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The McTavish Chronicles #2
The Haunting of Serpent's Manor
The Haunting of Serpent's ManorIn the heart of Grimloch, where shadows whisper forgotten secrets and ghostly echoes linger in the night, Coby McTavish returns with his family to The Serpent’s Manor, a place steeped in darkness and mystery. Summoned by Lady Grimloch to unravel the haunting presence that torments her, Coby embarks on a journey that intertwines love, betrayal, and the restless spirits of the past.
As the family arrives at the sinister estate, spectral figures and cryptic whispers greet them, beckoning them deeper into the realm of the unknown. Amidst eerie melodies and concealed rooms, Coby uncovers a tapestry of haunting truths binding the manor’s history to their present lives.
Guided by the ghostly spectre of Imogen, the former lady of Serpent’s Manor, Coby delves into a world of wartime intrigue, forbidden romances, and dark betrayals that blur the lines between the living and the dead. With time slipping away and the shadows of the manor growing ever darker, Coby must confront the ghosts of the past to secure a future for his family.
"The Haunting of Serpent’s Manor" is a tale of suspense and spectral revelation, where love and loss entwine in the moonlit corridors of a haunted estate. Join Coby McTavish as he navigates the treacherous waters of the manor’s secrets, where every step forward leads him deeper into the chilling embrace of Grimloch's darkest mysteries.
As the family arrives at the sinister estate, spectral figures and cryptic whispers greet them, beckoning them deeper into the realm of the unknown. Amidst eerie melodies and concealed rooms, Coby uncovers a tapestry of haunting truths binding the manor’s history to their present lives.
Guided by the ghostly spectre of Imogen, the former lady of Serpent’s Manor, Coby delves into a world of wartime intrigue, forbidden romances, and dark betrayals that blur the lines between the living and the dead. With time slipping away and the shadows of the manor growing ever darker, Coby must confront the ghosts of the past to secure a future for his family.
"The Haunting of Serpent’s Manor" is a tale of suspense and spectral revelation, where love and loss entwine in the moonlit corridors of a haunted estate. Join Coby McTavish as he navigates the treacherous waters of the manor’s secrets, where every step forward leads him deeper into the chilling embrace of Grimloch's darkest mysteries.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2024
About the author
Iwan Ross
33 books28 followers
WHERE THE DEAD ARE NEVER TRULY GONE.
Iwan Ross writes atmospheric supernatural suspense infused with mystery, emotion, and dark intrigue.
His stories blend gothic settings, unsettling secrets, and deeply human characters—where the past refuses to stay buried and every truth comes at a cost.
Growing up, books became both refuge and compass, shaping the haunting, character-driven worlds he writes today. His work often explores themes of survival, belonging, and the unseen forces that linger just beneath the surface of everyday life.
He is the author of The McTavish Chronicles, including Serenity Falls, a darkly humorous gothic thriller set in the Scottish Highlands.
When not writing, Iwan works as a technical writer and lives with his wife, Marna, and their spirited Jack Russell, Benji.
Iwan Ross writes atmospheric supernatural suspense infused with mystery, emotion, and dark intrigue.
His stories blend gothic settings, unsettling secrets, and deeply human characters—where the past refuses to stay buried and every truth comes at a cost.
Growing up, books became both refuge and compass, shaping the haunting, character-driven worlds he writes today. His work often explores themes of survival, belonging, and the unseen forces that linger just beneath the surface of everyday life.
He is the author of The McTavish Chronicles, including Serenity Falls, a darkly humorous gothic thriller set in the Scottish Highlands.
When not writing, Iwan works as a technical writer and lives with his wife, Marna, and their spirited Jack Russell, Benji.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 19, 2026
A True Gothic Revival
‘The Haunting of Serpent’s Manor,' Book 2 of 7 in The McTavish Chronicles by Iwan Ross, is a true Gothic Revival to delight devotees of classic literature. The author brings to life the gloomy setting of Serpent’s Manor and its restless spirits whose hidden secrets Coby McTavish must unearth at Lady Grimloch’s bequest.
At times, as tormented as the spectral figures who cross his path along the labyrinth of shadowed hallways, Coby perseveres despite confusion and setbacks. Self-absorbed and quick to anger, the ghost whisperer also confronts his flaws during the daunting process.
While the author excels at delivering mystery, suspense, chills, and omens with surprising turns, my time well-spent inside the story revolves around getting lost in his vivid sensory details.
I highly recommend a literary stay at Serpent’s Manor where each restless spirit’s story pieces together the puzzling past.
‘The Haunting of Serpent’s Manor,' Book 2 of 7 in The McTavish Chronicles by Iwan Ross, is a true Gothic Revival to delight devotees of classic literature. The author brings to life the gloomy setting of Serpent’s Manor and its restless spirits whose hidden secrets Coby McTavish must unearth at Lady Grimloch’s bequest.
At times, as tormented as the spectral figures who cross his path along the labyrinth of shadowed hallways, Coby perseveres despite confusion and setbacks. Self-absorbed and quick to anger, the ghost whisperer also confronts his flaws during the daunting process.
While the author excels at delivering mystery, suspense, chills, and omens with surprising turns, my time well-spent inside the story revolves around getting lost in his vivid sensory details.
I highly recommend a literary stay at Serpent’s Manor where each restless spirit’s story pieces together the puzzling past.
January 28, 2026
Reading The Haunting of Serpent’s Manor feels like walking into a quiet, old house where every corner holds a secret. It’s a story that takes you to Grimloch, a small town full of hidden stories, where the past and present seem to blend together. The house itself is described in such a way that you can almost hear the creaking floors and feel the cold air in the hallways. It’s spooky without trying too hard, and that makes it feel even more real.
What I liked most about this book is how good it is at making you feel like you’re right there in the middle of everything. The setting isn’t just there for show—it really pulls you in, making you feel the weight of history and the quiet fear of what might be lurking just out of sight. The story moves at a nice pace, giving you time to get to know the characters and understand the dark secrets hiding in the manor. It’s not just about the ghosts, but about the stories of love, betrayal, and sadness that have been buried for years.
The characters, especially Coby and Imogen, are easy to connect with. They’re not perfect, but they feel real. Their feelings and struggles are described with kindness and respect, making their journey believable and touching. The author handles the emotions well, showing how hard it can be to face painful truths and let go of the past.
Themes of love, loss, and secrets run through the story. The ghosts aren’t just spooky figures—they represent long-held pain and regrets. The supernatural elements are used thoughtfully, not just to scare but to help tell the emotional story. It makes you think about how the things we hide or ignore can come back to us, sometimes in ways we don’t expect.
The writing style is simple and clear, which makes it easy to follow along. The language isn’t fancy or complicated, but it’s effective at creating a moody, haunting atmosphere. The tone is gentle and compassionate, showing respect for the characters and the story they carry. It’s a story that feels honest and heartfelt, even when it’s spooky.
Overall, The Haunting of Serpent’s Manor is a quiet, haunting story that stays with you. It’s about more than just ghosts—it's about understanding the past and finding the courage to face what’s been buried deep inside. The author’s careful storytelling and kind tone make it a story that’s both chilling and touching, reminding us that sometimes, the biggest ghosts are the ones inside ourselves.
What I liked most about this book is how good it is at making you feel like you’re right there in the middle of everything. The setting isn’t just there for show—it really pulls you in, making you feel the weight of history and the quiet fear of what might be lurking just out of sight. The story moves at a nice pace, giving you time to get to know the characters and understand the dark secrets hiding in the manor. It’s not just about the ghosts, but about the stories of love, betrayal, and sadness that have been buried for years.
The characters, especially Coby and Imogen, are easy to connect with. They’re not perfect, but they feel real. Their feelings and struggles are described with kindness and respect, making their journey believable and touching. The author handles the emotions well, showing how hard it can be to face painful truths and let go of the past.
Themes of love, loss, and secrets run through the story. The ghosts aren’t just spooky figures—they represent long-held pain and regrets. The supernatural elements are used thoughtfully, not just to scare but to help tell the emotional story. It makes you think about how the things we hide or ignore can come back to us, sometimes in ways we don’t expect.
The writing style is simple and clear, which makes it easy to follow along. The language isn’t fancy or complicated, but it’s effective at creating a moody, haunting atmosphere. The tone is gentle and compassionate, showing respect for the characters and the story they carry. It’s a story that feels honest and heartfelt, even when it’s spooky.
Overall, The Haunting of Serpent’s Manor is a quiet, haunting story that stays with you. It’s about more than just ghosts—it's about understanding the past and finding the courage to face what’s been buried deep inside. The author’s careful storytelling and kind tone make it a story that’s both chilling and touching, reminding us that sometimes, the biggest ghosts are the ones inside ourselves.
July 24, 2026
Another book I so enjoyed reading from the author Iwan Ross!
Coby the main character of this book, a soul who can communicate with the 'otherworldly' would uncover the truth and write his own chapter in the history of adventurers and seekers of knowledge as he untied the knots of the haunting of Serpent's Manor, will it be Imogen's or Isobel's spirit who is haunting the manor and the cause of sleepless nights of Lady Grimloch?
I love Ewan's character as well, he makes Coby still human, that is how I appreciate his presence and Gracie's and Elaine's.
Iwan's narratives in this book are polished and mysterious. The build-up is more haunting and the anticipation about why it happened as the pages keep on turning and advancing concluded with catharsis in the last quarter of the book. It is masterfully written in my opinion!
Keep on writing, author Iwan! Such great talent!
Coby the main character of this book, a soul who can communicate with the 'otherworldly' would uncover the truth and write his own chapter in the history of adventurers and seekers of knowledge as he untied the knots of the haunting of Serpent's Manor, will it be Imogen's or Isobel's spirit who is haunting the manor and the cause of sleepless nights of Lady Grimloch?
I love Ewan's character as well, he makes Coby still human, that is how I appreciate his presence and Gracie's and Elaine's.
Iwan's narratives in this book are polished and mysterious. The build-up is more haunting and the anticipation about why it happened as the pages keep on turning and advancing concluded with catharsis in the last quarter of the book. It is masterfully written in my opinion!
Keep on writing, author Iwan! Such great talent!
May 29, 2026
Dissapointing after the first in series
Unfortunatly for me it just didn't flow... I thoroughly enjoyed the first in the series but this one seemed to have inconsistencies that didn't add up within the storyline.
The multiple use of the same phrase in adjacent sentences was quite irritating and I have to be honest and say the over use of the words determind, determination and ethereal took away much of the reading pleasure for me so I really could't binge read as I often do with a good book - as I had with the first.
Unfortunatly for me it just didn't flow... I thoroughly enjoyed the first in the series but this one seemed to have inconsistencies that didn't add up within the storyline.
The multiple use of the same phrase in adjacent sentences was quite irritating and I have to be honest and say the over use of the words determind, determination and ethereal took away much of the reading pleasure for me so I really could't binge read as I often do with a good book - as I had with the first.
January 14, 2026
The Haunting of Serpent’s Manor is a beautifully written gothic paranormal mystery that captures the eerie magic of classic ghost stories while delivering a fresh and emotionally rich narrative. From the moment Coby McTavish returns to the shadowed town of Grimloch, the atmosphere is thick with unease, history, and lingering sorrow. Serpent’s Manor itself feels alive, its stone corridors echoing with secrets that refuse to be forgotten.
The slow reveal of the manor’s tragic past, woven with betrayal, forbidden love, and wartime heartbreak, adds powerful emotional depth to the haunting. Imogen, the ghostly former lady of the manor, is especially compelling, bringing both tenderness and tragedy to the story as she guides Coby toward the truth. The balance between mystery, supernatural tension, and human emotion keeps the pages turning while giving the haunting a real meaning.
This is a haunting in the truest sense of the word: chilling, atmospheric, and deeply moving. Fans of gothic fiction, paranormal mysteries, and stories that blend love and loss with the supernatural will find this an unforgettable read. Highly recommended.
The slow reveal of the manor’s tragic past, woven with betrayal, forbidden love, and wartime heartbreak, adds powerful emotional depth to the haunting. Imogen, the ghostly former lady of the manor, is especially compelling, bringing both tenderness and tragedy to the story as she guides Coby toward the truth. The balance between mystery, supernatural tension, and human emotion keeps the pages turning while giving the haunting a real meaning.
This is a haunting in the truest sense of the word: chilling, atmospheric, and deeply moving. Fans of gothic fiction, paranormal mysteries, and stories that blend love and loss with the supernatural will find this an unforgettable read. Highly recommended.
June 19, 2024
"The Haunting of Serpent's Manor: Whispers from the Past" by Iwan Ross invites readers into the eerie depths of Grimloch. Coby McTavish returns with his family to Serpent’s Manor, summoned by Lady Grimloch to confront a haunting presence. The manor, filled with shadows and whispers, reveals dark secrets as Coby explores its hidden depths. Guided by the specter of Imogen, the former lady of the manor, Coby uncovers tales of wartime intrigue, forbidden love, and betrayal. As spectral figures and eerie melodies weave through the halls, Coby must unravel the manor's mysteries to protect his family. This suspenseful, atmospheric tale promises a chilling journey through love and loss in a haunted estate.
January 28, 2025
The Haunting of Serpent’s Manor is an enjoyable slow burn story, offering a perfect juxtaposition of historical fiction and paranormal elements, all with a touch of romance. Throughout the plot, I found myself hooked as the story simmered and boiled towards its climax, ultimately delivering an epic and satisfying twist. Once again, well done! This is a must-read for fans of paranormal romance.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews