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The Agony of Her: An Ohio Gothic
1981. Historical home renovator Lori Greene can’t believe her luck when she inherits Haite Hill, a seemingly abandoned Victorian Gothic tucked deep in the Cuyahoga Valley. Like the mysterious manor on the hill, the forgotten company town below it has its own fair share of secrets, and as Lori and her daughters begin to experience nightmares and other strange occurrences, she quickly realizes its history is more brutal than she ever could have imagined.
1910. Recently betrothed Ada Haite is sent to her nefarious husband’s summer home under the pretense of her mental health. But he has also abandoned both his daughters from other marriages there with her, and as horrible night terrors threaten their lives, Ada soon discovers the house’s grisly intent.
Two stories, each at a different point in time, weave together as the women grapple with their ideas of motherhood while being confronted with things both sinister and ancient, as Haite Towne and its house on the hill reveal the story of a place built on women’s agony.
1910. Recently betrothed Ada Haite is sent to her nefarious husband’s summer home under the pretense of her mental health. But he has also abandoned both his daughters from other marriages there with her, and as horrible night terrors threaten their lives, Ada soon discovers the house’s grisly intent.
Two stories, each at a different point in time, weave together as the women grapple with their ideas of motherhood while being confronted with things both sinister and ancient, as Haite Towne and its house on the hill reveal the story of a place built on women’s agony.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2026
About the author
Cassandra L. Thompson
29 books311 followersGothic horror lover Cassandra L. Thompson has been creating stories since she got her grubby little hands around a pen. When she is not busy managing a house full of feral children (human and canine) with her beloved husband, you can find her wandering around cemeteries, taking pictures of abandoned things, or in the library researching her latest obsession. She has a B.A. in History and an MLIS, but she ignores her degrees to focus on writing and running Quill & Crow Publishing House, both of which require copious amounts of coffee and Crows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Quill & Crow for the ARC
One of those slow burn gothic horror stories that starts off small then ramps up the weirdness and doesn't stop until you're like "why are you still HERE?!"
The atmosphere's so good - old Victorian house, gloomy vibes, the feeling that the place is hiding something nasty, a haunted feeling even when nothing notable's happened, dread and stress on every page. It's never just spooky for the sake of being spooky 👻
One of those slow burn gothic horror stories that starts off small then ramps up the weirdness and doesn't stop until you're like "why are you still HERE?!"
The atmosphere's so good - old Victorian house, gloomy vibes, the feeling that the place is hiding something nasty, a haunted feeling even when nothing notable's happened, dread and stress on every page. It's never just spooky for the sake of being spooky 👻
Want to Read
January 29, 2026Thank you to Quill & Crow Publishing House for providing an ARC for review.
February 13, 2026
The Agony of Her is a haunting Gothic tale that weaves together two timelines with a quiet ferocity and emotional depth. Set in 1910 and 1981, the dual timeline format follows two women whose lives converge through the shadowed halls of Hiate Hill. Thompson leans into the decaying grandeur of a very out of place Victorian manor and the forgotten town in Ohio where it was built, crafting an atmosphere thick with dread, grief and inherited suffering. What elevates this story beyond the traditional haunted house narrative is its unwavering look at motherhood, confinement, dismissal and sacrifice. The horror is not only ancient and supernatural but deeply human. We discover a bit more with third timeline interludes, which fortify the lore. Thompson's prose is lush without being indulgent. She carefully builds tension until the house itself is a character, showing hunger and memories. The Agony of Her is both eerie and elegiac, a story about the resilience of women bound across time. It haunts us like a fading nightmare even after we have finished reading. Thank you to Quill & Crow Publishing House for mailing me a copy for review. You can pick this up when it publishes March 13th, 2026!
February 22, 2026
Good , but just okay good. It kept my interest enough but wasn’t all that it could be. A woman named Lori inherits a Gothic Victorian house and after getting there find it’s cursed. She starts to have dreams immediately. Then her ex-husband brings his girls, her stepdaughter’s, to her to keep over the weekend. She would rather not because she knows nothing about the house and is afraid it’s dangerous for them to stay, but he insists and she finally gives in. She was right about it being dangerous. It is a multiple timeline format. It hops from 1910 to 1981 usually every other chapter. I recommend to anyone who likes paranormal supernatural Gothic Victorian house, ghost stories. But like I said, it was just OK for me. Thank you to NetGalley, publishers and author for the ARC. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Agony Of Her is a nightmarish mix of slow gothic horror and vicersal terror, and I devoured it.
Told through both Lori and Ada's pov over different timelines, the tentative creepiness of Haite House sinks its clawed foundations in deep, and refuses to let go until the final pages...and lingers even after that.
The strength of both female rage and motherly fury scream from this book, as both Lori and Ada battle a truely awful evil.
The southern setting, with its wild, howling weather lends itself as another layer to Haite House as its hunger grows.
I love a good haunted house book, and The Agony Of Her was this and so much more.
Told through both Lori and Ada's pov over different timelines, the tentative creepiness of Haite House sinks its clawed foundations in deep, and refuses to let go until the final pages...and lingers even after that.
The strength of both female rage and motherly fury scream from this book, as both Lori and Ada battle a truely awful evil.
The southern setting, with its wild, howling weather lends itself as another layer to Haite House as its hunger grows.
I love a good haunted house book, and The Agony Of Her was this and so much more.
March 31, 2026
1981: When historical home renovator Lori Greene inherits Haite Hill, a decaying Victorian Gothic hidden deep in the Cuyahoga Valley, it feels like a dream. But the house, and the abandoned town below it are steeped in something far darker. As Lori and her daughters begin to suffer from nightmares and unsettling disturbances, she realizes the past here isn't just history ... it's still alive.
1910: Newly married Ada Haite is sent away to her husband's remote summer home for the sake of her "health". Instead, she's left to care for his abandoned daughters in a house that pulses with dread. As night terrors turn dangerous, Ada uncovers the homes true, horrifying purpose.
Across two timelines, their stories intertwine, two women bound by motherhood, isolation, and a house built on generations of suffering.
The Agony of Her is a slow burning gothic that leans hard into atmosphere, and it absolutely works! The dual timeline was one of my favorite parts. Watching Lori in 1981 and Ada in 1910 mirror each other in ways that felt subtle and unsettling added so much depth. I also loved the exploration of motherhood and how it can be protective, suffocating, sacrificial, and complicated all at once. It really gave the horror an emotional weight that really lingered throughout. That said if you are looking for fast paced scares this one might not fully hit. It's more of a creeping dread kind of story where the tension builds slowly and the horror seeps in rather than jumps out!
Thank you to NetGalley, Cassandra L Thompson, and Quill & Crow Publishing for both the eARC and the stunning physical copy!
1910: Newly married Ada Haite is sent away to her husband's remote summer home for the sake of her "health". Instead, she's left to care for his abandoned daughters in a house that pulses with dread. As night terrors turn dangerous, Ada uncovers the homes true, horrifying purpose.
Across two timelines, their stories intertwine, two women bound by motherhood, isolation, and a house built on generations of suffering.
The Agony of Her is a slow burning gothic that leans hard into atmosphere, and it absolutely works! The dual timeline was one of my favorite parts. Watching Lori in 1981 and Ada in 1910 mirror each other in ways that felt subtle and unsettling added so much depth. I also loved the exploration of motherhood and how it can be protective, suffocating, sacrificial, and complicated all at once. It really gave the horror an emotional weight that really lingered throughout. That said if you are looking for fast paced scares this one might not fully hit. It's more of a creeping dread kind of story where the tension builds slowly and the horror seeps in rather than jumps out!
Thank you to NetGalley, Cassandra L Thompson, and Quill & Crow Publishing for both the eARC and the stunning physical copy!
March 2, 2026
3,5 ⭐️
First of all, thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Agony of Her by Cassandra L Thompson!!
I have to say, this book started much stronger than it continued. The opening was gripping, atmospheric, and beautifully written. I was immediately intrigued and genuinely excited about where the story would go.
However, as the plot progressed (especially towards the middle and the end) it lost a bit of that initial intensity for me. It was still interesting and well crafted, but there were certain elements that either bothered me slightly or simply felt underdeveloped.
The story alternates between two timelines, which I love. I enjoy dual timelines when they’re done well, and here the chapters were clearly labeled.
That being said, overall it was a good book. The beginning, in particular, was very strong. The ending felt a bit over-the-top for my taste, but to be fair, I often feel that way about climaxes in supernatural stories.
It was definitely more supernatural than I expected. Ghost stories are one thing, but if you’ve read the book, you probably know what I mean, it goes a bit further than that.
Still, I really liked the core idea behind it. The concept was compelling, and the themes of female rage and revenge were powerful and satisfying.
All in all, if you enjoy ghost stories with a darker, more intense edge and a focus on female vengeance, this might absolutely be a book for you!
First of all, thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Agony of Her by Cassandra L Thompson!!
I have to say, this book started much stronger than it continued. The opening was gripping, atmospheric, and beautifully written. I was immediately intrigued and genuinely excited about where the story would go.
However, as the plot progressed (especially towards the middle and the end) it lost a bit of that initial intensity for me. It was still interesting and well crafted, but there were certain elements that either bothered me slightly or simply felt underdeveloped.
The story alternates between two timelines, which I love. I enjoy dual timelines when they’re done well, and here the chapters were clearly labeled.
That being said, overall it was a good book. The beginning, in particular, was very strong. The ending felt a bit over-the-top for my taste, but to be fair, I often feel that way about climaxes in supernatural stories.
It was definitely more supernatural than I expected. Ghost stories are one thing, but if you’ve read the book, you probably know what I mean, it goes a bit further than that.
Still, I really liked the core idea behind it. The concept was compelling, and the themes of female rage and revenge were powerful and satisfying.
All in all, if you enjoy ghost stories with a darker, more intense edge and a focus on female vengeance, this might absolutely be a book for you!
January 7, 2026
I’m completely OBSESSED with this story!!!! When I tell you this book not only had me hooked but it had my mind reeling through out the night it was so good!
This book gives The Haunting (Hugh Crane) mixed with Coraline vibes in all the best of ways!
We get the story of Ada Haite the new and third wife of Charles Haite, as her and his two daughters from two previous marriages get sent to Haite Hill. Charles owned the mill and as such the town was named Haite Town. Ada suffered from sleepwalking and Charles solution was to hid her away in a summer home that was built for his first wife Julianna. As the story goes along Ada starts experiencing strange things both during waking hours and at night.
We go back and forth between timelines (1910 & 1981) to get the full story.
We also meet Lori Green whom inherits Haite Hill, an abandoned Victorian Gothic set in the long forgotten company town deep in the Cuyahoga valley. Lori happens to be a historical home renovator. This unexpected inheritance comes during a time when she needs it the most. Lori has recently been divorced and needed a fresh start. Lori same as Ada has two step daughters whom unfortunately have an absent father by his choosing. We finally have a story that paints a stepmother in a good light and not as the villain.
This book gives The Haunting (Hugh Crane) mixed with Coraline vibes in all the best of ways!
We get the story of Ada Haite the new and third wife of Charles Haite, as her and his two daughters from two previous marriages get sent to Haite Hill. Charles owned the mill and as such the town was named Haite Town. Ada suffered from sleepwalking and Charles solution was to hid her away in a summer home that was built for his first wife Julianna. As the story goes along Ada starts experiencing strange things both during waking hours and at night.
We go back and forth between timelines (1910 & 1981) to get the full story.
We also meet Lori Green whom inherits Haite Hill, an abandoned Victorian Gothic set in the long forgotten company town deep in the Cuyahoga valley. Lori happens to be a historical home renovator. This unexpected inheritance comes during a time when she needs it the most. Lori has recently been divorced and needed a fresh start. Lori same as Ada has two step daughters whom unfortunately have an absent father by his choosing. We finally have a story that paints a stepmother in a good light and not as the villain.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have so many thoughts after finishing this book, I'm going to try to explain as many of them as I can without giving away major spoilers.
General Overview:
This story takes place over alternating time lines; in 1910 telling Ada's story and in 1981 telling Lori's story. These women are living parallel lives that are happening in the same house/town of Haite Town/Hope Town/Hell Town (depending on who is speaking it's referred to all 3). Ada is the third wife of Charles, who has had two daughters - one each from his previous wives. His wives have died or disappeared under suspicious circumstances and Ada is worried the same may happen to her when Charles dumps her and the girls, who she loves and has taken on as her own, in the Haite House out in the country.
Lori, in the middle of a divorce has learned that she inherited a large home from a relative she's never even met or heard of. It's Haite House. Her soon to be ex-husband, Sean, also has two daughters - both from previous relationships that Lori has taken on and love as her own. Early on to Lori showing up to Haite House to see what work needs to be done Sean shows up ditching his kids with her with no notice or ask.
Between the two alternating storylines we slowly learn the story of the town and the house. The folklore and the other residents throughout the years. The town is weird, the people are weird, the house seems off, everything just seems not quite right to Lori and Ada already feels put there to be disposed of so things only get creepier from there.
Ok, now for things that I LOVED about this book:
-how she would just casually drop something super creepy into an otherwise mundane part of the book. ie: discussion on what house renovations need to be done with the contractor to - "oh by the way, we found these teeth in the bathroom..."
-I loved that the book is meant to be very female centered. Everything from the main characters in all times, to solving of problems, to holding families together, to even the reasoning for a lot of the hauntings
-I loved the idea of the house just literally absorbing people
-I loved that she had a very thought out history and reasoning for the evil/hauntings of this home
-the idea of The Sisters Three
what I didn't love:
-Lori consistently leaving her girls alone or with people she didn't really know while she would go to talk to other people or other buildings on the property when during the entirety of this book they were just constantly in some kind of storm, house needs work, electricity is out etc... and every single time in inevitably lead to *something* happening and Lori blindly running around screaming for the girls. No part of me believed her character to be someone who would do this based on every other intelligent quality she possessed. I realize it was done to try to add suspense, but it just annoyed me.
- I felt the characters family lines were needlessly complicated.
-I felt like this book would've been a smoother read if it were either longer with more of the history of the Sisters Three and the settlers story getting a larger more fleshed out (heh) part of the book instead of being thrown in one random night as a ghost story OR if it had been simplified a bit more one or the other.
-I also didn't like that the women would learn parts of the story by ghosts showing it to them while they were wide awake, some when they were in some sort of trance, and some when they're sleepwalking. And also, just being in the other time once and being able to physically change things in that time. I get we threw sleepwalking in as a reason Ada thought she could be thrown away, but it seemed like a lot to throw it into multiple characters and have it be a "symptom" of interacting with a ghost. I just didn't think there needed to be that many different ways for it to happen. The actual going into the other time and changing things, meh, I can overlook it because this is a supernatural book and not everything can be explained; it was just paired with already having multiple ways of things happening was a lot.
-I hope when this book is published it is one that includes one of those little maps or family trees in it to explain all of the families because there are a good bit of characters, I've just kept it limited in the review for clarity and to avoid spoilers.
All of that said, this was my first novel by her & I have no doubt I will give another one a try. I truly did love all of her horror and gothic story ideas, I just didn't always love how they were executed.
Thank you to Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review
General Overview:
This story takes place over alternating time lines; in 1910 telling Ada's story and in 1981 telling Lori's story. These women are living parallel lives that are happening in the same house/town of Haite Town/Hope Town/Hell Town (depending on who is speaking it's referred to all 3). Ada is the third wife of Charles, who has had two daughters - one each from his previous wives. His wives have died or disappeared under suspicious circumstances and Ada is worried the same may happen to her when Charles dumps her and the girls, who she loves and has taken on as her own, in the Haite House out in the country.
Lori, in the middle of a divorce has learned that she inherited a large home from a relative she's never even met or heard of. It's Haite House. Her soon to be ex-husband, Sean, also has two daughters - both from previous relationships that Lori has taken on and love as her own. Early on to Lori showing up to Haite House to see what work needs to be done Sean shows up ditching his kids with her with no notice or ask.
Between the two alternating storylines we slowly learn the story of the town and the house. The folklore and the other residents throughout the years. The town is weird, the people are weird, the house seems off, everything just seems not quite right to Lori and Ada already feels put there to be disposed of so things only get creepier from there.
Ok, now for things that I LOVED about this book:
-how she would just casually drop something super creepy into an otherwise mundane part of the book. ie: discussion on what house renovations need to be done with the contractor to - "oh by the way, we found these teeth in the bathroom..."
-I loved that the book is meant to be very female centered. Everything from the main characters in all times, to solving of problems, to holding families together, to even the reasoning for a lot of the hauntings
-I loved the idea of the house just literally absorbing people
-I loved that she had a very thought out history and reasoning for the evil/hauntings of this home
-the idea of The Sisters Three
what I didn't love:
-Lori consistently leaving her girls alone or with people she didn't really know while she would go to talk to other people or other buildings on the property when during the entirety of this book they were just constantly in some kind of storm, house needs work, electricity is out etc... and every single time in inevitably lead to *something* happening and Lori blindly running around screaming for the girls. No part of me believed her character to be someone who would do this based on every other intelligent quality she possessed. I realize it was done to try to add suspense, but it just annoyed me.
- I felt the characters family lines were needlessly complicated.
-I felt like this book would've been a smoother read if it were either longer with more of the history of the Sisters Three and the settlers story getting a larger more fleshed out (heh) part of the book instead of being thrown in one random night as a ghost story OR if it had been simplified a bit more one or the other.
-I also didn't like that the women would learn parts of the story by ghosts showing it to them while they were wide awake, some when they were in some sort of trance, and some when they're sleepwalking. And also, just being in the other time once and being able to physically change things in that time. I get we threw sleepwalking in as a reason Ada thought she could be thrown away, but it seemed like a lot to throw it into multiple characters and have it be a "symptom" of interacting with a ghost. I just didn't think there needed to be that many different ways for it to happen. The actual going into the other time and changing things, meh, I can overlook it because this is a supernatural book and not everything can be explained; it was just paired with already having multiple ways of things happening was a lot.
-I hope when this book is published it is one that includes one of those little maps or family trees in it to explain all of the families because there are a good bit of characters, I've just kept it limited in the review for clarity and to avoid spoilers.
All of that said, this was my first novel by her & I have no doubt I will give another one a try. I truly did love all of her horror and gothic story ideas, I just didn't always love how they were executed.
Thank you to Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
“There is no God in these lands. Only three . . . the scalpless, blood-thirsty, demonic three.”
📚
1981: Historical home renovator and recent divorcée Lori Greene moves into her mysterious inheritance, Haite Hill, an abandoned Victorian Gothic nestled deep within Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley. Intending to renovate and possibly sell the abode, Lori and her two step-daughters begin experiencing nightmares, sleep walking, and other bizarre occurrences that lead them to realize that the house and dying mill town below are riddled with secrets and horrific history.
1910: Ada Haite, the third wife of rich, powerful, and cruel Charles Haite, is sent out to Haite Hill, her husband’s summer home, under the guise of mental health issues. Accompanying her are her two step-daughters; the trio also experiences nighttime terrors that lead them to discover the house’s grim intentions.
Unfolding via interweaving dual timelines with occasional historical interludes, The Agony of Her is a tale steeped in dark history and female rage, fear, and suffering. Motherhood is a prime focus, along with buried truths and ancient, sinister forces. From the wonderful preface, the book is filled with enticing local lore and legend, fantastic gothic and horror elements, epistolary interjections, and gore a-plenty. Filled with disturbing oddities, the quirky, asymmetrical house defies Victorian stereotypes, while Haite Towne’s valley- and cornfield-infused setting, referred to by out-of-towners as Hell Town, comes equipped with nefarious and shadowy backstory.
Driven by toxic masculinity, the narrative also interweaves romantic and supernatural/paranormal elements, along with disturbing olden traditions and a healthy dose of hope to balance things out. The story packs a lot into 199 pages, which feels overwhelming at times, especially with regard to historical details and plot points, the number of characters and timelines, and the means through which information is conveyed. Despite these challenges, however, The Agony of Her is a creative, multi-faceted work of gothic horror imbued with passion and topped off with an absolutely exquisite cover.
Titles That Came to Mind While Reading:
•Ghost Mother by Kelly Dwyer
•Dark Sisters by Kristi Dimeester
•The Family Plot by Cherie Priest
Thank you to Cassandra L. Thompson and Quill & Crow Publishing House for providing a physical ARC of this forthcoming release (scheduled for publication on March 13th) in exchange for an honest review.
📚
1981: Historical home renovator and recent divorcée Lori Greene moves into her mysterious inheritance, Haite Hill, an abandoned Victorian Gothic nestled deep within Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley. Intending to renovate and possibly sell the abode, Lori and her two step-daughters begin experiencing nightmares, sleep walking, and other bizarre occurrences that lead them to realize that the house and dying mill town below are riddled with secrets and horrific history.
1910: Ada Haite, the third wife of rich, powerful, and cruel Charles Haite, is sent out to Haite Hill, her husband’s summer home, under the guise of mental health issues. Accompanying her are her two step-daughters; the trio also experiences nighttime terrors that lead them to discover the house’s grim intentions.
Unfolding via interweaving dual timelines with occasional historical interludes, The Agony of Her is a tale steeped in dark history and female rage, fear, and suffering. Motherhood is a prime focus, along with buried truths and ancient, sinister forces. From the wonderful preface, the book is filled with enticing local lore and legend, fantastic gothic and horror elements, epistolary interjections, and gore a-plenty. Filled with disturbing oddities, the quirky, asymmetrical house defies Victorian stereotypes, while Haite Towne’s valley- and cornfield-infused setting, referred to by out-of-towners as Hell Town, comes equipped with nefarious and shadowy backstory.
Driven by toxic masculinity, the narrative also interweaves romantic and supernatural/paranormal elements, along with disturbing olden traditions and a healthy dose of hope to balance things out. The story packs a lot into 199 pages, which feels overwhelming at times, especially with regard to historical details and plot points, the number of characters and timelines, and the means through which information is conveyed. Despite these challenges, however, The Agony of Her is a creative, multi-faceted work of gothic horror imbued with passion and topped off with an absolutely exquisite cover.
Titles That Came to Mind While Reading:
•Ghost Mother by Kelly Dwyer
•Dark Sisters by Kristi Dimeester
•The Family Plot by Cherie Priest
Thank you to Cassandra L. Thompson and Quill & Crow Publishing House for providing a physical ARC of this forthcoming release (scheduled for publication on March 13th) in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5/5 rounding up.
Two stories, each at different points in time, weave together as Lori, a historical home renovator in 1981, and Ada Haite, recently wedded and abandoned by her husband in 1910, realize that Haite House is not the innocent gothic manor they first believe it to be. As each woman deals with their ideas of motherhood while being confronted with beings both sinister and ancient, the house on the hill begins to reveal its true story of a place built upon women's agony.
Wow, this story was incredible. It has everything I love. Haunted houses, creepy kids, ghosts and feminine rage. I loved the atmosphere throughout this story. There are altogether three different timelines with the timelines of 1981 and 1910 being the two most prevalent, and each time period is written incredibly well and able to be distinguished between easily.
I would have honestly loved more of the puritan storyline. I loved the storyline of how the three sisters came to be and I loved the feminine rage that did come out of the entire story line. The cult vibes of that storyline had me engrossed and I just craved more and more of it as we went through the book. Along with more of the puritan story line I would have also enjoyed more of a deep dive into Juliana's character overall. My biggest complaint is how Lori was able to "fix" everything in the past but nothing becomes different in the future? Like if the original sisters wanted Samuel Crane wouldn't that have stopped the sacrifice of women/children meaning Juliana never would have had to sacrifice any? I'm not sure if I was just confused about that part or what.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. As a native Ohio-an my entire life, the atmosphere was written perfect and I loved the minimal additive of The Cleveland Hospital. The multiple descriptions of corn and those eerie kind of Appalachian old wives tales in small town vibes really came through in this book. Recommend for anyone who enjoys a good female revenge/ rage story mixed with ghosts, puritan vibes and a good old haunted house.
Two stories, each at different points in time, weave together as Lori, a historical home renovator in 1981, and Ada Haite, recently wedded and abandoned by her husband in 1910, realize that Haite House is not the innocent gothic manor they first believe it to be. As each woman deals with their ideas of motherhood while being confronted with beings both sinister and ancient, the house on the hill begins to reveal its true story of a place built upon women's agony.
Wow, this story was incredible. It has everything I love. Haunted houses, creepy kids, ghosts and feminine rage. I loved the atmosphere throughout this story. There are altogether three different timelines with the timelines of 1981 and 1910 being the two most prevalent, and each time period is written incredibly well and able to be distinguished between easily.
I would have honestly loved more of the puritan storyline. I loved the storyline of how the three sisters came to be and I loved the feminine rage that did come out of the entire story line. The cult vibes of that storyline had me engrossed and I just craved more and more of it as we went through the book. Along with more of the puritan story line I would have also enjoyed more of a deep dive into Juliana's character overall. My biggest complaint is how Lori was able to "fix" everything in the past but nothing becomes different in the future? Like if the original sisters wanted Samuel Crane wouldn't that have stopped the sacrifice of women/children meaning Juliana never would have had to sacrifice any? I'm not sure if I was just confused about that part or what.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. As a native Ohio-an my entire life, the atmosphere was written perfect and I loved the minimal additive of The Cleveland Hospital. The multiple descriptions of corn and those eerie kind of Appalachian old wives tales in small town vibes really came through in this book. Recommend for anyone who enjoys a good female revenge/ rage story mixed with ghosts, puritan vibes and a good old haunted house.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Cassandra L. Thompson’s The Agony of Her is a haunting and emotionally rich novel that lingers long after the final page. Blending gothic atmosphere with deeply personal themes of grief, identity, and longing, Thompson crafts a story that feels both intimate and unsettling in the best possible way.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its atmosphere. From the very first chapter, the writing pulls me into a shadowy, almost dreamlike world where emotions feel amplified and every setting carries a quiet intensity. Thompson’s prose is lyrical without being overwhelming, striking a balance between poetic and accessible. The mood she creates perfectly complements the emotional weight of the story.
The characters are layered and complex, particularly the protagonist, whose inner turmoil feels raw and authentic. Thompson does an excellent job of exploring vulnerability and emotional conflict, making it easy to empathize with the struggles portrayed. The relationships in the story—whether romantic, familial, or internal—are written with nuance and depth.
While the pacing occasionally slows in the middle, especially during more introspective passages, it ultimately serves the story’s emotional arc. Some readers may wish for a bit more clarity in certain plot elements, but the ambiguity also adds to the gothic tone and lingering mystery.
Overall, The Agony of Her is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that will appeal to readers who appreciate atmospheric storytelling and character-driven narratives. It’s not just a story you read—it’s one you feel. A strong four-star read that showcases Cassandra L. Thompson’s talent for crafting moody, heartfelt fiction.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its atmosphere. From the very first chapter, the writing pulls me into a shadowy, almost dreamlike world where emotions feel amplified and every setting carries a quiet intensity. Thompson’s prose is lyrical without being overwhelming, striking a balance between poetic and accessible. The mood she creates perfectly complements the emotional weight of the story.
The characters are layered and complex, particularly the protagonist, whose inner turmoil feels raw and authentic. Thompson does an excellent job of exploring vulnerability and emotional conflict, making it easy to empathize with the struggles portrayed. The relationships in the story—whether romantic, familial, or internal—are written with nuance and depth.
While the pacing occasionally slows in the middle, especially during more introspective passages, it ultimately serves the story’s emotional arc. Some readers may wish for a bit more clarity in certain plot elements, but the ambiguity also adds to the gothic tone and lingering mystery.
Overall, The Agony of Her is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that will appeal to readers who appreciate atmospheric storytelling and character-driven narratives. It’s not just a story you read—it’s one you feel. A strong four-star read that showcases Cassandra L. Thompson’s talent for crafting moody, heartfelt fiction.
March 20, 2026
The Agony of Her is one of those books that lingers—quietly, uncomfortably, and beautifully—long after you’ve turned the final page.
From the very beginning, the atmosphere is thick with dread and melancholy. This is gothic fiction at its core: eerie, intimate, and deeply emotional. Cassandra L. Thompson crafts a story that feels both hauntingly timeless and sharply personal, pulling you into a world where grief, longing, and darkness intertwine.
What stood out most to me was the writing. It’s lyrical without being overwhelming, striking that delicate balance between poetic and unsettling. Every sentence feels intentional, building a slow, creeping sense of unease that seeps into your bones. The Ohio gothic setting adds such a unique layer too—decaying, desolate, and rich with quiet horror.
The emotional depth of this story is undeniable. It explores themes of pain, identity, and obsession in a way that feels raw and, at times, almost claustrophobic. The characters aren’t always easy to like, but they feel real in their flaws and complexities, which made their journey all the more compelling.
That said, this isn’t a fast-paced read. The story unfolds slowly, and at times it can feel heavy, almost suffocating. If you’re looking for action or clear-cut answers, this might not fully satisfy—but if you’re willing to sit in the discomfort, it’s absolutely worth it.
Overall, The Agony of Her is a beautifully dark, atmospheric read that won’t be for everyone—but for those who love gothic storytelling with emotional weight, it’s a haunting experience.
From the very beginning, the atmosphere is thick with dread and melancholy. This is gothic fiction at its core: eerie, intimate, and deeply emotional. Cassandra L. Thompson crafts a story that feels both hauntingly timeless and sharply personal, pulling you into a world where grief, longing, and darkness intertwine.
What stood out most to me was the writing. It’s lyrical without being overwhelming, striking that delicate balance between poetic and unsettling. Every sentence feels intentional, building a slow, creeping sense of unease that seeps into your bones. The Ohio gothic setting adds such a unique layer too—decaying, desolate, and rich with quiet horror.
The emotional depth of this story is undeniable. It explores themes of pain, identity, and obsession in a way that feels raw and, at times, almost claustrophobic. The characters aren’t always easy to like, but they feel real in their flaws and complexities, which made their journey all the more compelling.
That said, this isn’t a fast-paced read. The story unfolds slowly, and at times it can feel heavy, almost suffocating. If you’re looking for action or clear-cut answers, this might not fully satisfy—but if you’re willing to sit in the discomfort, it’s absolutely worth it.
Overall, The Agony of Her is a beautifully dark, atmospheric read that won’t be for everyone—but for those who love gothic storytelling with emotional weight, it’s a haunting experience.
March 14, 2026
I am mildly obsessed with reading books set near places I live or have lived. When I saw that this book is set in a location relatively close to where I currently live, a place where I myself have gone hiking, I was immediately intrigued. I was also drawn in by the themes of motherhood, women’s suffering and empowerment.
I will say I had chills at multiple points in the story. The story as a whole is set in northeast Ohio and Lori’s arrival at Haite House occurs in March. I’m sure it was not a coincidence that this book was released in March as the weather in the book coincided with the weather I experienced while reading a little too closely for my comfort. That my own roof developed a leak within hours of Ada experiencing a leaky ceiling – I about died.
The story moved quickly and held my attention. I was fascinated by the setting and the secrets that Haite House held. The character threads throughout both timelines kept me on my toes. There was a lot I enjoyed about the story, however, the Puritanical origins of the malevolence surrounding the mansion didn’t quite work for me. That said, others may love it and I would absolutely recommend it to someone who loves atmospheric horror.
Thank you to Quill & Crow Publishing House and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I will say I had chills at multiple points in the story. The story as a whole is set in northeast Ohio and Lori’s arrival at Haite House occurs in March. I’m sure it was not a coincidence that this book was released in March as the weather in the book coincided with the weather I experienced while reading a little too closely for my comfort. That my own roof developed a leak within hours of Ada experiencing a leaky ceiling – I about died.
The story moved quickly and held my attention. I was fascinated by the setting and the secrets that Haite House held. The character threads throughout both timelines kept me on my toes. There was a lot I enjoyed about the story, however, the Puritanical origins of the malevolence surrounding the mansion didn’t quite work for me. That said, others may love it and I would absolutely recommend it to someone who loves atmospheric horror.
Thank you to Quill & Crow Publishing House and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book got me at gothic, and devoured me at Folk Horror.
It’s a story set in a creepy town with dark history in Ohio, centred around a scary gothic manor on a hill (yay!). Two main timelines take the reader through the separate but in many ways similar experiences of two women, Ada and Lori and their step-daughters. And let me just say: finally, the step-mother wasn’t the bad guy.
I really liked the concrete folk tale that was bound to the story, although I was not entirely convinced by the attempt to tie it to some global, central mythology. If anything, that part left me a bit puzzled. Sometimes, a local folklore is just that, and that’s okay.
On the other hand, the religious elements made the story less abstract, giving it an anchor in history and making it all a bit more terrifying.
All in all, I breezed through the story in three days (very fast by my standards) and was engaged the whole time. It was scary and creepy, just as was promised, but exactly the right amount, nothing too gory or gross. To be fair, I had to read the last third of the book when I wasn’t home alone, but bear in mind that I’m very easily spooked.
Thank you, Cassandra L. Thompson and NetGalley, for the ARC copy!
It’s a story set in a creepy town with dark history in Ohio, centred around a scary gothic manor on a hill (yay!). Two main timelines take the reader through the separate but in many ways similar experiences of two women, Ada and Lori and their step-daughters. And let me just say: finally, the step-mother wasn’t the bad guy.
I really liked the concrete folk tale that was bound to the story, although I was not entirely convinced by the attempt to tie it to some global, central mythology. If anything, that part left me a bit puzzled. Sometimes, a local folklore is just that, and that’s okay.
On the other hand, the religious elements made the story less abstract, giving it an anchor in history and making it all a bit more terrifying.
All in all, I breezed through the story in three days (very fast by my standards) and was engaged the whole time. It was scary and creepy, just as was promised, but exactly the right amount, nothing too gory or gross. To be fair, I had to read the last third of the book when I wasn’t home alone, but bear in mind that I’m very easily spooked.
Thank you, Cassandra L. Thompson and NetGalley, for the ARC copy!
March 24, 2026
The Agony of Her is a slowburn gothic told through dual-timeline POVs and decades of female rage.
When Lori inherits a Victorian mansion from her grandmother, she moves to Ohio fresh off her divorce with plans to remodel. But when her ex-husband leaves her step-daughters with her mid-renovation, Lori begins to learn that her present situation has eerie similarities to the past... and it may prove fatal for them all.
While I enjoyed this story, I found myself struggling to get into it in the beginning. By about the halfway point it really picks up as the story begins to unravel. I did feel that the ending was a bit too simple to really satisfy the angst and eerie atmosphere that lingers through the rest of the story, hence my rating has landed at 3 stars.
This is still a great, slowburn gothic story though! I loved the depictions of loving step-mothers who would do anything to protect their step-daughters, and the threads of feminine rage that lay woven throughout the tale!
*Thank you to Quill & Crow Publishing House for the digital advanced copy. All opinions expressed above are my own.
When Lori inherits a Victorian mansion from her grandmother, she moves to Ohio fresh off her divorce with plans to remodel. But when her ex-husband leaves her step-daughters with her mid-renovation, Lori begins to learn that her present situation has eerie similarities to the past... and it may prove fatal for them all.
While I enjoyed this story, I found myself struggling to get into it in the beginning. By about the halfway point it really picks up as the story begins to unravel. I did feel that the ending was a bit too simple to really satisfy the angst and eerie atmosphere that lingers through the rest of the story, hence my rating has landed at 3 stars.
This is still a great, slowburn gothic story though! I loved the depictions of loving step-mothers who would do anything to protect their step-daughters, and the threads of feminine rage that lay woven throughout the tale!
*Thank you to Quill & Crow Publishing House for the digital advanced copy. All opinions expressed above are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 This gothic whirlwind of a book was like a dark ghost story one tells around the campfire. Wish Goodreads would allow half stars. I was grateful to receive an arc copy of this book. The Agony of Her follows two women Lori and Ada same house different eras. At times I found it hard to follow the back and forth between the two different time periods hence the 4.5 star rating.
The two women have very parallel lives including douchebag for husbands(one soon to be ex). Ada and Lori are both strong and loving parents to girls that aren’t their own blood relation but they love and protect them just as fiercely as any mother would. The darkness and ghostly messed up curse on the house/family is the most original messed up(in a good way) I have read. Tom and Finn are true gentleman and enjoyed seeing their stories unfold alongside our fmc’s. If you love twists and turns, dark ghost stories, badass fmc and epic writing this is the novel for you. The author paints a detailed picture with her words.
The two women have very parallel lives including douchebag for husbands(one soon to be ex). Ada and Lori are both strong and loving parents to girls that aren’t their own blood relation but they love and protect them just as fiercely as any mother would. The darkness and ghostly messed up curse on the house/family is the most original messed up(in a good way) I have read. Tom and Finn are true gentleman and enjoyed seeing their stories unfold alongside our fmc’s. If you love twists and turns, dark ghost stories, badass fmc and epic writing this is the novel for you. The author paints a detailed picture with her words.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
1910, Ada is newly married to Charles. She is his third wife and there is not much love in the marriage. She is sent to her husband's summer home with the excuse that it will be good for her mental health.
1981, Lori inherits an old house in Ohio which she plans to renovate. Soon strange dreams and occurrences are troubling their time there.
▪︎
The Agony of Her seeps with eerie gothic vibes, I loved that! The descriptions of the house on the hill and the desolated town were fantastic.
The dual timelines give us pieces of what happened in the past. It’s hard to imagine what the previous occupants of the house went through.
Also extra points for a totally not wicked stepmother! Finally a stepmother who loves the children and protects them against the horror that lingers around the house.
Be mindful that there are a few trigger warnings listed at the end of the book so take a look at that if there are certain subjects you don’t want to read about.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quill & Crow Publishing House for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
1981, Lori inherits an old house in Ohio which she plans to renovate. Soon strange dreams and occurrences are troubling their time there.
▪︎
The Agony of Her seeps with eerie gothic vibes, I loved that! The descriptions of the house on the hill and the desolated town were fantastic.
The dual timelines give us pieces of what happened in the past. It’s hard to imagine what the previous occupants of the house went through.
Also extra points for a totally not wicked stepmother! Finally a stepmother who loves the children and protects them against the horror that lingers around the house.
Be mindful that there are a few trigger warnings listed at the end of the book so take a look at that if there are certain subjects you don’t want to read about.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quill & Crow Publishing House for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2026
Set in marshy, late-winter Ohio, this haunting ghost story unfolds in a dying mill town and is told through dual perspectives set in 1981 and 1910. The story follows two women who both live in the same old Victorian home, with their timelines gradually revealing how their lives, and the house itself, are tied to the town’s dark past. The shifting perspectives slowly connect the past and present, building a quiet, eerie sense of mystery.
One aspect I especially liked was the stepmother’s perspective in the 1981 timeline and the love she has for the children in her care. I also appreciated the historical references to misunderstood women who had little voices of their own, which added another thoughtful layer to the story.
The book does deal with darker themes, so I recommend checking the trigger warnings before reading. Overall, it was a quick, captivating read for me and one I’d definitely recommend.
One aspect I especially liked was the stepmother’s perspective in the 1981 timeline and the love she has for the children in her care. I also appreciated the historical references to misunderstood women who had little voices of their own, which added another thoughtful layer to the story.
The book does deal with darker themes, so I recommend checking the trigger warnings before reading. Overall, it was a quick, captivating read for me and one I’d definitely recommend.
July 22, 2026
My BFF referred this one to me and with it taking place not far from our homes, how could i say no?!
1981 - Lori is shocked to unexpectedly inherit a Gothic mansion on top of a hill in a mostly deserted small town in Ohio. Being a home renovator, she immediately decides to restore it to its original grandiose appearance.
1910 - Ada is recently married and moved into her new husband’s aforementioned mansion.
Both women are stuck in a place known as Hell Town because “all kinds of spooky things happen here at night.”
I loved the premise, the dual timeline, the character development, the setting, and the fact that both Lori and Ada had two young daughters in their care which made their stories eerily symmetrical.
Unfortunately, I must say that this book wasn’t fast paced enough and also lacked the action needed to fully intrigue me.
I guess it was good title because I was in agony trying to get through it. DNF at 60%
1981 - Lori is shocked to unexpectedly inherit a Gothic mansion on top of a hill in a mostly deserted small town in Ohio. Being a home renovator, she immediately decides to restore it to its original grandiose appearance.
1910 - Ada is recently married and moved into her new husband’s aforementioned mansion.
Both women are stuck in a place known as Hell Town because “all kinds of spooky things happen here at night.”
I loved the premise, the dual timeline, the character development, the setting, and the fact that both Lori and Ada had two young daughters in their care which made their stories eerily symmetrical.
Unfortunately, I must say that this book wasn’t fast paced enough and also lacked the action needed to fully intrigue me.
I guess it was good title because I was in agony trying to get through it. DNF at 60%
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Im giving this book a 4 ⭐️ rating.
This book is told in duel timeline, late 1800's and early 1980's. At first, I was a little confused but I caught on quickly. (it was just me so don't worry lol) The way the story is written gave so much back story of previous events with the women of the house and the towns people, and the crazy things that went on, with little bits of it coming to the present time ( the 1980s ). It's a rather tragic story that made me sad in parts but kept me on the edge of my seat also, not knowing how things were going to turn out with the different twists and turns. In all honestly, its a hard book to describe because you can easily tell too much about the story and basically give it all away. Its definitely one of those stories that you need to read and experience for yourself. Its a really good book and worth the read.
As Always.... Happy Reading!
This book is told in duel timeline, late 1800's and early 1980's. At first, I was a little confused but I caught on quickly. (it was just me so don't worry lol) The way the story is written gave so much back story of previous events with the women of the house and the towns people, and the crazy things that went on, with little bits of it coming to the present time ( the 1980s ). It's a rather tragic story that made me sad in parts but kept me on the edge of my seat also, not knowing how things were going to turn out with the different twists and turns. In all honestly, its a hard book to describe because you can easily tell too much about the story and basically give it all away. Its definitely one of those stories that you need to read and experience for yourself. Its a really good book and worth the read.
As Always.... Happy Reading!
September 2, 2026
Thank you to Cassandra for the review copy. Okay, so there’s a lot packed into this book. At first, it may seem like your typical haunted house story, but the more you read, the more you start seeing the layers of the plot. Each chapter corresponds to a different time period, but it’s easy to keep up with. There are arguably two main characters, and you’ll notice parallels between them as the plot progresses.
There are some pretty heavy themes present, mostly about how women were treated in the early 1900s, and how, even in more modern times, even though progress has been made, there’s still work to be done. If you need to know which ones, there’s a trigger index. Other than that, I can’t say much else without getting into spoilers since this is a pretty compact tale, but it’s worth the read.
There are some pretty heavy themes present, mostly about how women were treated in the early 1900s, and how, even in more modern times, even though progress has been made, there’s still work to be done. If you need to know which ones, there’s a trigger index. Other than that, I can’t say much else without getting into spoilers since this is a pretty compact tale, but it’s worth the read.
March 13, 2026
3.75⭐️ rounded up to 4⭐️
Darcy Coates meets Simone St. James with a sprinkle of Riley Sager’s Home Before Dark and a dash of Alma Katsu’s The Hunger.
The Agony of Her is a slow-burn gothic atmospheric read switching between “current day” Lori that moved into Haite Hill in 1980 and Ada who lived in the home in 1910. I enjoyed the dual POVs of the two main characters and the slow unraveling of what really happened at Haite Hill. I loved Thompson’s inclusion of the history of the small Ohio town from the early 1700s, and how it makes you think back to different characters’ last names. If you love a good haunted house story with historical horror elements, give The Agony of Her a read!
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review an Advanced Readers Copy.
Darcy Coates meets Simone St. James with a sprinkle of Riley Sager’s Home Before Dark and a dash of Alma Katsu’s The Hunger.
The Agony of Her is a slow-burn gothic atmospheric read switching between “current day” Lori that moved into Haite Hill in 1980 and Ada who lived in the home in 1910. I enjoyed the dual POVs of the two main characters and the slow unraveling of what really happened at Haite Hill. I loved Thompson’s inclusion of the history of the small Ohio town from the early 1700s, and how it makes you think back to different characters’ last names. If you love a good haunted house story with historical horror elements, give The Agony of Her a read!
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review an Advanced Readers Copy.
March 18, 2026
wow! wow! wow! wow! wow! This story truly takes you places. It reminds me of when I first got into reading this genre. Not too gorey but not too scary either. The dual times lines were absoulutely perfection in here. It took me a tad to get into it but once I was in there I was in there. I loved Ada Haite's timeline. I can totally see this adapted into a movie a t some point. Its so good! That's coming from someone who doesn't do alot of horror. I am going to be thinking about this one for awhile.
Defenitly check your triggers for this one. ThEre are some things in this one. They are in the back of the story.
Thank you to Netgalley, Quillandcrowpublishinghouse, and The author for this gift to read early.
Defenitly check your triggers for this one. ThEre are some things in this one. They are in the back of the story.
Thank you to Netgalley, Quillandcrowpublishinghouse, and The author for this gift to read early.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one will be appreciated by all but it’s definitely for the women.
Thompson is a queen of gothic story telling and executes dual timelines flawlessly.
I loved the folk horror aspect of this book. The monsters of Haite Town are truly terrifying and their reasons for being there, even more so.
The character development for both our FMCs was so well done, I felt genuine connection between the two regardless of the time gap. I loved that this book flipped the “wicked stepmother” trope on its head.
The last quarter of the book had me reading through teary eyes. Thompson’s story telling is powerful, emotional, and passionate.
Thompson is a queen of gothic story telling and executes dual timelines flawlessly.
I loved the folk horror aspect of this book. The monsters of Haite Town are truly terrifying and their reasons for being there, even more so.
The character development for both our FMCs was so well done, I felt genuine connection between the two regardless of the time gap. I loved that this book flipped the “wicked stepmother” trope on its head.
The last quarter of the book had me reading through teary eyes. Thompson’s story telling is powerful, emotional, and passionate.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've read a lot of horror novels in my 55 years, but very few of them have had the impact that The Agony of Her did on me. Everything about this book is designed to suck you in... from the plot, to the characters, to the setting, to the sheer mood set by Cassandra L Thompson's prose.
The story is inventive yet timeless, completely fresh yet feeling like something that's always been... A tough feat indeed. Yet "the sisters three" feels destined to join Bloody Mary and the Bell Witch in the annals of urban legend infamy.
Fan of gothic horror owe it to themselves to get this book now!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story is inventive yet timeless, completely fresh yet feeling like something that's always been... A tough feat indeed. Yet "the sisters three" feels destined to join Bloody Mary and the Bell Witch in the annals of urban legend infamy.
Fan of gothic horror owe it to themselves to get this book now!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Quill & Crow for the ARC.
The Agony of Her by Cassandra L. Thompson is an absolute masterpiece of horror. It mixes unsettling atmosphere with religion and folklore to create something truly scary.
The story played out in my head like a movie! It had the perfect combination of haunted house vibes and religious fanaticism. I enjoyed the multiple timelines/POVs, and the main characters were both relatable and realistic. The Sisters Three will continue to haunt me for a long time.
It was a fairly quick read too, so if you’re looking for a spooky book to cozy up with on a dark and rainy evening—this is the one! I was entertained the entire time.
The Agony of Her by Cassandra L. Thompson is an absolute masterpiece of horror. It mixes unsettling atmosphere with religion and folklore to create something truly scary.
The story played out in my head like a movie! It had the perfect combination of haunted house vibes and religious fanaticism. I enjoyed the multiple timelines/POVs, and the main characters were both relatable and realistic. The Sisters Three will continue to haunt me for a long time.
It was a fairly quick read too, so if you’re looking for a spooky book to cozy up with on a dark and rainy evening—this is the one! I was entertained the entire time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Finally a book where the stepmothers are not depicted as aweful and actually do everything they can to protect the children. It is such a nice change to read a story where these women are fierce protectors for children in their care.
The narrative alternates between two women living in the same eerie house during different time periods, and the author.
Like all good scary house books you will be screaming alot at the characters to not do the thing they are currently doing. Loved the suspense throughout and how this is a story about motherhood, fear, grief and trying your hardest to survive.
Trigger warnings especially regarding children and women on and off page.
The narrative alternates between two women living in the same eerie house during different time periods, and the author.
Like all good scary house books you will be screaming alot at the characters to not do the thing they are currently doing. Loved the suspense throughout and how this is a story about motherhood, fear, grief and trying your hardest to survive.
Trigger warnings especially regarding children and women on and off page.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m a huge fan of gothic horror and ghost stories, so this book was completely up my alley.
I loved the dual timelines and how closely the women’s experiences at Haite Hill mirrored one another despite the decades between them. That parallel heightened the tension and made the story feel inevitable, as though the house was guiding the flow of events. The sense of history repeating itself added an extra layer of unease that worked so well.
This was a super creepy read that I genuinely couldn’t put down! Take heed the Sisters Three.
I loved the dual timelines and how closely the women’s experiences at Haite Hill mirrored one another despite the decades between them. That parallel heightened the tension and made the story feel inevitable, as though the house was guiding the flow of events. The sense of history repeating itself added an extra layer of unease that worked so well.
This was a super creepy read that I genuinely couldn’t put down! Take heed the Sisters Three.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
To be published: March 13, 2026
This Historical Fiction Gothic Horror Saga is set in a haunted company town in rural Ohio. It is SO good!
I don't want to give the story away, but you'll travel to 1703 during the blizzard that sets the legends in motion. Then you'll follow the events of 1910 and 1981 as two women connect through time and the house to fight against the horrors of the past.
The Trigger list is at the back of the book, so the story is not spoiled if you do not care to read them.
This Historical Fiction Gothic Horror Saga is set in a haunted company town in rural Ohio. It is SO good!
I don't want to give the story away, but you'll travel to 1703 during the blizzard that sets the legends in motion. Then you'll follow the events of 1910 and 1981 as two women connect through time and the house to fight against the horrors of the past.
The Trigger list is at the back of the book, so the story is not spoiled if you do not care to read them.
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