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A Riveting Haunted House Mystery #10
The Haunting of Riley Watson
Trapped in a haunted ski lodge by the season's worst snowstorm, Lucia deals with the consequences of a mysterious murder.
When Lucia Star, a fake psychic and desperate for cash, takes a job at a ski lodge in the mountains of Vermont, she ends up in the middle of a real-life haunting. Soon, the ghosts are out in full force, and Lucia is stunned to discover she's one of only two people who can communicate with them. Can Lucia give the spirits what they want?
When Lucia Star, a fake psychic and desperate for cash, takes a job at a ski lodge in the mountains of Vermont, she ends up in the middle of a real-life haunting. Soon, the ghosts are out in full force, and Lucia is stunned to discover she's one of only two people who can communicate with them. Can Lucia give the spirits what they want?
576 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2019
1010 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
About the author
Alexandria Clarke
219 books274 followersAlexandria Clarke is a writer, cat lover, and all-around optimist. She loves to immerse her readers in mystery and intrigue, meaningful friendships, and the worlds of characters who learn by doing. When she's not writing, Alex enjoys playing guitar, watching Wynonna Earp, and spending time with her family. She currently lives in Orlando, Florida with her partner and their four pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
January 7, 2021
Oh. My. Word.!!! This was SUCH an excellent book I don't even know what to say!!! If you enjoy ghost stories, you'll LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book. Lucia can see and hear ghosts, as can Riley, and they have to find a way to help the friendly ghosts move on and banish the unfriendly ones. Full of creepy ambiance, the book is full of scary twists and turns, unexpected events, mystery and well rounded characters. This is not a book to be read after dark, but it's not a gory story. You'll spend the entire time you're reading glancing over your shoulder to make sure nothing is there. This book is off the charts wonderful and I can't recommend it highly enough. If you love ghost stories, you'll devour this book in one sitting like I did. But, if you hear a slight sound in the other room while you're reading, DON'T GO LOOK TO SEE WHAT IT IS!!!!
September 9, 2019
Kept me engaged throughout, and I really enjoyed this creepy, atmospheric haunted tale. I was really invested in the main characters. The mystery had plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on their toes
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June 24, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (6/24/2018)!💝
July 24, 2018
I enjoy almost anything horror, supernatural, paranormal, mystery related. When stumbling upon this story, I was first intrigued because I'm a fan of The Shining (King's book and Kubrick's movie) and wanted to see how the fake-turned-real psychic bit was handled. I wasn't really all too pleased for many reasons. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, how Lucia was suddenly able to connect to the dead was poorly thought out and the factors - - made practically no sense. I understood the need for more characters to be abandoned in the hotel with the main group, but their stories/secrets weren't all that planned out as well. Then, aside from edits that were missed, the cliffhanger was much to be desired, especially since the content of the cliffhanger seems more like just a way to extend a book into a series that never really needed to be continued. There were plenty of little changes that could have been made and then this could have been a much better standalone book, rather than the beginning of a series.
December 18, 2021
Wow I normally like haunted house books written by this author, but because this book started off with celebrities and show business it really put me off reading because this is supposed to be a haunted house book there was no creepy vibe to the story whatsoever. Starting the story about a celebrity in show business made the story very very boring quick there is no nostalgia no feeling of dread in this story. Only mentions about acting show business celebrity makeup I mean does this sound like a horror story to you?
January 15, 2021
I was thiiiis close to giving up but by page 200 it did drew me in. This is 80% detective mystery mostly focused on interactions between the cast. Unfortunately, it's INCREDIBLY padded out. It just goes on and on and on with most of its side plots absolutely not mattering in the end. The ending is an absolute jumble on nonsense.
The supernatural rules were loose and pretty much served to get the plot out of trouble. I wouldn't read it if you are looking for a strictly paranormal story.
It's also unfortunate that Mc and her BFF didn't end up in wlw relationships because they had the best chemistry.
The supernatural rules were loose and pretty much served to get the plot out of trouble. I wouldn't read it if you are looking for a strictly paranormal story.
It's also unfortunate that Mc and her BFF didn't end up in wlw relationships because they had the best chemistry.
November 11, 2022
Amazing
Having read the shorter version in 3 pieces, I was amazed this was like a whole new episode. More depth, more excitement, more thrills. Here's true family disfunction.
Having read the shorter version in 3 pieces, I was amazed this was like a whole new episode. More depth, more excitement, more thrills. Here's true family disfunction.
September 28, 2024
3 ⭐️
Book club read 📚
Book club read 📚
October 25, 2018
Terrific - hauntings ghosts and murder
Wow what a ride. A terrific plot that involves the past, the past, ghosts and murder. Great characters that carry you along on a fast paced ride - from the "psychic" who actually is psychic a though she has unconsciously fought it all her life to the old before her time Riley.
She has been asked to care for Riley but she didn't realise at first that the young girl could see and communicate with ghosts. Nor did she think that she would find the girl's elder brother dangling her over a balcony and threatening to drop her. When the girls is dropped (but fortunately caught) the brother is locked in his room only to be found later dead from numerous stab wounds. Worse a detective staying at the hotel was outside but asleep. Now they have to find the killer. Also the ghosts now come out in force wanting the truth behind the fire that killed them to be known. Will they find the killer? Will anyone else die? Will the ghosts get their revenge on the one that killed them? Will anyone of the people staying at the hotel make it out alive and will she acknowledge her psychic powers now?
Wow what a ride. A terrific plot that involves the past, the past, ghosts and murder. Great characters that carry you along on a fast paced ride - from the "psychic" who actually is psychic a though she has unconsciously fought it all her life to the old before her time Riley.
She has been asked to care for Riley but she didn't realise at first that the young girl could see and communicate with ghosts. Nor did she think that she would find the girl's elder brother dangling her over a balcony and threatening to drop her. When the girls is dropped (but fortunately caught) the brother is locked in his room only to be found later dead from numerous stab wounds. Worse a detective staying at the hotel was outside but asleep. Now they have to find the killer. Also the ghosts now come out in force wanting the truth behind the fire that killed them to be known. Will they find the killer? Will anyone else die? Will the ghosts get their revenge on the one that killed them? Will anyone of the people staying at the hotel make it out alive and will she acknowledge her psychic powers now?
February 26, 2020
Fake medium Lucia is asked to come to a ski lodge to help Oliver Watson’s daughter Riley. She claims she sees ghosts and since her mother died several weeks ago it has gotten worse. For ten thousand dollars Lucia thinks she can fake it and make good money. But when she gets there, meets Riley, and starts seeing and talking to ghosts, she realizes something is wrong at this place. Then it is show that Riley’s mom was murdered, her brother is murdered, and the workers, Riley and her dad, Lucia and her friend Jazmin, a detective, and an owner of a rival ski lodge are all trapped during a snow storm and one of them is the murder. This book has so many twists and turns. Just when you think the story is done and everything has been resolved, it takes another turn.
June 17, 2018
Haunting and mystifying!
This is the second book in the series and I'm completely hooked!
Lucia is a once known fraud physic, but now she is able to see and talk to the dead.
She is supposed to find out who started the fire that killed forty nine people at the Kings and Queens Inn years ago with a little help from a very dead Odette, all the while protecting Rily. I highly recommend recommend reading this series. To the author Alexandria Clarke, please hurry with the third book!
This is the second book in the series and I'm completely hooked!
Lucia is a once known fraud physic, but now she is able to see and talk to the dead.
She is supposed to find out who started the fire that killed forty nine people at the Kings and Queens Inn years ago with a little help from a very dead Odette, all the while protecting Rily. I highly recommend recommend reading this series. To the author Alexandria Clarke, please hurry with the third book!
October 10, 2020
It’s rare that I don’t finish a book, but this one I just couldn’t get through. The story seemed to start half way through, as though I’d missed the entire first quarter. There was no set up, the characters weren’t drawn at all, and the story was not the spooky ghost story I was looking for.
September 22, 2019
The Haunting of Riley Watson
I read the first half of the book with enjoyment...after that, it went down hill..much too long and became boring. Too much repetition.
I read the first half of the book with enjoyment...after that, it went down hill..much too long and became boring. Too much repetition.
June 30, 2021
This was a really intriguing read, and it had some twists and turns that I did not see coming. A few of times I thought I had it figured out, but I got some of the surprises completely wrong, and once I was technically correct, but got the reasoning all wrong. I’m usually pretty good at guessing what’s coming in ‘haunting’ books, since most of them follow fairly predictable patterns and have certain expected tropes. So when something in one catches me completely by surprise, I’m always going to applaud that.
That said, there were some important choices made by key characters, especially after the survivors reached their second destination (trying so hard to avoid spoilers) that just did not make any sense to me. The choices were framed as being key to unraveling the mystery, or important moves in the chess game, but I couldn’t see what they were trying to accomplish or how they connected back. I did break from the book for a few days when I switched devices and had to get set up again, so maybe I forgot something important and the errors are mine and not the authors. When it comes to plot holes, unless there’s absolutely no way to fix them, I’m going to give the author the benefit of the doubt when I can, and assume I missed something.
Also, I really appreciated that this was longer than many of the horror ebooks I’ve been reading lately. They usually feel like the conclusions were rushed, that there was a page count that had been met and couldn’t be exceeded, and so the book ended wherever that mark happened to land. This extended about a third past where I was afraid it was going to end, to truly finish telling the story, and I felt like it was a completed book rather than 2/3s of one. Absolutely, applause for that!
That said, there were some important choices made by key characters, especially after the survivors reached their second destination (trying so hard to avoid spoilers) that just did not make any sense to me. The choices were framed as being key to unraveling the mystery, or important moves in the chess game, but I couldn’t see what they were trying to accomplish or how they connected back. I did break from the book for a few days when I switched devices and had to get set up again, so maybe I forgot something important and the errors are mine and not the authors. When it comes to plot holes, unless there’s absolutely no way to fix them, I’m going to give the author the benefit of the doubt when I can, and assume I missed something.
Also, I really appreciated that this was longer than many of the horror ebooks I’ve been reading lately. They usually feel like the conclusions were rushed, that there was a page count that had been met and couldn’t be exceeded, and so the book ended wherever that mark happened to land. This extended about a third past where I was afraid it was going to end, to truly finish telling the story, and I felt like it was a completed book rather than 2/3s of one. Absolutely, applause for that!
July 3, 2019
Lucia Star is a fake psychic with a huge youtube following. When her landlord interrupts filming of her recent show and exposes her as a fraud, Lucia doesn’t know what she is going to do. But luck would have it, she gets a call from a desperate father. His daughter is a huge fan of Lucia and is going through some weird things since the death of her mother. He will pay Lucia to stay at his ski lodge for a week plus a huge bonus if he can find out what is wrong with his little girl.
Trying to not give herself away as a fraud, Lucia does her best to work with Riley Watson only to discover that the girl can see ghosts. What is more frightening is that Lucia discovers she is a bit psychic after all. When an old secret about the ski lodge comes to light, Lucia finds herself in danger and coming face to face with a few ghosts. Are they friendly or out to harm her and Riley?
When I picked up this book, I did not realize it was part of a series. But that is okay as it worked just fine as a stand-alone. There was a great deal of mystery, intrigue, a bit of horror, lots of suspense, and an ending that I was not expecting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Trying to not give herself away as a fraud, Lucia does her best to work with Riley Watson only to discover that the girl can see ghosts. What is more frightening is that Lucia discovers she is a bit psychic after all. When an old secret about the ski lodge comes to light, Lucia finds herself in danger and coming face to face with a few ghosts. Are they friendly or out to harm her and Riley?
When I picked up this book, I did not realize it was part of a series. But that is okay as it worked just fine as a stand-alone. There was a great deal of mystery, intrigue, a bit of horror, lots of suspense, and an ending that I was not expecting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2021
I enjoyed the previous books by Alexandria Park so it was a no brainer for me to pick this up when I saw it was also authored by her. And I am glad it did not disappoint. There were so many twists and turns that each time I thought the book was already over I was surprised to find another twist that led to more surprises! There were characters that I thought were surely mainstays like Detective Hawkins . Although I sort of figured out who the villain really was, it was already pretty much 70% into the book. And I still did not know how the villain played things out, just that I knew who it was. This would have been a 5 star rating but as with the other books, there were areas that needlessly recapped prior events like maybe it was another book reminding me of what happened in book one. But it was just one book! So, you know. I got offed by that. But overall, a great read! Will continue looking for books by this author.
July 8, 2023
If you are into spirits, read this
In an overview I liked the story line.
The story was mostly, well written; however there are some glaring mistakes, as well as, overwriting. About a third of the way in, the author, decided to go over the reason as to why the main character was where she was at. It was like you were reading the second book with the same character and reminding the reader of the connection of the first book. Not only was this once, but done over and over. I got confused when I came upon it the first time, and had to look at my page number on my Kindle to see how far in I was. I mean that I wasn't even halfway through when the author repeated herself the first time. The ending left me confused also, with it being said, over and over, about the characters "best friend" I didn't expect the last chapter. If you can get through, what I call overwrites, than it's a decent novel.
In an overview I liked the story line.
The story was mostly, well written; however there are some glaring mistakes, as well as, overwriting. About a third of the way in, the author, decided to go over the reason as to why the main character was where she was at. It was like you were reading the second book with the same character and reminding the reader of the connection of the first book. Not only was this once, but done over and over. I got confused when I came upon it the first time, and had to look at my page number on my Kindle to see how far in I was. I mean that I wasn't even halfway through when the author repeated herself the first time. The ending left me confused also, with it being said, over and over, about the characters "best friend" I didn't expect the last chapter. If you can get through, what I call overwrites, than it's a decent novel.
December 31, 2020
Here, all along I thought this, the second book in the "set" and the final one. But as it turns out, there is more to discover. Not sure about that, but I did enjoy these first 2 books very much.
I was disappointed in that this part of the story came to a somewhat happy ending, it did not fully explain some pretty important things. I think I figured it out without it being written out in black and white, but I prefer to have all the loose ends tied up, instead of coming to my own conclusions, especially when I think I'm finishing the story, only to find out I'm being left out on a limb to some degree.
It was a fun story to read, and I did enjoy it, but I don't like being "teased" along, and I felt these first two books from this story did just that.
I was disappointed in that this part of the story came to a somewhat happy ending, it did not fully explain some pretty important things. I think I figured it out without it being written out in black and white, but I prefer to have all the loose ends tied up, instead of coming to my own conclusions, especially when I think I'm finishing the story, only to find out I'm being left out on a limb to some degree.
It was a fun story to read, and I did enjoy it, but I don't like being "teased" along, and I felt these first two books from this story did just that.
March 10, 2022
I enjoyed the book a great deal. The characters were well rounded. None were "all good" nor "all evil."
The descriptions of Crimson Basin make me want to vacation there especially if I can have one of those suites and an open charge account. The author even made me want to learn to ski.
There are some grammer issues and the cover art for the haunted houses series never matches the stories. Those are my pet peeves.
I've noted corrections in my highlights should Alexandria Clarke wish to make revisions at some point. I have seen the lack of editing quite often in this book series no matter the author.
I'm retired and would love to proof read for any author for free.
All together, I loved the book and am looking for a sequel.
The descriptions of Crimson Basin make me want to vacation there especially if I can have one of those suites and an open charge account. The author even made me want to learn to ski.
There are some grammer issues and the cover art for the haunted houses series never matches the stories. Those are my pet peeves.
I've noted corrections in my highlights should Alexandria Clarke wish to make revisions at some point. I have seen the lack of editing quite often in this book series no matter the author.
I'm retired and would love to proof read for any author for free.
All together, I loved the book and am looking for a sequel.
March 25, 2022
Best in the Series!
I have been reading the Riveting Haunted House Mystery Series for a while now and so far, this book is my absolutely favorite in the series! The premise was awesome, the plot line, cohesive, the character development incredible, the details, well executed. It was the perfect marriage between paranormal, thriller, mystery, and even a bit of romance and love thrown in. Other reviews mentioned a “Nancy Drew” or “Young Adult” feel and while there are moments in this book that do feel a bit amateur, overall, I was hooked through the whole thing! There were plenty of creepy spots, lots of twists and turns, and even a few surprises! I didn’t really want this book to end and now that it has, I hope the author writes a sequel!
I have been reading the Riveting Haunted House Mystery Series for a while now and so far, this book is my absolutely favorite in the series! The premise was awesome, the plot line, cohesive, the character development incredible, the details, well executed. It was the perfect marriage between paranormal, thriller, mystery, and even a bit of romance and love thrown in. Other reviews mentioned a “Nancy Drew” or “Young Adult” feel and while there are moments in this book that do feel a bit amateur, overall, I was hooked through the whole thing! There were plenty of creepy spots, lots of twists and turns, and even a few surprises! I didn’t really want this book to end and now that it has, I hope the author writes a sequel!
April 17, 2021
LOVED THIS NOVEL!!
“The Haunting of Riley Watson” by Alexandria Clarke is a masterfully crafted haunted house novel unlike others of this genre. This novel combined book 0 & book 1 into this 500+ page story. The 2 books were woven together so well I wouldn’t have known that there were 2 books.
The novel had so many sub plots that worked together seamlessly, & made for a 5-star read that I’ll remember for a long time. I’ve read a number of Ms. Clarke’s novels through the years, but this one was her best. There were also some funny parts intermingled within the story that had me laughing. Read it & find out for yourself.
“The Haunting of Riley Watson” by Alexandria Clarke is a masterfully crafted haunted house novel unlike others of this genre. This novel combined book 0 & book 1 into this 500+ page story. The 2 books were woven together so well I wouldn’t have known that there were 2 books.
The novel had so many sub plots that worked together seamlessly, & made for a 5-star read that I’ll remember for a long time. I’ve read a number of Ms. Clarke’s novels through the years, but this one was her best. There were also some funny parts intermingled within the story that had me laughing. Read it & find out for yourself.
March 14, 2022
2 stars only because I actually finished. I don't know why I kept reading. I am usually a book a week reader and this book took me a month and a half to finish. The editing was terrible "WHO IS HEATHER???" and at one point the narration said Lucia was talking to a character who literally just died but it meant to say another character's name. The big reveal was ridiculously far fetched and the 2nd half off the book really went off the rails. It's too bad because I did enjoy the first half of this book. It also could have been about 250 pages shorter.
July 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
Review for The Haunting of Riley Watson
Absolutely amazing! This book hooked me from the start with its eerie atmosphere and constant twists and turns. Just when you think you know what’s happening, it throws you off balance and keeps you glued to the pages.
Riley is a great, complex character, and the mix of psychological and paranormal elements is done so well.
I’m giving it 4.5 stars only because a few chapters dragged a bit, but overall, it’s an edge-of-your-seat, chilling read I highly recommend!
Review for The Haunting of Riley Watson
Absolutely amazing! This book hooked me from the start with its eerie atmosphere and constant twists and turns. Just when you think you know what’s happening, it throws you off balance and keeps you glued to the pages.
Riley is a great, complex character, and the mix of psychological and paranormal elements is done so well.
I’m giving it 4.5 stars only because a few chapters dragged a bit, but overall, it’s an edge-of-your-seat, chilling read I highly recommend!
January 13, 2023
this book was very good (after I got into it) at first I didn't think I would like it but it really picked up after the first couple of chapters. I liked the way Lucia really got into helping Riley and it showed she wasn't really all for show. I liked all the characters and the way the parts with the ghosts wasn't really too scary but part of the story. I think I would enjoy reading another book by Ms. Clarke.
March 9, 2023
This was one of the top novels out of the Haunted House Mystery series. Although I felt that it was lengthier than I would’ve liked, it was interesting and unique. The characters were well formed and there was great moments of intensity and suspense. The ending fell a little flat. After all of the leading events, I was expecting much more from the plot twist. Overall, it was well written and kept my interest.
July 4, 2019
This is an intriguing haunting story with strong characters. It starts out slowly but picks up a few chapters in. The author does a great job bringing a multitude of characters , living and dead , and building the suspense ,keeping you guessing. It does end in a cliffhanger. I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
April 27, 2021
This book had lots of twists and turns I didn't see coming. I do think that in some places it rambled, almost to pad things out I did however enjoy it and would have given it 5 stars except I found the main character Lucia so annoying. In fact she got on my nerves all the way through which rather detracted me from the story line.
May 14, 2021
Well where do I start? I absolutely loved this book! I love a good ghost story and this was exactly that. It had everything - spooky and scary atmosphere, great characters that you want to be best friends with, a murder mystery with twists and turns that kept you guessing right to the end. Well written. I will certainly be reading more books by Alexandria Clarke.
July 4, 2021
Very fast paced and fun to read
Our ghost hunter is a complicated character her interaction with the ghosts is an Alexandria Clarke speciality. There is an underlying sense of humor in the writing. The main character is very human in her reactions to the living and her relationship with her best friend and young Riley. There are some very scary spooks too.
Our ghost hunter is a complicated character her interaction with the ghosts is an Alexandria Clarke speciality. There is an underlying sense of humor in the writing. The main character is very human in her reactions to the living and her relationship with her best friend and young Riley. There are some very scary spooks too.
July 11, 2021
Good ghost story.
This turned into a very good read. A good old ghost story with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing up to the last chapter. Good, strong and likeable characters. A good narrative that kept up the pace all the way through. Will definitely be reading more from this author.
This turned into a very good read. A good old ghost story with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing up to the last chapter. Good, strong and likeable characters. A good narrative that kept up the pace all the way through. Will definitely be reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews