The Haunting of Aberdeen Manor

by C.K. Smith, Dina Ezzeddine

The Haunting of Aberdeen Manor by C.K. Smith

The Aberdeen Manor estate has always been shrouded in mystery—a sprawling property with a dark history hidden within its brick walls and shadowed halls. For Maeve and Ethan Adams, their family home is more than just an inheritance; it’s the heart of their shared past, their bond, and their darkest fears.

But when long-buried secrets resurface, and the horrifying legacy of their biological father, Eric Stephenson—a sadistic serial killer—is revealed, Maeve and Ethan are forced to confront a nightmare far more sinister than they could have imagined. What was once a place of comfort becomes a haunting ground for survival.

Cameras line the estate now, installed to keep intruders away, yet they capture something else—movement in the shadows, a figure lurking just beyond the walls. With the property under constant threat and the scars of the past still raw, Maeve and Ethan must unravel the truth behind the horrors that took place there and face a new terror stalking them in the present.

When the line between past and present begins to blur, the siblings must rely on their unbreakable bond to protect their family legacy and uncover the secrets of Aberdeen Manor before the shadows consume them for good.

For fans of The Haunting of Hill House and Sharp Objects, The Haunting of Aberdeen Manor delivers a chilling tale of family, fear, and survival. Will you dare step inside?

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2025

About the author

Author also writes as Dina Ezzeddine

C.K. Smith is a Canadian writer and the celebrated author of The Haunting of Aberdeen Manor series, a chilling collection that promises to leave readers breathless with suspense and captivated by dark romance. Blending spine-tingling horror with irresistible spicy romance, C.K. Smith creates stories that haunt the mind and stir the soul.

Her latest work, The Aberdeen Manor trilogy, is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. Each book in the series is crafted to send shivers down your spine, perfect for horror enthusiasts who crave a touch of the forbidden in their reads. From eerie halls to forbidden desires, this series is an unmissable journey into the depths of fear and passion.

Drawing inspiration from literary legends like Stephen King, C.K. Smith has a unique gift for weaving intricate tales that explore the shadows of human emotion. Her work is a testament to her love for storytelling, delivering an experience that lingers long after the final page.

When she isn’t crafting her next haunting narrative, C.K. Smith enjoys immersing herself in the beauty of Canadian landscapes and discovering the extraordinary in everyday life. With every story, she invites readers to step into her world of thrilling terror and sizzling romance—where the line between fear and desire blurs.

Discover the world of C.K. Smith, where every book is an unforgettable escape. Follow for updates on her latest releases and insights into her creative process. For fans of Stephen King, dark romance, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this is an author you don’t want to miss!

Reviews

[iain · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book that I’d seen others reading and saying that it was scary 😦 😂
How can I explain this book… well the easiest way is to say that this book was a slasher movie in book form! I know your thinking well slasher movies usually come from books 😂.
I did enjoy this book.. I suppose bit more graphic than the usual Stephen king I read that they says he’s horror but this was more detailed.

The usual .. a bunch of 20 something people go away to Aberdeen manor an old family house for Halloween 🎃..
Typical there’s a Serial killer on the loose and he’s at Aberdeen manor, the kids obviously don’t know..
More details come out about the serial killer and who he is..it’s a lot closer to home than the kids realise.
Things go wrong the typical no phone signal etc.
So who will survive?? Who’s the killer?
Explores the ins and outs of the way he goes about the killings!
A Thoroughly enjoyable book for the creepy Halloween 🎃 time..
3.5 stars ✨ from me ..
A good read but make sure the lights are on!!!
My thoughts always

[Lauren Hart Truhlar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t get into this book because my brain kept finding too many inconsistencies and the story started off too random and coincidental. I don’t expect a horror book to be realistic necessarily, but certain aspects were getting me hung up on initial scene setting. To be fair, I read up until chapter 4, so take my review with a grain of salt.

Here are some questions I got stuck on:

1. How are Ethan and Maeve connected? They are referred to as half siblings, sharing a mom, Ethan’s dad married Maeve’s mom, Maeve refers to Ethan’s dad as a step-dad? It doesn’t connect for me. I know from the summary that they share a dad- Eric Stephenson so I’m just lost here.

2. The 12 hour drive, with a stop at the random bar, that’s 9 hours away from the house, but then 1 hour away from the house? Why would they meet earlier in the store at this random place so far from their destination? Why was the assault significant? The fedora man was lurking because of the ghost town I guess, but it seems the house is so far away from that point?

3. Maeve is irritating me already- she seems needy and coddled, and why are we even talking about an ex from 5 years ago? Why is he randomly showing up at a random house in Trenton? Why can’t she forgive Ethan for getting into a car accident and saying he stood her up at the random bar that’s not close to anything?

If this all ties together then I apologize, but I just wasn’t buying it from the start and had to cut my loses. Please feel free to give me spoilers if it ties up any of my questions!

This review was purely made to brain dump my hang up’s, and not a diss on the author. I know this was a first novel and I’ve heard the prequel is much better!

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. This story was suspenseful. I was on the edge of my seat. Maeve, Ethan and their little friend group decide to spend halloween in their uncles manor that has been abandoned for the last 10 or so years. The story is chilling and gave me the creeps several times. Being trapped 9 hours away from anyone, no working phones, all vehicle tires punctured, being chased by a serial killer with a traitor amongst their group... absolutely horrifying. This was a great read. The cons to this book however was that I found it to be a little too descriptive. Sometimes, something intense and captivating would happen and then there would be so many details, it kind of took me out of the moment. Also, repetition. The characters just keep repeating the same things over and over.. that actually drove me insane. The story itself is really good, but I think the writing just needed to be tweaked a little. I am still excited to read the next one though. Can't wait.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars! This book started off a little slow for me but boy once the action starts, it doesn’t stop! I was really creeped out at times and loved all the suspense and mystery and creepiness! I definite want to read the rest of this author’s books!

[Carol Gulliford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable story. The writing is engrossing and I will definitely be reading more. This is my second book from this author and my favourite so far. I listened to the audiobook and it was so entertaining; helped by a fantastic narrator. Highly recommended!

[Queenie2023 aka Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok very good thriller vibes !! Enjoyed the audio book especially! So many twists and turns ! Wow !

[Amethyst Maxey · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, thank you for the free audiobook code. The narrator was pretty good. Not sure if I would’ve enjoyed this book more if I read it but it was overall pretty slow. I actually read the prequel first about Eric which was a 5 star read so was expecting more like that but this book was very tame compared. I don’t think the title reflected the book very well. I wish the narrator read the chapter numbers as all of a sudden I’m hearing random words thrown in and not sure what they meant until I saw I was on the next chapter. Chapter 21 is called one year later but it starts with current events which was a bit confusing. I did like the Dexter reference as that’s one of my favorite shows.

[Carly Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aberdeen Manor has always been cloaked in dark whispers. When siblings Maeve and Ethan Adams inherit the estate, its shadowed history turns personal... tied to their biological serial-killer father. As hidden secrets surface, their once-safe home becomes a gauntlet of creeping terrors. Cameras meant to protect now catch movement among the walls. Now they must untangle decades of horror and face a present-day stalker before the shadows swallow them.

Spillin’ the Book Tea:
This one hits all the eerie notes: suspenseful, twisted, mysterious, and delightfully creepy in exactly the right way. I spent way too much time double-checking that the doors were actually locked. The tension builds chapter by chapter, and I genuinely worried for these kids. The legacy angle adds real emotional stakes. And that big reveal? Hit me like a cold draft down the spine. Thank you to C.K. Smith for the ALC and the opportunity to provide this candid review!

The Vibes It Brings:
👻 Classic haunted house atmosphere
🧠 Psychological horror with twisted edges
👫 Sibling bond tested under extreme stress
🎥 Surveillance-camera chills
🧩 Legacy of a serial killer haunts the present

Narration:
Carol Pawlak delivers a phenomenal performance. Her voice pulls you further in, layering on the suspense and unnerving atmosphere. When she shifts tone, the tension doesn’t just rise, it tightens like a noose. She really made the book feel alive, or dead, depending on the scene.

Final Thoughts:
The Haunting of Aberdeen Manor is a full-on in-your-face thrill ride. It’s eerie from page one and keeps you on edge through every creaking floorboard and flicker of movement. The sibling dynamics grounded all the horror in something relatable. If you’ve been craving a haunted-house saga with teeth, this one bites hard.

TL;DR:
A sibling-led horror saga with surveillance scares, relentless tension, and a narrator who brings the fear.

[Shay's book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
THE HAUNTING OF ABERDEEN MANOR
The story follows Maeve, a young girl, and her stepbrother as they set off on a road trip with three friends to spend Halloween at her uncle’s manor. Along the journey, they begin to experience unsettling sightings, and strange events continue to escalate until they finally reach the manor itself. It isn’t long before Maeve realizes that the house is haunted—while, at the same time, a serial killer is on the loose.
As tensions rise, the group must uncover what’s really happening and who is responsible for the terrifying events, all while fighting to stay alive. Who is the killer? And will everyone survive?
I gave this book 3.75⭐️
It started off strong and I really enjoyed
the paranormal horror elements.
However toward the end I felt the pacing slowed a bit after everything had
already unfolded.
Even so it was still an enjoyable and worthwhile read for me
I liked the overall concept
and knowing this was the author’s first
published book makes me even more interested
I’ll definitely be picking up the next installment in the series.

[Ashleigh Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aberdeen Manor will forever be known for the tragic events that befall Maeve and her stepbrother Ethan. What begins as an innocent road trip with friends will forever be engraved in their hearts and minds.

This twisted tale is full of secrets, family history, and horror. Crossing paths with a serial killer is always a bad idea and these friends had no idea what they were heading towards. I really enjoyed the overall story line for The Haunting of Aberdeen Manor.

I feel like the book could have been shorter as there seemed to be a lot of repetition and unneeded detail. After reading for a while and noticing this, I found myself skipping over parts of paragraphs looking for dialogue. Although this writing style isn't my favorite, I'm glad I finished. I am also interested in learning more about these characters in the next books.

I'm happy to have received a copy in exchange for leaving a review. I'd rate this as 3.5 stars.

[VDKeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y’all! Aberdeen Manor is the kind of house that makes you double-check the locks… then sleep with a flashlight under your pillow. C.K. Smith serves up a deliciously creepy blend of haunted-house terror and family drama, following siblings Maeve and Ethan as they inherit a crumbling estate—and the ghostly baggage of their dear ol’ biological dad… who just happened to be a sadistic serial killer. (Cue the awkward family scrapbook.)

The writing is atmospheric without dragging, wrapping you in shadows and dust until you can taste the tension. The pacing keeps a steady simmer with bursts of full-on adrenaline, while the sibling bond steals the show—messy, fierce, and believable enough to make you root for them even when the walls are whispering.

With vivid scares, layered characters, and just enough slow-burn dread to make you hear phantom footsteps, The Haunting of Aberdeen Manor earns a solid four stars—and a spot on my “read in daylight” list.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — HOLY. SH*T.

I was not expecting this. I’ve seen mixed reviews, and honestly, some are just unnecessarily harsh —many people didn’t even finish the book.

FINISH. THE. BOOK. PEOPLE.

Yes, the first few chapters are slower and a little repetitive—but once you hit around Chapter 5, the story explodes. The pacing shifts into high gear: fast, intense, bloody, bodies dropping left and right. The ending absolutely wrecked me.

And now the narration… OH. MY. GOD.

Carol Pawlak owns this story.
She absolutely destroys the finale—in the best possible way. The emotional weight, the character voices, the dread, the heartbreak… she nails every beat. This is a narrator who knows exactly what the f*** she’s doing behind a mic. Masterful.

I received a free code from C.K. Smith, and I’m telling you now:

FINISH THE BOOK—or listen to the Audible. It is SO worth it.

I loved this one and will 100% continue with the series.

— Sophie

[Kristen Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you first read the title of this book, you think it's going to be another ghost story. But to my absolute surprise, this book is 100% more than just a ghost story.

From the start of the book, I was sitting on the edge of my seat. Each chapter has its own gripping horror to it and as you think to yourself, how much worse will it get for this poor group of kids, something else happens, leaving your jaw on the floor.

Hands down one of the best horror stories I have read and I cannot wait for more to this story!

[Yesenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thrilling narrative will have you questioning every shadow and glancing nervously over your shoulder. The tension is palpable, slicing through the air like a knife, or even a chainsaw in this case! While the storytelling masterfully captures the eerie essence, the surplus of details and déjà vu moments might have you exclaiming, "No more, please!" Nevertheless, the compelling storyline will keep you eagerly turning pages faster than a squirrel hunting for nuts. So, grab your flashlight, hold your breath, and immerse yourself in the heart-racing enigma that is Aberdeen Manor.

[John Hinchliffe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with this book. While I thought the plot itself had potential and the grand finale was genuinely gripping, the journey to get there felt far too long. Much of the book came across as tedious and repetitive, and I found myself losing interest in several parts. Carol Pawlak's narration was clear, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to keep me fully engaged. Overall, I thought the story had a decent foundation, but the pacing dragged it down for me. I would have no interest in continuing with the rest of the series.

[Natasha Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this masterpiece…made the mistake of listening in my car!! DON’T!!! No one was harmed but I may have swerved once or twice!!!

In all seriousness, this is one of the best horror books I’ve read and one of my favorite reads of 2025.
Sister and brother Maeve and Ethan, along with some of their friends, venture out to make the trip to the family manor.

Buckle in, grab a snack, if you dare and prepare for full body goosebumps, screaming out loud and possibly a little swearing…from you!!!

[Siobhan D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the narration from Carol Pawlak

Maeve, Ethan and their friend decide to spend halloween in their uncles manor that has been abandoned for ten years. The group think it will be fun, until they find themselves unable to leave the house, the phones do not work and the the car tires are punctured. Finding themselves hunted by a serial killer and who’s a traitor is among them.
Dark and intense.

[SkySpiritHuggingYou Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Siblings Maeve and Ethan Adams inherit their family’s eerie estate, only to uncover its dark connection to their serial-killer father. The manor’s oppressive atmosphere, amplified by shadowy figures caught on security cameras, keeps readers on edge. Smith’s vivid prose and the siblings’ emotional bond create a compelling narrative, though the pacing can feel slow at times.

[Amber K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic slasher movie vibes with this one!! The blurb on the back hooked me and that cover is phenomenal!!
We don't get very far into this book before bodies start dropping. There was even a hook that just trudged up all kinds of childhood trauma for me of my brothers scaring me with ghost stories!!
Highly recommend and glad to say that I survived chapter 13!!

[Jess Bohanick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow - this audiobook completely pulled me in! I was so caught up in the story I barely noticed life happening around me. 😳

It’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The beginning starts off a little slow, but once it takes off, it drags you along for one wild horror ride. Dark, haunting, and absolutely immersive, I couldn’t stop listening!

[Andrea Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled to get into it at first, a road trip isn't exactly riveting. The story picked up fairly quick and I really enjoyed it. The end made me cry a little because there is a heavy loss along with many losses.

[Tina Transformation · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW JUST WOW! This haunting masterpiece kept me on edge from start to finish. Twisted secrets, eerie shadows, and unrelenting suspense—an absolute must-read! 🖤👻📖 #ChillingTale

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twisted and mysterious read. I enjoyed this even though I stepped out of my normal reading genre's. The author did a good job with this book

[Garima Bais · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally had to sleep with all my doors closed after reading this book. What level of twists and turns. Perfect for those who love spine chilling horror books.

[Taylor Block · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not scary, not horror. If you want a cozy ghost story, this might be for you.

[Aussie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

this book wasn't for me. I did enjoy the story but i couldn't connect with the storyline or the characters

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! After reading the first few chapters, I wasn't sure about this book. I kept reading, and it was so suspenseful and creepy. I ended up loving it and can't wait for book two. Please hurry!

[Amanda Fiddler · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
A slasher story! Definitely I know what you did last summer vibes! They even mention that movie. Took a bit to get into it, but once I hit the 100 page mark I couldn’t put it down! Excellent book for spooky season!!

[Colton Salaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. I’ll definitely continue the series. The plot was well shaped and the characters were well done but the author really, REALLY, needs an editor. So many inconsistencies of language. For example, the main character keeps referring to her “great-Uncle” who died and left her a house. Yet it isn’t her great-Uncle, it’s just her “Uncle” because the guy was her mother’s brother. Also, I don’t know how many times the author capitalized every word to convey yelling. You don’t need every word capitalized to convey screaming or yelling. Just got so annoying.

[🐷Shay loves books🐷 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrill ride! This book starts off from the very beginning and doesn’t let up til the end! So many twists and turns and so much I never expected to happen. It’s a true page turner! I’ve never read a thriller quite like this before and I enjoyed every bit of it! This book introduces you to a lot of characters, but the 2 main characters are Maeve and Ethan step-brother and sister. They plan a Halloween trip to visit their family home Aberdeen Manor, just to get away for awhile as a reprieve. They start their journey with 3 of their friends, just for fun. Before they even get to the manor things start happening that have them seconding guessing their decision and has them freaked out, but they decide to stay with the plan and continue on to the manor. Unbeknownst to them, Maeve’s biological father is a serial killer, who is trying to kidnap her, and he has killed their uncle and while they are on this trip, in a remote area, their uncles body is found. The police believe that her dad Eric is hiding out at Aberdeen Manor waiting for her, but they can’t get reception to warn them. Will they reach them in time or what? To find out what happens, read this book!!! It’s sooo goood!!