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The Spider
When Frances Bryant and her family arrive at their new home at number five, Percy Street, she doesn’t feel welcome. Something lurks within the house, trying to catch her at every turn. What Frances discovers will force her to uncover the unforgivable, shattering the life she craves to pieces.
What begins as an encounter with the paranormal soon reveals itself to be a tangled web of secrets that Inspector Daniel Muldoon must get to the bottom of. Many lives hang in the balance, with two already claimed. Muldoon must compete in a race against time to save those who are still caught in the spider’s web.
The Spider is a supernatural horror murder mystery set in 19th century Liverpool.
What begins as an encounter with the paranormal soon reveals itself to be a tangled web of secrets that Inspector Daniel Muldoon must get to the bottom of. Many lives hang in the balance, with two already claimed. Muldoon must compete in a race against time to save those who are still caught in the spider’s web.
The Spider is a supernatural horror murder mystery set in 19th century Liverpool.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Hanna Delaney
5 books38 followersHanna is an author of horror, fantasy and science fiction. She is from Liverpool, UK.
She has three kids, an awesome husband who encouraged her to do this and a dog who didn’t but she’s happy to see Hanna trying to put food on the floor.
Hanna has a BA and MA in English Literature and was an English teacher for nearly a decade before embarking on her writing career.
She currently lives in Liverpool with her family. Oceanus is her debut novel.
If you’d like to keep up to date with the latest from Hanna, you can subscribe to her newsletter!
She has three kids, an awesome husband who encouraged her to do this and a dog who didn’t but she’s happy to see Hanna trying to put food on the floor.
Hanna has a BA and MA in English Literature and was an English teacher for nearly a decade before embarking on her writing career.
She currently lives in Liverpool with her family. Oceanus is her debut novel.
If you’d like to keep up to date with the latest from Hanna, you can subscribe to her newsletter!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 17, 2025
Hanna Delaney delivers in a chilling
Victorian horror. Much like the skittering creature for which it is named, the story creeps up on you with the turning of each page. The Shining has nothing on The
Spider. I recommend reading during the day.
The highlight of the book was the atmosphere and complex characters. I have never been to Liverpool but now I can say I have through this book! The prose was immaculately crafted.
Delaney turns reader expectations on its head and I LOVE that I didn’t see anything coming.
Anything can happen in Daniel Muldoon’s world— count me in!
Victorian horror. Much like the skittering creature for which it is named, the story creeps up on you with the turning of each page. The Shining has nothing on The
Spider. I recommend reading during the day.
The highlight of the book was the atmosphere and complex characters. I have never been to Liverpool but now I can say I have through this book! The prose was immaculately crafted.
Delaney turns reader expectations on its head and I LOVE that I didn’t see anything coming.
Anything can happen in Daniel Muldoon’s world— count me in!
January 2, 2025
[I received an advanced reader copy to give my unbiased opinion about The Spider.]
The plot revolves around Detective Muldoon's investigation of strange and eerie occurrences at the Bryant residence, particularly focusing on Frances Bryant, who is susceptible to ghostly visions. In time, Muldoon, who is also seeing otherworldly things, becomes aware of the disappearance of Mary Hobbs, missing since 1885, and he comes to believe the two are somehow linked.
Part One lays the groundwork for the mystery, relating the gradually intensifying haunting of Frances Bryant. The story kicks into high gear with the appearance of Muldoon in Part Two, when the investigation launches and answers to nagging questions begin to appear--and new questions arise. Muldoon is no ordinary detective, and his methods would never please Scotland Yard, but he doggedly pursues every lead with an eye toward the macabre while not dicounting thoroughly human means and motives.
As a Liverpudlian, Delaney writes with studious precision about her home city as it was in the late nineteenth century, giving the reader a view of the city as it was in the Victorian Age. Her characters--both major and minor--reflect the Liverpool of the time, a center of trade and shipping with a broad cross-section of natives and immigrants trying to succeed in a quickly changing world. The atmosphere she creates with neat strokes conjures the feel of Great Britain nearing the height of empire at a time when spiritualism and the occult was gaining broader acceptance.
Those who enjoy the horror genre should keep Hanna Delaney on their list of up-and-coming writers who not only tell a good yarn but also create a world that feels mysterious, sinister, and full of the unexplained.
The plot revolves around Detective Muldoon's investigation of strange and eerie occurrences at the Bryant residence, particularly focusing on Frances Bryant, who is susceptible to ghostly visions. In time, Muldoon, who is also seeing otherworldly things, becomes aware of the disappearance of Mary Hobbs, missing since 1885, and he comes to believe the two are somehow linked.
Part One lays the groundwork for the mystery, relating the gradually intensifying haunting of Frances Bryant. The story kicks into high gear with the appearance of Muldoon in Part Two, when the investigation launches and answers to nagging questions begin to appear--and new questions arise. Muldoon is no ordinary detective, and his methods would never please Scotland Yard, but he doggedly pursues every lead with an eye toward the macabre while not dicounting thoroughly human means and motives.
As a Liverpudlian, Delaney writes with studious precision about her home city as it was in the late nineteenth century, giving the reader a view of the city as it was in the Victorian Age. Her characters--both major and minor--reflect the Liverpool of the time, a center of trade and shipping with a broad cross-section of natives and immigrants trying to succeed in a quickly changing world. The atmosphere she creates with neat strokes conjures the feel of Great Britain nearing the height of empire at a time when spiritualism and the occult was gaining broader acceptance.
Those who enjoy the horror genre should keep Hanna Delaney on their list of up-and-coming writers who not only tell a good yarn but also create a world that feels mysterious, sinister, and full of the unexplained.
November 17, 2024
Gothic horror the old fashioned way. This was straight up gothic horror. Creepiness, paranormal and an actual murder mystery. It was delightfully unsettling.
I'm really looking forward to seeing where Muldoon goes from here and what else he investigates. I'd like to know more of his background and why he's investigating this type of crime. You get a glimpse of what could be in my favourite bit of the book which is a really wonderful epilogue.
I'm really looking forward to seeing where Muldoon goes from here and what else he investigates. I'd like to know more of his background and why he's investigating this type of crime. You get a glimpse of what could be in my favourite bit of the book which is a really wonderful epilogue.
November 14, 2024
Liverpool 1892. A carriage draws up before a grand town house and a family step out. This novel begins with a gentle, almost deceptive calm, taking the reader into Georgian Liverpool. This is the start of their life together as a family, and the start of a nightmare for everyone involved.
The initial chapters deal with the setting and establishing the characters but then the story shifts gears, plunging us into an exhilarating ride that accelerates with each chapter. The tension builds consistently, culminating in an explosive and satisfying reveal.
One of the book’s standout characters is Mary, the ghostly girl whose haunting presence and eerie demeanour bring a real chill factor to the story. Mary’s backstory is handled with such care that she feels both mysterious and authentic. Each scene with her felt perfectly timed, her spectral appearances adding to the thriller’s suspense while keeping the reader deliciously unsettled.
The detective duo driving the investigation are well-crafted and genuinely likable, with a synergy that makes their partnership compelling. Their chemistry and wit balance the dark tone of the novel, and their teamwork keeps the plot moving smoothly. They’re a great pairing, and their camaraderie gives the reader a sense of stability amid the story’s supernatural elements.
Muldoon is an interesting development of the classic detective in that he has a supernatural edge, and special abilities.
As the novel picks up pace, it transforms into an all-out page-turner. The suspense heightens with every twist, and the reader is driven to unravel the mystery, the “who” and “why” that keep the tension on a knife's edge. If there’s one slight drawback, it’s the sheer number of characters that appear throughout the plot. Although each is thoughtfully developed, it can be easy to lose track of who’s who, especially in the faster-paced sections. I found myself flipping back to earlier parts to refresh on character details, which occasionally interrupted the flow of reading.
Overall, this novel is a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy thriller with well-drawn characters, a captivating mystery, and supernatural elements that are equal parts spine-tingling and satisfying. It’s a book that starts gently, then tightens its grip, pulling readers into a thrilling journey that won’t let go until the final, climactic reveal.
The initial chapters deal with the setting and establishing the characters but then the story shifts gears, plunging us into an exhilarating ride that accelerates with each chapter. The tension builds consistently, culminating in an explosive and satisfying reveal.
One of the book’s standout characters is Mary, the ghostly girl whose haunting presence and eerie demeanour bring a real chill factor to the story. Mary’s backstory is handled with such care that she feels both mysterious and authentic. Each scene with her felt perfectly timed, her spectral appearances adding to the thriller’s suspense while keeping the reader deliciously unsettled.
The detective duo driving the investigation are well-crafted and genuinely likable, with a synergy that makes their partnership compelling. Their chemistry and wit balance the dark tone of the novel, and their teamwork keeps the plot moving smoothly. They’re a great pairing, and their camaraderie gives the reader a sense of stability amid the story’s supernatural elements.
Muldoon is an interesting development of the classic detective in that he has a supernatural edge, and special abilities.
As the novel picks up pace, it transforms into an all-out page-turner. The suspense heightens with every twist, and the reader is driven to unravel the mystery, the “who” and “why” that keep the tension on a knife's edge. If there’s one slight drawback, it’s the sheer number of characters that appear throughout the plot. Although each is thoughtfully developed, it can be easy to lose track of who’s who, especially in the faster-paced sections. I found myself flipping back to earlier parts to refresh on character details, which occasionally interrupted the flow of reading.
Overall, this novel is a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy thriller with well-drawn characters, a captivating mystery, and supernatural elements that are equal parts spine-tingling and satisfying. It’s a book that starts gently, then tightens its grip, pulling readers into a thrilling journey that won’t let go until the final, climactic reveal.
July 7, 2025
The Spider
is the first in the Muldoon mystery series. While Detective Muldoon enters the storyline a little later than expected—especially by a book that bears his name in the subtitle—fans of gothic horror, murder mysteries, and slow-burn suspense will find plenty to enjoy in this atmospheric debut.
From the opening pages, all appears to be normal for Frances and John Bryant, though perhaps a little too good to be true. The story quickly shifts, and Delaney scatters careful breadcrumbs on the pages. The eerie atmosphere builds steadily, seeded in seemingly mundane moments that later manifest into something far more sinister. Though I picked up odd details, I was unable to predict all the twists and turns. Half the fun was crossing off the plausible outcomes, keeping the mystery alive until the conclusion. If you guess wrong (as I did), don’t worry. The payoff is worth the wait!
Delaney grounds the supernatural with gritty realism, set against the vivid backdrop of 19th-century Liverpool. British English idioms and historical references enhance the authenticity, while the characters are equally compelling. Frances Bryant is a strong and sympathetic anchor to the story; I rooted for her from start to finish. The mystery surrounding her husband, John, deepens the suspense. Their daughter, Elsie, provides a refreshingly observant viewpoint. (Kids say the darndest things… maybe we should listen to them!) And I especially enjoyed the subtle, hopeful spark of a romance between Muldoon and Sarah. I’m eager to watch their relationship develop in future installments.
The paranormal elements start subtly but build in intensity, merging effortlessly with the grounded reality of the story. Delaney masterfully weaves together the logic and the supernatural, creating a haunting effect that lingers. If you enjoy ghost stories that blur the line between psychological and paranormal horror, you’ll love The Spider . However, don’t read just before bed, as there is plenty to make your skin crawl and your dreams turn dark.
Looking forward to the next in the series, The Ring .
From the opening pages, all appears to be normal for Frances and John Bryant, though perhaps a little too good to be true. The story quickly shifts, and Delaney scatters careful breadcrumbs on the pages. The eerie atmosphere builds steadily, seeded in seemingly mundane moments that later manifest into something far more sinister. Though I picked up odd details, I was unable to predict all the twists and turns. Half the fun was crossing off the plausible outcomes, keeping the mystery alive until the conclusion. If you guess wrong (as I did), don’t worry. The payoff is worth the wait!
Delaney grounds the supernatural with gritty realism, set against the vivid backdrop of 19th-century Liverpool. British English idioms and historical references enhance the authenticity, while the characters are equally compelling. Frances Bryant is a strong and sympathetic anchor to the story; I rooted for her from start to finish. The mystery surrounding her husband, John, deepens the suspense. Their daughter, Elsie, provides a refreshingly observant viewpoint. (Kids say the darndest things… maybe we should listen to them!) And I especially enjoyed the subtle, hopeful spark of a romance between Muldoon and Sarah. I’m eager to watch their relationship develop in future installments.
The paranormal elements start subtly but build in intensity, merging effortlessly with the grounded reality of the story. Delaney masterfully weaves together the logic and the supernatural, creating a haunting effect that lingers. If you enjoy ghost stories that blur the line between psychological and paranormal horror, you’ll love The Spider . However, don’t read just before bed, as there is plenty to make your skin crawl and your dreams turn dark.
Looking forward to the next in the series, The Ring .
November 13, 2024
I received this ARC (advanced reader copy) and I promised an honest review.
Ghosts, murder, and a cellar full of bodies make this a satisfying read. There are sufficient red herrings to throw readers off the scent of this mystery and psychological thriller. Most of the characters are well-rounded enough to be plausible, although as a whole, they drink an awful lot of silky, steaming coffee for a British setting.
Without giving too much away, the story centers around a young wife and mother, Frances Bryant, who moves into a house purchased by a largely absent husband. There are the usual cold spaces, as every haunted house must contain, and mysterious movements of things from dolls to dresses. The ghost is a woman who was brutally murdered and the specter seems to both warn Frances of danger and point to clues that will solve the mystery of her untimely death.
What works
*Frances Bryant spends much of the book under the influence of a medicine that is supposed to help her hysterics, yet when she is lucid, she is quite likable and sympathetic.
*Inspector Muldoon as the unwilling officer put on the case because he is "a Catholic and your kind deal with…all that" (p. 92).
*Pacing. The story does not generally get bogged down in details, unless it happens to be about coffee.
What doesn't work:
*The protagonist's daughter is far too precocious. Nothing bothers her, whether ghost or human.
*The protagonist's husband is absent for most of the book. Frances writes letters faithfully, but they are never delivered. For purposes of the investigation, they had to remain in England, but I never got a good explanation why Mr. Bryant didn't have a forwarding address.
* There are a LOT of characters to track
A quote to entice:
"Until we find a body, it's just me and my visions. Can't take that to court. So far I've got the letters of a madwoman, a strange child, a maid who seems to be lying through her teeth, a missing husband, and a body somewhere" (122).
Ghosts, murder, and a cellar full of bodies make this a satisfying read. There are sufficient red herrings to throw readers off the scent of this mystery and psychological thriller. Most of the characters are well-rounded enough to be plausible, although as a whole, they drink an awful lot of silky, steaming coffee for a British setting.
Without giving too much away, the story centers around a young wife and mother, Frances Bryant, who moves into a house purchased by a largely absent husband. There are the usual cold spaces, as every haunted house must contain, and mysterious movements of things from dolls to dresses. The ghost is a woman who was brutally murdered and the specter seems to both warn Frances of danger and point to clues that will solve the mystery of her untimely death.
What works
*Frances Bryant spends much of the book under the influence of a medicine that is supposed to help her hysterics, yet when she is lucid, she is quite likable and sympathetic.
*Inspector Muldoon as the unwilling officer put on the case because he is "a Catholic and your kind deal with…all that" (p. 92).
*Pacing. The story does not generally get bogged down in details, unless it happens to be about coffee.
What doesn't work:
*The protagonist's daughter is far too precocious. Nothing bothers her, whether ghost or human.
*The protagonist's husband is absent for most of the book. Frances writes letters faithfully, but they are never delivered. For purposes of the investigation, they had to remain in England, but I never got a good explanation why Mr. Bryant didn't have a forwarding address.
* There are a LOT of characters to track
A quote to entice:
"Until we find a body, it's just me and my visions. Can't take that to court. So far I've got the letters of a madwoman, a strange child, a maid who seems to be lying through her teeth, a missing husband, and a body somewhere" (122).
January 12, 2025
I received an advanced copy to give a truthful review.
Set in Victorian Liverpool near the end of the 19th Century, it begins with a young family entering a new home at 5 Percy Street but soon discover that there is more to this property than meets the eye. There is a dark and evil secret that dwells in this house and as the story unfolds spooky going ons start to occur, such as a ghost of a mysterious young lady appearing, throat cut and screaming. Inspector Daniel Muldoon is called in to unraval this mystery. He has unique insights into such matters and has the gift/curse of seeing the dead and helping them find their final resting place.
The first half sets the scene and once Inspector Muldoon appears the action starts to ramp up and as the case unfolds he discovers secrets along the way that powerful people don't want to see the light of day and will do anything to conceal.
The pace is good and Hanna paints a great picture of her home city in the Victorian era. There are some lovely imaginary of the smoke filled skies and norrow alleyways and slums of the city and she gives the reader a feel of the time but not too much detail and facts which could slow down the pace of the story.
My favourite bits in this novel are the appearances of the ghost, Mary, utterily chilling images and the restaurant scene which depicts high society with all the high fashion dresses and dinner jackets in candle and gas lit dining rooms.
Fans of supernatural, gothic horror such as 'The Woman in Black ' and the short stories of M.R. James will love this. It has all the hallmarks that you would expect from a creepy tale of this genre. Seances, scary China dolls with dead, glass eyes, rocking horse in the nursery, daughter's imaginary friend, bumps in the night, haunted mirror, chiming grandfather clock striking the hour and dark family secrets, all feature in this gothic horror mystery.
The epilogue promises more Muldoon adventures and I look forward to reading the next one.
Set in Victorian Liverpool near the end of the 19th Century, it begins with a young family entering a new home at 5 Percy Street but soon discover that there is more to this property than meets the eye. There is a dark and evil secret that dwells in this house and as the story unfolds spooky going ons start to occur, such as a ghost of a mysterious young lady appearing, throat cut and screaming. Inspector Daniel Muldoon is called in to unraval this mystery. He has unique insights into such matters and has the gift/curse of seeing the dead and helping them find their final resting place.
The first half sets the scene and once Inspector Muldoon appears the action starts to ramp up and as the case unfolds he discovers secrets along the way that powerful people don't want to see the light of day and will do anything to conceal.
The pace is good and Hanna paints a great picture of her home city in the Victorian era. There are some lovely imaginary of the smoke filled skies and norrow alleyways and slums of the city and she gives the reader a feel of the time but not too much detail and facts which could slow down the pace of the story.
My favourite bits in this novel are the appearances of the ghost, Mary, utterily chilling images and the restaurant scene which depicts high society with all the high fashion dresses and dinner jackets in candle and gas lit dining rooms.
Fans of supernatural, gothic horror such as 'The Woman in Black ' and the short stories of M.R. James will love this. It has all the hallmarks that you would expect from a creepy tale of this genre. Seances, scary China dolls with dead, glass eyes, rocking horse in the nursery, daughter's imaginary friend, bumps in the night, haunted mirror, chiming grandfather clock striking the hour and dark family secrets, all feature in this gothic horror mystery.
The epilogue promises more Muldoon adventures and I look forward to reading the next one.
November 26, 2024
This is gothic horror done right.
The story is set in 1892 (mostly) and at first seems like a normal, run-of-the-mill haunting story, though it's subtle and focuses a lot on the characters and their inner demons. But things quickly take a turn and just hurtled me headfirst into insanity.
I love a good mystery, and the way this book was structured had my head spinning. Each new tidbit of information raised exciting new questions, and I found myself so delightfully confused as to what was really going on that the payoff was oh-so-satisfying in the end. I had so many 'OH MY GOD' moments during reading that my husband started asking me questions and I was updating him on the case and ruminating on all of the little details together.
I am a sucker for deep character introspection, and Delaney brought each and every one of these characters to life inside my head. Despite the extensive cast, I didn't have any trouble keeping track of them because they all have such clear voices and personalities. I also spent a lot of time on the fence over whether I found certain characters likeable because of the choices they made, which made them even more interesting and realistic. Even some of the minor characters (Jessops comes to mind) had great personality even with such a short time, and it made the world feel fleshed-out and lived-in.
I find a lot of mysteries seem to be wham-bam and follow a quick formula, but I loved the length of The Spider, taking turns to explore characters and enrich the experience. Playing with different moments in time and having sections of written letters allowed for plot to unravel in an interesting way that kept me questioning whether or not certain characters were reliable even in their own narrative.
Overall, absolutely adored this book, and can't wait for more Muldoon!
I received an advanced review copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story is set in 1892 (mostly) and at first seems like a normal, run-of-the-mill haunting story, though it's subtle and focuses a lot on the characters and their inner demons. But things quickly take a turn and just hurtled me headfirst into insanity.
I love a good mystery, and the way this book was structured had my head spinning. Each new tidbit of information raised exciting new questions, and I found myself so delightfully confused as to what was really going on that the payoff was oh-so-satisfying in the end. I had so many 'OH MY GOD' moments during reading that my husband started asking me questions and I was updating him on the case and ruminating on all of the little details together.
I am a sucker for deep character introspection, and Delaney brought each and every one of these characters to life inside my head. Despite the extensive cast, I didn't have any trouble keeping track of them because they all have such clear voices and personalities. I also spent a lot of time on the fence over whether I found certain characters likeable because of the choices they made, which made them even more interesting and realistic. Even some of the minor characters (Jessops comes to mind) had great personality even with such a short time, and it made the world feel fleshed-out and lived-in.
I find a lot of mysteries seem to be wham-bam and follow a quick formula, but I loved the length of The Spider, taking turns to explore characters and enrich the experience. Playing with different moments in time and having sections of written letters allowed for plot to unravel in an interesting way that kept me questioning whether or not certain characters were reliable even in their own narrative.
Overall, absolutely adored this book, and can't wait for more Muldoon!
I received an advanced review copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 6, 2025
‘The Spider’ continues to showcase Hanna’s ability to weave a startlingly complex and unique story. A deliciously gothic, ghost murder-mystery story set in 1880s Liverpool, ‘The Spider’ is written with precise references to speech and behaviours of the day, yet links us to the present with relentlessly historically researched patterns we still perform and use today.
It is an immersive read and characters are well detailed, rounded people that form in the imagination easily. The connection to the living and deceased was effortlessly interwoven, the intrigue into their individual histories and why they connected built tension throughout the read, adding layer upon layer to ‘The Spider’s’ web.
While I might have guessed in advance the direction the mystery would be taking, nothing prepared me for the final twist in the tale which was brilliantly and unexpectedly conceived and delivered, its action fast paced and decisive.
The epilogue was the icing on a very rich cake! I adore the quiet, yet hilarious, nature and matter-of-factness of the characters involved.
I am very much looking forward to Muldoon’s future adventures, he is an incredibly interesting character with a unique position in the novel of his authority and ’special powers.’ It’s not every day the Inspector of a mystery is psychic, but what fun he is.
‘The Spider’ will live mentally with me for some time.
Arc copy received, however it’s so good, I bought a physical copy as soon as was available.
It is an immersive read and characters are well detailed, rounded people that form in the imagination easily. The connection to the living and deceased was effortlessly interwoven, the intrigue into their individual histories and why they connected built tension throughout the read, adding layer upon layer to ‘The Spider’s’ web.
While I might have guessed in advance the direction the mystery would be taking, nothing prepared me for the final twist in the tale which was brilliantly and unexpectedly conceived and delivered, its action fast paced and decisive.
The epilogue was the icing on a very rich cake! I adore the quiet, yet hilarious, nature and matter-of-factness of the characters involved.
I am very much looking forward to Muldoon’s future adventures, he is an incredibly interesting character with a unique position in the novel of his authority and ’special powers.’ It’s not every day the Inspector of a mystery is psychic, but what fun he is.
‘The Spider’ will live mentally with me for some time.
Arc copy received, however it’s so good, I bought a physical copy as soon as was available.
November 7, 2025
The Spider was a captivating read with a Victorian Gothic atmosphere that instantly drew me in. I love a good ghost story, and this one delivers: mystery and the supernatural intertwined perfectly. The pacing was spot-on. Fast enough to keep me turning pages, yet layered with just enough intrigue to leave me wondering. Was this a murder to solve, or the unraveling mind of a woman haunted by hallucinations?
Delaney’s writing shines in the details. From the rooms and clothing to the toys scattered about, every subtle description transported me to late 19th-century England. The house at Number Five Percy Street was both beautiful and unsettling, a lingering mystery dissolving its charm day by day.
Every character felt like a suspect. The nanny, the mother, the husband, the maid, the housekeeper—each carried secrets that deepened the suspense. Muldoon, the detective, is fascinating. I loved the supernatural element woven into his character; he reminded me of Dr. John Silence, Algernon Blackwood’s psychic detective.
Delaney’s prose is quick, emotionally charged, and rich enough to make each character memorable.
Perfect for readers who crave a haunting tale wrapped in a well-layered mystery. I can’t wait to dive into the next Muldoon adventure and uncover more of his supernatural exploits.
Delaney’s writing shines in the details. From the rooms and clothing to the toys scattered about, every subtle description transported me to late 19th-century England. The house at Number Five Percy Street was both beautiful and unsettling, a lingering mystery dissolving its charm day by day.
Every character felt like a suspect. The nanny, the mother, the husband, the maid, the housekeeper—each carried secrets that deepened the suspense. Muldoon, the detective, is fascinating. I loved the supernatural element woven into his character; he reminded me of Dr. John Silence, Algernon Blackwood’s psychic detective.
Delaney’s prose is quick, emotionally charged, and rich enough to make each character memorable.
Perfect for readers who crave a haunting tale wrapped in a well-layered mystery. I can’t wait to dive into the next Muldoon adventure and uncover more of his supernatural exploits.
November 14, 2024
There are a few things I enjoy more than being sent an advanced copy of a new book by a writer for whom I’ve already written a review.
Hanna is one of those writers who I love reading. The ink hadn’t even dried on Oceanus when this beautiful writer had started Spider. What can I say about Spider? The story contains a haunted house, a séance, a murdered woman, hidden rooms, a crazy demented stalker, and a doctor who has been blackmailed.
Who else could solve such a strange case? Nobody other than Muldoon, a catholic detective, can see the things that go bump in the night.
I could write you a blow-by-blow description of the story, but I won’t. I will only say this: If you don’t buy this book and read it, you’ll be poorer for not doing so.
I can’t be the only person who wants to see a whole series of books about the intrepid paranormal investigator.
My rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.
Hanna is one of those writers who I love reading. The ink hadn’t even dried on Oceanus when this beautiful writer had started Spider. What can I say about Spider? The story contains a haunted house, a séance, a murdered woman, hidden rooms, a crazy demented stalker, and a doctor who has been blackmailed.
Who else could solve such a strange case? Nobody other than Muldoon, a catholic detective, can see the things that go bump in the night.
I could write you a blow-by-blow description of the story, but I won’t. I will only say this: If you don’t buy this book and read it, you’ll be poorer for not doing so.
I can’t be the only person who wants to see a whole series of books about the intrepid paranormal investigator.
My rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.
December 29, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. The characters were likeable, fascinating and well-written. The writing conveyed the period and locations really well and I felt like I was there.
The addition of the supernatural made this a spooky step above the many historical crime novels I have read in the past which was perfect for my tastes. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep the story gripping throughout.
I'd definitely recommend to anyone who wants to escape into a different world for a while. I was sad to finish the book and I'm really hoping there are more books to come in the series. Muldoon could become one of my favourites.
The addition of the supernatural made this a spooky step above the many historical crime novels I have read in the past which was perfect for my tastes. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep the story gripping throughout.
I'd definitely recommend to anyone who wants to escape into a different world for a while. I was sad to finish the book and I'm really hoping there are more books to come in the series. Muldoon could become one of my favourites.
February 17, 2025
A thrilling mystery with a deliciously Victorian horror-steeped plot that kept me turning the pages. Hanna’s writing is well-paced, her characters vivid, and her prose clear and precise while maintaining a real warmth, like a good friend telling you a very entertaining yarn. It was genuinely frightening at times, but there were moments of humor that I very much appreciated. That along with the obvious attention to detail and period research made the story extra special. I thoroughly enjoyed The Spider and look forward to reading more of Hanna’s books!
August 12, 2025
I first came across the as a serial on Substack. I don't read a lot of mysteries, but I might start. Delaney did a great job setting up the environment and characters in the first act. They were mysterious and intriguing. Then things really took off in the second act with Muldoon. The pacing was excellent. This paranormal mystery is one I'll be thinking about for a while and I'm eager to jump into the next book! Highly recommend!
January 28, 2025
This is the first book that managed to jump-scare me, which is enough of a reason to read it if you're a fan of the dark and spooky! The book's atmosphere and creepiness are vividly painted. While I wished the pace at the beginning would be a bit swifter (that's just a reader preference), the detailed scenes of the haunting in Bryant's household were probably my favorite part of the book.
May 23, 2025
The Spider is a terrifying historical fiction mystery that follows a paranormal investigator, Muldoon, and a family who moves into a new house and finds themselves stalked by ghosts and worse in late 1800s Liverpool.
The story is dark and vivid, full of twists and turns that will make your stomach turn and your skin crawl. I cannot wait to dig my teeth into the next Muldoon Mystery soon.
The story is dark and vivid, full of twists and turns that will make your stomach turn and your skin crawl. I cannot wait to dig my teeth into the next Muldoon Mystery soon.
January 19, 2025
Such a great read, honestly did not want to put it down. Excited for the next one!
February 3, 2025
I just recently finished The Spider, so here are some of my (spoiler free) thoughts on the book: first thought, you should go read it for yourself. Second thought, et al: The Spider is a slow burn of uneasiness and unknowns. It’s broken into two halves in the way a book like Finders Keepers by Stephen King is, or an Arthur Conan Doyle story. It kept me guessing and invested the entire time, it’s got loads of hair-raising subtle horror, much like Shirley Jackson’s Haunting of Hill House — I find this form of subtle atmospheric horror to be much more effective than the the jump-scare type, so it was right up my alley. It’s equal parts paranormal horror and detective mystery, vaguely reminiscent of Lockwood and Co. books. I will definitely read more Muldoon stories. It’s very well written and I think it’s shining aspect is the character dialogue — it’s excellent, with unique characters that have personality and depth.
January 19, 2026
If you like atmospheric reads, this is for you. The Spider delivers fantastic Victorian ghosts, a creepy mystery, actually scary paranormal scenes, and a memorable cast of characters. Read it on a foggy day with a cup of tea nearby and you will be transported.
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