78 pages • 2 hours read
The Dollhouse Murders
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Book Brief
160
Novel • Fiction
Illinois • 1980s
1983
Middle grade
8-12 years
670L
Super Short Summary
The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright follows Amy Treloar, who while staying with her Aunt Clare, discovers a dollhouse that is a replica of her great-grandparents' home. As the dolls begin to move on their own, Amy uncovers clues about her great-grandparents' unsolved murders from 30 years ago, leading her and Aunt Clare to confront their pasts and the haunting events tied to the house. Explicit details of family murders and supernatural elements are present.
Mysterious
Unnerving
Suspenseful
Dark
Reviews & Readership
10,342 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews of The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright highlight engaging suspense and a well-crafted mystery that appeals to young readers. Positive feedback often mentions the atmospheric writing and believable characters. Negative insights point to plot predictability and occasional slow pacing. Overall, the book is regarded as a solid middle-grade horror choice.
Who Should Read The Dollhouse Murders?
Fans of spine-tingling middle-grade mysteries like Mary Downing Hahn's Wait Till Helen Comes or R.L. Stine's Goosebumps series will relish The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright. Readers who enjoy atmospheric, suspenseful tales with a touch of the supernatural and relatable young protagonists will find this book captivating.
10,342 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Aunt Clare
Aunt Clare
A role model for Amy who, like her niece, grapples with the past and the mysteries surrounding their family, especially those related to the dollhouse.
Louann Treloar
Louann Treloar
Amy’s younger sister with a developmental disability, who offers both challenges and insights as they confront family mysteries together.
Ellen Kramer
Ellen Kramer
Amy’s closest friend who represents the normal teenage life Amy desires and provides support amidst the chaos of her family life.
Amy’s Mother
Amy’s Mother
A figure of responsibility and pressure for Amy, she embodies the expectations and guilt associated with caring for Louann.
160
Novel • Fiction
Illinois • 1980s
1983
Middle grade
8-12 years
670L
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