Book Review: The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich

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The Dead House
Author: Dawn Kurtagich
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Horror - Mystery
Released: September 15th 2015
Review Source:  Little, Brown Young Readers

Debut author Dawn Kurtagich is dead on in this terrifying psychological thriller! 

Over two decades have passed since the fire at Elmbridge High, an inferno that took the lives of five teenagers. Not much was known about the events leading up to the tragedy - only that one student, Carly Johnson, vanished without a trace... ...until a diary is found hidden in the ruins. But the diary, badly scorched, does not belong to Carly Johnson. It belongs to Kaitlyn Johnson, a girl who shouldn't exist Who was Kaitlyn? Why did she come out only at night? What is her connection to Carly? The case has been reopened. Police records are being reexamined: psychiatric reports, video footage, text messages, e-mails. And the diary. The diary that paints a much more sinister version of events than was ever made publicly known.

I honestly can't rave talk about The Dead House enough. Not only does it grab your attention from page one (when you see it you'll know what I mean), but it also keeps your attention until the very last page. Also I'm all types of obsessed with the cover for this book. It gives me chills every time I look at it. The Dead House is a page turner that does not disappoint.

 Kaitlyn and Carly Johnson are sisters. It takes the term "twin sister" to a whole new level. Carly gets the mornings and Kaitlyn is the child of darkness the night. No, their condition wasn’t caused by a traumatic event and yes, it’s always been that way. Secrets are revealed, but more questions arise from it as well. Can you get to the end to put the puzzles together or will The Dead House suck you in and never let you go?

 I started The Dead House at 11PM next thing I knew it was 2AM. I couldn't get enough of it! Kaitlyn was such a powerful main character her voice was riveting! She took you down these mysteries paths, made a few twist and turns, yet I wouldn’t let go of her hand because I needed wanted to find out what was coming next. I'm keeping quiet with what actually goes on in the story for many reasons. One being that I legit can't tell you anything without officially spoiling the story for you. You have to go into this book completely blind and expect the unexpected. Believe me, it'll be worth it. Just know that you will be enjoying one heck of a story.

 The Dead House is a thrilling equally addictive captivating debut with a stunning and unique format. Once you get lost in The Dead House, it won’t easily let you lose. I can't recommended it enough.