There is something in Dogwood House… and it wants your hair.

😍 Roddie was such a sweet and wonderful character. He has been through much with the loss of his mother, the wait for his aunt (will she come or not). And yet he embraces his new life so easily and I was delighted. I have read plenty of stories about children losing family or losing their home and having a hard time accepting a new house or living with a new family. Sure, we see that Roddie at times feels guilty, which I could understand, but I love that he was giving his aunt and her husband a fair chance. He was open to them, talked to them, listened to them, gave them hugs, it was just so sweet to see him open up them. I especially loved how close he got to his aunt’s husband Erik, plus seeing how Erik did all he could to give Roddie room but also be there for him and include him in things. I also loved that despite being terrified for whatever is lurking in the house he is eager to help his new family. I loved seeing Roddie discover more about the house, about what is lurking in there, and figure things out.
😍 The house was a delight. Right from the bat I was hesitant to enter it. On the one hand I could see that it once was a gorgeous place… but then we read about the windows looking like black eyes, the smell, the strange creaks, the strange cracks. And that is just the beginning. Because under the wallpaper there is hair, little tufts in various colours and forms. There are whispers. Lights flicker. I just loved how well the author described the house and all the spooky things that went on in there, it was so vivid and I could easily envision it all. I definitely got goosebumps as I read on (and curled up just a bit more in my bed, haha).
😍 I loved those flashbacks + stories that the house tells Roddie at night. Seeing the house change, but also see Roddie meet his mother and Aunt when they were younger. Learn more about what happened. What is lurking in the dark. Why Roddie’s mom left. Why his Aunt has so little memories? And more. The mystery was so well written, each time you think this is the mystery but then the next bit of mystery enters the building and just make it even more grand, and I was just eagerly gobbling up each new puzzle piece, each new hint. Putting them together myself. Thinking alongside with Roddie on what to do.
😍 I loved reading about Black culture, about hair, about Hoodoo, and more. It was so interesting to read. To see how much care goes into Roddie’s hair. How much hair matters. About various traditions. I loved the moments he had with first his mom and then later with his aunt when doing his hair. It was all so warm and fluffy.
😍 The monster that lurks in the dark? Oh man, that thing was terrifying. Imagine that lurking around in your home? NOPE. Nope.
😍 I was so cheering when Roddie went to confront the monster. See him (and us the reader) figure out the last bits of the mystery. See him figure out how to make things OK again, I was just rooting for him and while I am sure he didn’t hear me, I was telling him to pick x or y up, or do x or y. The author really wrote this part so well, it was harrowing, so exciting, I couldn’t stop reading!
😍 The ending? Loved it! Loved every moment of it. I won’t spoil it, because you know that is just not cool. But I can tell you that it was just perfectly written and made me smile so much.
😍 The Cover! I always have to mention the cover when it is something so outstanding. I just love seeing that thing in the doorway, Roddie looking back as if looking at the reader. Perfect!

All in all, this was a perfect read and I had fun! A nice mix of spooky horror with sadness and lots of warmth and happiness. I would recommend it to all~