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Eidola Project

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A 19th Century team of ghost hunters become ensnared in a deadly investigation of a haunted house. Will any of them survive? Based on true events!

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2026

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About the author

Robert Herold

22 books216 followers
The supernatural always had the allure of forbidden fruit, ever since Robert Herold’s mother refused to allow him, as a boy, to watch creature features on late night TV. She caved in. (Well, not literally.)
As a child, fresh snow provided him the opportunity to walk out onto neighbors’ lawns halfway and then make paw prints with his fingers as far as he could stretch. He would retrace the paw and boot prints, then fetch the neighbor kids and point out that someone turned into a werewolf on their front lawn. (They were skeptical.)
He has pursued many interests over the years (among them being a history teacher and a musician), but the supernatural always called to him. You could say he was haunted. Finally, following the siren’s call, he wrote The Eidola Project, based on a germ of an idea he had as a teenager. He's been writing like a demon ever since.
Ultimately, he hopes his books give you the creeps, and he means that in the best way possible.

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5 stars
81 (37%)
4 stars
97 (45%)
3 stars
31 (14%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
Profile Image for Ellie Spencer (catching up from hiatus).
280 reviews402 followers
June 7, 2022
Rounded up from roughly 3.5 stars ⭐️ I was so excited to get stuck into this one, a historical horror novel sounded like just my cup of tea!

The Eidola Project follows a group of people in the 1900’s, whose sole purpose is to root out the paranormal. They may find many fraudsters along the way, but some cases are horrifyingly real.

Firstly, this book starts with a bang. The first chapter gave me goosebumps up and down my arms. It takes a lot for me to feel scared with horrors, but this chapter managed to do it. Although, I unfortunately didn’t find anything else in the book particularly scary but others might! I really liked the historical setting, I genuinely felt like I’d been thrown back in time. I had a particular fondness for the carnival setting which felt so vivid in my mind. I loved that the author included some real historical figures too. It added something a little something extra to the book for me.

My main complaint with this book is that I didn’t connect with any of the characters. There is some potential, I could see myself connecting to a couple of the characters eventually. This book is part of a series and I often find that characters can grow on me with time, so I have high hopes for the next book. There was one character I particularly disliked. Some of his opinions made me feel particularly uncomfortable, but I think that’s was the point. A lot happens in this book and at times it can be difficult to keep up, some of the chapters seem to be weirdly placed. But I am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next.

I would recommend this to horror fans who prefer a focus on the paranormal. I want to thank Voracious Readers Only and Robert Herold for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts.
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,184 followers
November 25, 2019
This was a great book to read just before Halloween. The author tells an excellent tale of ghosts, spirits and haunting. The pretty accurate portrayal of the fraudsters who bilked people at that time was great too. The author also has the ability to create feelings for characters quickly. I hadn't known Sarah's parents very long when I wished them to meet the north end of pitchfork while running south.



The variety of characters brought together in the team was done in a fashion to create a team rarely seen. The best character, for me, in the whole book is Annabelle. She’s just superb in almost every fashion. The interspersing of the conflict between the two society members seemed a touch overdone but that is neither here nor there.



My one issue really stemmed with flow. it almost seemed like someone other than the author set up the flow of certain chapters as they, at times, seemed out of sync.



The book conveys a terrific grasp for horror writing and the ghost stories presented are eerie and well done. The book has a solid core and is recommended to everyone who likes a good ghost story.



Overall a great read and I look forward to reading book 2.



My Rating: 4.75 stars



Reviewed by: Mr. N


This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
Profile Image for DA.
Author 3 books135 followers
May 5, 2022
What an awesome story. Chapter one had me hooked! All of the characters are fleshed out so wonderfully. The plot is unique for the era it takes place in. I can not wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Diana Rubino.
Author 35 books47 followers
November 8, 2021
If you’re wondering as I was, the word eidola is from ancient Greek literature meaning ghost—a clever title that leads to a clever storyline. The story opens in the mid-19th century with young Sarah, a gifted medium whose parents force her to join a carnival for $500 to earn a living doing readings. As a teenager, she escapes and wanders to Harvard University, where she meets Professor William James. He’s impressed and convinced her special gift is not another fake, and asks her to join his paranormal group The Eidola Project. Her future colleagues are from all walks of life, with one thing in common—they want to prove the validity of the supernatural. They explore all the popular paranormal elements of the time in their work—seances, the ectoplasm that so many claim to see, table-rapping…all made widespread and famous by performers such as the Fox sisters. When peculiar hermitess Lenore Hutchinson hires the group to do a paranormal investigation to rid her Nantucket estate from its many uninvited ghosts, the story builds to its explosive climax, and I won’t give any more away. The characters are well developed, realistic, and the historical details are marvelous. As a historical novelist, I appreciate the depth of Bob Herold’s research. I enjoyed the Civil War battle scene at Petersburg, which is well worth a visit. I recommend The Eidola Project for anyone who can’t resist a good scare on a dark and stormy night—but not alone!



Profile Image for Tomi King.
29 reviews8 followers
April 26, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow!!!

If not for having a one year old I would have finished this book in a day. It is cleverly written, fast paced and keeps you wanting more.

It makes me think of an early era ghostbusters. If you love the supernatural or believe in the paranormal I suggest you reading this, you will not be disappointed. 🖤🖤👻👻

Thank you Robert Herold for sending me copies and I can not wait to read the rest.
Profile Image for Join the Penguin Resistance!  .
5,709 reviews339 followers
August 4, 2022
Spiritualism and the late 19th-early 20th-century tension between its believers and the skeptics (like Harry Houdini) intent on uncovering frauds and charlatans fleecing the grieving of their funds I find fascinating. Like politics, the polarities of conviction about life after death and whether the spirit perseveres or not are either side of a vast abyss and never the twain shall meet.


THE EIDOLA PROJECT is an engaging fictional approach to this conflict, involving Professor William James, and riffing on ingrained racism and sexism, in Academia and elsewhere. The effects of bigotry against African-Americans and women (including domestic violence) are remarkably vivified.
Profile Image for Niko.
473 reviews42 followers
February 23, 2022
I had a great time reading this book. It's slower paced with good character development. I did not expect the ending early at all either.
Profile Image for K.D. Marchesi.
Author 1 book93 followers
October 31, 2022
I’ve heard this book described as 1800’s X-Files and it certainly gives off those vibes.

Following a group of paranormal investigators as they debunk numerous frauds before stumbling on a case of a lifetime. The team are excited to uncover a real life haunting, but they should be careful what they wish for.

An entertaining and easy read if you’re looking for something quick and spooky.
Profile Image for Horror Bookworm Reviews.
535 reviews204 followers
July 22, 2020
A small team of supernatural researchers specializing in scientific investigations, recruit a few extraordinary new members to complete a daunting mission. This group intends to explore an ongoing haunting and determine if there is a menacing ghostly presence or a paranormal fakery.
In Greek the word Eidola means ghosts. Robert Herold transforms this definition into a full blown venture by composing a period piece where science and the paranormal clash with an unsuspecting result occurring in the afterlife. Herold crafts this story well by blending physicists, mediums and scientists with a suspenseful storyline dealing danger of the unknown at every turn of the page. Having a continuous momentum of confronting true science and what would be deception, ultimately have consequences for those that have talents the rest of us don’t posses. The Eidola Project’s intriguing timeline, authentic haunting moments and unexpected conclusion make this an essential read.
On a final note, as you’re reading this book and unlocking all its secrets, beware the ectoplasm manifestation. It seems malevolent forces are at work.
For more recommendations, please check out https://horrorbookwormreviews.wordpre...
Profile Image for Amanda Finlayson.
22 reviews
July 7, 2021
What a wonderfully written book. I was hooked from page 1! (I read over half the book in my first sitting.) If you enjoy the supernatural then you will seriously enjoy this historical tale.
62 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2020
I can’t believe that this is the writer’s first book! The novel was so extremely well written and the characters so well developed. I was enraptured from the very first chapter! I absolutely love anything paranormal and this book was all that and a bag of chips!! The setting he portrayed had just enough spookiness to give me the chills. I was really impressed with how thorough the authors research was on the paranormal frauds from that period. I’m looking forward to his next book in this wonderful series!!!
Profile Image for Stephanie .
19 reviews3 followers
May 8, 2020
Book provided free of charge for review purposes,
Set in the late 1800's , and follows the main protagonist Nigel Pickford, a part of a team of explorers investigating life after death, with a scientific twist, paranormal adventuring at its best, one of the best books on the subject i think i have ever read, a skin trembling read, WARNING... don't read at bedtime, it will have you checking the house is securely locked and free of spirits. Highly recommended.
5 reviews
December 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I liked how each characters story was told along the same timeline until their stories merged when they all finally came together. The pace of the book was just right, not too fast but never slow. I was kept guessing till the last few chapters when everything started to fit into place. Very well written, definitely a writer I will be on the look out for in future.
46 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2021
I loved this book ... couldn't put it down. Who doesn't love murders, freak shows, parapsychology, haunted houses and ghosts and a plot twist at the end that you don't see coming?
Profile Image for Alisha Rowe.
726 reviews35 followers
March 16, 2022
This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/3qcryVN.












It's 1885. The civil war has been fought and the slaves freed. Now, Dr. James, a professor at Harvard, has decided to take on a new challenge he feels the country needs help with: finding the truth to the supernatural. To do so he has assembled a team called The Eidola Project made up of former slave turned scholar Dr. Edgar Gilpin, graduate student Annabelle, carnival 'freak' medium Sarah Bradbury, and former Confederate Civil War Lieutenant Nigel Pickford. Though just assembled they already have a daunting task: to travel to Hutchison Manor to help Ms. Lenore to rid her house of ghosts. What they find may be a true testament to just how much the world needs this group.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book has long been on my TBR of books to eventually buy so when the author approached me asking for a honest review in exchange for a copy I was delighted and immediately accepted. I didn't even read the synopsis as I recognized the title from a excel spreadsheet I have on my computer. I also have book 2 and an ARC of book 3, both of which I can't wait to start.

Initially, I wanted to like Nigel. He was a war vet and in Sarah's dream he saved her. Seemed a trustworthy enough character, but I have lost my high opinion of him. I know it is the time this took place and the fact he fought for the confederates, but his racism is extreme and he sees no fault in it. I hope as the books continue this character develops and he treats others with deserved respect.

I have to admit I was a bit amused at one point during Nigel's introduction. Annabelle told the hotel desk clerk that he was the poet Edgar Allan Poe who had fallen on hard times and they were bringing him back. Edgar even pointed out that had Poe been alive he would have been in his 70s. I adore Poe and his works so this little aside comment thrilled me.

Back to the main story. When the team received the task of the Hutchison Manor and we seen someone murdered there, but not who did it, I immediately had a suspect. I was proved right on all accounts and was content to be so. How we reached the end was interesting, especially the mirror scene, and I loved every second of it.

The author does a great job of drawing you into the story and making you feel as if you are watching the events play out in front of your eyes. You forget that you are reading words on a page or screen and are instead visualizing each instance. The outwardly ramshackle manor that inwardly screams opulence, the dirty streets of Georgia, the carnival 'freak' show. All are easily visualized and remain with you long after the story has come to a close.

As you can tell I truly enjoyed this book and highly suggest it, just as I'm sure I will with the other two books I have yet to read.
Profile Image for Ella.
50 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2022
This was a quick, spooky read! It gripped me from the start and continued to have a strong, compelling plot throughout the book! Thank you Robert Herold for sending me the ebook copy!
I immediately loved Sarah’s character, and her backstory makes her even more likeable. In fact, all the characters have such well-developed backstories and personalities that I kept forgetting the book was set in the 19th century!
Although the book is full of spooks, there’s still constant humor and banter between the characters. The dialogue builds the dynamics between the characters extremely well, and, even with time skips, it’s clear how close Annabelle, Edgar, Sarah, and Professor James have become through their adventures together.
Annabelle and Edgar’s characters helped to remind me of the time period as their struggles are mentioned and shown. Annabelle’s past shows her resiliency as a woman in the late 1800s, choosing to pursue an education and career in science - a path still relevant today. Edgar’s character faces his own challenges in being a black man pursuing science and inventing in the post-Civil War era.
The combination of the plot and the characters makes the story so immersive - I didn’t even realize it when I was nearing the end of the book. The story starts strong and continues to be well-structured and engrossing until the end. And, even though I was able to guess it, the twist was well done and very spooky!
There were only a few things about the book that I didn’t really like/thought were unnecessary. Although the book was fast-paced and captivating, the ending happened extremely fast - there was a lot of build-up to a very quick ending (however, I did like how the book ended with a hint into the next one). I thought the sex scenes were unnecessary as they didn’t really add much to the plot, and I also didn’t understand how Katty’s character was relevant to the plot.
Overall, though, this was a very entertaining and spooky book! I really enjoyed reading it, and I’m immensely excited to read the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Book Wyrm.
77 reviews10 followers
August 6, 2022
The author was very kind enough to send me the book to do a review. So not only thank you to Robert but let's start the review,

----

The story pretty much starts in a run, it hooked me in within the first few sentences and continues within the first chapter. Though in the second chapter it slows down a little bit, mainly to introduce and get a feeling for the characters that you meet.
That doesn't last long because as soon as it gets the chance to turn your head and go into a run it does, and constantly leaves you wanting more, to a point I continued reading the book until 3 am. (sad me)

It's paced so well, the characters have depth, personality, likes, dislikes, and fears.
Everything is so well written, there are no mistakes at all, and historically correct for the time it is set. The descriptions are so good that they are mouth-watering and leave you feeling titillated - wanting more to a point that I'm a whore for this book and can't wait to read more done by Robert Herold.

This book reminds me of The X-Files and sticks to its guns. I love it. I love the characters. and I can't wait to start on the next books.

I have already started to recommend the book to my friends, and I couldn't recommend it enough.
Profile Image for April.
852 reviews
March 11, 2022
Historical Fiction with spooky twist: The Eidola Project follows the foundation of a 1800s era parapsychology group at Harvard. I enjoyed the spiritualist flair of the time period and the likeable, diverse, quirky characters in book 1. I didn't enjoy some of the racism of the time period, that is part of the plotline. However, the writing flows well and quickly grabbed my attention. Moonlight Becomes You is book 2 in the series with The Totem of Terror coming out in June. If you're a fan of historical horror or mysteries check these these books out. They are meant for adults and have some mild sexual situations. I'd advise reading them order but then again I read everything in order.
Profile Image for sandra stiff.
101 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
An excellent start to what, I hope, will be a series! I feel I've just met a group of people I want to be friends with so I can join their next adventure! An historic mystery with a sci-fi element that was believable, with humour and suspense.
Excellent, would highly recommend! 😁
Profile Image for Chelsea Simpson.
5 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2022
I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down. The character development was great, it was a quick read, and I so enjoyed the historical aspects that were throughout the book. I cannot wait to read more in the series.
Profile Image for Silvia  RoMa.
1,153 reviews7 followers
November 15, 2022
*3.5 stars
This book had an amazing start, with a really creepy scene that completely blew me away, then it took me a while to get into the middle part, it wasn't slow exactly but I was expecting something else. The ending was really good too a good paranormal read.
2,435 reviews29 followers
April 29, 2021
VRO: voluntary honest review

This supernatural historical fiction was well written and had well developed characters. It's steady pace drew the readers in and you feel yourself not being able to stop reading. Spooky! Exciting! So entertaining! Enjoyable! You don't want to miss this one! Read! Enjoy!
5 reviews
July 18, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! The combination of history and ghosts made me want to read it and I wasn't disappointed. The book started off really strong and kept a great pace throughout. It had some really great characters and I appreciated that the author provided backstories for all of them so I had a good feel for why they were there. A great historical story about the early days of ghost hunters!

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book. I look forward to reading more from him!
39 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! It was captivating and kept you in that mindset until the very end. You may know who or what is responsible for the hauntings; however, you are so enthralled that you just keep reading!
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series and from this author!
Profile Image for Sarah.
5 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2022
With The Eidola Project, Robert Herold offers a genuine supernatural story led by intriguing characters and unexpected plots at every turn. The use of various stories focused on many different characters kept this book moving along with a good pace. It also kept you on edge at all points as you waited to discover the truth behind the words. The Eidola Project lacked predictability which made it a fun and unique read that I would highly recommend to fans of the supernatural!
Profile Image for Amanda Orr.
62 reviews12 followers
June 6, 2022
Such a great book! Would definitely recommend this book if you like supernatural or paranormal fiction! Can’t wait to read the sequel!
4 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2020
Wow! This was a cant put down type of book. The history references was spot on the the supernatural part was amazing. Well developed characters and storyline that sucks you in from the beginning...and the end was unpredictable and amazing. Highly recommend to any history ot paranormal buffs out there.
Profile Image for Emmeline Everdeen.
398 reviews12 followers
July 17, 2021
This book was a combination of two of my favorite genres. Historical and supernatural fiction. It also had strong female characters, which is always a plus. There are twists and turns and an exciting finish. I would like to know more about Sarah as well as the other characters. I hope there will be a second adventure.
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only. I reviewed it because I enjoyed it and hope others will pick it up and enjoy the adventure too!
Profile Image for Sarah Bloomfield.
265 reviews14 followers
September 16, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of this book from voracious readers only and have just finished it. Absolutely loved the story from start to finish, the characters are great and the plot definitely keeps you on your toes! Fast paced and ever so deliciously creepy I would thoroughly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews