The dazzling debut novel from Kate Collins--a feminist gothic mystery spanning decades, in the vein of Mexican Gothic and The Essex Serpent.
A Good House for Children publishes with Mariner Books in the US on July 4th 2023
Media Reviews for A Good House for Children
Collins skillfully intercuts the two storylines, making clever use of structure to maximize tension, resonance, and fright, while the familiar setup fools readers into thinking they know what path the plot will follow. A moody, evocative, close-third narrative underscores the keenly rendered characters’ mounting distress and claustrophobia. A harrowing slow burn with feminist undertones - Kirkus Reviews, starred
A feminist gothic that evokes Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House.” - New York Times
[…] she skillfully laces her narrative with clues that suggest the events unfolding are not as straightforward—or linear—as they seem. This one is sure to connect with fans of the weird and macabre - Publishers Weekly
A highly readable book that still inspires more questions than it answers - which is impressive, for being so rare […] More than once, I was put in mind of The Turn of the Screw [..] reads like a novelist in her prime - Irish Times
This accomplished debut works on both levels as it tells two stories separated in time but linked by situation. Atmospheric and beautifully written, it builds slowly but surely into a terrifying ghost story -- Lisa Tuttle ― Guardian
Apart from the content the delivery is sublime, that this is Collin’s debut is frankly astonishing. Her writing is well-crafted and takes readers from the real to surreal and back again with ease. - Irish Independent
Utterly compelling, creepy and dark ― Irish Examiner
An engrossing read ... A neat mix of psychological thriller and old-fashioned haunted house drama ― Daily Mail
