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The Sisters of Crimson House
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Expected 29 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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5 copies available
U.S. only
For fans of Starling House, Play Nice, and Practical Magic comes a biting, layered, and haunting debut following one woman from a long line of psychics who will do anything to save her family legacy and the haunted house she grew up in from an entity threatening to destroy everything she's built.
Every house has its secrets.
Charley Bryde is miserable in a house filled with magic. The only woman in a long line of famous psychics to not inherit the family gift, she spends her days inside Crimson House, the coveted family mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, living in the shadows of her talented older sister, Miranda. But when a shocking tragedy scatters the Brydes across the globe, Charley is forced to grow up on her own, and fast. As the money runs dry and Charley's ownership of Crimson House is put at risk, she's left with no other option; turn the manor into a haunted attraction and start representing the family brand with lies, cons, and expertly read tarot cards to make ends meet.
When a skeptic starts targeting Charley for the fraud that she is, she'll stop at nothing to save the family legacy. But the skeptics' arrival cracks something open in Charley that the Brydes wanted to remain buried. Deep. And when Miranda shows up unannounced after eight years away, the two will come to realize that Crimson House, and their own family, hold secrets even the greatest psychics couldn't foresee. Secrets that will threaten to destroy them.
Every house has its secrets.
Charley Bryde is miserable in a house filled with magic. The only woman in a long line of famous psychics to not inherit the family gift, she spends her days inside Crimson House, the coveted family mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, living in the shadows of her talented older sister, Miranda. But when a shocking tragedy scatters the Brydes across the globe, Charley is forced to grow up on her own, and fast. As the money runs dry and Charley's ownership of Crimson House is put at risk, she's left with no other option; turn the manor into a haunted attraction and start representing the family brand with lies, cons, and expertly read tarot cards to make ends meet.
When a skeptic starts targeting Charley for the fraud that she is, she'll stop at nothing to save the family legacy. But the skeptics' arrival cracks something open in Charley that the Brydes wanted to remain buried. Deep. And when Miranda shows up unannounced after eight years away, the two will come to realize that Crimson House, and their own family, hold secrets even the greatest psychics couldn't foresee. Secrets that will threaten to destroy them.
416 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 29, 2026
16 people are currently reading
5805 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 28, 2026
Dripping with Southern Gothic horror, magic, and searing wit, THE SISTERS OF CRIMSON HOUSE grabbed my hand and would not let go. I fell in love with the tragic Bryde family and know you will too— but be sure to read with *all* the lights turned on!
May 7, 2026
I’d give The Sisters of Crimson House 3.5 stars. The story follows the Bryde family, a psychic and magical family brought together largely because of their grandmother’s influence and legacy. The family dynamics were easily the most interesting part of the book, especially since nearly everyone has some kind of unique talent — except for Charley, who often feels like the outsider among them.
The beginning was definitely slow, and it took a while for the story to really pull me in. There’s a lot of setup with the family history and relationships, which made the pacing drag at first. However, once the plot started moving, the story became much more engaging. The mystery, magic, and family tension all started to come together in a way that kept me interested.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with an intriguing magical family at its center, even if it took some patience to get there. If you like stories about complicated families, hidden abilities, and supernatural elements, this one is worth checking out.
The beginning was definitely slow, and it took a while for the story to really pull me in. There’s a lot of setup with the family history and relationships, which made the pacing drag at first. However, once the plot started moving, the story became much more engaging. The mystery, magic, and family tension all started to come together in a way that kept me interested.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with an intriguing magical family at its center, even if it took some patience to get there. If you like stories about complicated families, hidden abilities, and supernatural elements, this one is worth checking out.
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May 7, 2026I blurbed this one!
A twisting, turning saga full of deeply buried secrets, magic born of blood, and the extent we’ll go to in the name of family. I found myself immersed.
A twisting, turning saga full of deeply buried secrets, magic born of blood, and the extent we’ll go to in the name of family. I found myself immersed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Sisters of Crimson House by Melissa Anderson Sweazy centers around the mysterious Bryde family, a family known for their psychic gifts and deep connection to Crimson House. What stood out most to me was the complicated family dynamic, especially the relationship between Charlie and her older sister Miranda. Charlie constantly feels like the outsider because she is the only Bryde who doesn’t appear to have any special abilities, which creates a lot of tension and insecurity throughout the story. The author did a great job showing how much the family’s legacy and expectations affect Charlie’s life, especially after tragedy causes the family to drift apart and leaves her alone to care for Crimson House. I also liked the eerie atmosphere surrounding the house and the supernatural elements woven into the family history.
The story does start off fairly slow because there is a lot of background information about the Bryde family and their past, so it took some time before I felt fully invested. However, once the mystery and magical elements began unfolding, the book became much more engaging. Watching Charlie struggle financially while turning Crimson House into a haunted attraction added an interesting layer to the story and made her character feel more relatable. The mix of psychic abilities, family secrets, sibling rivalry, and supernatural mystery kept me interested by the second half of the book. Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a unique magical family at its center, and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy stories about haunted houses, hidden powers, and complicated family relationships.
Special thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story does start off fairly slow because there is a lot of background information about the Bryde family and their past, so it took some time before I felt fully invested. However, once the mystery and magical elements began unfolding, the book became much more engaging. Watching Charlie struggle financially while turning Crimson House into a haunted attraction added an interesting layer to the story and made her character feel more relatable. The mix of psychic abilities, family secrets, sibling rivalry, and supernatural mystery kept me interested by the second half of the book. Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a unique magical family at its center, and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy stories about haunted houses, hidden powers, and complicated family relationships.
Special thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I initially found this book a little confusing as Charley our entree into the story is also left in the dark about a great deal of the goings on at the Crimson House. Time jumps in the storyline didn't help matters, especially since I had to keep putting the book down to deal with life.
When I finally was able to carve out a chunk of time to really settle into reading this book, I found it more engaging and was satisfied with the ending.
Young Charlotte, called Charley, is the youngest member of the infamous Bryde family of women who for generations had special abilities allowing them to channel spirits, see ghosts, find lost and missing items or people, foresee death and so on, all except for her. She was also the only one since Beatrix Bryde to be born without the 'Seer's Star' scar in the palm of her hand. As such she feels invisible within her family, like she has no place amongst the special women who surround her.
One year, events at the family's annual Halloween Spectacular, events take a bewildering turn and within days, Charley has lost nearly everyone she loves.
How does Charley survive without family or skills when that's all she has known her whole life?
Years later we find a young adult Charley, scrappily getting by with the help of friends Zavier and Astrid and a self-taught ability to 'read' tarot cards for unsuspecting tourists and locals who still believe in the old Bryde family magic. The sudden unexpected return of older sister Miranda triggers a series of events that will once again completely change Charley's life, but this time maybe she'll get some answers first.
When I finally was able to carve out a chunk of time to really settle into reading this book, I found it more engaging and was satisfied with the ending.
Young Charlotte, called Charley, is the youngest member of the infamous Bryde family of women who for generations had special abilities allowing them to channel spirits, see ghosts, find lost and missing items or people, foresee death and so on, all except for her. She was also the only one since Beatrix Bryde to be born without the 'Seer's Star' scar in the palm of her hand. As such she feels invisible within her family, like she has no place amongst the special women who surround her.
One year, events at the family's annual Halloween Spectacular, events take a bewildering turn and within days, Charley has lost nearly everyone she loves.
How does Charley survive without family or skills when that's all she has known her whole life?
Years later we find a young adult Charley, scrappily getting by with the help of friends Zavier and Astrid and a self-taught ability to 'read' tarot cards for unsuspecting tourists and locals who still believe in the old Bryde family magic. The sudden unexpected return of older sister Miranda triggers a series of events that will once again completely change Charley's life, but this time maybe she'll get some answers first.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Crimson House is home to the infamous Bryde family. They all posses some form of psychic ability... except Charlie, the youngest Bryde daughter. There is definitely a little sibling rivalry between Charlie and her older sister, Miranda who is incredibly gifted in her abilities. When tragedy strikes the Bryde family, those remaining drift away, leaving Charlie to take care of herself and Crimson House. Eight years later and she is at the end of her rope of struggles trying to keep the house, but she is practically broke. She and some friends have turned Crimson House into a gimmicky haunted house attraction to stay afloat using her family name.
Two people show up in Charlie's life around the same time. One is a man determined to expose her as a fraud, which considering she is the only member of her family who has no psychic abilities could be provable... and she cannot have that! She refuses to lose her family legacy, even if she has to do a few mildly shady things in the process. The other person is her sister Miranda, back after these past eight years. Charlie is so thrilled to have her sister back, but motives and secrets come to light and the Bryde sisters uncover truths about their family that are shocking to the core.
This was so enchanting, with a dark edge and amazing characters. The mystical aspects of this were so much fun. I love a good family mystery and this had some great, unexpected twists. I want to read more about the Bryde family! I definitely didn't want this to end.
Two people show up in Charlie's life around the same time. One is a man determined to expose her as a fraud, which considering she is the only member of her family who has no psychic abilities could be provable... and she cannot have that! She refuses to lose her family legacy, even if she has to do a few mildly shady things in the process. The other person is her sister Miranda, back after these past eight years. Charlie is so thrilled to have her sister back, but motives and secrets come to light and the Bryde sisters uncover truths about their family that are shocking to the core.
This was so enchanting, with a dark edge and amazing characters. The mystical aspects of this were so much fun. I love a good family mystery and this had some great, unexpected twists. I want to read more about the Bryde family! I definitely didn't want this to end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a spooky, atmospheric mystery that really leaned into its eerie tone, which I particularly enjoyed. The setting and overall mood were well done, creating a strong sense of unease that carried through the story.
The mystery itself was engaging and kept me interested as I read. There was enough intrigue to keep me turning the pages, and I appreciated how the story gradually unfolded rather than rushing key reveals.
However, I did find the beginning a little overwhelming due to the number of characters introduced in a short space of time. It took me a while to keep track of who was who, which slightly affected my initial connection to the story.
The pacing was on the slower side, which fit the atmospheric style, but at times it felt a bit drawn out. That said, it still made for an enjoyable reading experience overall, even if it didn’t fully stay with me once finished.
Overall, this is a solid, atmospheric mystery with a strong spooky tone and an interesting premise, even if it didn’t become a particularly memorable read for me. A 4-star read.
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Melissa Anderson Sweazy and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
The mystery itself was engaging and kept me interested as I read. There was enough intrigue to keep me turning the pages, and I appreciated how the story gradually unfolded rather than rushing key reveals.
However, I did find the beginning a little overwhelming due to the number of characters introduced in a short space of time. It took me a while to keep track of who was who, which slightly affected my initial connection to the story.
The pacing was on the slower side, which fit the atmospheric style, but at times it felt a bit drawn out. That said, it still made for an enjoyable reading experience overall, even if it didn’t fully stay with me once finished.
Overall, this is a solid, atmospheric mystery with a strong spooky tone and an interesting premise, even if it didn’t become a particularly memorable read for me. A 4-star read.
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Melissa Anderson Sweazy and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one took me a minute to fully get into, but once it clicked, I was in.
Crimson House is exactly the kind of setting I love—moody, a little eerie, and full of history. It really felt like its own character, and I loved how much of the story was tied to the house itself and the Bryde family legacy.
Charley being the only non-psychic in a family known for their abilities was such a strong angle. It gave her this constant feeling of being on the outside, and I liked that she had to rely more on instinct (and honestly, a little bit of faking it) to hold everything together. The dynamic between her and Miranda added a lot too—it felt messy, complicated, and real in a way that worked really well with all the supernatural elements.
The beginning was a little slow and slightly disorienting with the timeline shifts and amount of characters, but once everything started to come together, the story really picked up. I liked the gradual unraveling of the family secrets, and there were definitely a few twists that caught me off guard.
Overall, this is a strong, atmospheric Southern Gothic with a really solid emotional core. It leans more into family, identity, and legacy than straight horror, which I personally enjoyed. I’d definitely read more from this author.
Crimson House is exactly the kind of setting I love—moody, a little eerie, and full of history. It really felt like its own character, and I loved how much of the story was tied to the house itself and the Bryde family legacy.
Charley being the only non-psychic in a family known for their abilities was such a strong angle. It gave her this constant feeling of being on the outside, and I liked that she had to rely more on instinct (and honestly, a little bit of faking it) to hold everything together. The dynamic between her and Miranda added a lot too—it felt messy, complicated, and real in a way that worked really well with all the supernatural elements.
The beginning was a little slow and slightly disorienting with the timeline shifts and amount of characters, but once everything started to come together, the story really picked up. I liked the gradual unraveling of the family secrets, and there were definitely a few twists that caught me off guard.
Overall, this is a strong, atmospheric Southern Gothic with a really solid emotional core. It leans more into family, identity, and legacy than straight horror, which I personally enjoyed. I’d definitely read more from this author.
May 9, 2026
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Landmark for approving me for this ARC! I was so intrigued by the premise and I’ve been so looking forward to reading it. Happy to report that I really enjoyed it!
The writing was phenomenal. It had this really moody, atmospheric feel the entire time and there were multiple moments that felt deeply unsettling. It managed to feel creepy and emotional at the same time without overdoing either. I could picture everything so vividly while reading.
I also really loved the characters and the history surrounding the Bryde family and their different abilities. That aspect of the story felt so well thought out and added a lot to the atmosphere and mystery. The dynamic between Charley and Miranda was probably one of my favourite parts. Their relationship felt believable and engaging and I found myself really invested in both of them individually and together.
The story itself stayed intriguing the whole way through and even the slower moments never felt like they dragged because there was always this tension underneath everything that kept it moving. Overall this was such an impressive debut and I can’t wait for this book to come out!
The writing was phenomenal. It had this really moody, atmospheric feel the entire time and there were multiple moments that felt deeply unsettling. It managed to feel creepy and emotional at the same time without overdoing either. I could picture everything so vividly while reading.
I also really loved the characters and the history surrounding the Bryde family and their different abilities. That aspect of the story felt so well thought out and added a lot to the atmosphere and mystery. The dynamic between Charley and Miranda was probably one of my favourite parts. Their relationship felt believable and engaging and I found myself really invested in both of them individually and together.
The story itself stayed intriguing the whole way through and even the slower moments never felt like they dragged because there was always this tension underneath everything that kept it moving. Overall this was such an impressive debut and I can’t wait for this book to come out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC of Sisters of Crimson House in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a strong debut. The vibes are immediately there, witchy, eerie, a little unsettling, and I was hooked pretty quickly. If you love stories centered around family secrets with a darker edge, this definitely delivers.
I really liked how the story slowly peels back the layers of the Bryde's family past. There’s a constant sense that something isn’t quite right, and it kept me wanting to know more. I felt the tension building the entire time.
That said, it did take me a bit to fully get into the book. The time jumps threw me off at first, and I had to reorient myself a few times early on. And while I appreciated the slow build, I wasn’t always sure what we were building toward. I think that ambiguity might be intentional, but I did find myself wishing for a little more foreshadowing along the way to help connect the dots sooner.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and think it’s a super promising debut. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for what the author writes next.
This was such a strong debut. The vibes are immediately there, witchy, eerie, a little unsettling, and I was hooked pretty quickly. If you love stories centered around family secrets with a darker edge, this definitely delivers.
I really liked how the story slowly peels back the layers of the Bryde's family past. There’s a constant sense that something isn’t quite right, and it kept me wanting to know more. I felt the tension building the entire time.
That said, it did take me a bit to fully get into the book. The time jumps threw me off at first, and I had to reorient myself a few times early on. And while I appreciated the slow build, I wasn’t always sure what we were building toward. I think that ambiguity might be intentional, but I did find myself wishing for a little more foreshadowing along the way to help connect the dots sooner.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and think it’s a super promising debut. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for what the author writes next.
April 26, 2026
Addictive, twisty, shrouded in intrigue and mystery. This book has a bit of everything you want in a paranomal family. Special abilities, ghosts. and the struggle to overcome and survive. I found myself drawn deeper into Crimson House’s secrets throughout the book, with something surprising popping up in every chapter. A few parts were creepy and I didn’t expect the ending to take the turn it did. This reminded me quite a bit of Carissa Orlando’s “The September House”, which happens to be a favorite read of mine.
The story was balanced and flowed easily. Characters were well-written and felt both fantastical and relatable at the same time. The underlying sibling rivalry theme between Miranda and Charley was a nice touch in my opinion. I will happily read this author again any time she puts out a new book and will be buying a physical copy of for my shelf.
The story was balanced and flowed easily. Characters were well-written and felt both fantastical and relatable at the same time. The underlying sibling rivalry theme between Miranda and Charley was a nice touch in my opinion. I will happily read this author again any time she puts out a new book and will be buying a physical copy of for my shelf.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Arc from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher!
My first arc and what an amazing one it was! Had a reading slump for months and finished reading is in under a week. I loved it. Great mix of spooky and mystery. If you love
The Bryde family was very interesting. In the beginning of the book it was a bit confusing for me because of the many family members we met in a short amount of time but it all made sence fairly quickly. I love how the characters even tho they are family al have their own personality and that it doesn´t fall flat.
Everything happens at the right time in this book. Nothing feels rushed/to much or not enough. For me it had great pacing.
Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher!
My first arc and what an amazing one it was! Had a reading slump for months and finished reading is in under a week. I loved it. Great mix of spooky and mystery. If you love
The Bryde family was very interesting. In the beginning of the book it was a bit confusing for me because of the many family members we met in a short amount of time but it all made sence fairly quickly. I love how the characters even tho they are family al have their own personality and that it doesn´t fall flat.
Everything happens at the right time in this book. Nothing feels rushed/to much or not enough. For me it had great pacing.
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April 21, 2026The Sisters of Crimson House by new to me author Melissa Anderson Sweazyis published by Sourcebooks Landmark.
When you're a fan of pnr, magic, spells, haunted houses - this is your book.
The Bryde sisters are gifted in a special way. But like often gifts come with a second side of the coin too.
The story spans decades, is complex and complicated at ttimes, but always a fantastic read, 4.5 stars.
When you're a fan of pnr, magic, spells, haunted houses - this is your book.
The Bryde sisters are gifted in a special way. But like often gifts come with a second side of the coin too.
The story spans decades, is complex and complicated at ttimes, but always a fantastic read, 4.5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*thank you netgalley for providing a ARC so i could give an honest review*
3.5 stars
I did enjoy this book (sort of) i love haunted houses but witches and a love story is not my cup of tea. The story reviews around the Bryde family and in the beginning was alot with alittle confusing on my part i had to reread (nothing to do on author i guess i was reading and not paying attention). Once the story gets going it did get good. Overall i would see why some would love it just not for me.
3.5 stars
I did enjoy this book (sort of) i love haunted houses but witches and a love story is not my cup of tea. The story reviews around the Bryde family and in the beginning was alot with alittle confusing on my part i had to reread (nothing to do on author i guess i was reading and not paying attention). Once the story gets going it did get good. Overall i would see why some would love it just not for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As an avid lover of haunted houses, magical powers and witches I loved this story. The history of the Bryde family was so intriguing and I was hooked so I could continue to learn about the mysteries in Charlys life. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone with similar book tastes.
Thanks to netgalley for proving an arc copy for review.
Thanks to netgalley for proving an arc copy for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A short review, but an enjoyed this book. This book was such a fun witchy, paranormal vibes that also gave me Encanto vibes. Because the FMC Charley was almost like Mirabel in a way that she did not have the rest of her family have, magical wise. But this is what made her special, more than the rest of her family.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
One of the things that initially drew me to The Sisters of Crimson House was the comps - Practical Magic AND The September House? I almost thought it was too good to be true.
This ARC absolutely exceeded my expectations, and I cannot sing Melissa Anderson Sweazy's praises enough! Five stars, chef's kiss, no notes 🤌🏻✨
This ARC absolutely exceeded my expectations, and I cannot sing Melissa Anderson Sweazy's praises enough! Five stars, chef's kiss, no notes 🤌🏻✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Very rarely does a horror book (let alone one about witches) actually scared me, but the hauntings in this novel are unnerving, electrifying, and to put plainly, SCARY. With a capital S! It was deliciously twisty and mind-boggling. I really enjoyed this unique spin on witchery.
Practical Magic but make it horror!
Practical Magic but make it horror!
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April 23, 2026THIS LOOKS SO GOOD I WANNA READ IT SOOOO BADDD
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