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Haunt Me, Then
Caught in a sudden Montana blizzard, Lockwood Linden takes refuge at his cousin Heath’s ranch, a decaying house with walls of rot and silence, land that stretches for miles. But safety is an illusion.
From the dead orchard, a figure charges toward him—shifting into a monstrous dog before Heath drags Lockwood inside and bolts the door. And upstairs, in a room meant for rest, something begins to knock on the a boy with yellow eyes, staring in from the storm.
Now Lockwood must uncover the truth about his cousin’s home and the unspeakable secret Heath has unleashed.
Can Lockwood escape the secret festering inside Heath’s walls, or will the blizzard claim more than just his body?
From the dead orchard, a figure charges toward him—shifting into a monstrous dog before Heath drags Lockwood inside and bolts the door. And upstairs, in a room meant for rest, something begins to knock on the a boy with yellow eyes, staring in from the storm.
Now Lockwood must uncover the truth about his cousin’s home and the unspeakable secret Heath has unleashed.
Can Lockwood escape the secret festering inside Heath’s walls, or will the blizzard claim more than just his body?
348 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 8, 2025
Such a beautifully written book! Bleak atmosphere, nasty, flawed characters, a heartbreaking love story, the desolate, stormy landscape of the American prairie... The author calls his style "Montana Gothic," and he's absolutely right: the story takes place in the 1950s and covers the decades till the 2020s - but it all feels like the 1800s! In fact, the book is a queer retelling of Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights," with creepy supernatural elements deeply woven into the plot. The story is long, disturbingly violent on the psychological front, cruel and savage. The land itself has a say in the developments, as the Montana setting gets drawn wholesale into the haunted house trope, essentially reproducing its isolation and hopelessness on the metaphysical level.
That said, the book's complex structure and its honest portrayal of emotional dependencies among men, and their cruelties towards women and children are bound to make this a highly controversial and divisive reading: the many layers of the love story between the house owner's son and his adopted Native American brother - at once wild, primitive, cursed - will occasionally confuse and distract impatient readers; the abrupt story turns allowing the supernatural to invade the story will alienate readers who expect a typical haunted house novel; and, of course, the brutal honesty of the characters, their unadorned treatment of others and themselves, a reflection of the hardships encountered on life in the ranch and the prairie, will surely unsettle people with urbanite sensitivities.
I personally found the book a triumph of psychological and Gothic horror. It's Wuthering Heights meets Brokeback Mountain! I cannot praise it enough! I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy atmospheric, powerfully dramatic horror fiction, full of dark, untamed emotions and creepy manifestations of the supernatural!
That said, the book's complex structure and its honest portrayal of emotional dependencies among men, and their cruelties towards women and children are bound to make this a highly controversial and divisive reading: the many layers of the love story between the house owner's son and his adopted Native American brother - at once wild, primitive, cursed - will occasionally confuse and distract impatient readers; the abrupt story turns allowing the supernatural to invade the story will alienate readers who expect a typical haunted house novel; and, of course, the brutal honesty of the characters, their unadorned treatment of others and themselves, a reflection of the hardships encountered on life in the ranch and the prairie, will surely unsettle people with urbanite sensitivities.
I personally found the book a triumph of psychological and Gothic horror. It's Wuthering Heights meets Brokeback Mountain! I cannot praise it enough! I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy atmospheric, powerfully dramatic horror fiction, full of dark, untamed emotions and creepy manifestations of the supernatural!
November 26, 2025
I briefly read the promo, and saw haunted house and shape-shifters. I love horror so I bought it. But I should have read the complete teaser, as horror it is not.
It’s a dreamy, weird, and detail-lacking production much akin to a Stanley Kubrick or David Lynch film. All mood, but little substance.
Romance, obsession, thriller even. But the horror elements were poorly realized. I still have no idea which characters were real, which were specters, and whom was sleeping with whom. Ghosts? Demons? Phantasms?
Also, the missing hired-men? Would like to have had more story/background here.
Periods of homo eroticism, domestic abuse, and a continuing reminder of “belonging to the land.”
Uncertain what the curse is, but it rather feels that the curse is just the men of the homestead are gay.
I did rate the novel three stars, as it does have some merit in the male-male relationships in rural America. Some of the love scenes were actually quite poignant and I did feel like weeping for the characters and the improbable circumstances.
But I often had to repeat paragraphs, as character perspective changed frequently without any discernible segue.
Despite the generous three star rating, Cannot Recommend.
It’s a dreamy, weird, and detail-lacking production much akin to a Stanley Kubrick or David Lynch film. All mood, but little substance.
Romance, obsession, thriller even. But the horror elements were poorly realized. I still have no idea which characters were real, which were specters, and whom was sleeping with whom. Ghosts? Demons? Phantasms?
Also, the missing hired-men? Would like to have had more story/background here.
Periods of homo eroticism, domestic abuse, and a continuing reminder of “belonging to the land.”
Uncertain what the curse is, but it rather feels that the curse is just the men of the homestead are gay.
I did rate the novel three stars, as it does have some merit in the male-male relationships in rural America. Some of the love scenes were actually quite poignant and I did feel like weeping for the characters and the improbable circumstances.
But I often had to repeat paragraphs, as character perspective changed frequently without any discernible segue.
Despite the generous three star rating, Cannot Recommend.
October 28, 2025
Atmospheric and unsettling, this story delivers eerie, cinematic imagery-the blizzard, the decaying ranch, and the haunting presence lurking just beyond the walls all build an excellent gothic tone. The setup hooked me immediately.
That said, the execution didn't quite live up to the premise. The pacing dragged in places, and while the tension was strong early on, the mystery and horror elements lost some impact toward the end. I wanted more clarity and emotional depth from Lockwood and Heath's connection, and a payoff that matched the buildup.
Still, it's a chilling read with a haunting winter setting that lingers in your mind long after the last page. Perfect for those who enjoy quiet, creeping horror over jump scares.
That said, the execution didn't quite live up to the premise. The pacing dragged in places, and while the tension was strong early on, the mystery and horror elements lost some impact toward the end. I wanted more clarity and emotional depth from Lockwood and Heath's connection, and a payoff that matched the buildup.
Still, it's a chilling read with a haunting winter setting that lingers in your mind long after the last page. Perfect for those who enjoy quiet, creeping horror over jump scares.
November 9, 2025
This book had my attention from the moment I saw the title. I've loved Wuthering Heights since I first read it years ago, and I immediately got the reference. What I read with Haunt Me, Then was exactly what I needed from a horror reimagining of the Gothic classic, so let's talk about what worked for me and what didn't.
What didn't work for me is something very small ((...and likely just a "me thing" and not something the author did wrong, so please be nice...)) so I want to get it out of the way first. I don't care for any level of spice in my books. So what is added here took away for my enjoyment a bit. Now, I do think this will be a positive for a lot of readers who love the spicier aspects, so even though this was something that made me enjoy the book a little less, I still highly recommend it.
What did work for me is a considerably longer list. I'm a sucker for the "unlikeable" characters, and this book has them in spades. The setting is so absolutely haunting and atmospheric, making it easy to lose yourself there. Dark, eerie, desolate, and bleak are four of my favorite adjectives when it comes to whatever I'm reading, and Dean checked off every single one of those boxes in blood. Even with a large character list, they're all unique and developed, giving you a real sense of who they are and what motivates them. This made it so easy to get invested and to really feel their fluctuations, full changes, and descent into madness. Some aspects read like a fever dream, and you find yourself alongside the characters, all of you collectively wondering what is real and what isn't.
I will be revisiting this book and absolutely recommend it to my fellow horror fans. ((Even if the description of Abatha is still haunting my dreams.)) Those who don't love slower pacing may not be thrilled, but the payout is worth it, and it truly adds to the tension in such a strong way. Check this book out if you're looking for a book that will fully consume you, and don't forget to show this author some love!
((While the viewpoints shared are my own, I want to thank Horrorsmith Publishing & Laramie Dean for this complimentary copy.))
What didn't work for me is something very small ((...and likely just a "me thing" and not something the author did wrong, so please be nice...)) so I want to get it out of the way first. I don't care for any level of spice in my books. So what is added here took away for my enjoyment a bit. Now, I do think this will be a positive for a lot of readers who love the spicier aspects, so even though this was something that made me enjoy the book a little less, I still highly recommend it.
What did work for me is a considerably longer list. I'm a sucker for the "unlikeable" characters, and this book has them in spades. The setting is so absolutely haunting and atmospheric, making it easy to lose yourself there. Dark, eerie, desolate, and bleak are four of my favorite adjectives when it comes to whatever I'm reading, and Dean checked off every single one of those boxes in blood. Even with a large character list, they're all unique and developed, giving you a real sense of who they are and what motivates them. This made it so easy to get invested and to really feel their fluctuations, full changes, and descent into madness. Some aspects read like a fever dream, and you find yourself alongside the characters, all of you collectively wondering what is real and what isn't.
I will be revisiting this book and absolutely recommend it to my fellow horror fans. ((Even if the description of Abatha is still haunting my dreams.)) Those who don't love slower pacing may not be thrilled, but the payout is worth it, and it truly adds to the tension in such a strong way. Check this book out if you're looking for a book that will fully consume you, and don't forget to show this author some love!
((While the viewpoints shared are my own, I want to thank Horrorsmith Publishing & Laramie Dean for this complimentary copy.))
November 9, 2025
Haunt Me, Then is a Withering Heights retelling that was very spooky and eerie vibes.
Lockwood is caught in a snow storm and chased by something that he isn't sure what to make of. He ends up taking refuge at his cousins Heath's ranch. The description of the ranch gives the imagery of an old, decaying, run down, fall apart home. He is given a room upstairs on the 3rd floor to rest, only to discover a boy with yellow eyes knocking on his 3rd floor bedroom window. There is a secret in the walls of Heath's ranch that Heath unleashes. But now, Lockwood must uncover the truth if he wants any chance of escape.
The story is quite captivating and interesting, but I will say, the pacing was very slow for me. I had a hard time keeping focus on what was happening in the story. Personally, for me, I think that was due to the writing style. It's a little more complex than I am used to and I quickly learned that it wasn't for me. However, for the plot itself, I enjoyed the way the story was retold and the way it took its own spin.
Lockwood is caught in a snow storm and chased by something that he isn't sure what to make of. He ends up taking refuge at his cousins Heath's ranch. The description of the ranch gives the imagery of an old, decaying, run down, fall apart home. He is given a room upstairs on the 3rd floor to rest, only to discover a boy with yellow eyes knocking on his 3rd floor bedroom window. There is a secret in the walls of Heath's ranch that Heath unleashes. But now, Lockwood must uncover the truth if he wants any chance of escape.
The story is quite captivating and interesting, but I will say, the pacing was very slow for me. I had a hard time keeping focus on what was happening in the story. Personally, for me, I think that was due to the writing style. It's a little more complex than I am used to and I quickly learned that it wasn't for me. However, for the plot itself, I enjoyed the way the story was retold and the way it took its own spin.
November 19, 2025
Lockwood Linden rides his horse out to his cousin Heath's house late one night during a snowstorm. Upon arriving, Lock is attacked by a large animal. Despite huge reservations, Heath allows him to spend the night in the house. What follows is the story of Heath, the Heights, and the curse that bind them.
Beautifully written and exceptionally atmospheric, this is a great story of love, loss, and the supernatural. I loved the setting, a home in the middle of nowhere with barely any neighbors. The tension and creepiness is very high at times, but for me the end result is more of a spooky love story and less of a haunting tale of curses and the barren land, with a love affair thrown in. Unfortunately, this was too much love story for me. But if that is what you enjoy, this is the perfect tale for you.
Beautifully written and exceptionally atmospheric, this is a great story of love, loss, and the supernatural. I loved the setting, a home in the middle of nowhere with barely any neighbors. The tension and creepiness is very high at times, but for me the end result is more of a spooky love story and less of a haunting tale of curses and the barren land, with a love affair thrown in. Unfortunately, this was too much love story for me. But if that is what you enjoy, this is the perfect tale for you.
October 24, 2025
I'm not sure what to make of this story. A reimagining of Wuthering Heights, it has the same desolate feel and the same type of detestable characters, but with a different setting and differences in the plot, which somehow both adds to and detracts from the story. At first I wasn't sure what was going on, and when I realised I could enjoy the story more, but that wasn't until i was around 40% into it.
The story itself is quite slow paced, and I was expecting more of a dramatic conclusion to the tale overall. That said, I would read more from this author, as I enjoyed the way they spun the tale and wove all the details and characters together.
The story itself is quite slow paced, and I was expecting more of a dramatic conclusion to the tale overall. That said, I would read more from this author, as I enjoyed the way they spun the tale and wove all the details and characters together.
December 4, 2025
If you’re looking to support an author apart of the LGBT community or looking to diversify your reading with gay representation, Haunt Me, Then is the book for you. Laramie Dean did a really good job at weaving in his own “Montana Gothic” vibes with a sort of retelling of Wuthering Heights. There were scenes that reminded me of the movie Sinners and Stephen King’s The Shining. I don’t normally choose books like this to read, but I enjoyed it. It’s very sorrowful though. It’s like a very depressed, haunting and forbidden love story with the backdrop being a haunted house and a family curse. This writing style reminds me of Slam Poetry for some reason, but I like it.
November 5, 2025
A slow paced horror that felt like a fever dream.
The prologue set in 1988 set a tone that was intriguing, then the story goes back 40 years to describe how Heath, the current owner in 1988, came to the house known as The Heights. We follow Heath through his struggles in life and the hold the house has on the people that live there.
I was not a fan of the writing style, however there was plenty of horrifying scenes that kept me wanting to read.
I would love to hear your thoughts if you read this book, as it did have me questioning how much was the curse of the Lyon family, the house itself, or a combination that was drawn to trauma.
Thank you to Horrorsmith Publishing and the author for the ARC
The prologue set in 1988 set a tone that was intriguing, then the story goes back 40 years to describe how Heath, the current owner in 1988, came to the house known as The Heights. We follow Heath through his struggles in life and the hold the house has on the people that live there.
I was not a fan of the writing style, however there was plenty of horrifying scenes that kept me wanting to read.
I would love to hear your thoughts if you read this book, as it did have me questioning how much was the curse of the Lyon family, the house itself, or a combination that was drawn to trauma.
Thank you to Horrorsmith Publishing and the author for the ARC
November 17, 2025
Thank you Horrorsmith Publishing for the ARC copy.
I love stories centered around creepy, haunted houses. I found myself to be unsettled at times. Especially when Lockwood saw a boy knocking on his 3rd floor bedroom window. Pacing was a little slow and I got confused a couple of times when the perspectives would change between characters. The story was captivating and interesting, perfect for the winter season.
This is perfect for people who are wanting a slower paced horror story without all the jump scares.
I love stories centered around creepy, haunted houses. I found myself to be unsettled at times. Especially when Lockwood saw a boy knocking on his 3rd floor bedroom window. Pacing was a little slow and I got confused a couple of times when the perspectives would change between characters. The story was captivating and interesting, perfect for the winter season.
This is perfect for people who are wanting a slower paced horror story without all the jump scares.
October 28, 2025
Review
Thank you to Horrorsmith Publishing and Laramie Dean for this copy of Haunt Me, Then. This book is like a horrible fever dream in the best way. The way everyone who enters The Heights is insidiously affected by the darkness of the place is perfectly done. It seems like time and distance don’t matter if you’ve set foot there and it will draw you back one way or another. When a novel makes your skin crawl as you walk across your yard in the dark, you know it’s a good one!
Thank you to Horrorsmith Publishing and Laramie Dean for this copy of Haunt Me, Then. This book is like a horrible fever dream in the best way. The way everyone who enters The Heights is insidiously affected by the darkness of the place is perfectly done. It seems like time and distance don’t matter if you’ve set foot there and it will draw you back one way or another. When a novel makes your skin crawl as you walk across your yard in the dark, you know it’s a good one!
November 3, 2025
Strong premise and plot idea, although the writing style is a little disjointed and not my cup of tea, and it took some getting into. However, it is a slow creeping horror as opposed to the in your face constant jump scare/gore that is prevalent in horror books today. I think it is a good read for the upcoming winter season so grab a cup of whatever you like and enjoy.
November 4, 2025
This book was a pretty quick read for me! I feel like there were some parts that were lacking in depth story-wise and I did get a little confused (not often though) but I definitely did get creeped out reading it!
I’m looking forward to whatever else this author writes though because I know it only goes up from here!
I’m looking forward to whatever else this author writes though because I know it only goes up from here!
November 8, 2025
This just wasn't the book for me. I went in blind and found out very quickly that this was a slow burn. I was a little confused to start with but quite enjoy reading about how the siblings were raised. Unfortunately for me it just felt like it was going on and on without anything new happening. If you like period style writing this may be the book for you.
November 30, 2025
DNF - 10%
I received a free ARC of this book from HorrorSmith publishing. All opinions expressed are my own. This book had a very interesting premise, however the writing style wasn't my cup of tea making it difficult for me to keep reading.
I received a free ARC of this book from HorrorSmith publishing. All opinions expressed are my own. This book had a very interesting premise, however the writing style wasn't my cup of tea making it difficult for me to keep reading.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews