MARCH -- The Grip of It 🏚️👁️🖤

The Grip of It by Jac Jemc (2017)

When Julie and James move into a new home on the edge of a quiet town, they’re hoping for a fresh start. The house is affordable, spacious, and just far enough away from the city to feel like an escape. But almost immediately, something feels… off.

Strange stains appear and disappear. Doors open when no one is near them. Footsteps echo in empty rooms. The house seems to resist being known, and as the couple tries to settle in, their relationship begins to strain under the weight of isolation, suspicion, and the creeping sense that they are not alone.

Jac Jemc is an American novelist and short story writer known for blending psychological horror with literary fiction. Her work often explores anxiety, identity, and the instability of perception. In addition to The Grip of It, she has written The Invisible Hotel and False Bingo, among others. Her prose is spare but razor-sharp, often leaving readers deliciously unsure of what is real and what is imagined.

Themes to Keep in Mind While Reading (Non-Spoiler)

The House as a Reflection
Is the house haunted… or is it reflecting what’s already inside the characters? Think about how physical spaces mirror emotional states.

Marriage Under Pressure
This isn’t just a haunted house story. It’s about what happens to intimacy when trust begins to erode. How do secrets, suspicion, and financial strain shape the dynamic between Julie and James?

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Unreliable Perception
Who do you believe? The book plays with perspective in subtle ways. Notice what each character sees, what they ignore, and what they refuse to confront.

Before the event …

• Read the book.
• Keep your RSVP up-to-date. If you can't make it out, update your RSVP at least 24 hours beforehand. Attendance will be taken and "No Show"s marked.

At the event …

• We’re a friendly welcoming bunch and we love new folks!
• Please purchase something (even if just a soda) while you’re at the restaurant. They’re running a business but being super awesome by giving us a space to meet for free. Also, please tip our servers. We’re a big bunch to wrangle.

2026 Austin Horror Book Club Selections
Click here to see this year's books!