House of Illusions Paperback – November 2, 2020

This was scary.Ever seen Oculus, for some reason this book reminded me of that book. I recommend.

The author talks to her readers, she somehow knows what they are least likely her readers to expect and expected. It is beautiful since the book catches what is a real horror story and it's under 400 pages only. Highly recommended, everyone should grab a copy of this book and let your friends join in with the scare.

Great Story! Very suspenseful!

HOUSE OF ILLUSIONS, by Ruby Jean Jensen is one of the "creepiest" novels I've read by her. I think a large part of that has to do with demonic clowns in a carnival...especially ones that most people can't see...but then, that could just be me.The characters were ones I actually cared about. Russel, a carnival worker who hasn't seen his daughters since he left when the youngest was a baby, suddenly finds himself watching them over the summer, since their mother has a new baby and husband (with a child of his own). Russel's character was one that really developed well, in my opinion, and everything to do with he and his daughters--getting to know him for the first time--was so well done and believable.Of course, the mystery surrounding the HOUSE OF ILLUSIONS starts out strong, and there are some really vivid descriptions and scenes that honestly gave me shivers a few times."Some things are better not remembered."The life of a carnival worker--told through both a child's viewpoint, and the adults--was equally believable. This story was one that I enjoyed thoroughly for about 9/10 of the duration.Then came the ending, or in my opinion, a very rushed "anti-ending". Yes, "some" things were concluded, but the larger mystery was never really addressed. I think there could have been an entire novel devoted to JUST the House of Illusions, and events that made it what it was. We were left with really no explanation, just an sudden ending that didn't even fit in with the characterization we had read through.Overall, a great horror novel, with plenty of gruesome scenes and mysteries hinted at. Unfortunately, the last two chapters seemed like someone else just tacked on a hurried end, and didn't tie up any of the loose threads. Still, recommended, as most of the novel was a great read.

It is one of my wife's favorite books