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Gaslit
The Instant #1 Bestseller Now In TV Development!Disgraced former detective Mike Humber gets off a train in the bleak autumn countryside, his mind haunted by a dark past.
A new job awaits. Huntington House needs a live-in security guard to prevent access during an inheritance dispute.
This is exactly what Mike a new start in a new place and a chance to turn things around.
It all seems perfect, especially when he meets Tessa.
But Huntington House holds dark secrets. Bumps in the night. Flickering lights. Music playing from somewhere.
Mike’s mind starts to unravel as he questions his sanity in the dark, claustrophobic corridors and rooms.
Something isn’t right.
There is someone else in the house.
The pressure grows as the people around Mike get pulled into a web of lies and manipulation, forcing him to take action before it’s too late.
A former police officer, International bestselling author RR Haywood — best known for global sci-fi blockbusters — is now drawing on his own experiences to craft one of the most authentic and compelling voices in British crime writing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “One of the funniest, most inventive writers in UK. Pick up an RR Haywood today then thank me later. You won’t regret it.” – Mike Craven - Sunday Times Bestselling Author & Winner of CWA Steel Dagger
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Very dark, very stylish, with a truly crackerjack ending." - Jodi Taylor, author of The Chronicles of St Mary's.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “One of the most original voices of our time.” - Richard Moriarty, The Sun.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “RR Haywood delivers in style.” - Chris Riches, The Express.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Exceptional” - The London Economic.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Gripping authenticity from ex-cop Haywood” John Ward, Deputy Editor, Daily Star Sunday
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “It can only be a matter of time before RR Haywood’s books are adapted for Netflix.” - The European
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Brilliant! RR Haywood doesn’t disappoint." - Diane Dowdle Amazon Reviewer
A new job awaits. Huntington House needs a live-in security guard to prevent access during an inheritance dispute.
This is exactly what Mike a new start in a new place and a chance to turn things around.
It all seems perfect, especially when he meets Tessa.
But Huntington House holds dark secrets. Bumps in the night. Flickering lights. Music playing from somewhere.
Mike’s mind starts to unravel as he questions his sanity in the dark, claustrophobic corridors and rooms.
Something isn’t right.
There is someone else in the house.
The pressure grows as the people around Mike get pulled into a web of lies and manipulation, forcing him to take action before it’s too late.
A former police officer, International bestselling author RR Haywood — best known for global sci-fi blockbusters — is now drawing on his own experiences to craft one of the most authentic and compelling voices in British crime writing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “One of the funniest, most inventive writers in UK. Pick up an RR Haywood today then thank me later. You won’t regret it.” – Mike Craven - Sunday Times Bestselling Author & Winner of CWA Steel Dagger
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Very dark, very stylish, with a truly crackerjack ending." - Jodi Taylor, author of The Chronicles of St Mary's.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “One of the most original voices of our time.” - Richard Moriarty, The Sun.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “RR Haywood delivers in style.” - Chris Riches, The Express.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Exceptional” - The London Economic.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Gripping authenticity from ex-cop Haywood” John Ward, Deputy Editor, Daily Star Sunday
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “It can only be a matter of time before RR Haywood’s books are adapted for Netflix.” - The European
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Brilliant! RR Haywood doesn’t disappoint." - Diane Dowdle Amazon Reviewer
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2024
298 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
R.R. Haywood
94 books1,238 followers"One of the most original voices of our time." - Richard Moriarty, The Sun
"Whether it's gritty horror, spectacular sci-fi, or insane comedy, RR Haywood delivers in style." - Chris Riches, Daily Express
RR Haywood is a Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Audible bestselling author with over 4 million books sold and more than 30 Kindle Bestsellers. As one of the top ten most downloaded indie authors in the UK, Haywood has captivated readers worldwide with his diverse storytelling.
His creations include the global sensation EXTRACTED, the riveting CODE TRILOGY narrated by Colin Morgan, the phenomenal UNDEAD Series, the blockbuster DELIO, PHASE ONE, and the chart-topping A TOWN CALLED DISCOVERY. His latest work, FICTION LAND, narrated by Game of Thrones star Gethin Anthony, has been hailed as "an outrageously funny tour de force."
A former police officer, Haywood now resides with his dogs on the north coast of the Isle of Wight. He entertains audiences and shares his expertise on TikTok with his Writing Class for the Working Class.
"Whether it's gritty horror, spectacular sci-fi, or insane comedy, RR Haywood delivers in style." - Chris Riches, Daily Express
RR Haywood is a Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Audible bestselling author with over 4 million books sold and more than 30 Kindle Bestsellers. As one of the top ten most downloaded indie authors in the UK, Haywood has captivated readers worldwide with his diverse storytelling.
His creations include the global sensation EXTRACTED, the riveting CODE TRILOGY narrated by Colin Morgan, the phenomenal UNDEAD Series, the blockbuster DELIO, PHASE ONE, and the chart-topping A TOWN CALLED DISCOVERY. His latest work, FICTION LAND, narrated by Game of Thrones star Gethin Anthony, has been hailed as "an outrageously funny tour de force."
A former police officer, Haywood now resides with his dogs on the north coast of the Isle of Wight. He entertains audiences and shares his expertise on TikTok with his Writing Class for the Working Class.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
August 30, 2024
Oy vey.
I wince at the awful writing. I wince at the awful writing. I wince at the awful writing. The plot twist was not a surprise.
I wince at the awful writing. I wince at the awful writing. I wince at the awful writing. The plot twist was not a surprise.
January 4, 2025
I thought this was very good. The writing was good. I was definitely surprised by a few things in the plot!
October 17, 2024
Happy publication day 🤷🏻♀️🥳
You see that big massive giveaway in the title here? A twist you won’t see coming? You’d think as someone who always guesses the twist that would’ve done it for me. I didn’t guess the twist!!!!!! That’s huge for me.
Now for some light criticism I listened to the audio version so I’m obviously unsure how it reads in text, but it felt often like the story was being over explained, almost like the author was checking back to make sure I was keeping up. The same things are repeated often, and I genuinely thought if I heard Danny boy one more time I’d give up.
However, the story does gather pace and come together around the mid way point and it is worth sticking with and as I’ve already said, I didn’t guess the twist!
Eerie, disturbing and often really funny.
Gethin Anthony narrates the title really well, even if he crawled right under my nerves with Danny Boy 😂
My gratitude to W.F. Howes Ltd and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ELC
You see that big massive giveaway in the title here? A twist you won’t see coming? You’d think as someone who always guesses the twist that would’ve done it for me. I didn’t guess the twist!!!!!! That’s huge for me.
Now for some light criticism I listened to the audio version so I’m obviously unsure how it reads in text, but it felt often like the story was being over explained, almost like the author was checking back to make sure I was keeping up. The same things are repeated often, and I genuinely thought if I heard Danny boy one more time I’d give up.
However, the story does gather pace and come together around the mid way point and it is worth sticking with and as I’ve already said, I didn’t guess the twist!
Eerie, disturbing and often really funny.
Gethin Anthony narrates the title really well, even if he crawled right under my nerves with Danny Boy 😂
My gratitude to W.F. Howes Ltd and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ELC
October 25, 2024
This started with five star intrigue but by the halfway point had just spiraled into tediousness, the relationship stuff with Maggie was simply unbelievable. Lots of repetition and absolutely no suspense for me in the end. I didn't see the twist coming, but by then it had all got so silly for me that it didn't really impress me. Only got two stars because of the first half.
November 3, 2024
R.R.Haywood I salute you, sir! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I listened via Audible. As soon as Gethin Anthony spoke, you just knew you were in for a treat!
The storyline was absolutely fantastic. Please say you're making this into a book series 🙏🏻
The way the characters are written and the dialogue between them is exactly what R.R. Haywood does best! It makes you feel the emotions along with the ride, and with Gethin's narratoring, it was pure gold.
Gethan has also narrated 'Fiction Land' by R.R. Haywood.
This is also a fantastic read for anyone who wants to know what happens to the discarded characters that authors write and get rid of.
I listened via Audible. As soon as Gethin Anthony spoke, you just knew you were in for a treat!
The storyline was absolutely fantastic. Please say you're making this into a book series 🙏🏻
The way the characters are written and the dialogue between them is exactly what R.R. Haywood does best! It makes you feel the emotions along with the ride, and with Gethin's narratoring, it was pure gold.
Gethan has also narrated 'Fiction Land' by R.R. Haywood.
This is also a fantastic read for anyone who wants to know what happens to the discarded characters that authors write and get rid of.
January 1, 2025
I was so ready to give this 4 stars. I really enjoyed it for the most part. I love a psychological thriller and this was an interesting take on one. I just was disappointed in the end that it became a crime drama with a romance chucked in as well?
It lost a lot of suspense since we knew who was causing the spooky happenings from very early on.
It lost a lot of suspense since we knew who was causing the spooky happenings from very early on.
September 22, 2024
Takes a while to get into the story and characters. I actually loved the twist - Didn't see it coming.
August 22, 2024
I read the previous book recently and thought I’d would give this rewrite a read… I must say that I loved both of them. If I am honest, I loved the first one a little more than this one but I understand why the rewrite was necessary, especially if the original vision wasn’t met.
I really hope there is a follow on from this book but, again, would be happy if it was a pure standalone.
The Boss hits the high note again and the writing gets more mature and grown up with each delivery (and that is only the writing, not the measure of the man lol) x
I really hope there is a follow on from this book but, again, would be happy if it was a pure standalone.
The Boss hits the high note again and the writing gets more mature and grown up with each delivery (and that is only the writing, not the measure of the man lol) x
June 7, 2025
It took a little while for me to get into this book but it started to pick up the pace from the middle. It was interesting and made me intrigued to see what would happen next, however the twist at the end could have been spaced out a little more instead of packed into one chapter. Also, while the twist was good it wasn't very surprising.
Overall it was a good book but not amazing.
Overall it was a good book but not amazing.
September 6, 2025
This guy has written some superb dramas set in outer space but this earthy thriller is a plodder. A great book has three acts but this one consists of a very long first act and a short final act which pulls all the loose ends together. It starts well, then drags and drawls, but the ending is quite clever
November 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I look forward to reading other books by this author. There were so many twists in this book I didn’t see coming. But then again I rarely can figure books out. I would definitely recommend this book
October 7, 2024
What a twist!!!
February 19, 2025
Want to tell right away if this was written by a male author?!...
Women 👏🏻 don't 👏🏻 talk 👏🏻 like 👏🏻 that 👏🏻
Petition to ban all male writers from composing female speech without documented evidence of at least 6 months' research in the global field 🙄
The story was ok but fairly predictable, the characters were not overly well-developed so come across as caricature, particularly the 'this city woman is thin and beautiful but she's a big old mean narcissist who knows she's attractive, but this country woman is fat yet somehow beautiful in a different way (imagine such a concept!) but can't see it because she's so nice and therefore has zero self esteem'. No points for originality, but the subconscious misogyny hits every target.
CW for drug-induced rape, molestation, alcoholism, sexual assault and harassment, animal death, stalking, and finally *incest* for absolutely no reason at all right at the end.
Mercifully short with 3x speed audiobook 😅
Women 👏🏻 don't 👏🏻 talk 👏🏻 like 👏🏻 that 👏🏻
Petition to ban all male writers from composing female speech without documented evidence of at least 6 months' research in the global field 🙄
The story was ok but fairly predictable, the characters were not overly well-developed so come across as caricature, particularly the 'this city woman is thin and beautiful but she's a big old mean narcissist who knows she's attractive, but this country woman is fat yet somehow beautiful in a different way (imagine such a concept!) but can't see it because she's so nice and therefore has zero self esteem'. No points for originality, but the subconscious misogyny hits every target.
CW for drug-induced rape, molestation, alcoholism, sexual assault and harassment, animal death, stalking, and finally *incest* for absolutely no reason at all right at the end.
Mercifully short with 3x speed audiobook 😅
July 20, 2025
Good British police thriller, with lots of humour.
February 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’d give Gaslit 3 stars. I really liked how it started—the author built up the suspense well, creating a genuinely creepy atmosphere around Huntington Place with all the bumps in the night, flickering lights, and that sense of unease creeping in. I also thought Mike Humber’s character was developed interestingly, with layers of his past slowly revealed, which kept me engaged.
The pacing worked for me for the most part—until the end. The book throws in what’s meant to be a twist, but I didn’t find it all that surprising. It felt like it lost some of the tension and atmosphere it had built up so effectively. After that point, the writing around the other characters felt off, as if they became less convincing or fleshed out.
The writing style itself struck me as a bit odd at times, though to be fair, this is the first book I’ve read by R.R. Haywood. That said, it was a quick, suspenseful read, fun in the first half, and thankfully didn’t drag on unnecessarily. I’m undecided about the writing style—it’s not one I’d dismiss outright, but I feel like I need to read more to see if it grows on me. I’ll definitely give another of his books a go before deciding.
I’d give Gaslit 3 stars. I really liked how it started—the author built up the suspense well, creating a genuinely creepy atmosphere around Huntington Place with all the bumps in the night, flickering lights, and that sense of unease creeping in. I also thought Mike Humber’s character was developed interestingly, with layers of his past slowly revealed, which kept me engaged.
The pacing worked for me for the most part—until the end. The book throws in what’s meant to be a twist, but I didn’t find it all that surprising. It felt like it lost some of the tension and atmosphere it had built up so effectively. After that point, the writing around the other characters felt off, as if they became less convincing or fleshed out.
The writing style itself struck me as a bit odd at times, though to be fair, this is the first book I’ve read by R.R. Haywood. That said, it was a quick, suspenseful read, fun in the first half, and thankfully didn’t drag on unnecessarily. I’m undecided about the writing style—it’s not one I’d dismiss outright, but I feel like I need to read more to see if it grows on me. I’ll definitely give another of his books a go before deciding.
August 28, 2024
I very nearly DNF this book - but I pushed on through . And I’m glad I did cuz the twist “ got me ‘ the title should give it away but doesn’t !
December 17, 2024
3.4 stars
So, I pretty much read all the new books that are written by R.R. Haywood. While I mostly enjoy them, lately I have not enjoyed them as much. This book was short and had an interesting premise (like ), but overall, it was just ok. It seems that RR Haywood likely was a cop in a past life and likely had many dealings with addiction since so many of his characters in his stories have those tones. I also felt like the . Oh well, I will continue to read his books!
Audiobook narrator Gethin Anthony rating: 4.2 stars
I thought Renly Baratheon was great at reading another Haywood book. He was good at reading this one, but I felt like he could have been better (based on the previous book). Oh well, he’s still good!
So, I pretty much read all the new books that are written by R.R. Haywood. While I mostly enjoy them, lately I have not enjoyed them as much. This book was short and had an interesting premise (like ), but overall, it was just ok. It seems that RR Haywood likely was a cop in a past life and likely had many dealings with addiction since so many of his characters in his stories have those tones. I also felt like the . Oh well, I will continue to read his books!
Audiobook narrator Gethin Anthony rating: 4.2 stars
I thought Renly Baratheon was great at reading another Haywood book. He was good at reading this one, but I felt like he could have been better (based on the previous book). Oh well, he’s still good!
May 27, 2025
Despite RR Haywood's The Code trilogy being one of my favorites - that I still think about at least once a week after finishing 2 years ago - Gaslit was so lackluster it honestly took me a few minutes to remember what it was about when making this review.
November 1, 2025
Re-Read rating (audiobook)
★★★; not sure we'll continue the series
Initial rating (read)
★★★½
★★★; not sure we'll continue the series
Initial rating (read)
★★★½
August 28, 2024
Sadly I thought this was rubbish. Poorly written, confusing plot and basically not worth the effort of reading.
August 31, 2024
I do not understand Goodreads reviews. This was terrible. Absolutely terrible. And so badly written. Littered with typos and then and then and then and then. So so so bad. Not remotely thrilling.
December 30, 2024
1.5 stars, really oddly written with some weird plot developments and strange character traits. It was engaging in places, I stuck with it to find out where the hell it was going!
October 9, 2024
Many thanks to W F Howes and NetGalley for a free audio ARC of this audiobook.
A gripping plot and an ending you won’t see coming
OVERALL: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
PERFORMANCE: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
STORY: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all, the noisy narration let down this otherwise enjoyable and entertaining listen. With so many episodes of clicks, swallows, deep breathing, pauses, and etc., the soundtrack needs cleaning up to remove, or at least, drastically reduce the extraneous noise.
Now, to the story itself:
To say the plot focuses mostly on one guy in a mansion on his own with only a few characters here and there—more come in with greater frequency towards the end—this audiobook is gripping, entertaining, perplexing, and laugh-out-loud funny from start to finish with only a few parts that drag on.
As ever with this author, you get plenty of banter and sarcasm as well as brilliant one-liners. It’s a while since I’ve enjoyed an audiobook this much … also by R R Haywood as it happens, with his Extracted trilogy.
Excellent storyline with a twist you won’t see coming. It’s rare I get taken by such surprise! An enthralling listen with a good mystery and plenty of entertaining content. Gaslit gets a solid four stars from me, and I highly recommend this in either book or audio format.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
A gripping plot and an ending you won’t see coming
OVERALL: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
PERFORMANCE: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
STORY: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all, the noisy narration let down this otherwise enjoyable and entertaining listen. With so many episodes of clicks, swallows, deep breathing, pauses, and etc., the soundtrack needs cleaning up to remove, or at least, drastically reduce the extraneous noise.
Now, to the story itself:
To say the plot focuses mostly on one guy in a mansion on his own with only a few characters here and there—more come in with greater frequency towards the end—this audiobook is gripping, entertaining, perplexing, and laugh-out-loud funny from start to finish with only a few parts that drag on.
As ever with this author, you get plenty of banter and sarcasm as well as brilliant one-liners. It’s a while since I’ve enjoyed an audiobook this much … also by R R Haywood as it happens, with his Extracted trilogy.
Excellent storyline with a twist you won’t see coming. It’s rare I get taken by such surprise! An enthralling listen with a good mystery and plenty of entertaining content. Gaslit gets a solid four stars from me, and I highly recommend this in either book or audio format.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
August 26, 2025
R.R. Haywood once again proves his storytelling prowess with Gaslit, a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on edge from start to finish. True to his signature style, Haywood crafts a tightly woven narrative with sharp dialogue, well-defined characters, and a plot that unfolds at just the right pace to build suspense.
The story follows a carefully structured path, each character playing a distinct and purposeful role in the unfolding mystery. Haywood’s attention to detail in characterization ensures that everyone has a place in the grand scheme, making the developments feel natural yet unpredictable. The double twist, in particular, is masterfully executed—one that sneaks up on you before completely flipping expectations. Just when you think you have the story figured out, Haywood throws in a final revelation that takes it in a direction you didn’t see coming.
While Gaslit is undeniably a strong thriller, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of some of Haywood’s best work. His past books have set an exceptionally high standard, and while this one is engaging and cleverly written, it lacks that extra spark that would elevate it to a higher rating. That being said, it’s still an enjoyable read (or an equally compelling listen on audiobook) that fans of the genre will appreciate.
Overall, Gaslit is a well-crafted, entertaining thriller that delivers suspense and surprises in classic Haywood fashion. While it might not be his best, it’s still a solid and worthwhile read.
The story follows a carefully structured path, each character playing a distinct and purposeful role in the unfolding mystery. Haywood’s attention to detail in characterization ensures that everyone has a place in the grand scheme, making the developments feel natural yet unpredictable. The double twist, in particular, is masterfully executed—one that sneaks up on you before completely flipping expectations. Just when you think you have the story figured out, Haywood throws in a final revelation that takes it in a direction you didn’t see coming.
While Gaslit is undeniably a strong thriller, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of some of Haywood’s best work. His past books have set an exceptionally high standard, and while this one is engaging and cleverly written, it lacks that extra spark that would elevate it to a higher rating. That being said, it’s still an enjoyable read (or an equally compelling listen on audiobook) that fans of the genre will appreciate.
Overall, Gaslit is a well-crafted, entertaining thriller that delivers suspense and surprises in classic Haywood fashion. While it might not be his best, it’s still a solid and worthwhile read.
June 14, 2025
In a word, crap. If you want to read unrealistic, flirty dialogue and lots of it, this is the book for you!
I could not get past 47%. It was so obvious this was written by a man who has had few real life interactions with women. Women don’t talk or behave like this beyond a bloke’s imagination! The uber-flirty conversations with Tessa, her ‘back story’ she’s a journalist then she is a fashion and interior designer. Is her presence all just a scam or plot twist? I didn’t really care by that point and had to skim read past all the chat. When it got to the hangover in the cafe scene and Maggie starts with all the sausage innuendo and calling him a daft twat (in a flirty way of course) every other sentence (and there were lots of sentence, since it felt like about 90% of what I’d read was tedious dialogue), I had to give up. Nothing much was happening beyond chairs falling over, jukeboxes playing Danny Boy and the ex cop getting pissed and sticking his fingers up at billiard tables. It was boring.
The taglines describe the author as ‘brilliant’ ‘exceptional’ but can only assume they are talking about other books. Also, ‘one of the most downloaded authors..’ etc. that’s probably only because his books are free on kindle unlimited.
I could not get past 47%. It was so obvious this was written by a man who has had few real life interactions with women. Women don’t talk or behave like this beyond a bloke’s imagination! The uber-flirty conversations with Tessa, her ‘back story’ she’s a journalist then she is a fashion and interior designer. Is her presence all just a scam or plot twist? I didn’t really care by that point and had to skim read past all the chat. When it got to the hangover in the cafe scene and Maggie starts with all the sausage innuendo and calling him a daft twat (in a flirty way of course) every other sentence (and there were lots of sentence, since it felt like about 90% of what I’d read was tedious dialogue), I had to give up. Nothing much was happening beyond chairs falling over, jukeboxes playing Danny Boy and the ex cop getting pissed and sticking his fingers up at billiard tables. It was boring.
The taglines describe the author as ‘brilliant’ ‘exceptional’ but can only assume they are talking about other books. Also, ‘one of the most downloaded authors..’ etc. that’s probably only because his books are free on kindle unlimited.
December 13, 2024
I am torn. This book was poorly written and full of typos. Unfortunately, I have a penchant for suspense/thriller stories and I also hate having a DNF in my kindle library, so I persevered.
I’ll admit, I didn’t actually see the twist at the end coming, but I knew something was up with the wooziness/vomiting and figured he was being drugged.
I had a feeling from the beginning that Tessa/Beatrice was in on it somehow, and Maggie also gave me a strange/robotic feeling. It’s a shame she wasn’t actually a genuine character.
Also, the silliness with the ghost and the jukebox was just too much. And despite the servant corridors and staircases there is just no way such a big guy like Stanley could’ve moved about 4 floors of house (basement and 3 floors) with ease. He just wouldn’t!
All in all, despite the poor writing and grammatical errors, I enjoyed the twist at the end but felt the last couple of chapters were rushed, and the translation of the letter from the Latvian girl was pointless being the very last chapter.
I’ll admit, I didn’t actually see the twist at the end coming, but I knew something was up with the wooziness/vomiting and figured he was being drugged.
I had a feeling from the beginning that Tessa/Beatrice was in on it somehow, and Maggie also gave me a strange/robotic feeling. It’s a shame she wasn’t actually a genuine character.
Also, the silliness with the ghost and the jukebox was just too much. And despite the servant corridors and staircases there is just no way such a big guy like Stanley could’ve moved about 4 floors of house (basement and 3 floors) with ease. He just wouldn’t!
All in all, despite the poor writing and grammatical errors, I enjoyed the twist at the end but felt the last couple of chapters were rushed, and the translation of the letter from the Latvian girl was pointless being the very last chapter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2025
A disgraced, homeless ex-cop takes a job as caretaker for a country mantion. The owner has died and there is a dispute over the will. Apart from keeping an eye on the property, he also has to ensure that non of the family who are hoping to inherit set foot over the doorway. It's an old gothic building and even on the first night, strange things begin to happen and he learns at the local cafe, that the place is supposed to be haunted.
I found this to be a book of 3 halves. To start with I was intrigued and enjoying the build up. Then it started to go down hill rapidly as the main character started to do ridiculous things all for people he'd barely known for a day or two. Then we got to the end. Oh dear me. Shockingly bad. Please authors stop doing this, it's passed being trendy and we're all bored with it. It never works and just leaves us feeling cheated by spending so much time with a book when we could have been watching paint dry or something. Shame, because I think the author has a good book in there. Hope we see it one day.
I found this to be a book of 3 halves. To start with I was intrigued and enjoying the build up. Then it started to go down hill rapidly as the main character started to do ridiculous things all for people he'd barely known for a day or two. Then we got to the end. Oh dear me. Shockingly bad. Please authors stop doing this, it's passed being trendy and we're all bored with it. It never works and just leaves us feeling cheated by spending so much time with a book when we could have been watching paint dry or something. Shame, because I think the author has a good book in there. Hope we see it one day.
August 20, 2024
I began reading this, expecting a James Herbert style horror-fest, with unexpected, ethereal twists and turns. I’m so pleased it isn't. Nobody does James Herbert style horror as well as James Herbert.
This is on a different level.
For me, It’s a mixture of very dark humour, and lots of more serious stuff. As much edge of the seat, as edge of reason. OK, so it’s not quite Bridgette Jones, and you will almost certainly never laugh out loud, but if you actually imagine some of the scenes, you may find yourself raising a smile. (And with the right actors, this could become a raucous comedy.)
I’m a big fan of RR Haywood, and this book has only cemented that.
This is on a different level.
For me, It’s a mixture of very dark humour, and lots of more serious stuff. As much edge of the seat, as edge of reason. OK, so it’s not quite Bridgette Jones, and you will almost certainly never laugh out loud, but if you actually imagine some of the scenes, you may find yourself raising a smile. (And with the right actors, this could become a raucous comedy.)
I’m a big fan of RR Haywood, and this book has only cemented that.
November 3, 2024
a very exciting read
This is a rewrite and I have read the original but a long time ago. So I really didn’t remember much of it. I loved it. I felt really drawn into what was happening and constantly waiting for something spooky or nasty to happen. I was totally stunned by the ending. I mean I’m normally really good at this mystery stuff and although I had sussed out some aspects I really didn’t see the whole picture. I hope RR Haywood has time to write more like this in the future ( although being a crazy fan of all his other books I fully understand that may be a while. I recommend this thrilling read!!
This is a rewrite and I have read the original but a long time ago. So I really didn’t remember much of it. I loved it. I felt really drawn into what was happening and constantly waiting for something spooky or nasty to happen. I was totally stunned by the ending. I mean I’m normally really good at this mystery stuff and although I had sussed out some aspects I really didn’t see the whole picture. I hope RR Haywood has time to write more like this in the future ( although being a crazy fan of all his other books I fully understand that may be a while. I recommend this thrilling read!!
November 23, 2025
Gaslit follows Mike Humber, a disgraced ex-detective who takes a job as a live-in security guard at a remote, creepy old house. It’s supposed to be a quiet fresh start, but the place has other ideas — strange noises, weird shadows, and a feeling that someone else is inside with him. As Mike starts digging, he ends up caught in a tangle of secrets, lies, and manipulation that kept the tension building right to the end.
The writing is simple and the plot isn’t trying to be clever for the sake of it — but honestly, that’s what made it so addictive. It’s an indie book that might never win prizes, yet I couldn’t put it down. Fast, fun, and surprisingly gripping. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The writing is simple and the plot isn’t trying to be clever for the sake of it — but honestly, that’s what made it so addictive. It’s an indie book that might never win prizes, yet I couldn’t put it down. Fast, fun, and surprisingly gripping. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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