H. Dair Brown's Blog: Disturb Ink Books
September 3, 2025
The September House by Carissa Orlando
A Disturb Ink Books Recommendation
I listened to the audiobook of The September House by Carissa Orlando as I was painting my new-to-me office. I reclaimed a room in our house that was ostensibly for my kids’ recreation, but was consistently proving to be as empty as a ghost town most of the time. So the rec room became my play room. And like any good horror fan, I decided the best way to infuse this room with the best kind of (creepy) creative vibes was to have a spooky story keep me company while I repainted.
I’d heard about this book a few times. It was one of those books with tons of buzz in the air. Touted as a gripping blend of psychological horror and domestic suspense, ideal for fans of Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, it was a no-brainer for me. Anything that takes a dives deep into the unsettling experience of living in a haunted house, is a win for me. With paint supplies in place and the book downloaded, it was go time.
The story of Margaret, a woman resolutely staying in her dream home, despite the terrifying spirits that emerge every September had me hooked long before I was finished with the cutting in. By the time I was rolling on the first coat, Margaret’s daughter Katherine is on the scene and the horrors of interpersonal family struggles and buried (and not-so-buried) resentments almost rival the supernatural horrors that the forces in the house are raining down on them.
In my reviews, I’m always trying to give the readers just enough of a taste to see if it’s the kind of book they’d like to pick up. I’m not a fan of the plot summary reviews, so I’ll stop here.
I’ll just say this: long after the second coat was up at the paint had dried, this story lingers in the back of my mind, haunting me in the best possible way. September House doesn’t just offer supernatural scares, but also an exploration of the lengths people will go to preserve that which we hold dear. If you love horror that is as much about the natural struggles of the resilient human heart and the fragile human mind as it is about the supernatural, snap this one up. What better time than now?
Perfect Pairings
--The Spite House (Johnny Compton)
--The House Next Door (Anne Rivers Siddons)
--The Others (Nicole Kidman movie)
Consider getting your copies of these books from these excellent sources:
--Bookshop.org - Every purchase financially supports independent bookstores. Certified B Corp & Climate Neutral, too!
--Better World Books - Every book purchase also means one book donation to people and nonprofits who need it. Literacy programs also supported. And another Certified B Corp with excellent sustainability policies.
--The Libby Ebook/Audiobook Program at your local library - FREE! :)
--BookBub - eBook Deals - you just have to watch for your favorites to pop up!
I listened to the audiobook of The September House by Carissa Orlando as I was painting my new-to-me office. I reclaimed a room in our house that was ostensibly for my kids’ recreation, but was consistently proving to be as empty as a ghost town most of the time. So the rec room became my play room. And like any good horror fan, I decided the best way to infuse this room with the best kind of (creepy) creative vibes was to have a spooky story keep me company while I repainted.
I’d heard about this book a few times. It was one of those books with tons of buzz in the air. Touted as a gripping blend of psychological horror and domestic suspense, ideal for fans of Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, it was a no-brainer for me. Anything that takes a dives deep into the unsettling experience of living in a haunted house, is a win for me. With paint supplies in place and the book downloaded, it was go time.
The story of Margaret, a woman resolutely staying in her dream home, despite the terrifying spirits that emerge every September had me hooked long before I was finished with the cutting in. By the time I was rolling on the first coat, Margaret’s daughter Katherine is on the scene and the horrors of interpersonal family struggles and buried (and not-so-buried) resentments almost rival the supernatural horrors that the forces in the house are raining down on them.
In my reviews, I’m always trying to give the readers just enough of a taste to see if it’s the kind of book they’d like to pick up. I’m not a fan of the plot summary reviews, so I’ll stop here.
I’ll just say this: long after the second coat was up at the paint had dried, this story lingers in the back of my mind, haunting me in the best possible way. September House doesn’t just offer supernatural scares, but also an exploration of the lengths people will go to preserve that which we hold dear. If you love horror that is as much about the natural struggles of the resilient human heart and the fragile human mind as it is about the supernatural, snap this one up. What better time than now?
Perfect Pairings
--The Spite House (Johnny Compton)
--The House Next Door (Anne Rivers Siddons)
--The Others (Nicole Kidman movie)
Consider getting your copies of these books from these excellent sources:
--Bookshop.org - Every purchase financially supports independent bookstores. Certified B Corp & Climate Neutral, too!
--Better World Books - Every book purchase also means one book donation to people and nonprofits who need it. Literacy programs also supported. And another Certified B Corp with excellent sustainability policies.
--The Libby Ebook/Audiobook Program at your local library - FREE! :)
--BookBub - eBook Deals - you just have to watch for your favorites to pop up!
September 11, 2024
The Sinister Century Horror Series is Here!
I'm so excited to announce that the full series of the Sinister Century is now available both for purchase and in Kindle Unlimited! Get Yours Here!
Here's the description...
Step into the shadows of the past with The Sinister Century, a Disturb Ink Books Anthology series.
Each collection in the series delves into the dark underbelly of a specific decade, bringing to life the horrors that lurk beneath the surface of nostalgic eras.
From the eerie silence of early cinema to the ever vigilant (always listening) AI of today, these chilling tales explore how technology and culture intertwine to create nightmares tailor made for each generation.
Escape: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology- Explore the shadowy world of cinema in the 1920s
Listen: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology - Succumb to the eerie whispers of radio during the 1940s
Watch: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology - Uncover the haunting secrets of television in the 1960s
Capture: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology - Experience the chilling grip of VCRs & camcorders in the 1980s
Host: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology - Navigate the dangerous territories of the internet in the 2000s
Lurk: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology - Confront the malevolent forces of social media & AI devices in the 2020s
Each collection in the series can be read as a standalone, though the experience may be slightly enhanced by reading them in order.
Get a bonus story for FREE here: Click here to get a bonus Sinister Century story for FREE!
Many thanks to those who’ve read and reviewed these titles already! I love seeing readers discover the stories created by a pack of talented authors.
Here's the description...
Step into the shadows of the past with The Sinister Century, a Disturb Ink Books Anthology series.
Each collection in the series delves into the dark underbelly of a specific decade, bringing to life the horrors that lurk beneath the surface of nostalgic eras.
From the eerie silence of early cinema to the ever vigilant (always listening) AI of today, these chilling tales explore how technology and culture intertwine to create nightmares tailor made for each generation.
Escape: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology- Explore the shadowy world of cinema in the 1920s
Listen: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology - Succumb to the eerie whispers of radio during the 1940s
Watch: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology - Uncover the haunting secrets of television in the 1960s
Capture: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology - Experience the chilling grip of VCRs & camcorders in the 1980s
Host: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology - Navigate the dangerous territories of the internet in the 2000s
Lurk: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology - Confront the malevolent forces of social media & AI devices in the 2020s
Each collection in the series can be read as a standalone, though the experience may be slightly enhanced by reading them in order.
Get a bonus story for FREE here: Click here to get a bonus Sinister Century story for FREE!
Many thanks to those who’ve read and reviewed these titles already! I love seeing readers discover the stories created by a pack of talented authors.
August 28, 2024
Disturb Ink Reads: The September House
The September House
Carissa Orlando
I listened to the audiobook of The September House by Carissa Orlando as I was painting my new-to-me office. I reclaimed a room in our house that was ostensibly for my kids’ recreation, but was consistently proving to be as empty as a ghost town most of the time. So the rec room became my play room. And like any good horror fan, I decided the best way to infuse this room with the best kind of (creepy) creative vibes was to have a spooky story keep me company while I repainted.
I’d heard about The September House. It was one of those books with tons of buzz in the air. Touted as a gripping blend of psychological horror and domestic suspense, ideal for fans of Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, it was a no-brainer for me. Anything that takes a dives deep into the unsettling experience of living in a haunted house, is a win for me. With paint supplies in place and the book downloaded, it was go time.
The story of Margaret, a woman resolutely staying in her dream home, despite the terrifying spirits that emerge every September had me hooked long before I was finished with the cutting in. By the time I was rolling on the first coat, Margaret’s daughter Katherine is on the scene and the horrors of interpersonal family struggles and buried (and not-so-buried) resentments almost rival the supernatural horrors that the forces in the house are raining down on them.
In my reviews, I’m always trying to give the readers just enough of a taste to see if it’s the kind of book they’d like to pick up. I’m not a fan of the plot summary reviews, so I’ll stop here.
I’ll just say this: long after the second coat was up at the paint had dried, this story lingers in the back of my mind, haunting me in the best possible way. The September House doesn’t just offer supernatural scares, but also an exploration of the lengths people will go to preserve that which we hold dear. If you love horror that is as much about the natural struggles of the resilient human heart and the fragile human mind as it is about the supernatural, snap this one up. What better time than now?
Perfect Pairings:
The Spite House (Johnny Compton)
The House Next Door (Anne Rivers Siddons)
The Others (Nicole Kidman movie)
Carissa Orlando
I listened to the audiobook of The September House by Carissa Orlando as I was painting my new-to-me office. I reclaimed a room in our house that was ostensibly for my kids’ recreation, but was consistently proving to be as empty as a ghost town most of the time. So the rec room became my play room. And like any good horror fan, I decided the best way to infuse this room with the best kind of (creepy) creative vibes was to have a spooky story keep me company while I repainted.
I’d heard about The September House. It was one of those books with tons of buzz in the air. Touted as a gripping blend of psychological horror and domestic suspense, ideal for fans of Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, it was a no-brainer for me. Anything that takes a dives deep into the unsettling experience of living in a haunted house, is a win for me. With paint supplies in place and the book downloaded, it was go time.
The story of Margaret, a woman resolutely staying in her dream home, despite the terrifying spirits that emerge every September had me hooked long before I was finished with the cutting in. By the time I was rolling on the first coat, Margaret’s daughter Katherine is on the scene and the horrors of interpersonal family struggles and buried (and not-so-buried) resentments almost rival the supernatural horrors that the forces in the house are raining down on them.
In my reviews, I’m always trying to give the readers just enough of a taste to see if it’s the kind of book they’d like to pick up. I’m not a fan of the plot summary reviews, so I’ll stop here.
I’ll just say this: long after the second coat was up at the paint had dried, this story lingers in the back of my mind, haunting me in the best possible way. The September House doesn’t just offer supernatural scares, but also an exploration of the lengths people will go to preserve that which we hold dear. If you love horror that is as much about the natural struggles of the resilient human heart and the fragile human mind as it is about the supernatural, snap this one up. What better time than now?
Perfect Pairings:
The Spite House (Johnny Compton)
The House Next Door (Anne Rivers Siddons)
The Others (Nicole Kidman movie)
August 26, 2024
Celebrate the End of Summer with a Bang!
Exciting news! Summer Bludgeon is re-releasing!
Summer Bludgeon: 33 Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Tales That Will Haunt Your Summer Nights
Originally inspired by an earworm involving song lyrics from the 1978 film, Grease, “summer lovin’” became “summer bludgeon.” Voila! A new collection was born.
We put out a call to the creative world, asking them to send us artwork, poetry, and stories that explore the dark corners of our hearts. And then we asked them to set their tales in the sunniest, brightest time of the year.
Undaunted, they invited us into workspaces and showed us people at odds. They pulled back the curtains and let us peek at broken familial relationships and strained friendships. They put us in the passenger seat next to characters navigating situations where romantic love has gone very, very wrong.
Had us a blast contemplating these works of art and immersing ourselves in these stories and poems. We think you will, too! Be prepared to reconnect with some “old flames” and to fall head over heels for some newer authors, poets, and artists on the scene.
Ah, summer love! Is there anything more exciting?
—Dair & Robin
Summer Bludgeon: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology
Summer Bludgeon: An Unsettling Reads Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Anthology
Summer Bludgeon: An Unsettling Reads Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Anthology
Summer Bludgeon: 33 Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Tales That Will Haunt Your Summer Nights
Originally inspired by an earworm involving song lyrics from the 1978 film, Grease, “summer lovin’” became “summer bludgeon.” Voila! A new collection was born.
We put out a call to the creative world, asking them to send us artwork, poetry, and stories that explore the dark corners of our hearts. And then we asked them to set their tales in the sunniest, brightest time of the year.
Undaunted, they invited us into workspaces and showed us people at odds. They pulled back the curtains and let us peek at broken familial relationships and strained friendships. They put us in the passenger seat next to characters navigating situations where romantic love has gone very, very wrong.
Had us a blast contemplating these works of art and immersing ourselves in these stories and poems. We think you will, too! Be prepared to reconnect with some “old flames” and to fall head over heels for some newer authors, poets, and artists on the scene.
Ah, summer love! Is there anything more exciting?
—Dair & Robin
Summer Bludgeon: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology
Summer Bludgeon: An Unsettling Reads Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Anthology
Summer Bludgeon: An Unsettling Reads Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Anthology
Celebrate the End of Summer with a Bang!
Exciting news! Summer Bludgeon is re-releasing!
Summer Bludgeon: 33 Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Tales That Will Haunt Your Summer Nights
Originally inspired by an earworm involving song lyrics from the 1978 film, Grease, “summer lovin’” became “summer bludgeon.” Voila! A new collection was born.
We put out a call to the creative world, asking them to send us artwork, poetry, and stories that explore the dark corners of our hearts. And then we asked them to set their tales in the sunniest, brightest time of the year.
Undaunted, they invited us into workspaces and showed us people at odds. They pulled back the curtains and let us peek at broken familial relationships and strained friendships. They put us in the passenger seat next to characters navigating situations where romantic love has gone very, very wrong.
Had us a blast contemplating these works of art and immersing ourselves in these stories and poems. We think you will, too! Be prepared to reconnect with some “old flames” and to fall head over heels for some newer authors, poets, and artists on the scene.
Ah, summer love! Is there anything more exciting?
—Dair & Robin
Summer Bludgeon: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology
Summer Bludgeon: An Unsettling Reads Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Anthology
Summer Bludgeon: An Unsettling Reads Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Anthology
Summer Bludgeon: 33 Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Tales That Will Haunt Your Summer Nights
Originally inspired by an earworm involving song lyrics from the 1978 film, Grease, “summer lovin’” became “summer bludgeon.” Voila! A new collection was born.
We put out a call to the creative world, asking them to send us artwork, poetry, and stories that explore the dark corners of our hearts. And then we asked them to set their tales in the sunniest, brightest time of the year.
Undaunted, they invited us into workspaces and showed us people at odds. They pulled back the curtains and let us peek at broken familial relationships and strained friendships. They put us in the passenger seat next to characters navigating situations where romantic love has gone very, very wrong.
Had us a blast contemplating these works of art and immersing ourselves in these stories and poems. We think you will, too! Be prepared to reconnect with some “old flames” and to fall head over heels for some newer authors, poets, and artists on the scene.
Ah, summer love! Is there anything more exciting?
—Dair & Robin
Summer Bludgeon: A Disturb Ink Books Anthology
Summer Bludgeon: An Unsettling Reads Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Anthology
Summer Bludgeon: An Unsettling Reads Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Anthology
Disturb Ink Books
Disturb Ink Books publishes and promotes fiction that lurks in the haunted land where quiet horror and psychological thrillers meet.
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