The Grip of It

by Jac Jemc
The Grip of It cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Horror
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Paperback • £8.99
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  • ID: 7744
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781789091984
  • Publisher: Titan Books
  • Published: 2019-09-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Grip of It is a psychologically intense literary horror novel that explores the profound connection between home and identity. Julie and James, a young couple, move into a seemingly idyllic house between a lake and a forest, hoping to start anew. However, their new home has other plans, as the architecture begins to decay and strange phenomena manifest, leaving the couple to unravel the mysteries of their peculiar neighbors and the house's previous residents. Written in eerie, powerful prose, this novel delves into the questions of how we make our homes and how they, in turn, shape us. The story is a haunting exploration of the bodies and relationships we cherish, as Julie and James become increasingly entangled in the history and secrets of their new dwelling.

Reviews
The Nottingham Horror Collective · 2023-01-11
intriguing 4.25

The novel uses poetic ambiguity and unreliable narrators to avoid clichés of a typical haunted house story. The reviewer appreciates the unique approach to the horror genre.

This reviewer found the book to be a refreshing take on the haunted house genre, using poetic ambiguity and unreliable narrators to avoid clichés. The reviewer appreciates the unique approach to the horror genre, which makes the story feel fresh and original. The atmosphere is described as creepy and intense, with a well-crafted narrative that keeps the reader engaged. The reviewer also notes that the book deals with deeper themes of home and identity, adding a layer of complexity to the story.

Quick quotes

    With poetic ambiguity mixed with our two very unreliable narrators, Jemc manages to avoid what we'd expect from an obvious haunted house flick.

    The novel feels like a haunted house story without relying on typical tropes.

    A unique approach to the horror genre.

Reddit - HorrorLit · 2017-10-24
engrossing 4.50

The book has a strong sense of place and atmosphere, making it a satisfying read. The reviewer was so engrossed that they missed their stop on public transport.

This reviewer loved the strong sense of place and atmosphere in the book, which made it a very satisfying read. They were so engrossed in the story that they missed their stop on public transport, which speaks volumes about the book's ability to captivate its readers. The reviewer found the book to be short but impactful, with a well-crafted narrative that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    Really strong sense of place and atmosphere which I loved.

    Short and satisfying read for me.

    I also missed my stop reading, which is the highest compliment I can give a book.

Crime by the Book · 2017-08-27
engrossing 4.00

The novel blends horror tropes with domestic suspense, offering a smart and subtle examination of the secrets and tensions that can haunt a marriage. The atmosphere is palpable, making it a chilling read.

This reviewer found the book to be a clever mix of horror and domestic suspense, with a strong focus on the psychological aspects of the characters. The atmosphere is so well-crafted that it feels like a haunted house story without relying on typical tropes. The reviewer appreciates the subtle examination of the tensions and secrets within a marriage, making it a chilling and thought-provoking read. The prose is described as smart and subtle, adding to the overall impact of the story.

Quick quotes

    A smart and subtle examination of the secrets and tensions that can haunt an otherwise happy marriage.

    The atmosphere is palpable, making it a chilling read.

    A literary blend of horror tropes with domestic suspense.

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