Not everything returns in the way you hope it would...
When Leah accepts a new live-in care job, she hopes it'll be a chance for a fresh start after a heartbreaking split up from her boyfriend. New surroundings, better money, and she gets to help a grieving father. What could go wrong? However, from the moment she pulls into the driveway of a beautiful country home, unusual events begin to take place, making her question her decision. At first, she tells herself it is an old building. Footsteps at night, doors slamming shut and refusing to open, Leah tries to find reasonable causes for it all. But the longer she spends in the house, the more she realises the source is far more sinister than she could ever imagine. Can she protect the man she promised to take care of, and herself before it's too late?
It’s been well-established that haunting-based stories aren’t my top pick for a good horror outing. However, I strive to help new authors and I believe this was PK Baker’s first book. Congratulations to her! And I enjoyed this quite a bit. I think that Leah was a fantastic lead. She had some decent depth and good insight throughout. Lots of creepy moments and a lot of traditional ghost/malevolent spirit fare in a big ol house. The one main critique that I had here was how Leah’s actual care for John was left mostly unaddressed. With the revelations about Mia, I feel like he needed a lot more development. Maybe showing Leah’s day-to-day care before the occurrences started happening in the house, and even some further internal struggles as Leah related the tragedies of her own upbringing to his abusive relationship of John with his daughter, could have been worked in seemlessly and given the story more layers. Wow, that was a run-on sentence. But I think that as this author continues to fine-tune her approach and get some more experience in, she’ll excel in her literary journey. So, my fellow horror nuts, keep your eye on this one.
This is Paulina's debut horror novel, and she's done a great job with it. A good, creepy read that can be read in one sitting and is a great place to start your horror reading journey! 🖤
Leah takes on a new live-in job as part of her work as a carer, it's a good excuse to end the relationship that she's in where she isn't happy anymore. But of course, the house she goes to stay in, with its owner, John, who is a troubled man, who doesn't walk or talk anymore after the death of his daughter, isn't as much of a comfort and fresh start as she was hoping for.
Strange things start to happen the second she steps out of her car on the driveway. The odd occurrences hit hard and fast for Leah until she cant take anymore. She is torn between staying to help John, she wants to help him to heal, his physical health is good, it's his mind she feels is going to need the most work, and to getting the hell out of there!
She stumbles across the daughters diary a couple of times and when she finally gives in to the temptation, and reads it, and inevitably takes a trip to the attic, things ramp up swiftly and even her trusty and loyal pet rabbit wants nothing to do with her now. She hesitantly agrees to her ex-boyfriend coming over to comfort and support her through the goings on, but things just get worse for them both.
The truths that are uncovered are shocking and horrific and it doesn't take them long to decide to leave the house for good. But someone, or something has other ideas…. and the horror ramps up once again, this time with a brilliant supernatural twist thrown into the mix.
This was a really easy, smooth flowing read, with enough dread and intrigue to keep you from putting the book down until the very end. And it's a great ending, with a great twist!
There's also a bonus story at the end of this book, by Paulina's 9 year old son Niko which was fantastically creepy and very well written! Keep it up Niko! Great stuff! 🖤🐈⬛
Holy crap on a cracker. This book hit me in all the feels! And potentially put me off Red Bull and orange juice for the rest of my life!
That ending... WOW. Safe to say, i wasn't prepared for an ending like that, or for the surprise twist with John! Feelings went from sadness to hate very quickly! Safe to say he got what he deserved, and the gory details... WOW!
I'm a newbie when it comes to horror, so I'm still finding my favourite topic from it, but this book definitely gave me interest in haunted houses! It's something I never expected to enjoy, but actually I adore the subject now after reading this! I'd have given the book 4 stars, but admittedly I struggled with the prologue a little. But once Leah got introduced, it caught my interest all the more!
And can I just say, the Christmas ghost story at the end... how great was that?! I'd never be able to write anything like that, so that's a little writer in the making right there!
Leah needs a new start and somewhere to live when her manager offers her a job as a live in carer for a male invalid, John, in a large house in the country. It all seems perfect until the noises start in the attic, she hears strange footsteps in the hallways and the temperature in the house chills her to the bone. What secrets does John have and what dark force is living with them.
An old school haunted house story that is unsettling with a hell of an ending. There are twists here that are delicious and Leah is such a sympathetic but not pathetic main character. This story deals with trauma and grief and has a creeping tension throughout as Leah’s fear builds and the house unleashes its horror.
This is an old fashioned ghost story with a difference, I thoroughly enjoyed it and the added ghost story from the author’s 9yr old son at the end, is wonderful.
"Trauma has funny ways of showing itself. Denial, anger, depression - everyone feels it differently. But John had taken it up a notch where, only just past the denial stage, he had decided to take fate into his own hands."
TW - implied rape and death of an animal
This was an enjoyable read. It made me think of the movie The Skeleton Key while I was reading, but with a slight twist to the movie. There was a very creepy vibe all the way through and it had me thinking I could hear noises all night last night. A great debut from the author. Thank you so much for sending me a copy in return for an honest review.
Live-In Carer is a novella that packs a punch. Leah, fresh off the heels of a breakup, takes a position as a live-in carer for a man that can not move or speak. But Leah quickly discovers that her new dream position may be more of a nightmare.
I loved everything about this story. The pacing was fast, I finished in a little over an hour. Our main character Leah evoked plenty of sympathy for her terrifying ordeal, while not being simply a damsel in distress. The setting was perfectly creepy and the events were definitely scary. The story also managed to pull a few twists. With an ending that will leave audiences reeling, Live-In Carer is a short story that simply can't be passed over.
I love watching horror, mystery, psychological thriller and this story is no different. I guess I’m still not used to gory scenes because towards the end of the story, it gave me goosebumps. Overall, it’s a good story, well written & it felt like I just watched a movie.
When Leah's life implodes, she accepts a job as a live-in carer for John. But she has no idea how quickly things can go from bad to worse...
A fantastic debut horror offering from PK Baker. Plenty of effective thrills and chills throughout and a life lesson for us all... Always trust your pets!
The bonus story at the end by the author's young son was a wonderful addition. I was blown away by his attention to detail for such a young age and I hope we'll all be hearing more from young Nico in years to come! What an amazing gift his mum gave him, to showcase his work alongside her own. An amazing writer and mum.
No dabbling in the black arts for me. You never know what will happen.
A good story, will make your feelings turn round and round. The story is mostly about Leah, the caregiver that has broken away from her ex and is trying to be independent in a new job. The story of John, her patient and his dead daughter Mia, is told very succinctly. I would have liked to know more about the whole supernatural sequences, but it had drama and gore and frights.
I love the way this story flowed so effortlessly, Pauline did an incredible job at setting the scene. The prologue brought in some sinister unseen elements that gave the story a very insidious vibe. From the get go she goes hard hitting with the introduction on John, but leaves a beautiful level of mystery. I know I'm a bugger for information dumping, so I'm very cautious of that. But there was nothing like that insight, the story held the reader in a state of curiosity throughout the piece. Held together with some deeply intriguing characters. Our main protagonist Leah, is desperate for a fresh start. Having gone through exactly what I had, leaving a somewhat volatile relationship. She finds this the perfect opportunity, as the role of live in Carer involves moving in with John. Who requires 24 hour care, she jumps at the chance as an option to break away from Will and get back her independence. Whilst we also follow her grieving the loss of her long term relationship, which is written as a natural process. So I love that Pauline incorporated these aspects, the collections of emotions that come with a break-up. Such as doubt, fear of not being able to make it alone, guilt for leaving and the regrets she feels from ending the relationship as a whole. Making the turmoil within Leah much more realistic. Which makes the events that unfold even more intense, showing the work and dedication that goes into full time care. But also leaving the reader in a state of limbo, as that eerie and unsettling atmosphere sneaks silently in the background. Using Leah's rabbit, Pixie to convey uneasiness and also show that danger was near. Was ingenious because everyone knows how perceptive animals are, conveying that in the story was a great way to put the reader on edge. But also to make the reader care about Pixie, with her own little personality. I am not ashamed to say moments in this book made me sob my heart out. As things get worse for Leah, her psyche truly takes a blow in this harrowing supernatural story. All I will say is if you have the feelings I had go with them. Your gut never lies when it comes to a person's intentions. The ending also opens up a whole realm of possibilities, especially with that twist at the very end. Which was *chef's kiss* perfect.
66 SMITH ROAD By Niko Baker (age 9)
First off do not worry about typos or mistakes. You did an amazing job by editing it yourself, I myself always need a trusted editor to help me with grammar and tense. Honestly, even now I still struggle as my brain doesn't quite process things the same way as everyone else. So Niko the fact you edited this by YOURSELF and WON with your story. Shows that you have talent, and if your story is good people make exceptions and overlook minor errors. Now the story of Tommy and Rowan, two brothers who move with their family Into a new home for Christmas. Its a short but fast paced read, in all honesty Niko you got nothing to worry about your editing is better than mine was at nine. It's like oh how nice a family Christmas story. My next thought was well that escalated quickly, I love the ghost elements to it, the creepy car and the eerie mystery around the ‘dead human smelling chimney.’ I can see why you got first place Niko because you are fearless. A great quality to have as a budding horror writer, I can't wait to see what else you have in the works. I will be rooting for you bud!
According to PK Baker, in her ‘About the Author’ section, she was unsure whether or not to dip her toe into the world of writing horror, as she usually writes in a different genre. Based on the strength of this book, (her horror genre debut), she should be penning more creepy tales.
I enjoyed the hell out of this book. Those hoping for a dose of splatter or something of an extreme nature will be barking up the wrong tree. This is a good old-fashioned haunted house story, and it’s been a while since I read one of those.
Leah accepts a job as a live-in carer, having recently ended her long-term relationship and hoping to start life anew. The position seems perfect, as not only will she be provided with a place to live rent-free, but she gets to take her pet house rabbit Pixie.
As the old saying goes, “If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is,” and Leah begins to find this out the hard way.
From night one onwards, Leah begins to experience some genuinely freaky paranormal activity, which grows more disturbing with each passing night. Leah and John, the guy she is charged with caring for, should be alone in the large house, but something sinister seems to be lodging with them, unseen but ever-present. Could it be Mia, John’s daughter, who passed away years before, or something darker and more menacing?
A good hair-raising scare can be tricky to pull off effectively when writing, but Baker achieves this effortlessly. Each fear-inducing scene is perfectly paced, meaning the reader experiences the growing feeling of dread along with our protagonist.
I was especially fond of the downbeat ending that reminded me (without trying to give too much away) of the film ‘Skeleton Key’ starring Kate Hudson.
I’ll happily be looking out for future releases from PK Baker. She has a natural talent for storytelling of the spooky kind.
I should mention that the book includes a story written by Baker’s ten-year-old son, titled ’66 Smith Road’. It’s a nice addition to the book, and the kid certainly has a future ahead of him as a writer. Clearly, the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree.
Book 📖 Live-in Carer By @pkbaker_author Genre Horror / Occult Format Kindle
💀💀💀💀💀/5
Live in carer by pK Baker is a novella, but it sure packs a punch considering its roughly only 80 pages.
From the time you start reading, it becomes hard to put down. It is fast-paced, really easy to read, and no complicated tie-ins with other stories interwoven within the main story, and what's even better, it involves a haunted house.
From the start, we are introduced to the protagonist, Leah, a care support worker, looking for a new place to stay after a devastating breakup with her partner.
By some miracle, Leah thinks all her problems are over when she is offered a new job as a live-in carer, with a new place to live, more pay, and a fresh new start.
Little does Leah know that she gets more than she bargained for when she takes on the job, for there is more than meets the eye lurking within the walls of the house.
It took me a day and a half to read this novel, and it was so damn good that I couldn't put it down. With every page I turned, I was introduced to new horrors and new surprises, and that PLOT TWIST, WOW 👌🏽 it'll definitely be something that will stay in my mind for a long time to come.
Pls bear in mind these trigger warnings ⚠️ ✳️scenes of animal cruelty ✳️ sexual assault
With themes containing Malevolent spirits, Pentagram, Seances, and a haunted house, this book gave off poltergeist vibes, so if you're someone that enjoyed Poltergeist, you'll love aspects of the Live-in Carer
I picked up this book for free during the Terrify Your Tablet event last year. I've seen a couple movies with this premise, both good and boring. I was curious to see what the author could do with it.
Leah is a great relatable character making mostly good decisions, which is so rare in horror. The house was creepy, the story well-written. You think you know what's happening, but then we find out this, then this, then...oh crap.
The climax was good, and the ending a surprise. Really enjoyed this one. 4 solid stars.
Review of 66 Smith Road by 9-year-old Nico Baker:
When a family of four moves into a new house a few days before Christmas, things do NOT go as planned.
First, I love that this was included in the book. A warning is in place because the story was written by a child and was unedited, but I have to say the writing is still better than 75% of what I read on the internet. I loved the attention to detail. And that ending....I'm sorry, but that is a 5 star ending. I couldn't believe that is how he ended the book. I absolutely loved it, and I hope we get to read more Nico Baker in the future.
Thank you so much to the Author for letting me read a copy of this book for an honest review.
Leah is a carer who has just split with her boyfriend who she still lives with and is looking for a new start. Her boss gives her the perfect opportunity to become a live in carer for John who is immobile and mute and she can take her pet rabbit Pixie with her. She takes the opportunity for a new start.
From her first night she experiences many spooky and frightening goings on in the house which have your emotions running crazy. Things move at a fast pace and leads up to one hell of an ending that is completely unexpected but awesome.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a hard one to put down though there was one part in it that was very emotional which I was not so keen on.
This is a really good haunted house story traditional but modern at the same time. I recommend this book its a great read.
Leah is a caregiver who is looking for a fresh start away from her jealous boyfriend. When she gets offered a live in gig, she gladly accepts as this solves all her problems.
John is the patient, man in his 40’s who lost his wife then his daughter leaving him drowning in his grief and unable to take care of himself.
Leah arrives to care for John in his large, old country home. Creepy things start happening the first day. It’s an old house though, right? Or is it something else?
I did enjoy this book, it was creepy and a page turner for sure. It did feel predictable and it kept me engaged because I was waiting for the big twist. The ending felt rushed and lacking of detail. If you’re looking for a quick, creepy read, this book might be for you.
Thank you for allowing me to read this book prior to its release in exchange for my review!
If you enjoy a spooky haunted house story, this one is definitely for you. Leah accepts a job as a live-in caretaker to a man named John, who is an unresponsive forty-six year old bound to his recliner. During her stay, Leah experiences strange happenings inside the house, such as loud footsteps upstairs, her pet rabbit acting strange and frightening claustrophobic situations. Besides taking care of John, Leah becomes curious and explores the house and comes across a diary that belonged to John's daughter Mia, who tragically died a year before. Is John's daughter haunting the house, or is there a demonic presence lurking about? P.K Baker writes this wonderfully with much creep factor and mystery. It is a fast read, and I only wished there were more scenes added. Otherwise, it grips you right to the end. Rating 4.5 stars 🌟
Live-In Carer is set up really well from the get-go with great characters and a hugely entertaining plot. There were a couple of expert twists that I didn’t see coming, and the ending was unexpected. The characters were all really well developed with very distinct and complex personalities. The paranormal aspects were done with great moments of suspense and quick jump moments and it all worked so well together to keep the momentum going seamlessly.
I read this from start to finish in about 3 hours because I couldn’t stop turning the digital pages. There is some gore, abuse and animal death in the book for trigger warnings but none of it is overly exaggerated and adds foreshadowing and key detail to the plot.
I’m adding this author to my watchlist because this was a great first-read.
I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.
Wow, this book packs a punch! I was in the mood for a book featuring a creepy old person and this book definitely succeeded.
So it basically follows Leah who has just been given this new job as a live-in carer for an old man called John.
After a few days, creepy things start happening to Leah in this house which start to haunt her. This trope has been done quite a lot, but I didn’t find myself uninterested in this book.
It’s definitely a book you can read all in one, and the last part of the book was a real page turner. The ending was brilliant. Would really recommend this book for an entry into horror or a quick horror fix.
The first thing that drew me to this story was that I used to be a carer myself, same as the main character. I was in a nursing home, not in someone's house, but UK's nursing homes are usually old buildings that don't lack the scaring factor. So I was imediatelly drawn into the story. I didn't expect it to turn into such a engrossing, creepy and full of twists adventure. I love stories that give me "what the heck" thoughts crossing through my mind. And Paulina's story did this, more than once. Even the finale had a massive twist that left me reeling and wanting for more. Paulina's debut as a horror writer is gripping and will keep you tangled into a web of scary moments along with sad ones. Totally recommend!
Live in carer by P.K. Baker ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I received an arc copy of this fantastic book and cannot recommend it enough! Be warned- 2 pets die. I did have to skip the bit about the bunny but the overall story was fantastic! You truly build a connection to the characters and experience the tension that is built so well by the author. When you think you have it sussed, you don't! The ending took me completely by surprise and left my gobsmacked! Live in carer follows a young woman who had just broken up with her boyfriend and is offered a position at work as a Live in carer. But when she moves in she soon realises she is not the only one living there. Something is taunting her and making her scared for her life, so much so that she TRIES to leave.
After the story ends, there is also a short story by the authors young son! He definitely has the makings of a horror author and I hope he continues to write and maybe one day publishes his own amazing stories!
I am so happy that I was able to read this novella. Thank you for the ARC! Creepy, suspenseful, and thrilling are three words to describe it! I absolutely loved this novella.
The novella was very well written and the descriptions of the characters, scenes, everything were absolutely amazing. I felt I was watching a movie from how great the descriptions were. Many times I felt my heart racing I just couldn’t put it down!
This novella definitely is enough to give people nightmares. From the different noises that the main character heard to the events that all unraveled, I was roped in and brought on a wild ride.
I highly recommend this novella. From start to finish it was suspenseful and has your heart racing. You will not be disappointed!
Live-in Carer Written By PK Baker is a fantastic tale that reminds you that you had better pay attention to your beloved pets. They had a way of becoming very special to you so don’t over look the fact that they have a sixth sense and know things before you do. Unlike Leah, heed the warning when you get one. If only Leah had listen to Pixie. This book is so realistically written. You soon will find yourself fearing as you slip in between the pages and find yourself completely submerge in the terror within. Ask yourself, just how far would you go for the chance of bringing your loved one back?!
Bonus story 66 SMITH ROAD By Niko Baker was so fun to read. Thanks Pk Baker for including this gem and supporting your son. Keep up the good work kiddo.
I got this one from the Books of Horror Terrify your Tablet event. I absolutely devoured this and thoroughly enjoyed it! I was mid way through last night when my fiance flinched in his sleep, grabbing my arm and I nearly pooped myself hahaha. It actually spooked me and I love that! I just wish it was longer. There was so much to explore and expand on and I would have loved a full length novel! I would have liked a littleeee more depth on how Leah did such a 180 at the end. I like the little twist at the end, but she spent the whole book being so conceintious so it kind of threw me. I think I wanted to hear how being trapped had made her desperate enough to commit the ultimate evil, or something I dunno. Overall, bangin' horror novella, would recommend :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Well after reading this book, I may have nightmares. The whole story was spectacular. From the first noises Leah heard to the mind blowing end; this book was everything the author meant it to be. It was frightening. I felt he chill Leah experienced in the room and attic. I am glad I finished this book before dark but I do not think that will prevent what may happen during my sleep. I expect my mind will conjure some of the story. Another good reason to not read a book about spells even if it sounds like a good idea. No spoilers here. That end!
I almost forgot. The extra ghost story at the end…quite scary! Great job Niko
This book is enough to give you nightmares. When Leah accepts a position as a live in carer she thinks it the perfect opportunity for her since she just broke it off with her live in boyfriend but when things start to go bump in the night she realizes that she is in over her head and scared out of her mind. The ending of this book leaves it wide open for more story. Hoping the author writes more.
Also at the end of the book I got the chance to read 66 Smith Road that her 10 year old son Niko Baker wrote. This story was great. Niko has a talent for writing and I hope he continues to explore..
This book packs a punch! Trigger warning for those who struggle with animal cruelty / death.
Leah is a carer who breaks up with her partner, gets a new role living with her client full time. At this stage I was already hearing alarm bells nope not for me. Then the hauntings begin...
I was heartbroken at a certain part wont give too much away and that ending got me good.
Shout out to your son Nikko for his addition at the end love that he takes after his mammy.
PS the addition of your top favourite books right now is such a nice touch giving the spotlight to other. Love this.
Thank you P.K Baker for the ARC! I enjoyed this book so much and it's definitely in the list of my favorites of all time. I read this book late at night which also contributed to the overall spookiness of this book and I couldn't put it down until I finished it in the morning. I absolutely loved the plot twist and I just love reading stories that involve getting revenge on those who simply, deserve it! The book follows Leah, a recently single woman who hopes she can find a fresh start after she gets a new job as a live-in caregiver to a man whose lived through a great tragedy. She also brings along her pet rabbit. However, not all things are as they seem and there's more than meets the eye with the patient and home she is to look after.
TW: Implied animal harm, graphic violence, SA.
Also wanted to add, I enjoyed the spooky Christmas story by Niko Baker at the end! Keep on writing!!
Holy Shit! This book definitely was a wild ride. At first I wasn’t sure what to make of the book and at first found it a little bit cliche (I’m a huge horror fan), but the twist caught me in the end. It definitely left my mouth hanging open.
I’d definitely recommend this to someone who is just getting into the horror genre. It’s not super gorey and it keeps the reader’s attention. Definitely going to give this another read through during spooky season!
Solid 4 stars and thanks again for the author letting me be one of their ARC readers :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It's that time of Year Again, The Bewitching season. A definite must for October readers
Are You Looking for An original Supernatural Story with a Twist?
Thank You P K Baker
This story is a packed to max with Creepiness and Ghosts. As the reader continues reading the story becomes more creepy and darker 😳 😬 😐.
There was a bonus story from the authors son. This duel will give Stephen King and his two sons a run for there money. Definitely would love to read more from both of these authors
It's a 5 🌟
Revenge Supernatural Triggers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Leah takes on a live-in carer job to get a new beginning after a heartbreak, but she finds herself smack-dab in the middle of her own horror story.
I enjoyed the layering on of horror, that gothic demonic haunting, and though live-in caregivers are not an uncommon trope in the horror world, I liked how this was written. The characters felt relatable, the situations were not unbelievable, and the cookie crumbs were laid out if you paid attention.
I would read this again and always love where there is a satisfying end to a gruesome tale.