The September House – Haunting Book & Audiobook Review of Carissa Orlando’s Darkly Funny Debut

1. About the Author – Carissa Orlando

Carissa Orlando is an American author making waves in contemporary horror fiction. The September House is her debut novel, released in 2023, and it quickly drew attention from both readers and critics for its clever blend of horror and dark humor. Before publishing this book, Orlando spent years crafting short stories and exploring themes of human psychology—particularly fear, obsession, and the hidden darkness within families. Her writing style is known for being both intense and thoughtful, creating not just scares but fully fleshed-out characters with deep psychological complexity.

2. About the Narrator – Kimberly Farr

Kimberly Farr is a veteran audiobook narrator who has voiced dozens of well-known works and won numerous accolades, including the Earphones Award from AudioFile. In The September House, Farr delivers an outstanding performance, showcasing a wide vocal range that perfectly conveys the unsettling calm of protagonist Margaret alongside moments of sheer terror. Her narration is both captivating and chilling, elevating the audiobook experience to another level.

3. About the Book – The September House

The September House tells the story of Margaret, a woman who owns her dream Victorian home. But every September, the house transforms into a nightmare: walls bleed, screams echo through the halls, and restless spirits roam freely. Margaret’s husband, Hal, can’t handle the haunting and disappears. When her daughter Katherine comes to visit, Margaret must hide the horrifying truth. The novel combines classic haunted house elements with social commentary, exploring domestic abuse and denial in the face of reality.

• Genre: Horror, dark comedy, psychological fiction.

• Average Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5 from over 16,000 reviews.

• Awards: Earphones Award (Audiobook).

4. Review of The September House (Book)

Review: The plot unfolds intelligently, building tension from eerie hints to full-blown horror. Carissa Orlando’s storytelling is sharp, blending haunting imagery with moments of dry humor. Margaret stands out as an unforgettable character—a woman unfazed by ghosts but terrified of facing the truth about her marriage. The author’s ability to shift seamlessly between dark comedy and chilling suspense creates a reading experience that lingers long after the final page.

Strengths: Unique premise, layered characters, skillful mix of humor and horror.

Weaknesses: Some mid-story pacing slows down, which may test the patience of certain readers.

Notable Reviews:

• “A haunted house story that feels refreshingly new—both funny and heartbreaking.” – Smart Bitches Trashy Books.

• “Margaret is one of the most memorable characters in modern horror fiction.” – BiblioSanctum.

  Personal Take: If you’re looking for a book that will both chill and amuse you, all while delivering a powerful message about family and inner strength, The September House is a must-read.

5. Review of The September House (Audiobook)

Review: Kimberly Farr masterfully captures the eerie atmosphere and mounting tension of the story. Her voice work skillfully shifts between calm, almost matter-of-fact delivery and heart-pounding intensity, pulling listeners deep into the narrative.

Strengths: Dynamic vocal range, authentic emotional delivery, consistent pacing.

Weaknesses: Some Audible listeners noted noticeable volume differences between character dialogues, which could disrupt immersion.

Notable Reviews:

• “An outstanding one-woman show performance.” – AudioFile Magazine.

• “Kimberly Farr turns this story into a haunting journey you can’t stop listening to.” – Fictionophile.

  Personal Take: For horror audiobook fans, Farr’s performance adds an extra layer of immersion, making The September House both a gripping and unsettling listen.

6. Who Should Read This Book

• Horror fiction enthusiasts: Especially those seeking a fresh twist on haunted house tales.

• Readers interested in psychology and social issues: The novel addresses domestic abuse and the refusal to confront harsh truths.

• Audiobook lovers: Kimberly Farr’s narration will enhance the story’s emotional and atmospheric impact.

7. Conclusion

The September House by Carissa Orlando is a compelling mix of horror, dark humor, and psychological depth. With its sharp writing, unforgettable characters, and an exceptional audiobook performance by Kimberly Farr, this is a story that deserves a place on any horror lover’s reading—or listening—list. If you want a tale that makes your heart race and still manages to make you smirk, this is the perfect pick.

8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook

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You can listen on the following platforms:

• Audiobooks.com – Stream or download, with a free first book for new members.

• Audible – Free trial available with offline listening support.

We recommend signing up for a membership to enjoy seamless access to this and many other high-quality audiobooks anytime, anywhere.