I really enjoyed this book, and I found it a pretty quick read, unlike many other reviewers. I do agree that the point it was making was ultimately a little unclear, given how hard the issues of race and exploitation were pushed throughout. It didn't really conclude with any specific message or point, but perhaps I was looking for a neater conclusion than what the author wanted to give.

As others have said, it also wasn't really horror except by default due to the scenes set in the Haunt. If you like horror, it probably isn't horror enough, and if you don't, it's probably a bit too much. It also kind of concludes by saying that horror is an unappealing genre and that people who enjoy it are perhaps lacking in some way, which is an odd message to end on if you're marking a horror novel.

I really enjoyed this book but it doiesn't deliver a horror hit and it isn't really even a 'message' book, and it's marketed as both, so I understand the mixed reception it's been getting.