Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

Starling House

Author: Alix E. Harrow

Genre: Fiction, Horror

Format: Digital purchase

Publish Date: October 2023

Read: September 2024

Favorite Quote: “How in hell is anybody supposed to help you if you won’t ask?” Because asking is dangerous, I could tell her. Because to ask is to hope that someone answers, and it hurts so bad when nobody does.

Story Synopsis: Opal grew up way too quickly: dropped out of school, working part-time at Tractor Supply, but most importantly, taking care of her genius younger brother Jasper. Opal’s entire world is getting Jasper out of Eden, Kentucky. Through a twist of fate, Opal has an opportunity to make enough money to send Jasper to a private high school and give him a fighting chance of future success. However, the opportunity is helping the owner of Starling House spruce up the decrepit and creepy manor.

Opal accepts.

Once she begins at Starling House, she gets to know Arthur, the warden of Starling House, and realizes what’s truly been keeping her in Eden, Kentucky all these years. Generations of misfortune, eerie dreams, and bad luck paved the way for Opal to claim her destiny.

Why does this book beguile? Starling House was celebrated almost as soon as it launched. I bought it right away but needed the right time to read it. Turns out, the right time was while I was in Lapland, Finland in a remote cabin with my family! I’ve enjoyed Harrow’s other books, and Starling House is the best one of hers yet. Opal is a relatable character, and she’s loveable despite her flaws and questionable judgment. Starling House itself is its own character: creepy and forlorn but also a sweet thing wanting a bit of positive attention.

I thoroughly enjoyed Starling House and it will definitely put you in the mood for spooky season!

Rating: 5/5

Link*: Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

If you’re interested in this, read*: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia