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Troubled Spirits #2
Helme House
Inspired by a haunting true story...
When Rowan and her family move into the 1800s home nestled in the woods on a bluff near Lake Michigan, she's looking forward to a summer reprieve. However, she soon discovers that Helme House harbors dark secrets including people who have vanished from the house and never been found.
As Rowan digs into the history of Helme House a series of troubling experiences soon become deadly.
Helme House is the second stand-alone novel in the Troubled Spirits Series-where paranormal fiction meets true crime.
Do you believe in ghosts?
When Rowan and her family move into the 1800s home nestled in the woods on a bluff near Lake Michigan, she's looking forward to a summer reprieve. However, she soon discovers that Helme House harbors dark secrets including people who have vanished from the house and never been found.
As Rowan digs into the history of Helme House a series of troubling experiences soon become deadly.
Helme House is the second stand-alone novel in the Troubled Spirits Series-where paranormal fiction meets true crime.
Do you believe in ghosts?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2021
563 people are currently reading
1082 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Erickson
39 books933 followersJ.R. Erickson writes novels that blend murder mysteries with haunted houses. Her Northern Michigan Asylum series are novels of paranormal suspense inspired by a real former asylum in Traverse City. Her current books, the Troubled Spirits series, are all inspired by real crimes, which she covers in her true crime podcast, Bitter Endings.
Jacki is a lifelong lover of all things spooky, and started penning scary stories in childhood. She grew up in Mason, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology. These days, Jacki resides near Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, son, and three cats.
Jacki is a lifelong lover of all things spooky, and started penning scary stories in childhood. She grew up in Mason, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology. These days, Jacki resides near Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, son, and three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
February 25, 2026
Inspired by a haunting true story...When Rowan and her family move into the 1800s home nestled in the woods on a bluff near Lake Michigan, she's looking forward to a summer reprieve. However, she soon discovers that Helme House harbors dark secrets including people who have vanished from the house and never been found. As Rowan digs into the history of Helme House a series of troubling experiences soon become deadly.
Rowan has had a really bad year. She has postpartum depression as well as dealing with the death of her beloved father.
I really wanted to call her out on this, but she went ahead and agreed with Garrett, her husband, that a summer in an old, secluded house on Lake Michigan where the previous owner disappeared is just the cure for all her troubles. At this point I was almost sure that she must have had "rocks in her head", or maybe too much to drink and wasn't thinking straight. Can anyone but me hear the music start up and telling you that this is anything BUT a good idea?
Rowan had barely got in the door unlocked before she begins to smell strange smells, hearing things that have no visible source, and of course seeing things that only she can see. Of course, we knew that her husband wouldn't smell, hear, or see anything out of the ordinary. She wonders if maybe she's going crazy.
This book had a creepy setting and an overly realistic feeling. Then I learned that it should have these feelings since it was inspired by a true story...an event that had happened. In 1961 there was an actual disappearance in Massachusetts, making this not only a haunted house story but also an actual cold-case mystery based on the disappearance of a real woman those many years ago. Finding this out gave the entire story an entirely different feeling. I felt sympathy for the actual living, hopeful still breathing, woman that provided the essence for the story...but I really wanted Rowan and her husband to leave this house and lock the door...or better yet just burn the whole cursed thing to the ground. If you like cold-case mysteries with a bit of the supernatural entwined, you will love meeting Rowan.
Rowan has had a really bad year. She has postpartum depression as well as dealing with the death of her beloved father.
I really wanted to call her out on this, but she went ahead and agreed with Garrett, her husband, that a summer in an old, secluded house on Lake Michigan where the previous owner disappeared is just the cure for all her troubles. At this point I was almost sure that she must have had "rocks in her head", or maybe too much to drink and wasn't thinking straight. Can anyone but me hear the music start up and telling you that this is anything BUT a good idea?
Rowan had barely got in the door unlocked before she begins to smell strange smells, hearing things that have no visible source, and of course seeing things that only she can see. Of course, we knew that her husband wouldn't smell, hear, or see anything out of the ordinary. She wonders if maybe she's going crazy.
This book had a creepy setting and an overly realistic feeling. Then I learned that it should have these feelings since it was inspired by a true story...an event that had happened. In 1961 there was an actual disappearance in Massachusetts, making this not only a haunted house story but also an actual cold-case mystery based on the disappearance of a real woman those many years ago. Finding this out gave the entire story an entirely different feeling. I felt sympathy for the actual living, hopeful still breathing, woman that provided the essence for the story...but I really wanted Rowan and her husband to leave this house and lock the door...or better yet just burn the whole cursed thing to the ground. If you like cold-case mysteries with a bit of the supernatural entwined, you will love meeting Rowan.
September 18, 2022
3.5 stars
Although I really liked the ghost aspect of this, I felt it was a bit cliché to have the depressed wife, who just had a baby, seeing things and no one believing her.
It got a bit tiring that everyone simply thought she was under a lot of stress.
Still creepy though.
Although I really liked the ghost aspect of this, I felt it was a bit cliché to have the depressed wife, who just had a baby, seeing things and no one believing her.
It got a bit tiring that everyone simply thought she was under a lot of stress.
Still creepy though.
December 28, 2022
Helme House took me on a terrifying journey. I was honestly spooked a few times as more than one thing goes bump in the night. Heroine Rowan’s life has literally been in a blender the past year and she needs to decompress. She suffers from postpartum depression after having her daughter a year ago during a very dangerous birth. Most recently her father passed and she more than needs to get away from it all. Unfortunately spending the summer at Helme House won’t exactly be the paradise her husband hopes for. Once they set foot in the house Rowan’s reality is tested beyond belief and she spirals into discovering every single thing she can about the house. Sure she’s a reporter and naturally inquisitive but the deeper she digs into the disappearances and deaths plaguing the house, the more her sanity and lives of her family are in danger. I was creeped out more than once and any mention of ghost children or a long haired crawling chick on the ground will forever freak me out. How the hell Rowan stays sane (arguable I guess 🤣) night after night still confounds me. This was a wonderful and terrifying read that will make sure you’re feet are tucked in tight at night and lights remain in the ON position!!!
August 2, 2021
Another great paranormal thriller by this author.
The story stars when Garrett, Rowan and her baby Queen move to Helme House. Rowan is taking some time away from her job as reporter while his husband works in the renovation of the house. She needs the time-off to recover from post-partum depression and the death of her father, but things don't go as she expected. Soon she'll find herself investigating not only the story of the house but the one about the unsolved desaparition of a young woman that happened years ago while strange events make her begin to doubt her safety... and her sanity.
This is superbly written ghost story, suspensful and with a pace that keeps accelerating as the plot advances. But what makes it so enticing are the characters, particularly Rowan. Her grief, her fears, her doubts are realistic and make it easy to empathize with her. And the end! The end is simply great!
Krystal Hammond's narration is wonderful.
The story stars when Garrett, Rowan and her baby Queen move to Helme House. Rowan is taking some time away from her job as reporter while his husband works in the renovation of the house. She needs the time-off to recover from post-partum depression and the death of her father, but things don't go as she expected. Soon she'll find herself investigating not only the story of the house but the one about the unsolved desaparition of a young woman that happened years ago while strange events make her begin to doubt her safety... and her sanity.
This is superbly written ghost story, suspensful and with a pace that keeps accelerating as the plot advances. But what makes it so enticing are the characters, particularly Rowan. Her grief, her fears, her doubts are realistic and make it easy to empathize with her. And the end! The end is simply great!
Krystal Hammond's narration is wonderful.
November 1, 2024
Was vollkommen anderes als ich erwartet hatte. Weder Horror noch irgendwie gruselig wie vom Klappentext her gedacht...
Konnte mit den Charakteren nicht wirklich warm werden und auch sonst leider doch vorhersehbar.
Konnte mit den Charakteren nicht wirklich warm werden und auch sonst leider doch vorhersehbar.
April 29, 2021
J.R. Erickson weaves together a compelling mystery/ghost story. Our main character Rowan is on sabbatical from her job and follows her husband to live in the house that he is being paid to renovate, Helme house.
J.R Erickson can create her worlds very well, with alot of description that really helps set the scene for later. I felt at times certain parts were too slow but from reading a previous book this author had wrote - I knew to stick around as when everything falls into place its so worth it. The suspense and mystery deepens the more you turn the page.
I just loved Rowan, her husband and her daughter. They were all so cute together. What I really noticed was that J.R Erickson crafts very realistic characters who act as you would expect them to, leading you to emphasize with them. She can capture grief, raw terror and issues many people face. This mystery/ghost story is actually quite realistic - almost like a movie.
There are links in here to her Northern Michigan asylum books but you do not need to read those at all to enjoy Helme house. Returning readers, this will excite you and for new readers discovering these books, it will make you want to go read those ones.
I also thought there could have been more of the spooky element and atmosphere. Honestly the parts that were in there are done so well! Chills down your spine well. But also, as there is a mystery to uncover here it needs to be balanced and this was done really well - the investigation stuff was cool! I enjoyed when Rowan got passionate.
Am I going to read some more? Yes, most definitely.
I give this four stars and I received this ARC for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
J.R Erickson can create her worlds very well, with alot of description that really helps set the scene for later. I felt at times certain parts were too slow but from reading a previous book this author had wrote - I knew to stick around as when everything falls into place its so worth it. The suspense and mystery deepens the more you turn the page.
I just loved Rowan, her husband and her daughter. They were all so cute together. What I really noticed was that J.R Erickson crafts very realistic characters who act as you would expect them to, leading you to emphasize with them. She can capture grief, raw terror and issues many people face. This mystery/ghost story is actually quite realistic - almost like a movie.
There are links in here to her Northern Michigan asylum books but you do not need to read those at all to enjoy Helme house. Returning readers, this will excite you and for new readers discovering these books, it will make you want to go read those ones.
I also thought there could have been more of the spooky element and atmosphere. Honestly the parts that were in there are done so well! Chills down your spine well. But also, as there is a mystery to uncover here it needs to be balanced and this was done really well - the investigation stuff was cool! I enjoyed when Rowan got passionate.
Am I going to read some more? Yes, most definitely.
I give this four stars and I received this ARC for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
January 1, 2023
I was really invested in this story. The way this story is written will make you question what is real and what isn't and I loved the writing style for that. There were also scenes that were absolutely terrifying and I would be listening to the audio at night and there would be some scenes where I had to put the book down for the night because I was scared that if I kept listening it would give me nightmares. I discovered this series this year and I have enjoyed almost all of the books in this series and I can't wait to continue reading and enjoying more books from this series and author in 2023!
January 28, 2024
Very intriguing story
A husband, wife and baby daughter move into Helm House. While the husband works on restoration projects for a friend, the new mom takes the time to get used to to the changes that have occurred in her life. Until something in the house calls out to her…
A husband, wife and baby daughter move into Helm House. While the husband works on restoration projects for a friend, the new mom takes the time to get used to to the changes that have occurred in her life. Until something in the house calls out to her…
April 30, 2023
Good except I'm kinda confused. Was the house haunted or was it the guy the whole time?
August 14, 2023
Rowan has had a very trying year - she gave birth to a daughter named Quinn and suffered from some postpartum issues and then the sudden death of her father. Hoping a change of scenery will help her cope, she and her family move to Helme House to help with a restoration project. Almost immediately, strange things start to happen such as phantom smells and black shadows begin to haunt her. As she researches the history of the house and the former owner that went missing. She discovers that the house harbors many secrets and she won't stop until she discovers them.
I picked up this book because I was in the mood for a creepy ghost story and this one fit the bill. It had the perfect atmosphere of a normal appearing house, mysterious events surrounding the house, and a main character who is directly affected. At the beginning of the story, the author states that she uses the mysterious disappearance of Joan Risch, who disappeared and left a kitchen covered in blood behind as an influence, outside of the odd mention of blood appearing in the house, I did not see the influence anywhere. That being said, I enjoyed this book and will read others by this author.
I picked up this book because I was in the mood for a creepy ghost story and this one fit the bill. It had the perfect atmosphere of a normal appearing house, mysterious events surrounding the house, and a main character who is directly affected. At the beginning of the story, the author states that she uses the mysterious disappearance of Joan Risch, who disappeared and left a kitchen covered in blood behind as an influence, outside of the odd mention of blood appearing in the house, I did not see the influence anywhere. That being said, I enjoyed this book and will read others by this author.
January 8, 2023
Helme House is a paranormal thriller book by J.R. Erickson.
Garrett and Rowan move into a house by the Michigan Lake named Helme House for the summer. Rowan is a reporter has been suffering from post partum depression since the birth of her baby Quinn while Garrett is a renovations guy who has taken up the Helme House job provided by his friend Alan.
Everything goes well for a week when suddenly Rowan starts seeing some pretty terrifying things all over the house. Garrett dismisses this all as her imagination but Rowan being a journalist decides to get to the bottom of it.
This was very fast paced and well written, it was immensely succesful in creating the eerie atmosphere the author aimed at and I was definitely terrified for more than a few instances. The book had me constantly on edge fearing for the safety of Rowan and her family.
BUT, i did not much like the psychic tbh. I am just very uncomfortable with that direction of thinking at all and Rowan being a journalist, I had expected her to go down a more scientific route. The book nonetheless surprised me with it's ending and I was disturbed by
3 stars.
Garrett and Rowan move into a house by the Michigan Lake named Helme House for the summer. Rowan is a reporter has been suffering from post partum depression since the birth of her baby Quinn while Garrett is a renovations guy who has taken up the Helme House job provided by his friend Alan.
Everything goes well for a week when suddenly Rowan starts seeing some pretty terrifying things all over the house. Garrett dismisses this all as her imagination but Rowan being a journalist decides to get to the bottom of it.
This was very fast paced and well written, it was immensely succesful in creating the eerie atmosphere the author aimed at and I was definitely terrified for more than a few instances. The book had me constantly on edge fearing for the safety of Rowan and her family.
BUT, i did not much like the psychic tbh. I am just very uncomfortable with that direction of thinking at all and Rowan being a journalist, I had expected her to go down a more scientific route. The book nonetheless surprised me with it's ending and I was disturbed by
3 stars.
August 25, 2025
CREEPY!!
March 15, 2024
I'm so sad that I didn't like this story very much after really enjoying the first book in this series. I just couldn't connect to Rowan and I didn't much like any of the characters in this book aside from baby Quinn. This book largely focuses on Rowan's mental health issues she is suffering from after the death of her father and the traumatic birth of her child all in a single year and very little about the paranormal aspect of the house. If you like grief horror and unreliable narrators then you'll like this story too but it's just not for me.
I really like the writing style of the author so I'm going to read the next installment.
I really like the writing style of the author so I'm going to read the next installment.
October 18, 2021
I read Helme House over two days much like I did the first book in the Troubled Spirits books. You don't need to have read Dark River Inn first, although you will briefly encounter Dan in this book and Sally.
I did enjoy Helme House but not as much as Dark River Inn. I had a few issues with Row, she drove me insane and I do get she had possibly PND plus bereavement (These are not spoilers and things mentioned early on the book), but I just felt at times this was concentrated on far more than say the actual story of Helme House and what was happening. In fact so much so that as the book should have been approaching the climax at around the 75-80% mark I was beginning to wonder when things were all going to happen. To conclude, it was a rushed ending I felt. Yes all the boxes were ticked I believe and things answered, yet I felt again the mystery was just a small side story and the real story was about Rowan getting through everything. A shame really as I'd have preferred it the other way.
Still a solid story though and again I enjoyed the initial insert regarding the story being based partially on a true mystery. I've already downloaded the next book onto my kindle as like this one they are on Kindle Unlimited so free if you subscribe (And fairly short at around 250 pages so nice quick reads). A 3.5 for me, I didn't love it but felt this was well written still.
I did enjoy Helme House but not as much as Dark River Inn. I had a few issues with Row, she drove me insane and I do get she had possibly PND plus bereavement (These are not spoilers and things mentioned early on the book), but I just felt at times this was concentrated on far more than say the actual story of Helme House and what was happening. In fact so much so that as the book should have been approaching the climax at around the 75-80% mark I was beginning to wonder when things were all going to happen. To conclude, it was a rushed ending I felt. Yes all the boxes were ticked I believe and things answered, yet I felt again the mystery was just a small side story and the real story was about Rowan getting through everything. A shame really as I'd have preferred it the other way.
Still a solid story though and again I enjoyed the initial insert regarding the story being based partially on a true mystery. I've already downloaded the next book onto my kindle as like this one they are on Kindle Unlimited so free if you subscribe (And fairly short at around 250 pages so nice quick reads). A 3.5 for me, I didn't love it but felt this was well written still.
June 2, 2021
Helme House is a trip into the world of J. R. Erickson's Troubled Spirits collection. Rowen, Garrett and their one year old daughter, Quinn, are spending the summer at Helme House while Garrett remodels it for a good friend. Rowen gets caught up in the story of a young woman who went missing from there years before. As a reporter, she gets pulled into the case since it was never solved. Eventually she starts to uncover more mysteries surrounding the house, and even experiences some weird occurrences herself. Fearing for her sanity and safety, Rowen is determined to get her family out before it's too late.
The storyline is fast-paced and well written, filled with mystery, intrigue and danger. The characters are well developed and engaging. Quinn is just so cute, you'll want to snuggle her right off the pages. Overall, a very compelling book, filled with twists and turns to keep you perched on the edge of your seat.
The storyline is fast-paced and well written, filled with mystery, intrigue and danger. The characters are well developed and engaging. Quinn is just so cute, you'll want to snuggle her right off the pages. Overall, a very compelling book, filled with twists and turns to keep you perched on the edge of your seat.
November 12, 2021
Sorry, had to quit reading 1/2 way into this book. I just could not relate to anything this self-important , and irrationally paranoid young mother, who is excusing her shortcomings and inability to cope with her own life, by blaming all on others, and an unfair 'system'. This was only the second book in my life left unfinished by me, :(
August 28, 2024
And so my journey continues with Helme House. He paints a great image of the house and the mood of the atmosphere. I had bought the entire series after the 1st book and this one did not disappoint.
July 7, 2024
DNF - This was too much of a slow burn for me. Nothing really interesting happened in the four chapters I read. I also didn't relate to the characters so I didn't care about them. It made it hard to read this. I tried to do so twice and both times I lost interest.
March 5, 2026
Love this series. This book was very intriguing.
July 11, 2024
Inspired by a haunting true story...
When Rowan and her family move into the 1800s home nestled in the woods on a bluff near Lake Michigan, she's looking forward to a summer reprieve. However, she soon discovers that Helme House harbors dark secrets, including people who have vanished from the house and have never been found.
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It didn't capture me right at the beginning.
I don't know the true story, but I never found out what story it was.
I understand if you're going through a loss, but this was meant to be a haunted house story, not a script for a Lifetime movie. It could have been a thrilling scream fest if there had been as much focus on the haunting as on Rowan's father. It felt more like a mystery about missing a person than a ghost story. But it was so boring. And I think some of the dialogue is pedestrian.
I am tired of the same old 'no one believes the protagonist, and they are insane' bit.
Something random I caught was how often someone had to use the bathroom.
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Narrator is too whispery for me. I mean, I get it if it had been a scary part. But not the whole thing. In particular, in a book featuring numerous male voices, they all seem to sound like the same person, perhaps a young one with various upper respiratory problems. I had to speed it up to get a decent performance. I really hate the way she does Garrett's voice; it sounds like a robot.
When Rowan and her family move into the 1800s home nestled in the woods on a bluff near Lake Michigan, she's looking forward to a summer reprieve. However, she soon discovers that Helme House harbors dark secrets, including people who have vanished from the house and have never been found.
ღღღ´¯`*•.¸¸ღღღ´¯`*•.¸¸ღღღ
It didn't capture me right at the beginning.
I don't know the true story, but I never found out what story it was.
I understand if you're going through a loss, but this was meant to be a haunted house story, not a script for a Lifetime movie. It could have been a thrilling scream fest if there had been as much focus on the haunting as on Rowan's father. It felt more like a mystery about missing a person than a ghost story. But it was so boring. And I think some of the dialogue is pedestrian.
I am tired of the same old 'no one believes the protagonist, and they are insane' bit.
Something random I caught was how often someone had to use the bathroom.
ღღღ´¯`*•.¸¸ღღღ´¯`*•.¸¸ღ
Narrator is too whispery for me. I mean, I get it if it had been a scary part. But not the whole thing. In particular, in a book featuring numerous male voices, they all seem to sound like the same person, perhaps a young one with various upper respiratory problems. I had to speed it up to get a decent performance. I really hate the way she does Garrett's voice; it sounds like a robot.
May 1, 2021
I loved the Northern Michigan Asylum books, so much so, that I looked forward to reading the Troubled Spirits books. J.R. Erickson does not disappoint. Helme House is a wonderful paranormal mystery. Rowan, her husband Garrett, and their daughter Quinn move to the house to spend the summer. Garrett has been hired to renovate the house and Rowan is taking a much-needed sabbatical from her journalism career to heal from her postpartum depression and the lost of her father. When she learns that the previous owner had just disappeared, Rowan begins to research the case. As she delves into the history of the house, it pulls Rowan into its supernatural web, causing everyone around her to think she is struggling with severe depression. As the mystery deepens, Rowan begins to question her own sanity. Helme House is a well-written nail-biter, pulling you in from the first page on its roller coaster ride. A chilling incredible read. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
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May 24, 2021Couldn't put this book down
J.R. Erickson continues to have a negative impact on my sleep because I have to keep going to find out what happens next. Just like with her Northern Michigan Asylum series, I can't put the books down for the Troubled Spirits series. Helme House follows Rowan, a journalist on sabbatical staying with her baby and husband Garrett in a beautiful lake house while Garrett does renovations. Rowan gets pulled into the history of the house including the more recent disappearance of the previous owner. This story has the perfect amount of creepiness to keep you wanting more. Is it Rowan's struggles with postpartum depression followed by the loss of her father that are sabotaging her ability to enjoy the summer and heal? Or is the supernatural energy in the house trying to help or hurt Rowan and her family? Definitely some unexpected twists in the end.
J.R. Erickson continues to have a negative impact on my sleep because I have to keep going to find out what happens next. Just like with her Northern Michigan Asylum series, I can't put the books down for the Troubled Spirits series. Helme House follows Rowan, a journalist on sabbatical staying with her baby and husband Garrett in a beautiful lake house while Garrett does renovations. Rowan gets pulled into the history of the house including the more recent disappearance of the previous owner. This story has the perfect amount of creepiness to keep you wanting more. Is it Rowan's struggles with postpartum depression followed by the loss of her father that are sabotaging her ability to enjoy the summer and heal? Or is the supernatural energy in the house trying to help or hurt Rowan and her family? Definitely some unexpected twists in the end.
April 30, 2021
Rowan has had a rough year, with postpartum depression and the sudden death of her beloved father. She agrees with her husband Garrett that a summer in an old secluded house on Lake Michigan where the previous owner disappeared is just the cure. This is where the music in your head clues you in that this is definitely not a good idea. Rowan immediately begins smalling things, hearing things, seeing things that of course Garrett does not. Is she going crazy? This book had a contemporary setting and a realistic feeling. It was inspired by a true story of a disappearance in Massachusetts in 1961. Not only is this a haunted house story it is a cold-case mystery about the disappearance of the woman 35 years ago. Join Rowan in investigating this. You will love it! Thanks to the author for giving me an early copy. I can't wait for book 3 in this series.
January 5, 2023
It was nice to see Daniel Webb appear again! Always love the adventure and NPC-vibe J. R. Erickson gives me from the people being interviewed for information. I appreciated the author’s perspective on Rowan’s potential Postpartum Depression; in fact, I felt like the mystery was a side-story to Rowan’s actual mental health journey. I didn’t mind it, as it was very well-written, I just think I may have preferred it being the other way around.
I do wish I had more closure with Rowan telling her husband about her encounters with Eddie and whatnot. I also felt like the mysteries in this one wasn’t really being pieced together along the way, if that makes sense? We were being given information, but it didn’t help progress forward much. The ending felt rushed. Overall, it kept my attention and really appreciate this author’s work!
I do wish I had more closure with Rowan telling her husband about her encounters with Eddie and whatnot. I also felt like the mysteries in this one wasn’t really being pieced together along the way, if that makes sense? We were being given information, but it didn’t help progress forward much. The ending felt rushed. Overall, it kept my attention and really appreciate this author’s work!
December 14, 2022
Rowan and her husband and their baby move into a house by the lake for the summer. Her husband is fixing it up. What should be a nice time away from regular life becomes a nightmare for Rowan. She hears and sees things that no one else does. A few episodes and everyone in the family is convinced she is unstable and maybe even a danger to the family. Rowan knows she's not crazy and is on the search for the truth. That puts her in real danger. I felt for Rowan. I wanted to scream for her. It was all really happening to her! But I also couldn't blame those in her life. That was until it was really dangerous. I don't want to give anything away. Another great mystery in this series. Didn't see the outcome coming!
September 1, 2023
Slow Start
This book has a slow start. But if you can drag through the first half it is worth it. A stressed reporter suffering from post partum depression and overwhelming grief from the death of her father, joins her husband for a lake hiatus. He is restoring a foreboding mansion where the previous owner disappeared. The house has a dark history and the reporter is not sure whether it is haunted or she is losing her mind.
The first half is a drag. Too much contrived cuteness with the kid. Gets old fast. But the second half improves with a satisfying ending. Identified the killer quickly but still enjoyed the unfolding. 2.5 stars
This book has a slow start. But if you can drag through the first half it is worth it. A stressed reporter suffering from post partum depression and overwhelming grief from the death of her father, joins her husband for a lake hiatus. He is restoring a foreboding mansion where the previous owner disappeared. The house has a dark history and the reporter is not sure whether it is haunted or she is losing her mind.
The first half is a drag. Too much contrived cuteness with the kid. Gets old fast. But the second half improves with a satisfying ending. Identified the killer quickly but still enjoyed the unfolding. 2.5 stars
May 1, 2024
A great mystery
I love these books in this series. These are inspired by true stories and they tell you that true story in the beginning.
This one involves a woman who disappeared and all that was found was blood everywhere. It was determined that she ran away and staged it.
Years later, a couple moves into the house to flip it. The wife starts seeing strange things and is determined to find out what happened to the girl who lived in Helm House. So good. Full of mystery and paranormal stuff that I could not put it down. Definitely check this series out you will not be disappointed.
I love these books in this series. These are inspired by true stories and they tell you that true story in the beginning.
This one involves a woman who disappeared and all that was found was blood everywhere. It was determined that she ran away and staged it.
Years later, a couple moves into the house to flip it. The wife starts seeing strange things and is determined to find out what happened to the girl who lived in Helm House. So good. Full of mystery and paranormal stuff that I could not put it down. Definitely check this series out you will not be disappointed.
April 28, 2021
I love this series. It’s inspired by true mysteries that you can check out on your own. Then the author adds a touch of the paranormal and great fictional characters. Each is a stand alone novel but if you read one, you’ll want to read the others!
Rowan has had a bad year. She suffers terrible post partum depression since her daughter’s birth. Her father, who she adored, died. She can’t remember a day without tears. Sometimes she thinks she’s really losing it.
When her husband gets a job renovating a fantastic home on Lake Michigan, they both think this change of place is the best thing for her.
Until disturbing things begin to happen. Is it Rowan’s mind? The house? Or could someone really be trying to harm her and her family?
Rowan has had a bad year. She suffers terrible post partum depression since her daughter’s birth. Her father, who she adored, died. She can’t remember a day without tears. Sometimes she thinks she’s really losing it.
When her husband gets a job renovating a fantastic home on Lake Michigan, they both think this change of place is the best thing for her.
Until disturbing things begin to happen. Is it Rowan’s mind? The house? Or could someone really be trying to harm her and her family?
November 24, 2021
If you’re all like me, you’re probably always searching for the next great horror read and novelist, and are constantly being left feeling disappointed.
I stumbled across this author due to my Kindle app suggesting one of her books, and I started it with minimal expectations. Figured it would be a mind number and time passer.
Well, two books into the series, I am IMPRESSED. This is an author of the level of Grady Hendrix or King.
Wonderfully researched, plausible and great for mystery lovers. I usually can figure out “who’s done it” within a few chapters, but the twists in these leave you guessing, along with some genuinely chilling moments.
I’m going to finish these, and then start reading her other books. Very surprised she hasn’t gotten a major book deal yet.
I stumbled across this author due to my Kindle app suggesting one of her books, and I started it with minimal expectations. Figured it would be a mind number and time passer.
Well, two books into the series, I am IMPRESSED. This is an author of the level of Grady Hendrix or King.
Wonderfully researched, plausible and great for mystery lovers. I usually can figure out “who’s done it” within a few chapters, but the twists in these leave you guessing, along with some genuinely chilling moments.
I’m going to finish these, and then start reading her other books. Very surprised she hasn’t gotten a major book deal yet.
January 1, 2022
This is the 2nd book of J. R. Erickson’s new series. These books are always spooky and make you wonder how very real spirits can be. There was something really wrong with the Helme House. Once Rowan moved in, she began to experience strange noises, smells and visions. Because was already experiencing some postpartum depression, the house only got more scary. As Rowan began to investigate a young woman’s disappearance, Rowan’s mental health began to deteriorate even more. The end of the book was completely shocking. You will have to read the book to decide for yourself.
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