Every’s powerful debut in the realm of psychological horror follows Deena Bartlett, a middle-aged woman who must confront both her personal demons and the sinister force her aunt wields, even from the brink of death. Once a formative influence for Deena, her aunt Agatha has turned to controlling her life through manipulation and abuse. As Deena navigates this strained relationship and grapples with the emotional and psychological toll of caring for Agatha, strange supernatural occurrences begin to unravel her sanity, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Deena is haunted not just by these disturbing events but by deep-seated guilt from her past—particularly over her parents' deaths, which she feels responsible for due to her long absence from home. Denna's unresolved guilt compels her to stay by Agatha’s side, determined not to repeat the same mistakes, even as the emotional toll becomes unbearable.

Suffocating and urgent, Deena Undone excels in psychological tension and the slow, unnerving unraveling of its protagonist. Every skillfully weaves the dynamics of family obligation and guilt into a deeply unsettling narrative, making Deena’s internal struggle both relatable and heart-wrenching. Characterization is exceptional, especially in how it captures Deena’s emotional entrapment. The ambiguity of the supernatural elements adds to the pained and eerie suspense, though that uncertainty, plus the slow-burn pacing, may not appeal to readers seeking a splashier sort of horror. Still, Every’s creeping dread and acute psychological insights make this an engrossing, provocative read, alive with striking detail.

For fans of psychological horror, dark family dramas, and gothic fiction, Deena Undone offers a deeply immersive and chilling experience. Readers who enjoy cerebral, character-driven horror with layers of emotional complexity and terror that swells up with subtle force will find this novel gripping, especially as it delves into themes of guilt, power, and the tangled webs of toxic relationships.

Takeaway: Richly atmospheric story of psychological tension and supernatural horror.

Comparable Titles: Hye-young Pyun’s The Hole, Paul Tremblay’s A Head Full of Ghosts.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A