What do you think?
Rate this book
A Riveting Haunted House Mystery #17
The Haunting of Coyote Island
A dark secret, a secluded island, and nowhere to run.When author Daisy Dawkins hits a wall of writer's block, she seeks out a retreat at the infamous Coyote Island, home of the reclusive publishing guru Greg Bregoli. Upon her arrival at Bregoli Estate, strange things begin happening to Daisy, but none of the other writers seem to notice the estate's odder qualities. Before long, Daisy is caught between two worlds, the living... and the dead.
308 pages, Paperback
Published June 11, 2020
531 people are currently reading
403 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 27, 2024
The Haunting of Coyote Island is a well-written, horror, mystery story that combines the tropes of their respective genres and sets them in a milieu endemic of both: a writer's annual retreat. Alexandra Clarke does a fantastic job of creating a mood conducive to mysteries and horror, complete with the creaking doors, a ghostly cat, and horrific dreams. This is not my first Alexandra Clarke, so I really should have realized how good it was going to be.
Published writer, Daisy Dawkins, has the sophomore jinx. Her first book was so successful, that the publisher had contracted her to write two more books as a trilogy, but her time is winding down to hand in the next manuscript. She doesn't even have a concept for the continuing story. She elects to go away to a writer's retreat on a resort island to get out of her own head. Little did she know that she was about to take part in a mystery that skates between the perils of everyday life and the profoundly lingering hurts of paranormal beings.
What Clarke creates here is a fascinating story of writers, their sometimes-unsatisfactory encounters with fandom, and the lack of control that they initially have when they endeavor to publish their art. I loved it.
Published writer, Daisy Dawkins, has the sophomore jinx. Her first book was so successful, that the publisher had contracted her to write two more books as a trilogy, but her time is winding down to hand in the next manuscript. She doesn't even have a concept for the continuing story. She elects to go away to a writer's retreat on a resort island to get out of her own head. Little did she know that she was about to take part in a mystery that skates between the perils of everyday life and the profoundly lingering hurts of paranormal beings.
What Clarke creates here is a fascinating story of writers, their sometimes-unsatisfactory encounters with fandom, and the lack of control that they initially have when they endeavor to publish their art. I loved it.
September 23, 2022
I loved it! 4 1/2 stars.
An author goes to a writers retreat to help with her writer's block. I liked the interesting view in writing. While there were ghosts the real spook or threat was quite human. While there was a diverse group of people you only got to know a few. Though that did fit the main character's personality. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I first read this on my kindle I liked it so much that I ordered the physical edition and the next book for my personal library. Still love it.
An author goes to a writers retreat to help with her writer's block. I liked the interesting view in writing. While there were ghosts the real spook or threat was quite human. While there was a diverse group of people you only got to know a few. Though that did fit the main character's personality. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I first read this on my kindle I liked it so much that I ordered the physical edition and the next book for my personal library. Still love it.
November 15, 2021
This story was amazing kept me hooked from beginning to end!
June 10, 2021
A dark secret, a secluded island, and nowhere to run.
When author Daisy Dawkins hits a wall of writer’s block, she seeks out a retreat at the infamous Coyote Island, home of the reclusive publishing guru Greg Bregoli. Upon her arrival at Bregoli Estate, strange things begin happening to Daisy, but none of the other writers seem to notice the estate’s odder qualities. Before long, Daisy is caught between two worlds, the living… and the dead.
When author Daisy Dawkins hits a wall of writer’s block, she seeks out a retreat at the infamous Coyote Island, home of the reclusive publishing guru Greg Bregoli. Upon her arrival at Bregoli Estate, strange things begin happening to Daisy, but none of the other writers seem to notice the estate’s odder qualities. Before long, Daisy is caught between two worlds, the living… and the dead.
April 10, 2021
Nice
It was Nice to read a book about people who wrote the books tell you what you keep on writing them and ill keep on reading them sincerely Christine Dunne Harlingen Texas
It was Nice to read a book about people who wrote the books tell you what you keep on writing them and ill keep on reading them sincerely Christine Dunne Harlingen Texas
June 13, 2020
Very well written
I love the setup. A writer's retreat to help writer's get their mojo back or to help them find it for the first time. The setting is an amazing island with a very sad history. The story is very well written, the characters are full and the main character is on a quest to find herself. Very well written and holds the reader's attention throughout. Highly recommended!
I love the setup. A writer's retreat to help writer's get their mojo back or to help them find it for the first time. The setting is an amazing island with a very sad history. The story is very well written, the characters are full and the main character is on a quest to find herself. Very well written and holds the reader's attention throughout. Highly recommended!
June 18, 2020
This book is part of the Riveting Haunted House Mystery series and follows one hit wonder, author Daisy Devin Hawkins, as her editor and publisher are pushing her to finish writing her sequel to her first ever book, which was a best seller and still in the top ten nearly a year later. She calls it writer’s block, but it is more to do with issues from her book tour and the events that happened during it. Her publisher insisted she use her middle name to make her sci-fi book appear as if it was written by a man and a lot of her readers were annoyed, to say the least, when they realised the author was a woman! To try and get her mojo back, she has signed up for a month long writer’s retreat on Coyote Island. A large estate owned by the Bregoli family and independent publishing giants.
Strange things begin to happen around Daisy and she thinks maybe she is losing her mind, but nobody else seems to be noticing anything odd. There are many secrets being kept on this estate and with unusual events occurring on this secluded island, there is nowhere to go. She still can’t write anything for her sequel and will have a huge penalty to pay if she doesn’t meet her writing contract demands. Even her mentor at the retreat insists she writes something in another genre, which confuses her even more. Add in ghostly appearances and maybe horror should be a good genre to pick. Daisy seems to be stuck in a haunted mansion, seeing what shouldn’t be there and hearing voices directing her into certain actions, passing from the living to the dead.
Another great read from the author and a gentle case of a haunting mystery, with a reclusive publisher running his annual writer’s retreat, for people that have a passion for writing. Something he has done for the last fifty years or so. An easy read, which also lets you learn a bit about writers, publishing and even about the writing process, characters and story outlining. Some fantastic character parodies to amuse as you read and a lovely scenic location. I would recommend any of this author’s book s to others to read. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Strange things begin to happen around Daisy and she thinks maybe she is losing her mind, but nobody else seems to be noticing anything odd. There are many secrets being kept on this estate and with unusual events occurring on this secluded island, there is nowhere to go. She still can’t write anything for her sequel and will have a huge penalty to pay if she doesn’t meet her writing contract demands. Even her mentor at the retreat insists she writes something in another genre, which confuses her even more. Add in ghostly appearances and maybe horror should be a good genre to pick. Daisy seems to be stuck in a haunted mansion, seeing what shouldn’t be there and hearing voices directing her into certain actions, passing from the living to the dead.
Another great read from the author and a gentle case of a haunting mystery, with a reclusive publisher running his annual writer’s retreat, for people that have a passion for writing. Something he has done for the last fifty years or so. An easy read, which also lets you learn a bit about writers, publishing and even about the writing process, characters and story outlining. Some fantastic character parodies to amuse as you read and a lovely scenic location. I would recommend any of this author’s book s to others to read. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
August 1, 2020
I have not read any of the other books listed in this series, but this #17 is a stand alone. So, have you ever had a passion for something, but a traumatic experience somehow dampened, or even extinguished it. Daisy Devin Dawkins' sci-fi novel is a best seller the second it hits the shelves. Her publisher, or real misogynistic, uses her middle name due to its sounding more male, and many male readers are truly angry when they meet Daisy on her book tour. Her horrific experience, for a woman, happens after one of her book signing gigs, and suddenly Daisy can't write.
If she doesn't write the next 2 novels, Barnett Publishing will ruin her for life, so Daisy decides to go to a writers' retreat. She meets an interesting set of characters, and let's say that some of them are not in the realm of the living. Will she find her writing mojo once again, or stay in the land of her own imposed exile?
I gave this book 4 stars as the writer made a few of the mistakes that the writing mentors, in this novel, told their mentees not to do. Practice what is preached.
If she doesn't write the next 2 novels, Barnett Publishing will ruin her for life, so Daisy decides to go to a writers' retreat. She meets an interesting set of characters, and let's say that some of them are not in the realm of the living. Will she find her writing mojo once again, or stay in the land of her own imposed exile?
I gave this book 4 stars as the writer made a few of the mistakes that the writing mentors, in this novel, told their mentees not to do. Practice what is preached.
December 9, 2021
Haunted at a Writing Retreat
The story moved quickly for me, as a lover of literature and writing, because of its subject matter: a creatively constipated writer of a highly successful debut novel is behind on the writing of her follow-up-novel and in danger of losing her advance, her editor, and her contract at the publishing house. Fits and starts end up as crappy work. A last-ditch effort to save her career by attending a Writer’s Retreat at the private island estate of a rival publisher , mentored by a famous author whom the young writer reveres, is just the catalyst Daisy needs. There are ghostly encounters, eerie sounds and visions, but the real dangers are to be found in the living men who see Daisy as a threat to their largely-male-domination of the science fiction/fantasy genre. Daisy gets the writing advice she needs, although not necessarily in the way she envisioned it, and she is forced to face the truth of her resistance to the second novel.
The story moved quickly for me, as a lover of literature and writing, because of its subject matter: a creatively constipated writer of a highly successful debut novel is behind on the writing of her follow-up-novel and in danger of losing her advance, her editor, and her contract at the publishing house. Fits and starts end up as crappy work. A last-ditch effort to save her career by attending a Writer’s Retreat at the private island estate of a rival publisher , mentored by a famous author whom the young writer reveres, is just the catalyst Daisy needs. There are ghostly encounters, eerie sounds and visions, but the real dangers are to be found in the living men who see Daisy as a threat to their largely-male-domination of the science fiction/fantasy genre. Daisy gets the writing advice she needs, although not necessarily in the way she envisioned it, and she is forced to face the truth of her resistance to the second novel.
August 3, 2024
Not at all what I was expecting...
So, I love scary stories, and that is what this one is advertised to be. Truly, one of the scariest parts of the book is the writer's block. Once I got over my disappointment of it not being a scary story (over half way through), I was able to really enjoy this book. I probably never would have read it if I had not been "tricked" into it. With that being said, great trick! This story and its characters came alive for me like no book has for me in a very long time. The way it's written submerged me so much that I felt like I was there and personally meeting and interacting with most of the characters. Except one whose mystery demanded otherwise working perfectly with the story and its characters. I highly recommend this book. It has great character development, and it's a fun ride that will keep you riding happily until the end. I'm looking forward to reading more of this author's books.
So, I love scary stories, and that is what this one is advertised to be. Truly, one of the scariest parts of the book is the writer's block. Once I got over my disappointment of it not being a scary story (over half way through), I was able to really enjoy this book. I probably never would have read it if I had not been "tricked" into it. With that being said, great trick! This story and its characters came alive for me like no book has for me in a very long time. The way it's written submerged me so much that I felt like I was there and personally meeting and interacting with most of the characters. Except one whose mystery demanded otherwise working perfectly with the story and its characters. I highly recommend this book. It has great character development, and it's a fun ride that will keep you riding happily until the end. I'm looking forward to reading more of this author's books.
June 13, 2020
A dark secret, a secluded island, and nowhere to run.
When author Daisy Dawkins hits a wall of writer's block, she seeks out a retreat at the infamous Coyote Island, home of the reclusive publishing guru Greg Bregoli. Upon her arrival at Bregoli Estate, strange things begin happening to Daisy, but none of the other writers seem to notice the estate's odder qualities. Before long, Daisy is caught between two worlds, the living... and the dead.
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.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When author Daisy Dawkins hits a wall of writer's block, she seeks out a retreat at the infamous Coyote Island, home of the reclusive publishing guru Greg Bregoli. Upon her arrival at Bregoli Estate, strange things begin happening to Daisy, but none of the other writers seem to notice the estate's odder qualities. Before long, Daisy is caught between two worlds, the living... and the dead.
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.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2020
Friendly ghosts. Daisy has gone through a lot in a year. The best and worst things happened to her after her book became a bestseller. Now she has a publisher who doesn’t care about her or what she went through. All he cares about is her meeting a deadline for her next book. But because of the trauma she suffered she is afraid to write. As a last ditch effort she goes to an island for a writer’s retreat. There her favorite author becomes her mentor, she meets a new best friend, and several ghosts who help her get through the next few weeks. They help her relax and begin to write again, and help her defeat a stalker. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
July 30, 2021
I made the mistake of reading The Haunting of Bregoli Estate first before this book. But I enjoyed it just the same. Here we will see the character development of Daisy Dawkins overcoming all her trauma with her terrible publisher and the experiences that came with it. I loved that the book has heart but if you are looking for hardcore horror, then this is not the book for you. Nothing scared me from reading it, instead I actually loved the ghosts in this story!
Another great read from Alexandria Clarke! Will surely be reading more of her books!
Another great read from Alexandria Clarke! Will surely be reading more of her books!
July 25, 2021
This was a good book that kept my interest. Although the main character Daisy was a bit too needy and sometimes timid for my taste, I still liked her, plus she seemed to grow as a person as the book progressed. Being a writer myself, I especially liked that the story was about a group of writers gathering in a fantastic mansion for a week of Writer's Retreat. That would be such a cool thing to do, so I enjoyed watching them experience the retreat. Of course, some not so great things happened, along with some nice things. The "haunted" part of the book seemed to make some sense if you have a good imagination and believe in ghosts. I liked the book.
June 20, 2020
Hero's and Ghosts
Daisy is an accomplished writer, but has a severe mental block. Her publisher is demanding a second book that she has no idea where or how to start.
Her sister suggested a writer's retreat and she jumped at it. She calls her editor and she is extremely lucky that there was one vacant spot.
This is a very good book. The characters come to life, and the plot is very well described. You will cheer, cringe, and want to cry throughout the book! I had to give it a five star rating, and I encourage you to read it!
Daisy is an accomplished writer, but has a severe mental block. Her publisher is demanding a second book that she has no idea where or how to start.
Her sister suggested a writer's retreat and she jumped at it. She calls her editor and she is extremely lucky that there was one vacant spot.
This is a very good book. The characters come to life, and the plot is very well described. You will cheer, cringe, and want to cry throughout the book! I had to give it a five star rating, and I encourage you to read it!
January 22, 2022
Readers block
As I began to read this book, I wondered why I choose it. Of course it was part of a series, so I decided to stick it out. To me the beginning did not peak my interest. Reading steadily alittle each night, I began to get immersed in the characters and plot structure. Before long I could not put it down. I wanted more of the hospital trip and police officer Greg called. Upon completion, I was and still hope for a sequel???
Enjoyed the read. Waiting for more out of this author. Note: imagine a pointed figure at your temple. It's there and we are waiting.
As I began to read this book, I wondered why I choose it. Of course it was part of a series, so I decided to stick it out. To me the beginning did not peak my interest. Reading steadily alittle each night, I began to get immersed in the characters and plot structure. Before long I could not put it down. I wanted more of the hospital trip and police officer Greg called. Upon completion, I was and still hope for a sequel???
Enjoyed the read. Waiting for more out of this author. Note: imagine a pointed figure at your temple. It's there and we are waiting.
January 10, 2023
This is a different kind of ghost story where the ghosts aren't scary and the house only is dangerous to those who deserve it. The story involves an author who has writers block and decides to go to a writer's retreat on an island as a last ditch effort to get her creative juices flowing again. At the retreat she meets a sympathetic lesbian writer working on her first novel, a crotchety writing coach, and a big yellow cat, among other things and people. I give the book lots of points for being different than all the other The Haunting of....... books i've read. It was refreshing.
August 14, 2024
I loved it!!
I usually read steamy fantasy about vampires, shifters, and fae, so this book is entirely different from what I’ve read the last 3 years. That being said, I’m so glad I chose something different because this book had me guessing the entire time. There were so many unexpected surprises and happenings that I couldn’t put it down. I read it in one shot in an afternoon, and can’t wait to read another by this author. I’d give more detail but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. I hate it when reviewers do that. I’ll just say it’s a book not to be missed.
I usually read steamy fantasy about vampires, shifters, and fae, so this book is entirely different from what I’ve read the last 3 years. That being said, I’m so glad I chose something different because this book had me guessing the entire time. There were so many unexpected surprises and happenings that I couldn’t put it down. I read it in one shot in an afternoon, and can’t wait to read another by this author. I’d give more detail but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. I hate it when reviewers do that. I’ll just say it’s a book not to be missed.
June 21, 2020
I found that I could not put the book down. The plot advances both the main character's search to get over the events of the past and writer's block as well as the main story very well. Just when I thought I understood what was going on, a twist that kept me reading. The way that the story was written will have me reading her books. For me, when I read the entire book at one sitting, that is an author worth keeping.
'
'
November 27, 2020
The Haunting of Coyote Island (A Riveting Haunted House Mystery Series Book 17)
It was eye opening to read this first story when Daisy took the writers retreat to Bregoli Estates on Coyote Island for the first time. It introduces a variety of characters that show up again in Book 18. Page after page of mystery, ghosts and thrills.
I read Book 18 first since it was in my recommendations.
11/26/2020.
It was eye opening to read this first story when Daisy took the writers retreat to Bregoli Estates on Coyote Island for the first time. It introduces a variety of characters that show up again in Book 18. Page after page of mystery, ghosts and thrills.
I read Book 18 first since it was in my recommendations.
11/26/2020.
July 16, 2021
A Terrific & Enjoyable Read
The Haunting of Coyote Island has the perfect setting for a haunted ghost story to be set in, an old estate on an island. The story draws you in as new writing wannabes attend a month long writing retreat there to hone their skills & become better writers. Ghosts, stalkers, mystery & death abound. Well written & can’t wait to continue reading the series.
The Haunting of Coyote Island has the perfect setting for a haunted ghost story to be set in, an old estate on an island. The story draws you in as new writing wannabes attend a month long writing retreat there to hone their skills & become better writers. Ghosts, stalkers, mystery & death abound. Well written & can’t wait to continue reading the series.
November 10, 2022
Ugh.... Leading character blah
I think the Author is good BUT I hated the main character in this story Daisy . She acted like a spoiled brat most of the time. Other characters were ok but Daisy acted nasty to decent people yet she got a good ending. Anyways I almost stopped reading but I finished.
Author has done other good stories but this one would have been ok if the lead character had a likeable personality BUT she didnt.
Love the cats in story though!
I think the Author is good BUT I hated the main character in this story Daisy . She acted like a spoiled brat most of the time. Other characters were ok but Daisy acted nasty to decent people yet she got a good ending. Anyways I almost stopped reading but I finished.
Author has done other good stories but this one would have been ok if the lead character had a likeable personality BUT she didnt.
Love the cats in story though!
June 14, 2020
The Haunting of Coyote Island is a well written story filled with mystery, suspense, secrets and interesting twists. The writing is descriptive, the story is interesting and the characters are well developed. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
June 16, 2020
The Haunting of Coyote Island
Fleeing writer's block, a stalker, and her abusive publisher, Daisy flees to the yearly Coyote Island's Writer's Retreat. There she gets not what she came for, but everything she needs from the ghost of a long dead woman, a cat and the old man that they watch over.
Fleeing writer's block, a stalker, and her abusive publisher, Daisy flees to the yearly Coyote Island's Writer's Retreat. There she gets not what she came for, but everything she needs from the ghost of a long dead woman, a cat and the old man that they watch over.
June 24, 2020
This is book 17 of A Riveting Haunted House Mystery Series. This was a great book. I loved the storyline and characters. My interest was kept from the start to the finish. A book I didn’t want to put down and would recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2020
The Haunting of Daisy Dawkins by Alexandria Clarke is a book that I have read that makes me go WOW!!!!!! This is book number seventeen in this WOW of a series and I loved it. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about horror, mysteries and thrillers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2020
Quality Writing
I am so impressed with this book. I enjoyed the writing, the character development, and I didn’t flip ahead to read the ending. I loved the unfolding story. I would love to see the further adventures of this but I will instead turn to another of this author’s books.
I am so impressed with this book. I enjoyed the writing, the character development, and I didn’t flip ahead to read the ending. I loved the unfolding story. I would love to see the further adventures of this but I will instead turn to another of this author’s books.
October 25, 2020
A lovely ghost story.
The setting here was so good. A writer’s retreat on an island with a gorgeous mansion. All the talk of the authors trying to improve their craft was interesting and I was completely sucked in before anything remotely ghostly happened. This series is always fun, and I’m about to go read the latest one.
The setting here was so good. A writer’s retreat on an island with a gorgeous mansion. All the talk of the authors trying to improve their craft was interesting and I was completely sucked in before anything remotely ghostly happened. This series is always fun, and I’m about to go read the latest one.
July 24, 2021
A compelling story
As a cat lover this story caught me up immediately. The main protagonist daisy was an amazingly strong woman who never really gave up. The end was absolutely the most satisfying and gave wonderful closure to everything. This story is proof that you don’t need foul language to tell a compelling story.
As a cat lover this story caught me up immediately. The main protagonist daisy was an amazingly strong woman who never really gave up. The end was absolutely the most satisfying and gave wonderful closure to everything. This story is proof that you don’t need foul language to tell a compelling story.
July 28, 2021
I’m a sucker for ghost and mysteries .
It’s hard to be away from home, but worse when there’s a lecherous person invading your space. But if you have a ghost who likes you, it makes life that much more bearable. It’s worth it to be on a mission to finish what you need to and gain back your worth.
It’s hard to be away from home, but worse when there’s a lecherous person invading your space. But if you have a ghost who likes you, it makes life that much more bearable. It’s worth it to be on a mission to finish what you need to and gain back your worth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews