Narrated in a casual, conversational tone, House of Beth grounds the paranormal activity at its core in familiar tropes and archetypes. As a result, many of the revelations in the book feel inevitable and unsurprising. Nonetheless, Cullen is a sensitive observer of the slow diminuendos that precede utter mayhem.
While the premise of Cullen’s novel is promising, some readers might find that it is hindered by uneven pacing and that the narrative is frequently bogged down by lengthy introspective passages, which detract from the tension and flow of the plot. The resolution feels rushed and fails to deliver the emotional payoff that the intriguing build-up suggests.
Cassie’s struggles are heartbreaking, as, at its core, this is a book about a woman who is simply fighting to find herself—and love herself no matter how she turns out.
Modern gothic meets psychological suspense in this wholly original work ... This novel is far grittier and more surprising than that basic storyline implies ... Touching.
