Above Haldis Notch

by Keith Pyeatt

Jenna Emerson learns she's clairvoyant when her mother's spirit contacts her with a plea for help. Something in the afterlife threatens the survival of spirits from Haldis Notch, Vermont.

From the house next door comes another plea, this time from the living. Responding to it leads Jenna to reunite with her childhood friend, and she learns how intensely his deceased father, Jake, resented the residents of Haldis Notch. Retaliation against physical lives wasn't enough. He carried his venom into death, determined to inflict vengeance on their souls. Jake always had a special passion for Jenna, and now she's the only one who can stop him. To succeed she must learn more about what drives him, but understanding Jake's motives draws her into his trap. If Jenna falls victim, every soul in Haldis Notch will suffer the ultimate retaliation for the petty grudges they held in life.

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2011

About the author

As a reader, I've always loved the added urgency and imagination a paranormal element adds to thrillers and suspense novels, so that's what I write. I also love well-developed characters, whether they're likable, despicable, tortured, or those in-between characters you can't decide whether to hate or love.

I've been writing novels since 1995 while living in a rural cabin in northeastern Vermont. I've moved around a lot since then. Now I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I have five published novels available on Amazon, and they slide between genres—psychological thriller, supernatural suspense, paranormal horror, and dark fantasy. My new release, The Sirens of Sayhurn, is a dark fantasy that reimagines the role of sirens, and I'm already planning a sequel.

My website
My Amazon Author Page

Reviews

[Kristen C · Rating 4 out of 5]

​Keith Pyeatt returns with that signature eerie, atmospheric style that fans of his work have come to expect. This story leans heavily into its setting, making the isolation of the notch feel like a tangible threat. The mystery is well-paced, slowly peeling back layers of tension until you’re fully immersed in the local lore and the psychological strain of the characters.

​The writing has a great, steady rhythm that builds a genuine sense of unease without needing to be over-the-top. It’s a grounded, smart thriller that knows exactly how to play with your expectations. If you enjoy a story where the environment feels just as dangerous as the plot itself, this is a fantastic, moody pick for a weekend binge.

[Amaleen Ison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paranormal horror is one of my favourite genres, so I couldn't wait to dive into Above Haldis Notch. Pyeatt's writing style is smooth and easy to read, and he has a way of describing places and people so they quickly become familiar - like old friends.

The mystery element of this novel pulled me in from the start. It began with a suicide so strange and psychologically disturbing that I vowed to read the rest of the book during daylight hours. It was a wise move.

Jenna, the main character, is truly courageous in her efforts save herself, her family, and the residents of Haldis Notch from the boundless and menacing antagonist, Jake. She's a heroine you can route for, and right up to the final moments I wondered how on earth she would prevail.
I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to any lover of horror and the paranormal.

[Catherine Cavendish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book having thoroughly enjoyed Keith Pyeatt's previous book, 'Dark Knowledge'. It didn't disappoint. An intricate and scary tale, this is quality paranormal horror from beginning to end. Highly recommended.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She learns she can speak to the dead and her grandmother pleads for help. Spirits are being used for revenge by them. Her next door neighbor also asks for help to stop his father ghost getting revenge. She needs to be careful not to fall into their trap or the whole town will suffer. See if she can stop them
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a spooky read