What do you think?
Rate this book
The Cavanaugh House
When Jesse Graham unlocks the door to the deserted house she inherited from her Aunt Helen, she doesn’t realize she’s unlocking secrets that had lain dormant for years. Reeling from a broken engagement to acclaimed musician Robert Cronmiller, Jesse wants to leave the city where her name is linked to his in all the society pages. Her best friend Maggie, aka Sister Angelina, convinces her to take a job at a private girls school in the pastoral Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Anticipating a quiet, revitalizing life in her aunt’s deserted house, Jesse is instead thrown into a maze of danger. Questions about her aunt’s death lead Jesse to investigate events surrounding it and the people involved, but she uncovers a web of deceit that reaches far beyond the occurrences of over two decades earlier. Still dejected from her broken engagement, Jesse finds it difficult to trust anyone, even her self-absorbed mother. Joe Riley is irresistible, but secrets obstruct involvement with him until Jesse can solve the secrets of the Cavanaugh House. Someone doesn’t want those secrets unearthed and will stop at nothing, even murder, to keep them hidden.
323 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2014
987 people are currently reading
4475 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Meyette
15 books235 followersAuthor, blogger and believer in dreams-come-true, Elizabeth Meyette’s journey has taken her through a career in education to a career in writing. To coin a friend’s phrase, she’s not retired, she’s “refired” and loves her second career as a writer. Love’s Destiny, Love’s Spirit, and Love's Courage are historical romances set during the American Revolution. The Cavanaugh House, Buried Secrets, and The Last Crossing are mysteries set in 1968 in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Elizabeth and her husband, Rich, enjoy living in Michigan surrounded by the beauty of the Great Lakes. She credits her muse, Boris, for keeping the stories coming. When Elizabeth is not working on a novel or poetry, she is busy keeping up with her blog Meyette’s Musings.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
May 13, 2017
I was intrigued by the description of this book. If there is something I really like is it haunted houses and I hoped that this book would entrance me.
One thing I really liked is that the story takes place in the 60s. It was a nice change from the usual contemporary settings that I'm used to (or books that take place late or early 19-century). I love to read books where the story takes place during 50-70s and this book reminds me that I should try to do so more often. It's so nice to go back just a couple of decades, and read about a time without the technology benefits we have now.
The story starts with Jesse Graham, after having broken up with her cheating boyfriend, arriving at The Cavanaugh House that she inherited years before from her aunt. She is after a change in her life and when her best friend Sister Angelina (Maggie) tells her of a job at a private school isn't she late to jump on the chance to get away and get a new start. What she doesn't know is that The Cavanaugh House is said to be haunted by her aunt. But, why would her aunt hunt the house, she died in care accident, didn't she?
The Cavanaugh House is an engrossing book to listen to, I quite liked both Jesse and Maggie, their humor and their close friendly relationship made the book both funny and endearing to read. I love the fact that Maggie is a nun, it's not often I read about two best friends in a book where one of them is a nun. This is probably the first time. I also liked the budding romantic relationship with Joe Riley. I was worried that the book would turn into a triangle drama when Jesse started to hang out with the local deputy sheriff, but it never got that way. I also liked that she did keep it cool with Joe, she has just left a relationship and was not interested in a new one soon, despite the butterflies in the stomach that Joe gave her.
The mystery of her aunt's death and the haunted house intrigued me and I loved the twist and turns the story took. As a fan of mystery books was it a pure joy to read about Jesse discovering then the truth about her aunt. Even when I suspected things that turned out to be true where I more thrilled about being right than annoyed that it could figure it out before anyone else did in the book.
Elizabeth Meyette has really written a fabulous book and I can't wait to listen to Buried Secrets the sequel to this book!
As for the audio version of this book was I very pleased with Amy McFadden performance. She shifted between the voices with ease and I liked that she didn't exaggerate the male voices. I'm also pleased to know that she voiced the sequel in this series.
One thing I really liked is that the story takes place in the 60s. It was a nice change from the usual contemporary settings that I'm used to (or books that take place late or early 19-century). I love to read books where the story takes place during 50-70s and this book reminds me that I should try to do so more often. It's so nice to go back just a couple of decades, and read about a time without the technology benefits we have now.
The story starts with Jesse Graham, after having broken up with her cheating boyfriend, arriving at The Cavanaugh House that she inherited years before from her aunt. She is after a change in her life and when her best friend Sister Angelina (Maggie) tells her of a job at a private school isn't she late to jump on the chance to get away and get a new start. What she doesn't know is that The Cavanaugh House is said to be haunted by her aunt. But, why would her aunt hunt the house, she died in care accident, didn't she?
The Cavanaugh House is an engrossing book to listen to, I quite liked both Jesse and Maggie, their humor and their close friendly relationship made the book both funny and endearing to read. I love the fact that Maggie is a nun, it's not often I read about two best friends in a book where one of them is a nun. This is probably the first time. I also liked the budding romantic relationship with Joe Riley. I was worried that the book would turn into a triangle drama when Jesse started to hang out with the local deputy sheriff, but it never got that way. I also liked that she did keep it cool with Joe, she has just left a relationship and was not interested in a new one soon, despite the butterflies in the stomach that Joe gave her.
The mystery of her aunt's death and the haunted house intrigued me and I loved the twist and turns the story took. As a fan of mystery books was it a pure joy to read about Jesse discovering then the truth about her aunt. Even when I suspected things that turned out to be true where I more thrilled about being right than annoyed that it could figure it out before anyone else did in the book.
Elizabeth Meyette has really written a fabulous book and I can't wait to listen to Buried Secrets the sequel to this book!
As for the audio version of this book was I very pleased with Amy McFadden performance. She shifted between the voices with ease and I liked that she didn't exaggerate the male voices. I'm also pleased to know that she voiced the sequel in this series.
October 1, 2022
Finger Lakes Region, NY. June 1968. “This might be the biggest mistake I’ve made yet.” Jesse Graham
Elizabeth Meyette’s The Cavanaugh House (Finger Lakes Mystery #1) finds the protagonist, Jesse Graham, arriving at the abandoned house she inherited from her Aunt Helen. Jesse has just driven from Rochester, NY after leaving her fiancé. As Jesse looks towards the house, she sees grass and weeds so high that she can hardly picture the actual house. I will give you a hint. It has been a long time, a very long time plus this house is said to be haunted. The characters are fun, but the best character is Jesse’s best friend, Maggie. I do not want to forget Bert, Jesse’s VW Beetle. Will this be the biggest mistake of Jesse’s life? Remember: “This house holds secrets.” 4 stars
Elizabeth Meyette’s The Cavanaugh House (Finger Lakes Mystery #1) finds the protagonist, Jesse Graham, arriving at the abandoned house she inherited from her Aunt Helen. Jesse has just driven from Rochester, NY after leaving her fiancé. As Jesse looks towards the house, she sees grass and weeds so high that she can hardly picture the actual house. I will give you a hint. It has been a long time, a very long time plus this house is said to be haunted. The characters are fun, but the best character is Jesse’s best friend, Maggie. I do not want to forget Bert, Jesse’s VW Beetle. Will this be the biggest mistake of Jesse’s life? Remember: “This house holds secrets.” 4 stars
June 12, 2014
I've never read a book set in the 60's and wasn't sure if the setting would throw me off. On the contrary. Meyette added just enough pop icon references to keep the reader in the past, while creating rich characters and intriguing circumstances that would fit in any decade. I loved Jesse, her independent spirit and her need to go it alone, right from the start. I loved that Maggie was a nun who drank beer and got upset enough to swear. All the single young men in this book to choose from (swoon!)... Joe and Marty and Al. Makes me wish there was a sequel. But the depth of secrets hidden in Cavanaugh House -- just when you think you've been told everything, someone reveals another layer of mystery -- right up until the very end. This was one of those books that you sneak off with, leaving your real-life responsibilities for another time. Do it. Pick up The Cavanaugh House and leave the dishes, laundry and errands for another time. You'll thank me later.
July 22, 2016
UPDATE: I listened to the audio version of this novel, and it is well done. Amy's voice is smooth and gentle in narration, and she does a good job with dialogue as well. This is what I imagined Jesse's voice to be. The audio is a welcome addition to the series, perfect for people who wish to listen to the story as opposed to reading it.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Cavanaugh House. I'm a child of the 50s and 60s, and Ms. Meyette took me back to the time of my youth with this atmospheric and well-paced novel. Jesse is an interesting heroine, who tries to surmount her disappointing past with a new town, and, she believes, a new life at her late aunt's home, the Cavanaugh House. Little does she know how truly connected she is to the place - and its history. If you like mystery, romance, ghosts, and good writing, you will love this book. I highly recommend it.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Cavanaugh House. I'm a child of the 50s and 60s, and Ms. Meyette took me back to the time of my youth with this atmospheric and well-paced novel. Jesse is an interesting heroine, who tries to surmount her disappointing past with a new town, and, she believes, a new life at her late aunt's home, the Cavanaugh House. Little does she know how truly connected she is to the place - and its history. If you like mystery, romance, ghosts, and good writing, you will love this book. I highly recommend it.
October 5, 2015
While the plot was pretty good, the execution leaves a lot to be desired.
The writing, especially the dialogue, is clunky and uninteresting, in addition to being sometimes inappropriate to the time period in which the story is set. I had no clue if I was reading a novel set in the present, or years ago, due to the lack of cues regarding time and place in this novel.
The reveal of Jesse's father is no big surprise, as the answer is conveyed early on. Quite frankly, this book suffers from an identity crisis. The author couldn't decide if she wanted to write a romance or a mystery and instead sloppily combined both.
To sum up, the idea is a decent one, but poor writing makes it boring.
The writing, especially the dialogue, is clunky and uninteresting, in addition to being sometimes inappropriate to the time period in which the story is set. I had no clue if I was reading a novel set in the present, or years ago, due to the lack of cues regarding time and place in this novel.
The reveal of Jesse's father is no big surprise, as the answer is conveyed early on. Quite frankly, this book suffers from an identity crisis. The author couldn't decide if she wanted to write a romance or a mystery and instead sloppily combined both.
To sum up, the idea is a decent one, but poor writing makes it boring.
March 9, 2017
Very enjoyable ghostly mystery.
May 8, 2021
My mom bought me this book for my birthday and I’m surprised I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. If I read fiction, it’s usually historical fiction or classic literature, but even though this book was written not too long ago, it being set in the 60s drew me in. The story of the haunted Cavanaugh House inherited by Jesse Graham, through all its secrets and the unfolding mystery, kept me interested the whole time (it was hard to put down!). Jesse just recently moving into this house after breaking her engagement with Robert Cronmiller, eventually finds true love in Joe who loyally pursues her from the beginning even though she is reluctant after her previous relationship (fyi: I was swooning in every scene Joe was in). Between the love dynamic and the mystery of the Cavanaugh House, I enjoyed the book thoroughly. And I look forward to reading the next two books in the series.
May 22, 2014
I've been a fan of Ms. Meyette's historical romances, and her latest foray into the world of suspense was also set in a historical period--the 1960s. I loved all the references to food of the era. Charles' Chips really took me back, along with Genesee Beer. This book had a lot of suspense, but I was never in fear that the heroine wouldn't make it. After all, she was named for Jesse James, one of the wildest of the wild west heroes. I'm a big fan of refurbishing old houses and of small towns, so I immediately fell into the story line. Add in a ghost and a hot new man and I'm there. Well done, Elizabeth.
May 5, 2016
My original The Cavanaugh House audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
The Cavanaugh House by Elizabeth Meyette is true to the genre, so if you want a cozy mystery with a dash of paranormal (a ghost – not a spoiler), the you’ll enjoy listening to this novel. Jesse Graham, devastated by a messy engagement breakup, retreats to a house left to her by her aunt. With the help of her childhood friend, Maggie, a nun, she tries to start a new life. However, a restless spirit, a possible suicide or murder, family secrets and several possible love interests keep stirring the pot. Layer upon layer of secrets and lies combined with an attempt on Jesse’s life kept me listening. The story line is, of course, predictable, it follows what I think is an outlined genre format and this is probably what most listeners expect. But there are enough twists and turns and interesting characters to hold your interest. Some of the cliché characters (the ‘mean beyond words’ nun, for one) was a bit annoying, but their scenes were blessedly few.
The setting, in the Finger Lakes area of New York was interesting and pleasant and well defined. I did find the climax of the mystery was unexpected, which was refreshing. Endings are often difficult and contrived, but this one wasn’t and for that I was grateful. All the ends were woven in and tidy, happy of course The inserts of women’s lib and how men should address women seemed kind of added in and seemed unnecessary, and at times I was embarrassed for the character’s trying to dance around Jesse’s demands for the proper ‘terms’ like ‘woman’ instead of the exterminator’s ‘little lady’. I know it was a different time, but insisting that every male in town change their ways when so many other scary and serious events were going on just didn’t work for me. The obligatory love interest was well done, but as always, they didn’t get off to a friendly start, and had their issues, but we get the idea that true love will follow after the dust settles. I did find the climax of the mystery was a bit of a surprise which was quite refreshing.
The narrator, Amy McFadden, has a pleasant voice and does a good job with the dialogue, but her narrative takes on a ‘valley girl’ tone that I found distracting, especially considering this story is set in the late 1960’s, when such a speech pattern didn’t exist, unless maybe you lived in that valley? But it was always easy to tell who was speaking and to follow the conversations, and with the many characters, especially male character voices, that was a coup.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
The Cavanaugh House by Elizabeth Meyette is true to the genre, so if you want a cozy mystery with a dash of paranormal (a ghost – not a spoiler), the you’ll enjoy listening to this novel. Jesse Graham, devastated by a messy engagement breakup, retreats to a house left to her by her aunt. With the help of her childhood friend, Maggie, a nun, she tries to start a new life. However, a restless spirit, a possible suicide or murder, family secrets and several possible love interests keep stirring the pot. Layer upon layer of secrets and lies combined with an attempt on Jesse’s life kept me listening. The story line is, of course, predictable, it follows what I think is an outlined genre format and this is probably what most listeners expect. But there are enough twists and turns and interesting characters to hold your interest. Some of the cliché characters (the ‘mean beyond words’ nun, for one) was a bit annoying, but their scenes were blessedly few.
The setting, in the Finger Lakes area of New York was interesting and pleasant and well defined. I did find the climax of the mystery was unexpected, which was refreshing. Endings are often difficult and contrived, but this one wasn’t and for that I was grateful. All the ends were woven in and tidy, happy of course The inserts of women’s lib and how men should address women seemed kind of added in and seemed unnecessary, and at times I was embarrassed for the character’s trying to dance around Jesse’s demands for the proper ‘terms’ like ‘woman’ instead of the exterminator’s ‘little lady’. I know it was a different time, but insisting that every male in town change their ways when so many other scary and serious events were going on just didn’t work for me. The obligatory love interest was well done, but as always, they didn’t get off to a friendly start, and had their issues, but we get the idea that true love will follow after the dust settles. I did find the climax of the mystery was a bit of a surprise which was quite refreshing.
The narrator, Amy McFadden, has a pleasant voice and does a good job with the dialogue, but her narrative takes on a ‘valley girl’ tone that I found distracting, especially considering this story is set in the late 1960’s, when such a speech pattern didn’t exist, unless maybe you lived in that valley? But it was always easy to tell who was speaking and to follow the conversations, and with the many characters, especially male character voices, that was a coup.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
July 5, 2014
I loved it and I love the author's style of writing. I wish she would continue on with Jesse and Joe but bring them up to date as Senior citizens with children and grandchildren and have another supernatural experience in that house. I do want Jesse to stop drinking so much beer all the time though! Thats crazy! LOL! Whoa.... anyway, I definitely want to read more of Ms. Meyette's work but again, want to hear more of Jesse and family but in these times. Keep up the good work Ms. Meyette!
April 24, 2019
When Jessie Graham walks in on her rich, handsome, and socially influential fiance in bed with another woman, her life shatters. Not only has he broken her heart and her trust but her identity as well. Jessie's circle of friends went little beyond her fiance's. She can't go anywhere in the town where she lives and works without whispers. Jessie knows she needs a new start, but with no money, she is at her wit's end.
Then she remembers that an aunt whom she never knew left her a house in a tiny burg a few hours away. It just happens to be right around the corner from a Catholic school where her best friend Maggie, i.e. Sister Angelina, gets her a job. Jessie packs up and moves, never expecting that the house she inherited has a history of being haunted.
This delightfully written tale weaves a number of different genres together: paranormal, romance, and cozy mystery, with the cozy mystery taking the lead. Jessie, in an effort to unravel her unexplained ancestry, takes on her own investigation of her aunt's supposed suicide twenty-odd years ago. The very minor amount of "haunting" scenes, along with an barely-there romance, tend to slow the plot. The complex plot elements, however, along with a wonderfully vivid cast of characters, keep the reader turning pages until the very end.
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, and narrator Amy McFadden did a wonderful job, providing varied character voices and injecting emotion in all the right places.
Then she remembers that an aunt whom she never knew left her a house in a tiny burg a few hours away. It just happens to be right around the corner from a Catholic school where her best friend Maggie, i.e. Sister Angelina, gets her a job. Jessie packs up and moves, never expecting that the house she inherited has a history of being haunted.
This delightfully written tale weaves a number of different genres together: paranormal, romance, and cozy mystery, with the cozy mystery taking the lead. Jessie, in an effort to unravel her unexplained ancestry, takes on her own investigation of her aunt's supposed suicide twenty-odd years ago. The very minor amount of "haunting" scenes, along with an barely-there romance, tend to slow the plot. The complex plot elements, however, along with a wonderfully vivid cast of characters, keep the reader turning pages until the very end.
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, and narrator Amy McFadden did a wonderful job, providing varied character voices and injecting emotion in all the right places.
May 4, 2017
The Cavanaugh House by Elizabeth Meyette Suffering from a broken engagement, Jesse Graham has left Rochester for the North Lakes area of New York, taking a job at the local nun-run school and living in the Cavanaugh house, a place left to her by her deceased aunt Helen. Arriving there, she first has to make the house livable and Joe Riley is there to offer a helping hand, and perhaps more if Jesse is interested. Secrets about her aunt Helen and her own past start to emerge and someone doesn’t want those secrets brought to light. Jesse is in danger.
This was a very slow paced book. It takes quite some time to get to any part of the mystery. Set in 1968, much of the story and phrases used are quaint. For some, this might bring up nostalgia. For me, this book felt much longer than it actually was and it took me some time to become engaged in the story. Still, it is written with skill and care.
Being equal parts mystery and romance, let’s start with the romance. It was a slow burn as well. Jesse moves to this small town and immediately more than one available man is interested in dating her. Joe is the first one to show interest and is the son of Susan, her aunt Helen’s best friend from all those years ago. Then there’s Marty, a police officer. There’s also Al, a son of the local prominent and wealthy family. It felt a little cliched to have all the local bachelors vying for the new girl’s hand at the dance. This part of the story held little interest for me.
As to the mystery, it was pretty straight forward. I almost want to say that this book wasn’t so much a mystery as it was a tale of Jesse discovering herself. It was painfully obvious what the big secret was about Helen. Also once we meet Al, it also seemed obvious what the second half of that mystery had in store. So for me, it felt that Jesse’s journey to the discovery of the truths about her family and her past were the important part.
My favorite parts of the story were Maggie, who is Sister Angelina. The nuns doing every day things like baseball and playing cards was great. Maggie’s friendship sees Jesse through the worst of her ordeals. Also, I really liked the haunted house aspect of the tale, with Helen’s ghost being the source of the haunting.
I received a free copy of this book via The Audiobookworm.
The Narration: Amy McFadden did an awesome job narrating this book. She always sounded engaged and she had distinct voices for all the characters. Her male voices were quite believable. She did a good job with the sometimes corny humor, making it seem natural and funny.
This was a very slow paced book. It takes quite some time to get to any part of the mystery. Set in 1968, much of the story and phrases used are quaint. For some, this might bring up nostalgia. For me, this book felt much longer than it actually was and it took me some time to become engaged in the story. Still, it is written with skill and care.
Being equal parts mystery and romance, let’s start with the romance. It was a slow burn as well. Jesse moves to this small town and immediately more than one available man is interested in dating her. Joe is the first one to show interest and is the son of Susan, her aunt Helen’s best friend from all those years ago. Then there’s Marty, a police officer. There’s also Al, a son of the local prominent and wealthy family. It felt a little cliched to have all the local bachelors vying for the new girl’s hand at the dance. This part of the story held little interest for me.
As to the mystery, it was pretty straight forward. I almost want to say that this book wasn’t so much a mystery as it was a tale of Jesse discovering herself. It was painfully obvious what the big secret was about Helen. Also once we meet Al, it also seemed obvious what the second half of that mystery had in store. So for me, it felt that Jesse’s journey to the discovery of the truths about her family and her past were the important part.
My favorite parts of the story were Maggie, who is Sister Angelina. The nuns doing every day things like baseball and playing cards was great. Maggie’s friendship sees Jesse through the worst of her ordeals. Also, I really liked the haunted house aspect of the tale, with Helen’s ghost being the source of the haunting.
I received a free copy of this book via The Audiobookworm.
The Narration: Amy McFadden did an awesome job narrating this book. She always sounded engaged and she had distinct voices for all the characters. Her male voices were quite believable. She did a good job with the sometimes corny humor, making it seem natural and funny.
April 23, 2023
Romance, mystery, a bit of paranormal thrown in for good measure.
In an attempt to escape from her life, in which she had been betrayed by the man that she thought loved her, Jesse chooses to escape to a house no one has lived in for twenty-five years, her Aunt Helen’s home. She packs her faithful VW Beetle, Bert, with her belongings and leaves for a small town in the Finger Lakes to escape Rochester and her life there.
Jesse had inherited a house from her Aunt Helen but her Mother, Eileen, never told her about it until her twenty-first birthday when she presented her with the keys. Now Jesse is fleeing to an unknown life except her best friend Maggie who has helped her get a job teaching at the local parochial school where she also teaches.
I enjoyed this book with it’s touch of paranormal and all the characters in the small town.
I won this ebook in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author, Elizabeth Meyette.
In an attempt to escape from her life, in which she had been betrayed by the man that she thought loved her, Jesse chooses to escape to a house no one has lived in for twenty-five years, her Aunt Helen’s home. She packs her faithful VW Beetle, Bert, with her belongings and leaves for a small town in the Finger Lakes to escape Rochester and her life there.
Jesse had inherited a house from her Aunt Helen but her Mother, Eileen, never told her about it until her twenty-first birthday when she presented her with the keys. Now Jesse is fleeing to an unknown life except her best friend Maggie who has helped her get a job teaching at the local parochial school where she also teaches.
I enjoyed this book with it’s touch of paranormal and all the characters in the small town.
I won this ebook in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author, Elizabeth Meyette.
March 16, 2017
3 stars means for me the book was entertaining, kept me reading, liked the characters and storyline but could have used some improvements. Would be a 7 on 1-10 scale..
This book started out really good. Jesse has a bad split up with her fiancé and moves to the Cavanaugh House, in a small town, that was left to her by her aunt. I enjoyed the character Jesse but did feel author was making her push feminism too hard that it started to make me groan.
Her aunt is the mystery and I figured out part of the mystery on page 44.
Author did an excellent job on the ghost part of the book. I actually had chills while reading parts.
The love story between Jesse and Joe was really sweet and very goofy at points but still fun. Even though, I hated the pushing away of Joe by Jessie, because of feminism approach the author took.
The best friend nun, Maggie, was also a fun addition, but do nuns really hang out with their best friend after joining the convent? And not just hanging out, but getting drunk and acting like teenagers at points.
I wish we had learned more of the why and how on the police officer that went into the insane asylum. But you have to love good books with, mystery, ghosts, mental hospitals, drunk nuns, love stories etc etc
So may be a 3 on my rating scale but I did enjoy the book and going to read the sequel! I am excited to learn more about the characters, they are likable.
One question to author: Do you get paid for promoting beer, hot dogs, chips?
This book started out really good. Jesse has a bad split up with her fiancé and moves to the Cavanaugh House, in a small town, that was left to her by her aunt. I enjoyed the character Jesse but did feel author was making her push feminism too hard that it started to make me groan.
Her aunt is the mystery and I figured out part of the mystery on page 44.
Author did an excellent job on the ghost part of the book. I actually had chills while reading parts.
The love story between Jesse and Joe was really sweet and very goofy at points but still fun. Even though, I hated the pushing away of Joe by Jessie, because of feminism approach the author took.
The best friend nun, Maggie, was also a fun addition, but do nuns really hang out with their best friend after joining the convent? And not just hanging out, but getting drunk and acting like teenagers at points.
I wish we had learned more of the why and how on the police officer that went into the insane asylum. But you have to love good books with, mystery, ghosts, mental hospitals, drunk nuns, love stories etc etc
So may be a 3 on my rating scale but I did enjoy the book and going to read the sequel! I am excited to learn more about the characters, they are likable.
One question to author: Do you get paid for promoting beer, hot dogs, chips?
June 19, 2022
Loved it. Had a hard time putting it down!
June 4, 2023
I received this Kindle edition from Goodreads giveaway. This book was terrible, awful, the worst book I have ever read. I am fully convinced this was published because the author knew the right people.
The main character was the most obnoxious person I have ever had the misfortune to read. What was her personality. It changed constantly.
It was so bad I had to frequently put down the book to write yet another inconsistency or poorly written part of this story.
This is a list I made while reading. Easier just to post it as a list
1. Everyone loves Jesse right away. Like romantically.
2. Randomly she has a favorite number when she gets her class room assignment. This would have been fine if it was just nonchalantly stated but it was announced like it was a big F ing deal and had real significance.
3. Jesse does not stick to her convictions. Insists she does not believe in ghosts but the second she hears scratching in attic room she know it’s her dead aunt speaking to her. Be more believable is she was a ghost believer.
4. She has no real personality so makes it hard to believe all these men love her after a couple hours, days, weeks.
5. Instantly made me roll my eyes when a hunky man turned up within the first chapter to swoon over her the whole story.
6. Constantly being asked out on dates. Really annoying
7. All the references to the women’s lib stuff. How halfway through the book she says how important it is to her. Since when?
8. Another gorgeous main character who only sees herself as super plain but always adjusts her boobs in her halter top in front of other people.
9. Her personality keeps changing. Says after breakup needs to figure out how to do things on her own and learn to be independent. Then later says she has always been too independent and needed to learn how to depend on others.
10. Dad has been searching for her for 24 years even though mom was a popular upstanding person in the community and a realtor.
11. Joe sees the ghost and Jesse introduces them to him one night all dramatic like. Then after fight with Maggie she says something about the ghost to Joe and is like oh I’ve said to much he will think I’m crazy. Um he has already seen them. This girl is stupid.
12. Is told cop George is catatonic and does not speak then wonders while walking down hall if he will be able to Remeber the important things she needs him to tell her. He is catatonic you dim wit. Tells herself after having another dramatic inner meltdown. You need to see Walter George and find out what he knows about that night.
13. She says there is no postage mark to show the date of the letters. Um they are dated by the person who wrote the letters you genius.
14. She was told a long story about how the Wyndham’s are named and there is always a Bartholomew and at the western thing she is shocked to learn Ben has a brother named Bart. Is she that stupid that she does not Remeber multiple convos about this.
15. When she slow dances with Joe and he puts on “When a man loves a Woman”. I’ve never cringed so hard in my life.
Of course this is not everything. But I got tired of stopping so often to wrote down what was horrible about this book and I just wanted to finish it. I wish there had been at least one good thing to write about.
I can’t believe this author was published again and with stories about the same character. No thanks.
The main character was the most obnoxious person I have ever had the misfortune to read. What was her personality. It changed constantly.
It was so bad I had to frequently put down the book to write yet another inconsistency or poorly written part of this story.
This is a list I made while reading. Easier just to post it as a list
1. Everyone loves Jesse right away. Like romantically.
2. Randomly she has a favorite number when she gets her class room assignment. This would have been fine if it was just nonchalantly stated but it was announced like it was a big F ing deal and had real significance.
3. Jesse does not stick to her convictions. Insists she does not believe in ghosts but the second she hears scratching in attic room she know it’s her dead aunt speaking to her. Be more believable is she was a ghost believer.
4. She has no real personality so makes it hard to believe all these men love her after a couple hours, days, weeks.
5. Instantly made me roll my eyes when a hunky man turned up within the first chapter to swoon over her the whole story.
6. Constantly being asked out on dates. Really annoying
7. All the references to the women’s lib stuff. How halfway through the book she says how important it is to her. Since when?
8. Another gorgeous main character who only sees herself as super plain but always adjusts her boobs in her halter top in front of other people.
9. Her personality keeps changing. Says after breakup needs to figure out how to do things on her own and learn to be independent. Then later says she has always been too independent and needed to learn how to depend on others.
10. Dad has been searching for her for 24 years even though mom was a popular upstanding person in the community and a realtor.
11. Joe sees the ghost and Jesse introduces them to him one night all dramatic like. Then after fight with Maggie she says something about the ghost to Joe and is like oh I’ve said to much he will think I’m crazy. Um he has already seen them. This girl is stupid.
12. Is told cop George is catatonic and does not speak then wonders while walking down hall if he will be able to Remeber the important things she needs him to tell her. He is catatonic you dim wit. Tells herself after having another dramatic inner meltdown. You need to see Walter George and find out what he knows about that night.
13. She says there is no postage mark to show the date of the letters. Um they are dated by the person who wrote the letters you genius.
14. She was told a long story about how the Wyndham’s are named and there is always a Bartholomew and at the western thing she is shocked to learn Ben has a brother named Bart. Is she that stupid that she does not Remeber multiple convos about this.
15. When she slow dances with Joe and he puts on “When a man loves a Woman”. I’ve never cringed so hard in my life.
Of course this is not everything. But I got tired of stopping so often to wrote down what was horrible about this book and I just wanted to finish it. I wish there had been at least one good thing to write about.
I can’t believe this author was published again and with stories about the same character. No thanks.
December 27, 2016
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
'The Cavanaugh House' by Elizabeth Meyette
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Finished on December 24, 2016
Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription
FREE on Kindle Unlimited | $2.99 on Kindle | $14.99 in Paperback | $1.99 on Audible
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
After breaking things off with her rich, famous, and unfaithful jerk of a fiance, Jesse Graham moves into The Cavanaugh House, a long-deserted home she inherited from her Aunt Helen. She needs a fresh start, far from the stress of her former life back in Rochester, but she doesn't realize that by coming to The Cavanaugh House, she's unlocking a slew of mysteries that have lied dormant for twenty-eight years.
Soon after moving in, Jesse discovers that the rumors surrounding the house being haunted might not be so unfounded. She might not be as alone in the big, old house as she believed she'd be and, for some reason, she believes the ghost to be her Aunt Helen. And she's trying to tell her something.
With the help of her best friend Maggie (also known as Sister Angelina), her new handsome friend Joe Riley and his mother, and a local police officer named Marty, she works to solve the mystery of her aunt's death. Someone in town is willing to kill to keep her from uncovering the truth.
MY REVIEW:
I liked this book.
Meyette has crafted some delightful characters in a charming setting. This story has a nice paranormal element, but it doesn't rely too heavily on it, so I think it works well both for people who aren't so into that genre of tales but enjoy a good mystery and those of us who really like a good ghost story.
Jesse's character arch is well done and believable. She goes through a lot in this story, and I liked how Meyette wrapped things up for her. As always, I don't want to spoil anything here, so I will just say that I really appreciated the way Meyette ended things for Jesse. A lot of the time, authors seem to feel the need to tie things off in this perfect little bow that isn't particularly realistic because real life doesn't work out that way. Meyette handles Jesse and her inner turmoil in a much more human and deep way which I really liked.
The only reason I didn't give this book a full five stars is because while this book kept me guessing, a thing I appreciate in a mystery/thriller, I feel like the reason this one achieved that is because there were no actual clues leading up to who the real perpetrator was. It came completely out of left field which in some instances can be a good thing, but in this particular one, it felt sort of like a slap in the face? Like, I should have been able to put the pieces together myself, even if it was after the big reveal, but even then, there were no clues to find in the previous story. We, as the readers, were just supposed to accept that this was the truth and these are the reasons why. It felt a little like cheating the reader.
Meyette's writing style won out over that, though, and overall I still really enjoyed this book, and I will pick up more of her work including the sequel to this book entitled 'Buried Secrets'.
'The Cavanaugh House' by Elizabeth Meyette
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Finished on December 24, 2016
Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription
FREE on Kindle Unlimited | $2.99 on Kindle | $14.99 in Paperback | $1.99 on Audible
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
After breaking things off with her rich, famous, and unfaithful jerk of a fiance, Jesse Graham moves into The Cavanaugh House, a long-deserted home she inherited from her Aunt Helen. She needs a fresh start, far from the stress of her former life back in Rochester, but she doesn't realize that by coming to The Cavanaugh House, she's unlocking a slew of mysteries that have lied dormant for twenty-eight years.
Soon after moving in, Jesse discovers that the rumors surrounding the house being haunted might not be so unfounded. She might not be as alone in the big, old house as she believed she'd be and, for some reason, she believes the ghost to be her Aunt Helen. And she's trying to tell her something.
With the help of her best friend Maggie (also known as Sister Angelina), her new handsome friend Joe Riley and his mother, and a local police officer named Marty, she works to solve the mystery of her aunt's death. Someone in town is willing to kill to keep her from uncovering the truth.
MY REVIEW:
I liked this book.
Meyette has crafted some delightful characters in a charming setting. This story has a nice paranormal element, but it doesn't rely too heavily on it, so I think it works well both for people who aren't so into that genre of tales but enjoy a good mystery and those of us who really like a good ghost story.
Jesse's character arch is well done and believable. She goes through a lot in this story, and I liked how Meyette wrapped things up for her. As always, I don't want to spoil anything here, so I will just say that I really appreciated the way Meyette ended things for Jesse. A lot of the time, authors seem to feel the need to tie things off in this perfect little bow that isn't particularly realistic because real life doesn't work out that way. Meyette handles Jesse and her inner turmoil in a much more human and deep way which I really liked.
The only reason I didn't give this book a full five stars is because while this book kept me guessing, a thing I appreciate in a mystery/thriller, I feel like the reason this one achieved that is because there were no actual clues leading up to who the real perpetrator was. It came completely out of left field which in some instances can be a good thing, but in this particular one, it felt sort of like a slap in the face? Like, I should have been able to put the pieces together myself, even if it was after the big reveal, but even then, there were no clues to find in the previous story. We, as the readers, were just supposed to accept that this was the truth and these are the reasons why. It felt a little like cheating the reader.
Meyette's writing style won out over that, though, and overall I still really enjoyed this book, and I will pick up more of her work including the sequel to this book entitled 'Buried Secrets'.
July 27, 2014
Elizabeth Meyette continues to amaze me with her versatile writing skills!
The spine-chilling epilogue grabbed by attention immediately! I love Meyette’s style! Although her usual time period is much further back in history, her talent shines during any timeline!
I thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of the chase, not knowing who the bad guy was, and even suspecting our main character of mental instability. I’m also a sucker for a great ghost story and I was pleasantly rewarded here. The paranormal twist just intensifies the reading experience, making this novel impossible to put down. Jesse has a great deal of moxie, and I found it to be an attribute. Joe’s a doll and he had my vote the entire time. You’d have to be crazy not to root for a man who cuts a woman’s grass with a scythe! There are several supporting characters, including the coolest nun in existence, that make this an extraordinary read. I loved it!
I recommend this novel to lovers of Mystery/Thriller, Paranormal, Fictional Crime, and Romance genres.
I was gifted a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The spine-chilling epilogue grabbed by attention immediately! I love Meyette’s style! Although her usual time period is much further back in history, her talent shines during any timeline!
I thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of the chase, not knowing who the bad guy was, and even suspecting our main character of mental instability. I’m also a sucker for a great ghost story and I was pleasantly rewarded here. The paranormal twist just intensifies the reading experience, making this novel impossible to put down. Jesse has a great deal of moxie, and I found it to be an attribute. Joe’s a doll and he had my vote the entire time. You’d have to be crazy not to root for a man who cuts a woman’s grass with a scythe! There are several supporting characters, including the coolest nun in existence, that make this an extraordinary read. I loved it!
I recommend this novel to lovers of Mystery/Thriller, Paranormal, Fictional Crime, and Romance genres.
I was gifted a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2018
Riveting!
On the edge of my seat! Couldn't stop reading! Very suspenseful! I look forward to reading other novels by Ms. Meyers.
On the edge of my seat! Couldn't stop reading! Very suspenseful! I look forward to reading other novels by Ms. Meyers.
May 28, 2016
An odd duck: set (written?) in the Sixties, so lots of jarring references to 'women's lib' - rather than the current terms 'feminist' or 'feminism' - and how the main character objected because she felt strongly about women's rights. Set me against the book from the beginning, the repeated male comments on 'women's lib' and calling our protagonist 'little lady, and the intensity of her reactions, and her stridence (and I was a Sixties feminist).
On to the central mystery. Pretty predictable, with a ghost added, but who didn't guess The Big Secret nor have solid suspicions about the... Person involved in the ghost?
I did like the, as an author friend calls it, the 'house porn': the bits in which she moves into a dilapidated house and makes it livable. But I could've used more of that and less of the period sexism.
On to the central mystery. Pretty predictable, with a ghost added, but who didn't guess The Big Secret nor have solid suspicions about the... Person involved in the ghost?
I did like the, as an author friend calls it, the 'house porn': the bits in which she moves into a dilapidated house and makes it livable. But I could've used more of that and less of the period sexism.
July 10, 2014
THE CAVANAUGH HOUSE
by Elizabeth Meyett
While not my normal “cozy” mystery read, THE CAVANAUGH HOUSE is a wonderful story from beginning to end. It had plenty of mystery and intrigue to keep me turning the pages. I feel most readers of my blog will enjoy it very much.
Author Meyeete set this book in the 60s, which is a nice change of pace. There are beautiful surroundings, a creepy, rundown fixer upper, and well written characters. And for readers who like a little paranormal in your stories, you’ll find this right up your alley.
Any fan of mystery and suspense will be thrilled with this book.
by Elizabeth Meyett
While not my normal “cozy” mystery read, THE CAVANAUGH HOUSE is a wonderful story from beginning to end. It had plenty of mystery and intrigue to keep me turning the pages. I feel most readers of my blog will enjoy it very much.
Author Meyeete set this book in the 60s, which is a nice change of pace. There are beautiful surroundings, a creepy, rundown fixer upper, and well written characters. And for readers who like a little paranormal in your stories, you’ll find this right up your alley.
Any fan of mystery and suspense will be thrilled with this book.
December 8, 2016
I enjoyed this mystery/suspense but it doesn't make My Favorites shelf.
It was a 'clean' read with just scattered mild swears and a sweet romance, and a great fun friendship between the protagonist and a nun, but after all the build up and suspense to the mystery, the solution felt like it was to another book! Character's behavior in the end were implausible and did not make sense, so the ending felt really odd.
I did like the characters and the writing well enough to want to try the sequel~Buried Secrets: Sequel to The Cavanaugh House.
It was a 'clean' read with just scattered mild swears and a sweet romance, and a great fun friendship between the protagonist and a nun, but after all the build up and suspense to the mystery, the solution felt like it was to another book! Character's behavior in the end were implausible and did not make sense, so the ending felt really odd.
I did like the characters and the writing well enough to want to try the sequel~Buried Secrets: Sequel to The Cavanaugh House.
October 28, 2014
I couldn't tell you why i even finished this. It was predictable, formulaic and bordered on juvenile. Halfway through the book, I was just skimming through, mostly to make sure I was right and there wasn't anything happening that I didn't expect to happen. I wasn't surprised.
July 26, 2014
Great
Great
Enjoyed the mysteries the ghosts and the fact that Jesse found out the answers full of surprises till the ending
Enjoyed the way the story
Great
Enjoyed the mysteries the ghosts and the fact that Jesse found out the answers full of surprises till the ending
Enjoyed the way the story
November 4, 2016
It kept my interest but both the story and the writing were amateurish.
May 4, 2017
Suffering from a broken engagement, Jesse Graham has left Rochester for the North Lakes area of New York, taking a job at the local nun-run school and living in the Cavanaugh house, a place left to her by her deceased aunt Helen. Arriving there, she first has to make the house livable and Joe Riley is there to offer a helping hand, and perhaps more if Jesse is interested. Secrets about her aunt Helen and her own past start to emerge and someone doesn’t want those secrets brought to light. Jesse is in danger.
This was a very slow paced book. It takes quite some time to get to any part of the mystery. Set in 1968, much of the story and phrases used are quaint. For some, this might bring up nostalgia. For me, this book felt much longer than it actually was and it took me some time to become engaged in the story. Still, it is written with skill and care.
Being equal parts mystery and romance, let’s start with the romance. It was a slow burn as well. Jesse moves to this small town and immediately more than one available man is interested in dating her. Joe is the first one to show interest and is the son of Susan, her aunt Helen’s best friend from all those years ago. Then there’s Marty, a police officer. There’s also Al, a son of the local prominent and wealthy family. It felt a little cliched to have all the local bachelors vying for the new girl’s hand at the dance. This part of the story held little interest for me.
As to the mystery, it was pretty straight forward. I almost want to say that this book wasn’t so much a mystery as it was a tale of Jesse discovering herself. It was painfully obvious what the big secret was about Helen. Also once we meet Al, it also seemed obvious what the second half of that mystery had in store. So for me, it felt that Jesse’s journey to the discovery of the truths about her family and her past were the important part.
My favorite parts of the story were Maggie, who is Sister Angelina. The nuns doing every day things like baseball and playing cards was great. Maggie’s friendship sees Jesse through the worst of her ordeals. Also, I really liked the haunted house aspect of the tale, with Helen’s ghost being the source of the haunting.
I received a free copy of this book via The Audiobookworm.
The Narration: Amy McFadden did an awesome job narrating this book. She always sounded engaged and she had distinct voices for all the characters. Her male voices were quite believable. She did a good job with the sometimes corny humor, making it seem natural and funny.
This was a very slow paced book. It takes quite some time to get to any part of the mystery. Set in 1968, much of the story and phrases used are quaint. For some, this might bring up nostalgia. For me, this book felt much longer than it actually was and it took me some time to become engaged in the story. Still, it is written with skill and care.
Being equal parts mystery and romance, let’s start with the romance. It was a slow burn as well. Jesse moves to this small town and immediately more than one available man is interested in dating her. Joe is the first one to show interest and is the son of Susan, her aunt Helen’s best friend from all those years ago. Then there’s Marty, a police officer. There’s also Al, a son of the local prominent and wealthy family. It felt a little cliched to have all the local bachelors vying for the new girl’s hand at the dance. This part of the story held little interest for me.
As to the mystery, it was pretty straight forward. I almost want to say that this book wasn’t so much a mystery as it was a tale of Jesse discovering herself. It was painfully obvious what the big secret was about Helen. Also once we meet Al, it also seemed obvious what the second half of that mystery had in store. So for me, it felt that Jesse’s journey to the discovery of the truths about her family and her past were the important part.
My favorite parts of the story were Maggie, who is Sister Angelina. The nuns doing every day things like baseball and playing cards was great. Maggie’s friendship sees Jesse through the worst of her ordeals. Also, I really liked the haunted house aspect of the tale, with Helen’s ghost being the source of the haunting.
I received a free copy of this book via The Audiobookworm.
The Narration: Amy McFadden did an awesome job narrating this book. She always sounded engaged and she had distinct voices for all the characters. Her male voices were quite believable. She did a good job with the sometimes corny humor, making it seem natural and funny.
May 21, 2025
A Fast-Paced and Engaging Paranormal Mystery
This book grabbed me from page one.
In The Cavanaugh House, Elizabeth Meyette created a believable story that blends suspense, romance and humor all set in the simpler era of the 60s.
It's the story of Jesse Graham a young woman who leaves her home in Rochester, New York after a bad breakup and moves to the small town of Seneca Falls for a fresh start. It seems like a great solution for her as she owns a home there (inherited on her 21st birthday) and her best friend Maggie - who is a Catholic nun - already lives there and steers her to a local teaching job.
But no one had prepared Jesse for the possibility that her new home, Cavanaugh House, might be haunted. Or that the ghost might just be her aunt, who according to her new neighbor did not die in a car accident as Jesse had been told by her mother. Instead, her aunt had been found dead inside Cavanaugh House.
As someone who lived in that time period, I was reminded how different life was in the 60s. There were no cell phones to use if you had an accident, no internet for instant research, and if you took pictures with your camera, you had to wait several days for the film to be developed. The author cleverly wove these differences into her story, using them to build the tension and suspense.
There is so much to love about this book. It has realistic characters, witty dialogue, a budding romance, clever plot, and rich descriptions that bring each scene to life. The author writes with a fast pace and an economy of words that really keeps the action moving, too.
The Cavanaugh House was the first book I've read by Elizabeth Meyette, but I have already purchased the next in this series, and I look forward to reading more about these memorable characters.
This book grabbed me from page one.
In The Cavanaugh House, Elizabeth Meyette created a believable story that blends suspense, romance and humor all set in the simpler era of the 60s.
It's the story of Jesse Graham a young woman who leaves her home in Rochester, New York after a bad breakup and moves to the small town of Seneca Falls for a fresh start. It seems like a great solution for her as she owns a home there (inherited on her 21st birthday) and her best friend Maggie - who is a Catholic nun - already lives there and steers her to a local teaching job.
But no one had prepared Jesse for the possibility that her new home, Cavanaugh House, might be haunted. Or that the ghost might just be her aunt, who according to her new neighbor did not die in a car accident as Jesse had been told by her mother. Instead, her aunt had been found dead inside Cavanaugh House.
As someone who lived in that time period, I was reminded how different life was in the 60s. There were no cell phones to use if you had an accident, no internet for instant research, and if you took pictures with your camera, you had to wait several days for the film to be developed. The author cleverly wove these differences into her story, using them to build the tension and suspense.
There is so much to love about this book. It has realistic characters, witty dialogue, a budding romance, clever plot, and rich descriptions that bring each scene to life. The author writes with a fast pace and an economy of words that really keeps the action moving, too.
The Cavanaugh House was the first book I've read by Elizabeth Meyette, but I have already purchased the next in this series, and I look forward to reading more about these memorable characters.
May 10, 2017
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
I would most certainly recommend this audiobook. It was a story that sucked me in right from the beginning. I was a little apprehensive about whether I would enjoy listen to the book. But before the first chapter was over I was hooked and hated having to stop in order to let reality take over.
What did you like best about this story?
The best part of the story was getting to know the main character Jesse Graham and following her as a mystery is unfolded.
Have you listened to any of Amy McFadden’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
I have listened to one other book but have a couple more in my Wish List and already have the next book in this series waiting in the wings. Ms. McFadden held my attention and helped me concentrate on the story as it unfolded.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
It wasn't one particular moment but learning about the house and the secrets it holds.
Any additional comments?
This was the first book I've listened to/read by this author. After listening to the book, I'm now a fan. I'm usually all about the romance but in this book it was all about the mystery. I was almost disappointed once the end came. But knowing I had the next book in the series waiting for me was something to look forward to. It made my commute to work more enjoyable. My problem became when I didn't want to shut my device and my earphones off. If this author puts out any more audiobooks, they will end up in my library.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I would most certainly recommend this audiobook. It was a story that sucked me in right from the beginning. I was a little apprehensive about whether I would enjoy listen to the book. But before the first chapter was over I was hooked and hated having to stop in order to let reality take over.
What did you like best about this story?
The best part of the story was getting to know the main character Jesse Graham and following her as a mystery is unfolded.
Have you listened to any of Amy McFadden’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
I have listened to one other book but have a couple more in my Wish List and already have the next book in this series waiting in the wings. Ms. McFadden held my attention and helped me concentrate on the story as it unfolded.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
It wasn't one particular moment but learning about the house and the secrets it holds.
Any additional comments?
This was the first book I've listened to/read by this author. After listening to the book, I'm now a fan. I'm usually all about the romance but in this book it was all about the mystery. I was almost disappointed once the end came. But knowing I had the next book in the series waiting for me was something to look forward to. It made my commute to work more enjoyable. My problem became when I didn't want to shut my device and my earphones off. If this author puts out any more audiobooks, they will end up in my library.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 29, 2024
This was a great story about a young woman, Jesse, starting again in a run-down, abandoned house that had been left to her by an Aunt. She never felt loved by her mother and her father had disappeared. When she caught her fiancé butt naked with another woman, she broke off the engagement and moved out of 1960's Rochester, NY to the abandoned house in a small town in the Finger Lakes region. There she accidentally meets the son, Joe, of her aunt's best friend, Susan.
The house is inhabited by mice and many other creatures. Jesse gets help from an exterminator and her newfound friend, Joe. She's been told the house is haunted and she finds out that her aunt apparently committed suicide there more than 25 years before.
She hears strange sounds at night and sees a light in the attic room. But most disconcerting is the reaction of many of the townspeople who knew her aunt.
There is a big mystery about her aunt's death and why people seem to be angry that Jesse is there, disrupting the status quo.
This book is not so much a ghost story, but a mystery that is unfolding because of the ghost. Also interesting is Jesse's almost-lifelong best friend is a nun at a Catholic school near Jesse's new home. I thought the book was well written and the story was intriguing. I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator was great and I didn't want the story to end.
The house is inhabited by mice and many other creatures. Jesse gets help from an exterminator and her newfound friend, Joe. She's been told the house is haunted and she finds out that her aunt apparently committed suicide there more than 25 years before.
She hears strange sounds at night and sees a light in the attic room. But most disconcerting is the reaction of many of the townspeople who knew her aunt.
There is a big mystery about her aunt's death and why people seem to be angry that Jesse is there, disrupting the status quo.
This book is not so much a ghost story, but a mystery that is unfolding because of the ghost. Also interesting is Jesse's almost-lifelong best friend is a nun at a Catholic school near Jesse's new home. I thought the book was well written and the story was intriguing. I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator was great and I didn't want the story to end.
June 29, 2018
When Jesse Graham unlocks the door to the deserted house she inherited from her Aunt Helen, she doesn’t realize she’s unlocking secrets that had lain dormant for years. Reeling from a broken engagement to acclaimed musician Robert Cronmiller, Jesse wants to leave the city where her name is linked to his in all the society pages. Her best friend Maggie, aka Sister Angelina, convinces her to take a job at a private girls school in the pastoral Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Anticipating a quiet, revitalizing life in her aunt’s deserted house, Jesse is instead thrown into a maze of danger. Questions about her aunt’s death lead Jesse to investigate events surrounding it and the people involved, but she uncovers a web of deceit that reaches far beyond the occurrences of over two decades earlier. Still dejected from her broken engagement, Jesse finds it difficult to trust anyone, even her self-absorbed mother. Joe Riley is irresistible, but secrets obstruct involvement with him until Jesse can solve the secrets of the Cavanaugh House. Someone doesn’t want those secrets unearthed and will stop at nothing, even murder, to keep them hidden.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews