1. About the Author: Josh Malerman – The Architect of Psychological Terror
Josh Malerman is an acclaimed American novelist, musician, and performer, best known for Bird Box, a global phenomenon adapted into a hit Netflix film. His writing thrives on psychological horror, blending elements of the supernatural, surreal, and deeply human fears into narratives that feel unshakably real.
Malerman’s signature style is his ability to tell unsettling stories through unconventional points of view – children, the mentally unstable, or emotionally fractured characters. In Incidents Around the House, he returns to form by tapping into primal fear through the innocent yet chilling lens of a child – crafting one of his most haunting novels to date.
2. About the Narrator: Delanie Nicole Gill – A Voice That Casts a Spell
Delanie Nicole Gill is an emerging voice in the audiobook world, praised for her versatility, emotional nuance, and character distinction. She brings narratives to life with a layered delivery that elevates the storytelling experience far beyond the page.
In Incidents Around the House, Delanie becomes eight-year-old Bela – embodying her innocence, vulnerability, and growing dread with haunting precision. Her narration doesn’t just tell the story; it pulls you into it, making the horror feel alarmingly real. Critics and listeners alike credit her performance as a major factor behind the audiobook’s critical acclaim.
3. Book Summary: Incidents Around the House – When “Other Mommy” Wants In
Incidents Around the House is a psychological horror novel published in June 2024. Told through the eyes of Bela, an eight-year-old girl, the story begins when she notices something—or someone—lurking in her house. That something is “Other Mommy,” a mysterious, unsettling figure who keeps asking, “Can I go inside your heart?”
The book explores fear through the eyes of a child, where the boundaries between imagination and reality blur. Josh Malerman’s deliberate pacing and claustrophobic narrative build tension slowly, creating a dread that creeps in like shadows at dusk.
With an average rating of 4.3/5 on Goodreads and 4.6/5 on Audible, the book has been widely praised and was nominated for both the Bram Stoker Award and the Locus Award for Best Horror Novel of 2024.
4. Book Review: Where the Familiar Becomes Terrifying
Overall Review: Incidents Around the House excels by transforming everyday domestic life into a setting for psychological terror. What makes this book especially chilling isn’t jump scares, but its slow-burn atmosphere and the creeping sense that something is deeply wrong.
The plot unfolds through Bela’s childlike understanding of the world, which adds both emotional weight and eerie ambiguity. Her character is masterfully drawn – endearing yet unreliable, raising the question: Is “Other Mommy” real, or a projection of something darker?
Writing Style: Malerman’s prose is sparse yet powerful, crafting a sense of unease from the first page. His talent lies in knowing when to whisper instead of shout, and that restraint makes the horror hit harder.
“Frightening from start to finish.” – Bookreporter
“A disturbing masterpiece told from the eyes of innocence.” – Cemetery Dance
Personal Reflection: What struck me most was how Malerman slowly pulls readers into a dreamlike state of dread. The story doesn’t grab you—it possesses you. There’s no flashy gore here; instead, it’s the eerie stillness and whispered threats that stay with you. If you’re looking for horror that lingers in the mind, this is it.
5. Audiobook Review: A Voice That Turns Shadows Into Nightmares
The Incidents Around the House audiobook, narrated by Delanie Nicole Gill, spans roughly 8 hours and 23 minutes. It’s frequently mentioned as one of the best horror audiobook productions of 2024.
Delanie’s performance is remarkable—capturing Bela’s innocence, confusion, and terror with effortless depth. The way she transitions between Bela and “Other Mommy” sends chills down the spine. Her delivery makes listeners question what’s real and what’s imagined, turning the audiobook into a full-bodied psychological experience.
“Beyond superb narration – I had chills the whole time.” – Jessica’s Reading Room
“Delanie’s performance elevates the horror to a new level.” – Meg’s Book Rack
Personal Reflection: This is one of the few audiobooks that truly unnerved me. Delanie’s narration isn’t just a voiceover—it’s an emotional possession. Listening in the dark with headphones felt like inviting Other Mommy into my heart. A deeply immersive and unforgettable listening experience.
6. Who Should Read (or Listen to) This Book?
Incidents Around the House is perfect for:
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Fans of psychological horror: If you enjoyed The Haunting of Hill House or Bird Box, this story will grip you with a similar eerie tension.
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Audiobook enthusiasts: Delanie Nicole Gill’s performance makes this a must-hear for any lover of immersive storytelling.
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Readers intrigued by child narrators: The unique perspective offers rich psychological layers for those who love analyzing narrative voice and subtext.
7. Conclusion: A Haunting Masterpiece in Words and Voice
Josh Malerman’s Incidents Around the House is a triumph of psychological horror. It’s a chilling exploration of childhood vulnerability, parental boundaries, and the thin veil between love and possession. Combined with Delanie Nicole Gill’s pitch-perfect narration, the audiobook transforms into an experience that’s equal parts haunting and heartbreaking.
If you’re seeking a horror story that lingers long after it ends, this is one you’ll want to add to your collection.
8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook
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