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The Haunting of Pitmon House
No one, not even experienced ghost hunters and mediums, will enter Pitmon House. Its dark, abandoned halls hold inhuman secrets, and the spirits inside are violent and uncontrollable. Exploring its rooms is an easy way to get killed. So Pitmon House sits — locked up, abandoned, and silent. Eliza’s younger brother is struck down by an infection that has turned him from a normal, vibrant teenager into a raving lunatic, requiring constant sedation. She quickly realizes the medical community can’t help him; she will have to use her dormant “gift” to save his life. Although Eliza is frustrated that her father died before teaching her how to use the gift, with practice she starts to see things that normal people cannot. Thanks to her co-worker Rachel’s encouragement, Eliza becomes convinced that she can save her brother. When the clues point to Pitmon House, even Rachel has second thoughts. Eliza must find the courage within herself to enter the frightening and perilous mansion, even if it puts everyone’s lives at risk.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2016
377 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Michael Richan
55 books129 followersMichael Richan lives in Washington State. He has written horror fiction for over forty years.
He's the author of several best selling series, including "The River," 'The Downwinders," and "The Dark River." All are set within The River universe.
He's also the author of other best selling titles such as "The Haunting of Pitmon House", "The Coldwater Haunting", and "The Seances".
Visit michaelrichan.com to learn more about the series and to see a suggested reading order. Follow Michael via email and receive the free novella "Residual". You can also follow him via Twitter @michaelrichan.
He's the author of several best selling series, including "The River," 'The Downwinders," and "The Dark River." All are set within The River universe.
He's also the author of other best selling titles such as "The Haunting of Pitmon House", "The Coldwater Haunting", and "The Seances".
Visit michaelrichan.com to learn more about the series and to see a suggested reading order. Follow Michael via email and receive the free novella "Residual". You can also follow him via Twitter @michaelrichan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this book by author Michael Richan. The story is about a young woman's brother who becomes deathly ill and enraged after encountering an object in the Pitmon House. The woman acquires friends along the way to help her find out what made her brother ill to the point where they have to enter the Pitmon House to find their answers. But what lies within the Pitmon House gives the woman and her friends something they wish they had never encountered. Two bad entities rule the top floor of the house and they do not like intruders. This was a very intense and gripping read as I could not put the book down. Giving this book four stars.
July 15, 2016
4.5 stars!
THE HAUNTING OF PITMON HOUSE, by Michael Richan, is a stand-alone novel based on the early life of one of his "River" characters. Although followers of the River Series will recognize Eliza's name, this book takes place before any of those references--after she leaves college to care for her 14 year-old brother, following the death of their father. At this stage, Eliza has virtually no idea that she is "gifted", and is forced to learn about her abilities after her brother is mysteriously infected by a cursed object.
The journey is unique, as we learn about the "gifteds" along with Eliza. With research and help from some newfound friends, the source of the problem is linked to Pitmon House--a black-marked estate feared by all who know of it. Hideous murders and sadistic mutilations are often the fate of any person who dares to venture into this long-abandoned mansion.
With the aide of an entirely new cast of characters, Eliza realizes that she must learn to use her unique ability, and venture into the heart of this accursed place if she wishes to find a way to save her brother.
Richan delivers on the brutality and horror in regards to the dead that still reside in Pitmon House. Utilizing torture techniques once used by the sadistic entities during their actual, physical lives, the ante is considerably higher once they are in spirit form--without fear of imprisionment or repercussions of any sort.
After all, what is there for the dead to fear?
A refreshing break from the ongoing links to the other branches in the River Universe, THE HAUNTING OF PITMON HOUSE is a great introduction to Michael Richan, and the abilities of his "Gifted" mortals.
Highly recommended!
THE HAUNTING OF PITMON HOUSE, by Michael Richan, is a stand-alone novel based on the early life of one of his "River" characters. Although followers of the River Series will recognize Eliza's name, this book takes place before any of those references--after she leaves college to care for her 14 year-old brother, following the death of their father. At this stage, Eliza has virtually no idea that she is "gifted", and is forced to learn about her abilities after her brother is mysteriously infected by a cursed object.
The journey is unique, as we learn about the "gifteds" along with Eliza. With research and help from some newfound friends, the source of the problem is linked to Pitmon House--a black-marked estate feared by all who know of it. Hideous murders and sadistic mutilations are often the fate of any person who dares to venture into this long-abandoned mansion.
With the aide of an entirely new cast of characters, Eliza realizes that she must learn to use her unique ability, and venture into the heart of this accursed place if she wishes to find a way to save her brother.
Richan delivers on the brutality and horror in regards to the dead that still reside in Pitmon House. Utilizing torture techniques once used by the sadistic entities during their actual, physical lives, the ante is considerably higher once they are in spirit form--without fear of imprisionment or repercussions of any sort.
After all, what is there for the dead to fear?
A refreshing break from the ongoing links to the other branches in the River Universe, THE HAUNTING OF PITMON HOUSE is a great introduction to Michael Richan, and the abilities of his "Gifted" mortals.
Highly recommended!
November 20, 2016
The Haunting of Pitmon House is a book that stands alone. You do not have to be familiar with any other books in The River Series. Eliza brother Shane, is infected by something at The House of Rock, where Eliza works. Shane goes from an average teenager to a raving maniac. It is so bad, that Shane has to be admitted to the hospital and kept sedated. Eliza, finally realizes, that the doctor's can not help her brother. Eliza works at The House of Rock with Rachael, who is gifted. Rachael notices that Eliza could be gifted but does not know how use her power. Eliza father never taught her about her gift and about the river. Rachael decides to help Eliza save her brother. They discover that the old abandon Pitmon House, is linked to Shane's infection. Rachael tries to convince Eliza, that the Pitmon House in no ordinary haunted house and people have died there. It will be a long journey for Eliza and her friend Rachael. Along the way, Eliza and Rachel makes new friends who are gifted and want to help them battle the spirits that inhabit the house. Eliza will do anything to save her brother, even it if means putting her own life on the line. Can the group defeat the spirits that haunt The Pitmon House and save Shane? This was an enjoyable read for me. The characters are well developed and that adds to the story line. Michael Richan, is a good writer and a very good storyteller. I recommend this book.
Read
November 28, 2016The blurb sounds great and with lots of positive reviews I was sure I would love this. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a struggle to finish. I didn't really like or care about the characters and the world was hard for me to picture and understand. Maybe if I'd read some of the other books first it would have helped? For some reason I just wasn't engaged in the story and my attention would wander. I think it is probably an "it's me, not you" thing.
January 24, 2018
I really loved this story! Not anything I have read before, and I understand it’s part of a “river” series. This story was more supernatural than I usually like, but it really worked for me! It was exciting, fast paced, and I loved the characters. I will be reading more in this series :)
June 17, 2022
2.5 stars
For me this book was just okay. The pluses: it is a quick read and has some interesting elements. I didn't find the book as scary as I thought it would be and I didn't fall in love with any of the characters. If you are looking for a quick, slightly spooky haunted house book you might like this.
For me this book was just okay. The pluses: it is a quick read and has some interesting elements. I didn't find the book as scary as I thought it would be and I didn't fall in love with any of the characters. If you are looking for a quick, slightly spooky haunted house book you might like this.
March 21, 2017
A solid, enjoyable read. Simple, but engaging. I wasn't sure I would continue by the end of the book, since it wasn't really as 'haunted' and scary as I was hoping for, but it drew me in and I started up the 2nd book right off.
June 29, 2017
There is much to the plot of this novel. Eliza has a "gift" but she doesn't know from whence it came. Her friend, Rachel, has the same gift and instructs her to enter a river with her eyes closed. This river is the source for the gift. It contains ordinary things with super-ordinary powers.
So, when Eliza's brother, Shane, becomes violently uncontrolled, and is sent to an asylum, she suspects something else is wrong. Eliza's friend, Rachel, introduces her to an array of extra-sensory people who look at "prints" from the river, to tell them who possessed Shane. They are led to the house of horror, where ESP people have died: Pitmon House! There, they will find the spirit who possessed Shane.
It's a slow start, and we have to understand: Eliza has no idea of her powers. Her parents never told her. How will she use her power to free Shane, and, does Shane has the same powers?
This is a very creative take on the horror genre. One might say, it's a serious, magical "Ghostbusters" in print! The dialog seems real (too many expletives, Mr. Richan!) and the amazement of Eliza is profound and sympathetic. I notice the author has many "Haunting of" novels. This should be a great adventure to explore all of them!!
So, when Eliza's brother, Shane, becomes violently uncontrolled, and is sent to an asylum, she suspects something else is wrong. Eliza's friend, Rachel, introduces her to an array of extra-sensory people who look at "prints" from the river, to tell them who possessed Shane. They are led to the house of horror, where ESP people have died: Pitmon House! There, they will find the spirit who possessed Shane.
It's a slow start, and we have to understand: Eliza has no idea of her powers. Her parents never told her. How will she use her power to free Shane, and, does Shane has the same powers?
This is a very creative take on the horror genre. One might say, it's a serious, magical "Ghostbusters" in print! The dialog seems real (too many expletives, Mr. Richan!) and the amazement of Eliza is profound and sympathetic. I notice the author has many "Haunting of" novels. This should be a great adventure to explore all of them!!
June 27, 2017
This isn't a great book, but it interested me because i'm familiar with the locations where it takes place. The book begins at a place i've visited several times, The House on the Rock, in Spring Green, WI. It is an amazing, creepy, awesome place where you might be convinced anything could happen. To believe there are things there that hold evil, is not all that difficult, and that is the premise that starts the book. The brother of an employee there comes under the influence of some sort of curse carried by an object in the House. The book is his sister's quest to remove that curse. This leads her to another haunted house, The Pitmon House. The author seems to be making up magick as he goes along with his own names and rules. I didn't find any of this part believable in the least. And several plot points were left open at the end of the book, i presume to be picked up in the next book in this series. I hate that. Finish your damn books!!
June 15, 2019
Wow
This is the first book I've read of this author and to say I was impressed is an understatement. An excellent read with no tedious grammatical errors and no equally tedious fillers; just pure unadulterated suspense and enjoyment. The pace was pleasantly fast and the characters likeable. I also liked the fact that the main character grew in wisdom and acquired a backbone. I can't wait to read the next book on Waverley Hall and will look into the River series. Great read!
This is the first book I've read of this author and to say I was impressed is an understatement. An excellent read with no tedious grammatical errors and no equally tedious fillers; just pure unadulterated suspense and enjoyment. The pace was pleasantly fast and the characters likeable. I also liked the fact that the main character grew in wisdom and acquired a backbone. I can't wait to read the next book on Waverley Hall and will look into the River series. Great read!
July 15, 2017
Too lengthy
This book would use a paragraph of three words for numerous chapters I admit I fast forwarded, half way through to last three chapters and still got the gist of the plot. Too much unnecessary dialogue for me. As a child I would use this authors use of words to fill two pages of homework. The teachers cottoned on to what I was doing and was told, minimum 3 sentences per paragraph.
This book would use a paragraph of three words for numerous chapters I admit I fast forwarded, half way through to last three chapters and still got the gist of the plot. Too much unnecessary dialogue for me. As a child I would use this authors use of words to fill two pages of homework. The teachers cottoned on to what I was doing and was told, minimum 3 sentences per paragraph.
April 28, 2019
I didn't really get the whole 'river' thing, so I guess I need to read the other books in the river series. As free books go, I enjoyed this book thoroughly, once the story hit Pitmon House it became more intense & interesting. just the right amount of haunting for me, chilling & thrilling in all the right places. The gas mask floating round the room peering into people's faces spooked me the most, as these things give me the creeps.
July 2, 2017
Intriguing
It is easy to say that this book was a true mystery. It was well written and on the weird side. I would have enjoyed it more as a teenager. The author left you hanging page after page. The ending leaves you in suspense and wanting to read the next book. An easy afternoon read.
It is easy to say that this book was a true mystery. It was well written and on the weird side. I would have enjoyed it more as a teenager. The author left you hanging page after page. The ending leaves you in suspense and wanting to read the next book. An easy afternoon read.
July 13, 2017
Great Read
Eliza has mo idea the gift that she has until her younger brother goes insane.
Now she has to learn fast before the "infection" from a haunted house takes him over fully.
Will she be able to figure out why the house is haunted and be able to cure her brother?
Find out in this smooth tale...could not put down.
Eliza has mo idea the gift that she has until her younger brother goes insane.
Now she has to learn fast before the "infection" from a haunted house takes him over fully.
Will she be able to figure out why the house is haunted and be able to cure her brother?
Find out in this smooth tale...could not put down.
August 19, 2017
This one didn't do it for me. Maybe it was geared towards kids, but the story was just overly simple and the character development was shallow. Also, the whole river concept was just sort of goofy. Some of the character's word choices and interactions were simply humorous; I have no idea how old the author is but it feels like an old person trying to talk like a young person.
January 4, 2018
Great
The Haunting of Pitmon House is very different from what you read about other haunted houses. What a relief! It's true Sci-fi at its best. Almost every story you read about haunted houses starts at the house. Not this one! Please read this book by Michael Richan and venture down every valley he's created with all the twists and turns.
The Haunting of Pitmon House is very different from what you read about other haunted houses. What a relief! It's true Sci-fi at its best. Almost every story you read about haunted houses starts at the house. Not this one! Please read this book by Michael Richan and venture down every valley he's created with all the twists and turns.
September 20, 2018
This was the first book I've read by this author. I saw that another reviewer stated that the main character was in another series, but I haven't read any of those and it apparently didn't make a difference.
Eliza is out to help her brother, but winds up helping so many more. There are odd things that occur in this book, and it's all another way of looking at the paranormal and those with ESP.
Eliza is out to help her brother, but winds up helping so many more. There are odd things that occur in this book, and it's all another way of looking at the paranormal and those with ESP.
July 11, 2017
The Haunting of Pitmon House
Don,t go up those stairs! Dang you went up there. Don,t go to the next floor. This book has some unique spins on haunting. The characters are interesting and the storyline keeps the action moving. Beware of the evil in the haunted house.
Don,t go up those stairs! Dang you went up there. Don,t go to the next floor. This book has some unique spins on haunting. The characters are interesting and the storyline keeps the action moving. Beware of the evil in the haunted house.
July 7, 2017
Bad Ghosts
Interesting story about paranormal activity surrounding Pitmon House. The place where evil lurks with mischievous ghosts and a murder took place, years ago. Even though this is not my genre for book-reading, the story was interesting enough to flow.
Interesting story about paranormal activity surrounding Pitmon House. The place where evil lurks with mischievous ghosts and a murder took place, years ago. Even though this is not my genre for book-reading, the story was interesting enough to flow.
February 6, 2020
Loved the cover of this book. The ending was a bit strange for me regarding the journal entry. The missing character part left me in suspense. Wonder if she is covered in a sequel? Was neat that it done in the surroundings of Wisconsin though.
August 8, 2021
Outstanding Book of Haunting
This was an outstanding and uniquely frightening book! Scary with lots of twists you don’t expect, as well as characters the likes of which you’ve never seen. I recommend wholeheartedly.
This was an outstanding and uniquely frightening book! Scary with lots of twists you don’t expect, as well as characters the likes of which you’ve never seen. I recommend wholeheartedly.
September 7, 2021
Great read
I recently discovered this author and I am extremely happy I did. He is an amazing story teller. I have read his River series and I absolutely love all the characters and I am always happy when he puts another book out.
I recently discovered this author and I am extremely happy I did. He is an amazing story teller. I have read his River series and I absolutely love all the characters and I am always happy when he puts another book out.
October 3, 2017
Interesting story line. I enjoyed the sections about House on the Rock.
October 20, 2017
very good
January 11, 2018
Unique twist on paranormal
This was a great paranormal/ghost story. I liked the unusual abilities and incidents that the characters presented. Great for early teens and older.
This was a great paranormal/ghost story. I liked the unusual abilities and incidents that the characters presented. Great for early teens and older.
December 6, 2019
This was really a awesome book ! I cannot wait to start the next book
January 2, 2020
This was aight. Reminded me of something you would see on an episode of supernatural.
May 13, 2019
I enjoyed this story of a girl and her brother and the trouble they get into because of a local haunted house. Eliza works at The House on the Rock, a somewhat eccentric house in Spring Green, where the college graduate lives. It was, as described in the book, "an indescribable collection that was so bizarre and extensive it was almost impossible to explain."
When her little brother, Shane, comes around for an afternoon tour of the house, something strange happens to him in one of the rooms. He becomes violent, almost as though possessed, and eventually lapses into a coma.
As Eliza talks to another lady that works at the house, she discovers that she has inherited a "gift" that she didn't know she had. Her and her new friend work together to finally figure out what has happened to her brother and where it originated. The origination was a house with such a bad reputation that even the most seasoned "gifted" people won't even touch it, the Pitmon House.
The book is pretty well written and kept me interested all the way through. There were some unusual plot devices for the type of story that it is, which I enjoyed. The author as written several other books using "the river" as a central plot device. The river is where Eliza and her friend would "drop" in order to get a better look at the supernatural reality of things around them.
The characters were interesting, and the ending was satisfactory. I would definitely be interested in reading other works by the author.
When her little brother, Shane, comes around for an afternoon tour of the house, something strange happens to him in one of the rooms. He becomes violent, almost as though possessed, and eventually lapses into a coma.
As Eliza talks to another lady that works at the house, she discovers that she has inherited a "gift" that she didn't know she had. Her and her new friend work together to finally figure out what has happened to her brother and where it originated. The origination was a house with such a bad reputation that even the most seasoned "gifted" people won't even touch it, the Pitmon House.
The book is pretty well written and kept me interested all the way through. There were some unusual plot devices for the type of story that it is, which I enjoyed. The author as written several other books using "the river" as a central plot device. The river is where Eliza and her friend would "drop" in order to get a better look at the supernatural reality of things around them.
The characters were interesting, and the ending was satisfactory. I would definitely be interested in reading other works by the author.
October 2, 2019
Easy to read, likable characters. Exciting ending.
August 3, 2016
Michael Richan's supernatural tale, The Haunting of Pitmon House, is as hauntingly well written as his other novels. Eliza Winters works at The House on the Rock, a strange tourist-attraction museum, and acts as mother to her younger brother, Shane, following the death of their father. He and his friends visit the museum, but during the trip he becomes ill and then hospitalized, causing Eliza to learn more about her "gift" to try to save him. Rachel, a coworker, recognizes Eliza's gift, and decides to help her, and teaches her about "The River". They discover the Pitmon House, a deadly haunted house, is somehow connected to her brother's rapidly declining condition, and Eliza is willing to to do anything to save Shane, even if it means her own demise. And considering she is dealing with the Pitmon House, it just might be.
“I don’t think you’re hearing me accurately,” Rachel replied. “It’s not some abandoned house at the end of the street that the kids dare each other to enter. This place is hard to get into, and dangerous as hell once you do. People have died there; people who knew what they were doing!”
Rachel to Eliza
Richan certainly knows how to create a scenario of suspense. His characters are believable, and the supernatural is haunting. "The River" is a familiar entity seen before in his novels, a place where the gifted travel to truly see the supernatural realm. I enjoyed reading The Haunting of Pitmon House, as the story unwinds, with twists and turns, until the haunting conclusion is reached.
“I don’t think you’re hearing me accurately,” Rachel replied. “It’s not some abandoned house at the end of the street that the kids dare each other to enter. This place is hard to get into, and dangerous as hell once you do. People have died there; people who knew what they were doing!”
Rachel to Eliza
Richan certainly knows how to create a scenario of suspense. His characters are believable, and the supernatural is haunting. "The River" is a familiar entity seen before in his novels, a place where the gifted travel to truly see the supernatural realm. I enjoyed reading The Haunting of Pitmon House, as the story unwinds, with twists and turns, until the haunting conclusion is reached.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews