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A Riveting Haunted House Mystery #16

The Haunting of The Briar Rose

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Jules is recovering from a recent failure when her mysterious uncle makes her an offer she can’t restore his bed and breakfast the Briar Rose. When Jules inherits the Briar Rose bed and breakfast from her strange and mysterious uncle, she thinks it will be the opportunity of a lifetime for her and her husband, Paul. But Jules and Paul soon discover that the Briar Rose holds many one of them about the murders that took place a year prior, when two of the guests never checked out.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

642 people are currently reading
478 people want to read

About the author

Skylar Finn

58 books69 followers
Skylar Finn grew up in a refinery town just outside of Houston, Texas. She has lived in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Colorado, and most recently Florida. She writes on the road on planes, trains, and buses. When she's not writing, she is out looking for the next adventure.

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5 stars
432 (43%)
4 stars
320 (32%)
3 stars
173 (17%)
2 stars
45 (4%)
1 star
13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Louie the Mustache Matos.
1,427 reviews140 followers
November 10, 2024
When you read many e-books, writers have a tendency to find you online and make offers of free books for reviews. I get on a lot of these sites and receive a good many offers. I tend to say yes to too many of these. (I know I'm not alone.) The Haunting of the Briar Rose is not a bad book. It just represents the least of the haunted house sub-genre. A book that was merely, "Meh!"

Jules has failed with her company, and when her uncle makes her an offer to restore his Bed and Breakfast so that she can inherit it, she's chomping at the bit to take it over. Her husband is way more cautious because he is a realtor that is experienced enough to know when something sounds "too good to be true", it usually is.

A murder took place on the property that was hushed up by her uncle and the townsfolk. Up until that point, the townspeople had considered the B & B a boon for the town's economy, but with the killing, the inn was now seen as a beacon to bad. Needless to say, the people no longer want the Bed and Breakfast to start again.

The mystery elements are typical of paranormal mysteries, but the slow pace drags, the plot is very paint-by-the-numbers, the conversations sound inane, and the characters are cardboard. The novel is practically joyless. Not a terrible read, but just OK.
Profile Image for C Reads Books.
92 reviews41 followers
August 13, 2021
This is possibly the most average book I've ever read. The writing was average, the plot was average, the characters were average, and absolutely nothing happened. I mean, literally, nothing happened. The big climax of this book is a slow chase through the snow that ends in some yelling. I am not exaggerating. I couldn't believe I was at the end and NOTHING had happened. I assumed a story about a small town haunted bed & breakfast would have something to make my heart rate pick up at least a tiny little bit but it did not.

I did occasionally like main character Jules a bit; I always appreciate when a female main character isn't the typical plucky, brave, badass, and Jules' anxiety and insecurity was relatable (if a little over the top at times). Everyone else, however, is given one personality trait, and only one, and Jules was annoying enough that I couldn't bring myself to care about her or anyone else.

2 stars instead of 1 because I did finish it.

CW: none, I don't think. Ghosts, I guess, and off-page murder but I'm not sure anyone needs a CW for ghosts and non-graphic murder in a haunted house story.
Profile Image for Jen Hunt.
675 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2022
I enjoyed this story! Lots of relevant terms used in this book. Borderline believable haunted house story. Appreciated the ending. Makes me want to go to a themed bed and breakfast!
Profile Image for Rachel Benham.
580 reviews5 followers
January 23, 2020
Adventurous from the get go. Jules and Paul inherit a Bed and Breakfast from her crazy uncle. Local town folks call it haunted, others just ignore it all together. Jules finds out the horrible truth about the place and it is a race against time to save herself and her husband before the ghosts reenact the past. Great read. Could not put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kerrie Parker.
24 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2023
I liked this book

Good book! I was entertained, slightly creeped out and loved following along with the mystery! I'll read more from this author!
Profile Image for Billie.
5,783 reviews72 followers
January 23, 2020
Jules is recovering from a recent failure when her mysterious uncle makes her an offer she can’t refuse: restore his bed and breakfast the Briar Rose.
When Jules inherits the Briar Rose bed and breakfast from her strange and mysterious uncle, she thinks it will be the opportunity of a lifetime for her and her husband, Paul. But Jules and Paul soon discover that the Briar Rose holds many secrets: one of them about the murders that took place a year prior, when two of the guests never checked out.

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jill Anna  Freeman.
549 reviews10 followers
January 26, 2020
” The Haunting of the Briar Rose- A Riveting Haunted House Mystery Series Book 16)” by Skylar Finn is a tale of one Jules and her husband Paul...who after inheriting an old B&B named The Briar Rose...settle in to start the revocation of the property and they don’t get very far...when they realize that they have also inherited spectral guests...guests that never checked out...don’t desire the revocations to continue...and most certainly don’t want to be disturbed....and when the restless ghosts make their wishes known...Jules and her hubby decide the only solution... to gain the upper hand ...is to lay these spirits to rest. How do they accomplish this ?? Read and See!! Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
674 reviews28 followers
February 19, 2022
I can’t think of a way to talk about this without having to block out every second line for spoilers, so we’ll just do it this way.

Although this is a ghost story and would normally fall under my ‘horror’ category, it felt like a regular mystery/thriller to me….just some of the characters happened to be dead.

I love the books in this series all the way to about the last 20%, and then things seem to fall apart, and this entry is no exception. The true climax of the plot is always waiting in the last 20-15% of the book, and then it’s over quickly, to leave room for an afterword of where everyone ended up afterwards. No matter how exciting, or tense, or ‘riveting’ the story has been to that point, it suddenly has to rush to a conclusion. That conclusion is invariably neat and tidy, with a (relatively) happy ending for all involved, or at least closure. The happy ending for this one wasn’t the one I expected, but it still tried to tie up everything in a neat little bow.

I’m not saying that I want them those ridiculous non-endings that seem to be considered ~edgy~ these days—I want a plot with a beginning, middle, and end. But the end should make sense and fit with the rest of the book, instead of feeling like the author suddenly realized she was reaching the end of her word limit and had to hurry everything up. In this case, a murder-suicide being replayed by the dead through the living is resolved through a conversation, an apology, and the help of some local spirits that apparently think possession is unseemly. After all the build up, I expected a more epic confrontation. The material was there, but it just seemed to fizzle out.

Also, someone who is drunk is vulnerable to possession, but someone who is high isn’t? That….I don’t even know where to start with that.

Although at the end we acted like the majority of the questions were answered, I still had so many, especially about Wilhelm. Why did Wilhelm let the townspeople think that he hid and abandoned his guests to their fate, when he actually risked his own life to try to save them? Why did he let the townspeople think that he uprooted and moved their dead relatives and built on a cemetery, when he actually built next to it, and didn’t disturb anyone’s rest? And really, really, why did he not answer Jules when she called him originally, making her have to track him down? He seemed genuinely concerned when she arrived and contrite over misleading her, so why did he ignore her and leave her in danger until she literally showed up on his doorstep? I know I had others, but you get the point.

This may sound like I didn’t enjoy the book, but I did—I just wish there had been more meat on the bone, so to speak. I will say that I really enjoy the way that the author showed ghost influence and then possession. Depressions and anxiety can put thoughts in your head, and you may recognize that they’re not yours and you want them to go away, but they stay there and try to convince you that they’re your own thoughts. Having a ghost attempt influence in the same way made sense to me, especially when dealing with a sensitive with no training or ability to protect herself.

Finally, I would read the shit out of a series focused just on Simone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
10 reviews
April 1, 2025
Spine chilling and immersive

**Book Review: *The Haunting of Briar Rose* by Jana Deleon**

*The Haunting of Briar Rose* is a spine-chilling and immersive read that grips you from the very first page. Jana Deleon crafts a story that beautifully balances the eerie atmosphere of a haunted house with a deeply engaging narrative about its characters. From the ominous creaks of the house to the strange, unsettling happenings that seem to linger at every corner, the book does a phenomenal job of creating a creepy, tension-filled environment that will make readers shiver with anticipation.

What I particularly loved about this novel was how the story unfolded. The gradual development of both the plot and the characters kept me hooked throughout, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journey. The layers of mystery and suspense are delicately woven into the narrative, keeping the reader guessing and eagerly turning pages to uncover more about the Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast, and the sinister history behind it.

The haunted aspects of the story were especially well-done. The house itself seems to take on a life of its own, with ghostly whispers, strange apparitions, and an overwhelming sense of dread hanging in the air. These moments were the most compelling, and they added a depth to the novel that will satisfy fans of supernatural thrillers.

That being said, the ending, particularly regarding the fate of the bed and breakfast, left me with mixed feelings. While the conclusion tied up the main plot, I couldn't help but feel that the resolution for the bed and breakfast itself could have been more satisfying. It felt like a missed opportunity to create a more impactful or surprising ending that would have rounded out the creepy mystery more effectively.

Overall, *The Haunting of Briar Rose* is a captivating, atmospheric read that expertly builds tension and delivers on its promise of a creepy, haunted experience. I just wish the ending offered a little more closure regarding the fate of the haunted location itself. Nevertheless, it’s a book that fans of the supernatural genre will definitely enjoy.
122 reviews
October 29, 2022
Just okay

While I found the story of Briar Rose entertaining and clever, the actual writing seemed a little under done. The editing was also deficient as evidenced by such errors as incorrect character names in situations, improper tenses of words, and generally poor use of language. I would have liked to see the author flesh out her main characters a little more. They seemed a little two dimensional. My opinion of the author is that, if this were her debut novel, she definitely shows potential. But since it isn't, I don't think I will be reading many more if her books. But I do plan to give it one more try with another of her works.
Profile Image for Christine Hunter.
336 reviews5 followers
July 10, 2021
Well Written and Easy to Read

This is the kind of book that when you sit down to read, you forget about time. You also forget about getting dinner and the laundry that was supposed to be done, and the cleaning that you told yourself you were going to do.
It was intense, riveting, and a bit scary. As much a mystery as it is a ghost story, it was easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of paranormal activity. And at the same time, it was a love story. I can definitely recommend this book.
23 reviews
January 23, 2022
This was a decent book to read, but not my favorite as far as the whole story and the writing style. The main character was too wishy-washy for my taste. The whole story took a long time to go a short distance...the ending was rather weak as I don't think a weird sort of apology is going to get an evil ghost to scream and disappear forever. There could have been a much deeper story for the ghosts and main characters. Wilhelm was a nice twist though. This took me a long time to read because of the slow movement of the story.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
January 25, 2020
The Haunting of the Briar Rose by Skylar Finn is an amazing story that I have read. This is book number sixteen in this amazing series that I have loved reading and can not wait to see what the author writes about next. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about thrillers and cozy mysteries.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,986 reviews38 followers
May 13, 2022
If you're looking for horror, this is not your book; this is a paranormal mystery and an interesting one, at that.

I liked Jules, who departs from your traditional female protagonist, and thanks god for that. I'm at the point when, if the blurb says 'sassy protagonist' it's an automatic no for me. She's NOT sassy, but very. very insecure and with big bouts of anxiety. Sadly, the rest of the characters aren't very deep, but it's still an interesting book, very well narrated by Cheryl May.
210 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2022
Nice atmosphere

I loved the Briar Rose. I want to visit and stay in the top floor room of windows. I want to spend days in the library, reading, drinking coffee. I want snow.
I liked the main character and her husband. I got a bit tired of her insecurities and fears.
I didn't feel like there was a mystery. The story wasn't scary. It was just a nice story about a woman, her husband and friends, and the inn she inherits. And a few ghosts.
Profile Image for Pat Eroh.
2,617 reviews32 followers
January 24, 2020
This is another amazing haunting story by this author. Jules and Paul are great characters and the story is riveting. It is difficult to put down this book once I started it. I love this series and this author is among my very favorites.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.6k reviews28 followers
January 26, 2020
When Jules and Paul inherit a Bed & Breakfast they didn't realize what they were getting themselves into. This is one of those books that once I start reading I didn't stop until the last page because I had to know how the story would end. Great writing and an intriguing story that pulled me in make this a must read. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
131 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2020
Thrilling

This book is a great read it takes you along on a ride so to speak. I love how not only are the stories of Dania and Evan told but everyone else's as well. It's a haunted story yes but with a mix of romance as well you can not go wrong if you want a bit of both in a good book.
135 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2020
Good Read!

I really enjoyed this story! It had all the twists and turns I expect in a haunted story! Characters were relatable! It kept my interest throughout and the ending was ok, but I wasn't crazy that it became the spectral place that it became. But as long as everyone else was content it was ok. Thanks for sharing your talent with me. All in all I did enjoy the book.
Profile Image for Joan Bishoff.
36 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2020
A jumbled up mess!

I had a hard time keeping up with my own thoughts! Jumping from one thing to another. Trying to keep all the characters separated was a chore in itself. I guess I need my characters well rounded and filled out. I never quite understood who was who. It was a chore I didn't enjoy.
Profile Image for Katie.
836 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2022
Another solid read from the Riveting Haunted House Mystery series. I enjoy how readable, and well paced the stories are in these books.
The characters are interesting and I liked the small town location. The hotel had a lot of creepiness to it, and I enjoyed the real life story that brought on the ghosts. I'm not usually one for ghost stories but this series always keeps me entertained!
Profile Image for Vanessa.
24 reviews
January 2, 2023
Great Read!

This book has likable and relatable characters from the beginning. As you delve more deeply you feel like you are the one investigating and trying to unravel the clues. The author makes you feel the breeze, the sun the terror. Love it! I wish this couple in the book did have their own series!
Profile Image for Pamela Faust .
1,050 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2023
Jules has failed as a potato chip business owner. To make up for it, she and her husband go to Briar Rose to look at a property that her uncle was going to leave to her. They are both transfixed with the place, but she starts to think that something is going on. She finds out that a murder/suicide happened there and she read a book that was written by one of the people that died.
3,352 reviews18 followers
January 22, 2020
A great suspenseful and riveting read. Great story line that captivates you from the beginning and strong characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

2,416 reviews
January 23, 2020
This is another great book by Skylar Finn. The storyline pulled me in from the beginning and kept me drawn in throughout. A well written story that I would recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Teri Ruscak.
2,119 reviews17 followers
February 10, 2020
The Haunting of the Briar Rose
Skylar Finn
This book grabbed me from the start, and took me on a ride! VERY good ghost story with a bit of romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
418 reviews5 followers
February 12, 2020
The Haunting of Briar Rose - It was a 3 day read :) Kept me really engrossed. There was some predictability with the plot line but the ending was not what I expected.

Characters and story line were well thought out.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,780 reviews9 followers
May 8, 2020
A love triangle with a deadly outcome tries to re-enact on the anniversary of the original murder/suicide. Very intense and kept me reading to see how things would play out. I enjoyed it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
70 reviews
February 21, 2021
Marvelous

This was a marvelous, fast paced ghost story. The characters were well developed and fascinating. I found the book difficult yo put down. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good ghost story.
318 reviews6 followers
April 19, 2021
Very good

I really enjoyed this book to am so fond of ghost stories because I lived wth them all my life thank you tell you what you keep writing them and ill keep reading them sincerely Christine Dunne Harlingen Texas
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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