Are you looking to get in the mood for a really scary, macabre novel to read this Halloween season? A novel that, although it will frighten you, you won’t be able to stop reading it.
Carrie Rubin’s rational minded orthopedic surgery resident Benjamin Oris (and the protagonist of her last two novels) has just inherited an inn in Massachusetts. Trouble is that the inn is haunted and Benjamin doesn’t believe all that hocus-pocus stuff. Until he visits the inn and stays in it alone for a week as he waits for his girlfriend Laurette along with her sixth sense to join him.
In the meantime, Ben is confronted with secret passages, doors that creek open in the middle of the night, lights that turn on and off and a basement pit that raises the hair on his neck.
Benjamin is designated to become the heir of the inn by taking part in one of the spookiest ceremonies I’ve ever read. He must drive away the evil spirits inhabiting the house along with its promise of immortality and eternally free from sickness – which, by the way, is pretty enticing for a medical doctor.
Once Laurette arrives, there are Ouija boards, crystals, levitations, a manuscript describing people disappearing after visiting the inn, remnants of an insane asylum, people murdered, ghosts and lingering spirits.
This is not the genre of book that I usually read but Carrie’s usage of suspense kept me turning the pages wanting to know the next thing that Ben would be confronted with and how he would handle it.
Besides the spooky part of the novel there is lots of very interesting writing. For example. “Come morning, he (Benjamin) felt about as rested as a squirrel on crack.”
If you’re thinking of getting into the Halloween mood of haunted houses, gravestones and divinations this is certainly the book for you.
Well done, Carrie!
Carol Balawyder 
Good luck to Carrie on her book!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does sound like a great spooky read for this time of year, Carol. And it sounds as though it’s got quite a lot of atmosphere, too. Glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Margot, it’s spooky and creepy. Just in time for Halloween.
LikeLike
A great review, Carol – sounds spooky. Toni x
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is, Toni. Thanks for stopping by. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats to Carrie! Thanks for sharing, Carol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You always write such intriguing reviews! (You said at least once that you enjoy reading at night, so how in the world dd you get any sleep after reading this??????) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds wonderful and with Carrie’s voice, I’m sure it is. I’ve read quite a few of her other books, including earlier ones in this series. Good reads!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jacqui, I’m not by any means a horror fan but because it was written by Carrie and I really enjoyed her other two books in the series I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised, although I’m still not a horror fan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You sound just like me! This is a good series. I had considered it more metaphysical than horror but it’s maybe taken an interesting twist?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I assume Bau has given this one two enthusiastic paws up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooooh!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just the type of story to keep you up all night!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful review Carol. It sounds like an engaging read, unfortunately, I don’t read scary books but congrats to Carrie ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Halloween would be even scarier if you had this book. Unfortunately, I went too far in Indonesia. Strong book reviews. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person