This Cursed House

September 1, 2024
Sandeen's debut is an eerie and emotional journey into a family's haunted past. When Jemma accepts a job with a prominent family in New Orleans, she finds herself entangled in the secrets that their house harbors. The story intensifies as Jemma discovers an unsettling truth--that she has a connection to Agnes, the family's longtime maid. Sandeen masterfully builds suspense, blending supernatural elements with a deep exploration of familial bonds and personal identity. The plot thickens as Jemma uncovers truths about her own family history, adding layers of complexity to her quest for understanding and redemption. This revelation not only shocks Jemma, but propels her into a fierce battle against the malevolent forces that threaten to consume her and her loved ones. Sandeen's writing is both vivid and chilling, making it a compelling read for anyone drawn to tales of family secrets and haunted legacies. This novel will captivate fans of gothic horror and those who enjoy richly atmospheric settings, as This Cursed House stands out for its emotional depth and spine-tingling narrative, making it a memorable addition to the genre.

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August 16, 2024

DEBUT In autumn 1962, Jemma Barker is so eager to leave behind Chicago and her problems that she accepts a position with the Duchon family in New Orleans without asking any questions. Upon arriving, she realizes how unprepared she is for both the Louisiana summer and the bias that the mysterious Duchons (a Black family who can pass for white) have against anyone with brown skin, including Jemma. Her ability to see ghosts might be tied to the reason she was really asked to come; the Duchons believe that Jemma can break a curse that was placed on the family. As the story progresses, readers gather more clues and will be compelled, just like Jemma, to learn more about the Duchon family and their past. The book is a true Southern gothic family saga that does not shy away from facing issues of prejudice within communities as well as from outside, while wrestling with the complications of belonging, forgiveness, and the weight of anger. VERDICT Sandeen has written a strong debut novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy complicated family histories and an increasing sense of paranoia, such as in Midnight Rooms by Donyae Coles, and gothic thrillers like Spite House by Johnny Compton.--Lila Denning

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September 2, 2024
Sandeen’s haunting if somewhat uneven gothic debut transports readers to 1960s New Orleans. Jemma Barker, a young Black woman, flees her previous life following her adoptive parents’ deaths and a violent clash with her boyfriend, but she can’t outrun the literal ghosts that linger in the corners of her vision. She takes a job offer as a tutor for the mysterious Duchon family, who live outside NOLA city limits. When Jemma arrives, however, there is no tutoring job, and the family pays her instead to stay in the house with them as a kind of companion. The Duchons’ oddness is immense, with out-of-date clothing, deep reclusiveness, and a vocal pride for their own Blackness and African roots—despite the whole family being very white-presenting. As Jemma grows uncomfortable with hearing hushed conversations about her behind closed doors, the reality of the situation comes to light: the Duchons are cursed, and they believe their last hope to break the spell is Jemma herself. After a slightly overstuffed beginning, this atmospheric tale finds its footing and brings a fresh perspective to the gothic horror genre. The author’s exploration of bloodlines, family, and race is complex and nuanced, and her heroine is easy to root for as she confronts ghosts both literal and metaphorical. Sandeen offers much to chew on.