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Hell House: A Lou Thorne Thriller
Each night, just past midnight, Louie Thorne finds herself called to the dark halls of a residential living facility.
But each time she appears, another resident has died. Is it coincidence? Or is something more sinister afoot…
Private detective Robert King is called in the dead of night and asked to return a favor. A body has been found in one of the old bayou mansions just outside New Orleans. The locals insist the murder was committed by a ghost. The mansion’s owner believes it was staged by her rival, a last ditch attempt to ruin her financially. The only witness swears it was an accident.
King and his team must sort through conflicting evidence, confessions, and haunting encounters to uncover the truth.
But each time she appears, another resident has died. Is it coincidence? Or is something more sinister afoot…
Private detective Robert King is called in the dead of night and asked to return a favor. A body has been found in one of the old bayou mansions just outside New Orleans. The locals insist the murder was committed by a ghost. The mansion’s owner believes it was staged by her rival, a last ditch attempt to ruin her financially. The only witness swears it was an accident.
King and his team must sort through conflicting evidence, confessions, and haunting encounters to uncover the truth.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2022
26 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Kory M. Shrum
53 books648 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Kory M. Shrum has published more than thirty books, including the bestselling Shadows in the Water series.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 16, 2022
Happiness often happens when we least expect it especially while doing things we never thought we’d do. But there it is, the sudden realization that you are actually happy! And it’s high time that Lou Thorne and some of her compadres experience happiness. Especially since they are caught up in some pretty terrible crimes to solve and/or prevent in this most recent release of a Shadows in the Water mystery thriller: Hell House by Kory M. Shrum.
Past and present bodies are piling up as Lou, Konstantine, King, Piper and Dani race to uncover the evidence needed to identify and apprehend the killers at the Hellman House manor in Louisiana. That in itself is a daunting task, especially in the heat of August, but then there are the ghosts that are trying to help them…
Piper is totally freaked out and jumping at shadows and King is of course dubious. As for Lou, she finds herself split between staying with Piper at night at the manor to keep her calm, and helping a frightened old lady apprehend a killer at a nursing home.
The nonstop action will keep you turning the pages. It’s another excellent Lou and crew cozy murder mystery that I highly recommend.
I was given an ARC of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Past and present bodies are piling up as Lou, Konstantine, King, Piper and Dani race to uncover the evidence needed to identify and apprehend the killers at the Hellman House manor in Louisiana. That in itself is a daunting task, especially in the heat of August, but then there are the ghosts that are trying to help them…
Piper is totally freaked out and jumping at shadows and King is of course dubious. As for Lou, she finds herself split between staying with Piper at night at the manor to keep her calm, and helping a frightened old lady apprehend a killer at a nursing home.
The nonstop action will keep you turning the pages. It’s another excellent Lou and crew cozy murder mystery that I highly recommend.
I was given an ARC of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
September 12, 2024
5 Stars
Hell House is the ninth Lou Thorne Thriller and ninth book in the Shadows in the Water series by my new favourite author, Kory M. Shrum. I have come to the conclusion that Bookbub has a lot to answer for, on one hand it is a fantastic way to ‘find’ new books/authors to read- but on the other hand I end up spending my entire yearly book budget in a matter of a few months lol. But if it weren’t for Bookbub, I would never have found Ms. Shrum’s books, which would have been a real tragedy, because she really knows how to weave a riveting tale.
This is an awesome urban fantasy with so much going on- in a fantastic way. With plenty of action, adventure, mystery, danger, a different realm aspect, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, the mafia, serial killers, agendas, ‘hunting’, team work, friendship, family, investigation, time factors, gripping scenes, intense developments, twists, romance, and so, so, so much more- you really need to read it to fully appreciate this gem of a series as I doubt my words can really do this series the justice that it deserves.
Louie Thorne is the daughter of assassinated DEA agent, Jack Thorne. He, along with her mother, were murdered by a drug cartel when she was just a young child- his death scarred her, in more ways than one. She has bided her time honing her skills, becoming a force to be reckoned with- one so powerful that the ‘bad guys’ will never see her coming. In the process of wreaking revenge, she builds a terrifying reputation that will strike fear into the hearts of her enemies- and it’s her secret ‘ability’ that gives her the upper hand- and gives this whole series a completely unique and addictive quality. So much action. With a lot of violence. And a huge helping of adventure. Resulting in a serious book addiction- while also set this book/series apart from others, and this is a book ‘high’ that will be hard to beat.
I developed this addiction to Ms. Shrum’s stories when I stumbled on the Shadows in the Water series -> picking up one book, which then led to two, which then had me devouring the whole series, back-to-back (11 books) in a matter of days. Now I am on tenterhooks, excitedly anticipating the release of Book #12, which can’t come quickly enough for my liking lol.
Each book in this series follows on from the previous one – with each instalment having its own ‘story’, but also adding to what has come before, thereby building a much bigger picture along the way- so the series really needs to be read in the correct sequence, to fully appreciate it- and prevent any kind of confusion. The books are available individually if you wish, as well as in Boxed Sets- which, again, is really great value for money.
The Series consists of:
-Shadows in the Water (Book #1)
-Under the Bones (Book #2)
-Danse Macabre (Book #3)
-Carnival (Book #4)
-Devil’s Luck (Book #5)
-What Comes Around (Book #6)
-Overkill (Book #7)
-Silver Bullet (Book #8)
-Hell House (Book #9)
-One Foot in the Grave (Book #10)
-Blood Rain (Book #11)
-First Light (Book #12 -> coming soon)
If you love highly original urban fantasies with plenty of action and adventure- then this is definitely a series you will want to sink your teeth into- but be prepared to develop a (Kory M.) Shrum addiction!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Kory M. Shrum!
Hell House is the ninth Lou Thorne Thriller and ninth book in the Shadows in the Water series by my new favourite author, Kory M. Shrum. I have come to the conclusion that Bookbub has a lot to answer for, on one hand it is a fantastic way to ‘find’ new books/authors to read- but on the other hand I end up spending my entire yearly book budget in a matter of a few months lol. But if it weren’t for Bookbub, I would never have found Ms. Shrum’s books, which would have been a real tragedy, because she really knows how to weave a riveting tale.
This is an awesome urban fantasy with so much going on- in a fantastic way. With plenty of action, adventure, mystery, danger, a different realm aspect, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, the mafia, serial killers, agendas, ‘hunting’, team work, friendship, family, investigation, time factors, gripping scenes, intense developments, twists, romance, and so, so, so much more- you really need to read it to fully appreciate this gem of a series as I doubt my words can really do this series the justice that it deserves.
Louie Thorne is the daughter of assassinated DEA agent, Jack Thorne. He, along with her mother, were murdered by a drug cartel when she was just a young child- his death scarred her, in more ways than one. She has bided her time honing her skills, becoming a force to be reckoned with- one so powerful that the ‘bad guys’ will never see her coming. In the process of wreaking revenge, she builds a terrifying reputation that will strike fear into the hearts of her enemies- and it’s her secret ‘ability’ that gives her the upper hand- and gives this whole series a completely unique and addictive quality. So much action. With a lot of violence. And a huge helping of adventure. Resulting in a serious book addiction- while also set this book/series apart from others, and this is a book ‘high’ that will be hard to beat.
I developed this addiction to Ms. Shrum’s stories when I stumbled on the Shadows in the Water series -> picking up one book, which then led to two, which then had me devouring the whole series, back-to-back (11 books) in a matter of days. Now I am on tenterhooks, excitedly anticipating the release of Book #12, which can’t come quickly enough for my liking lol.
Each book in this series follows on from the previous one – with each instalment having its own ‘story’, but also adding to what has come before, thereby building a much bigger picture along the way- so the series really needs to be read in the correct sequence, to fully appreciate it- and prevent any kind of confusion. The books are available individually if you wish, as well as in Boxed Sets- which, again, is really great value for money.
The Series consists of:
-Shadows in the Water (Book #1)
-Under the Bones (Book #2)
-Danse Macabre (Book #3)
-Carnival (Book #4)
-Devil’s Luck (Book #5)
-What Comes Around (Book #6)
-Overkill (Book #7)
-Silver Bullet (Book #8)
-Hell House (Book #9)
-One Foot in the Grave (Book #10)
-Blood Rain (Book #11)
-First Light (Book #12 -> coming soon)
If you love highly original urban fantasies with plenty of action and adventure- then this is definitely a series you will want to sink your teeth into- but be prepared to develop a (Kory M.) Shrum addiction!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Kory M. Shrum!
September 28, 2022
The truth will always be revealed...
Lou and her crew are back again in full force! We have two exciting storylines going on at the same time. King and Piper have a spooky encounter at an old "haunted" plantation where things go bump in the night, and people have met their untimely demise. All kinds of craziness ensues that needs their full attention, and maybe some help from their friendly supernatural assassin Lou 😉. Jabbers makes a very special appearance, and we learn more about her and where she lives. There's plenty of twists and turns, small town intrigue, and just fun mystery elements throughout this book. I like how Lou and Konstantine are a bit more relaxed in this book after all the stress they'd been under in past books....it's a bit of a nice reprieve. We also see the close friendships and bonds between our characters as they deal with these specific cases together. I've loved this series from the start and it never fails to bring me joy. I cannot wait to see what's up next!
Lou and her crew are back again in full force! We have two exciting storylines going on at the same time. King and Piper have a spooky encounter at an old "haunted" plantation where things go bump in the night, and people have met their untimely demise. All kinds of craziness ensues that needs their full attention, and maybe some help from their friendly supernatural assassin Lou 😉. Jabbers makes a very special appearance, and we learn more about her and where she lives. There's plenty of twists and turns, small town intrigue, and just fun mystery elements throughout this book. I like how Lou and Konstantine are a bit more relaxed in this book after all the stress they'd been under in past books....it's a bit of a nice reprieve. We also see the close friendships and bonds between our characters as they deal with these specific cases together. I've loved this series from the start and it never fails to bring me joy. I cannot wait to see what's up next!
September 28, 2022
The NOLA gang, Konstantine’s crew, and Jabbers are back for more mysteries and adventures. This time a murder or suicide of a maid at a haunted house in the Bayou, Jabber’s missing eggs, and mysterious deaths at a home for the elderly. For the first time, Piper sees a real ghost. She’s afraid no one will believe her; Lou does, King doesn’t. While investigating who murdered the maid, Lou finds Johnny Golden’s remains and determines who killed him 13 years previously. But that wasn’t the maid’s murderer. Did Lou really see a ghost that Piper thought was Rita? Piper and King have a very nervous and uncomfortable stay in the haunted mansion. Piper insists Lou stay with her while she watches out for King. After several interesting plot twists, the murders are finally solved, the guilty incarcerated, Lou can again spend the nights with Konstantine, and the mystery of Jabber’s missing eggs is resolved.
November 4, 2022
A gentler pace this time with only two stories to follow, King & Piper investigating the death of a maid at a haunted manor in the bayou to help the owner who is an old school friend of King's police buddy and Lou trying to figure out why she is being called to a retirement home in Florida. This time the main story is King & Piper's investigation and naturally there is more to the case than there first seems with a missing possibly murdered husband & ghosts. Lou's story is more the supporting character this time but that ok as she helps out Piper & King. Konstantine is relegated to technical support, although we do get some nice scenes showing him & Lou settling comfortably into domestic bliss. Dani & Mel make minor appearances but sadly don't get much page time or their own stories.
October 6, 2022
Hell House
How I devour Lou Thorne stories! I honestly cannot put them down and savour every moment I spend reading the. Each better than the last and all superb!
Kory Shrum is a fabulous writer and her books are some of the best I've had the fortune to read. From Dying for a Living to Hell House I have been mesmerised with Ms. Shurm's imagination, characterisation and pure unbounding artistry in her writing.
For those who want to know more about Kory, her book "Who Killed My Mother", the true story of her Mother's recent death let's you into her own life. God Rest Her Sweet Soul.
How I devour Lou Thorne stories! I honestly cannot put them down and savour every moment I spend reading the. Each better than the last and all superb!
Kory Shrum is a fabulous writer and her books are some of the best I've had the fortune to read. From Dying for a Living to Hell House I have been mesmerised with Ms. Shurm's imagination, characterisation and pure unbounding artistry in her writing.
For those who want to know more about Kory, her book "Who Killed My Mother", the true story of her Mother's recent death let's you into her own life. God Rest Her Sweet Soul.
July 22, 2023
Kory Shrum has had me hooked since book one with our FMC, Lou Thorne. Her ability to slip through both shadows and water is a unique angle to enhance the plot in each installment of the series. The setting, in the French Quarter of New Orleans above a voodoo shop, only adds to the mysterious characters I’ve grown to know and love (and their guardian Belgian Malinois ofc). Her love interest, Konstantine, is based in Italy. Wouldn’t it be lovely to just hop into a dark room and appear in your Italian stallions bed? That’s all I’ll say for now- I have 2 more unread in this series and I can’t wait to see where it goes!
September 23, 2022
The best Lou Thorne book yet! Well constructed, written and edited, flows well. Self-contained, HFN ending.
I can’t put these books down, once I start. Full of great developed characters, plenty of sometimes scary action, adventure and excitement, with interludes of fun and humour.
Perhaps I’m more in the groove, but Lou seems to have matured. Delighted with her loving, almost interdependent, relationship with Konstantine - unexpected. And her odd friendship with Jabbers!
I’m looking forward to more Lou Thorne!
I received this book as an arc and this review is entirely voluntary.
I can’t put these books down, once I start. Full of great developed characters, plenty of sometimes scary action, adventure and excitement, with interludes of fun and humour.
Perhaps I’m more in the groove, but Lou seems to have matured. Delighted with her loving, almost interdependent, relationship with Konstantine - unexpected. And her odd friendship with Jabbers!
I’m looking forward to more Lou Thorne!
I received this book as an arc and this review is entirely voluntary.
September 30, 2022
Reading this book is a fine way to spend an afternoon.
Lou Thorne and crew - defending the innocent and getting the bad guys. Justice is served one way or another. A nursing care center and a haunted Louisiana manor keep them all busy and me, the reader, thoroughly entertained. And let me not forget Jabbers. If you enjoy unusual suspense, a touch of paranormal, bad guys getting justice and friends making their own family, you should enjoy the Lou Thorne series. Read from book one, though. It is worth it.
Lou Thorne and crew - defending the innocent and getting the bad guys. Justice is served one way or another. A nursing care center and a haunted Louisiana manor keep them all busy and me, the reader, thoroughly entertained. And let me not forget Jabbers. If you enjoy unusual suspense, a touch of paranormal, bad guys getting justice and friends making their own family, you should enjoy the Lou Thorne series. Read from book one, though. It is worth it.
October 20, 2022
Perfect spooky-twisty installment!
Find out what it's like for our dark hero to find domesticity and totally love it? Sounds like a parallel universe, right? Well, it isn't and all you favorite characters are back and taking on some incredible tasks.
Several murders, a haunted house, a haunted nursing home, and Jabbers' eggs are hatching...Kory loves to throw everything plus the kitchen sink at you all at once.
Such a fun read. Easy to lose track reading this one.
I loved it and reccomend!!!!
Find out what it's like for our dark hero to find domesticity and totally love it? Sounds like a parallel universe, right? Well, it isn't and all you favorite characters are back and taking on some incredible tasks.
Several murders, a haunted house, a haunted nursing home, and Jabbers' eggs are hatching...Kory loves to throw everything plus the kitchen sink at you all at once.
Such a fun read. Easy to lose track reading this one.
I loved it and reccomend!!!!
September 26, 2022
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
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 action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
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 action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 29, 2022
Another great story by one of my favourite writers. A murder mystery and a ghost story complete with a supernatural twist complete with Lou and her pet monster. All the characters are becoming even more complex and interesting with each Shrum story.
Perhaps someday additional stories that feature just the side characters? Although I still want to have Lou in the stories too.
Ok I just want more Shrum books!
Perhaps someday additional stories that feature just the side characters? Although I still want to have Lou in the stories too.
Ok I just want more Shrum books!
October 2, 2022
Another great read.
I love these books. They let me leave reality behind. Almost as good as a game of golf. Our heroine helps but the story is more about the other characters in the series, and their story kept me riveted. A meandering story, and a smile at the end that had nothing to do with it. If you haven’t read one before, then start with book 1. Science fiction, ghosts, detective work, strange creatures, the mafia. It's all there and blends in beautifully.
I love these books. They let me leave reality behind. Almost as good as a game of golf. Our heroine helps but the story is more about the other characters in the series, and their story kept me riveted. A meandering story, and a smile at the end that had nothing to do with it. If you haven’t read one before, then start with book 1. Science fiction, ghosts, detective work, strange creatures, the mafia. It's all there and blends in beautifully.
October 3, 2022
Kory never fails to deliver. While this book doesn't move as quickly and isn't as action-packed as the rest, I enjoyed delving deeper into Lou and Konstantine's relationship as well as getting to follow along with Lou as she helps solve not one but two murder mysteries. Of course, a Lou Thorne thriller wouldn't be complete without also delving deeper into the mysteries of La Loon and Lou's relationship with Jabbers.
September 25, 2022
I enjoyed this book very much…the story moved between characters in a quick, but understandable, way and kept my interest. I especially enjoyed the discussions between the characters - the conversations were very “real” in a way that I could see me talking to my friends. I am already looking forward to the next installment!
September 27, 2022
I love the Lou Thorne books and all the characters with her. This book was exciting and a bit scary. Perfect for a Halloween read. Shrum gives her characters life and a reality while mixing supernatural strangeness into their world. They are people I would like to be friends with. I really enjoy the books.
October 6, 2022
A Taxi Driver Named Lou
I am very disappointed in Hell House. I was also disappointed in Silver Bullet, but wanted to give the series one more try. These later books are not full of the edgy
suspense and mystery found in the first books of the series. Lou was more a taxi driver than sleuth.
I am very disappointed in Hell House. I was also disappointed in Silver Bullet, but wanted to give the series one more try. These later books are not full of the edgy
suspense and mystery found in the first books of the series. Lou was more a taxi driver than sleuth.
January 24, 2023
This book, wow...you truly have to keep on reading it! Then you think, OMG, what is on the next page, what is in the next chapter...This book is fantastic! Yes, Konstantine is here and Melandra and Piper - the whole gang actually! Of course there are surprises at Blood Lake too! I hope this series continues for 20 books or even more.
June 25, 2023
Hell House is another thrilling Lou Thorne adventure. The paranormal story line takes another twist with ghost, murder and investigations. Miss Shrum again brings together Lou Thorne, King, Piperand others to solve 2 murder mysteries and an update on Jabbers and her offspring. One more great book in the Shadows in the Water Series. Looking forward to the next one.
September 26, 2022
This is a fantastic book! Lou has 2 mysteries to figure out. One by herself…sort of and the other with Robert and Piper. I really liked how Jabbers showed Lou where all her eggs had gone. This series is one of my favorites and I am always excited when a new book comes out!
September 26, 2022
Another excellent Lou Thorne thriller. I love the way the characters intermingle and bounce off other. Full of intrigue, action, mystery and murder. I also found it extremely funny in parts. Well put together. I didn't want it to end.
September 26, 2022
This is a well-written, fast-paced, murder mystery with amazing MCs. The team is a well-oiled unit and works together to solve cases, and help people. Shadows in the Water Series does not get old. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
September 26, 2022
So absolutely love this series. I'm so happy to see the progression of LaLoon! Jabbers is one of my absolute favorites in the this series. And the scene where Lou goes into the swamp......ooof I felt like I was there and I didn't want to be.....but I was and it was scary!!!!
October 15, 2022
What can I say that I haven't already said - these books just grab me and it is very hard for me to put them down. 2 different stories going on at the same time, each on as captivating as the other. A must read for readers of this genre of books.
December 16, 2022
What a superb suspenseful story. When there’s a murder to be solved, Lou will get it solved if possible. Twists and turns to keep you trying to guess the next step. Don’t miss out.
January 13, 2024
There was such good mystery in this book. A haunted house, which I loved, was a fun setting for this adventure. I'm definitely going to continue reading the series.
October 24, 2025
Hell House - a new review by Rosemary Kenny.
A Lou Thorne Thriller by Kory M. Shrum, Hell House brings a new case for the supernaturally-powerful, female vigilante in a residential care home for the elderly, the eponymous Hell(mann) House.
Lou's boss Robert King's been asked to investigate an unexpected death there by the owner, Rita. She, plus friends Piper and Mel accompany King and immediately encounter some strange events.
The plot soon thickens, with more killers and victims at every turn.
Hell House is a wonderfully spine-tingling whodunnit with a twist, with an ending you won't have anticipated.
Grab your copy of Hell House today and keep some garlic and a crucifix handy - lest you have a strange encounter of your own!
A must for fans of Steven King, Willow Rose and Tanya R.Taylor this Halloween night!
A Lou Thorne Thriller by Kory M. Shrum, Hell House brings a new case for the supernaturally-powerful, female vigilante in a residential care home for the elderly, the eponymous Hell(mann) House.
Lou's boss Robert King's been asked to investigate an unexpected death there by the owner, Rita. She, plus friends Piper and Mel accompany King and immediately encounter some strange events.
The plot soon thickens, with more killers and victims at every turn.
Hell House is a wonderfully spine-tingling whodunnit with a twist, with an ending you won't have anticipated.
Grab your copy of Hell House today and keep some garlic and a crucifix handy - lest you have a strange encounter of your own!
A must for fans of Steven King, Willow Rose and Tanya R.Taylor this Halloween night!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews