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Within These Walls
Charity Fellner thought she had found the man of her dreams. After getting away from a would-be assailant her freshman year of college, she thought no one would be able to break down the mile-high walls she had built around herself.
Still stuck in a shell, Charity returns to campus to test the water by taking a single summer course. It was there that she found him. Professor Cameron St. James was unlike any man she had ever met before. He was forward yet gentle, kind yet demanding. He knew what Charity needed and would give it to her even if she tried to fight it. Charity, however, didn't put up much of a fight; there wasn't any denying Cameron's charm. The fact that he was temporary made him even more appealing. Cameron only taught one summer class at the University of Southern California. Once summer came to an end, he would head back to Maine, where he lived full time and Charity could forget all about him.
That's not how it happened. Cameron did head back to Maine, but Charity joined him. This wasn't the life she envisioned for herself. She was going to be someone. A high-powered woman who wouldn't have to depend on anyone, that was the dream anyway. Dreams change, and Charity was in love; she would welcome her new life with open arms.
Knowing no one and having never visited Maine, Charity settled into the enormous estate Cameron called home. It had been in his family for generations, built by his great grandfather. There was no denying its beauty, but there was also something sad about the vast unused land. Hundreds of acres now surround her, the nearest neighbor miles away. Charity was never a social butterfly but being out here all alone felt wrong—almost heartbreaking. Charity tried to put all of her insecurities behind her and fully focused on her new family's every need.
Without even realizing it, years fly by, and Charity has become some sort of recluse. Sure, she got out on occasion. She would visit her mother in California during the summer while Cameron worked. She hosted the occasional dinner party, but the guest were all Cameron's friends and acquaintances. Charity never took the time to make a life and friends of her own. Charity makes herself a promise that she will try harder. Try to fit in, try to make friends, try to be a part of the community that she has refused to accept for far too long.
The promise that Charity made to herself was shattered before it could see the light of day. Trying to surprise her husband upon returning from his summer away, she got a surprise of her own. Friends had gathered for an evening of cocktails and chatter at the St. James home. Late into the night, after most had left, Charity slept when something woke her suddenly. When she investigated the sound, what she found sent her world to a crashing halt.
She felt eyes on her at every turn; silent voices whispered secrets in her ear that she did not want to believe. Secrets crawled out of invisible graves, making themselves known and unavoidable. Confusion settled like dust all around her. Will she be able to clean up the destruction, or will the enigmas within the walls win?
Still stuck in a shell, Charity returns to campus to test the water by taking a single summer course. It was there that she found him. Professor Cameron St. James was unlike any man she had ever met before. He was forward yet gentle, kind yet demanding. He knew what Charity needed and would give it to her even if she tried to fight it. Charity, however, didn't put up much of a fight; there wasn't any denying Cameron's charm. The fact that he was temporary made him even more appealing. Cameron only taught one summer class at the University of Southern California. Once summer came to an end, he would head back to Maine, where he lived full time and Charity could forget all about him.
That's not how it happened. Cameron did head back to Maine, but Charity joined him. This wasn't the life she envisioned for herself. She was going to be someone. A high-powered woman who wouldn't have to depend on anyone, that was the dream anyway. Dreams change, and Charity was in love; she would welcome her new life with open arms.
Knowing no one and having never visited Maine, Charity settled into the enormous estate Cameron called home. It had been in his family for generations, built by his great grandfather. There was no denying its beauty, but there was also something sad about the vast unused land. Hundreds of acres now surround her, the nearest neighbor miles away. Charity was never a social butterfly but being out here all alone felt wrong—almost heartbreaking. Charity tried to put all of her insecurities behind her and fully focused on her new family's every need.
Without even realizing it, years fly by, and Charity has become some sort of recluse. Sure, she got out on occasion. She would visit her mother in California during the summer while Cameron worked. She hosted the occasional dinner party, but the guest were all Cameron's friends and acquaintances. Charity never took the time to make a life and friends of her own. Charity makes herself a promise that she will try harder. Try to fit in, try to make friends, try to be a part of the community that she has refused to accept for far too long.
The promise that Charity made to herself was shattered before it could see the light of day. Trying to surprise her husband upon returning from his summer away, she got a surprise of her own. Friends had gathered for an evening of cocktails and chatter at the St. James home. Late into the night, after most had left, Charity slept when something woke her suddenly. When she investigated the sound, what she found sent her world to a crashing halt.
She felt eyes on her at every turn; silent voices whispered secrets in her ear that she did not want to believe. Secrets crawled out of invisible graves, making themselves known and unavoidable. Confusion settled like dust all around her. Will she be able to clean up the destruction, or will the enigmas within the walls win?
Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2022
20 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Leigh M. Hall
16 books374 followersLeigh is a believer in fairytales, the kind that keep some people up at night.
She lives in Texas with her family of gremlins and their amazing dogs. Not only does she love the heat, but she is preparing herself just in case there, in fact, will be a hell at the end of all this.
Growing up, she spent most of her time in the land of fictional characters and kept her head buried in a book. With ideas continually running around in her strange mind, she decided to dip her toes into writing.
Leigh published her first novel, Girl Bully (a best-selling psychological thriller), in 2020. Since then, she has published many more intensely dark and captivating novels. Many of her books can be listened to through Audible and Apple books.
Leigh loves staying in touch with her fans. You can follow her through her newsletter and many social media sites. She is very active in the writing community. You can find her at an in-person signing at any point during the year, including the incredible Wild Dead Wood Reads held during Wild Bills days in South Dakota every summer. She also attends Wanderlust in San Antonio, Texas, an event known for attracting a plethora of different readers.
Over the last few years, Leigh has been very busy building her career as a writer. She is a Houston Writer’s Guild member and an active in-person member/contributor to the 20 books community. She is also a sponsoring author for The Bookworm Box/Bookbonanza, a Texas-based charity bookstore, and event. As of 2022, Leigh is now an associate member of International Thriller Writers (ITW).
She lives in Texas with her family of gremlins and their amazing dogs. Not only does she love the heat, but she is preparing herself just in case there, in fact, will be a hell at the end of all this.
Growing up, she spent most of her time in the land of fictional characters and kept her head buried in a book. With ideas continually running around in her strange mind, she decided to dip her toes into writing.
Leigh published her first novel, Girl Bully (a best-selling psychological thriller), in 2020. Since then, she has published many more intensely dark and captivating novels. Many of her books can be listened to through Audible and Apple books.
Leigh loves staying in touch with her fans. You can follow her through her newsletter and many social media sites. She is very active in the writing community. You can find her at an in-person signing at any point during the year, including the incredible Wild Dead Wood Reads held during Wild Bills days in South Dakota every summer. She also attends Wanderlust in San Antonio, Texas, an event known for attracting a plethora of different readers.
Over the last few years, Leigh has been very busy building her career as a writer. She is a Houston Writer’s Guild member and an active in-person member/contributor to the 20 books community. She is also a sponsoring author for The Bookworm Box/Bookbonanza, a Texas-based charity bookstore, and event. As of 2022, Leigh is now an associate member of International Thriller Writers (ITW).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 13, 2022
This book is totally nuts, lol! Twisty and dark, it had me guessing the entire way through. To know that it the first book in a series made me like it more because the ending had me confused and wanting to know more. If you are into dark thrillers, this might be for you.
May 31, 2022
I thought I knew what I was getting into, having read almost all of Hall's books. I was wrong. This one is on a whole new level. Legit on the edge of your seat, suspense for the entire ride. She creates thrillers in a way you never thought possible. Like you know who the killer is, and you think you know what is going to happen, but she throws you a curveball every time. Everything is revealed to us pretty early on, but for some reason, you want more. That voice in your head is not wrong, as the more you get, the more you want and then some.
I will say that this could be a standalone in true Hall fashion, but I am glad she decided to add more to the story. Biting my nails for the next installment!
I started this one, and could not put it down, highly recommend it to anyone that is in a reading slump or looking for a thrilling ride.
I will say that this could be a standalone in true Hall fashion, but I am glad she decided to add more to the story. Biting my nails for the next installment!
I started this one, and could not put it down, highly recommend it to anyone that is in a reading slump or looking for a thrilling ride.
June 19, 2022
Wow! Stunning, riveting, thrilling, lust, betrayal, secrets, scary old house, revenge…. are but a few words to describe this dark read! I was hooked from the start. The characters are very likeable until they are not! Hold on for dear life as you read because the twists and turns are around every corner. I found myself having to put the book down a few times. I do love a good scare. I can’t wait for book 2!
May 30, 2022
Was this the life of her dreams or a nightmare? This just gripped you and it kept me reading into the night. Charity started out as a college student was attacked and decided to try classes again and took one class with Cameron and that is when they hit it off an she moved with him to Maine. There she really doesn't try to make friends or fit in, she is kind of a loner. There are missing women and many questions that need answers. This is a great suspenseful story. Wonderful story that flowed well and it was so entertaining. Cameron was a good character and Charity was an interesting character also. Together they were good, but there was always questions.
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.
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August 13, 2022Hello beautiful readers!
I want to let you know that Within These walls is the start of my first series. Two more books are in the works.
If you enjoy my books, please connect with me...
Sign up for my newsletter:https://www.leighmhall.com/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighmhall/...
Join my Facebook readers group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/78829...
Like my Facebook authors page: https://www.facebook.com/authorlmhall
I look forward to interacting with you and hearing about what you think of this story.
I want to let you know that Within These walls is the start of my first series. Two more books are in the works.
If you enjoy my books, please connect with me...
Sign up for my newsletter:https://www.leighmhall.com/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighmhall/...
Join my Facebook readers group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/78829...
Like my Facebook authors page: https://www.facebook.com/authorlmhall
I look forward to interacting with you and hearing about what you think of this story.
May 25, 2022
This book grabs you from the beginning and then slowly burns until all the dropped pieces start falling into place to leave you with an image. But... that image is like the reflective bookmarks you have that when turned reveals something more. Something you don't see coming. Until it's too late.
Run, and don't walk to your nearest retailer to grab your copy in time before the 2nd releases. ;-)
I loved the way this ended. Shocked that she chose that ending but loved her braveness in doing so. Looking forward to the second. :-)
Run, and don't walk to your nearest retailer to grab your copy in time before the 2nd releases. ;-)
I loved the way this ended. Shocked that she chose that ending but loved her braveness in doing so. Looking forward to the second. :-)
June 11, 2022
I loved this book- the character development, the story line and the twists and turns of the plot kept me wondering where the story would go. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series…. Highly recommend both this book and the amazing author behind it!!!
June 2, 2022
I NEED to know what happens next!. This book gets you pulled in quick and can't stop reading!
July 27, 2022
I am so glad this story doesn't end.
May 20, 2022
“Sometimes things portrayed as fiction are more accurate than you could imagine.” -Within These Walls
Trying to get past a traumatic event, which involved almost being abducted her freshman year of college, Charity Fellner is trying to get back to some normalcy with the knowledge of the unknown assailant never being caught. She decides to take a summer course to test the waters. Never expecting to meet the man of her dreams, Charity falls for her charming, good-looking, smooth-talking teacher. After falling head over heels for Cameron St. James, it wasn’t long before they were starting a family, getting married, and Charity moving from California to Maine into Cameron’s huge house. Shortly after, Charity realized that not all fairytales end in a happily ever after.
Leigh M. Hall takes you on a thrilling ride throughout this whole book. Despite feeling like I knew who the “bad guy” of the story was, I was still pleasantly surprised by this novel. I could not put this book down, page after page I was biting my nails wanting to know what happened next. My favorite part of the novel was the mind-blowing ending. I love how the author chose a less popular route to end it. I was thrilled to find out, when looking at other titles from this author, that there is a book two that continues the story.
I rate this book four stars and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers that are easy, fast, nail-biting, shorter novels.
Content/Trigger Warnings: physical abuse, kidnapping, sexual abuse, cheating, murder, abduction, and PTSD
Trying to get past a traumatic event, which involved almost being abducted her freshman year of college, Charity Fellner is trying to get back to some normalcy with the knowledge of the unknown assailant never being caught. She decides to take a summer course to test the waters. Never expecting to meet the man of her dreams, Charity falls for her charming, good-looking, smooth-talking teacher. After falling head over heels for Cameron St. James, it wasn’t long before they were starting a family, getting married, and Charity moving from California to Maine into Cameron’s huge house. Shortly after, Charity realized that not all fairytales end in a happily ever after.
Leigh M. Hall takes you on a thrilling ride throughout this whole book. Despite feeling like I knew who the “bad guy” of the story was, I was still pleasantly surprised by this novel. I could not put this book down, page after page I was biting my nails wanting to know what happened next. My favorite part of the novel was the mind-blowing ending. I love how the author chose a less popular route to end it. I was thrilled to find out, when looking at other titles from this author, that there is a book two that continues the story.
I rate this book four stars and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers that are easy, fast, nail-biting, shorter novels.
Content/Trigger Warnings: physical abuse, kidnapping, sexual abuse, cheating, murder, abduction, and PTSD
May 20, 2022
Book 1 in The St James Saga - Definitely looking forward to reading more.
Suspenseful, dark, psychological thriller. College professor/student - instant attraction - fast realtionship.
Charity Fellner has a traumatic past - she was attacked one night, and is slowly trying to get back to"normal." Everything changes after she meets her summer psychology professor - Cameron St. James. Lots of lie and secrets about Cameron, his past, and she really doesn't know a lot about him. Meanwhile, a lot of women go missing or bodies are found, and considering Chastity's attack, she stops being so on edge about her surroundings. Is there a connection between Chastity's attack and the missing women?
Very interesting and intriguing from the start. Didn't know what to expect, but it was definitely not what I thought it'd be like. I don't think I've ever disliked a character as much as I do with Cameron.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Suspenseful, dark, psychological thriller. College professor/student - instant attraction - fast realtionship.
Charity Fellner has a traumatic past - she was attacked one night, and is slowly trying to get back to"normal." Everything changes after she meets her summer psychology professor - Cameron St. James. Lots of lie and secrets about Cameron, his past, and she really doesn't know a lot about him. Meanwhile, a lot of women go missing or bodies are found, and considering Chastity's attack, she stops being so on edge about her surroundings. Is there a connection between Chastity's attack and the missing women?
Very interesting and intriguing from the start. Didn't know what to expect, but it was definitely not what I thought it'd be like. I don't think I've ever disliked a character as much as I do with Cameron.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2022
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites yet. This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up and have loved reading her books from the first one. One of the things I enjoy most about this author is her ability to make her stories come to life with her writing skills. I also enjoy how her attention to details not only make her stories pop but also realistic. I enjoyed how the characters were able to pull me into the story. They are strong, supporitve characters that made the story easy to read. This is a fast paced story that is full of action and twists and turns. An engaging story you don't want to miss. This is a must read story that I highly recommend.
May 20, 2022
Within These Walls is a fairytale that ends with tragedy because nothing was as it seemed. After a whirlwind romance and a move to a new city in Maine, Charity realizes that there are strange things that happen in that place, and the more she learns and searches the less her life seems so rose-colored. Leigh Hall has put together an interesting plot, written in a fast-paced style that got me hooked from the beginning. I read the story fast because I had to learn what happened!
This book is a good start to a new series, and I'll be looking forward to reading the books that will come in it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is a good start to a new series, and I'll be looking forward to reading the books that will come in it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2022
This is a very gripping and thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 20, 2022
I have to say that I have enjoyed all of the books from this author but if you are new to her, I would highly suggest her thriller novels. She has a true knack for pulling you into the story and keeping you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't put this book down and finished in a day. Charity may seem to have it all but behind the beautifully gilded walls lie too many secrets. This story is absolutely amazing and will suck you in and not let you go. I am desperately awaiting the remainder of the story and can't wait to read more. I highly recommend this amazing thriller!!!
May 21, 2022
Having read two other books written by Leigh, I though I knew what I was signing up for... I didn't!!! This book is a fast-paced intense dark thrilling spine chiller, with an ending I just did not see coming... What on earth can I expect from the rest of the series!!! Surely a book true crime enthusiasts will love...
May 17, 2022
A thrilling story with a mystery. The main character leaves everything behind to move with her new husband to a new state. She decides to throw herself into her new community and starts to discover some secrets. Are the secrets that emerge worth seeking? Or is it easier to ignore it? The author does a great job writing this thrilling story.
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.
March 27, 2025
"Within These Walls" is a haunting novel that grips you from the opening chapter. Hall masterfully creates an atmosphere filled with tension and uncertainty, drawing readers into a world where nothing is quite as it seems. Each chapter builds on the suspense, compelling you to keep turning pages with an insatiable curiosity. Just when you think you have it figured out unexpected twists, are truly shocking and will have you reeling long after you finish the book. It’s a story that expertly blends psychological intrigue with chilling moments, ensuring you’ll be left with your jaw on the floor. If you’re in the mood for a dark and engrossing read, this book is definitely worth picking up!
May 19, 2022
This book was captivating from page one, I could not stop reading. This is the first time in my life I got a book on the day it was released and finished it.
July 3, 2022
This is the second book by Mrs. Leigh M. Hall that I have read! Let me just say, this book will sink its teeth in you and keep you pulled into the book til the end!! There are many twists and turns along with gasps! It was cleverly written and the characters, the story line, the plot, the whole thing was a freaking awesome rollercoaster!!! And then there is a second book to this one!!! I can’t wait to dive into that one when it is released also!!!
You can not go wrong with this author on any of her books!!! Love love love !!!
You can not go wrong with this author on any of her books!!! Love love love !!!
January 27, 2023
The book kept me hooked the entire time! Good read with some crazy twist!
June 10, 2022
Within These Walls was a quick read for me. Mainly because I absolutely did not want to put it down and devoured it in one sitting. This book proves you never really know a person and what they are capable of. Keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all time because this one is full of twists and turns!
November 14, 2022
Scary on a whole new level!
Amazing, suspenseful and actually made me hold my breath! What a delicious and scary ride!! Highly recommend this one for a psychological thriller.
Amazing, suspenseful and actually made me hold my breath! What a delicious and scary ride!! Highly recommend this one for a psychological thriller.
May 17, 2022
Beside Capability, this is my next favorite book from this author. The pages held me hostage throughout the duration of the flight, and refused to allow me respite until the last page. Even then, it still has a hold of me, being that this is the first in a series and I must wait until the next two books come out to gain closure.
Charity’s life seems like every girl’s dream: moving to a grand manor with seemingly unlimited funds with a charmingly gorgeous professor. But that’s where the fairytale ends.
Many of us can relate to her and ultimately the strength she finds to fight back.
It was a heartbreaking book and I can’t wait for be further drawn in for what’s in store for us.
Charity’s life seems like every girl’s dream: moving to a grand manor with seemingly unlimited funds with a charmingly gorgeous professor. But that’s where the fairytale ends.
Many of us can relate to her and ultimately the strength she finds to fight back.
It was a heartbreaking book and I can’t wait for be further drawn in for what’s in store for us.
September 8, 2023
this was my first novel by Leigh M Hall but it won’t be my last. Plot twists you won’t see coming are around every corner! This will leave you on the edge of your seat and you will want to read it in one sitting. Hall’s writing is excellent in regards to creating suspense and visual!.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2023
What an incredible tense, dark psychological thriller. Leigh knows how to hook you from page one. The intensity was off the charts. There are so many twists and turns. I absolutely loved it because every time I thought I had figured it out, there was another unexpected turn. I can't say enough about this book. Highly recommend. I love her writing style. I'm blown away.
January 7, 2024
Painful to get through. The editing and grammar issues are pitiful. The style of writing is all over the place. The main character is difficult to connect with. Just... save yourself and skip it. Burned by another free Kindle book.
March 16, 2025
Love the general idea of the book. Hard to connect with the main character and felt she was under developed. And I know this is the start of a series but this book just ended…not even a cliff hanger. Just done…
March 18, 2025
Dark & twisty - Looking forward to #2
May 4, 2025
Very dark and twisted...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews