The Haunting of Bridge Manor: Trilogy

Haunting of Bridge Manor Trilogy #1-3

by Marc Layton

A haunted manor, a dark history of death, and a young woman who must unravel the secrets… or die.

Rachel wants to start over and heal after a devastating injury. When her parents buy a creepy old manor on a lake, she’s wary at best. The home gives her the creeps and the neighbors seem to think the place is haunted. But ghosts aren’t real, right?

When strange things start happening, Rachel becomes determined to uncover the truth. What really happened at Bridge Manor?

The home’s brutal and twisted past only disturbs the girl further and inexplicable events begin to make her wonder if there’s truth behind the rumors. One thing’s for sure; there’s something very, very wrong with Bridge Manor. Is the apparition of the Lady on the Lake Rachel sees just a dream? Or are ghosts, in fact, real? Rachel must uncover the truth… before it’s too late.

Genres: Horror

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2022

About the author

Marc Layton is the internationally bestselling horror author of The Haunting Of Bridge Manor, The Evergreen Motel and The Evil Inside. The only child of American expats, he grew up on a farm in northern Germany, went to boarding school in a remote part of Scandinavia and then returned to his familial roots for University in New Hampshire where he then settled. As an avid traveler, a voracious reader and a professional antiques dealer, Layton is never at a loss for inspiration and ever since he can remember he’s been consumed by the things that go bump in the night. Layton lives and works out of a cottage near the water in Portsmouth, NH and spends his free time hiking with his wife and trusty Australian Shepard Lily.

Visit https://linktr.ee/MarcLayton to learn more or find Marc Layton on social @authormarclayton

Reviews

[Jessica Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of times books that are meant to be creepy just fall flat and are disappointing or the characters are all so horribly dislikable you can't bring yourself to care what happens to them. This is not one of those times. I found this serial series to be creepy, suspenseful, exciting, and unpredictable. I really felt for the kids with everything they had to go through and their aunt Christine who didn't believe in much of what was going on but refused to give up on the kids anyway. Kenneth and his father were so brave to be open and willing to help even though they did believe in what was going on and were completely terrified. If you are looking for a creepy story of haunting and possession this is definitely a good one to check out. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[John Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

What you see is what you get!

This was a run of the mill ghost/possession story, possibly aimed at a teenage audience. A one dimensional family battling a one dimensional ghost. With all the five star reviews this story received I was expecting more. Just not for me I'm afraid.

[Betsy Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book was Soo good! I couldn't put it down! It has everything you need in a scary story! I absolutely loved it!

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE HAUNTING OF BRIDGE MANOR is a Trilogy (releasing January 10) seamlessly integrating three titles: THE LAKE HAS EYES; THE DARK SHADOW; and LADY OF THE LAKE. Set in very rural Virginia, the books focus on a contemporary family from Chicago who purchase the isolated property and private lake as a vacation home. The main protagonists are adolescent Rachel, in slow recovery after a lengthy coma, and her younger brother Ben. Interwoven is the story of a Narcissistic Civil War officer who believed himself entitled to recompense from his county for his War service, specifically a large acreage plus the link. I shan't spoil why he chose the very wrong land.


I enjoyed the first and section segments more so than the middle (set in Chicago) and rate those at 5 and 4.5 respectively, the Chicago segment at 4.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a book that will definitely spook you out, this is that book, really hahah I am not usually scared by a book, but I wasn’t able to make me read this story at night, I had to read in the morning in a really bright room ^___^ that speaks volumes.

From the beginning you feel something isn’t quite right, I mean, Rachel had just awakened from an almost 3-year coma and her parents are taking her and her younger brother to a house in the middle of nowhere, and to make things weirder, everyone seems to be a little weird out with the house, no one accepts invites to come to the house, and the neighbour boy is not allowed to visit the house… isn’t that weird?

This is a very short probably under 200 pages, but its really worth your time, I know that even being scared I just wanted to read more and more, it was like an episode of the haunting of hill house, and I mean that in the sense that you have a story besides the actual haunting and you really have scare moments, just like in the show, and the way the author writes keeps us on our toes, just wondering what will happen next, and how that will go. Really, I can’t wait to see what Mr. Layton will think next, hahha I know it will be worthwhile!!

I got a free copy from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel McAllister has just woken from a two-year coma. Rachel is having some very horrific nightmares that may be a result of her accident. Rachel’s parents think that she needs to get away and spend some time on the lake so they buy an old house on the lake.

We first learned of Rachel and Ben’s fate in the first book that ends in a very dark tragedy for them in The Lake Has Eyes, their tragic story continues with the second book, The Dark Shadow. The Lady Of The Lake, the third and final installment of The Haunting of Bridge Manor: The Trilogy continues to be more and more dark, eerie and so very spooky.

I can just see it all playing out in my head. As I have said before The Haunting of Bridge Manor trilogy reminds me a great deal of Nancy Drew on The CW.

The Haunting of Bridge Manor trilogy gives you that creepy eerie feeling like that of The House on Haunted Hill and The Haunting of Bly Manor.

I would recommend The Haunting of Bridge Manor: The Trilogy to all ghosts fans! One-click your copy of this eerie ghosts story, The Haunting of Bridge Manor: The Trilogy today for a scary good time!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I can't wait to read more from him. I loved reading this paranormal ghost story. This is a well written story where the author's writing style bring the story to life on each page. His use of details gave the story a realistic feel and had me turning pages fast. The characters are relateable and kept the story engaging. This is a fast paced story that is full of spirits, ghosts and twists and turns that are sitting on the edge of your seat. I had a hard time putting this book down as it is that great. I enjoyed the growth of the plot as well as the growth of the characters throughout the story. I highly recommend this book. it is a must read and a great pick up.

[G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must be missing something. This story was not creepy or atmospheric to me at all. I can see what the author was trying but didn’t work for me. I did prefer the few chapters with the soldier but I think that’s because I was curious about the comeuppance. Not a bad book by any means but just didn’t do it for me. It was a quick read at least and I’m not opposed to trying other books by the author.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first half the book felt like I was reading a children's ghost story. There was no suspense. Everything happened very quickly. The middle of the book I was a bit more intrigued but then the book just fell off again. Overall it wasn't the greatest.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spooky tale in three parts. A lady in a lake. Green eyes flash. But it could have used a little dash of editing.


This is a book featuring three novellas in one. In the first one we get to meet Rachel and her family as they go for a vacation. We learn a bit about the house and things get creepy quite soon. Not just by things that are happening but with the tales that we learn about the house that Rachel now lives in for the summer. Things are disappearing, there is a lady walking around, a door to the basement opens at will (which is a big fucking red flag for me), and more. It was a good first novella, very exciting and things really got more and more scary with each page and closes off with a bang and a NOPE at the end. In the next part it is a few months later and we get the aftermath of what happened in the first part. We see Ben and Rachel live with their aunt, but things are still off. While not taking place at the manor, boy this was still very creepy! Ben sees things. Rachel experiences things. I just wanted to hug the aunt because she doesn’t have it easy. I have to say that in this part I was not a fan of Rachel. She was already a hard character to like in the first one (but I can forgive her as she was a 100% teen XD) but in this one she takes it up a nudge. And in the final novella we get some more deets on the house and the history and some scary things. But sadly also an anticlimactic ending. 🙁 I really loved how things clicked together.

I loved that at one point we get the history of the house, we are going back to the 1800s and see the guy who build the house on the land that was not meant to be build on. We read about all that happened before the gruesome events.

I also liked that we get to see POVs from other characters. While a tad confusing given that we are almost always with Rachel, I was still happy for a change of scenery.

But some editing would work. Some of the scenes just didn’t feel like they matched together, sometimes I had to re-read because we went from a to c. I also have questions, did Rachel get hurt on a playground or while bicycling? We get both options. Also Rachel says she got a concussion like it is nothing, but really girl, for a concussion you aren’t going into a coma for 2.5 years because otherwise your brain will do bad things. Also 1869 is not and definitely not EARLY 1900s.

The ending was also quite a disappointment. I mean, it was quite exciting with Rachel going all cray-cray, but the solution to it all? So simple. So dumb. I am sorry to say that, but it just felt so dumb. It also just came out of nowhere and I feel if it was maybe a tad longer it would have worked better. As of now it was someone found out about x then within 5 pages things were solved. Boom. Done. Cue to 5 months later…

Despite some issues I had with the book I still had tons of fun reading it! It was a good read with plenty of scary parts! I am happy I found out about this book!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really glad I read all 3 of the books together and in order. What a creepy story that would make a good movie. The characters are well developed and likable. I found myself hoping the kids (Rachel & Ben) would not only survive their time at Bridge Manor, but thrive in their lives.

Imagine your family moving you out to the country to help with issues you developed after being in a long term coma. Now imagine that house being haunted and determined to repeat it's history of murder. Just when you though you escaped with your life and move away, you find the haunting has followed you and it wants you to die too.

Great creepy story that had me turning pages to see what happens.

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE HAUNTING OF BRIDGE MANOR is a Trilogy (releasing January 10) seamlessly integrating three titles: THE LAKE HAS EYES; THE DARK SHADOW; and LADY OF THE LAKE. Wow! Layton is one of the few artists who seems to realy be able to seamlessly intigrate all three novels. If you were not aware of the move from one, novel to the next you would not be aware of it. This novel is set in rural Virginia. The family has chosen to purchase a parcel of land, which includes a house and a small private lake. While this is a contemporary novel focusing on a family from Chicago who purchase this private lake as a vacation home. The main protagonists is their adolescent daughter Rachel. Who has been in a coma for over two years? Since her awaking, she has been suffering horrible nightmares. The nightmares her family feels are interfering with her recovery. The family, Rachel and her younger brother all make the to the lake. Rachel believes that her nightmares are true. Once they move to the lake Rachel begins to see ghosts. She shares her “visions” with her family, who do not believe in Rachel’s visions. Rachel takes it upon herself to research the story of the house, and why the ghosts try to draw her to the lake. Rachel is beginning to connect the ghosts she sees with various individuals have lived in the house and their demise. She feels ever so strongly that if she is not able to help the ghost of the young woman who has died in the lake that she may follow the same tragic end. I cannot go any further as I don’t want to spoil anything for you. Just know that this novel is masterfully written. I would highly recommend this novel to others, and I plan to read other novels by this author. I received this novel from BookFunnel. I have written an honest and true review. My opinions are my own.

[Jenny McClinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy of ‘The Haunting of Bridge Manor: The Trilogy’ by Marc Layton in return for my honest review.

This trilogy consists of the following three books, which can all be bought individually:

The Lake Has Eyes
The Dark Shadow
The Lady of The Lake

They all follow Rachel and her family through this terrifying story.

The Lake Has Eyes:
Rachel has been having terrifying nightmares since she awoke from being in a coma for over 2 years.
Her family decide to go to their family home in Virginia, to try and help Rachel have some time to recover in a different place.

Their new home is Bridge Manor, and as soon as they move in Rachel feels as if there is something going on in this house.

What follows is a scary and intense horror story.

The Dark Shadows:
As Rachel and her little brother Ben try to come to terms with the trauma they experienced at their time at Bridge Manor, it seems as if the lady of the lake hasn’t quite done with them yet.

The Lake Has Eyes:
In this final instalment of this trilogy, the hauntings and nightmares reach an explosive ending.

This book leaves you feeling truly haunted, it is very scary to read what the family go through.

I have been a bit vague in the descriptions of the books above as I don’t want to give too much away of what happens in the first book. They all follow on from each other, so I am not going to give any spoilers.

With Rachel’s nightmares sometimes you don’t know what is real and what is in her dreams, but this all adds to the mystery of it all.

I really enjoyed reading and will be reading more of the author’s books.

Overall, a scary ghost story which will leave you truly haunted.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book

I have mixed feelings about this book. The first section felt a little rough and amateurish, the way it was written. Then the writing either got progressivly better as it went on, or I was too wrapped up in the story to care (or both). And for me, normally when books cut back and forth between two (or more) time periods (or storylines), it's very jarring and it throws the whole rhythm and flow of the story off. But for the most part, I think the author timed it really well throughout this book. Only once was I on the edge of my seat and it cut back to the other story frustrating me. All the other times it flowed really well and just fit in perfectly. It's like you were really ready for the flashbacks when the author added them in. I personally feel that most authors don't handle flashback timing well at all. But Mr. Layton, I believe, did it almost flawlessly.
My only other small gripe, is that the first half of the book had a lot more scary moments for me than the later half. I just wish that that momentum would have carried all the way until the end a little more. But overall, The Haunting of Bridge Manor kept me hooked until the end. This is the first book I've read by this author, so I'm curious to see how his other books fare in comparison.

[Vicki J. Urbon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review will not contain any "spoilers" as this is my
opinion of the book. A synopsis of the story can be read above.

The Haunting of Bridge Manor : The Trilogy is a ghost story which starts out with the daughter, Rachel wondering if her parents will believe what she is seeing, the son, Ben enjoying what he is seeing and the parents who have not seen anything…yet. I really like how the history of the manor is woven seamlessly throughout the present day. It allows for a full understanding of how the haunting came to be.

I love how this author describes things, creates complete and likeable characters and draws you into his narrative. It flows evenly and is hard to put down.

The story turns into a real horror show perhaps because of the use of plausible, not outrageous events. What makes The Haunting of Bridge Manor : The Trilogy so frightening is that the story line is so believable.

I highly recommend this book to whomever wants to have a serious scare with their next literary endeavor.

But…consider yourselves warned.

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katy The Sleepy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am taking a break from my ARC list of books and have had this on my Kindle for a long time. Finally decided to read it and I have to say, I really enjoyed it.

Rachel McAllister has been in a medically induced coma for two years. After waking, she continues having horrific nightmares and her parents decide to take her to a different place to see if a change would help her. They find an old house on a lake that seems perfect. However, the neighbor tells Rachel to be careful, that it is not all that it seems with the house and the lake.

Not long after they move in, Rachel starts experiencing strange things around the house. Unexpected noises, things moving around or disappearing, and a lady walking around the house. Rachel discovers a basement in the house and that's when they start to figure out who owned the house before and what happened there. Things go from bad to worse as the story progresses.

The book is divided into three sections. First is The Lake Has Eyes, the second is The Dark Shadow and lastly the Lady of the Lake. We get the backstory on the house in certain chapters, and I really liked that. We also get different viewpoints from different family members. Overall, I felt this was a great straight forward story, great for young adults and adults alike.

[Trick Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you get spooked out at night reading of watching a scary movie,this isn't for you to read but in the daytime,as I can't read any of Mr. Layton's books at night! Follow two kids in Va. Where they move to a big house and a spooky lake. The kids lose their parents and have to not only deal with that but their aunt and spooky dreams and then throw in a few ghosts and people aren't who you think they are! Then you have strange neighbors and people at the school... Love this series and I so like Marc doesn't make his books so long where you can read and go on to the next one and not have to wait forever on the next one where the story is still greasy in your brain! The characters become so real and has such a way with the description on acct is going on where you can see everything so clear in your mind,even all the things they see in their dreams and awake! I have read every one of his books and gave never been disappointed at all!! This is a very much of a read and if you miss a book except for for the last one he tells the story where you don't miss anything he gets you caught up but you really miss out one the complete story by not reading the whole series!! If you rad at night sleep with the light on!!!

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lake Has Eyes (The Haunting of Bridge Manor Trilogy Book 1), my second read from author Marc Layton, an author I'd wanted to read to read for some time and finally did on Christmas. Aspects of this book were reminiscent of Stephen King's The Shining.

The Lake Has Eyes (The Haunting of Bridge Manor Trilogy Book 2), my third read from author Marc Layton.

The Lady Of The Lake (The Haunting of Bridge Manor Trilogy Book 3), my fourth read from author Marc Layton, and the conclusion to The Haunting of Bridge Manor Trilogy. Rapid-paced, quick-hitting horror. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Christine Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best way to read this series....in order. I, originally, read them out of sequence and they do work as a stand-alone. But you can't go wrong with the trilogy. Reading consecutively may take more time but the impact of the story will be greater.
If you like ghost stories, this is right up there with the best. This isn't a cozy mystery, it's a spine-tingling, scare your pants-off ghost story with a twist at the end. If you've never read a Marc Layton book, this is the perfect start to a new reading addiction.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this trilogy about a family that buy a manor to help their daughter recover from an injury. The day they move in the neighbor warns Rachel that there are stories that the manor is haunted. As she has nightmares and sees strange goings-on in the house, Rachel tries to tell her parents, but they don't believe her. Tragedy strikes and Rachel and Ben move to Chicago, the nightmares continue and Rachel knows it has to do with the ghosts from the manor. This chilling story is worth a read. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Doreen Fernandes]

A manor of death

New beginnings. Greener pastures. Those are the expectations from Rachel and her family. Bridge Manor, although enticing, has dark secrets. Malevolent entities invade their new home and Rachel's parents are killed. Rachel and her brother are adopted by their aunt and have left the horror of Bridge Manor far behind. Have they really? Will they ever be free? A brilliantly crafted story line with a well depicted eerie scenario, had me in thrall. Marc Layton always excels.

[Mindy Glaser · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books were short, quick reads that held my attention to the very end. I'm so glad I read this as a trilogy set, because book two left off on such a cliffhanger! If you are looking for a "perfect happily ever after," take caution with this book. Without leaving any actual spoilers, I'll just say this - there is resolution, I wouldn't say it's an unhappy ending, but if you like stories where "the evil is defeated in time, so everyone is ok," well, this series may not be the best fit for you. For those of you who love horror and thrillers and expect some casualties, give this book a go!

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG This Trilogy is gripping,amazing storyline it just keeps you attached to it, the story is sort of 2 tiered with the now you're totally hooked and then the past you find what, who and why, then back too Now you find out how they stop it. I would absolutely definitely recommend you read this trilogy it's totally worth your time intact you don't even notice your time passing the books are so entangled. I thank the Author Marc Layton for allowing me the privilege of being part of the ARC.

[Sam Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was sent a complimentary copy of this novel by the author in exchange for an honest review.
A really creepy, suspenseful story revolving around Rachel and her family, who can’t escape the Lady of the Lake. Haven’t read any books by this author, but was very impressed and will be reading more of his work in the future.
If you like stories reminiscent of Haunting of Hill House then this is definitely the trilogy for you.

[Connie Charron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is there a happy ever after for this family?

Following the 1st 2 books in this trilogy the 3rd and last doesn't disappoint.

The 3rd and last chapter in the McAllister saga? Very well written saga that had to end somewhere but who knew what tragedy would unfold before it did. Rachel, Ben, Kenneth and all the adults involved deserve their "happily ever afters". Hopefully this is the beginning of theirs. Well done, Marc Layton.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy is filled with all the spine-chilling thrills anyone can ask for in one super scary novel. The characters, scenes, and dialogue come from the devilishly wonderful mind of Marc Layton-
Master of the Macabre. Grab your copy - turn on the lights - then sleep with one eye open.
Highly Recommended.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a exciting one to get your hands on. Rachel just wants to heal. Her parents though put a crimp in that. They buy what the neighbors call a haunted house. Things begin to happen so she digs. Now the truth to find out is what drives her. There is for sure something. Turn the pages to find out if she discovers ghosts and the truth.

[Milt Theo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy-to-read, lovingly written ghost story. Definitely how one should read this series. It is the perfect trilogy to get people into Layton's stories. Rachel is a character you grow to love and care about and the events go fast and get more and more interesting. You can easily relate to them all! Another great set of stories from Layton!

[Stacey Noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Rachel wakes up from a 2 year coma because of a head injury she suffers nightmares. Her parents buy a house on a lake thinking it will help her to get in a different environment. But it gets worse when she starts seeing the Lady in the Lake. Is it real or part of her nightmares? Read it to find out. Great books, I enjoyed them.