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Eliza

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Everyone knows ghosts aren’t real… right?



Mason doesn’t believe in ghosts. He never has. But that is put to the test after a visit to an abandoned mental hospital. What he sees defies rational explanation, sending a chill down his spine. Within those decaying walls, Mason’s eyes are opened to inexplicable sights that contradict everything he thought he knew.



As the strange occurrences intensify, Mason clings to his belief that there is an explanation for everything, even if the explanation is that he is losing his mind. But the supernatural force tormenting him is not content with lurking in the periphery. Mason finds himself caught in a nightmare that threatens his life and the lives of those closest to him, and he is forced to confront a terrifying question.



What do you do when the past you are haunted by isn’t your own?



Come along for the chilling ride as Mason is forced to move from denial to acceptance to action before it’s too late.

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2021

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About the author

Shawn Winchell

10 books91 followers

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5 stars
37 (39%)
4 stars
24 (25%)
3 stars
21 (22%)
2 stars
8 (8%)
1 star
3 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Peter Topside.
Author 7 books1,548 followers
May 27, 2026
This story took a long time to find its footing and pace. I think it happened around 53% in. Once Timmy and Ruby were introduced, that also perked up an otherwise slow experience up until that point. And there were some very choppy scene and chapter transitions, too. This made it very hard to understand certain flashbacks versus present day, and even actions in a specific scene, too. At times, it felt like a paragraph or two were just missing. Some further editing could have easily resolved all that. However, the characters began to flow and the story became deeper and more entertaining after about that halfway point. And the rest of the book was actually fairly enjoyable. Including the ending, which I liked quite a bit. It was just a bit of a chore getting to all the highlights of this story.
Profile Image for Candis Vargo.
Author 19 books39 followers
September 9, 2021
Slow in the beginning but worth it

It started off a little slow for me, but it hooked me. It's different than most out there and is worth the read! It hooked me and I'm hoping for more books in the series! Reminds me a bit of Apryl Baker books, but has a twist. (Spoilers ahead) I figures there was something even more paranormal but I thought the typical vampires, but its not. Doesn't quite say WHAT they are but I love how it added more paranormal creatures than just ghosts!!! I will definitely read more from this author!

As a spiritualist, I also love how it adds in healing crystals and facts from my beliefs opposed to the stereotypical stuff you read in books. This author did their research which adds so much value to the novel!
Profile Image for Tara Durham.
212 reviews4 followers
December 1, 2024
Ok, I really enjoyed this one. It certainly took some twists and turns that the best plot guesser would’ve never seen coming.
Mason takes Amber, his girlfriend, to a haunted location for a surprise date. Amber has always been fascinated with the paranormal and Mason has always been a skeptic.
At the asylum, Mason experiences phenomena that Amber cannot see. But what happened to Mason didn’t end at the asylum. Everywhere he turns-he is haunted by children’s laughter and a mysterious red ball.
Is Mason truly experiencing these things or is he simply losing his mind? All he knows is that he has to put an end to it all before he loses everything-his sanity and all he holds dear.
Fantastic read and I’ll be looking for others by this author!
Profile Image for Lisa Wilcox.
166 reviews6 followers
May 2, 2024
OK, here's a new genre: Cozy Horror Paranormal. This book combines a love story, a haunting, paranormal research, and plain old ghost story all in one. It was quite an enjoyable read; just wished it had lasted longer and had more in depth explanation of the "creatures." But, as the author is known to do, it's all left up to your imagination. You can make these creatures be what ever you want them to be. Now that I've read all 3 of Winchell's works, I'm anxiously waiting for the next installment!
6 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2021
Nice plot twist, not very scary.

I chose this rating because I was under the impression this would be a scary book. Since the book deals with ghosts, it does fall under that category, but wasn’t very scary in my opinion. The book was a little slow going, and we have to get 100+ pages in for the book to really get going. The plot twist at the end was unexpected and the ending didn’t really seem to go with the book.
Profile Image for Mandy.
657 reviews37 followers
March 15, 2025
This is a gripping psychological thriller that blurs the line between supernatural horror and madness. When a visit to an abandoned mental hospital leaves Mason haunted by an unexplainable presence, his reality unravels in chilling ways.

Winchell masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers teetering between skepticism and belief. With relentless pacing, eerie atmosphere, and a haunting mystery, Eliza is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and ghost stories alike.
Profile Image for April Willis.
293 reviews15 followers
November 25, 2024
WOW! A story that makes your toes curl. Multiple ghosts that play a part in this story. Each contribute to the plot with a combination of terror to frivolity. This is a ghost story that one has to read to understand the different levels of fright! Character development is fabulous and what a world Shawn Winchell has built. Highly Recommended
Profile Image for Kaity.
4 reviews
August 28, 2021
Where’s the sequel?!

This book is so well written and enjoyable, I just couldn’t put it down!! I really grew to care about the characters and what happens to them, but I need a sequel to know what happens!! Can’t wait to read more of this author’s work!!
Profile Image for Ali  O.
1,081 reviews57 followers
February 17, 2024
Very entertaining story! This book was a fast read and kept me captivated from start to finish. It wasn’t a super scary book, but had a few mildly creepy parts to it. I really enjoyed the writing and overall story! I couldn’t wait to find out how it all played out at the end!
3 reviews
September 14, 2021
The beginning was wonderful and spooky but about half way through the spook was gone. It overall was a good read but I wish the themes from the first half had carried over better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
9 reviews
September 30, 2021
Loved It

I loved this book. I started reading and couldn’t put it down. Read the whole book in one sitting. :-)
Profile Image for Marie.
34 reviews
October 8, 2021
Great read

I really liked this book and can’t wait to see where the characters are going from here. Hoping it is a series.
22 reviews
April 10, 2023
This book is great! The story keeps you guessing, and when you think you might have figured it out, you didn't at all. Loved this ending.
Profile Image for Mae.
253 reviews5 followers
January 13, 2024
This story follows our main character Mason, who is your general screw-up and can't hold a job or commit to anything. He has a long-term girlfriend obsessed with everything spooky and takes her to a haunted asylum. They leave haunted.

This story is generally pretty spooky and about 50 percent of the way through the story, it takes a turn for the better and adds some humor and wholesome vibes to its repertoire. It has layers! Eliza does a great job of balancing it's horror core with a plot that makes you care about the characters. The character development in this book makes all the difference and the twist keep you engaged and turning pages!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews