The Mystery at Chadwick House

by Kate Parker

Old houses hide old secrets. When Emma Winter agrees to help her childhood friend renovate her dreamhouse, she doesn’t expect electrical shorts, flying ladders, and frightened workmen. All of that can be explained. An attraction to an enigma can’t. Adam Chadwick is the biggest puzzle of all. He’s a stranger in town, and he won’t tell Emma about his past. Is he behind the attacks at the old Victorian mansion? Or is something more sinister happening? Old houses hold old secrets.When Emma Winter agrees to help her childhood friend renovate her dreamhouse, she didn't expect electrical shorts, flying ladders, and frightened workmen. All of that can be explained. An attraction to an enigma can't.Adam Chadwick is the biggest puzzle of all. He's a stranger in town, and he won't tell Emma about his past. Is he behind the attacks at the old Victorian mansion? Or is something more sinister happening?

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Mystery Thriller

161 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Kate began reading Agatha Christie mysteries and the Nancy Drew books while her classmates were reading Dick and Jane. She particularly likes historical mysteries and the feeling of time travel a good historical book can give the reader. Combined with her love of late Victorian to World War II architecture and fashions, she found an outlet for the stories and characters that fill her head by writing The Victorian Bookshop Mysteries, The Milliner Mysteries, and The Deadly series, as well as taking part in the Christmas Revels anthologies.

So far, Kate has put out four free short stories, The Missing Brooch (Victorian Bookshop Mystery), Emily's First Case (Milliner Mysteries), and The Missing Maps and A Christmas Mystery (Deadly Series), to her newsletter list. The Mystery at Chadwick House is a novella that is free for newsletter subscribers or can be purchased at retailers. Sign up at www.KateParkerbooks.com to get free copies.

Reviews

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renovations of an old home are sure to ‘awaken’ any resident ghost/s! Kate Parker’s The Mystery of Chadwick House does just that. The protagonist, Emma Winter, who has had her own problems resulting in being named ‘Psycho-babe’ by her ex’s best friend, is asked by her good friend, Bev, to organize contractors to renovate Bev and her husband’s newly acquired dream house, the Chadwick House, an old Victorian house that the previous owner neglected for years. As work begins, Emma and Bev are extremely excited until ‘accidents’ befall the various workers. When leaving Chadwick House one day, Emma meets Adam Chadwick, a well-mannered young man, whose company Emma enjoys. As problems continue with the renovation, Emma searches for answers at the library. What she finds intrigues her, but not as much as Adam Chadwick does. In her comments at the end of the story, the author mentions that this is her first attempt at writing a contemporary cozy mystery. I would like the author to know that I enjoyed her story very much. 4 stars.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Parker has written a compelling novella involving a beautiful Victorian home that hides dark secrets, a handsome mysterious man and a young woman who is starting over by helping her friend to renovate her friend's dream home. Or will she? Finished this little novella in an afternoon and enjoyed every minute of it.

[Mar! · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a short read, so that might be why I felt the characters and storyline lacked depth. The friendly ghost fell in love with the main character after knowing her for like… a week? And the ending was really quite strange. The writing itself was also pretty shallow and didn’t make sense in some parts.

[Gina A Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun beach read for the summer. Plot was a little thin. Good story line but it could have had more depth and detail. This was like the movie version of the original book. If I want something to read for fun and something that doesn't make me think a whole lot, this is the one.

[Lucy Parat · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Kay Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Parker’s The Mystery at Chadwick House is part mystery, part ghost story, and part romance. Emma Winter is helping her best friend renovate a Victorian mansion, but so much goes wrong that it seems as though the house itself is fighting the work. Or is it someone in the house—that face in the window that shows only in Emma’s photographs? What about the mysterious man who may—or may not—be the last of the Chadwicks, or Emma’s childhood friend, now a police officer? And what really happened in the barn back in 1904? It all adds up to a thoroughly entertaining novella, quite different from Parker’s excellent historical mysteries.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful paranormal tale

An old house in bad condition ,a friend's dream house. When work begins to restore the house accidents begin to happen.Is someone trying to sabotage Bev's dream house. Who is the homeless man Adam and what is his interest in this house. Try this good read


,

[Wilma Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Story

This was a different story then I thought I would read. At first I didn’t think I would enjoy the book. But by the ending I was really into it. I was very happy with the end. True love will out💕

[L Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun and compelling novella. Accidents befall the workers on beautiful old Victorian being restored. But are they accidents? Or has a spirit decided he wants to keep the house for himself?

[Gail Gassen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a page turner!

So before you read this review there may be some spoilers in it! I tried not to give away anything, but I think I did in some parts. I hope not!! I did love this book so much I read it straight through, not stopped except for nature!😊 This was such a fast book to read! One turned page after another. The ending was both sorrow and sweet. Kind of like what is said as being bittersweet. The mallivelent spirit that haunted the glorious old house was not going to leave, how could they restore the house of Bev's dreams if everyone was continuing to be hurt? When the last exorcism sent the parishioners flying through the air, injuring the the head minister severely Bev and Emma were beside themselves as to what their options were. Adam the brother of the evil presence couldn't help either. He was able to go in and his evil twin couldn't come out. Maybe next more try and exorcism will work, only the Lord knew! I don't think the Reverend was a big believer in the presence of evil spirits until this one gave him what for. He'll be a believer from now on for sure! Emma knew though, from the first day it tried to kill her. Then Adam was there telling her the history of the house. Then the historical society forbade the tearing down of a barn cum she'd that had more holes in it than Swiss cheese. That's where historically a murder took place in 1902 of twin brothers. One killing the other. The one killed named Adam, the one living died of blood poisoning not many weeks after from being stuck with a rusty hay fork. It was called lock jaw. So he died in the house and never left! I was kind of hoping she might get to liking Sargent Randall,whom she grew up with, Emma that is. Of course she was falling in love with Adam, who really had become to fall for her. How was he supposed to love her being dead for so long. Except as he said God finds a way for things. I still like Sergeant Randell also! Even if he was a bit of an ass at times. He seemed he really liked her, just her part of what he'd become as he got older is what you can go on with his macho attitude. Hope I didn't give allot away! It was a great book! I hope there are more about Emma & Adam! Maybe some how they'll have a future someday.

[Priscilla Glasow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Parker's maiden voyage into the contemporary cozy mystery genre is a joy to read! I'm an avid reader (one book every two days) and I rarely write book reviews, but this is an exception. "The Mystery at Chadwick House" was a simply delightful book with a captivating story and engaging characters. Although I could see where the plot was heading (the identity of the main male character), I read late into the night because I couldn't wait to see how that would be revealed to the main female character.

I usually avoid contemporary mysteries because they often reflect the negative aspects of life today - bad language, poor behaviors, violence, etc. That was not the case at all with this book. Instead, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read with the perfect ending. :-)

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a library book sale in mint condition. I actually did enjoy this book. I would have liked for this and that to have been different i.e. the main characters back story more fleshed out, Adam and the female main characters (forgot her name and im lazy) interaction/relationship to have been more developed.

the book was perfect for what i was looking for.

Just a note though on page 77 or 78 there was a formatting issue. the top paragraph had a sentence that ended with...- and the continuation was not part of the previous sentence. Then at the bottom of the page the ...- was continued and that sentence belonged up above.

again just a formatting issue.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old houses hide old secrets.
When Emma Winter agrees to help her childhood friend renovate her dreamhouse, she doesn't expect electrical shorts, flying ladders, and frightened workmen. All of that can be explained. An attraction to an enigma can't.
Adam Chadwick is the biggest puzzle of all. He's a stranger in town, and he won't tell Emma about his past. Is he behind the attacks at the old Victorian mansion? Or is something more sinister happening?

Heather's Notes
Nice short story about a haunted house. Emma and Chad were sweet and I enjoyed it.

[Marcia Zerance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up ar a small bookstore in downtown New Bern when visiting. I was looking for historical fiction and as a bonus it was also a mystery. I bought a few other books written by local authors,, which I read first. This was my favorite read of them all.It is a quick fun read that vividly paints the stories picture. As I read it I enjoyed visioning New Bern which was such a pleasant area to visit. I will look for more of the authors books.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy Kate Parker's writings, but this one, not so much. My unease is because the last part is so much an echo of the story line from The Ghost Whisperer (old television series) that even though the author explains how she put it together, it just left me with a bad taste.

Don't judge Kate Parker's writings based on this story alone. I don't think it's reflective of the usual calibre of her work.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma Winter has agreed to help her childhood friend renovate her dreamhouse, an old Victorian house. But soon unexplainable accidents start to happen. Who and what is the face in the window. Who is Adam.
Part romance, mystery and a paranormal novella which was an enjoyable read

[Jeanne Jenike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read.

I enjoy reading Late Markets mysteries. A short but satisfying book. I liked how she integrated her characters into the story i don't want to give away the books mystery.

[Vicki O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mystery at Chadwick House

I love Kate Parker's books. This contemporary mystery is different from her others. I enjoyed the story and the characters. The only disagreeable character was a ghost. I would have enjoyed an epilogue, but I can just dream up my own.km

[Ana Concessa P. Bingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crazy read

Crazy plot with a twisted, and surprising ending. Characters were engaging and funny. Seemed like a short story. A good read to pass a rainy day afternoon.

[Suzanne Chalfant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I enjoyed this book from beginning to the end. It had romance, mystery, supernatural and cozy elements all in one. Loved it.

[Diamond Gavia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ghost mystery with a romance angle almost.



Emma helps a friend restore an old haunted house and finds some extra things along the way

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parker always tells a good tale

I was expecting a vintage KP mystery. I am not a fan of ghost stories so I was disappointed. But it was well written for a ghost story.

[Michele M · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was predictable but I loved it!!! :)

[Sarah Sample · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good. It actually got me back into reading again so for that I am thankful to the Author! The book is short but has a good story. I couldn't put it down. I finished it in a couple of hours.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have loved most of Kate Parker's books. This one wasn't my favourite, although it was okay.

I found this a bit light on both action and relatable characters. There was nothing bad about either here, it just didn't really reach down and grab me by the throat the way a really great read always does.

This was light and easy to read. The characters were decent enough people, and there was some action and suspense. It was fine. It just wasn't anything out of the usual way with ghost stories, although there were one or two small surprises.

This was fine.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like a good ghost tale but this was a bit contrived. I really wanted to like this more but in comparison to other Kate Parker books this was lacking.