Dreadful Summer

Hayview Manor #1

by Jordan Elizabeth

Annie Carmichael is excited for the summer. Bonfires, the lake, and peaceful days on the family farm are just what she needs before her hectic, senior year begins. Best of all, her family hires a hot new farm hand who seems more than a little interested in her.

The calm is shattered when her sister's best friend, Nora, disappears, leaving behind her toddler son.

The police are stumped, assuming the young woman simply left Cloverville. Annie's sister knows Nora would never abandon her child. Annie sets out to discover the truth - one she may not want to really know.

106 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2020

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jordan Elizabeth’s DREADFUL SUMMER follows her signature style of edgy, sharp young adult reads that doesn’t pamper its readers or create an overly angst-filled tale as one teen learns how many threats to both her heart and her life there can be. Annie Carmichael hasn’t always had it easy living on a working farm, dealing with her mother’s unhappiness and the disappearance of her sister’s best friend. With the rest of her life coming down around her, she becomes determined to discover what happened to Nora, because she would never have left her baby behind. Little did she know the truth might be worse than never knowing.

What a wonderfully gritty young adult mystery with the proper amount of teen and family issues. Annie is a perfect example of a teen who is mature in so many ways, but definitely not an adult. A nicely detailed mystery with no over-the-top actions but definitely some pretty dark truths about life.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Jordan Elizabeth! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: Hayview Manor - Book 1
Publisher: CHBB Publishing (August 14, 2020)
Publication Date: August 14, 2020
Genre: YA Mystery
Print Length: 106 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's summer, it should be the season of fun but in Annie's world it is the summer Nora disappeared. No one knows where she went or how she disappeared but as little clues begin to surface not all is what it seems. Will Annie be able to figure out what really happened?

This was quick paced and I was anxious to find what really happened. Had a lot of characters and did lead the way to the possibility of new stories. Annie was a great character and I felt the way everything was described I could easily visualize. Great book.

[Donna Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within the first few pages of this book, I felt transported back to my childhood, when summers were endless, people knew all their neighbors and everything seemed exciting and mysterious. When summer vacation stretched endlessly ahead of you and each day was full of fun and promise. But within that bubble of nostalgia, there were family problems, things that weren't so happy and sometimes, feelings of unease and disconnect. The author got it all completely right and I loved this story, and the main character of Annie, so much that I didn't want it to end. The mystery was good, and the ending was awesome, but the real joy in reading this was just reading about Annie, her sisters, her uncles, her family and her life. It may have been a dreadful summer for her, but this was pure reading enjoyment for me. **I volunteered to review a complimentary copy of this book.**

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jordan Elizabeth’s Dreadful Summer lures readers in with the promise of warm-weather bliss but delivers a gripping mystery that turns a sleepy farm town into the setting for a chilling disappearance.

Annie Carmichael is a relatable and grounded protagonist, eager for one last carefree summer before senior year. Her hopes for bonfires and lazy days are quickly upended when Nora, her sister’s best friend, goes missing—leaving behind only her toddler son. From there, the novel peels back the layers of a tightly wound community full of secrets.

Elizabeth’s writing captures the cozy yet slightly claustrophobic vibe of small-town life, where everyone knows each other but not everything is as it seems. The pacing is steady, with rising tension as Annie takes on the role of amateur sleuth. While the addition of a handsome new farmhand provides a dash of romance, the story wisely doesn’t let it overshadow the central mystery. The stakes feel real, especially as Annie uncovers truths that challenge what she thought she knew about the people closest to her.

What stands out most is the emotional complexity of the story. It’s not just a whodunit—it’s about family loyalty, the bonds of friendship, and the lengths one will go to for answers. The portrayal of Nora’s disappearance is handled with sensitivity, keeping readers emotionally invested without veering into melodrama.

A few twists may feel familiar to seasoned mystery readers, and some secondary characters could have used more development. However, the emotional payoff and the satisfying resolution more than make up for it.

Overall, Dreadful Summer is a compelling YA mystery that balances suspense, heart, and a hint of romance—perfect for readers looking for a summer read with depth and intrigue.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 – 4 stars
Dreadful Summer is a young adult mystery that diverges from the typical narratives in the genre. Set against the backdrop of an idyllic small-town farm, the story unfolds with an unsettling undercurrent that hints at a darker reality lurking beneath the surface.
Annie, a determined and relatable protagonist, is driven by an insatiable curiosity to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of her friend Nora. As she embarks on her quest for answers, she finds herself navigating a web of secrets and unexpected revelations that may lead her to confront unsettling truths about her community and herself.
With the warm sun casting long shadows over the fields, this summer turns into an unforgettable adventure filled with intrigue, tension, and self-discovery. The twists and turns that keep you guessing.
For those intrigued by mysteries that blend the charm of rural life with psychological depth, Dreadful Summer promises a story that lingers long after the last page is turned. Dive in to uncover the layers of this tale—it's a journey you won't want to miss.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant way to spend a morning , put housework aside , made a flask of tea , hoarded some snacks and got lost in my read ❣️📕

I think I could relate because my girls are of a similar age so I found myself reading it through their eyes if that makes sense 🤷‍♀️

So summer is out and Annie is looking forward to the chill time before senior year and the added bonus of a young farm hand that’s easy on the eye is an added bonus especially when it seems he’s got eyes for Annie 😉

Things take a dark turn when her sister’s friend Nora disappears , most town folks think she just up and left because she’s gone but her little boy was left and Annie knows for a fact that that’s not Nora and she’s determined to find out what’s happened to their friend .

The family felt real because so many kids have to deal with fighting parents and the worry of divorce , budding new love , worry about friends , secrets that are being protected and just them living life ….

A read I’d happily recommend to my daughters and their friends 😉

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This enjoyable and engaging YA mystery had me hooked throughout. Before Annie starts her senior year she is looking forward to a summer on her family’s farm. She’s dreaming of spending her days at the lake and having bonfires in the evening. Annie is excited by the arrival of a good looking farm hand, especially when he seems just as interested in her. Her peaceful summer comes to an end with the disappearance of her sister’s best friend Nora. Although the police think she’s just left Cloverville, Annie and her sister know Nora would never just abandon her child. Annie decides to investigate Nora’s disappearance herself, but may not be prepared to discover the truth. Annie is a wonderful main character as she’s likeable and relatable, especially to YA readers. I felt immersed in Annie’s world, her family’s farm especially came to life through the descriptive narrative. The mystery element of the storyline along with the plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story.

[Rhonda Pulk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreadful Summer (Hayview Manor Book 1) by Jordan Elizabeth
5 Star Review
Jordan Elizabeth has done it again. This story is easy to read and entertaining with touches of adventure. When the Carmichael children get out of school for the summer, they were looking forward to working the family farm and relaxing. Things just didn’t happen as they thought it would.
When 17 year old Annie meets the new far hand, Sebastian, she is full of nervous young love. Will this be her first boyfriend? The Carmichael girls find themselves in the middle of a missing persons case, when Maer’s best friend Nora suddenly disappears leaving her husband and young child behind. They become obsessed with finding out what happened to her.
This book is full of young love, adventure, fear, and is an emotional roller coaster. Jordan Elizabeth is an amazing author. This book is a brilliant piece of YA and is age appropriate.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short, cozy, YA mystery is a story about family. The characters in this one are real. Sure, the story is told from the perspective of a 17-year old but she seems with it. A family tree might help keep everyone straight. 😁

Annie’s family is on the verge. Her parents won’t stop fighting. Her sister thinks their parents are going to get a divorce. Her oldest sister’s best friend shows up at the house with a black eye. Then she disappears. There is a new farmhand for the summer and he is beautiful. He might have taken a liking to Annie.

The story is quick paced. The hunt for the missing best friend. The budding romance with the farmhand. The drama between Annie’s parents. I don’t want to give anything away. But nothing is what it appears to be.

I hope that these characters find their way into another story. I truly liked this family. It seems they have more to tell, more to do, more love to give.

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreadful Summer is the first book in the Hayview Manor series. It is a Young Adult (YA) mystery with elements of suspense, family dynamics, teen angst, first love, small-town secrets, self-discovery, coming-of-age, and a touch of supernatural. The story centers around Annie Carmichael who is looking forward to a relaxing summer before her senior year, filled with lake days and bonfires. She meets a charming new farmhand, Sebastian, and a romance begins to blossom between them. The tranquility shatters when Annie’s sister’s best friend, Nora, mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind her toddler son. Annie suspects foul play and launches her own investigation, uncovering truths that may be darker than she expected. This story was a short, fast-paced read full of vivid imagery, intriguing twists, and emotional depth. Annie is a strong and mature character, yet she is still very much a teen. The atmospheric farm setting added rich layers to the unfolding mystery.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie is looking forward to the summer before her senior year. She looks forward to spending time around the bonfire, swimming in the lake, and of course time with her family on the farm. Her parents have just hired a farm hand named Sebastian who seems to be smitten with her. Annie is up for a little summer fling.
Her sisters friend Nora arrives and then just as suddenly disappears leaving behind her toddler. Where did she go? It's very unlike her to leave her child behind without checking in. Since the police seem to think she left voluntarily, Annie decides she is going to start investigating Nora's disappearance for herself. Is she ready to find out the truth even if it isn't so pleasant? This story keeps you engaged from page one. You think you have it figured out and then get thrown for a loop and it is not what you expect. I have read other books by this author and have enjoyed those as well. If you like fast paced mysteries with a twist you have found the right book.

[Heidi Eich Woodring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dreadful Summer, the first in the Hayview Manor Series, by Jordan Elizabeth is great young adult mystery that was a great read. Annie, ready to relax before her senior year is ready for lake days and bonfire nights. Right away the she knows that relaxing is not going to be easy. Nora, Anne’s sister friend, is missing. Everyone things she just up and left but leaving behind her toddler son is so unlike her and even worse is her husband did not report her missing right away. Then add in Sebestian, the new farm hand that Annie starts dating. All while this is happening, her parents are fighting more often.

This was a well written short story with characters I like and found well developed. What I enjoyed the most is when you think you know what happened and who did it, BAM, you are thrown into something you didn’t see coming. This is a great YA read that I highly recommend!

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreadful Summer (Hayview Manor Book 1) by Jordan Elizabeth. This is a great Young adult mystery that will keep you flipping pages late in the night. Its the story of Annie who is ready for a great summer. She is going to be a senior next year so its going to be the best year ever and before that the summer is going to be legendary. When Annie's sister's friend , Nora ends up missing leaving behind her toddler son they know they have to help find her. Nora's husband didn't even report her missing right away. About the same time Annie meets Sebastian the new farm hand and they have chemistry. As they begin dating, Annie is also trying to find Nora and the reason she disappeared. Can Annie handle all the added pressure put on her by her new young love and looking for Nora without getting in to a dangerous situation? Such a great short story.

[Rosanna Ingram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie is enjoying the summer before her senior year....the lake, bonfires, and a cute new farmhand, Sebastian, that seems to be into her. However, her carefree days are brought to a halt when Nora, her sister's best friend, disappears and leaves her son behind. Annie knows this isn't just a case of Nora leaving town...so she starts to investigate. However, what she uncovers are secrets that have her questioning what she thought to be true. Will she be able to find out what happened to Nora without her entire world being turned upside down?!?

This is a great story that brought back memories of those long summer days and first love...and also a reminder that everything is not always as it seems. I enjoyed this book and found myself surprised by the twists and turns along the way. It was an entertaining YA mystery!

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Hayview Manor series. This was a gritty YA mystery filled with so many elements that I couldn't stop turning the pages. There was danger, betrayal, family dynamics, young love, heartbreak, and a sense of trying to find yourself in the world.

Annie's summer started off like normal. She worked the farm with her dad and sisters, everything seemed fine until a friend of her elder sister goes missing.
What has happened to her? Is it something sinister or did she just leave?
Add to this the betrayal of her mother which leaves her trying to navigate and new way of life and a romance which isn't all it seems and Annie's summer certainly spirals downhill.

This was an enjoyable read and a great read for YA who like mysteries but it also contains issues that teens deal with which make the characters relatable.

[Tammy Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dreadful Summer by Jordan Elizabeth is book 1 in the Hayview Manor series. This story is about Annie Carmichael’s summer between her junior and senior years of high school. Annie hopes to spend the summer helping out on the family farm, going to the lake and hanging out with friends at bonfires. The summer starts out with a new hunky farm hand being hired. He seems as interested in Annie as she is in him. Things take a turn for the worse when Annie’s sister’s best friend, Nora, goes missing. Nora has a toddler whom she adores and would never abandon. Annie knows something bad has happened. While everyone is wondering what happened to Nora, Annie sets out to find the truth of what happened. This is a great summer read. The characters are well written and the mystery will keep you guessing until the very end.

[Santana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dreadful Summer is the first book in the Hayview Manor series. It is a quick YA mystery with a darker edge, following 17-year-old Annie Carmichael as she tries to uncover the truth behind a local woman’s disappearance. Set in a small town full of secrets, the story blends suspense, teen drama, and a bit of romance. It’s a short, fast-paced read with some good twists and solid atmosphere.

While I enjoyed the tension and the idea behind the story, parts of it felt a little rushed, and I would’ve liked more depth in some of the characters. Still, it kept me turning the pages, and I’m curious to see where the rest of the series goes. I have read some of this author's previous books and I am a fan of their writing but this book felt like it was a bit all over the place. Regardless, if you’re in the mood for a quick, slightly gritty YA mystery, this might be worth checking out.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is by an author that I never hesitate to pick up and have enjoyed reading from the start. This is the first book in a new series for this author and what a great start it is. This is a shorter story where the author did a great job of packing a punch in a short amount of time. This is a story about Anne and her determination to find out what happened to her friend, Nora. She knows that she would never have just up and left town so what happened to her? This is a well written story that is engaging and one I read in one sitting. The characters are connectable and relatable. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout which made the story easy to read. This is a great story that I enjoyed reading and one that I would highly recommend.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Dreadful Summer is the first book in the Hayview Manor series by Jordan Elizabeth. It is a YA mystery with edgy tension, darkish tones, grittiness, family dynamics, teen angst & drama, suspense, intrigue, adventure, and a touch of the supernatural, all wrapped in a coming-of-age story that holds all Jordan Elizabeth’s signature touches while balancing darker, suspenseful undertones, with more lighthearted moments - making it an engaging read.
As this is a novella length book, at 106pages- I don’t want to give too much away and spoil it for you. But is you love YA mystery with an edgy, darker tone, intriguing characters, and a quick and easy read – then this just might be the book for you.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Jordan Elizabeth!

[Ashley Zuehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a YA Small town mystery book from a 17yr old girls view. This book is full of tension and twists, definitely keeps you engaged in the story and keeps you guessing on the edge of your seat. It was a hard to put down page turner! It kept me guessing all the way til the end! It is Book one in the Hayview Manor series. Very quick fun read that will keep your attention! It is a slow burn, fast-paced suspense with great intriguing, relatable characters and great world building! This is my first book by this author, but I really enjoyed it and her way of writing so I look forward to reading more of her books. I would recommend this book to any one of any age looking for a quick fun Mystery read!

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book totally surprised me in the best way. I was really surprised by how easily the author drew me in with so few pages! At first, it feels like the perfect summer book. Think bonfires, lazy days by the lake, and a flirty farm romance that had me smiling. But then, out of nowhere, it took a sharp turn into mystery territory, and I was hooked. Annie is such a relatable main character that is curious, brave, and just trying to enjoy her last bit of freedom before senior year hits. I loved the blend of light, summery vibes with a darker, emotional twist. The mystery kept me guessing and had some genuinely unexpected moments. If you’re into books that mix summer romance with small-town secrets, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

[Brandy Jo Rymer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jordan Elizabeth's Dreadful Summer is the first book in the Hayview Manor series and was such a good short read. It is very dramatic with a dark mystery that is just so sad. Dreadful Summer is a story about a missing woman and the search for answers by her friends and family. They all know there is no way this young mom would leave her 3-year-old son alone with his abusive father. The author does an amazing job weaving the missing woman's history into the story in such a way that you question what may have happened to her and why. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I'm excited to see what's in store for Annie, our main character, who is still finding herself.
@Brandy Rymer
07/2025

[Kimberly Filer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful mystery book. The first in the Hayview Manor Series, and another page turner by Jordan Elizabeth. A quick summer read that is guaranteed to keep you turning those pages. This story is about Anne a young girl who is getting ready for the summer before her senior year of high school. One day Anne's sister's friend Nora disappears, it becomes Anne's goal to find out what happened to her. She knows deep down that Nora would never have just up and left town without her son. The question remains what happened to Nora. This book has a little bit of everything in it, and it keeps your attention right till the very end.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
Dreadful Summer (Hayview Manor Book 1) By Jordan Elizabeth

Dreadful Summer is the first book in the Hayview Manor Series. This mystery kept me turning the pages while trying to figure out what was going to happen next. There’s twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat. The characters are developed relatable and complex. They bring the story to life. This is a shorter story but my goodness it packs a punch . What a great start to this series. I can’t wait to read more from this Author. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next.

[Jessica Godwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intriguing YA mystery that pulls you into a idyllic small town where secrets lurk beneath the surface. When a young woman disappears, leaving her child behind, it's up to teenager Annie Carmichael to uncover the truth, even if it means digging up things no one wants to find. The slow unfurling of details and the gradual tightening of tension, keeps readers on edge as they piece together the fragmented memories alongside Annie. This is a quick, engaging slow burn mystery with relatable characters, suspense, and a strong sense of atmosphere. I look forward to reading the next book.

[Raylene Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a branch out different than what I usually read but I want something a bit different. You have Annie who just finished school and is excited to enjoy her summer on her farm when Nora ( a mom whose little one is babysat by Annie's mom) disappears so on top of a mystery disappearance, we also have a budding friendship with Annie and the new farmhand Sebastian. This books is a sweet mystery full of surprises and a budding relationship with a bit of adventure rolled into for some razzle dazzle! The ending surprised me and I won't give anything away but it threw me for a loop which is hard to do. This was a great little book that I thoroughly enjoyed!

[Brandy L Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Dreadful Summer (Hayview Manor Book 1)" by Jordan Elizabeth is a captivating read that masterfully blends mystery, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural. From the very first page the narrative grips you with vivid descriptions and intriguing characters that leap off the page. The protagonist’s journey through the eerie halls of Hayview Manor is both thrilling and heartfelt, with unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Elizabeth’s writing shines through her ability to create an immersive setting, making the Manor almost a character in its own right. It’s a must-read for fans of atmospheric mysteries with well-crafted characters and an engaging storyline.

[Brittany Shugart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie's family lives on a farm that's been in the family for generations. Annie is looking forward to her summer before senior year in high school. There's a cute new seasonal farmhand. While Annie and her siblings help their dad around the farm, Annie's mom babysits a few kids including Bradley. One afternoon, Bradley's mom, Nora doesn't show up to pick him up. Nora is also one of the close friends of Annie's sister, Maer. Determined to find out where Nora is and what's going on, Annie decides to start looking for clues. Will Annie and Maer find Nora alive or will they be able to lay her remains to rest?

[Heather Knalls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie Cartwright and here sisters live on their family farm with their parents. So it is summer and her mother babysits’s Bradley, whose mother Nora is friends with one of Maer’s friends from high school. They have also hired on Sebastian as a farmhand for the summer. However one afternoon when it was time to pick up Bradley, Nora never showed up. So now she is a missing person, possibly even worse. Her husband Cal is not much help at all either. Will they find Nora alive or can they finally get lay her to rest. What all can go wrong?

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a short read, there is loads of great characters, world-building and engrossing storytelling in this book. Annie was so excited for her summer before her senior year! Her daydreams included friends, gossip, fires, fun, and maybe a bit of that cute new guy her family hired on.

When her sisters friend Nora disappears, the summer of her dreams was out of her hands. Knowing Nora wouldn't abandon her son, Annie's summer changes very quickly. It would be easy to give something away if I went deeper, but it would be a quick read even if it were a full novel. Great YA offering.