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The Liberty Key
Set in fictional Hamilton, Maine and focuses on Spencer, who buys a house to fulfill a promise to his deceased wife and child, who he lost tragically years prior. Shortly after moving in he learns that his house has the ability to heal and restore itself. When he finds a skeleton key that has powers of its own, he uncovers dark secrets about the house's past and is taken on a journey that forces him to confront the darkness within himself.
324 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2020
1 person is currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Goodwin
26 books124 followersMichael R. Goodwin is the author of THE LIBERTY KEY, a novel of supernatural suspense, SMOLDER, a horror novella, and ROADSIDE FORGOTTEN, a collection of five short stories. His collection of short stories, HOW GOOD IT FEELS TO BURN, was released by Dark Pine Publishing, and he has released several standalone short stories.
His work has been featured in multiple anthologies such as "124 Beloved" by Regulus Press, "Lunatic Lullabies" by Pyke Publishing, "October Blood" by Hawke Haus, "Devil's Rejects" by Dark Pine Publishing, and "The Sacrament" by Dark Lit Press. Aside from writing, he enjoys reading, composing music, and photography.
He lives in Maine with his wife and four children.
His work has been featured in multiple anthologies such as "124 Beloved" by Regulus Press, "Lunatic Lullabies" by Pyke Publishing, "October Blood" by Hawke Haus, "Devil's Rejects" by Dark Pine Publishing, and "The Sacrament" by Dark Lit Press. Aside from writing, he enjoys reading, composing music, and photography.
He lives in Maine with his wife and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 5, 2022
The Liberty Key by Michael Goodwin
Written with sled-assured confidence Michael Goodwin tackles big themes and trauma with a deft hand.
The Liberty Key follows Spencer as he moves into his new house, the house his wife and daughter would have consider their dream house…if they were still alive. Sadly, due to a drunk driver they are gone and Spencer is trying to move on. Michael Goodwin handles Spencer’s grief expertly, showcasing an ability to leave the reader devastated with single sentence.
To make this book even more a delight is where Michael takes this story. Yes, The Liberty Key is a haunted house story but unlike any other that I know of. I’d recommend not going in expecting ghosts and ghouls. Michael’s writing goes deeper than that, his house reminding me similar to that of Joe Hill’s in in his Locke and Key series. Yes, there are horrors here and yes there is supernatural magic but it’s the human heart that drives this story making it truly unique in the sub-gene of horror.
Written with sled-assured confidence Michael Goodwin tackles big themes and trauma with a deft hand.
The Liberty Key follows Spencer as he moves into his new house, the house his wife and daughter would have consider their dream house…if they were still alive. Sadly, due to a drunk driver they are gone and Spencer is trying to move on. Michael Goodwin handles Spencer’s grief expertly, showcasing an ability to leave the reader devastated with single sentence.
To make this book even more a delight is where Michael takes this story. Yes, The Liberty Key is a haunted house story but unlike any other that I know of. I’d recommend not going in expecting ghosts and ghouls. Michael’s writing goes deeper than that, his house reminding me similar to that of Joe Hill’s in in his Locke and Key series. Yes, there are horrors here and yes there is supernatural magic but it’s the human heart that drives this story making it truly unique in the sub-gene of horror.
November 13, 2021
Supernatural, redemptive grief horror at its best!
The story just flows so beautifully and keeps you turning the pages!
Spencer Crosley is drawn to the old fixer-upper house that's for sale. Against his Realtors advice he purchases the house entitled The Liberty House. All things happen for a reason and the alignment of the past with the present is no coincidence in this story. So grab the skeleton key over the door and welcome home.
"I thought I had picked out the house. I thought that I owned it. Instead I had been picked. It was the house that owned me."
"A house that heals wounds"
(I don't usually do this in comparing authors but fans of Michael Clark with his Patience of a Dead Man trilogy will really appreciate Michael R Goodwins style of writing. It has that same easy, gets you into the storyline and doesn't let you go. Although the two authors both have the "haunted house" theme in common the stories are different. So if you like one you should check out the other.)
#michaelrgoodwin
@michaelrgoodwin
The story just flows so beautifully and keeps you turning the pages!
Spencer Crosley is drawn to the old fixer-upper house that's for sale. Against his Realtors advice he purchases the house entitled The Liberty House. All things happen for a reason and the alignment of the past with the present is no coincidence in this story. So grab the skeleton key over the door and welcome home.
"I thought I had picked out the house. I thought that I owned it. Instead I had been picked. It was the house that owned me."
"A house that heals wounds"
(I don't usually do this in comparing authors but fans of Michael Clark with his Patience of a Dead Man trilogy will really appreciate Michael R Goodwins style of writing. It has that same easy, gets you into the storyline and doesn't let you go. Although the two authors both have the "haunted house" theme in common the stories are different. So if you like one you should check out the other.)
#michaelrgoodwin
@michaelrgoodwin
November 9, 2021
I am so happy to have found #indieauthor Michael R. Goodwin! I recently read his horror anthology How Good it Feels to Burn where he showed his ability to write many variations of horror in short story form. The Liberty Key is a paranormal horror/suspense about a house that heals itself along with the effects of using this power. This was my first full-length novel of his and won't be my last!
This book was evenly paced and kept me engaged and interested throughout the whole thing. The characters were well-developed and I really felt the pain and grief of our MC Spencer over the loss of his wife and daughter. The house itself is its own character in a way and I love that. There is an underlying message that really comes to the front at the end and it is simply beautiful.
There is very minimal gore in this but plenty of eerie events that is perfect for someone wanting a spooky read with a great message.
This book was evenly paced and kept me engaged and interested throughout the whole thing. The characters were well-developed and I really felt the pain and grief of our MC Spencer over the loss of his wife and daughter. The house itself is its own character in a way and I love that. There is an underlying message that really comes to the front at the end and it is simply beautiful.
There is very minimal gore in this but plenty of eerie events that is perfect for someone wanting a spooky read with a great message.
March 7, 2021
I finished this book in the wee hours of the morning... I had to know what was coming... how it all would end. This is a great story. There was this uh-oh moment where you know “no good is going to come of this!” My brain kept trying to unravel possible twists. I love a book that keeps me going, makes me try to sort it out, wonder what is going to happen next. But then... I woke up this morning thinking about it and I think there’s an even deeper meaning. For me, anyway.
May 4, 2021
“What an odd feeling it is to know your life has just changed, and to be excited for what is to come instead of wishing for what it used to be.” -Spencer
A supernatural story in which you immediately feel welcome and are interested in how this story will unfold.
This is so well written, it felt like I was wearing VR goggles, walking through the scarcely decorated Liberty House, listening to the silence after items (no spoilers or hints) fell to the floor. I could feel myself tense up, leaving me on edge.
The beginning and the end of the book will have you wound up with anticipation with the middle lulling you into a comfort zone as you hang out with your new found friends.
Spencer, Jacob, and Angie have been through tough times, and Jacob knows he has a brain tumor and only has about 6 months to live. These characters become your friends and you can only stand by and watch as they poke the bear that is Liberty House, and get sucked further down the spiral.
A supernatural story in which you immediately feel welcome and are interested in how this story will unfold.
This is so well written, it felt like I was wearing VR goggles, walking through the scarcely decorated Liberty House, listening to the silence after items (no spoilers or hints) fell to the floor. I could feel myself tense up, leaving me on edge.
The beginning and the end of the book will have you wound up with anticipation with the middle lulling you into a comfort zone as you hang out with your new found friends.
Spencer, Jacob, and Angie have been through tough times, and Jacob knows he has a brain tumor and only has about 6 months to live. These characters become your friends and you can only stand by and watch as they poke the bear that is Liberty House, and get sucked further down the spiral.
May 11, 2021
I don’t think I’ve read a book quite like The Liberty Key. It was so refreshing and intriguing. It’s not just a supernatural suspense novel but also a look into human nature. What would you do and how far would you go when you find out what the house can do? An excellent, well written story that draws you in and makes you care about the characters.
August 18, 2020
'Your next best Literary Horror read'
The Liberty Key is an enthralling, intriguing, and dense piece of Horror literature, full of mystery and unfolding flecks.
The author knits a novel plot in the genre, executed through first person narrative to suck the reader in horror atmosphere.
Every slight moment, every little detail grips the reader, which makes for 'an un-putdownable read'
Michael's descriptions and prose not only send chills down your spine but straight away shakes up your soul.
Cover to cover immersive with its captivating horror and layered plot.
Highly recommended to the readers of well-written Horror fiction. A treat for the lovers of 'King' himself.
Looking forward to future works of Michael R. Goodwin
The Liberty Key is an enthralling, intriguing, and dense piece of Horror literature, full of mystery and unfolding flecks.
The author knits a novel plot in the genre, executed through first person narrative to suck the reader in horror atmosphere.
Every slight moment, every little detail grips the reader, which makes for 'an un-putdownable read'
Michael's descriptions and prose not only send chills down your spine but straight away shakes up your soul.
Cover to cover immersive with its captivating horror and layered plot.
Highly recommended to the readers of well-written Horror fiction. A treat for the lovers of 'King' himself.
Looking forward to future works of Michael R. Goodwin
October 22, 2020
A MUST READ! Fantastic orginal story! This story is about a man who tragically lost his wife and to fulfill a promise to her he buys a house. Not long after moving into the house he realizes the house has a unique ability. As he begins to learn more about the house he starts his own journey of self learning and healing. The characters are beautifully written. There are definitely some creepy parts that keep you guessing right up to the end. I highly recommend this book!
November 17, 2024
This was a good read from Michael. I'd give it a 3.5 rating because I've read more recent work from him and believe he has improved his writing since this novel. The book gives off a mix of Pet Sematary and The Dark Half. There's a creepy aspect that keeps you flipping the pages without realizing it. I rounded it up to a 4 because he's definitely an author to check out. Don't be afraid to read someone new. You'll never know what you'll find.
October 7, 2020
An excellent work of supernatural suspense, The Liberty Key is part thriller, part mystery, part ghost story. The mystery of Liberty House intrigued me from the start, and as more and more layers of detail and experience were added to the story, I literally felt my heartbeat racing at times, reading the words and flipping the pages as quickly as possible to find out just what exactly was going on.
The characters are all well written, and the main character is beautifully developed as we experience along with him the grief of his past, the turmoil of his present, and the cautious hope for his future.
Liberty House has a power hidden within it, and that power will pull you into the heart of its story and hold you there as surely as if you were locked inside a particular corner bedroom, waiting and watching with fear and wonder to see what happens next.
The characters are all well written, and the main character is beautifully developed as we experience along with him the grief of his past, the turmoil of his present, and the cautious hope for his future.
Liberty House has a power hidden within it, and that power will pull you into the heart of its story and hold you there as surely as if you were locked inside a particular corner bedroom, waiting and watching with fear and wonder to see what happens next.
December 31, 2023
5/5!! I loved this book.
Such a great story with many layers built into the narrative interweaving all the characters and subplots into the Liberty House.
Michael R. Goodwin writes amazing horror stories, this book is not different in talent and prose. The difference between The Liberty Key and his more recent stores is this book lean more into supernatural suspense, rather than, horror.
I completely recommend this book. Even if you’re more of a horror reader this book will not let you down.
Such a great story with many layers built into the narrative interweaving all the characters and subplots into the Liberty House.
Michael R. Goodwin writes amazing horror stories, this book is not different in talent and prose. The difference between The Liberty Key and his more recent stores is this book lean more into supernatural suspense, rather than, horror.
I completely recommend this book. Even if you’re more of a horror reader this book will not let you down.
December 14, 2020
The Liberty Key by author Michael R Goodwin is when a house meets a person. This isn’t so much a paranormal story as it is the house is the living thing.
One of my favorite lines right at the beginning of the story, “I thought I picked the house... instead I had been picked.” Right off the bat, you know this isn’t just any old haunted house story. This is different while still giving that same unsettling feeling as any other good ghost story could give you.
What I really love about this story is while it does deal with horrific and scary elements, it also is about Spencer’s handle of his life, his new friends, and finding new love. It’s because of this that makes me want to go back and read it again. You feel for the character, you deal with his love and loss, and then we rely on a house that may not be as wonderful as it seems.
If you’re looking for a good horror story with an awesome plot and characters, then this is your story. I can’t recommend it enough.
One of my favorite lines right at the beginning of the story, “I thought I picked the house... instead I had been picked.” Right off the bat, you know this isn’t just any old haunted house story. This is different while still giving that same unsettling feeling as any other good ghost story could give you.
What I really love about this story is while it does deal with horrific and scary elements, it also is about Spencer’s handle of his life, his new friends, and finding new love. It’s because of this that makes me want to go back and read it again. You feel for the character, you deal with his love and loss, and then we rely on a house that may not be as wonderful as it seems.
If you’re looking for a good horror story with an awesome plot and characters, then this is your story. I can’t recommend it enough.
November 3, 2020
Captivating story. Couldn’t put it down!
June 9, 2025
Awesome book! Very well written.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews