Everyone in Ashton, Colorado, knows that January House is haunted. Tucked away on an isolated hillside, the place has seen grisly murders and unsolved disappearances. An artists’ commune took up residence there in the 1970s, creating a controversy that still divides the town. Now, a reclusive painter has died in the crumbling house. The police say it’s natural causes. But they don’t know why she fired a gun before she collapsed. Or why she called Bryce Wright, a man she hardly knew, and left a voicemail filled with her screams.
Bryce turns to his sister, Penny Wright. She’s seen ghosts all her life, but she’s reluctant to get involved with the mysteries of January House.
But everything changes when Bryce meets Eliza Davies—a young attorney who’s just arrived to ready the old house for sale. Bryce is convinced that Eliza is in danger. When Penny agrees to help, she soon discovers that her hometown harbors more dark secrets than she ever imagined.
And this time, it might be the living who pose the greatest threat of all.
Penny sees dead people. She’s decided to take some time away from home in Ashton, Colorado, ghost capitol of the west, and is working on building her PR business with best friend Lyndon. But back home, trouble is brewing. Dee Stephens, legendary artist and one-time teen star in a cult indie film classic, is found dead in the January House, one of the creepiest and most rumored to be haunted houses in town. And Penny’s family gets caught up inadvertently in the investigation.
I really loved the ensemble cast feel of this mystery. Not only did we get to spend time with Penny in this second book of the series, but we also saw more from others in the Wright family, including siblings Bryce and Krista. I especially loved Eliza, a new addition to the cast. The writing is spooky and atmospheric, and like the first book of the series, told in dual timelines, with one mystery taking place in the past (the 1980’s this time around!) and one unfolding in present day. Lots of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming! I’m looking forward to book three!
I received a complimentary copy of Angel Eyes as one of its beta readers. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
This was much better than the first book in the series. The back story, creepy ghouls, and shit felt better thought out. Again the human drama is annoying as hell 😹 that’s why it’s 4 stars.
A very spooky, yet sentimental, thriller. Like I do with most of these stories, I read this when I had an evening alone at my house. The heatwave going through my community made everything feel thick and silent which added to the suspense. Some parts were choppy for me but I could easily ignore this because I loved this story and look forward to this author's next work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Angel Eyes: The Haunting of January House is the second of the Penny Wright series. It revolved around a house with a haunted and mysterious past. Over the years, January house inhabited murderers, disappearances and supernatural occurrences.
After the death of Dee Stephens, a decentant of the notorious Thrace Stephens, Eliza is sent to inventory January House since Dee had no family to inherit her belongings. The second Eliza steps into January House she begins to have weird and unexpected occurances, but she is determined to get the job done.
As she explores Ashton and gets away from her work, she meets Bryce Wright, the older brother of Penny Wright. Eliza and Bryce instantly click. But both harbor secrets from their past.
I thought this book started out very slow and it took a while to get into, but once the Spooky stuff started happening, it got a lot more intense and suspenseful. I also felt that Matthew and Penny's relationship wasn't as strong as the first book. They had a lot of worries in this book and I thought it took away from the suspense of what was going on at the January House.
This has everything I love in a spooky paranormal mystery. There are great characters, supporting and main. The writing is easy to follow and keeps you engaged. The mystery itself was intriguing and kept me on my toes AND I loved the ending. I think I've found a new favorite series.
Penny is such an amazing character. She is emotional, intelligent, strong, and yet willing to admit her vulnerability. Well-rounded and perfect female MC.
I also loved the format of this one and the way it was broken up with past (done in interview and letter format) and present timelines, and multiple POVs. I also loved the supernatural portion of this one. Super creepy and gave me chills.
Definitely recommend this one for those who love to read spooky all year. For those who choose these for the season add the first one and this one for those Spooktober lists.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher and BookSirens for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
AN Willis is at the top of her game with this second installment in the Penny Wright ghost story series. I loved the first book, Devil’s Night, and I think this one is even better. In each book, the ghost in question has its own history and that is part of where Willis shines. She is telling two stories in one—that of Penny and her family, and that of the ghost—who is always an interesting and fully developed character in their present and their past.
What I particularly enjoyed about Angel Eyes is the idea that the artist-ghost inhabits a painting she’s created in her mind as a place to hide from the REAL baddie. A very creative concept in a ghost story that I hadn’t come across before.
Penny’s character is developing as her strength as a medium grows, so I expect we’ll be seeing more great stories in this series.
I love this series! Penny is an amazing character, and I hope to read more about her. Was this book as good as book one? Not for me but that by no means makes me sorry that I read it. This book delves a little deeper into Penny's family, which I liked. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next. I was intrigued from page one and thoroughly entertained throughout the book.
This is my first endeavor with Book Sirens, and I could not have selected a better book! I understand that Angel Eyes is second within a new series; I have yet to read the first novel, but now I absolutely must and also anxiously await the next! Coming in on the second story in no way obstructed my affinity for the characters or enjoyment of this eerie, engaging plot.
A town with a paranormal pull, a haunted house with a malevolent history that magnetizes not only its inhabitants but you - as the reader - into its ominous orbit, a forbidden film with an almost cult-like following forged within a mysterious commune… there are so many intriguing facets to this thriller. The concept of the characters with their unique abilities to navigate their harrowing hometown creates a connection that keeps you turning the pages… I can even imagine a superb sidestory novel on Cameron, and he was only a supporting role in this story! But that just speaks to how well-written and creatively crafted the characters are.
I loved how twisty this book unfolds, giving you just enough to guess at what hides behind the next turn, not unlike the layout of the imposing January House itself. And just like the Roman god Janus depicts a two-faced duality and the tropes of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, doorways, passages, frames, and endings, the mystery of January House reflects its namesake. The fabled film Angel Eyes and everything else enveloped into this plot will leave you wondering which of the dangers are real or supernatural, and which of the two are to be the most feared?!?
Happily looking forward to circling back to the first book; so very excited for the next!
For fans of: Darcy Coates & Simone St. James with dashes of the movies The Cell, The Ring, and What Dreams May Come
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Book Sirens and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book!
Alright I just had to read the sequel after I absolutely loved the first book. This one definitely feels different, but I think that's a strength of the novel. Let's break it down:
Characters: I felt more connected to the side characters in this book more than the first book. I think Penny and Matthew's relationship is following a natural progression. I really liked seeing Bryce and Eliza grow throughout the book. I loved the characters from the past to see where things ended up for them. The characters were a massive step up from the first book.
Atmosphere: The atmosphere was also an improvement. I really enjoyed the feeling of the old house with secrets. Staying in Ashton completely was a good choice.
Writing: I have no complaints about the writing. I did enjoy the mixed media aspect with it, and I'm glad that A.N. Willis decided to keep going with that.
Plot: I think this book had a better plot than the first book. I liked the backstory of the filmmaker who has a lot film. I liked following the sort of creepypasta nature of that story. I liked the introduction of the Wrights having more than one paranormal sensitive child.
Intrigue: The book had me hooked with the lost tape storyline. I wanted to see where it led. Although I'm still wondering what the Beast was at the end of the book. I'm not sure if that was fully explained.
Enjoyment: Of course I gave this 5 stars. I enjoyed this so much, and I cannot wait to pick up the 3rd book. I have ended up buying all three books because I enjoyed them so much.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
We get to know more about Penny Wright, her family, and Matthew as we delve into this new ghostly mystery. As a young woman, Eliza, arrives to take inventory of Dee Stephenson’s home and possessions. Just as Dee died in the home after following a light into a small room, Eliza is terrified by the same light. She hears sounds while working, follows the sound, sees the light and takes off. Unlike Dee, Eliza survives the occurrence.
But, what caused it? What was it all about? Is the January House haunted, and if so, by whom – or what? Penny’s brother, Bryce, recognizes Eliza after seeing her in a dream. He is determined to help, and more, protect Eliza from a frightening danger. He has seen her die in his dream. He will not let that happen if he can stop it.
Bryce joins his sister in their efforts to keep Eliza safe. This is a great follow-up to Willis’s first tale and is even better than the first. Her characters are totally believable and interesting. As you read through the book they become almost like family and you find yourself cheering them on to a successful conclusion. But can they save Eliza? There are powers at work here that are very strong. Is Penny up to the ordeal?
🌸 Angel Eyes is the second book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. You get a little more backstory by reading Devil’s Night first, but it wouldn’t be noticeable if you didn’t. 🌸 Penny Wright is back in her hometown of Ashton. The intent of her visit was to spend time with her boyfriend and her family for Thanksgiving, but instead she finds herself in the throes of more paranormal activity - this time at January House. 🌸 I did think it was a little strange that no one told Penny for three weeks that a ghost was rumored to have killed Dee in January House, since she is a medium and it happened in her hometown. But after what she went through in Devil’s Night, they were trying to protect her. 🌸 I loved how Willis throws some serious deja vu at us right off the bat with Bryce and his psychic dreams of Eliza. Low and behold, Penny isn’t the only Wright that has supernatural powers! 🌸 The unknown perpetrator is The Artist, and I was pleasantly surprised who it ends up being - I like the obscure character who gets some attention in a book! 🌸 Willis’s vivid descriptions of Dee’s and her Uncle Thrace’s paintings are magnificent. I felt like I could see every aspect of them, and when they came to life, it was easy to get lost in the world that is presented. 🌸 Another good read that has left me eager to read the next installment, Demon House!
Penny Wright is back for a 2nd supernatural adventure. Penny’s a medium, but she really wishes she didn’t see ghosts. She has a plan for her life and the ghostly visions just bring chaos into her world. She is heading home to Colorado for Thanksgiving and to spend some time with her love! She’s barely home when her brother Bryce asks her for help. It seems Bryce has his own supernatural gift. He’s been having visions of the future and his last vision involves a women that just showed up in town. Eliza is here to wrap up the estate of the owner of the January house. She also happens t be staying there! Strange things start to happen to Eliza and Bryce calls on Penny to help make sure his visions don’t come true. Penny senses that it’s more than a ghost in January house, but she’s still afraid to embrace her gift. Does embracing the ghosts mean she can’t have a normal life with Matthew? Can the ghosts hurt her if she really opens up? I loved this story. Not every author can weave the past and present into stories like this one! This story moves quickly and you won’t be able to put it down! I really am hooked on this series! Keep them coming! Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC! I am not required to leave a review and am doing so because it’s a great read!
This is the second book in the series, which features Penny Wright, a medium who is trying to deny her talent. She comes back home hoping to recharge her batteries but finds herself drawn straight into another investigation.
This book is definitely building on the first, with Penny’s brother Bryce getting more involved, as well as sister Krista, who has her own secrets. This is definitely building nicely, the writing is really good and makes the book almost unputdownable, if that’s a word. The only thing for me was that I struggled with part of the storyline towards the end. But it didn’t stop me needing to finish the book to see what happened. And I look forward to reading the next in the series to see where Penny goes next to explore her talent. 3 1/2⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Angel Eyes: The Haunting of January House is the second novel in the Penny Wright series. Penny, a well-known medium in her hometown of Ashton comes home for a well-deserved holiday and, of course, to see her boyfriend, Matthew. When Dee the owner of January House calls Bryce, Penny’s brother, then dies, she is inadvertently pulled into a paranormal mystery. When she visits the home, there is no doubt…something sinister is going on in January House. This intriguing, well-penned thriller is filled with twists and turns. The suspense makes this spooky fast-paced novel an engaging page-turner. A.N. Willis has given us a great read in Angel Eyes. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I had some peeves with the first novel in the Penny Wright series, such as the slow start, but I absolutely loved this sequel! It kept me gripped right from the start and I loved the mystery and tragedy of the story, it kept me intrigued the whole time as the history unraveled and more information was uncovered. I found the back story of Dee Stephens and January House to be hauntingly sad but beautifully written. Looking forward to seeing how the series develops in the next book!
Well. It scared the bejeebers out of me and I'm an old lady, not easily even startled. So if you like really scary, well written books, definitely read this one. Read the first one before you do. Its scary, too, but not as much. You'll understand Penny and her family better if you do.
Loved the story line and the characters in this spooky thriller, not to mention the scary events in the haunted mansion. This is a fun read, with likeable characters, a small town feel and lots of drama. Anytime you mix paranormal, psychic abilities, ghosts and murder, you're bound to be in for a wild ride. I look forward to #3 in this series and catching up with Penny and her group!
i received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review. this installment was much easier to read & less over the place compared to its first. with Penny already introduced in the first book, the second jumped straight into the juicy adventure. it was so much fun joining her & Dee on the terrifying rollercoaster. i enjoyed every moment of it!
Couldn't stop reading this book! Creepy, with loads of suspense and a few surprises. Not too graphic, but cringeworthy towards the end. Loved the characters!
Thus is the third book by A.N. Willis Ive read and it won't be the last. His stories draw you I and you can almost feel the chill in the air. Ill certainly be looking for more of his works.
Plot is good, setting feels realistic, secondary characters are interesting and rounded, but the lead character is childish, self centered, refuses to see past her own nose, annoying and clearly believed her parents when they told her she's the center of the universe.
I'm not big on paranormal stuff. That having been said, I really did enjoy this story. Maybe because some of the characters were on my side, having a hard time accepting wat they saw. Thanks for a good read
This is a murder mystery with ghost and a woman with supernatural abilities. Penny Wright has had been able to see ghost since she was little. Can she figure out how to finally control things. This story will keep on on the edge of your seat and hard to put down. Loved the characters!
The story moves along quickly. There was a murder that goes unsolved until Penny can bring up the woman's ghost. Where are the strange noises coming from? What other ghosts are lurking here?
Penny Wright could see ghosts, which was an intriguing premise from the start, but then it deviated to slow and lengthy narratives that weren’t amusing. Who were all these other people? We don’t get back to Penny until chapter 6. Just too dull to read.
I really liked this book. I think it was better than the first book in the series. I like the way the author writes, giving us the story from all the characters' perspectives instead of from just one. Looking forward to diving into the next one in the series!
The mystery was just as interesting as the first book. The basis for the haunting was less well dug into, but characters as good. Really enjoying Penny's journey
The story is interesting. It has a little bit of everything like horror, romance, thriller and paranormal. I enjoyed and will read more books by this author.
This book had me from the very first chapter, I couldn’t put it down! I stayed up ALL night until I finished it! I hope the next book gets finished sooner than expected.