Two horror podcasters—drag artist Kendall Akande and best friend Jenna Chen—share a passion for art, fashion, and horror. When they find out their Victorian-era apartment building might be haunted, they see an opportunity for an entertaining podcast episode. They learn that a past resident, inspired by demonic images of a goat-headed man, lured victims to his apartment and murdered them. While visiting his grave, they are spooked by a man in a goat mask who watches from the bushes.
The two friends launch their investigation and get a glimpse into the lives of their unusual neighbors. Rooney Xavier posts fake online testimonials for businesses and starts dating the landlord's son, hoping for perks. Aging fashion diva Morvena Delacroix rages against any noise Rooney makes downstairs. The Nigerian/Irish witch Lilith Adebayo offers interventions to help Kendall with his nightmares. Lucy Lee talks to her vegetables when she cooks and helps Jenna cope with her grandmother's worsening dementia. An intimidating musician named the Bone Man has tattoos of serial killers covering his arms. The dignified Mrs. Gupta, architect Elliott Bernbaum, and a reclusive tenant in the basement round out the cast. As strange sightings and sounds spread, Kendall and Jenna visit the landlord on Ward's Island, but his house of curiosities only deepens the mystery. Then a stranger appears who promises protection if Kendall sacrifices something of value.
As the ghosts of the past become entwined with the growing terror, Kendall and Jenna must use their creativity to confront the evil force that threatens them all.
An album of horror-themed songs by the Bone Man complements the novel and is available at most streaming sites and online retailers.
This was a fun read with a diverse cast of characters that at first glance I would not have expected to fit together as well as they did.
Best friends and co-podcasters Kendall and Jenn live in an old apartment building with quirky neighbors and possibly a ghost.
When closet doors begin opening by themselves and strange noises in the walls start scaring one of their neighbors the two friends decide to investigate.
When closet doors begin opening by themselves and strange noises in the walls start scaring one of their neighbors the two friends decide to investigate.
Soon after, they learn that a serial murderer who killed people that he deemed "undesirables" had once been a resident of their building and had killed himself in apartment six.
Although there were some spooky moments, and a bit of humor thrown in, what I most enjoyed was the friendship between the two main characters. It felt so genuine, the way they could always count on the other to be there for them even if they were angry over a disagreement. I also love the creativity of having an actual album by one of the book characters that you can stream on Sound Cloud.
4 out of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy for review.
About the Author
Jon O'Bergh is an author and musician. He was born and raised in Southern California and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of California at Irvine. He has written four books that link music and stories, and co-authored "Elliptical: The Music of Meshell Ndegeocello." He has also released over a dozen albums in a variety of styles, including the atmospheric album "Ghost Story." After living many years in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., he now spends most of his time with his husband in Toronto.
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