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House of Crows #1
All My Darkest Impulses
What really happened to the girl who walked into the woods and vanished forever? It's a never-forgotten mystery that clings like a shadow in a short story about dark memories and inescapable fears.
For disgraced professor Matthew Merle, the inheritance of his grandfather's crumbling mansion is both a burden and an offer of safe haven. His childhood friend Claire, a psychiatrist, desperately needs a haven of her own after one of her patients unleashes his dark side. At turning points in their lives, it's inevitable that they should return to the past. And to Merle House. It's been waiting for them.
All My Darkest Impulses is part of House of Crows, a four-part serial about friends with a shard history of darkness. They've spent their lives running, but they can not longer hide from the past. Each story can be read or listened to in a single haunted sitting.
For disgraced professor Matthew Merle, the inheritance of his grandfather's crumbling mansion is both a burden and an offer of safe haven. His childhood friend Claire, a psychiatrist, desperately needs a haven of her own after one of her patients unleashes his dark side. At turning points in their lives, it's inevitable that they should return to the past. And to Merle House. It's been waiting for them.
All My Darkest Impulses is part of House of Crows, a four-part serial about friends with a shard history of darkness. They've spent their lives running, but they can not longer hide from the past. Each story can be read or listened to in a single haunted sitting.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2021
2400 people are currently reading
3183 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Unger
50 books11k 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 500 reviews
June 12, 2021
Highly enjoyable short story (the first in a four-book continuing serial) about a man (Matthew Merle) returning to his late grandfather’s home (Merle House) which he has inherited. But now, old memories are stirring of his times at Merle House in the past along with strange situations from the present.
With a captivating plot, some creepy characters, and good atmosphere of spooky Merle House, this was a very entertaining read. The story didn’t come to a complete conclusion, since it’s a continuing serial, so it’s best to read the whole series. I really look forward to reading the second book, “Fog Descending”.
With a captivating plot, some creepy characters, and good atmosphere of spooky Merle House, this was a very entertaining read. The story didn’t come to a complete conclusion, since it’s a continuing serial, so it’s best to read the whole series. I really look forward to reading the second book, “Fog Descending”.
April 16, 2022
All My Darkest Impulses (House of Crows #1)
by Lisa Unger, James Anderson Foster (Narrator), Saskia Maarleveld (Narrator), Frankie Corzo (Narrator)
Four short stories, read in order, make up the House of Crows. In this first entry, we meet Matthew Merle, a disgraced professor, who has to move his wife and daughter to the old mansion he has inherited from his grandfather. The mansion and property is the subject of urban legends and internet rumors. This property is the place that Matthew and three friends would swim, play, and cause mischief during their summers together.
We also meet one of those friends, Claire, who is now a psychiatrist. Her nightmares have become real and she suffers greatly for that fact. This story ends on a cliffhanger and I suggest heading straight to the next episode. The narrators are excellent and make the telling of the story all the more creepy.
Published May 27th 2021 by Amazon Original Stories
This was a Kindle Unlimited selection
by Lisa Unger, James Anderson Foster (Narrator), Saskia Maarleveld (Narrator), Frankie Corzo (Narrator)
Four short stories, read in order, make up the House of Crows. In this first entry, we meet Matthew Merle, a disgraced professor, who has to move his wife and daughter to the old mansion he has inherited from his grandfather. The mansion and property is the subject of urban legends and internet rumors. This property is the place that Matthew and three friends would swim, play, and cause mischief during their summers together.
We also meet one of those friends, Claire, who is now a psychiatrist. Her nightmares have become real and she suffers greatly for that fact. This story ends on a cliffhanger and I suggest heading straight to the next episode. The narrators are excellent and make the telling of the story all the more creepy.
Published May 27th 2021 by Amazon Original Stories
This was a Kindle Unlimited selection
October 8, 2021
“My Darkest Impulses” by Lisa Unger is a prequel, or book 1 of a series. Audible has provided a short snippet to whet the appetites for Unger’s “House of Crows” which is a four-part series about friends with creepy pasts. My husband and I listened to it while driving. It’s narrated by James Anderson Foster, Saskia Maarleveld, Frankie Corzo. It’s just short of a 2 hour listen. It’s good, and we might buy the next book in the series.
February 9, 2023
Intriguing read…I’m ready to follow it up with book 2!
This is a 4 part series of novellas, which feels oddly satisfying when I can read through, or listen to in a single sitting.
Full of mystery, I found myself asking what was reality and what was the truth? This is a multi-perspective read and the audiobook on KU was read in both a female and male voice for the characters…super cool. There’s an old mansion, familial drama, and questions surrounding a house that seems to hold dark secrets. As we read on, we find out there is an unsolved missing persons case from long ago, is there a connection? We don’t find out in part 1, but I’m invested. It’s intriguing enough to want to dive into book 2 and get some questions answered.
If you’re looking for a short yet satisfying mystery that leads you on a 4 novella journey, take my hand…
This is a 4 part series of novellas, which feels oddly satisfying when I can read through, or listen to in a single sitting.
Full of mystery, I found myself asking what was reality and what was the truth? This is a multi-perspective read and the audiobook on KU was read in both a female and male voice for the characters…super cool. There’s an old mansion, familial drama, and questions surrounding a house that seems to hold dark secrets. As we read on, we find out there is an unsolved missing persons case from long ago, is there a connection? We don’t find out in part 1, but I’m invested. It’s intriguing enough to want to dive into book 2 and get some questions answered.
If you’re looking for a short yet satisfying mystery that leads you on a 4 novella journey, take my hand…
September 20, 2021
Part 1 of 4 in House of Crows, All My Darkest Impulses.
A little spooky, and mysterious in this first part. Ex-professor Matthew Merle, his wife Samantha, and his teen daughter, Jewel move into the Merle mansion which Matthew inherited from his grandfather. The place needs a lot of work and being tight on money, after Matthew was let go, they plan to fix and sell the place. There are secrets from the past which Matthew isn't telling and the readers are still kept in the dark, but the woods are calling...
1 hour and 47 minutes, available as part of Prime Reading.
A little spooky, and mysterious in this first part. Ex-professor Matthew Merle, his wife Samantha, and his teen daughter, Jewel move into the Merle mansion which Matthew inherited from his grandfather. The place needs a lot of work and being tight on money, after Matthew was let go, they plan to fix and sell the place. There are secrets from the past which Matthew isn't telling and the readers are still kept in the dark, but the woods are calling...
1 hour and 47 minutes, available as part of Prime Reading.
May 27, 2021
I'll be live in conversation with the author tonight at 8pm Eastern Time (US); you can join us HERE.
November 7, 2025
1 ⭐
I didn't understand a damn thing I was reading, plus, I just saw that it's a series of four books, so I definitely won't be continuing it
I didn't understand a damn thing I was reading, plus, I just saw that it's a series of four books, so I definitely won't be continuing it
November 19, 2025
3.5 Stars for All My Darkest Impulses: House of Crows, Book 1 (audiobook) by Lisa Unger read by James Anderson Foster and Saskia Maarleveld.
The professor Matthew Merle has fallen on hard times. But there’s some hope, he just inherited an old house. Maybe this is the opportunity he’s been looking for. But unfortunately this house has a dark past.
The professor Matthew Merle has fallen on hard times. But there’s some hope, he just inherited an old house. Maybe this is the opportunity he’s been looking for. But unfortunately this house has a dark past.
October 24, 2021
I'm not really sure what to expect with these stories yet. I was expecting stand alone, interconnected short stories, but this seems more like part one of a book. This one ends on a cliff hanger, so not sure if it will be resolved next book or later on.
This is my first Lisa Unger book. I really liked the writing style. It quickly draws you in, even if you don't know where it's taking you. I'm here for the ride and definitely want to see where the story is going. So far, the story seems part haunted house, part mystery/thriller. If the other three parts keep up the quality of this first one, then it should be a pretty good story.
I'm giving it a tentative 3 stars for now. I may revise that and rate all of these as one book once I've read them all.
This is my first Lisa Unger book. I really liked the writing style. It quickly draws you in, even if you don't know where it's taking you. I'm here for the ride and definitely want to see where the story is going. So far, the story seems part haunted house, part mystery/thriller. If the other three parts keep up the quality of this first one, then it should be a pretty good story.
I'm giving it a tentative 3 stars for now. I may revise that and rate all of these as one book once I've read them all.
June 22, 2025
Story 3.5 stars**
Audio 4 stars**
Narrators
James Anderson Foster
Saskia Maarleveld
Frankie Corzo
Audio 4 stars**
Narrators
James Anderson Foster
Saskia Maarleveld
Frankie Corzo
July 30, 2021
Amazon Original Stories
—4 Part Series: House of Crows
(Loosely inspired by "The Haunting of Hill House"... which I've yet to see.)
Part 1: "All My Darkest Impulses"
— 3 Stars for Part 1
Descriptive writing. Interesting. I think I'll check out Part 2 during the daytime. Not scary or too creepy for me yet, strange and odd, yes. I think things will ramp up in the next one, this was just a taste.
Audible Plus Catalog (Audiobook)
1Hr 29 Mins @ 1.2x
(I had to adjust the speed down to 1.0x every other chapter and back up again as well as adjust the volume due to alternating narrators. This is why I don't like alternating narrators, they are each great on their own, but stories told in alternating chapter form between male voice then female voice, would be a more enjoyable read on my own than to listen to audibly. One narrator read faster and louder, then the next chapter would be much slower and quieter.)
—Personal opinion of course.
I made a character list (below) because I have a hard time keeping track of more than a few characters, knowing more will be introduced along the way.
Some disturbing visuals may trigger sensitive readers. *Trigger Warning (blood, assault, sexually explicit content, trauma, therapy, serial killer, death, court)*
Character List (Personal Notes)
Chapter 1- Inherited 'Creepy' Mansion- Merle House *Merle means Blackbird*
People: Matthew (Lit. teacher), Samantha (yoga teacher + runner), Jewels (angry teen daughter), Passed away Grandfather, Sylvia (provocative lit student of Matthew)
Chapter 2- State Mental Case
People: Claire Allen (psychiatrist, studying criminal psychology, also Matthew's first crush/childhood friend), Winston Gran (serial killer)("Archie- spiritual parasite"), Dr. Sara Bold (Claire's mentor), Will (ex-husband/best friend) Billy Jenkins (orderly), Raif Warren (head of psych ward)
Chapter 3
People: Avery March (realtor)
Ian, Mason, (and Claire) were all childhood friends of Matthew.
E... (Jewel's online friend)
I was under no obligation to write a review my own opinion is freely given. This title was included in Amazon's Audible Plus Catalog.
—4 Part Series: House of Crows
(Loosely inspired by "The Haunting of Hill House"... which I've yet to see.)
Part 1: "All My Darkest Impulses"
— 3 Stars for Part 1
Descriptive writing. Interesting. I think I'll check out Part 2 during the daytime. Not scary or too creepy for me yet, strange and odd, yes. I think things will ramp up in the next one, this was just a taste.
Audible Plus Catalog (Audiobook)
1Hr 29 Mins @ 1.2x
(I had to adjust the speed down to 1.0x every other chapter and back up again as well as adjust the volume due to alternating narrators. This is why I don't like alternating narrators, they are each great on their own, but stories told in alternating chapter form between male voice then female voice, would be a more enjoyable read on my own than to listen to audibly. One narrator read faster and louder, then the next chapter would be much slower and quieter.)
—Personal opinion of course.
I made a character list (below) because I have a hard time keeping track of more than a few characters, knowing more will be introduced along the way.
Some disturbing visuals may trigger sensitive readers. *Trigger Warning (blood, assault, sexually explicit content, trauma, therapy, serial killer, death, court)*
Character List (Personal Notes)
Chapter 1- Inherited 'Creepy' Mansion- Merle House *Merle means Blackbird*
People: Matthew (Lit. teacher), Samantha (yoga teacher + runner), Jewels (angry teen daughter), Passed away Grandfather, Sylvia (provocative lit student of Matthew)
Chapter 2- State Mental Case
People: Claire Allen (psychiatrist, studying criminal psychology, also Matthew's first crush/childhood friend), Winston Gran (serial killer)("Archie- spiritual parasite"), Dr. Sara Bold (Claire's mentor), Will (ex-husband/best friend) Billy Jenkins (orderly), Raif Warren (head of psych ward)
Chapter 3
People: Avery March (realtor)
Ian, Mason, (and Claire) were all childhood friends of Matthew.
E... (Jewel's online friend)
I was under no obligation to write a review my own opinion is freely given. This title was included in Amazon's Audible Plus Catalog.
June 14, 2021
As seen on www.mysteryandsuspense.com
“House of Crows” by bestselling author Lisa Unger is a collection of four stories, all sharing a common theme. The story centres on a group of childhood friends, a missing teenager, a haunted house, and a terrifying urban legend come to life.
Matthew, his wife Samantha and their daughter Jewel move to “Merle House”, the residence that Matthew inherited from his grandfather, in an attempt to start a new life. After accusations of an affair and a missing woman, Matthew is hopeful that the move will rekindle his relationship with both his wife and daughter and they will be able to put the past behind them. But when a woman shows up, requesting information on a teenager who disappeared many years ago, on the very property, Matthew calls on his old childhood friends to share their recollections from the day Amelia went missing. Set among the backdrop of an eerily rundown, dark and desolate house, the group recall the town’s urban legend- the Dark Man and soon, they all begin to feel haunted by more than just memories.
The four stories in “House of Crows” share the same plot, but each are told from the perspective of one of the four childhood friends (although Matthew is the main protagonist) with the underlying theme of the murder of crows that constantly darken the doorstep of Merle House. Complete with a twisty plot and a hauntingly nightmarish supernatural figure, “The Dark Man”, Unger provides us with a story akin to Stephen King, without all the gore.
The story is told both in modern day with snippets from the past, so we are able to connect with Claire, Ian, Mason and Matthew as children, and as adults as they struggle with responsibilities and loss. They are all likable characters, with obvious flaws, but they are also completely relatable. As the story develops, it is difficult to tell if there is a murderer in their midst, or if a paranormal entity is haunting the group, and Unger writes in such a way that any of these alternatives could be completely plausible. Of course the final ending has an unexpected twist, but the haunting atmosphere is still leaving tingles at the base of your neck well beyond the last page.
Unger’s “House of Crows” is uniquely creepy, and I loved how all four stories were related and tied together. The haunting entity of “The Dark Man” will leave readers with chills, and the supposedly haunted “Merle House” has everything that a decrepit mansion SHOULD have. Each story was engaging, and it was downright spooky right through to the very end.
“House of Crows” by bestselling author Lisa Unger is a collection of four stories, all sharing a common theme. The story centres on a group of childhood friends, a missing teenager, a haunted house, and a terrifying urban legend come to life.
Matthew, his wife Samantha and their daughter Jewel move to “Merle House”, the residence that Matthew inherited from his grandfather, in an attempt to start a new life. After accusations of an affair and a missing woman, Matthew is hopeful that the move will rekindle his relationship with both his wife and daughter and they will be able to put the past behind them. But when a woman shows up, requesting information on a teenager who disappeared many years ago, on the very property, Matthew calls on his old childhood friends to share their recollections from the day Amelia went missing. Set among the backdrop of an eerily rundown, dark and desolate house, the group recall the town’s urban legend- the Dark Man and soon, they all begin to feel haunted by more than just memories.
The four stories in “House of Crows” share the same plot, but each are told from the perspective of one of the four childhood friends (although Matthew is the main protagonist) with the underlying theme of the murder of crows that constantly darken the doorstep of Merle House. Complete with a twisty plot and a hauntingly nightmarish supernatural figure, “The Dark Man”, Unger provides us with a story akin to Stephen King, without all the gore.
The story is told both in modern day with snippets from the past, so we are able to connect with Claire, Ian, Mason and Matthew as children, and as adults as they struggle with responsibilities and loss. They are all likable characters, with obvious flaws, but they are also completely relatable. As the story develops, it is difficult to tell if there is a murderer in their midst, or if a paranormal entity is haunting the group, and Unger writes in such a way that any of these alternatives could be completely plausible. Of course the final ending has an unexpected twist, but the haunting atmosphere is still leaving tingles at the base of your neck well beyond the last page.
Unger’s “House of Crows” is uniquely creepy, and I loved how all four stories were related and tied together. The haunting entity of “The Dark Man” will leave readers with chills, and the supposedly haunted “Merle House” has everything that a decrepit mansion SHOULD have. Each story was engaging, and it was downright spooky right through to the very end.
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!! ;)
January 12, 2023
This is the first book in The House Of Crows series. It was dark and compelling. Definitely a cliff hanger. The characters all have something in their past that they are not ready to deal with. Some secrets can never stay buried. I enjoyed this and can hardly wait to read the next book!
August 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! It was very creepy and atmospheric and had me looking over my shoulder while reading. It was perfect on audio and i am looking forward to continuing the series. This was part one of a four part short story / novella series.
I liked that it was multiple POV and had me wondering who I could and could not trust which is one of my favorite tropes in a thriller. I definitely recommend this one for your spooky season tbr or your end of summer to spooky season list! Also available on KU!
I liked that it was multiple POV and had me wondering who I could and could not trust which is one of my favorite tropes in a thriller. I definitely recommend this one for your spooky season tbr or your end of summer to spooky season list! Also available on KU!
September 3, 2021
This is the first in a dark and creepy short story collection...on to the next yessssss!
March 27, 2025
This short story gave me spooky and mystery vibes! It had definitely left me wanting more. I was a little confused when I first started reading this, but then it all came together as the chapters went on. It had clever plotting. I loved the eerie setting! It had likable characters. I will read more from this author and I’m eager to see what her other books are like!
Even though her books “House of Crows” are a series, they are all standalone novels.
Even though her books “House of Crows” are a series, they are all standalone novels.
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June 19, 2021
Too short for me to have a good grasp on what's going on? But the ending was goooood.
December 31, 2021
Creepy, unsettling and a proper appetizer as the first book in the four book series called the House of Crows.
June 5, 2021
All MY DARKEST IMPULSES is part of House of Crows, book 1 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.
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. This first part is centered on two former childhood friends, who currently while having little contact with each other, are both going through major changes in their lives. The alternating chapters are devoted to telling their stories. There are supernatural events that take place for each of them. and by the end of this book, they seem to be headed for a reunion of sorts; back at the old mansion where they played together as kids.
What really happened to the girl who walked into the woods and vanished forever? It's a never-forgotten mystery that clings like a shadow in a short story about dark memories and inescapable fears.
Professor Matthew Merle with his wife Samantha and daughter, Jewel have moved to his grandfather’s crumbling Merle mansion, which he inherited as part of his grandfather’s estate. Growing up, Matthew had spent all his summers at the mansion along with two friends he met.
His childhood friend Claire, a psychiatrist, desperately needs a haven of her own after one of her patients unleashes his dark side. At turning points in their lives, it's inevitable that they should return to the past. And to Merle House. It's been waiting for them.
This well-written short story was only 56 pages but packed a punch. Creepy with engaging characters and lots twists and turns until the cliffhanger. Now on to book 2 to see what happens.
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. This first part is centered on two former childhood friends, who currently while having little contact with each other, are both going through major changes in their lives. The alternating chapters are devoted to telling their stories. There are supernatural events that take place for each of them. and by the end of this book, they seem to be headed for a reunion of sorts; back at the old mansion where they played together as kids.
What really happened to the girl who walked into the woods and vanished forever? It's a never-forgotten mystery that clings like a shadow in a short story about dark memories and inescapable fears.
Professor Matthew Merle with his wife Samantha and daughter, Jewel have moved to his grandfather’s crumbling Merle mansion, which he inherited as part of his grandfather’s estate. Growing up, Matthew had spent all his summers at the mansion along with two friends he met.
His childhood friend Claire, a psychiatrist, desperately needs a haven of her own after one of her patients unleashes his dark side. At turning points in their lives, it's inevitable that they should return to the past. And to Merle House. It's been waiting for them.
This well-written short story was only 56 pages but packed a punch. Creepy with engaging characters and lots twists and turns until the cliffhanger. Now on to book 2 to see what happens.
June 4, 2021
All My Darkest Impulses 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.
Matthew Merle, his wife Samantha and daughter, Jewel, have moved to his grandfather's estate that he inherited. When Matthew was a teenager, he spent every summer there, exploring the behemoth mansion, along with two friends he met there.
One of those friends was Claire, now a psychiatrist. Those things that happened when they were children is what pushed her into the direction her life would take. But she's having problems .. she knows 'something' happened, but what?
It's time they should share one more summer and revisit the past.
It's a ghost story ... it reminds me a little of IT (Stephen King), but creepier and with no clown in sight. It's a short story (50* pages). Well-written, the characters are fully fleshed out. There are twists and turns that lead to .. a cliffhanger. The good news is that books 2, 3, and 4 are already available .. no waiting.
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 1: The first part of the collection follows a psychiatrist (Claire) who is working with a murderer in jail. Something happens which leaves her broken. A former professor, Matthew Merle returns to his family home to fix it and sell it. Something has happened which has left his marriage to his wife Samantha slightly broken. There seems to be something about the Merle family home that is calling to Matthew, and somehow Claire is connected.
I liked the first short story and it's enough to wet your appetite to keep reading.
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 1: The first part of the collection follows a psychiatrist (Claire) who is working with a murderer in jail. Something happens which leaves her broken. A former professor, Matthew Merle returns to his family home to fix it and sell it. Something has happened which has left his marriage to his wife Samantha slightly broken. There seems to be something about the Merle family home that is calling to Matthew, and somehow Claire is connected.
I liked the first short story and it's enough to wet your appetite to keep reading.
December 17, 2023
RTC after I read the full series
June 1, 2021
Unger at her best - dark secrets and scary gothic houses. This is a serial book release so I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
July 5, 2021
I love Lisa Unger's stories and the HOUSE OF CROWS Audible Original series was so compelling, I lengthened my walks to finish it faster. Brilliant writing, a superb supernatural mystery that's truly spine-tingling.
October 23, 2021
Haunting Possession
Review of the Amazon Original Kindle eBook (May 2021)
This was an excellent creepy thriller with a haunting/possession theme that involves four adults who were summer friends in their teenage youth. The haunting is centred around the house of Matthew Merle's grandfather which he has now inherited. This first part of the serial involves the return back to the house by Matthew and his wife Samantha and daughter Jewel. Matthew is a disgraced university professor who was fired due to an apparent affair with a student. This first story toggles between Matthew's subplot and that of his childhood friend Claire, a psychologist studying a serial murderer. A cliffhanger ending guarantees that you'll want to read the next episode.
All My Darkest Impulses is one 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 was an excellent creepy thriller with a haunting/possession theme that involves four adults who were summer friends in their teenage youth. The haunting is centred around the house of Matthew Merle's grandfather which he has now inherited. This first part of the serial involves the return back to the house by Matthew and his wife Samantha and daughter Jewel. Matthew is a disgraced university professor who was fired due to an apparent affair with a student. This first story toggles between Matthew's subplot and that of his childhood friend Claire, a psychologist studying a serial murderer. A cliffhanger ending guarantees that you'll want to read the next episode.
All My Darkest Impulses is one 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.
July 3, 2024
what the fuck was that ending ??? I MUST KNOW MORE
May 27, 2024
When the "All My Darkest Impulses" audiobook abruptly stopped playing, I reacted in protest, "What? That was it? How? Why? What?"
Ha. My mistake for not reading the description. This was actually the first story out of four novellas. Crises averted. Laundry folding resumed.
Stories about inheriting a house almost always involve an air of mystery and hidden secrets... and I am here for all that. The writing was terrific and the alternating narrators were very skilled. On to the next story.
Ha. My mistake for not reading the description. This was actually the first story out of four novellas. Crises averted. Laundry folding resumed.
Stories about inheriting a house almost always involve an air of mystery and hidden secrets... and I am here for all that. The writing was terrific and the alternating narrators were very skilled. On to the next story.
April 10, 2022
Yo, I thought this was going to be a mystery thriller... But it turns out to be a paranormal story. To be honest, that genre isn't my cup of tea, but this wasn't half-bad, hence the four stars. As this is the first of four books, the ending is a bit cliffhanger.
November 5, 2021
4 Stars
This was actually very good. I know this is a popular author; but nothing of hers has really appealed to me; except this story.
Definitely something sinister going on and it gave me "IT" vibes, with some of the creepiness. The family dynamics of our MC is irritating me, because is everyone dysfunctional in these types of books?? Ugh; but whatever. Maybe, the house is to blame... 🤦♀️
Anyway, I need to get the rest of the books in this series, or at least the next 2. I don't want to get my hopes up and then be let down, but I cannot foresee the author messing this up.
This was actually very good. I know this is a popular author; but nothing of hers has really appealed to me; except this story.
Definitely something sinister going on and it gave me "IT" vibes, with some of the creepiness. The family dynamics of our MC is irritating me, because is everyone dysfunctional in these types of books?? Ugh; but whatever. Maybe, the house is to blame... 🤦♀️
Anyway, I need to get the rest of the books in this series, or at least the next 2. I don't want to get my hopes up and then be let down, but I cannot foresee the author messing this up.
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