The Spirit of Vanderlaan

by Susan Harris Howell

The Spirit of Vanderlaan is a paranormal cozy mystery set on a college campus. This book is the first in The Samantha Hayes Series.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2024

About the author

I am a psychologist, speaker, and author of The Spirit of Vanderlaan, my debut novel released in December of 2024. This book is a fun, cozy, ghost story featuring a professor, Samantha Hayes, and her lively band of students who get caught up in solving a campus mystery. This book draws on my teaching career of over thirty years to capture the camaraderie and warmth between a professor and the assortment of personalities which inhabit her office.

I have also published extensively on equality between women and men. My first book, Buried Talents, explores the subtle ways women are discouraged from entering male-dominated occupations. Buried Talents was named a winner in InterVarsity Press’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m giving this a 3.5/5 stars. It’s a story about a college professor and her students who discover an odd coincidence that some of her students lived in rooms she herself lived in during her college days. From there over the course of a semester we are taken on an interesting if sometimes odd journey. I enjoyed the camaraderie between Samantha Hayes and her students. I loved their loud boisterous friendship and unique personalities. In all honesty it’s a college experience I myself would’ve loved to have had. The mystery of Annika and her death was intriguing as was how figures from the past and present intersected over the years.
What takes this down a bit for me was the story can be extremely slow at times. So if you’re looking for a fast paced mystery this isn’t it. Also while there Was indeed a murder solved and a killer brought to justice this really didn’t feel like a mystery story. It is a good story with a compelling plot I just don’t know if I see this and say mystery instead of literary fiction.

So tldr good premise, slow paced with a cold case crime solved. Decent story.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the delight of reading my first Susan H Howell book and it was really intriguing. It didn’t really follow the rule of a deep novel with more descriptive scenes and mood setting sentences, but it was more effective in a way as it was more focused on dialogue and conversations with a healthy dose of psychology as well. I definitely learn’t a lot more that interested me that my Introduction to Psychology many moons ago. I really liked the characters and the way they were intimately themselves in all scenarios. My favourite of course being Levi. Loving the humour and banter that he and Samantha had. The paranormal stuff came in towards the middle and end and it got really good at those stages. The ending was definitely something I didn’t see coming from reading the first few chapters either. A great introduction to Samantha Hayes and of course, Susan H Howell. 4.5*

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very glad to have read this. Some reviews mention wanting or expecting more supernatural activity in the first half of the book. I can understand that, but I can also see that it WAS there. It was simply unrecognized by the characters in the moment so the readers had to wait. I'd love to see this in movie format because I think the creepy vibes could be easily felt with music and effects.

This is a first look for me into the perspective of a professor. I didn't realize these kinds of close student/teacher relationships existed just because that wasn't my college experience. I ADORE reading about a group of young adults finding belonging and being supported. 🥰

[Cyndi Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really well written. It definitely wasn't what I thought it would be. It was a slower burn and was more character development based than mystery. The mystery itself was really interesting. I liked how everything came together in the end. This was worth the read even if it was a bit slow at times. I liked the camaraderie between the students and Dr. Hayes.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[NinaInkdawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Spirit of Vanderlaan is a cozy paranormal mystery starring Samantha Hayes as a college professor at Vanderlaan University. Through a series of strange coincidences, Dr. Hayes discovers that her research assistants lived in the same dorm during the years she did. And what is more intriguing but also disturbing, the current residences seem to be connected to a death that occurred in his sleep about 20 years earlier... I loved the fact that there is something supernatural that moves everything but also that connects everything and everyone... But there is also much more that happens... . Are the things that happen all connected and influenced by a ghostly presence or a coincidence? Read the book to find out! Absolutely 4 stars for how it always kept me on my toes... Absolutely recommended if like me you love crime novels that have a touch of the paranormal.

[Stacie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a cozy read? I found one for you. This was a great story for a cold winter night. The characters were strong and the story was easy to follow. You follow a college professor and her teaching assistants that find they have a lot in common, which is both amazing and creepy. You should grab your copy and follow along with this amazing journey.

I received the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bill Cassell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Book With Real Spirit!

I enjoyed this story so much. She captured the professor-student relationship so well in a wonderful mystery with characters you will enjoy. Loved this book!!

[Miranda Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic! I really enjoyed all of the characters and the connections they shared. That last connection between Chess and Dr. Hayes brought a smile to my face! I can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Anthony C Liston · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great book that brings together themes of mystery, paranormal and psychology (emotions). While some might say the book can be slow at times. The detail into the relationship of the main characters made this reviewer reminisce their collage life and miss the carefree days. It is a real glimpse behind the scene of college life from the view not only of a student but the professor as well. It is a smart, heartfelt, page turning read!


P. S. The author put a lot of herself in this book.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, quirky start to a warm, non-traditional new mystery series.

The Spirit of Vanderlaan is the first book in author Susan Harris Howell’s new mystery series featuring the nurturing university psychology professor, Dr. Samantha Hayes. In this first adventure, supernatural experiences on campus involving her and her students, including some more than coincidental room assignments linked to the professor’s past, have them puzzled. This was a perfect kick-back, relax, and enjoy book for the end of my day, and I found the story warm, nostalgic, and completely engaging.

Samantha Hayes is a delight, and she is absolutely surrounded by outstanding supporting characters, especially her cadre of teaching assistants and the small knot of students who are regulars in her classes and during her office hours. I enjoyed the easy camaraderie that developed between Samantha and her students and was reminded of my college days with the fun and thoughtful mentors and friends I met while in school. I had to laugh at an incident early in the book where Samantha had to adjust a disgruntled and privileged student’s demands for service! I really look forward to seeing more of this crew.

I recommend THE SPIRIT OF VANDERLAAN to readers of cozy paranormal tales.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treasure the book is.

I could see the author in Samantha. Susan loves her students and wants to help them. What a nice trait.

Susan’s writing was sharp and energetic and vivid.

I loved the book!

Can’t wait for the sequel.

Joan McKinney

[Julie Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of twists, fun students. I would enjoy reading another book by this author.

[Michael Nethery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read! Circles in circles, followed by twists and turns. Really enjoyed the book 📕.
This is on the must read list for sure! 👍

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an entertaining and enjoyable story. I felt like I was a part of Dr. Hayes's

entourage. I found it very informative and comfortable to be in Samantha's group. Len made my blood boil. He was a weak coward and bully. I enjoyed the supernatural aspects of the story , because I'm a believer in the afterlife. Samantha had a good ghost on her side. Lol. Annika' s death was a shocker to me. It was so cold and calculated, that it gave me chills. What an exciting school year for all of us!!!! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion .

.

[Jane Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. I love how the person was taking the gold. And how the clues came together.

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent mystery. When I first started reading it, I didn't think that it was a murder mystery. It was. However, it was much, much more! It had a supernatural feel to it. This led to a belief (or not) in synchronicity and made the reader think about the existence (or not) of a higher power.
All in all it was a delightful read which I enjoyed immensely.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[teal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, quirky little mystery with entertaining characters and coincidences!

~ Thank you to BookSirens for the free ARC. My review is voluntery and my honest opinion. ~

[Kim Bartosch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has an intriguing premise: a professor, Samantha Hayes, discovers that her favorite four students all live in her former dorm rooms. As they start to investigate a mysterious death from years ago, Samantha is forced to confront her long-held fears that she may have been responsible for it. The novel promises paranormal intrigue and mystery, but it takes too long to deliver on these elements, making for a slow and somewhat frustrating read.

One of my biggest issues with the book was the pacing. The first half moves too slowly, focusing more on character relationships and introspection than on the ghostly mystery. I was expecting suspense and eerie moments early on, but instead, the supernatural aspects take a backseat for too long. While I don’t mind a slow burn if it builds tension effectively, this one felt like it meandered rather than built up excitement. By the time the actual mystery began to unfold in the second half, I was already struggling to stay engaged. If the story had leaned into its paranormal aspects earlier, it would have been much stronger.

That being said, the second half of the book does improve once the mystery picks up. When the past and present start to intertwine, the story becomes much more engaging. The writing in these sections is strong, and Howell does a good job of building intrigue. I just wish this momentum had been present from the beginning. By the time I was finally invested in the story, I felt like I had spent too much time waiting for something to happen.

Another issue is the way the book is categorized. It is marketed as a mystery and/or ghost story promised in the book description, but it often reads more like literary fiction. There is a lot of focus on introspection and academic life rather than an active investigation or ghostly encounters. If it had been sold as a literary novel with mystery elements, I might have adjusted my expectations.
Readers who enjoy slow, character-driven stories might appreciate it more, but those looking for a true paranormal mystery will likely feel disappointed.

Overall, The Spirit of Vanderlaan has a strong premise and some good moments, but it struggles with pacing and genre identity. The second half is rewarding, but it takes too long to get there. I give it ⭐️⭐️✨ (2.5/5 stars). Thank you to the author for the book and my honest review.

For more book reviews, visit my blog https://www.kimsbookreviewsandwriting...

[Theresa A · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Spirit of Vanderlaan is a cozy paranormal mystery featuring Samantha Hayes, a college professor at Vanderlaan University, and her team of research assistants. Through a series of strange coincidences, Dr. Hayes discovers that most of her research assistants have lived in the very same dorm rooms she once occupied during her college years. Even more intriguing is that their current residences seem to be connected to a mysterious death that occurred in the dorms about 20 years ago.
As the story unfolds, the research assistants begin to suspect that there's more than just a shared love of psychology that has brought them together. They decide to investigate whether a supernatural force is at play. Meanwhile, Dr. Hayes faces professional challenges from a vindictive professor determined to thwart her chances of gaining tenure, all while grappling with long-held guilt.
Are these events all connected and influenced by a ghostly presence? You will have to read the book to find out! I gave it 4 stars because, while it started off as a slow burn, the action really picked up in the second half. The story’s twists and turns kept me on my toes, and the resolution was thoroughly satisfying. I enjoyed it immensely!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting and unexpected homage to cozy mysteries that doesn't take the predictable track I thought it might in the beginning. The plot is a slow burn, but once it gets underway, it's part mystery and part drama and part psychological thriller. The psychology all around, throughout the different tonal shifts of the novel, is what really sticks with me. Samantha Hayes is willing to go deeper with her introspection by far than the average cozy heroine. It shows that the author is a psychology professor. The group of students who are connected to Samantha are the warm and fuzzy heart of the novel that keeps it from getting too bleak. Anytime it's almost too much, we're reminded of the students and their found family love for each other and their favorite professor. It's idealistic without being schmaltzy. With interesting POV shifts and a twist ending I genuinely did not see coming, this book is a unique take on what a cozy mystery could and maybe should be.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a fantastic story. It is about beloved college professor Dr. Samantha Hayes, and the relationship she has with a small group of students. Four of her students live in rooms she herself lived in as a student of Vanderlaan University. Just a coincidence, or could there be more to it? Well, her students are determined to find out, but Samantha has to avoid getting involved in their investigation. It doesn't take long before she realizes that the answers will help her let go of the unfounded guilt she has carried for way too long.
I loved these characters and thought they were all very realistic as well as engaging. A mystery to be solved. The question of what happens after death is an interesting twist, and it definitely kept me engrossed in this book from the first page to the last. I recommend this book to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts: This was an interesting story. Samantha Hayes is a college professor who has a group of five students who help her with research. Then they discover that all of them live in the same rooms she had in college years ago. The blurb pretty much tells it all as far as that all goes, but there is a lot more going on. But there’s a lot more going on as well. She’s up for tenure, but the professor who is the head of her committee is an old rival. He gets her blackballed and put on suspension, but she’s determined to fight back. But how do you fight old lies and ghosts from your past that may be real ghosts?

I enjoyed this story even though it was a little slow at times. But the whole issue with her tenure and her past creates interesting challenges that keep you reading to the end.

Recommended.

[Kat Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set on a college campus, with all the underlying themes of political machinations, angst about grad school and GRE’s, plus the presence—or maybe not—of a mysterious spirit, this story hits all the high notes. The Spirit of Vanderlaan features a well-drawn, intriguing cast of characters whose goals, motivation and conflict are clear from page one. If you are one who dreams with fondness over the ‘days of yore’, you’ll love this one for the revered college professor who draws students in like a magnet. On the other hand, if returning to your college days would happen only if someone held a gun to your head, you’ll still love it. The antagonist is particularly well drawn for subtlety and underlying evil. Well done!

Based on a scale of 1-5, The Spirit of Vanderlaan merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story. I found it easy to quickly get into this book. The story premise was interesting and I liked the paranormal aspects found in this story. I will be looking for more books by this author as I enjoyed her writing style and this story.

I received a copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only.

[Deborah Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha a Teacher and mentor to a group of students finds a connection to her past and ghostly intervention about a death that had taken place at the college. A professor threatens her tenure with twisted facts and a hatred from a previous job. Samantha has to figure this out and try to save her job. I enjoyed this book and I recommend it.

[T.P. Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent paranormal mystery. I love ghost stories and this one did not disappoint. The setting of the college was an excellent choice. The characters were well-developed and relatable. The writing was vivid and descriptive and helped to draw me in. Highly recommend!

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not your typical cozy mystery. It was thrilling! The way things were orchestrated so that everything fell into place was genius! I loved it!

[KayCee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written and entertaining book. The story is a bit slow in places but overall, a very enjoyable read. 

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elise Everett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Waiting for the next one.♥️
Think I've definitely had synchronicity experiences in my life.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The storyline is entertaining and well written. Good characters.