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Blackwood Manor
Come on in. Kick off your shoes. You’ll stay forever.
When Claire finds herself drawn to Blackwood Manor, an abandoned Civil War plantation she just has to have it. One little problem—Blackwood Manor has a dark, torrid history of hauntings, accidents, and no owner has lived on site for longer than two years in more than a century. Claire doesn’t care about any of that.
Upon moving in, Claire’s obsession grows as she uncovers a mystery dating back to the Civil War, and she is determined to get to the bottom of it—with the help of a few spirits along the way.
Blackwood Manor is full of mysteries, spirits, and a story of forbidden love that promises a thrilling ride!
It’s just a house. Or is it?
When Claire finds herself drawn to Blackwood Manor, an abandoned Civil War plantation she just has to have it. One little problem—Blackwood Manor has a dark, torrid history of hauntings, accidents, and no owner has lived on site for longer than two years in more than a century. Claire doesn’t care about any of that.
Upon moving in, Claire’s obsession grows as she uncovers a mystery dating back to the Civil War, and she is determined to get to the bottom of it—with the help of a few spirits along the way.
Blackwood Manor is full of mysteries, spirits, and a story of forbidden love that promises a thrilling ride!
It’s just a house. Or is it?
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2024
62 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 30, 2024
An incredible story than seduces you in the madness of the old house and grounds. Many believe that all old buildings are Haunted.
Step into this immaculately written book for hours upon entertainment that anybody would find great for Halloween or even just a on a dark night.
I recommend this title.
Step into this immaculately written book for hours upon entertainment that anybody would find great for Halloween or even just a on a dark night.
I recommend this title.
dnf
January 14, 2024Horror is a hard sell for me in general, so I knew this book would be a stretch. It just wound up not being my thing and I never got into the flow of the writing style. Also I was very uncomfortable with the way racism was handled throughout. There were a number of elements that bothered me, but it was the master/slave romantic subplot that pushed me to dnf. Unfortunately this wasn't one I could finish.
December 11, 2023
A fantastic mystery full of every emotion imaginable. Recommend to those who love it when thriller and the paranormal collide.
October 1, 2025
Blackwood Manor by Ashley Bundy
Narrated by Christina Fountain
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is an interesting and creepy supernatural-haunted house story.
Twists, turns and ghosts, oh my! 👻
Claire buys a big old plantation in hopes of fixing it up and turning it into a bed and breakfast.
This manor has a long and crazy history of hauntings and accidents, but this doesn’t detour Claire from moving forward with fixing this place up.
This book is very descriptive with the imagery and the Civil War era connections of the past are intriguing.
The ending was a great surprise too!
I listened to the audio version and the narrator did a fantastic job! I definitely recommend the audio version of this book!!
This is book 1 of the Blackwood Manor Duology.
Book 2 is The Haven Stone.
Narrated by Christina Fountain
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is an interesting and creepy supernatural-haunted house story.
Twists, turns and ghosts, oh my! 👻
Claire buys a big old plantation in hopes of fixing it up and turning it into a bed and breakfast.
This manor has a long and crazy history of hauntings and accidents, but this doesn’t detour Claire from moving forward with fixing this place up.
This book is very descriptive with the imagery and the Civil War era connections of the past are intriguing.
The ending was a great surprise too!
I listened to the audio version and the narrator did a fantastic job! I definitely recommend the audio version of this book!!
This is book 1 of the Blackwood Manor Duology.
Book 2 is The Haven Stone.
January 28, 2024
great story
I’m mad! It’s a great story but I’m mad! My favorite character is Donovan. I can’t say what I want to say without giving spoilers away. Ugh. I wanted something different for Donovan. Yes I see how his story worked into the over all story but I wanted something different. I don’t really like scary stories but this wasn’t at all horror. It’s a ghost story and has lots of mysteries. I liked trying to figure things out. Some I did and a lot I didn’t. There has to be more. The way it ends there Dan be more!! I gotta check and see. Claire made me want to slap her a few times. Hopefully Richie will have better sense. Please let there be another book!
I’m mad! It’s a great story but I’m mad! My favorite character is Donovan. I can’t say what I want to say without giving spoilers away. Ugh. I wanted something different for Donovan. Yes I see how his story worked into the over all story but I wanted something different. I don’t really like scary stories but this wasn’t at all horror. It’s a ghost story and has lots of mysteries. I liked trying to figure things out. Some I did and a lot I didn’t. There has to be more. The way it ends there Dan be more!! I gotta check and see. Claire made me want to slap her a few times. Hopefully Richie will have better sense. Please let there be another book!
February 8, 2024
Gut wrenching Terrifying Absolutely wonderful
Oh my. This story grips your soul! It is an experience like no other! The characters will grip you from the start. You will fall in love with each family member. It will be a story you will never forget! It is definitely a page turner! The outcome is so unexpected. I can't wait to read what happens in the next book! The action in this story is so powerful. I highly recommend reading this book! 📖 📕 Thank you Ashley Bundy for a powerful gripping tale.
Oh my. This story grips your soul! It is an experience like no other! The characters will grip you from the start. You will fall in love with each family member. It will be a story you will never forget! It is definitely a page turner! The outcome is so unexpected. I can't wait to read what happens in the next book! The action in this story is so powerful. I highly recommend reading this book! 📖 📕 Thank you Ashley Bundy for a powerful gripping tale.
January 31, 2025
4 stars is me being generous because I did find a lot of faults with this book- a lot that irritated the hell out of me. For starters, the two FMCs are not best friends. They are trauma bonded. You don’t treat your friends as dismissively as they treated one another. You don’t hide the truth a psychotically abusive ex-husband, especially when you are running away to hide at so-called friend’s house (one that has children …). Second issue, the husband of the best friend seemed more in love with the FMC until half way through when the author seemed to realize it too, so then his devotion to his wife was suddenly written in. By then, I couldn’t undo the chemistry that had already been spilled onto the page. My other big issue was how the past stories were tied in. It was too confusing. It would have been better set up with them being the introductory chapters then jumping present day then doing a big reveal to tie it all together instead of trying to do it all at once.
The saving grace for me, was the manor and ghost story of it all. That part was well written. It was very Mike Flanagan level of spooky with how well the scenes were set up and described. It kept me interested enough that my issues with the story fell to the weigh-side.
The saving grace for me, was the manor and ghost story of it all. That part was well written. It was very Mike Flanagan level of spooky with how well the scenes were set up and described. It kept me interested enough that my issues with the story fell to the weigh-side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2024
Blackwood Manor is a captivating tale of mystery and suspense that keeps readers guessing until the very end. From the haunting image on the cover to the layered relationships—like the intriguing initial friendship between Claire and Emma—this story is filled with twists, misdirections, and cleverly planted clues that make it impossible to put down.
The setting is brought to life through vivid descriptions, with similes and metaphors painting Blackwood Manor as foreboding. The hauntings, especially toward the climax, are suspenseful and chilling, making for a chilling read.
I especially liked the breadcrumbs the author wove into the story about the Civil War-era characters. These historical connections added depth, though they left me yearning to learn even more about the past and how it shaped the present.
This book is a perfect pick for fans of horror and mystery, with plenty of Easter eggs to uncover and a story that lingers long after the final page. Prepare to question who’s good, who’s evil, and what’s hiding in the shadows of Blackwood Manor.
The setting is brought to life through vivid descriptions, with similes and metaphors painting Blackwood Manor as foreboding. The hauntings, especially toward the climax, are suspenseful and chilling, making for a chilling read.
I especially liked the breadcrumbs the author wove into the story about the Civil War-era characters. These historical connections added depth, though they left me yearning to learn even more about the past and how it shaped the present.
This book is a perfect pick for fans of horror and mystery, with plenty of Easter eggs to uncover and a story that lingers long after the final page. Prepare to question who’s good, who’s evil, and what’s hiding in the shadows of Blackwood Manor.
September 20, 2024
A haunting mystery that grabs the reader by the horns and drags you in. Just as the ghosts of this haunted old plantation do to their guests.
Claire's dream of turning a gorgeous rundown plantation into a bed and breakfast will soon go up in smoke as she finds not one, not two, but over three hundred spirits haunt her new house.
Many twists and turns lead through this haunted maze of a mystery that Ashley Bundy has created. I enjoyed the characters and the cast of ghosts that both haunt and help the living. The sad reality of the tragedy that happened within the wall of the Blackwood Manor has left a stain that many can feel but only a select few can do anything about.
I did not expect the ending, it wrapped up many of the loose ends nice and neatly within the darkness of the old Manor. I am looking forward to the conclusion in book two.
Claire's dream of turning a gorgeous rundown plantation into a bed and breakfast will soon go up in smoke as she finds not one, not two, but over three hundred spirits haunt her new house.
Many twists and turns lead through this haunted maze of a mystery that Ashley Bundy has created. I enjoyed the characters and the cast of ghosts that both haunt and help the living. The sad reality of the tragedy that happened within the wall of the Blackwood Manor has left a stain that many can feel but only a select few can do anything about.
I did not expect the ending, it wrapped up many of the loose ends nice and neatly within the darkness of the old Manor. I am looking forward to the conclusion in book two.
November 26, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
Triggers:
Child abuse
Ghosts/spirits/haunting
Ouija board use
Injuries due to supernatural causes
Mentions of suicide
Sexual assault
Mentions of past domestic abuse
Racism
Mentions of death/deceased people
Murder
Mentions of rape
Demons/Demonic possession
Mild FF sex scene
Ghosts, demons, and exs! Oh my!
This horror/thriller is gorgeously done. I love how well it was thought out and how in depth the story is. The character descriptions are superb, and I feel like I could map out every inch of that giant old manor. When I say I lost sleep over this one, I am not exaggerating! I just could not put it down! It is decently fast paced and has mysteries and scandals galore. I absolutely can not rave enough about this one. It was my first book by Ashley Bundy, but it definitely will not be my last!
🌶
Triggers:
Child abuse
Ghosts/spirits/haunting
Ouija board use
Injuries due to supernatural causes
Mentions of suicide
Sexual assault
Mentions of past domestic abuse
Racism
Mentions of death/deceased people
Murder
Mentions of rape
Demons/Demonic possession
Mild FF sex scene
Ghosts, demons, and exs! Oh my!
This horror/thriller is gorgeously done. I love how well it was thought out and how in depth the story is. The character descriptions are superb, and I feel like I could map out every inch of that giant old manor. When I say I lost sleep over this one, I am not exaggerating! I just could not put it down! It is decently fast paced and has mysteries and scandals galore. I absolutely can not rave enough about this one. It was my first book by Ashley Bundy, but it definitely will not be my last!
September 13, 2024
A terrifyingly beautiful book.
This was a wonderful read. I absolutely played into the theme - I read this at night, in my candle lit room, with some spooky music playing in the background.
Is it a scary book? Not entirely. But it is a gripping thriller with so many mysterious elements working for it. There are so many twists and turns and the moment you think you have figured it all out, the author hits you with something else. It keeps you at the edge of your seat. For example - I'm here writing this at 2am because I just finished reading this book.
With that being said, yes there are a few plot holes and there's been times where I wanted to smack Claire across the face but isn't that what makes a gripping story?
This was a wonderful read. I absolutely played into the theme - I read this at night, in my candle lit room, with some spooky music playing in the background.
Is it a scary book? Not entirely. But it is a gripping thriller with so many mysterious elements working for it. There are so many twists and turns and the moment you think you have figured it all out, the author hits you with something else. It keeps you at the edge of your seat. For example - I'm here writing this at 2am because I just finished reading this book.
With that being said, yes there are a few plot holes and there's been times where I wanted to smack Claire across the face but isn't that what makes a gripping story?
September 20, 2024
Less than one star. I had higher hopes for this book. This is another one where the entire plot hinges on everyone being the dumbest person alive and making the worst decision at every turn. There were too many plot lines that didn't add anything meaningful, and honestly the author and characters were a little too sympathetic to the Confederacy/racists for my liking. The whole thing really came off like the author read Hill House by Shirley Jackson and tried (failed) to make a more modern, dramatic version.
Oh, and the master/slave lesbian love story coming out of nowhere?? That's when I should have stopped reading. And somehow this book needs a follow up for some reason? Absolutely not, hard pass.
Oh, and the master/slave lesbian love story coming out of nowhere?? That's when I should have stopped reading. And somehow this book needs a follow up for some reason? Absolutely not, hard pass.
December 8, 2025
This is my honest book review of Blackwood Manor.
And let me tell you, it is so so good!
Imagine buying an old colonial home which holds many secrets, secrets better left buried. But evil looms, lurks, pulls you in.
Then the bad stuff starts to happen, slowly revealing those secrets that are even darker than imagined.
The storyline pulls you in, slowly unraveling. Some plot twists and surprises pop up which make so much sense.
The main characters are well written and it is awesome to read how they all flow in sync with each other.
In the end, I was surprised about that ending and not what I expected.
And that epilogue?! Oh no!!!
Side thought, so Claire and the bad man are stuck in the same house together? Thoroughly 👎
A well deserved 5/5⭐️
And let me tell you, it is so so good!
Imagine buying an old colonial home which holds many secrets, secrets better left buried. But evil looms, lurks, pulls you in.
Then the bad stuff starts to happen, slowly revealing those secrets that are even darker than imagined.
The storyline pulls you in, slowly unraveling. Some plot twists and surprises pop up which make so much sense.
The main characters are well written and it is awesome to read how they all flow in sync with each other.
In the end, I was surprised about that ending and not what I expected.
And that epilogue?! Oh no!!!
Side thought, so Claire and the bad man are stuck in the same house together? Thoroughly 👎
A well deserved 5/5⭐️
October 15, 2024
I loved the narration of Christina Fountain, who kept me listening and brought the characters, action, drama and mystery to my ears.
Claire feel in love with the the old plantation she bought. Blackwood Manor has been abandoned since the Civil War Its past is full of darkness, hauntings. No owner has lived on site for longer than two years in more than a century. All Claire sees a place where her dream B&B is going to be.
But that dream soon disappears when, over three hundred spirits haunt her new house.
So many twists and turns in this mystery. You will feel such emotions as you find out the tragedies that happened and how some of the ghost do good .
Loved the ending.
Claire feel in love with the the old plantation she bought. Blackwood Manor has been abandoned since the Civil War Its past is full of darkness, hauntings. No owner has lived on site for longer than two years in more than a century. All Claire sees a place where her dream B&B is going to be.
But that dream soon disappears when, over three hundred spirits haunt her new house.
So many twists and turns in this mystery. You will feel such emotions as you find out the tragedies that happened and how some of the ghost do good .
Loved the ending.
April 1, 2024
This well-written mystery is haunting, a little spooky but not so scary that you'll keep the pages closed. Quite the opposite. I stayed up late for two nights reading alone, which added to the ambience.
The characters stayed with me even after reading!
I don't like disturbing topics, but they're the skeletons in the closet that build the story. The history behind the Blackwood Manor hauntings is a complicated compilation that the author expertly weaves through twists, turns, and surprises right til the end, and then some...
The characters stayed with me even after reading!
I don't like disturbing topics, but they're the skeletons in the closet that build the story. The history behind the Blackwood Manor hauntings is a complicated compilation that the author expertly weaves through twists, turns, and surprises right til the end, and then some...
June 18, 2024
This book is not for the faint of heart. If you’re going into this thinking it’s just another haunted house story, you would be wrong. There’s much more going on under the hood than first meets the eye.
In addition to the horrors that Claire faces in her brand new fixer-upper, she also has to deal with the haunting memories of an abusive ex-husband, and a real-life divorce from that same man.
With an additional cast of characters that serve to support Claire in her new endeavors, there is plenty of tension and mystery around every corner of this massive plantation home.
In addition to the horrors that Claire faces in her brand new fixer-upper, she also has to deal with the haunting memories of an abusive ex-husband, and a real-life divorce from that same man.
With an additional cast of characters that serve to support Claire in her new endeavors, there is plenty of tension and mystery around every corner of this massive plantation home.
September 15, 2024
Started out so good and interesting then holes started to develop in the plot, rushed details to make the story pieces fit together without really making sense. But I did appreciate the spooky vibes and history element. Not a horrible book, just my picky personal taste. Please give this author a try, my opinion is just my opinion. You may love this book. This author did a great job and is brave for even writing a book, and getting published! How many of us can say that we are a published author?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2025
I wanted to love this book but I just couldn’t finish it. It had the makings of a great horror book but I just couldn’t get past how airheaded the main character was about the hauntings. I mean everyone knew it was a haunted house, there had been multiple suspicious deaths, she herself had multiple direct encounters and she’s still saying oh it’s not haunted there just must be mold and we’re all hallucinating. It was just too much for me to even want to keep reading and finish the book. As I said before, it has the bones of a great novel but it just lacked the finesse
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2024
One of the scariest books I’ve read in years. One I passed the first chapter or two, I became totally engrossed and didn’t want to put it down until I finished. If you love scary, super natural stories with ghosts, humans and demons, you should really enjoy it! Not sure I liked the ending too much, but there is supposed to be a book two coming which might pick up where this one left off and leave me feeling more complete. I look forward to reading book two. ❤️ Definitely a 5 star page turner!
September 7, 2025
3 stars for this freebie from a Stuff Your Kindle Day. The writing's not great, there are some poor, just incorrect choices of words, but the mood really had me hooked for a majority of the time. I really thought I was going to give it 4 stars, but then the last quarter or so was weak. It got a little ridiculous. I liked it well enough that I'm going to read the sequel next, even if I have to (gasp!) pay for it.
January 22, 2026
3.75/5
Some minor errors, and there were a lot of times where the transition between past and present wasn't entirely clear. Jumps between characters were a little erratic as well and made it a bit difficult to really know who I was in the mind of at any given time.
However, I really enjoyed the story - even if I wanted to smack Claire a few times. The haunted house aspect was pretty well done, and I was definitely creeped out at some points. I most likely will pick up the second book!
Some minor errors, and there were a lot of times where the transition between past and present wasn't entirely clear. Jumps between characters were a little erratic as well and made it a bit difficult to really know who I was in the mind of at any given time.
However, I really enjoyed the story - even if I wanted to smack Claire a few times. The haunted house aspect was pretty well done, and I was definitely creeped out at some points. I most likely will pick up the second book!
August 26, 2024
OMG...This book is so amazing. I don't care what anyone says...I love Donovon, but Ashley did me wrong. lol. Obviously I cannot go into detail. Don't want to give any of it way. But I highly recommend this book. It is a fantastic read. Ashley keeps you guessing and in thralled the entire time. I cannot wait for the next book to see the story continue and see how it will end.
September 7, 2024
I found this book to be completely engrossing, with a narrative that kept me fully engaged. The ability to envision the characters added depth to the story, and the frequent unexpected turns left me thoroughly impressed. The conclusion was particularly noteworthy, but I'll refrain from revealing too much. I'm looking forward to the second installment, due out in October.
September 15, 2024
OMG THAT IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY
The twists and the plot constantly have you guessing and wondering and on the edge of your seat. If you like ghost stories with a mystery this is definitely for you! The suspense all while grappling with the questions and answers that are unexpected but make so much sense are amazing!
The twists and the plot constantly have you guessing and wondering and on the edge of your seat. If you like ghost stories with a mystery this is definitely for you! The suspense all while grappling with the questions and answers that are unexpected but make so much sense are amazing!
September 30, 2024
Held my attention throughout.
If your favorite genre is horror, you will love this. I rarely read it myself, but I must confess it held my interest all the way through. My only objection is that the main character kept denying what was right in front of her eyes. Then again, I might have been in denial myself in a similar situation. Prepare to be scared.
If your favorite genre is horror, you will love this. I rarely read it myself, but I must confess it held my interest all the way through. My only objection is that the main character kept denying what was right in front of her eyes. Then again, I might have been in denial myself in a similar situation. Prepare to be scared.
January 14, 2024
This book was so much fun to read. Good balance of suspense and breadcrumbs to follow as this story unfolded. I love the best friends main charictors and the southern setting. I can hardly wait for the 2nd book in the series to come out!
February 15, 2024
Spooky Treat
This story has a great blend of history, spooky and horror in it. There are so many timelines twisting around one another. Loved Donovan! So much to keep a reader guessing! Can’t wait for the next one!
This story has a great blend of history, spooky and horror in it. There are so many timelines twisting around one another. Loved Donovan! So much to keep a reader guessing! Can’t wait for the next one!
September 23, 2024
This had me sucked in from the start just like the ghosts oh Blackwood Manor had people sucked in. Every turn if the image something else was happening and it was thrilling to see it mentally. I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next one.
November 6, 2024
If you love a suspenseful, haunting good story that will keep you entertained give this book a try! This book draws you in so much. The story and characters you will full in love with. The twists and turns! Wow Highly recommend this book.
December 1, 2024
Wow this book!
I have never lived in a haunted house with many evil spirits. I only lived in a haunted house with 1 lonely spirit. I wish that the spirits would have all been cleansed. Now his dad, mom, sister, and aunt Callie are all stuck at that house with Lucy.
I have never lived in a haunted house with many evil spirits. I only lived in a haunted house with 1 lonely spirit. I wish that the spirits would have all been cleansed. Now his dad, mom, sister, and aunt Callie are all stuck at that house with Lucy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews