Dead House is the titular location of the book, and it represents Reality and the Supernatural, as well as the challenges of being in a new place and adapting to a new lifestyle. The house’s supernatural nature makes it more difficult for the Bensons to adjust to life there, particularly for Amanda and Josh. This is partly because, as kids, Amanda and Josh are more open to accepting the strange happenings as supernatural in origin. In this way, Dead House symbolizes the power and openness of the childhood mind. Amanda and Josh are only restricted in their understanding of what’s happening by the continued criticism from their parents, who insist that there is nothing strange about the house. Because of this, Dead House is able to continue its supernatural mission undeterred, which gives the house and, by extension, Dark Falls, the ability to overpower its victims.

Even without the supernatural elements, Dead House offers challenges for the Bensons. The house is several hours from where the family used to live, which means that they must all adjust to life in a new place. For Mr. Benson, this means leaving his corporate job to focus on writing. As kids, Amanda and Josh face very different struggles.