A Shadow In Venice: (Previously A Tale of Venice The Red Headed Child)

Name: A Shadow In Venice: (Previously A Tale of Venice The Red Headed Child)
Price: 9.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781693256929

✍️ Serene Forest

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$9.99

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A family confronts a supernatural threat in their new Venice, California home after the husband returns from war.

This novel follows Sue and Brad as they attempt to rebuild their lives in Venice, California. The purchase of the dream house is meant to provide stability for their two daughters following Brad's military service. However, the property contains undisclosed secrets that emerge as the couple adjusts to civilian life. The narrative tracks the deterioration of their sense of security as a menacing presence becomes apparent within the residence. Forest explores the intersection of post-war displacement and gothic horror tropes. The story does not offer resolutions for broader societal issues but focuses intensely on the immediate physical danger posed by the entity in the house. Readers looking for character-driven supernatural thrillers set in mid-twentieth century America will find this aligns with their interests.

Key Themes

haunted domestic spaces post-war trauma supernatural menace

Literary Context

The book is set in Venice, California, and draws on the tradition of American gothic fiction. It engages with the period following the Vietnam War, reflecting the experiences of returning veterans and their families adjusting to civilian life in a new environment.

Difficulty

● Easy

Recommended For Fans Of

Shirley Jackson · Robert Aickman · Henry James

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Independently Published 📅 2019 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781693256929

📝 Description: A Shadow In Venice: (Previously A Tale of Venice The Red Headed Child)

Serene Forest presents a domestic horror narrative centered on Sue and her husband Brad. The story begins with the couple purchasing a home in Venice, California, intended as a sanctuary for Brad after his return from Vietnam. They also bring their two young daughters into this new environment. The house appears cheerful and suitable for family life, yet it harbors hidden secrets that remain concealed during the initial adjustment period. As the family settles in, the narrative shifts toward uncovering the dark history embedded within the walls. Sue gradually discovers that the property is not merely a residence but a site of lingering menace. The plot focuses on the growing tension between the desire for domestic normalcy and the reality of a supernatural presence sharing their space. The story examines how past trauma and hidden histories can infect present safety. Forest structures the tale to reveal these secrets incrementally, forcing the characters to confront the threat before it endangers the children further. The work appeals to readers interested in post-war American gothic fiction and stories about haunted domestic spaces. It does not suit those seeking historical accuracy regarding Vietnam or complex political commentary. The narrative remains tightly focused on the family's immediate struggle against the unseen entity within their new home.

💎 Our verdict on A Shadow In Venice: (Previously A Tale of Venice The Red Headed Child)

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Serene Forest delivers a tightly focused domestic horror narrative that effectively merges post-war anxiety with classic gothic elements. The author excels at building tension through the gradual uncovering of dark history embedded within the walls of a seemingly cheerful home. By focusing intensely on the immediate struggle against an unseen entity, the story maintains a claustrophobic atmosphere suitable for fans of psychological dread. While it does not offer complex political commentary or historical accuracy regarding Vietnam, it succeeds as a pure character-driven thriller. This book suits readers who prefer intimate supernatural threats over expansive world-building, offering a chilling exploration of how domestic spaces can harbor lingering menace.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking character-driven supernatural thrillers set in mid-twentieth century America will find this narrative compelling. It appeals to those interested in post-war American gothic fiction and stories about haunted domestic spaces. The book offers an intense focus on the immediate physical danger posed by an entity within a home, rather than broader societal resolutions. Those who enjoy narratives where past trauma and hidden histories infect present safety will appreciate the incremental revelation of secrets. It is ideal for fans of psychological horror that examines the deterioration of security within a family unit.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Serene Forest delivers a tightly focused domestic horror narrative that effectively merges post-war anxiety with classic gothic elements. The author excels at building tension through the gradual uncovering of dark history embedded within the walls of a seemingly cheerful home. By focusing intensely on the immediate struggle against an unseen entity, the story maintains a claustrophobic atmosphere suitable for fans of psychological dread. While it does not offer complex political commentary or historical accuracy regarding Vietnam, it succeeds as a pure character-driven thriller. This book suits readers who prefer intimate supernatural threats over expansive world-building, offering a chilling exploration of how domestic spaces can harbor lingering menace.