From the author simply known as The Behrg comes the twisted tale entitled “Housebroken”, and it is sadistic as it is haunting. Horror and thriller fans that pick up this book will have to ready themselves for an experience that will affect them mentally and physically. Even though it’s not the most original plot, it has rarely been used with such creativity. The Behrg has successfully taken a situation that is usually considered as traumatic and turned it into different types of hell.
Blake is a successful consultant and software developer who takes the biggest risk of his career. This risk involves uprooting his wife, Jenna, and their son, Adam. The story starts with Blake sitting in the cage he uses to train their dog, wondering how he is possibly going to get out of the mess they are in. Six days earlier their home was invaded by two men who don’t want money or ransom. All they want is to observe the way Blake and his family lives.
Unfortunately things get out of hand as Blake’s neighbor mysteriously disappears, which draws the attention of the police. Meanwhile, Blake and his family undergo torture they will never be able to forget. With dead bodies in the house and in the trunk of Blake’s car the situation only escalates into a disaster that doesn’t have any silver linings.
The author is clearly focused on creating believable and relatable characters, because a lot of time is spent on introducing the situation between Blake and his family. Before anything happens the reader is well aware of the tension and problems within the family unit. In other words, The Behrg takes a very patient approach.
Another element that reinforces the character focus is the detailed experiences, especially for Blake. Every nervous, awkward and scary moment is shared with the reader, which can be a good or bad thing depending on the reader’s preference. From a personal point of view it definitely added to the substance of the plot. Whereas most writers will simply love to exploit the physical torment, The Behrg really drives down the invasion of privacy on an emotional level.
In terms of graphic horror and suspense, there is more than enough to go around. The sadistic personalities of the invaders provide a steady foundation for making the reader very uneasy, and in some cases just plain angry. Something that really stands out, which can be seen from the moment the invasion starts, is the tiny moments of hope that come through. But as quickly as they arrive they transform the situation into something worse.
Last but not least, the story is filled with twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing until the very end. This was a very nice touch from the author, because what appears to be a rather straightforward scenario at face value becomes a very complex maze where anything can happen.
For most readers who love tales with a fair share of twisted ideas and plot lines, put Housebroken on the list of must read horror novels. Even if it doesn’t fall into the style or taste that you like, you will definitely gain respect for the author.
Reviewed by Damnetha Jules
Damnetha is a staff writer, horror book and movie critic.
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