The Haunting of Highdown Hall

Psychic Surveys #1

by Shani Struthers

"Good morning, Psychic Surveys. How can I help?"

The latest in a long line of psychically-gifted females, Ruby Davis can see through the veil that separates this world and the next, helping grounded souls to move towards the light - or 'home' as Ruby calls it. Not just a job for Ruby, it's a crusade and one she wants to bring to the High Street. Psychic Surveys is born.

Based in Lewes, East Sussex, Ruby and her team of freelance psychics have been kept busy of late. Specialising in domestic cases, their solid reputation is spreading - it's not just the dead that can rest in peace but the living too. All is threatened when Ruby receives a call from the irate new owner of Highdown Hall. Film star Cynthia Hart is still in residence, despite having died in 1958.

Winter deepens and so does the mystery surrounding Cynthia. She insists the devil is blocking her path to the light long after Psychic Surveys have 'disproved' it. Investigating her apparently unblemished background, Ruby is pulled further and further into Cynthia's world and the darkness that now inhabits it.

For the first time in her career, Ruby's deepest beliefs are challenged. Does evil truly exist? And if so, is it the most relentless force of all?

Genres: Horror, Paranormal, Mystery, Ghosts, Fiction, Fantasy, Supernatural

284 pages, Hardcover

Published October 19, 2021

About the author

It's all about the ghosts...

Here's the order my books come in:

Psychic Surveys Series:

Psychic Surveys Book One: The Haunting of Highdown Hall

Psychic Surveys Book Two: Rise to Me

Psychic Surveys Book Three: 44 Gilmore Street

Psychic Surveys Book Four: Old Cross Cottage

Psychic Surveys Book Five: Descension

Psychic Surveys Book Six: Legion

Psychic Surveys Book Seven: Promises to Keep

Psychic Surveys Book Eight: The Weight of the Soul

Psychic Surveys Book Nine: The Devil's Liar

Psychic Surveys Companion Novels:

Eve: A Psychic Surveys Prequel

Blakemort (Corinna's story)

Thirteen (Ness's story)

Rosamund (Rosamund Davis - Ruby's great-grandmother's story)

Jed (the story of one of Psychic Surveys' most treasured and mysterious characters)

This Haunted World Series:

This Haunted World Book One: The Venetian

This Haunted World Book Two: The Eleventh Floor

This Haunted World Book Three: Highgate

This Haunted World Book Four: Rohaise

Reach for the Dead Series:

Reach for the Dead Book One: Mandy

Reach for the Dead Book Two: Cades Home Farm

Reach for the Dead Book Three: Walker

Jessamine Series:

Jessamine

Comraich

Carfax House - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

The Damned Season - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

Wildacre - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

Summer of Grace - A standalone psychological thriller

Catch up with me via Facebook or on my website www.shanistruthers.com where you can sign up to my newsletter for all the latest information, offers and giveaways.

Reviews

[Emily Kestrel · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 82%.

This book has gotten a lot of rave reviews, so I'm assuming that I'm just not the target audience. The story is about a team of psychics who cleanse houses and help troubled spirits cross over into the light. Their current case--although the book strays from the main story into boring tangents way too often for my taste--is an old estate haunted by a glamorous actress of yesteryear, who for some reason is afraid to cross over.

I can honestly say this had potential to be an engaging little tale, but two things caused me to DNF about three quarters of the way through. One was that the story was so slow-paced, constantly bogging down into quick trips to easy "hauntings" and the boring details of the main character's life--her clothes and make-up, her trips to restaurants and pubs with the extremely dull love interest, etc.

More problematic was the incessant sweetness-and-light, Pollyanna-ish approach to the subject matter. Obviously, many readers found this very quality appealing, as some of the glowing reviews praise it for being optimistic, upbeat, inspiring, etc. If I had realized how sugary it was going to be (as an example, even the character who used to drug young women and pretend to be Satan just to get them in bed with him turns out to be a marshmallow who yearns to join the light inside), I would probably have skipped it. It makes me think of that TV show which was so popular back in the 1990s, Touched by an Angel. Only instead of beautiful angels telling confused humans that God loves them and wants them to come back to Him, we have super-compassionate psychics telling confused spirits that "the light" loves them and wants them to come home. Now lots of people really love this sort of thing, so if you are one of them, please don't let my review dissuade you from trying this one out. But I need a story with a bit more edge to it.

I probably could have plowed through to the end, but by 82% I decided it was time to send this one on to the light.

[OrchardBookClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first "met" Shani last year with a review on her first book, Runaway Year. I absolutely adore that book, so when she told me she was writing another book I was eager to get my hands on it. I was expecting another chick lit book but what I got was sooo much more!
I was presented with The Haunting of Highdown Hall. A story about Ruby Davis and her psychic abilities, along with her colleges from Psychic Surveys. I love these kind of books, Shani has an even balance of mystery, a lil bit of romance and heart pumping moments throughout the book (now that's what I love!)

Hats off to Shani! I was worried about the jump of genre but what the hell do I know?! This story was awesome!!!
I was gripped from the word go! All the characters, even Jed the dog, were well received. I could easily vision each one in my head, in fact from the Pinterest board I had Theo down to a T :)
My favourite character was Cynthia Hart, I was intrigued in how this person would be written into the book but Shani didn't let me down..... In fact, I was eager to get to her parts within the book. Cynthia also pulled on my heart string a little, a total diva yet hiding in the shadows totally afraid of what was out to get her, and what it was was a totally shocker! In fact I got it wrong 3 times *shocked face*.
I did want to smack the snivelling little git that inherited Highdown Hall in the head on a few occasions, no, scratch that, every time he appeared! He was rude, abrupt and just a whiny little man (well done on that Shani)

Shani is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and that's with only 2 books under her belt. That being said she has told me she has a VERY busy year ahead of her, which is fantastic news for us readers :D

I can't wait for the next instalment and what the story will bring. Here's hoping to a sooner rather than later release!

Review by Nicola

Shani Struthers

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* A nice easy read between my studies.

[James Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Shani Struthers book I´ve read and won´t be the last. It has an intriguing mixture of elements, a dash of crime and romance in there with the main paranormal thrust of the story and series, and it makes for a very solid, well-written, engaging novel.
As most people reading this will know, the book revolves around a case which arrives at the Psychic Surveys office regarding an old actress who refuses to leave the eponymous Hall. How the PS team approach the case, led by Ruby, whose story this is as much as Cynthia´s, is told in the book.
As Struthers points out in interviews, what she writes is not pure horror although in places it´s creepy enough (the series gets creepier yet, I´ve heard), and I actually found it quite enlightening as far as the paranormal goes (listening and learning like Cash!).
Good fun and I want some more. Time to download Book 2!

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

30 year old males are obviously not the target audience here. Still, well written and fun enough.

[M.A. Comley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In truth I wasn't sure what to expect from this author or book, but I'm telling you straight up, this lady can seriously write a great tale.

Ruby runs a psychic cleansing company and has a great team around her. Her latest investigation is the perplexing case of a dead famous author who is grounded, Ruby's intention is to free her spirit and send it towards the light. Cynthia passed away in her bedroom in 1958, she now haunts the incredible house she used to reside in, putting the wind up the current owner. It's down to Ruby and her team to cleanse the building.

An incredible read that I've had on my Kindle for an eternity, silly me. This author has a knack of dragging the reader through the pages with her. I read this in two sittings, I was glued to the page. The writing is superb and the book was an atmospheric read throughout.

Glad I took a punt, I'm sure you will be too.

[Carol Oates · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this a few weeks back and took a few days to think about my review. I was sick when reading so felt quite low and sorry for myself. I wanted to wait so I’d know that didn’t color my opinion. The first thing I want to say is don’t you love the cover? It immediately sets up the atmosphere going in. The next thing is that this is a very well written book. The prose, cast of characters, and plot line were all extremely well worked out, with just the right amount of description to sink into every location. This book would make a fabulous movie. I’m not at all surprised THoHH is grabbing rave reviews and climbing the charts.

It wasn’t a completely smooth ride for me. Like Ruby, I found my beliefs challenged on several occasions. If asked I would classify myself as an atheist, although it’s more complicated than that. I believe in a multi-verse and the idea of existence on several levels, that when a person dies, their energy is released. Essentially, I do believe in the spirit world, so much of the story spoke to me in a logical sense. I didn’t think it at all strange that these people ran a company that helped spirits move on, or that places absorbed and held onto residual energy.

I did struggle with the good verses evil part. I struggled with the idea presented in the book that there is no retribution for sins as such, even sins not atoned for in life, only love. I didn’t like it. It’s went against what I absolutely hope to be true and I found myself disliking Ruby’s grandmother, who I am sure was meant to be a sympatric character. Without spoiling, I was angry when another character’s sins were more of less swept under the carpet because he was old. His actions were heinous at best, in my opinion. The idea of his finding no judgement and the acts of small kindness shown to him was genuinely repugnant to me and I felt entirely undeserved.

On going through other reviews, this didn’t seem to be something that bothered other readers, so I’m well aware this was a personal view and reflective of me, not the book. On the contrary, the extreme emotion elicited showed exactly how well this book was written and how deeply involved I was with the storyline and characters. I was completely sucked in.

I was talking to my kindle through most of it, either annoyed or so touched. Particularly, one young spirit caused me to shed a lot of tears.

This was a wild ride of twists and turns, all sailing toward a chilling climatic confrontation and revelations in the final chapters. I am looking forward to the next in the series and revisiting with the cast. I give this a solid 4 stars.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy light read. More a cosy mystery style of horror than the Clive Barker/Stephen King end of the genre, it's cosy-spooky rather than scary. An enjoyable read nonetheless. Engaging characters and full of a kind of gentleness you don't normally associate with spooky reads, if you're having a testing time of it, this book is a gentle remedy for a tired brain☺. And I love Jed😍

[John Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highdown Hall is haunted. The ghost of movie star Cynthia Hart refuses to move on, and not just because she's a bit of a diva...

From the wickedly tantalising opening Highdown Hall never let's up. The narrative weaves mystery, romance and investigation, inventively parceling out the central mystery as you discover the truth underlying the haunting along with a cast of characters you grow to really care about.

And have I mentioned the cracking cosy mystery vibe yet? The deftly managed tone? Light when it needs to be, warm and genuinely affecting, except when Struthers elects to pull the rug from under you and deliver some creepier moments?

If you ain't afraid of no ghosts (and don't have a problem with double negatives) don't bother calling the Ghost Busters, look up Psychic Surveys instead. I hear they have a website now.

* Never mind, you'll get it when you read the book. :)


- John Bowen is the author of 'Where the Dead Walk' and 'Vessel'. You can find him here on GoodReads, and his published work at Amazon.

[Mark Tilbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the prequel to this series I was keen to read this book. Ruby and her team of psychic surveyors have a big case involving a big movie star to work on. It takes the mixture of all their talents to make progress whilst uncovering secrets as they go.

I enjoyed this story. I liked how there was a story within the story and how the team researched the life of the spirit they were helping. There's suspense, conflict, tension, friendship and a hint of romance. Oh, and a ghost dog called Jed.

He and the team are a good mix of characters. The relationships and dialogue between them come across as natural. This isn't a scary, demons attacking everyone kind of paranormal story, which makes a refreshing change too. A well written book. I'll be reading the next book soon.

[Pea green · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner, I could barely put this book down. The story is unique, the characters - of which there is a whole cast of them - are very well-drawn. The main case concerning 1950s movie star, Cynthia Hart, kept you on the edge of your seat with plenty of twists and turns, but I also liked all the mini cases, some of them were very touching. some of them were quite funny. As somebody who is interested in all things paranormal, I found some very useful and interesting stuff in here too. I galloped along with it but was sad when it came to an end. However, as this is book one, I hope book two will be along soon - this is a great idea for a TV series.

[Amy Corwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

great writing. but I almost went into a diabetic coma reading it. couldn't stand the overly sweet characters and theme that there is no evil, only the misunderstood. love and compassion solves anything. really? I found myself hoping the main character would learn there is evil and have a real comeuppance, but... no spoilers.
there was a great twist at the end and I think a lot of people will love this. I hate negative reviews and don't want to ruin this for others. I just want to remember why I didn't like it so I won't buy more. paranormal mysteries are so hard to find that I often make the same purchasing errors if I don't remind myself. sorry.

[Bookish_predator · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

The characters are well written and likeable, Jed is my favourite, a gorgeous ghost dog. The story is nowhere near creepy enough for me but it's a nice story with a good mystery to solve.

I have the second book which I will start soon so I can get to the 3rd which is released next week.

I'm intrigued as to what will happen in the next book.

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an very interesting and unususal mystery into a ghosts life. Of course this book is more-- but the sheer different-ness of the story made it good reading.

This was the first book into a series, of which I am planning on reading more!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this book! I hadn't heard of this author until a friend recommended her - thank you Lizzie. The book is set in the area I live in, and it was wonderful to see the places in my mind as I read.
The premise is clever - I have never read a story about a psychic surveyor! The storyline is fascinating, funny, touching and heartwarming. There are little offshoot stories threaded through the main story too. The characters engaged me from the off; even the villains of the peace had some redeeming qualities!
I found the whole experience very satisfactory and I finished the book with a big smile on my face. My bank account is less happy - I have now purchased the entire series!

[Phil Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Ruby. A young woman, who heads up a psychic cleansing company. Meet Cynthia. The most famous actress on the planet. Well, she was in 1958. Before she passed suddenly. Now, Cynthia haunts the impressive house that she'd once resided in, terrifying the owner. Can Ruby and her team help?

A really great book, brought to life superbly. The author does a fabulous job of transporting you inside the pages, keeping you hooked until the dramatic twist at the end. All the characters were well crafted, fitting nicely into the story as the tension increases. In particular, I liked Jed, but all the other team members were worthy and memorable. Bring on the next book. Top stuff.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although predictable in many situations (Ruby + Cash = obvious), Ms. Struthers does a great job of sneaking in twists that this reader didn't see coming.

I really enjoyed how the Psychic Surveys team really delved into the history and emotions behind a haunting. This approach meshes well with my own beliefs about the supernatural. Ms. Struthers ghosts weren't simply misty apparitions who made objects move and who appeared spookily besides someone's bed at the same time each night. These ghosts were actual characters, with well-defined personalities and complicated histories.

I mistakenly read book #2 before reading the first book, but that did nothing to diminish my enjoyment of either book. While written as a series, they can be read out of order without much confusion.

A great series that I will continue to enjoy.

[Leigh Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will say, that I do not believe in people being psychic, where they say they can see murders and ghosts etc. However, I do like reading ghost stories, which is why I choose to read this book. I thought the book was very well written; when I read the book review on Amazon, the book was just as the book review said. I have already started the second book in the series and have ordered the whole series onto my Amazon Kindle. As I do not know what will happen in the future books, I do hope that Cash and Ruby stay together as they do make an excellent couple. Keep up with the excellent books please Shani.

[Sonia Critchlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. There is a great twist at the end.

[Danielle Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in a great series

I loved this as I can always picture it in my mind. I don’t know of a better paranormal series on kindle right now.

[Lisa Osler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and how it didn't rush the cleansing of Cynthia's troubled soul trapped by who.....you'll have to read to find out!

[Liz Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a good ghost story!

The mystery surrounding the primary job of the Psychic Surveyors kept me on edge throughout the story. I enjoyed the characters and their efforts to treat each spirit with courtesy and dignity. I loved Jed! Please let him stay!

[Michelle Dinkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!! Love a good ghost story with a twist

[venetia house · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing!

I didn't want to put it down, you felt like it was real and needed to see what happened next,can't wait to read the testing series

[susan smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great supernatural thriller, is reading and loved the story line. 😊

[Lexie Conyngham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely to revisit Lewes in book form. I enjoyed the gentle pace and the rather sweet characters, and I cried twice within about the first chapter (soft on animals). There’s a bit of threat, though, carried over at the end and leading one on to the next book.

[Barb VanderWel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.

[Thomas Amo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shani Struthers knows how to spin a ghostly tale, leaving this reader pleasantly satisfied.
This was a book I had been wanting to read for some time, I fell in love with the cover immediately.
Once I was in, I was hooked. I loved all the detail of Highdown Hall, the English countryside, and the dark story
that lurks on the upper level of this grand old home. What I enjoyed most was, this was not a typical ghost story.
the author avoided all the usual cliches of stormy dark nights, trapped visitors, and scare gimmicks. Instead, I was treated
to a true mystery, and a little romance to boot, Not enough to clog up the actual story, for which I appreciated. I love Struther's
writing because it was always focused. You can tell the structure of the story is always strong and solid. I won't re-hash the plot
or the book blurb, you can read that for yourself. I just wanted to say, how much I truly enjoyed this mysterious well-written novel.
Looking forward to more books by this incredibly talented author! 5 Stars indeed.

[E.A. Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a sucker for tales of the supernatural, I was drawn to this immediately. It is not a fright fest, but more a sympathetic and explanatory view of those stuck in the limbo between this world and the next. Clairvoyant 'ghostbusters', for want of a better word, with Ruby Davis at the helm, the 'Psychic Surveys' team are a bunch of likeable and believable characters, and as this is the first in the 'Psychic Surveys' series, there are plenty of opportunities to hook up with Ruby, Cash et al in the future.

The team are called in by the irascible owner of Highdown Hall to free him of the restless ghost of its former resident, the glamorous film star Cynthia Hart, who died within its walls in the 1950s.
I was compelled to keep reading to discover the outcome of the attempted psychic cleansing of the aforementioned Hall and to find out how the unfortunate Cynthia had come to meet her maker. I was not disappointed. I look forward to reading more in the series.

[Gina Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is the first book by Shani Struthers that I have read. I found the story captivating from start to finish. I really adored Cash and Jed, I think, other than Ruby, they were my favourite characters, although all the characters were interesting. I was intrigued to find out the mystery behind Cynthia Hart and was swept up in Ruby and her team's journey to uncover the truth. This book has a wonderful paranormal mystery, suspense, and a hint of romance mix which all make for a great read...oh, and I cried towards the end! I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series.