Mouse Trap

Caryn Larrinaga — 2023

Death haunts the Scott family home.Twenty years ago, Dakota Scott's baby brother died falling down the back stairs. Twenty-four hours ago, her older brother, Lennox, wasted away into nothing in the same house. Two deaths, just floors apart, yet no one suspects a connection.Settling Lennox's affairs lures Dakota back to the family's old Victorian home overlooking Astoria. It has changed over the years-what was once a happy home is, now filled with sadness, strange memories, and lights that won't stay lit.In the ever-growing darkness, a sinister force has awakened from a long slumber, and it is far from finished with Dakota. Her life and sanity hang in the balance-alongside everything she holds dear.Fans of Shirley Jackson, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and Elizabeth Engstrom will love the quiet horror in this modern gothic tale.

Reviews

Lauren@readwithlauren

Jan 9, 2024

4.5* I absolutely adored this book! I read this book in 2 sittings and that never happens to me. This book hooked me from the beginning and I could not put it down. I loved how this book intertwines grief and loss with elements of horror. Caryn Larrinage does such an amazing job at making you care about the characters and want the best for them. The way Caryn Larrinaga portrays Dakota the main character's emotions as she deals with the death of her brother was beautifully done. The way Dakota is dealing with our emotions about her brothers' death was so real and raw, and I feel like people can really connect with her. Dakota is riddled with guilt and regrets about her brother and you really get to see how she deals with that. The reason this isn't getting five stars is that I felt that the ending was rushed. I really wished we got more at the end about how and why Dakota made the decisions that she did. Other than that this really was an amazing book, I highly recommend it! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for arc in exchange for an honest review!