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The Splintering Place
Welcome to Gideon House. A quintessential Victorian masterpiece, with a presence bold enough to bolster a deeply rooted family dynasty, draw in the curiosities of its legacy and sustain the darkest secrets brimming within its exquisitely aged walls.
Isabel Prado has been offered a job too good to refuse. All expenses paid and an extremely generous salary to care for the elderly Mrs. Joan Gideon - a renowned author and award-winning screenwriter of mysteries and the macabre, now suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
As Isabel moves into Gideon House to care for the matriarch of the estate, she’s hopeful this opportunity will give her the security she’s been seeking all her life. But both Gideon House and its inhabitants are hiding sinister secrets … secrets that are slowly unleashing a trail of terrifying supernatural manifestations before Isabel’s eyes.
As Mrs. Gideon’s mind deteriorates under Isabel’s care, Isabel must determine if the ailing widow is conjuring the menagerie of horrific hallucinations through her broken mind to unveil the mysteries kept hidden within Gideon House, or if it’s Isabel’s own sanity splintering, bringing forth her haunting past she thought she left buried years ago.
Isabel Prado has been offered a job too good to refuse. All expenses paid and an extremely generous salary to care for the elderly Mrs. Joan Gideon - a renowned author and award-winning screenwriter of mysteries and the macabre, now suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
As Isabel moves into Gideon House to care for the matriarch of the estate, she’s hopeful this opportunity will give her the security she’s been seeking all her life. But both Gideon House and its inhabitants are hiding sinister secrets … secrets that are slowly unleashing a trail of terrifying supernatural manifestations before Isabel’s eyes.
As Mrs. Gideon’s mind deteriorates under Isabel’s care, Isabel must determine if the ailing widow is conjuring the menagerie of horrific hallucinations through her broken mind to unveil the mysteries kept hidden within Gideon House, or if it’s Isabel’s own sanity splintering, bringing forth her haunting past she thought she left buried years ago.
- GenresParanormalHorror
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2021
3 people are currently reading
1849 people want to read
About the author
Venessa Kimball
18 books347 followersAt the age of five, Venessa Kimball began writing books made of scrap paper and bound with colorful yarn. The worlds she created were about beautiful unicorns and heroines.
In 2012, Venessa published her first novel as a career author. She’s currently independently published.
Venessa is the best-selling author of eight novels. Her books fall into the categories of adult romantic suspense and science fiction/ urban fantasy thriller, as well as psychological/ horror thriller. Venessa has also published a Young Adult coming of age series for her teen readers.
When Venessa’s not plotting a new novel or writing, she’s spending quality time with her family and three dogs in Austin, Texas.
In 2012, Venessa published her first novel as a career author. She’s currently independently published.
Venessa is the best-selling author of eight novels. Her books fall into the categories of adult romantic suspense and science fiction/ urban fantasy thriller, as well as psychological/ horror thriller. Venessa has also published a Young Adult coming of age series for her teen readers.
When Venessa’s not plotting a new novel or writing, she’s spending quality time with her family and three dogs in Austin, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 10, 2021
The way Venessa was able to weave her words and put me into this book was masterful. The details and thought process for each scene and chapter of this story had me invested from the beginning.
I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review and let me tell you I was my toes the whole time trying to figure out what was real or illusions and who was key to figuring out what's happening next. It was a wonderful mix of suspense, spooky and mystery and I seriously reccomend this to anyone who likes a good thriller!
PSA: I am awful at not giving spoilers when I actually talk about books details so just know once you immerse yourself into the mind of Isla and Gideon house you're not gonna want to stop til you get to the end.
I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review and let me tell you I was my toes the whole time trying to figure out what was real or illusions and who was key to figuring out what's happening next. It was a wonderful mix of suspense, spooky and mystery and I seriously reccomend this to anyone who likes a good thriller!
PSA: I am awful at not giving spoilers when I actually talk about books details so just know once you immerse yourself into the mind of Isla and Gideon house you're not gonna want to stop til you get to the end.
October 11, 2021
I was giving this arc read for my honest review! And WOW!
Amazing! Creepy, scary, mind twisting. This was a first for me written by Venessa! And it won’t be my last!
This book was so amazingly written. From the first page to the last. It’s captivating, it pulls you into the story. I can’t compare it to any other book nor movie I’ve seen. She has created a masterpiece. The twist the turns the daunting whispers.
The Cities the freeways the way she described it in the book was all on point! I’m a LA living California girl and Vanessa truly nailed it!
Isa was a unfortunate young girl stuck in chula vista with no love and support. With Very interesting and unique features then any other Hispanic native. She had a very hard life with an abusive father and a very disturbing silent mother who wouldn’t speak up or help them.
She lands a great Job as a caregiver for the Gideon family. Things began to look up for her! But as it seems once you get sucked into the Gideon home there is no way to escape It! The whispers the visuals and everything in between began to mess with her! Scaring her taunting her. However isa don’t let it get her down she does her job and plasters a smile upon her face.
Very well written story Venessa thank you for letting me read it! I enjoyed it very much!
Amazing! Creepy, scary, mind twisting. This was a first for me written by Venessa! And it won’t be my last!
This book was so amazingly written. From the first page to the last. It’s captivating, it pulls you into the story. I can’t compare it to any other book nor movie I’ve seen. She has created a masterpiece. The twist the turns the daunting whispers.
The Cities the freeways the way she described it in the book was all on point! I’m a LA living California girl and Vanessa truly nailed it!
Isa was a unfortunate young girl stuck in chula vista with no love and support. With Very interesting and unique features then any other Hispanic native. She had a very hard life with an abusive father and a very disturbing silent mother who wouldn’t speak up or help them.
She lands a great Job as a caregiver for the Gideon family. Things began to look up for her! But as it seems once you get sucked into the Gideon home there is no way to escape It! The whispers the visuals and everything in between began to mess with her! Scaring her taunting her. However isa don’t let it get her down she does her job and plasters a smile upon her face.
Very well written story Venessa thank you for letting me read it! I enjoyed it very much!
October 21, 2021
WOW JUST WOW! Venessa Kimball is a new to me author, and The Splintering Place is perfect for this time of year. I'm all about suspense & mystery in my books, and this book had them in spades because that's what it's all about. I don't want to get into detail since it is heavy in the unexpected, but I'm telling you, it's spooky & highly addictive as I devoured it in one sitting trying to figure out what the hell was going on. Not only that, but I had no clue as to what was real and/or hallucinations so I was on the edge of my seat cover to cover. I truly felt like I was in this spooky house with Isabel in Gideon House so I had goosebumps along the way which is a delightful place to be since this time of year, I'm all about the scary LOL! Y'all just need to experience it all for yourselves so you'll have to hit those one click buttons to do so as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
October 22, 2021
WHAT A READ.
*ARC alert*
The Splintering Place has it all.
Horror. Check.
Haunted mansion. Check.
Secrets. Check.
Gorgeous yet mysterious characters. Check.
I am a *huge* fan of unreliable narrators/storylines, so this was right up my alley. Without giving any spoilers away (because this is a must read), think Verity meets Haunting of Hill House.
Venessa Kimball has a great mind for mixing thriller, suspense and the supernatural.
I highly recommend grabbing a copy - especially with Halloween right around the corner!
*ARC alert*
The Splintering Place has it all.
Horror. Check.
Haunted mansion. Check.
Secrets. Check.
Gorgeous yet mysterious characters. Check.
I am a *huge* fan of unreliable narrators/storylines, so this was right up my alley. Without giving any spoilers away (because this is a must read), think Verity meets Haunting of Hill House.
Venessa Kimball has a great mind for mixing thriller, suspense and the supernatural.
I highly recommend grabbing a copy - especially with Halloween right around the corner!
Currently reading
October 28, 2021This was my debut into the Psychological/ Horror Thriller genre and I loved every minute of it. The characters were rich, vibrant, and had many layers which only made this story eerier.
October 21, 2021
The Splintering Place
by Venessa Kimball
Ghosts have a story to tell so the dead stick around to tell their story.
Secrets can't stay buried forever.
Venessa Kimball has built a complex story of a family dynasty, plagued with a terrifying secret. She drew me in with the descriptive, rich story building. It had some twisty turns and surprises. The slow burn of suspense and mystery was thrilling me throughout the book.
A chilling and haunting tale that has placed Kimball as one of my favorite authors, that being said I will buy all her books in the future. This story does not disappoint. I very highly recommend this book to everyone no matter the genre they love.
I love introducing the characters, and Kimball’s characters are great. Learning the stories and backgrounds is one of my favorite things as I read through a book.
Joan Gideon, 83-year-old author and screenwriter suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, matriarch of Gideon House.
Oscar Gideon, Joan’s son takes care of her estate.
Isabel Prado, Joan’s 24/7 caregiver.
Quincy Bell, aka Coco, housekeeper and cook.
Sam Ripley, gardener/handyman
I am throwing in the Gideon House as it’s as much a character as any person. It was established in 1865 as the Thornberry Estate and commissioned by Mary Elizabeth and Wallace Thornberry. It has twenty-one rooms, ten bathrooms with approximately 13,734 square feet. It has been passed down through the family to Joan Gideon.
My favorite lines from the story
“The rich have messy houses and messy secrets, honey. The dearly departed sometimes linger, spillin’ tea about their past.”
“It’s an old house from a long line of rich folks. A ghost or two is expected. If that’s all there is, then Coco thinks we winnin,’ honey.”
“Child, Coco’ll be your fairy godmother, but that’s about all you gonna get.”
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by Venessa Kimball
Ghosts have a story to tell so the dead stick around to tell their story.
Secrets can't stay buried forever.
Venessa Kimball has built a complex story of a family dynasty, plagued with a terrifying secret. She drew me in with the descriptive, rich story building. It had some twisty turns and surprises. The slow burn of suspense and mystery was thrilling me throughout the book.
A chilling and haunting tale that has placed Kimball as one of my favorite authors, that being said I will buy all her books in the future. This story does not disappoint. I very highly recommend this book to everyone no matter the genre they love.
I love introducing the characters, and Kimball’s characters are great. Learning the stories and backgrounds is one of my favorite things as I read through a book.
Joan Gideon, 83-year-old author and screenwriter suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, matriarch of Gideon House.
Oscar Gideon, Joan’s son takes care of her estate.
Isabel Prado, Joan’s 24/7 caregiver.
Quincy Bell, aka Coco, housekeeper and cook.
Sam Ripley, gardener/handyman
I am throwing in the Gideon House as it’s as much a character as any person. It was established in 1865 as the Thornberry Estate and commissioned by Mary Elizabeth and Wallace Thornberry. It has twenty-one rooms, ten bathrooms with approximately 13,734 square feet. It has been passed down through the family to Joan Gideon.
My favorite lines from the story
“The rich have messy houses and messy secrets, honey. The dearly departed sometimes linger, spillin’ tea about their past.”
“It’s an old house from a long line of rich folks. A ghost or two is expected. If that’s all there is, then Coco thinks we winnin,’ honey.”
“Child, Coco’ll be your fairy godmother, but that’s about all you gonna get.”
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2021
This was a really interesting and thrilling read, it kept me on edge while reading and I loved that! Vanessa Kimball is a new to me author and I’m so glad I discovered her, the writing was great, it really draws the reader in and tells a great story with all kinds of unexpected twists and turns!
Given that this is a thriller, I don’t want to give away much of the storyline, it’s got to just be experienced! Isa is definitely an interesting character who has not had an easy life! After losing a job to layoffs she’s presented with what seems to be a great opportunity as a caregiver to an older woman suffering from Alzheimer’s. But all is not what it seems and it seems that Gideon House holds more secrets than Isa’s own past.
I really enjoyed the suspense and mystery built in this book, the great attention to detail and the intense situations. The characters are great and so dynamic, especially Coco, and even the creepy ones! A great thriller that I felt immersed in, it kept me guessing, surprised me and gave me chills! I look forward to more from this author!
Given that this is a thriller, I don’t want to give away much of the storyline, it’s got to just be experienced! Isa is definitely an interesting character who has not had an easy life! After losing a job to layoffs she’s presented with what seems to be a great opportunity as a caregiver to an older woman suffering from Alzheimer’s. But all is not what it seems and it seems that Gideon House holds more secrets than Isa’s own past.
I really enjoyed the suspense and mystery built in this book, the great attention to detail and the intense situations. The characters are great and so dynamic, especially Coco, and even the creepy ones! A great thriller that I felt immersed in, it kept me guessing, surprised me and gave me chills! I look forward to more from this author!
October 22, 2021
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is my first from Venessa Kimball, I was attracted by the cover when I first saw this and immediately want to start reading this. This story is a must to read, I was surprised by her writing. I never went to US but from her detailed writings I can picture the streets and lights where the story happens.
Highly recommended!!!!
This is my first from Venessa Kimball, I was attracted by the cover when I first saw this and immediately want to start reading this. This story is a must to read, I was surprised by her writing. I never went to US but from her detailed writings I can picture the streets and lights where the story happens.
Highly recommended!!!!
October 13, 2021
The splintering place is a paranormal thriller like no other. The wonderful story is woven so tightly and rally opens your mind to all sorts of crazy phenomena.
Isa starts working as a carer for an author with Alzheimer’s and finds the creepy mansion holds many secrets. Isa starts to see strange things and fears she’s losing her mind. Dealing with her traumatic past also doesn’t help her concerns and very soon she starts to question what is going on around her.
The book is well written and grabs your attention toon right from the start. The premise is intriguing and the gothic tone of the story makes this one quite a page turner. Highly recommended
Isa starts working as a carer for an author with Alzheimer’s and finds the creepy mansion holds many secrets. Isa starts to see strange things and fears she’s losing her mind. Dealing with her traumatic past also doesn’t help her concerns and very soon she starts to question what is going on around her.
The book is well written and grabs your attention toon right from the start. The premise is intriguing and the gothic tone of the story makes this one quite a page turner. Highly recommended
October 16, 2021
The Splintering Place was superbly written. A magical masterpiece! The way the story builds with each turn of the page pulls you deeper and deeper in until you are engulfed in twists and turns you didn't even see coming. There are not enough words to describe how much I enjoyed reading The Splintering Place. The attention to detail give this story the intensity that it deserves. The author has out done herself! This is a book that I would absolutely read over and over again. If I could give more than 5 stars I would do so without hesitation! I very highly recommend purchasing and reading The Splintering Place immediately.
*I was. Given an arc copy in exchange for an honest review
*I was. Given an arc copy in exchange for an honest review
October 19, 2021
New Favorite Author..
Venessa Kimball knows how to make words dance across a page!
I'm giving "The Splintering Place" a strong 💪⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💪.
Isa Prado is hired by Oscar Gideon to look after his Mother Joan, an accomplished author who is quite literally losing her mind to Alzheimer's. She signs an NDA as Joan's worth and reputation can't be marred. Isa is trying to forget her icky past, but the blackouts are occurring once again and she slowly learns that the house is not quiet and it carries a curse. Will her past haunt her present and can she survive the family curse, even though she's not kin to it.
I can't wait for y'all to read it, to hear your thoughts. I loved this book!
Venessa Kimball knows how to make words dance across a page!
I'm giving "The Splintering Place" a strong 💪⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💪.
Isa Prado is hired by Oscar Gideon to look after his Mother Joan, an accomplished author who is quite literally losing her mind to Alzheimer's. She signs an NDA as Joan's worth and reputation can't be marred. Isa is trying to forget her icky past, but the blackouts are occurring once again and she slowly learns that the house is not quiet and it carries a curse. Will her past haunt her present and can she survive the family curse, even though she's not kin to it.
I can't wait for y'all to read it, to hear your thoughts. I loved this book!
May 9, 2022
Psychological/horror thriller with a paranormal element. It was well written, very captivating, and intriguing from the start. I liked the paranormal/magical element and storyline. I also really liked the little blurb about what the title is really about. There is so much going on throughout as Isa finds out the truth about what's really going on at Gideon House, and the secrets behind it. This is the first I've read from Venessa Kimball, but I definitely look forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2021
Isla was dealt a bad hand in live. An abusive father and a mother who existed. She applied for a job as a caregiver for Mrs. Joan who was once an outstanding author but later was diagnosed with Alzheimers. Her son Oscar was somewhat odd.
“From the very first moment a petal begins to darken around the edges, singed with illness, to the complete consumption of life crippling the petal and stealing its beauty ...”
The old and grand Gideon House was full of secrets and illusions.
As the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall in place of the secrets that lie within the Gideon House Isla knew what she had to do even if it meant history repeating itself.
I adored Coco!!
“From the very first moment a petal begins to darken around the edges, singed with illness, to the complete consumption of life crippling the petal and stealing its beauty ...”
The old and grand Gideon House was full of secrets and illusions.
As the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall in place of the secrets that lie within the Gideon House Isla knew what she had to do even if it meant history repeating itself.
I adored Coco!!
October 13, 2021
This was a new to me author.
This book conflicted me because as a thriller rather than an a romance, I thought I'd easily adore it, but unfortunately it just wasn't the book for me.
Although it was well written, I found myself struggling to get through it as often lost my attention.
Maybe it was just the head space I'm in and the fact it's been a while since I've read a book with supernatural elements.
This book conflicted me because as a thriller rather than an a romance, I thought I'd easily adore it, but unfortunately it just wasn't the book for me.
Although it was well written, I found myself struggling to get through it as often lost my attention.
Maybe it was just the head space I'm in and the fact it's been a while since I've read a book with supernatural elements.
October 18, 2021
this was a really good horror novel, the atmosphere was so well done and kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were good and I enjoyed the storyline in this book. I look forward to more from the author.
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.
November 6, 2021
Isa is offered a job taking care of Joan Gideon, a brilliant author whose mind is ravaged by Alzheimer’s. Mysterious happenings in the house make Isa wonder if she is losing her mind. I had a little trouble getting into the book at first, but once I got into it, it pulled me in and held my attention. I’d describe the book as Modern Gothic. The author pairs lush descriptions with twists and turns to successfully create a wonderfully creepy atmosphere. And interesting characters shape this into an engaging story. If you like atmospheric horror, this book is for you. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, and I’m glad I read it!
October 17, 2021
The Splintering Place is my first Venessa Kimball read and honestly took a few chapters for me to get invested in. But I continued and ended up enjoyed Isa and the creepy Gideon House that’s full of secrets. It’s a well written paranormal thriller that keeps you turning pages.
Review by Raychel
Review by Raychel
October 11, 2021
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October 21, 2021
Not your typical bedtime story.
I have eagerly awaited this release for some time now, & as soon as my pre-order was fulfilled I dove in. In hindsight probably not the best thing to do since I did not want to put it down & ultimately ended up wide awake in the wee hours of the morning no longer able to sleep as this story loves to get in your head. Psychological thriller/horror indeed! A must read....but...you might want to do so in the daylight hours. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this tale!! I was intrigued by the Gideon House & it's tale as well as the vast array of characters. I really liked Isa & her tios! Quincy is a riot too!! There are some not so likable characters you will soon find & some terrifying ones as well. They all make the story richer & give it depth, mystery, & fright. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I have eagerly awaited this release for some time now, & as soon as my pre-order was fulfilled I dove in. In hindsight probably not the best thing to do since I did not want to put it down & ultimately ended up wide awake in the wee hours of the morning no longer able to sleep as this story loves to get in your head. Psychological thriller/horror indeed! A must read....but...you might want to do so in the daylight hours. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this tale!! I was intrigued by the Gideon House & it's tale as well as the vast array of characters. I really liked Isa & her tios! Quincy is a riot too!! There are some not so likable characters you will soon find & some terrifying ones as well. They all make the story richer & give it depth, mystery, & fright. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
November 15, 2022
2.5 / 5 Stars
A great idea bogged down by subpar writing. There were just so many things that distracted and detracted-- stupid stuff like insanely over-the-top stereotypes and Joan humming a "harmony" instead of a medley, etc, and bigger stuff like (spoiler) a fragile old woman who can barely walk successfully stabbing a grown man in the chest.
It was just too much for me to get past it and enjoy the story.
A great idea bogged down by subpar writing. There were just so many things that distracted and detracted-- stupid stuff like insanely over-the-top stereotypes and Joan humming a "harmony" instead of a medley, etc, and bigger stuff like (spoiler) a fragile old woman who can barely walk successfully stabbing a grown man in the chest.
It was just too much for me to get past it and enjoy the story.
October 28, 2021
This is the 2nd book I've read written by Venessa Kimball; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This story is about Isabel moving to the Gideon House to care for Mrs. Gideon but as her health deteriorates mysterious things are happening within the house.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is about Isabel moving to the Gideon House to care for Mrs. Gideon but as her health deteriorates mysterious things are happening within the house.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2022
A young woman gets caught up in a curse, ghost, and murders. Isa is a caregiver taking care of Joan who was a great author in her time. But strange things occur and the mystery begins.
A great stand alone story. I love it.
A great stand alone story. I love it.
October 21, 2021
The Splintering Place was the perfect book to read this season. It was Thrilling.
January 11, 2022
Awesome read!! You won't want to put this book down
August 6, 2022
Great book really enjoyed reading it. Could not put it down. Lots of secrets. It was a free book.
Love the story keeps you on edge.
Love the story keeps you on edge.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews