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Midnight at Eberly Manor
"An intricate thriller with the parlor mystery traditions of Agatha Christie's work. A compulsively readable novel ... about justice, redemption, and moral compromise." - Kirkus Reviews
"Slow-burning legal thriller with chilling gothic overtones." - Book Reviews (A Rating)
Cassie Thompson has a picture-perfect life: a high-rise condo on the river, a sleek red Mercedes, and a rising career as a lawyer in Philadelphia. It's a long way from her humble roots in rural Pennsylvania - and she's not looking back.
But when a cryptic message offers her a tip that could cinch a high-stakes case, she follows the lead to the imposing Eberly Manor, a Gothic mansion hidden away in the suburbs. There she meets five strangers and a secretive judge with a chilling ultimatum: survive a series of high-stakes games, or face the truth she's tried to outrun.
As the night spirals into chaos, Cassie must outwit her opponents, confront her past, and fight to survive the night. Because in this game, only one can win, and losing is a death sentence.
"Slow-burning legal thriller with chilling gothic overtones." - Book Reviews (A Rating)
Cassie Thompson has a picture-perfect life: a high-rise condo on the river, a sleek red Mercedes, and a rising career as a lawyer in Philadelphia. It's a long way from her humble roots in rural Pennsylvania - and she's not looking back.
But when a cryptic message offers her a tip that could cinch a high-stakes case, she follows the lead to the imposing Eberly Manor, a Gothic mansion hidden away in the suburbs. There she meets five strangers and a secretive judge with a chilling ultimatum: survive a series of high-stakes games, or face the truth she's tried to outrun.
As the night spirals into chaos, Cassie must outwit her opponents, confront her past, and fight to survive the night. Because in this game, only one can win, and losing is a death sentence.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
December 1, 2025
My first thriller and WOW I loved it! I loved the concept of the deadly games, and most of the time I didn’t even know what to feel but I was IMMERSED. This is definitely leaving me some type of haunted and I love it. What a read.
November 28, 2025
my jaw is actually stuck on the floor. i would never have believed this was his debut novel. the incredible attention to detail in his descriptions brought the pages to life and the plot twists genuinely stunned me.
December 20, 2025
You’ll be on the edge of your seat as you read this. You may think you know what’s happening, but you’re wrong! Your jaw will drop. When I finished reading, I couldn’t stop thinking about the idea of justice in modern society. What does it mean to make amends and be just?
Congrats on this debut novel, K.P.!
Congrats on this debut novel, K.P.!
January 20, 2026
I won this book thru a Goodreads giveaway. This was definitely a very weak thriller, the best parts were the "deadly" games. The writing was repetitive and the story just did not flow. The transition from present day to the past was clunky. The police procedural chapters were not realistic and just how did the detective find out that the judge and police chief were corrupt??And the epilogue did not make sense...people buy Eberly Manor and a week later bodies are being found??? Should have been an explanation as to how the first body was found, because they brought in cadaver dogs after, but why??? Why did they suspect the judge had killed others??? TOO MANY HOLES!!!
January 14, 2026
Midnight at Eberly Manor is a quick psychological thriller, and the suspense throughout the final 60% of the book was particularly strong. That said, it took me longer to read than most books I pick up. There were a noticeable number of grammatical errors, which always irk me, though I was able to look past them. I struggled with the beginning of the book. While I understand the intent was character building and development, the transitions were less than smooth. The frequent jumping around made it difficult to fully connect with the story. However, once the main character arrives at Eberly Manor, the narrative really comes together and the plot becomes well written and engaging. If you can push through the opening chapters, you’ll likely enjoy the remainder of the story. Overall, I gave this book 3 stars. The games, guessing, and increasing intrigue added to the experience, and the overarching storyline was solid.
Did Not Finish
February 11, 2026I dnf’d this. Maybe I was not in the right headspace because I just could not get into it. Felt like it took forever to get the plot going
January 12, 2026
Where do I begin? I wanted to DNF this book multiple times and after finishing it, I should have. It was slow, boring and predictable. So many errors as well, it read like an essay with so much filler and unnecessary information just to fulfill a page count. So slow, yet the ending felt rushed and unfinished. I kept giving this book a chance based on reviews but was very disappointed.
January 14, 2026
At the center is Cassie Thompson, a protagonist who immediately feels real and layered. She has built a glossy, successful life far removed from her rural Pennsylvania past, riverfront condo, red Mercedes, and a hard-earned legal career in Philadelphia. But Gillespie wisely avoids painting her as purely admirable. Cassie is ambitious, driven, and willing to bend ethical lines to get ahead. That moral ambiguity makes her fascinating rather than alienating, and the novel’s greatest strength is how effectively it makes readers root for someone who may not entirely deserve it.
The inciting incident, a cryptic message promising a tip that could secure a major case, pulls Cassie into Eberly Manor, a Gothic estate that immediately signals danger. Once inside, the story locks into place: five strangers, a chillingly composed judge with unfinished business, and a deadly series of games where survival depends on strategy, nerve, and confronting long-buried truths. From this point on, the pacing is relentless.
The “games” themselves are a standout element. They are tense, psychologically charged, and written in a way that subtly invites the reader to play along mentally, an effective trick that deepens immersion and unease. As Cassie is forced to make impossible choices, the pressure mounts not just physically, but morally. This isn’t simply about staying alive; it’s about whether she can face who she’s been and what she’s done to get where she is.
Gillespie’s handling of twists is confident and controlled. Rather than relying on shock alone, the reveals feel earned, emerging naturally from character motivations and misdirection. While a few late developments may feel faintly predictable, the author keeps enough uncertainty in play that doubt lingers right up to the final moments. The ending, in particular, is satisfying, resolute without being simplistic.
Stylistically, the novel fits comfortably alongside comparisons to The Guest List and Alice Feeney’s work, but it maintains its own voice. The prose is clean and purposeful, the atmosphere claustrophobic, and the psychological tension consistently sharp.
The inciting incident, a cryptic message promising a tip that could secure a major case, pulls Cassie into Eberly Manor, a Gothic estate that immediately signals danger. Once inside, the story locks into place: five strangers, a chillingly composed judge with unfinished business, and a deadly series of games where survival depends on strategy, nerve, and confronting long-buried truths. From this point on, the pacing is relentless.
The “games” themselves are a standout element. They are tense, psychologically charged, and written in a way that subtly invites the reader to play along mentally, an effective trick that deepens immersion and unease. As Cassie is forced to make impossible choices, the pressure mounts not just physically, but morally. This isn’t simply about staying alive; it’s about whether she can face who she’s been and what she’s done to get where she is.
Gillespie’s handling of twists is confident and controlled. Rather than relying on shock alone, the reveals feel earned, emerging naturally from character motivations and misdirection. While a few late developments may feel faintly predictable, the author keeps enough uncertainty in play that doubt lingers right up to the final moments. The ending, in particular, is satisfying, resolute without being simplistic.
Stylistically, the novel fits comfortably alongside comparisons to The Guest List and Alice Feeney’s work, but it maintains its own voice. The prose is clean and purposeful, the atmosphere claustrophobic, and the psychological tension consistently sharp.
July 8, 2026
This is a great starter thriller for those wanting to dip their toes in without feeling extreme discomfort. Cassandra, a lawyer at a Phillie law firm, gets invited to interview someone that could help an upcoming case. This someone has an ulterior motive and traps her and others into a night of parlor games to ultimately serve justice.
I got swooped into the little surprise plot, but other than that it was mid. I can tell it’s an indie author’s first book through the slight grammatical errors and overall structure of the book. It felt similar to Freida McFadden’s style of writing but scale it back to an elementary school level of reading difficulty. The third person POV, with the elementary level, left the book in a repetitive “Cassandra thought….Cassandra worried….Cassandra walked….”. Additionally there were lots of little side characters with some great details that felt cut short. Like please tell me more about the corruption, give me details on the law firm history, and do better on the investigation details!
I got swooped into the little surprise plot, but other than that it was mid. I can tell it’s an indie author’s first book through the slight grammatical errors and overall structure of the book. It felt similar to Freida McFadden’s style of writing but scale it back to an elementary school level of reading difficulty. The third person POV, with the elementary level, left the book in a repetitive “Cassandra thought….Cassandra worried….Cassandra walked….”. Additionally there were lots of little side characters with some great details that felt cut short. Like please tell me more about the corruption, give me details on the law firm history, and do better on the investigation details!
December 13, 2025
Midnight at Eberly Manor is a gripping psychological thriller that hooks you from the start. Brilliant yet has a few flaw Cassie Thompson makes for a fascinating protagonist that is ambitious, secretive, and easy to root for even when she stumbles. The short, suspense-packed chapters keep the tension rising as Cassie navigates the eerie, sprawling manor and its high-stakes challenges.
Author K.P. Gillespie masterfully blends courtroom drama, escape-room intensity, and moral ambiguity. Every character is hiding something, and the deeper Cassie digs, the more twisted the question of justice becomes. The final twist hits hard shocking, haunting, and perfectly executed.
If you love atmospheric thrillers filled with puzzles, secrets, and nonstop suspense, this is an addictive one-sitting read. Dark, clever, and unforgettable, Midnight at Eberly Manor will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Yes i highly recommend this book that we leave you on the edge of your seat.
Author K.P. Gillespie masterfully blends courtroom drama, escape-room intensity, and moral ambiguity. Every character is hiding something, and the deeper Cassie digs, the more twisted the question of justice becomes. The final twist hits hard shocking, haunting, and perfectly executed.
If you love atmospheric thrillers filled with puzzles, secrets, and nonstop suspense, this is an addictive one-sitting read. Dark, clever, and unforgettable, Midnight at Eberly Manor will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Yes i highly recommend this book that we leave you on the edge of your seat.
December 26, 2025
I won this book on goodreads for an honest review-
What if the mistakes you made in life were to catch up with you, the things you do to win a case, the things you do to escape trouble. Welcome to eberley manor. Judge Haskins invites Cassie. There are five players- what do they have in common? Is this a game of life and death? Each room has a mystery and Cassie is determined to win but can she? Will her secrets be exposed? Grab this book for an intriguing read!
What if the mistakes you made in life were to catch up with you, the things you do to win a case, the things you do to escape trouble. Welcome to eberley manor. Judge Haskins invites Cassie. There are five players- what do they have in common? Is this a game of life and death? Each room has a mystery and Cassie is determined to win but can she? Will her secrets be exposed? Grab this book for an intriguing read!
April 23, 2026
*I received this book for free in a giveaway. Thank you to the author.*
Needs a bit more editing to be more cohesive but it is a good story! I am definitely interested in the open ended question about the manor's past.
Good thriller, that could become great with a bit of refinement of the story. There are some plot holes I would really like addressed that would also strengthen the book.
Quick read and always love an indie book!
Needs a bit more editing to be more cohesive but it is a good story! I am definitely interested in the open ended question about the manor's past.
Good thriller, that could become great with a bit of refinement of the story. There are some plot holes I would really like addressed that would also strengthen the book.
Quick read and always love an indie book!
Did Not Finish
May 22, 2026I won this in a giveaway and I was really excited to read this one.
I had to DNF at 60 pages because there were so many filler descriptions that were extremely repetitive.
Shadow, chaos and wrapped / enveloped were written at least 3x per chapter and it broke me out of enjoying the story.
I had to DNF at 60 pages because there were so many filler descriptions that were extremely repetitive.
Shadow, chaos and wrapped / enveloped were written at least 3x per chapter and it broke me out of enjoying the story.
March 31, 2026
This story was not what I expected. That ending though was good!
March 4, 2026
2.75 stars. Full pages when it could have been summed up in a mere sentence or two made it drag on and on feeling like all the additional words were there to have enough pages. The plot didn’t start up until the middle and where it should have become good (it sounded like it had so much potential) was so easy to figure out and I struggled to finish it. Rounded up to a 3 because the last page or two had a surprise but mostly was happy that it was over.
****ended up editing this and rounding it down to 2 stars…the more I thought about other 3 star reads I’ve had, it felt like it didn’t fully deserve 3. I’m sorry this one was just not it for me!!!!
****ended up editing this and rounding it down to 2 stars…the more I thought about other 3 star reads I’ve had, it felt like it didn’t fully deserve 3. I’m sorry this one was just not it for me!!!!
February 18, 2026
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. I was initially quickly drawn into this story. Sadly, soon after that, the book became too predictable. Minor details were forgotten by the author and were used on multiple occasions but in different contexts, adding confusion. To me, the details in a thriller are the most important part, so this was disappointing. The overall story idea was intriguing, but it felt like it had not been fully edited.
February 1, 2026
Needs a strong edit. So many metaphors, similes and redundant adjectives. Something drug out a paragraph that could’ve been said in one sentence. If I read how clothes “drape” someone, or how something “envelops” a room one more time, I’d have screamed. Some parts were so slow, then the end felt rushed. Lots of typos and grammatical errors yet, though this is an ARC so perhaps they’re still editing. Somewhat predictable, though the final pages offered a small twist (but has some holes that could’ve been addressed).
January 18, 2026
Good but not great
The premise is interesting. A lawyer lured into deadly games all tied to a mistake in her past. It takes quite a bit of background building to get to the action though. Once the games began, things got more interesting. The resolution of the story was a bit underwhelming. There were glaring typos throughout the book. It wasn’t a horrible read, but I definitely wouldn’t read it again or give it my glowing recommendation.
The premise is interesting. A lawyer lured into deadly games all tied to a mistake in her past. It takes quite a bit of background building to get to the action though. Once the games began, things got more interesting. The resolution of the story was a bit underwhelming. There were glaring typos throughout the book. It wasn’t a horrible read, but I definitely wouldn’t read it again or give it my glowing recommendation.
March 8, 2026
Midnight at Eberly Manor by K. P. Gillespie is an atmospheric thriller that blends psychological tension with a classic locked room mystery setup.
The story follows Cassie Thompson, a successful lawyer living in Philadelphia, who has built a polished life far removed from her rural upbringing. When she receives a mysterious message promising information that could help win a crucial legal case, she follows the lead to the secluded and imposing Eberly Manor.
Inside the mansion, Cassie encounters a small group of strangers and a secretive judge who forces them into a chilling game: survive a series of high stakes challenges or face the exposure of dangerous secrets. As the night unfolds, the atmosphere becomes increasingly tense, with alliances shifting and trust quickly eroding.
The novel’s strength lies in its suspenseful setting and psychological intrigue. The manor itself becomes a character, adding to the sense of isolation and danger. As Cassie navigates the deadly contest, she must also confront the parts of her past she tried to leave behind.
With echoes of modern locked room mysteries like The Guest List and psychological thrillers such as The Hunter, the story keeps readers guessing as the stakes rise toward its dramatic midnight climax.
Overall, Midnight at Eberly Manor offers an engaging mix of mystery, suspense, and psychological drama that will appeal to fans of tense, character driven thrillers.
The story follows Cassie Thompson, a successful lawyer living in Philadelphia, who has built a polished life far removed from her rural upbringing. When she receives a mysterious message promising information that could help win a crucial legal case, she follows the lead to the secluded and imposing Eberly Manor.
Inside the mansion, Cassie encounters a small group of strangers and a secretive judge who forces them into a chilling game: survive a series of high stakes challenges or face the exposure of dangerous secrets. As the night unfolds, the atmosphere becomes increasingly tense, with alliances shifting and trust quickly eroding.
The novel’s strength lies in its suspenseful setting and psychological intrigue. The manor itself becomes a character, adding to the sense of isolation and danger. As Cassie navigates the deadly contest, she must also confront the parts of her past she tried to leave behind.
With echoes of modern locked room mysteries like The Guest List and psychological thrillers such as The Hunter, the story keeps readers guessing as the stakes rise toward its dramatic midnight climax.
Overall, Midnight at Eberly Manor offers an engaging mix of mystery, suspense, and psychological drama that will appeal to fans of tense, character driven thrillers.
January 19, 2026
Cassie Thompson is a young and successful lawyer in Philadelphia. As she is working on her current case, she gets an e-mail from a stranger telling her that he has crucial information on her case and needs to meet with her. When Cassie travels to the Philadelphia suburbs to go to Eberly Manor to meet the person, she discovers that it was all a ruse to trap her in a real life game of life and death with several other people. And when some missteps in her own past begin to catch up with her, Cassie fights for her life to get a chance to survive and admit to her mistakes.
This one is definitely a thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the very end. Throughout the book that are twists that appear, with a pretty big twist towards the end. And as someone who lived in the Philadelphia area for a long time, I appreciate the setting and the fact that the author inserted so many Philly references into the book.
Was the writing a little shaky at times? Yes. And was the plot a little unbelievable at times? Yes. But I have to say I was pretty impressed for the author's first novel and definitely enjoyed this one.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This one is definitely a thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the very end. Throughout the book that are twists that appear, with a pretty big twist towards the end. And as someone who lived in the Philadelphia area for a long time, I appreciate the setting and the fact that the author inserted so many Philly references into the book.
Was the writing a little shaky at times? Yes. And was the plot a little unbelievable at times? Yes. But I have to say I was pretty impressed for the author's first novel and definitely enjoyed this one.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 17, 2026
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway and am posting my honest review here. The initial plot of this book drew me in and during the games portion I found myself actively involved and engaged. I did however guess at the ending before it happened which was a little disappointing for a thriller. I also noticed that there were some small details throughout that seemed to change accidentally, where one character did something but later it was another character, and that simply took away from the story for me because as a thriller reader these things matter. You look for deception in the details as you read. I also would point out that the last chapter really didn’t make any sense and not having any resolution there to who those other bodies belonged to was frustrating. To make it seem like this was the judge’s magnum opus because he was dying and he had finally had enough of the injustice he saw throughout his life then make it appear that this had not been a one off took away from the rest of the story. Overall I would say it was a good but not great book since it kept my attention until the end, if for no other reason than wanting to know if I was correct. I would give this author another go though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2026
I always look forward to reading novels by new authors, and I enjoy writing reviews in hopes of making readers aware of new up and coming talent. "Midnight at Eberly Manor", by K.P. Gillespie, was such an enjoyable read! I was so taken in by the plot, characters, and setting, that I had this novel completed within a day.
The main character, Cassie Thompson, grew up in humble beginnings. However, at the age of 29, she finds herself as a senior partner in one of the most prestigious law firms in Philadelphia. Cassie didn't get to this position by playing fair. She did what she had to do to make it to the top (and stay there). Due to a careless action and a well-kept secret, the life that she so carefully has built, is about to come crashing down on her.
In Mr. Gillespie's biography, he mentions that he is a fan of Alfred Hitchcock and Agatha Christie (among others). I definitely felt an Alfred Hitchcock/Agatha Christie vibe in this novel!
Without giving anything away, the ending leaves openings for possible future novels (at least I hope so). I highly recommend adding this one to your tbr list. I wish Mr. Gillespie great success in his future writing endeavors!
The main character, Cassie Thompson, grew up in humble beginnings. However, at the age of 29, she finds herself as a senior partner in one of the most prestigious law firms in Philadelphia. Cassie didn't get to this position by playing fair. She did what she had to do to make it to the top (and stay there). Due to a careless action and a well-kept secret, the life that she so carefully has built, is about to come crashing down on her.
In Mr. Gillespie's biography, he mentions that he is a fan of Alfred Hitchcock and Agatha Christie (among others). I definitely felt an Alfred Hitchcock/Agatha Christie vibe in this novel!
Without giving anything away, the ending leaves openings for possible future novels (at least I hope so). I highly recommend adding this one to your tbr list. I wish Mr. Gillespie great success in his future writing endeavors!
May 24, 2026
Cassie Thompson is a successful lawyer living a life of luxuries. She lives a comfortable life as a defense attorney for a prestigious law firm. A firm with morally ambiguous practices. Cassie feels both accomplishment and guilt over the ethical line she pushes in order to accomplish riding the career ladder. But perhaps her past holds an even darker secret.
Detective Janelle Robinson meets Cassie Thompson in court and feels the pressure of Cassie’s unethical practices. Little does she know, she will soon have an even more intense knowledge of Cassie Thompson and who she truly is.
Cassie has no idea her past has been discovered and she is being lured to Eberly Manor to face the consequences. She is placed in a game by Judge Haskins, with real-life and death consequences. Cassie has to play smart but most importantly, she must face what she has done. Will she win Judge Haskins’ sick twisted game of “justice”?
This book is a strong debut for K.P. Gillespie. The plot is well written and the suspense feels natural and executed in a precise manner. This is a well-paced book with great details. I could easily picture Eberly Manor and each challenge that Cassie faces.
Detective Janelle Robinson meets Cassie Thompson in court and feels the pressure of Cassie’s unethical practices. Little does she know, she will soon have an even more intense knowledge of Cassie Thompson and who she truly is.
Cassie has no idea her past has been discovered and she is being lured to Eberly Manor to face the consequences. She is placed in a game by Judge Haskins, with real-life and death consequences. Cassie has to play smart but most importantly, she must face what she has done. Will she win Judge Haskins’ sick twisted game of “justice”?
This book is a strong debut for K.P. Gillespie. The plot is well written and the suspense feels natural and executed in a precise manner. This is a well-paced book with great details. I could easily picture Eberly Manor and each challenge that Cassie faces.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2026
I received a giveaway copy (thank you) in exchange for a review.
I really wanted to enjoy Midnight at Eberly Manor, especially given the intriguing "deadly games in a Gothic mansion" premise, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
* Lack of Character Connection: The book is written in a way that makes it incredibly difficult to connect with or care about the characters. Because I wasn't invested in Cassie or the strangers she was trapped with, the stakes never felt truly high.
* Slow Pacing: The story drags significantly. For a psychological thriller that should feel urgent and claustrophobic, the pacing was incredibly slow, and it took a long time for the plot to actually get moving.
* Predictable Plot: I found the progression and the twists to be a bit predictable, which took away from the overall suspense.
Because of the slow speed and predictable nature of the plot, I found myself skimming through a lot of it just to get to the end. It's a quick read with a great concept, but the execution lacked the punch and refinement needed to keep me hooked.
I really wanted to enjoy Midnight at Eberly Manor, especially given the intriguing "deadly games in a Gothic mansion" premise, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
* Lack of Character Connection: The book is written in a way that makes it incredibly difficult to connect with or care about the characters. Because I wasn't invested in Cassie or the strangers she was trapped with, the stakes never felt truly high.
* Slow Pacing: The story drags significantly. For a psychological thriller that should feel urgent and claustrophobic, the pacing was incredibly slow, and it took a long time for the plot to actually get moving.
* Predictable Plot: I found the progression and the twists to be a bit predictable, which took away from the overall suspense.
Because of the slow speed and predictable nature of the plot, I found myself skimming through a lot of it just to get to the end. It's a quick read with a great concept, but the execution lacked the punch and refinement needed to keep me hooked.
November 19, 2025
K.P. Gillespie delivers a tense mind game where every solved puzzle opens a darker door in Midnight at Eberly Manor, which pulled me in from the first chapter.
Brilliant, flawed, ambitious Cassie Thompson has more secrets than she cares to admit, making her a fascinating protagonist. The book’s short, suspense-packed chapters ramp up the tension as she takes on the chilling, high-stakes challenges in the creaking, sprawling manor.
Gillespie blends courtroom drama, escape-room intensity, and moral ambiguity to superb effect. Every character is hiding something. What does justice even mean in this twisted environment? The final twist hit like a gavel: shocking, haunting, and perfect for the piece.
If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers that mix puzzles, secrets, and a protagonist you can root for even when she stumbles, this is an addictive, one-sitting read. Dark, clever, and utterly compelling, I’ll be thinking about Eberly Manor for a long time.
Brilliant, flawed, ambitious Cassie Thompson has more secrets than she cares to admit, making her a fascinating protagonist. The book’s short, suspense-packed chapters ramp up the tension as she takes on the chilling, high-stakes challenges in the creaking, sprawling manor.
Gillespie blends courtroom drama, escape-room intensity, and moral ambiguity to superb effect. Every character is hiding something. What does justice even mean in this twisted environment? The final twist hit like a gavel: shocking, haunting, and perfect for the piece.
If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers that mix puzzles, secrets, and a protagonist you can root for even when she stumbles, this is an addictive, one-sitting read. Dark, clever, and utterly compelling, I’ll be thinking about Eberly Manor for a long time.
May 31, 2026
oh my goodness, I couldn’t put this down
I won a his book in a Goodreads contest. From pretty much the first or second chapter I couldn’t put this book down. Cassandra does something terrible. Judge Hastens emails her and tells her he has information on the case she’s working on. He tells her to come to Eberly Manor at noon to speak with him about it. When she gets there there are five other guests around the table. Judge Hastens gives them all gifts and tells them they will be playing a series of games. The loser will be eliminated and possibly be put to death. As the night progresses the games get harder. Cassandra plays to win so she can get out of there alive. But after she’s completed all the games she’s led into a room that looks like a trial room. She actually hears from the other 5 players. When Cassandra won’t give the judge a confession he drugs her and leaves her in the basement.
I won a his book in a Goodreads contest. From pretty much the first or second chapter I couldn’t put this book down. Cassandra does something terrible. Judge Hastens emails her and tells her he has information on the case she’s working on. He tells her to come to Eberly Manor at noon to speak with him about it. When she gets there there are five other guests around the table. Judge Hastens gives them all gifts and tells them they will be playing a series of games. The loser will be eliminated and possibly be put to death. As the night progresses the games get harder. Cassandra plays to win so she can get out of there alive. But after she’s completed all the games she’s led into a room that looks like a trial room. She actually hears from the other 5 players. When Cassandra won’t give the judge a confession he drugs her and leaves her in the basement.
December 5, 2025
This book has a way of pulling you into and not letting go. Once you open the pages of this book you will definitely be finishing it.
First I want to talk about Cassie Thompson, how she started out as a brilliant young girl and aspired to do good things in her life.
But things took a turn in her life as they often do and she was faced with a difficult decision to use underhanded tactics to prove herself within her firm which unfortunately does happen. But her defense caused predators to be released back into society instead of receiving their justice.
I also want to mention that the games that were thought of and played at Eberly Manor were amazing, and required a certain set of skills for each game. And the ending, the ode to one of my favorite Edgar Allan Poe's works was diabolical, a great lasting momento of revenge and skewed justice.
First I want to talk about Cassie Thompson, how she started out as a brilliant young girl and aspired to do good things in her life.
But things took a turn in her life as they often do and she was faced with a difficult decision to use underhanded tactics to prove herself within her firm which unfortunately does happen. But her defense caused predators to be released back into society instead of receiving their justice.
I also want to mention that the games that were thought of and played at Eberly Manor were amazing, and required a certain set of skills for each game. And the ending, the ode to one of my favorite Edgar Allan Poe's works was diabolical, a great lasting momento of revenge and skewed justice.
April 15, 2026
First: thank you so much for this copy received from the Goodreads giveaway!
Now:
3rd person dual POV: 1 lawyer, 1 detective
Chapter 10 new POV dropped: Judge Haskins
Both lawyer and detective have flashback chapters that paint pictures of overcoming adversity and determination in their dreams to become who they are today.
Cassie seems to have made it big but when given the choice to remain true to her morals or strike up a deal with the devil she chose the latter.
Every choice we make is a brick plotting a path.
When Judge Haskins is introduced we get flashback chapters of his choices and the justice he did and did not serve.
Now he’s taking justice into his own hands & Eberly Manor.
Shoutout: Edgar Allen Poe and my absolute favorite story of his- The Cask of Amontillado
Moral of the story: make good choices
Now:
3rd person dual POV: 1 lawyer, 1 detective
Chapter 10 new POV dropped: Judge Haskins
Both lawyer and detective have flashback chapters that paint pictures of overcoming adversity and determination in their dreams to become who they are today.
Cassie seems to have made it big but when given the choice to remain true to her morals or strike up a deal with the devil she chose the latter.
Every choice we make is a brick plotting a path.
When Judge Haskins is introduced we get flashback chapters of his choices and the justice he did and did not serve.
Now he’s taking justice into his own hands & Eberly Manor.
Shoutout: Edgar Allen Poe and my absolute favorite story of his- The Cask of Amontillado
Moral of the story: make good choices
May 22, 2026
Grim
This was a thrill ride for me. The attention to certain details left me pretty impressed. I do believe this might not appeal to everyone but the extent of description between every interaction and action and even inanimate object was extremely successful in visualization of the story. I also liked the references to some of my favorite books like the great Gatsby and To kill a mockingbird. I do have mixed feelings towards the ending as it renders some time invested rather useless in retrospect. Despite that the dark ending was still realistic and unpredictable to me. I do believe the main culprit was owed more of a chance seeing as they were willing to face judgement legally but all in all great characters great atmosphere would've loved to see more on the corrupt firm tho but I would rate it a 9/10 nonetheless. Highly recommend
This was a thrill ride for me. The attention to certain details left me pretty impressed. I do believe this might not appeal to everyone but the extent of description between every interaction and action and even inanimate object was extremely successful in visualization of the story. I also liked the references to some of my favorite books like the great Gatsby and To kill a mockingbird. I do have mixed feelings towards the ending as it renders some time invested rather useless in retrospect. Despite that the dark ending was still realistic and unpredictable to me. I do believe the main culprit was owed more of a chance seeing as they were willing to face judgement legally but all in all great characters great atmosphere would've loved to see more on the corrupt firm tho but I would rate it a 9/10 nonetheless. Highly recommend
June 19, 2026
Unique Dark Mystery Thriller
This book has several mysteries that coincide with each other. The thriller aspect of the story does not happen until the end. The book gradually builds anticipation and suspense right up until the final chapters.
To be honest, I had to sit and really mull over my thoughts on this book before I wrote this review. I’ve never read a book where I despised the main character, so this was a first for me. Cassie was not my favorite character, and that made it hard for me to push forward to continue the book. However, I came to the realization that I just despised her actions. I wanted to see resolution for her actions and that was what kept me reading. So, I really commend the author for challenging me to reflect on the feelings I had about this book.
This book has several mysteries that coincide with each other. The thriller aspect of the story does not happen until the end. The book gradually builds anticipation and suspense right up until the final chapters.
To be honest, I had to sit and really mull over my thoughts on this book before I wrote this review. I’ve never read a book where I despised the main character, so this was a first for me. Cassie was not my favorite character, and that made it hard for me to push forward to continue the book. However, I came to the realization that I just despised her actions. I wanted to see resolution for her actions and that was what kept me reading. So, I really commend the author for challenging me to reflect on the feelings I had about this book.
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