What do you think?
Rate this book
House of Crows #2
Fog Descending
*Running Time => 2 hrs. and 4 mins.*
A grief-stricken spiritualist thought his faith in life after death was broken. Until the ghosts of his past come calling in this short story about memories colored by fear.
Driven by an uncanny mystery from this youth, Ian Randall became a "spiritual cleanser," riding disturbances from homes. But his belief in the beyond was challenged by his wife's death. Merle House, the root of Ian's obsession, could change that. The woods are restless again. Maybe, here Ian will find what he needs - If he's willing to make a deal with the dark.
'FOG DESCENDING' is part of House Crows, a four-part serial about friends with a shared history of darkness. They've spent their lives running, but they can no longer hide from the past. Each story can be read or listened to in a single haunted sitting.
©2020 by Lisa Unger. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
A grief-stricken spiritualist thought his faith in life after death was broken. Until the ghosts of his past come calling in this short story about memories colored by fear.
Driven by an uncanny mystery from this youth, Ian Randall became a "spiritual cleanser," riding disturbances from homes. But his belief in the beyond was challenged by his wife's death. Merle House, the root of Ian's obsession, could change that. The woods are restless again. Maybe, here Ian will find what he needs - If he's willing to make a deal with the dark.
'FOG DESCENDING' is part of House Crows, a four-part serial about friends with a shared history of darkness. They've spent their lives running, but they can no longer hide from the past. Each story can be read or listened to in a single haunted sitting.
©2020 by Lisa Unger. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
2 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 27, 2021
1492 people are currently reading
1385 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Unger
51 books10.7k followersLisa Unger is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of twenty-three novels, including her upcoming release SERVED HIM RIGHT (March, 2026). With books published in thirty-three languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, she is regarded as a master of suspense.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
June 14, 2021
This was the second short story in the four-book continuing serial "House of Crows". This one deals with Ian, one of four childhood friends (Matthew, Mason, Claire) who have a shared history of darkness. He is a spiritual cleanser. Ian used to work with his wife Liz until she died. He has now been hired by a rich couple (the wife really) who want to rid a dark presence from their home…
This was another entertaining and eerie read in this series. There were some very creepy moments, especially dealing with the "Dark Man", who gives people what they desire, as long as they pay his evil price and do what he asks in the end. Now, on to the next story, "Circling the Drain".
This was another entertaining and eerie read in this series. There were some very creepy moments, especially dealing with the "Dark Man", who gives people what they desire, as long as they pay his evil price and do what he asks in the end. Now, on to the next story, "Circling the Drain".
April 16, 2022
Fog Descending (House of Crows #2)
by Lisa Unger, Jonathan Davis (Goodreads Author) (Narrator), James Anderson Foster (Narrator), Frankie Corzo (Narrator)
In this second part of the four part series of House of Crows, we meet Ian, who spent teen summers with Matthew and Claire, on the property of the Merle mansion. Now he's a spiritual cleanser, ridding property of that which interferes with peace and harmony. But with the loss of his wife, he's lost his faith. He's feeling a pull back towards Merle Mansion as the memories of the past haunt him. Now that I'm finished with the series, I'm aware of so much more that I would like to know about Ian. The narration of the stories make the characters stand out, so very well.
Published May 27th 2021 by Amazon Original Stories
This was a Kindle Unlimited selection
by Lisa Unger, Jonathan Davis (Goodreads Author) (Narrator), James Anderson Foster (Narrator), Frankie Corzo (Narrator)
In this second part of the four part series of House of Crows, we meet Ian, who spent teen summers with Matthew and Claire, on the property of the Merle mansion. Now he's a spiritual cleanser, ridding property of that which interferes with peace and harmony. But with the loss of his wife, he's lost his faith. He's feeling a pull back towards Merle Mansion as the memories of the past haunt him. Now that I'm finished with the series, I'm aware of so much more that I would like to know about Ian. The narration of the stories make the characters stand out, so very well.
Published May 27th 2021 by Amazon Original Stories
This was a Kindle Unlimited selection
September 27, 2021
House of Crows Book 2
Picked up where book 1 left off. Jewel, the daughter saw something. More characters are introduced, notably Ian, an old friend of Matthew (mansion owner). Ian does "space cleansing", but after his wife died, does he still believe?
56pages/2 hours, available as part of Prime Reading.
Picked up where book 1 left off. Jewel, the daughter saw something. More characters are introduced, notably Ian, an old friend of Matthew (mansion owner). Ian does "space cleansing", but after his wife died, does he still believe?
56pages/2 hours, available as part of Prime Reading.
April 15, 2023
I am completely engrossed in this series.
I 1000% will be continuing on with the next novella in this series (this is #2). The writing style is enjoyable and so far the mystery level is on point. It definitely has me turning page after KU digital page.
I also love the one sit read. This is a psychological thriller, paranormal mystery. This story is a multi perspective read that toggles from memories past and it is starting to tie those experiences together to bring us present day. Its a delightful unraveling.
If you like one sit reads/novellas surrounded in mystery, give this series a go.
I 1000% will be continuing on with the next novella in this series (this is #2). The writing style is enjoyable and so far the mystery level is on point. It definitely has me turning page after KU digital page.
I also love the one sit read. This is a psychological thriller, paranormal mystery. This story is a multi perspective read that toggles from memories past and it is starting to tie those experiences together to bring us present day. Its a delightful unraveling.
If you like one sit reads/novellas surrounded in mystery, give this series a go.
February 7, 2022
4.5 stars
October 25, 2021
The story really starts to take off in book 2. We get introduced to another member of the childhood quartet of friends while Matthew's story continues. There's a decent amount of back story that gets filled in, as well. Looking forward to see where this goes.
Still not sure about the format of these stories. Serialization doesn't really make sense when all the parts are released at once. Then again, I probably wouldn't have paid $8 for the book, but happily bought four short stories for $1.99 each.
Still not sure about the format of these stories. Serialization doesn't really make sense when all the parts are released at once. Then again, I probably wouldn't have paid $8 for the book, but happily bought four short stories for $1.99 each.
June 23, 2025
Story 3.5 stars**
Audio 4 stars**
Narrators
Jonathan Davis
James Anderson Foster
Frankie Corzo
Audio 4 stars**
Narrators
Jonathan Davis
James Anderson Foster
Frankie Corzo
January 1, 2022
For those who believe, no explanation is necessary. For those who don't, none will suffice.
Thomas Aquinas
They call him The Dark Man.
If you summon him, he will come. If you want something, he will give. He will reward you, but he will ask you to do something in return.
This is the second book of the four book series of House of Crows.
Thomas Aquinas
They call him The Dark Man.
If you summon him, he will come. If you want something, he will give. He will reward you, but he will ask you to do something in return.
This is the second book of the four book series of House of Crows.
June 5, 2021
FOG DESCENDING is part of House of Crows, book 2 in a four-part novella/short story serial by Lisa Unger. This serial is about friends with a shared history of darkness. They’ve spent their lives running, but they can no longer hide from the past. Each story can be read or listened to in a single haunted sitting. All four books in the series need to be read in order.
The House of Crows Series Includes:
All My Darkest Impulses (Book1)
Fog Descending (Book2)
Circling The Drain (Book3)
Love The Way You Lie (Book4)
The House of Crows Series appears to be one long story broken down into four parts. In this second part we follow a spiritualist named Ian Randall, a ghost hunter who talks to spirits and cleans a house. But his belief in the beyond was challenged by his wife’s death. We are also told about the Dark Man that has ties to Ian's past. We also learn about what caused Matthew to lose his job at the university. Claire is debating about returning to Merle house. And we find out that these four people all knew each other as teens and something dark happened at Merle house.
Ian must return to Merle House to regroup with his friends from the past.
Now a psychiatrist, a ghost hunter, a spiritual counselor, and a writer respectively, Claire, Ian, Mason, and Matthew are being called back to pay debts and address some unfinished business.
Once again this is another well-written short story only 60 pages but packed a punch. Creepy with engaging characters and lots of twists and turns ending with another cliffhanger. Now on to book 3 to follow the saga.
The House of Crows Series Includes:
All My Darkest Impulses (Book1)
Fog Descending (Book2)
Circling The Drain (Book3)
Love The Way You Lie (Book4)
The House of Crows Series appears to be one long story broken down into four parts. In this second part we follow a spiritualist named Ian Randall, a ghost hunter who talks to spirits and cleans a house. But his belief in the beyond was challenged by his wife’s death. We are also told about the Dark Man that has ties to Ian's past. We also learn about what caused Matthew to lose his job at the university. Claire is debating about returning to Merle house. And we find out that these four people all knew each other as teens and something dark happened at Merle house.
Ian must return to Merle House to regroup with his friends from the past.
Now a psychiatrist, a ghost hunter, a spiritual counselor, and a writer respectively, Claire, Ian, Mason, and Matthew are being called back to pay debts and address some unfinished business.
Once again this is another well-written short story only 60 pages but packed a punch. Creepy with engaging characters and lots of twists and turns ending with another cliffhanger. Now on to book 3 to follow the saga.
October 23, 2023
Addictive and Creepy!
The House of Crows Book #2 continues exploring four childhood friends who share dark secrets. “Fog Descending” is as terrifying and addictive as Book #1!
The House of Crows Book #2 continues exploring four childhood friends who share dark secrets. “Fog Descending” is as terrifying and addictive as Book #1!
November 19, 2025
Okay, okay, okay. I gave this three stars at first, because I read it not knowing that it was part two in a series (and not a standalone).
So I have just reread it, after reading part 1 “All my Darkest Impulses”, and I can now say it is SO MUCH BETTER!
It definitely has the oomph I was looking for the first time around.
Part three here I COMEEEE.
So I have just reread it, after reading part 1 “All my Darkest Impulses”, and I can now say it is SO MUCH BETTER!
It definitely has the oomph I was looking for the first time around.
Part three here I COMEEEE.
May 28, 2021
Loosely inspired by Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, HOUSE OF CROWS is about four adult friends who all share a common dark, unexplained event in their past. They’ve moved on and away from the town where they grew up. But in many ways the experience has formed each of them. Each has chosen a career that has allowed him or her to explore in various ways things that can’t be explained. Now a psychiatrist, a ghost hunter, a spiritual counselor, and a writer respectively, Claire, Ian, Mason, and Matthew are being called back to pay debts and address some unfinished business. What they find when they arrive at Merle House will depend very much on what they bring.
Hope you love it!
P.S. Of course I gave it 5 stars! I wrote it!! ;)
Hope you love it!
P.S. Of course I gave it 5 stars! I wrote it!! ;)
June 13, 2021
I am loving this anthology!
This was book two in the House of Crows anthology, and the suspense is building up! I love spooky, sinister reads and I am looking forward to what book three has to offer.
This was book two in the House of Crows anthology, and the suspense is building up! I love spooky, sinister reads and I am looking forward to what book three has to offer.
June 4, 2021
Fog Descending is part of House of Crows, a four-part serial about friends with a shared history of darkness. They’ve spent their lives running, but they can no longer hide from the past. Each story can be read or listened to in a single haunted sitting.
Ian Randall is what they call a spiritual cleanser. His chosen profession is ridding homes of disturbances from the other side. He used to believe in life after death, but when he lost his wife, he lost everything.
Something happened the summer he was 16 .. he and his friends, They met The Dark Man .... who will give you anything you desire ... but it's gonna cost you.
He's being pulled to return to Merle House .. to once again unite with his friends from long ago. The woods are restless...
This is Part 2 of a 4-Part novel. The reader absolutely needs to read them in order. Each book ends with a cliffhanger, But good news ... The other books are already available .. no waiting.
Roughly 60 pages, this is suspenseful from the first page. There's a lot packed into what is basically a short story. It's well written with solidly drawn characters.
Ian Randall is what they call a spiritual cleanser. His chosen profession is ridding homes of disturbances from the other side. He used to believe in life after death, but when he lost his wife, he lost everything.
Something happened the summer he was 16 .. he and his friends, They met The Dark Man .... who will give you anything you desire ... but it's gonna cost you.
He's being pulled to return to Merle House .. to once again unite with his friends from long ago. The woods are restless...
This is Part 2 of a 4-Part novel. The reader absolutely needs to read them in order. Each book ends with a cliffhanger, But good news ... The other books are already available .. no waiting.
Roughly 60 pages, this is suspenseful from the first page. There's a lot packed into what is basically a short story. It's well written with solidly drawn characters.
August 19, 2025
I enjoyed the first short story in this series more but will be continuing on to the last two in the series. I found myself to be a bit confused throughout but I’m looking forward to what will happen next and how it will all come together (hopefully) in the end.
June 1, 2021
The entire short story collection was great. I don’t know why this wasn’t just published as an Amazon original story, but maybe because it would have been too long. I liked the characters and the question of whether the Dark Man was real or not.
The ending of the book though leaves a question of whether time can heal things or not. I did have to say that the character of Samantha left me with some questions though.
Review for story 2: We follow a spiritualist named Ian Randall who apparently is similar to that woman in Poltergeist that he can "talk" to spirits and clean a house. This is the first mention of the Dark Man though which has some ties to Ian's past. We also follow Matthew some more as he reveals more of what caused him to lose his job at the college. We follow up with Claire too who is thinking about returning to Merle house. And we get another character named Mason, who believes in a higher power, but is not a priest. We find out that these four people all knew each other as teens and something dark happened at Merle house.
I really did like the additional characters in this one. Ian was sad to me. I can see why he was willing to do whatever to get his beloved wife back. Mason was a puzzle at first, but I liked him more in the subsequent stories.
The ending of the book though leaves a question of whether time can heal things or not. I did have to say that the character of Samantha left me with some questions though.
Review for story 2: We follow a spiritualist named Ian Randall who apparently is similar to that woman in Poltergeist that he can "talk" to spirits and clean a house. This is the first mention of the Dark Man though which has some ties to Ian's past. We also follow Matthew some more as he reveals more of what caused him to lose his job at the college. We follow up with Claire too who is thinking about returning to Merle house. And we get another character named Mason, who believes in a higher power, but is not a priest. We find out that these four people all knew each other as teens and something dark happened at Merle house.
I really did like the additional characters in this one. Ian was sad to me. I can see why he was willing to do whatever to get his beloved wife back. Mason was a puzzle at first, but I liked him more in the subsequent stories.
January 13, 2023
This is book two in the House Of Crows anthology. This one explores more of the Merle house mysteries. It delves more into the past of the four main characters. I am enjoying these short stories that keep me guessing. This is a series that must be read in order. I can't wait to find out what happens next. . .
June 13, 2024
The second story in the House of Crows novella series takes the reader right into the days following an eerie incident that happens towards the end of the first story. It centers mostly on Ian, while the first story is focused on Matthew.
This book also takes us to the past, to a childhood friendship and a dark secret that a group of four friends shared. The writing and characters are as engaging and intriguing as the first book.
This book also takes us to the past, to a childhood friendship and a dark secret that a group of four friends shared. The writing and characters are as engaging and intriguing as the first book.
October 26, 2021
Spiritual Cleansing
Review of the Amazon Original Kindle eBook (May 2021)
This 2nd chapter continues the creepy serial thriller of House of Crows which features a haunting/possession theme that involves four adults who were summer friends in their teenage youth. Here we learn the backstory of the original discovery of the spooky deserted Havesham institution and the story of the Dark Man, a possessing spirit that grants wishes that have deadly consequences. Spiritualist Ian Randall is in the business of cleansing cursed spaces and houses. Ian is still in mourning after the death of his wife. He is contacted by his childhood friend Matthew Merle to come to Merle House and assist in cleansing it of whatever is causing the haunting.
Fog Descending is the 2nd of the 4 novellas making up the serialized supernatural fiction novel House of Crows, released simultaneously on May 27, 2021 as an eBook by Amazon Original and as an audiobook by Audible Original.
Review of the Amazon Original Kindle eBook (May 2021)
This 2nd chapter continues the creepy serial thriller of House of Crows which features a haunting/possession theme that involves four adults who were summer friends in their teenage youth. Here we learn the backstory of the original discovery of the spooky deserted Havesham institution and the story of the Dark Man, a possessing spirit that grants wishes that have deadly consequences. Spiritualist Ian Randall is in the business of cleansing cursed spaces and houses. Ian is still in mourning after the death of his wife. He is contacted by his childhood friend Matthew Merle to come to Merle House and assist in cleansing it of whatever is causing the haunting.
Fog Descending is the 2nd of the 4 novellas making up the serialized supernatural fiction novel House of Crows, released simultaneously on May 27, 2021 as an eBook by Amazon Original and as an audiobook by Audible Original.
April 10, 2022
Merle House is shrouded in even more mystery... What actually happened there?
December 6, 2022
So this was a low-key kind of terrifying. And gave me nightmares, that's good right?
The author can really write.
She takes you down these paths of the story and sprinkles something yummier than breadcrumbs and then whoa, we are we? So fun!
The author can really write.
She takes you down these paths of the story and sprinkles something yummier than breadcrumbs and then whoa, we are we? So fun!
September 29, 2024
Entertaining creepy listening 🎵😁🎉😯🎶
This kindle novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book two of four
I am enjoying this series it is spooky, creepy, and great listening.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of fantasy world 🌎 adventure stories. 2024 👒
This kindle novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book two of four
I am enjoying this series it is spooky, creepy, and great listening.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of fantasy world 🌎 adventure stories. 2024 👒
September 30, 2024
3.5⭐️ What a phone series of short stories perfect for fall and spooky season. Lisa Unger knows how to create the creepiest atmosphere. I am finding myself more drawn to certain characters than others, however, I am happy to go along for the ride through all four stories.
July 3, 2024
I LOVE THIS SERIES OMG
September 12, 2022
4 Stars
This is even better than the last. I fear for Matthew and fearful for others around him. He has secrets and lies, and won’t own up to them. I need book 3. Now!!!!
This is even better than the last. I fear for Matthew and fearful for others around him. He has secrets and lies, and won’t own up to them. I need book 3. Now!!!!
November 19, 2025
I’m enjoying this short story series! Such quick reads and loving the mystery surrounding “the dark man”, can’t wait for all the characters of the past to connect in the fourth book
August 15, 2021
**Same Post for each of the four books**
❐ Overall Rating 3⭐ | Narration 😀 = Good
❐ Narrated by James Anderson Foster, Saskia Maarleveld & Frankie Corzo, Jonathan Davis, Susannah Jones & Adam Verner
❐ 4 Book Series each about an hour 2 hours long
❐ All My Darkest Impulses - Book #1 = 2⭐
❐ Fog Descending - Book #2 = 3⭐
❐ Circling the Drain - Book #3 = 2½⭐
❐ Love the Way You Lie - Book #4 = 3½⭐
For some reason, I thought this was more of a mystery thriller...but it turns out it’s more of a paranormal-ish story. I do love the graphic I made for it, though...
The first book, All My Darkest Impulses, had me feeling some Silence of the Lambs vibes, that and a boatload of dark impulsive confusion...
The second book, Fog Descending, was a little more enlightening but still, a fog descended and left me a little confused...
The third book, Circling the Drain, had me circling in even more confusion...seriously there is so many characters to keep track of…my hopes of feeling less confusion are quickly going down the drain...
The fourth and final book, Love the Way You Lie, I wanna say I loved it...but then, I’d be lying to you.
The underlying theme here is obviously confusion. Although, for the most part, I’m glad I finished because the ending was actually kind of good, and things sort of made some sense to me once I got there.
🅒🅐🅦🅟🅘🅛🅔 5.21/❿
❐ Overall Rating 3⭐ | Narration 😀 = Good
❐ Narrated by James Anderson Foster, Saskia Maarleveld & Frankie Corzo, Jonathan Davis, Susannah Jones & Adam Verner
❐ 4 Book Series each about an hour 2 hours long
❐ All My Darkest Impulses - Book #1 = 2⭐
❐ Fog Descending - Book #2 = 3⭐
❐ Circling the Drain - Book #3 = 2½⭐
❐ Love the Way You Lie - Book #4 = 3½⭐
For some reason, I thought this was more of a mystery thriller...but it turns out it’s more of a paranormal-ish story. I do love the graphic I made for it, though...
The first book, All My Darkest Impulses, had me feeling some Silence of the Lambs vibes, that and a boatload of dark impulsive confusion...
The second book, Fog Descending, was a little more enlightening but still, a fog descended and left me a little confused...
The third book, Circling the Drain, had me circling in even more confusion...seriously there is so many characters to keep track of…my hopes of feeling less confusion are quickly going down the drain...
The fourth and final book, Love the Way You Lie, I wanna say I loved it...but then, I’d be lying to you.
The underlying theme here is obviously confusion. Although, for the most part, I’m glad I finished because the ending was actually kind of good, and things sort of made some sense to me once I got there.
🅒🅐🅦🅟🅘🅛🅔 5.21/❿
June 10, 2021
Just gets better and better. Love the story but wonder why it isn't just one book, instead if four installments. Getting to know all the characters now, from their childhood to their adulthood. Very interesting......
June 8, 2021
These short stories have me hooked! I flew through this one just as fast as the first one, and I have a feeling the rest will be the same.
...keep 'em comin'
...keep 'em comin'
July 30, 2021
The perfect amount of creepy mystery! Really enjoying this serial.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews