Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Dartrine Beaumont believes her mother’s sudden death has left her alone in the world—until she learns of long-lost wealthy relatives living in Florida. Confused but delighted by the possibility of extended family, Dart travels to her grandmother’s stately Gilded Age mansion on Amelia Island for answers, just in time to stake a claim on an unusual inheritance: an alligator farming empire.
Her arrival at Greer House isn’t everything she hoped. Without warning, Dart finds herself in fierce competition with her grandmother’s arrogant heir apparent, and tensions rise as threats escalate on one of the farms. More unsettling is her hostile grandmother’s fanatical belief that the danger stems from a curse; according to legend, a larger-than-life alligator hunted down by a bloodthirsty ancestor haunts the family. Yet Dart can’t deny that the farm’s alligators hiss only at Greers, or that a shadowy figure creeps through the mansion’s halls.
As Dart uncovers the truth about her violent birthright, she faces a terrible choice: accept her place in her family’s grim legacy or forge a new path by slaying a different beast entirely.
My Review
The House Built on Alligator Bones has one of the most uniquely compelling premises I’ve come across in a while. An alligator farming empire, a Gilded Age mansion on Amelia Island in Florida, a family curse, and a shadowy figure creeping through the halls? Yes please!
And I have to say that I was super surprised to learn that this book is a debut novel because the prose is really impressive for a first time author.
The alligator farm setting is the real standout here. It’s completely unlike anything I’ve read before, and it’s clear that the author did serious research. It also adds this fantastic layer of tension throughout the story that I really loved. Fair warning though: there are some pretty graphic descriptions of alligator hunting and killing, so if that’s something you’re sensitive to, go in prepared.
My main critiques are that the book pulls at a few too many threads, and some of them don’t really go anywhere satisfying. The motivations behind some of the antagonists felt a little thin and had to believe. I also found Dart a little frustrating at times because she spends most of the book desperately wanting answers while seemingly being allergic to actually asking anyone questions.
That said, part of that IS her characterization, since Dart grew up completely isolated with only her mother, so it tracks even when it makes you want to shake her a little. The romance also could have used a little more development, or remained purely a friendship.
This story ended up being more about generational trauma than outright spookiness, which wasn’t quite what I expected, but still made for a really entertaining, genuinely page-turning read. I stayed up past my bedtime to finish the final 10%, so that has to count for something!
THE GOOD:
- Completely unique premise centered around a Florida alligator farming empire
- Genuinely atmospheric and spooky throughout
- Really impressive debut prose
- The alligator farm setting adds a fantastic layer of tension
- The generational trauma themes are really well-handled
THE NOT-AS-GOOD:
- Too many plot threads, some of which don’t go anywhere satisfying
- The antagonists’ motivations feel a little thin and underdeveloped
- The romance needed more development
- Dart’s reluctance to ask questions can be super frustrating
THE NEUTRAL:
- This is more a story about generational trauma than a traditional ghost story, so adjust expectations accordingly
- Contains graphic descriptions of alligator hunting, so sensitive readers should be aware
OVERALL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐
The House Built on Alligator Bones is a unique, atmospheric Southern Gothic debut with a compelling premise and impressive prose, even if some of its threads don’t quite pay off.
PERFECT FOR:
- Readers who love atmospheric Southern Gothic fiction
- Fans of generational trauma narratives with a supernatural twist
- Anyone looking for a unique and original setting
- Debut fiction lovers who enjoy discovering new voices in the genre
- Spooky season readers who want something a little different
