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Elm Brook Manor
Immersed in mystery, the supernatural, and enchanting beauty, Serenity Falls is more than just a picturesque town—it's the new residence of author Coby McTavish, better known as Mister Jones. Leaving behind the familiarities of his previous life, he embarks on an unknown journey as he moves into the historic Elm Brook Manor. But this grand manor holds more than just cobweb-draped corners and forgotten hallways; it conceals secrets from a past that refuses to be forgotten and apparitions that yearn to have their stories told.
Haunted by the restless spirit of Sandra River, a woman tragically murdered within the manor's ancient walls, and guided by the enigmatic Ethereal Trinity, Coby finds himself delving deep into the mysteries of the manor. His path becomes entwined with a scorned mother, her elusive son, and the ghostly figure of a man whose death raises more questions than answers. As he unravels the truth, he finds himself entangled in a web of society's unspoken names and forbidden tales.
However, not everyone in Serenity Falls welcomes this intrusion into the past. Alistair Sinclair, a man born into nobility and privilege, is determined to impede Coby's progress. The question what truths are so potent that they could potentially shatter the tranquility of Serenity Falls?
"Elm Brook Manor" is a captivating supernatural tale that offers more than just chills—it's a journey through history, a mystery waiting to be solved, an adventure with unexpected turns, and a touch of romance. Will Coby uncover the truth, or will the secrets of Serenity Falls forever remain hidden within the haunted walls of Elm Brook Manor? The clock is ticking, and only time will tell.
Haunted by the restless spirit of Sandra River, a woman tragically murdered within the manor's ancient walls, and guided by the enigmatic Ethereal Trinity, Coby finds himself delving deep into the mysteries of the manor. His path becomes entwined with a scorned mother, her elusive son, and the ghostly figure of a man whose death raises more questions than answers. As he unravels the truth, he finds himself entangled in a web of society's unspoken names and forbidden tales.
However, not everyone in Serenity Falls welcomes this intrusion into the past. Alistair Sinclair, a man born into nobility and privilege, is determined to impede Coby's progress. The question what truths are so potent that they could potentially shatter the tranquility of Serenity Falls?
"Elm Brook Manor" is a captivating supernatural tale that offers more than just chills—it's a journey through history, a mystery waiting to be solved, an adventure with unexpected turns, and a touch of romance. Will Coby uncover the truth, or will the secrets of Serenity Falls forever remain hidden within the haunted walls of Elm Brook Manor? The clock is ticking, and only time will tell.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2024
10 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Iwan Ross
19 books14 followersIwan Ross grew up in a home marked by hardship, where books became his safest refuge. As a child, he often escaped to the small town library — a quiet sanctuary where stories offered the comfort, courage, and companionship the world around him often could not. Those early shadows shaped his imagination, giving rise to the vivid, uncanny worlds he writes today.
Diagnosed with Bipolar II later in life, Iwan discovered that the same inner world he once used to survive had become the source of his greatest strength: storytelling. Through the years he built a career in technology — from support technician to solutions engineer to technical writer — while never letting go of the one constant that carried him through every chapter of his journey: writing.
His debut novel, Elm Brook Manor, introduced readers to his signature style of supernatural suspense infused with emotion, mystery, and quiet resilience. Many of his stories draw from the unseen places of his life — the search for belonging, the ache of unanswered questions, and a belief that something greater watches over us, even in our darkest moments.
Today, Iwan is the Lead Technical Writer at his company and continues to craft stories filled with secrets, shadows, and humanity. He lives with his wife, Marna — his greatest inspiration and the heart of his world — and their spirited Jack Russell, Benji. Their love story is a miracle he plans to write about someday.
Iwan believes that the imagination is a shelter, a compass, and a lifeline. His message to aspiring writers is simple:
Every story begins with survival, and every survivor has a story worth telling.
Diagnosed with Bipolar II later in life, Iwan discovered that the same inner world he once used to survive had become the source of his greatest strength: storytelling. Through the years he built a career in technology — from support technician to solutions engineer to technical writer — while never letting go of the one constant that carried him through every chapter of his journey: writing.
His debut novel, Elm Brook Manor, introduced readers to his signature style of supernatural suspense infused with emotion, mystery, and quiet resilience. Many of his stories draw from the unseen places of his life — the search for belonging, the ache of unanswered questions, and a belief that something greater watches over us, even in our darkest moments.
Today, Iwan is the Lead Technical Writer at his company and continues to craft stories filled with secrets, shadows, and humanity. He lives with his wife, Marna — his greatest inspiration and the heart of his world — and their spirited Jack Russell, Benji. Their love story is a miracle he plans to write about someday.
Iwan believes that the imagination is a shelter, a compass, and a lifeline. His message to aspiring writers is simple:
Every story begins with survival, and every survivor has a story worth telling.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 22, 2024
Difficult
Didn't care for this book. Barely got through the first two chapters. The word verbose is how I would describe it. Sorry
Didn't care for this book. Barely got through the first two chapters. The word verbose is how I would describe it. Sorry
November 6, 2025
Struggled with this book but I kept on reading because I wanted to find out about the three ghosts, what their story was, how they got there etc etc
March 23, 2024
A Masterpiece of Mystery and Supernatural Intrigue
From the moment I turned the first page of "Elm Brook Manor," I was captivated. This isn't just another supernatural mystery; it's a beautifully woven tapestry of intrigue, history, and ethereal charm. The author brilliantly transports readers to Serenity Falls, a town as enchanting as it is mysterious, and introduces us to Coby McTavish—a character whose journey into the unknown is as thrilling as it is profound.
The manor itself, with its cobweb-draped corners and whispering secrets, becomes a character in its own right, guiding us through a labyrinth of haunting tales and spectral encounters. The narrative masterfully intertwines the fates of characters both living and beyond, creating a rich mosaic of stories that are as heart-wrenching as they are suspenseful.
What sets this novel apart is not just its ability to chill the spine but also how it captures the heart. The exploration of forbidden tales and unspoken truths, coupled with a delicate touch of romance, elevates "Elm Brook Manor" from a mere ghost story to a profound journey through the shadows of history and human emotion.
To say I recommend "Elm Brook Manor" is an understatement. It's a must-read for anyone who craves a story that offers not only chills but also a deep, resonating connection to the very essence of mystery and the supernatural. Prepare to be enchanted, chilled, and ultimately transformed by this unforgettable adventure.
From the moment I turned the first page of "Elm Brook Manor," I was captivated. This isn't just another supernatural mystery; it's a beautifully woven tapestry of intrigue, history, and ethereal charm. The author brilliantly transports readers to Serenity Falls, a town as enchanting as it is mysterious, and introduces us to Coby McTavish—a character whose journey into the unknown is as thrilling as it is profound.
The manor itself, with its cobweb-draped corners and whispering secrets, becomes a character in its own right, guiding us through a labyrinth of haunting tales and spectral encounters. The narrative masterfully intertwines the fates of characters both living and beyond, creating a rich mosaic of stories that are as heart-wrenching as they are suspenseful.
What sets this novel apart is not just its ability to chill the spine but also how it captures the heart. The exploration of forbidden tales and unspoken truths, coupled with a delicate touch of romance, elevates "Elm Brook Manor" from a mere ghost story to a profound journey through the shadows of history and human emotion.
To say I recommend "Elm Brook Manor" is an understatement. It's a must-read for anyone who craves a story that offers not only chills but also a deep, resonating connection to the very essence of mystery and the supernatural. Prepare to be enchanted, chilled, and ultimately transformed by this unforgettable adventure.
March 13, 2024
Elm Brook Manor
This book had loveable, real characters and an awesome mysterious story along with it. I highly recommend it for people who like stories about ghosts and mysteries.
This book had loveable, real characters and an awesome mysterious story along with it. I highly recommend it for people who like stories about ghosts and mysteries.
December 17, 2025
Author Coby McTavish, also known as Mister Jones, hopes to reinvigorate his life by moving into historic Elm Brook Manor. But the house harbours secrets from the past, including the restless spirit of a murdered woman. Digging into the house’s history, Coby becomes entwined with a scorned mother and the ghostly figure of a man.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it has a decidedly supernatural tone to it. Set in the oddly named Serenity Falls in the Scottish Highlands, the hero of the tale moves into an old manor in a bid to escape a difficult relationship with his wife. Along with several spooky apparitions, Coby meets the mysterious Gracie Drummond and hears of the equally mysterious death of her husband. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s drawn into investigating the history of the Lord Lucas family and the death of another woman, Sandra River.
Ghostly apparitions and weird experiences aside, this was an interesting read, though I did find the story hard to follow at times. The author’s overuse of adjectives isn’t to my taste but I’m sure the book will appeal to readers who enjoy spooky goings on and ethereal beings.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it has a decidedly supernatural tone to it. Set in the oddly named Serenity Falls in the Scottish Highlands, the hero of the tale moves into an old manor in a bid to escape a difficult relationship with his wife. Along with several spooky apparitions, Coby meets the mysterious Gracie Drummond and hears of the equally mysterious death of her husband. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s drawn into investigating the history of the Lord Lucas family and the death of another woman, Sandra River.
Ghostly apparitions and weird experiences aside, this was an interesting read, though I did find the story hard to follow at times. The author’s overuse of adjectives isn’t to my taste but I’m sure the book will appeal to readers who enjoy spooky goings on and ethereal beings.
August 23, 2025
Elm Brook Manor is a mesmerizing journey into the supernatural, steeped in mystery and wrapped in the ethereal beauty of Serenity Falls. As an author, I found myself drawn into the rich tapestry of the manor's past, unraveling a web of secrets and unspoken tales. The novel introduces you to Coby McTavish, whose search for truth is as captivating as the haunted halls of the manor itself.
The story masterfully interweaves elements of history, adventure, and a hint of romance, making it more than just your average ghost story. The restless spirit of Sandra River, the enigmatic Ethereal Trinity, and the determined Alistair Sinclair are characters that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the final page.
As the author, I invite you to delve into the mysteries of Elm Brook Manor, to walk alongside Coby and experience the enchanting, sometimes chilling, reality of Serenity Falls. Will the truths be uncovered, or will they forever remain hidden within the manor's haunted walls? Time is ticking, and the answers are waiting for you in Elm Brook Manor.
The story masterfully interweaves elements of history, adventure, and a hint of romance, making it more than just your average ghost story. The restless spirit of Sandra River, the enigmatic Ethereal Trinity, and the determined Alistair Sinclair are characters that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the final page.
As the author, I invite you to delve into the mysteries of Elm Brook Manor, to walk alongside Coby and experience the enchanting, sometimes chilling, reality of Serenity Falls. Will the truths be uncovered, or will they forever remain hidden within the manor's haunted walls? Time is ticking, and the answers are waiting for you in Elm Brook Manor.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews