Twenty-five years ago, Elmbridge High School burned down. The blaze killed three and injured twenty, and one pupil, Carly Johnson, disappeared. For two decades, little was revealed about what became known as the Johnson Incident.

Until now.

A diary has been found in the ruins of the school. In this diary, Kaitlyn Johnson, Carly's twin, tells of the strange and disturbing sequence of events leading to the incident.

But Kaitlyn doesn't exist. She never has.

Chilling, creepy and compelling, THE DEAD HOUSE is one of those very special books that finds all the dark places in your imagination, and haunts you long after you've finished reading.

Carly gets the day. Kaitlin has the night. But what is the truth? A psychological thriller like no other from a stunning new YA talent, for fans of Rick Yancey, Kendare Blake and Stephen King.

About the Author

Dawn Kurtagich writes psychologically sinister fiction, where girls descend into madness, boys see monsters in men, and adults have something to hide. She lives in Wales, but grew up all over the world, predominantly in Africa. She writes and blogs for YA Scream Queens and is a member of the YA League.

Well known and highly respected in the YA community, she tweets @dawnkurtagich and her website can be found at www.dawnkurtagich.com.

Reviews
I love how it was an epistolary psychological thriller because it made the story move quickly. There was no shortage of plot twists, specifically near the end. It's a book which will haunt you long after you've finished reading it. I want to read more books by this author because I want to see what psychological plot twists and turns she comes up with next. -- lostinwonderland * GUARDIAN TEEN BOOKS *
This book started off as one thing, and as it grew deeper and deeper in, and you could see that there was no way out for them but one; as the psychosis set in deeper and deeper into the air they inhaled, the book itself changed into something psychotic. One that would make you look around be and glad to be sitting where you are - one that would make you smile at the fact that the light was still something that existed. I can't explain this book - I'd be surprised if anyone was able to - but all I can say is that I definitely recommend it -- XoXo, BOOK WORM_98 * GUARDIAN TEEN BOOKS *
The Dead House is a very creepy novel, full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing beyond the last page.This is the literary equivalent of a "found footage" movie as the story is revealed through diaries, newspaper articles, police reports and transcripts of videos... The web of relationships that bind the teens is convincing and the intensity of their feelings, which drive the action, lead them to tragedy. There are magical elements in the book that are suitably scary and the "Dead House" itself is a memorable construction. * WE LOVE THIS BOOK *
Fans of unconventional story structure will want to pick up Dawn Kurtagich's debut novel, The Dead House.Told through a series of diary entries, transcribed videos and recorded police and psychiatric interviews, it explores the events that led to 'the Johnson incident', a fire at a school that left three students dead and one missing.But it's not just the novel's epistolary nature that makes it unusual. What's really weird is that large chunks of it are told from the perspective of someone who may not really exist. * SCIFI NOW *
The Dead House is packed full of so many different elements, theories and potential explanations behind 'the Johnson Incident', the reader is given real freedom to decide exactly what they think transpired on that fateful night and in the weeks before. There are no definite conclusions drawn, and I love the fact I got to make up my own mind based on the information Kurtadich presented us with... The Dead House will please horror fans just as much as it will entertain the uninitiated. If you're not usually a horror fan then I urge you to throw caution to the wind and give this one a go - it's such a rich, diverse story that I know you'll love it... I think the most exciting thing about The Dead House is discovering a new favourite author, as whatever Kurtagich does next, I am 100% adding it to my wishlist the second it's announced. * WRITING FROM THE TUB *
Ok, I seriously have no words. So I'm going to do you all a favour and stop and give you a piece of advice instead. Buy The Dead House. Buy it right freaking now. Read it. Read it right freaking now. It is one of the most intense, most suspenseful, most shocking and most breath-taking thrillers you will read this year - or ever, actually. I honestly just can't recommend this bloody amazing book enough. It is... phenomenal. Unique. Incredible. * THE BOOK ADDICTED GIRL *
I do love a scary book and this one certainly fits the genre!... This book reminded me of the scary tales written by Marcus Sedgwick and Cliff McNish, so it isn't surprising that it fitted so well into the Indigo imprint.The ending completely caught me out. I wasn't expecting it at all. A truly remarkable debut novel.I think Dawn Kurtagich is a debut author we need to watch out for in the future. * SERENDIPITY REVIEWS *



Book Information
ISBN 9781780622347
Author Dawn Kurtagich
Format Paperback
Page Count 448
Imprint Orion Children's Books
Publisher Hachette Children's Group
Weight(grams) 477g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 130mm * 29mm