"This is a house that hasn't seen a new soul in a half a century. The walls are saturated with her; the floorboards are worn down from her feet; the very air continues to carry her presence after her death."

The Haunting of Ashburn House

Happy Halloween!!!

I hope everyone had a safe and fun night! After a really busy month. I put the kids to bed early last night, got in bed with some tea and weighted blanket, and picked up The Haunting of Ashburn House by Darcy Coates. Her books have been on TBR for a while now, so I figured it is the perfect night to start! Adrienne is saved. After her mother passed, she was facing homelessness, but then she received a letter that she is receiving an inheritance. She didn't know she had any more relatives when she was told she had inherited her Great-Aunt Edith's home. Upon arrival, the home isn't exactly encouraging. It is broken down and is in desperate need of renovations, but Adrienne can't complain. The small village by the home is filled with people who are intrigued by the mysterious house and its previous owner. Edith was definitely eccentric, but harmless...surely. But the scratches on the walls and tables: "NO MIRRORS" and "LIGHT THE CANDLE" have to mean something. Then there is the mysterious history of the murders that occurred here. But Adrienne has nothing to worry about...right?

This is a fun read, perfect for the Halloween weekend! It brought the chills and the eerie uncertainty. It has a good murder mystery, unexplained paranormal activity, and a great haunted house plot! Is there depth and uniqueness to the plot?--Eh not really, but that doesn't mean it isn't entertaining. I did love Adrienne's character. She was only raised with her mother, no other close friends, and family, so she doesn't have much knowledge pertaining to her own history, let alone the history of her long-lost family. It is actually a little heart-wrenching when she meets a new person from the village because all her hopes lie in making it tomorrow, financially and making friends. That is really all she wants and it is very moving.

There are some pretty gruesome scenes, but that is to be expected. I do love how the author incorporates some Victorian themes in a contemporary story. For some reason, it just feels creepier. Anyway, if you are looking for a creepy, Halloween read...this is it! I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

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