ash.reads.horror | The Graveyard Apartment: A Novel
The Graveyard Apartment: A Novel
Mariko Koike
One of the most popular writers working in Japan today, Mariko Koike is a recognized master of detective fiction and horror writing. Known in particular for her hybrid works that blend these styles with elements of romance, The Graveyard Apartment is arguably Koike’s masterpiece.
Originally published in Japan in 1986, Koike’s novel is the suspenseful tale of a young family that believes it has found the perfect home to grow into, only to realize that the apartment’s idyllic setting harbors the specter of evil and that longer they stay, the more trapped they become.
This tale of a young married couple who harbor a dark secret is packed with dread and terror, as they and their daughter move into a brand new apartment building built next to a graveyard. As strange and terrifying occurrences begin to pile up, people in the building start to move out one by one, until the young family is left alone with someone... or something... lurking in the basement.
The psychological horror builds moment after moment, scene after scene, culminating with a conclusion that will make you think twice before ever going into a basement again.
Posts about this title from ash.reads.horror
I LOVE Japanese Horror Books. Here are a few to kick start your journey.
- The Reformatory by Tananarrive Due - THIS BOOK. This book destroyed me. It tackles so much. Do not let the page count intimidate you. It flies by. Due breathes life into her characters. While not a haunted house per se, it's a haunted reformatory. The ghosts are not the villains here. The humans are.
- The September House by Carrissa Orlando - Imagine knowing you live in a haunted house but because it's your dream house you just accept the haunting. I had such a good time with this book. It's got humor and spooks.
- This House Isn't Haunted But We Are by Stephen Howard - This one is quick and packs a punch. It has an extremely unique premise. I can't say much without giving it away, but know it involves a "fresh start" and grief.
- The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell - This historical horror is downright terrifying! It's got some scenes that still haunt my brain. Think haunted life-like wooden figures with creepy smiles. Purcell is an excellent writer!
- The Graveyard Apartment by Mariko Koike - This translated book goes from zero to sixty. It follows a couple who moves into an apartment that is built next to a graveyard. The graveyard is not happy about that in the least... This apartment complex gets spooky!