The Day of the Door review

I received The Day of the Door by Laurel Hightower in exchange for my honest review and I was so stoked because just the cover alone is horrifying. I’ve heard nothing but high praise for this author so I dove right in and can admit that I was not expecting such a gutting story.

Once there were four Lasco siblings banded together against a world that failed to protect them. But on a hellish night that marked the end of their childhood, eldest brother Shawn died violently after being dragged behind closed doors. Though the official finding was accidental death, Nathan Lasco knows better, and has never forgiven their mother, Stella.
Now two decades later, Stella promises to finally reveal the truth of what happened on The Day of the Door. Accompanied by a paranormal investigative team, the Lasco family comes together one final time, but no one is prepared for the revelations waiting for them on the third floor.

CW: abusive parent, flashbacks to child abuse and child death

As someone who experienced childhood trauma at the hands of a narcissistic mother, this book gutted me. I read it in one sitting but even then, I had to take breaks to move around the house and remind myself that I was not there, that I wasn’t with her (my mother or Stella in the book). I felt Nate’s anxiety in my own body. Laurel Hightower wrote this type of trauma, dealing with gaslighting and how even years later away from the abuser can put you back in that headspace, so well it was a horror all by itself.

As a paranormal investigator, I loved how Hightower depicted the ghost hunters and the para-psychiatrist Carrie. Discussions about ethics of these shows, techniques, and the throwback feelings to the classic Poltergeist, were excellent.

The only complaint I have about the book is I wanted more – which is the best complain to have. I really hope we get another book in this universe soon specifically about Carrie and her life, casework, etc.

Highly recommend Day of the Door for fans of exorcist horror that are looking for a fresh take on the topic.