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The Curse of The House on Cypress Lane: Book 0- The Beginning
There sits a large house on Cypress Lane in the small town of Ocoee, Louisiana, and its history is intertwined with the town itself. A feud was born within its walls, and it is there where it will die. The Cooley family finds themselves in the middle of a fight that started long before they arrived. Will they make it out alive, or will they become another casualty in the fight between the living and the dead?
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2017
575 people are currently reading
611 people want to read
About the author
James Hunt
167 books228 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
James Hunt's passion for writing began at an early age. While his journal of yesteryear may never be the work of great fiction, he's been working hard every day since then to bring pages to life. James has well over a decade of writing under his belt, but his professional career in literature didn't take off until 2014.
James currently lives in Orlando, FL and when he's not pounding away at the keyboard you can find him at the theater or somewhere outside enjoying the beautiful Florida weather.
James Hunt's passion for writing began at an early age. While his journal of yesteryear may never be the work of great fiction, he's been working hard every day since then to bring pages to life. James has well over a decade of writing under his belt, but his professional career in literature didn't take off until 2014.
James currently lives in Orlando, FL and when he's not pounding away at the keyboard you can find him at the theater or somewhere outside enjoying the beautiful Florida weather.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 24, 2017
I enjoy watching B Movies, especially the creepy ones on the Scy Fy Channel. This would be a good one to watch.
A husband struggling to find a job and support his family gets a dream job. Only hitch is they have to uproot and move to the bayous of Louisiana. They can’t believe their luck and are astonished at the nice digs the company provides for them. If only they had known its history.
It started off fast, I became attached to the characters, which are well developed, and quickly got the creepy vibes. Probably because of the opening scene. It gives you an idea of what might be coming.
The plot gets going and weird and creepy stuff happens. This I really enjoyed visualizing. The only hitch is there were a couple of plot holes that weren’t taken care of and I was a bit confused with the ending. But I’d read more by this author and I think this story has more coming and maybe things will be revealed.
A husband struggling to find a job and support his family gets a dream job. Only hitch is they have to uproot and move to the bayous of Louisiana. They can’t believe their luck and are astonished at the nice digs the company provides for them. If only they had known its history.
It started off fast, I became attached to the characters, which are well developed, and quickly got the creepy vibes. Probably because of the opening scene. It gives you an idea of what might be coming.
The plot gets going and weird and creepy stuff happens. This I really enjoyed visualizing. The only hitch is there were a couple of plot holes that weren’t taken care of and I was a bit confused with the ending. But I’d read more by this author and I think this story has more coming and maybe things will be revealed.
June 9, 2017
Absolutely loved. I was hooked from the first page. Love that it's set in my home state of Louisiana.
The down on their luck Cooleys move to Louisiana with the promise of a new beginning for the family. Little do they know what monsters lurk in the cypress swamps of south Louisiana.
The down on their luck Cooleys move to Louisiana with the promise of a new beginning for the family. Little do they know what monsters lurk in the cypress swamps of south Louisiana.
September 3, 2017
Interesting tale
I always enjoy reading a haunted house story and this book is about a house that isn't haunted by ghosts instead there is something much worse taking place! The cliff hanger at the end has me immediately downloading the next book in the series.
Another great book provided by my kindle unlimited subscription.
I always enjoy reading a haunted house story and this book is about a house that isn't haunted by ghosts instead there is something much worse taking place! The cliff hanger at the end has me immediately downloading the next book in the series.
Another great book provided by my kindle unlimited subscription.
February 12, 2022
This was book 0 in what I believe is a series. It has a quick start and was a short read. It seemed like the intro to the story - it was called the beginning after all. Definitely had a creep factor. I will be looking into the next installment.
July 6, 2017
well written will read more books by James Hunt
May 20, 2017
A little short
The book was a little short even for a series, if that's what it will be. It has a great plot, although a little vague in the story line. I would enjoy just a little more information and more story beyond the house itself. All in all its a nice read. Anxious for the next book to find out what's going on.
The book was a little short even for a series, if that's what it will be. It has a great plot, although a little vague in the story line. I would enjoy just a little more information and more story beyond the house itself. All in all its a nice read. Anxious for the next book to find out what's going on.
May 16, 2017
Review of The Curse of the House on Cypress Lane
I like a good book that keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next & this is one of those books. We'll written.
I like a good book that keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next & this is one of those books. We'll written.
July 2, 2025
TThe book initially didn’t captivate my interest right away, but as I continued reading, it gradually became more engaging as I learned more about the characters and their complex situations. The narrative's buildup is rather slow, yet it is not lacking in subtleties; the connections between various plot points are evident almost from the outset. What I found intriguing is that this novella claims to be the starting point of a larger narrative, but it feels misleading, as the events that unfold seem to have roots much deeper in the past than what is presented. I wish the author had provided more background about the house and the individuals who played a crucial role in setting everything in motion. As this is my first encounter with this author, I’m curious to explore his storytelling methods further, as every writer has a unique approach to story development.
The central setting, a grand old house at the end of Cypress Lane, is steeped in history, intricately woven with the fabric of the small town of Ocoee, Louisiana. The Cooley family becomes deeply entwined in this enigmatic history, finding themselves in a harrowing fight for their survival, caught in circumstances beyond their control. The protagonist, Owen Cooley, has been unemployed for six months with no promising leads on the horizon. When he receives an unexpected job offer after a rather typical phone interview—one that would necessitate a drastic move for his family—he eagerly seizes the opportunity without really delving into the details about the place he’s being sent to. This situation embodies the classic adage: if something seems too good to be true, it likely warrants a closer examination. Owen certainly should have looked a bit deeper, especially for the sake of his family.
Despite its slow start, the story intrigued me enough that I wanted to continue exploring the mysteries surrounding the house and its inhabitants. While it didn’t evoke outright fear in me, it undeniably carries a pervasive atmosphere of darkness that resonated with my taste. I would certainly recommend this book to those who are in search of a horror read filled with potential and rich narrative threads.
The central setting, a grand old house at the end of Cypress Lane, is steeped in history, intricately woven with the fabric of the small town of Ocoee, Louisiana. The Cooley family becomes deeply entwined in this enigmatic history, finding themselves in a harrowing fight for their survival, caught in circumstances beyond their control. The protagonist, Owen Cooley, has been unemployed for six months with no promising leads on the horizon. When he receives an unexpected job offer after a rather typical phone interview—one that would necessitate a drastic move for his family—he eagerly seizes the opportunity without really delving into the details about the place he’s being sent to. This situation embodies the classic adage: if something seems too good to be true, it likely warrants a closer examination. Owen certainly should have looked a bit deeper, especially for the sake of his family.
Despite its slow start, the story intrigued me enough that I wanted to continue exploring the mysteries surrounding the house and its inhabitants. While it didn’t evoke outright fear in me, it undeniably carries a pervasive atmosphere of darkness that resonated with my taste. I would certainly recommend this book to those who are in search of a horror read filled with potential and rich narrative threads.
July 27, 2017
The Curse of the House on Cypress Lane: Book 0 – The Beginning by James Hunt Review
Where does it all start and how did we get here???????
There sits a large house on Cypress Lane in the small town of Ocoee, Louisiana, and its history is intertwined with the town itself. A feud was born within its walls, and it is there where it will die. The Cooley family finds themselves in the middle of a fight that started long before they arrived. Will they make it out alive, or will they become another casualty in the fight between the living and the dead? Nearly two centuries have passed since the curse was born in the small, swampy town of Ocoee, Louisiana. Ever since a death has hovered like a storm cloud, and the remnants of two families are locked in a battle for survival. The final days have come, and the creature is out for blood. Who will win?
What did I like? Other than being a really quick read, I loved the storyline. I spent some time near Louisiana and saw many of these types of houses, even though the only city in the United States named Ocoee is in Florida, which also has a gruesome past. The history and stories behind many of them intrigued me, this one is by no means an exception. I am sure that book one is going to go into more depth of the turmoil that is going on within the house and what will happen in the future.
What are you going to like? Of course, the storyline will grab you with all the darkness that is emitted but the best part will be the characters. I love the Cooley family especially their daughter! She was fascinating. The tension and intrigue came right off the pages as you were reading. Thank goodness there are more books! Both storyline and characters are strong and very well developed. The author has a strong knowledge of using his words to trap you also within the pages and building the drama and tension. I loved that about the book. On to book 1…….
Where does it all start and how did we get here???????
There sits a large house on Cypress Lane in the small town of Ocoee, Louisiana, and its history is intertwined with the town itself. A feud was born within its walls, and it is there where it will die. The Cooley family finds themselves in the middle of a fight that started long before they arrived. Will they make it out alive, or will they become another casualty in the fight between the living and the dead? Nearly two centuries have passed since the curse was born in the small, swampy town of Ocoee, Louisiana. Ever since a death has hovered like a storm cloud, and the remnants of two families are locked in a battle for survival. The final days have come, and the creature is out for blood. Who will win?
What did I like? Other than being a really quick read, I loved the storyline. I spent some time near Louisiana and saw many of these types of houses, even though the only city in the United States named Ocoee is in Florida, which also has a gruesome past. The history and stories behind many of them intrigued me, this one is by no means an exception. I am sure that book one is going to go into more depth of the turmoil that is going on within the house and what will happen in the future.
What are you going to like? Of course, the storyline will grab you with all the darkness that is emitted but the best part will be the characters. I love the Cooley family especially their daughter! She was fascinating. The tension and intrigue came right off the pages as you were reading. Thank goodness there are more books! Both storyline and characters are strong and very well developed. The author has a strong knowledge of using his words to trap you also within the pages and building the drama and tension. I loved that about the book. On to book 1…….
June 20, 2017
This is the introductory book for the series, and it's clearly and obviously just an introduction. The book starts very slow and goes to explain and introduce the characters, without answering anything, just giving us questions. That's my main problem, that the book was very slow and gives too many questions and not enough answers, just when things are getting interesting, the book ends. It felt like it was fluffed out to be longer than it was supposed to be, and that at least half of the information could have been taken off and integrated to the next book without affecting the content.
I hate when books ends in an unnecessary cliffhanger, it's such an obvious plot from the author to force you to buy the next book, and as a reader I resent it. The book doesn't work on its own, you NEED to read the next, and if it was a story too large to fit just one book and HAD to be cut into books, I would understand it, but it doesn't, it would work much better as part of the next book, instead of on its own.
I hate when books ends in an unnecessary cliffhanger, it's such an obvious plot from the author to force you to buy the next book, and as a reader I resent it. The book doesn't work on its own, you NEED to read the next, and if it was a story too large to fit just one book and HAD to be cut into books, I would understand it, but it doesn't, it would work much better as part of the next book, instead of on its own.
May 17, 2019
There sits a large house on Cypress Lane in the small town of Ocoee, Louisiana, and its history is intertwined with the town itself. A feud was born within its walls, and it is there where it will die. The Cooley family finds themselves in the middle of a fight that started long before they arrived. Will they make it out alive, or will they become another casualty in the fight between the living and the dead?
First in a set of 3 novellas to complete one story. So in essence this would be the prologue.
What this gives you just keeps you wanting more!
A captivating horror/ghost tale that just grabs yo and before you know it it is over.
Creepy and gave me chills which I love.
Need next one now!!!
Great start to series and can't wait to see the outcome!
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First in a set of 3 novellas to complete one story. So in essence this would be the prologue.
What this gives you just keeps you wanting more!
A captivating horror/ghost tale that just grabs yo and before you know it it is over.
Creepy and gave me chills which I love.
Need next one now!!!
Great start to series and can't wait to see the outcome!
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2017
Warning: This is more of a first chapter than a story because it starts in the middle and ends in the middle and you are left hanging all over the place. It seems to be the "way of things" these days.
There is a prologue that gets the ball rolling, but even that does not explain very much.
I really enjoy a good "ghost" story or even a "monster." I haven't much idea of what I am getting in this one.
Horrendous events do occur, but no explanation as to why or what or who or anything else. And by the end of this first "book" you still have no clue or any answers.
I have 3 of these. The beginning, book 1 and book 2. If there are more I cannot say at this stage if I will continue. I just hope book 1 is a whole lot more forthcoming than The Beginning has been.
There is a prologue that gets the ball rolling, but even that does not explain very much.
I really enjoy a good "ghost" story or even a "monster." I haven't much idea of what I am getting in this one.
Horrendous events do occur, but no explanation as to why or what or who or anything else. And by the end of this first "book" you still have no clue or any answers.
I have 3 of these. The beginning, book 1 and book 2. If there are more I cannot say at this stage if I will continue. I just hope book 1 is a whole lot more forthcoming than The Beginning has been.
July 14, 2017
An unemployed welder finds the perfect job to save his family from homelessness. The only catch is that they must relocate to rural Louisiana from Baltimore. As strange things begin to occur, they realize this move may not be the godsend they thought it was.
The Curse of The House on Cypress Lane was an ok story using many common horror themes. Nothing groundbreaking, but solid writing. My big problem with this book is that it just stops; there is no ending and this is a huge pet peeve of mine. I assume it's because this is part of a larger series and the cliff-hanger is supposed to make me want to read the next book, but there should be some closure to the story. Such an abrupt, cliff-hanger ending makes me feel like I've wasted my time reading a story with no ending.
The Curse of The House on Cypress Lane was an ok story using many common horror themes. Nothing groundbreaking, but solid writing. My big problem with this book is that it just stops; there is no ending and this is a huge pet peeve of mine. I assume it's because this is part of a larger series and the cliff-hanger is supposed to make me want to read the next book, but there should be some closure to the story. Such an abrupt, cliff-hanger ending makes me feel like I've wasted my time reading a story with no ending.
July 26, 2017
Was a fairly quick read, a nice escape from the news and non-recreational reading in the evening. I did not initially realize that when the story switched to "Present Day" that was not the backstory of the family murdered "25 Years Ago", most likely inattention on my part. I picked this up based on a daily bookbub, and did not realize until after finishing that it is but the first of multiple books. So when I finished this one last night I was left with many unanswered questions. I downloaded the next book to my Kindle last night and look forward to continuing the story.
August 5, 2017
First of all, thank God for horror novels that don't take half the book to get the action moving. Once you hop on the train with this book, you don't stop until the end. The main characters are likable and believable, so you root for them without being told to by the book. My only gripe is that it's very short, even for an opening foray, and it ends right at the climax of the first act. I hate cliffhangers like this! I will need to get the next book to see where we go, but I'm still going to be annoyed that there was no payoff at all in the first part.
October 12, 2017
Delicious Flavor!
A scary spicy novel the leaves you begging for more! Quick note to the author, do some extra outside editing. EXCELLENT work, but there were a few extra mistakes that made the reading confusing. Just small ones. For example: a character is mention to step tward something and in the next sentence or paragraph, the same character is said to me moving for the first time. Leaving the reader asking, "Wasn't that character already moving?" Just a small subtle hint to make your fabulous novel into a silky smooth bit of gold! Thank you for the adventure!
A scary spicy novel the leaves you begging for more! Quick note to the author, do some extra outside editing. EXCELLENT work, but there were a few extra mistakes that made the reading confusing. Just small ones. For example: a character is mention to step tward something and in the next sentence or paragraph, the same character is said to me moving for the first time. Leaving the reader asking, "Wasn't that character already moving?" Just a small subtle hint to make your fabulous novel into a silky smooth bit of gold! Thank you for the adventure!
March 22, 2018
Interesting but confusing
The first installment of this series leaves you with absolutely no resolution. The time jump from past to present set the reader up for the horror that awaited the family at the Cypress house. However, once the family moved in, the story seemed rushed with little chance for the reader to wrap their mind around what was occurring. By the end of the book, I just found myself thoroughly confused and wanting to ask the author one million questions. Overall, it's a good read, but the story is a little lackluster without continuing the series.
The first installment of this series leaves you with absolutely no resolution. The time jump from past to present set the reader up for the horror that awaited the family at the Cypress house. However, once the family moved in, the story seemed rushed with little chance for the reader to wrap their mind around what was occurring. By the end of the book, I just found myself thoroughly confused and wanting to ask the author one million questions. Overall, it's a good read, but the story is a little lackluster without continuing the series.
October 16, 2020
This has a lot of potential and if it was continued in one volume to become an actual book it would be a good story. As it is it's just a teaser of what's to come. I did get a good sense of the characters that make up the family. There's some great descriptions of events and locations. The timeline is absurdly shortened making the conclusions the characters jump to a little off the mark. How a random biting attack and a snake bite turn into it being the house's fault is such a leap. I would definitely like to read this story if it was completed.
July 20, 2017
I don't usually write reviews because I feel everyone perceives books differently but I felt compelled to say something about this one. I enjoyed it and probably would've given it 4 stars if not for the major cliffhanger at the end! I don't mind reading a series but prefer the books to have some kind of resolution to them even if the story continues on. This one did not. I'm undecided on if I will continue the series.
July 26, 2017
Good Story!!!
Owen and his family are about to become homeless after losing his job and a lot of missed mortgage payments.
But now he has been offered a job and a house that he just cant pass up..however this house has a history and a curse that doesn't let its owners live very long...
The story was great but didnt offer a lot in the history of the curse...i now have a lot more questions then i did before reading...my only complaint.
Owen and his family are about to become homeless after losing his job and a lot of missed mortgage payments.
But now he has been offered a job and a house that he just cant pass up..however this house has a history and a curse that doesn't let its owners live very long...
The story was great but didnt offer a lot in the history of the curse...i now have a lot more questions then i did before reading...my only complaint.
June 15, 2025
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box entitled "The Mansion Hauntings Super BoxSet."
A flash back 25 years earlier where a gruesome deed was carried out.
Then today, a desperate unemployed father wanting to spare his family from homelessness grabs at a Louisiana job offer.
However, even from the first night in an old mansion provided by his new firm, things started to happen that seemed weird.
A flash back 25 years earlier where a gruesome deed was carried out.
Then today, a desperate unemployed father wanting to spare his family from homelessness grabs at a Louisiana job offer.
However, even from the first night in an old mansion provided by his new firm, things started to happen that seemed weird.
August 13, 2017
When I picked up this book, I was initially really riveted. The story was set well, the characters described and developed well throughout. However what I did find is that towards the end of the book the pacing got a little too quick and I felt there were some things missed out that left me with questions.
November 15, 2017
This was an awesome way to begin a series. I have so many questions. Who sent for the family? Why did the monster take Matt? What is going on in this town? I am waiting to see what will happen in the next novel. The characters are well developed and the townspeople are just plain creepy. Now, on to the next book.
May 17, 2018
First in another set of 3 novellas to complete one story. This is more than a ghost story, more monster story. Family about to be destitute is offered a too good to be true offer of job, house, benefits,,if they move to a small town in Louisianna. Never trust a "perfect" opportunity...oh, and Stay Out Of The Swamp...
May 29, 2018
I really enjoyed this horror novel! The only reason I have given it 4/5 stars instead of 5/5 is that it is very short and while it is clearly setting up the rest of the series, this novel itself doesn't actually have a terribly complicated plot. Still, what is included is really intriguing, the setting is wonderfully creepy, and it definitely makes you want to read the next book!
May 17, 2017
Good book
I just started reading books like this one and I'm hooked. Really keeps you on the edge of your seat. I really can't wait to read more from this author James Hunt. I would recommend this to everyone that likes mystery and suspence.
I just started reading books like this one and I'm hooked. Really keeps you on the edge of your seat. I really can't wait to read more from this author James Hunt. I would recommend this to everyone that likes mystery and suspence.
June 26, 2017
Like I said , I've read books one , two and three completely back wards but really enjoyed the whole set. After reading the first book last I can see how the author got you so involved that you had to continue.
July 3, 2017
Kept me reading!
Petty good twist on the old voodoo story line. You really felt sorry for the guy and his wife. They were between a rock and a very hard place. It moved very quickly. Going to read the next one.
Petty good twist on the old voodoo story line. You really felt sorry for the guy and his wife. They were between a rock and a very hard place. It moved very quickly. Going to read the next one.
July 2, 2017
Has me hooked...
Really enjoyed the first installment of this series. Can't wait to see what happens next!! I really like the author's writing. It makes for a fast paced, easy read. I'm from south Louisiana, and felt like I was transported to the swamp...
Really enjoyed the first installment of this series. Can't wait to see what happens next!! I really like the author's writing. It makes for a fast paced, easy read. I'm from south Louisiana, and felt like I was transported to the swamp...
July 30, 2017
This book was well written and easy to read. The characters were very believable people, and the descriptions of their surroundings were great. That being said though, I was disappointed by the actual story after their move to the South. I guess I was expecting more creep and scare in the book?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews