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The House on Clayton Avenue
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2026
About the author
Rosemary Willhide
21 books430 followersRosemary is an actress, turned fitness instructor, turned author of mysteries and thrillers.
She's told stories and entertained people her entire life. Writing is her favorite because she doesn't have to leave the house or put on pants! Plus, the voices in her head do what she says, for the most part!
She lives in Las Vegas with her husband, Bill and their adopted pooches, Brownie and Cashew. She still teaches cycling classes. She claims they keep her sane-ish!
If you pick up one of her books you're in for a ride full of suspense, twists, humor and page turning drama. Also, there will be a rescue dog for some extra tail wagging fun.
She's told stories and entertained people her entire life. Writing is her favorite because she doesn't have to leave the house or put on pants! Plus, the voices in her head do what she says, for the most part!
She lives in Las Vegas with her husband, Bill and their adopted pooches, Brownie and Cashew. She still teaches cycling classes. She claims they keep her sane-ish!
If you pick up one of her books you're in for a ride full of suspense, twists, humor and page turning drama. Also, there will be a rescue dog for some extra tail wagging fun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 11, 2026
This is an ARC review! Wow! Just wow! Where to begin. First no spoilers! The House On Clayton Avenue had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page until the very end! Rosemary Willhide always knows how to deliver a jaw dropping ending too. All the twist and turns will keep u flipping the pages. I won’t want to put this one down. RUN!!!! DON’T WALK and Preorder your copy TODAY!!! Perfectly written!!! This is the 7th in the series. They all can be standalone though.
Review of advance copy received from Author
THE HOUSE ON CLAYTON AVENUE BY ROSEMARY WILLHIDE.
Release date set for 6th of March 2026.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s
Please always check your trigger warnings.
Wow this book was something.
Deep, raw, truly dark, emotional and upsetting at times.
There's some very untrustworthy characters and some damn right despicable characters.
I do love myself some Short and quick chapters.
Rosemary's writing style is amazing and I was engaged and invested from the very beginning all the way to the end.
It was an honour to be able to read this book early and I thank Rosemary very much for the opportunity ☺
Release date set for 6th of March 2026.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s
Please always check your trigger warnings.
Wow this book was something.
Deep, raw, truly dark, emotional and upsetting at times.
There's some very untrustworthy characters and some damn right despicable characters.
I do love myself some Short and quick chapters.
Rosemary's writing style is amazing and I was engaged and invested from the very beginning all the way to the end.
It was an honour to be able to read this book early and I thank Rosemary very much for the opportunity ☺
Review of advance copy received from Author
I truly enjoyed this story. This was a different type of story than the author normally writes but it was really good and dark. There was so many twists along the way. All the things that happened along the way made it a great story.
May 6, 2026
The author has definitely listed trigger warnings that a reader should be aware of. Please be sure to read them before starting the story.
The House on Clayton Avenue by Rosemary Willhide is a continuation of the Hope Ridge series, but the author’s first psychological thriller, and I must say, it's absolutely exhilarating! Note: Every book written by Rosemary Willhide can be read as a standalone. I adore every book Rosemary writes, but this one has skyrocketed to my top favorite!!! Wow! Wow! Wow!
My favorite aspect of reading is the vivid movie that plays in my mind, and the one this story created had me holding my breath, sitting on the edge of my seat, eager to bite my nails off. Wow!!! What an incredible journey this story took me on.
I couldn't read fast enough! The story has so many twists and turns, a reader is liable to get whiplash!!! This book is a darker read than her usual, and an excellent one it is.
The main characters are the children of Byron Crane: Natalie, Astrid, Caleb, and Lincoln; their cousin, Lindsey, and her daughter, Eloise. Last but not least, Frederick is Byron Crane's best friend and loyal servant.
A very wealthy, well-known Byron Crane has passed on, and everyone gathers for the funeral. Afterward, an attorney reads Byron Crane’s will. Frederick will receive $100,000. As far as the four kids are concerned, the last one standing by 7:00 am the next morning becomes the heir to the estate and accounts.
Please be sure to buckle your seatbelt and keep it secure. What takes place and the conversations had in those hours leading up to the next morning are going to take you on a ride you will not forget. On second thought, maybe you will want to forget. To eaches own.
Good luck and happy reading!!
No spoilers here!!!!! 🤨
The House on Clayton Avenue by Rosemary Willhide is a continuation of the Hope Ridge series, but the author’s first psychological thriller, and I must say, it's absolutely exhilarating! Note: Every book written by Rosemary Willhide can be read as a standalone. I adore every book Rosemary writes, but this one has skyrocketed to my top favorite!!! Wow! Wow! Wow!
My favorite aspect of reading is the vivid movie that plays in my mind, and the one this story created had me holding my breath, sitting on the edge of my seat, eager to bite my nails off. Wow!!! What an incredible journey this story took me on.
I couldn't read fast enough! The story has so many twists and turns, a reader is liable to get whiplash!!! This book is a darker read than her usual, and an excellent one it is.
The main characters are the children of Byron Crane: Natalie, Astrid, Caleb, and Lincoln; their cousin, Lindsey, and her daughter, Eloise. Last but not least, Frederick is Byron Crane's best friend and loyal servant.
A very wealthy, well-known Byron Crane has passed on, and everyone gathers for the funeral. Afterward, an attorney reads Byron Crane’s will. Frederick will receive $100,000. As far as the four kids are concerned, the last one standing by 7:00 am the next morning becomes the heir to the estate and accounts.
Please be sure to buckle your seatbelt and keep it secure. What takes place and the conversations had in those hours leading up to the next morning are going to take you on a ride you will not forget. On second thought, maybe you will want to forget. To eaches own.
Good luck and happy reading!!
No spoilers here!!!!! 🤨
Review of advance copy received from Author
The House on Clayton Avenue
By Rosemary Willhide
There are some stories that take your hand and walk you through to the end. Then, there is The House on Clayton Avenue by Rosemary Willhide. The story that doesn't whisper. It grabs you by the face, looks dead in your eyes, and demands all of your attention. The kind of book that grabs the rug, pulls it out from under your bare feet, leaves you standing there stunned unable to understand how you didn't see it coming. A full-blown psychological storm, and guess who's standing in the eye of it? Yep, you.
When Natalie Crane left home at eighteen, she thought life had finally granted her a pass by allowing her to escape her demons – chasing peace and leaving chaos behind. That was until she was notified of her father's death, and her half-brother Lincoln begged her to return. He drags her back to the one place she swore she would never return to again. Stepping foot back into the Clayton Avenue home isn't the emotional homecoming she had always dreamed of. Twin half-siblings, Caleb and Astrid, are cold as ice and Frederick, the family butler, radiates that same slow-burn hatred he's had towards her since she was a child. The ghosts of her childhood feel like they are crawling right out of the walls. Dealing with a funeral was one thing, but now she is asked to sit in on the reading of the will. Byron Crane was a man who not only dealt in manipulation and gaslighting in life, apparently, he has mastered it in death as well. Let the real nightmare begin now that he has pitted his children against each other in a way they will never see coming with his final game.
Willhide's character work makes this story what it is. Natalie isn't just a broken daughter, she's a survivor trying to pull herself through years of family rot and pain. The twins are chaotically cruel. Lincoln’s protective side tugs at your heart, and Frederick, well, let's just say his cold presence lingers like a shadow in the corner of every room waiting for the right moment to pounce. Every character is important. Alive. Carrying their own secrets around like a grenade just waiting to go off. Every character is layered, scarred, and beyond human. Willhide doesn't just write her characters, she builds them bone-deep – then blows them up right in your face!
Pacing is strong, steady, and doesn't stumble. Tension is steady, deliberate, yet constantly escalating. The atmosphere is thick and cinematic – you practically see the Crane estate rising out of the mist, feel every chill in every disagreement, hear echoes down the empty halls, feel the sorrow of lost souls. Willhide has composed the rare kind of story that makes every twist hit at its hardest. And … just when you think you've figured things out and gotten control of the situation, she yanks the story sideways leaving you gasping for breath – over and over. By the end of the story, your heart is a wreck, your jaw hurts from being picked up off the floor, and you are writing an email to her explaining that she should have included in the trigger warnings the extensive plot twists and whiplash that they give.
The House on Clayton Avenue is a must read for any psychological thriller lover out there. So, do yourself a HUGE favor, hop over to Amazon and pre-order it now for release on March 6, 2026. Be ready to dive deep into emotional trauma and even healing with this one.
I would like to thank Rosemary Willhide for allowing me to Alpha/Beta/ARC The House on Clayton Avenue. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
By Rosemary Willhide
There are some stories that take your hand and walk you through to the end. Then, there is The House on Clayton Avenue by Rosemary Willhide. The story that doesn't whisper. It grabs you by the face, looks dead in your eyes, and demands all of your attention. The kind of book that grabs the rug, pulls it out from under your bare feet, leaves you standing there stunned unable to understand how you didn't see it coming. A full-blown psychological storm, and guess who's standing in the eye of it? Yep, you.
When Natalie Crane left home at eighteen, she thought life had finally granted her a pass by allowing her to escape her demons – chasing peace and leaving chaos behind. That was until she was notified of her father's death, and her half-brother Lincoln begged her to return. He drags her back to the one place she swore she would never return to again. Stepping foot back into the Clayton Avenue home isn't the emotional homecoming she had always dreamed of. Twin half-siblings, Caleb and Astrid, are cold as ice and Frederick, the family butler, radiates that same slow-burn hatred he's had towards her since she was a child. The ghosts of her childhood feel like they are crawling right out of the walls. Dealing with a funeral was one thing, but now she is asked to sit in on the reading of the will. Byron Crane was a man who not only dealt in manipulation and gaslighting in life, apparently, he has mastered it in death as well. Let the real nightmare begin now that he has pitted his children against each other in a way they will never see coming with his final game.
Willhide's character work makes this story what it is. Natalie isn't just a broken daughter, she's a survivor trying to pull herself through years of family rot and pain. The twins are chaotically cruel. Lincoln’s protective side tugs at your heart, and Frederick, well, let's just say his cold presence lingers like a shadow in the corner of every room waiting for the right moment to pounce. Every character is important. Alive. Carrying their own secrets around like a grenade just waiting to go off. Every character is layered, scarred, and beyond human. Willhide doesn't just write her characters, she builds them bone-deep – then blows them up right in your face!
Pacing is strong, steady, and doesn't stumble. Tension is steady, deliberate, yet constantly escalating. The atmosphere is thick and cinematic – you practically see the Crane estate rising out of the mist, feel every chill in every disagreement, hear echoes down the empty halls, feel the sorrow of lost souls. Willhide has composed the rare kind of story that makes every twist hit at its hardest. And … just when you think you've figured things out and gotten control of the situation, she yanks the story sideways leaving you gasping for breath – over and over. By the end of the story, your heart is a wreck, your jaw hurts from being picked up off the floor, and you are writing an email to her explaining that she should have included in the trigger warnings the extensive plot twists and whiplash that they give.
The House on Clayton Avenue is a must read for any psychological thriller lover out there. So, do yourself a HUGE favor, hop over to Amazon and pre-order it now for release on March 6, 2026. Be ready to dive deep into emotional trauma and even healing with this one.
I would like to thank Rosemary Willhide for allowing me to Alpha/Beta/ARC The House on Clayton Avenue. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
March 29, 2026
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
High-stakes secrets and gothic vibes!
The House on Clayton Avenue, by Rosemary Willhide, follows Natalie Crane who is emphatically reluctant to return to her family’s mansion (which she fled after graduating high school) to attend the funeral of her father, the great Byron Crane. Her relationship with her siblings—Lincoln, Astrid and Caleb—is anything but close. Add to that the thought of seeing the same old terrifying house butler, Frederick, and it’s enough to give her panic attacks!
The will of Byron Crane is read, and it stipulates something no one is prepared for. Natalie does not intend to take part, but she is forced to stay inside her childhood ‘home’ with her siblings when the storm breaking outside refuses to let her escape. But the one brewing inside the mansion is far more chilling, sinister and foreboding—it kept me on edge the entire time! It gives gothic vibes galore of multigenerational trauma inside the Crane mansion.
Sibling rivalry is amped up when memories are revisited and the past is questioned. This is a high-stakes game where secrets become weapons that aim to kill. And shocking revelations snowball faster and bigger, eventually turning into a full-blown avalanche! Will the truth bury Natalie or will she make it through the night?
This is my first book by Rosemary Willhide. I heard that it’s darker than her previous work, which is perfect for me! I thrive on escapism! I had no problems with you dishing out all the triggers, Miss Willhide! I love the fast-flowing writing style and those super short cliff-hanger chapters—they kept me hooked! I’m always famished for a 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ psychological thriller like The House on Clayton Avenue. I’ll definitely want to read the entire backlog, beginning with Killer Fiction!
High-stakes secrets and gothic vibes!
The House on Clayton Avenue, by Rosemary Willhide, follows Natalie Crane who is emphatically reluctant to return to her family’s mansion (which she fled after graduating high school) to attend the funeral of her father, the great Byron Crane. Her relationship with her siblings—Lincoln, Astrid and Caleb—is anything but close. Add to that the thought of seeing the same old terrifying house butler, Frederick, and it’s enough to give her panic attacks!
The will of Byron Crane is read, and it stipulates something no one is prepared for. Natalie does not intend to take part, but she is forced to stay inside her childhood ‘home’ with her siblings when the storm breaking outside refuses to let her escape. But the one brewing inside the mansion is far more chilling, sinister and foreboding—it kept me on edge the entire time! It gives gothic vibes galore of multigenerational trauma inside the Crane mansion.
Sibling rivalry is amped up when memories are revisited and the past is questioned. This is a high-stakes game where secrets become weapons that aim to kill. And shocking revelations snowball faster and bigger, eventually turning into a full-blown avalanche! Will the truth bury Natalie or will she make it through the night?
This is my first book by Rosemary Willhide. I heard that it’s darker than her previous work, which is perfect for me! I thrive on escapism! I had no problems with you dishing out all the triggers, Miss Willhide! I love the fast-flowing writing style and those super short cliff-hanger chapters—they kept me hooked! I’m always famished for a 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ psychological thriller like The House on Clayton Avenue. I’ll definitely want to read the entire backlog, beginning with Killer Fiction!
March 6, 2026
You thought Hope Ridge was messy and full of secrets even before we knew about the House on Clayton Avenue. But let me tell you, no other resident has a closet as deeply full of skeletons as the late Byron Crane. We’re talking a ‘he must have robbed a Spirit Halloween store’ full.
And no one knows this better than our newest FMC, Natalie Crane. Who probably would’ve rather tried to hug a tiger than to have to come back to her childhood home and be thrown back into the dysfunction junction disguised as her family. I mean, at least the tiger would be somewhat cuddly.
And with the reading of Byron’s (Natalie’s father) will going so swimmingly (as most will readings do) it becomes wickedly and quickly apparent that Natalie may not have been the only victim of this home’s horrors.
THE HOUSE ON CLAYTON AVENUE by Rosemary Willhide is like two parts Succession (ps we all love Tom, right?!), two parts Game of Thrones (iykyk) two parts Real Housewives drama and the absolute right amount of ‘what the actual f**k did I just read’?
**PLEASE NOTE** This story explores significantly darker themes than the other Hope Ridge books. If you are someone who needs or prefers trigger warnings, please consider reviewing them before reading.
And no one knows this better than our newest FMC, Natalie Crane. Who probably would’ve rather tried to hug a tiger than to have to come back to her childhood home and be thrown back into the dysfunction junction disguised as her family. I mean, at least the tiger would be somewhat cuddly.
And with the reading of Byron’s (Natalie’s father) will going so swimmingly (as most will readings do) it becomes wickedly and quickly apparent that Natalie may not have been the only victim of this home’s horrors.
THE HOUSE ON CLAYTON AVENUE by Rosemary Willhide is like two parts Succession (ps we all love Tom, right?!), two parts Game of Thrones (iykyk) two parts Real Housewives drama and the absolute right amount of ‘what the actual f**k did I just read’?
**PLEASE NOTE** This story explores significantly darker themes than the other Hope Ridge books. If you are someone who needs or prefers trigger warnings, please consider reviewing them before reading.
April 12, 2026
I've read two other books by this author (so far) and loved them. This one was darker, and honestly, it was past my comfort zone for enjoyment. That takes nothing away from the way Rosemary writes her complex characters (which is outstanding) and I truly love her style. The twists and overall storyline delivered, but now I feel like reading a less traumatic story to calm my nerves.
I went into this one blind and didn't realise it had trigger warnings. I don't have triggers myself, but it made me uncomfortable, let's just say. So check the warnings if you need to.
If you like your stories dark, you will love this one.
If, like me, you aren't made that way, read all of her others. She's an author not to be missed!
I went into this one blind and didn't realise it had trigger warnings. I don't have triggers myself, but it made me uncomfortable, let's just say. So check the warnings if you need to.
If you like your stories dark, you will love this one.
If, like me, you aren't made that way, read all of her others. She's an author not to be missed!
May 21, 2026
This book does have scenes that's not suitable for some people. There's no violence. Its indicated at the beginning of the book from the author. Not your type of book, don't read it then. The story is dark and psychological thriller and amazing to read. RW is an awesome writer and always keeps her fans on a cliffhanger. Looking forward to reading her next book.
Hope Ridge will never be the same.
Hope Ridge will never be the same.
March 7, 2026
The House on Clayton Avenue by Rosemary Willhide
I LOVE the tagline and cover! It immediately pulled me in and made me want to know more. And also kinda scared me a little.
I LOVED the dedication. If you know, you know; if not, grab a copy and find out!
I like the way Rosemary announced the trigger warnings. It helps prevent spoilers and also protects readers from content that may be too heavy for them. Safe and smart.
Something I have always appreciated about Rosemary’s books is that her chapters are short and packed with action. And the woman knows how to end a chapter, guaranteeing that the reader will continue. Because hello cliff hangers!
I really enjoyed the alternating timeline; it helps the story develop and makes me feel more emotionally invested—these characters- wowza.
This was the most emotionally charged book I’ve read by Rosemary, with brilliant imagery and dynamic characters. This is such a show of her skill as a writer, the way she brings the storm inside and outside- past and present. Brilliant writing.
This is a lot darker than we’ve come to expect from the Hope Ridge series, but the element adds something so unique and strong to this story. We are really experiencing this journey with the characters, and that is so powerful.
This was dark. It was heavy. And it was brutally twisted. But it was also powerfully healing. This may be the best thing Rosemary has written (to date), and that is saying something. I loved this different angle on the Hope Ridge Series books.
Publication date: March 6, 2026
Publisher: Small Town Mysteries
I LOVE the tagline and cover! It immediately pulled me in and made me want to know more. And also kinda scared me a little.
I LOVED the dedication. If you know, you know; if not, grab a copy and find out!
I like the way Rosemary announced the trigger warnings. It helps prevent spoilers and also protects readers from content that may be too heavy for them. Safe and smart.
Something I have always appreciated about Rosemary’s books is that her chapters are short and packed with action. And the woman knows how to end a chapter, guaranteeing that the reader will continue. Because hello cliff hangers!
I really enjoyed the alternating timeline; it helps the story develop and makes me feel more emotionally invested—these characters- wowza.
This was the most emotionally charged book I’ve read by Rosemary, with brilliant imagery and dynamic characters. This is such a show of her skill as a writer, the way she brings the storm inside and outside- past and present. Brilliant writing.
This is a lot darker than we’ve come to expect from the Hope Ridge series, but the element adds something so unique and strong to this story. We are really experiencing this journey with the characters, and that is so powerful.
This was dark. It was heavy. And it was brutally twisted. But it was also powerfully healing. This may be the best thing Rosemary has written (to date), and that is saying something. I loved this different angle on the Hope Ridge Series books.
Publication date: March 6, 2026
Publisher: Small Town Mysteries
March 10, 2026
Natalie Crane returns to Hope Ridge after 15 years away to attend her father Byron's funeral. Just the thought of walking back into her 'family' home fills her with fear and anxiety. The house only brings back memories of horrific trauma for her.
Her half-brother Lincoln puts her mind at ease slightly, but her mission is simple - attend the funeral, then leave - immediately.
The quick reading of the Will changes everything, and the twisted terms of it prove to Natalie that even after death, her deranged Father is nothing but evil.
The secrets this house hide eventually come out, and they are truly sick and depraved. No one is safe here.
I've read all 6 of the Hope Ridge books, and I honestly felt like the whole town was experiencing a power cut. A VERY dark and emotionally-charged book. I was hooked from the first page. I'm no prude, but I was definitely clutching my pearls after a few revelations.... Soooo many twists and turns, and just when you get over one, BOOM, another one is revealed.
The last parts of the book completely derailed me, wtf?
There's a few triggers, but honestly, the way Rosemary narrated the rough scenes without graphic content was commendable. I loved Natalie's character (the other's, not so much), her trauma was palpable, and she's a true survivor.
Thanks Rosemary, this is a brilliant story that I'd imagine would've been difficult to write. You absolutely nailed the pace, content, agendas, and emotions perfectly.
"Brownie Lane!" ❤️
Her half-brother Lincoln puts her mind at ease slightly, but her mission is simple - attend the funeral, then leave - immediately.
The quick reading of the Will changes everything, and the twisted terms of it prove to Natalie that even after death, her deranged Father is nothing but evil.
The secrets this house hide eventually come out, and they are truly sick and depraved. No one is safe here.
I've read all 6 of the Hope Ridge books, and I honestly felt like the whole town was experiencing a power cut. A VERY dark and emotionally-charged book. I was hooked from the first page. I'm no prude, but I was definitely clutching my pearls after a few revelations.... Soooo many twists and turns, and just when you get over one, BOOM, another one is revealed.
The last parts of the book completely derailed me, wtf?
There's a few triggers, but honestly, the way Rosemary narrated the rough scenes without graphic content was commendable. I loved Natalie's character (the other's, not so much), her trauma was palpable, and she's a true survivor.
Thanks Rosemary, this is a brilliant story that I'd imagine would've been difficult to write. You absolutely nailed the pace, content, agendas, and emotions perfectly.
"Brownie Lane!" ❤️
May 5, 2026
Y’all, what starts as a funeral turns into full-blown chaos. Natalie Crane comes home after fifteen years, already uneasy… and then the will is revealed and everything spirals. Secrets claw their way to the surface, tensions snap, and suddenly that house feels like a trap.
Natalie is raw, messy, and impossible not to root for. Lincoln might be the only somewhat safe person in the mix… but everyone else? Completely suspect. I trusted no one—and honestly, that’s what made it so addictive.
The writing is sharp, the atmosphere is heavy with dread, and the twists don’t hold back. Dysfunctional family drama at its absolute best—messy, intense, and impossible to look away from.
This is easily the darkest book I’ve read from this author—and somehow, she makes it work. Just… definitely check those trigger warnings first.
Natalie is raw, messy, and impossible not to root for. Lincoln might be the only somewhat safe person in the mix… but everyone else? Completely suspect. I trusted no one—and honestly, that’s what made it so addictive.
The writing is sharp, the atmosphere is heavy with dread, and the twists don’t hold back. Dysfunctional family drama at its absolute best—messy, intense, and impossible to look away from.
This is easily the darkest book I’ve read from this author—and somehow, she makes it work. Just… definitely check those trigger warnings first.
May 11, 2026
Rosemary Willhide's 'The House on Clayton Avenue' is a masterclass in psychological tension, earning a well-deserved 5/5 ⭐. This dark, gripping thriller expertly weaves a web of dread from the very first page. When Natalie Crane returns home for her father's funeral, she's met with a twisted game hidden in her father's will. Willhide skillfully explores toxic family bonds and generational dysfunction through short, sharp chapters. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and sibling relationships are laced with palpable resentment. This house holds secrets that have been festering for decades, making it an unputdownable read. With trigger warnings for sensitive themes, this book delivers gut-punch twists that are both earned and unpredictable.
March 11, 2026
When billionaire Byron Crane dies and his will is read…the past doesn’t stay in the past and the party begins. Death party, that is. Is an inheritance really worth it?
Family relationships are deceiving and sinfully evil, but in whose mind?
Rosemary Willhide has written a story that grabs your attention from the beginning and keeps you guessing about everything! The twists take turns that you don’t see coming!
Family relationships are deceiving and sinfully evil, but in whose mind?
Rosemary Willhide has written a story that grabs your attention from the beginning and keeps you guessing about everything! The twists take turns that you don’t see coming!
March 18, 2026
Holy Moly! This book deserves all the stars! Natalie's story is filled with emotional turmoil and thrilling twists you won't see coming! The perfect thriller! Rosemary writes another incredible page-turner that never disappoints. Both thumbs way up!
March 30, 2026
Rosemary's books never fail to impress. this book was no exception! one of her darkest books to date (in my humble opinion) and also one of her best!! I felt strongly attached to our main character, and went through emotional roller coasters with each other character and my feelings toward them. Loved this book and enjoyed every twisty moment.
April 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wow!! All of the twists and turns made my head spin! And that BIG reveal 🤯 did not see that coming!! I'm so glad to be back in Hope Ridge 🩷 Looking forward to the next book!! Let's go 😍😍
March 6, 2026
This is Rosemary's darkest book to date and it tackled sensitive subjects with as much grace as possible.. I mean The House on Clayton Avenue is full of dark and sinister secrets. If these walls could talk, they'd scream and beg to be burnt to the ground.
You've been warned. Enjoy!
You've been warned. Enjoy!
February 26, 2026
I am speechless after reading this one! What a stunning thriller! Filled with tons of family drama, past trauma, secrets and revenge! I enjoyed every second of this one and my jaw definitely dropped a few times!!!
May 12, 2026
Holy smack in the face balls!!! Wow just wow!!! This book has everything but the kitchen sink in it!!! Twists & turns for days and days!!! Absolutely loved it!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was one of the best books that I've read so far this year! It was really, really good! Bravo Rosemary! Bravo!
March 3, 2026
“The House on Clayton Avenue” is a Hope Ridge Psychological Thriller and a trip in the best, darkest way. Rosemary Willhide dives deep into heavy themes of trauma, buried family secrets, and the long shadows they cast and doesn’t flinch. The tension builds steadily, making this a suspenseful, emotionally heavy read that completely pulled me in. I found myself gasping, shaking my head, and even laughing! Just when I thought I had a handle on where things were going, the story threw in well placed surprises some dark and shocking, others unexpectedly tender, even bringing a smile to my face and a few happy tears. This isn’t just my favorite Rosemary Willhide novel, it’s easily one of my favorite reads of all time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another fantastic story by Rosemary Willhide!!
I swear that each new book is even better than the last, I don't know how she does it.
As soon as I started I knew that it was gonna be all consuming, and it was. I literally could not put it down. I woke up early and didn't get out of bed until I finished.
I swear that each new book is even better than the last, I don't know how she does it.
As soon as I started I knew that it was gonna be all consuming, and it was. I literally could not put it down. I woke up early and didn't get out of bed until I finished.
Review of advance copy received from Author
📝 ARC Review: To start with, I’ve loved this author’s mystery/thriller books and always recommend them! That being said, this story is different than most of what she’s written. This is much darker and deals with extremely sensitive topics, so make sure to check the TW’s beforehand!!!
This story flowed in a very different manner than her other stories. At times I felt a disconnect with the dialogue, but the deeper in I went, the more I think that was intentional due to the twisted family dynamics and their inability to interact like normal people. The family that this story focused on was extremely twisted and despicable, yet their sins were kept hidden for so many years…. It made me mad that the FMC, who had gotten away at 18, never reported all she knew to the police. I also did not understand why she would ever return to this place, even upon her father’s death. It made zero sense to me. But again, I think that was intentional, to perhaps showcase how ingrained trauma can affect people’s lives and decisions, even years later.
This story was fast paced and kept you guessing at who would survive the night in this twisted home of depravity. Trust no one, was a strong vibe here. I didn’t really like any of the characters, but the ending was satisfying. There were various twists/secrets come to light, most of which didn’t surprise me much, but a couple I didn’t see coming.
Overall, the wildness and depravity of this fictional family had my rapt attention, so while it wasn’t my favorite book by this author, I still found it intriguing.
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Interconnected Series: Hope Ridge
Release Date: March 6, 2026
POV: First Person; Single.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5/5
Tropes 👇
- Dual timelines
- Twisted family dynamics
- Buried secrets
- Untrustworthy characters
- Past trauma’s exposed
🚨 TW’s 👇
- Inc£st
- SA (including on children)
- Suicide (off page)
- Physical abuse
- Mental abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Violence
- Murder
Dedication 👇
“THE HOUSE ON CLAYTON AVENUE is dedicated to the black sheep of the family. For those who are often misunderstood, distant, and have spent a lifetime turning themselves inside out trying to belong. You deserve to be heard without feeling like you need to overexplain yourself. You deserve to be appreciated. You deserve peace. This one is for you.”
Fave Quote 👇
“People who craved power, control, wealth, and absolute obedience from everyone also lacked empathy, emotional maturity, and any sense of guilt for their wrongdoings.”
This story flowed in a very different manner than her other stories. At times I felt a disconnect with the dialogue, but the deeper in I went, the more I think that was intentional due to the twisted family dynamics and their inability to interact like normal people. The family that this story focused on was extremely twisted and despicable, yet their sins were kept hidden for so many years…. It made me mad that the FMC, who had gotten away at 18, never reported all she knew to the police. I also did not understand why she would ever return to this place, even upon her father’s death. It made zero sense to me. But again, I think that was intentional, to perhaps showcase how ingrained trauma can affect people’s lives and decisions, even years later.
This story was fast paced and kept you guessing at who would survive the night in this twisted home of depravity. Trust no one, was a strong vibe here. I didn’t really like any of the characters, but the ending was satisfying. There were various twists/secrets come to light, most of which didn’t surprise me much, but a couple I didn’t see coming.
Overall, the wildness and depravity of this fictional family had my rapt attention, so while it wasn’t my favorite book by this author, I still found it intriguing.
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Interconnected Series: Hope Ridge
Release Date: March 6, 2026
POV: First Person; Single.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5/5
Tropes 👇
- Dual timelines
- Twisted family dynamics
- Buried secrets
- Untrustworthy characters
- Past trauma’s exposed
🚨 TW’s 👇
- Inc£st
- SA (including on children)
- Suicide (off page)
- Physical abuse
- Mental abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Violence
- Murder
Dedication 👇
“THE HOUSE ON CLAYTON AVENUE is dedicated to the black sheep of the family. For those who are often misunderstood, distant, and have spent a lifetime turning themselves inside out trying to belong. You deserve to be heard without feeling like you need to overexplain yourself. You deserve to be appreciated. You deserve peace. This one is for you.”
Fave Quote 👇
“People who craved power, control, wealth, and absolute obedience from everyone also lacked empathy, emotional maturity, and any sense of guilt for their wrongdoings.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have to start by saying this author is one of my top five favorites, and this book only solidified that spot.
This story is dark… the kind of dark that makes you sit back and really think about what can happen behind closed doors in a family. What Natalie went through during her childhood is genuinely heartbreaking. It’s the kind of sadness that lingers with you long after you’ve put the book down.
The twists? Endless. My head was spinning in the best way possible. I literally could not put this book down. Every time I thought I had an understanding of where the story was going, it pulled me in a completely different direction.
The author absolutely nailed the traumatizing scenes. They were portrayed perfectly; not overloaded with graphic detail, but written with just enough precision to make them hit hard. Because of that balance, the emotional weight settles exactly where it should.
I love Natalie as a character. The author truly mastered making the reader feel her pain; you don’t just read about it; you experience it with her.
There were also a few phrases I loved so much I might start saying them myself.
“They’re a few fries short of a happy meal.”
“I was fresh out of f-ks on this night of h3ll.”
And my absolute favorite: “It was as if I were one of those females in a thriller novel who let out a breath they didn’t realize they’d been holding.”
If you’re a true reader, you know exactly why that last one hit so hard! Haha.
Overall, this book is relentlessly dark and keeps you flipping pages late into the night. I highly recommend it. FYI: I personally have no triggers, but you may want to check those before diving in; this one doesn’t hold back.
This story is dark… the kind of dark that makes you sit back and really think about what can happen behind closed doors in a family. What Natalie went through during her childhood is genuinely heartbreaking. It’s the kind of sadness that lingers with you long after you’ve put the book down.
The twists? Endless. My head was spinning in the best way possible. I literally could not put this book down. Every time I thought I had an understanding of where the story was going, it pulled me in a completely different direction.
The author absolutely nailed the traumatizing scenes. They were portrayed perfectly; not overloaded with graphic detail, but written with just enough precision to make them hit hard. Because of that balance, the emotional weight settles exactly where it should.
I love Natalie as a character. The author truly mastered making the reader feel her pain; you don’t just read about it; you experience it with her.
There were also a few phrases I loved so much I might start saying them myself.
“They’re a few fries short of a happy meal.”
“I was fresh out of f-ks on this night of h3ll.”
And my absolute favorite: “It was as if I were one of those females in a thriller novel who let out a breath they didn’t realize they’d been holding.”
If you’re a true reader, you know exactly why that last one hit so hard! Haha.
Overall, this book is relentlessly dark and keeps you flipping pages late into the night. I highly recommend it. FYI: I personally have no triggers, but you may want to check those before diving in; this one doesn’t hold back.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Natalie's father, Byron Crane, is dead. Finally. Natalie left home years ago and never looked back, but her father's funeral brings her back into the fold. Although, with the Crane family, it's more like a twisted ball of string than a fold. After the funeral, the will is immediately read and the proverbial dam breaks as stakes are raised to extreme levels. This is not a Hallmark movie. Far from it. By the morning, it will be more than just secrets that fall in the old house.
I've read several of Rosemary's books and this is most definitely her darkest. She lets the characters breathe and take on life just before she whips the rug out and drops another secret from the past. I found myself loving a character on one page and then by the next page, I loathed them. The story is the darkest I've seen from her, and I loved every despicable action the characters took. If you have triggers, make sure you check them before visiting with the Crane family.
If you like your chapters short, your characters morally questionable, and your book pace faster than blood spouting from an open wound then make sure you grab a copy.
I've read several of Rosemary's books and this is most definitely her darkest. She lets the characters breathe and take on life just before she whips the rug out and drops another secret from the past. I found myself loving a character on one page and then by the next page, I loathed them. The story is the darkest I've seen from her, and I loved every despicable action the characters took. If you have triggers, make sure you check them before visiting with the Crane family.
If you like your chapters short, your characters morally questionable, and your book pace faster than blood spouting from an open wound then make sure you grab a copy.
May 15, 2026
This was a most disappointing & disturbing read (I know that there were trigger warnings, and I do read other psychological/suspense type books). I understand that it is fiction, but it contains many short chapters of one unrealistic event trying to top the last. It is just impossibile to believe that the crimes presented in this book (past & present) went undetected. The writing was poor, and I remember reading 'drop you like a bag of dirt' three times. It almost seemed that the author may have had the Seinfeld episode containing this infamous line airing in the background as she was writing. Inserting words specific to the actual area where this house is located are meaningless to the story (High Rock, Cavetown [incorrectly spelled as Cave Town], and Blue Ridge Sportsmen. These references had to have readers unfamiliar with the area wondering what they even meant. It felt like a Middle School writing assignment where you have to write 'x' number of words, and opt to insert words for filler. I will not be moving this book forward to any friends or family, or even Goodwill. Going to the landfill.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured this psychological thriller. From the moment Natalie Crane returns to her childhood home for her billionaire father’s funeral, the tension never lets up. The family dynamics are razor-sharp, layered with resentment, secrets, and just enough emotional landmines to keep you constantly on edge.
The twists are so well done—nothing felt predictable, and every reveal made me rethink what I thought I knew about the Crane family. Natalie is a compelling main character, and the supporting cast (especially her siblings) adds so much depth and unease to the story.
Add in a looming storm, a house full of dark memories, and a will that changes everything, and this book becomes impossible to put down. Highly recommend!
The twists are so well done—nothing felt predictable, and every reveal made me rethink what I thought I knew about the Crane family. Natalie is a compelling main character, and the supporting cast (especially her siblings) adds so much depth and unease to the story.
Add in a looming storm, a house full of dark memories, and a will that changes everything, and this book becomes impossible to put down. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The House on Clayton Avenue is one of those disturbing reads that settles into your mind and refuses to leave. The small-town setting is rich with tension, and every character feels like they’re hiding something you might regret uncovering.
This book is dark and unsettling, so definitely check your trigger warnings before you dive in. The story grips you from the first page and keeps twisting in ways you could never see coming. Everyone feels like a suspect, and the mystery keeps you guessing right up until the end.
Willhide’s writing is brilliant. It's layered, suspense-driven, and deeply psychological. I devoured this one, and I’ll be thinking about the characters long after March 6th, when it becomes available.
This book is dark and unsettling, so definitely check your trigger warnings before you dive in. The story grips you from the first page and keeps twisting in ways you could never see coming. Everyone feels like a suspect, and the mystery keeps you guessing right up until the end.
Willhide’s writing is brilliant. It's layered, suspense-driven, and deeply psychological. I devoured this one, and I’ll be thinking about the characters long after March 6th, when it becomes available.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A wealthy family gathers in their mansion after the patriarch’s funeral, awaiting the reading of a will that will change everything. Beneath the grandeur lies a history of depraved and dysfunctional secrets. One by one, those secrets come to light.
With sharp, fluid prose, Rosemary Willhide delivers a dark, gothic-leaning exploration of privilege, abuse, and shocking behaviors.
This is not a comfortable read, and it is DARK— the subject matter is deeply disturbing, and the trigger warning are necessary. Some readers might be horrified, yet Willhide’s storytelling is as compelling as ever.
I received an ARC from the author.
With sharp, fluid prose, Rosemary Willhide delivers a dark, gothic-leaning exploration of privilege, abuse, and shocking behaviors.
This is not a comfortable read, and it is DARK— the subject matter is deeply disturbing, and the trigger warning are necessary. Some readers might be horrified, yet Willhide’s storytelling is as compelling as ever.
I received an ARC from the author.
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