The Doll House by D.W. Gillespie
Published by Delacorte Press on July 28, 2026
ISBN: 0593814924
Genres: Horror, Supernatural, Suspense
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads

Garrett and his mother are poised to receive an inheritance from Garrett’s deceased, estranged grandfather, an eccentric writer whom he knows nothing about. But there’s a catch: they have to spend one week in his now empty, enormous, Gothic house. Seems easy enough, until Garrett starts exploring and uncovers clues about his mother’s family’s past which may or may not  have something to do with the alarming number of random doll parts he keeps finding.  As Garrett feels more driven to discover who his grandfather was, his good-nature and sense of self-preservation take a back seat to whatever mystery lurks in the shadows of the mansion.

This middle grade horror takes a while to get into, in part thanks to Garrett being somewhat unrelatable, but the last fifty pages or so move quickly. While it’s primarily a Gothic grief-horror, it also includes insect-imbued Frankendolls, a possessed typewriter, and some difficult family secrets, so there’s something for everyone. This will be a hit with many, particularly those who are into creepy dolls, but the pacing will make it a struggle for others. Suggest to fans of R.L. Stine, Katherine Arden, or Ellen Oh.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath