Home Is Where the Bodies Are

2.0/5.0- this is the worst “thriller” I've read. I'm always so anxious and my heart pumps against my chest when I've read any other thriller. This? Absolutely no anxiety, no sitting on the edge of my seat wanting/needing to know what happens next. I am absolutely terrible at predicting who the murderer is or who did things... but I saw right through this one. It was a short book yet sooo slow. This whole family spoke in metaphors and I'm trying to figure out whether the author wanted to be inspirational amidst their grief. The plot is interesting but I would not recommend this.

I love Jeneva Rose's writing and this did not disappoint!

Three siblings reunite to handle their mother's estate after she passes, but it's more like three strangers. Beth is the oldest and had stayed and cared for their mother all the way up until she passed. And her final words to Beth has Beth feeling confused along with bereft. Nicole is the middle child and battles substance abuse leaving her on the outs with everyone in her family. And Michael, the youngest, got out of their small town and now lives a life of luxury. He hasn't been back to his home town in seven years. With old wounds opening along with the fresh wound of their mother's passing they are more than eager to go through their mother's things and get the estate settled. However, when they stumble upon an old VHS that was meant to be their home tape from summer of 1999 but ends with the image of their father in bloodied clothes, a body, and their parents stating they plan on hiding the body, the siblings are left shocked and wondering what they should do with this information.

I really enjoyed how the story opens and progresses. It's told in the perspective of all three siblings and it's fascinating seeing how each sibling sees themselves and each other. The memories of their childhoods differ and each has a different perspective on how to handle this new knowledge they've gained. As the story unfolds I had several different ideas of what the twist was going to be. Jeneva Rose does a great job of making you feel like you've figured it out and then throwing another wrench in your theory. Overall, I did guess the twist but the lead up to its revelation was still fun. I especially enjoyed that there weren't too many characters involved, making it easy to keep up with the story.

“Home Is Where the Bodies Are” by Jeneva Rose is a spine-tingling thriller that grips you from the very first page and doesn't let go. The story centers around a young woman returning to her hometown after a devastating personal loss, only to stumble upon a dark web of secrets that lurk beneath its familiar surface. The twist? A VHS tape featuring a dead body that sets off a chain reaction of chilling events that will keep you guessing until the last moment.

Rose expertly blends nostalgia and horror, using the VHS as a haunting metaphor for the past—both its allure and its dangers. As our protagonist digs deeper into the mystery, each frame of that grainy tape unveils more unsettling truths about her hometown and the people in it. This clever intertwining of past and present creates an eerie atmosphere that's as captivating as it is unsettling, immersing you in a world where nothing is as it seems.

The pacing of the novel is electrifying, with every chapter revealing a new layer of intrigue. The tension builds as the protagonist confronts not only the ghosts of her past but also the living who may not be what they appear. Rose's writing is sharp and evocative, perfectly capturing the dread that accompanies every discovery.

And let's not forget the audiobook version—it's a phenomenal way to experience this chilling tale! The narration adds an extra layer of intensity, amplifying the suspense with each twist and turn. The voice acting brings the characters to life in a way that makes the horrifying revelations feel even more visceral.

Overall, “Home Is Where the Bodies Are” is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat. With its compelling premise and spine-chilling plot, this book is a thrilling ride that lingers long after you've turned the last page. So grab your favorite reading nook, press play on the suspense, and prepare for a journey into a darkly captivating world where the past refuses to stay buried!

This was so unlike what I thought and I liked seeing the three siblings come together after a death in the family. The beginning reminded me of How to Sell a Haunted House. I enjoyed reading from the three perspectives and thought everyone was distinct and I liked the flashback chapters from the mom! I also enjoyed the setting and got through this pretty quick. It surprised me that Michael was the cause of all the problems and the dad was actually dead. Thought for sure it would be Lucas