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House of Skin
Myles Carver is dead. But his estate, Watermere, lives on, waiting for a new Carver to move in. Myles’s wife, Annabel, is dead too, but she is also waiting, lying in her grave in the woods. For nearly half a century she was responsible for a nightmarish reign of terror, and she’s not prepared to stop now. She is hungry to live again… and her unsuspecting nephew, Paul, will be the key.
Julia Merrow has a secret almost as dark as Watermere’s. But when she and Paul fall in love they think their problems might be over. How can they know what Fate - and Annabel - have in store for them? Who could imagine that what was once a moldering corpse in a forest grave is growing stronger every day, eager to take her rightful place amongst the horrors of Watermere?
Julia Merrow has a secret almost as dark as Watermere’s. But when she and Paul fall in love they think their problems might be over. How can they know what Fate - and Annabel - have in store for them? Who could imagine that what was once a moldering corpse in a forest grave is growing stronger every day, eager to take her rightful place amongst the horrors of Watermere?
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2012
50 people are currently reading
1900 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Janz
61 books2,103 followersJonathan Janz is an author and public schoolteacher. His sci-fi horror novel VEIL is now available, and you can find his story "Lenora" in THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT: NEW TALES OF STEPHEN KING'S THE STAND. He’s represented for Film & TV by Adam Kolbrenner of Lit Entertainment, and his literary agent is Lane Heymont. His ghost story The Siren and the Specter was selected as a Goodreads Choice nominee for Best Horror. Additionally, his novels Children of the Dark and The Dark Game were chosen by Booklist and Library Journal as Top Ten Horror Books of the Year. Jonathan’s main interests are his wonderful wife and his three amazing children. You can sign up for his newsletter (http://jonathanjanz.us12.list-manage....), and you can follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
June 18, 2019
4.5 stars!
HOUSE OF SKIN, by Jonathan Janz, is a thought-provoking, ghost/haunted house novel that is set in the perfect location to envision such a story. When Paul Carver is left the vast estate of Watermere, upon the passing of his Uncle Myles, he drops everything in his unfulfilling home life and eagerly jumps at the chance for a fresh start.
"All it needs to live again is fresh blood....."
What Paul doesn't count on is that he is the only person in the town that doesn't know anything about the Uncle he never met, and his long deceased wife, Annabel. With the exception of a beautiful--yet reclusive--librarian, Paul is met with a mixture of hatred and envy by most, on account of suspicions that were never proven against Myles Carver.
Between our getting to know Paul, librarian Julia, various townspeople (including Sheriff, Sam Barlow), and the massive estate that is Watermere, flashbacks to scenes in Myles' and Annabel's life are interspersed throughout the novel. While I'll admit that I first found them a bit of an abrupt change, I quickly began to look forward to these as the past events began to shed some light upon the present circumstances.
There were some aspects of the story that were simply "hinted at" as opposed to being outright explained. In this particular book, I found that technique to actually enhance the brooding atmosphere, rather than detract from it. There are novels in which this ambiguity is more of a frustration, but in this case, enough was given to let readers "connect-the-dots" on their own, which I found to be a far more rewarding experience once each piece clicked into place.
Overall, I really enjoyed the different layers concealed in this novel. The complexity of the storyline was something I had to literally read through the entire book to fully understand--this was not a tale in which I could quickly "guess" at what was going to happen. Yes, it had some small, predictable elements; but the overall picture was one that was so convoluted you had to digest ALL of the episodes--including the past flashbacks--to see the book as a whole.
Highly recommended!
November 5, 2020
This is pure in your face horror and I absolutely loved it! Janz does not shy away from guts and gore and terror and it is FANTASTIC. I feel like I’m watching an old school horror flick when I’m reading his books, especially this one, I could just picture certain scenes in my head. My only minor complaint with this story and why it gets four stars rather than five is the characters. I’m big on characters when I’m reading and I just absolutely hated everyone in this book and while I can appreciate a character you love to hate, this cast was just too much for me. The brilliant story more than makes up for that though, it truly is bloody amazing. There were so many twists I didn’t see coming, it was chock full of moments to make my spine tingle and the ending was just INSANE and left me in total awe because I did NOT see that coming!
May 10, 2020
This was quite a first date. My first Janz novel, but definitely not my last. His writing reminds me a bit of Peter Straub's writing, but Janz is much more in-your-face and on point. These days horror seems to be all about the vague and unseen (Malerman, Tremblay), but Janz avoids that successfully and he is a real refreshment for the genre I'd say. I know he's not that new, but he is to me, so that's my personal feeling.
All in all, I recommend this to horror junkies everywhere.
All in all, I recommend this to horror junkies everywhere.
July 9, 2016
4.5 stars!
HOUSE OF SKIN, by Jonathan Janz, is a thought-provoking, ghost/haunted house novel that is set in the perfect location to envision such a story. When Paul Carver is left the vast estate of Watermere, upon the passing of his Uncle Myles, he drops everything in his unfulfilling home life and eagerly jumps at the chance for a fresh start.
"All it needs to live again is fresh blood....."
What Paul doesn't count on is that he is the only person in the town that doesn't know anything about the Uncle he never met, and his long deceased wife, Annabel. With the exception of a beautiful--yet reclusive--librarian, Paul is met with a mixture of hatred and envy by most, on account of suspicions that were never proven against Myles Carver.
Between our getting to know Paul, librarian Julia, various townspeople (including Sheriff, Sam Barlow), and the massive estate that is Watermere, flashbacks to scenes in Myles' and Annabel's life are interspersed throughout the novel. While I'll admit that I first found them a bit of an abrupt change, I quickly began to look forward to these as the past events shed a thin light upon the present circumstances.
There were some aspects of the story that were simply "hinted at" as opposed to being outright explained. In this particular book, I found that technique to actually enhance the brooding atmosphere, rather than detract from it. There are novels in which this ambiguity is more of a frustration, but in this case, enough was given to let readers "connect-the-dots" on their own, which I found to be a far more rewarding experience once that piece clicked into place.
In the Thunderstorm Signed/Limited edition, Janz included some deleted scenes that he wrote years before the selling of his first book, THE SORROWS. Reading those gave an excellent insight into how he's already grown as an author. If you have yet to read anything by Jonathan Janz, I can only urge you to pick up something of his today--Janz is a master storyteller that just keeps getting better and better.
Highly recommended!
HOUSE OF SKIN, by Jonathan Janz, is a thought-provoking, ghost/haunted house novel that is set in the perfect location to envision such a story. When Paul Carver is left the vast estate of Watermere, upon the passing of his Uncle Myles, he drops everything in his unfulfilling home life and eagerly jumps at the chance for a fresh start.
"All it needs to live again is fresh blood....."
What Paul doesn't count on is that he is the only person in the town that doesn't know anything about the Uncle he never met, and his long deceased wife, Annabel. With the exception of a beautiful--yet reclusive--librarian, Paul is met with a mixture of hatred and envy by most, on account of suspicions that were never proven against Myles Carver.
Between our getting to know Paul, librarian Julia, various townspeople (including Sheriff, Sam Barlow), and the massive estate that is Watermere, flashbacks to scenes in Myles' and Annabel's life are interspersed throughout the novel. While I'll admit that I first found them a bit of an abrupt change, I quickly began to look forward to these as the past events shed a thin light upon the present circumstances.
There were some aspects of the story that were simply "hinted at" as opposed to being outright explained. In this particular book, I found that technique to actually enhance the brooding atmosphere, rather than detract from it. There are novels in which this ambiguity is more of a frustration, but in this case, enough was given to let readers "connect-the-dots" on their own, which I found to be a far more rewarding experience once that piece clicked into place.
In the Thunderstorm Signed/Limited edition, Janz included some deleted scenes that he wrote years before the selling of his first book, THE SORROWS. Reading those gave an excellent insight into how he's already grown as an author. If you have yet to read anything by Jonathan Janz, I can only urge you to pick up something of his today--Janz is a master storyteller that just keeps getting better and better.
Highly recommended!
May 5, 2019
Ah, Jonathan Janz. This is my third book from him and I’ve come to expect solid reads. This one is. House of Skin has several familiar storylines- house with haunted past, writer guy in said house, family secrets, and an unwelcoming small town. The combination, however, I found to be fairly unique.
Unlike his newest, The Dark Game (also enjoyed this one), the characters are limited. Janz takes enough time to have us invested in what’s happening to them. And what’s happening is freaking twisted. There are some truly heinous male and female antagonists and some serious moments of gorge-rising horror delights.
All in all, I’m thankful Flametree is breathing new life into Janz’s previously published works. Count me in as one of the Janz Fans for sure.
Unlike his newest, The Dark Game (also enjoyed this one), the characters are limited. Janz takes enough time to have us invested in what’s happening to them. And what’s happening is freaking twisted. There are some truly heinous male and female antagonists and some serious moments of gorge-rising horror delights.
All in all, I’m thankful Flametree is breathing new life into Janz’s previously published works. Count me in as one of the Janz Fans for sure.
April 29, 2019
4.5 stars. Review pending!
May 16, 2019
So I have read a ton of Janz by now. I can't even remember off the top of my head how many of his books I've read, just since last year. That's when I finally discovered him. So basically, this isn't my first Janz rodeo. That sounds so ridiculous, but you get the point.
This book really had my head swirling. It's going to be very hard for me to write this review, because the parts I loved are all spoilers. But I will say this: I was really unsure about this one for a good portion of the story. There really are no likable characters in HOUSE OF SKIN. I was interested, but not super invested, because I didn't really connect with anyone. However, once the third act kicked in, and things got super crazy, then I started to really, really dig it.
This book definitely feels like an homage to Peter Straub and specifically his wonderful novel GHOST STORY. Janz is a big fan of Straub, and that is definitely apparent in this novel. I really wish I could talk more about what finally made this book grab me by the throat and turn pages feverishly with a stupid grin on my face, but I think everyone should discover that for themselves. Janz definitely teases the craziness that will eventually ensue, but it isn't until the book jumps into overdrive that I really found myself unable to put it down. I love it when a book is able to surprise me like this one.
This book really had my head swirling. It's going to be very hard for me to write this review, because the parts I loved are all spoilers. But I will say this: I was really unsure about this one for a good portion of the story. There really are no likable characters in HOUSE OF SKIN. I was interested, but not super invested, because I didn't really connect with anyone. However, once the third act kicked in, and things got super crazy, then I started to really, really dig it.
This book definitely feels like an homage to Peter Straub and specifically his wonderful novel GHOST STORY. Janz is a big fan of Straub, and that is definitely apparent in this novel. I really wish I could talk more about what finally made this book grab me by the throat and turn pages feverishly with a stupid grin on my face, but I think everyone should discover that for themselves. Janz definitely teases the craziness that will eventually ensue, but it isn't until the book jumps into overdrive that I really found myself unable to put it down. I love it when a book is able to surprise me like this one.
July 31, 2019
I was in limbo with the first half of this book as the blurb did not set up for what I was reading. In fact, it’s not until the half way point were the actually story mentioned in he blurb begins with the two central characters meeting for the first time. This isn’t a bad thing, especially when the story being told is by Jonathan Janz in his crisp, efficient style, but it was initially confusing.
Once the two central characters meet the story feels like it gains some idea of where it wants to go. You can see in this second half where the idea for The Dark Game came from, it’s there behind House of Skin’s own story, wanting to come out. In some ways this feels like a trail run for that novel and another of Janz works, The Nightmare Girl. This is not a negative, in fact, it’s a delight to read what is Janz’s earliest work to know where he started and see how much is improved in telling his stories in such a short time.
Once the two central characters meet the story feels like it gains some idea of where it wants to go. You can see in this second half where the idea for The Dark Game came from, it’s there behind House of Skin’s own story, wanting to come out. In some ways this feels like a trail run for that novel and another of Janz works, The Nightmare Girl. This is not a negative, in fact, it’s a delight to read what is Janz’s earliest work to know where he started and see how much is improved in telling his stories in such a short time.
October 7, 2025
Overall I really enjoyed it, the horror was too slow paced imo. Would definitely have been a better book with more scares. 4 stars
July 8, 2019
3.5
I received this from Flame Tree Press for review.
I consider Jonathan Janz one of my favorite authors, and he definitely delivered a solid story with House of Skin. This was a re-release with the #YearofJanz with Flame Tree Press, so it's been interesting to see how much he's grown as a writer.
This story follows Paul who inherits Watermere, his long-lost uncle's estate. He uses the opportunity to start fresh. He leaves a relationship and plans to start writing his novel. The novel writing comes easy, so easy that it might not be him writing it.
This had a nice compact cast of characters that made it easy to keep track of everyone. Character backstories were dropped at the right time. I enjoyed how gruesome it got at times and loved the story within the story aspect when we get to read Paul's book. I did think that the male characters in this book needed to chill out a bit. I swear they all got erections at the sight of a woman. I thought Annabel was a perfectly sinister antagonist and thought the ending bit was perfect.
I received this from Flame Tree Press for review.
I consider Jonathan Janz one of my favorite authors, and he definitely delivered a solid story with House of Skin. This was a re-release with the #YearofJanz with Flame Tree Press, so it's been interesting to see how much he's grown as a writer.
This story follows Paul who inherits Watermere, his long-lost uncle's estate. He uses the opportunity to start fresh. He leaves a relationship and plans to start writing his novel. The novel writing comes easy, so easy that it might not be him writing it.
This had a nice compact cast of characters that made it easy to keep track of everyone. Character backstories were dropped at the right time. I enjoyed how gruesome it got at times and loved the story within the story aspect when we get to read Paul's book. I did think that the male characters in this book needed to chill out a bit. I swear they all got erections at the sight of a woman. I thought Annabel was a perfectly sinister antagonist and thought the ending bit was perfect.
Want to read
June 23, 2016This is copy 14 of 60 copies signed and numbered by Jonathan Janz.
November 12, 2019
I don't know what it is about Janz, but I dig it.
Ok, I take it back. I do know what it is about Janz. He's good.
Real good.
Not sure what took me so long to get around to this one, but glad I finally did.
Ok, I take it back. I do know what it is about Janz. He's good.
Real good.
Not sure what took me so long to get around to this one, but glad I finally did.
September 11, 2020
Well, I had high hopes for this and Janz, given the positive reviews, but I was not impressed, especially given the blurbs that compared this to Edward Lee's work. The HOS definitely tries to bend some horror tropes; I mean, is this a haunted house story or a succubi story? Even by the end it was not clear, but that I suppose is a positive.
The story switches repeatedly from past to present, with the present dominating. Paul Carver, basically a slacker with dreams of becoming a writer while working at the family business (a bank) receives notice that he just inherited his great uncle's estate-- Watermere. Paul drives up there (in Indiana) from Memphis, leaving his ex girlfriend and old life behind. Shortly after he arrives, he finds that the people in town really hated his great uncle Myles and especially his deceased wife Annabel. The other main POV in the present is Julia, a seemingly mild mannered librarian who lives close to the Watermere estate. She is walking home from work when a lawyer in a BMW offers her a ride, but he only wants to get into her pants. Turns out he represents the Watermere estate and has to drop off the keys for Paul who will be arriving shortly. The lawyer takes her to Watermere to impress her, but she seemingly has a great knowledge of the place already; he finally takes her home, and after she offers him some iced tea, he makes his move. She retaliates and in the end has to kill him...
Meanwhile, we keep having flashes of the past with great uncle Myles and Annabel and their sordid deeds. The local Sheriff starts investigating the lawyer's disappearance after finding his BMW off the drive to Watermere. Paul has no clue, but the sheriff, who really seems to hate Myles and Annabel, gives him some stories of local children being killed, with Myles and Annabel being prime suspects, but there was never enough to charge either with the crimes.
Paul and Julia meet and they seem to fall for each other rapidly, but Julia has a dark secret (the lawyer, and perhaps more)...
Overall, this was decently written and plotted, but it did not do much for me. I might give some of Janz's other work a try, but this one I found neither scary or exciting, and the characters were flat to say the least.
The story switches repeatedly from past to present, with the present dominating. Paul Carver, basically a slacker with dreams of becoming a writer while working at the family business (a bank) receives notice that he just inherited his great uncle's estate-- Watermere. Paul drives up there (in Indiana) from Memphis, leaving his ex girlfriend and old life behind. Shortly after he arrives, he finds that the people in town really hated his great uncle Myles and especially his deceased wife Annabel. The other main POV in the present is Julia, a seemingly mild mannered librarian who lives close to the Watermere estate. She is walking home from work when a lawyer in a BMW offers her a ride, but he only wants to get into her pants. Turns out he represents the Watermere estate and has to drop off the keys for Paul who will be arriving shortly. The lawyer takes her to Watermere to impress her, but she seemingly has a great knowledge of the place already; he finally takes her home, and after she offers him some iced tea, he makes his move. She retaliates and in the end has to kill him...
Meanwhile, we keep having flashes of the past with great uncle Myles and Annabel and their sordid deeds. The local Sheriff starts investigating the lawyer's disappearance after finding his BMW off the drive to Watermere. Paul has no clue, but the sheriff, who really seems to hate Myles and Annabel, gives him some stories of local children being killed, with Myles and Annabel being prime suspects, but there was never enough to charge either with the crimes.
Paul and Julia meet and they seem to fall for each other rapidly, but Julia has a dark secret (the lawyer, and perhaps more)...
Overall, this was decently written and plotted, but it did not do much for me. I might give some of Janz's other work a try, but this one I found neither scary or exciting, and the characters were flat to say the least.
May 8, 2019
House of Skin is a re-printed haunted house novel from Jonathan Janz, and I think my fifth book by him. I buddy read this one with my friend Tracy, and I struggled with it a bit more than I expected to.
Although the cast of characters is small enough to keep track of who's who, the timeline jumps around a lot, and it wasn't always easy to figure out when things were happening. I enjoyed Annabel and Myles' story the most, and I kind of wish the whole book would have been about them. I was interested in their villainous actions and fancy parties, and then would be less excited when it switched back to present day.
House of Skin is all right. It's not great, and it's not bad. I didn't really feel like it brought anything new to the haunted house story (except for me wanting to read more about Annabel & Myles).
Although the cast of characters is small enough to keep track of who's who, the timeline jumps around a lot, and it wasn't always easy to figure out when things were happening. I enjoyed Annabel and Myles' story the most, and I kind of wish the whole book would have been about them. I was interested in their villainous actions and fancy parties, and then would be less excited when it switched back to present day.
House of Skin is all right. It's not great, and it's not bad. I didn't really feel like it brought anything new to the haunted house story (except for me wanting to read more about Annabel & Myles).
August 24, 2016
If I ever happen to inherit an estate in the future...I will probably think twice about accepting after reading House of Skin. *shivers*
So much scary, anxiety inducing, nightmare like goodness to this story. (yes I said goodness) Mr. Janz definitely has a talent for painting creep. There are certain images I will never get out of my head!
Great read for this particular time of the year with Halloween drawing nigh.
February 23, 2020
"House of Skin" is an outstanding supernatural tale that's filled with murder, obsession, possession, sex, chilling plot twists, and outstanding writing. Author Jonathan Janz has set the bar high for his next work because this novel is so hard to put down.
The plot revolves around the cursed Carver family and their estate, Watermere. When Paul Carver inherits the estate from his not-so-dear departed uncle, Miles Carver, he leaves his life and girlfriend behind in Memphis and moves to Indiana. As Paul takes up residence at Watermere he begins to go through a number of life changes, the most important of which is meeting his gorgeous and strangely familiar neighbor, Julia Merrow. Paul, an aspiring author, soon finds his literary motivation from Watermere and the beautiful Julia. As he begins to find out more about his family's history, he soon realizes that he may be under the same "spell" that affected his uncle and other relatives and that Julia's past may be connected to that of his family.
The story really picks up momentum as a number of suspicious disappearances and murders begin to mount up near Watermere and in the neighboring community of Shadeland, IN. Paul soon finds himself on the top of the list of suspects because of his family name. The more he works to convince the local sheriff of his innocence, the more he begins to realize who's really behind the murders.
Readers who enjoy the works of H.P. Lovecraft, Richard Laymon, Bentley Little, and John Saul will really enjoy this book. In "House of Skin" (Janz' 2nd major work), he demonstrates a real maturity as a writer by creating a deftly written plot that will continually keep readers guessing. The outcome is a real page-turner that will keep most readers up long into the night.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
The plot revolves around the cursed Carver family and their estate, Watermere. When Paul Carver inherits the estate from his not-so-dear departed uncle, Miles Carver, he leaves his life and girlfriend behind in Memphis and moves to Indiana. As Paul takes up residence at Watermere he begins to go through a number of life changes, the most important of which is meeting his gorgeous and strangely familiar neighbor, Julia Merrow. Paul, an aspiring author, soon finds his literary motivation from Watermere and the beautiful Julia. As he begins to find out more about his family's history, he soon realizes that he may be under the same "spell" that affected his uncle and other relatives and that Julia's past may be connected to that of his family.
The story really picks up momentum as a number of suspicious disappearances and murders begin to mount up near Watermere and in the neighboring community of Shadeland, IN. Paul soon finds himself on the top of the list of suspects because of his family name. The more he works to convince the local sheriff of his innocence, the more he begins to realize who's really behind the murders.
Readers who enjoy the works of H.P. Lovecraft, Richard Laymon, Bentley Little, and John Saul will really enjoy this book. In "House of Skin" (Janz' 2nd major work), he demonstrates a real maturity as a writer by creating a deftly written plot that will continually keep readers guessing. The outcome is a real page-turner that will keep most readers up long into the night.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
May 10, 2016
This book was amazing! Another great scary story by Jonathan Janz. Always amazed how vividly he paints the scene as well as his characters. Highly recommended by me!
June 20, 2022
Dedicated to David Haynes
On Goodreads I regularly read that Jonathan Janz's work is good. There is no thinner term than good, because that is different for everyone. And that's why I wanted to know what the term 'good' means in relation to 'House of Skin' (2019). As far as I'm concerned, that doesn't cover it, because this sinister masterpiece about seduction is an upcoming classic!
Before I start, I want to emphasize that it is a pleasant, accessible and exciting horror story. The author writes in a clear and visual manner. He shows his story in a striking and gripping way, which makes it scary. The ambiguity of this page turner makes it even scarier, timeless and even literature. Why?
First, because of the intertextuality. There are several references throughout the story to poetry by Edgar Allan Poe, John Keats, and Peter Straub. In this way Janz places the story within a certain context, making it interesting to examine the motives and themes for similarities and differences.
The theme is also brilliant. For me, House of Skin is about seduction. In a masterly way, this story shows the influence of love on people and what the consequences are when it comes from negativity. This can be explained in different ways and for this I choose a short discussion from phenomenology, ontology and existentialism.
While reading, I occasionally thought of the philosophy of Edmund Husserl. And especially to the following words: ...in their essence belongs the ideal possibility to pass into definitively ordered, continuous perceptual varieties, which can be continued again and again, that is, never closed. It is then in the essential structure of these varieties that they bring about the unity of a unanimous giving consciousness. (1)
I think this text by this phenomenologist describes the development of two important characters: Annabel Carver and Paul Carver. In a lurid way, Janz shows this phenomenological aspect of his story in a consistent and convincing way. The contrast between Annabel and Paul is powerfully and masterfully described!
And then the ontology of Martin Heidegger. In 1929 Heidegger publishes 'The Essence of the Soil' and with some quotations from it I associated some motifs from the story, such as: And thus also […] the unreal haunts in the essence of the ground.' (2) The unreal is present in the story in different ways and Janz plays with that brilliantly. A macabre example of this is Annabel, who is an embodiment of unbeing. What makes her terrifying is the influence she has and thereby manipulates others. A more positive example is Paul who grows more and more throughout the story and becomes the person he is.
Existentialistically, the great antagonist of this upcoming classic gets right to the heart of these words of the Romanian philosopher Emil Cioran: “Man is a metaphysical animal because of the putrefaction he carries within himself.” The metaphysical aspect of 'House of Skin' is rock solid. and reinforces the fear symbolism. The author's dark fantasy plays with reality in a wonderful way, creating a powerful and captivating tension between reality and appearance that makes me want to read more from this author.
So for readers who like a very exciting ghost story, this book is a must. In relation to this must-read by Janz, 'Good' has the meaning of phenomenologically, ontologically and existentialistically justified, and thus this author belongs among the great names such as King, Poe and Lovecraft.
(1) Husserl E. Die phänomenologische Methode: Ausgewählte Texte 1 (1985) Ditzingen:Reclam Universalbibliothek. P.169
(2) Heidegger, M. Over het wezen van de Grond Over het wezen van de Waarheid (2001) Budel: uitgeverij Damon. P.57
(3) Cioran, E. Een kleine filosofie van verval. (2017) Historische uitgeverij: Groningen p.211
On Goodreads I regularly read that Jonathan Janz's work is good. There is no thinner term than good, because that is different for everyone. And that's why I wanted to know what the term 'good' means in relation to 'House of Skin' (2019). As far as I'm concerned, that doesn't cover it, because this sinister masterpiece about seduction is an upcoming classic!
Before I start, I want to emphasize that it is a pleasant, accessible and exciting horror story. The author writes in a clear and visual manner. He shows his story in a striking and gripping way, which makes it scary. The ambiguity of this page turner makes it even scarier, timeless and even literature. Why?
First, because of the intertextuality. There are several references throughout the story to poetry by Edgar Allan Poe, John Keats, and Peter Straub. In this way Janz places the story within a certain context, making it interesting to examine the motives and themes for similarities and differences.
The theme is also brilliant. For me, House of Skin is about seduction. In a masterly way, this story shows the influence of love on people and what the consequences are when it comes from negativity. This can be explained in different ways and for this I choose a short discussion from phenomenology, ontology and existentialism.
While reading, I occasionally thought of the philosophy of Edmund Husserl. And especially to the following words: ...in their essence belongs the ideal possibility to pass into definitively ordered, continuous perceptual varieties, which can be continued again and again, that is, never closed. It is then in the essential structure of these varieties that they bring about the unity of a unanimous giving consciousness. (1)
I think this text by this phenomenologist describes the development of two important characters: Annabel Carver and Paul Carver. In a lurid way, Janz shows this phenomenological aspect of his story in a consistent and convincing way. The contrast between Annabel and Paul is powerfully and masterfully described!
And then the ontology of Martin Heidegger. In 1929 Heidegger publishes 'The Essence of the Soil' and with some quotations from it I associated some motifs from the story, such as: And thus also […] the unreal haunts in the essence of the ground.' (2) The unreal is present in the story in different ways and Janz plays with that brilliantly. A macabre example of this is Annabel, who is an embodiment of unbeing. What makes her terrifying is the influence she has and thereby manipulates others. A more positive example is Paul who grows more and more throughout the story and becomes the person he is.
Existentialistically, the great antagonist of this upcoming classic gets right to the heart of these words of the Romanian philosopher Emil Cioran: “Man is a metaphysical animal because of the putrefaction he carries within himself.” The metaphysical aspect of 'House of Skin' is rock solid. and reinforces the fear symbolism. The author's dark fantasy plays with reality in a wonderful way, creating a powerful and captivating tension between reality and appearance that makes me want to read more from this author.
So for readers who like a very exciting ghost story, this book is a must. In relation to this must-read by Janz, 'Good' has the meaning of phenomenologically, ontologically and existentialistically justified, and thus this author belongs among the great names such as King, Poe and Lovecraft.
(1) Husserl E. Die phänomenologische Methode: Ausgewählte Texte 1 (1985) Ditzingen:Reclam Universalbibliothek. P.169
(2) Heidegger, M. Over het wezen van de Grond Over het wezen van de Waarheid (2001) Budel: uitgeverij Damon. P.57
(3) Cioran, E. Een kleine filosofie van verval. (2017) Historische uitgeverij: Groningen p.211
February 19, 2021
Janz knocks another out of the Ball Park with 'House Of Skin'!!! I have read tons of horror, and yes this one took me longer than a week to listen to, however....this will make your skin crawl!! No pun intended!
Paul Carver has no fucking idea what is in store for him when he inherits the haunted estate; Watermere from his Uncle Myles and Aunt Annabel.....but forget everything you have ever read about hauntings, and especially stories about an erotic Succubus! As I have stated before, no one can write horror with sex and violence in it BETTER than Janz! This man really puts his heart and soul into what he wants to say and boy oh boy, this one is probably one of my favorites from him. The violence, the gore, and psycho sexual scenes of torture and horror are thrown at you full force but not so graphically done that it is sickening or to the point where it is disturbing! I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator; David Peters is so incredibly great at telling you this story, it will literally either make your skin crawl or fuck up your sleep patterns! Thanks to this book and narration, I will NEVER eat (and I can live on both the black and red) black licorice the same EVER without thinking of a vagina that is covered with Varicose veins!!! Yes, there is a great scene that just made me go.......Ewwwww!!!!
5 🩸🔪🪓👻👹
Get ready to explore Watermere Estate, and hope you come back alive!!
Paul Carver has no fucking idea what is in store for him when he inherits the haunted estate; Watermere from his Uncle Myles and Aunt Annabel.....but forget everything you have ever read about hauntings, and especially stories about an erotic Succubus! As I have stated before, no one can write horror with sex and violence in it BETTER than Janz! This man really puts his heart and soul into what he wants to say and boy oh boy, this one is probably one of my favorites from him. The violence, the gore, and psycho sexual scenes of torture and horror are thrown at you full force but not so graphically done that it is sickening or to the point where it is disturbing! I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator; David Peters is so incredibly great at telling you this story, it will literally either make your skin crawl or fuck up your sleep patterns! Thanks to this book and narration, I will NEVER eat (and I can live on both the black and red) black licorice the same EVER without thinking of a vagina that is covered with Varicose veins!!! Yes, there is a great scene that just made me go.......Ewwwww!!!!
5 🩸🔪🪓👻👹
Get ready to explore Watermere Estate, and hope you come back alive!!
April 9, 2020
Not the biggest ghost story fan, but this was very well done. This one unfolds quite nice. The haunted house and the creepy family history kept me reading on to find out what other kinds of debauchery would take place. Not to say to much, but the sex scene toward the end was a eye popping shocker. One minute everything is fine. Next minute I was shacking my head with a bit of a gag reflex. Nice job, that. Looking forward to my next book by Mr. Janz.
July 2, 2016
4.5 stars.
June 27, 2021
I have yet to find a Jonathan Janz book that is anything less than engaging, well-written, and a fantastic representation of what horror should be. House of Skin is no exception. Janz brings Paul, Julia, and Barlow to life, and as fully-fleshed out as the characters are, the reader can't help but feel the main character is Watermere. Running the gamut from a quiet, psychological haunt to brutal and graphic, House of Skin is another winner from Jonathan Janz.
January 8, 2013
After placing Jonathan's debut novel, The Sorrows, on my Fave Five of 2012 list, I was eager to see how his next effort, published in the second half of last year, would pan out. House of Skin is a title alluded to in The Sorrows, as the protagonist works on the score of a film project by that name, but I will say right now that the book threw me, because the horror went in a much different direction than I expected--and that's probably a good thing, too.
After his estranged uncle dies, Paul Carver finds himself the inheritor of Watermere, the palatial estate gone to ruin just outside the small town of Shadeland. An aspiring writer, Paul sees a chance to chase his dream, but not only leaves simmering hostility from his ex-girlfriend Emily, but finds it from townsfolk who despised his late uncle.
On the other side of the coin is Julia Merrow. A meek librarian assistant, she's introduced through the point of view of the lawyer overseeing the Watermere estate, a guy who woos her by giving a tour of the place, then sexually assaults her once back at her place. That's about the last mistake the lawyer ever makes, as he regains consciousness in her cellar. It's not explicitly stated in the beginning, but as the story unfolds it becomes pretty clear that she has a history with Watermere, especially after she and Paul Carver engage in an illicit affair.
The affair draws the ire of Sheriff Barlow, but not nearly as much as Paul Carver's arrival in town at the time of the lawyer's disappearance. Barlow immediately suspects Paul, and his hatred for the Carvers becomes clear over time through flashbacks. Paul Carver even experiences a couple of these flashbacks, which spur his life-altering path to writing a novel about the shadowy history of Watermere. And as he learns more about the estate and its history with those he's met, it begins to change him. And it eventually becomes the aptly titled House of Skin.
While the novel got off to a bit of a rocky start for me, it really hooked me by the time I was fifty pages in. Jonathan Janz knows his characters and wrings their emotional turmoil for all it's worth. While you might initially scope out characters like Paul, Julia, and even Sheriff Barlow as supposed heroes in this story, it's far more nuanced as their frailties are opened up bit by bit. And as far as Annabel Carver is concerned, the late wife and manipulative influence at Myles Carver's side ... well, I'll let you get to know her on your own time.
The Sorrows wound up being one of my favorite reads last year because of its wild hairpin turns in the arc of the story. I never could guess what would happen next. House of Skin doesn't deliver that same roller coaster ride, instead offering a precipitous descent into the madness of the Carver House and the lives it destroys. I had a fair idea of what would happen next, but it's the velocity by which it happened that made the book a standout. It's another novel by Janz I'll happily recommend.
After his estranged uncle dies, Paul Carver finds himself the inheritor of Watermere, the palatial estate gone to ruin just outside the small town of Shadeland. An aspiring writer, Paul sees a chance to chase his dream, but not only leaves simmering hostility from his ex-girlfriend Emily, but finds it from townsfolk who despised his late uncle.
On the other side of the coin is Julia Merrow. A meek librarian assistant, she's introduced through the point of view of the lawyer overseeing the Watermere estate, a guy who woos her by giving a tour of the place, then sexually assaults her once back at her place. That's about the last mistake the lawyer ever makes, as he regains consciousness in her cellar. It's not explicitly stated in the beginning, but as the story unfolds it becomes pretty clear that she has a history with Watermere, especially after she and Paul Carver engage in an illicit affair.
The affair draws the ire of Sheriff Barlow, but not nearly as much as Paul Carver's arrival in town at the time of the lawyer's disappearance. Barlow immediately suspects Paul, and his hatred for the Carvers becomes clear over time through flashbacks. Paul Carver even experiences a couple of these flashbacks, which spur his life-altering path to writing a novel about the shadowy history of Watermere. And as he learns more about the estate and its history with those he's met, it begins to change him. And it eventually becomes the aptly titled House of Skin.
While the novel got off to a bit of a rocky start for me, it really hooked me by the time I was fifty pages in. Jonathan Janz knows his characters and wrings their emotional turmoil for all it's worth. While you might initially scope out characters like Paul, Julia, and even Sheriff Barlow as supposed heroes in this story, it's far more nuanced as their frailties are opened up bit by bit. And as far as Annabel Carver is concerned, the late wife and manipulative influence at Myles Carver's side ... well, I'll let you get to know her on your own time.
The Sorrows wound up being one of my favorite reads last year because of its wild hairpin turns in the arc of the story. I never could guess what would happen next. House of Skin doesn't deliver that same roller coaster ride, instead offering a precipitous descent into the madness of the Carver House and the lives it destroys. I had a fair idea of what would happen next, but it's the velocity by which it happened that made the book a standout. It's another novel by Janz I'll happily recommend.
February 11, 2013
Alright, so every review of this book so far has given it lots of big shiny stars. I just can't though. This book is perhaps the single most unoriginal horror novel I have ever read (and that is saying A LOT). It's actually unfortunate, because I think Janz has wonderful gift for story telling and imagery. He managed to combine a back story and current story and make both equally as interesting which is one hell of a talent. His dialogue is completely believable and doesn't ever feel unnatural.
For me, that's where the good really ends.
About those descriptive abilities: It would be nice if at least 25% of the time they were used, they weren't being used to describe boobs, ass and how much of a boner every woman apparently gives every man in this town. It gets really tedious really fast.
Character motivation is not believable. Here's a man who (by all descriptions) is a man that sticks things out until the end. He talks to a girl once in a bar and leaves his dream profession that he's worked for and dreamed about his whole life. Uhm, yeah, why? Even if he hadn't gotten laid in five years, it just doesn't make sense. The characters feel very inconsistent in how their personalities are described and how they act.
Also, (and, yes, this is nit picky, but things like this seriously irk me) there are story errors. They aren't huge, but they were enough to detract from me enjoying this. Like "It was the first time he had said her name and she didn't like it." Except he said her name on the page right before that. Yeah, nit picky, but still it's there.
The biggest issue for me though is there is not a single surprise in this story. I could have told you on page 5 what was going to happen on the last page. Alcoholic man moves to a secluded mansion to write a book, supernatural evil shenanigans ensue. I get that this is a man who clearly grew up reading horror novels and knowing the authors he loved. He makes sure you know these authors by repeatedly bringing them up within the story. Which is cool once or twice, but beyond that just makes you sound like a fan kid whose trying to find your own voice. I'd like to think that's the fact, but until he finds his own voice and his own story, it's not enough to really warrant much interest in my opinion.
Short version: Entertaining enough because of the writing style, but not anything special.
For me, that's where the good really ends.
About those descriptive abilities: It would be nice if at least 25% of the time they were used, they weren't being used to describe boobs, ass and how much of a boner every woman apparently gives every man in this town. It gets really tedious really fast.
Character motivation is not believable. Here's a man who (by all descriptions) is a man that sticks things out until the end. He talks to a girl once in a bar and leaves his dream profession that he's worked for and dreamed about his whole life. Uhm, yeah, why? Even if he hadn't gotten laid in five years, it just doesn't make sense. The characters feel very inconsistent in how their personalities are described and how they act.
Also, (and, yes, this is nit picky, but things like this seriously irk me) there are story errors. They aren't huge, but they were enough to detract from me enjoying this. Like "It was the first time he had said her name and she didn't like it." Except he said her name on the page right before that. Yeah, nit picky, but still it's there.
The biggest issue for me though is there is not a single surprise in this story. I could have told you on page 5 what was going to happen on the last page. Alcoholic man moves to a secluded mansion to write a book, supernatural evil shenanigans ensue. I get that this is a man who clearly grew up reading horror novels and knowing the authors he loved. He makes sure you know these authors by repeatedly bringing them up within the story. Which is cool once or twice, but beyond that just makes you sound like a fan kid whose trying to find your own voice. I'd like to think that's the fact, but until he finds his own voice and his own story, it's not enough to really warrant much interest in my opinion.
Short version: Entertaining enough because of the writing style, but not anything special.
July 5, 2014
Jonathan Janz, author of such notable horror novels The Sorrows, Savage Species, Dust Devils, and the newly released Castle of Sorrows, has crafted a chilling story of madness, murder, and undying supernatural hunger. Paul Carver, wannabe writer, inherits his infamous relative's fortune and Victorian estate in rural Indiana. He moves there, thinking a fresh start will help him realize his dreams of becoming a horror novelist. But little does he know that truth is stranger than fiction, and after he meets a beautiful young librarian, who holds her own dark secrets, Paul is soon drawn into a nightmarish horror that is consuming his mind, body and soul.
Reminiscent of classic gothic horror with a modern slant, obviously (think of Peter Straub's Ghost Story), Janz cleverly weaves the narrative between flashback sequences involving Paul's notorious Uncle, Myles Carver, and his sadistically seductive wife, Annabel. The novel starts off a bit slowly, but quickly finds its pace midway through, to its stunning conclusion.
If you haven't read Janz yet, you should check out this bright dark star of horror fiction!
Reminiscent of classic gothic horror with a modern slant, obviously (think of Peter Straub's Ghost Story), Janz cleverly weaves the narrative between flashback sequences involving Paul's notorious Uncle, Myles Carver, and his sadistically seductive wife, Annabel. The novel starts off a bit slowly, but quickly finds its pace midway through, to its stunning conclusion.
If you haven't read Janz yet, you should check out this bright dark star of horror fiction!
April 19, 2019
Paul Carver never knew his uncle Myles or anything about him other than the fact that his family disliked him. He was never spoken of and never to be asked about. Still, that seems no reason to refuse a free mansion and a large sum of cash. Paul packs up, leaves his old life and former girlfriend behind and drives all night to claim his inheritance. When Paul arrives he finds that his family are not the only ones who hated Myles Carver. The local sheriff seems to bear a grudge as well. Strange changes begin to over take Paul as he settles in to Watermere. Has he taken possession of the house or has it taken possession of him?
This was a masterful story of evil that never dies.
I received an advance copy for review.
This was a masterful story of evil that never dies.
I received an advance copy for review.
October 22, 2012
Yes, horror novels can be sexy, especially when they're crafted by an author at the top of his game. House of Skin is a dark ride down the into the depths of the corrupted souls that have lived in the Watermere estate. Intrigue and the ghosts of dirty deeds abound in one of the most gripping stories I've read all year. Who or what was Myles Carver and his deliciously deviant wife Annabel? And what has Paul Myles gotten himself into as he claims his inheritance on the haunted estate with a past so dark, the entire town fears it? Jonathan Janz scores again with another creepy tale of lust, murder and the supernatural. This is horror at its finest!
June 14, 2019
My review of HOUSE OF SKIN can be found at High Fever Books.
Flame Tree Press’ Year of Janz continues with this latest reissue of Jonathan Janz’s House of Skin. In it, aspiring author Paul Carver moves into a large estate bequeathed to him by his uncle. If you’re at all familiar with Janz’s brand of horror, you’ll know right away there’s plenty more going on, and the scintillating title alone is a dead giveaway to that! Adjoining the house is the family cemetery, going back several generations. Visiting the cemetery inspires Paul to begin writing his first novel, although he has little control over the subject matter. In fact, he doesn’t recall writing it at all, having produced an entire book in trance-like fashion. Then there’s the matter of Julia, the gorgeous girl next door who has plenty of secrets of her own, and the entire town of Shadeland, which harbors a grudge against the Carvers for reasons entirely unknown to Paul.
House of Skin was the first novel Janz wrote, although if I recall correctly it was his second published after The Sorrows at the now-defunct Samhain Publishing. Janz entered the horror scene earlier this decade pretty damn well formed as an author, and while it’s safe to say he’s improved in the intervening years since House of Skin first debuted back in 2012, it speaks highly of the author’s natural talent at crafting a mighty fine story. With Flame Tree Press having acquired publishing rights to the entirety of Janz’s out-of-print backlist, now being republished in monthly installments, it’s telling that earlier works like this can stand strongly alongside more recent releases like The Siren and The Specter and The Dark Game.
Much of the plot elements here will be familiar to Janz’s devotees, and it’s interesting to me to see the author approaching gothic horror elements similar to those he would explore, elaborate upon, and refine in subsequent works. You’ve got the large house, a buried history being unwittingly uncovered, whirlwind romances, graphic violence, and dark sexual depravities underpinning it all. Janz clearly has an abiding affection for gothic horror and with House of Skin he puts his own spin on it. It’s not quite as developed as last year’s The Siren and The Specter, but it’s still a damn good page-turner that presents some singularly horrifying elements and spectacular shocks. There’s a scene very late in the book involving maggots that made me blanch and shudder…trust me, you’ll know it when you get there, and a day later it’s still giving me the heebie jeebies. Janz also crafts a few neat haunted house scenes, such as a shower that goes terribly awry, which I would have liked to have gotten more of.
As usual, Janz is just as adept at crafting complex characters as he is at making readers squirm. Paul is a complicated sort, and his journey of discovery is a satisfying one. He’s an Everyman sort, gifted with an Everyman’s fantasy. Who among us hasn’t wished from time to time for some unknown distant relative to kick the bucket and leave you with enough money to be set for life and a gorgeous massive estate to live out your days at? Personally, as somebody whose student loans recently came out of deferment and re-entered repayment status, on top of a mortgage and two kids in daycare, plus the usual score of bills and expenses, I sure as hell could go for some easy money and a free mansion! Janz takes a common daydream and flips it on its head, violently reminding us there’s no such thing as a free ride. Although Paul is the lucky recipient of what looks like an incredible inheritance, he’s also a bit of a sad sack who has been carried along in life by others. Being endowed with the Carver estate is his first chance to finally break away from the immediate family holding him down and discover who he really is. He takes up running, loses flab and builds muscle, and begins writing, something he’s always wanted to do but never actually did. His circumstances eventually beggar the question of just how in control he really is, or if he’s just another pawn being led toward desires not his own.
Questions of control arise pretty regularly in House of Skin, and Janz does some terrific work quietly altering people’s behaviors and shifting personalities to illustrate their unconscious bowing to external demands and the pressures of an ancient and evil other. More importantly, Janz himself maintains a firm control over the narrative. There’s a richness to the story here, thanks to a few decades worth of history that slowly unravels over the course of the book, as well as a shared relationships between several prominent characters and their relationship with the Carver estate and the family that lived there previously.
House of Skin has plenty of rich, dark meat on its bones, and Janz gives us lots to chew on along the way. For new readers, it’s also an excellent entry point into Janz’s oeuvre, particularly the more overtly gothic horror stories that have become an overarching staple in his growing body of work.
[Note: I received an advanced readers copy of this title from the publisher, Flame Tree Press.]
Flame Tree Press’ Year of Janz continues with this latest reissue of Jonathan Janz’s House of Skin. In it, aspiring author Paul Carver moves into a large estate bequeathed to him by his uncle. If you’re at all familiar with Janz’s brand of horror, you’ll know right away there’s plenty more going on, and the scintillating title alone is a dead giveaway to that! Adjoining the house is the family cemetery, going back several generations. Visiting the cemetery inspires Paul to begin writing his first novel, although he has little control over the subject matter. In fact, he doesn’t recall writing it at all, having produced an entire book in trance-like fashion. Then there’s the matter of Julia, the gorgeous girl next door who has plenty of secrets of her own, and the entire town of Shadeland, which harbors a grudge against the Carvers for reasons entirely unknown to Paul.
House of Skin was the first novel Janz wrote, although if I recall correctly it was his second published after The Sorrows at the now-defunct Samhain Publishing. Janz entered the horror scene earlier this decade pretty damn well formed as an author, and while it’s safe to say he’s improved in the intervening years since House of Skin first debuted back in 2012, it speaks highly of the author’s natural talent at crafting a mighty fine story. With Flame Tree Press having acquired publishing rights to the entirety of Janz’s out-of-print backlist, now being republished in monthly installments, it’s telling that earlier works like this can stand strongly alongside more recent releases like The Siren and The Specter and The Dark Game.
Much of the plot elements here will be familiar to Janz’s devotees, and it’s interesting to me to see the author approaching gothic horror elements similar to those he would explore, elaborate upon, and refine in subsequent works. You’ve got the large house, a buried history being unwittingly uncovered, whirlwind romances, graphic violence, and dark sexual depravities underpinning it all. Janz clearly has an abiding affection for gothic horror and with House of Skin he puts his own spin on it. It’s not quite as developed as last year’s The Siren and The Specter, but it’s still a damn good page-turner that presents some singularly horrifying elements and spectacular shocks. There’s a scene very late in the book involving maggots that made me blanch and shudder…trust me, you’ll know it when you get there, and a day later it’s still giving me the heebie jeebies. Janz also crafts a few neat haunted house scenes, such as a shower that goes terribly awry, which I would have liked to have gotten more of.
As usual, Janz is just as adept at crafting complex characters as he is at making readers squirm. Paul is a complicated sort, and his journey of discovery is a satisfying one. He’s an Everyman sort, gifted with an Everyman’s fantasy. Who among us hasn’t wished from time to time for some unknown distant relative to kick the bucket and leave you with enough money to be set for life and a gorgeous massive estate to live out your days at? Personally, as somebody whose student loans recently came out of deferment and re-entered repayment status, on top of a mortgage and two kids in daycare, plus the usual score of bills and expenses, I sure as hell could go for some easy money and a free mansion! Janz takes a common daydream and flips it on its head, violently reminding us there’s no such thing as a free ride. Although Paul is the lucky recipient of what looks like an incredible inheritance, he’s also a bit of a sad sack who has been carried along in life by others. Being endowed with the Carver estate is his first chance to finally break away from the immediate family holding him down and discover who he really is. He takes up running, loses flab and builds muscle, and begins writing, something he’s always wanted to do but never actually did. His circumstances eventually beggar the question of just how in control he really is, or if he’s just another pawn being led toward desires not his own.
Questions of control arise pretty regularly in House of Skin, and Janz does some terrific work quietly altering people’s behaviors and shifting personalities to illustrate their unconscious bowing to external demands and the pressures of an ancient and evil other. More importantly, Janz himself maintains a firm control over the narrative. There’s a richness to the story here, thanks to a few decades worth of history that slowly unravels over the course of the book, as well as a shared relationships between several prominent characters and their relationship with the Carver estate and the family that lived there previously.
House of Skin has plenty of rich, dark meat on its bones, and Janz gives us lots to chew on along the way. For new readers, it’s also an excellent entry point into Janz’s oeuvre, particularly the more overtly gothic horror stories that have become an overarching staple in his growing body of work.
[Note: I received an advanced readers copy of this title from the publisher, Flame Tree Press.]
March 27, 2023
This wasn't for me. I just couldn't get into the story. It started off okay but then it just didn't go anywhere. It didn't scare me or creep me out. It was just kind of blah. The actions from the characters seemed too odd to be real so I could not relate to them. I gave it 2 stars because it was okay enough to get me to finish it but in the end, I still felt nothing for the book.
May 15, 2019
Another month and another love letter to Mr Janz! Ok, I may reel it in this time! Promise! However, every book I read, just gets better and better.
Two storylines are running through the book, Paul and Julia’s. Julia is the first we meet and Ted Brand, Paul’s lawyer. Julia, sweet and innocent, oh so innocent at first, but is she what she seems? Paul, running away from an ex-girlfriend, everything he knows all because he has been left a ton of cash and the house Watermere. However, this is a Janz novel, things do not run smoothly….ever!
Learning the history of this house and Paul’s uncle Myles Carver was absolutely horrifying! The things that happened. I mean my stomach was turning at the beginning when Paul hit something with his car and that is before we even get into it all. The level of detail that Mr Janz goes into when describing the ghastly sights in front of us is enough to make your stomach drop. The thing is I love the gruesome, I love the scares and this is another book I loved.
I cannot tell you any more about House of Skin‘s plot as I do not want to ruin it for you. It will set your teeth on edge, it will give you goosebumps, it will make you cringe with the gore and gruesome, but most of all you will appreciate how a book can make you feel all of these things and still “enjoy” the storyline and want to know how it will end! It is the imagination of Janz I love, no two books I have read have been the same, how he is still coming up with fresh ideas, things I would never have thought about beats me. It just makes me want to keep reading his work and never stop!
I could not put this book down, and before I knew it I had read 100 pages, this is how much I adore the writing of Janz. He sucks you in, the way in which he writes it really does remind me of the 80’s/90’s horror writers and I know it has been mentioned before with his influences but I can always sense Richard Laymon in his books. I still need to read books by Jack Ketchum and Brian Keene as they are influences too.
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