San Francisco, March 1943 Sarah Bennett harbors two She sees ghosts, and she’s in love with a spy.
When Sarah takes a job with occult expert Dr. Matthew Geisler, he promises to help her understand the sorrowful spirit that seems to have attached itself to her—a spirit whose incessant weeping only she can hear.
Meanwhile, as Sarah struggles to cope with the relentless weeping, she comes face to face with Zeke, the man who left her six months earlier and is ostensibly convalescing from injuries suffered in an alleged accident. But Zeke has secrets of his own, and Sarah’s love and trust are soon put to the test.
Things take an even darker turn when an attempt is made on Geisler’s life, and Sarah finds herself caught in a struggle between the living and the dead. Unsure who she can trust, she must unlock the mystery of the weeping ghost in order to save Dr. Geisler—and herself—from an unknown enemy.
Terry Lynn Thomas is a USA Today bestselling author writing cozy Christmas romances filled with mountain-town charm, found family, and second chances. Her new novel, An Apple Butter Christmas, brings readers to Hartstone, where love and legacy bloom under the glow of Christmas lights.
When she isn't writing, Terry Lynn likes to watch British mysteries, read books about found family and friendship, paint, garden, and take long walks with her husband and dogs.
This was one heck of a different book, way different from what I normally read. Set in the 1940s, the story had an older Gothic era feel to it. Sarah Bennett could see ghosts after a fall and she was in love with Zeke. Offered a job by Dr. Geisler, she soon got embroiled in a mystery surrounding one of the residents of the hospital Minna.
This was book 2 in the series by Terry Lynn Thomas, and it had references to her past life and the drama it curtailed. But it was easy to follow. The story used old fashioned sleuthing with a ghost to give out vague pointers. The story was set against the backdrop of WWII with restricted rations and spies helping the war in their own way.
Sarah Bennett soon proved to be an independent undaunted woman determined to get to the truth. I liked her portrayal, but not her addiction to morphine drops. The story due to its setting had its own attraction yet niggled me. The plot and arc could have been better developed, the aura of mystery was lacking. Book 1 should be read to get a better feel of the characters.
This was a mind diverting read, it was light, breezy almost, and didn't require a brain-strain.
OMG is THE HOUSE OF SECRETS addictive! It’s Book 2 in The Sarah Bennett Mysteries featuring a medium besotted with a spy on the Cali coast. Can’t beat that for atmospheric!
In this fast-paced tale, Sarah works for an occult guru and loves Zeke, who left her but has returned with a mysterious injury. Life gets downright scary as she struggles to save her boss and herself while figuring out whom to trust while caught between the departed and the very much alive.
You’re reeled in from the start and not spit out ‘til the nail-biting fini. Whee! Mega thanks to the author for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
Sarah Bennett has just endured a trial where her father had been accused of murder. He was found not guilty much to her chagrin as she was the star witness. Hounded by the press she seeks someplace to hide-out until all the media madness dies down.
She finds a job as a typist at the hospital of Dr. Matthew Geisler and his wife Bethany. Dr. Geisler has been treating people with mental illness and has become fascinated with the occult. He learns that Sarah has been hearing screaming and weeping. She thinks she is losing her mind but he feels these are signs she has certain powers to see and hear ghosts.
Minna, one of the residence of the hospital believes she too can see ghosts and fears that her dead fiancé, Gregory, who happens to be Dr. Geisler's late brother is haunting her and warning her that something bad is going to happen to the doctor.
In the meantime, Sarah discovers that her old flame Zeke who seemingly disappeared just before her father's trial is also staying at the hospital due to injuries he incurred from an "accident".
Soon Sarah begins to see and hear spirits who are trying to tell her things she cannot quite grasp. She keeps hearing from Geisler's dead sister who insists her brother is in danger. She must solve the mystery of who would want to hurt the doctor and why, but also whoever it is are they from this world, or the hereafter? She must act quickly before there really is a murder.
This book was a cozy, historical story with a little paranormal thrown in. An easy read with lots of suspense and surprises. The House of Secrets is Book 2 in the Sarah Bennett Mystery series. The first book is The Spirit of Grace. You can find both out now.
Thank you #NetGalley #HarperCollins #The House of Spirits for the advanced copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
This was not the book I an anticipating reading. The synopsis tricked me. This is actually a historical fiction, paranormal, mystery, romance book. I thought it was going to be more paranormal mystery with a little hint of romance.
This is also the second book of the series and I did not read the first book in the series. I felt that I was able to understand what was going on for the current day but had no idea what happened in the past and it I wish I knew what happened so I could understand it more.
Despite not having the back ground information I was not a fan of the writing style. It felt simplistic and disjointed at times. It did not keep my attention. The main thing I will remember about this book will be all the conversations regarding meat and their lack of it. I understand that it was a big part of their daily life but it was just mentioned way too many times for me. It drew me out of the story every time.
If you like the your books to be a mash up of historical fiction, mystery, paranormal and romance then I am sure you will enjoy this book but you should read the first book in the series.
Sarah Bennett has just endured a trial where her father had been accused of murder. He was found not guilty much to her chagrin as she was the star witness. Hounded by the press she seeks someplace to hide-out until all the media madness dies down.
She finds a job as a typist at the hospital of Dr. Matthew Geisler and his wife Bethany. Dr. Geisler has been treating people with mental illness and has become fascinated with the occult. He learns that Sarah has been hearing screaming and weeping. She thinks she is losing her mind but he feels these are signs she has certain powers to see and hear ghosts.
Minna, one of the residence of the hospital believes she too can see ghosts and fears that her dead fiancé, Gregory, who happens to be Dr. Geisler's late brother is haunting her and warning her that something bad is going to happen to the doctor.
In the meantime, Sarah discovers that her old flame Zeke who seemingly disappeared just before her father's trial is also staying at the hospital due to injuries he incurred from an "accident".
Soon Sarah begins to see and hear spirits who are trying to tell her things she cannot quite grasp. She keeps hearing from Geisler's dead sister who insists her brother is in danger. She must solve the mystery of who would want to hurt the doctor and why, but also whoever it is are they from this world, or the hereafter? She must act quickly before there really is a murder.
This book was a cozy, historical story with a little paranormal thrown in. An easy read with lots of suspense and surprises. The House of Secrets is Book 2 in the Sarah Bennett Mystery series. The first book is The Spirit of Grace. You can find both out now.
Thank you #NetGalley #HarperCollins #The House of Spirits for the advanced copy.
A mystery, a ghost, romance and a wartime setting...what could be more perfect?! I love this character we first met in The Spirit of Grace. Sarah Bennett is quietly confident and becoming more comfortable with her psychic abilities. I am looking forward to the third book.
Sarah is ready to live a more peaceful life after her adopted father is not convicted of the crimes he committed. She meets with Dr. Matthew Geisler who promises her to assist with her paranormal ability to connect with spirits. However, once an attempt on Geisler's like is taken, everything in the story shifts. Sarah must now understand and identify the one who attempted murder and distinguish the roles of both the living and the dead.
In this second installment of the Sarah Bennett Mysteries series, Ms. Thomas has come through with another intriguing and page-turning read. I really enjoyed how the author taps into the paranormal activity more so in this novel. Sarah's interaction between the living and the dead is balanced so well that it almost seems realistic and plausible. The characters are very likable and the plot is full of just enough details to make the reader crave for more.
I would say that this is a novel where reading the first book would be extremely helpful. It touches upon Sarah's murderous father, Sarah's ability to blur the lines and connect with spirits, her relationship with Zeke, and several other tidbits that the first book introduces.
I highly recommend this read for those who have read the first in the series, The Spirit of Grace, and for those who enjoy mysteries with some paranormal activity.
I received a free copy of this book from the JGBS Review Library in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own and no compensation was received.
I had no idea what to expect when I decided to read this book other than the fact that I love the cover. It was the book cover that made me want to read this book, it truly is a beautiful cover that cast it's spell on me.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this tale from beginning to end. I found it to be haunting, chilling and suspenseful in equal measures not to mention the ghostly encounters.
I loved the mystery to the story which certainly had me guessing throughout trying to figure out how it would all end. There were also historical elements throughout, such as mention of war, soldier's, rationing of food and other material things. I found it all added to the enjoyability of the story.
As for the characters of which there were quite a few, I loved getting to know them all. They were all so well written. My favourite characters were Sarah and Zeke, loved seeing the connection between them.
I can't wait to read the next book to the series, definitely looking forward to reacquainting myself with some of the characters.
Note: This is the SECOND book in a series, which may cause some confusion for the first couple of chapters.
I would say this was a solid good read. Enjoyable, great pacing, and not too long. It had hints of paranormal, it was a good mystery and though you may find you could pinpoint 'whodunit' early on, it doesn't take away from the entertainment value. It's the sort of book where I KNOW I'll want to read the next one each time and I appreciated the writing style as well. It wasn't too flowery or heavy and it's a blissful escape from a stressful day, the sort of read where it won't drain you but it will keep you intrigued.
I would recommend this to any mystery/paranormal reader and would definitely recommend reading the first book, well, first.
I received this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an HONEST review.
Sarah is Dr. Geisler’s amanuensis. How many times have you encountered that term in a book? I looked up the unfamiliar word. “Amanuensis” is a “literary or artistic assistant, in particular one who takes dictation or copies manuscripts.” Sort of has an old-world charm to it, doesn’t it?
The House of Secrets has an other-worldly charm to it. I found it similar to the writing of Daphne DuMaurier with its assortment of odd, yet compelling characters and a plot on dark side with many psychological twists and turns. Like DuMaurier’s brooding, atmospheric stories, this book with its secrets is very readable.
Other reviewers have found this Secrets to be part historical fiction, paranormal, mystery, and romance. The story is set during World War II in San Francisco. The history part is more a spice added to the main dish. The main dish involves ghosts and mediums, and evil happenings. Sarah is alone in the world when she turns up at the Geisler Institute to live-in and work with Dr. Geisler on his medical book.
Sarah is plagued by visits from “beyond the veil”. Dr. Geisler recognizes that she is a medium and he promises to help her cope with her ability. In addition to Sarah, the Institute shelters a variety of strange-ish characters, all very well drawn. Minna has a lot to worry about as she fears she is being haunted by a murderous spirit. Dr. Geisler’s wife is a counterpoint to his understanding nature, as she is all business. And why is Sarah’s absent lover now living at the Institute? Other characters, such as the cook, and several characters on the hospital side of the house add to our reading pleasure and squirmishness. Sarah is fortunate to have a sophisticated friend through all this, Cynthia.
I’m glad I’m not a medium. The ghosts are too bothersome and always weeping. But they are fun to read about. This the second book in the Sarah Bennett Mysteries. While I did not read the first book, and I did enjoy this story, I suggest you do read the series in order. The happenings of book one are mentioned frequently in this book and had a big impact on Sarah. Enjoy!
Thanks to NetGalley, HQ Digital and Rachel’s Random Reviews for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
After a life threatening fall Sarah Bennett can now see ghosts. After a long nasty trial against the offender and no home, she finds herself at the Geisler Institute. What she thought was an opportunity as a secretary is actually an invitation to further explore her new found abilities to communicate with the dead. The cocktail for this book, 2 parts Historical Fiction, 2 parts Mystery and a dash of Paranormal. If that cocktail suits your taste I would say this book is for you. A very quick read you can take on vacation. I did really enjoy the historical fiction aspect. I thought Sarah Bennett's character is well written and really liked her friend Cynthia. I really need to get back to baking after reading this book and I will definitely savor my next steak. Overall, the story read a bit cheesy for me but like I said, if you are into those genres, add it to your vacation book list!
Weeping in the Wings was a suspense filled, couldn't put it down kind of book! Following her father's acquital, Sarah, the key witness against him, finds a job with a doctor she thinks might be able to help her with a unique ability as well as keep a low profile. The mini hospital is filled with a cast of characters including her lost love. With danger looming, she is able to connect with the other side and find out who is behind the attempts on the doctor's life. I love the way the author was able to weave an intriguing tale. The end was brilliant - never saw it coming!
I will admit that I haven't read the first book but I liked reading about Sarah Bennett and her quest of searching for her roots and how her future will be. I was a bit lost with connecting some dots (yeah I know that I had to read he first book first but...) but all the action, twist and turns that kept me moving along with the story till the very end that had surprising ending
Like most writers, I had a passion for books, stories, and all things Gothic from an early age. My grandmother and I used to watch the Gothic soap opera "Dark Shadows" in the 1960s. It scared me, but I liked it. (I know, I'm dating myself.) I always held a secret dream of writing professionally, but real life got in the way and writing went by the wayside. My love of books and reading did not. I had a taste for the Gothic mysteries of the early twentieth century--the books with the covers depicting a woman running across the moors in her nightgown. For some reason, those were the books I reached for when I was looking for something to read, long after these books were popular. I mined used bookshops for them, collected them, and read them over and over. These stories, coupled with my love of writers such as Mary Stewart, Agatha Christie, Patricia Wentworth, and Dorothy Eden influenced my writing in so many ways. I love mysteries, especially those written by British authors. When I set out to write in earnest, I wanted to pay homage to these great writers of the past and this specific style of writing.
This idea gave birth to the Sarah Bennett Mysteries, which are set in San Francisco during the 1940s. Told in the true Gothic tradition, Sarah Bennett is a medium whose family thinks she is mentally unstable. The first book in the series, The Spirit of Grace, introduces us to Sarah just as she is coming home after spending a year in a mental hospital. The next two books in the series, The House of Secrets (Previously published as Weeping in the Wings) and The Drowned Woman (Previously published as Neptune's Daughter) -- which won an Indie B.R.A.G. medallion--follow Sarah as she discovers who she is and how she can use her "gift" to help people.
Not an easy book to get into. I was 39% of the way through it before I couldn't put it down. After the fact, I learned that this is second in the Sarah Bennett series - I think I would have definitely fared better if I had read the first book. I just couldn't get into the characters OR the story until it was almost half done. Once I got passed that point, I couldn't put it down. It had the distinct vibe of the Preston & Child Pendergast vibes to me. I look forward to the next one.
Thank you Netgalley, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book sounded terrific. Sarah needs a job, and she takes one with a psychiatrist, Dr. Geisler, typing his notes and manuscript pages. He also offers to help her with the voices she is hearing. Are they ghosts? Is she insane? As if she didn’t have enough going on, she discovers after she arrives that her one-time love, Zeke, is recuperating in the house from some broken bones and physical wounds.
I didn’t discover until well after starting that this is actually the second book in a series (nothing on the cover or in the description indicated that). I highly recommend readers read the first book before starting this one. I became somewhat frustrated at the lack of explanation for a clearly detailed background that I wanted to know more about. I suspect the issues I had with the book could have been minimized or even eliminated, if I had known about book one.
I also found Sarah to be a difficult character to like. She changed her mind repeatedly without any great justification. For example, one minute she was adamantly denying her ghost sensing ability, and the next, she willing went along to a haunted house. There also seemed to be no real explanation for why or how the particular ghost began haunting her, and she immediately went along with it as soon as the name was suggested.
All of that said, the mystery itself was fun, and I didn’t see the guilty party coming. It was an easy read. I would definitely try another book by this author, I’d just start with the first book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions shared are mine.
When I accepted this book, I didn't realize it was #2 in a series. It was very clear that I missed some important background information, but I figured it was just supposed to be inferred from the extensive dialogue in the book. Only when I came to review on Goodreads did I find that it's actually the second book, and that makes SO MUCH MORE SENSE. Starting with book 2 took away from my reading experience to a small degree.
What I enjoyed about The House of Secrets was that it was a clean mystery. There was a convenient romance with some innocent kisses, and speculation about a possible side affair. Since the setting is WWII era, the characters showed a lot of propriety in the male/female interactions. I also liked learning a bit about the inner workings of a mental hospital of that time period. I'd never considered how difficult it would have been to manage a staff and patients while making do with ration coupons. This book actually has me considering the idea of raising chickens. I'll also be sure to appreciate the next steak on my plate!
The paranormal aspect of this book was so mildly entertaining that I hesitate to even consider it a ghost story. Though the characters were interesting, they were quite flat. I never really cared one way or the other what happened in the story.
This is a good option for those who like a small dose of scary, but don't want to stay up all night worrying about the shadows in the corners!
Originally published in 2016 as Weeping in the Wings, the book is being republished under the new title of The House of Secrets.
From description: Sarah Bennett has two secrets: she sees ghosts, and she is in love with a spy. When Sarah takes a job with occult expert Dr Matthew Geisler, he promises to help her understand the sorrowful spirit that seems to have attached itself to her.
I can't resist a ghost story and this one had several interesting features as the setting is during WWII at a home converted into a psychiatric hospital. However, a lot of the more interesting possibilities were overlooked and the characters felt one-dimensional. There was too much going on: ghostly presence, espionage angle, psychiatric facility and mental illness, family dysfunction, a runaway bride, gas-lighting, romance, etc., etc.
If only one or two of these aspects had received more attention and some of the others eliminated, I would have enjoyed it more. Another problem for me is that this is the second book in the series, and there are many references to events in the first book which I have not read. I felt really left out of background material.
NetGalley Paranormal/Mystery. 2016; April 2019. Print length: 252 pages.
Sarah Bennett has two secrets: she sees ghosts, and she is in love with a spy. When Sarah takes a job with occult expert Dr Matthew Geisler, he promises to help her understand the sorrowful spirit that seems to have attached itself to her. As Sarah struggles to cope with the ghostly presence, she runs into Zeke, the man who left her six months earlier and is recovering from injuries suffered in an alleged accident. But Zeke has secrets of his own, and when an attempt is made on Geisler’s life, Sarah finds herself caught in a struggle between the living and the dead. Unsure who she can trust, Sarah must solve the mystery of the soul determined to haunt her, and save Dr Geisler and herself from an unknown threat.
This book was previously published as WEEPING IN THE WINGS
This is actually a historical fiction, paranormal, mystery, romance book. I thought it was going to be more paranormal mystery with a little hint of romance. The characters were lovable and the story kept me wanting more! I liked the characters and the story was well thought out. A perfect read for fans of mysteries. This is the first book I have read by Terry Lynn Thomas and am looking forward to reading more of her books.
Sarah Bennett has had a tough life. But the toughest part is that, for some unexplained reason, she can see ghosts. And one, in particular, is trying to warn her about an upcoming disaster.
In the middle of WWII, Sarah goes to work at Dr Geisler's institute as a secretary. What she doesn't know is that Dr Geisler is already familiar with her story; and he knows Sarah is followed by his sister's ghost. But what is young Alysse trying to tell her? As people in the institute get anxious by the minute , suspicions of foul play and danger arise. Who is in danger? And what is Sarah's role amidst this peculiar situation?
The House of Secrets is a fast-paced psychological thriller with strong spy-novel hints, as well as a slight hint of romance. With a well-constructed heroine that holds many secrets and a very dark background, Terry Lynn Thomas has managed to create an interesting concept. Although it's not an unravelable plot, it's pleasant, fast and easy to read.
I enjoyed this book, but it was sometimes a bit slower than I would have liked. Nothing terribly frightening happens in it, but it does have an interesting plot with relatively well-developed characters and a believable storyline.
I liked that the paranormal elements didn't overshadow the entire story and allowed the different character traits to shine. I liked the main character and thought her psychic abilities were interesting, precisely because they were not so overblown that they seemed silly. This author has a good quality to her writing and her sense of setting a scene with the proper ambience for the moment occurring in the book is excellent.
This is part love-story, part ghost story and part psychological thriller. Basically, there's a little something for everyone.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
The House of Secrets is the second in the Sarah Bennett Mysteries set during WWII in San Francisco . I haven’t read the first book, The Spirit of Grace, so it did take me a little time to get round the storyline. Sarah takes a job with with psychiatrist and occult aficionado, Dr Geisler, and finds herself haunted by his dead sister and investigating an attempted murder.
I definitely had to suspend my belief at times as things very much go bump in the night and there are ghostly apparitions. It’s a fun, entertaining and easy read. It has more than a hint of gothic and I liked the writing style. I found the the historical aspect with regard to food rationing and wartime lifestyle etc interesting and this seems well researched. I did find the ending quite predictable but overall I enjoyed it. If you like mysteries with a paranormal theme and a touch of romance thrown in, this one is for you.
The second book in the Sarah Bennett Myseteries, continues to grab your attention from the beginning! Author Terry Lynn Thomas continues to mesmerize and grab my attention from beginning to end! Sarah has been offered a job by Dr. Matthew Geisler, a psychiatrist and an expert in the occult. Unbeknownst to Sarah, Dr. Geisler is wanting to learn more about Sarah's paranormal abilities, but will she want to reveal her secrets to a stranger? Finding out that Zeke is in the hospital wing of the institute and was behind the job offer almost made Sarah walk away until Dr. Geisler mentioned his ability to help her control the spirits voices. But as we all know, things are not always what they seem. Will Sarah find herself in danger once again? What secrets lie within the walls of Dr. Geisler's family home that has been turned into a psychiatric institution? I cannot wait to read the third book in this great series!
The house of Secrets by Terry Lynn Thomas. A fantastic read with some great characters. I loved Sarah's character. Even though I haven't read the first book I was still able to enjoy this book. I loved it. I loved the ending. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. 5*. Highly recommended.
House of Secrets is the second book in the Sarah Bennet series and follows Sarah’s journey after the events of her father’s, Jack Bennet’s trial. Excluded from society for daring to speak out against her father, Sarah ends up taking a job with psychiatrist Dr Matthew Geisler at his family’s home, turned hospital as his secretary. Immediately upon arrival she discovers that not only is Zeke there, but Dr Geisler is aware she’s special, and would like to help. He has experience with the paranormal and has been following her story with interest. Throw in the fact Sarah has been haunted by the sounds of weeping since Jack was found not guilty, and you have an interesting, captivating ghost story set in WW2 San Francisco. As this is the second book in the series, typically I’d tell you here to stop and read The Spirit of Grace, the first book, before continuing, and while I whole heartedly recommend reading the books in order, you won’t be lost if you choose not to. Thomas writes in a way which summarizes without heavy exposition, filling the reader in with ease. Of course, there is character building and growth with you’d be missing out on, but the plot of House of Secrets is incredibly well constructed to be read as a standalone. Likewise, if you’re not worried about having the ending spoiled, you could even start here and read The Spirit of Grace after, as I did. Both are fantastic, and I highly recommend reading them both if you read one of them. The book is written in 1st person, following Sarah as the main POV throughout, allowing us to become fully invested in her, and discover the story as she does. A lot of care has been put in to ensure Sarah doesn’t randomly know things she shouldn’t, and a great example of this when Sarah is sitting at her desk with her window open. The people she can hear talking also have their window open, but the wind doesn’t carry every sentence, and as soon as they shut the window, she’s excluded from their conversation. This air of realism was lovely, and a theme Thomas carries through the entire book. Sarah may occasionally be at the right place at the right time, this is a fictional story after all, but that doesn’t mean real life isn’t getting in the way. Another example I enjoyed, which isn’t one moment, but an overlaying sentiment tied into my point, is that this is the 1940s, and Sarah’s gifts could and would land her in an asylum. She’s putting a lot of faith in Dr Geiser but is incredibly mindful to keep her abilities quiet to the rest of the household. It’d be too easy for Thomas to set the story in the past, but with modern ideals, and I appreciated her keeping to the setting in such an appropriate way. It was captivating and allowed me to sink me teeth into the plot without being jarred by anything inappropriate to the 1940s. If you’re a fan of this type of realism tied with a curious plot, then you can’t go wrong with House of Secrets. The pacing is also good. Fluid, and naturally moving, we’re given time to take in every new mysterious detail with a helping of the everyday excitement and sadness of the time. We’re treated to warm scenes in the kitchen, to titbits of rationing, stolen kisses between maids and diaper deliverymen, and rich world building that throws us straight into the era. Thomas has not only taken incredible care with her world building; she’s applied a lot of thought into the ebb and flow of storytelling, and through this has captured the tension and unease of the time. This isn’t an action novel, nor is it a thriller, it’s a mystery, and she’s tackled that fact with attention and care. To add to this point, I also found the ending extremely satisfying. It’s period appropriate, warm, and took its time. I find a lot of novels feel stunted at the end, as if the author was scared, we’d be bored as soon as the action finished, but exactly as with the rest of the novel, House of Secrets ends when and as it should, and no sooner. I didn’t expect to review another so soon, but this is another ghost story, and exactly as with Forms of Things Unknown, I greatly enjoyed the supernatural element to this story. It’s louder than in the other book, and Sarah is not as comfortable with the occult as Lillian was, but through the natural course of the plot, she finds her footing and a confidence within herself. I loved the way Alisse ensures she’s heard, and there’s a scene towards the end where it’s abundantly clear she will get her message across however she needs to, and this fervour was a fantastic opposite to the radiant love we witness in an earlier scene. Every character, even the ghosts, have personality, and are effortlessly true to themselves, especially Sarah. My favourite character, as you know I always have one, is easily either Minna, the beautiful, graceful lifelong friend of Dr Geisler, or Mrs McDougal, the motherly housekeeper with a heart of fire and care. I loved Sarah, and I loved her development, but I’m always drawn to the side characters. If an author can give their SCs the same love and growth as their MCs, it’s a testament to wonderful style in my opinion. I’d also be a liar if I didn’t add Alisse to the list, as well as Dr Geisler. They both have a ferocity for the truth, though Matthew isn’t as… loud. Truth be told, character wise, this is one of the strongest casts I’ve read for the dynamics and a lack of fear to create ugly moments. The big twist comes to mind as I make that point, and without spoiling anything, even at the very end, the character holds themselves with the same air they’ve held throughout the novel. I know that’s cryptic, but if you read this, I hope you know what I mean by that. If I had to give one critique about this novel, it’d oddly be toward Zeke. I felt he took a back seat in this, though with reason, but seemed to want to swoop in and act like he’d been just as active as Sarah throughout the plot. I found him interesting, and with personality, but… a little meh plot wise, as I’d expected more from him by that point. I fully agree it would have changed the dynamics, and I’m not suggesting this is held against the plot, I just wasn’t sure what he brought to the table for him to act like he’d brought it all. That’d be my only negative and am sure it makes a lot more sense as the rest of the series continues. Of which, I’ll be reviewing the third novel sometime later this month, so can let you know if I warmed back to Zeke. All in all, this is a fantastic example of how paranormal doesn’t have to mean horror, and will be a hit with fans of mysteries, historical dramas, and curious plots you can really lose yourself into. Just to wrap up, I’d like to thank Terry Lynn Thomas, Netgalley, and Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read this novel and give it an honest review.
The House of Secrets is a very well-written historical mystery and one I am certain you will enjoy reading. If you like mysteries with secrets, ghosts, and a spy then this is the book for you.
You can't help but want to get to know Sarah as she takes a job in order to help figure out the mystery behind the sorrowful spirit that has attached itself to her.
Definitely a page-turner. Can't wait to read more by this author.
This was an excellent book i just couldn't put down. I did slightly suspect Bethany but for the wrong reason I thought she was jealous of Minna and the doctors relationship.I look forward to more stories from this author
Loved. This book I consumed it. Sarah has hidden away at a hospital of sorts, her life is in turmoil. Figuring out what she must do, she starts having visions, ghosts asking for help, a patient who is deathly scared . A great read.