Reviews

• “Nesbø deftly guides readers on a journey much larger than many will expect from the slim volume. Reminiscent of Joe Meno’s The Boy Detective Fails, initial expectations of genre, setting, and mood are subverted as a simple horror novel unfolds into a story that encompasses grief, mid-life crises, and more. Give this one to fans of Grady Hendrix or adults nostalgic for the “Goosebumps” series.”

• “The Night House begins like something from the mind of H.P. Lovecraft /…/ And then at a little over the halfway mark of this slim horror novel, Nesbø begins “Part Two” and readers are forced to rethink everything they just read. It’s a remarkable about-face /…/ How things piece together for the remainder of the book shouldn’t be spoiled, but suffice it to say The Night House really isn’t a classic who-done-it horror novel, but a story of one traumatized young man’s search for meaning in the wake of a personal tragedy /…/ After readers turn the final page of the book, it’s fun going back and picking up all the foreshadowing.”

• “Wild and ambitious /…/ Nesbo shows a sure hand at crafting moments of terror.”

• “Dark horror by the renowned Norwegian crime novelist. /…/ Scary fun that won’t cause nightmares—or will it?”

• “The Night House is a fast-paced escape of a book /…/ Nesbø skillfully keeps the reader wondering where the story is going to go next and when, if ever, the main character will reach his happy ending—or if, in fact, he deserves to reach one at all.”

• “[The Night House] follows 14-year-old Richard Elauved, who moves to a small town called Ballantyne after the death of his parents. But instead of normalcy, the town offers terror. Richard watches as a phone devours a classmate, sees a boy turn into an insect, and becomes obsessed with a creepy house and the story of the man who lived in it. Everyone blames Richard, and he is institutionalized until he escapes and, in a way, manages to find justice. Then the second part of the book starts, and everything in that synopsis changes.”

• “A broad, entertaining haunted house legend.”

• “The first horror story from the Norwegian author of the Harry Hole detective series feels like an homage to Stephen King. The Night House is a beguiling coming-of-age tale that becomes more terrifying as it builds, with plenty of tension and surprises packed into its pages.”

• “A fresh twist on the coming-of-age novel /…/ like something from the mind of H. P. Lovecraft”

• “This is an irresistible, single sitting read.”

• “Best-selling Norwegian author Jo Nesbo unfolds his tale of a troubled teen grappling with dark forces from three different perspectives, each more chilling than the last.”

• “[Jo Nesbø’s] language is, as always, musical. The rock musician Jo Nesbø cannot be denied. It is lucid and luscious to read. In the midst of all horror.”

• “Jo Nesbø has written a furtive and deft horror novel that entertains, frightens, and surprises. /…/ As always, Jo Nesbø is good at building atmosphere, quite unhurried and stealthy. He also does that here, where you multiple times let yourself be lulled into the flowing story only to suddenly stop breathing. /…/ Of course, everything is not as it seems. The plot is efficiently and smoothly constructed by the author, worthy of a true horror writer. Stephen King and Dean R. Koontz are right to compare with, but also Danish authors Dennis Jürgensen and Steen Langstrup. They are all good at making us shudder at what lies just beneath the surface.”

• “When Jo Nesbø takes a break from Harry Hole, anything can happen – and indeed it does. What kind of book is this? The fact that you can’t quite say, even after having read it, is more positive than puzzling. The Night House not only flirts with Stephen King’s universes; it also wants to be become best friends with the horror master’s sense of atmosphere and humor. /…/ Nesbø plays with the genre and doesn’t cut back on neither thrill nor references. /…/ Very entertaining. /…/ The Night House is a page turner that you will devour faster than a telephone sucks up a teenager.”

• “The Night House is an unpredictable, original and brilliant horror story which does not let itself be contained or summarized in a few words, despite its modest volume of 246 pages. It is almost inconceivable how many sharp turns, winding twists and unforeseen events fit in this relatively short novel. /…/ nothing in this story is what it appears to be, and before reaching the last page, it feels like you have read three different stories which in an ingenious way come together in an impressive construction of a novel. It is well written, eerie, horrifying and marvelous. And it ends with the most terrifying thing of all – the human psyche.”

• “A dark and terrifyingly thrilling story.”

• “A seductive nightmare from Nesbø. /…/ It is easy to be captivated by Jo Nesbø’s latest invention. The sentences flow nicely, as if carried by the current of a river. Jo Nesbø knows his craft after a long series of bestsellers for both children and adults. The Night House is a particularly well-composed and intricate story with surprising turns and transitions. And let it be said: The author does not let his readers down, here there are rounds of answers, red herrings, and astonishing revelations until the very last letter. /…/ Jo Nesbø once again shows what a seductively smart and elegant entertainment artist he is. /…/ The Night House is a fascinating and complex story that playfully leads the reader through dark rooms and nightmarish experiences and towards some kind of hope…”

• “Nesbø is a master of suspense /…/ With The Night House, he has moved onto a new sidetrack – a sidetrack which tells us that he also masters the psychological universe in a suspenseful way.”

• “Nesbø does what he does best. /…/ As part of Jo Nesbø’s authorship, The Night House is both exceptional and original. He also deserves praise for incorporating remarkable facts into such a novel.”

• “The Night House proves that Jo Nesbø is in full control over all keys on his literary keyboard. Just let yourself be entertained! Gruesomely enjoyable from Jo Nesbø! An elegant take on the genre from an author who entertains both himself and the reader.”

• “This is solidly executed and fast-paced – [Nesbø] is a true master in creating narrative engines which urge the reader forward. And the division of the book is effective too, it allows the reader to encounter the plot with fresh eyes each time. /…/ In terms of genre play, it is excellent and elegant entertainment.”