Price Manor: The House That Remains

by Michael R. Goodwin

Set in a post-apocalyptic, not-so-distant future, six strangers find refuge from pillaging cannibals in an abandoned house. What they don't realize is that by going inside, they have awakened something far more dangerous than their pursuers. Something that can only return to full strength by spilling the blood of its newfound inhabitants. Something that will stop at nothing to survive...

Genres: Horror

136 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2023

About the author

Michael R. Goodwin is the author of THE LIBERTY KEY, a novel of supernatural suspense, SMOLDER, a horror novella, and ROADSIDE FORGOTTEN, a collection of five short stories. His collection of short stories, HOW GOOD IT FEELS TO BURN, was released by Dark Pine Publishing, and he has released several standalone short stories.

His work has been featured in multiple anthologies such as "124 Beloved" by Regulus Press, "Lunatic Lullabies" by Pyke Publishing, "October Blood" by Hawke Haus, "Devil's Rejects" by Dark Pine Publishing, and "The Sacrament" by Dark Lit Press. Aside from writing, he enjoys reading, composing music, and photography.

He lives in Maine with his wife and four children.

Reviews

[Peter Topside · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty frustrated as I crossed the finish line here. There were no indications that this was part of a series, so as I was putting together my thoughts for the review, now I can't really say, for sure, what was lacking or not. Because things may have been covered in the other books or not. I have no idea. For the sake of this review, I'll do my best here. It was a really interesting and dynamic premise. However, way too much jumping around character to character, every few pages. It was interesting how the author didn't necessarily rehash things with each of the six people, but progressed the story, just from alternating POVs. This probably would have been better focusing on less characters, or even just one. Would have kept things much clearer and easier to follow, without feeling like it was the same formulaic situation repeatedly, i.e. present day, past trauma, interaction with the creature. The antagonist, which I am still not sure if the house created it or vice versa, was good, but there was not nearly enough time with it, appearance and context-wise. There were also some plot points from this supposed apocalypse, ie dangerous reaming gangs, that were introduced but not fleshed out at all. All the pieces were there, but the author tried to tackle way too many things in one sitting. Again, the other books may have added to the experience, but with no indications in the book's introduction, the Goodreads or Amazon pages, etc, how is anyone supposed to know?

[Kiera ☠ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoyed The Haunting of Hill House (the TV show specifically but can also apply to the book), you’ll enjoy this. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again but Goodwin really embodies “Cozy Horror” for me. This book is no exception. It feels like classic horror. Something you can curl up and sink yourself into.

I enjoyed all the complex characters in this. Despite being novella length, the characters were complex and the development of each was rich. I found myself consumed in this house with everyone else. Completely immersed in the haunting. The concept is really cool. Like a classic haunted house with a twist of science fiction. There are more books in this series (by other authors) and I’ll definitely have to check them out. See what else The Price Manor has in store for me!

[(the.darkandmoody.reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5- I’m a huge Michael R Goodwin fan. As far as I’m concerned he’s one of the best horror authors, period - traditional and indie published.

Price Manor gave me everything I wanted in a horror book by MRG. There was gore, suspense, a plot full of emotion. And damn!! that ending - the Elizabeth ending.

[1X?X3 1X?X3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific addition to the Price Manor series. Michael is a great author. His writing grips you close, and you don't want to be let go. Bouncing from one character to the next isn't the easiest way to write, but there is no confusion or having to backtrack with The House That Remains. The story flows perfectly like a (Runoff) river. Well done. I hope this series continues.

[Catarina Prata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutly astounding. Another win for the Price Manor series and an author to keep and eye on, Michael Goodwin was able to spin his own tale with his own brilliant set of characters and demons. An incredible book that one can read in just one sitting, and a horrific tale we won't forget.

[Vix · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads.

The next instalment of the Price Manor series and the manor is awakening again to the horror of a fresh batch of victims.

I liked that the terror was personal to each victim and it was gruesome as ever. I quite enjoyed the little interlude in the middle too which let the manor have it's say.

I didn't really feel I connected to the characters (apart from Tim), and that might be because there wasn't much build up at the start before entering the house - I was missing that camaraderie.

I understand the cover switch, but I wish the sizing of the books was left the same, this one felt very thin and therefore felt a lot shorter than previous ones (plus it doesn’t fit on my allocated shelf now lol).

I felt the ending of the book was perfect, I really like what was done there - and I didn't guess what was coming at all.

A good addition to the series and I'd recommend checking the author out. Looking forward to the next in the series The House That Remembers...

[Dave Musson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another visit to that weird old Manor, and another romp of a novella authored by a fantastic human. This time, we find Price Manor in post-apocalyptic Maine where it lures in a band of six misfits who’ve formed something of a troop together, and then starts to pick them off.

Some great set pieces here featuring a bunch of the best kills in this series so far, while not forgetting the creepiness and discombobulation that makes this set of books really tick. And so much character for such a short book - impressive stuff!

I’m already looking forward to seeing where this Manor pops up next!

[Matt M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella! Think haunted house, some gnarly body horror and gore, and moving themes of grief, loss, and perseverance. Check it out if you want a nice spooky quick read between longer works.

[JC · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Price Manor series: written by Michael R Goodwin. This book is set in the apocalyptic time. A weary group of travelers running for their lives decide to take refuge in a mysterious house. This proves to be a bad decision. The events that unfold are terrifying. Goodwin did a phenomenal job with both character and story development. This is some of the best and scariest writing to date by Goodwin. If you love horror then this is an absolute must read.

[Chrisanne Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of All Price Manor Series

With the exception of the fourth book, which I have not read, yet this by far is the best of all the Price Manor book. I love that they are written from different authors with a different perspective, but all in the same storyline this one, however, I couldn’t put down. I loved all of the characters, and the ending absolutely pulled on my heartstrings

[Carla Urick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh I was so frustrated by this one. It did NOT measure up to the first two. Poorly written and the plot was mediocre. Didn’t HATE it but I definitely expected better quality of writing.

[Brooklyn Attic Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick synopsis of the book:

In a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a nearly impossible to cure disease that spreads contagiously and festers till death, 6 strangers form a group of survivalists whom travel together for safety. Deciding to take refuge in an old abandoned house that seemed to pop out of nowhere, they enter a waking nightmare filled with their deepest fears behind every door and even under the floorboards.

My Thoughts:

To me the characters did feel real, except there were too many men in the group with too many wasted details on lesser characters. As a novella, I would have loved to focus on maybe 4 characters, 6 seemed to me to be a bit much. I kept mixing up the characters and their backgrounds. Especially, as lesser known characters phased out of the story, I even forgot their names. Having April, Wesley, Bruce and Tim would have been enough of a cast.

I loved all the gorey details, and would have liked even more details surrounding the events and nightmares the characters experienced. There were a lot of amazing imagery conveyed throughout the story. This is a true Halloween read!

The story was excellent and flowed really well! The last part of the book, the very last chapter gave me goosebumps when the other shoe finally dropped. Loved it!

I didn't know about this as a series, as I had directly asked the author Michael Goodwin for recommendations of his own work for me. This book was a really fun read and I will have to pick up the other two Price Manor books from Deadline Horror Collective.

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