Book Review: Secrets Gnaw at the Flesh by C. J. Weiss

Helen

Dec 28

Title: Secrets Gnaw at the Flesh
Author: C. J. Weiss
Genre: Horror
Date of Publication: October 23, 2023
Publisher: Bowker

Synopsis

A historically malevolent haunted house threatens to end a line of paranormal guardians. Will the family's latest addition tip the scales in their favor or hurtle them toward their demise?

Garrett Mueller proposes to his girlfriend, Marie Renault. She rejects him, distressing him until he learns why. Her family watches over a haunted house, where every several years a Breach opens to the world of the dead. Everyone related by blood or oath must return, or the Breach widens, endangering the family and world at large.

To marry Marie, he must also bind himself to that house.

The Renaults estimate a week until the Breach opens, offering Garrett a short trial period. Despite the risks, he will try it for the woman he loves. The Renaults are professionals when it comes to the supernatural, and they've always prevailed.

Only, as the week progresses, the family discovers this Breach is shaping up to be one of historically dangerous proportions. Risks mount higher as secrets leak out, threatening to divide the family. And even if Garrett changes his mind, it might be too late to leave.

Secrets Gnaw at the Flesh combines atmospheric haunted house horror with dark family drama, topped with a layer of unsettling worldbuilding. Readers who like smart characters taking on smart foes, deep delves into the supernatural, and twisty psychological narratives will feel right at home. This novel is part of the Virulent Nightmare Origins series and can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in any order.

- Goodreads

My Thoughts

"Secrets eat us alive. I was tired of having my flesh gnawed on."

I was swept into this story right from the very first page. Garrett intends to propose to the love of his life, Maria, before she has to leave for a mysterious family obligation. It turns out, Maria's family history is rife with secrets, and the desire to find out more gnawed at me as I flipped through the pages. Garrett decides to tag along with Maria, not only meeting her family (and extended family), but learning all about their dark responsibility, and just what it means for humanity, should they fail…

This is a unique and compelling twist on the haunted house story. The novel starts as an easy read and gradually grows deeper and deeper as the author introduces the complex worldbuilding that features throughout the setting and plot.

The book itself explores different types of ghosts and hauntings, and quite a bit of it reminded me of playing the videogame "Phasmophobia," where there are numerous types of spirits that manifest in different ways, and you need to understand that in order to survive.

I loved the writing style, which features quite a bit of description, but with a little bit of humor to break up the horror. Weiss employs a lot of grotesque imagery and metaphor to increase the tension of an already claustrophobic and stressful read.

There's also a helpful glossary of terms at the end of the book, which, naturally, I didn't find until I finished the book. This is a habit for me, and I don't expect I'll learn to check anytime soon.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy haunting horror stories that feature elaborate world building that has strong mythology/legend vibes.