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Haunted Bluffs Mystery #1
House of Ashes: A Haunted Bluffs Mystery
A family patriarch’s dying proclamation, an enigmatic disappearance, and a century-old curse converge in the shadows of a majestic home on Cape Cod’s craggy coast.
Thirty-seven-year-old painter Cassandra Mitchell is fourth-generation to live in the majestic Battersea Bluffs, a brooding Queen Anne home originally built by her great-grandparents, Percy and Celeste Mitchell, and still standing despite tragedies that have swept the generations. Local lore has it that there was a curse placed on the family and the house is haunted, though opinions are divided on whether it's by malicious or benevolent spirits. Cassie believes the latter—but now she stands to lose her beloved home to mounting debt and the machinations of her dream-weaving ex-husband.
Salvation seems to arrive when a nomadic young couple wanders onto the property with the promise of companionship and much-needed help—until they vanish without a trace, leaving behind no clue to their identities. Cassie is devastated, but determined to discover what's happened to the young couple...even as digging into their disappearance starts to uncover family secrets of her own. Despite warnings from her childhood friend, now the local Chief of Police—as well as an FBI agent who pushes the boundaries of professionalism—Cassie can't help following the trail of clues (and eerie signals from the old house itself) to unravel the mystery. But can she do so before her family's dark curse destroys everything in its path?
Thirty-seven-year-old painter Cassandra Mitchell is fourth-generation to live in the majestic Battersea Bluffs, a brooding Queen Anne home originally built by her great-grandparents, Percy and Celeste Mitchell, and still standing despite tragedies that have swept the generations. Local lore has it that there was a curse placed on the family and the house is haunted, though opinions are divided on whether it's by malicious or benevolent spirits. Cassie believes the latter—but now she stands to lose her beloved home to mounting debt and the machinations of her dream-weaving ex-husband.
Salvation seems to arrive when a nomadic young couple wanders onto the property with the promise of companionship and much-needed help—until they vanish without a trace, leaving behind no clue to their identities. Cassie is devastated, but determined to discover what's happened to the young couple...even as digging into their disappearance starts to uncover family secrets of her own. Despite warnings from her childhood friend, now the local Chief of Police—as well as an FBI agent who pushes the boundaries of professionalism—Cassie can't help following the trail of clues (and eerie signals from the old house itself) to unravel the mystery. But can she do so before her family's dark curse destroys everything in its path?
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2018
67 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Loretta Marion
5 books343 followersThough born and raised in the Midwest, Loretta Marion fell in love with New England and has made it the setting for much of her writing. She is a true bibliophile with a love for reading and creating with words beginning when she was just a young girl. And that affection for the written word has followed her like a shadow throughout her life.
Loretta’s writing bridges the genres of mystery and suspense and women’s fiction, always with hints of romance and humor, sometimes delving into the psychological and paranormal. She creates strong but flawed and struggling characters as appealing as the rich atmospheric settings in which the stories take place.
When not whipping out words on her laptop, she is traveling, enjoying outdoor pursuits, or is curled up with a delicious new book. Loretta lives in Rhode Island with her husband, Geoffrey, and their playful and devoted rescue pooch, Mr. Micawber, a delightful mix of German Shepherd and Corgi.
Loretta’s writing bridges the genres of mystery and suspense and women’s fiction, always with hints of romance and humor, sometimes delving into the psychological and paranormal. She creates strong but flawed and struggling characters as appealing as the rich atmospheric settings in which the stories take place.
When not whipping out words on her laptop, she is traveling, enjoying outdoor pursuits, or is curled up with a delicious new book. Loretta lives in Rhode Island with her husband, Geoffrey, and their playful and devoted rescue pooch, Mr. Micawber, a delightful mix of German Shepherd and Corgi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 1, 2022
Curiosity is lying in wait for every secret.Cassandra Mitchell is beside herself. She is in dire financial straits after her less than wonderful husband managed to drain most of her trust fund on failed business ventures. The marriage reduced to cinders, the divorce is nearly done, but she is in danger of losing the family manse if she cannot come up with some more money. She works as a tour boat guide part time to bring in something, but her primary gig is painting. Could be worse, I guess, she could be an actor. She has been working on a plan, get a barn on the property fixed up as a B&B, and take advantage of the spectacular views her family has enjoyed for generations. She had some help getting that moving, taking in a mysterious young couple she’d found wandering on the property, exchanging room and board for labor on the renovation. For several months, the company and budding friendships were a welcome extra. But who are they, really, and what the hell happened to them?
-----Ralph Waldo Emerson - from the epigraph
Loretta Marion - image from Underground Book Reviews
The core mystery of the novel is the disappearance of Vince and Ashley. The chapters of the book are mostly arranged around that. Headings like “three months before the disappearance,” “Two months after the disappearance,” with others noting chronological leaps. The other major mystery is historical. Just what was it that had caused the conflagration at Battersea Bluffs eighty years ago, and is there really a curse on the Mitchell family? I guess that makes two other mysteries. No, wait, what about the strange aromas that keep emanating at the house? Is the place really haunted? You might get a snicker or two out of the ghostly presences seeming to change Cass’s ringtone to something alarming, and her screen saver to something other what she wants. Ok, yeah, the place is haunted, so we are back to two.
While there are elements from beyond the genre, a bit of paranormal, a bit more romantic flame being fanned than usual, a missing persons investigation instead of a murder, at least as far as we know, even a bit of humor, House of Ashes is primarily a cozy mystery. I have gone through the elements that make up books of that genre elsewhere, so will not repeat that here. Suffice it to say that most of the defining characteristics are present.
Which leads us to the (or rather a) cozy reader checklist. Is the lead engaging, smart, and determined? While Cass may have some questionable taste in men, yep. Is the story engaging? It held my interest. Does it provide sufficient clues that you are checking them out on your own, either looking things up, or pondering possibilities? Yep. Is it possible for readers to actually figure out some of the clues, along with the characters? Absolutely. I will go into one particular issue I had with some of the fact-checking a bit further on. A really fun clue was a set of knots in a rope that absolutely has to be some sort of code. Do the final explanations make sense? Sure.
Cass is nicely drawn, with singed edges along with a sharp mind, and an ability to sense the presence of her ancestors, a nice variation on the usually anodyne cozy lead. This makes it easier for us root for her to succeed in her mission, whether that is getting her B&B going, selling a lot of paintings, or finding the lost couple.
The historical burning of the house informs the story, not only in eighty-year flashbacks, but in the environment that persists, the art direction for the novel. Smoke, fire, and ashes permeate the contemporary story, keeping us aware of the long-term connections. A German shepherd that is afraid of fire alarms is part of this.
I have only been to Cape Cod as a visitor, never a local, so cannot speak with any authority on how well the sense of a small-town community is drawn here. But it seemed believable. The ghosts are a low end and mostly a benign presence, filling the air with the smell of burnt sugar. But there are people who smell things other than what Cass detects, very unpleasant things. So, maybe they are not entirely friendly.
I had a few issues with the book. There are some annoying teases, things Cass almost remembers at chapter ends, but just cannot quite get a handle on. The speed with which an art show is arranged seemed highly condensed. But the big one entails a serious spoiler issue, so I am hiding it. Do not read this unless you have already read the book, or do not plan to.
So, bottom line is that I enjoyed House of Ashes. I looked forward to reading it every night before bed. The story kept me engaged. The mystery was interesting. Following the step-by-step was fun. The light humor brought a smile, the romantic element was tolerable. It might enhance the experience to read this in a room with a real fireplace, or at least a candle burning. House of Ashes may not be a four-alarm read, but it will certainly do quite nicely to help keep you warmly distracted for several hours on a chilly autumn or winter day.
Review first posted – November 23, 2018
Publication date – November 13, 2018
I received a free copy of House of Ashes from Crooked Lane in return for a fair review. Once I posted, those strange new noises and odd aromas emanating from the attic stopped.
=============================EXTRA STUFF
Links to the author’s personal, Goodreads and FB pages
Item of interest
-----On Lightermen
September 14, 2019
I did enjoy this book, it had the right eerie background for a haunted house, a gothic type setting in Cape Cod. A lonely divorcee, Cassie, lives in the house and befriends a young couple who end up staying with her, until they disappear without a trace. A missing ring, tattoos of a phoenix, a mysterious "T" that keeps turning up. Not to mention an old curse cast against Cassie's family.
All in all I found "House Of Ashes" to be an intriguing mystery, with clues and red herrings every time you turn the page. I also found the relationships between the main characters warm and realistic, which further enhanced the story. This book has a lot to recommend it, it holds the interest of the reader all the way through, and I found myself feeling for Cassie, annoyed at her sister Zoe's reluctance to tell her the truth, well, tell her anything really. Cassie finds herself unravelling secrets, not only the missing couples, but some of her family's as well. A worthy read!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
All in all I found "House Of Ashes" to be an intriguing mystery, with clues and red herrings every time you turn the page. I also found the relationships between the main characters warm and realistic, which further enhanced the story. This book has a lot to recommend it, it holds the interest of the reader all the way through, and I found myself feeling for Cassie, annoyed at her sister Zoe's reluctance to tell her the truth, well, tell her anything really. Cassie finds herself unravelling secrets, not only the missing couples, but some of her family's as well. A worthy read!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2018
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Loretta Marion, and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Loretta Marion develops a story that straddles time and geography to bring the reader into the centre of numerous mysteries that come to a head in an energetic ending. The small Massachusetts community of Whale Rock has been home to the Mitchell family off and on for over eight decades. When one of the largest homes in the area caught fire eighty years ago, the fallout created a curse that permeates the region to this day. Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Mitchell’s great-grandparents perished in the fire that some believe was part of a larger curse they brought from England. At present, Cassie has an issue of her own, as her two tenants have recently disappeared into thin air. Could this be part of the ongoing curse or some other nefarious act? Leaving behind a few odd clues, including a piece of rope tied with unique knots, Cassie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. However, she also has a gallery showing booked and must finish a number of paintings, some of the bucolic community of Whale Rock. With the authorities turning up nothing and the FBI admitting that Cassie’s tenants never existed, at least by those names, the mystery only thickens. With a parallel storyline exploring events leading up to the aforementioned fire, additional backstory and knowledge about this Mitchell Curse come to light, which could explain some of the present-day anomalies. An interesting tale that will pique the interest of some, though I found myself less than committed throughout the reading experience.
This is my first experience with Marion’s writing, which left me curious to see what sentiments came to the surface. Her attention to detail and nuanced placement of clues is second to none, as is her seamless ability to write in both past and present while keeping both stories poignant. I remain baffled as to why I could not grasp the entirety of the story. I did not feel the connection to the characters or plot, though both seemed to be well grounded. Cassie Mitchell proves to be an interesting woman, who has struggled finding her niche as she seeks to rebuild a bridge with her older sister. Cassie’s determination to get to the bottom of the mystery while also living her life at present is something that Marion develops throughout with a strong narrative and decent dialogue. I’m left to wonder if I was just not in the proper mindset to tackle this book, as there are many characters who pop up and serve to push things in a forward direction. The premise was decent, using a past curse to explain away some of the issues taking place, without getting too supernatural with the entire plot. Still, I needed something more that shook me in my seat as I flipped the pages of this book. Perhaps others will find something stellar in this book or with the author and to them I offer my complete support. It just did not come together for me.
Kudos, Madam Marion, for a decent piece of writing. While I may not have been captivated, I do not feel that I will be in the majority.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Loretta Marion develops a story that straddles time and geography to bring the reader into the centre of numerous mysteries that come to a head in an energetic ending. The small Massachusetts community of Whale Rock has been home to the Mitchell family off and on for over eight decades. When one of the largest homes in the area caught fire eighty years ago, the fallout created a curse that permeates the region to this day. Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Mitchell’s great-grandparents perished in the fire that some believe was part of a larger curse they brought from England. At present, Cassie has an issue of her own, as her two tenants have recently disappeared into thin air. Could this be part of the ongoing curse or some other nefarious act? Leaving behind a few odd clues, including a piece of rope tied with unique knots, Cassie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. However, she also has a gallery showing booked and must finish a number of paintings, some of the bucolic community of Whale Rock. With the authorities turning up nothing and the FBI admitting that Cassie’s tenants never existed, at least by those names, the mystery only thickens. With a parallel storyline exploring events leading up to the aforementioned fire, additional backstory and knowledge about this Mitchell Curse come to light, which could explain some of the present-day anomalies. An interesting tale that will pique the interest of some, though I found myself less than committed throughout the reading experience.
This is my first experience with Marion’s writing, which left me curious to see what sentiments came to the surface. Her attention to detail and nuanced placement of clues is second to none, as is her seamless ability to write in both past and present while keeping both stories poignant. I remain baffled as to why I could not grasp the entirety of the story. I did not feel the connection to the characters or plot, though both seemed to be well grounded. Cassie Mitchell proves to be an interesting woman, who has struggled finding her niche as she seeks to rebuild a bridge with her older sister. Cassie’s determination to get to the bottom of the mystery while also living her life at present is something that Marion develops throughout with a strong narrative and decent dialogue. I’m left to wonder if I was just not in the proper mindset to tackle this book, as there are many characters who pop up and serve to push things in a forward direction. The premise was decent, using a past curse to explain away some of the issues taking place, without getting too supernatural with the entire plot. Still, I needed something more that shook me in my seat as I flipped the pages of this book. Perhaps others will find something stellar in this book or with the author and to them I offer my complete support. It just did not come together for me.
Kudos, Madam Marion, for a decent piece of writing. While I may not have been captivated, I do not feel that I will be in the majority.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
November 10, 2018
Cassie Mitchell is 37 and in trouble. She lives in her family's historic Victorian house on Cape Cod...but the house comes with ghosts. Literally. Or bad memories. Or a curse. Whatever you want to call it. Three generations of her family have met with sadness and death because of a long-ago curse placed on the family by an unhappy lover...a lighterman named Robert Toomey. 80 years ago Toomey supposedly started a fire in the house, killing Cassie's great-grandmother Celeste. Percy Mitchell then jumped from the nearby cliffs clutching his dead wife's body, yelling that he was not yet finished with Toomey. Flash forward 80 years....the house is in need of repairs, but Cassie is out of money, in the midst of a divorce, and despondent. She loves Battersea Bluffs at Lavender Hill -- or just The Bluffs as modern residents of Whale Rock, MA call it now -- and doesn't want to lose the house, or the lovely vanilla and caramel scent reminiscent of baking cookies that means the ghosts are about. Mysteriously a young couple and their dog show up one day asking about the house and the legend of the curse. Cassie instantly befriends them. Vince and Ashley start helping renovate the carriage house. Cassie can rent it out and bring in some money to start paying off the debt her ex-husband racked up before leaving. She comes to love them as friends. Then one day Vince and Ashley head out on a biking excursion and never come back. The bikes and picnic basket are found abandoned. She files a missing person report but it seems law enforcement really doesn't want to solve the case. Where are her friends? And why did they just disappear?
I love a good haunted house story! And this one fit the bill perfectly! House of Ashes is a nice mix of mystery and supernatural. The house clearly has a mind, or spirit, of its own. And as Cassie works to find out what happened to her friends, she learns more about the background of the house, her family, and the curse. She also has to battle small town gossip. Nobody really wants to find the young couple. The residents of Whale Rock don't trust outsiders and seem glad they are gone. The local police are pulled off the case by the FBI. And the FBI doesn't seem all that interested in solving the matter.
I enjoyed Cassie as a main character. She is intelligent and learning to stand on her own and fight for what she wants in life. She's creative -- a very talented painter. Plus Cassie is loyal and determined. She isn't just going to let this go and forget about the two people who stayed with her for four months and helped her at her lowest.
On the front cover of House of Ashes it says "A Haunted Bluffs Mystery'' so I'm assuming this is the first book in a series. I will definitely be reading more books by this author -- and more books about Battersea Bluffs, if this does turn out to be a continuing series. This story was perfectly paced and nicely suspenseful. There were plenty of twisty developments to keep me guessing what the final outcome would be. I binge read this book in one sitting -- I couldn't put it down. I had to know how it ended!
Loretta Marion is the author of another unrelated suspense novel, The Fool's Truth. I've added it to my tbr stack! I like her writing style and will definitely be watching for more by this author.
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
I love a good haunted house story! And this one fit the bill perfectly! House of Ashes is a nice mix of mystery and supernatural. The house clearly has a mind, or spirit, of its own. And as Cassie works to find out what happened to her friends, she learns more about the background of the house, her family, and the curse. She also has to battle small town gossip. Nobody really wants to find the young couple. The residents of Whale Rock don't trust outsiders and seem glad they are gone. The local police are pulled off the case by the FBI. And the FBI doesn't seem all that interested in solving the matter.
I enjoyed Cassie as a main character. She is intelligent and learning to stand on her own and fight for what she wants in life. She's creative -- a very talented painter. Plus Cassie is loyal and determined. She isn't just going to let this go and forget about the two people who stayed with her for four months and helped her at her lowest.
On the front cover of House of Ashes it says "A Haunted Bluffs Mystery'' so I'm assuming this is the first book in a series. I will definitely be reading more books by this author -- and more books about Battersea Bluffs, if this does turn out to be a continuing series. This story was perfectly paced and nicely suspenseful. There were plenty of twisty developments to keep me guessing what the final outcome would be. I binge read this book in one sitting -- I couldn't put it down. I had to know how it ended!
Loretta Marion is the author of another unrelated suspense novel, The Fool's Truth. I've added it to my tbr stack! I like her writing style and will definitely be watching for more by this author.
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
October 28, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.
A house by the sea with an artist in residence is all it takes to get me curious. Add a good mystery and a bit of paranormal activity and I'm game.
Cassie lives at Battersea Bluffs, the house that has been in her family for generations. In return for some maintenance work she takes in a young couple, without paying much attention to their backgrounds. When they don't return from a short outing, Cassie worries for their safety and gets the cops involved. With hardly a clue to cling on to, the search for the two missing friends is set in motion.
Throughout the story the reader is introduced to the many village characters, the gossip machine, the failing law enforcement and the history of Cassie's ancestors.
The mystery deepens and Cassie starts her own investigation, guided by interventions from the ghosts at Battersea Bluffs. The truth doesn't surfice until the very end.
Moving at a pleasant pace, House Of Ashes is a well crafted story, with plenty of likable characters throughout and enough happening to keep the reader entertainted.
A house by the sea with an artist in residence is all it takes to get me curious. Add a good mystery and a bit of paranormal activity and I'm game.
Cassie lives at Battersea Bluffs, the house that has been in her family for generations. In return for some maintenance work she takes in a young couple, without paying much attention to their backgrounds. When they don't return from a short outing, Cassie worries for their safety and gets the cops involved. With hardly a clue to cling on to, the search for the two missing friends is set in motion.
Throughout the story the reader is introduced to the many village characters, the gossip machine, the failing law enforcement and the history of Cassie's ancestors.
The mystery deepens and Cassie starts her own investigation, guided by interventions from the ghosts at Battersea Bluffs. The truth doesn't surfice until the very end.
Moving at a pleasant pace, House Of Ashes is a well crafted story, with plenty of likable characters throughout and enough happening to keep the reader entertainted.
November 4, 2018
My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an advance digital copy of House of Ashes by Loretta Marion in exchange for an unbiased review. I had some difficulty getting started with this novel. It shifts from present day and eighty years in the past, however even in the present day the time shifts over several months time. While the time period of each ensuing section was clearly labeled, initially I found the constant shift to create a choppy, less cohesive story. As time went on and I read further into the book, this became less of an issue, however it did make it a longer read for me overall, possibly because it was easier to put the book down between sections and become involved in other things.
The sections of present day are narrated by Cassie, current owner and resident of the mansion known as Battersea Bluffs, her family home. The home has a sad past, including having been partially burned with Cassie’s grandmother, Celeste dying in the fire and her husband, Percy taking the body and plunging to his death from the cliffs where the house was sitting.
Percy and Celeste haunt the premises, making their presence known through either the author described pleasant scent of burning sugar or an unpleasant odor which goes undefined throughout most of the book. The idea of a house filled with the scent of warm sugar is delightful, however, the description of it burning does not convey quite the same pleasant idea. With a little effort I was able to put this seeming conflict of ideas aside and come to recognize when the scents were pleasant and supposedly trying to convey approval and when the opposite was true through the opposite scent.
The tale Cassie tells is not only about the house and her ancestors, including the curse that is supposedly on the male members of the family, but of two wandering young people who take up residence with Cassie and live at her home in exchange for working to renovate the carriage house on the property. The plan is that Cassie can then rent it out and hopefully retain ownership of the property through the income producing rental.
The introductions of chapters occuring in the present are all titled as so many weeks before or after the disappearance, so it is never in doubt that Ashley and Vince have or are going to disappear. What is in doubt is who they are and what has brought them to Battersea Bluffs. Cassie takes an immediate like to them, based on nothing that is presented in the narrative, and although she is cautioned by everyone around her to find out more about the couple she insists they are fine young people who are helping her out of a tough financial spot.
In addition to the local people, Cassie has a sister, Zoe, who lives on the west coast and calls from time to time, primarily to state her displeasure with the choices Cassie is making. Zoe refuses to come home, even when Cassie, a previously unsuccessful artist, is recognized for her talent and an art gallery owner decides to mount a showing of Cassie’s work. Zoe’s refusal to return home, even for the gallery event, deepens the rift between the two sisters, with Cassie left in the dark about Zoe’s reasons for failing to visit.
There are several other secondary characters of interest, including an FBI agent who is a possible love interest, the local sheriff, former boyfriend to Zoe and perhaps love interest to Cassie, a former housekeeping employee with an important clue that may shed light on Ashley and Vince’s disappearance, a wealthy man who offers to buy all of Cassie’s remaining art work after the show as well as a few old and new friends.
Overall, the novel is an interesting story that seems to be told in fits and starts. Toward the end of the book, the reading was much smoother, perhaps because I had become accustomed to the style of the book by that time. It also took awhile for me to become interested in the characters, so I wasn’t drawn back into the book on a rapid pace. Cassie came across as not any older than Ashley and Vince, although she was described as being somewhat their senior. Other characters, particularly the sheriff, the FBI agent and Cassie’s sister had the beginnings of some depth, but didn’t seem fully fleshed out. For anyone considering reading the book, I would recommend they read a sample, if possible, to get a feel for the time shifts and how they, as a reader, will be affected by this writing style.
The sections of present day are narrated by Cassie, current owner and resident of the mansion known as Battersea Bluffs, her family home. The home has a sad past, including having been partially burned with Cassie’s grandmother, Celeste dying in the fire and her husband, Percy taking the body and plunging to his death from the cliffs where the house was sitting.
Percy and Celeste haunt the premises, making their presence known through either the author described pleasant scent of burning sugar or an unpleasant odor which goes undefined throughout most of the book. The idea of a house filled with the scent of warm sugar is delightful, however, the description of it burning does not convey quite the same pleasant idea. With a little effort I was able to put this seeming conflict of ideas aside and come to recognize when the scents were pleasant and supposedly trying to convey approval and when the opposite was true through the opposite scent.
The tale Cassie tells is not only about the house and her ancestors, including the curse that is supposedly on the male members of the family, but of two wandering young people who take up residence with Cassie and live at her home in exchange for working to renovate the carriage house on the property. The plan is that Cassie can then rent it out and hopefully retain ownership of the property through the income producing rental.
The introductions of chapters occuring in the present are all titled as so many weeks before or after the disappearance, so it is never in doubt that Ashley and Vince have or are going to disappear. What is in doubt is who they are and what has brought them to Battersea Bluffs. Cassie takes an immediate like to them, based on nothing that is presented in the narrative, and although she is cautioned by everyone around her to find out more about the couple she insists they are fine young people who are helping her out of a tough financial spot.
In addition to the local people, Cassie has a sister, Zoe, who lives on the west coast and calls from time to time, primarily to state her displeasure with the choices Cassie is making. Zoe refuses to come home, even when Cassie, a previously unsuccessful artist, is recognized for her talent and an art gallery owner decides to mount a showing of Cassie’s work. Zoe’s refusal to return home, even for the gallery event, deepens the rift between the two sisters, with Cassie left in the dark about Zoe’s reasons for failing to visit.
There are several other secondary characters of interest, including an FBI agent who is a possible love interest, the local sheriff, former boyfriend to Zoe and perhaps love interest to Cassie, a former housekeeping employee with an important clue that may shed light on Ashley and Vince’s disappearance, a wealthy man who offers to buy all of Cassie’s remaining art work after the show as well as a few old and new friends.
Overall, the novel is an interesting story that seems to be told in fits and starts. Toward the end of the book, the reading was much smoother, perhaps because I had become accustomed to the style of the book by that time. It also took awhile for me to become interested in the characters, so I wasn’t drawn back into the book on a rapid pace. Cassie came across as not any older than Ashley and Vince, although she was described as being somewhat their senior. Other characters, particularly the sheriff, the FBI agent and Cassie’s sister had the beginnings of some depth, but didn’t seem fully fleshed out. For anyone considering reading the book, I would recommend they read a sample, if possible, to get a feel for the time shifts and how they, as a reader, will be affected by this writing style.
November 5, 2018
The location, Cape Cod, made this a must read for me. I have spent a lot of time at the Cape and I can picture Battersea Bluffs and the surrounding area easily.
Cassandra’s great grandparents had owned the home and now it was hers, but she needed help financially and help fixing it up. Along comes Vince and Ashley.
It doesn’t take long and they come up missing. How? Why? Whenever a house is involved, I immediately think of ghosts and goblins, and we do have a curse with smells that can be pleasant one moment and not so much the next. We also have secrets. Secrets that are going to come to light because Cassandra is a caring and persistent person, and she won’t let the mystery of their disappearance end without answers.
Cassandra tells Vince and Ashley where the name of the town,Whale Rock, came from, I immediately thought of my family’s home on the Cape. When the tide goes out, there is a giant rock exposed. I love when a novel can tweak a bit of nostalgia from me. Makes it easier to relate to the story and the characters.
A haunted house, a mystery with secrets…I have some suspicions and I am having a great time trying to put all the pieces together. I didn’t do so well. There is so much more to the story and Loretta leads me on a wild ride to the very end.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of House of Ashes by Loretta Marion
See more at fundinmental
Cassandra’s great grandparents had owned the home and now it was hers, but she needed help financially and help fixing it up. Along comes Vince and Ashley.
It doesn’t take long and they come up missing. How? Why? Whenever a house is involved, I immediately think of ghosts and goblins, and we do have a curse with smells that can be pleasant one moment and not so much the next. We also have secrets. Secrets that are going to come to light because Cassandra is a caring and persistent person, and she won’t let the mystery of their disappearance end without answers.
Cassandra tells Vince and Ashley where the name of the town,Whale Rock, came from, I immediately thought of my family’s home on the Cape. When the tide goes out, there is a giant rock exposed. I love when a novel can tweak a bit of nostalgia from me. Makes it easier to relate to the story and the characters.
A haunted house, a mystery with secrets…I have some suspicions and I am having a great time trying to put all the pieces together. I didn’t do so well. There is so much more to the story and Loretta leads me on a wild ride to the very end.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of House of Ashes by Loretta Marion
See more at fundinmental
September 21, 2018
Copy courtesy of NetGalley
Disclaimer: I dislike love stories, happy endings, and helpless, whingeing females. As such, I got 5% into this book and decided my life was worth more than wasting time reading this.
Disclaimer: I dislike love stories, happy endings, and helpless, whingeing females. As such, I got 5% into this book and decided my life was worth more than wasting time reading this.
November 6, 2018
There are some days I want to read a suspense filled book and this one did the trick. There were so many stories to unravel, personal histories to understand, and a mystery to solve that I had a hard time putting this book down each night. I also can't discount the descriptive words of the town, Battersea Bluffs, the residents in the town, and the area in general.
The story starts off 80 years in the past with the deaths of Percy and Celeste, Cassie's Great Grandparents that came to the US from England. Throughout the book we get glimpses of the past which helps us understand the spirits in the home and Cassie's quest to find the truth about her ancestors, her sister, and her newest friends that have disappeared. The crux of the book focuses on Cassie's new friends, Ashley and Vince, who have suddenly disappeared. Is there foul play involved? Did they leave on their own accord? Are they even who they claim to be? Cassie formed a bond with Ashley and Vince, even if she really doesn't know the truth about them and their past, so when they vanish she is concerned about them and their safety especially since they left their dog behind. As a dog lover, I would have thought exactly the same as Cassie, that something has happened because they loved Whistler and wouldn't leave him behind.
The book moves at a somewhat slower pace which is good and bad. Good because it layers of the mystery are peeled back like an onion, but bad because I wanted to know what the heck happened to Ashley and Vince! There are several other minor mysteries encapsulated in this book - why Cassie's sister Zoe won't come back to Whale Rock? Who is behind an art purchase? Is the house haunted or are the spirits friendly? What is the real story of the supposed curse on the family? All of these play a minor part in the story and some even tie in to the disappearance.
There is a little bit of a romance too between Cassie and FBI agent Daniel, but she also has a past with a deadbeat ex-husband and a high school love that she has a fling with when she realizes the marriage is dying. There is also Brooks, aka Chuckles, who has a thing for Cassie but also dated her sister in high school. That kind of makes him off limits in Cassie's mind.
I will admit that Cassie does not have her life together at 37. Sometimes you just have to wonder how people like her make it this far in life, but at the same time wonder if there is an underlying psychological issue that is the root cause of her actions.
Many questions are answered in the book with some twists I didn't expect and we might not have known if Cassie didn't push for the truth from those she questioned about her family and the past, and about her missing friends.
We give this 5 paws ups for keeping us in suspense for the whole book!
The story starts off 80 years in the past with the deaths of Percy and Celeste, Cassie's Great Grandparents that came to the US from England. Throughout the book we get glimpses of the past which helps us understand the spirits in the home and Cassie's quest to find the truth about her ancestors, her sister, and her newest friends that have disappeared. The crux of the book focuses on Cassie's new friends, Ashley and Vince, who have suddenly disappeared. Is there foul play involved? Did they leave on their own accord? Are they even who they claim to be? Cassie formed a bond with Ashley and Vince, even if she really doesn't know the truth about them and their past, so when they vanish she is concerned about them and their safety especially since they left their dog behind. As a dog lover, I would have thought exactly the same as Cassie, that something has happened because they loved Whistler and wouldn't leave him behind.
The book moves at a somewhat slower pace which is good and bad. Good because it layers of the mystery are peeled back like an onion, but bad because I wanted to know what the heck happened to Ashley and Vince! There are several other minor mysteries encapsulated in this book - why Cassie's sister Zoe won't come back to Whale Rock? Who is behind an art purchase? Is the house haunted or are the spirits friendly? What is the real story of the supposed curse on the family? All of these play a minor part in the story and some even tie in to the disappearance.
There is a little bit of a romance too between Cassie and FBI agent Daniel, but she also has a past with a deadbeat ex-husband and a high school love that she has a fling with when she realizes the marriage is dying. There is also Brooks, aka Chuckles, who has a thing for Cassie but also dated her sister in high school. That kind of makes him off limits in Cassie's mind.
I will admit that Cassie does not have her life together at 37. Sometimes you just have to wonder how people like her make it this far in life, but at the same time wonder if there is an underlying psychological issue that is the root cause of her actions.
Many questions are answered in the book with some twists I didn't expect and we might not have known if Cassie didn't push for the truth from those she questioned about her family and the past, and about her missing friends.
We give this 5 paws ups for keeping us in suspense for the whole book!
November 9, 2018
Cassandra Mitchell is the great-granddaughter of Percy and Celeste Mitchell who built the gorgeous Battersea Bluffs mansion in Whale Rock, Massachusetts, Cape Cod where she now lives alone. She is 37 years old and tenaciously clings to the family Victorian despite its history, local folklore, and apparent supernatural experiences. There is an apparent curse that has followed them from England affecting their male descendants. Cassie has weathered a disastrous marriage and impending divorce and is presently facing foreclosure. She refuses the idea of selling.
Sinking deeper into the funk that has enveloped her in the situation, she meets a young couple, Ashley and Vince, on her property accompanied by a German Shepherd, and impressed with them and taken by the moment invite them to stay with her for a while in exchange for their work on the carriage house.
The author flips the chronological timelines as she brings in further details of Cassie's family, both current and 80 years ago. Chapter headings clearly tell in which timeline the narrative is heading and it doesn't take long to get into the rhythm.
The couple suddenly disappears without explanation which sets off a chain of investigations that begin with local law enforcement and extends to the FBI. There is an attraction to the FBI agent, and Cassie appears to be in full rebound mode, but is consumed with the problem of figuring out what happened to the kids. Happy with having the couple around, they had created in her the urge to paint again and she is facing a large gallery showing by a friend and local art gallery owner.
The protagonist has that artist's aura about her, tormented but talented. Headstrong and smart, she seemed to make less than informed decisions while craftily planning her next move toward solving the mystery of the couple. I received this ebook download from the publisher and NetGalley for this book tour and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Recommended for any who enjoy a mystery, supernatural or paranormal qualities, thriller and suspense, and strong women sleuths. 4.5/5
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2018/...
Sinking deeper into the funk that has enveloped her in the situation, she meets a young couple, Ashley and Vince, on her property accompanied by a German Shepherd, and impressed with them and taken by the moment invite them to stay with her for a while in exchange for their work on the carriage house.
The author flips the chronological timelines as she brings in further details of Cassie's family, both current and 80 years ago. Chapter headings clearly tell in which timeline the narrative is heading and it doesn't take long to get into the rhythm.
The couple suddenly disappears without explanation which sets off a chain of investigations that begin with local law enforcement and extends to the FBI. There is an attraction to the FBI agent, and Cassie appears to be in full rebound mode, but is consumed with the problem of figuring out what happened to the kids. Happy with having the couple around, they had created in her the urge to paint again and she is facing a large gallery showing by a friend and local art gallery owner.
The protagonist has that artist's aura about her, tormented but talented. Headstrong and smart, she seemed to make less than informed decisions while craftily planning her next move toward solving the mystery of the couple. I received this ebook download from the publisher and NetGalley for this book tour and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Recommended for any who enjoy a mystery, supernatural or paranormal qualities, thriller and suspense, and strong women sleuths. 4.5/5
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2018/...
November 1, 2018
I just have to come right out and say it: I did not like this book. This might be more rant than review so I apologize in advance.
From what I can tell, House of Ashes is one of those books that you either love or hate. I don’t think I would go as far as to say I hated this, but I had to force myself to finish it and that is never a good sign.
I honestly thought the idea of missing guests and a house with a ghostly past was incredibly promising but the more I read, the less interested I became. There was just so much going on! I had no idea what Marion was writing about; Is it a ghost story? A mystery? A thriller? A historic romance? Who knows?
The constant flipping from past to present drove me nuts. I understand that in a lot of books it is necessary to view past events in order to explain some major plot points or character traits, and that doesn’t bother me, but in this book there didn’t seem to be a point. The past was just a story inside the story to explain the ghosts in Cassie’s house….which also didn’t serve any real purpose whatsoever so my question is….why? Why bother with the spirits of Percy and Celeste anyway other than to talk about the sweet smell in the house every 4 or so pages? Honestly, I feel that the whole “guardian ghosts” ploy was just filler. There really didn’t seem to be any legitimate reasoning behind it and that just irritated me. I’m all for a good ghost story, it’s part of the reason I picked this book to begin with, but give me a reason for the ghosts…don’t just go “you know what this book needs? Ghosts” and toss a few in. Just don’t.
Let’s go onto the mystery/thriller aspect of this book. Or do I mean mysteries because why should there only be one? I can understand that Cassie wanted to get behind the disappearance of her friends. I can see how that would put her in Super Scooby mode to look for clues. What I cannot see is why the local police, FBI and every freaking person in that little village are just perfectly fine with her playing amateur Sherlock. I’m sorry, but if I had friends go missing I would want to do everything to find them but I know damn well no one is put up with me asking every single person I see questions, gathering my own evidence and pinning cop against cop! I mean, come on. I’ve read a fair amount of books with amateur sleuths but this really took the cake. Just…no. No. I’m not even going to get into the whole Daniels vs. Brooks thing. That’s just a whole other mess I didn’t need.
All of this I might have forgiven if it wasn’t for the narration. THAT is what really ruined this book for me. I had to check the setting and time period for this book more than once (I never got an exact time period but there are cell phones and internet so I’m going with fairly modern) because this drove me more insane than anything else in this book. Yes, even more than the sister that refuses to come home but everyone says she has her reasons (oh look, another mystery). Our MC is a 30-something year old, modern woman living in New England so WHY does she narrate like an 85 year old British highborn lady in the 1800’s? Honestly, that bothered me more than anything else in this book. It didn’t make any sense and made the book all the more unenjoyable for me.
Obviously House of Ashes was NOT the book for me. I struggled from the very beginning and really had to push myself to finish. I was hoping for some type of redemption in the story along the way but it never came. I’m sure there are those that will enjoy this cozy-style, mystery, thriller, romance, ghost story but it wasn’t me.
I received this book from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books to read and express my honest opinion.
From what I can tell, House of Ashes is one of those books that you either love or hate. I don’t think I would go as far as to say I hated this, but I had to force myself to finish it and that is never a good sign.
I honestly thought the idea of missing guests and a house with a ghostly past was incredibly promising but the more I read, the less interested I became. There was just so much going on! I had no idea what Marion was writing about; Is it a ghost story? A mystery? A thriller? A historic romance? Who knows?
The constant flipping from past to present drove me nuts. I understand that in a lot of books it is necessary to view past events in order to explain some major plot points or character traits, and that doesn’t bother me, but in this book there didn’t seem to be a point. The past was just a story inside the story to explain the ghosts in Cassie’s house….which also didn’t serve any real purpose whatsoever so my question is….why? Why bother with the spirits of Percy and Celeste anyway other than to talk about the sweet smell in the house every 4 or so pages? Honestly, I feel that the whole “guardian ghosts” ploy was just filler. There really didn’t seem to be any legitimate reasoning behind it and that just irritated me. I’m all for a good ghost story, it’s part of the reason I picked this book to begin with, but give me a reason for the ghosts…don’t just go “you know what this book needs? Ghosts” and toss a few in. Just don’t.
Let’s go onto the mystery/thriller aspect of this book. Or do I mean mysteries because why should there only be one? I can understand that Cassie wanted to get behind the disappearance of her friends. I can see how that would put her in Super Scooby mode to look for clues. What I cannot see is why the local police, FBI and every freaking person in that little village are just perfectly fine with her playing amateur Sherlock. I’m sorry, but if I had friends go missing I would want to do everything to find them but I know damn well no one is put up with me asking every single person I see questions, gathering my own evidence and pinning cop against cop! I mean, come on. I’ve read a fair amount of books with amateur sleuths but this really took the cake. Just…no. No. I’m not even going to get into the whole Daniels vs. Brooks thing. That’s just a whole other mess I didn’t need.
All of this I might have forgiven if it wasn’t for the narration. THAT is what really ruined this book for me. I had to check the setting and time period for this book more than once (I never got an exact time period but there are cell phones and internet so I’m going with fairly modern) because this drove me more insane than anything else in this book. Yes, even more than the sister that refuses to come home but everyone says she has her reasons (oh look, another mystery). Our MC is a 30-something year old, modern woman living in New England so WHY does she narrate like an 85 year old British highborn lady in the 1800’s? Honestly, that bothered me more than anything else in this book. It didn’t make any sense and made the book all the more unenjoyable for me.
Obviously House of Ashes was NOT the book for me. I struggled from the very beginning and really had to push myself to finish. I was hoping for some type of redemption in the story along the way but it never came. I’m sure there are those that will enjoy this cozy-style, mystery, thriller, romance, ghost story but it wasn’t me.
I received this book from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books to read and express my honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2018
Loved it! Absolutely loved this book and I did not want it to end! Loretta Marion’s House of Ashes, A Haunted Bluffs Mystery, is an enthralling mystery. Once I began reading this book, I could hardly stop for a moment to complete some other tasks I had begun. The female protagonist, Cassie or Cassandra, if she was in some kind of trouble, is living in an old Victorian house built by her ancestors. Of course, there is more to that story, but one must read this novel to discover to what I am referring! There is also a family cemetery on this property which also has a part to play, and I love old cemeteries! Cassie, an artist, manages to get herself into all kinds of questionable situations
ie. a tattoo parlor, but how can one not love a protagonist that has “..all the question marks dancing the cha-cha-cha in my brain.” Highly recommended! 5 stars!!
ie. a tattoo parlor, but how can one not love a protagonist that has “..all the question marks dancing the cha-cha-cha in my brain.” Highly recommended! 5 stars!!
March 1, 2020
Excellent writing, loved the characters and loved the plot. Can’t wait to get the second one!!!
November 8, 2018
HOUSE OF ASHES is a wonderful cozy mystery, set in a glorious scenic location, that strongly tugged at my heartstrings. I found myself involved with the characters--past and present--from the beginning. It was simple to care about them, which is one of the hallmarks of good fiction. Grieve when they grieve, rejoice, worry, puzzle out mysteries. The beautiful family heirloom residence, set high on the bluffs near Cape Cod, won't remain in the family unless Cassandra can construct a way to save it. But her chosen solution, appearing so serendipitously, only results in puzzlement and intrigue.
November 26, 2018
This is the perfect mystery for a cold winters day . I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it .
A house by the sea in a small coastal village with mysterious happenings, a rumored ghost, a good mystery and strong charcters with well crafted writing made this the perfect read for a afternoon of escape.
Cassie lives at Battersea Bluffs, the house that has been in her family for generations. She takes in a young couple who soon disappears.. The gossip in the village abounds as do mysterious clues that may have to do with Cassie's ancestors and their own mysteries.
Cassie starts her own investigation, guided by the ghosts at Battersea Bluffs. The author does a excellent job of building suspense and all is reveled at the end.
House Of Ashes is a well crafted story, with likable characters , a paranormal edge and the beautiful setting. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it for all that enjoy a bit of mystery and suspense.
A house by the sea in a small coastal village with mysterious happenings, a rumored ghost, a good mystery and strong charcters with well crafted writing made this the perfect read for a afternoon of escape.
Cassie lives at Battersea Bluffs, the house that has been in her family for generations. She takes in a young couple who soon disappears.. The gossip in the village abounds as do mysterious clues that may have to do with Cassie's ancestors and their own mysteries.
Cassie starts her own investigation, guided by the ghosts at Battersea Bluffs. The author does a excellent job of building suspense and all is reveled at the end.
House Of Ashes is a well crafted story, with likable characters , a paranormal edge and the beautiful setting. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it for all that enjoy a bit of mystery and suspense.
November 22, 2018
I really liked this book, it was entertaining and engaging.
I was hooked since the first pages and couldn't put it down.
I love the characters and atmosphere, dark and atmospheric.
The characters were well developed and interesting.
A very good and enjoyable read.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Crooked Lane and Netgalley for this ARC
I was hooked since the first pages and couldn't put it down.
I love the characters and atmosphere, dark and atmospheric.
The characters were well developed and interesting.
A very good and enjoyable read.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Crooked Lane and Netgalley for this ARC
November 18, 2018
Cassie is in danger of losing her beloved house The Bluffs that has been in her family for generations thanks to the debts her ex husband left behind and the divorce, but then a couple Ashley and Vince turn up out of the blue and help her do up the coach house so that she can let it out, but then they mysteriously disappear........ is the house really haunted! Trying to find out what really happend to them she starts to uncover more of her own family history but why will the police and the FBI not help?
A great atmospheric book with intrigue and secrets going back for generations it is my first book by this author but I will definitely be looking for future ones
A great atmospheric book with intrigue and secrets going back for generations it is my first book by this author but I will definitely be looking for future ones
July 3, 2018
House of Ashes by Loretta Marion (Pre-pub, Nov 2018, Crooked Lane Books). Review copy courtesy of NetGalley.
Summary: Battersea Bluffs at Lavender Hill is a grand old Cape Cod house in the town of Whale Rock. The weather-beaten Victorian is home to Cassie Mitchell and quite possibly the ghosts of her ancestors, Percy and Celeste Mitchell. After her soon to be ex-husband spent her sizable inheritance, Cassie is struggling to find a way to keep The Bluffs out of foreclosure.
While she’s mulling over her insufficient options, an unexpected partial solution wanders onto her property. Ashley and Vince Jacobson and their dog, Whistler, are between jobs and low on funds. They offer to renovate Cassie’s carriage house into a guest cottage in exchange for lodging. The future rent from the cottage will help offset Cassie’s debts. She enthusiastically embraces their offer.
After the couple mysteriously disappears leaving only their dog and a puzzling piece of rope behind, the local police and the FBI try to track them down. Despite their wide resources, law enforcement can’t find any trace of Ashley and Vince Jacobson. Cassie, having grown quite fond of the couple, knows that it is up to her to solve the mystery of their disappearance.
Comments: This book summoned some happy memories for me. My family vacationed on Cape Cod each summer and my grandmother lived there for a few years. Usually we rented cottages barely bigger than my bedroom, but one year we rented a larger, two-story house that came with its own name: Ferncliff. My 12-year-old imagination went into overdrive as I explored the rooms. I was sure the house had to be haunted! Alas, the only odd thing I saw during my stay was a squirrel that struggled to get a golf ball up a tree, only to be very disappointed that it wasn’t a nut.
#NetGalley #HouseOfAshes
Summary: Battersea Bluffs at Lavender Hill is a grand old Cape Cod house in the town of Whale Rock. The weather-beaten Victorian is home to Cassie Mitchell and quite possibly the ghosts of her ancestors, Percy and Celeste Mitchell. After her soon to be ex-husband spent her sizable inheritance, Cassie is struggling to find a way to keep The Bluffs out of foreclosure.
While she’s mulling over her insufficient options, an unexpected partial solution wanders onto her property. Ashley and Vince Jacobson and their dog, Whistler, are between jobs and low on funds. They offer to renovate Cassie’s carriage house into a guest cottage in exchange for lodging. The future rent from the cottage will help offset Cassie’s debts. She enthusiastically embraces their offer.
After the couple mysteriously disappears leaving only their dog and a puzzling piece of rope behind, the local police and the FBI try to track them down. Despite their wide resources, law enforcement can’t find any trace of Ashley and Vince Jacobson. Cassie, having grown quite fond of the couple, knows that it is up to her to solve the mystery of their disappearance.
Comments: This book summoned some happy memories for me. My family vacationed on Cape Cod each summer and my grandmother lived there for a few years. Usually we rented cottages barely bigger than my bedroom, but one year we rented a larger, two-story house that came with its own name: Ferncliff. My 12-year-old imagination went into overdrive as I explored the rooms. I was sure the house had to be haunted! Alas, the only odd thing I saw during my stay was a squirrel that struggled to get a golf ball up a tree, only to be very disappointed that it wasn’t a nut.
#NetGalley #HouseOfAshes
September 13, 2018
House of Ashes is a mystery book that isn't quite sure which mystery it wants to solve.
There are a lot of strange and mysterious things happening around Battersea Bluffs, an old and historic home located in the Cape. Local resident Cassandra is intent on solving all of them - the mystery of why her sister won't visit her or the home they grew up in anymore, the mystery of whether her grandmother's house is haunted, the mystery of what happened to her tenants that disappeared without a trace, the mystery of the man who wants to buy all of her art from her recent art exhibition, the mystery of why the dog has the name it has, and on and on and on.
Honestly, there is too much going on in this book for it to be fully effective. This book wants to be all things at once - a supernatural ghost story, a whodunnit investigation, a cozy small town story, a love triangle romance, a suspense thriller, and historical fiction. As a result of this scattershot approach to so many different themes and styles, I never really felt settled into a rhythm of reading this book. I think that had one direction been chosen, this could have been a compelling read, but as it is, it was too muddled for me to enjoy.
I received this ARC as a courtesy from NetGalley & the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
There are a lot of strange and mysterious things happening around Battersea Bluffs, an old and historic home located in the Cape. Local resident Cassandra is intent on solving all of them - the mystery of why her sister won't visit her or the home they grew up in anymore, the mystery of whether her grandmother's house is haunted, the mystery of what happened to her tenants that disappeared without a trace, the mystery of the man who wants to buy all of her art from her recent art exhibition, the mystery of why the dog has the name it has, and on and on and on.
Honestly, there is too much going on in this book for it to be fully effective. This book wants to be all things at once - a supernatural ghost story, a whodunnit investigation, a cozy small town story, a love triangle romance, a suspense thriller, and historical fiction. As a result of this scattershot approach to so many different themes and styles, I never really felt settled into a rhythm of reading this book. I think that had one direction been chosen, this could have been a compelling read, but as it is, it was too muddled for me to enjoy.
I received this ARC as a courtesy from NetGalley & the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2018
A Haunted Bluffs Mystery
Cassie Mitchell is living in her great-grandparents beautiful home overlooking the ocean. Battersea Bluffs is a house with a past. Built by her great-grandparents, Percy and Celeste Mitchell who died in a fire brought on by a curse.
Oh, and they still live there. Just in a different form.
I'm not going to go into a lot of detail here because the summary tells the entire story.
One thing I did not like was the jumping back and forth of timelines and characters that seemed to have an importance to the story were glossed over. I am not a fan of hand wringing helpless female leads. The entire book I was screaming, "Don't you have a computer? Google?"
It read more like the outline for a story rather than a completed work. As much as I am a fan of Crooked Lane, this one was a hot mess.
Netgalley/November 13th 2018 by Crooked Lane Books
Cassie Mitchell is living in her great-grandparents beautiful home overlooking the ocean. Battersea Bluffs is a house with a past. Built by her great-grandparents, Percy and Celeste Mitchell who died in a fire brought on by a curse.
Oh, and they still live there. Just in a different form.
I'm not going to go into a lot of detail here because the summary tells the entire story.
One thing I did not like was the jumping back and forth of timelines and characters that seemed to have an importance to the story were glossed over. I am not a fan of hand wringing helpless female leads. The entire book I was screaming, "Don't you have a computer? Google?"
It read more like the outline for a story rather than a completed work. As much as I am a fan of Crooked Lane, this one was a hot mess.
Netgalley/November 13th 2018 by Crooked Lane Books
October 23, 2018
House of ashes has so many different elements of romance , heartbreak mystery and the paranormal. House of ashes begins with a horrible tragedy against percy and his wife Celeste and Percy blames a horrible curse gainer them by a scorned Robert Toomy. Fast forward 80years later and descendant of Percy . She’s in danger of losing bluffs which is her family’s historic home on the cliff side. She’s going through a horrible time. Along comes Ashley and Vince with their dog whistler this young couple offer to help her save her home. Soon Cassie starts to feel like something isn’t right and the more she starts figuring things out the more questions she ends up with. When Ashley and Vance disappear this causes Cassie to vow to figure what happened to them and stop and nothing.
July 13, 2018
House of Ashes had many elements; romance, heartbreak, mystery, paranormal happenings and intrigue. Marion was able to blend all those elements together into a wonderfully spellbinding book.
First, I'd like to thank Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Loretta Marion (the author) for allowing me to have this ARC of House of Ashes.
**spoilers**
House of Ashes opens with the tragedy that befalls Percy and his wife Celeste. Percy blames everything on a curse that was cast onto them by a scorned Robert Toomey.
80 years later and Cassie (a descendant of the Mitchell's) is in danger of losing the beloved Bluffs, her family's historic home on the cliffside. She is going through a lot of hard times and, just when she feels that she's about to lose everything, along come Ashley and Vince with their dog Whistler. This young couple help save her and her home. She loves the solace in their friendship and the spirits of Percy and Celeste seem to agree...until a more pervasive spirit begins to make itself known. Soon, Cassie begins to feel something isn't right and the more she tries to figure things out, the more questions she ends up with.
Then Ashley and Vince vanish without a trace. Reeling with the disappearance of her dear friends, Cassie stops at nothing to try and figure out what happened to them...ignoring the sense of looming danger. Even the spirits seem to want to help. The town is abuzz with rumors, but Cassie won't stop until she knows the truth, even if those secrets should stay buried.
A great read for anyone who likes a good mystery. This book kept me guessing until the very end and I was definitely surprised!
First, I'd like to thank Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Loretta Marion (the author) for allowing me to have this ARC of House of Ashes.
**spoilers**
House of Ashes opens with the tragedy that befalls Percy and his wife Celeste. Percy blames everything on a curse that was cast onto them by a scorned Robert Toomey.
80 years later and Cassie (a descendant of the Mitchell's) is in danger of losing the beloved Bluffs, her family's historic home on the cliffside. She is going through a lot of hard times and, just when she feels that she's about to lose everything, along come Ashley and Vince with their dog Whistler. This young couple help save her and her home. She loves the solace in their friendship and the spirits of Percy and Celeste seem to agree...until a more pervasive spirit begins to make itself known. Soon, Cassie begins to feel something isn't right and the more she tries to figure things out, the more questions she ends up with.
Then Ashley and Vince vanish without a trace. Reeling with the disappearance of her dear friends, Cassie stops at nothing to try and figure out what happened to them...ignoring the sense of looming danger. Even the spirits seem to want to help. The town is abuzz with rumors, but Cassie won't stop until she knows the truth, even if those secrets should stay buried.
A great read for anyone who likes a good mystery. This book kept me guessing until the very end and I was definitely surprised!
December 14, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an
honest and thoughtful review.
From the book's haunting cover design to the intriguing synopsis, I was instantly captivated and could not wait to delve into this one. Now after having spent an enchanting adventure along the Cape, I cannot wait to see where this series takes me next!
From the opening chapter to the final sentence, I was completely immersed in this intensely atmospheric story made even more so by the fact that I read it during the Halloween season. It's been quite a while since I've been so completely awestruck after the first chapter alone! Read it and you'll quickly understand why it will be so hard to put down afterwards!
Generations collide in this incredibly nuanced mystery that seeks to discover the secrets behind a family's paranormal history and the current disappearance of two missing people. The story unfolds from both past and present perspectives, which the author is able to seamlessly interweave to create a truly poignant narrative. The addition of journal entries and the sleuthing itself make this story even more multilayered and engaging. This isn't a twisting thrill ride, but rather a slowburning untying of knots that reveals a satisfying end.
Overall, there is a little of everything for a lot of different readers to enjoy. From history and romance to mystery and the supernatural, Battersea Bluffs has so much to offer.
honest and thoughtful review.
From the book's haunting cover design to the intriguing synopsis, I was instantly captivated and could not wait to delve into this one. Now after having spent an enchanting adventure along the Cape, I cannot wait to see where this series takes me next!
From the opening chapter to the final sentence, I was completely immersed in this intensely atmospheric story made even more so by the fact that I read it during the Halloween season. It's been quite a while since I've been so completely awestruck after the first chapter alone! Read it and you'll quickly understand why it will be so hard to put down afterwards!
Generations collide in this incredibly nuanced mystery that seeks to discover the secrets behind a family's paranormal history and the current disappearance of two missing people. The story unfolds from both past and present perspectives, which the author is able to seamlessly interweave to create a truly poignant narrative. The addition of journal entries and the sleuthing itself make this story even more multilayered and engaging. This isn't a twisting thrill ride, but rather a slowburning untying of knots that reveals a satisfying end.
Overall, there is a little of everything for a lot of different readers to enjoy. From history and romance to mystery and the supernatural, Battersea Bluffs has so much to offer.
September 15, 2018
Loretta Marion's House of Ashes drew me into the story right from the beginning. A tragic fire in the first pages of the book sets the scene for a curse that has haunted four generations of Cassie Mitchell's family, including her own misfortune with both love and financial success. Set in a fictional town on Cape Cod, House of Ashes is full of flawed but engaging characters like Cassie who are a pleasure to get to know. This is one of those books you hate to have end because you feel like you are saying goodbye to newly-made friends. There are plenty of complex plot twists and clues to keep the reader guessing about the story's outcome until the final pages of the book, and a touch of the supernatural literally adds a degree of warm spice to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this page-turner of a book and eagerly look forward to Marion's next novel.
July 14, 2018
“Leave the buried past where it is. You will hate how it changes you.”
Although I was in the middle of a reading slump, I still pushed through to read this book. Haunted anything intrigues me, always… so I was very excited to be accepted for the ARC through #NetGalley.
The story begins by tossing you into the past, which I found pulled me in pretty fast. After that, we are taken to present time in the midst of a missing persons investigation, but then thrown back into the past just a smidge to go over the details leading up to the missing persons situation.
Though it was a theme, the haunting isn’t the star of the show. The who, what and why of the missing persons case is. There is a tiny bit of romance, but it doesn’t overpower the actual story, which was nice.
In the end, House Of Ashes was a quick and enjoyable read and I recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery.
Although I was in the middle of a reading slump, I still pushed through to read this book. Haunted anything intrigues me, always… so I was very excited to be accepted for the ARC through #NetGalley.
The story begins by tossing you into the past, which I found pulled me in pretty fast. After that, we are taken to present time in the midst of a missing persons investigation, but then thrown back into the past just a smidge to go over the details leading up to the missing persons situation.
Though it was a theme, the haunting isn’t the star of the show. The who, what and why of the missing persons case is. There is a tiny bit of romance, but it doesn’t overpower the actual story, which was nice.
In the end, House Of Ashes was a quick and enjoyable read and I recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery.
November 16, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has all the elements that make for a good story. It has romance, mystery and the setting is a huge Victorian house in cape cod that is rumored to be haunted. It is such a believable tale which is sometimes not always found when reading about houses that supposedly have ghosts. The author did a great job combining all the elements together. I highly recommend this book.
November 18, 2018
Great read! The story goes from the present to the past and back again. I loved the history told in the book. The characters really come alive in a dramatic fashion. You can feel the presence of the ancestors thru out the book. You have to read on and not put the book down because you have to know what will happen next. The family curse brings such a great element to the story. I don't want to spoil it for anyone. Just know its a real page turner and you will not be disappointed. Get your copy today....
July 21, 2018
A gentle mystery which kept me guessing until the end. Not a suspenseful story but an engrossing untying of knots and secrets to the final revelation. I thoroughly enjoyed it, from the setting to the characters and all the romance and angst in between. #NetGalley
January 11, 2019
This was a great read! It kept my interest all the way through. Best fiction book I’ve read in a while. Congrats to the Author.
February 6, 2025
A Finely-Crafted Mystery Tale.
Ms. Marion has written an excellent novel, offering an extremely engaging plot, along with compelling real-world (and other-worldly) characters. I eagerly look forward to her next installment in the Haunted Bluffs series.
Ms. Marion has written an excellent novel, offering an extremely engaging plot, along with compelling real-world (and other-worldly) characters. I eagerly look forward to her next installment in the Haunted Bluffs series.
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