Belle Manor Haunting

Addison Lockhart #4

by Cheryl Bradshaw

The door to Addison Lockhart's room opens. Five-year-old Sara Belle walks in. The child seems lost and confused. Addison reaches out, grabs Sara's hand, and the room goes black.

Addison's eyes open to find she's been transported several decades into the past. She's sitting in the back seat of a car. Sara is beside her. The car stops at an intersection. Moments later another vehicle in the opposite direction barrels through the stop sign, slamming into the car before jerking the vehicle into reverse and fleeing the scene. Who is the driver of the other car? And what secrets within the walls of Belle Manor provide the answer to little Sara's untimely demise?

If you enjoy a mystery with a supernatural twist, you'll enjoy this fast-paced, bestselling series written by a New York Times bestselling author.

Genres: Horror, Mystery, Fiction, Paranormal, Supernatural, Gothic, Fantasy

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 29, 2020

About the author

Cheryl Bradshaw is a New York Times and 11-time USA Today bestselling author writing in multiple genres, including mystery, thriller, romantic suspense, supernatural suspense, and poetry. She is a Shamus Award finalist for best private eye novel of the year, an eFestival of Words winner for best thriller, and has published over fifty books since 2011.

Raised in Southern California, she now lives in North Texas. When she's not writing, she loves jet-setting to new countries, exploring the outdoors, and playing with her grandbabies.

For a free eBook, click here: http://cherylbradshaw.com/get-a-free-...

Book series in order by Cheryl Bradshaw:

Georgiana Germaine (Mystery Series)

1. Little Girl Lost - USA Today Bestseller
2. Little Lost Secrets
3. Little Broken Things
4. Little White Lies
5. Little Tangled Webs
6. Little Shattered Dreams
7. Little Last Words
8. Little Buried Secrets
9. Little Stolen Memories
10. Little Empty Promises
11. Little Hidden Fears

Sloane Monroe Mystery/Thriller Series

0. Silent As the Grave (prequel to series)
1. Black Diamond Death
2. Murder in Mind
3. I Have a Secret
4. Stranger in Town - Shamus Award Finalist
5. Bed of Bones - USA Today Bestseller
6. Hush Now Baby - USA Today Bestseller
7. Gone Daddy Gone - USA Today Bestseller
8. Smoke and Mirrors - USA Today Bestseller

Sloane Monroe Stories - Mystery Novella Series
(with characters from the main series)

1. Deadly Sins: Sloth
2. Deadly Sins: Wrath
3. Deadly Sins: Lust
4. Deadly Sins: Greed
5. Deadly Sins: Envy
6. Deadly Sins: Pride

Sloane & Maddie Peril Awaits - Mystery Series
(Spinoff Series with Sloane Monroe & her sidekick Maddie)

1. The Silent Boy
2. The Shadow Children
3. The Broken Soul
4. The Widow Maker
5. The Familiar Stranger

Addison Lockhart Ghost Mystery Series

1. Grayson Manor Haunting
2. Rosecliff Manor Haunting
3. Blackthorn Manor Haunting
4. Belle Manor Haunting
5. Crawley Manor Haunting

Stand Alone Mystery/Thriller Novels

1. Eye for Revenge - USA Today Bestseller
2. The Perfect Lie
3. Hickory Dickory Dead - USA Today Bestseller
4. Roadkill - USA Today Bestseller

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addison again finds herself at the heart of a mystery from the past. This time it’s the death of a young girl who was the victim of a hit and run. The heart of the mystery is Belle Manor, which hides many secrets, including the identity of the killer. The investigation holds more surprises as Addison discovers the history of her own family, especially the psychic powers that are passed down through the female line. She has to choose whether to embrace what history has ordained or walk away just as her mother did. Her decision could have a profound effect on her husband and family. I have read and really enjoyed read the three books before this one. Each book reveals more of Addison gift...or curse...depending on how you look at it. The books really should be read in order because of this. I like a good mystery and if there is a ghost or two in it, that is even better. It starts out as a fairly typical ghost encounter but quickly turns into an engaging and emotion filled discovery of power and how that power can be used for good or evil. Two things that I find a bit offsetting. First, she leaves a newborn and runs off to solve this mystery and as the books move forward, Addison comes to process an ultimate power that allows her to use it to be judge, jury and ultimately, executioner. I find the first to be unbelievable and the second to be downright dangerous.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belle Manor Haunting by Cheryl Bradshaw is the 4th the Addison Lockhart paranormal mystery series.


Series Background:    (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Addison Lockhart considers herself an empath, or a medium, like her mother and grandmother before her. Her talent only really manifested itself when she inherited Grayson Manor, upon her mother’s passing. As a child, her gifts vanished when she was convinced they didn’t really exist.  Her Grandmother has shown her how to use her gifts to help others. Her husband, Luke, is a restorer of historical homes. He knows Addison’s story and tries to help her. Her Grandmother has recently passed away and left her a Book of Enchantments.



My Synopsis:  (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Addison has just given birth to her daughter, Amara Jane.  She has not had any visions while being pregnant, but she is still in the hospital when five-year old Sara Belle walks in and transports Addison to 1973 and the car crash that took the life of Sara and her nanny.  It was a hit and run, and the driver was never caught.

It appears that Sara's death may not be the only mystery contained behind the walls of Belle Manor. and Addison is determined to find the answers to all her questions.

Meanwhile, she is finding out more about her own family.


My Opinions:
This series is getting better.  The last book changed to a deeper read, and this one deeper yet (and a little darker).  Still a very entertaining series.

I like the fact that the author has Addison share the fact that she has a gift (with certain people).  I have read a number of books where the heroine must hide her talents, and I find that somewhat annoying.

I love the existing characters, but am a little unsure about the new ones and where they will lead.  This book really changed the direction of the series, and I'm looking forward to where we head next.



For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, Addison Lockhart has so many defining moments in this book that sets her on a new path with her abilities.

I cannot believe all of the changes that went on in this book. The ones I can talk about are the birth of her daughter and another great ghostly mystery investigated and solved.

I am so excited at the change in the series and cannot wait to see where the author takes Addison's character now. Can I have the next book now please.

[Kathy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fourth book in the series. I'm a trifle worried that Bradshaw is going to take this in a direction I'm not going to like - namely a big good vs evil entity whether it is her father or brother or both. I enjoy the hauntings - I will probably stop reading if it goes the other way.

Addison is an interesting character and I'd like to see her have more interaction with Luke and have him be more involved in some of the cases.

Fun read - it only took this long because I read on my work nights. On my days off, I never have the time to enjoy reading. I look forward to the next book in the series and may pick up one of the many other series/titles by this author while I wait.

[Judith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This will be the last book I'll read of this series. The book starts off calling the h Addison Lockhart, again. I guess the author forgot she was married to Luke Flynn. At least she was called Mrs. Flynn in previous books. Speaking of Luke, the interaction between he and Addison is next to nothing, much less, her baby feels like a prop for each scene she's in. I've had a problem with Addison's personality from the first book. I feel no emotion from her, she's rude and pushy and to me, Luke is just an afterthought like in all the other books. I like a good ghost story at a spooky mansion, but the character development in this series has not improved since book 1.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addison Lockhart is helped by a woman in
the grocery store when her water breaks.
After Addison gets into her husband’s car,
she realizes the woman was a ghost.
Now laying in her hospital room after giving
birth to her baby, a five-year-old girl appears
at her bedside. The little girl is a ghost named
Sara Belle. Sara needs Addison help. When
Addison takes her hand, she blacks out.
Awaking Addison finds herself in the backseat
of a vintage car with Sara. Sara’s nanny is
driving with her boyfriend sitting shotgun.
The car is then run into killing Sara and her
nanny. The boyfriend is in critical condition.
The hit and run driver is never found and the
case is a cold case.
Addison discovers that the accident leads her
back to Belle Manor which is haunted by
several other ghosts.
A great paranormal activities story with
Addison discovering her real supernatural
powers while helping some ghosts pass to
the other side and some to damnation.
To find out what happen to Sara plus two of
her nannies be sure to get your copy.
This is book # 4 in the Addison Lockhart
Mysteries series. It can be read as a stand alone.
A powerful read.

[Jodi Pomerleau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy light supernatural stories. This one is a quick read and a good mystery. Addison helps lost souls find their way to the hereafter. This time she is helping 6 year old Sara...but in doing so, she helps a lot more people. Sara's death is connected to 3 other deaths, and so the story weaves between discovering how it all happened. I didn't like the abrupt turn three quarters into the book where Addison learns some darker parts of her past. I guess if it's a series, the characters need to evolve and their stories deepen. But I found it too much all at once. Otherwise, it is a good quick read.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a child ghost seeks help from Addison after she gave birth to her baby. Life as she knew it changes. Once you start reading just hang on for the ride. This isn't your average ghost story. I really liked it and wouldn't have guessed the conclusion.

[Christine Dunne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family

You have brought some good memories about my brothers that we don't communicate anymore. Thank tyouyour characters are substational and are really great. Tell you what you keep writing them and ill keep reading them sincerely christine Dunne Harlingen texas

[Yvonne Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I Love this series and this one is the very best yet! We find out do much more in this book about Addison and her family. This book was so good and the as her powers grow and the mystery comes into focus there is surprises and makes you Wonder where this will lead Addison and those she loves.

[Rachel Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was interesting but the spoken dialogue seemed awkward and choppy sometimes. Overall, I enjoyed the story but interactions between characters made me cringe.

[Leah Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of the series so far. There is a lot revealed about Addison and her family history. There are some surprises along the way. The mystery surrounding Belle Manor is full of twists and intriguing ghosts. I had it all figured wrong. Addison has developed a lot as a character and she really seems to be coming into her own. I am anxious to see where the author takes her now. I am also curious to see how her relationships are affected.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addison Lockhart has so many defining moments in this book that sets her on a new path with her abilities.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has Addison (the Protagonist) learning more and more about herself and her family history. She learns some things that are life altering. More secrets than she ever thought possible. The current mystery she is called upon to help solve, (which she didn't really need in her life at the moment,) causes her to ask more questions than she is getting answers to. For every answer she gets, two more questions pop up. This particular book in the series, gives us a more 'real' Addison even as she gains more and more power with her supernatural abilities. It has a heavier feel to it as Addison's emotions are a little more tiresome. This is an intriguing story that is easy to read and keeps your attention. You don't necessarily need to read the previous books in the series to follow this one, but you will have a better perspective of the characters if you do. It's a well written story. This is a clean read (no sexual content.) No blood or gore and no real violence. (One small scene with a gunshot.)

*I received an ARC of this book.

[DorieLou · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all Cheryl Bradshaw blows me away with what ever she writes... but wow! The Paranormal intrigues me... and this had me saying wow through the entire book.
Addison Lockhart has again investigated and solve another paranormal mystery. she has so many wow moments in this book and it has put her on a new road with her abilities. I can't tell to much I don't want to destroy the suspense but again WOW!!! I can not wait for the next book.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so very anxious for this 4th book in the series to come out! Completely lved up to my expectations. Addison continues to encounter the innocent spirits looking for closure. Helping a youngster locate her nanny leads to an abundance of mystery surrounding their deaths. Plus a bit of life changes that Addison has to meet.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do enjoy this author's work a great deal. I wasn't sure which series I prefer, this or her terrific Sloane Monroe one but when I checked back on my reviews it seems it's this one as I've usually "scored" it higher. I really enjoyed this although she DOES skate a little too close to being fanciful in this one more than in the previous stories. I hope she stays this side of commonsense and believability in the next tale.....though no doubt it's really hard to write !! This story was a very interesting one dating back nearly half a century and an highly enjoyable read as usual.
I loved the image of Addison's tummy that Josephine described upon their first introduction....and this one has a beautiful cover as well, definitely my favourite in the set. It's times like this I wish I still bought "proper" books as I miss being able to see them properly lined up as they should be. Sadly, space dictates it's not an option.
She DID still do that irritating thing I always note in her books, writing "Mmm...kay." I hate it. I'm also no fan of double-barrelled kids' names so the persistent usage of Amara Jane really grates on me. Just call her Amara !!! I was totally lost at this sentence as well, "She stuck the landing and bobbed her head beneath the glass".....I don't understand what on earth she means here.
I noticed just one instance of speechmarks being added when they weren't needed and one dropped fullstop and that was it so VERY good work on the presentation side for sure as well !!
Addison managed to make me sniffy at the end when she kept her promise to Josephine....that was very touching. Definitely getting book 5 when it's released.

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Cheryl Bradshaw book that I finished in one sitting!

Addison is the hospital giving birth to her daughter. Another momentous event! But just like her wedding, this milestone will once again mark the beginning of another supernatural murder mystery that needs to be solved.

While she was in the hospital, a young girl named Sara came to her looking for her nanny. She didn't realize this was a ghost, when she went to hold her hand and help her find her nanny she was taken to the time of how the kid died. There were so many intertwined stories in this book. The mystery surrounding the girl's parents, the 2 nannies she lost, her grandmother. And Addison has become more kickass here as her powers developed. She finally has more insights on who she really is and her family history. So many surprises in this one! It did not end in a cliffhanger but I still felt like there can be so much coming with everything that's happened in this book. We need the next one asap, Ms. Bradshaw! More please!

[Emily Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up because it part of a buy 2 get one free sale on Kobo, and I'm happy to say it was a good buy. It's a fast-paced read because the chapters are really short (the longest one was 6 pages). The main character is likeable from the start, the same with most of the other characters, the ones you should like you like and the ones you shouldn't like you don't. The plot pretty much kicks up on page one (it's the 4th book in the series so that makes sense but don't worry you don't have to read the rest of the series to understand what is going on, I didn't read the first 3 books and I was able to follow everything in the novel without getting confused.) There are a few moments where the writing is weak and odd but they are small parts that don't take you out of the story. the plot does get confusing at some parts but everything is answered by the end of the book, in a way that I feel is fitting for the character.

[Jilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read quite a few of Cheryl's books and always enjoyed them. This one is different from any that I have read previously. It is a paranormal mystery. Not really my normal genre. I usually avoid fantasy stuff but this was really good and had me hooked. It is book 4 in a series so I shall try to find the others.

The door to Addison Lockhart's room opens. Five-year-old Sara Belle walks in. The child seems lost and confused. Addison reaches out, grabs Sara's hand, and the room goes black.

Addison's eyes open to find she's been transported several decades into the past. She's sitting in the back seat of a car. Sara is beside her. The car stops at an intersection. Moments later another vehicle in the opposite direction barrels through the stop sign, slamming into the car before jerking the vehicle into reverse and fleeing the scene. Who is the driver of the other car? And what secrets within the walls of Belle Manor provide the answer to little Sara's untimely demise?

[Krystinna Collett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing

When I first started reading this book, I thought it was going to go a certain way....it didn't. Addison is a mom, wife, and psychic/medium/empath.
Addison has all of the skills of being a psychic. She goes about her day helping those souls who have died, find their way. This includes; solving old cold cases, and mysteries.
Addison is this brave woman, who is not afraid to chase clues. If a particular lead takes her somewhere sketchy, she doesn't care, she just goes. I was more intrigued with her methods, as opposed to what she saw. The only thing I had a problem with was her demeanor towards certain characters. The way she was with Sybil was slightly rude. While she took Cecilia at face value. Others might say it was because she became aware of her gift, but I would have been more weary, or perhaps, not as trusting.
I do recommend this book. For those that like mystery, along with other abilities, this would be a good book.

[Robert Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the fourth book in the series, Addison finds herself at the heart of another mystery from the past. This time it’s the death of a young girl in a hit and run. The heart of the mystery is Belle Manor, which hides plenty of secrets, including the identity of the killer.

This investigation holds more surprises as Addison discovers the history of her own family, especially the psychic powers that pass down the female line. She has to choose whether to embrace what history has ordained or walk away as her mother did. Her decision could have a profound effect on her husband and family.

The personal dilemma lifts the story to make it the most intriguing and satisfying book of the series so far. With conflict and pressure on all sides, Addison has to decide her future while solving a complex murder mystery.

It’s a fascinating story that begs a fifth book.

[Lazymum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book in my Kobo Plus recommendations, and honestly, it's not something I would typically go for. However, I was pleasantly surprised—I found myself completely hooked! Despite it being the 4th book in the series, I hadn't read the previous ones, yet that didn't ruin my enjoyment at all. The story unfolded in an engaging way that kept me invested from start to finish.

What I found particularly captivating was the blend of "Whodunnit" intrigue with a dash of the paranormal—think "Ghost Whisperer" vibes. The plot is fast-paced, filled with unexpected twists and plenty of drama, not just in the protagonist's life but also in the lives of the ghosts she's assisting.

In summary, I'd say this book turned out to be a delightful surprise for me. It's refreshing to step outside of your usual reading comfort zone and discover something enjoyable.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addison is excited to become a mother, but when she meets a woman in the grocery store that helps her when her water breaks, she finds out that she was a ghost. That is only the beginning of things that start happening to Addison after the birth of her baby. A five-year-old girl wanders into her hospital room and she is a ghost. That starts Addison off into finding out what happened to Sara and what is happening behind the walls of Belle Manor. The lady in the store comes back and there is more mystery she knows about Addison... and it isn't what she was expecting! I truly enjoyed this complex, darker than her normal story for Cheryl Bradshaw. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently this is the last of the Addison Lockhart series, at least so far. There is plenty of room for more, though! This was just as good as the previous three. Addison meets a child spirit Sara who has lost her nanny. When Addison joins with her, she finds both Sara and the nanny were killed in a car accident. Was it really an accident? Who was driving the other car? As she looks into thing, she meets some of Sara's family, and things get rather complicated. I enjoyed this entire series, and would be happy to read more. I've read some of Cheryl Bradshaw's other novels, too, and she is a good writer.

[Irene O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I didn't see that one coming!

Addison has just had a baby, the girl predicted by her grandmother, when are meets Sara a little girl who is lost. Seeing what happened to her and others because of mistakes made years ago, Addison is determined to find closure for them all. What she didn't see was a big skeleton in her own closet, this leads her down a different path to discover who she really is and what she can become. Even as she helps Sara and the others she is learning her destiny.
An excellent read for all lovers of the supernatural world and of Addison's story itself.

[Natelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Addison fell into solving cold cases when victims started appearing to her. Her complicated family history comes to bear on her most recent case as she tries to help a little girl find peace that has eluded her for decades. What she finds has the potential to change her life as well as the afterlives of several spirits.

I wanted to like this book because the premise intrigued me. Then I read a section of the book where the character jumped from one scene to another with no necessary explanation how. Then a major shift in her character happens toward the end of this book that leads me to believe there can’t be any real mystery in any subsequent novel.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and greatly enjoyed the three books before this. This one is about Addison, birth of her daughter and her husband Luke is so understanding, He painted a room red, her choice, for her to retreat into this new world she has opened. Her world of abilities takes giant steps when a young girl visits her in the hospital, lost. From this Addison finds her true calling, a family, and ancestors. It is packed full of information of what and where this abilities will led her. a great story. Will the author continue with Addison one hopes so.

[Debby Chastain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing!

I read this book in one sitting, something I hardly ever do. There was nowhere to stop until the end.
When I leave a review I don’t tell what the story is about, only my opinion of it.
If you like magic, mystery and lots of twists and turns, I believe you’ll like this book.
As a bonus, this book has an ending! Not many do these days. All the ends are neatly tied up, every question answered, as it should be.
Fine writing and editing makes this a five star read in my opinion.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the first three Addison Lockhart books, but this one really blew my mind. It was the best one in the series. I like murder mysteries with a paranormal influence. This one is more like a paranormal book with a murder mystery. I just finished the series, but I think different aspects of this book are going to pop into my mind for a while. I hope the author decides she’s not finished with Addison Lockhart yet and writes more books. I highly recommend this whole series of four books.