**CW: Homophobia, transphobia, gender dysphoria, religious extremism, conversion therapy, graphic violence, body horror, and self-harm.
Come Out, Come Out is the latest queer horror novel I’ve gotten into, and it certainly won’t be the last. Jaq, Fern, and Mallory run away to an abandoned house in the woods, where they’re free to be themselves. But, I mean, it’s a house in the woods, so of course, some scary shit’s gonna go down. Mallory is killed, and as Jaq and Fern escape, their memories and true selves are erased. The girls return to supposedly happy straight lives, until Mallory’s spirit starts haunting them and reminding them of what happened.
Mallory’s ghosty antics are creepy and unsettling, but it’s Jaq and Fern’s fear of their secrets coming out that is really visceral. The suppression of their feelings is literally life or death. It’s terrifying, but at the same time, you’re rooting for them to accept their feelings and love who they want to love. Both girls have cute lovelines, Fern’s being my favorite, all while keeping their bond and friendship with each other strong. At a certain point, though, the romance and coming-of-age themes completely took over, leaving the horror behind.
Once the supernatural twist was revealed, it felt like there was too much missing. The house and its history and lore were super interesting, and they just weren’t given much time to explore before rushing to the climax. I probably won’t remember much of the scares, but the characters? They’ve already got a place in my heart.
**Much thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Come Out, Come Out will be released on August 27.
Sara Bechtol 