Glass House
A haunted house novel about a family drawn into occult madness by their new home's sentient wood.
The Glass family moves into a house built from coffin wood that holds ancient magic and its own consciousness. The mother Dana becomes deeply attached to the structure, while father Lucas remains fixated on his research of the Sunshine Family cult. Their daughters face distinct supernatural threats: Lily carries the mark of a ghostly encounter from a near-death burial, and Rae engages with entities living inside the walls. The narrative examines how the house influences each member differently, creating a volatile environment where past traumas resurface through supernatural means. Jessup uses his background in game design to craft a setting that feels alive and predatory.
The novel draws on the tradition of haunted house fiction, blending gothic horror with contemporary concerns about family trauma. It references the psychedelic rock era through the Sunshine Family cult, situating the supernatural elements within a specific cultural context of 1960s counterculture decay and occult fascination.
📝 Description: Glass House
💎 Our verdict on Glass House
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers drawn to the intersection of familial dysfunction and supernatural dread will find this novel compelling. It offers a unique exploration of how trauma resurfaces through architectural influence, specifically targeting those interested in occult artifacts and cult psychology. The narrative provides a deep dive into the psychological decay of individuals bound by blood and circumstance. Fans of game design aesthetics applied to literature may appreciate the predatory nature of the setting. It is ideal for audiences who enjoy complex family dynamics amplified by gothic horror elements, rather than those seeking simple scares or lighthearted entertainment. The book serves as a study in how environment shapes identity and sanity.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Glass House excels at transforming a domestic setting into a sentient, predatory force that actively influences its inhabitants. Paul Jessup effectively blends gothic traditions with modern psychological horror, creating a volatile atmosphere where the house itself is a primary antagonist. The distinct supernatural threats facing each family member provide varied entry points into the narrative, from ghostly encounters to wall-dwelling entities. While the tone is intense and focuses heavily on trauma and occult themes, it rewards readers who appreciate complex character dynamics over traditional jump scares. It suits those who enjoy cult lore and the disintegration of familial bonds under supernatural pressure.
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✍️ More books by this author Paul Jessup
🏛 Books from this publisher Underland Press
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