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The Caretaker

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A blizzard rips through the Black Hills of South Dakota, as journalist Rachael embarks on a journey to Hawthorne House, a remote inn located deep in the frigid wilderness. As the storm rages on, Rachael finds herself caught in a gripping tale of mystery and intrigue, unsure of what lies ahead in the enigmatic world of the treacherous snow-covered landscape and the sinister forces that lurk within Hawthorn House. The icy snowstorm blurs the lines between reality and imagination as Rachael uncovers secrets and revelations that challenge her perception of the caretaker and the true nature of Hawthorn House.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2024

65 people are currently reading
77 people want to read

About the author

Regina Wixon

17 books58 followers
Hello and welcome! Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I have five published books in the Haunted Historical Mystery Series and will have two more published in 2024 – Seraphim and A Wiccan Haunting. In this series I endeavor to take my readers on a journey around the United States and around the world to be fascinated by our history in a series of chilling books I hope you will love.

In my standalone book, A Haunted Madness, I use a blend of mystery and paranormal elements to weave together secrets and revelations in a gripping story. I hope that you will enjoy this book of intrigue and suspense that will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

When I'm not writing, my husband and I are camping, roasting marshmallows and enjoying family with our two cats, Jelly Bean and Smokey. Any questions or comments?

Please visit my website at www.reginawixon.com or follow me on Facebook where I will keep you updated on upcoming books, and Twitter https://twitter.com/ReginaWixon.

Questions? Please email me at regina.wixon@gmail.com – I'll be happy to hear from you!

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5 stars
72 (49%)
4 stars
35 (23%)
3 stars
26 (17%)
2 stars
9 (6%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Ivan M.
838 reviews22 followers
April 2, 2024
The Caretaker is the kind of book that keeps the suspense along the pages, making it very hard to stop reading. The plot is simple, a Journalist decides to unravel the mysteries of Hawthorne House, which is very remote and enigmatic. It was leaning toward a horror book, but it's not that terrible, I think it's more the suspense that keeps the tension in the air.

Overall, it's a short but powerful read. The story is interesting, the fact that is historical makes it even more appealing to me. Recommended for the reader who enjoys the unknown and wants to believe in ghosts and dark forces as much as I do.
Profile Image for Krista.
52 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2025
This book is a hot mess. I have no idea how it even ended up on my TBR list. Horrible.
Profile Image for Alaina Dick.
96 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2024
This author is a local in my area and I was very excited to read this story once I learned about it.

It's a simple story that is easy to follow. I was able to pick up on a few twists before they happened. However, I did not see the ending coming the way it did. It's a spooky read that I will be going back to to see if I could pick up on anything faster a second time around.
Profile Image for Haley.
27 reviews
October 22, 2024
This book is so dumb!!! Also was there no editor? Waste instead of waist. Devasted instead of devastated. And those are just the ones I remember, I’m sure there was more. And the ending?! A complete WASTE of time.
Profile Image for Alejandro Sureda.
107 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2024
The book The Caretaker, which is part of a trilogy, although each story is independent of the other, this time introduces us to journalist Rachel Wentworth who, as part of her work, investigates alleged haunted hotels. She begins her adventure at the most haunted hotel in South Dakota, searching for the spirit of Alex Johnson. Not experiencing any paranormal experience, she decides to leave Rapid City to go to another house, Hawthorn House, which is famous for having ghosts. On her trip, she encounters a very strong storm that makes it difficult for her to reach the house in question to the point that she is rescued by the owner of the house, named Gabriel, where both are completely isolated and without communication with the outside world. Thus begins a story of intrigue and mystery based on the supernatural where the isolation of the characters due to the snow increases the sensation of encountering sinister forces that stalk them at every moment. The surprising twists added to well-described character generate in the reader an eagerness to read the book to know her final outcome. If you like fictional stories about the supernatural, this book will not disappoint you at all.
Profile Image for Scott Rhine.
Author 39 books57 followers
June 30, 2024
Stranded in the gold-rush era Hawthorne House in a blizzard, filled with stories and nightmares. “It’s not haunted. It’s just a beautiful old house built with good intentions, but now it’s a tombstone.” However, the door under the stairs is a bit darker than in Harry Potter. Reminiscent of Jack London’s “To Build a Fire.”

A few nits:
Ch 1: Very descriptive of hotel and weather, but we know nothing about the main character, even gender till chapter 5. She claims to investigate haunted places for state of South Dakota, which changes to a newspaper in ch 7.
Ch 2: Viewing the site before me should be sight
Ch 4: contrails are foggy trails in air, not clear trails on a window.
Vault of snow?
Luggage would sink in the new-fallen snow drifts not slide along top
Missing start quote for stuttered thank you
Ch 10: Tis requires an apostrophe, as does hittin and clawin
Ch 14: the only two people in the room call each other by name far too often
Days of only tea and no food.
Too many paragraphs begin with I. need sentence variation

An awful lot of books have this name, making it hard to find yours.
Profile Image for Christian Domenicci.
21 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2025
Review of The Caretaker – Regina Wixon
By Cristian Domenicci

From the very first chapter, The Caretaker pulled me into its dark, chilling atmosphere. A secluded hotel, whispers in the night, shadows moving down the hall… This supernatural thriller plays with your nerves from start to finish.

What I loved most:
Regina Wixon has an amazing gift for creating eerie settings. The hotel almost becomes a character itself—gloomy, full of secrets, with a haunting past that lingers in every room. I loved how the tension slowly built up until it exploded in a breathtaking climax.

What could have been better:
While the story is strong overall, there were a few moments where the pacing slowed down a bit. Some scenes dragged slightly, but it didn’t take away from the experience.

Compared to her other books:
I’ve also read The Haunting in Louisiana Mist and Disappearance in Hockomock Swamp, and The Caretaker holds up beautifully. Each book has its own flavor, but this one feels more claustrophobic and psychological, which I truly enjoyed.

My Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Perfect for a night read with a warm cup of tea… and the lights on.
Profile Image for Sandra Lopez.
Author 3 books348 followers
May 5, 2024
The narrative was nice n’ simple and tells the story of the scoop on haunted hotels. We begin the story as she leaves one hotel and travels in a snowy blizzard to another hotel, describing her actions in a diary-style prose. This 1st person narrative was fine, but it does take a while to get through as it’s literally a play-by-play with too many little things described along the way. She doesn’t reach the hotel until the end of chapter 4. The writer does well describing her surroundings and the scenery, adding an air of mystery and chill to it all. There was something unsettling about the caretaker—so creepy and stone-cold. I didn’t quite understand how we were randomly talking about a boy in chapter 8. It took me a while to realize that we were getting the history of Hawthorne House.

Overall, this was a fairly nice and lengthy read. I would’ve liked it better to be quicker and less descriptive. It definitely has that chilling, ghostly vibe that you would expect, and the writing was pretty good. I’d say that ghost lovers should give this a shot.
Profile Image for Katie.
371 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2025
This book started off really strong. A woman who writes articles about the most haunted hotels goes and stays at an inn and ends up getting caught in a major snow storm. She gets trapped in the snow but the caretaker gets her out of a bind and into the house. As she has to stay at the inn longer than intended she finds the caretaker acting strangely and things going on at the house. She finally gets the caretaker to tell her what’s going on there through long drawn-out stories by the fire. As the story goes along she finds out more and more about the previous owners of the house and who may be causing the hauntings. It got a little strange, but still a very good story. I noticed far too many errors in the book, and it seemed like the author took several words and used a thesaurus to pick a different word that no one uses in any kind of daily language. Other than that, I enjoyed the book, but not really scary.
Profile Image for Kim Bock.
Author 9 books15 followers
October 10, 2025
A Chilling Page-Turner That Kept Me Guessing

Rachael's journey to Hawthorne House during a brutal Black Hills blizzard pulled me in from the first page.

Regina Wixon masterfully weaves together a psychological mystery where each revelation left me questioning what was real and what wasn't.

The isolated setting and gothic atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for a story that's equal parts haunting and compelling.

What impressed me most was how seamlessly the historical elements enhanced rather than overwhelmed the narrative. The characters felt authentic, and the pacing never lagged—impressive considering the entire story unfolds over just a few days trapped in the snow.

And that ending? I did not see it coming. This is exactly the kind of mystery that sticks with you long after you've turned the final page.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves atmospheric thrillers with depth!
Profile Image for Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy.
805 reviews19 followers
May 4, 2024
If you are a fan of tension and crime this is perfect for you!

“The Caretaker” very carefully manages to create an atmosphere of tension and anticipation that permeates every page of the novel. The book is set against the backdrop of a snowstorm which is the perfect setting to give a dark veil to this thriller story.

Rachael is a journalist curious to understand the stories, but that can lead her to hurt herself by immersing herself in dangerous scenarios. Yet, the intrigue can be greater, as she traverses the snowy wastelands erases the possibility of returning safely home and increases the possibility of continuing to see grim scenarios.

If you are a curious person who can't stop reading until you find out the outcome and you like suspense, this book is perfect for you to read in a weekend!
Profile Image for Olivia Holt.
Author 3 books81 followers
May 5, 2024
Gripping read

I just finished this engrossing book that is set during a blizzard in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where journalist Rachael ventures to the remote Hawthorne House. The story masterfully weaves elements of mystery, history, and the paranormal into a narrative filled with sinister forces and secrets waiting within the house's walls. As the storm obscures the boundary between reality and imagination, Rachael's discoveries challenge everything she thought she knew about the caretaker and Hawthorne House itself. With its rich descriptions and intense atmosphere, this novel is a chilling page-turner that keeps you guessing with its unexpected twists and haunting imagery. If you're intrigued by a blend of the eerie and the historical wrapped in a taut psychological thriller, this book promises a gripping read.
Profile Image for Agustina Sureda.
606 reviews13 followers
April 5, 2024
Regina Wixon skillfully paints a wintry landscape, immersing readers in the chilling Black Hills. The isolation of Hawthorne House adds to the spectral ambiance. The readers follow Rachel, an intriguing character, and watch as she puts herself in dangerous situations, both physically and emotionally. Wixon weaves together elements of mystery and the supernatural, creating an intriguing blend of suspicious tension. This book kept me at the edge of my seat constantly as Rachel uncovers truth after truth. This book is a haunting read, perfect for a rainy day next to a coffee! Wixon's perception of the characters is impeccable, and adding up to the historical mystery was a plus for me. I highly recommend it
Profile Image for Saya Jacaranda.
755 reviews11 followers
May 3, 2024
constant sense of suspense and tension

Reading this book left me with a constant sense of suspense and tension. The protagonist navigates through very difficult and scary landscapes. The descriptions of the blizzard, the haunted hotel, and the mysterious encounters definitely made me feel uneasy at times. But if those feelings are what you are looking forward, this is definitely a good book for you. For example, I loved how the author made it very easy to understand the thoughts of the protagonist. I was able to empathize with her.
I actually learned a lot about the nature of fear, the human psyche, and the unknown. It’s that book that really invites you to reflect yourself and think deep about life.
Profile Image for Evelyn.
1,267 reviews27 followers
May 3, 2024
When I saw the cover of this book, I was totally fascinated; as people say, “everything enters through the eyes” and this book captivated me in that way. Of course, I then researched what it was about and I found this psychological thriller full of action and mystery of the good stuff interesting.
The atmosphere and settings chosen by the author are more than appropriate and add intrigue to a story that is interesting in its own right.
The action is pretty intense but it’s an agile-to-read story. The well-developed characters show smooth transitions throughout the chapters and it’s amazing how much they change from beginning to end. Of course I totally recommend this book as well as the other installments in the series.
Profile Image for Daniel Moreno.
842 reviews16 followers
May 3, 2024
"The Caretaker" by Regina Wixon is a spine-chilling journey into the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, where journalist Rachael braves a blizzard to uncover the mysteries of Hawthorne House. Wixon's narrative grips you from the start, weaving a tale of suspense and intrigue as Rachael delves into the secrets of this remote inn. The snowy landscape adds a weird backdrop to the unfolding mystery, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. With expertly crafted prose and compelling characters, Wixon keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final revelation. It is a must-read for anyone who loves an exciting psychological thriller integrated with ghostly elements.
Profile Image for Mariana.
653 reviews13 followers
May 3, 2024
I highly recommend this novel, it is so interesting and entertaining that you will not stop reading it till its very end. The protagonist, Rachael, a journalist, arrives at the remote and isolated Hawthorne House with the intention of uncovering intriguing stories. Instead, she finds herself enveloped in a perplexing mystery that blurs the lines between reality and imagination, as the severe weather traps her within the eerie inn. As Rachael explores the shadowy corridors and learns of the inn's secretive past, the narrative expertly intertwines the chilling elements of the storm with the spectral occurrences inside Hawthorne House. The author's writing vividly captures the oppressive atmosphere of the blizzard and the haunted inn, creating a suspenseful and immersive reading experience.
Profile Image for Marina  Lujan .
926 reviews15 followers
May 3, 2024
Taking place in the icy terrain of South Dakota's Black Hills, this suspenseful tale immerses readers in a realm of enigma and peril. The story tracks courageous reporter Rachael as she grapples with her innermost fears while embarking on a hazardous journey to the isolated Hawthorne House inn in the midst of an unyielding blizzard. Right from the beginning, readers find themselves captivated by a tense and anticipatory narrative that refuses to let go.

Author Regina Wixon creates a hypnotic narrative, weaving moments of suspense that keep you glued to the book, unable to put it down. I really enjoyed this novel. It's a rollercoaster of emotions that leaves you longing for more and doesn't let go until your last breath. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for CarlitasFox.
1,473 reviews28 followers
May 4, 2024
A page-turning thriller
“The Caretaker” is an absorbing novel penned by Regina Wixon.
Rachel is a journalist who gets caught in Hawthorne House after a snowstorm. Unfortunately, she finds herself immersed in an unpleasant place that seems to be full of mysteries, paranormal activity and suspicion. She must be strong enough to visualise what is actually happening there.
When I started reading, I was hooked by how the events unfold and how the protagonist sorts all the problems out. The author’s writing style allowed me to feel part of this thriller and picture everything in my head. It’s an excellent story with a well-portrayed female protagonist - she’s fearless, intelligent and very perceptive. I liked everything about this novel and I recommend it!

Profile Image for Brenda.
1,346 reviews25 followers
May 3, 2024
Anyone into supernatural stories is going to have a blast with this one. Wixon has a very good way with words and gets the readers into this bubble of mystery and danger that will immerse them into the storyline.
The story follows Regina, a journalist that as she explores the inn she is in, she uncovers a lot of secrets and relations that are going to play with her mind and it will be hard for her to tell what is reality and what is not.
What is special about this book is the amazing description of the places, the feelings and the situations.
Overall, a great story that pays a lot of attention to details!
Profile Image for Margarita Garcia.
1,028 reviews22 followers
May 4, 2024
Great novel.

This book will enter the kingdom of suspense and intrigue with a mysterious thriller that catches you from the first page to the last. ''The Caretaker'' written by Regina Wixon is a great book for thrillers fans. In this book, you will meet Rachael, a journalist who is a skeptical person who sets out on a trip to investigate the hotels that were rumored to be haunted. There, Rachael will be surprised by a disturbing series of events that will change her mind. With this book, prepare for a roller coaster of tension, suspense, and unexpected revelations that will keep you guessing until the end. I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Dani Savante.
804 reviews24 followers
May 4, 2024
“The Caretaker” is a work that I really loved. The author's ability to create an unsettling and suspenseful atmosphere is impressive. I found myself totally immersed in the icy and mysterious world of the Black Hills, feeling the same tension and bewilderment that the protagonist of the story experiences.
The unexpected plot twists and secrets that are slowly revealed kept me gripped until the very end, making it hard to stop reading. I loved how the snowstorm serves as a symbolic element that reflects the characters' growing confusion and paranoia, and how the boundaries between reality and imagination are blurred perfectly.
309 reviews16 followers
May 23, 2024
You are invited to a haunted house like no other!

The Caretaker by Regina Wixon is a chilling, atmospheric dip into the haunted depths of Hawthorne House. It is a bleak, snowy of South Dakota's Black Hills.

As journalist Rachael battles the elements to uncover the inn's dark secrets…

The story's unique mix of mystery, history, and ghostly elements spanning centuries and Wixon's descriptions and settings that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural make this story a must-read for fans of haunted mysteries.
Profile Image for G.S. Tabberner.
Author 2 books8 followers
July 27, 2024
A scary tale within a tale, with excellent transition between the two. Rachel gets more than she bargained for at Hawthorn House in this tale of gold and ghosts. Well written and atmospheric, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys intelligent horror stories. I loved the history of the antagonist John. 5 stars
228 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2024
Very well written

This was an interesting story. MS Wixon wrote with honesty and empathy for the people of the gold rush. It was also fun to know that I have been to the Dodge house in Council Bluffs and visited Dead wood and the Black Hills in South Dakota. Even been to Custer's Last Stand in Montana. Enjoyed and was scared by this book.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
305 reviews
July 20, 2025
My interest in western history and curiosity about haunted buildings prompted me to read this book. The story is compelling, suspenseful, and its ending wasn't what I expected. Overall, the story is written well with vividly detailed scenes. When I bought this book, I didn't know it was part of a series. I'll look for the others because I'm curious about those stories and how they end.
6 reviews
November 13, 2025
A Haunted Madness is a dark, beautifully written story about guilt, ambition, and the weight of one’s own choices. It pulls readers into the eerie world of legacy and betrayal while exploring how the human mind can unravel under pressure. The writing is atmospheric, emotional, and haunting in all the right ways.
Profile Image for Lori Colwell.
Author 2 books9 followers
April 27, 2024
Historical horror

“The Caretaker” had me eager to turn the page. Set in South Dakota, the author mixes mystery and historical events within an eerie ghost story. Loved the ending. Recommended for all readers who love a good psychological thriller.
Profile Image for Thompson615.
550 reviews5 followers
January 2, 2025
WOW!

This book was really good. As we learn about the gold rush of the 1800’s, a tale in the present day begins to take an ominous shape. The ending left me yelling “OH MY GOSH” out loud. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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