House of Monstrous Women

Brought to you by Penguin.

A young woman is drawn into a dangerous game after being invited to the mazelike home of her childhood friend, a rumoured witch, in this gothic horror set in 1986 Philippines.

Josephine del Rosario feels like a pariah in her town. Long ago orphaned after her father’s political campaign ended in tragedy, she’s all alone, taking care of the family home while her older brother is off in Manila, where a revolution brews. And it’s starting to feel like he’s abandoning her.

When she receives a letter from a cherished childhood friend, Hiraya, inviting her to play a game, she jumps at the chance to leave town. Josephine will have whatever her heart desires if she wins. Maybe she can change her life. It doesn’t matter that dark rumours have always surrounded Hiraya.

Except Hiraya’s house is strange - labyrinthine and huge, and something seems to be following Josephine everywhere she turns. What’s worse is she suspects her old friend is hiding things.

There is something insidious about this invitation, and if Josephine isn’t careful, she’ll find that change is sometimes bought with blood.

© Daphne Fama 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025