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A House of Ruin
A murder that stole 1982 national headlines: “Renowned Family Slayed in Home.” A case that remained cold for forty long years.
The Eyler family was anything but average. The father a top literary agent and the mother a duchess, they thrived in their prestigious Oakmont mansion surrounded by luxury…and secrets. Secrets that would eventually cost them their lives.
On a cold autumn night, their legacy ended with a grisly massacre in one of the most horrific scenes ever investigated. Soon details splashed across every newspaper of how the family of five lay slaughtered in their library, cursing the mansion as it became branded the Execution Estate. With no witnesses and no motives, the killer remained free. The case grew colder. Speculations grew darker. Answers grew dimmer.
Until now.
Former estate manager, Derl Newman, steps forward four decades later with a suspicion and a clue that could lead investigators to finally solve the puzzle of why a killer would murder a family yet leave the many priceless heirlooms behind. The gardener with a grudge? The bitter butler? The maid hiding her mischief? With insider knowledge of what happened that fateful night, Derl exposes everyone’s darkest secrets that brought this house to ruin.
The Eyler family was anything but average. The father a top literary agent and the mother a duchess, they thrived in their prestigious Oakmont mansion surrounded by luxury…and secrets. Secrets that would eventually cost them their lives.
On a cold autumn night, their legacy ended with a grisly massacre in one of the most horrific scenes ever investigated. Soon details splashed across every newspaper of how the family of five lay slaughtered in their library, cursing the mansion as it became branded the Execution Estate. With no witnesses and no motives, the killer remained free. The case grew colder. Speculations grew darker. Answers grew dimmer.
Until now.
Former estate manager, Derl Newman, steps forward four decades later with a suspicion and a clue that could lead investigators to finally solve the puzzle of why a killer would murder a family yet leave the many priceless heirlooms behind. The gardener with a grudge? The bitter butler? The maid hiding her mischief? With insider knowledge of what happened that fateful night, Derl exposes everyone’s darkest secrets that brought this house to ruin.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2022
172 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Crane
23 books797 followersTo know PAMELA CRANE, you first need to know her husband. He sleeps with one eye open. He checks the knife block to make sure none are missing. Why? It could be because they have four kids and a farm full of mischievous animals. Or it could be because she writes murder mysteries, and about the occasional woman who has lost her marbles (not based on her real-life psyche, she swears!) Don't worry—her husband is safe...for now. Her books range from witty whodunnits to psychological suspense and even humorous women’s fiction thrown in for good measure. She’s a USA TODAY bestselling author of over a dozen novels (who’s counting?), but her biggest accomplishment is keeping her zoo of animals alive…and her husband in check. Grab a free book at www.pamelacrane.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 22, 2022
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
On the evening of November 26th, 1982, a family (husband, wife, 2 daughters, 1 son) was murdered in a horrific fashion in their mansion. That’s why the property has since been known as Execution Estate.
This is a companion novella to author Pamela Crane’s recently released mystery/thriller, A Slow Ruin. In that full-length novel, we mostly read of two timelines featuring the inhabitants of Execution Estate…1910 and 2021. While there is mention of the horrific murders that took place in 1982, now is the first time we’re hearing the bloody details.
Derl Newman was the estate manager at the time the Eyler family lived and died there in 1982. In fact, he’s the one who discovered their gruesome, lifeless bodies in the library.
Now, 40 years later, Derl returns to the house to give an interview for an “Unsolved Mysteries” type of show. Only, he says he knows who committed the previously unsolved crime.
Was it the Eylers’s chef? The gardener? The mail man? The housekeeper? Was it the butler in the library with a candlestick?
This is an extremely entertaining whodunnit where Derl reflects on his years working for the family. It also delves into each of the suspects, and wastes no room with filler. I was highly entertained by this novella. I couldn’t stop flipping through its 132 pages. It is also darkly funny…and I may or may not have been ashamed of giggling during macabre events.
This could be read as a standalone, but you may as well read both. Crane is such a good writer who knows how to deliver an enticing story that makes you want more. She explains why she expanded upon the story in her author’s note at the beginning, and it is deeply humorous and entertaining.
4.5 stars.
Thank you to the author herself, Pamela Crane, for gifting me with this widget. Expected Publication Date: 2/22/22.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
My review of A Slow Ruin: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
On the evening of November 26th, 1982, a family (husband, wife, 2 daughters, 1 son) was murdered in a horrific fashion in their mansion. That’s why the property has since been known as Execution Estate.
This is a companion novella to author Pamela Crane’s recently released mystery/thriller, A Slow Ruin. In that full-length novel, we mostly read of two timelines featuring the inhabitants of Execution Estate…1910 and 2021. While there is mention of the horrific murders that took place in 1982, now is the first time we’re hearing the bloody details.
Derl Newman was the estate manager at the time the Eyler family lived and died there in 1982. In fact, he’s the one who discovered their gruesome, lifeless bodies in the library.
Now, 40 years later, Derl returns to the house to give an interview for an “Unsolved Mysteries” type of show. Only, he says he knows who committed the previously unsolved crime.
Was it the Eylers’s chef? The gardener? The mail man? The housekeeper? Was it the butler in the library with a candlestick?
This is an extremely entertaining whodunnit where Derl reflects on his years working for the family. It also delves into each of the suspects, and wastes no room with filler. I was highly entertained by this novella. I couldn’t stop flipping through its 132 pages. It is also darkly funny…and I may or may not have been ashamed of giggling during macabre events.
This could be read as a standalone, but you may as well read both. Crane is such a good writer who knows how to deliver an enticing story that makes you want more. She explains why she expanded upon the story in her author’s note at the beginning, and it is deeply humorous and entertaining.
4.5 stars.
Thank you to the author herself, Pamela Crane, for gifting me with this widget. Expected Publication Date: 2/22/22.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
My review of A Slow Ruin: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
May 10, 2022
Whodunnit. Murder mystery. Clue.
Three of my all time favorite concepts in one short novella! Thank you Michael David for putting this one on my radar. It was such a fun, quick read!
While this novella is written as a companion story to Crane’s A Slow Ruin, it can easily be read as a stand alone. I have not read A Slow Ruin, but plan to ASAP!
In A Slow Ruin, a 1982 gruesome murder in a mansion is mentioned, but never solved. This is the author’s attempt at solving the the case Agatha Christie style. Who murdered the Eyler family and why?
“Time didn’t heal all wounds. Instead it made them fester. Each day the Eylers stole hope, dashed dreams, thieved joy, and crushed souls, the infection grew.”
Derl Newman was the estate manager for the Eyler family forty years ago. He claims to have figured out who is responsible for the long cold case of the Execution Estate. The family of five was murdered execution style, an eye removed from each, and a book placed on top of their faces. While there were no witnesses or known motives, Derl claims to have insider knowledge.
Was it the gardener? The butler? The maid? The mailman? Or the chef? All have motives to want this foul family dead.
In an interview with Keisha Fenty, Derl lays out his suspicions and slowly leads up to the reveal of the murderer.
Is he right? Someone may know better…
While I mostly figured out the twist, I had so much fun with this novella! My only complaint is that it was too short, as I would have loved to read this as a full length book!
4/5 stars
Three of my all time favorite concepts in one short novella! Thank you Michael David for putting this one on my radar. It was such a fun, quick read!
While this novella is written as a companion story to Crane’s A Slow Ruin, it can easily be read as a stand alone. I have not read A Slow Ruin, but plan to ASAP!
In A Slow Ruin, a 1982 gruesome murder in a mansion is mentioned, but never solved. This is the author’s attempt at solving the the case Agatha Christie style. Who murdered the Eyler family and why?
“Time didn’t heal all wounds. Instead it made them fester. Each day the Eylers stole hope, dashed dreams, thieved joy, and crushed souls, the infection grew.”
Derl Newman was the estate manager for the Eyler family forty years ago. He claims to have figured out who is responsible for the long cold case of the Execution Estate. The family of five was murdered execution style, an eye removed from each, and a book placed on top of their faces. While there were no witnesses or known motives, Derl claims to have insider knowledge.
Was it the gardener? The butler? The maid? The mailman? Or the chef? All have motives to want this foul family dead.
In an interview with Keisha Fenty, Derl lays out his suspicions and slowly leads up to the reveal of the murderer.
Is he right? Someone may know better…
While I mostly figured out the twist, I had so much fun with this novella! My only complaint is that it was too short, as I would have loved to read this as a full length book!
4/5 stars
February 25, 2022
A HOUSE OF RUIN is a whodunnit mystery novella from the USA TODAY bestselling author, Pamela Crane, the author of the hit psychological thriller A Slow Ruin. This prequel novella gives a better understanding of the gruesome unsolved murder that took place in 1982 that left the Eyler family dead, including three children, before the Portman’s purchased the mansion now nicknamed Execution Estate. The murders took place in the library and there were no witnesses or motives. The killer was still free.
“A family slayed. Six suspects who worked in the house. Each with a dark past and a motive to kill.”
The Eyler family was anything but average. The father a top literary agent and the mother a duchess, they lived in luxury and secrets.
Derl Newman, former estate manager found the Eyler Family victims.
This murder case remained cold for forty long years…Until now.
Forty years later, Derl agreed to meet with famed documentarian, Keisha, for an interview to share the tragic events of this horrific murder. Over the years, little pieces of the puzzle started to fit together…clues that led Derl to eventually discover the identity of the killer. There was a witness who never got a chance to speak…except to Derl.
Derl exposes everyone’s darkest secrets that brought this house to ruin.
This was a well-plotted whodunnit mystery that is sure to appeal to a wide audience. This enjoyable novella kept me guessing till the end!
Many thanks to Pamela Crane for my digital copy.
“A family slayed. Six suspects who worked in the house. Each with a dark past and a motive to kill.”
The Eyler family was anything but average. The father a top literary agent and the mother a duchess, they lived in luxury and secrets.
Derl Newman, former estate manager found the Eyler Family victims.
This murder case remained cold for forty long years…Until now.
Forty years later, Derl agreed to meet with famed documentarian, Keisha, for an interview to share the tragic events of this horrific murder. Over the years, little pieces of the puzzle started to fit together…clues that led Derl to eventually discover the identity of the killer. There was a witness who never got a chance to speak…except to Derl.
Derl exposes everyone’s darkest secrets that brought this house to ruin.
This was a well-plotted whodunnit mystery that is sure to appeal to a wide audience. This enjoyable novella kept me guessing till the end!
Many thanks to Pamela Crane for my digital copy.
March 15, 2022
I first visited Execution House in A Slow Ruin by Pamela Crane. Now, we are going to find out the history, the slaughter of the Eyler family….And, if you were to ask me, I’d say maybe Karma came to bit them in the ass.
Did anyone like the family? The more I got to know them, the more I could understand how such a tragedy came to pass. BUT…who did it? Was it the butler? Was it the maid? How about the mailman? Or…well you get the point. There are so many suspects and so many motives that I wonder how we can ever really know.
Derl comes forward forty years after the execution with, what he believes, to be the answer. Derl had been the one to find them and it had haunted him ever since.
I love books where secrets are exposed. Pamela Crane makes her characters suffer..and I suffer right along with them. She had me going, with all the suspects and all the motives. When people treat others so cruelly, I always wonder how far a person can be pushed before they break.
What about you? With each suspect I wondered what I would do in their situation. It’s some great writing when an author can make me do that.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of A House of Ruin by Pamela Crane.
See more at fundinmental
Did anyone like the family? The more I got to know them, the more I could understand how such a tragedy came to pass. BUT…who did it? Was it the butler? Was it the maid? How about the mailman? Or…well you get the point. There are so many suspects and so many motives that I wonder how we can ever really know.
Derl comes forward forty years after the execution with, what he believes, to be the answer. Derl had been the one to find them and it had haunted him ever since.
I love books where secrets are exposed. Pamela Crane makes her characters suffer..and I suffer right along with them. She had me going, with all the suspects and all the motives. When people treat others so cruelly, I always wonder how far a person can be pushed before they break.
What about you? With each suspect I wondered what I would do in their situation. It’s some great writing when an author can make me do that.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of A House of Ruin by Pamela Crane.
See more at fundinmental
May 14, 2022
This novella came highly recommended by Michael and Jayme here on Goodreads and even though this is a sister story to a full-length novel by the same writer, it works perfectly well as a stand-alone.
The novella is perfect for those who like a classic whoduunit. The House of Ruin follows the classical structure where we have a crime, a series of suspects all with plausible motives and one killer. I enjoyed this short read as i was introduced to a series of suspects, with every suspect getting a chapter dedicated to them. Overall, a fast and short read that you can finish in a day.
The novella is perfect for those who like a classic whoduunit. The House of Ruin follows the classical structure where we have a crime, a series of suspects all with plausible motives and one killer. I enjoyed this short read as i was introduced to a series of suspects, with every suspect getting a chapter dedicated to them. Overall, a fast and short read that you can finish in a day.
February 13, 2023
Finished reading: February 13th 2023
"Was it so shocking that a person could kill a whole family in cold blood? After all, we are all capable of hate. Our blood runs black with it."
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
April 4, 2022
If you've read A Slow Ruin, the Portman family lives in a gorgeous mansion nestled in Oakmont, PA (loosely based on a real dwelling that I had the joy of researching). What's better than an impressive mansion? A mansion steeped in murder and mystery! Thus, the Execution Estate was born.
So in the Portman mansion, long ago in 1982 a murder took place. It was so horrific that it branded the home with the name the "Execution Estate," for something about that house destroyed everyone who lived there, from the family that first built it to the last. Some say it was coincidence. Others say it was a curse.
Well, that 1982 murder was never solved (I can only blame myself as the writer). But now you're about to uncover what happened on that bitter night all those years ago that left a family of five slayed in their library (because...where else?). Was it with the candlestick? At the hands of a brooding butler? Without giving away the killer or the weapon, it was a murder that left investigators stumped as the case grew colder every year. (duh duh duhhhh)
Why did I feel the need to tell this story? It was a loose thread I had intended to leave in A Slow Ruin because I love writing companion stories. And this was one of my favorites to write. Meet Derl Newman (what a name, huh?), the creaky-boned estate manager who found the victims. He's still alive, and he hasn't forgotten that night. No matter what he told police during the initial investigation, they couldn't seem to pin the murder on any of the house staff--and what an eclectic bunch they are! But Derl's back, and he's telling the world his story this time.
I originally wrote this side story as an exclusive thank-you gift to my newsletter subscribers who enjoyed A Slow Ruin, but it ended up growing into something twistier (and longer) than I had anticipated, so I decided to share it with everyone else too. (If you're one of my newsletter fans, don't worry--I still save exclusive content for you!)
In A HOUSE OF RUIN you'll meet several house staff based on thriller movie characters (think you can figure out some of them?), and an odd family with a lot of sins and secrets. If you enjoy a fun little whodunnit mystery, I hope you give it a shot! (No pun intended...or is there?)
So in the Portman mansion, long ago in 1982 a murder took place. It was so horrific that it branded the home with the name the "Execution Estate," for something about that house destroyed everyone who lived there, from the family that first built it to the last. Some say it was coincidence. Others say it was a curse.
Well, that 1982 murder was never solved (I can only blame myself as the writer). But now you're about to uncover what happened on that bitter night all those years ago that left a family of five slayed in their library (because...where else?). Was it with the candlestick? At the hands of a brooding butler? Without giving away the killer or the weapon, it was a murder that left investigators stumped as the case grew colder every year. (duh duh duhhhh)
Why did I feel the need to tell this story? It was a loose thread I had intended to leave in A Slow Ruin because I love writing companion stories. And this was one of my favorites to write. Meet Derl Newman (what a name, huh?), the creaky-boned estate manager who found the victims. He's still alive, and he hasn't forgotten that night. No matter what he told police during the initial investigation, they couldn't seem to pin the murder on any of the house staff--and what an eclectic bunch they are! But Derl's back, and he's telling the world his story this time.
I originally wrote this side story as an exclusive thank-you gift to my newsletter subscribers who enjoyed A Slow Ruin, but it ended up growing into something twistier (and longer) than I had anticipated, so I decided to share it with everyone else too. (If you're one of my newsletter fans, don't worry--I still save exclusive content for you!)
In A HOUSE OF RUIN you'll meet several house staff based on thriller movie characters (think you can figure out some of them?), and an odd family with a lot of sins and secrets. If you enjoy a fun little whodunnit mystery, I hope you give it a shot! (No pun intended...or is there?)
February 20, 2022
A House of Ruin is a follow up/companion novella to A Slow Ruin, which I absolutely LOVED.
In 1982 , an entire family (husband, wife, 2 daughters, 1 son) was murdered in a mansion and since then the estate has been referred to as Execution Estate.
This companion story is about Derl Newman, who is the one who found the bodies on that fateful day.
Fast forward 40 years, and he is back in the house giving an interview fo a TV show that explores cold cases that went unsolved.
I was so excited to read Derl's story, and all the things that happened during his time working for the family.
This may be a novella, but it packs the punch of a full-length novel.
The setting is perfectly described. Derl's character is complex yet how did I find myself laughing at some such dark moments, that's the genius of Pamela Crane.
Yes, this can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly suggest reading A Slow Ruin, you will LOVE it so much!
If you haven't read Pamela Crane's books, you're completely missing out on a FANTASTIC writer of suspense that leaves you frantically flipping the pages.
In 1982 , an entire family (husband, wife, 2 daughters, 1 son) was murdered in a mansion and since then the estate has been referred to as Execution Estate.
This companion story is about Derl Newman, who is the one who found the bodies on that fateful day.
Fast forward 40 years, and he is back in the house giving an interview fo a TV show that explores cold cases that went unsolved.
I was so excited to read Derl's story, and all the things that happened during his time working for the family.
This may be a novella, but it packs the punch of a full-length novel.
The setting is perfectly described. Derl's character is complex yet how did I find myself laughing at some such dark moments, that's the genius of Pamela Crane.
Yes, this can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly suggest reading A Slow Ruin, you will LOVE it so much!
If you haven't read Pamela Crane's books, you're completely missing out on a FANTASTIC writer of suspense that leaves you frantically flipping the pages.
February 9, 2022
Thanksgiving, 1982. Tony Eyler, his wife and 3 children are settled in the library while Tony was reading “Hobbit” to the family. As Tony looks up, he and his family are murdered, mutilated and the scene staged. Days later, the long time caretaker, Derl, discovers the bodies. The Eyler family had many enemies as they were very cruel people. Derl knew their secrets and he claimed he knew who killed the family and why, but the authorities didn’t believe him. Forty years later, he is contacted by someone who wants to write about the murder. Does Derl really know the killer? This is a quick read and everyone had a good reason to murder this family.
March 9, 2022
Keisha Fenty is doing a film on the stately Victorian mansion where a family of 5 were murdered and the home was forever known as Execution Estate. While speaking with del Neamn, the estate manager for the Eyler family who he found murdered he tells her of all the staff members for the family and believes he knows who killed the family and why or does he? A whodunit mystery I enjoyed very much. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 9, 2022
This is a quick companion whodunnit short story to the domestic thriller/family drama A Slow Ruin, concerning the unsolved murders that happened at the mansion one of the main characters now lives with her family, long ago in '82. However, you don't need to read one to understand the other. They concern different characters, have different tones.
Mostly written in 1st person, past tense.
"The Eyler estate was teeming with suspects—a bitter butler with an ax to grind, the cagy chef who loathed his job, the gardener with a grudge, the maid hiding her fair share of mischief. Even the mailman had a motive."
Honestly, this rotten family had it coming (I'm singing the Cell Block Tango refrain here). It got to a point where I didn't even care who killed them just that they were gone. From parents to youngest child, they were all evil.
Like what Jill did to Annette. I don't believe for a second that she really thought Annette did it, or she would've called the cops. She just wanted to steal from the poor woman and used her power against her.
I do feel like the narrator, Derl Newman, has more insight into certain things than could be possible, like other's thoughts or what was happening at the same time in another room.
I liked getting to know a bit about all the suspects, and there were some interesting revelations, yet I had one murder suspect in my mind from the beginning, and my aim was true.
The humorous part for me was the distastefully puntastic article about the murders by The Times Tabloid right in the beginning. It should be illegal to make so many jokes when announcing a family homicide 😆 Yet, seeing as this family deserved all the humiliation it could get, we're not mad.
Mostly written in 1st person, past tense.
"The Eyler estate was teeming with suspects—a bitter butler with an ax to grind, the cagy chef who loathed his job, the gardener with a grudge, the maid hiding her fair share of mischief. Even the mailman had a motive."
Honestly, this rotten family had it coming (I'm singing the Cell Block Tango refrain here). It got to a point where I didn't even care who killed them just that they were gone. From parents to youngest child, they were all evil.
Like what Jill did to Annette. I don't believe for a second that she really thought Annette did it, or she would've called the cops. She just wanted to steal from the poor woman and used her power against her.
I do feel like the narrator, Derl Newman, has more insight into certain things than could be possible, like other's thoughts or what was happening at the same time in another room.
I liked getting to know a bit about all the suspects, and there were some interesting revelations, yet I had one murder suspect in my mind from the beginning, and my aim was true.
The humorous part for me was the distastefully puntastic article about the murders by The Times Tabloid right in the beginning. It should be illegal to make so many jokes when announcing a family homicide 😆 Yet, seeing as this family deserved all the humiliation it could get, we're not mad.
April 17, 2022
A House of Ruin by Pamela Crane is the companion novella to her full length novel A Slow Ruin. It’s a mystery about who killed the Eyler family, father, mother, 2 daughters and 1 son in their home, in the library. They were all shot in the chest, each had one eye removed and their faces were covered by books. Their bodies were laid out in the shape of a pentagram with only their feet touching. Who would of done such a thing? But they were horrible people and treated all their employees badly. It could of been anyone of them really! From this heinous crime the house gets the name The Execution Estate. Is this house tainted? And does Styx the black cat hunger for kibble or would he prefer to chew on something else? You’ll just have to grab a copy to find out. I loved both books and recommend you read both. You’ll be glad you did!
January 13, 2024
It was fine for a free novella I got on my Kindle.
There were a few typos, a couple of bad ones that took you out of the story, but once again I'm not going to judge something I got for free too harshly.
I did figure out who the killer was within the first couple of chapters but that doesn't ruin a story for me. I like to be right.
There were a few typos, a couple of bad ones that took you out of the story, but once again I'm not going to judge something I got for free too harshly.
I did figure out who the killer was within the first couple of chapters but that doesn't ruin a story for me. I like to be right.
April 20, 2022
Interesting characters with different motives. Cruel story at times, but the pages never stop turning.
February 25, 2022
A sweet novella to A Slow Ruin!
April 1, 2022
A Great Mystery
Clue was my favorite board game as a kid. I was very good at playing it too.
I really liked Pamela Crane's format for presenting each character and the reason
they wanted the Eyler family dead. She makes hating the family so easy, and glad
someone gave them what they deserved.
Clue was my favorite board game as a kid. I was very good at playing it too.
I really liked Pamela Crane's format for presenting each character and the reason
they wanted the Eyler family dead. She makes hating the family so easy, and glad
someone gave them what they deserved.
May 29, 2022
Must Read
Yet another great story! I read this in one sitting. I am now firmly addicted to Ms.\Mrs. France's store of sitting and storytelling. Anyone who loves a good mystery absolutely MUST read at least one of her books and this one is a good place to start.
Yet another great story! I read this in one sitting. I am now firmly addicted to Ms.\Mrs. France's store of sitting and storytelling. Anyone who loves a good mystery absolutely MUST read at least one of her books and this one is a good place to start.
February 8, 2022
If you have read A Slow Ruin (if not you should!), then you'll really enjoy this addition as a follow-up, where we first get introduced to the home in A Slow Ruin, a home where a family of five were murdered in the library.
On November 26, 1982, the Eyler family, were relaxing in the library after Thanksgiving. Tony and Jill Eyler, were well to do, and doted on their three children. The children gathered around the father to listen to him read from his prized first edition of The Hobbit. An ordinary evening with the family relaxing, none foreseeing the danger, about to visit them.
Derl Newman, was the estate manager for the Eylers, is meeting Keisha Fenty, a famed documentarian, for an interview. He was the one to discover the bodies, and now forty years later, his hope is to find justice.
The reader gets a feel for the family dynamics. It is a time period, that work is hard to come by, and hanging on to the job you have is a must! The staff employees are introduced respectively, whom Derl oversaw to keep the household running smoothly. Just like peeling back layers of an onion, we get acquainted with each staff member, who all had alibis and left the police stumped.
I had two pegged as guilty for what I felt would've been justifiable reasons for them. I was wrong, on both accounts. There's a nice twist at the end that I didn't see coming. Can you figure out who the killer was?
I received a complimentary copy and I voluntarily reviewed this book.
On November 26, 1982, the Eyler family, were relaxing in the library after Thanksgiving. Tony and Jill Eyler, were well to do, and doted on their three children. The children gathered around the father to listen to him read from his prized first edition of The Hobbit. An ordinary evening with the family relaxing, none foreseeing the danger, about to visit them.
Derl Newman, was the estate manager for the Eylers, is meeting Keisha Fenty, a famed documentarian, for an interview. He was the one to discover the bodies, and now forty years later, his hope is to find justice.
The reader gets a feel for the family dynamics. It is a time period, that work is hard to come by, and hanging on to the job you have is a must! The staff employees are introduced respectively, whom Derl oversaw to keep the household running smoothly. Just like peeling back layers of an onion, we get acquainted with each staff member, who all had alibis and left the police stumped.
I had two pegged as guilty for what I felt would've been justifiable reasons for them. I was wrong, on both accounts. There's a nice twist at the end that I didn't see coming. Can you figure out who the killer was?
I received a complimentary copy and I voluntarily reviewed this book.
February 17, 2022
1982 Thanksgiving was a gruesome day for Eyler family because the whole family of five was murdered execution style; hence the mansion was branded as Execution Estate, also known as a house of horror.
Mr. Derl Newman, who was the estate manager, discovered those horrendous dead bodies of Eylers the following morning. He had been haunted by the unsettling spectral existences that were still residing in the house ever since.
40 years later, Derl was invited to an interview by Keisha Fenty, a documentary producer, about this unsolved murder mystery, in order to seek justice for the unfortunate souls.
Are they able to solve this hideous murder? Well, you have to read till the end of A HOUSE OF RUIN to find out!
The talented Pamela Crane, once again, has brilliantly crafted this well-plotted intriguing whodunit A HOUSE OF RUIN that’s entwined with secrets and clues! My curiosity was piqued instantly, and it kept me guessing till the end!
I would like to thank Pamela Crane for the ARC which I truly enjoyed reading it.
February 22, 2022
A House of Ruin by Pamela Crane is the companion novel to her masterpiece thriller A Slow Ruin. This is a quick read but filled with mystery, suspense and many twist and turns. This thrilling story is about the gruesome murders of the Eyler family at Thanksgiving in 1982. They were found days later by the caretaker Derl Newman. This is his story 40 years later when he is approached by someone who wants to possible write a documentary on these awful murders. Will he tell all?!?? Does Newman know who committed these horrific murders??? I highly advise you read this one and A Slow Ruin and learn more about The Execution Estate and the still unsolved murders that occurred and changed the lives of many people.
Thank You Pamela Crane and Tabella House for an advanced copy of this bone chilling story in exchange for my honest opinion.
#ahouseofruin #pamelacrane #tabellahouse
#arc
Thank You Pamela Crane and Tabella House for an advanced copy of this bone chilling story in exchange for my honest opinion.
#ahouseofruin #pamelacrane #tabellahouse
#arc
February 22, 2022
In A Slow Ruin, Pamela Crane introduced the main character in this story – the house and its cursed inhabitants and its history. After I finished A House of Ruin, I felt kind of like Paul Harvey had provided one of his “now you know the rest of the story” moments. Having been briefly introduced to the original story of the house I knew I needed to read this book since I had always wanted to know more about the original murder in the library and to have the hope of the murder being solved after 40 years I was hooked. While this story does a wonderful job standing on its own, if you read it first you owe it to yourself to read A Slow Ruin immediately. Otherwise get both stories and read A Slow Ruin first – either way you really need to read both stories. I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author and chose to provide this review.
February 19, 2022
A wonderfully constructed “who done it” mystery that slowly reveals a cast of characters who all have a motive to kill the Eyler family. Although this book is set in the early 1980’s the setting and the trail of clues could easily be mistaken for an Agatha Christie mystery. Pamela Crane has a wonderful knack of describing her characters, their thoughts and their surroundings with a few cleverly chosen words; such that I became an entranced voyeur to the horror that unfolded. This is a perfect book to read late into the night, snug in front of a crackling fire and with all the doors and windows locked!…Oh, and perhaps lock the cat outside for the night.
February 18, 2022
The Eyler family was wealthy and lived in a mansion. They employed a number of people for various jobs. The Eyler's felt they were better than everyone else and did not threat their employees very well.
The Eyler's were found dead in a room and the bodies were arranged in a pentagram. There were a number of suspects, but the crime remained unsolved for 40 years. Very entertaining who done it. Reminds me of the game Clue.
The Eyler's were found dead in a room and the bodies were arranged in a pentagram. There were a number of suspects, but the crime remained unsolved for 40 years. Very entertaining who done it. Reminds me of the game Clue.
January 30, 2023
This is a short book that answers a question from another novel about who massacred a family in a huge mansion. The setting is many years later when a documentary filmmaker is seeking the truth. This is a classic who-done-it style novel where we are carried through the suspects like Clue. If This is your first Pamela Crane book, don’t let it be your last. She is a great writer with great depth to her novels. This book is just a teaser. Her other novels are really good!
February 23, 2022
I haven’t read A Slow Ruin but it is now next on my list! This is a brilliant short story that tells the story of the house featured in the first book. A tragic tale of a family of five, all shot and killed at the same time. Why and by who? The Estate Manager tells his story to a TV Producer of who amongst the staff could have murdered the family.
One you will definitely read in one sitting.
One you will definitely read in one sitting.
March 2, 2022
Just like most of Ms. Crane’s books this one will keep you turning pages until the end. This one is a fun who dun it and you will enjoy getting to know the cast of characters and guessing which one did the deed. Ms. Crane has included some pet cameos in this book that are sure to please as well.
February 20, 2022
Companion piece to A SLOW RUIN ... short, quick read.
February 25, 2022
This was a great tie in to A Slow Ruin I really liked how the story was told and explained to the reader.. can't wait to read more by Pamela Crane
February 28, 2022
A great companion story to the novel A Slow Ruin. It answered a lot of questions and it made it all come together. I highly recommend reading both. It’s a awesome who done it mystery.
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