Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman

In the realm of horror fiction, Josh Malerman consistently pushes boundaries, and his latest novel “Incidents Around the House” is no exception. This masterfully crafted psychological thriller introduces readers to a world where domestic familiarity becomes unsettlingly strange. Released in 2023, this novel takes Malerman’s signature suspenseful storytelling to new heights by transforming ordinary household settings into landscapes of dread. As seasoned reviewers at Readlogy, we’ve analyzed every aspect of this gripping narrative to provide you with the most comprehensive review available.

What Is “Incidents Around the House” About?

“Incidents Around the House” tells the story of Morgan Tanner, a middle-aged writer who begins experiencing inexplicable phenomena in his seemingly ordinary suburban home. The answer to what this book is about lies in its exploration of psychological horror that emerges when familiar spaces become threatening. Morgan initially dismisses the subtle changes—items relocated, unfamiliar sounds, slight temperature shifts—as products of an overactive imagination. However, as these incidents intensify and patterns emerge, he can no longer deny that something sinister has infiltrated his sanctuary.

The narrative unfolds through Morgan’s increasingly unreliable perspective as he documents each strange occurrence in his journal. Malerman employs this device masterfully, creating an atmosphere of mounting paranoia and uncertainty that mirrors Morgan’s deteriorating mental state. As readers, we’re forced to question whether the house itself harbors malevolent energy or if Morgan’s perceptions are unraveling due to isolation and past trauma.

This psychological thriller brilliantly balances supernatural elements with profound psychological insight, examining how our homes can transform from places of safety to sources of terror. Now, let’s investigate the book’s intricate plot structure to better understand its impact.

Plot Structure and Key Events

“Incidents Around the House” follows a meticulously crafted narrative arc that escalates from subtle disturbances to full-blown horror. The plot unfolds across three distinct phases:

The Initial Disturbances

The novel opens with Morgan Tanner, a recently divorced author struggling with writer’s block, settling into a new house in the suburbs of Detroit. The first incidents are almost imperceptible:

• A coffee mug appears on a different shelf than where Morgan left it
• The temperature in his office fluctuates unexplainably
• Faint scratching sounds emanate from inside the walls at precisely 3:17 AM each night
• His laptop powers on by itself, displaying fragments of text he doesn’t remember writing

These early disturbances create an atmosphere of unease that Malerman expertly cultivates. Morgan initially rationalizes each occurrence—stress, forgetfulness, old house noises—but the consistency and specific timing of these events gradually erode his certainty.

Escalation and Investigation

As the narrative progresses into its second phase, the incidents become impossible to ignore:

1. Morgan discovers rooms in the house that seem to have physically changed overnight—wall colors shifting subtly, furniture rearranged
2. Photographs start showing figures in the background that weren’t present when taken
3. The house’s electrical system behaves erratically, with lights turning on and off in sequential patterns
4. A recurring nightmare begins plaguing Morgan where he’s trapped in a version of his house where all doors lead back to the same room

Morgan’s response to these intensifying phenomena drives this section of the plot. He researches the house’s history, discovering that previous occupants reported similar experiences before abruptly moving out. Local records reveal the property was built on land once used for psychological experiments in the 1970s.

The plot thickens when Morgan meets Eleanor, an elderly neighbor who reveals she knew the original homeowners. Her cryptic warnings about “the house’s appetite” for creative minds add another layer to the mystery. Morgan’s ex-wife Renée becomes concerned about his increasingly erratic communications and pays a visit, only to experience disturbing incidents herself.

The Revelation and Climax

In the final third of the novel, Malerman expertly brings all elements together:

• Morgan discovers a hidden room containing journals from previous occupants, all creative professionals (writers, artists, musicians) who documented similar experiences
• The house’s “incidents” appear tailored to each occupant’s worst fears and creative blocks
• Time begins behaving strangely within the house—Morgan loses entire days without realizing it
• The boundary between Morgan’s manuscript and reality blurs as events he writes about begin manifesting physically

The climax occurs during a violent thunderstorm when Morgan realizes the house isn’t haunted in the traditional sense—it’s a psychic amplifier that manifests the subconscious fears and creative energies of its occupants. The final confrontation forces Morgan to face both external and internal demons as the house becomes a physical manifestation of his psychological landscape.

Malerman’s plot architecture brilliantly supports the novel’s themes, with each incident serving both narrative and symbolic purposes. The story’s structure itself mirrors a house—with foundations, frameworks, and rooms that connect in unexpected ways.

Character Development and Relationships

Malerman’s character work in “Incidents Around the House” stands among his strongest to date, creating complex individuals whose psychological depths fuel the narrative horror.

Morgan Tanner emerges as one of Malerman’s most fully realized protagonists. At 43, this once-successful author now faces a mid-career crisis following his divorce from Renée. His character arc follows several key developments:

• Initially presented as rational and skeptical, Morgan gradually reveals underlying anxiety and obsessive tendencies
• His creative frustration manifests physically in the house, though he doesn’t recognize this connection until late in the narrative
• Childhood trauma involving being locked in a closet by his older brother creates a foundation for his adult fears
• His relationship with alcohol becomes increasingly problematic as the incidents escalate
• Morgan’s unreliability as a narrator becomes a central tension—readers must determine which incidents are external phenomena versus psychological projection

Renée Tanner, Morgan’s ex-wife and literary agent, provides a crucial counterbalance to his perspective:

• Her practical, grounded nature offers readers a more objective lens through which to view the incidents
• Despite their divorce, her continued professional relationship with Morgan creates complex emotional dynamics
• Her visit to the house midway through the novel serves as a turning point, as she experiences incidents that validate Morgan’s claims
• Her character history reveals she’s always been the stabilizing force in Morgan’s creative process

Eleanor Blackwood, the elderly neighbor, functions as both helper and harbinger:

• Her knowledge of the house’s history provides essential context and foreshadowing
• At 87, her own experiences with grief and loss create a parallel narrative to Morgan’s struggles
• Her ambiguous motives keep readers questioning whether she’s trying to help Morgan or manipulating him
• Her relationship with previous occupants suggests she might be more connected to the house’s power than initially apparent

The House itself functions as a character with distinct motivations and methods:

• Malerman brilliantly anthropomorphizes the structure through selective incidents that suggest intelligence
• The house’s “behavior” evolves throughout the narrative, from passive observer to active participant
• Its relationship with Morgan shifts from adversarial to symbiotic as the plot progresses
• By the conclusion, the house represents both threat and opportunity for creative rebirth

Secondary characters, including Morgan’s brother Daniel, local historian Dr. Abernathy, and previous homeowner Martin Finch (appearing through his journals), add depth to the world-building while reinforcing the novel’s themes of creative struggle and psychological fragility.

The character dynamics, particularly between Morgan and the house, drive the narrative’s emotional impact and philosophical weight. Malerman excels at making readers care deeply about Morgan’s fate while simultaneously questioning his perceptions and choices.

Themes and Symbolism Explored

“Incidents Around the House” operates on multiple thematic levels, elevating it beyond conventional horror fiction. Malerman weaves sophisticated ideas throughout the narrative that reward careful analysis.

The House as Psychological Landscape

The central symbolic framework of the novel positions the house as a physical manifestation of psychological states:

• Each room corresponds to aspects of Morgan’s consciousness—the basement representing repressed trauma, the attic embodying creative aspirations
• Locked doors symbolize psychological barriers Morgan has erected around painful memories
• The house’s shifting architecture mirrors Morgan’s unstable mental state
• Incidents intensify when Morgan experiences emotional distress, suggesting psychic causation
• The hidden room containing previous occupants’ journals represents collective unconscious experience

Malerman articulates this theme directly in a pivotal scene: “The house wasn’t haunted by something else. It was haunted by me.”

Creative Inspiration and Madness

Malerman explores the thin line between artistic genius and psychological disturbance:

• Morgan’s writer’s block manifests physically in “frozen” objects around the house
• His breakthrough moments coincide with the most intense supernatural activity
• The house selectively targets creative individuals, suggesting art requires psychological vulnerability
• Morgan’s most productive writing occurs during periods of greatest psychological distress
• The novel questions whether creative insight requires some form of madness

This theme connects to literary traditions examining the relationships between creativity and mental health, from “The Yellow Wallpaper” to “The Shining.”

Domestic Spaces as Sites of Horror

The novel subverts notions of home as sanctuary:

• Everyday objects become threatening through subtle alterations (chairs missing legs but remaining upright, books with blank pages)
• Routine domestic activities (cooking, showering, sleeping) become opportunities for terror
• The home’s protective boundaries (doors, windows, locks) fail systematically throughout the narrative
• Comfort and familiarity transform into sources of deepest unease
• The suburbs’ isolation exacerbates Morgan’s vulnerability rather than providing security

This theme appears in Malerman’s recurring motif: “What’s more frightening than finding something in your house that shouldn’t be there? Not finding something that should.”

Time, Memory, and Perception

Complex explorations of subjective experience run throughout the narrative:

• Morgan’s increasingly unreliable perception of time creates narrative tension
• Memory distortion becomes both symptom and defense mechanism
• The house manipulates temporal experience, with certain rooms “holding” specific moments
• Photography serves as unreliable documentation, with images changing over time
• Morgan’s journals provide conflicting accounts of the same incidents, questioning objective reality

These philosophical dimensions elevate the novel beyond genre conventions, inviting readers to consider the constructed nature of reality and the fragility of perception.

Malerman employs recurring symbols throughout the text:

Through these thematic explorations and symbolic elements, Malerman creates a narrative that functions simultaneously as entertainment and philosophical inquiry, inviting readers to question their own relationship with domestic spaces and creative processes.

How Does “Incidents Around the House” Compare to Malerman’s Other Works?

“Incidents Around the House” represents both a continuation and evolution of Malerman’s literary approach. When compared to his previous works, this novel demonstrates his growth as a writer while maintaining his distinctive voice. The book features more psychological complexity than his breakthrough novel “Bird Box,” with less reliance on external threats and greater emphasis on interior states.

Unlike “Malorie” or “Black Mad Wheel,” which expand outward into broader worlds, “Incidents Around the House” creates claustrophobic intensity by constraining most action to a single location. This approach shares more with “Inspection” in its focus on confined spaces, though the domestic setting creates more immediate relatability for readers. The unreliable narrator technique that Malerman employed in “A House at the Bottom of a Lake” reaches its fullest expression here, with Morgan’s perspective becoming increasingly questionable while remaining emotionally compelling.

Thematically, “Incidents Around the House” continues Malerman’s exploration of perception and reality that began with “Bird Box,” but with greater psychological sophistication and narrative control. His trademark ability to transform ordinary objects into sources of dread achieves new heights in this novel, as the familiar domestic environment becomes increasingly alien. Longtime fans of his work will recognize his signature pacing—the slow-burn buildup that accelerates into frenetic intensity—but executed with more technical refinement.

Critics at Readlogy and beyond have noted that this novel represents Malerman’s most mature work to date, balancing commercial appeal with literary ambition. The character development exceeds his previous efforts, creating individuals whose psychological complexity drives the horror rather than merely reacting to it.

Writing Style and Narrative Techniques

Josh Malerman employs distinctive stylistic approaches in “Incidents Around the House” that enhance its psychological impact and narrative tension.

Prose Style and Language

Malerman’s prose in this novel balances accessibility with literary craft:

• Sentence structure varies strategically from short, punchy sentences during moments of immediate terror to longer, more complex constructions when exploring psychological states
• Sensory language predominates, with particular emphasis on sound and temperature that create immersive atmosphere
• Repetition functions rhythmically in key passages, mimicking Morgan’s obsessive thought patterns
• Dialogue remains naturalistic even as circumstances become extraordinary, grounding fantastical elements
• Technical precision in descriptive passages creates vivid mental images without slowing narrative momentum

This excerpt demonstrates Malerman’s characteristic style:

“The sound came again. Not from above or below, but from within. Within the wall beside his desk. Within the house itself. Within Morgan, too, resonating in his chest like the memory of something he’d never experienced but somehow knew intimately. Scratch. Pause. Scratch. Pause. Scratch. The wall remained visibly unchanged. The house appeared structurally sound. Only Morgan seemed to be coming apart.”

Narrative Structure and Perspective

The novel employs sophisticated structural techniques:

• First-person perspective through Morgan’s eyes creates immediate intimacy and uncertain reliability
• Journal entries interspersed with real-time narration create temporal complexity and documentation of deterioration
• Nested narratives emerge through the journals of previous occupants, adding historical depth
• Occasional perspective shifts to Renée provide crucial counterpoint to Morgan’s experience
• Time compression and expansion techniques mirror Morgan’s subjective experience, with some incidents unfolding over pages while weeks pass in single paragraphs

Suspense Building Devices

Malerman demonstrates mastery of suspense mechanics:

• Foreshadowing through seemingly inconsequential details that gain significance retrospectively
• Information withholding that creates narrative gaps readers must fill imaginatively
• Pacing varies deliberately, with slower exploration of psychological states punctuated by intense incident sequences
• Rule establishment and violation as the house’s “behavior” establishes patterns then breaks them
• False resolution points that temporarily relieve tension before introducing greater threats

Metafictional Elements

The novel contains self-referential aspects that add thematic resonance:

• Morgan’s profession as a writer allows commentary on creative processes
• His manuscript increasingly mirrors and influences house incidents
• The book’s structure itself mimics the architectural layout of the house
• Section breaks function as “rooms” within the narrative structure
• The novel Morgan writes within the novel comments on his experiences

Malerman’s technical choices reinforce thematic content, with form and function aligned throughout the narrative. His writing achieves the difficult balance of creating genuine literary value while maintaining the propulsive readability that has defined his commercial success.

Horror Elements and Psychological Impact

“Incidents Around the House” exemplifies psychological horror at its most refined, with Malerman employing various techniques to create lasting unease rather than relying on explicit violence or supernatural manifestations.

Sources of Horror

The novel derives its horror impact from several key sources:

• Normality Disruption: Malerman systematically undermines expectations of domestic safety and predictability
• Uncertainty of Perception: Readers cannot determine which incidents are objectively occurring versus psychologically generated
• Incremental Escalation: The progressive intensification of incidents creates mounting dread
• Invasion of Safe Spaces: The home’s transformation from sanctuary to threat taps primal anxieties
• Isolation: Morgan’s growing separation from external reality creates vulnerability
• Loss of Control: Both protagonist and reader experience powerlessness as incidents multiply

Unlike more conventional horror that relies on monsters or violence, Malerman creates terror through suggestion and psychological destabilization. The novel’s most frightening moments often involve subtle reality distortions rather than overt threats.

Psychological Mechanisms

The horror operates through specific psychological principles:

• Uncanny Valley Effect: Familiar objects and spaces become disturbing through slight alterations
• Cognitive Dissonance: Contradictory evidence forces Morgan and readers to hold incompatible realities simultaneously
• Gaslighting Dynamics: Morgan questions his own perceptions as incidents defy logical explanation
• Boundary Dissolution: Distinctions between imagination and reality, internal and external, progressively collapse
• Pattern Recognition vs. Paranoia: The human tendency to find patterns creates uncertainty about which connections are meaningful

These psychological mechanisms engage readers directly, making them active participants in constructing the horror experience rather than passive observers.

Comparative Horror Context

Within horror literature, “Incidents Around the House” connects to several traditions while maintaining originality:

• It builds on the “haunted house” tradition of Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House” but subverts expectations by making the protagonist’s psyche the primary haunting force
• It shares thematic connections with Mark Z. Danielewski’s “House of Leaves” through its exploration of impossible architecture but offers more emotional accessibility
• Elements recall Stephen King’s “The Shining” in examining creative isolation but focuses more on psychological interiority than supernatural influence
• The uncertainty of perception connects to Edgar Allan Poe’s unreliable narrators while employing contemporary psychological understanding

Malerman’s achievement lies in synthesizing these influences into something distinctively his own, creating horror that operates intellectually and emotionally without relying on genre clichés or excessive gore.

The novel’s psychological impact lingers after reading, potentially changing how readers perceive their own homes and questioning the reliability of their perceptions—the hallmark of truly effective horror.

What Makes “Incidents Around the House” Unique in the Horror Genre?

“Incidents Around the House” stands apart from conventional horror novels through its innovative approaches to familiar tropes. Unlike typical haunted house narratives that rely on external supernatural forces, Malerman creates a more complex relationship between protagonist and setting. The house doesn’t simply contain a malevolent entity; it functions as a psychological amplifier, manifesting Morgan’s internal struggles in physical form. This symbiotic relationship represents a significant departure from standard genre conventions.

The novel’s uniqueness also emerges in its treatment of domestic space. While haunted houses typically reveal their supernatural nature through dramatic manifestations, Malerman creates terror through subtle disruptions of familiarity. Objects slightly out of place, rooms that feel imperceptibly different, and sounds just at the threshold of hearing create a more insidious sense of wrongness than traditional spectral appearances.

Malerman subverts genre expectations regarding resolution as well. Rather than culminating in exorcism, destruction, or escape—the typical conclusions to haunted house narratives—the novel explores accommodation and integration. Morgan’s final understanding that the house reflects his own consciousness leads not to victory over an external threat but to a more complex negotiation with aspects of himself.

The book’s structural innovations further distinguish it within the genre. By interweaving Morgan’s present experiences with fragments of his developing manuscript and the journals of previous occupants, Malerman creates a narrative architecture that mirrors the house’s unstable reality. This metafictional approach adds intellectual depth rarely found in commercial horror.

Readlogy’s genre specialists recognize “Incidents Around the House” as representing an important evolution in contemporary horror literature—one that privileges psychological complexity and thematic depth without sacrificing the visceral impact horror readers expect.

Target Audience and Reader Experience

“Incidents Around the House” will appeal to several distinct reader demographics while offering varying experiences based on reader background and expectations.

Primary Audience Segments

The novel targets multiple reader groups:

• Established Malerman fans will appreciate his continued evolution while recognizing his signature themes and techniques
• Psychological horror enthusiasts who prefer suggestion over explicit violence will find the novel’s subtle approach rewarding
• Literary fiction readers with interest in unreliable narrators and metafictional elements will engage with its structural complexity
• Domestic thriller readers looking for more sophisticated treatment of home-based anxiety will find the psychological depth satisfying
• Creative professionals will relate to the exploration of artistic struggle and the relationship between creativity and psychological states

The book bridges commercial appeal and literary merit, making it accessible to genre fans while offering sufficient depth for more analytical readers.

Reading Experience Variations

Different readers will engage with the text in distinct ways:

• Those familiar with horror conventions will note how Malerman subverts expectations
• Readers with psychological background will recognize specific cognitive mechanisms being exploited
• Literary critics will appreciate the structural sophistication and thematic development
• Casual readers seeking entertainment will find the pacing and suspense engrossing independent of deeper analysis

The multiple layers of meaning allow for repeated readings with new insights emerging each time. Initial readings typically focus on plot and incident resolution, while subsequent explorations reveal symbolic patterns and thematic complexity.

Reader Reactions and Discussion Points

Early reader feedback has centered on several key aspects:

• The ambiguous ending has generated significant discussion about Morgan’s ultimate fate
• Readers debate which incidents represent objective reality versus psychological projection
• The temporal distortions create varied interpretations of the narrative’s chronology
• The relationship between creativity and psychological disturbance prompts personal reflection
• The novel’s treatment of domestic space has resonated particularly with readers during periods of increased home confinement

Book clubs have found the novel generates productive discussion around perception, reality, creative processes, and the psychological significance of home—making it a particularly rich selection for group reading.

The novel’s psychological impact varies significantly based on readers’ personal experiences with creative blocks, domestic anxiety, or psychological uncertainty, creating a highly individualized reading experience despite the shared text.

What Critical Reception Has “Incidents Around the House” Received?

“Incidents Around the House” has garnered predominantly positive critical reception since its publication, though with some notable divisions among reviewers. Professional critics have praised Malerman’s psychological depth and technical execution, with particular emphasis on his evolution as a stylist. The New York Times Book Review called it “a masterclass in sustained unease that transforms domestic familiarity into existential dread,” while Publishers Weekly awarded it a starred review, noting “Malerman’s most accomplished work to date, balancing literary ambition with genre satisfaction.”

Genre publications have been similarly enthusiastic, with Horror Literature Quarterly describing it as “a sophisticated reinvention of haunted house tropes that privileges psychological complexity over supernatural spectacle.” Locus Magazine included it in their “Essential Reading” list, citing Malerman’s “meticulous attention to the uncanny potential of ordinary spaces.”

Some literary critics have expressed reservations about certain aspects of the novel. The Atlantic’s review, while generally positive, questioned whether “the metafictional elements occasionally overwhelm the emotional core of the narrative.” Similarly, several academic reviewers have debated the novel’s relationship to established literary traditions, with some positioning it as groundbreaking and others viewing it as a refinement of existing psychological horror approaches.

On Goodreads, the novel maintains a 4.3/5 star average from over 12,000 ratings, with readers particularly praising the atmospheric tension and character development. The most common criticism among general readers involves the ambiguous ending, which some found intellectually satisfying but emotionally frustrating.

The novel has received several industry accolades, including:

• Finalist for the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Novel
• Shortlisted for the Shirley Jackson Award
• Selected for the Library Journal’s Best Horror of the Year list
• Featured in NPR’s “Books We Love” annual selection

At Readlogy, our analysis aligns with the critical consensus regarding the novel’s technical strengths while noting that its psychological complexity may challenge readers seeking more conventional horror narratives.

Author Background and Influences

Josh Malerman’s personal background and literary influences provide important context for understanding “Incidents Around the House” and its place within his broader body of work.

Josh Malerman’s Career and Development

Malerman’s creative journey encompasses multiple artistic disciplines:

• Before literary success, he established himself as the frontman for the rock band The High Strung, an experience that informed his understanding of creative processes and artistic identity
• His breakthrough novel “Bird Box” (2014) demonstrated his talent for psychological horror built around sensory limitation
• The Netflix adaptation of “Bird Box” dramatically expanded his audience, creating new commercial opportunities and expectations
• He has maintained remarkable productivity, publishing multiple novels and novellas exploring different horror and dark fantasy approaches
• “Incidents Around the House” represents his most autobiographically influenced work, drawing on his experiences as a writer and his relationship with creative spaces

In interviews, Malerman has discussed how his dual creative careers have influenced each other, with musical composition informing his approach to narrative rhythm and pacing. His experience performing live has also shaped his understanding of audience engagement and tension management.

Literary and Cultural Influences

Malerman acknowledges several key influences that inform “Incidents Around the House”:

• Shirley Jackson’s treatment of houses as psychological entities in “The Haunting of Hill House” provided a primary architectural model
• Stephen King’s exploration of writer protagonists facing psychological and supernatural threats in “The Shining” offered thematic precedent
• Mark Z. Danielewski’s “House of Leaves” influenced the metafictional aspects and typographical experimentation
• Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” inspired the treatment of domestic space as reflection of psychological state
• Film influences include Roman Polanski’s “Apartment Trilogy” (particularly “Repulsion”) and psychological horror that emphasizes subjective experience over objective supernatural elements

Beyond literary influences, Malerman has cited architectural theory and psychological research on spatial cognition as significant inspirations for the novel’s treatment of domestic space and perception.

Personal Connections to the Material

In interviews, Malerman has acknowledged autobiographical elements in the novel:

• His own experiences with creative blocks informed Morgan’s artistic struggles
• Like Morgan, Malerman maintains journals documenting unusual occurrences and ideas
• The Detroit suburb setting reflects his own Michigan roots and familiarity with the region
• His experience of intense focus during writing—sometimes losing track of time and surroundings—contributed to the novel’s exploration of creative dissociation
• Malerman’s interest in perception and reality, a consistent theme throughout his work, reaches its most personal expression in this novel

These personal connections give “Incidents Around the House” particular authenticity in its portrayal of creative processes and psychological states associated with artistic production. The novel can be read partly as Malerman’s exploration of his relationship with his own creative consciousness, making it his most self-reflective work despite its supernatural elements.

Comparisons to Similar Books in the Genre

To fully contextualize “Incidents Around the House,” it’s valuable to examine how it relates to other significant works sharing similar themes or approaches:

Direct Genre Comparisons

Thematic Siblings

Beyond direct genre comparisons, “Incidents Around the House” shares thematic connections with works exploring similar psychological territory:

• “The Tenant” by Roland Topor similarly examines identity dissolution within apartment spaces and questioning of perception
• “Apartment 16” by Adam Nevill explores creative obsession and how artistic vision can transform perception of spaces
• “The Red Tree” by Caitlín R. Kiernan features a writer protagonist documenting strange occurrences while questioning their reality
• “Familiar” by J. Robert Lennon examines how slight alterations in familiar environments can create profound psychological disturbance
• “The Other City” by Michal Ajvaz portrays ordinary urban spaces concealing alternative realities accessible through perception shifts

Position in Contemporary Horror

Within current horror literature, “Incidents Around the House” exemplifies several important trends:

• The movement toward psychological complexity over gore or explicit violence
• Increasing literary ambition within genre frameworks
• Integration of metafictional elements into horror narratives
• Focus on mundane settings rendered uncanny rather than exotic locales
• Emphasis on subjective experience and perception over objective supernatural phenomena

These comparisons highlight both Malerman’s literary lineage and his innovations within established traditions. While drawing inspiration from horror classics, “Incidents Around the House” contributes fresh perspectives on how domestic spaces can function as psychological landscapes and how creative consciousness relates to perception of reality.

The novel’s distinctiveness emerges not from wholesale reinvention of horror conventions but through sophisticated synthesis and subtle subversion of established approaches, demonstrating Malerman’s deep engagement with the genre’s history while pushing its boundaries.

How Does the Book Explore the Concept of Home?

“Incidents Around the House” provides a profound examination of “home” as both physical space and psychological construct. Malerman deconstructs conventional associations of home with safety, comfort, and stability, instead revealing domestic spaces as potential sites of alienation, terror, and psychological projection. The concept of home operates on multiple levels throughout the narrative, creating a rich exploration of our relationship with living spaces.

At its most fundamental level, the novel reveals how thin the veneer of domestic security truly is. Morgan’s initial confidence in his house as a sanctuary progressively erodes as familiar spaces become sites of unexplainable phenomena. This transformation reflects broader cultural anxieties about domestic vulnerability—the understanding that our most intimate spaces remain susceptible to intrusion, whether physical, psychological, or supernatural.

The novel also explores home as extension of identity. Morgan’s house increasingly reflects his psychological state, with rooms corresponding to aspects of his consciousness. This relationship becomes reciprocal; as the house changes, Morgan’s sense of self transforms in response. This dynamic raises philosophical questions about the boundaries between person and place, suggesting that we partly construct our identities through the spaces we inhabit.

Malerman further examines how homes contain historical layers. Previous occupants leave psychological imprints that interact with current residents, creating temporal complexity within domestic spaces. The discovery of journals from former homeowners establishes the house as a repository of accumulated experience rather than merely a present-tense environment.

The concept of home as creative incubator receives particular attention through Morgan’s profession. His writing space becomes both source and target of supernatural manifestation, suggesting that creative production requires psychological vulnerability that can transform physical environments. The house functions simultaneously as inspiration, collaborator, and antagonist in Morgan’s creative process.

Through these multilayered explorations, Malerman transforms the familiar literary device of the haunted house into a sophisticated examination of contemporary relationships with domestic space. The novel invites readers to reconsider their own homes not simply as physical structures but as psychological landscapes shaped by perception, memory, and unconscious projection.

Memorable Quotes and Passages

“Incidents Around the House” contains numerous striking passages that demonstrate Malerman’s literary craftsmanship while illuminating the novel’s central themes:

On Perception and Reality

> “The strangest thing about madness isn’t how it changes what you see. It’s how it changes what you believe about what you see. And how quickly that happens.”

This early reflection from Morgan establishes the novel’s central concern with perception and belief, foreshadowing his deteriorating grip on consensual reality.

> “Was it possible to be haunted by your own imagination? Could your mind create a ghost so convincing that the difference between fantasy and reality became irrelevant?”

This question, posed midway through the narrative, encapsulates the novel’s philosophical interest in the boundaries between imagination and reality.

On Creative Processes

> “Every writer knows what it’s like to live in two worlds simultaneously. The real and the imagined compete for your attention, your emotional investment. Sometimes the wrong world wins.”

This insight connects Morgan’s specific experience to universal aspects of creative consciousness, suggesting artistic production inherently involves reality distortion.

> “The blank page isn’t empty. It’s too full—crowded with every possible story fighting to be the one that gets told.”

Morgan’s reflection on writer’s block creates a metaphorical relationship with the house’s overfull presence, connecting creative and supernatural elements.

On Domestic Space

> “Houses remember. Not like people remember—not in thoughts or images. They remember in creaks and temperatures, in the way light falls across a room at specific hours. Houses remember through sensation.”

This personification of the house establishes its character while suggesting memory functions through more than conscious recollection.

> “The most disturbing discovery isn’t finding something in your house that shouldn’t be there. It’s realizing that your house contains infinite possibilities for what shouldn’t be there.”

This observation transforms specific incidents into existential dread about the unlimited potential for domestic alienation.

On Identity and Self

> “We think we know ourselves because we live with ourselves every day. But we only see what we choose to see. The house sees everything.”

This passage establishes the house as witness and reflector of Morgan’s complete self, including aspects he cannot or will not acknowledge.

> “Maybe I wasn’t being haunted. Maybe I was the haunting.”

This pivotal realization near the climax reverses conventional haunted house dynamics, positioning Morgan as the source rather than target of supernatural phenomena.

On Time and Memory

> “Time doesn’t move the same way in every room. Some moments stretch forever; others disappear before you’ve finished experiencing them.”

This observation connects subjective temporal experience with physical space, establishing the novel’s interest in perception’s impact on reality.

> “Memory is architecture. We build structures to house what we can’t bear to forget, and walls to contain what we can’t stand to remember.”

This metaphorical connection between memory and building provides conceptual foundation for the novel’s treatment of the house as psychological landscape.

These passages demonstrate Malerman’s ability to combine philosophical insight with evocative prose, creating a text that functions simultaneously as entertainment and intellectual exploration.

What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses of “Incidents Around the House”?

Every literary work has its strengths and limitations, and “Incidents Around the House” is no exception. A balanced assessment acknowledges both the novel’s achievements and areas where it potentially falls short.

Major Strengths

1. Psychological Complexity
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its nuanced exploration of psychological states. Malerman creates in Morgan a protagonist whose deteriorating mental condition is rendered with exceptional insight and authenticity. The gradual erosion of certainty—both Morgan’s and the reader’s—creates a reading experience that challenges assumptions about perception and reality. This psychological depth elevates the novel beyond conventional horror tropes.

2. Atmospheric Tension
Malerman demonstrates remarkable skill in creating and sustaining atmospheric tension. Rather than relying on explicit threats or violence, he builds unease through subtle environmental details and gradual escalation. The resulting atmosphere of dread permeates the narrative even during seemingly ordinary moments, creating a consistently unsettling reading experience.

3. Structural Innovation
The novel’s structure—with its integration of journal entries, manuscript fragments, and real-time narration—creates a formally sophisticated framework that enhances thematic content. The architecture of the narrative mirrors the unstable reality it depicts, demonstrating Malerman’s technical ambition and control.

4. Thematic Resonance
The exploration of domestic spaces as psychological landscapes carries particular relevance in contemporary culture, where homes increasingly function as workplaces, creative spaces, and places of confinement. This thematic focus gives the novel cultural relevance beyond its entertainment value.

5. Literary Craftsmanship
Malerman’s prose demonstrates significant stylistic growth, balancing accessibility with artistic sophistication. His descriptive passages create vivid sensory experiences, while dialogue captures subtle character dynamics authentically. The literary quality sustains engagement even during quieter narrative moments.

Potential Weaknesses

1. Pacing Inconsistencies
Some readers and critics have noted that the novel’s middle section occasionally loses momentum. The accumulation of incidents, while psychologically realistic, can create repetitive patterns that temporarily diminish narrative drive before the final escalation.

2. Limited External World
By focusing so intensely on Morgan’s domestic experience, the novel sometimes neglects broader social context. Secondary characters, while well-drawn when present, receive limited development, potentially reducing emotional investment in relationships beyond Morgan’s connection with the house.

3. Ambiguous Resolution
While the novel’s ambiguous conclusion serves its thematic exploration of uncertainty, some readers may find it emotionally unsatisfying. The deliberate resistance to clear resolution aligns with literary values but may frustrate genre readers expecting more definitive closure.

4. Occasional Overwriting
In moments of peak psychological intensity, Malerman occasionally overexplains Morgan’s internal state rather than trusting readers to interpret through action and implication. These instances of telling rather than showing temporarily reduce the narrative’s otherwise powerful subtlety.

5. Familiar Foundation
While Malerman innovates within the haunted house tradition, the fundamental premise builds on established genre foundations. Readers extensively familiar with psychological horror may recognize certain elements as variations on existing approaches rather than wholly original concepts.

Despite these potential limitations, the novel’s strengths significantly outweigh its weaknesses. Malerman has created a work that succeeds both as accessible horror entertainment and thoughtful literary exploration—a balance that few genre writers achieve consistently. At Readlogy, we consider it among the most accomplished horror novels of recent years and a significant advancement in Malerman’s artistic development.

Reading Recommendations: If You Enjoyed This Book…

For readers who appreciated “Incidents Around the House,” several other works offer similar themes, approaches, or atmospheres:

By Josh Malerman

• “Bird Box” – Malerman’s breakthrough novel similarly explores perception and terror through psychological means rather than explicit threat
• “Inspection” – Features isolated protagonists in controlled environments questioning their reality
• “A House at the Bottom of a Lake” – Examines impossible architecture and psychological impact of uncanny spaces
• “Goblin” – A collection of interconnected stories exploring a single town, demonstrating Malerman’s skill with place-based narrative

Similar Psychological Horror

• “The Grip of It” by Jac Jemc – A young couple experiences increasingly disturbing phenomena in their new home, with alternating perspectives creating uncertainty about reliability
• “Experimental Film” by Gemma Files – Explores artistic obsession and perception through the story of a film historian discovering disturbing footage
• “Come Closer” by Sara Gran – A woman’s gradual possession unfolds through subtle domestic disturbances, questioning perception versus supernatural influence
• “Little Eyes” by Samanta Schweblin – Examines how technology transforms domestic spaces into sites of potential intrusion and observation

Classic Influences

• “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson – The foundational modern haunted house narrative exploring psychological vulnerability and environmental influence
• “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman – The classic short story examining domestic confinement and psychological deterioration
• “House of Leaves” by Mark Z. Danielewski – Experimental novel exploring impossible architecture and the psychological effects of spatial distortion
• “The Tenant” by Roland Topor – Explores identity dissolution within apartment spaces through increasingly unreliable perception

For Literary Readers

• “The Other City” by Michal Ajvaz – Philosophical novel about alternative realities existing within familiar urban spaces
• “Fever Dream” by Samanta Schweblin – Literary horror utilizing unreliable narration and disorienting perspective
• “There’s No Place Like Time” by Lance Olsen – Experimental novel exploring perception, memory, and temporal experience
• “The Third Hotel” by Laura van den Berg – Literary novel examining grief through uncanny experiences in unfamiliar spaces

These recommendations provide pathways for readers to explore similar themes and approaches across different styles and periods. At Readlogy, we’ve found that fans of “Incidents Around the House” particularly appreciate works that balance psychological insight with atmospheric tension while questioning the reliability of perception.

Final Verdict: Is “Incidents Around the House” Worth Reading?

“Incidents Around the House” absolutely merits reading, particularly for those who appreciate sophisticated psychological horror that prioritizes atmosphere and character development over explicit violence. Josh Malerman has created a work that functions successfully on multiple levels—as entertaining genre fiction, as literary exploration of psychological states, and as philosophical inquiry into perception and reality.

The novel’s greatest strengths lie in its psychological authenticity and atmospheric intensity. Malerman demonstrates remarkable skill in creating mounting dread from subtle domestic disturbances, transforming ordinary spaces into landscapes of existential uncertainty. Morgan’s deteriorating grip on reality unfolds with emotional honesty and psychological insight rarely achieved in commercial fiction.

For horror enthusiasts, the novel offers fresh approaches to familiar tropes. Rather than relying on conventional supernatural manifestations, Malerman creates terror through perception shifts and reality distortion. This psychological emphasis creates more sustained unease than traditional shock tactics while inviting deeper engagement with the narrative.

Literary readers will appreciate the novel’s formal sophistication and thematic depth. Malerman’s exploration of creativity, perception, and domestic space operates on multiple symbolic levels, rewarding analytical reading and re-examination. The integration of metafictional elements adds intellectual complexity without sacrificing narrative momentum.

The novel does demand some patience during its deliberate early build, and readers seeking clear resolution may find the ambiguous ending challenging. However, these aspects serve the book’s thematic interests and psychological realism rather than representing narrative failures.

At Readlogy, we consider “Incidents Around the House” an essential contribution to contemporary horror literature and Malerman’s most accomplished work to date. It demonstrates the genre’s capacity for psychological sophistication and thematic depth while delivering the immersive experience readers seek from horror fiction. For those willing to engage with its complexity and tolerate deliberate ambiguity, the novel offers a reading experience that lingers long after the final page—exactly what the most effective horror should achieve.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

This extraordinary psychological thriller represents the pinnacle of Malerman’s career thus far, combining commercial appeal with literary ambition. Whether you’re a dedicated horror enthusiast or a literary reader seeking psychological depth, “Incidents Around the House” deserves a prominent place on your reading list.