Play Nice Book Review | Rachel Harrison’s Haunted House Surprise
Author: Rachel Harrison
Genres: Horror, Dark Humor, Haunted House Fiction
Publication Date: September 9, 2025
Publisher: Berkley Books
Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Overview
Play Nice is Rachel Harrison’s twisted, drenched-in-satire take on the haunted house story—where supernatural chills intertwine with multi-sister drama and social obsession. This play nice book review explores how the author subverts horror tropes through dark comedy and family dysfunction.
Spoiler-Free Summary
Clio Louise Barnes inherits her childhood home—the same one her mother claimed was demon-possessed—along with her estranged sisters. As Clio attempts a house-flipping business, eerie events and annotated family secrets from her late mother’s manuscript suggest the suppression of trauma may be more than metaphor.
Writing Style & Tone
Harrison’s voice is sharp, sardonic, and unsettling—balancing creepiness with wit. Critics and early readers describe the novel as “fast-paced, gleefully entertaining and gorgeously written” and “50% haunted house horror, 50% psychological family drama”.
Themes & Character Dynamics
- Family Trauma & Memory: Unpacking shared delusion and buried dysfunction.
- Influence & Likability: Clio’s influencer upbringing mirrors societal obsession with image and validation.
- Unreliable Narration: Alternating perspectives and annotated “book-within-a-book” fragments blur reality.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths: Richly oppressive atmosphere, dynamic narrative structure, and complex sibling relationships that feel genuine.
Weaknesses: Clio’s abrasive personality may alienate some readers; pacing is slow-building and psychological rather than jump-scare heavy.
Verdict
Play Nice is a wickedly original horror read, reminding us that the scariest hauntings are often rooted in guilt, grief, and unresolved familial truths. Harrison strengthens the genre with humor and emotional insight. A must for fans of character-driven horror that lingers behind the eyes. Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Further Reading
For more on Harrison’s inspiration and genre commentary, see her reflection in People. Early critical perspectives at FanFiAddict, Bookshelf Fantasies, and The Gloss Book Club provide thoughtful takes on tone and structure.
Related Reviews
If you’re drawn to psychological horror with emotional stakes, you might also enjoy: We Love You, Bunny, Fearful: A Powerless Story, or Wild Card. Keep your reading organized with our Reading Tracker.


