Phantom Realm: The Haunting of Misery Mansion

by Neil Sater

Harmon Manor: a place so stained by its sordid past that the locals call it “Misery Mansion.”

On Halloween night 1990 in rural Ohio, 16-year-old Jessica Putnam accepts a dare to visit the long-abandoned manor. She cautiously circles the dark house, sensing a watchful presence, fleeing when a ghostly woman pleading for help appears.

But no matter how fast or far Jessica runs, she will have to traverse space, time, and the afterlife itself to disentangle herself from Misery Mansion’s despaired history and the otherworldly “phantom realm” she uncovers festering deep within.

A SUPERNATURAL MYSTERY WITH AN UPLIFTING ENDING THAT WILL THRILL ADULT AND YOUNG ADULT READERS ALIKE

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2023

About the author

A fanatic of all things dark and creepy, Neil Sater lives with his wife, Mary, in the Cleveland, Ohio area. They have two grown children and two grandchildren. Having spent his career doing other things, Neil is happy to be now finding time for writing. He has published three supernatural mysteries. Neil’s debut novel, Phantom Realm: The Haunting of Misery Mansion, and his latest novel, Atrocity: The Haunting of Moravian Village, both earned the #1 New Release rating in YA Ghost Stories. Neil’s second book, Mercy Killing: The Haunting of Ghoul House, became a Supernatural Mysteries bestseller. A Horror Writers Association member, Neil is currently working on his next supernatural mystery (like his other books, also set in Homer County, Ohio), which will be published in 2026.

Reviews

[Kerry Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story as it encompasses so many components I love; horror, suspense, historical fiction, and the type of sentimentality that makes you care about the characters and continue to think about them after you finish reading. It is well researched with a lot of interesting historical tidbits enriching each of its timelines taking place in different eras and architecture enthusiasts will enjoy the vivid description of the Manor’s decor and construction. The central plot twist is quite clever and unexpected, while the ending has enough heart to tug on your heartstrings. Due to it not being very long nor explicit, it’s a great option for teens in addition to adults of all ages.

[John Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable read that kept me engaged throughout. The story is told in non-chronological segments that build the mystery effectively and allows the reveal of surprises along the way. The characters are well written, and the dialogue is realistic. The story is appropriate for all age groups.

[Emmy MW · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book ended up being a nice surprise. Not the typical horror novel. The inclusion of time travel added a different take on the usual haunted house genre.

Fave part: Dennis’s story. Huhuhuhu

Some parts did drag a bit, but all in all, still enjoyable.

[G. Hiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how there are multiple layers to this story, which all came together as I read. Great characters. The story included a couple of cool, unexpected twists, and it all wrapped up with a satisfying ending. Will check out the other books by this author!

[Emily Crawford-margison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A smooth, well-written supernatural story.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took some time to really kick it up a notch but when it did I could not put it down, I finished this in 1 day.

[Karen Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy read that keeps you wondering what is next!