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Haunting Echoes
376 pages, Paperback
Published May 9, 2025
2 people want to read
About the author
Bianca Thalwitzer
2 books5 followersBianca Thalwitzer has always been a book lover—so much so that she practically grew up in a library. Born in Aranos, Namibia, and raised in the mining town of Tsumeb, she spent her childhood lost in stories, captivated by the magic of books and their addictive scent. After finishing high school in 2006, she moved to Johannesburg, South Africa, where she did a bit of modelling, got married to her husband, Paul, and welcomed their two children, Megan and Dylan. In 2018, Bianca and her family returned to Namibia to start a new adventure—opening a business and embracing the next chapter of their lives. Though she always dreamed of writing, it wasn’t until now that she finally put pen to paper. Her debut novel is a testament to her love for storytelling, mystery, and the thrill of uncovering the unknown. When she’s not immersed in writing or reading (which is rare), Bianca is busy being a proud mum and wife, indulging in creative projects, or doting on her four cats—because, let’s be honest, she’s a little bit of a crazy cat lady. She hopes her book brings as much joy to readers as books have always brought to her.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 26, 2025
"Some places are abandoned for a reason...Malia has spent years chasing history, uncovering the secrets of forgotten places for Wandering Echoes magazine. But when she is assigned to investigate the mysteriously abandoned mining town of Ashford, she quickly realizes this is no ordinary story. For over fifty years, Ashford has stood frozen in time-left behind without explanation. As Malia digs deeper, she experiences chilling visions, ghostly whispers, and an unsettling sense that she has been here before. The nightmares that plagued her long before she arrived-a crumbling farmhouse, a spectral girl calling out to her-become disturbingly real. The deeper she ventures, the stronger the pull, the darker the presence lurking beneath Ashford's quiet ruins. Something is waiting for her. Watching her. And as the past unravels, Malia discovers she isn't just here to tell Ashford's story-she's part of it. But uncovering the truth may come at a deadly cost. Some ghosts never rest. And some secrets refuse to stay buried."
Haunting Echoes and its author are what you can call a newfound jewel. By some crazy accident one day, I discovered Bianca's book (thanks to her sister!), and just by the title alone and the ghostly book cover, I was pulled into this wave of interest. After inquiring more information about what the story is about, Bianca sent me a signed copy of her first edition, which makes this book more special.
This story reminds me of a box full of Smarties (candy). Every color contains something to describe Haunting Echoes perfectly. You have the good old Mystery, and when I say mystery, I mean it! This book is beating strong with mystery goodness!
Then you get another color, named suspense. In some chapters I was fidgeting and couldn't sit still. I was more on the edge of my seat than in it!
Then the color that seems to have a bigger chocolate center, the fat old Paranormal activity! Within the first few pages, you knew that this book is going to drip with ghostly promises. Now normally I try to avoid reading books about ghosts, I'm a naturally anxious person and get stressed and spooked easily. But I promised my bookshelves that I would at least read one Paranormal mystery story a year, and Haunting Echoes was it. And as the third book I've read of this genre, this was by far the best one! The previous two books had less interaction between Casper the ghost and the human, but Haunting Echoes was having a party with it and didn't know the word "lacking". My anxiety jumped 5 levels, and I got goosebumps even on my legs and feet! The interaction between Malia and her unseen friends are everywhere and constant. Even in her dreams!
Then some other colors worth mentioning, the human side of things if you can call it. Malia has this beautiful relationship with her mother, who is very caring and supportive of her. And then you get Anthony, a newfound friend slash turned partner of crime. I think without him, Malia would've lost her sanity a long time ago. I honestly believe that these two might have a romantic future ahead of them. He supported her till the end, no questions asked.
Speaking of romance, and yes, even with all that's happening and the mystery consuming your whole, there is some romance in this story as well. But you have to read the story to see where that all fits in.
This story was very well descriptive but not overly done like some authors loves to describe a leaf for 20 pages long. The description of Ashford and the buildings (inside and out) was done in such a way that you can easily imagine yourself being there. Eerie and ghostly and abandoned. You almost become Malia, feeling what she feels, seeing what she sees, and smelling what she smells.
What I also love about Haunting Echoes, is the fact that there isn't just one mystery, but a couple. It alternates between past and present. Who is Laura? What happened to Edward? Why were there so many accidents at the Mine and what illness caused so many children to die? And the most important question of all, how does Malia fit in to all this? Why does she feel this strong pull from Ashford? All questions don't go unanswered.
Bianca Thalwitzer is truly talented when it comes to writing a mystery novel (this was her first book I believe), and like a true future stalker, I'll be watching and waiting until she releases another one. I enjoyed reading this story very much and will be thinking of it for a long time to come.
Haunting Echoes and its author are what you can call a newfound jewel. By some crazy accident one day, I discovered Bianca's book (thanks to her sister!), and just by the title alone and the ghostly book cover, I was pulled into this wave of interest. After inquiring more information about what the story is about, Bianca sent me a signed copy of her first edition, which makes this book more special.
This story reminds me of a box full of Smarties (candy). Every color contains something to describe Haunting Echoes perfectly. You have the good old Mystery, and when I say mystery, I mean it! This book is beating strong with mystery goodness!
Then you get another color, named suspense. In some chapters I was fidgeting and couldn't sit still. I was more on the edge of my seat than in it!
Then the color that seems to have a bigger chocolate center, the fat old Paranormal activity! Within the first few pages, you knew that this book is going to drip with ghostly promises. Now normally I try to avoid reading books about ghosts, I'm a naturally anxious person and get stressed and spooked easily. But I promised my bookshelves that I would at least read one Paranormal mystery story a year, and Haunting Echoes was it. And as the third book I've read of this genre, this was by far the best one! The previous two books had less interaction between Casper the ghost and the human, but Haunting Echoes was having a party with it and didn't know the word "lacking". My anxiety jumped 5 levels, and I got goosebumps even on my legs and feet! The interaction between Malia and her unseen friends are everywhere and constant. Even in her dreams!
Then some other colors worth mentioning, the human side of things if you can call it. Malia has this beautiful relationship with her mother, who is very caring and supportive of her. And then you get Anthony, a newfound friend slash turned partner of crime. I think without him, Malia would've lost her sanity a long time ago. I honestly believe that these two might have a romantic future ahead of them. He supported her till the end, no questions asked.
Speaking of romance, and yes, even with all that's happening and the mystery consuming your whole, there is some romance in this story as well. But you have to read the story to see where that all fits in.
This story was very well descriptive but not overly done like some authors loves to describe a leaf for 20 pages long. The description of Ashford and the buildings (inside and out) was done in such a way that you can easily imagine yourself being there. Eerie and ghostly and abandoned. You almost become Malia, feeling what she feels, seeing what she sees, and smelling what she smells.
What I also love about Haunting Echoes, is the fact that there isn't just one mystery, but a couple. It alternates between past and present. Who is Laura? What happened to Edward? Why were there so many accidents at the Mine and what illness caused so many children to die? And the most important question of all, how does Malia fit in to all this? Why does she feel this strong pull from Ashford? All questions don't go unanswered.
Bianca Thalwitzer is truly talented when it comes to writing a mystery novel (this was her first book I believe), and like a true future stalker, I'll be watching and waiting until she releases another one. I enjoyed reading this story very much and will be thinking of it for a long time to come.
July 11, 2025
Haunting Echoes" is more than just a story it’s a lingering presence.
From the very first chapter, Bianca Thalwitzer pulls you into a world where past pain and present mysteries collide in hauntingly beautiful ways. Her writing is atmospheric, the emotions raw, and the pacing just right like a slow burn that suddenly explodes.
What I loved most is how the characters felt real their fear, confusion, and hope all tangled up in a way that stayed with me even after the last page. If you're into stories that mess with your mind and your heart, this one’s for you.
Can’t wait to see what Bianca writes next. She’s definitely on my author-to-watch list.
From the very first chapter, Bianca Thalwitzer pulls you into a world where past pain and present mysteries collide in hauntingly beautiful ways. Her writing is atmospheric, the emotions raw, and the pacing just right like a slow burn that suddenly explodes.
What I loved most is how the characters felt real their fear, confusion, and hope all tangled up in a way that stayed with me even after the last page. If you're into stories that mess with your mind and your heart, this one’s for you.
Can’t wait to see what Bianca writes next. She’s definitely on my author-to-watch list.
November 17, 2025
A chilling ghostly read!
This ghostly tale blends eerie atmosphere with unraveling mystery.
Malia, a determined reporter, is assigned to cover the story of a once lively community that has since become a lifeless ghost town. What begins as a simple assignment quickly turns unsettling as she uncovers chilling secrets hidden beneath the town’s abandoned streets.
The deeper she digs, the more she realizes the town’s dark history is somehow connected to her. Soon, the past begins to seep into her dreams, haunting her with cryptic visions and warnings. Driven by fear - and an even stronger need for answers - Malia refuses to stop until she uncovers the truth behind the town’s downfall and her own unexpected link to it.
This ghostly tale blends eerie atmosphere with unraveling mystery.
Malia, a determined reporter, is assigned to cover the story of a once lively community that has since become a lifeless ghost town. What begins as a simple assignment quickly turns unsettling as she uncovers chilling secrets hidden beneath the town’s abandoned streets.
The deeper she digs, the more she realizes the town’s dark history is somehow connected to her. Soon, the past begins to seep into her dreams, haunting her with cryptic visions and warnings. Driven by fear - and an even stronger need for answers - Malia refuses to stop until she uncovers the truth behind the town’s downfall and her own unexpected link to it.
June 7, 2025
In Haunting Echoes, Bianca Thalwitzer masterfully blends psychological suspense with supernatural intrigue to deliver a chilling, atmospheric read that lingers long after the final page. Set against the eerie backdrop of the abandoned mining town of Ashford, this novel follows Malia—a seasoned historical journalist—as she unravels secrets buried beneath time and trauma. Thalwitzer’s writing is both lyrical and razor-sharp, pulling readers into a labyrinth of ghostly visions, fragmented memories, and a haunting sense of déjà vu.
What sets this story apart is its layered storytelling and the seamless fusion of personal history with paranormal mystery. Malia’s descent into Ashford's secrets is deeply immersive, rich with emotional depth and spine-tingling suspense.
I highly recommend Haunting Echoes to fans of gothic thrillers, atmospheric horror, and complex female protagonists. This is not just a ghost story—it’s a compelling exploration of memory, identity, and the echoes of the past. Don’t miss it.
What sets this story apart is its layered storytelling and the seamless fusion of personal history with paranormal mystery. Malia’s descent into Ashford's secrets is deeply immersive, rich with emotional depth and spine-tingling suspense.
I highly recommend Haunting Echoes to fans of gothic thrillers, atmospheric horror, and complex female protagonists. This is not just a ghost story—it’s a compelling exploration of memory, identity, and the echoes of the past. Don’t miss it.
September 24, 2025
A haunting, atmospheric read! The abandoned town of Ashford pulled me in from the start, with its eerie mysteries, ghostly whispers, and chilling secrets. Malia’s journey is both gripping and unsettling, I couldn’t put it down.
July 13, 2025
Absolutely enjoyed this book. Couldn't put it down. Really haven't felt like this in a long time about a book. Gripping and with a nice twist to the end. Fantastic book!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews