Specter

by R.M. Brand

A gothic tale of a woman who finds herself embroiled in a sinister scheme to plunge her into madness. However, she meets a rather unlikely ally, a ghost, willing to help her unearth the truth from the catacombs buried under a labyrinth of lies involving incest, rape and murder.

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Carrington Manor has its share of history and ghosts, which Hettie is quite familiar with through her late father’s business selling peculiar antiques said to be haunted. However, the job turns out to be more than she bargained for.

The owner is determined to level the house as quickly as possible, but it seems the house refuses to go down easily. Crews flee frightened by unexplained phenomena that grow more violent as demolition day approaches but she’s not afraid.

Hettie learns that the man who joins her in the parlor for tea every night has been dead for over a century. She knows that a house can have a life of its own and can keep secrets buried deep within its walls. She reaches beyond the grave to her father, the only man she knows who can help her unravel the mysteries of the house and the objects within it. The answers lead her to a grisly discovery that holds the key that can free the specter from his torment, but she must do it before her spirit is trapped within Carrington Manor.

ebook

First published October 28, 2012

About the author

Ever since I could hold a pen, the power of storytelling has captivated me. Whether crafting thrilling mysteries, heartwarming romances, or thought-provoking women’s fiction, my goal is to transport readers into worlds that linger long after the last page is turned.

You can learn more about my work at https://rmbrandauthor.com/index.html.

Reviews

[Brian Bergstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of the horror genre. Most of what I see out there is either trash or too cheesy to read. This tale is not one of those tales. The mystery behind the Carrington family is extremely interesting. RM Brand tells it beautifully. Nothing was corny or poorly done. Usually books have minor holes, but having just finished it, none stand out. As much as I tried to avoid it, some scenes sent a chill up my spine. Perfectly released just before Halloween, I would definitely recommend this story for anyone looking for a quick haunting read. I'm by no means saying it'll scare the living daylights out of you, but the second half of the book is simply the most chilling literature I've read in years. I don't care who disagrees with me with having read other books in the genre, I found this one thoroughly entertaining. This book has definitely made me a fan. And, for the price, why not pick it up? Happy Halloween!!

[Kathleen Yoshida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nicely paced, well written novella set in modern day but with a Gothic suspenseful overtone. A young woman who has always been intrigued by a particular mansion is tasked with cataloging and valuing the items of the estate (that just happens to be haunted) in preparation for them to be sold. Stumbling onto vital information that will not only save the Carrington Estate from being razed but also reveals the truth of the death of William Carrington (our ghost), Hettie lands herself into grave danger. Her only help comes from the ghost of William Carrington.

The story concludes with a nice little twist and a bit of romance. Definitely a good little spooky novella.

[Loretta Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Specter. If you like horror, with romantic elements, you'll enjoy this one! RM Brand takes us back to the way we used to read horror...with twists and turns that surprise, shock, and ultimately delight! Give it a read, preferably at night. But, leave the light on by the bed...

[Kathleen Yoshida · Rating 5 out of 5]

R.M. Brand is a master at setting a tone and scene. Great little ghost story to curl up with as we head into the Halloween season :0)