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The Doll House
When a boy moves into his late grandfather’s mansion, he discovers eerie spell books, creepy dolls, and strange noises. But one doll feels especially off—maybe it’s nothing, or maybe it’s…watching. This creepy middle grade read is perfect for fans of the Goosebumps series.
Garrett never met his grandfather, Burke, but he’s heard the stories from his mother. Burke was an enormously successful writer, but he was also notoriously cruel, especially to his family. After he passes away suddenly, Garrett and his mother are told that his enormous fortune is hers…if they agree to spend a week at his estate.
The house is a monument to Burke’s obsession with puppet-like dolls, and the attic is packed with cryptic notes and ancient books. It’s clear that his grandfather was up to something, but Garrett can only guess what, and his fear only deepens when he finds a creepily detailed doll with 'Marion' written on the foot.
As the week progresses, Garrett realizes that the house isn’t what it seems. An old typewriter clicks away on its own. There are sounds in the night that come from the basement. And strangest of all is Marion, who always seems to be watching...
Garrett never met his grandfather, Burke, but he’s heard the stories from his mother. Burke was an enormously successful writer, but he was also notoriously cruel, especially to his family. After he passes away suddenly, Garrett and his mother are told that his enormous fortune is hers…if they agree to spend a week at his estate.
The house is a monument to Burke’s obsession with puppet-like dolls, and the attic is packed with cryptic notes and ancient books. It’s clear that his grandfather was up to something, but Garrett can only guess what, and his fear only deepens when he finds a creepily detailed doll with 'Marion' written on the foot.
As the week progresses, Garrett realizes that the house isn’t what it seems. An old typewriter clicks away on its own. There are sounds in the night that come from the basement. And strangest of all is Marion, who always seems to be watching...
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First published July 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 5, 2026
There’s a video game that came out in 2025 called “Blue Prince” and I couldn’t help but compare this book to that as I was reading. Of course while that game was bright, cozy and colorful, The Doll House is dark, scary and full of creepy dolls.
We have a mother and son who inherit a huge mansion. They agree to spend a week inside to see how they feel about it but it’s riddled with mysteries, and a very strange past from its previous owner that is deeply hidden. Garret, our 13 year old protagonist, must explore the mansion to find what his grandfather left behind.
I had a blast with this and flew through it! Middle grade horror is so underrated and I’ll keep shouting about it.
Full review to come on my YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@hollyheartsbooks...
We have a mother and son who inherit a huge mansion. They agree to spend a week inside to see how they feel about it but it’s riddled with mysteries, and a very strange past from its previous owner that is deeply hidden. Garret, our 13 year old protagonist, must explore the mansion to find what his grandfather left behind.
I had a blast with this and flew through it! Middle grade horror is so underrated and I’ll keep shouting about it.
Full review to come on my YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@hollyheartsbooks...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
E ARC provided by Netgalley
It’s always been just Garrett Weathers and his mother June, so when they are visited by a lawyer representing his recently deceased grandfather, it’s a bit of a surprise. There’s been years of estrangement, but the grandfather, who wrote under the pen name Alistair Gray, has left his sizable estate to the two, on one condition. They must spend a week at his house in Georgia, Inkwell Point. June is reluctant, but Garrett is curious, so the two set off on an adventure. The house is enormous but very creepy; it looks like the Addams family house, and there are pieces of wooden dolls strewn about. Not only that, but when Garrett moves a chair that is wedged under the closet door in his room, he finds a super creepy, life sized doll there! The lawyer indicates that Alistair had some sort of unsavory project going on, and June is reticent about why she never visited her parents, which makes Garrett even more curious. There’s a locked basement door behind which there are skittering noises, a typewriter that communicates with Garrett, and a creepy attic workshop with even more dolls. The handyman’s son, Wes, agrees to help Garrett investigate, but refuses to enter the house, since he knows how sinister it feels. Garrett learns that his grandmother was a painter as well as a writer, and died some years ago. He also discovers that Alistair’s siblings all died in their 40s and 50s within a very short span of time. Even though the typewriter warns him to leave the dolls alone and to not put any of the pieces back together, Garrett continues to pry into the past, with terrifying results. Will he and his mother be able to understand their troubled legacy and move on?
Strengths: Finding out your grandfather was a bestselling author. Cool. Inheriting his palatial estate. Awesome. Discovering that there are murderous doll corpses with a dark secret strewn everywhere. Terrifying! There were deeply creepy moments scattered throughout the book, but nothing so disturbing that fourth and fifth graders would have nightmares after reading this. I did appreciate that Garrett told his mom some of what was going on, and that she was somewhat sympathetic. The backstory with her father’s past plays out in a sometimes understandable and sometimes fantastical way, and I didn’t quite put together what Alistair’s diabolical plan was. Definitely a twist on the scary doll and haunted house tropes, and another very solid book by this author.
Weakness: I’ve read hundreds of middle grade novels about haunted places and things, and I’m ready for something new. A haunted community center? Park? Little used mall? Dollar store? Church? There are some haunted library and school books. And why is it always dolls? Couldn’t we have haunted books, pets (Red Rover!), backpacks, or technology? Haunted technology would be awesome.
What I really think: I like Gillespie’s work, especially Grin, so will definitely purchase this one for fans of Currie’s It's Watching, Alexander’s Follow Me, and Sutherland’s The Nightmare Next Door. I’m not entirely sure whether the cover is scary or icky, but I can certainly hand sell this if students find the cover TOO disturbing. I know I’ll have to hide the book when my usual substitute covers for me, since she can’t stand scary doll covers!
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https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
It’s always been just Garrett Weathers and his mother June, so when they are visited by a lawyer representing his recently deceased grandfather, it’s a bit of a surprise. There’s been years of estrangement, but the grandfather, who wrote under the pen name Alistair Gray, has left his sizable estate to the two, on one condition. They must spend a week at his house in Georgia, Inkwell Point. June is reluctant, but Garrett is curious, so the two set off on an adventure. The house is enormous but very creepy; it looks like the Addams family house, and there are pieces of wooden dolls strewn about. Not only that, but when Garrett moves a chair that is wedged under the closet door in his room, he finds a super creepy, life sized doll there! The lawyer indicates that Alistair had some sort of unsavory project going on, and June is reticent about why she never visited her parents, which makes Garrett even more curious. There’s a locked basement door behind which there are skittering noises, a typewriter that communicates with Garrett, and a creepy attic workshop with even more dolls. The handyman’s son, Wes, agrees to help Garrett investigate, but refuses to enter the house, since he knows how sinister it feels. Garrett learns that his grandmother was a painter as well as a writer, and died some years ago. He also discovers that Alistair’s siblings all died in their 40s and 50s within a very short span of time. Even though the typewriter warns him to leave the dolls alone and to not put any of the pieces back together, Garrett continues to pry into the past, with terrifying results. Will he and his mother be able to understand their troubled legacy and move on?
Strengths: Finding out your grandfather was a bestselling author. Cool. Inheriting his palatial estate. Awesome. Discovering that there are murderous doll corpses with a dark secret strewn everywhere. Terrifying! There were deeply creepy moments scattered throughout the book, but nothing so disturbing that fourth and fifth graders would have nightmares after reading this. I did appreciate that Garrett told his mom some of what was going on, and that she was somewhat sympathetic. The backstory with her father’s past plays out in a sometimes understandable and sometimes fantastical way, and I didn’t quite put together what Alistair’s diabolical plan was. Definitely a twist on the scary doll and haunted house tropes, and another very solid book by this author.
Weakness: I’ve read hundreds of middle grade novels about haunted places and things, and I’m ready for something new. A haunted community center? Park? Little used mall? Dollar store? Church? There are some haunted library and school books. And why is it always dolls? Couldn’t we have haunted books, pets (Red Rover!), backpacks, or technology? Haunted technology would be awesome.
What I really think: I like Gillespie’s work, especially Grin, so will definitely purchase this one for fans of Currie’s It's Watching, Alexander’s Follow Me, and Sutherland’s The Nightmare Next Door. I’m not entirely sure whether the cover is scary or icky, but I can certainly hand sell this if students find the cover TOO disturbing. I know I’ll have to hide the book when my usual substitute covers for me, since she can’t stand scary doll covers!
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
June 23, 2026
Review of arc from NetGalley
This book definitely delivered on the creepy factor. The buildup of suspense and fear was very well done, and I enjoyed the direction the story took.
Middle-grade readers may find it a little slow to hold their attention, but I think the horror lovers will stick around. It’s a fun read.
This book definitely delivered on the creepy factor. The buildup of suspense and fear was very well done, and I enjoyed the direction the story took.
Middle-grade readers may find it a little slow to hold their attention, but I think the horror lovers will stick around. It’s a fun read.
May 12, 2026
My love of horror and thrillers started at a young age, and I still enjoy picking up middle grade books whenever one catches my eye. The Doll House is a chilling paranormal mystery that’s perfect for fans of Slappy from the Goosebumps books. With a creepy mansion, eerie dolls, and suspense around every corner, this one had me totally hooked. I loved it!
August 5, 2026
MIDDLE GRADE? - More Like My Worst Nightmare!
The Doll House by D.W. Gillespie is a middle-grade terror that shocked me. The story follows Garrett, who never knew his infamous grandfather Burke, a wealthy and notoriously cruel author whose dying wish requires Garrett and his mother to spend a week at his sprawling estate before they can inherit anything. What they find is a mansion overflowing with puppets, limbs, dolls, cryptic spell books, and unsettling typewriters. There is one particular marionette that will have you screaming out in terror and have readers flipping all the lights on while reading: Marion. Add in a typewriter that types on its own, strange noises from the basement, and a house that clearly has plans of its own, and I was completely hooked. What I loved most is that Gillespie doesn't settle for the usual haunted doll tricks. The atmosphere is relentlessly creepy, the mystery surrounding Burke's obsession with his dolls keeps escalating, and the story constantly finds new ways to make familiar horror elements feel fresh. Not to mention the heart at the center of this story is both gut-wrenching (and mature for a middle-grade novel). There are layers for any age reading this story. This is Goosebumps energy cranked up several notches, packed with genuine scares, weirdness, and enough nightmare fuel to keep readers checking over their shoulders long after they finish. Just remember, Marion sees all.
The Doll House by D.W. Gillespie is a middle-grade terror that shocked me. The story follows Garrett, who never knew his infamous grandfather Burke, a wealthy and notoriously cruel author whose dying wish requires Garrett and his mother to spend a week at his sprawling estate before they can inherit anything. What they find is a mansion overflowing with puppets, limbs, dolls, cryptic spell books, and unsettling typewriters. There is one particular marionette that will have you screaming out in terror and have readers flipping all the lights on while reading: Marion. Add in a typewriter that types on its own, strange noises from the basement, and a house that clearly has plans of its own, and I was completely hooked. What I loved most is that Gillespie doesn't settle for the usual haunted doll tricks. The atmosphere is relentlessly creepy, the mystery surrounding Burke's obsession with his dolls keeps escalating, and the story constantly finds new ways to make familiar horror elements feel fresh. Not to mention the heart at the center of this story is both gut-wrenching (and mature for a middle-grade novel). There are layers for any age reading this story. This is Goosebumps energy cranked up several notches, packed with genuine scares, weirdness, and enough nightmare fuel to keep readers checking over their shoulders long after they finish. Just remember, Marion sees all.
September 23, 2026
The Doll House was a lot of fun to read and for a middle grade horror novel, it definitely had its creepy moments. I know one of the things that has always creeped me out over the years has been dolls, especially the Bisque Porcelain era starting in the 1850s. I can handle a lot of things in horror novels, but keep those dolls away from me. Even as a kid I didn't like to play with dolls as I found them creepy.
One of the things I really enjoyed in this book was the relationship between Garrett and his mom. Because it has always been the two of them, you could sense the easy camaraderie between them as well as the open lines of communication. So when things start getting a little weird around the house, Garrett doesn't feel afraid to tell his mom about what he sees or hears even though her response is somewhat lukewarm. I did really like that Garrett behaved like a twelve-year-old boy, full of curiosity, and disobeyed his mother once in a while even if it was not necessarily open rebellion. When you have this big, creepy old house that was lived in by a grandfather you did not know, what would any kid do? Explore, naturally. And if they explored in areas that shouldn't be explored? Well, that happens, doesn't it? I would have done the same. I explored my memere's basement even though I was told not to go into certain areas. A big creepy house would have been a gold mine for someone who was curious and wanted answers like Garrett.
The plot moved along rapidly which is something I would expect in a middle grade novel in order to keep a young person engaged, but it certainly kept me engaged as well. There were definitely some creepy moments, and some things that happened to Garrett that were somewhat dangerous, but still at the level of a middle grade novel. There were quite a few themes running through this book that an adult could unpack quite easily, but may be somewhat of a reach for younger children which is fine as they would enjoy the story quite easily regardless. Some of the themes were: childhood abuse, death, control, generational trauma, spousal abuse, communication, friendship, loyalty, parenting, family, and the list goes on. Most of the themes were not delved into too deeply and were at the level of this book, but they are still great launching pads for those who wish to have deeper discussions with their children. My only negative on this book is there are dozens of MG books that have dolls and a haunted house, so I would like to read something with a different take once a while, like maybe haunted technology or any other haunted item that does not feature dolls. Just a personal thought and this in no way reflects my enjoyment of this book.
The Doll House was a creepy MG novel with a fun plot and interesting characters. I did really like the setting as it was atmospheric and haunting, and definitely a kid's playground, especially for one looking for adventure and mayhem like Garrett. I enjoyed the ending to the book and thought it all tied in nicely in the end although I did feel like the explanation for the motive for Garrett's grandfather was a bit loose and not fully explained. However, the tension of the story was kept up throughout and I had a difficult time putting this book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is nostalgic for that Goosebumps creepiness or, not having read those books, just want a fun creepy book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
One of the things I really enjoyed in this book was the relationship between Garrett and his mom. Because it has always been the two of them, you could sense the easy camaraderie between them as well as the open lines of communication. So when things start getting a little weird around the house, Garrett doesn't feel afraid to tell his mom about what he sees or hears even though her response is somewhat lukewarm. I did really like that Garrett behaved like a twelve-year-old boy, full of curiosity, and disobeyed his mother once in a while even if it was not necessarily open rebellion. When you have this big, creepy old house that was lived in by a grandfather you did not know, what would any kid do? Explore, naturally. And if they explored in areas that shouldn't be explored? Well, that happens, doesn't it? I would have done the same. I explored my memere's basement even though I was told not to go into certain areas. A big creepy house would have been a gold mine for someone who was curious and wanted answers like Garrett.
The plot moved along rapidly which is something I would expect in a middle grade novel in order to keep a young person engaged, but it certainly kept me engaged as well. There were definitely some creepy moments, and some things that happened to Garrett that were somewhat dangerous, but still at the level of a middle grade novel. There were quite a few themes running through this book that an adult could unpack quite easily, but may be somewhat of a reach for younger children which is fine as they would enjoy the story quite easily regardless. Some of the themes were: childhood abuse, death, control, generational trauma, spousal abuse, communication, friendship, loyalty, parenting, family, and the list goes on. Most of the themes were not delved into too deeply and were at the level of this book, but they are still great launching pads for those who wish to have deeper discussions with their children. My only negative on this book is there are dozens of MG books that have dolls and a haunted house, so I would like to read something with a different take once a while, like maybe haunted technology or any other haunted item that does not feature dolls. Just a personal thought and this in no way reflects my enjoyment of this book.
The Doll House was a creepy MG novel with a fun plot and interesting characters. I did really like the setting as it was atmospheric and haunting, and definitely a kid's playground, especially for one looking for adventure and mayhem like Garrett. I enjoyed the ending to the book and thought it all tied in nicely in the end although I did feel like the explanation for the motive for Garrett's grandfather was a bit loose and not fully explained. However, the tension of the story was kept up throughout and I had a difficult time putting this book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is nostalgic for that Goosebumps creepiness or, not having read those books, just want a fun creepy book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
August 26, 2026
Thirteen-year-old Garrett has a reputation as a storyteller among his friends, so much so that they call him Topper, as in, “can you top this?” With the death of his estranged grandfather (a famous horror novelist), he and his single mom June learn that if they spend one week at Inkwell, his bizarre mansion, they stand to inherit his entire fortune. Surely they can last a week, right? Especially as the stay is guaranteed to give Garrett plenty of inspiration; he too longs to be a writer. When they arrive at the isolated Addams family-style house, it’s covered in dangling wooden limbs and body parts, hence its local nickname, “The Doll House”. Garrett soon befriends the caretaker’s son Wes, who wisely refuses to set a foot inside, and together they uncover a series of disturbing secrets, including a creepy living doll named Marion, a typewriter that composes messages all on its own, and something really scary thumping around in the basement. The propulsive plot sends the boys on a variety of hair-raising adventures as Inkwell’s malevolence begins to worm its way into Garrett’s mind, subtly directing his actions as though he himself has become a marionette. Paralleling the spooky goings-on, Garrett confides in his mother and she gradually reveals her late father’s increasingly moody and controlling behavior, which led to their estrangement.
The pairing of family trauma with an intense roller coaster of thrills, all told retrospectively by a writer using first-person voice, definitely recalls the work of Stephen King, albeit at a manageable level of horror for its middle school audience. I always find automatons unsettling and Gillespie did a great job of imagining and describing his, sending real shivers down my back. Compared to many books of this ilk, the bond between Garrett and June was notable and they actually grew closer over the course of the novel as they teamed up against the corrosive forces inside the house. All characters in the book cue as white. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
The pairing of family trauma with an intense roller coaster of thrills, all told retrospectively by a writer using first-person voice, definitely recalls the work of Stephen King, albeit at a manageable level of horror for its middle school audience. I always find automatons unsettling and Gillespie did a great job of imagining and describing his, sending real shivers down my back. Compared to many books of this ilk, the bond between Garrett and June was notable and they actually grew closer over the course of the novel as they teamed up against the corrosive forces inside the house. All characters in the book cue as white. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Review of advance copy
Thank you Random House Kids @RandomHouseKids #RandomHouseKidsPartner Delacorte Press @delacortepress and D.W. Gillespie @dwgillespie for this free book! PUBLISHES JULY 28, 2026
“The Doll House” by D.W. Gillespie ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Middle Grade Horror Novel.
Garrett never met his grandfather Burke, but he’s heard stories from his mother. Burke was a very successful writer, but he was also very cruel to his family. When Burke suddenly dies, Garrett and his mom move into his grandfather's mansion. They must stay there a week to inherit Burke’s enormous fortune. The house is filled with creepy, puppet-like dolls, eerie spell books, and strange occurrences like an old typewriter that clicks away on its own. And there’s a very unsettling doll named Marion that seems to watch him. As the week passes, Garrett and his mom uncover dark secrets about his grandfather's obsession with dolls and the supernatural.
Author Gillespie’s book is filled with dark, generational family secrets and supernatural mystery. It’s suspense-filled freaky action, weird languages and curses, and things that go bump in the night-because D.W. Gillespie is the King of Middle Grade Horror! IYKYK. If you haven’t read his books, but you like the Goosebumps series, you’ll like this. It’s creepy, frightening, fun and it’s 5⭐️s from me 📚👩🏼🦳#thedollhouse #dwgillespie
“The Doll House” by D.W. Gillespie ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Middle Grade Horror Novel.
Garrett never met his grandfather Burke, but he’s heard stories from his mother. Burke was a very successful writer, but he was also very cruel to his family. When Burke suddenly dies, Garrett and his mom move into his grandfather's mansion. They must stay there a week to inherit Burke’s enormous fortune. The house is filled with creepy, puppet-like dolls, eerie spell books, and strange occurrences like an old typewriter that clicks away on its own. And there’s a very unsettling doll named Marion that seems to watch him. As the week passes, Garrett and his mom uncover dark secrets about his grandfather's obsession with dolls and the supernatural.
Author Gillespie’s book is filled with dark, generational family secrets and supernatural mystery. It’s suspense-filled freaky action, weird languages and curses, and things that go bump in the night-because D.W. Gillespie is the King of Middle Grade Horror! IYKYK. If you haven’t read his books, but you like the Goosebumps series, you’ll like this. It’s creepy, frightening, fun and it’s 5⭐️s from me 📚👩🏼🦳#thedollhouse #dwgillespie
April 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. Such a good, creepy read.
Wow - this story is genuinely creepy. I can see how people are terrified of dolls or at least, find them disturbing.
Garrett and his mother are given an unexpected opportunity: to inherit her late father's wealth. A man she hasn't seen since she left home at the age of 18. Burke, the grandfather, was a well-known writer who lived in an enormous mansion known as The Doll House. However, there is one condition attached to the inheritance - they must spend one week living in the house. And at first, it doesn't seem like much of a challenge to Garrett and his mom. But how things change after that first night.
Garrett is under the impression that his grandfather, who he has never met, has left him with the task of finishing something for him. With the reluctant help of the groundskeeper's son, who refuses to step foot inside the mansion, Garrett sets forth to complete this task.
With doll parts scattered throughout the house and the surrounding grounds, a basement door that is mysteriously locked from the inside with no key in sight, and upstairs, a marionette doll that is hidden away in a closet, the house is starting to feel less like a home and more like a warning.
But a warning against what?
Wow - this story is genuinely creepy. I can see how people are terrified of dolls or at least, find them disturbing.
Garrett and his mother are given an unexpected opportunity: to inherit her late father's wealth. A man she hasn't seen since she left home at the age of 18. Burke, the grandfather, was a well-known writer who lived in an enormous mansion known as The Doll House. However, there is one condition attached to the inheritance - they must spend one week living in the house. And at first, it doesn't seem like much of a challenge to Garrett and his mom. But how things change after that first night.
Garrett is under the impression that his grandfather, who he has never met, has left him with the task of finishing something for him. With the reluctant help of the groundskeeper's son, who refuses to step foot inside the mansion, Garrett sets forth to complete this task.
With doll parts scattered throughout the house and the surrounding grounds, a basement door that is mysteriously locked from the inside with no key in sight, and upstairs, a marionette doll that is hidden away in a closet, the house is starting to feel less like a home and more like a warning.
But a warning against what?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for ARC in exchange for an honest review! The Doll House by D. W. Gillespie is an absolutely creepy middle grade horror read that fully delivers on its unsettling premise. From the cover alone, you know you’re in for something dark—and the story follows through with a strong, eerie atmosphere throughout.
Garrett moves into his late grandfather Burke’s massive estate after his death, only to discover the house is filled with disturbing secrets—especially the dolls scattered throughout the property. The most chilling presence is the doll Marion, found in the attic, which always feels like it’s watching. Strange things begin happening in the house: unexplained noises, a typewriter that seems to move on its own, and a growing sense that the house itself is alive in some way.
The tension builds slowly but effectively, and the focus on the dolls—especially Marion—adds a constant layer of discomfort that never really lets up.
This is a very creepy read without being overly graphic, and I’d definitely recommend it for fans of K.R. Alexander or anyone who enjoys haunted house stories with an unsettling, atmospheric feel. Great for readers ready to step into light horror.
Garrett moves into his late grandfather Burke’s massive estate after his death, only to discover the house is filled with disturbing secrets—especially the dolls scattered throughout the property. The most chilling presence is the doll Marion, found in the attic, which always feels like it’s watching. Strange things begin happening in the house: unexplained noises, a typewriter that seems to move on its own, and a growing sense that the house itself is alive in some way.
The tension builds slowly but effectively, and the focus on the dolls—especially Marion—adds a constant layer of discomfort that never really lets up.
This is a very creepy read without being overly graphic, and I’d definitely recommend it for fans of K.R. Alexander or anyone who enjoys haunted house stories with an unsettling, atmospheric feel. Great for readers ready to step into light horror.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Garrett has never met his estranged grandfather. But when the man dies, Garrett and his mom are set to inherit his wealth. All they have to do is stay in his remote mansion for one week. When they arrive they find a sprawling house filled with large wooden doll or marionette limbs and old family secrets. Just when he thinks the house can’t get any weirder, Garret discovers something thumping late at night in the locked basement.
The Doll House is a fast-paced story with plenty of surprising scares and interesting twists on the doll horror genre. I enjoyed uncovering this house and family’s secrets along with Garrett. His writerly flair for the dramatic made for an intriguing character young readers will connect with.
Thank you to Random House Children’s Books and NetGalley for providing the e-arc for my honest review.
The Doll House is a fast-paced story with plenty of surprising scares and interesting twists on the doll horror genre. I enjoyed uncovering this house and family’s secrets along with Garrett. His writerly flair for the dramatic made for an intriguing character young readers will connect with.
Thank you to Random House Children’s Books and NetGalley for providing the e-arc for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Don't let the fact that this book is aimed at middle grade readers fool you, there are some truly chilling scenes. The images that Gillespie's writing conjures will definitely make you think twice before going into that dark room alone or investigating that weird sound late at night.
The isolated mansion complete with a padlocked basement door, a room covered in red splatters of a mysterious origin, and the creepy hand carved doll parts scattered about make for the perfect setting for this supernatural horror. If you like horror, creepy dolls, or having fun, I highly recommend reading this one.
After reading Give Me Something Good to Eat, Grin and now this deliciously creepy story I feel the need to shout to the world that D.W. Gillespie has quickly become one of my favorite horror authors!
The isolated mansion complete with a padlocked basement door, a room covered in red splatters of a mysterious origin, and the creepy hand carved doll parts scattered about make for the perfect setting for this supernatural horror. If you like horror, creepy dolls, or having fun, I highly recommend reading this one.
After reading Give Me Something Good to Eat, Grin and now this deliciously creepy story I feel the need to shout to the world that D.W. Gillespie has quickly become one of my favorite horror authors!
August 9, 2026
D. W. Gillespie did a great job of delivering on the atmosphere for this book. A creepy house in the middle of nowhere, filled with dolls and doll parts in every nook and cranny. This house was left to Garrett and his mother by his estranged (for good reason) grandfather and if they can manage to stay a whole week in the house they can do whatever they want with it.
When Garrett arrives at the house he quickly has more questions than answers, and he is bound and determined to uncover every last one. Even if that means going in the locked basement, and the creepy attic workroom to figure it out. This story was creepy, never knowing what was around the corner, covered some emotionally mature subjects, and had a mystery that I enjoyed going along with Garrett to uncover. The pacing was perfectly done, and I'll definitely be checking out this authors other books.
When Garrett arrives at the house he quickly has more questions than answers, and he is bound and determined to uncover every last one. Even if that means going in the locked basement, and the creepy attic workroom to figure it out. This story was creepy, never knowing what was around the corner, covered some emotionally mature subjects, and had a mystery that I enjoyed going along with Garrett to uncover. The pacing was perfectly done, and I'll definitely be checking out this authors other books.
September 28, 2026
I wanted to get started on spooky reading and none of my audiobooks on whole were available. Then I stumbled on this book which appeared to fit my criteria of spookiness. While this story definitely has the creepy dolls, spooky house, there is several underlying themes that make this book quite heavy, especially since it’s geared towards middle school. At the heart of the book, we deal with many family issues, abuse, and one dark character.
Garrett and his mom have moved into their grandfather‘s house after he passed away. The house can be Garrett’s and his mom’s if they spend one week there. Garrett begins to explore the house and discovers unusual things like a typewriter that seems to type on its own and strange doll by the name of Marion. He’s trying his best to get answers, but his mom is reluctant to give them.
Garrett will rise to the occasion to tackle difficult family issues and make decisions beyond his years. So while this book has the spooky and the creepy, I think it needed a warning about underlying heavy themes.
Garrett and his mom have moved into their grandfather‘s house after he passed away. The house can be Garrett’s and his mom’s if they spend one week there. Garrett begins to explore the house and discovers unusual things like a typewriter that seems to type on its own and strange doll by the name of Marion. He’s trying his best to get answers, but his mom is reluctant to give them.
Garrett will rise to the occasion to tackle difficult family issues and make decisions beyond his years. So while this book has the spooky and the creepy, I think it needed a warning about underlying heavy themes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you netgalley for this Arc! It was definitely not my usual read but it ended up being such a memorable read for me. My husband loved Gillespie's other reads, most memorably, Grin, so we were eager for the next. The story pulled me in quickly and kept that steady sense of unease all the way through. The characters felt authentic and layered, which made the tension feel real rather than overdone. There’s a quiet creepiness woven throughout that builds beautifully instead of relying on shock alone. The pacing was smooth and intentional, never dragging and never rushing. It’s the kind of book that leaves you thinking about it long after you’ve finished the last page. Another great middle grade read from Gillespie!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book!
Middle grade horror is one of my favorite genres to read and this book is now being added to my list of favorites.
The cover of the book is just the BEST! And when I read that the synopsis mentioned dolls in it, SIGN ME UP!!
This book was very creepy and had some pretty intense/scary moments, but it also had some very emotionally heavy moments. I really appreciated that the author included those emotional moments because it made me connect and feel for the characters. There have been some horror books I’ve read that just seemed to tell a scary story, which is fine. But I really like it when the author focuses on the emotional weight of a story as well as the scares.
I look forward to reading more books from D. W. Gillespie!
Middle grade horror is one of my favorite genres to read and this book is now being added to my list of favorites.
The cover of the book is just the BEST! And when I read that the synopsis mentioned dolls in it, SIGN ME UP!!
This book was very creepy and had some pretty intense/scary moments, but it also had some very emotionally heavy moments. I really appreciated that the author included those emotional moments because it made me connect and feel for the characters. There have been some horror books I’ve read that just seemed to tell a scary story, which is fine. But I really like it when the author focuses on the emotional weight of a story as well as the scares.
I look forward to reading more books from D. W. Gillespie!
Read
July 2, 2026D. W. Gillespie brings MG readers a thrilling horror novel, The Doll House, complete with a big, creepy house inhabited by - as the title might lead you to believe - dolls and doll parts. A young teen boy and his single mom inherit the boy’s Grandfather’s named mansion, as long as they spend at least a whole, uninterrupted week at the residence “to get to know” the deceased relative. What they discover is dark, chilling, and ultimately a bit heartwarming. The boy even learns his enthusiasm for the written word may be an inherited passion. I read an early release of this work with my little Bear, who found it exciting and a little frightening. To be released through Delacorte Press by the end of July, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Can a book be scary, creepy, and emotional all at the same time? Absolutely!
I've loved scary books ever since I was little, and I also love middle grade books, so this one was perfect for me.
It's been just Garrett and his mom for as long as he can remember, but his mom refuses to talk about her past. Then they inherit her father's house—The Doll House—with one condition: they must spend a week there. How hard can that be? 😳
This book had plenty of creepy moments, but what really surprised me was the emotional ending. I actually teared up a little.
I did figure out the secret Grandma had been hiding...but don't worry, no spoilers here!
I really enjoyed this author and will definitely be looking for more of their books.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!
I've loved scary books ever since I was little, and I also love middle grade books, so this one was perfect for me.
It's been just Garrett and his mom for as long as he can remember, but his mom refuses to talk about her past. Then they inherit her father's house—The Doll House—with one condition: they must spend a week there. How hard can that be? 😳
This book had plenty of creepy moments, but what really surprised me was the emotional ending. I actually teared up a little.
I did figure out the secret Grandma had been hiding...but don't worry, no spoilers here!
I really enjoyed this author and will definitely be looking for more of their books.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
D.W. Gillespie's The Dollhouse is a wonderfully eerie middle grade horror novel that delivers genuine chills without sacrificing heart. Filled with unsettling imagery, memorable twists, and an atmosphere that grows more haunting with every chapter, the story explores themes of grief, family, friendship, and legacy with surprising depth. Gillespie trusts young readers to engage with these ideas naturally, never letting the message overshadow the mystery. Fans of Goosebumps will find plenty to love, making The Dollhouse a standout addition to any middle grade horror collection. Be sure to check out D.W. Gillespie's other books, Grin and Give Me Something Good to Eat, and remember.... Marion is always watching.
September 22, 2026
13 yo Garrett and his mother have inherited a mansion and a fortune, but in order to claim it, they must spend a week living in the mansion. Garrett’s mom hasn’t talked about her parents much in all the years Garrett can remember, except he knows that she hates her father. When Garrett finds out that his grandfather was a famous author, though , Garrett wants to know more - which could be his undoing. Together with Wes, the caretaker's son, Garrett dives into the mysteries surrounding him.
Gillespie gives us creepy, but spends too much time working up to the big bad reveal and leaving us with very little time to enjoy the villain and the hero (hint - it isn’t Garrett). This slow burn annoyed me.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Gillespie gives us creepy, but spends too much time working up to the big bad reveal and leaving us with very little time to enjoy the villain and the hero (hint - it isn’t Garrett). This slow burn annoyed me.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 I loved Grin so jumping into this one with my favorite theme (spending a night in a creepy house because of an agreement or a net) was only logical. So creepy. A mother and a son inherit a house, the kid didn't know a thing about his mom's family and he convinces his mom to accept the deal. Spend a week there and you'll get it all. But what he gets is learning all about the dark past and having terrible things chase him. I couldn't put it down. The author describes the scenes so well that I could hear the footsteps and see the head looking. Super cool.
P.s- It's the third book this week I read that has a wolf spider, one more and I'll have lots of nightmares. Eheh
P.s- It's the third book this week I read that has a wolf spider, one more and I'll have lots of nightmares. Eheh
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🦵 THE DOLLHOUSE 🦵 by @dwgillespie
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Finished this cracker middle grade horror over the weekend, filled with plenty of creepy scenes to keep you up at night 🕷
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Complex family dynamics, friendship, abandonment, mysteries, death and occult curses... yep.
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The house itself feels like a mysterious character with ample nooks and hidden secrets and generations of stories to tell.
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Garrett, though terrible at making healthy life choices, is an easy narrator to follow along. Throw in his new friend, ride or die, Wes and its likely id dive into that basement with them.
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For lovers of mg horror and haters of dolls 🪆
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Finished this cracker middle grade horror over the weekend, filled with plenty of creepy scenes to keep you up at night 🕷
.
Complex family dynamics, friendship, abandonment, mysteries, death and occult curses... yep.
.
The house itself feels like a mysterious character with ample nooks and hidden secrets and generations of stories to tell.
.
Garrett, though terrible at making healthy life choices, is an easy narrator to follow along. Throw in his new friend, ride or die, Wes and its likely id dive into that basement with them.
.
For lovers of mg horror and haters of dolls 🪆
.
September 5, 2026
Halloween is a coming what a satisfying read and old house and creepy things that go bump.Garrett never met his grandfather and secretly adored his writing.. But a notice came to his mother everyone has passed away and the manor will be theirs. Best t have to stay a period of time. . As they approached staying weird things were happening Garrett lost his lust for it . His mother seems aware , but turns a blind eye. Very enjoyable read. Puppet with wires attached and symbols. Move about why and how? Enjoyable read goosebumps acquired, Received has a win very good. Keep the lights on and the end you will never Quess,
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Creepy marionette mannequins…….need I say more 😱
Thanks to NetGalley for Arc
This was a bit cheesy at first, with the writing, the MC breaking the fourth wall, in a goosebumps kinda fashion. The chills and thrills were terrifying. I love a good doll/puppet horror and this did bring that.
This is marketing as a middle grade and for the most part it feels that way. But when you find out about certain things, it felt more early YA.
Overall 4⭐️
Felt like Thirteen Ghosts meets Puppet Master
Thanks to NetGalley for Arc
This was a bit cheesy at first, with the writing, the MC breaking the fourth wall, in a goosebumps kinda fashion. The chills and thrills were terrifying. I love a good doll/puppet horror and this did bring that.
This is marketing as a middle grade and for the most part it feels that way. But when you find out about certain things, it felt more early YA.
Overall 4⭐️
Felt like Thirteen Ghosts meets Puppet Master
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of The Doll House by D. W. Gillespie from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I first requested this book, I didn't even realize it was a Middle Grade Horror Novel 😅 the plot seemed up my horror alley with the creepy dolls and haunted mansion setting! Middle school me would have EATEN this book up, especially with my love of the Goosebumps series. I would recommend this book to the middle school audience with a love of horror, but wouldn't be surprised if nightmares occurred 😅 there were a lot of great detail for a YA book as well. ⭐️4/5
When I first requested this book, I didn't even realize it was a Middle Grade Horror Novel 😅 the plot seemed up my horror alley with the creepy dolls and haunted mansion setting! Middle school me would have EATEN this book up, especially with my love of the Goosebumps series. I would recommend this book to the middle school audience with a love of horror, but wouldn't be surprised if nightmares occurred 😅 there were a lot of great detail for a YA book as well. ⭐️4/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A solid spooky read for fans of Goosebumps! The introduction pulled me in and the mystery around Garrett's grandfather kept things interesting. Marion the doll is genuinely unsettling. This was definitely more of a classic, predictable MG horror than anything new and exciting, but that's definitely not a bad thing if we want to get kids to read more books.
Thank you Penguin Random House and NetGalley for this ARC!
Thank you Penguin Random House and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to NetGalley and D. W. Gillespie for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Doll House coming out July 28, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I really love spooky stories. I’ve read a lot about creepy doll houses, so I was excited to check this out. It was a fun story. I enjoyed the characters. I would check out other books by this author.
I really love spooky stories. I’ve read a lot about creepy doll houses, so I was excited to check this out. It was a fun story. I enjoyed the characters. I would check out other books by this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4/5 Stars
If you grew up reading Goosebumps, this book delivers a similar blend of mystery and spooky fun. It has just the right amount of suspense to keep the pages turning without becoming too intense. I guessed the twists fairly early on, but that didn't take away from the enjoyment of seeing how everything unfolded. Overall, it's a fun, fast-paced read that's perfect for anyone looking for a nostalgic, spooky adventure.
If you grew up reading Goosebumps, this book delivers a similar blend of mystery and spooky fun. It has just the right amount of suspense to keep the pages turning without becoming too intense. I guessed the twists fairly early on, but that didn't take away from the enjoyment of seeing how everything unfolded. Overall, it's a fun, fast-paced read that's perfect for anyone looking for a nostalgic, spooky adventure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Middle Grade horror is absolutely incredible lately and THE DOLL HOUSE is no exception. A backstory shrouded in death, a big and mysterious manor full of surprises, creepy dolls, and a super satisfying plot twist make this book a must-read. I love how this is a story within a story (or someone telling their story of what happened... however you want to phrase that) because it made it seem casual and relatable but yet the stakes were still high. Good fun!
August 8, 2026
D.W. Gillespie is a middle grade horror author and I have to say I really enjoy his writing. Oddly enough I was reading two books about dolls at the same time.
Garrett and his mom have to stay in his grandfather’s (haunted?) house for a week before she can fully inherit it after his death. If I’ve learned anything from books, it’s that said inherited house isn’t worth it. 🤪
Naturally Garret wants answers and this story is the results of his curious nature.
3.75 stars rounded up.
Garrett and his mom have to stay in his grandfather’s (haunted?) house for a week before she can fully inherit it after his death. If I’ve learned anything from books, it’s that said inherited house isn’t worth it. 🤪
Naturally Garret wants answers and this story is the results of his curious nature.
3.75 stars rounded up.
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