Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor

by Shawn M. Warner

The #1 Amazon Bestseller, Top Ranked book in the world, and TikTok Famous with millions of views, Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor by USA Today bestselling author Shawn M. Warner. Leigh's life has been ripped apart. Orphaned, she goes to live with incredibly wealthy relatives she never knew she had. Struggling to fit into her new world, she can't let go of her grief. When the police tell her the investigation into her parents' murder has hit a brick wall, she knows the only way she will ever know peace is to solve the mystery herself. With new family and friends, which includes a ghost with multiple personality issues, Leigh risks everything to find her answers. Join Leigh on her adventure through the brutal world of organized crime and betrayal.

Genres: Mystery, Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Paranormal, Thriller, Horror

263 pages, Paperback

First published November 22, 2022

Reviews

[Bojana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually I read romance, but I saw this on Tik Tok and gave it a go. I genuinely enjoyed it and would read another from this author! If you like murder-mysteries full of surprising twists and turns this is for you!

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Very fun and thoughtfully written. I loved taking this imaginative journey! I saw a tiktok of the author in Walmart promoting the book and HAD to give it a read.♡

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this and yes, TikTok led me to it but it didn’t disappoint.

It’s been so many years since I’ve read a YA mystery book and this was nothing short of that but more.

Leigh is a 16 year old teenage girl who after her parents are murdered, is taken in by a wealthy distant uncle and his family to the Simmons-Pierce Manor. While she does her best to adjust to her new life and deal with her grief — shes unable to let go of not knowing what happened to her parents and embarks on discovering the truth no matter how difficult it is.

I enjoyed seeing Leigh’s growth throughout the story as well as her internal dialogue shift from the initial thoughts she had upon arriving at the manor.

Navigating through everything wasn’t so lonely thanks to two or should I say multiple people lol one of them being her cousin Myra who was the sweetest. I loved that Leigh had her to lean on as Myra’s support contributed largely to Leigh feeling safe and comfortable. I commend the author for writing the tone for her character so maturely and empathetically.

Now I can’t forget the ghost with severe split personality issues — Bodie. They equally made me laugh and feel so spooked. Their story was truly intriguing to read about as it felt so real and honest and I can’t say much else without giving it away.

Both were essential to Leigh’s well-being and growth besides helping her get to the bottom of it all.

This had twists and turns and a somewhat predicable ending but I was still shocked all the same as there was one I did not anticipate. I also have to note how the last 10 pages felt so wholesome

Overall, this isn’t what I generally reach for but it was pretty enjoyable. It was a compelling (almost short) story that involved mystery, suspense, ghosts, tragedy and trauma as a result of organized crime and betrayal. It did have a slow start but thats the case with the majority of books. The writing was done so well and the author truly possesses such great descriptive prowess — as many have mentioned. I couldn’t believe this was his first novel! He deserves all the attention he’s getting now.

Trigger warnings I should mention:
Suicide, self harm, murder.

[Emilee Baxter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Please, let me preface this review. I know this book is receiving tons of hype and love. I, too, was introduced to this book by the viral TikTok video of the author selling his books at a grocery store. I read this in good faith. I feel it’s important to give an honest review and include a few content warnings to help parents decide if their child should read this as the intended age range feels like 13+.

There are a lot of great plot points in this book. There are also several problems that could be solved with more in-depth editing.

There are paragraphs that contradict each other, as if the author forgot to go back and choose the direction he intended.

There are scenes where the characters are in one location, then at the end they’re in a different location with no transition or acknowledgement there was a shift.

There are lines that would not be included in a middle grade book, like the one I have highlighted.

There is a stereotypical feel to the way the Spanish-speaking character’s dialogue is mapped out. It’s like Spanglish, but not. Even though the character can obviously speak English well, he’ll repeat MC’s word or short phrase in Spanish unnecessarily. It feels… wrong and a little like a dig at ESL.

A 19 yo girl decides to go skinny dipping in front of 16 yo main character regardless of MC’s comfort level.

Trusted adult hires a therapist to torture MC with belittling and pointed comments and strenuous exercise in order to “fix” her? And everyone knows it’s happening and are just *whatever* about it?

And quotes like the one I have highlighted below. There’s more than one like it throughout the book. It really doesn’t feel like modern literature in any sense.

CW:
Murder of both parents
Suicide attempt/ grippy sock vacay
Guns
Gun violence
Gang violence
Drug trafficking
Graphic depictions of murder
Ghosts (a given, I guess)
Graphic depictions of decaying ghosts
Graphic descriptions of violence against children

I’m sure there are a few more that I’ve forgotten.

Also, the cover feels overtly sexual featuring minor MC. Firm dislike.

Most issues could be solved with better editing, the rest could be solved by aging the MC up a mere few years.

I love supporting smaller and indie authors. I promise, I do. Hopefully, I’ll be able to amend this review if the author edits and reworks his book to tighten and clean things up.

I’m rooting for him!

[Barbara Behring · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I grew to care about Leigh and also Little Bodie, one of the titular ghosts. All in all, a very enjoyable read.

[Jason & Jasmine Barrett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok this is going to be a very, very unpopular opinion. Like everyone else, I heard about this book via Tik Tok. I was very excited to support a debuting author and so, so badly wanted to like this book.

My issues with it are as follows:

1. The cover depicts Leigh, a 16 year old, clad in skin-tight black leather and arching on a motorbike. Not a huge deal, whatever I guess, I overlooked that bit.
2. The "ghost" apparently has DID (formerly referred to as multiple personalities). As a therapist, I think this was an inaccurate and unnecessary description. It's just a ghost with a younger manifestation of itself and an older one. Not at all DID.
3. Myra (19) describes going skinny dipping in a nearby river at age 10, which really didn't add to the plot and felt weird and unnecessary.
4. Myra goes skinny dipping in front of Leigh, who is uncomfortable with it.
5. Leigh's narration and thought process read like an older man guessing how 16 year old girls think and act, and it doesn't feel convincing or natural.
6. The plot progression is rocky and some paragraphs contradict each other. For example, one paragraph describes Leigh getting into bed, only to then describe it again shortly thereafter. There is also a typo, (the instead of they), which is a personal pet peeve of mine and probably doesn't bother other readers.
7. Ty, Leigh's father's friend, describes being disappointed in Leigh and having the urge to "put her over his knee and spank her" which again I think was weird, unnecessary, and added nothing to the plot. Again, she's 16 and her response to this is a sheepish "Oh I'd deserve it" which is both unrealistic and creepy.
8. The name and way the character "Nacho" is written is strange and feels like an insensitive and unnecessary depiction. Come on, Nacho?? Seriously??
9. There's a description of Leigh urinating for some reason? Again, not relevant to the plot.

Overall, I was excited at face value to read the book and support the author, but I think it's important that I put this out there even among the glowing reviews for this book. It wasn't well written, didn't feel like a ghost story (or a murder mystery for that matter), has some creepy undertones, and just didn't sit well with me.

-jaz

[Layne Moorman · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to start by saying, I am so happy for this author’s success and hope that this book finds its way to people who love it. I wanted to read after seeing videos from the author on TikTok. I tried so hard to like this book, but frankly found no redeeming qualities. The characters felt shallow and inconsistent, there were lapses in time during paragraphs that were unclear and made the story incredibly difficult to follow, and please don’t get me started on the only Hispanic character’s name being Nacho. A definite skip for me but I wish the author all the best.

[Bree Chairez · Rating 2 out of 5]

TikTok over hyped

I saw this book on Tiktok as many others have, I even sent it to my own book club and friends to read (before reading) because come on the story of Shawn was touching and heart warming.

I had to show support as a fellow book lover and avid reader, I loved the traction and the love the book community, as well as the world was showing Shawn.

I instantly downloaded it on my kindle, and before I go any further, as a mother of a 12 year old - I would not let him read this or recommend it to any one under the age of 16 - please check the disclaimers and trigger warnings.

From first glance the cover was a little misleading, I see a woman with curves leaning over a bike - that was one of the biggest issues for me while reading this book. the main MC was 16 years old - but her age got lost in the writing, a lot of times I kept thinking she was older than she was, I think the author did not hit the thinking/characteristics of a 16 year old girl. More research on that would’ve been appreciated since that was his leading character.

While reading I often felt very confused, I had to go back and reread the paragraph because I thought I had missed something. A lot of scenes started in a place and ended up somewhere else without any context leading there. It lacked description of the surrounding areas, my imagination was working hard to create the manor, the shipping yard, the ghost, etc…

The suicide trope was thrown around loosely, which I did not appreciate, it was made fun of and often held against the MC to make her feel bad.
At one point the family friend made a comment about putting the MC over his knee and spanking her, that was so ick and made me cringe.
There was a-lot of those moments that happened through out the story.

I really wanted to love this book, I really did love little Bodie and even eventually big Bodie, It had a really good plot line. A little exaggerated but hey it is a story.

I believe a lot of the reviews are biased based on the traction of tiktok, news and Shawn’s own personal story. Five stars for me has to hit ever check mark - I question if these reviews are from people who have actually read the book themselves rather then following the main stream hype.

Ill always support an upcoming author, I think as his first book, that is a huge accomplishment and I love seeing how much joy, popularity, happiness this has brought him! I am cheering him on and will love to see what he writes next!

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

In of the more surreal episodes of mass culture and influence a man becomes the #1 worldwide author on Amazon, not due to the quality of the book but because a Tiktoker took pity on him because he wasn't selling any copies when signing his YA novel in the baby section at Kroger's supermarket in Texas.

It is not too surprising considering our vapid, gormless, and ignorant society hellbent on misdirected striving. There is no way in hades that any of the reviews are genuine. This story broke only 2-3 days ago and there are now 1000 reviews on amazon, all 5 star? Even if all the purchases were on Kindle, not everyone can speed read through 265 pages, especially people who don't seem to read much in the first place.

So what is it? My deduction is that 99% of the reviews are from people who haven't read the book. Those can be broken down into non-readers who fell for the sob story and joined the pity party (who leave reviews but will never read the book) and the rest being "aspiring authors" whose only goal is to mimic other successful claptrap in order to gain riches - not surprising since most Americans as Steinbeck aptly put consider themselves "temporarily embarrassed millionaires". So it goes.

[Lamis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read this after seeing a post about it on Facebook. It’s more young adult in nature, the premise is interesting, as is the ghost aspect , and I think Leigh embodies the teenagers essence, selfish, unreasonable and almost childish when there’s something they want.

My comment is about where the murder “mystery” leads, this was my least favourite part, it was more complicated than the rest of the book and not as interesting, it didn’t fit with the book vibe in my opinion.

Very good debut

[Jonathan Guzman · Rating 2 out of 5]

So first of all, congrats to Mr. Warner on his debut novel and getting published. That is no easy task, and only a few ever complete it. That being said, here’s my honest opinion.

The good: the story circles around a character that you feel for. She loses her parents to murder and she spends the story trying to come to terms with that, learning to live alone in a world without her family. She’s up, she’s down, and she honestly tries to deal. The story is fast paced and moves from scene to scene, no long narration where nothing is happening.

The bad: I was once told by a mentor, writing a story is like flying a plane. You need a great takeoff, a smooth flight to the destination, and a safe and smooth ending that satisfies. This book did the first two, but the plane came out of the sky. The reason for my two stars is quite simple: 1) the dialogue is “cheesy” to the point of being unrealistic. A 16 year old gets chewed out by someone who’s not a parent and she…admits her wrong and accepts her punishment??? Since when!? It also felt like a Scooby Doo episode where the bad guy, having the characters dead to rights, pauses to dialogue about their plan, conveniently giving the characters a chance to regroup and thwart the plan. 2) given the Scooby Doo trope, the characters could have easily avoided the whole ending had the multi-million dollar business tycoon asked himself “does this situation make logical sense?”

In the end, would I read it again? No. Am I glad I read it? Sure, I’ll support a debuting author. Did I enjoy it? I’m still putting the flames out on my plane.

[anissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Title is deceiving

Ghosts were my main reason for wanting to read this book. The title, to me, implied that the ghosts played vital roles in the storyline, second only to the main character, Leigh. To my disappointment, the ghosts total interactions could probably fit three, maybe four pages total! Another let down was how the book's synopsis described the ghosts as having multiple personalities. I interpreted that as a ghost "switching to alternate identities." How exciting and interesting would that be to read? In reality, the book technically had two ghosts, and each had their own personality. After reading half of the book, I realized that not much has happened, and the book was basically uneventful, and just kind of went along. Overall, the book was ok, but had so much potential to be so much better!

[Haley Covey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read

This is not the typical book I read, but I saw it recommended online. Once I started, I couldn't stop. It has a playfulness with a mystery that made it unique and enjoyable. I definitely didn't pick up on the twist until it was revealed. Definitely would recommend to anyone who loves to read!

[Kara Fairchild · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating system:
5 stars - Absolutely loved it! I would definitely read again anytime!
4 stars - Really liked it! Will most likely read again sometime.
3 stars - Liked it. Glad I read it but probably won't read again.
2 stars - Didn't like it. Glad I'm done with the book and I'll never read it again.
1 star - Very rare rating. Absolutely hated the book. Will never read again and I'll probably burn any copies I come across.


I was looking for a fun read to fill the gap between more intense and in-depth series that I normally read and I came across this book. The split personality ghost was unique and entertaining, and the main character was relatable. I enjoyed watching her character development. The storyline was interesting, albeit a little farfetched at the end with a 16yo girl taking on an elite and elusive criminal enterprise. But hey, it's a fictional book with a ghost so who am I to say what's within the realm of possibility here! Overall I enjoyed the read and I would suggest giving the book a chance!

[Sara Jamshidi-Azad · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book! couldn't put it down

Tik Tok led me to this wonderful book! I read it in just 2 hours! Wonderful debut by Mr. Warner. Will be recommending to all my book loving friends.

[Judy · Rating 1 out of 5]

awful writing, cringy dialogue, and none of the characters actions make any sense

[Gia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read!

The story is easy to follow and the surprises along the way make for a great read! Can’t wait to see what Mr. Warner puts out next!

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it

It was entertaining. And I enjoyed it. people should give this book a chance. liked the plot and the author

[Becca Ban · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually read psychological thrillers or romance but I HAD to give this book a try after seeing him on tiktok just trying to get his book out there and i’m so glad I did! This is easily one of my favorite reads this year. It’s like if Casper met The Haunted Mansion and had a baby!

Twists, turns, mystery, murder, happiness!! If you want a book that will hook you from start to finish this is the book for you!! I’ll be thinking about Leigh & her adventures for a long time to come.

[McKenzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw the author on TikTok and wanted to support him. He seems like such a nice man. This book was actually good too! This is a lighthearted mystery. It does touch on heavier topics but doesn’t go into great detail so it still feels lighthearted. I loved the found family in this and liked that I really didn’t guess the ending. I recommend if you’re wanting an easy mystery to read/palette cleanser! It would be a good book to read in the fall/October because of the ghosts!

[Kayla Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING BOOK!!! I was so invested in this book please go read it

[Chantal Wink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining read! Amazing author!

[Chasity · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing!

This is honestly one of the best murder mystery’s I’ve read in a very long time! Make sure to check it out you won’t be disappointed :)

[Camille · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book after seeing it on TikTok but it was not for me, and I really struggled to finish it despite it being a “murder mystery with ghosts”

A lot of the book dealt with mental health with the main character having depression and a suicide attempt/suicidal thoughts after the murder of her parents. Overall the book had a bad take on this. It was implied that the character was weak for suffering from these issues. She was provided a therapist, who verbally abused her and forced her to over exercise as a form of therapy. Her “loving” extended family was completely okay with this and berated her when she wasn’t into it. Following this to become “stronger” she was trauma dumped on by someone else and then proceeded to use this as a way to belittle her own feelings bc her situation wasn’t as bad. After this happens, she’s praised by the adults for being better and dealing with it. There’s also a point where her and a trusted adult (who calls her baby girl or good girl, but I digress) refuse medication that could have really helped her. Just overall a really bad take on mental health which I find concerning for a YA book.

This book also reminded me why I don’t often read books by male authors. It was borderline creepy and sexist. The way the MC acts, thinks, and is treated really made me think she was ten at most and it was difficult to reconcile that she was 16. See above that her parents friend called her baby girl towards the end. There was a handful of unnecessary and seemingly odd lines about her skinny dipping or changing that just seemed weird. Perhaps it wouldn’t have been so weird if the MC was a boy? Idk it just made it more difficult to read and I’ll be more discerning the next time I read a male author writing a girl MC.

The Hispanic character, named Nacho, was very stereotypical. He had random unnecessary dialogue in Spanish, among other things, that just really felt not right.

Also this was very pro police, which is fine just not for me and I wish I had known going in. Her dad was ex-military and a cop and that’s brought up quite a bit.

[Reading_ Tamishly]

When a random act of kindness going viral at TikTok making people realise how amazing this book is. Let me read it!

[Samantha Stone · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terribly overrated. This book was riddled with grammatical errors and unnecessary plot points. In fact, there was really no need for the titular ghosts at all. 0/10 recommend. I felt duped by the Good Reads and Amazon reviews on this one.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this after seeing the author’s story on Tik Tok. The premise was so promising, and I really hoped it would work. Instead I got creepy vibes from an older male author writing about a teen girl getting undressed, trying to distinguish sexual vs mentor energy from older men, and let a ghost “penetrate” her body. It was choppy, disjointed, and overall just lacked a clear plot. Ignore the hype and skip this book, even if you get it for free from Kindle Unlimited!

[Amanda Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book, Leigh and Myra - oh to be young again. Didn’t expect the twists & turns! A must read! I love all type of books & am a writer myself. This popped up on my husbands FYP on TikTok and he wanted me to read it & support this author so I did and read this super fast! A definite recommendation!

[Katie Stoddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw a TikTok about this book and author so I thought I would give it a read, and I’m glad I did! Turned out to be a fun mystery

[Amanda Tatsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read.

Loved this book. Thank you! The ghosts are a great switch from what I normally read. Definitely worth the read.