Possession: A Novel

by A.C. Hessenauer

When a group of old college friends are invited to a luxurious weekend at Hammond Castle, it seems like the perfect chance to reconnect. Their eccentric and wealthy host promises a thrilling escape room experience set within the sprawling, gothic mansion. But as soon as they arrive, it becomes clear that the castle holds darker secrets than anyone could have imagined.

As the puzzles turn sinister and the walls seem to close in, the group realizes they’re not just playing a game—they’re trapped in one. Hidden tensions rise to the surface, old romances spark once more, and past betrayals are laid bare as the castle’s sinister influence takes hold.

With every passing hour, the danger intensifies. As their bonds are tested and reality blurs, the group must uncover the truth behind the castle’s eerie history—or risk being consumed by it forever.

Mysterious, thrilling, and filled with twists, Possession is a gripping tale of friendship, love, and the secrets we can never escape.

ebook

Published May 13, 2025

About the author

A.C. Hessenauer describes herself as a writer of horror, chaos, and madness. A.C. has published five novels and one novella, including Dread House, Jumpers, and MANIMAL. A.C.’s next novel, Going to the Six, is set to be released in June of 2026 by Cemetery Dance, and has been selected for the Cemetery Dance Trade Paperback Book Club, alongside titles by Jack Ketchum, Bentley Little, and Brian Hodge.

When she’s not participating in macabre ceremonies dedicated to the eldritch horrors out in the woods, A.C. enjoys spending time with her family: her husband, two sons, and border collie named Maximus. She loves a good horror movie, and of course, getting swallowed whole by a good book.

Reviews

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.C. Hessenauer did it again. One of the things I found most interesting about this book was the multi POV of friends. I found the way it was written to be very real. This story had lots of twists and turns, a few I figured out, but for the most part kept me reading as fast as I could because I wanted to know how the story was going to end. And wow, that ending😱

[Josette Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love castles so I would have jumped at the chance to participate in the escape room adventure. Being around friends would have also been a good reason to join the group at the castle. What I would not expect is for things to go wrong almost immediately. After the description of the Besomar and how the creature was rumored to be on the loose in the tunnels, I might have found a way to not participate. Because Alex seemed awful shifty about why the group was really called together, it was interesting to read what continued to occur within the castle. I became claustrophobic as I read when the group had to climb down the ladder and even more so when different members had to traverse the tunnels. I felt all the horror as each person was subjected to the actions of the ‘unknown’ visitor. The only thing I would have liked to know is what Alex had really planned for his friends.

[Leilani Lopes-Haslam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enraptured the ENTIRE TIME

Rating: 5⭐️/5

Possession had such a unique plot, set in an abandoned castle of a famous inventor turned escape room as old college friends get back together for a weekend to reconnect and face some drama.

Although there was many different POVs and characters, I think the character building was really well done and the decline of certain characters was unexpected but did make sense in the end. I was enraptured with the different stories between the characters and the progressive eeriness of the escape room puzzles. This novel deserves more hype! Give this one a read.

[jamie d mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re cordially invited to a weekend with friends. An all expense paid castle getaway that involves games, storytelling, and secrets that could make or break relationships. Join at your own risk.
This was a steady paced book. I like the characters, storytelling, and what is a reunion amongst friends without drama involved. It has multiple POV. No worries switching POV between characters won’t involve whiplash. It kept me interested throughout the whole book. Highly recommend it.

[Kayla Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this probably a bit more than Dread House. Love the relationships between characters bc who doesn’t love personal growth missed with feelings of betrayal, jealousy, lost love etc amongst college friends who grew apart. Quick read. Elements of thriller, sparkle of spice, and will have you second guessing the character you think you like most.

[J.D. Crist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The multiple POV's within the group made it even more intreging. It had me guessing all the way until the end. And the ending.... 🤯 I already ordered the authors other novel because I enjoyed this one so much. 🖤

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique book with interesting characters. Wasn’t disappointed by it and look forward to more from the author.