Darkhouse (Experiment in Terror, #1)

by Karina Halle

Jo Raylan (Narrator)

Perry Palomino is not what you would call 'ordinary'. For one thing, there's her past which she likes to pretend never happened, and then there's the fact that she sees ghosts. Luckily for her, that all comes in handy when she stumbles across Dex Foray, an eccentric producer for an upcoming web cast on ghost hunters. Even though the show's budget is non-existent and Dex himself is a maddening enigma, Perry is instantly drawn into a world that both threatens her life and seduces her with a sense of importance. Her uncle's haunted lighthouse provides the perfect catalyst and back drop for a horrific mystery that unravels the threads of Perry's fragile sanity and causes her to fall for a man, who, like the most dangerous of ghosts, may not be all that he seems.

• ISBN10: 1541452607
• ISBN13: 9781541452602
• Publish Date: 18 April 2017 (first published 10 March 2012)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 13 March 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Tantor Media, Inc
• Edition: Unabridged edition
• Format: Audiobook (MP3)
• Duration: 7 hours and 57 minutes
• Language: English

Reviews

[Berls]

I have owned most the books in this series for YEARS but because I'm chicken as all hell, kept not reading them. I don't tend to do Horror. But I also was told this was more of a paranormal horror, so I had hope that I wouldn't be scared shitless. Plus, it's Karina Halle, so I knew the writing would be good.

Well I wasn't scared 100% shitless. Maybe 90% lol. But it was a good, enjoyable scary for the most part.

I would say the description of this series as a paranormal horror is accurate, since we're basically dealing with ghosts (maybe demons?). I think I would rate it as a Supernatural scarier episode level of horror, so in my wheel house. I think the reason it worked is that it didn't have the blood and gore that a lot of horror has and is really hard for me to stomach.

I really enjoyed the main character, Perry. She is a little rough around the edges, lost some weight since high school but still carries that "fat girl" feeling and judgement about her appearance from family and strangers alike. I really get that, being in a very similar situation. She's made some bad choices - like drug use - but as the story progresses we see it has a lot to do with her supernatural "senses."

Their is a love interest - Dex - her older, unavailable, handsome accidental ghost/paranormal hunter/videographer partner. I think I like him, though I think we still have a lot to learn about him through the series. Which we should easily do, as I'm expecting each book in the series will involve Dex and Perry filming their adventures. I look forward to reading more.

I have mixed feelings about the narration on this. I think it probably helped reduce the tension/horror of the book for me, since I wasn't in my head with images for too long. Jo Raylan has a kind of "disinterested" quality to her voice, that's the best way I can describe it -- which on one hand creates some personality for Perry. But I think it also makes it easier for me to drift - something I haven't struggled with in a long time with audiobooks. It may have also been timing and my frame of mind. So we'll see how the next book goes. I didn't not enjoy it on audio, but I'm thinking it might not be the best audiobook for an easily distracted listener.

This book qualifies for COYER Fall Scavenger Hunt item #1 - First book in the Experiment in Terror Series.

[thebookdisciple]

I'm on the fence about this. I really liked Perry. She is odd and she owns it. She has tried to be a good sister, daughter, employee, but none of those things make her happy. But, this certainly isn't a romance. Like, at all. Dex, the 'hero' has a super hot girlfriend. And he calls Perry "kiddo". Perry has a crush on him, but that is it. I have read that it becomes more romantic, but right now, its not. And frankly, I don't even like Dex that much.

[kimbacaffeinate]

Caffeinated Aspects:

• I love the premise of seeing ghosts, nasty entities and paranormal ghost hunters. The concept and idea of where this series is headed certainly have me excited. Kale is a clever storyteller and weaves a tale that no matter how awkward pulls you in.



• Blogging! Perry's younger sister is a fashion blogger with a huge following. When she gets sick, Perry fills in and shares her Lighthouse experience. It was fantastic and I enjoyed seeing Perry put all of her skills to work.



• Perry is awkward and at that place in life between college and a successful career. She is still living at home, has no social life and hasn't left the chubby girl of her teens completely behind.



• Dex Foray is sexy, mysterious and a complete opportunist. His air of mystery drew me in even if I was unsure.



• Both characters have an interesting past and Kale slowly reveals things adding interest and depth.



• There are some downright creeptastic moments that will have you holding your breath as they send shivers down your spine. I loved the attention to detail and build up to each climatic scene. Kale did a fantastic job of creeping me out with her descriptions. Like the old lady. OMG.



• Jo Raylan did a good job of capturing Perry and listening was enjoyable.

Decaffeinated Aspects:

• X-file, Winchesters..nope. Just no. Maybe as the series progresses, but in DARKHOUSE I didn't feel the character connection of Mulder and Scully. The Winchesters they are not. So dismiss these notions going into the tale.



• I liked Perry and I didn't. I prefer confident women, and Perry was indecisive. I wanted more from her. She does have potential and I look forward to seeing growth.  Dex, on the other hand, unnerved me. What is his game? Is he a good guy or a snake charmer?



• Unlike the Winchesters, these amateur ghost hunters lacked the proper equipment one would expect when visited a haunted site. I didn't expect them to have all sorts of high tech gadgets as they aren't funded but adequate lighting, first aid kit, and a plan would have been nice. A little research would have been nice too.



• The pacing of the story wasn't consistent. In fact, its slow beginnings almost had me setting it aside.



• With more descriptions and a little development, the entity could have been terrifying.

Audio provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[littleread1]

Liked it, definitely want to continue the series ... but didn't love this one.

Edit 1/2/13 - Way better the second time around. A lot less confused and more heart wrenching when you know what's coming.

Edit 1/14/18 - finished the audio because it was selected as this month's book for the work book club. I agree with 2013 me. And the audio almost makes it like a new book. still hurts my heart a bit though. Dammit Derry, get your shit together sooner this time around, K?

[Amanda]

3.5