Crowfield House

by Monica McGuinness

Don’t miss this haunting gothic debut perfect for fans of CJ Cooke, Sarah A. Denzil, and Carissa Orlando . . .

“Seeped in atmosphere and drenched in dread – a beautifully written gothic thriller”
“A compelling tale of memory, loss, and the ghosts we can’t outrun”
“Eerie, emotional, and utterly gripping”

CROWFIELD HOUSE, Nora Collins’ ancestral a neglected wreck and perpetual shrine to her missing son, Eric. “Of course it’s not haunted, it’s just a strange old house,” Nora tells her children, and they believe her. Well, Elspeth does—but Eric has his doubts. Then on a stormy summer night, they both go into the woods of Crowfield, but only Elspeth returns, barely alive.

The years have passed and Nora still remains in Crowfield, unable to leave. Elspeth struggles with her memories, her fears of what really happened that fateful night.

Then, after Nora’s sudden death, Elspeth returns to Crowfield—and as strange events occur, mirroring that tragic summer’s events, she becomes increasingly troubled.

Can she unlock her memories and find out what really happened to Eric? Or will she run out of time?

A story of memory, mystery, and the darkness that binds us.
Crowfield House is a modern-day gothic thriller that will keep you turning pages late into the night.

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2025

Reviews

[John Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A house full of secrets!

What a wonderful and absorbing story of family secrets and tragedies. It was a modern-day gothic mystery, set in rural Ireland and conveyed with just a hint of the supernatural.

A crumbling farmhouse, home to a reclusive elderly lady, a woman destroyed by the tragic disappearance of her young son many years previously. A mother who blamed her daughter for her son's apparent death - no body was ever found.

However, is the 'dead' child trying to contact the living and befriend another young child through the medium of his rather spooky puppet? After all, this is no ordinary family who reside at Crowfield House.

This highly atmospheric story was very well written, with believable characters and an absorbing plotline.

Highly recommended!

[Haly Hoards Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆
This novel has all of the elements that a good ghost story/haunted house story requires. With knocks in the walls, footsteps on wooden floorboards, faces in windows and a very creepy wooden puppet, Walter, a sense of foreboding is always present.

McGuinness does an excellent job of building the tension, giving the reader a chance to calm and then building the tension once again. Reading was a great roller-coaster ride!

Each character is fully defined. I felt as if I knew each character well by the end. Even Crowfield House is a character in its own right.

I received a copy of Crowfield House for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Monica McGuinness, Booksirens and the publisher.

This is a good way to begin spooky season, or any time you want a thrill!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Crowfield House immediately captured my attention with its eerie, atmospheric setting. Monica McGuinness does an excellent job creating that creeping sense of unease that lingers throughout the story. The house itself almost feels like a living, breathing character—dark, mysterious, and filled with secrets just waiting to be uncovered.

One element that really stuck with me was the puppet. It was so creepy! Every time it appeared, I felt this chill run through me. The way McGuinness described it—its movements, its presence—it added the perfect layer of psychological horror to the suspense. It wasn’t just there for shock value; it was woven into the story in a way that made the tension even sharper.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I also loved the pacing of the book. It’s not a heavy, slow read—it moves quickly but still gives you enough time to feel the weight of the house’s history and the main character’s emotional unraveling. The suspense builds steadily, with twists that kept me guessing, and I was genuinely invested in seeing how the past would finally come to light.

This is a perfect read if you enjoy:

• Creepy old houses

• A chilling, slow-burn mystery

• Objects that might just have a life of their own

• Characters haunted by their pasts

[Gjohnson135 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I started reading this book, it seemed to move along slowly. I thought to myself, this is not a page turner, maybe it will not hold my interest. I put it down. Then strange things happen, and yes, it drew me in. I loved Heather and Adam, their relationship is entering a new phase. Adam is a very special brother and person. It took me longer to find a path to Elspeth. I was not an immediate fan of hers. Finally meeting Ben, his story was unexpected and touched my heart. Nora just made me mad, with a lifetime of secrets and questionable decisions. Secrets fester and the harm they inflict linger long after they are uncovered. In the end, this is a page turner. The story is well-written and I found it calling me to its finish. I could imagine Crowfield House around me, it was uncomfortable. I have to share, Watler was just plain creepy. That was not a surprise. Good Job! Thank you for this story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book, I couldn't wait for it to end. When I finished this book, I wished it were longer. This is a very absorbing, sometimes haunting story of two women who have (or had) their younger brothers in their charge, and things sometimes go horribly awry. Full of secrets and mysteries and perhaps a bit of misdirection from time to time, I found myself walking the halls of Crowfield House, afraid of what was behind the next door. But as Elspeth reminds her younger brother, Eric, there is no such thing as ghosts....or are there? A highly recommended read.

This ARC was provided by BookSirens, the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book initially caught my eye because it struck me as being an emotionally-charged story about an old, slightly spooky house. As someone who had recently gone through quite a devastating loss I wanted to see how the writer discussed grief as I could see it was a big part of the novel. This book provided such a realistic and heart-prodding portrayal of grief and I think I read this book exactly when I needed to. It was an interesting premise, a thought-provoking plotline, and it absolutely delivered on the spooky vibes it promised. I think it is important to note that this was my first book from this author and I am beyond excited to read whatever she may write next. I recommend this book if you want a gripping yet devastating gothic mystery on the ghosts from our past that we carry with us into our futures.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed most of this novel! It kept me guessing, and had my attention until the last 15% or so. I wouldn't say a "twist" (by then I had put most pieces together), but an added element just didn't feel necessary took away from the novel, itself, for me. This was just a personal feeling, and I don't feel it will negatively affect others' opinion.

Recommended.

[Katrina Freckleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quickly, i was invested in this book and its story following the life of Elspeth and the mystery that surrounds her family. The author draws you in and involves other characters to help spin a story so fantastic that I did not see the ending. The similarities between what happened then and now kept me wondering where it was leading but it all wraps up nicely in the end.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Diane Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, totally eerie throughout with a few surprises, especially at the end. The author really develops the characters, both human and toys!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I was under the impression that I would be reading a gothic horror inspired book. As I read this book it was clear that this book became a multi-layered story of love, loss and redemption via the newer generation. The secrets kept by this Crowfield family were many and affected so many different people. The information kept secret, if got out, would destroy lives. Luckily the information did not get into the wrong hands or Adam and Heather might have been in danger not because Adam could communicate with ghosts but because the Crowfield’s would not allow their reputation to be besmirched. I was glad that Elspeth came up the solution to Eric’s disappearance therefore protecting Ben. Secret keeping really has no happy ending.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just okay for me, and I’m honestly surprised it has over four stars on Goodreads. The pacing dragged—so much so that I felt like I could have read the first few chapters and the last few and ended up just as satisfied. It did have some creepy moments, which I enjoyed, but the ending was a little too far fetched for my taste.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting story complete with a creepy house that seems to have a mind of its own — it’s called Crowfield House. The crows gather behind the house and are often referred to initially. I thought they would play a greater part in the plot. It seems they were mostly atmospheric to enhance the gothic vibes.

Nora uproots her two children from Australia and moves to Ireland when she inherits Uncle Harry’s house. It seems she is the last living relative. She initially tells the children it is just a holiday, then an extended stay and finally they realize they are never leaving. Elsbeth does not love the house and sees strange things. Eric who is about 6 years younger doesn’t seem to mind. As an adult, Elsbeth has moved away but is plagued by nightmares and insomnia. When her mother passes, she finds the courage to confront her fears.

In the meantime, Heather’s mother has also passed and she becomes guardian to her younger brother, Adam. They move to the same town where Crowfield is located. Heather is hired to clean Crowfield and check in on Mrs. Collins but after two visits she quits. She senses a shift in Adam which she attributes to the house. It seems Adam may have inherited their mothers gift where the lines between life and death are blurred.

It is creepy with talk of familiars, ghosts and a possibly possessed Marionette (actually a familiar according to Adam).

We learn a little about Heather’s life. But, the focus is on Elsbeth, her childhood and her vague memories. She hopes to remember the past and deal with it in order to heal.

I felt this was well written and freely suspended disbelief about the house.

I received a free digital advanced reader’s copy from BookSirens and leave this review voluntarily.

[Jean Drennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it 💜

[FeatherQuill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this. Haven't read anything so intriguing in a long time, like stepping back into a 1950's movie with all those tingling sensations that are so eerie and pleasant at the same time. Felt as though I were with the characters, living it all with them, highly recommend!

[Karen Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome, kind of creepy, scary, lovely, can’t-put-it-down book! As soon as I started reading this book, I knew it was going to be a great read. The words flow so easily, I never once felt the dialogue was awkward or descriptions were too much. The author makes you feel as if you’re there, seeing what is going on. The story line is powerful and the characters likable (some a little creepy). I highly recommend this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachel Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gothic mystery had me gripped from beginning to end. Set against the eerie backdrop of Crowfield House, the novel centres on Elspeth, whose brother Eric vanished without a trace in the woods behind the estate when they were children. Ever since that night, one she can’t fully remember, Elspeth has suffered from insomnia, emotional distance from her mother, and a deep-rooted fear of returning home. But when she unexpectedly inherits Crowfield House, she’s forced to confront the past that’s haunted her for years.
Elspeth hires Heather to help clean the crumbling house, and Heather brings along her younger brother Adam, who, like their late mother, possesses an unsettling ability to communicate with the dead. His eerie connection to a puppet becomes a key to unlocking the house’s long-buried secrets.
Atmospheric and well-paced, the novel explores the emotional aftermath of trauma and loss through a supernatural lens. The characters are vivid and engaging, the twists genuinely surprising, and the unsettling presence of Crowfield House lingers throughout. A chilling, beautifully written story that kept me guessing right until the final page.

Many thanks to Book Sirens who provided an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Annie Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved most was how the house itself became a character—mysterious, alive, and holding secrets that begged to be uncovered. The mix of history, family tension, and haunting emotion gave the story real weight, while the prose carried this lyrical, almost cinematic quality that stuck with me.

The only reason it’s not a full five stars is that a few slower sections pulled me out of the momentum, but honestly, that’s part of the charm of a book like this—it lingers, it meanders, and it makes you think.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I was drawn to this book by the cover and for some reason I thought it was historical fiction. When I realised it had Gothic vibes I was a bit wary as it’s not my usual genre. So I started reading it with mixed feelings. Well I’m so glad I continued reading it as it was a really good read. I could almost feel the spookiness and creepy vibes oozing out of the pages as I progressed through the story. Walter really gave me the heebie jeebies (hope that’s a word ). A medium paced read that I felt slowed down a bit half way through but then sped up again. A chilling and creepy debut book from Ms McGuinness and I look forward to reading more books by her in the future.

[Kymm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a big thriller reader, but I do love a good gothic thriller and Crowfield House was just what I wanted. The book has all the components that make a gothic thriller good the creepy house, the mysterious goings on at the house and the chilling story associated with the house or its residents. I was on the edge of my seat and had to finish it. The character's complicated backgrounds were written so well they sprang from the pages with each one playing their part in the past history or present circumstances of this house. It was all very exciting. I highly recommend this one. I've not read anything from Monica McGuinness before so I can't wait to see what she writes next. If this is any indication, I'm in. Happy Reading!

[Miss Lorraine Draper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars plus.

I really enjoyed this book great characters and a very spooky story. I shall definitely be reading more books by Monica McGuinness.

[Amanda Gilsenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good page turner and this certainly was!! Monica McGuinness is an excellent writer who expertly crafted the characters into a spine tingling gothic storyline. I was drawn in from the first chapter and felt as if I was on the journey alongside the characters.
I don't want to give the ending away but I think it was brilliantly done and I would love to see Adam as an adult!

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very intriguing read, it takes the reader down a path of the history of Crowfield house. Its a mysterious read but focuses on family values and stirs up emotion of family and almost gives a deeper feeling of how we feel about family and relationships. I found myself immersed in the read and enjoyed the narrative and setting of Crowfield House. Elspeth the main characters is taken back to her family home and its eerie and strange at times. You do get the feeling that the house is definitely more than just bricks and mortar.
A great read with interwined characters as part of this. The author sets the scene perfectly, and the reader is kept on edge questionning what the history is behind Crowfield house and how Elspeth's mum lived her life. There are alot of complex themes covered in this book and the emotion is felt deeply towards the end of the book , but combined with strange goings on in Crowfield house. This was a unique read as a reader i didnt quite know what journey i was going to be taken on.
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC Copy of this !

[Lorelei Tomlinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. It was very engaging. The story is about a woman who inherits an old house which she has some very bad memories of. Her brother disappeared when he was a child. This story evolves around her to returning to the house and having to deal with the memories that come back to her about her brother's disappearance. The story was easy to follow. The author did a good job of creating a creepy atmosphere by describing the house, its contents and the property that it was on. If you like reading scary mysteries, you may want to read this.

I received a free advance reader copy of the book. The opinion that I express here is my own.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

almost as chilling and gothic as a jacobs cream cracker

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book because I liked the title and cover of the book. Yes, I know that makes me shallow, but it works on me sometimes. I happen to find crows very fascinating so when the title held the word crow in it, I had to try the book. I can say that being shallow sometimes works in your favor. I loved the way the book was written. It held my interest and I hated to put it down. It did take me some time to adjust to the back and forth of different stories that eventually came together. Just when I was really getting into a chapter is would switch to different characters and a slightly different story, kinda like a commercial interrupting an intense moment in a movie and you have to sit back and sigh because you were holding your breath waiting for the next move.

I loved how this was written and the subject matter of family secrets and the way it enveloped all the characters together. You knew it would as you were reading, but not sure how it was going to tie everything into each other. I never guessed how it was going to end and I was surprised. I would definitely be interested in reading more from this author and I thanks to Monica McGuinness for allowing me to read this free ARC. I would also love to shout out a great big THANK YOU to Booksirens and the publisher Poolbeg Press to letting me read this free ARC.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

It was kind of a slow start and getting into the story plus figuring out how the two sets of main characters were going to intersect.

After that was established, there were many twists and turns along with revelations that were revealed. The latter half moved along a lot faster and engages the reader more to find out how it will all end.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Sherry Priddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good read, a little slow going but it does pick up and slow down again, almost like a roller coaster ride. Lots of secrets and family drama and some creepy moments too. Overall though, we'll worth the time.

[Emma Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crowfield house is gripping from the very beginning to the end. A page turner with gripping secrets around every corner

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable

The ending was a let down. The characters were good but a little vague. The story moves slowly but keeps you interested.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. A gripping story, beautiful character development and wonderfully described. An absolute page turner.