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Dark Spirits: The Watcher
There are worse things than ghosts.
Paranormal investigator Jodie Callaghan has spent years chasing shadows—but none as personal as those found within the decaying walls of Parson Hall. She returns alone for one last investigation before the hall is sold off. But the night doesn’t go as planned. She’s not the only one drawn to the hall’s dark energy.
A mysterious stranger arrives, performing a ritual that unleashes something ancient and malevolent—Nathaniel Barrow, The Watcher of Parson Hall. A dark spirit twisted by vengeance and bound to the house, his awakening marks the beginning of a terrifying game of survival. The line between hunter and hunted begins to blur as the hall itself comes alive with the whispers of the dead.
Forced into an uneasy alliance, Jodie and the stranger must unravel the hall’s haunted past and confront the darkness that dwells within. But The Watcher sees all—and he never lets his prey leave without a price.
Book One in the Dark Spirits series.
Paranormal investigator Jodie Callaghan has spent years chasing shadows—but none as personal as those found within the decaying walls of Parson Hall. She returns alone for one last investigation before the hall is sold off. But the night doesn’t go as planned. She’s not the only one drawn to the hall’s dark energy.
A mysterious stranger arrives, performing a ritual that unleashes something ancient and malevolent—Nathaniel Barrow, The Watcher of Parson Hall. A dark spirit twisted by vengeance and bound to the house, his awakening marks the beginning of a terrifying game of survival. The line between hunter and hunted begins to blur as the hall itself comes alive with the whispers of the dead.
Forced into an uneasy alliance, Jodie and the stranger must unravel the hall’s haunted past and confront the darkness that dwells within. But The Watcher sees all—and he never lets his prey leave without a price.
Book One in the Dark Spirits series.
- GenresHorror
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2025
341 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Lee Mountford
62 books1,055 followersI am an author with a huge love of horror.
Of course, other genres float my boat as well; Sci-Fi, Thrillers, pretty much any Dark Fiction, but Horror is what I call home.
My first novel, Horror in the Woods, was released on in May 2017, and the second, The Demonic, on the the following July hitting multiple best seller lists. Since then, I have authored a number of horror novels that have terrified fans for the past few years.
You can find out more about me on my website, but also, don't forget to claim your FREE ebooks
: http://eepurl.com/dIaS0r
- Lee
Of course, other genres float my boat as well; Sci-Fi, Thrillers, pretty much any Dark Fiction, but Horror is what I call home.
My first novel, Horror in the Woods, was released on in May 2017, and the second, The Demonic, on the the following July hitting multiple best seller lists. Since then, I have authored a number of horror novels that have terrified fans for the past few years.
You can find out more about me on my website, but also, don't forget to claim your FREE ebooks
: http://eepurl.com/dIaS0r
- Lee
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 29, 2025
Fast paced horror!
You always know what to expect from a Lee Mountford story, and this novella was no exception. A gory, supernatural/ghostly "punch up."
We were introduced to Jodie Callaghan, paranormal investigator and a head-strong, impetuous, and stubborn young woman. She decides to investigate the infamous Parson Hall without any backup and fails to inform anyone about her plans.
Once in situ, she encounters a strange and rather scary individual named Joe, who it transpires is a bona-fide hunter of dark spirits/energy. The two of them then, reluctantly, embark upon a life and death struggle with malevolent entities from another dimension.
This was a creepy and chilling story that was the beginning of a series. I did enjoy this tale but probably won't take it any further.
You always know what to expect from a Lee Mountford story, and this novella was no exception. A gory, supernatural/ghostly "punch up."
We were introduced to Jodie Callaghan, paranormal investigator and a head-strong, impetuous, and stubborn young woman. She decides to investigate the infamous Parson Hall without any backup and fails to inform anyone about her plans.
Once in situ, she encounters a strange and rather scary individual named Joe, who it transpires is a bona-fide hunter of dark spirits/energy. The two of them then, reluctantly, embark upon a life and death struggle with malevolent entities from another dimension.
This was a creepy and chilling story that was the beginning of a series. I did enjoy this tale but probably won't take it any further.
October 25, 2025
What Lies Within Parson Hall?
Small backstory:
Jodie Callaghan is a paranormal investigator who decides to check out a haunted location on her own called Parson Hall. As she is snooping around in the building she becomes cautious as a stranger arrives (Joe) who is also there to roam the building. Little does Jodie know that Joe has some devious plans set for why he is there in Parson Hall which ends up creating ghostly chaos that could kill them both!
That is about all I can hand out with a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This book grabbed me right away as I was thrown into the mystery of the haunted building Parson Hall as I was wondering how creepy this book was going to be since the author, Lee Mountford loves to tinker around with ghost/haunting stories.
I was not disappointed as this book has tons of atmospheric scenes with quite a bit of ghost/haunting action as well which kept me reading into the late hours of the night!
The pace moves quickly throughout the book and kept me in suspense of what was going to happen next. The reason that this book is not getting five stars is because the character Jodie kind of got on my nerves. The character Jodie just seemed out of tune with the paranormal activity that was happening around her and yet she is a paranormal investigator that is supposed to know something about being one.
I thought the other character Joe was more believable with what he was doing in the story. Otherwise beyond the character problem I thought the book was great and kept me wanting to continue reading the story to the end. Looking forward to reading book two in this series at some point soon to see what happens next with the character Jodie. Giving this book four "Boo Spooky" stars!
Small backstory:
Jodie Callaghan is a paranormal investigator who decides to check out a haunted location on her own called Parson Hall. As she is snooping around in the building she becomes cautious as a stranger arrives (Joe) who is also there to roam the building. Little does Jodie know that Joe has some devious plans set for why he is there in Parson Hall which ends up creating ghostly chaos that could kill them both!
That is about all I can hand out with a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This book grabbed me right away as I was thrown into the mystery of the haunted building Parson Hall as I was wondering how creepy this book was going to be since the author, Lee Mountford loves to tinker around with ghost/haunting stories.
I was not disappointed as this book has tons of atmospheric scenes with quite a bit of ghost/haunting action as well which kept me reading into the late hours of the night!
The pace moves quickly throughout the book and kept me in suspense of what was going to happen next. The reason that this book is not getting five stars is because the character Jodie kind of got on my nerves. The character Jodie just seemed out of tune with the paranormal activity that was happening around her and yet she is a paranormal investigator that is supposed to know something about being one.
I thought the other character Joe was more believable with what he was doing in the story. Otherwise beyond the character problem I thought the book was great and kept me wanting to continue reading the story to the end. Looking forward to reading book two in this series at some point soon to see what happens next with the character Jodie. Giving this book four "Boo Spooky" stars!
July 5, 2025
The novel started out with promise, but got very repetitive from a third of the way in. Apparently this is part of a much larger story, and no real conclusion was given (even with the additional 2 chapters of the next novel). While I was interested in the main character initially, I don't feel sufficiently invested in this to carry on the rest of the "series". With the ongoing/open ending, I feel like there's no telling how many books I'd have to read to get answers to this first one.
June 17, 2025
We start off with Jodie and Tony being Ghost Hunters, providing clients services in the unusual places that are known especially pubs etc that have had reports of hauntings over the years. It is part of their living, but not enough to live off and do full time, but they are always waiting to get final proof that spirits and ghosts on the other side of the veil exist. Previously, she also did this with her partner, who has now passed away but continued the Spirit Hunters business with Tony, the other partner.
At Manor House Pub in Ferryhill, they are doing one of their tours, and unexpectedly, Jodie has an experience when she is alone, and they have managed to get a spirit on video. But in this moment in time, she has other things on her mind. It is coming up to the 4th year anniversary of Mark proposing to her. She needs to go back to Parson Hall one more time why she can for nostalgia reasons. But this is one decision she shouldn’t have made. She shouldn’t have gone, especially all alone. BIG MISTAKE!!! Big mistake or not, you must read this book to find out what happens.
This book is very creepy, chilling, and very unsettling it got my heart racing in anticipation of what would be unfolding next😱😱😳. An empty house what could possibly go wrong, I hear you say 😳😱😳😱. I read this book in a few sittings, which is good for me, WHOOSH, WHOOSH book finished in no time at all.
This author has now produced another very addictive series, leaving my longing for the next instalment. I need to know what happens next. Tap, Tap, Tappity waiting!!!. Brilliant read I loved it. Roll on to the next book in this series. Loved it. Did I say that again lol ❤️❤️❤️
At Manor House Pub in Ferryhill, they are doing one of their tours, and unexpectedly, Jodie has an experience when she is alone, and they have managed to get a spirit on video. But in this moment in time, she has other things on her mind. It is coming up to the 4th year anniversary of Mark proposing to her. She needs to go back to Parson Hall one more time why she can for nostalgia reasons. But this is one decision she shouldn’t have made. She shouldn’t have gone, especially all alone. BIG MISTAKE!!! Big mistake or not, you must read this book to find out what happens.
This book is very creepy, chilling, and very unsettling it got my heart racing in anticipation of what would be unfolding next😱😱😳. An empty house what could possibly go wrong, I hear you say 😳😱😳😱. I read this book in a few sittings, which is good for me, WHOOSH, WHOOSH book finished in no time at all.
This author has now produced another very addictive series, leaving my longing for the next instalment. I need to know what happens next. Tap, Tap, Tappity waiting!!!. Brilliant read I loved it. Roll on to the next book in this series. Loved it. Did I say that again lol ❤️❤️❤️
December 13, 2025
awesome read....cant wsit to grab the next 2 in the series.
June 20, 2025
The beginning of another brilliant series by Lee ❤️
June 13, 2025
The repetitive writing style of the author was significantly less appealing to me.
In plain summary, with some short background, we came to know a lady who was a paranormal investigator. We then saw that she visited a house which she had some precious memories with. In that house, she met another mysterious man. The man asked her to leave. She left and returned. Then, over a hundred pages were the lengthy descriptions of the house and the things in it. Guess what? Without even reading to the end (but I still did), readers could easily understand that the paranormal investigators could successfully do something even with certain costs.
Then, the ending which was supposed to belong to the chapters in the next book was given. Yet, they could simply belong to the current book because in either format, they were cliffhangers. Worse, I did not feel that this cliffhanger convinced me to read more because the motifs were similar to the other series. Briefly, the series was an adventure of some paranormal investigators, some deaths, some big secrets, some hidden knowledge, and I am sure that the subsequent books may deal with apocalypse of the world or the like.
My point is that the author is the master of writing short stories. When the author tries to lengthen these stories (or novellas) into full-length novels, the details and characters as well as the writing style must be changed. Otherwise, the author simply described too much of the background but the main plot was just bland.
Three stars.
In plain summary, with some short background, we came to know a lady who was a paranormal investigator. We then saw that she visited a house which she had some precious memories with. In that house, she met another mysterious man. The man asked her to leave. She left and returned. Then, over a hundred pages were the lengthy descriptions of the house and the things in it. Guess what? Without even reading to the end (but I still did), readers could easily understand that the paranormal investigators could successfully do something even with certain costs.
Then, the ending which was supposed to belong to the chapters in the next book was given. Yet, they could simply belong to the current book because in either format, they were cliffhangers. Worse, I did not feel that this cliffhanger convinced me to read more because the motifs were similar to the other series. Briefly, the series was an adventure of some paranormal investigators, some deaths, some big secrets, some hidden knowledge, and I am sure that the subsequent books may deal with apocalypse of the world or the like.
My point is that the author is the master of writing short stories. When the author tries to lengthen these stories (or novellas) into full-length novels, the details and characters as well as the writing style must be changed. Otherwise, the author simply described too much of the background but the main plot was just bland.
Three stars.
October 9, 2025
Solid 3.5 kindle unlimited read (so free to read when you subscribe to the service). I read this over 2 sittings and it was pretty good. I loved the setting of the old Hall. Jodie is both relatable and likeable. She comes across as someone who has faults but also owns them. I really liked Joe and thought he added a huge something to the story. The action and ghosts happens quickly and although it does start early you don’t get bored or lose interest as the story heads towards mid way and then the end. The climax was good, but I felt it was missing something. I certainly felt the urgency and pain the character went through but after such a build up it still felt like something was missing.
The ending leaves you with a slight cliffhanger (Although The next book is available now and also on kindle unlimited so you won’t have to wait to find out what happens), I felt satisfied with the characters decisions - not giving any spoilers there. Solid 3.5/4 star rating. Perfect for the impending spooky season.
The ending leaves you with a slight cliffhanger (Although The next book is available now and also on kindle unlimited so you won’t have to wait to find out what happens), I felt satisfied with the characters decisions - not giving any spoilers there. Solid 3.5/4 star rating. Perfect for the impending spooky season.
November 12, 2025
Old-School Lee Mountford.
I've followed Lee's career since he released his first book, Horror In The Woods. I wish I could say I've read them all (that was always my intention), but he writes them faster than I can read them. Anyway, it's been a privilege to see Lee grow and develop as a writer.
In Dark Spirits: The Watcher, Lee returns to what he does best: tales of paranormal investigations in creep old manors. Perron Manor was the breakthrough hit and here he returns to that genre of horror.
The Watcher is a shorter book, compared to some of his other works, but it's better for it. Every page offers thrills and intrigue, not a single word is wasted. Quality over quantity. All killer, no filler. Lee skillfully starts at a steady pace which snowballs into an explosive finale, which leaves you wanting more. And there will be more!
Successful writers sell books, but great ones inspire. This one inspires.
I've followed Lee's career since he released his first book, Horror In The Woods. I wish I could say I've read them all (that was always my intention), but he writes them faster than I can read them. Anyway, it's been a privilege to see Lee grow and develop as a writer.
In Dark Spirits: The Watcher, Lee returns to what he does best: tales of paranormal investigations in creep old manors. Perron Manor was the breakthrough hit and here he returns to that genre of horror.
The Watcher is a shorter book, compared to some of his other works, but it's better for it. Every page offers thrills and intrigue, not a single word is wasted. Quality over quantity. All killer, no filler. Lee skillfully starts at a steady pace which snowballs into an explosive finale, which leaves you wanting more. And there will be more!
Successful writers sell books, but great ones inspire. This one inspires.
September 18, 2025
I had a soft spot for the somewhat cheesy dialogue in this. I’ve definitely made the whole “tomorrow, I mean later today” joke before.
But this book is so bogged down by repetitive scenes and dialogue, especially the ending chapter, where the main character and side character have a conversation where they repeat the same dilemma at least three times.
I also just wasn’t the greatest fan of the first half-ish’s plot which could be summarized as “girl gets scared by spooky sounds and apparitions while listening to guy’s movements downstairs and guy gets scared by spooky sounds and apparitions while listening to girl’s movements upstairs”.
But this book is so bogged down by repetitive scenes and dialogue, especially the ending chapter, where the main character and side character have a conversation where they repeat the same dilemma at least three times.
I also just wasn’t the greatest fan of the first half-ish’s plot which could be summarized as “girl gets scared by spooky sounds and apparitions while listening to guy’s movements downstairs and guy gets scared by spooky sounds and apparitions while listening to girl’s movements upstairs”.
June 16, 2025
This was an OK read. It started off promising, and I liked the idea of Jodie ghost hunting, but once she got to Parsons Hall and met another person doing the same thing, i felt it got rather repetitive, which took my right out of the story. And that was a good chunk of the book. The end leaves the story open to a sequel and a "bigger picture" story. I felt the story could have been considerably shorter.
September 21, 2025
Completely terrifying!
I loved the book. The spirits were so scary, I had to sleep with the lights on! I was totally confused about how the building was laid out and where Jodi was in relation to Joe and to the spirits and wished I had a picture or a blue-print or something, but it didn't detract from the story. The author uses great description to convey sounds and the spirits. Definitely worth it!
I loved the book. The spirits were so scary, I had to sleep with the lights on! I was totally confused about how the building was laid out and where Jodi was in relation to Joe and to the spirits and wished I had a picture or a blue-print or something, but it didn't detract from the story. The author uses great description to convey sounds and the spirits. Definitely worth it!
June 22, 2025
Love It!!!
As soon as I saw it was a book by Lee Mountford, I immediately downloaded it and it didn’t disappoint!!! Jodie is such a real character with all the second guessing that all of us would do but she pushes through. This book was like a roller coaster ride and I didn’t know how it was going to end. I can’t wait for the next book!!!!
As soon as I saw it was a book by Lee Mountford, I immediately downloaded it and it didn’t disappoint!!! Jodie is such a real character with all the second guessing that all of us would do but she pushes through. This book was like a roller coaster ride and I didn’t know how it was going to end. I can’t wait for the next book!!!!
July 23, 2025
Excellent read
Jodie is just your average paranormal ghost hunter. She goes back to the place her late husband proposed to her just one more time before it's torn down. She gets inside but someone else shows up. A man named Joe to forces her to leave. But she comes back and all paranormal hell breaks loose!
Jodie is just your average paranormal ghost hunter. She goes back to the place her late husband proposed to her just one more time before it's torn down. She gets inside but someone else shows up. A man named Joe to forces her to leave. But she comes back and all paranormal hell breaks loose!
November 25, 2025
A very good ghost story
This was a very good ghost story! Very fast paced from the very beginning to the very end. Jodie the main character was very stubborn to go back to the house a second time. She was in a living nightmare once she went back and seen Joe performing the ritual. I will not say anything else
This was a very good ghost story! Very fast paced from the very beginning to the very end. Jodie the main character was very stubborn to go back to the house a second time. She was in a living nightmare once she went back and seen Joe performing the ritual. I will not say anything else
July 3, 2025
Unfortunately this barely made it to 3 stars for me - I love everything else I read by Lee Mountford so was quite disappointed by this read. The characters and story just seemed flat and too much detail was given where it wasn't needed.
July 5, 2025
Paranormal action
It's hard to put this book down. The action begins pretty early in the story and does not relent. The ending leaves readers wanting more answers. I can't wait for book two.
It's hard to put this book down. The action begins pretty early in the story and does not relent. The ending leaves readers wanting more answers. I can't wait for book two.
August 31, 2025
Giving this one a 3.5. It was a pretty typical
cozy horror story, it still held my interest however it was towards the end where things started to get pretty interesting so now here I wait for part 2 … sigh
cozy horror story, it still held my interest however it was towards the end where things started to get pretty interesting so now here I wait for part 2 … sigh
June 15, 2025
This is the Lee Mountford that I love!!
June 18, 2025
Dark, scary, and well written.
Another great read from Lee Mountford. A dreadfully good time reading this one. Can't wait for the next in this new series to come out.
Another great read from Lee Mountford. A dreadfully good time reading this one. Can't wait for the next in this new series to come out.
June 21, 2025
Ohhhh I should have waited until they were all released!!! I was left hanging and now have to wait until the book 2 is released. Lee has done it again.
July 7, 2025
Lee Mountford does it again! This was such a fun and fast-paced horror novel that offers the best thrills and chills. I definitely see this series becoming a new “Haunted: Perron Manor” series.
July 17, 2025
Edge of your seat book.
I really could not put this book down.
I was having to have tension breaks.
I Can't wait for the next one in this new series.
I really could not put this book down.
I was having to have tension breaks.
I Can't wait for the next one in this new series.
August 4, 2025
What a great book
I loved this. It was quick to get to the action and hard to put down after I started reading. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!!
I loved this. It was quick to get to the action and hard to put down after I started reading. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!!
August 20, 2025
so good , it's one of those books that you can't put down , finally finished it and I highly recommend it !!
October 31, 2025
scary, scary ghost story
I was kept on the edge of my seat. I loved every minute if this book! Excellent read! Can’t wait to read the next one!
I was kept on the edge of my seat. I loved every minute if this book! Excellent read! Can’t wait to read the next one!
November 26, 2025
dnf 44%
December 18, 2025
Not my favorite Lee Mountford book, it was just OK for me. Didn't really care for the open ending and I'm not really interested in finishing this series.
October 5, 2025
Intriguing horror story
I discovered this Loveland read it in one sitting. Engaging and compelling, I checked on buying the second book in the series immediately after finishing the first book
I discovered this Loveland read it in one sitting. Engaging and compelling, I checked on buying the second book in the series immediately after finishing the first book
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews