Reissue: Read a haunted house novel with a family crime at its center

Theme Music — T. Marie Vandelly

Surprise! I’m moving! This means I’m incredibly busy packing books (and books and books and books), so I’m sending out a reissue of my very first recommendation on the newsletter, one of the best under-rated horror books I’ve ever read. It’s got everything: ghosts, family legend, a crime, and a character determined to find the truth.

Under-the-Radar Book of the Week

Theme Music by T. Marie Vandelly

What It’s About

Dixie Wheeler, a twentysomething still coping with the tragedy of her past, sees that her childhood home is up for sale and pounces to buy it. The only issue? This childhood home is where her entire family was murdered by her father, who brutally killed his wife and children with a knife, then killing himself. Dixie, the youngest at only one years old, was the only one left alive. 

Needless to say, others in her life find it odd that she wants to purchase the home in which this crime happened, but Dixie knows this is the only way she can ever get closure. But immediately after moving in, it seems as though the spirits of her past have unfinished business they want Dixie to solve—or it’s all in Dixie’s head. 

This is a psychological horror novel with an old mystery, strong haunted vibes, and incredible storytelling of broken and flawed characters who come to life as you read.

(Heads up: The hardcover and paperback covers are wildly different, but it’s the same book!)

Who Will Like It

If you’re hooked on true-crime podcasts or the recent influx of slasher films on streaming services, this book is for you. It’s a blend of thriller, horror, and mystery, with a twisted family to boot.

Now that it’s August, it’s basically fall, which means IMO spooky season has started, so this is a perfect one to get you in the Halloween mood!

Misc.

Turns out, packing books is a nightmare! I’ve gotten about halfway through, and my garage is filled with boxes! But this means I’m unearthing books on my TBR I haven’t seen in quite a while, so it feels like I have brand-new books to choose from. Any that catch your eye?

Some books I’ve unearthed in my packing adventures.

In the meantime, if you’ve already read this book and need some new suggestions, Elizabeth at What to Read If has a great discussion of readers’ favorite summer reads: my pick was Maame by Jessica George, which, if you haven’t heard me rave about, YOU NEED TO READ IMMEDIATELY. What has been your favorite read this summer?

My favorite book of the summer. Buy a copy here via Bookshop.org. Buying through this link supports indie bookstores and this newsletter!

And an obligatory photo of my perfect dog, Digby, posing in front of my shelves, being very useless while I pack and clean.

More Books

Can’t get enough, or looking for a different recommendation? Browse the archives, or check out some popular past recommendations: 

• Read about the dark history of an Oregon desert town and the ghosts that haunt it

• Read about a historical family inheritance that comes with a catch

• Read about a mom who accidentally pretends to be a famous author

I also love hearing from readers! Let me know what kinds of books you’re looking for that you’d like to see featured, or send in your most recent five-star read (or two) and get a recommendation just for you. You might be featured in an upcoming newsletter! Reply to this email to get in touch!

---

Sponsor an issue of Reading Under the Radar! Add your own banner image or use text only, and link to your publication, product, or service. Fill out this form to inquire about sponsoring a newsletter and featuring your book or publication!