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A Riveting Haunted House Mystery #26
The Haunting of Brandt Mansion
The complicated history of the Brandt Mansion has been long forgotten.
Few in the small, remote town of Tibbetts, Connecticut even remember the estate and the insidious events that took place years earlier. Struggling with writer’s block and a tight deadline for his new novel, David Pragmore suggests a retreat away from Hartford to his wife, Susan, in order to find fresh inspiration. The publishers want David’s new book to shine in the horror genre, so when David reads about the odd manor with a haunted past, it seems like the perfect place to recapture his muse. But David and Susan quickly discover that some stories aren’t meant to be told.
Few in the small, remote town of Tibbetts, Connecticut even remember the estate and the insidious events that took place years earlier. Struggling with writer’s block and a tight deadline for his new novel, David Pragmore suggests a retreat away from Hartford to his wife, Susan, in order to find fresh inspiration. The publishers want David’s new book to shine in the horror genre, so when David reads about the odd manor with a haunted past, it seems like the perfect place to recapture his muse. But David and Susan quickly discover that some stories aren’t meant to be told.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 4, 2021
I gave this one 2.5-3 stars. It was a strong 3 until the last 30% of the book. The book was relatively slowly paced for the first 2/3, but suddenly became a more scene-by-scene action story. I think because the story was so slow to start, by the time to got to the last 1/3, I had no interest in solving the mystery. I'm not sure if it was the characters or just that the storyline ended up kind of blah.
Overall the story was well written. Some grammar and punctuation errors and some odd wording here and there. The biggest complaint is that there was SO much time spent on introspection. We'd have a scene followed by pages and pages of Susan trying to figure out what she believes, and what her husband believes, and whether she'll be believed. It got really tedious.
However, it was a good enough read for me to finish it quickly and I think I'd try another book from this author.
Overall the story was well written. Some grammar and punctuation errors and some odd wording here and there. The biggest complaint is that there was SO much time spent on introspection. We'd have a scene followed by pages and pages of Susan trying to figure out what she believes, and what her husband believes, and whether she'll be believed. It got really tedious.
However, it was a good enough read for me to finish it quickly and I think I'd try another book from this author.
August 1, 2021
An entertaining story. Would have benefitted from better editing. Grammatical and punctuation errors, and at times, awkward reading.
David and Susan travel to Tibbitts, CT for an extended stay at Brandt Manor so that David could write his second novel free of distractions. Shortly after their arrival, there was a strange, unexplained event that disturbed then. It bordered on paranormal, but David adamantly denied the existence of ghosts and such.
Decades earlier the resident of Brandt Manor, Timothy Edgecroft, had apparently committed suicide and local police closed their open case of several homicides in the area, citing Timothy as the culprit and he committed suicide to avoid prosecution. However, no one in Tibbitts would discuss these events, which David and Susan thought odd.
One resident did not think Timothy committed suicide and Susan begins researching. As she does, more strange events happen, ultimately sending her back home, leaving David at the Brandt.
One night David has a strange, life-like dream that changes he mind about several things and he picks up Susan's research. What he uncovers puts his life in danger. Does he solve the mystery on Timothy's suicide? Read to find out!
David and Susan travel to Tibbitts, CT for an extended stay at Brandt Manor so that David could write his second novel free of distractions. Shortly after their arrival, there was a strange, unexplained event that disturbed then. It bordered on paranormal, but David adamantly denied the existence of ghosts and such.
Decades earlier the resident of Brandt Manor, Timothy Edgecroft, had apparently committed suicide and local police closed their open case of several homicides in the area, citing Timothy as the culprit and he committed suicide to avoid prosecution. However, no one in Tibbitts would discuss these events, which David and Susan thought odd.
One resident did not think Timothy committed suicide and Susan begins researching. As she does, more strange events happen, ultimately sending her back home, leaving David at the Brandt.
One night David has a strange, life-like dream that changes he mind about several things and he picks up Susan's research. What he uncovers puts his life in danger. Does he solve the mystery on Timothy's suicide? Read to find out!
August 11, 2021
Not a scary ghost story, except the tiny bit about the protagonist's wife, Susan's, college ghost experience. It was a well thought out, competently written story... just a tad bland. Quite a few errors that slowed my reading flow, but nothing major.
October 3, 2021
Cure for insomnia
This book is incredibly slow and dragging ! Normally I finish a book like this in 1 or 2 sittings, this time it took me almost 3 weeks to finish. I’d read for 15 minutes than start to doze off. Story itself is not even good , it’s so typical for a lot of “haunted “ stories but this one seems to drift mire into wanting to be a mystery than a haunting. And a poor one at that.
This book is incredibly slow and dragging ! Normally I finish a book like this in 1 or 2 sittings, this time it took me almost 3 weeks to finish. I’d read for 15 minutes than start to doze off. Story itself is not even good , it’s so typical for a lot of “haunted “ stories but this one seems to drift mire into wanting to be a mystery than a haunting. And a poor one at that.
September 17, 2021
I listened to this on audiobook format.
There were quite a few nods and winks to Stephen King and The Shining in particular. That was okay at first but when the words started to appear on the protagonists computer screen, that’s when that nod and wink turned more to a point and shout for me.
An okay story - just not enough to really make it memorable. I was disappointed when Susan bowed out of the story. I found her more interesting than David and had expected her to return later. She did, but only right at the end when it was all over. I also found David’s repeated ageist attitude really annoying.
There were quite a few nods and winks to Stephen King and The Shining in particular. That was okay at first but when the words started to appear on the protagonists computer screen, that’s when that nod and wink turned more to a point and shout for me.
An okay story - just not enough to really make it memorable. I was disappointed when Susan bowed out of the story. I found her more interesting than David and had expected her to return later. She did, but only right at the end when it was all over. I also found David’s repeated ageist attitude really annoying.
August 6, 2021
A righteous haunting
Having just finished another book that featured some nasty demons haunting a house, Brandt Mansion was a nice change. This was a righteous haunting by a ghost who demanded justice denied him in life. Only 4 stars because too many pages of main characters ruminating on events in the story.
Having just finished another book that featured some nasty demons haunting a house, Brandt Mansion was a nice change. This was a righteous haunting by a ghost who demanded justice denied him in life. Only 4 stars because too many pages of main characters ruminating on events in the story.
July 3, 2022
There were some pretty big, distracting errors here. At one point, we learn that Susan lived through the sixties and remembers the style of the clothing. But that's impossible if she went to college in the 90s! That made me think she was a ghost, and led me down a completely different story. Also, *spoiler alert* the bad guys are nearing their 80s, how can they be such a physical threat to the protagonist? If they inherited their home when their cousin died in the 60s, why are they called the new owners? Why have they started rehabbing the home now, in the 2000s? What did they do with the home the other 40 years? Why does the protagonist think the corrupt cop, who would also be in his 80s, is still alive? Why doesn't he ever assume these people have died?
The time gap is just too long for this to make any sense at all.
The time gap is just too long for this to make any sense at all.
August 2, 2021
A stunning, brilliant thriller I had the fortune of reading lately!!!
David Pragmore, a successful author of one best selling horror novel suddenly faces a writer's block and decides to try writing in a manor in a small town Tibbets in Connecticut and drives over with his wife Susan.
What happens to David and Susan in the Brandt Manor forms the compelling, fascinating narrative that grips the reader until the last page is read. The transformation of David to a believer has to be read to be enjoyed in its totality!
An exceptional book with all the ingredients for a resounding success!!
David Pragmore, a successful author of one best selling horror novel suddenly faces a writer's block and decides to try writing in a manor in a small town Tibbets in Connecticut and drives over with his wife Susan.
What happens to David and Susan in the Brandt Manor forms the compelling, fascinating narrative that grips the reader until the last page is read. The transformation of David to a believer has to be read to be enjoyed in its totality!
An exceptional book with all the ingredients for a resounding success!!
May 20, 2023
This novel had potential to be a lot better than it turned out to be. A novelist suffering with writers block travels to an allegedly haunted mansion, where he has experiences that not only helps him overcome his writers block, but also his outlook on life and death itself.
The writing style of this novel made me lose interest easily. The dialogue did not flow good at all, Dry humor, and a lot of unnecessary details really killed it for me. I would have loved to have seen more paranormal activity and less mundane details. The ending also left me highly unsatisfied. This novel could’ve used a ton of editing to improve the story flow, dialogue, and general ease of reading.
The writing style of this novel made me lose interest easily. The dialogue did not flow good at all, Dry humor, and a lot of unnecessary details really killed it for me. I would have loved to have seen more paranormal activity and less mundane details. The ending also left me highly unsatisfied. This novel could’ve used a ton of editing to improve the story flow, dialogue, and general ease of reading.
October 30, 2022
Listened to audiobook. Good ghost story/mystery. Narration was not good. Narrator had a weird cadence and pauses in awkward places but I suffered through it because the story seemed worth it. Might be better off reading the physical book. Some parts were a little repetitive and drawn out, but I enjoyed the story overall. The one thing that bugged me is it was called Brandt Mansion on the Title/Cover, but was called Brandt Manor throughout the book. A small thing. Maybe someone at the publisher screwed up.
October 16, 2021
Quite a Few References to The Shining
This is the first book by Mason Dean that I've read. It is book #26 of 29 in the series that are definitely stand-alone novels. Containing a few typing/grammatical errors, it would have benefited from a simple editorial review.
This was more of a horror story wanting to be a mystery than a true horror story with too many Stephen King references. The computer typing "help me make it right" was a bit too much.
This is the first book by Mason Dean that I've read. It is book #26 of 29 in the series that are definitely stand-alone novels. Containing a few typing/grammatical errors, it would have benefited from a simple editorial review.
This was more of a horror story wanting to be a mystery than a true horror story with too many Stephen King references. The computer typing "help me make it right" was a bit too much.
January 30, 2022
The Haunting of Brandt Mansion: A Riveting Haunted House Mystery (A Riveting Haunted House Mystery Series Book 26) by Mason Dean is an amazing story that I have loved reading. This is book number twenty six in this amazing series that I have been hooked on since the beginning. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about mysteries, thrillers and suspense.
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.
August 20, 2021
Fascinating
It really opened my mind to many possibilities. I always like to feel spirits /souls crossed to a happier place. If there were times we needed help. I hope we were willing and able to. If our lives were taken, we should be able to resolve the story. Sometimes revenge is necessary.
It really opened my mind to many possibilities. I always like to feel spirits /souls crossed to a happier place. If there were times we needed help. I hope we were willing and able to. If our lives were taken, we should be able to resolve the story. Sometimes revenge is necessary.
September 1, 2021
What do you get when you mix American Horror Story (1st season) with Stephen KIng's "The Shining"? This book!
The book had a strong start and hooked me in, but about halfway through, the pace began to slow, and conversations or scenarios became repetitive; interest began to wain. Therefore, what started as 5 stars became a mere 3.
The book had a strong start and hooked me in, but about halfway through, the pace began to slow, and conversations or scenarios became repetitive; interest began to wain. Therefore, what started as 5 stars became a mere 3.
March 29, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this...had to stay up past my bedtime to finish it. Enjoyed the setting (love little towns) the characters and the plot. Most of the story was not super haunty, but it was compelling all the way through. I would like to read more about the main characters, and how he gets his inspirations to write his stories.
July 31, 2021
Enjoyed this very much.
I couldn't wait for each chapter. None was expected. Nice original script. Liked that no one got rich whether the treasure actually existed or not. I also liked the characters, especially Maggie. Nicely done.
I couldn't wait for each chapter. None was expected. Nice original script. Liked that no one got rich whether the treasure actually existed or not. I also liked the characters, especially Maggie. Nicely done.
August 30, 2021
Overall, I enjoyed the premise of this book. The story was well thought out. However, the author kept repeating facts that had already been mentioned, which made the book longer than it had to be. I also found one certain premise hard to believe.
March 25, 2022
Not really a fan
I didn't like this book and I didn't like the last one. One of my pet peeves is when the author uses the first names of the characters To much and Mason dean seems to LOVE to do that in this book and his last. Praying the next book is better
I didn't like this book and I didn't like the last one. One of my pet peeves is when the author uses the first names of the characters To much and Mason dean seems to LOVE to do that in this book and his last. Praying the next book is better
June 5, 2022
Brandt Mansion
Was a little harder to get into at first! I really didn't get into it until things started happening then it was a good book. Really wish there was more part for the guy who ended up innocent in the long run!
Was a little harder to get into at first! I really didn't get into it until things started happening then it was a good book. Really wish there was more part for the guy who ended up innocent in the long run!
June 8, 2022
Beautiful Mansion
The descriptive for this Mansion was so good, I read this book, in just a few days! The story line as always was wonderful and the way it was told how the apparition came in was perfect!
The descriptive for this Mansion was so good, I read this book, in just a few days! The story line as always was wonderful and the way it was told how the apparition came in was perfect!
July 24, 2023
Caught Me Off Guard
Well that was a page turner! Not to give the plot away, but there was a point near the end that made my stomach flip with anxiety! Well composed and expertly set out, giving the reader enough of a visual that you were almost at the manor
Well that was a page turner! Not to give the plot away, but there was a point near the end that made my stomach flip with anxiety! Well composed and expertly set out, giving the reader enough of a visual that you were almost at the manor
March 9, 2024
Mansion, Mystery, and Murder
This was a good read with several interesting twists and some light paranormal elements. I would have liked to know who actually was the serial killer, although I felt that the reader was supposed to surmise it was the missing head police officer.
This was a good read with several interesting twists and some light paranormal elements. I would have liked to know who actually was the serial killer, although I felt that the reader was supposed to surmise it was the missing head police officer.
September 4, 2026
LOVED this book. It is one of five in The Haunting of Starlight Manor: A Small Town Riveting Haunted House Mystery Boxset! Loved David and Susan, the main characters. So glad David saw the light! Loved Maggie too! A PAGE-TURNER!!
August 1, 2021
Rose
I have read many, many ghost stories but never one quite like this. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and hope to enjoy many more by this aurthor.
I have read many, many ghost stories but never one quite like this. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and hope to enjoy many more by this aurthor.
August 8, 2021
Great Book!!!
Wow!! What a story!!! Fantastic characters and great timing!! I can't believe I just read 50 chapters in a day and a half!! I love this authors work!!
Wow!! What a story!!! Fantastic characters and great timing!! I can't believe I just read 50 chapters in a day and a half!! I love this authors work!!
August 16, 2021
A good haunting book. Family secrets.
September 17, 2021
Great read amazing book.
Very much enjoyed the book.
Begening to end never dull or boring. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good ghost story or mystery .
Very much enjoyed the book.
Begening to end never dull or boring. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good ghost story or mystery .
October 13, 2021
OK read.
Nothing to get excited about, not very engrossing. I love a good haunted house story but this one was just tepid at best.
Nothing to get excited about, not very engrossing. I love a good haunted house story but this one was just tepid at best.
December 18, 2021
Spell binding
Author keeps you on edge of what’s coming within the next pages. Couldn’t put the book down , excellent plot and twist to it.
Author keeps you on edge of what’s coming within the next pages. Couldn’t put the book down , excellent plot and twist to it.
February 5, 2022
WOW
So interesting. What a wonderful haunting story. Kept me turning pages until the very end. Hope to see more stories like this Mason. Highly recommend this book.
So interesting. What a wonderful haunting story. Kept me turning pages until the very end. Hope to see more stories like this Mason. Highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews