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Haggard House
1859. The village of Nomaton, Michigan.
After a reclusive childhood within the dank walls of Haggard House, Adam Bolton, at the age of eleven, is finally allowed to attend the village school, providing he obeys his mother, Sarai's, injunction. Against all outward influence, he must: “Keep to the straight and narrow.” An easy bidding until Adam meets Penny, his bright-eyed, bright-spirited classmate. Frightened of the consequences their friendship threatens, Adam builds another Haggard House—only this one in his mind—and keeps Penny there, safe from his zealot mother; safe from himself.
Only, secrets, Adam ought to know, belong to God. Restless and heartsore, Adam’s narrow path suddenly widens. Now a young man, he finds himself traveling West, meeting the world for the first time, a difficult place to keep promises.
Burning with the flame of free will, Adam can no longer restrain himself from the woman he loves. But as he returns to Nomaton, so does Sarai’s dark influence, and Adam is forced to face the decaying house within—a house ready to collapse at any moment.
After a reclusive childhood within the dank walls of Haggard House, Adam Bolton, at the age of eleven, is finally allowed to attend the village school, providing he obeys his mother, Sarai's, injunction. Against all outward influence, he must: “Keep to the straight and narrow.” An easy bidding until Adam meets Penny, his bright-eyed, bright-spirited classmate. Frightened of the consequences their friendship threatens, Adam builds another Haggard House—only this one in his mind—and keeps Penny there, safe from his zealot mother; safe from himself.
Only, secrets, Adam ought to know, belong to God. Restless and heartsore, Adam’s narrow path suddenly widens. Now a young man, he finds himself traveling West, meeting the world for the first time, a difficult place to keep promises.
Burning with the flame of free will, Adam can no longer restrain himself from the woman he loves. But as he returns to Nomaton, so does Sarai’s dark influence, and Adam is forced to face the decaying house within—a house ready to collapse at any moment.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2025
3 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Elisabeth Rhoads
1 book10 followersElisabeth Rhoads is the author of Haggard House and numerous short stories. She holds a BA in Theatre and is the Vice-President of the California Writers Club, Orange County branch.
Originally from Michigan, she now lives in California with her husband, and enjoys learning Japanese, fermenting foods of all types—although mainly kombucha—and pretends to enjoy exercise-related activities, such as kayaking and running.
Originally from Michigan, she now lives in California with her husband, and enjoys learning Japanese, fermenting foods of all types—although mainly kombucha—and pretends to enjoy exercise-related activities, such as kayaking and running.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 1, 2025
One aspect of having a book blog that I’ve come to appreciate is the opportunity to discover some truly remarkable books that might have otherwise eluded me. Haggard House by Elisabeth Rhoads is an exceptional novel that I’m grateful to have received an advance review copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
The story of Haggard House is set in 1859 Michigan. Adam Bolton, raised by his devoutly religious mother, Sarai, and carpenter father, Peter, is mostly confined to the isolation of Haggard House. At the tender age of 11, he is finally allowed to attend the local schoolhouse, but he is strictly prohibited from playing with the other children. Considering the other children are intimidated by Haggard House, they are uninterested in befriending Adam. The only exception is a bright and curious girl named Penny. Adam is forced to channel his creativity as he navigates the challenges of this forbidden friendship.
As Adam transitions into adulthood, he impulsively decides to embark on a journey westward in pursuit of employment. Amidst the demanding labor, he succumbs to the allure of the world, grappling with the weight of his choices. Two years later, he finds himself compelled to return home, where significant changes have taken place, some of which have undoubtedly for the worse. Driven by his desire to find love, Adam ventures back into his hometown, only to discover that his mother’s influence has grown stronger than ever, casting a shadow over his quest for happiness.
My summary of Haggard House fails to capture the essence of this remarkable novel. It boasts numerous compelling elements, and revealing more would diminish the joy of discovering them for a fresh reader. I’m particularly drawn to the book’s unique structure, where each chapter presents the narrative from a different character’s perspective. It was an intriguing experience to unravel the story from their unique viewpoints. I can only imagine the immense challenge Elisabeth must have faced in crafting such a captivating narrative.
Elisabeth’s meticulous research in 1859 Michigan is evident in the language used in the book. It perfectly captures the way people spoke during that era. My reading experience was seamless, as I effortlessly immersed myself in the writing style and time period of the story.
I’ve read numerous horror novels, yet I rarely experience fear while reading. However, Haggard House genuinely unsettled me! The narrative took a chilling turn as it progressed. The house itself exuded a sinister aura, and the actions of an enigmatic character were both disgusting and intimidating. Moreover, the unpredictable behavior of its most despicable characters had me internally yearning for the likable characters to flee and seek safety immediately! This book boasts some truly evil characters that made the storyline incredibly captivating.
Haggard House, a captivating blend of genres, including history, horror, suspense, and a coming-of-age story with forbidden love, left me with a profound emotional impact. Upon completing the book, I experienced a mix of sadness and relief. While I was pleased with the story’s ending, I simultaneously yearned for a different outcome. Adam and Penny, the characters I had grown to love, will remain etched in my memory for a long time. The completion of the book left me feeling bittersweet. I already find myself yearning to revisit the world of Haggard House and relive the journey of Adam and Penny.
As I had mentioned earlier, I was kindly provided with an ARC of Haggard House by the author, Elisabeth Rhoads, in exchange for an honest review. The book is scheduled to be published on July 15, 2025.
I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
The story of Haggard House is set in 1859 Michigan. Adam Bolton, raised by his devoutly religious mother, Sarai, and carpenter father, Peter, is mostly confined to the isolation of Haggard House. At the tender age of 11, he is finally allowed to attend the local schoolhouse, but he is strictly prohibited from playing with the other children. Considering the other children are intimidated by Haggard House, they are uninterested in befriending Adam. The only exception is a bright and curious girl named Penny. Adam is forced to channel his creativity as he navigates the challenges of this forbidden friendship.
As Adam transitions into adulthood, he impulsively decides to embark on a journey westward in pursuit of employment. Amidst the demanding labor, he succumbs to the allure of the world, grappling with the weight of his choices. Two years later, he finds himself compelled to return home, where significant changes have taken place, some of which have undoubtedly for the worse. Driven by his desire to find love, Adam ventures back into his hometown, only to discover that his mother’s influence has grown stronger than ever, casting a shadow over his quest for happiness.
My summary of Haggard House fails to capture the essence of this remarkable novel. It boasts numerous compelling elements, and revealing more would diminish the joy of discovering them for a fresh reader. I’m particularly drawn to the book’s unique structure, where each chapter presents the narrative from a different character’s perspective. It was an intriguing experience to unravel the story from their unique viewpoints. I can only imagine the immense challenge Elisabeth must have faced in crafting such a captivating narrative.
Elisabeth’s meticulous research in 1859 Michigan is evident in the language used in the book. It perfectly captures the way people spoke during that era. My reading experience was seamless, as I effortlessly immersed myself in the writing style and time period of the story.
I’ve read numerous horror novels, yet I rarely experience fear while reading. However, Haggard House genuinely unsettled me! The narrative took a chilling turn as it progressed. The house itself exuded a sinister aura, and the actions of an enigmatic character were both disgusting and intimidating. Moreover, the unpredictable behavior of its most despicable characters had me internally yearning for the likable characters to flee and seek safety immediately! This book boasts some truly evil characters that made the storyline incredibly captivating.
Haggard House, a captivating blend of genres, including history, horror, suspense, and a coming-of-age story with forbidden love, left me with a profound emotional impact. Upon completing the book, I experienced a mix of sadness and relief. While I was pleased with the story’s ending, I simultaneously yearned for a different outcome. Adam and Penny, the characters I had grown to love, will remain etched in my memory for a long time. The completion of the book left me feeling bittersweet. I already find myself yearning to revisit the world of Haggard House and relive the journey of Adam and Penny.
As I had mentioned earlier, I was kindly provided with an ARC of Haggard House by the author, Elisabeth Rhoads, in exchange for an honest review. The book is scheduled to be published on July 15, 2025.
I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
July 2, 2025
«Haggard House» is a book for those who enjoy claustrophobic atmospheres. It’s set in Nomaton (Michigan) in 1859 and it follows the life of Adam Bolton, a eleven years old kid that starts going to the village school. Before that, he had stayed at home with Pa, his father, and Sarai, his mother, a super religious person who educates him on scriptures, sin, shame and God’s will.
From the moment Adam starts school, he gets closer to Penny, the only one who doesn’t judge him; everyone at school fears Sarai and the house he grew up with, which they call Haggard House. There’s something about the house that gives them the chills.
Being closer to Penny makes Adam want to escape, somewhat, the prison that is Haggard House. He starts to wonder if what his mother taught him is all life has to offer him. A few years later, he leaves Nomaton to discover his own path.
I really enjoyed the slow pace in «Haggard House», how the author took the time to the characters’ backgrounds through three points of view: Adam, Penny and Silas (Sarai’s father). We, as readers, follow their lives and discover how they are shaped in who they are now. In Adam’s case, we get to see how important and crucial the education and environment your family provides you is to your development. Adam is such a complex character and it was really interesting to watch him grow. I loved Penny too, who worked as a counterpart of Adam and showed him compassion, friendship and love.
The topic that is mostly touched is show religion, taken to the extreme, can shape thinking; Sarai, with the way she acts and educates, has taught Adam that he must obey God’s Word and that anything that falls out of it is sin and must be punished. This is how Adam grows fighting against his instincts and desires, how he ends up in a constant battle against himself.
As for the ambientation, the author creates a dense atmosphere, one that you can feel growing and growing until it buries Adam’s self alive. That house, dominated by Sarai, turns into a character itself.
And the ending… It was perfect for the story. The tension is building around the last chapters and, finally, gets released. I sighed when I finished the book because I had been holding my breath all those last pages. Such an interesting, dark and reflective story that’s worth reading.
From the moment Adam starts school, he gets closer to Penny, the only one who doesn’t judge him; everyone at school fears Sarai and the house he grew up with, which they call Haggard House. There’s something about the house that gives them the chills.
Being closer to Penny makes Adam want to escape, somewhat, the prison that is Haggard House. He starts to wonder if what his mother taught him is all life has to offer him. A few years later, he leaves Nomaton to discover his own path.
I really enjoyed the slow pace in «Haggard House», how the author took the time to the characters’ backgrounds through three points of view: Adam, Penny and Silas (Sarai’s father). We, as readers, follow their lives and discover how they are shaped in who they are now. In Adam’s case, we get to see how important and crucial the education and environment your family provides you is to your development. Adam is such a complex character and it was really interesting to watch him grow. I loved Penny too, who worked as a counterpart of Adam and showed him compassion, friendship and love.
The topic that is mostly touched is show religion, taken to the extreme, can shape thinking; Sarai, with the way she acts and educates, has taught Adam that he must obey God’s Word and that anything that falls out of it is sin and must be punished. This is how Adam grows fighting against his instincts and desires, how he ends up in a constant battle against himself.
As for the ambientation, the author creates a dense atmosphere, one that you can feel growing and growing until it buries Adam’s self alive. That house, dominated by Sarai, turns into a character itself.
And the ending… It was perfect for the story. The tension is building around the last chapters and, finally, gets released. I sighed when I finished the book because I had been holding my breath all those last pages. Such an interesting, dark and reflective story that’s worth reading.
July 7, 2025
Set in mid-nineteenth century Michigan, Haggard House by Elisabeth Rhoads is a haunting tale told from multiple connected perspectives—though mostly concerning Adam and Penny. Adam is the son of a woman who is devoted to religion to the point it induces her into committing abuse against her husband, and he is brought up to strictly follow her directives and interpretation of the Bible. Penny is his classmate who befriends him even though his mother wishes him to remain apart from others, and although she is seen as a “heathen”, she and her mother are warm-hearted and friendly, a direct contrast to Adam’s cold and forbidding mother. We follow along as the children grow into young adults, and the hold of Adam’s mother intensifies even as he struggles to escape her grasp.
This story is intense, and the religious discussion feels like one wave after another crashing onto a shore with little respite. I found I could not easily stop reading this book. It made me uneasy, and I was always bracing for something awful around the corner, but I would tell myself “I’ll finish this chapter and then take a break”, only to finish the chapter and instantly want to read the next one. They’re short—86 chapters in 402 pages will do that—so it also makes the book seem to pass by quickly. This is a gothic horror that leaves you with little room to breathe as you turn the pages to find out what terrible thing awaits the characters next.
People with trauma toward religion would do well to steer VERY clear of this book. Otherwise, I could recommend it to readers who enjoy the exploration of the damage such strict abstention and religious zeal can do not just to the people who follow these self-imposed rules but to those around them. I enjoyed the ending as it was a nice parallel to the opening while being completely opposite in tone.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story is intense, and the religious discussion feels like one wave after another crashing onto a shore with little respite. I found I could not easily stop reading this book. It made me uneasy, and I was always bracing for something awful around the corner, but I would tell myself “I’ll finish this chapter and then take a break”, only to finish the chapter and instantly want to read the next one. They’re short—86 chapters in 402 pages will do that—so it also makes the book seem to pass by quickly. This is a gothic horror that leaves you with little room to breathe as you turn the pages to find out what terrible thing awaits the characters next.
People with trauma toward religion would do well to steer VERY clear of this book. Otherwise, I could recommend it to readers who enjoy the exploration of the damage such strict abstention and religious zeal can do not just to the people who follow these self-imposed rules but to those around them. I enjoyed the ending as it was a nice parallel to the opening while being completely opposite in tone.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 15, 2025
Haggard House is an intense, emotional, and physiological novel about religious trauma and then repercussions of living such an enclosed life.
Adam, Pa, and Sarai are like any other family. Except that Sarai, the mother, is an intense, abusive, and controlling woman who lives her life by the Bible even if it means hurting her family.
This book caused me many emotions, mostly deep sadness for Adam, Penny, and Pa. I could feel like all the characters were ready to explode, and some secrets were lingering that I was in dire need to find out.
Thank you, Netgalley and Bodger Books, for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Adam, Pa, and Sarai are like any other family. Except that Sarai, the mother, is an intense, abusive, and controlling woman who lives her life by the Bible even if it means hurting her family.
This book caused me many emotions, mostly deep sadness for Adam, Penny, and Pa. I could feel like all the characters were ready to explode, and some secrets were lingering that I was in dire need to find out.
Thank you, Netgalley and Bodger Books, for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
April 22, 2025
In its dilapidated isolation on the margins of town, Haggard House is said to be cursed. No one goes there. Is it the house? Or the people who live there?
Set in 1850s Michigan, Adam is a child kept apart from society until he begins school when he is eleven years old. Instructed by his religiously zealous mother to guard himself against corrupting influence, and under the watchful eye of the town's stern Old Testament minister, Adam tries to resist friendship's forbidden temptations as offered by his classmate Penny. As Adam's worldview widens he's challenged to keep precious secrets safe within and to simultaneously stay true to his spare devotional lifestyle, his love for Penny, and his duty to his mother and to God.
I began reading Haggard House in installment previews on Substack and I was instantly taken in. The novel was well-conceived and skillfully crafted with a taut structure and ensnaring narration. From the start, this twisted Gothic tale reminded me of Hawthorne—not in style, but in its dark psychological themes revolving around family, sin, guilt, deception, the crumbling house and its symbolism, and its tentative ambiguity between supernatural and human agency.
Evocatively layered, interweaving multiple perspectives, the novel achieves a suspenseful foreboding and poignantly sinister atmosphere that is deeply unsettling, yet keeps the reader wanting more. The characters are entangled in desire for salvation and autonomy; bound by love, duty, and fear; and shaped by lies and traumatic abuse. Despite the oppressiveness, I didn't actually want the novel to end and thereby I have to leave behind characters that I had become emotionally attached to. And, although I yearned for a different outcome, the conclusion was, nonetheless, satisfying.
I am grateful to the author, Elizabeth Rhodes, Bodger Books, and BookSirens for a full Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) for my honest review. If you enjoy Gothic psychological fiction, I highly recommend Haggard House .
Content Notes:
Set in 1850s Michigan, Adam is a child kept apart from society until he begins school when he is eleven years old. Instructed by his religiously zealous mother to guard himself against corrupting influence, and under the watchful eye of the town's stern Old Testament minister, Adam tries to resist friendship's forbidden temptations as offered by his classmate Penny. As Adam's worldview widens he's challenged to keep precious secrets safe within and to simultaneously stay true to his spare devotional lifestyle, his love for Penny, and his duty to his mother and to God.
I began reading Haggard House in installment previews on Substack and I was instantly taken in. The novel was well-conceived and skillfully crafted with a taut structure and ensnaring narration. From the start, this twisted Gothic tale reminded me of Hawthorne—not in style, but in its dark psychological themes revolving around family, sin, guilt, deception, the crumbling house and its symbolism, and its tentative ambiguity between supernatural and human agency.
Evocatively layered, interweaving multiple perspectives, the novel achieves a suspenseful foreboding and poignantly sinister atmosphere that is deeply unsettling, yet keeps the reader wanting more. The characters are entangled in desire for salvation and autonomy; bound by love, duty, and fear; and shaped by lies and traumatic abuse. Despite the oppressiveness, I didn't actually want the novel to end and thereby I have to leave behind characters that I had become emotionally attached to. And, although I yearned for a different outcome, the conclusion was, nonetheless, satisfying.
I am grateful to the author, Elizabeth Rhodes, Bodger Books, and BookSirens for a full Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) for my honest review. If you enjoy Gothic psychological fiction, I highly recommend Haggard House .
Content Notes:
June 28, 2025
Haggard House is an unusual historical fiction set in Michigan 1859, and one which kept me greedily turning pages well into the early hours of the night. I can’t quite believe this Elisabeth Rhoads’ debut and the genre is far from limited to historical fiction, as we find both chilling horror and suspense as well as juxtaposed romance; despite the slow burn of the plot, it took me little time to become fully engrossed, because the different tales told from multiple character’s viewpoints were so richly and perfectly drawn and I was constantly seeking the bread crumbs of connection. The union of the tales was all the more gratifying in the climatic end due to the edifying structure of developing narration.
Haggard House itself is a decrepit house which is enveloped in hauntingly fearful myth, and avoided by all whom lives in the surrounding area except for its occupants, Sarai the mother of Adam and devout and obsessive Christian, and Peter the gentle carpenter, Adam’s Pa. This setting of the isolated house in the woods’ edge haunts the storyline of young Adam, whom follows in his mother’s footsteps in his pious devotion to God. When Adam attends school at the age of 11, his reputation from Haggard House precedes him and he appears a somewhat neglected young man whom captures the attention and care of a young pretty girl with copper hair, Penny. The story then unfolds of the entwined lives of Adam and Penny, along with connections between significant others in the village.
The plot, which I won’t detail further, is rather ingenious and one which I will admire long after I’ve finished reading this. I would not hesitate in recommending it to anyone whom enjoys literary historical fiction with many suspenseful twists and turns. I’ll certainly be looking out for Elisabeth’s Rhoad’s future books, an author whom I will no doubt read whatever she writes.
Big thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.
June 15, 2025
From the first pages of this engrossing novel, the reader knows that something is amiss in Haggard House, the dwelling thus named by the community because of its history, the behavior of its inhabitants, and the rumors that persist. And author Elisabeth Rhoads manages to keep a thread of mystery and suspense pulsing throughout the story, as the horrors of the house are slowly revealed, culminating in the eerie and shocking ending.
The setting is 1850s Michigan, a rural community anchored, like many, by the local church. Adam Bolton is the only child of religious parents; his mother, especially, is a fervent follower of the Word. Rhoads tells the story through first-person “narratives”—that of Adam and his father Peter, and a local man, Silas Whittemore, and Penny Haworth, the young woman who lures Adam off the righteous path his mother has set for him. The love story of Adam and Penny is one for the ages; both are innocents and sinners in the ways all people are, bound by childhood lessons but ready to make their own decisions, too. But it’s more complicated than two young people trying to be together. At home, Adam’s parents have a strange relationship that hints of violence, and Penny has been receiving gory tokens she takes as threats. Adam himself is torn between his faith and desire.
Through the alternating perspectives, the reader slowly discovers the entire saga of this place and these people. Haggard House is the author’s debut, part historical fiction, part suspense with a tinge of horror, all good storytelling. Rhoads has written a page-turning read that sustains a creepy tone from start to finish, with several shocks throughout. It’s a fantastic read you’ll be recommending to your friends.
The setting is 1850s Michigan, a rural community anchored, like many, by the local church. Adam Bolton is the only child of religious parents; his mother, especially, is a fervent follower of the Word. Rhoads tells the story through first-person “narratives”—that of Adam and his father Peter, and a local man, Silas Whittemore, and Penny Haworth, the young woman who lures Adam off the righteous path his mother has set for him. The love story of Adam and Penny is one for the ages; both are innocents and sinners in the ways all people are, bound by childhood lessons but ready to make their own decisions, too. But it’s more complicated than two young people trying to be together. At home, Adam’s parents have a strange relationship that hints of violence, and Penny has been receiving gory tokens she takes as threats. Adam himself is torn between his faith and desire.
Through the alternating perspectives, the reader slowly discovers the entire saga of this place and these people. Haggard House is the author’s debut, part historical fiction, part suspense with a tinge of horror, all good storytelling. Rhoads has written a page-turning read that sustains a creepy tone from start to finish, with several shocks throughout. It’s a fantastic read you’ll be recommending to your friends.
July 26, 2025
Haggard House: A Chilling Exploration of Forbidden Friendships and Lingering Darkness
Elisabeth Rhoads' Haggard House plunges readers into the stifling world of young Adam Bolton, confined to the isolated titular house and stifled by his devout mother. His forbidden friendship with the curious Penny sparks a vibrant internal life, in stark contrast to his restrictive environment.
This novel is unique in it's structure, it employs a shifting perspective that shows the story through the eyes of different characters. This technique is a fascinating and challenging reading experience, revealing the depth of Elisabeth's storytelling prowess. The meticulous historical research and the authentic language easily transports the reader back to 1859 Michigan.
This helps to set Haggard House apart to instill a genuine unease. This isn't just another horror novel; it's a descent into unsettling territory, a narrative that progresses into a truly sinister experience. The house itself emanates a palpable sense of dread, and the actions of certain characters are both disturbing and memorable, leaving a lasting impact. The unpredictability of these figures will have readers rooting for the well-being of the more amiable characters, creating a truly captivating and suspenseful read. This book masterfully crafts genuinely evil characters, making for a compelling and unforgettable story.
Elisabeth Rhoads' Haggard House plunges readers into the stifling world of young Adam Bolton, confined to the isolated titular house and stifled by his devout mother. His forbidden friendship with the curious Penny sparks a vibrant internal life, in stark contrast to his restrictive environment.
This novel is unique in it's structure, it employs a shifting perspective that shows the story through the eyes of different characters. This technique is a fascinating and challenging reading experience, revealing the depth of Elisabeth's storytelling prowess. The meticulous historical research and the authentic language easily transports the reader back to 1859 Michigan.
This helps to set Haggard House apart to instill a genuine unease. This isn't just another horror novel; it's a descent into unsettling territory, a narrative that progresses into a truly sinister experience. The house itself emanates a palpable sense of dread, and the actions of certain characters are both disturbing and memorable, leaving a lasting impact. The unpredictability of these figures will have readers rooting for the well-being of the more amiable characters, creating a truly captivating and suspenseful read. This book masterfully crafts genuinely evil characters, making for a compelling and unforgettable story.
Read
May 12, 2025Haggard House follows a young Adam in the 1850s, who lives in a house people think is haunted and who has remained mostly isolated with his family. His mom is incredibly religious and has imparted this on Adam, even going so far as to tell him not to engage with any kids at school because they would make him stray from his religious ways. When Adam meets Penny at school, this sets off a chain of events that will lead Adam on his own personal journey that may have him questioning his mother and way of life.
This book really surprised me (in the best way!). The story was so well-written, and for those who are a bit scared of taking on a historical fiction book no worries - the writing is easy to follow and the chapters are short (which I really love). I also loved how Rhoads created this subtle mystery/suspense throughout the novel - it was so compelling and it was done so beautifully. I connected so much with Adam and wanted the best for him but then I also wanted to figure out what in the world was going on throughout town/in his house/ with his mother! This book really deserves to become a popular read!
Thank you to author Elizabeth Rhodes, Bodger Books, and BookSirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book really surprised me (in the best way!). The story was so well-written, and for those who are a bit scared of taking on a historical fiction book no worries - the writing is easy to follow and the chapters are short (which I really love). I also loved how Rhoads created this subtle mystery/suspense throughout the novel - it was so compelling and it was done so beautifully. I connected so much with Adam and wanted the best for him but then I also wanted to figure out what in the world was going on throughout town/in his house/ with his mother! This book really deserves to become a popular read!
Thank you to author Elizabeth Rhodes, Bodger Books, and BookSirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 13, 2025
Haggard House is everything I crave in a gothic novel—decay, obsession, secrets, and a house that feels more alive than the people trapped inside it.
From the first page, the atmosphere wraps around you like a velvet curtain soaked in rain. The writing is lush, eerie, and cinematic. Rhoads masterfully crafts a slow burn of psychological tension that builds and cracks like the portrait on the cover. Every creaking floorboard and candlelit hallway is saturated with dread and memory.
The protagonist is haunted not only by the house, but by grief, guilt, and generational trauma. The way the past and present collide is chilling and beautifully executed. I didn’t want to leave, even when the shadows got too close.
If you love Rebecca, The Haunting of Hill House, or The Little Stranger, Haggard House deserves a place on your gothic TBR. I closed the book and immediately wanted to reread it—just to feel the unease again. Check your trigger warnings
Final thoughts: Atmospheric, haunting, and utterly absorbing. Haggard House isn’t just a setting—it’s a character, and one you won’t forget.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
From the first page, the atmosphere wraps around you like a velvet curtain soaked in rain. The writing is lush, eerie, and cinematic. Rhoads masterfully crafts a slow burn of psychological tension that builds and cracks like the portrait on the cover. Every creaking floorboard and candlelit hallway is saturated with dread and memory.
The protagonist is haunted not only by the house, but by grief, guilt, and generational trauma. The way the past and present collide is chilling and beautifully executed. I didn’t want to leave, even when the shadows got too close.
If you love Rebecca, The Haunting of Hill House, or The Little Stranger, Haggard House deserves a place on your gothic TBR. I closed the book and immediately wanted to reread it—just to feel the unease again. Check your trigger warnings
Final thoughts: Atmospheric, haunting, and utterly absorbing. Haggard House isn’t just a setting—it’s a character, and one you won’t forget.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 31, 2025
Actual Rating 2.5
This work is told from multiple POVs, generally from Adam's and Penny's. There is a POV that doesn't seem to fit until the connection is made clear near the end of the book. The characters were decently written. It was interesting to see the relationship between Adam and his mother, how it changed over time and how it stayed the same. i liked Penny's character and getting to watch both her and Adam grow up and change over many years.
I think I would have liked this work more if its genre was represented more clearly. This work is listed as a thriller, but that couldn't be further from the truth. I'd say it's a historical fiction with some darker moments that offer a little suspense scattered here and there, that finally becomes a bit more suspenseful in the last third of the book. I went in expecting a thriller but got a slower historical fiction.
Overall this was a decent read that explored some interesting themes, but expect a slow pace and more of a historical fiction feel than anything else. My thanks to BookSirens and the author for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This work is told from multiple POVs, generally from Adam's and Penny's. There is a POV that doesn't seem to fit until the connection is made clear near the end of the book. The characters were decently written. It was interesting to see the relationship between Adam and his mother, how it changed over time and how it stayed the same. i liked Penny's character and getting to watch both her and Adam grow up and change over many years.
I think I would have liked this work more if its genre was represented more clearly. This work is listed as a thriller, but that couldn't be further from the truth. I'd say it's a historical fiction with some darker moments that offer a little suspense scattered here and there, that finally becomes a bit more suspenseful in the last third of the book. I went in expecting a thriller but got a slower historical fiction.
Overall this was a decent read that explored some interesting themes, but expect a slow pace and more of a historical fiction feel than anything else. My thanks to BookSirens and the author for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 28, 2025
Haggard House is well-written historical & psychological work of fiction with a gothic edge. It is told primarily from the POV of the young male protagonist, growing up with an over-bearing, ultra-religious mother, (though we do also get some POV chapters from the boy’s love interest and his father.) The book is set in 19th-century Michigan, and the author has set the tone well for the times, particularly the austere mother and the dark and dank Haggard House, where the boy resides. There is no subtlety in how the pious, God-fearing characters behave cruelly, in contrast to the “heathens”, who are all warmth and kindness. The book was interesting to a degree, watching the painfully slow development of the very damaged MC, as he slowly begins to understand what he has become, and why. But I thought that the book went on too long and after a while, I was looking forward to the end.
This is my honest review, and I am posting it voluntarily. Thanks to the author & publisher for the give-away opportunity that enabled me to win this book.
This is my honest review, and I am posting it voluntarily. Thanks to the author & publisher for the give-away opportunity that enabled me to win this book.
April 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Bodger Books.
When Adam Bolton starts school at the age of 11, the only person who tries to get close to him is his classmate Penny. Adam keeps the friendship in a secret corner of his mind because he knows his zealot mother would never approve.
So begins the story of this family that seems to revolve around the obsessions of Sarai, Adam's mother. Not only will we see how this childhood love turns into an adult love marked by Adam's upbringing, but we will also learn about the events that drove his mother to such extremes and how they influence Adam's life and the lives of all those around her.
A story of narratives where we alternate points of view between the different characters until we come to see the big picture.
It is a story with many layers, intense, complex, with a mix of genres, at times it is romance, at other times it makes you feel deeply unsettled but never indifferent, which makes it unique. Highly recommended.
When Adam Bolton starts school at the age of 11, the only person who tries to get close to him is his classmate Penny. Adam keeps the friendship in a secret corner of his mind because he knows his zealot mother would never approve.
So begins the story of this family that seems to revolve around the obsessions of Sarai, Adam's mother. Not only will we see how this childhood love turns into an adult love marked by Adam's upbringing, but we will also learn about the events that drove his mother to such extremes and how they influence Adam's life and the lives of all those around her.
A story of narratives where we alternate points of view between the different characters until we come to see the big picture.
It is a story with many layers, intense, complex, with a mix of genres, at times it is romance, at other times it makes you feel deeply unsettled but never indifferent, which makes it unique. Highly recommended.
April 14, 2025
ARC Review of The Haggard House by Elizabeth Rhoads
Publication date 15 July 2025
I was blown away by Elizabeth Rhoads' 'The Haggard House'! The writing style is exceptional, particularly in weaving together different character perspectives. I went into this book blind, and was pleasantly surprised to delve into a psychological thriller. The author's storytelling had me hooked from the start. The language and setting perfectly transport me to the era.
What truly stands out is the author's handling of complex, emotional themes. The main character's struggles are deeply nuanced, evoking a range of emotions. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read this ARC and highly recommend it to fans of atmospheric, thought-provoking thrillers.
Thank you to Elizabeth Rhoads for the free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date 15 July 2025
I was blown away by Elizabeth Rhoads' 'The Haggard House'! The writing style is exceptional, particularly in weaving together different character perspectives. I went into this book blind, and was pleasantly surprised to delve into a psychological thriller. The author's storytelling had me hooked from the start. The language and setting perfectly transport me to the era.
What truly stands out is the author's handling of complex, emotional themes. The main character's struggles are deeply nuanced, evoking a range of emotions. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read this ARC and highly recommend it to fans of atmospheric, thought-provoking thrillers.
Thank you to Elizabeth Rhoads for the free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2025
I absolutely loved this novel! It’s beautiful and alive and compelling and haunting—not in a ghostly way, but in the way that beliefs can haunt a life into darkness. Yes, Haggard House pulls readers into its darkness, but oh the light Rhoads lets in. Adam and Penny shine throughout the novel. They’re the kind of characters so breathtakingly real, I carried them with me throughout my days like friends—worrying about their difficulties and hoping for the best for them. The authenticity of Adam’s struggle with religion especially spoke to me, but it’s the love story, complex and beautiful, that gives the novel its heart. Haggard House, layered with depth and wisdom, is one of my favorite reads this year. Rhoads immersed me into its world from page one and kept me in its spell until the brilliant ending.
July 15, 2025
3.5 🌟 rounded up
What a different and fascinating book! I had a hard time deciding how to rate this one. I was under the impression that it would be more of a mystery/thriller, but that was not the case.
Haggard House is evenly paced, if a bit slow for my liking. It's a dreadful historical fiction mystery that is sometimes claustrophobic, especially in the aptly named house. It's told from multiple POVs, mostly Penny and Adam. I found myself so frustrated with Adam and his mother, Sarai. Even when the truth is revealed at the end, I can't find it in myself to empathize with Sarai and how she treated everyone. The ending had some satisfaction to it, at least.
Recommended for fans of slower-paced historical fiction with a creepy, haunting edge. I would consider reading it in the colder months to add to the atmosphere.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bodger Books for the ARC.
What a different and fascinating book! I had a hard time deciding how to rate this one. I was under the impression that it would be more of a mystery/thriller, but that was not the case.
Haggard House is evenly paced, if a bit slow for my liking. It's a dreadful historical fiction mystery that is sometimes claustrophobic, especially in the aptly named house. It's told from multiple POVs, mostly Penny and Adam. I found myself so frustrated with Adam and his mother, Sarai. Even when the truth is revealed at the end, I can't find it in myself to empathize with Sarai and how she treated everyone. The ending had some satisfaction to it, at least.
Recommended for fans of slower-paced historical fiction with a creepy, haunting edge. I would consider reading it in the colder months to add to the atmosphere.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bodger Books for the ARC.
April 24, 2025
This novel had everything from historical elements to a touch of horror and suspense to a bittersweet ending. The author uses different perspectives of different characters to tell the tale masterfully. Not once as a reader was I ever confused and all was revealed in good time by the end of the story.
The story and characters were believable and evident of a great deal of research by the author. It shows that some characters were not what they seemed while explaining adequately why some characters became the way they were.
Definitely highly recommend this author and will be reading more of her novels.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story and characters were believable and evident of a great deal of research by the author. It shows that some characters were not what they seemed while explaining adequately why some characters became the way they were.
Definitely highly recommend this author and will be reading more of her novels.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 3, 2025
Isolated location, isolated minds.
In Haggard House, Elisabeth Rhoads’ debut psychological suspense novel, Adam Bolton is raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the 1850s by a controlling, religious zealot. As the story unfolds, his mother’s teachings push and pull at Adam, influencing every aspect of his life, especially his relationship with Penny Haworth. By the end, we learn the origin of his mother’s beliefs and that none of the book’s villains are truly bad. (Well, except maybe one.) Unnerving and meticulously researched, Haggard House encourages its readers to question long-held beliefs before they destroy everything.
In Haggard House, Elisabeth Rhoads’ debut psychological suspense novel, Adam Bolton is raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the 1850s by a controlling, religious zealot. As the story unfolds, his mother’s teachings push and pull at Adam, influencing every aspect of his life, especially his relationship with Penny Haworth. By the end, we learn the origin of his mother’s beliefs and that none of the book’s villains are truly bad. (Well, except maybe one.) Unnerving and meticulously researched, Haggard House encourages its readers to question long-held beliefs before they destroy everything.
April 20, 2025
This worked so well in this time-period and genre. I thought the characters worked well in this plot. It uses the suspenseful atmosphere perfectly and thought the use of the house worked perfectly. I was engaged with the characters and how they were told in this storyline. Elisabeth Rhoads was able to weave a strong tale and had that element that I was hoping for and enjoyed in this type of genre. I'm excited to read more from Elisabeth Rhoads as this was really well done.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 17, 2025
Haggard House by Rhoads is a chilling and emotionally intense coming-of-age novel that explores themes of familial and community control, particularly through the lens of religious guilt and shame. Deeply disturbing yet powerfully written, the story evokes strong emotional reactions—disgust, anger, heartbreak, and hope. Rhoads masterfully crafts a narrative that makes readers root for the underdog while confronting harsh truths. A haunting but exceptional read for those who can stomach its darker elements.
April 24, 2025
This book was so good! It was genuinely unsettling, and scary. I didn't know much about this time period in Michigan when I started this book, but from the description it sounded like something I would like. I was so surprised to be genuinely unsettled reading this book, and the house idea is just brilliant. I really liked that it told the story from different character perspectives. I would highly recommend!
June 19, 2025
Thank you to Bodger Books, the author and NetGalley for a DRC in return for an honest review
What begins as a coming of age story turns into something darker - blending historical fiction, psychological suspense and a touch of gothic horror.
If you enjoy emotionally rich stories with historical depth and a slow burning sense of dread, Haggard House will not disappoint. It's unsettling, beautifully written, and impossible to forget.
#HaggardHouse #NetGalley
What begins as a coming of age story turns into something darker - blending historical fiction, psychological suspense and a touch of gothic horror.
If you enjoy emotionally rich stories with historical depth and a slow burning sense of dread, Haggard House will not disappoint. It's unsettling, beautifully written, and impossible to forget.
#HaggardHouse #NetGalley
June 27, 2025
My friend, Elisabeth Rhoads, provided me with an ARC for reading and reviewing.
What a fascinating novel, crafted with such care and attention to detail. It is excellent at conveying mood and atmosphere, a gothic tale of a small town in Michigan in the latter half of the 19th century. Told from varying perspectives, the mysteries at its core slowly unwind as the two people at the story's heart grow up and discover both the truths of their histories and a way to move forward with their lives.
What a fascinating novel, crafted with such care and attention to detail. It is excellent at conveying mood and atmosphere, a gothic tale of a small town in Michigan in the latter half of the 19th century. Told from varying perspectives, the mysteries at its core slowly unwind as the two people at the story's heart grow up and discover both the truths of their histories and a way to move forward with their lives.
July 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. I grew up in Michigan and my mom taught state history, so I'm always on the look for a good Historical Fiction set in the state. Though I knew this history, I don't feel like it's a requirement to enjoy the story.
Told from multiple POV's, this was unsettling and scary with layers and a mix of genres.
Highly recommended!
Thank you to the author and Book Sirens for providing a free ARC in exchange for my review.
Told from multiple POV's, this was unsettling and scary with layers and a mix of genres.
Highly recommended!
Thank you to the author and Book Sirens for providing a free ARC in exchange for my review.
May 30, 2025
Rounding up to 3 ⭐
Very much a slow burn, with some moments that are a good pay off for the time spent reading.
I spent a good while puzzling over the dynamics of Adam and his mother, and indeed other characters.
It was never a book I rushed back to, but I'm glad I read it all to discover all its secrets
Very much a slow burn, with some moments that are a good pay off for the time spent reading.
I spent a good while puzzling over the dynamics of Adam and his mother, and indeed other characters.
It was never a book I rushed back to, but I'm glad I read it all to discover all its secrets
June 17, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Badger Books for this advanced reading.
I absolutely loved this novel! I went into this book blind, and was pleasantly surprised to delve into a atmospheric, thought-provoking thriller. It was beautiful and alive and compelling and haunting.
Definitely highly recommend this author and will be reading more of her future work.
I absolutely loved this novel! I went into this book blind, and was pleasantly surprised to delve into a atmospheric, thought-provoking thriller. It was beautiful and alive and compelling and haunting.
Definitely highly recommend this author and will be reading more of her future work.
August 13, 2025
I don't read many thrillers or historical stories from the 1800s, but this novel drew me in with its layered format that kept me turning pages. The writing felt authentic and compelling, and I was left to guess what was going to happen next. I found myself genuinely absorbed and creeped out at times. Thoroughly enjoyable and richly immersive.
August 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! It was hard to put down! There was a lot of mystery to it, and it was fun trying to figure it all out while I was reading.
July 21, 2025
I always love a historical fiction with underlying (and overlying) themes of religious trauma! I went into Haggard House not really knowing what to expect and it didn't disappoint. A claustrophobic setting, culty vibes, and fast-paced storyline made it an enjoyable read!
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