Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Dead Manor

Rate this book
Something cold is stirring...

After devoting the first fifteen years of his law enforcement career and marriage to his profession, Detective Darren Clovis' decision to accept a position to the cold case division of the Madison Police Department represented an opportunity to prioritize his family above his job. Not only did they believe the position would bring them closer, but it would allow them to pursue the next step in their marriage - parenthood.

As Detective Clovis settles into his new role, a close review of a past homicide clues him in on a mark left by the killer - a mark that he would soon find in cold cases around the country. As the investigation ramps up, so too does the danger, leaving him vulnerable to the threats that hide in the shadows around him.

Dead Manor is a thriller that takes the reader on a ride with Detective Clovis as he works to uncover the secrets of the killer that is quickly closing in.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2025

6 people are currently reading
1356 people want to read

About the author

A.M. Rau

13 books21 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
12 (40%)
4 stars
14 (46%)
3 stars
4 (13%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for April.
586 reviews169 followers
May 15, 2025
Mysterious story that I truly enjoyed. This was the first that I’ve read from this author but certainly won’t be my last. Newly promoted detective Darren Clovis is determined to prove himself and prove that he deserves this chance within the department. Investigating a serial killer, he jumps into this case head first. His investigation took many twists and turns that kept me interested & intrigued the entire time.

The dual POVs were excellent, it is always good to hear the views of the killer as well as the person investigating them. This story was suspenseful, and the premise set was addictive. I love that A. M. Rau sets the ending up for a book 2. Overall a great read that I recommend
Profile Image for Kristie.
15 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2025
“Dead Manor” is my first book by author A.M. Rau. I enjoyed the dual PoV that the story was told from. It helped get some backstory of the mystery part of the story as it was a short read to begin with. There was a bit of suspense in some weird events throughout the story that I appreciate as thrillers/mystery/suspense are the kind of stories I like to read typically. The relationship between Darren and his wife, Clara, was realistic, and added a nice element to an otherwise intense story. My favorite part was the incorporation of Greek mythology because it is an interest of mine. Overall, I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to others who like detective thrillers.

> I received an ARC of the book in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for Neia Quaintance.
479 reviews10 followers
May 19, 2025
Detective Darren got the job he wanted after workin in the force for 15 years. Now, he is a cold case detective and has set hours so he can spend more time with his wife Clara, the therapist. When Darren comes across a cold case that has the same MO as the Greek mythology, the Andromeda he has to try to solve them all with some help from the senior detective Jim. Clara and Darren's banter is adorable. This book is a very good detective book lookin for a serial unaliver it keeps u guessin til the end. This book leaves on a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Bee.
62 reviews5 followers
May 17, 2025
I was hooked from the very first page! This thriller was fast paced, and I flew through the pages. I even found myself taking notes of all the possible clues as if I was the detective himself.

Aside the gripping mystery, I also enjoyed the witty banters between the detective and his wife. Mrs. Clovis definitely had good humor. Indeed, this book was a suspenseful read with a right dash of charm.

📖: Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Profile Image for Dawn Knapp.
122 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2025
Goodreads giveaway win.

I enjoyed this book. It was a quick, page-turning read. This is my first book by this author, but I am looking forward to discovering more of his work.
Profile Image for Samuel Wright.
3 reviews
June 14, 2025
Dead Manor by A. M. Rau – A Chilling Dive into the Shadows of Justice

Dead Manor isn’t your typical detective thriller—it’s a layered, character-driven exploration of obsession, sacrifice, and the lingering ghosts of unresolved crimes. A. M. Rau crafts a suspenseful and emotional journey through the eyes of Detective Darren Clovis, a man striving to reclaim balance in his life but pulled deeper into a dark underworld he thought he had left behind.

The story kicks off with Clovis making a career pivot: leaving the adrenaline of active duty for the quieter, supposedly safer world of cold cases. It’s a move made out of love—a conscious choice to prioritize family and prepare for a new chapter in life. But that tranquility quickly unravels when Clovis discovers a disturbing pattern: an eerie mark left on a decades-old case that links to other unsolved homicides across the country.

This is where Rau’s writing really shines. The plot moves with a slow-burning tension, building suspense not just through action, but through atmosphere, character introspection, and a growing sense of dread. The “Dead Manor” itself—referring not to a haunted house, but the cold case room filled with forgotten stories—is a brilliant metaphor. It becomes a psychological space where past horrors quietly fester, waiting for someone like Clovis to stir them back to life.

Clovis is a compelling protagonist. He’s grounded, smart, and flawed in a deeply human way. As the story progresses, his increasing obsession with the killer’s pattern mirrors the very thing he’s fighting: losing himself in the job. Rau does an excellent job making you feel the weight of that conflict—between duty and family, between justice and safety.

The pacing is deliberate, especially in the first half, but for readers who enjoy procedural mysteries with depth and emotional stakes, it’s highly rewarding. The final act accelerates sharply, delivering tense, cinematic scenes that wrap the story’s threads together in a way that’s satisfying yet leaves room for thought.

Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dead Manor is a gripping, slow-burn thriller with a strong emotional core. Perfect for readers who enjoy intelligent crime fiction with heart and haunting undertones. It’s not about gore or shock—this one’s about the shadows we choose to confront, and the ones we carry with us.
Profile Image for Reader Views.
4,666 reviews327 followers
August 20, 2025
A.M. Rau’s Dead Manor is a complex, fast-paced murder mystery. Dedicated police officer Detective Darren Clovis is at the heart of the story. Eager to start a family with his wife and seeking a more balanced work schedule, the detective applies for a position as a Cold Case Detective with the Madison Police Department. The position is opening because the current detective is retiring. The cold case office, located in the basement, is ominously called Dead Manor, because its shelves are lined with old cold case files that still hold the unsolved secrets from the past.

New to the job, Clovis is presented with an interesting challenge in which he must investigate a series of old murders that have unusual similarities. As he investigates further, he realizes that he is being taunted by the killer, who is excited about the detective’s interest in this case. The killer is a very troubled man who feels that society wronged him. Clovis needs to quickly solve this case before there is another victim!

Rau does an excellent job of creating exceptional intrigue with a unique storyline. I enjoyed how he blended suspense with psychological depth. The protagonist is likable, yet still complex. Rau takes us inside his mind so that we can see how he is able to fit the pieces of the puzzle together to solve this case.

The killer is also a complex individual. While not very likable, the killer is still very interesting. The killer’s need to taunt the detective adds to the excitement. Rau skillfully reveals the antagonist’s backstory, which helps readers understand his motivation. It was also interesting to see how this individual was able to hide the horrific details of the crimes until Clovis discovered a common theme, helping to solve the mystery. The supporting cast is also intriguing, and there are a few surprises hiding with them as well.

Overall, Dead Manor is an intense, well-crafted suspense that keeps readers guessing until the very end. A.M. Rau’s gift for storytelling makes this an engaging read for fans of suspense and crime fiction. With the unique plot and compelling characters, this reader is hopeful that there will be more exciting stories to follow. I also look forward to going back and reading more works by this talented author.
Profile Image for Paul E.
2 reviews
October 1, 2025
Dead Manor is a chilling, methodical thriller that weaves together the horrifying psychology of a nameless serial killer with the slow-burning determination of Detective Darren Clovis, a newly appointed cold case detective navigating the eerie archives of “The Dead Manor.”

What struck me most was how effectively Rau captures the predator’s perspective in the opening chapters. The killer’s calculated steps- walking through snow toward his target, rationalizing chance as the arbiter of fate, and relishing his anonymity- set a haunting tone that lingers long after you put the book down. These scenes are unflinching and gruesome, yet they serve a purpose: to immerse the reader in the cold, unnerving logic of a man who thrives on being overlooked.

Equally compelling is the contrast with Darren Clovis’s journey. As he transitions from the adrenaline of active homicide cases to the dusty, suffocating world of cold files, we see a man struggling to balance ambition, professional identity, and personal life. His partnership with the grizzled Detective Hermberg brings both dry humor and sobering weight, especially when Hermberg warns about the emotional toll of living among the ghosts of unsolved murders. The evolution of their relationship, built on coffee, banter, and reluctant trust, gives the story a grounding humanity that balances its darker elements.

Rau also adds a unique thematic thread with Darren’s fixation on patterns and constellations hidden in crime scene details. It’s not just a detective squinting at evidence; it’s a metaphor for trying to find order in chaos, meaning in trauma. This angle gives the novel an almost cosmic unease, where coincidence, fate, and obsession blur together.

Overall, Dead Manor succeeds both as a visceral thriller and as a character study of obsession on both sides of the law. The pacing is deliberate, sometimes slow in the “dead files” chapters, but always purposeful, building toward unsettling discoveries that feel both inevitable and shocking.
Profile Image for Aarti.
22 reviews4 followers
May 9, 2025
Blurb
As Detective Darren Clovis transfers to the ‘Cold Cases Department’, he expects a lighter workload and more family time. But he stumbles upon a vital clue in one of the gruesome cold cases, denoting that this Cold Case may not be that cold after all.
Review
A.M. Rau’s thriller Dead Manor is narrated from the dual POVS of Detective Darren and the killer. It engages the reader right from the very first page. Mythology is a key theme in the book, and I enjoyed insights into it. The interpersonal dynamics between Darren and his fellow officers are well crafted, as their interactions seem natural and unforced. The gentle romance sprinkled in the novel provides a refreshing touch.
There are a couple of instances in which the reader feels ahead of the protagonist, who misses out on obvious clues. The book maintains a brisk pace, making it a quick read, but occasional over-descriptive writing slightly disrupts the pace. That said, the plot is still intriguing due to well-placed reveals that keep the reader hooked.
Despite being a thriller, the character developments add to its positives. Darren is an unrelenting Detective, great at convincing authorities, both at home and at work when he sets his mind on chasing leads. Detective James Hemberg is nearing retirement and is Darren’s unenthusiastic work partner. The author has done a great job portraying James as the dead weight that Darren has to carry around throughout the novel.
Even though the killer’s POV is introduced early, the story retains a strong sense of mystery. The layered and logical ending ties up the loose ends.
Dead Manor strikes a fine balance between plot and personality. It is an enjoyable pick for thriller lovers.
30 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2025
Dead Manor was much more than I expected! Detective Darren Clovis has just accepted a new position as the sole cold case detective at his police department. He and his wife Clara have decided that it’s time to start a family. Darren is replacing Detective Hermberg, who is getting ready to retire. For several months the two detectives work together under the supervision of Lieutenant Dowski.

As Darren settles into his new position, he sees a new detail in one of the cold cases that is tied to Greek mythology. It’s subtle enough that none of the other investigators had previously noticed it. This new information leads him to connect several other cold cases to one killer. All he has to do is identify the killer and then find them. With the help of Detective Hermberg and Lieutenant Dowski, Darren is on the hunt for the murderer while trying to keep his family safe.

This story is very well crafted. Suspense builds throughout the book. Various events and discoveries had me trying to guess if the killer was one of the current characters or if they were “still out there”. The ending was satisfying, and the final twist was disturbing, making you realize you don’t always know the people around you. I very much enjoyed how the investigation tied to Greek mythology, which was a unique touch.

The ending left the possibility for a follow-up novel, which I really hope happens! My only complaint is the amount typos and use of wrong words (ex “of” when it should be “on”, “fluke” instead of “flake etc.) at the beginning. At first, it was frustrating enough that I almost stopped reading. I decided to press on and was very glad that I did!

Profile Image for Misty MARTINCHEK.
1 review
May 15, 2025
A.M. Rau’s Dead Manor is a tightly written, character-driven mystery that delivers both psychological tension and a deeply personal journey. At its core, it’s about the cost of chasing justice—on a career, on a marriage, and on the soul.

The story follows fresh-faced detective Darren Clovis, newly assigned to the cold case department—a division as stagnant as the old files that fill its cabinets in a room nicknamed The Dead Manor. Thrown into a bureaucratic labyrinth and partnered with the gruff, world-weary Detective Jim Herberg, who is counting down his final months before retirement when he can relax on the beach smoking his beloved cigars, Darren struggles to find his footing. What begins as an uphill battle for respect and relevance soon pivots into something far more dangerous when one cold case turns into three murders linked by seemingly random patterns.

Dead Manor is a moody, immersive detective story that balances character depth with a haunting plot. A.M. Rau gives readers more than a mystery to solve—he offers a meditation on how obsession can erode the things we hold dear. Perfect for fans of Tana French, Michael Connelly, and anyone who loves a procedural with heart.
Profile Image for Deanna.
13 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2025
This is not my usual genre, but I really liked this read. The book is well paced and keeps the reader guessing. It is well-written, the main detective is likable, and overall it is a really enjoyable read. I absolutely loved that it was told from both the investigator and the killer's perspectives. Some of the chapters were shorter, which made for easy reading when I just had a few moments to dedicate. The incorporation of mythology was unique and I thought it made this book stand out from other detective novels. The way the investigation unfolds also eases the reader into thinking they know where things are going, but not quite. While I will note that there are some scenes which are not for every reader, specifically as it pertains to details of the murders, this was otherwise very well done and I highly recommend.
295 reviews
August 18, 2025
Cold cases get a new set of eyes on them

*Received as a Goodreads giveaway* This is an interesting story that not only gives you a view of the life of a cold case detective (both home and in the office) but also a lesson on Greek mythology. We follow both the view points of the killer and Detective Clovis.
Detective Clovis is a man who has committed to his career, but is ready to start a family with his wife. A shift from detective of active cases to cold cases gives him steady hours to make that happen. Little does he know how much those cases in the "Dead Manor" would call out to him and pull him in.
I feel like this book lost a star for me because the Greek mythology got a bit confusing. I love that extra element and I love how Detective Clovis was able to see something no one else did and pursue it.
Profile Image for BookWithAView.
119 reviews11 followers
August 24, 2025
With thanks to A.M Rau for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.

Firstly. I’d like to say. This is the first book I’ve read in one sitting in a while. I really enjoyed it.
The main character, Darren Clovis is a likeable determined detective newly appointed in cold case investigation. Married to Clara, the story follows him as he creates a new home/ work balance, whilst developing a case from clues that in the beginning nobody else can really understand.
I loved the genuine banter between Darren and his wife. It provides some great well timed humour.
The case Darren is working on links in with his knowledge of Greek mythology and is very interesting and well put together.
Just a brilliant crime/ thriller all round.
Profile Image for Regan.
30 reviews9 followers
May 18, 2025
Quick read. Very engaging. Detective Clovis gets promoted to work on cold cases. He is reviewing some cases and he notices something that he likes to nerd out on and wonders if it is just a coincidence. What became one case is potentially leading into another and another. Detective Clovis tries hard to get the missing link to the seemingly random cases. He even gets the previous cold case curmudgeon on his side. Does Detective Clovis solve his first case or does he open the door to future serial killers? I recommend you read to find out!
54 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2025
The first few pages I was unsure about this book, but I very quickly changed my mind. I have been reading so much fantasy and horror lately, I forgot how much I love books like these.

Part Criminal Minds part Cold Case, this book was amazing! The pacing was perfect! The characters were entertaining, and the ending was unexpected! I have said it before on reviews, and I will say it again. I LOVE books that can surprise me!!!

I just found out there is a second book and I will be picking it up soon!
Profile Image for Nikki B..
793 reviews17 followers
May 24, 2025
Dead Manor was an intriguing, suspenseful story. The plot in this story is thrilling with a mixture of Greek mythology. Clara and Darren are great characters and I loved their banter. Darren is a cold case detective on the hunt for a serial unaliver. I love detective books because of the mystery aspect to the story. But I also enjoy watching a detectives character growth as they hunt the unaliver. This story ends on a cliffhanger and I'm dying to know what's going to happen!
Profile Image for Kelli Withington.
160 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised with how good this book was. I went in knowing nothing about the book, and I was definitely wrong about what the book was about, but regardless it was a great read. The set up and plot was done so well and is like nothing I have seen before. I did feel like the ending was a little rushed and fell flat compared to the rest of the book but I definitely recommend giving it a try. It's a fast read and gets you hooked from the beginning.
Profile Image for Rogère Buivan.
105 reviews11 followers
May 9, 2025
This book was very interesting and the story was very very nice !!
I was hooked and I really appreciated the clues and information of the main plot ! I can’t say more but I really wish I could !!
We dive into the world of the cold cases and the possibilities of maybe finding the one who did some of these !!
I hope another book will be made !

Profile Image for Lindsey.
15 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2025
This detective story keeps you guessing. Will the killer be caught?
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.