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She Writes in Red: A Dear Celeste Novel
After a betrayal shatters her life, Celeste retreats to northern Michigan to start over. But a letter to her Dear Celeste advice column pulls her straight into someone else’s nightmare.
Andi, a woman haunted by her childhood, believes the farmhouse she now lives in is cursed. Sixteen years ago, her best friend died after a childhood prank—and she’s convinced the woman who lived in the house had something to do with it.
Now, the house is stirring, and Andi is terrified.
As Celeste investigates, she’s drawn into a chilling puzzle of buried memories, twisted truths, and a presence that refuses to rest.
What begins as a search for answers soon becomes a fight for survival.
If you love dark secrets, haunted houses, and slow-burn terror, don’t miss She Writes in Red.
Andi, a woman haunted by her childhood, believes the farmhouse she now lives in is cursed. Sixteen years ago, her best friend died after a childhood prank—and she’s convinced the woman who lived in the house had something to do with it.
Now, the house is stirring, and Andi is terrified.
As Celeste investigates, she’s drawn into a chilling puzzle of buried memories, twisted truths, and a presence that refuses to rest.
What begins as a search for answers soon becomes a fight for survival.
If you love dark secrets, haunted houses, and slow-burn terror, don’t miss She Writes in Red.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2025
176 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Erickson
39 books878 followersJ.R. Erickson writes novels that blend murder mysteries with haunted houses. Her Northern Michigan Asylum series are novels of paranormal suspense inspired by a real former asylum in Traverse City. Her current books, the Troubled Spirits series, are all inspired by real crimes, which she covers in her true crime podcast, Bitter Endings.
Jacki is a lifelong lover of all things spooky, and started penning scary stories in childhood. She grew up in Mason, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology. These days, Jacki resides near Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, son, and three cats.
Jacki is a lifelong lover of all things spooky, and started penning scary stories in childhood. She grew up in Mason, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology. These days, Jacki resides near Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, son, and three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 7, 2025
So damn good!! I’m so addicted to this series.
August 19, 2025
JR Erickson does it again. I love her books. This one took a much darker turn, and I really appreciate it. Poor Celeste. Poor Andi! She put these characters through the ringer, but it led to one heck of a story.
August 23, 2025
This book grabbed me from the very first page! The mystery, unknown, the chills, the twists, AND the supernatural elements!!! I am here for every single bit of it!
I love all of this Authors books but this series lives rent free in my head!
I love all of this Authors books but this series lives rent free in my head!
August 20, 2025
Whenever there is a book coming out by this author, I drop what I am doing and read the book. This new book about Celeste,turned out to be a more dark subject than the former books in this series. Losing someone a person cares about is hard enough but to wonder if outside sources had a part in the person’s demise is something altogether different. As both Andi and Celeste try to discover what this house wants they are both sent in different directions. As I read this book, I got the most creepiest vibes. When I read to the part of the basement, I swear I heard noises from the other room in my house. I was by myself so it really freaked me out. Did I stop reading? No, I kept reading this terrifying book. I have read all the books written by this author and I believe this is the spookiest one yet. The atmosphere of the house plus what history Celeste finds out about the house made for a gripping ghost story.
November 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Really loving this series! It’s been a great ride, watching FMC and her abilities grow, as well as her relationship with other characters. I love this author‘s writing style, and how she ties even the smallest details up in a pretty little bow at the end. This book however left me wanting just a little bit when compared to the last three. I found the story to be a little creepier/chilling than the last few, leaning into more paranormal reasonings behind things as opposed to solid evidence, and left me wanting for a more solid ending to this particular book (excluding the epilogue and relationship growth within characters). Overall a solid read, and looking forward to Celeste’s own story playing out in the next book!
Really loving this series! It’s been a great ride, watching FMC and her abilities grow, as well as her relationship with other characters. I love this author‘s writing style, and how she ties even the smallest details up in a pretty little bow at the end. This book however left me wanting just a little bit when compared to the last three. I found the story to be a little creepier/chilling than the last few, leaning into more paranormal reasonings behind things as opposed to solid evidence, and left me wanting for a more solid ending to this particular book (excluding the epilogue and relationship growth within characters). Overall a solid read, and looking forward to Celeste’s own story playing out in the next book!
October 10, 2025
Better read than most S. King books I have read!
August 21, 2025
I waited until I could fully immerse myself in this book, knowing from experience that J.R. Erickson’s writing pulls me in so deeply that I lose all sense of time. She Writes in Red was no exception.
The story centers around Andi, a young woman haunted by a traumatic event from her childhood—the death of her beloved friend Marco on Devil’s Night. What began as innocent fun between three pre-teens turned into a tragedy after a prank at the neighborhood’s infamous spooky house went terribly wrong.
Years later, Andi is still grappling with PTSD and decides to confront the ghosts of her past. But the demon she faces isn’t just metaphorical. With the help of Celeste, who is navigating her own emotional turmoil, the two women delve into the dark history of the farmhouse—and what they uncover is truly the stuff of nightmares.
I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting. Erickson masterfully blends psychological suspense with supernatural elements, creating a gripping and atmospheric tale. I highly recommend She Writes in Red to fans of haunting mysteries and emotionally resonant storytelling.
The story centers around Andi, a young woman haunted by a traumatic event from her childhood—the death of her beloved friend Marco on Devil’s Night. What began as innocent fun between three pre-teens turned into a tragedy after a prank at the neighborhood’s infamous spooky house went terribly wrong.
Years later, Andi is still grappling with PTSD and decides to confront the ghosts of her past. But the demon she faces isn’t just metaphorical. With the help of Celeste, who is navigating her own emotional turmoil, the two women delve into the dark history of the farmhouse—and what they uncover is truly the stuff of nightmares.
I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting. Erickson masterfully blends psychological suspense with supernatural elements, creating a gripping and atmospheric tale. I highly recommend She Writes in Red to fans of haunting mysteries and emotionally resonant storytelling.
August 22, 2025
She Writes In Red is the fourth installment in JR Erickson's Dear Celeste collection. This issue was everything I expected and so much more! This time around Celeste chooses to help Andi, a young woman haunted by her past, and obscessed with the house that Andi thought started it all. But as the grip tightens around Andi, Celeste is forced to admit that the house's story started long ago, and that it's darker than anyone could have imagined.
The storyline is fast-paced and very well written. The characters are expertly developed and engaging. There is such a haunted vibe throughout the book. I often felt drawn into the scene, to the point of desperately wanting to turn around and run away. I don't remember the last time I read a story so powerful that I didn't want to put it down at night because I was afraid of what I would see when I closed my eyes.
Overall, She Writes in Red is a superb addition to the Dear Celeste series, easily the darkest one yet. Crafty cliffhanger aside, I highly recommend it as well as all of the Dear Celeste novels.
The storyline is fast-paced and very well written. The characters are expertly developed and engaging. There is such a haunted vibe throughout the book. I often felt drawn into the scene, to the point of desperately wanting to turn around and run away. I don't remember the last time I read a story so powerful that I didn't want to put it down at night because I was afraid of what I would see when I closed my eyes.
Overall, She Writes in Red is a superb addition to the Dear Celeste series, easily the darkest one yet. Crafty cliffhanger aside, I highly recommend it as well as all of the Dear Celeste novels.
September 1, 2025
Super great read! I have read everything I can by JR Erickson and this one is good. with reference to the Dear Celeste series it is the scariest book so far. I kept trying to come up with the scientific explanation for what was happening at this house that Andi is trying to remember or deal with or just get over! I stayed up all night to finish this book! It is very good. I did have a little trouble with remembering the last Dear Celeste book because it has been a while for me but otherwise this is a great read! Celeste has been through so much and her NDE has brought her closer to a group of people that actually understand what she is going through. Her creepy husband is still somewhere out there and I can't wait to find out what his deal is, but
Celeste is strong and motivated and gets through this next adventure heroically. I wish Dear Celeste could go on indefinitely, but whatever JR Erickson is going to author next will be just as amazing. Go download the other installments of this series, you will not regret it!
Celeste is strong and motivated and gets through this next adventure heroically. I wish Dear Celeste could go on indefinitely, but whatever JR Erickson is going to author next will be just as amazing. Go download the other installments of this series, you will not regret it!
August 21, 2025
She Writes in Red: A Dear Celeste Novel, by JR Erickson, was creepy! It isn't often that I get the heebie jeebies while reading, but I just kept having those WTF moments!
The fourth installment in the Dear Celeste series picks up where book three, Dread the Night, left off. Jonathan is still on the run and Celeste is off on another ghost hunt. Andi, a young woman with a haunted past, moves back to her hometown and into the house where she believes her best friend was cursed. She started her quest looking for an exorcism and found Dear Celeste. Celeste agrees to investigate and finds herself chasing down memories. She continues to grow and find herself, and she continues to make decisions that have me questioning her sanity. In the end, the secrets and twists all come to light.
The fourth installment in the Dear Celeste series picks up where book three, Dread the Night, left off. Jonathan is still on the run and Celeste is off on another ghost hunt. Andi, a young woman with a haunted past, moves back to her hometown and into the house where she believes her best friend was cursed. She started her quest looking for an exorcism and found Dear Celeste. Celeste agrees to investigate and finds herself chasing down memories. She continues to grow and find herself, and she continues to make decisions that have me questioning her sanity. In the end, the secrets and twists all come to light.
August 22, 2025
This book gave me the chills, I had goosebumps throughout the story. You know that tingly, creepy feeling you get at the base of your neck up your scalp, yeah, that’s what I had. In addition to that I felt like my hair, I have long hair, was standing up, like static from a balloon or friction. There was one point in the book that I was tasting blood, but then realized I was chewing on the inside of my cheek, so into the book that I wasn’t even paying attention that I was doing it. Parts of the book felt so real to turn out that it wasn’t, it was one of the Oh My Goodness moments. Being on the edge of your seat or in my case chewing your cheek just to see what happens next. Absolutely loved the book, Celeste is awesome!! Jacki you have written a phenomenal book!!
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
August 18, 2025
She Writes in Red is A Dear Celeste Novel and it's an amazing read. This time Celeste returns to Northern Michigan after a betrayal ends up devastating her life, so she heads there to start over. She gets a letter from the column she has and this time it ends up she goes straight into someone else's nightmare. This is a page turning read from beginning to end and will have your heart pounding. The author wrote this well and I enjoyed every character in this one. I can't wait for the next read from this author and from this series. The ending of this one was so well done. I loved this one a lot and would recommend it to every reader especially to those who love paranormal suspense reads. Thank you to the author for this ARC read in exchange of my honest review of She Writes In Red.
December 1, 2025
Very supernatural
Each book in this series has included more supernatural elements than the previous one, and this one is very scary, a horror story rather than the much milder tales with helpful apparitions. Celeste goes to help Andi, a woman whose childhood friend died suddenly after a prank at a local spooky house. The house exudes malice and evil, quite a difference from the loving world of the afterlife Celeste and her friends with near death experiences encountered. Otherwise, Celeste’s life is settling into a new normal, despite her husband still being on the run to escape jail for his attempt to kill her. The house is a main character here, and it is very bad, managing to destroy everyone who lives there. Spooky and tense.
Each book in this series has included more supernatural elements than the previous one, and this one is very scary, a horror story rather than the much milder tales with helpful apparitions. Celeste goes to help Andi, a woman whose childhood friend died suddenly after a prank at a local spooky house. The house exudes malice and evil, quite a difference from the loving world of the afterlife Celeste and her friends with near death experiences encountered. Otherwise, Celeste’s life is settling into a new normal, despite her husband still being on the run to escape jail for his attempt to kill her. The house is a main character here, and it is very bad, managing to destroy everyone who lives there. Spooky and tense.
August 21, 2025
Celeste's life has changed dramatically since her Near Death Experience (NDE). She seems to live part time in that world between really alive and most certainly dead. She sees things: "Are they psychological? Another dimension? Another life-form? Not human, but not spirit. I’ve seen some things. It’s real, but that doesn’t tell us what it is. You know?"
She uses that ability to help people who are troubled by devastating events linking them to this world. As her friend states: "but you’re choosing to get involved with people who have a dark story". As she gets pulled in more deeply to the haunted house "the whole situation seemed to be getting more convoluted and uglier."
What is haunting the house? "Some of them real baddies have got a demon, somethin’ that slithers in at night and moves right into their body."
This makes for one gripping tale if you can hang in there with Celeste as she navigates the dark side.
She uses that ability to help people who are troubled by devastating events linking them to this world. As her friend states: "but you’re choosing to get involved with people who have a dark story". As she gets pulled in more deeply to the haunted house "the whole situation seemed to be getting more convoluted and uglier."
What is haunting the house? "Some of them real baddies have got a demon, somethin’ that slithers in at night and moves right into their body."
This makes for one gripping tale if you can hang in there with Celeste as she navigates the dark side.
August 21, 2025
JR Erickson is one of my favorite authors to read. I am always sad when the book is over and then anxiously start waiting for the next installment. She Writes in Red is no exception. First, I like the fact that each book is different but I get to learn the characters as they stay somewhat the same. I find myself sometimes angry at Celeste, sometimes sad for her, but always learning more. Second, this one is dark and twisted, perhaps more than the others, but I like it that way. I am never disappointed, I always get hooked from the first page, and it never takes me very long to finish. Thanks again for a great read - now when can we expect the next one? ;)
August 21, 2025
I think this book has broken me. I love Celeste and her journey has been a tough one so we go into this with her crazy husband still on the run after trying to kill her his accomplice in prison, her dad in prison for killing her mother and a young boy and her pregnant. Its all so much but she’s fighting on. She goes to the aid of a young woman searching for answers about the death of her childhood friend and this opens a can of worms for her, her friends and the community.
Honestly this book was just brilliant i was completely freaked out and hooked from start to finish. Can i just say that epilogue has broken my emotions!
Honestly this book was just brilliant i was completely freaked out and hooked from start to finish. Can i just say that epilogue has broken my emotions!
October 7, 2025
Read in a single sitting in one day. I’m going to be so sad when this series ends. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Dear Celeste books and know there’s only one more after this.
Solid 4.5/5 stars. This had everything. The supernatural element was better in my opinion than the other books. Celeste grew more into her new self and the developments in the friend group made me smile. The ending, I knew something would happen and wasn’t surprised although wondering that the ‘woman’ has to do with it. No spoilers here.
This is a kindle unlimited read so free to read if you subscribe. I had this in pre order though!! 4.5/5 stars. Mae sure to read all the Dear Celeste books I order.
Solid 4.5/5 stars. This had everything. The supernatural element was better in my opinion than the other books. Celeste grew more into her new self and the developments in the friend group made me smile. The ending, I knew something would happen and wasn’t surprised although wondering that the ‘woman’ has to do with it. No spoilers here.
This is a kindle unlimited read so free to read if you subscribe. I had this in pre order though!! 4.5/5 stars. Mae sure to read all the Dear Celeste books I order.
August 18, 2025
It was just a harmless prank by teenagers, Andi, Marco and Gwen when they decided to enter an old house. Only they entered an accursed house with dire consequences. Marco immediately fell ill and died while Andi and Gwen had an unhealthy obsession with the house. Andi even rents the house and is plagued by nightmares. Then Andi asks Celeste for help. Celeste has her own personal issues but can she really save Andi? A captivating page turner which gave me the chills. The description of the house and the nightmarish events within have been graphically portrayed.
August 21, 2025
I've been a big fan of JR Erickson's books, and this one did not disappoint. It's the fourth book in the Dear Celeste series. When I was reading it at night, I felt like I was being watched, and the strange noises I heard made me feel uneasy. The author's descriptions were incredibly detailed, which made it feel like I was watching a movie in my mind. I was completely absorbed in the story from start to finish, and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. The author did a great job of building suspense and keeping me on the edge of my seat.
August 21, 2025
This author never disappoints, and this series is one of her best. She Writes in Red is book four, and while you can read it on its own, I’d recommend starting from the beginning to really get to know the characters and Celeste’s journey so far.
Celeste receives another paranormal message on her blog—but this one? It’s downright chilling. As she digs deeper, the mystery grows darker and more dangerous. Packed with spine-tingling suspense, unexpected twists, and just the right amount of creep factor, this book will keep you hooked… and maybe sleeping with the lights on.
Celeste receives another paranormal message on her blog—but this one? It’s downright chilling. As she digs deeper, the mystery grows darker and more dangerous. Packed with spine-tingling suspense, unexpected twists, and just the right amount of creep factor, this book will keep you hooked… and maybe sleeping with the lights on.
August 24, 2025
Best of the series so far!
This is the darkest and the best of the Dear Celeste so far.
Celeste decides to help Andi with her haunted house problem after she receives a plea for help. But the house isn't just haunted. It is evil.
As she dives deeper into the history of the house, Celeste will need all the help she can get.
A genuinely fantastic book, excellent writing, eerie, and scary. J.R. Erickson is brilliant and skillfully draws you down into the darkness.
Can't wait for the next book!
This is the darkest and the best of the Dear Celeste so far.
Celeste decides to help Andi with her haunted house problem after she receives a plea for help. But the house isn't just haunted. It is evil.
As she dives deeper into the history of the house, Celeste will need all the help she can get.
A genuinely fantastic book, excellent writing, eerie, and scary. J.R. Erickson is brilliant and skillfully draws you down into the darkness.
Can't wait for the next book!
August 28, 2025
Holy mother forking shirt balls! When I say that she pulled the pin and threw the grenade, that's the kind of jaw dropping, heart pounding cliff hanger this author writes! The characters are wonderful as always. We get to see how Celeste is bonding with all the members of the Memento Mori group. We get thrills, chills, and suspense. We get loss of time, creepy sounds, and ghosts. If you haven't read books 1-3 yet, do that before you grab this one!
Full review on my website on 9.2.25.
www.mommodeloading.com
Full review on my website on 9.2.25.
www.mommodeloading.com
September 27, 2025
The scariest Celeste adventure
This book was worth the wait. And now I need more! Celeste is continuing on her adventure of life. She is facing what life has thrown at her. Then she receives a letter that seems random but turns out was her destiny. As she helps a woman running from her past she helps a town solve a mystery. The twist is so shocking. Not many books can scare me. This one had me feeling real fear and eerie chills. The ending left me with my mouth open. We need more Celeste!
This book was worth the wait. And now I need more! Celeste is continuing on her adventure of life. She is facing what life has thrown at her. Then she receives a letter that seems random but turns out was her destiny. As she helps a woman running from her past she helps a town solve a mystery. The twist is so shocking. Not many books can scare me. This one had me feeling real fear and eerie chills. The ending left me with my mouth open. We need more Celeste!
August 19, 2025
And this is why JR Erickson is one of my favorite authors! This is without question the creepiest of all her books. I was on the edge of my seat and yelling at the book multiple times! Even covering my eyes and peeking through my fingers to read! 😂 Celeste has quickly become a favorite character and I have enjoyed her journey throughout the series. You won't regret diving into this series. Each installment is better than the last. I'm already dying to read the next book!
August 21, 2025
Each book in this series gets better. Erickson does a great job throughout the series striking a balance between the "monster of the week" and the overarching story of Celeste's life.
I love a good haunted house story, and this one is super creepy. The image of an insane woman writing on her walls with blood isn’t going to leave my mind anytime soon.
I do recommend rereading the previous books shortly before reading this one. I didn’t and I had a hard time remembering who everyone was.
I love a good haunted house story, and this one is super creepy. The image of an insane woman writing on her walls with blood isn’t going to leave my mind anytime soon.
I do recommend rereading the previous books shortly before reading this one. I didn’t and I had a hard time remembering who everyone was.
August 22, 2025
The book is a paranormal/supernatural thriller by J.R. Erickson featuring the recurrent character, Celeste. Celeste returned to northern Michigan to get her life in order. Of course, Celeste gets involved in a situation where a woman believes her farmhouse is haunted, possibly related to the death of a childhood friend. I love J.R. Erickson's paranormal/supernatural stories. I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
September 11, 2025
Another Great Story
Continuing the Celeste series J.R. does not disappoint. I look forward to her books more than any other author. I just need to keep up with the characters lives like I know them or something. Great characterization as always, and this book adds a little demonic element to story just to add to the chills. Read everything J.R. Erickson writes and you will not be disappointed.
Continuing the Celeste series J.R. does not disappoint. I look forward to her books more than any other author. I just need to keep up with the characters lives like I know them or something. Great characterization as always, and this book adds a little demonic element to story just to add to the chills. Read everything J.R. Erickson writes and you will not be disappointed.
September 18, 2025
keeps getting better
I read the first book of this series several months ago and I enjoyed it but didn’t feel compelled to read the next. I then saw an ad showing there were several new books out now and decided to give them another chance. I am so intrigued and captivated by how much depth and even wisdom these stories contain. I love the mystery, paranormal and the budding romance
I read the first book of this series several months ago and I enjoyed it but didn’t feel compelled to read the next. I then saw an ad showing there were several new books out now and decided to give them another chance. I am so intrigued and captivated by how much depth and even wisdom these stories contain. I love the mystery, paranormal and the budding romance
August 20, 2025
A very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters. Interesting plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Enjoyed every minute of it!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews