The Haunting of Villa Maledetta

by J.W. Holmes

It was supposed to be the perfect honeymoon, they couldn't have been more wrong.

After newlyweds Lucy and Damien travel to Tuscany for what was supposed to be the perfect honeymoon, they soon discover that their not-so-idyllic surroundings harbour a disturbing, and potentially deadly, secret.

Is there something else with them, something evil, bent on tearing them apart forever? Will the love they share be strong enough to withstand the unseen forces working against them? Or will their lives together be cut short, long before they had truly begun?

Genres: Fiction, Horror

87 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2024

About the author

Multi-genre author from Christchurch, New Zealand. His passions include music, film, embroidery, and occasionally writing.

Reviews

[Laynara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book not knowing what I was getting into and once I started I couldn’t put it down for even a minute! I felt so many emotions with this book from love to fear! If you like a romance with a bit of spooky ghostly stuff this book is definitely for you.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will the newlyweds end up newly dead?

I’d never read anything by J.W. Holmes before but was hooked on this novella after reading a sample of the first page. He did such an excellent job pulling me into the set up for this ghost story I felt compelled to buy it so that I could find out where it was going. Thankfully, I was rewarded with a solid ghost story that delivered sincere chills.

This is a classic ghost story set up. Newlyweds are dumped off at the end of a long driveway to a remote Italian villa ninety minutes from Pisa and Florence. They are looking to get away from everything after their wedding and want nothing more than peace, quiet, and time with each other. Unfortunately, they also get a murderous ghost.

Holmes hit all the haunted house tropes, and I mean that in the best of ways. This book is full of spooky sounds, words whispered in your ear, and old legends. It even has an exorcism in it! At every step I was all in, and very much enjoyed the atmosphere and characters he delivered. While I was left with a few burning questions by the end, and there was one slightly funky out of sequence chapter in the book which threw me for a minute, in general this is a really high quality read.

If you’re looking for a fast ghost story with real chills, this one is for you. Check it out.

[Honey Dy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunting of Villa Maleditta was a gripping tale that took me on a chilling journey through the picturesque yet ominous landscapes of Tuscany.

The novel creatively blended romance and horror, creating a slow burn tension that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The overall atmosphere was eerie and chilling, especially as I wasn't aware of what was about to happen. The knowledge that something ominous was about to happen intrigued me, keeping me immersed in the beauty that surrounded the villa.

The pace of the story is relatively even, as the suspense builds up steadily, presenting a shocking yet satisfying climax.

This was a beautiful story that explored love, trust, and resilience, and it definitely gave a new meaning to the term, 'till death do us part'.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you book sirens

[MysticMadness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damian and Lucy’s honeymoon takes an unexpected turn when their charming Tuscan villa turns out to be a haunted farmhouse. At just 85 pages, this novella is a quick, engaging read with a solid scare factor and plenty of “Why are they still staying there?” moments. But, to be fair, not everyone believes in ghosts—or knows how to handle a haunted honeymoon.

Also, seriously, why does everyone speak English?

The vivid descriptions and the story delivers just the right amount of chills without going overboard. A spooky, slow-paced escape that’s best enjoyed somewhere decidedly not haunted!.

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

[Kelli Krystne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that the villa described in the book matches the one on the cover. I found this book to be eerie from the start. This book was suspenseful and had me wanting more from the start. This book was also fast paced so it kept my attention. I liked the length of this book, it made it very easy to read in one sitting.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you booksiren!

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien and Lucy are two newlyweds on their honeymoon. They think that they are getting a perfect paradise, but instead they get a dusty, creepy stone farm house. It does have decent furniture and vintages. Unfortunately it comes with spooky sounds. I really enjoyed this because the author is good with scene description and dialogue.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I freely left this review.

[Michael P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella is a readable but rather familiar haunted house story that at times feels rather short on scares. It follows a couple that go for a honeymoon in Italy only to find that the house they are staying at holds a dark secret. The novel is reasonably well-written and kept me going until the end, but it is very familiar territory for anyone familiar with these types of stories.

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

[Holley Desigio · Rating 3 out of 5]

just okay

Nothing new in the horror genre. Lucy and Damien didn’t feel fully fleshed out as characters. There was a lot of “tell” instead of show, and several lines that were repeated multiple times. I was hoping for more scares, but most of the short story was spent building up to two “scares” and then an easy resolve of the haunting. Overall, it was fine, but could’ve been stronger with some more editing.

[Lola Jansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book! I really loved how the setting and storyline are very paradise like, and the story still having so much suspense!

I was very curious as to how this story would play out and I was not disappointed! It’s realistic, creepy, unique and easy to read.

Highly recommend this book if you love horror but not the standard type!

[Jessica Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it’s a fast paced quick read. The story grabbed my attention from the start, it was hard to put down. Great writing style, I’ll definitely be reading more by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read, about 80 pages.

This follows a couple on their honeymoon where the place they’re staying is haunted. It was ok but the writing was a bit stilted to me.

This was a Goodreads Giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity to enjoy your book.

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly this book could have used more editing. There were a lot of areas that had a lot of detail, some that felt like they were lacking when I would’ve appreciated more time/ attention being spent on it.
Not a bad book, but definitely a rushed one.

[Brooke, · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐️.75

[Sherry Priddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an awesome story. It was just the right amount of spooky, but a very quick read, I was hoping for more. What a honeymoon.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on the haunted house. It was a bit predictable but I did enjoy the story. Light reading recommended.