The Haunting of Ebonlight

by Judy Leslie

Some doors should never be opened.

When Maya Sinclair steps into the halls of Ebonlight, an old Victoria Mansion and former New Age retreat, she tells herself she doesn’t believe in ghosts. As a pathologist, she trusts evidence — not whispers in the dark. But the house on this private island holds more than just secrets to her sister’s death.

Damien Cross, a professor of questionable theories, insists Ebonlight sits on a portal between life and what waits beyond. He wants to preserve Maya's sister's research, claiming Luna was on the brink of a breakthrough. A breakthrough to what?

Maya reluctantly agrees to help Damien. Drawn into strange rituals and haunting visions, She begins questioning her preconceived ideas about the search for enlightenment. But continuing her sister's research means stepping into a world that defies logic and carries disturbing consequences.

As Damien weaves his web, she begins to fear the that Ebonlight isn’t just haunted… it wants her to finish what her sister started. — To open the portal.

The Haunting of Ebonlight is a chilling gothic suspense novel perfect for fans of Simone St. James, Jennifer McMahon, and C.J. Cooke — with a haunting coastal setting, supernatural mystery, and dark, slow-burn romantic tension that lingers long after the last page.

302 pages, Paperback

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Who doesn’t love a good story? Judy Leslie's story starts in the vibrant city of Pasadena, California, where she grew up in a family as unique as they come. Her mother, a farm girl drawn to the allure of Hollywood, and her father, a charismatic Texan with talents in dance, art, and photography, provided a childhood filled with diverse influences. Her extended family was no less interesting, featuring a successful aunt who broke barriers as a gay interior designer and an uncle who worked as a chauffeur for Hollywood stars, among others. This colorful family backdrop offered Judy endless material for her future stories.

By the age of 20, Judy had moved to Bellingham, Washington, a cozy coastal town that seemed to whisper stories from its every nook. Running Yesteryear Antiques, her days began with the crackle of logs in the woodstove and the brewing of morning coffee, a routine that grounded her in simplicity and sparked her creative mind.

Her next chapter unfolded in a quaint beach cottage on the Lummi Indian reservation. This tranquil spot, where night mysteries seemed to merge with the ocean's rhythm, inspired the Cook’s Cove collection. Here, Judy's real-life experiences blended with her imagination, creating tales where mystery and romance seamlessly intertwined.

Judy's life also included dating a successful musician and living abroad, adding layers to her personal narrative. She has traveled extensively across the United States, exploring numerous small towns while riding on the back of her husband's Harley motorcycle.

Now, Judy splits her time between a home near Seattle and a cabin in Leavenworth, Washington, a place buzzing with Bavarian charm and outdoor activities. This contrast of settings continues to fuel her writing, inspiring her to explore stories about a family's search not for adventure or riches, but for a deep, enduring love – as timeless and profound as the mountains that surround her mountain retreat.

Reviews

[Eefjes Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Once I descend, there will be no turning back. Not because I can't physically return, but because the woman who walks down these steps won't be the same one who climbs back up.'

Maya Sinclair is a pathologist who sees the world through a lens of evidence and logic, but when her sister Luna mysteriously vanishes, she finds herself longing for answers about Luna’s death.
Her search leads her to the Ebonlight Estate - a former retreat for enlightenment - which belonged to her sister at the time of her disappearance.

There are many rumors about the mansion being haunted: people never return the same… if they return at all. Maya doesn’t believe in ghosts, but when she meets Damien Cross - who insists Ebonlight sits on a portal between dimensions - she is drawn into a dangerous quest, uncovering dark, ancient secrets surrounding this private estate.

As Damien weaves his web, Maya begins to question her sanity.
She fears the truth: Ebonlight isn’t just haunted… it wants her to finish whatever her sister started.

4⭐️ | Wauw, this is a very well-written novel, extremely fast-paced. I read this in two sittings and absolutely loved it! This book pulled me in from the very first chapter, I didn’t even notice the pages flying by.
If you like a haunting coastal setting with supernatural mystery and a slow-burn romantic tension, this one has to be your next read!

[Claressa Hallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Haunting of Ebonlight explores not just paranormal hauntings, but the internal haunting felt from repressed guilt and grief. The book reflects on the choices we make when facing these emotions - giving into them or learning to forgive ourselves. The novel also addresses strained familial relationships and regret over what was left unsaid.

The book also explores our belief systems and how new ideas can contradict what we have always thought as factual. Maya's experiences at Ebonlight make her question that which she has believed and she is encouraged to open her mind and expand her perceptions of reality.

Overall, this novel is a paranormal, suspenseful experience on the surface, layered with much deeper and thought provoking themes.

Character development is slow, but crafted well. The detail focused on the setting is perfect because I could truly picture the house and the island it is on.

I enjoyed the unreliable role that Damien plays - both by his own admission and the distrust Maya has in him.

If you are looking for a true haunting book with suspense and thrill - this is not entirely that. If you are looking for a novel that has hints of suspense but with a sci-fi feel where consciousness is concerned (and a creepy vibe), this novel would fit that bill.

Thank you Booksirens and Judy Leslie for this ARC. My review is left voluntarily.

[Sandra Vdplaats · Rating 5 out of 5]

nosce te ipsum

‘the house feels unsettled, like it knows I’ve started digging’..[ ..]

Oh my days, what have I just been reading?!
As a devoted fan of Shirley Jackson's writing, I expected this to be a typical haunted house tale. I was so very wrong! This story really scared me to death, but at the same time I found it exciting and fascinating and I wanted to keep on reading until the very end (and that ending, wow).

This story scared me so much that at times I didn't even dare to go upstairs. That occurred on two previous occasions: with the film The Ring, and when I was young with the series Children of the Stones (nothing better than this has ever been made..).
This tale joins this list of its illustrious predecessors…

I am convinced that there is more to life than meets the eye, and that certain places hold a special significance. I lived in the Avebury area of the UK for a while. Personally, I am similar to Maya in that I am not particularly interested in the New Age movement or any of its associated nonsense. I require evidence, and even then I remain sceptical for a long time. Nevertheless, I have always had a constant fascination for the cultural aspects of shamanism and the myths of First Nation people and Aboriginal Dreamtime and the like.

The story tells the story of Maya going in search of her sister Luna, who seems to have vanished from the face of the earth, only leaving behind a pendant and a diary.

Luna had set up some kind of a retreat on an island with the aim of healing traumatised people, by means of ritual dances, chants, herbal medicine, and altered states of consciousness to focus on ‘restoring’ mind and body. At least, that's what it seems like at first. I won't say any more, because that would give away the plot.

When I discovered Luna and Damien's true motives, I was really shocked; I am team Vera, and I was tempted to yell at my Kindle telling Maya to stop and catch the first boat home. She should have listened, all the signs were there, but I guess love is blind.
I couldn't understand how Maya, an analytical thinker and scientist, could fall under Damien's spell so easily. Nice name, by the way.

This story is so well written that it was impossible to put it down. It is eerie and scary, fascinating and exciting at the same time, inviting the reader to abandon preconceived ideas about the ego and what happens when you let go of everything. One of the best supernatural horror stories I've read in years. I eagerly await the sequel, which I hope to be able to read as well.

A 5+ star rating. Fabulous and I am in for some more please. 🌷

[Mystyc Metrik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was an interesting story - Maya, who is a forensic pathologist, has to go to the mysterious property of Ebonlight, a spiritual retreat run by her sister, after her sister disappears. While there, she's plagued with nightmares and haunting glimpses in mirrors. She also meets the enigmatic Damien, who may not be what he seem, but is trying to lure her into continuing her sister's research into the boundaries of consciousness. Will she get drawn into Ebonlight's aura (or try to determine why so many people went missing and where Damien really came from) or return to her no-nonsense life figuring out what happened with criminal cases?

I thought this was a decent story, but the house's mysteries seemed to not be fully fleshed out, so it wasn't necessarily easy to see why Maya was so drawn in. There also was a bit of backstory about Maya choosing the easy way out in her job and not finding the truth and some tragic personal circumstances that didn't quite connect to the larger story.

[Jenny Reeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliantly written supernatural thriller. Absolutely fascinating and gripping in equal measure.

Ebonlight, a house that will capture you and possibly devour every part of you if you let it. The author writes with perfect detail and description, I could see and feel my way around every room. I could almost be looking through the mirrors at Ebonlight and see deep within the glass itself. Fascinating!

Maya, a strong, clever and straight thinking woman. Sensible, assertive. A woman wanting to find out the truth about what happened to her sister, Luna.
Yet, Maya’s purpose when entering Ebonlight, changes, slowly but surely. How is this possible? What or who is causing her change of thoughts and sensibilities?

The final part of Maya’s journey is enthralling and mind blowing. This book leaves you wanting more. There is unfinished business here. So, learning that there will be a part two very soon is great news!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweeping gothic thriller, The Haunting of Ebonlight by Judy Leslie, is superbly written in the first person. It had me engaged from the start. A captivating tale of loss and the search for answers that cause you to question everything you believe in a quest for truth. Trying to remain rational in a place full of secrets, May seeks to understand her sister's death and ends up caught in a spellbinding scenario that threatens to destroy her very soul. It resonated with me more than expected, and one quote lingers: 'The universe rewards those who turn their deepest terrors into stepping stones.' Thoroughly enjoyable, it kept me turning pages into the dawn. I'm looking forward to part two!

[lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me say I love this authors writing. This is definitely a suspenseful tale. You never know where it's leading. Maya inherited this manor from her sister and just wants to sell it but firsts she goes there to get everything in order but definitely finds more then she bargained for. The more she looks into her sister's death the more she believes it's anything but an accident. She meets Damien, Vera and Mac not knowing who she can trust or not. Everything about this manor and it's inhabitants is mysterious. Will Maya make it out or will she also be doomed to live forever in the manor. You have to read it to find out.

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC and am writing my own opinion on the book.

Well...this is a stark contrast to the last book I read by Judy Leslie (Love Amongst the Flames) and damn it was good!

A thrilling, chilling mystery where you don't know if the character has gone mad or is insanely sane. Immediately I got into this book and it's haunting vibes. I loved the character of Maya. I was so suspicious of everyone else.

Book gave me Shutter Island vibes like you even start losing gripe on what's real and what's not.

Thoroughly enjoyed it and waiting patiently for the next one.

[Ang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received The Haunting of Ebonlight by Judy Leslie as an ARC from Booksirens.

A suspenseful haunted house thriller about a young woman who returns to the house where her sister disappeared to search for answers.

Fart pace, atmospheric and I read this in two sittings. Brilliantly written book.

I've not read any of this authors books prior to this one, but I shall definately be looking at more

Thank you again for the ARC.

[Lisa Ooten · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the hush of midnight's broken dream, Where shadows twist and silence screams...

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Thank you Book Sirens for gifting me this ARC.

The Haunting of Ebonlight, based on the description, promised to be the creepy, haunted read that I love and was craving. The story started out promising, with a rational, science loving doctor Maya Sinclair coming to catalog the home that was left to her after her sister Luna’s disappearance.

Ebonlight is a monstrosity of a home, sitting isolated on the cliff of an island with a long history of odd happenings and missing people. Since Luna, purchased the house, she turned it into a New Age spiritual retreat. Despite this, the mysterious disappearances and odd behaviors of guests continued.

Once she arrives, immediately the house feels off. We meet Damian Cross, who lives at the retreat as Luna’s business and research partner of the metaphysical and spiritual. The first third of the book the tension in the atmosphere builds and it feels very creepy.

After this, the book lost me. The description of Luna’s work challenging the consciousness became so repetitive that I could probably recite from memory what was said. Damian Cross talked in circles yet someone as rational and scientific minded as Maya fell for him with barely any struggle. In less than what seemed a 2 week period, she had disregarded everything and was involved with a man she admitted was manipulating her. The chapters became very short, then long again and repetitive. The idea behind the story was very good and like I said, initially it was the perfect creepy feeling one is looking for in a haunted thriller.

The ending was good and there has been a set up for the second book which did catch my interest and I would read.

[AR bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark tale of the secrets of a mansion on an island, that draws the heroine into an extreme quest while looking for her ‘lost’ sister.

This is an extremely well written suspense novel with charismatic characters, involved plot lines, in a darkly drawn setting.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was different from others like it. There were times I was confused and had to go back, but I think after finishing the book, I wasn't meant to understand until the end. I definitely plan on reading this again and look forward to reading other works by the author!!

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so different from what Judy Leslie usually writes. It was a little creepy. I loved it. It really made me think about what comes after. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Toni Bhatia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! I couldn’t stop reading it! The slow suspense was just clawing at me. Such a great read and I cannot wait to read her next book!