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Suburban Hell
A Chicago cul-de-sac is about to get a new neighbor...of the demonic kind.
Amy Foster considers herself lucky. After she left the city and moved to the suburbs, she found her place quickly with neighbors Liz, Jess, and Melissa, snarking together from the outskirts of the PTA crowd. One night during their monthly wine get-together, the crew concoct a plan for a clubhouse She Shed in Liz’s backyard—a space for just them, no spouses or kids allowed.
But the night after they christen the She Shed, things start to feel . . . off. They didn’t expect Liz’s little home-improvement project to release a demonic force that turns their quiet enclave into something out of a nightmare. And that’s before the homeowners’ association gets wind of it.
Even the calmest moms can’t justify the strange burn marks, self-moving dolls, and horrible smells surrounding their possessed friend, Liz. Together, Amy, Jess, and Melissa must fight the evil spirit to save Liz and the neighborhood . . . before the suburbs go completely to hell.
Amy Foster considers herself lucky. After she left the city and moved to the suburbs, she found her place quickly with neighbors Liz, Jess, and Melissa, snarking together from the outskirts of the PTA crowd. One night during their monthly wine get-together, the crew concoct a plan for a clubhouse She Shed in Liz’s backyard—a space for just them, no spouses or kids allowed.
But the night after they christen the She Shed, things start to feel . . . off. They didn’t expect Liz’s little home-improvement project to release a demonic force that turns their quiet enclave into something out of a nightmare. And that’s before the homeowners’ association gets wind of it.
Even the calmest moms can’t justify the strange burn marks, self-moving dolls, and horrible smells surrounding their possessed friend, Liz. Together, Amy, Jess, and Melissa must fight the evil spirit to save Liz and the neighborhood . . . before the suburbs go completely to hell.
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2022
About the author
Maureen Kilmer
3 books155 followersMaureen Kilmer graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and three children. She does not have a She Shed, and thankfully has not had to battle the forces of darkness (unless going to Costco on a Saturday counts).
She is the author of the upcoming HEX EDUCATION (9/19/23) and SUBURBAN HELL, released in 2022.
Under Maureen Leurck, she wrote CICADA SUMMER and MONARCH MANOR, both set in the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin area.
She is the author of the upcoming HEX EDUCATION (9/19/23) and SUBURBAN HELL, released in 2022.
Under Maureen Leurck, she wrote CICADA SUMMER and MONARCH MANOR, both set in the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,365 reviews
February 22, 2022
Being a mom in the suburbs has got to be tough. You’ve got temperamental children, minivans, the PTA…and now a demon on the loose?!
Amy and her best friends, Liz, Jess, and Melissa, all live in a Chicago suburb, in a mostly quiet and neighborly subdivision where everyone knows everyone and all of their kids play together. It’s always been safe, and the four women love their little neighborhood.
Getting together monthly for a movie (ahem, wine) night provides some relief from their duties as mothers, wives, etc. However, they’d still love a place to go where there are no interruptions from complaining children or husbands. So they decide to build a She Shed in Liz’s backyard.
The night before the construction begins on the She Shed, the four friends christen the area with a drink…and quickly feel a change in the air that they all brush off…that is, until it quickly becomes evident over the next few days that they have unwittingly unleashed a demon to wreak havoc on their once idyllic community.
Now, Amy and her friends are dealing with Liz being possessed by an evil force, a foul smell overpowering the neighborhood, terrible burn marks, and a roomba from hell…and that’s just the beginning. Can they fight back against the demon and save their neighborhood and Liz?
Living in the suburbs can be hell…literally!
This is such a fun book, and proved to be exactly what I needed after an extremely stressful week. I had a good feeling about this one, and I’m glad my intuition was spot on. Debut “horror” author Maureen Kilmer writes an amusing and occasionally LOL-inducing story that has witty dialogue, an original premise, fantabulous characters, and a whole lotta heart!
I loved Amy and her friends, and appreciated how level-headed they were while all of these demonic shenanigans were going on around them. This is described as a “lite-horror-comedy”, and I find that very fitting. It’s never really scary, but there are some ghoulish and creepy moments (I even got goosebumps at one point). Most of the darker scenes still contain a laugh or two.
I enjoy when there are supernatural elements in my reading from time to time, but have never been a fan of demons or bodily possession in my books or movies. However, this was an exception, as I truly enjoyed the story and couldn’t put it down. I also found parts surprisingly touching, as it becomes evident that the ties of friendship are very important to this group…and sometimes that means more than anyone can even imagine.
4.5 stars
Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected to be unleashed on: 9/27/22.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
Amy and her best friends, Liz, Jess, and Melissa, all live in a Chicago suburb, in a mostly quiet and neighborly subdivision where everyone knows everyone and all of their kids play together. It’s always been safe, and the four women love their little neighborhood.
Getting together monthly for a movie (ahem, wine) night provides some relief from their duties as mothers, wives, etc. However, they’d still love a place to go where there are no interruptions from complaining children or husbands. So they decide to build a She Shed in Liz’s backyard.
The night before the construction begins on the She Shed, the four friends christen the area with a drink…and quickly feel a change in the air that they all brush off…that is, until it quickly becomes evident over the next few days that they have unwittingly unleashed a demon to wreak havoc on their once idyllic community.
Now, Amy and her friends are dealing with Liz being possessed by an evil force, a foul smell overpowering the neighborhood, terrible burn marks, and a roomba from hell…and that’s just the beginning. Can they fight back against the demon and save their neighborhood and Liz?
Living in the suburbs can be hell…literally!
This is such a fun book, and proved to be exactly what I needed after an extremely stressful week. I had a good feeling about this one, and I’m glad my intuition was spot on. Debut “horror” author Maureen Kilmer writes an amusing and occasionally LOL-inducing story that has witty dialogue, an original premise, fantabulous characters, and a whole lotta heart!
I loved Amy and her friends, and appreciated how level-headed they were while all of these demonic shenanigans were going on around them. This is described as a “lite-horror-comedy”, and I find that very fitting. It’s never really scary, but there are some ghoulish and creepy moments (I even got goosebumps at one point). Most of the darker scenes still contain a laugh or two.
I enjoy when there are supernatural elements in my reading from time to time, but have never been a fan of demons or bodily possession in my books or movies. However, this was an exception, as I truly enjoyed the story and couldn’t put it down. I also found parts surprisingly touching, as it becomes evident that the ties of friendship are very important to this group…and sometimes that means more than anyone can even imagine.
4.5 stars
Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected to be unleashed on: 9/27/22.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
August 28, 2022
This was so much fun and also extra creepy, disturbing read reminds you of Desperate Housewives waltzes with Conjuring which earned my 3.5 stars to round up to bizarre, surprising, haunted suburban stars!
Amy-Liz-Melissa and Jess are close friends a.k. a suburban wives who love mocking PTA moms, waiting for the special day of the month to gather for drinking gasoline wine out of box, watching a movie, having fun without getting disturbed by husbands and kids.
Then they come out with She-Shed plan to build at Liz’s backyard and christening their special plan they raise their glasses to salute! They just think it will be a place to have their ladies' nights in peace- away from the children
waking up at midnight, away from the husbands giving a cursory wave before
heading upstairs to watch sports in the dark, away from the dirty dishes piled in
the sink.
Eventually all they wanted was a place to call their own. To have something that
belonged to them. But what they got was their lives and homes ripped into bloody shreds.
It was the She Shed that started it all, a blissfully ignorant idea that transformed
their cheery suburban enclave into something demonic.
The suburbs were hell ... literally.
Now a disgusting small keeps spreading in the air coming out of Liz’s backyard as Liz’s possessed by demon. The burn marks and a roomba from hell are another signs that the entire village is conquered by evil spirits and this is the only beginning. Amy should team up with her friends to save her neighborhood and her loved ones!
Overall: gripping, interesting, moving read with great conclusion. Get your popcorn and wine bottles ( not boxed ones) and enjoy your reading! Cheers!
Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Amy-Liz-Melissa and Jess are close friends a.k. a suburban wives who love mocking PTA moms, waiting for the special day of the month to gather for drinking gasoline wine out of box, watching a movie, having fun without getting disturbed by husbands and kids.
Then they come out with She-Shed plan to build at Liz’s backyard and christening their special plan they raise their glasses to salute! They just think it will be a place to have their ladies' nights in peace- away from the children
waking up at midnight, away from the husbands giving a cursory wave before
heading upstairs to watch sports in the dark, away from the dirty dishes piled in
the sink.
Eventually all they wanted was a place to call their own. To have something that
belonged to them. But what they got was their lives and homes ripped into bloody shreds.
It was the She Shed that started it all, a blissfully ignorant idea that transformed
their cheery suburban enclave into something demonic.
The suburbs were hell ... literally.
Now a disgusting small keeps spreading in the air coming out of Liz’s backyard as Liz’s possessed by demon. The burn marks and a roomba from hell are another signs that the entire village is conquered by evil spirits and this is the only beginning. Amy should team up with her friends to save her neighborhood and her loved ones!
Overall: gripping, interesting, moving read with great conclusion. Get your popcorn and wine bottles ( not boxed ones) and enjoy your reading! Cheers!
Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
August 18, 2022
Maureen Kilmer’s debut horror novel was a winner for me. While I don’t read many horror novels, this one is lite horror with plenty of suspense, some humor, and relatable main characters. When Amy Foster and her family left Chicago for the suburb of Winchester, Illinois, she soon found friends in neighbors Liz, Jess, and Melissa. None of them fit in with the “in” crowd of school moms, but they bonded. During a monthly get-together, the four planned a clubhouse for Liz’s backyard. It would be a space just for them. No spouses or children allowed. However, the home-improvement project doesn’t go well, and a demonic force is released. Burn marks, dying grass, self-moving objects, and horrible smells are only the beginning. Fighting the evil spirit becomes a necessity. But who is stronger?
The story is told from Amy’s point of view. The main characters are well-rounded with traits that develop and change as the story progresses. The author was able to show how each brought something unique to their relationship. They felt like typical suburban moms with typical problems including arranging play dates for the kids, planning community and school events, dealing with neighborhood politics, trying to find some time for themselves, and balancing work, housework, looking for a job, dealing with the homeowner’s association, cleaning house, etc. However, when one of them is in trouble, who will be there for them?
Initially, the story is interesting but a little slow-paced. However, this changes as readers approach the fourth chapter. By then, we’re familiar with the four main families, and have a good sense of the relationships between them and with others in the neighborhood. I felt the emphasis on how a group’s dynamics changes when one person is missing or changes personality was especially understandable. It mixes the mundane with the important and throws in the supernatural to create suspense, danger, and drama. Themes include friendship, isolation, good versus evil, work/life balance, community support, and much more.
Overall, this was a well-plotted, moving, and clever story that built momentum, moved well, created a few startling moments, and built suspense as it moved to its dynamic conclusion and an epilogue that makes one think there will possibly be a second book. I recommend the novel to those that enjoy lite horror, realistic and relatable characters, some suspense, and a side order of snarkiness. It was an amusing and fun read and I can’t wait to see what the author pens next.
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam – G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Maureen Kilmer provided complimentary a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley as well as a paperback copy. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for August 30, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
The story is told from Amy’s point of view. The main characters are well-rounded with traits that develop and change as the story progresses. The author was able to show how each brought something unique to their relationship. They felt like typical suburban moms with typical problems including arranging play dates for the kids, planning community and school events, dealing with neighborhood politics, trying to find some time for themselves, and balancing work, housework, looking for a job, dealing with the homeowner’s association, cleaning house, etc. However, when one of them is in trouble, who will be there for them?
Initially, the story is interesting but a little slow-paced. However, this changes as readers approach the fourth chapter. By then, we’re familiar with the four main families, and have a good sense of the relationships between them and with others in the neighborhood. I felt the emphasis on how a group’s dynamics changes when one person is missing or changes personality was especially understandable. It mixes the mundane with the important and throws in the supernatural to create suspense, danger, and drama. Themes include friendship, isolation, good versus evil, work/life balance, community support, and much more.
Overall, this was a well-plotted, moving, and clever story that built momentum, moved well, created a few startling moments, and built suspense as it moved to its dynamic conclusion and an epilogue that makes one think there will possibly be a second book. I recommend the novel to those that enjoy lite horror, realistic and relatable characters, some suspense, and a side order of snarkiness. It was an amusing and fun read and I can’t wait to see what the author pens next.
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam – G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Maureen Kilmer provided complimentary a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley as well as a paperback copy. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for August 30, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
September 19, 2022
Suburban Hell by Maureen Kilmer is a unique blend of Chick-Lit and Horror, with a little humor thrown in. Amy, Liz, Jess, and Melissa are neighbors in a quiet Chicago suburb. These dear friends get together regularly for a girls’ night which involves watching movies and drinking wine. They watch each other’s children, enjoy neighborhood activities with their families, and try to avoid the PTA cliques. Each woman brings a unique perspective to the group.
Liz decides to build a She Shed in her backyard, and all hell breaks loose when a demon escapes from the newly excavated hole. Liz starts acting strangely and then terrible things start to happen including a Roomba gone rogue, dead bunnies, dying grass, and personal injuries. Amy, who has personal struggles of her own, is determined to free Liz of the demon and keep their girl group together.
I enjoyed the friendship aspect of the story a lot more than I did the horror. There are discussion questions at the end of the novel and this one made me laugh thinking about my answer:
“Amy realizes something is off with Liz when Liz fails to clean up her house after their movie night. What would be the first sign of demonic possession in your best friend?”
3.5-Stars rounded up. This book was published on August 30, 2022. Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for my advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Liz decides to build a She Shed in her backyard, and all hell breaks loose when a demon escapes from the newly excavated hole. Liz starts acting strangely and then terrible things start to happen including a Roomba gone rogue, dead bunnies, dying grass, and personal injuries. Amy, who has personal struggles of her own, is determined to free Liz of the demon and keep their girl group together.
I enjoyed the friendship aspect of the story a lot more than I did the horror. There are discussion questions at the end of the novel and this one made me laugh thinking about my answer:
“Amy realizes something is off with Liz when Liz fails to clean up her house after their movie night. What would be the first sign of demonic possession in your best friend?”
3.5-Stars rounded up. This book was published on August 30, 2022. Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for my advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2022
Amy, Liz, Jess, and Melissa are suburban moms and best of friends. They live in an idyllic neighborhood, a cul-de-sac, in which you can find children running through sprinklers, woman sipping wine on patio's while the menfolk chug beers around a bonfire. A place anyone would be happy to call home. A nice place. A safe place.
During ladies night at Liz's house and after drinking copious amounts of wine she decides what they need is a She Shed. A place for the ladies to get together without children nagging them and without their husbands eavesdropping on their inappropriate conversations and jokes.
What they hadn't bargained for is the She Shed summoning a demon. A demon that decides to inhabit Liz's body. At first they assume she's having a mid-life crisis but when strange things begin to happen and Amy's daughter begins having visions of death and destruction they know this isn't the midlife crisis they were assuming and they now have to band together to exorcise the demon to save not only their friend but the entire neighborhood from calamity. Did I mention they are planning the summer carnival all while demon hunting? A women's work is never done!
This book doesn't take itself seriously and neither should the reader. It's absurd in the best way possible. It's a book whose sole purpose is to put a smile on your face and it most definitely succeeds. It gave me The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires vibes for sure. Well written, humorous, and with likable characters this book is sure to be a hit. Also, two 👍👍 to that amazing cover! 😍 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group- Putnam for my complimentary copy.
During ladies night at Liz's house and after drinking copious amounts of wine she decides what they need is a She Shed. A place for the ladies to get together without children nagging them and without their husbands eavesdropping on their inappropriate conversations and jokes.
What they hadn't bargained for is the She Shed summoning a demon. A demon that decides to inhabit Liz's body. At first they assume she's having a mid-life crisis but when strange things begin to happen and Amy's daughter begins having visions of death and destruction they know this isn't the midlife crisis they were assuming and they now have to band together to exorcise the demon to save not only their friend but the entire neighborhood from calamity. Did I mention they are planning the summer carnival all while demon hunting? A women's work is never done!
This book doesn't take itself seriously and neither should the reader. It's absurd in the best way possible. It's a book whose sole purpose is to put a smile on your face and it most definitely succeeds. It gave me The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires vibes for sure. Well written, humorous, and with likable characters this book is sure to be a hit. Also, two 👍👍 to that amazing cover! 😍 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group- Putnam for my complimentary copy.
October 17, 2022
3.5 stars
I found this to be a fun mash-up of women’s fiction and “horror lite”.
Amy and her neighborhood friends, Liz, Melissa, and Jess, meet monthly for a Girls Night Out, when Liz decides to build a She Shed in her backyard for their get-togethers. When ground is broken for the construction, a demon is unleashed, possessing Liz. Strange things begin to happen and Amy is determined to save her friend, and the neighborhood.
This is a fun romp with plenty of laugh-out-loud snarky humor, poking fun at suburban mommy life. If you are looking for a serious horror novel, this is not that book. I definitely enjoyed the humor more than the demon backstory.
The author developed her characters well, making them funny and relatable. There are serious issues addressed as Amy struggles with the loss of her sister to addiction. I appreciated that her husband was a good man who was supportive and loving to Amy, which is rare in the male-bashing fiction world these days. I also loved the focus on women’s friendship and their support of one another. The author tended to get a bit too whiny/philosophical toward the end and the demon’s backstory and reason for unleashing fury on the neighborhood was a bit of an eye-roll, but easily forgiven.
I’m not a fan of horror or demons, but this was campy and wicked good fun, one that my reading buddy, Marialyce, and I recommend. Pour a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy a book that is not meant to be taken too seriously.
· I received a digital copy via NetGalley, but also had the audiobook. The narrator was excellent, and I highly recommend listening to this one.
I found this to be a fun mash-up of women’s fiction and “horror lite”.
Amy and her neighborhood friends, Liz, Melissa, and Jess, meet monthly for a Girls Night Out, when Liz decides to build a She Shed in her backyard for their get-togethers. When ground is broken for the construction, a demon is unleashed, possessing Liz. Strange things begin to happen and Amy is determined to save her friend, and the neighborhood.
This is a fun romp with plenty of laugh-out-loud snarky humor, poking fun at suburban mommy life. If you are looking for a serious horror novel, this is not that book. I definitely enjoyed the humor more than the demon backstory.
The author developed her characters well, making them funny and relatable. There are serious issues addressed as Amy struggles with the loss of her sister to addiction. I appreciated that her husband was a good man who was supportive and loving to Amy, which is rare in the male-bashing fiction world these days. I also loved the focus on women’s friendship and their support of one another. The author tended to get a bit too whiny/philosophical toward the end and the demon’s backstory and reason for unleashing fury on the neighborhood was a bit of an eye-roll, but easily forgiven.
I’m not a fan of horror or demons, but this was campy and wicked good fun, one that my reading buddy, Marialyce, and I recommend. Pour a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy a book that is not meant to be taken too seriously.
· I received a digital copy via NetGalley, but also had the audiobook. The narrator was excellent, and I highly recommend listening to this one.
April 20, 2022
Living in the 'burbs should be relaxing. What's not to love - a nice home, a nice yard, good schools, good friends, and Mom's nights out. Let's have a She Shed they said! Wouldn't that be fun? Like a man cave but better! Throw in a not so friendly demonic force and you have yourself one fun and slightly horrific book! Think desperate housewives meets the Amityville horror.
This was a fun book. Liz, Jess, and Melissa, have a fun night full of drinks and She Shed plans when it all hits the fan the next day and I am not talking hangovers, although they have them as well! I'm talking Liz is not acting quite herself, in fact she is acting over the top and her demeanor is bizarre. Is it the horrific smell coming from her backyard or is she possessed?
So clever! I enjoyed this book. It was a nice change to read a not so serious but very entertaining book. The author delivered and I found this to be a quick and satisfying read. Plus, my fingers are crossed that maybe just maybe there may be another book.
Fun. Dark. Funny. Creepy.
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
This was a fun book. Liz, Jess, and Melissa, have a fun night full of drinks and She Shed plans when it all hits the fan the next day and I am not talking hangovers, although they have them as well! I'm talking Liz is not acting quite herself, in fact she is acting over the top and her demeanor is bizarre. Is it the horrific smell coming from her backyard or is she possessed?
So clever! I enjoyed this book. It was a nice change to read a not so serious but very entertaining book. The author delivered and I found this to be a quick and satisfying read. Plus, my fingers are crossed that maybe just maybe there may be another book.
Fun. Dark. Funny. Creepy.
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
November 27, 2022
A story of friendship and evil.
Four neighbors, Melissa, Jess, Liz, and Amy have become friends for the last few years. They meet monthly to hang out, watch a movie and have some drinks. Liz is excited about starting the construction of her She-Shed. A place where all of them can enjoy some alone time, away from their kids and husbands.
Unfortunately, it seems that more than dirt is unearthed when the building commences. Suddenly, Liz's personality changes. Looming darkness begins to surround their neighborhood. Accidents happened. The friends all can feel the danger they are in but how can they help Liz?
Suburban Hell was a good tale for this month of October. It was fun and entertaining. I liked that their friendship was the driving force to help Liz. Those were good friends!!
Cliffhanger: No
3.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by G.P. Putnam's Sons via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Four neighbors, Melissa, Jess, Liz, and Amy have become friends for the last few years. They meet monthly to hang out, watch a movie and have some drinks. Liz is excited about starting the construction of her She-Shed. A place where all of them can enjoy some alone time, away from their kids and husbands.
Unfortunately, it seems that more than dirt is unearthed when the building commences. Suddenly, Liz's personality changes. Looming darkness begins to surround their neighborhood. Accidents happened. The friends all can feel the danger they are in but how can they help Liz?
Suburban Hell was a good tale for this month of October. It was fun and entertaining. I liked that their friendship was the driving force to help Liz. Those were good friends!!
Cliffhanger: No
3.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by G.P. Putnam's Sons via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
September 15, 2022
Amy and her three friends live in an upscale culdesac neighborhood and have routine ladies night to get away from the stresses of their everyday family and work life. Liz decides they need a she-shed and brings the women in her back yard to toast the groundbreaking endeavor. That moment brings strong winds and a strange feeling that they all experience and the next day a horrible stench comes from Liz's backyard and seems to permeate the neighborhood. Immediately, Amy notices Liz looking and behaving differently but she has a hard time convincing the other women that something is very wrong with their friend.
As the days go on Liz has completely withdrawn from their circle but insists she's fine although Amy sees only darkness in Liz's eyes and she says and does things that are causing Amy physical pain as well as emotional. None of the ladies believe in the supernatural but as the weeks go on and all of them witness unnatural occurrences around them and especially at Liz's house, they finally realize to help themselves they must save their friend first even if it means putting their lives on the line because right now they are all living in "Suburban Hell".
This was a wonderful debut book after by "Maureen Kilmer" and I can't wait to read what she comes out with next. Even with all the terrific reviews this book was still an unexpected surprise for me. The light horror that can be read by anyone and interesting snarky characters made the book a real treat. The story was entertaining, enjoyable with some creepiness and mystery throughout the story. The characters are contemporary and they are relatable in the fact that almost everyone. will have known women like these at some point in their lives whether they were part of an inner circle or and outsider looking in. The problem with neighborhoods like these though is there is absolutely no privacy and everyone knows everyone else's business and they feel free to spread the word at every turn. So, although it's great fun to read about it's not the life one would want to always live.
I highly recommend this light-fared horror book to any reader because it's not too scary and not to be taken seriously.
I want to thank the publisher "Penguin Group Putnam / G.P. Putnam's Sons" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and any thought or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this book a rating of 4 FANTASTICALLY HELLISH 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
As the days go on Liz has completely withdrawn from their circle but insists she's fine although Amy sees only darkness in Liz's eyes and she says and does things that are causing Amy physical pain as well as emotional. None of the ladies believe in the supernatural but as the weeks go on and all of them witness unnatural occurrences around them and especially at Liz's house, they finally realize to help themselves they must save their friend first even if it means putting their lives on the line because right now they are all living in "Suburban Hell".
This was a wonderful debut book after by "Maureen Kilmer" and I can't wait to read what she comes out with next. Even with all the terrific reviews this book was still an unexpected surprise for me. The light horror that can be read by anyone and interesting snarky characters made the book a real treat. The story was entertaining, enjoyable with some creepiness and mystery throughout the story. The characters are contemporary and they are relatable in the fact that almost everyone. will have known women like these at some point in their lives whether they were part of an inner circle or and outsider looking in. The problem with neighborhoods like these though is there is absolutely no privacy and everyone knows everyone else's business and they feel free to spread the word at every turn. So, although it's great fun to read about it's not the life one would want to always live.
I highly recommend this light-fared horror book to any reader because it's not too scary and not to be taken seriously.
I want to thank the publisher "Penguin Group Putnam / G.P. Putnam's Sons" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and any thought or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this book a rating of 4 FANTASTICALLY HELLISH 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
February 23, 2022
This was such a fun book! It reminded me of My Best Friend’s Exorcism, if it involved housewives in the suburbs. There were a couple of scenes that freaked me out and I loved the ending. It was creepy, it was atmospheric and it was a book I could not put down. I will definitely be checking out this author’s next book.
Caution: there is mention of animal death.
Amy Foster is a mom living in the suburbs with her three best friends Liz, Melissa, and Jess. They love to get together every month make fun of the PTA moms and drink gasoline wine out of a box. One particular night they decide to make a plan to build a she-shed in Liz’s backyard. It would be a safe haven for them; no husbands and no kids. However, after they celebrate their amazing idea with a toast, things take a drastic turn.
Their she-shed plans unleash a demon that plans on destroying the group of friends and ultimately the entire neighborhood. It is up to Amy and her friend’s to save the day.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Caution: there is mention of animal death.
Amy Foster is a mom living in the suburbs with her three best friends Liz, Melissa, and Jess. They love to get together every month make fun of the PTA moms and drink gasoline wine out of a box. One particular night they decide to make a plan to build a she-shed in Liz’s backyard. It would be a safe haven for them; no husbands and no kids. However, after they celebrate their amazing idea with a toast, things take a drastic turn.
Their she-shed plans unleash a demon that plans on destroying the group of friends and ultimately the entire neighborhood. It is up to Amy and her friend’s to save the day.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 14, 2022
Pretty damn cool!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
August 22, 2022
Moms were the ones who had to fix problems. From small things like a skinned knee, to bigger ones like supernatural forces trying to take over families.
It's Desperate Housewives meets The Exorcist in this fun horror/spoof of the suburban lifestyle.
Things have gotten a little too interesting lately for the ladies of one Chicago bedroom community.
When construction on a She Shed accidentally opens up a whole can of fiendish worms, Amy's next-door-neighbor and friend becomes possessed by something unsavory (not to mention unsanitary). Since an old priest and a young priest seem to be unavailable, it's up to the gals to save their pal, AND the neighborhood.
This one was loads of fun, as the author played things for laughs, (think demonic Roombas), though there are a few chilling moments, mostly involving children in danger - so be warned.
A big thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the chance to read this one.
It's Desperate Housewives meets The Exorcist in this fun horror/spoof of the suburban lifestyle.
Things have gotten a little too interesting lately for the ladies of one Chicago bedroom community.
When construction on a She Shed accidentally opens up a whole can of fiendish worms, Amy's next-door-neighbor and friend becomes possessed by something unsavory (not to mention unsanitary). Since an old priest and a young priest seem to be unavailable, it's up to the gals to save their pal, AND the neighborhood.
This one was loads of fun, as the author played things for laughs, (think demonic Roombas), though there are a few chilling moments, mostly involving children in danger - so be warned.
A big thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the chance to read this one.
February 6, 2023
This is a fun romp on a suburban street where most have a kid or two and everyone has a dog. Complete with all the drama from the neighbor who is forever renovating her home and having a reveal party to my nemesis, the school carnival cakewalk. To unwind from this hell 4 bffs get together once a week for some wine/ booze and downtime. They then decide a she shed would be a welcome escape. Here is where a different kind of hell is unleashed in this neighborhood, and one of the four is taken hostage by an evil force. Not to worry, the other three are on the case. I could relate to so much here with the kids, dogs, and school stuff, minus of course the evil possession. This is horror lite with a humourous edge. There is that thing with the bunnies, however, all the dogs come out unscathed, much to my relief. Oh, and the kids come out okay too.
October 3, 2022
Una mezcla de comedia & terror. Al puro estilo de mujeres desesperadas pero con posesiones demoníacas.
Qué harías para salvar la vida a una de tus mejores amigas?
Qué harías para salvar la vida a una de tus mejores amigas?
October 6, 2022
3.5 Stars, rounded up.
If you live in a tightly-knit, suburban neighborhood where everybody not only knows your name, but also ALL OF YOUR BUSINESS, (even stuff you wish they didn't know about!), naturally anything out of the ordinary will raise a few eyeballs. It all began when Liz decided to build a She Shed in her backyard, accidentally opening a crevice in the ground, releasing a dark, sinister, long-forgotten, banished entity known as Mavis. After girls' night Liz begins acting oddly, dressing more provocatively, and even speaking differently! Her bestie, Amy Foster, just knows something's up! To top things off, every member of the small group of friends is having reoccurring, horrific nightmares, and Liz is in them! The more she observes, the more she's convinced Liz has become possessed by demon! Normally when confronted by an ancient, powerful entity, instinct would be to quickly run the other way, but not Amy, Jess and Melissa! They've decided they love their suburb and aren't going anywhere and hastily make a plan of action to lure the entity, capture it, and banish it right back to where it came from! Of course, absolutely NOTHING goes as planned! What a blast this book was!!
Although it was a little on the lighter side of the horror, I still enjoyed the back and forth between the characters and even found myself laughing out loud a few times throughout! It's funny, there's a really always that 'mean girl' bragger on the block, or the nosey neighbor that knows everyone's schedule and marital problems, and Kilmer nailed these characterizations superbly! By the end of this one I almost felt as though I knew these gals, and didn't want this one to end! That being said, I would absolutely love for this one to become some sort of series...hint, hint! I'd definitely continue reading.
If you're looking for something that's quick, festive, but not too scary, and just a blast to read during October, this is definitely the book for you!!
If you live in a tightly-knit, suburban neighborhood where everybody not only knows your name, but also ALL OF YOUR BUSINESS, (even stuff you wish they didn't know about!), naturally anything out of the ordinary will raise a few eyeballs. It all began when Liz decided to build a She Shed in her backyard, accidentally opening a crevice in the ground, releasing a dark, sinister, long-forgotten, banished entity known as Mavis. After girls' night Liz begins acting oddly, dressing more provocatively, and even speaking differently! Her bestie, Amy Foster, just knows something's up! To top things off, every member of the small group of friends is having reoccurring, horrific nightmares, and Liz is in them! The more she observes, the more she's convinced Liz has become possessed by demon! Normally when confronted by an ancient, powerful entity, instinct would be to quickly run the other way, but not Amy, Jess and Melissa! They've decided they love their suburb and aren't going anywhere and hastily make a plan of action to lure the entity, capture it, and banish it right back to where it came from! Of course, absolutely NOTHING goes as planned! What a blast this book was!!
Although it was a little on the lighter side of the horror, I still enjoyed the back and forth between the characters and even found myself laughing out loud a few times throughout! It's funny, there's a really always that 'mean girl' bragger on the block, or the nosey neighbor that knows everyone's schedule and marital problems, and Kilmer nailed these characterizations superbly! By the end of this one I almost felt as though I knew these gals, and didn't want this one to end! That being said, I would absolutely love for this one to become some sort of series...hint, hint! I'd definitely continue reading.
If you're looking for something that's quick, festive, but not too scary, and just a blast to read during October, this is definitely the book for you!!
Want to read
February 17, 2022That cover!!! That description!!! *swoons* 😍
October 18, 2022
When the ladies of the hood get together, things often happen. They are normal things, drinking, partying, sharing mommy woes, but when the decision was made to have a private spot, a Sheshed was decided upon to be constructed in one of the friends, Liz’s backyard.
As soon as the ground is broken, there is unleashed a malevolent spirit who decides to live inside Liz. Horror of horrors, Liz changes and the group of ladies including Amy, Jess, and Melissa are frightened by Liz’s change.
It’s a problem as Liz’s demon threatens life and limb of her “friends” and making plans for their demise along with their families
What are the ladies to do against a demon from hell? Should they run away, move from a neighborhood and friends they love or should they stand and fight?
This was a fun book filled with quips and celebrating the joys of friendship, family, and solidarity.
I enjoyed the ladies repartee as well as the husbands (all except one) who seemed to offer understanding of what was getting to the ladies.
Will Liz be saved or will all the friends fall prey to Liz’s evil spirit?
Coupled with a tinge of horror, but lots of lol moments, Jan and I enjoyed or foray into Whispering Pines and its residents. Sleepy village it was not!
Another book Jan and I enjoyed especially the quips between the friends.
Thank you to Maureen Kilmer, G. P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for this super "Fun" and Scary book.
As soon as the ground is broken, there is unleashed a malevolent spirit who decides to live inside Liz. Horror of horrors, Liz changes and the group of ladies including Amy, Jess, and Melissa are frightened by Liz’s change.
It’s a problem as Liz’s demon threatens life and limb of her “friends” and making plans for their demise along with their families
What are the ladies to do against a demon from hell? Should they run away, move from a neighborhood and friends they love or should they stand and fight?
This was a fun book filled with quips and celebrating the joys of friendship, family, and solidarity.
I enjoyed the ladies repartee as well as the husbands (all except one) who seemed to offer understanding of what was getting to the ladies.
Will Liz be saved or will all the friends fall prey to Liz’s evil spirit?
Coupled with a tinge of horror, but lots of lol moments, Jan and I enjoyed or foray into Whispering Pines and its residents. Sleepy village it was not!
Another book Jan and I enjoyed especially the quips between the friends.
Thank you to Maureen Kilmer, G. P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for this super "Fun" and Scary book.
December 6, 2022
All we wanted was a place to call our own. To have something that belonged to us. What we got was our lives and homes ripped into bloody shreds.
Amy, Liz, Jess, and Melissa are your average suburban moms. They do all their mom duties on the daily – counting down until they can swill boxed wine and get a break from their husbands and kids. The gals are moving on up courtesy of . . .
A mom’s only clubhouse? Talk about the perfect escape . . . or it could have been perfect had the groundbreaking ceremony not unleashed a demonic entity into the neighbourhood.
Okay, are you looking for something light? Are you interested in horror, but skeeeeeeered of being too scurrrrred? This one may be for you. I love a good comedy/horror mashup and this one was a lot of fun.
3.5 Stars
Amy, Liz, Jess, and Melissa are your average suburban moms. They do all their mom duties on the daily – counting down until they can swill boxed wine and get a break from their husbands and kids. The gals are moving on up courtesy of . . .
A mom’s only clubhouse? Talk about the perfect escape . . . or it could have been perfect had the groundbreaking ceremony not unleashed a demonic entity into the neighbourhood.
Okay, are you looking for something light? Are you interested in horror, but skeeeeeeered of being too scurrrrred? This one may be for you. I love a good comedy/horror mashup and this one was a lot of fun.
3.5 Stars
September 6, 2022
Review coming soon.
August 23, 2022
I was highly anticipating this book as it sounded like such a fun time, but unfortunately I didn’t have the best time with it. While I love horror comedy movies/TV shows, I struggle to enjoy these types of stories in the book form. This reminded me of Finlay Donovan is Killing It, which I also didn’t really enjoy.
I never felt like I really connected with the characters or really understood their friendship that mostly seemed driven by the convenience of proximity. While there are some more graphic details in a few scenes, this book remains a very light cozy horror and I was wanting it to really go there at times. It sort of felt like watching a Halloween special of a Disney show, which certainly has its audience but it just didn’t really work for me.
My favorite part was reading about a haunted Roomba attacking the women as it was just SO ridiculous and over the top (a haunted Roomba would make for a GREAT short story).
All in all, this one just wasn’t really for me but I do think people who like this genre would have fun with this one.
Thank you to the publisher for granting me access to an ARC via NetGalley.
I never felt like I really connected with the characters or really understood their friendship that mostly seemed driven by the convenience of proximity. While there are some more graphic details in a few scenes, this book remains a very light cozy horror and I was wanting it to really go there at times. It sort of felt like watching a Halloween special of a Disney show, which certainly has its audience but it just didn’t really work for me.
My favorite part was reading about a haunted Roomba attacking the women as it was just SO ridiculous and over the top (a haunted Roomba would make for a GREAT short story).
All in all, this one just wasn’t really for me but I do think people who like this genre would have fun with this one.
Thank you to the publisher for granting me access to an ARC via NetGalley.
December 27, 2022
4.5/5
Suburban Hell is Maureen Kilmer's horror debut, and what a fun debut it was! While this book does have horror elements as well as some supernatural creepiness, it is not overly scary or anything, so plenty of readers should be able to enjoy it. Kilmer created a blend of humor and women's fiction along with horror aspects, and for me, that made this unlike any other horror novel I have read so far. Amy is the only viewpoint in the book, and while I normally like multiple viewpoints, I loved having it just be her telling the story. I think we still get plenty of development for Liz, Jess, and Melissa despite not having their viewpoints and I also loved the friendship theme that permeated the book. Suburban hell indeed, I was also a fan of the setting and the Mom Mafia that Amy and her friends hate so much. While not a mom myself, I still found plenty of areas of the book and characters that were relatable to me.
I'm also going to say that another large part of why I loved Suburban Hell so much was due to the audiobook, and I could not get enough of Jaime Lamchick's narration. I was really surprised to see that Lamchick hasn't narrated that many audiobooks since she felt like a pro to me. Her voice was easy to listen to and I thought she voiced the book exactly the way it needed to be. I ended up buying a copy of Suburban Hell and I could undoubtedly see myself reading and/or listening to it again and again. It was very amusing and also managed to creep me out on more than one occasion without completely scaring the pants off of me. I also laughed and any book that makes me laugh definitely deserves a reread in my mind. There are also more serious themes discussed like isolation and depression, and I appreciated Kilmer bringing all these different aspects to the story. If you are looking for something that doesn't take itself too seriously and has great entertainment value, I would recommend Suburban Hell for sure!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Suburban Hell is Maureen Kilmer's horror debut, and what a fun debut it was! While this book does have horror elements as well as some supernatural creepiness, it is not overly scary or anything, so plenty of readers should be able to enjoy it. Kilmer created a blend of humor and women's fiction along with horror aspects, and for me, that made this unlike any other horror novel I have read so far. Amy is the only viewpoint in the book, and while I normally like multiple viewpoints, I loved having it just be her telling the story. I think we still get plenty of development for Liz, Jess, and Melissa despite not having their viewpoints and I also loved the friendship theme that permeated the book. Suburban hell indeed, I was also a fan of the setting and the Mom Mafia that Amy and her friends hate so much. While not a mom myself, I still found plenty of areas of the book and characters that were relatable to me.
I'm also going to say that another large part of why I loved Suburban Hell so much was due to the audiobook, and I could not get enough of Jaime Lamchick's narration. I was really surprised to see that Lamchick hasn't narrated that many audiobooks since she felt like a pro to me. Her voice was easy to listen to and I thought she voiced the book exactly the way it needed to be. I ended up buying a copy of Suburban Hell and I could undoubtedly see myself reading and/or listening to it again and again. It was very amusing and also managed to creep me out on more than one occasion without completely scaring the pants off of me. I also laughed and any book that makes me laugh definitely deserves a reread in my mind. There are also more serious themes discussed like isolation and depression, and I appreciated Kilmer bringing all these different aspects to the story. If you are looking for something that doesn't take itself too seriously and has great entertainment value, I would recommend Suburban Hell for sure!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 4, 2022
A morbidly amusing poke at suburban life!
Just as a group of suburban mom friends make plans to build a fun “She Shed,” one member undergoes a startling personality change that coincides with breaking ground for the new hangout spot. Have they unleashed something evil? Is she really possessed? And are all of the strange, scary happenings (like a robotic vacuum attack and a disturbing Barbie scene) connected to her frightening character alterations?
As you may have gathered, this story doesn’t take itself too seriously, although it does touch upon some serious things. I really liked the focus on friendship and the importance of connection, as well as Amy’s backstory pertaining to her sister, who’d been possessed by a different kind of demon. Amy’s past properly explained her devotion to this current danger, even more so than her dedication to her friendship with Liz.
There are some humorously creepy scenes in this, as well as some more unsettling ones. Please be warned that there is an upsetting moment depicting animal deaths early on in the book, but it isn’t frivolous and the author develops the emotional reaction to it well.
The Goodreads blurb describes this as Bad Moms meets My Best Friend’s Exorcism. It honestly didn’t give me Bad Moms vibes at all, but it did feel like a blend of the latter title and The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, only with nicer husbands. It’s still its own story, though.
Suburban Hell was a nice treat after several emotional reads and some books I really didn’t like, as well as a nice distraction from real life worries. If you enjoy campy horror, you’re definitely going to want to add this one to your list!
I am immensely grateful to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for my digital review copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Suburban Hell will be out in September 2022!
Just as a group of suburban mom friends make plans to build a fun “She Shed,” one member undergoes a startling personality change that coincides with breaking ground for the new hangout spot. Have they unleashed something evil? Is she really possessed? And are all of the strange, scary happenings (like a robotic vacuum attack and a disturbing Barbie scene) connected to her frightening character alterations?
As you may have gathered, this story doesn’t take itself too seriously, although it does touch upon some serious things. I really liked the focus on friendship and the importance of connection, as well as Amy’s backstory pertaining to her sister, who’d been possessed by a different kind of demon. Amy’s past properly explained her devotion to this current danger, even more so than her dedication to her friendship with Liz.
There are some humorously creepy scenes in this, as well as some more unsettling ones. Please be warned that there is an upsetting moment depicting animal deaths early on in the book, but it isn’t frivolous and the author develops the emotional reaction to it well.
The Goodreads blurb describes this as Bad Moms meets My Best Friend’s Exorcism. It honestly didn’t give me Bad Moms vibes at all, but it did feel like a blend of the latter title and The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, only with nicer husbands. It’s still its own story, though.
Suburban Hell was a nice treat after several emotional reads and some books I really didn’t like, as well as a nice distraction from real life worries. If you enjoy campy horror, you’re definitely going to want to add this one to your list!
I am immensely grateful to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for my digital review copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Suburban Hell will be out in September 2022!
September 6, 2022
It's a week after publication for this, but a happy release anyways. I hope it finds its audience.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for a copy to review; this book is set to release August 30th.
This book unfortunately has a pretty set target audience IMO, and I think I wasn't at all the target for this particular genre fusion of womens lit meets light horror (as a horror fan it just never hit Full Horror for me?). I enjoy horror, and suburban horror like Poltergeist, Fright Night, Halloween...But this just leaned really far into the Mom with Kids sides of things and I found myself skimming passage after passage about making school lunches, debating the PTA, the school carnival, etc.
There were sporadic comedic moments for me - plenty of jokes about crossfit, the store Target, and boxed wine - and the haunted roomba was a highlight.
But there's also animal death and animal injury, and some way darker subplots involving family deaths that brought the tone down for me.
I guess the blurb just had me thinking more Desperate Housewives with Horror, but it was more Modern Family or something. Not the same thing at all, to my dismay.
2 stars for this letdown.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for a copy to review; this book is set to release August 30th.
This book unfortunately has a pretty set target audience IMO, and I think I wasn't at all the target for this particular genre fusion of womens lit meets light horror (as a horror fan it just never hit Full Horror for me?). I enjoy horror, and suburban horror like Poltergeist, Fright Night, Halloween...But this just leaned really far into the Mom with Kids sides of things and I found myself skimming passage after passage about making school lunches, debating the PTA, the school carnival, etc.
There were sporadic comedic moments for me - plenty of jokes about crossfit, the store Target, and boxed wine - and the haunted roomba was a highlight.
But there's also animal death and animal injury, and some way darker subplots involving family deaths that brought the tone down for me.
I guess the blurb just had me thinking more Desperate Housewives with Horror, but it was more Modern Family or something. Not the same thing at all, to my dismay.
2 stars for this letdown.
December 12, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up for originality (and the cover, let's be honest)
Loved the idea of a neighborhood possession! Fun story, easy read.
I feel like there was a lot of filler... Amy's dead sister's story line added nothing to this book but words, and the constant details of the annoying things they had to do for their kids got really old, but overall I enjoyed it. Glad I picked it up!
Loved the idea of a neighborhood possession! Fun story, easy read.
I feel like there was a lot of filler... Amy's dead sister's story line added nothing to this book but words, and the constant details of the annoying things they had to do for their kids got really old, but overall I enjoyed it. Glad I picked it up!
May 11, 2022
"Moms were the ones who had to fix problems. From small things like a skinned knee, to bigger ones like supernatural forces trying to take over our families. It was up to us to save the neighborhood."
This reads like a campy version of The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires that still has all of the horror elements of a demonic possession. Suburban Hell is the sweet spot between humor and horror.
We're following a friend group of suburban moms who are united by the fact that they don't fit in with the uptight PTA moms, the 'Mom Mafia' as they call them. The plan is to move their monthly wine nights out to the She Shed that's soon to be built in Liz's back yard to have a getaway from their husbands and kids. They share a ceremonial wine toast and the next day when construction begins, it unearths a demonic force that takes over Liz. Liz changes overnight and creepy things begin happening all over the neighborhood that escalate in severity and its up to Liz's friends to save her and the neighborhood.
This was such a fun read. Not being middle aged or a mom, I didn't expect to connect and root for these characters as much as I did. It was fast-paced and the chapters were short so I was compelled to binge the last 60% in one sitting. Also I believe Maureen Kilmer is a debut author? I'm always excited to find new thriller/horror authors I like so I'll definitely be looking forward to her next release.
Release date: Aug 30
Thank you so much to NetGalley & the publisher for kindly providing an arc in exchange for my honest review!
This reads like a campy version of The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires that still has all of the horror elements of a demonic possession. Suburban Hell is the sweet spot between humor and horror.
We're following a friend group of suburban moms who are united by the fact that they don't fit in with the uptight PTA moms, the 'Mom Mafia' as they call them. The plan is to move their monthly wine nights out to the She Shed that's soon to be built in Liz's back yard to have a getaway from their husbands and kids. They share a ceremonial wine toast and the next day when construction begins, it unearths a demonic force that takes over Liz. Liz changes overnight and creepy things begin happening all over the neighborhood that escalate in severity and its up to Liz's friends to save her and the neighborhood.
This was such a fun read. Not being middle aged or a mom, I didn't expect to connect and root for these characters as much as I did. It was fast-paced and the chapters were short so I was compelled to binge the last 60% in one sitting. Also I believe Maureen Kilmer is a debut author? I'm always excited to find new thriller/horror authors I like so I'll definitely be looking forward to her next release.
Release date: Aug 30
Thank you so much to NetGalley & the publisher for kindly providing an arc in exchange for my honest review!
August 7, 2022
Please note that I received this via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
So this wasn't that great unfortunately. I loved the cover. I loved the synopsis. But it took me several days to finish this one. It just moved so freaking slow. And I just didn't care about any of the characters. I kept hoping that something would happen, but nothing really does except for a scene about some baby rabbits. I just thought the whole book dragged and was hoping for a book more similar to "The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires" and this was not it.
"Suburban Hell" follows Amy Foster and her three closest friends who live in the suburbs of Chicago. Amy is still trying to get back into working, and finds the only thing that keeps her going are her friends Liz, Melissa, and Jess who all live in the same upper middle class cul-de-sac. When the four friends have one of their wine girl nights, they go out to have a toast to the she-shed that Liz is having built for their togethers. But something weird happens that is followed by a bad smell. After that Liz is off and then Amy starts thinking that Liz may be possessed by a demon (just go with it). The book follows Amy, Melissa, and Jessa as they try to think of some way of saving Liz.
I get this was supposed to be funny, but I didn't laugh or smile once. Everything felt dreary. And after a while I got sick of Amy who talked "crap" on everyone, but her friends. I thought she was so judgmental and even wondered why she cared at all about Liz. The book doesn't do a great job of showing what brought these women together and even why they continued to hang out. Amy goes on and on about how without Liz around they all are not the best versions of themselves. But I kept going, so you all were jerks ands he put up with it? Sounds about right.
And the whole possessed by a demon thing? I expected more gore honestly. And even without that, this demon seemed really lame. Just threatened a lot. At one point I went, so is it going to do something or??? And it seemed to be or. Maybe it would have been more interesting if we got a chance to see if the whole neighborhood would come together. But they really don't. It's just the three women who keep floundering around and not really wanting to do anything and Amy telling her husband about every event with him going well maybe this is what is happening.
I thought the backstory on the whole demon was interesting, but even that wasn't really delved into much before the book drags on forever before we get to a confrontation. I think the book focused way too much on the mom dynamics and Amy hosting a freaking carnival or whatever it was. It just didn't add anything and started to feel like filler towards the end.
The ending seems to be setting up a sequel I am going to pass on.
So this wasn't that great unfortunately. I loved the cover. I loved the synopsis. But it took me several days to finish this one. It just moved so freaking slow. And I just didn't care about any of the characters. I kept hoping that something would happen, but nothing really does except for a scene about some baby rabbits. I just thought the whole book dragged and was hoping for a book more similar to "The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires" and this was not it.
"Suburban Hell" follows Amy Foster and her three closest friends who live in the suburbs of Chicago. Amy is still trying to get back into working, and finds the only thing that keeps her going are her friends Liz, Melissa, and Jess who all live in the same upper middle class cul-de-sac. When the four friends have one of their wine girl nights, they go out to have a toast to the she-shed that Liz is having built for their togethers. But something weird happens that is followed by a bad smell. After that Liz is off and then Amy starts thinking that Liz may be possessed by a demon (just go with it). The book follows Amy, Melissa, and Jessa as they try to think of some way of saving Liz.
I get this was supposed to be funny, but I didn't laugh or smile once. Everything felt dreary. And after a while I got sick of Amy who talked "crap" on everyone, but her friends. I thought she was so judgmental and even wondered why she cared at all about Liz. The book doesn't do a great job of showing what brought these women together and even why they continued to hang out. Amy goes on and on about how without Liz around they all are not the best versions of themselves. But I kept going, so you all were jerks ands he put up with it? Sounds about right.
And the whole possessed by a demon thing? I expected more gore honestly. And even without that, this demon seemed really lame. Just threatened a lot. At one point I went, so is it going to do something or??? And it seemed to be or. Maybe it would have been more interesting if we got a chance to see if the whole neighborhood would come together. But they really don't. It's just the three women who keep floundering around and not really wanting to do anything and Amy telling her husband about every event with him going well maybe this is what is happening.
I thought the backstory on the whole demon was interesting, but even that wasn't really delved into much before the book drags on forever before we get to a confrontation. I think the book focused way too much on the mom dynamics and Amy hosting a freaking carnival or whatever it was. It just didn't add anything and started to feel like filler towards the end.
The ending seems to be setting up a sequel I am going to pass on.
September 12, 2022
Amy, Liz, Jess, and Melissa are best friends who are suburban moms in Chicago. After their movie/wine night get together - weird things start happening. Amy soon realizes that Liz is definitely possessed by a demon. They have to figure out what to do before hell takes over in their neighborhood.
It's an easy, fun read that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's entertaining enough but can get a little slow at some parts. I feel like contemporary horror is a new genre coming out lately and while I don't especially love it I do think there is a specific target out there even if it's not me! Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.
It's an easy, fun read that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's entertaining enough but can get a little slow at some parts. I feel like contemporary horror is a new genre coming out lately and while I don't especially love it I do think there is a specific target out there even if it's not me! Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.
August 31, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
This was an absolutely fantastic horror debut. I really love horror that juxtaposes the horrors of everyday life with even more sinister things. For example, Buffy the Vampire Slayer did a really good job at showing that vampires weren't the only monsters - high school could also be hell, parents could die, relationships were hard. Suburban Hell showed that being an adult is difficult, but even more so that being a mother in today's world is challenging. Women still face societal expectations of filling the subservient role of childrearing and housekeeping, and men seem to find excuses to not carry their share of the burden.
But alongside this, we also see a group of friends face off against a possession... and that entity wants them DESTROYED.
Absolutely loved this book. Highly recommended for horror fans.
This was an absolutely fantastic horror debut. I really love horror that juxtaposes the horrors of everyday life with even more sinister things. For example, Buffy the Vampire Slayer did a really good job at showing that vampires weren't the only monsters - high school could also be hell, parents could die, relationships were hard. Suburban Hell showed that being an adult is difficult, but even more so that being a mother in today's world is challenging. Women still face societal expectations of filling the subservient role of childrearing and housekeeping, and men seem to find excuses to not carry their share of the burden.
But alongside this, we also see a group of friends face off against a possession... and that entity wants them DESTROYED.
Absolutely loved this book. Highly recommended for horror fans.
April 10, 2023
We're reading this in April on the Horror Spotlight discord. Join us! https://discord.gg/EtkYZzZZg9
This was a fun horror-adjacent, horror-lite read. Not too spooky or too scary. It read more like a made for Netflix movie about a group of stressed out suburban moms who have an encounter with the weird. I didn't find it lol funny (but honestly, I don't find much lol funny) but it was amusing and had some good snark. I do wish the horror had been a bit heavier. There were a few things that the writer spent ages setting up that sort of fizzled when it came to the horror bits and that was a disappointment but that might just be me being a regular reader of the grotesque. I did like the found family thing and the sense of community thing between the women which doesn't really exist in too many places.
I recommend it if you're in the mood for something that won't hurt your heart or give you nightmares. It's a great choice to read in-between heavier, darker, grittier and emotionally devastating books. It'd be a great palette cleanser!
Hope you read it, hope you love/like it!
This is my personal reading experience, yours may differ! Don't come at me if it does!
This was a fun horror-adjacent, horror-lite read. Not too spooky or too scary. It read more like a made for Netflix movie about a group of stressed out suburban moms who have an encounter with the weird. I didn't find it lol funny (but honestly, I don't find much lol funny) but it was amusing and had some good snark. I do wish the horror had been a bit heavier. There were a few things that the writer spent ages setting up that sort of fizzled when it came to the horror bits and that was a disappointment but that might just be me being a regular reader of the grotesque. I did like the found family thing and the sense of community thing between the women which doesn't really exist in too many places.
I recommend it if you're in the mood for something that won't hurt your heart or give you nightmares. It's a great choice to read in-between heavier, darker, grittier and emotionally devastating books. It'd be a great palette cleanser!
Hope you read it, hope you love/like it!
This is my personal reading experience, yours may differ! Don't come at me if it does!
September 13, 2022
"I started to tremble. What did she tell you? Her breath was hot in my ear. That people are going to die."
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires meets My Best Friend's Exorcism. Whatever you do, forget the she shed!!
Seeing the cover and reading that title, you picture something kooky and not so twisted. What we get here is something that was quite spooky and a whole lot of fun. Not what I was expecting at all and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this. These ladies had me cracking up during the worst of times and even feeling a tad bit spooked myself. When kids start to tell you about a dark entity, it's definitely time to move.
The big finale happened and finished way too quickly. There was a lot of intense buildup for something that ended extremely quickly. It certainly didn't take away from the story, I just wanted something more insane than we were led to. That epilogue was perfect and I'm super stoked to see if she writes a sequel. I really really enjoyed this one.
Suburban Hell was an amazing story that was a lot spookier than the cover leads you to believe. Prepare yourself for a hair-raising laugh riot. Never a dull moment and very action-packed. I'm going to have to reread it again very soon. Words of wisdom from a horror nerd: Maybe don't break ground on a she shed anytime soon and don't start digging until you find the history of the property!
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires meets My Best Friend's Exorcism. Whatever you do, forget the she shed!!
Seeing the cover and reading that title, you picture something kooky and not so twisted. What we get here is something that was quite spooky and a whole lot of fun. Not what I was expecting at all and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this. These ladies had me cracking up during the worst of times and even feeling a tad bit spooked myself. When kids start to tell you about a dark entity, it's definitely time to move.
The big finale happened and finished way too quickly. There was a lot of intense buildup for something that ended extremely quickly. It certainly didn't take away from the story, I just wanted something more insane than we were led to. That epilogue was perfect and I'm super stoked to see if she writes a sequel. I really really enjoyed this one.
Suburban Hell was an amazing story that was a lot spookier than the cover leads you to believe. Prepare yourself for a hair-raising laugh riot. Never a dull moment and very action-packed. I'm going to have to reread it again very soon. Words of wisdom from a horror nerd: Maybe don't break ground on a she shed anytime soon and don't start digging until you find the history of the property!
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