The September House

Carissa Orlando’s debut novel centers on Margaret, a woman determined to remain in her Victorian home despite supernatural disturbances. The narrative follows her struggle as the house drips blood every September and produces terrifying apparitions. Her husband Hal abandons the property, unable to endure the hauntings, leaving Margaret alone with their daughter Katherine. Katherine arrives seeking her missing father, convinced he has come to harm. As she investigates, the paranormal activity intensifies, revealing that the house guards specific secrets. Orlando constructs a psychological horror story that examines domestic endurance and familial betrayal. The book suits readers who enjoy slow-burn atmospheric terror and complex family dynamics. It may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action or traditional jump scares. The plot relies on the tension between Margaret’s stubborn loyalty and Katherine’s desperate search for truth. The setting of a sprawling Victorian house provides the backdrop for these escalating events. Orlando draws on gothic traditions to explore how grief and fear can warp reality. The story does not offer easy resolutions, instead focusing on the psychological toll of isolation. Readers interested in character-driven horror will find this narrative compelling. The author uses the house itself as an active antagonist rather than a passive setting. This approach creates a sense of claustrophobia even in open spaces. The narrative structure follows Katherine’s investigation alongside Margaret’s internal monologue. Both women face different aspects of the same haunting. The book is published by Berkley Books and released in September 2024.