A review by paperbacksandsketchbooks
This Cursed House by Del Sandeen

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was such a solid horror novel! I genuinely enjoyed so many things about this.
First off, loved the whole Jemma can talk to spirits/ghosts thing. It was truly chilling in the best way. Didn't love that she just assumed she'd be a tutor for the Duchon household - seems like an odd thing to assume. And she also didn't leave when she realized the family is off their rockers. I would've been out of there asap!
Second, the family curse plotline was done well. It was clear what the curse was and how it was implemented, but I still feel confused as to *how* Ines was able to legitimately curse the family. 
Lastly, I really liked how Jemma took her duty at the Duchon household in stride. She was such a strong female character (although she did irk me sometimes because she had this habit of backtracking once she decided she was going to stand her ground). She knew what was just and unjust. She took matters into her own hands!!
While I really enjoyed this book, I did feel like there was a lot happening at some points and the main focus of the story got a little muddled. But overall, it was chilling and haunting and a great horror novel to close out the fall season.