The Curse of Braeburn Manor

by E.R. Vickers

Growing up, Lily had become obsessed with the mystery around her aunt’s death, a mystery her mum kept close to her chest. However, a week away with her partner was about to change all of that.

A simple day trip turns sinister when they end up stranded at an abandoned manor with more than just dust contained within its walls. Mysterious deaths of children, the spirit of a protective gardener, and an evil entity intent on keeping them all there reveal themselves to Lily as she walks the manor’s grounds.

Can she discover their secrets and help release the spirits who are trapped here? or is she destined to join them, roaming the manor alongside the other unfortunate souls?


Trigger Warnings for child death and suicide

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2025

Reviews

[Peter Topside · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy my last outing with ER Vickers, but, knowing how good of a writer she is, I just had to have another go at her works. And I was very pleased with this one. Written well and nicely executed, fans of hauntings and ghost-based horrors will soak this up. Lots of slow drip plot depth, creepy atmosphere, good lore on the spirits and our lead's family, and a satisfying conclusion. All of the pieces were there, and they all fit together nicely. Now, my only critique, is that I wished the author took some chances with some of the plot points to really make this stand out. It all just felt very familiar, which is fine, but didn't introduce anything necessarily unique or innovative. And with so many other similar books and stories out there, it's easy to see good ideas like this just get lost in the shuffle. Despite that singular point, this was a nice way to open up my Thursday morning.

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this haunted house story. I read a lot of extreme, splattery tales so this was a nice palette cleanser. It’s more gruesome than a standard “cozy” horror, but I feel it could still fall into that category.

Readers follow Lily & Eddie as they holiday in the countryside. They end up sheltering at a dilapidated mansion, not realizing the tragic history and ominous connections to Lily’s family. There is a dark presence that is intent on harming others, and hopefully it can finally be stopped.

I got lost in the the rich, atmospheric settings- from the lake, to the gardens, and manor itself. The characters and dialogue were well written and the whole story flowed at a steady pace. Vickers is definitely an author to keep an eye on- I can’t wait to see what she creates next!

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect story that I love to read. Sisters going to an old decrepit manor only to have disaster struck. Time passes and now Lily is having a hard time gaining her independence from her mother. Her boyfriend plans a getaway not knowing he was going to get more than calm weekend to propose to Lily. The lake scene was truly frightening. I cannot imagine rowing on a serene lake and then it erupting into such chaos. I could feel the terror Lily experienced until she was able to reach dry land. Entering into the manor was a whole other fright. The author was able to turn an evil spirit into a whole new level of horror. I enjoyed how the author had Lily and Eddie find the answers to what they were experiencing through old papers and the spirits showing them through visions. Frederick was a real nasty piece of work. How horrible to use the children as a source of energy. Lily and Eddie were brave enough to take on the spirt.

[Sue and her books · Rating 4 out of 5]

What begins as a charming, romantic getaway quickly spirals into a haunting nightmare when a couple gets stranded at a grand but decaying manor. Seeking shelter within its weathered walls, they uncover unsettling secrets - fading visions from the past and lingering spirits announce their presence around them. Soon, they are confronted with the tragic mystery of numerous child deaths, the ghost of a protective caretaker, and an evil entity determined to keep them trapped at any cost.
This seemingly cozy yet incredibly immersive ghost story is filled with twists just waiting to be unraveled. If you’re a fan of atmospheric, tension-filled supernatural tales, consider curling up with this book on a rainy day, a blanket, and a cuppa. The Curse of Braeburn Manor will slowly pull you in, captivating and unsettling you until all is revealed.

[Shannon Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

What was supposed to be a nice getaway for Lily and her partner Eddie turns dark real quick. They end up in a dilapidated mansion, not realizing the tragic history and ominous connections to Lily's family. There is a dark presence that is intent on harming others, mysterious deaths of innocent children and the spirit of a protective gardener. Can Lily find out the secrets of the manor?????? Find out in the upcoming second novel by E.R. Vickers.

[Megan Russ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunting, heartbreaking, consuming and moving.
The evil Braeburn spirit lives on in this cursed place.
Lily could not have known that going on a vacation with her boyfriend could lead to discovery, devastation, and truth.
Uncovering hidden and buried secrets of a long closed orphanage. Lily cannot stop until this heartbreaking mystery is solved.
Want a haunting ghost story, with a monster that just wants to control the spirits of those around him? Look no further. E.R. Vickers does hauntings right.

[Catriona Mowat · Rating 5 out of 5]

An isolated manor with a dark past calls to Lily. On a romantic holiday, she finds herself at the manor surrounded by a haunting mystery. And it is up to her to end the curse of Braeburn Manor.

The world-building that goes into this story is phenomenal: the locations are creepy and isolated as well as beautiful, it reads like a rich classic haunted house tale, which is perfect. The characters are well developed, with a good range of ones you will hurt for, and ones you just want to hurt!
Very atmospheric, this is a solid gothic haunted house tale with a modern twist, and I absolutely devoured it. This is the best novel yet from E.R. Vickers and I can’t wait to see more from her!

[Alix Kampen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted locations and ghost stories have always captivated my imagination. "The Curse of Braeburn Manor" intertwined these elements with a haunting touch of gruesome horror. The fast-paced suspenseful plot paired brilliantly with the bold, explicit content that painted vivid pictures of the manor's dark history. Every detail, from the subtle atmospheric setting to the horrifically intense violence was described with such precision that I felt as if I were living the story myself. Each line pulled me deeper into the chilling narrative, immersing me in a world where shadows felt alive. The ending struck me with a powerful emotional punch, leaving tears in my eyes and a deep sense sadness that soon molded into happiness.

[Jen Ramsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

What should be a romantic getaway soon turns into chaos and horror as an evil entity stalks the manor. Can Lily find a way to help those trapped? Will she ever find a way to escape? A fun and easy read, with lots of likeable characters and an enjoyable storyline that gives you exactly what you want from a haunted house novel.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is Deliciously Sinister!!!

When a nice getaway for Lily & boyfriend, Eddie turns evil…..
All Hell breaks loose!! Lily & Eddie are drawn to a dilapidated mansion filled with deadly Secrets, Spirits of children who perished there & one menacing Spector trolling for everyone’s soul. Lily, the only one who can see & interact with the Spirits & Spector, is determined to understand their presence. In her investigation of the mansion & its inhabitants, will Lily discover the answer to a decades old family mystery?

My Grams used to say “I don’t believe in Ghosts, but I’m a little bit scared of them!” This story left me a little bit scared!!! I typically do not read Supernatural Fiction, however the Author has me hooked!! Her story telling engulfed me from the Prologue (DO NOT SKIP THE PROLOGUE!!).

It is a quick (154 pages) & captivating read. There are numerous characters so you might need to keep a list! The Author depicts the characters & scenes so clearly you will envision yourself as part of the plot. I assume the Author is British (I coul not find a bio) due to her writing style & use of words. She brilliantly portrays the age old battle of Good vs Evil. But does Good always win??

READ THE BOOK!!!

[SJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story starts with a quiet getaway and turns into something much darker. A grand, decaying manor becomes the center of a slow-burning mystery filled with eerie visions, ghostly echoes, and a past that refuses to stay buried. The pacing is steady, the atmosphere pulls you in, and the tension builds with each chapter. It’s perfect for spooky season if you’re into haunted settings, emotional stakes, and stories that unravel piece by piece.

[Sara]

Lake give me new page than yr horrer story
old home make me go throw children ghost play
my protictiv gardener save what ramin of lili
i want steady land
i want kit to fly
i want to know why at past cold away
break thee rule hj want more
dream can solve my drama but i want truth
truth shin near that great lake
i didnt want gray
i want many open secret

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old mansions and sisters with ancestral connections to haunted locations. I don't need to say much more. It was awesome and the author knows how to build a world and shock with ghostly vibes. READ IT! I will buy the author's other book too.