
4.0 (2 ratings)
Incidents Around the House
“Simply put—and I do not say this lightly—Incidents Around the House is the most purely effective horror novel I have ever read.”—Neil McRobert, Esquire
A chilling horror novel about a haunting, told from the perspective of a young girl whose troubled family is targeted by an entity she calls “Other Mommy,” from the New York Times bestselling author of Bird Box
“This book is the monster that lives inside your closet.”—Grady Hendrix, New York Times bestselling author of How to Sell a Haunted House
LOCUS AWARD FINALIST • BRAM STOKER AWARD NOMINEE
To eight-year-old Bela, her family is her world. There’s Mommy, Daddo, and Grandma Ruth. But there is also Other Mommy, a malevolent entity who asks her every day: “Can I go inside your heart?”
When horrifying incidents around the house signal that Other Mommy is growing tired of asking Bela the question over and over, Bela understands that unless she says yes, her family will soon pay.
Other Mommy is getting restless, stronger, bolder. Only the bonds of family can keep Bela safe, but other incidents show cracks in her parents’ marriage. The safety Bela relies on is about to unravel.
But Other Mommy needs an answer.
Incidents Around the House is a chilling, wholly unique tale of true horror about a family as haunted as their home.
A chilling horror novel about a haunting, told from the perspective of a young girl whose troubled family is targeted by an entity she calls “Other Mommy,” from the New York Times bestselling author of Bird Box
“This book is the monster that lives inside your closet.”—Grady Hendrix, New York Times bestselling author of How to Sell a Haunted House
LOCUS AWARD FINALIST • BRAM STOKER AWARD NOMINEE
To eight-year-old Bela, her family is her world. There’s Mommy, Daddo, and Grandma Ruth. But there is also Other Mommy, a malevolent entity who asks her every day: “Can I go inside your heart?”
When horrifying incidents around the house signal that Other Mommy is growing tired of asking Bela the question over and over, Bela understands that unless she says yes, her family will soon pay.
Other Mommy is getting restless, stronger, bolder. Only the bonds of family can keep Bela safe, but other incidents show cracks in her parents’ marriage. The safety Bela relies on is about to unravel.
But Other Mommy needs an answer.
Incidents Around the House is a chilling, wholly unique tale of true horror about a family as haunted as their home.
Pages: 367
ISBN: 9780593723128
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See all editions (6)Reader Reviews
4.0
2 ratings
Jolene C.
Feb 8, 2026
Definite creep factor
I will never hear the word carnations again without thinking of this story. I have both the kindle and audio version and the audio version definitely brings it up a whole nother level. Its fantastic.
I will never hear the word carnations again without thinking of this story. I have both the kindle and audio version and the audio version definitely brings it up a whole nother level. Its fantastic.
Cheyenne Joy .
Feb 8, 2026
I read Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman in one sitting, which already says a lot: the story pulled me in right away and wouldn’t let go. The child’s perspective adds a fascinating depth — at times innocent and naïve, at other moments unsettling and almost claustrophobic. It keeps you questioning whether you’re seeing things clearly, which is one of the book’s strongest elements. While it wasn’t flawless for me in every aspect, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The pacing, the atmosphere, and the originality make it a strong recommendation for anyone who enjoys this genre.
For me, it was above all a wonderful reading moment, as if I could slip away into another world for a while.
For me, it was above all a wonderful reading moment, as if I could slip away into another world for a while.