the girls claim to have an imaginary friend named Black Mamba, a shape-shifting man who takes them on adventures and promises protection.

The introduction of Black Mamba sets off a series of events that grow increasingly disturbing, blurring the line between imagination and reality. In search of answers and guidance, Alfie enlists the help of his late partner's sister, Aunt Julia, a psychiatrist with a unique perspective. The story unfolds through the alternating viewpoints of Alfie and Julia, allowing readers to witness the escalating drama with the mysterious Black Mamba.

Friend skillfully weaves a narrative that keeps readers on edge, making us question whether Black Mamba is merely a coping mechanism or something far more sinister. The family dynamics are not only captivating within the central characters but also in the exploration of Pippa and Julia's family history.

The author's ability to create an ominous and haunting atmosphere throughout the story is commendable, effectively immersing readers in a sense of unease. As a debut novelist, William Friend displays an impressive talent for crafting a story that grips the reader's imagination and refuses to let go. I eagerly look forward to more works by this author in the future.

One of the standout elements of “Let Him In” is its use of the creepy kid trope, heightened by the fact that the unsettling imaginary friend is shared by twin sisters. Friend expertly capitalizes on this trope, delivering a truly chilling and spine-tingling experience.

I won't divulge any more details, as I believe this book is best enjoyed with just the basic premise in mind. Prepare to be absorbed into a thrilling and eerie narrative that is perfect for kicking off your October Spooky Season TBR.

I extend my gratitude to the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press and Dreamscape Media, for providing me with the opportunity to read and review “Let Him In.” If you're in the mood for a spine-tingling read that explores the depths of family and the supernatural, I highly recommend picking up this book.

First a thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for give me early access for review.

I don't really know what to say when it comes to this book, I think that the premise is super interesting however it didn't really live up to it. Nothing really feels all that explained at the end, feels very unfinished. It also kinda feels like nothing really happens in it and none of the revels really had any emotional weight.

The characters are very one dimensional and they seem to lack clear motive.

There is though pieces of a really great story, the religion aspect seemed super cool and I definitely wish it was expanded on more. I also think that though the characters were kinda bland they had some promise. A lot of potential that just wasn't reached for me.

Rating: 2.83 leaves out of 5-Characters: 3/5 -Cover: 4.5/5-Story: 2.5/5-Writing: 4/5Genre: Horror, Mystery, Paranormal, Thriller-Horror: 1.5/5-Paranormal: 4/5-Mystery: 2/5-Thriller: 1/5Type: EbookWorth?: Eh, I guessHated Disliked Meh It Was Okay Liked Loved FavoritedWant to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to read this book.You ever just read a book and it feels like you aren't taking anything in? That is how I felt with this book. It was a drag for me, sadly. He got the creepy kids down pretty well but everything else? Julia worked my nerves on more than one occasion. It was okay in the end. I wouldn't say it was great, but it wasn't all around bad. I gave it a 3 because I felt like it didn't deserve the 2.

I loved this book. It was both eerie and tense without relying on cheap scares or amplified violence. It was kind of slow-paced and the ending was a tad anticlimactic, but I couldn't put it down. Creepy twins, grief, parenthood, family dynamics, and supernatural beliefs are front and center. Would love to read more from this author.

A creepy novel that includes a family secret, a family house that may be haunted, and twin girls that are at the center of it.

After his wife's sudden death Alfie is now left to raise his two twin girls on his own. While himself grieving his two daughters start having strange dreams and create a new imaginary friend. Though originally he believes it's part of their grief process he soon starts to wonder if there isn't something more sinister at play. Without knowing what else to do he asks Julia, his wife's twin sister and a psychiatrist, to help with his two daughters and their new behavior. But as the girls start getting more wrapped up with their new imaginary friend both Julia and Alfie start having strange things happen to them and soon have to confront their role in everything that is happening.

Both of the narrators are fantastic. The switch between Alfie's POV and Julia's POV was done very seamlessly. This was an interesting debut novel. The writing made me eager to learn what exactly is going on in the family home called Hart House. I knew there was much more to the story that would eventually be revealed. Unfortunately, the reveal left me a little underwhelmed. And the story goes at a pretty slow pace so that may have added in not being super intrigued as we learned more about the family and the house. While reading the book felt like a chore when I switched to listening to the audiobook it helped me get into it much more. The narrators did a wonderful job making the characters come to life.

I really enjoyed the writing as a whole and the narration but felt like the story needed more. I wanted to know more about certain aspects of the story and the people in it.

This book had such promise! I just feel a little let down. Too many loose ends and I hate that in a book. Too many unanswered questions.

The book is told from 2 POV and neither of them were very interesting. I did finish the book and the wrting was very good but it just fell flat for me in so many ways and the pace was too slow for me.

Navigating the pages of “Let Him In” is akin to walking through an atmospheric, foggy moor—there's a tangible mystique and an unmistakable undercurrent of eeriness. The spectral ‘friend' and the chilling portrayal of children linger in the mind, conjuring images hard to shake off.

Yet, while the premise captivated, the prose and the narrative style didn't quite hit the mark for me. The writing, at times, felt dense, and the novel's intricate layers sometimes seemed more muddled than meticulously crafted. Glimpses into a richer backstory felt momentarily tantalizing but often untapped, lending a sense of fragmentation to the tale.

Still, with its chilling undertones and palpable tension, the book remains an enticing read. For those drawn to eerie tales that prompt reflection, it's certainly a journey to consider. But it's worth noting that its particular stylistic choices might leave some readers, like myself, pondering and ambivalent by the end.

This was a very quick read for me and perfectly creepy. I read this while traveling and it helped pass the hours on the plane.

I love reading horror and supernatural type books. Let Him In is a good one to add to those Spooktober lists. It's especially good for those who don't enjoy gory or really scary stories. This is an atmospheric read and the way the author writes definitely pulls you in and makes for an immersive experience.

The underlying issue that follows the creepy vibes was well done and the ending fits the scenario. There were a few parts I thought could have used more of an explanation to, but overall this was enjoyable.

Let Him In releases October 3, 2023 so keep an eye out for this one. I sincerely appreciate the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.