WEEKLY BOOK RECS: 6 book reviews and suggestions every week
Hey, bookish babes! This week’s "Weekly Book Recs" is a spooky one—we’re diving into the eerie, unsettling world of haunted dolls. Whether they’re haunted, cursed, or just plain creepy, these stories will have you side-eyeing every doll in your house. 😱 So, grab your flashlight, hide under the covers, and let’s explore this week’s picks!
1. The Doll Collection edited by Ellen Datlow
Rating: 4.6/5
Genre: Horror Anthology
Tropes: Haunted Objects, Cursed Dolls, Creepy Atmospheres
Main Characters: Various (multiple authors)
What It's About: The Doll Collection is a bone-chilling anthology that brings together some of the biggest names in horror to explore our deep-rooted fear of dolls. Each story focuses on a different aspect of doll-related terror, from haunted marionettes to possessed toys. With authors like Stephen Gallagher and Joyce Carol Oates contributing, it’s a must-read for any horror fan.
Review: This anthology is perfect if you want a variety of creepy doll stories without committing to a full-length novel. The stories are so diverse that you’ll get a little bit of everything—haunted dolls, cursed objects, and even some stories that are more psychological than supernatural. Some stories are stronger than others (a couple fell flat for me), but overall, the collection hits all the right notes. Ellen Datlow is a master at curating unsettling anthologies, and this one is no exception. If you’re looking for some bite-sized frights, The Doll Collection is a solid pick.
2. The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
Rating: 4.8/5
Genre: Gothic Horror, Historical Fiction
Tropes: Haunted House, Gothic Atmosphere, Creepy Dolls
Main Characters: Elsie Bainbridge, Rupert Bainbridge, Sarah
What It's About: Set in a crumbling English estate, The Silent Companions follows Elsie Bainbridge as she moves into her late husband’s ancestral home, only to find strange, life-sized wooden figures lurking in the house. These "silent companions" seem to watch her every move—and as their presence becomes more threatening, Elsie’s grip on reality starts to unravel.
Review: This book is such a gothic dream! It’s filled with all the atmospheric spookiness you’d expect from a haunted house story, but the addition of the creepy wooden companions takes it to another level. The pacing is perfect—slow enough to build tension but not too drawn out. And honestly, the silent companions are terrifying. They’re like a creepy mix of dolls and life-sized portraits that just gave me shivers. If you love gothic horror with a historical twist, The Silent Companions will totally suck you in. The only downside? It might make you a little too paranoid about any strange figurines in your home.
3. The Dollmaker by Nina Allan (Indie Pick)
Rating: 4.4/5
Genre: Literary Fiction, Magical Realism
Tropes: Obsession, Forbidden Love, Dark Fairy Tales
Main Characters: Andrew Garvie, Bramber Winters
What It's About: The Dollmaker tells the story of Andrew Garvie, a man obsessed with crafting dolls, and Bramber Winters, a woman who writes him letters from a remote asylum. Their connection unfolds as they share stories of life, love, and obsession, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. It’s a dark, twisty tale that weaves together magical realism and psychological horror.
Review: This book is a slow burn, but the payoff is so worth it. Nina Allan’s writing is absolutely beautiful, and the way she weaves fairy tale-like elements into this dark, introspective story is just stunning. Andrew and Bramber are both fascinating characters, and their letters to each other create this sense of longing that’s both romantic and unsettling. The doll-making aspect adds an eerie layer of obsession, and there’s this constant feeling that something isn’t quite right. If you’re into literary fiction with a dark twist, The Dollmaker is a great pick. Just be warned: it’s more about the journey than the destination, so if you’re looking for a fast-paced horror novel, this might not be for you.
4. The House of Small Shadows by Adam Nevill
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Horror, Gothic
Tropes: Haunted House, Creepy Dolls, Psychological Horror
Main Characters: Catherine Howard, Mr. Redman, Edith Mason
What It's About: In The House of Small Shadows, Catherine Howard is sent to appraise a collection of antique dolls and taxidermy at the crumbling Red House. As she delves deeper into the history of the house and its unsettling inhabitants, she starts to experience disturbing visions and nightmarish events. The line between reality and madness blurs as Catherine tries to escape the house’s sinister grip.
Review: This book creeped me out in all the best ways! Adam Nevill is a master at creating these claustrophobic, eerie atmospheres that just make your skin crawl. The dolls in this story aren’t your typical haunted toys—they’re part of a much darker, weirder world that feels like a nightmare you can’t wake up from. The tension builds slowly, but once it hits its stride, it’s full of mind-bending twists. There’s a lot of psychological horror in this one, so if you love books that mess with your head, you’re going to love The House of Small Shadows. Just don’t read it before bed... trust me.
5. The Dollhouse by Charis Cotter (Indie Pick)
Rating: 4.3/5
Genre: Middle Grade, Horror, Mystery
Tropes: Creepy Dolls, Time Travel, Family Secrets
Main Characters: Alice, Lily, Elsie
What It's About: When Alice moves into her grandmother’s old house, she discovers an antique dollhouse that’s a perfect replica of the mansion. But as strange things begin happening around the dollhouse, Alice finds herself transported back in time, uncovering a dark family secret that’s been buried for years.
Review: The Dollhouse is one of those middle-grade books that’ll give you goosebumps, no matter your age. The creepy dollhouse is such a cool concept, and the time travel element adds an unexpected twist to the story. Alice is a relatable protagonist, and her journey to uncover her family’s past is both suspenseful and heartfelt. It’s a quick read, but the atmosphere is so well-done that you’ll feel completely immersed in the story. If you’re looking for a spooky, mysterious read with some serious nostalgia vibes, The Dollhouse is a great pick!
6. Doll Bones by Holly Black
Rating: 4.4/5
Genre: Middle Grade, Horror, Fantasy
Tropes: Creepy Dolls, Adventure, Coming-of-Age
Main Characters: Zachary, Poppy, Alice
What It's About: Doll Bones follows three friends—Zach, Poppy, and Alice—who embark on a spooky adventure after Poppy starts having nightmares about a mysterious bone-china doll. The doll, which they’ve used in their imaginary games, may be haunted by the spirit of a girl who demands a proper burial. The trio sets out to put the doll to rest, but the journey is far more dangerous than they anticipated.
Review: This book strikes the perfect balance between eerie and heartwarming. Holly Black weaves a beautifully creepy tale that’s just the right amount of spooky for middle-grade readers, but honestly, adults can enjoy it too. The doll is unsettling in a subtle, psychological way, and the story explores themes of friendship, growing up, and the blurred line between imagination and reality. The pacing is great, and I loved how the spooky adventure was paired with a more grounded, emotional coming-of-age story. It’s not full-on horror, but if you want something that’ll give you just a little bit of a chill (without keeping you up at night), Doll Bones is a fantastic pick.
Haunted dolls book recs
Which one of these creepy doll tales will you be reading with the lights on? Let me know, and don’t forget to tag us in your bookstagram posts! 📚🪆✨
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