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Whispers of Blackwell House
Don’t stare at the paintings. They might stare back.
Reeling from grief and a recent breakup, River is desperate for a fresh start. When she sees a listing for a housemaid job in an isolated mansion, she leaps at the chance to get away.
Despite being instructed to never speak to the rich family living within the mansion, she can’t ignore Dorian Blackwell. The mysterious young man is far more likable than the rest of his family, and against her best judgment, River breaks the rules and talks to him—only to discover that he may not be as innocent as he looks.
Being blind, Dorian requires an aide to help him in his daily tasks. However, rumor has it that all his past helpers quit suddenly, seemingly vanishing into thin air.
When a new disappearance occurs, strange things begin to happen around River. Whispers trickle down the hallways. Footsteps echo behind the walls. The portraits seem to stare at her as she walks by.
Something sinister is going on, and River realizes that if she doesn’t solve this paranormal mystery, she could be the next victim.
Reeling from grief and a recent breakup, River is desperate for a fresh start. When she sees a listing for a housemaid job in an isolated mansion, she leaps at the chance to get away.
Despite being instructed to never speak to the rich family living within the mansion, she can’t ignore Dorian Blackwell. The mysterious young man is far more likable than the rest of his family, and against her best judgment, River breaks the rules and talks to him—only to discover that he may not be as innocent as he looks.
Being blind, Dorian requires an aide to help him in his daily tasks. However, rumor has it that all his past helpers quit suddenly, seemingly vanishing into thin air.
When a new disappearance occurs, strange things begin to happen around River. Whispers trickle down the hallways. Footsteps echo behind the walls. The portraits seem to stare at her as she walks by.
Something sinister is going on, and River realizes that if she doesn’t solve this paranormal mystery, she could be the next victim.
407 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2024
8 people are currently reading
869 people want to read
About the author
Amélia Cognet
9 books129 followersAmélia is a horror author who loves anything creepy, the supernatural in particular. She loves ghosts, abandoned houses, tattoos, coffee, rainy days, scary books, and fluffly sweaters.
Although from France, she lives in Huntington Beach, CA, with her husband Christophe and her daughter Kara. The years spent living in New England before moving to California are a great inspiration and often impact her writing.
If you want to hear more about her future books, subscribe to her newsletter at https://www.ameliacognet.com/newsletter
Although from France, she lives in Huntington Beach, CA, with her husband Christophe and her daughter Kara. The years spent living in New England before moving to California are a great inspiration and often impact her writing.
If you want to hear more about her future books, subscribe to her newsletter at https://www.ameliacognet.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
January 19, 2024
This was awesome! The world building and character dynamics were so unique! It was a fresh take on the “desperate girl becomes caretaker at a creepy manor” trope (which is one of my faves)! It was a perfect balance of spooky, engaging, with a little romance sprinkled in. So good!!
January 25, 2024
There are very few times where I finish a book and feel a little creeped out- this is one of those times.
I read the synopsis and knew this would be a book for me. Paintings that stare at you, people vanishing, and a mysterious vibe in a gigantic mansion that may hide something sinister within its walls??? Yes, please!!
Whispers of Blackwell House was my first novel by Amelia Cognet so I wasn’t sure what to expect from a new to me author. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style and appreciated the fast paced and engaging plot. At one point in the middle it slowed down a bit for me as it dug a little deeper into the character development. That is based on my own personal preference but I believe it only made the story stronger as you get to understand some of the characters a little better. That being said, the second half of the book felt like I was sucked into a wormhole- I was holding my breath, biting my nails, speeding through the pages just to see what happened.
Now that I can breathe again, I highly suggest picking up this book. And I hope to one day see it made into a movie.
I read the synopsis and knew this would be a book for me. Paintings that stare at you, people vanishing, and a mysterious vibe in a gigantic mansion that may hide something sinister within its walls??? Yes, please!!
Whispers of Blackwell House was my first novel by Amelia Cognet so I wasn’t sure what to expect from a new to me author. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style and appreciated the fast paced and engaging plot. At one point in the middle it slowed down a bit for me as it dug a little deeper into the character development. That is based on my own personal preference but I believe it only made the story stronger as you get to understand some of the characters a little better. That being said, the second half of the book felt like I was sucked into a wormhole- I was holding my breath, biting my nails, speeding through the pages just to see what happened.
Now that I can breathe again, I highly suggest picking up this book. And I hope to one day see it made into a movie.
January 20, 2024
This is how you do gothic horror!
This is such a well written novel and I literally read it in one sitting as I could not put it down!
You are following River, the barista who just lost her grandmother and is having to live with her ex. That is until she sees a job posting for Blackwell House. She applies, hoping this is the new start she needs as it even includes a place to stay at Blackwell. To her surprise, River is given the job via email, packs up her life in a suitcase, and heads to her new life. A new life she might not be ready for as she deals with the whispers, the visions, the mysterious Blackwell family, all while finding her true self
If you like gothic horror, I'd highly recommend this book! The setting, the characters, the twists and turns are just *chefs kiss*. Some twists that I just had to stop and stare into space for a second as I just didn't expect what was coming. Will definitely be checking out other works by this authour and any future books they may put out!
This is such a well written novel and I literally read it in one sitting as I could not put it down!
You are following River, the barista who just lost her grandmother and is having to live with her ex. That is until she sees a job posting for Blackwell House. She applies, hoping this is the new start she needs as it even includes a place to stay at Blackwell. To her surprise, River is given the job via email, packs up her life in a suitcase, and heads to her new life. A new life she might not be ready for as she deals with the whispers, the visions, the mysterious Blackwell family, all while finding her true self
If you like gothic horror, I'd highly recommend this book! The setting, the characters, the twists and turns are just *chefs kiss*. Some twists that I just had to stop and stare into space for a second as I just didn't expect what was coming. Will definitely be checking out other works by this authour and any future books they may put out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2024
This was fantastic! One of the more unique and creative horror stories I’ve read! The characters felt real and the plot was strong and never dragged. Dorian was a fantastic character. This was just a really memorable read which is pretty rare for me! But this one will stick with me. The ending couldn’t have been more satisfying!
January 30, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review. And, goodness, did I enjoy reading it! The main character is relatable and sweet, and I was eager to learn how her story unfolded. The more chapters I read, the better it got. It was scary, funny, and thrilling. Lots of ghosts and creepy castle atmosphere, friends! Very satisfying novel!
January 30, 2024
I was given a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
i loved the writing in this book. it was very well done. the plot was strong and remained strong. this is one you will definitely want to pick up!
i loved the writing in this book. it was very well done. the plot was strong and remained strong. this is one you will definitely want to pick up!
January 17, 2024
Early in the year, but this is the best I've read so far!
January 23, 2024
A woman searching for a new life finds herself as a housemaid for a strange and eccentric family. But things are not as they seem, as people go missing, and strange occurrences happen. This story was very enjoyable, with a few well loved tropes being drawn on and built on, to create a spooky tale that builds up the tension as the story progresses. Just when you think you've figured things out, there's a twist in the tale that makes you second guess everything! I'll definitely be reading another of Amèlias stories.
January 22, 2024
I finished this SO fast once I started it!! Great gothic horror that has everything: ghosts, magic, a mystery, and a little bit of romance. River was such an interesting character and I loved how she developed as the plot continued! I enjoyed reading the story and all of the characters were very well written. I love a book with creepy vibes and I am definitely going to check out more of this author.
February 1, 2024
Down on her luck, River responds to an ad seeking a live-in caretaker in a village in rural Maine. She arrives and quickly discovers things aren't what they seem.
This book was plenty spooky and thrilling. It truly kept me turning the pages. The author did a great job giving the proper atmosphere to facilitate the story. There was a little redundancy when it came to descriptions, mostly regarding specific characters. The main character, River, also makes some choices that you may find odd, or not all that thought out, but that didn't sour anything for me as the character is never presented to be "genre aware". I think what excels the most is the creepy imagery; a couple scenes were very tense and there was some brutality that I hadn't been expecting but *thoroughly* appreciated.
I also have to mention this gem of a line:
"I'm pathetically out of shape for something like this."
In the middle of an incredibly tense scene, that made me chuckle because that would be me in any one of these horror books I read 😂😮💨
Seriously though, this book was a great take on a haunted house story, and I had a very good time reading!
This book was plenty spooky and thrilling. It truly kept me turning the pages. The author did a great job giving the proper atmosphere to facilitate the story. There was a little redundancy when it came to descriptions, mostly regarding specific characters. The main character, River, also makes some choices that you may find odd, or not all that thought out, but that didn't sour anything for me as the character is never presented to be "genre aware". I think what excels the most is the creepy imagery; a couple scenes were very tense and there was some brutality that I hadn't been expecting but *thoroughly* appreciated.
I also have to mention this gem of a line:
"I'm pathetically out of shape for something like this."
In the middle of an incredibly tense scene, that made me chuckle because that would be me in any one of these horror books I read 😂😮💨
Seriously though, this book was a great take on a haunted house story, and I had a very good time reading!
January 28, 2024
Thank you Amélia Cognet for the ARC!
River is desperate for a new start after a break up. While searching for jobs, she comes across an ad for a live in maid, she jumps at the chance to find a paying job and housing.
After arriving at Blackwell mansion, she is given rules to follow, one of which is to never speak to the family who lives there; but how can she resist the mysterious, and handsome Dorian. But is he as innocent as he seems during their forbidden talks? Dorian is blind and has his own personal aid, but all his past aids have quit without warning and seem to have disappeared. After the most recent disappearance, River begins to understand everything is not what it seems.
Omg. This one is full of sinister vibes, paranormal, murder, family secrets, witchcraft, and even a bit of romance. I did not see the story unfolding in the way it did. I was very caught off guard. Highly recommend this one! I was able to read in it about 6 hours. It definitely has to guessing what next. The characters are described in great detail and you're concerned about their well being, except Edith ( IYKYK 😂).
River is desperate for a new start after a break up. While searching for jobs, she comes across an ad for a live in maid, she jumps at the chance to find a paying job and housing.
After arriving at Blackwell mansion, she is given rules to follow, one of which is to never speak to the family who lives there; but how can she resist the mysterious, and handsome Dorian. But is he as innocent as he seems during their forbidden talks? Dorian is blind and has his own personal aid, but all his past aids have quit without warning and seem to have disappeared. After the most recent disappearance, River begins to understand everything is not what it seems.
Omg. This one is full of sinister vibes, paranormal, murder, family secrets, witchcraft, and even a bit of romance. I did not see the story unfolding in the way it did. I was very caught off guard. Highly recommend this one! I was able to read in it about 6 hours. It definitely has to guessing what next. The characters are described in great detail and you're concerned about their well being, except Edith ( IYKYK 😂).
January 26, 2024
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
River is left hopeless and hopeless after a break up. Looking for the next thing in life, she comes across and add for a housemaid in a mansion far away from home. She takes the position with a promise to never speak of what she sees behind the walls of the mysterious Blackwell house.
She never expects what’s to come.
I really enjoyed this book! Even the parts that were so off the wall unreal were really good. It makes me want to go find a creepy house to explore.
Thank you Amélia Cognet for this enjoyable creepy tale!
River is left hopeless and hopeless after a break up. Looking for the next thing in life, she comes across and add for a housemaid in a mansion far away from home. She takes the position with a promise to never speak of what she sees behind the walls of the mysterious Blackwell house.
She never expects what’s to come.
I really enjoyed this book! Even the parts that were so off the wall unreal were really good. It makes me want to go find a creepy house to explore.
Thank you Amélia Cognet for this enjoyable creepy tale!
October 6, 2024
This book took a little time to pick up the pace, and the pacing felt inconsistent because of this. I enjoyed the main character. The writing was decent but I expected a more sinister story. It didn't really have a scare factor.
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If you love active book communities, check out LiterALLy BOOKiSh Book Club (on Facebook)! Games, giveaways, discussions, reviews, bingo, swaps, pen pals, traveling books, and a lot more!
January 30, 2024
Amelia Conget immediately draws you in to the creepy and mysterious story.Paintings that stare at you, people vanishing, and a mysterious vibe in a gigantic mansion that may hide something sinister within its walls??? Yes, please!!
The characters are amazing, well developed, and deep. I truly felt a connection with each of them which makes the book that much more enjoyable. I can’t recommend this book enough!
The characters are amazing, well developed, and deep. I truly felt a connection with each of them which makes the book that much more enjoyable. I can’t recommend this book enough!
January 31, 2024
Whispers of Blackwell House - easily 5 ⭐️ for me. Amélia Cognet knocked this one out of the park! The characters were very well written. The setting and mood throughout was creepy. I honestly couldn’t put this one down. I mostly could only read at night, but the dark room with the AC going made read that much better. I had received this as an ARC, but will definitely be buying/adding a copy to my bookshelf! If you love paranormal, creepy houses, and some gothic horror then this is a must read!
July 18, 2024
Good story. Spooky-ish.
January 22, 2024
Amazing!! The story, the characters, the suspense.. this book was perfect! I cannot recommend this book enough.
January 18, 2024
What a great read!
The very first time I opened this book I binged 40% in one sitting. It was just so addictive and i was really invested in our protagonist and the unfolding of events at Blackwell House.
I loved the supernatural elements, the real life drama,the creepy haunted house and some suprises along the way.
4.5/5 stars
The very first time I opened this book I binged 40% in one sitting. It was just so addictive and i was really invested in our protagonist and the unfolding of events at Blackwell House.
I loved the supernatural elements, the real life drama,the creepy haunted house and some suprises along the way.
4.5/5 stars
May 25, 2024
This was REALLY GOOD. Ghost story with love story, just the way I like it. But also pretty brutal and gorey
February 3, 2024
If you’re looking for a spooky haunted house mystery with a twist and a splash of romance, look no further - Whispers of Blackwell House is it! I loved the characters, the setting, the writing style, and the plot that stayed strong throughout. The mysterious and engaging storyline had me racing to know more - I couldn’t put it down. This is the first I’ve read by this author and it will not be the last.
April 15, 2024
This was really good! I am so glad @Heidi convinced me to read it.
January 19, 2024
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
After a breakup, River is desperate for a fresh start. When she sees a listing for a housemaid job in an isolated mansion, she leaps at the chance to get away. Despite being instructed to never speak to the rich family living within the mansion, she can’t ignore Dorian Blackwell. The mysterious young man is far more likable than the rest of his family, and against her best judgment, River breaks the rules and talks to him—only to discover that he may not be as innocent as he looks.
Being blind, Dorian requires an aide to help him in his daily tasks. However, rumor has it that all his past helpers quit suddenly, seemingly vanishing into thin air. Whispers trickle down the hallways. Footsteps echo behind the walls and the portraits seem to stare at her as she walks by.
Right from the get-go, I binged most of this in one sitting. The world building left me feeling like I was walking the halls of Blackwell House getting spooked by the creepy paintings lining the walls. Cognet has created such a dark and atmospheric read that would leave even seasoned horror readers checking over their shoulders while they read. I adored River and the hint of magic she carried, while the ghostly characters left me with a feeling of The Sixth Sense - which was fantastic. Every one of the characters were well fleshed out, kept me guessing their main motives until the very end. Wrapping it up with a tiny touch of romance as well has given me everything I ever thought I needed in a book and jetted this into my top January reads of 2024.
Whispers of Blackwell House is perfect for fans of dark thrillers with a mix of paranormal horror. It is available to read from January 30th, 2024.
After a breakup, River is desperate for a fresh start. When she sees a listing for a housemaid job in an isolated mansion, she leaps at the chance to get away. Despite being instructed to never speak to the rich family living within the mansion, she can’t ignore Dorian Blackwell. The mysterious young man is far more likable than the rest of his family, and against her best judgment, River breaks the rules and talks to him—only to discover that he may not be as innocent as he looks.
Being blind, Dorian requires an aide to help him in his daily tasks. However, rumor has it that all his past helpers quit suddenly, seemingly vanishing into thin air. Whispers trickle down the hallways. Footsteps echo behind the walls and the portraits seem to stare at her as she walks by.
Right from the get-go, I binged most of this in one sitting. The world building left me feeling like I was walking the halls of Blackwell House getting spooked by the creepy paintings lining the walls. Cognet has created such a dark and atmospheric read that would leave even seasoned horror readers checking over their shoulders while they read. I adored River and the hint of magic she carried, while the ghostly characters left me with a feeling of The Sixth Sense - which was fantastic. Every one of the characters were well fleshed out, kept me guessing their main motives until the very end. Wrapping it up with a tiny touch of romance as well has given me everything I ever thought I needed in a book and jetted this into my top January reads of 2024.
Whispers of Blackwell House is perfect for fans of dark thrillers with a mix of paranormal horror. It is available to read from January 30th, 2024.
February 5, 2024
One doesn't typically review a beta version of a book... but this book was so freaking good I couldn't help myself. I enjoyed how the author continued to ramp up the mystery only to leave you with more questions. The character development was on point. You really learned to love or hate each character greatly. As a slow reader, I was able to fully emerse myself in this book and madly fall in love, I felt for the characters deeply. Even though everything was wrapped up with a pretty bow at the end, I do still hope for a sequel.
February 3, 2024
This book is a wonderful homage to classic gothic novels. River is going through a hard time. She lost her grandmother (who had magical ties to Ireland). She was raised by her grandmother after her parents died. Her old job and toxic ex-boyfriend don't understand her grief. She gives up everything to work as a maid for Dorian Blackwell. Obviously, I love the nod to The Portrait of Dorian Gray. This is definitely not the fresh start River dreamed of. No one signs up knowing that employees go missing. Despite the tropes, this book doesn't go in the direction I thought it would and becomes very disturbing. Overall, this book is enjoyable. This book is spooky, dark, with a touch of romance.
June 14, 2024
This book hooked me from the beginning. I love a good ghost story and this one had suspense and horror too!
I love gothic mysteries and I could not put this book down! When I had to tear myself away I would wonder what was happening next in the book.
It had elements that were terrifying, and the horror scenes went on for pages! I love to be scared and it was great! I remember thinking I have never read a book where the terror went on so long! Impressive writing! Most books have moments of suspense, but the majority of the book I felt I was speed reading to find out what happened, it was into it 100 percent!
It was a book where I felt like I was the main character and had no idea how my ideas would turn out! Had a high creepy factor with so many situations!
Great book and it has now moved to my number 1 spot for 2024!
If you love mystery suspense with terror, give this one a try, it was awesome!
I love gothic mysteries and I could not put this book down! When I had to tear myself away I would wonder what was happening next in the book.
It had elements that were terrifying, and the horror scenes went on for pages! I love to be scared and it was great! I remember thinking I have never read a book where the terror went on so long! Impressive writing! Most books have moments of suspense, but the majority of the book I felt I was speed reading to find out what happened, it was into it 100 percent!
It was a book where I felt like I was the main character and had no idea how my ideas would turn out! Had a high creepy factor with so many situations!
Great book and it has now moved to my number 1 spot for 2024!
If you love mystery suspense with terror, give this one a try, it was awesome!
February 11, 2026
river takes a job at Blackwell house. however she can see ghosts and the staff had a habit of "disappearing " what or who is the cause of the staff going away and will river be able to stop it.
I was expecting a haunted house book instead I got witches and not even good scary witches at that.
I was expecting a haunted house book instead I got witches and not even good scary witches at that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2024
This book remains on your mind after you read it. There were so many twists that I did not predict. Creepy and Dark in nature but with a romance.
February 6, 2024
I wanted a spooky haunted house book, and I got a spooky haunted house book! The book made my skin crawl in a couple placies (in a good way) without being gory or extreme horror (which is a big turn off for me). I thought the third act took a bit of a turn, but I liked it overall. There were a couple of places where the seams showed a litle bit (e.g., early on, there's a scene where a character just butts into a conversation to provide exposition, then disappears) but the story was well written for the most part, and the plot kept me reading. I finished the back half in a day because I didn't want to wait to see how it ended!
May 28, 2024
A M A Z I N G !!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read this in one sitting! So many twists and turns! So many bum squeezing moments! So many gasps out loud making my hubby wonder what the hell I was reading! So bloody good!!
So far this year I've read some fantastic books but this one is my 2024 Book of the Year! I doubt I'll enjoy reading anything as much as I've enjoyed this one 😔 I seriously doubt any other book will come anywhere close to Whispers of Blackwell House! I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could!
If you haven't read this book yet...what are you waiting for?? Go get it NOW!! yes that was me yelling at you 😉
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read this in one sitting! So many twists and turns! So many bum squeezing moments! So many gasps out loud making my hubby wonder what the hell I was reading! So bloody good!!
So far this year I've read some fantastic books but this one is my 2024 Book of the Year! I doubt I'll enjoy reading anything as much as I've enjoyed this one 😔 I seriously doubt any other book will come anywhere close to Whispers of Blackwell House! I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could!
If you haven't read this book yet...what are you waiting for?? Go get it NOW!! yes that was me yelling at you 😉
February 8, 2024
Whispers of Blackwell House keeps you guessing at every turn of events. From the beginning to the very end, this story had its claws in me. I couldn't put the book down. When I did, it was all I could think about. The writing transported me into the Blackwell House, and I imagined being a part of the staff. The characters were interesting and unique. The story was entertaining and original with a great amount of suspense to keep me anxious while I turned the pages late into the night. If you love a good suspense novel, this one is definitely for you. 5 stars and highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews