A well written and twisted psychological horror by Scoon Ferguson that masterfully blurs the lines between reality and madness! This genre-bending 90s gem, took me on a mind-bending journey that I won’t soon forget!
The story follows Amy Charlton, an seemingly ordinary Newcastle teenager whose mundane life takes a sharp turn into the bizarre when her television starts communicating with her. The plot begins deceptively simple, lulling readers into a false sense of security before spiralling into increasingly surreal and disturbing territory. The author’s pacing is exceptional, gradually ramping up the tension as Amy’s grip on reality begins to slip, leading to her confinement in an unusual psychiatric facility and her growing obsession with the mysterious Deadhouse.
Amy emerges as a compelling protagonist whose perspective becomes increasingly unreliable, leaving readers constantly questioning what’s real and what’s delusion. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, though it becomes deliciously difficult to determine who – or what – they truly are. The author excels at maintaining this sense of uncertainty throughout the narrative.
The dialogue shifts seamlessly between mundane teenage conversations and increasingly disturbing exchanges that make you question everything you’ve read before. The author has a particular talent for using seemingly normal conversations to create an underlying sense of wrongness that grows more pronounced as the story progresses.
The writing style is distinctive and confident, demonstrating the author’s penchant for the morbidly strange in the best possible way. The vivid descriptions of the more disturbing elements showcase a unique imagination that won’t be confined by genre conventions.
This is not a book for the faint-hearted or those who prefer their narratives neat and explained. It’s a wild, unsettling ride that demands your attention and rewards close reading. I found myself completely captivated by this unusual horror story that defies easy categorisation. Be prepared for a mind-bending experience that will leave you questioning reality long after you’ve turned the final page. I award The Deadhouse 5 stars!
Not available to buy at The Book Dragon
