Snarks & Scrolls Blog

Cover Critique and Chapter 1 Review!

The cover is fine. It does what it’s supposed to, but I can’t help thinking it looks weird and out of place? Which, I suppose is the point. It looks like a hodgepodge of stock photos placed in overlapping layers with no blending at all. Which again I think is the point. I interpret it trying to look like a perfectly normal house in color set amongst a grayscale backdrop which makes it look more uncanny. For a haunted house book, that’s probably the idea. Like, nothing to see here! Just a normal house! Totally not haunted whatsoever!

So, the more I’m reading or Grady Hendrix (I’ve started Horrorstör a few times, I’ll finish it one of these days), the more I’m enjoying his writing style.

Chapter 1 was good. Mundane, but I also enjoy his writing style. It feels natural and like a mind that’s wandering a bit. The FMC, Louise, is pregnant and has swirling thoughts about it. Natural response. When she finally tells he parents, they react in a compassionate way by immediately coming to visit her, buying her things that the baby will need, etc. It softens her panic, and I like that. A great way to lower the readers’ guard and expectations. Almost like we’re forgetting that this is a book about a haunted house. Whose haunted house? Not sure, but I’m sure we’ll find out soon.

Current emotional impact? Eh, teetering between La Croix and Diet Coke

It’s giving slightly creepy vibes? Since I know this is the calm before the storm for a horror book.

For thriller/suspense? Raised Eyebrow for sure since, again, I’m anticipating unease in the near future of reading.

And that’s all she wrote for now. TTFN!

Toodles ❤️

SnS 🌹💀📜🥤