Aunt Death

by Michael Richan

A frightening paranormal mystery begins when an eccentric aunt dies and leaves her strange house to a surprised nephew.

Troy didn’t know his late aunt very well, so he is stunned when he inherits her Victorian mansion. His relatives are also surprised, wondering why Troy was singled out while they receive only a pittance of the woman’s estate.

The old Victorian would fetch good money on the market, and Troy considers listing the house for sale. However, the mansion begins to reveal secret upon secret, wrapping him up in its mysterious past. He wants to be free of the house but is torn – the bizarre and frightening contents of the mansion are too intriguing, demanding he find out what his aunt was up to and what led to the unusual circumstances of her death.

Soon Troy is plunged into the most terrifying journey of his life.

Like all of Michael Richan’s forty-plus novels, Aunt Death is a fast-paced paranormal mystery with twists and turns, and horrific surprises around every corner.

Genres: Horror, Paranormal

310 pages, Hardcover

Published May 25, 2022

About the author

Michael Richan lives in Washington State. He has written horror fiction for over forty years.

He's the author of several best selling series, including "The River," 'The Downwinders," and "The Dark River." All are set within The River universe.

He's also the author of other best selling titles such as "The Haunting of Pitmon House", "The Coldwater Haunting", and "The Seances".

Visit michaelrichan.com to learn more about the series and to see a suggested reading order. Follow Michael via email and receive the free novella "Residual". You can also follow him via Twitter @michaelrichan.

Reviews

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I thought that Aunt Death would be a scarier read, I am satisfied that the novel written by Michael Richan provided enough tense moments which did not behave as, nor rely on haunted house tropes. One of my pet peeves is that all too often these narratives depend on knockings and creaks to take the place of actual peril and scares. There are few of those here.

Aunt Death is a horror novel tied to a paranormal mystery. Troy was just one of the nephews and nieces that liked the weird aunt with the Victorian house. Little did he realize that the aunt he favored, harbored similar feelings for him. When her will was read, all the other relatives shared in a monetary inheritance, while Troy received the house. The house is a taxidermist's museum, with shelves littered with bones and skins.

Troy was not certain whether he was receiving a gift or a responsibility. Aunt Scarlet clearly had some idiosyncrasies that pervaded the house, not to mention a roommate that also had a heart attack on the same day and at the same time as Aunt Scarlet, only Aunt Scarlet died, and Lida recovered. Along the way there is the possibility of paranormal encounters, unique characters, and some thoroughly cringy moments of horror.

Despite my enjoyment of this book, I don't wish to overstate the scares in this novel. This does not qualify as hardcore horror in my estimation. It has scares and gross outs. Far more enjoyable is the paranormal mystery aspect, along with the exploration of familial relationship dynamics, and how people often get exactly what they deserve.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

River universe, different characters.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book as it wasn’t quite what I thought it would be. More than once I kind of expected one thing and got something different. I like that. I also think this book should have a sequel. I have questions and I want answers. However, even if there is no sequel, the ending wasn’t a cliffhanger, but more could be done with the story if Richan chooses.

[Lee Rush · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not quite my cup of tea

I don’t remember what specifically drew me to purchase this book, but this was definitely not my cup of tea. I’ve come to realize that the supernatural genre is just not something I enjoy reading.

Having said that, Richan is a fairly good story writer, but with enough gore and swearing mixed in to make me feel it excessive and unnecessary.

I also am not sure what this book was trying to be, or where it was going. Was it an adventure novel? A mystery? It seems the decision was never made.

While the plot moved along, and the story was engaging, I got a sense that there was a lot of extraneous detail that added nothing to the plot or the character development.

Speaking of characters, I wanted to like them more than I did. Even the main character was a bit too accepting of everything to make him likable.

I suppose it was a good book, but it fell a bit short for me.

[Lacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was nothing like I expected from reading the blurb. I was expecting ghosts and a haunted house. This is much more like an alternate universe mixed with science fiction. It was entertaining but bizarre. It's supposed to be standalone, but I have a feeling it would have made a lot more sense to me if I had realized it was part of a much larger picture. Lots of unanswered questions and a very open ending that definitely leads to more. So many of my questions and Troy's questions were unanswered just because Lida didn't want to be bothered in the story to answer them. Which just leaves the reader confused because they never get answered. I have no idea what these other beings were or why there's a train station and why there's blood money in the house. Unless you're willing to jump into the 30 some books involved in this interconnected series I would stay away. No answers will be forthcoming from this book.

[Kare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing theories

Can not recommend Michael Richan enough. The ever so plenty of creeps making you truly question what are we really looking at outside of the River.
Every one of his books are worthy of reading. Keeps the ghosts alive with lots of untold stories waiting to be shared. Wondering who is going to be the next person to be introduced into this amazing grotesque and intriguing world.

[thais brockhagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family?

Another great book. This was such an easy read. It grabbed me from the beginning and did not let go until the end. The cast of characters were so great, almost real. I love books that have ghosts, creatures and very lively people. The house (mansion) was very vividly written making me wish I could have a house like it. This really was a great and fun read, you will enjoy it.

[Dixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title and author were good enough for me to read. Have read this author before and enjoyed his books. The title was so cool. The book was a very unique plot which I have to say in all the books I have read, never a plot like this. And the characters were awesome and some pretty good dialogue Highly recommend this book.

[Cheryl McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aunt Death is awesome

I have been hooked on Michael Richan since I read the first book. I've read them all and have never been! let down. I started reading this one and didn't stop till I finished it.

[Linda George]

Another excellent story!

I've read all of the River books and I always pre-order new ones. I highlighted a few changes this time. 😊

I can't wait for the next book!

Linda George

[Terry and dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I'd call this a horror story, more of a fantasy, but I really did enjoy it, mainly because there is a strong group of characters that I really enjoyed (particularly Lida). The story was creative and I could see a whole new world evolving from this.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read and very well written. The character development is very strong. I could totally hear the voices in my head. I had a hard time putting this down and hope there's another book in this series about this mysterious house and the family that cares for it.

[Micky Parise · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading Michael Richan and enjoy his writing style. Characters were outstanding and love the fact wasn't tons of them. Lida was my favorite. Book was a nice read but really not something I can get into. Recommend though.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

More

I loved every bit of the story! I want more!
I also would like to visit Steve an d Roy, please!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

I’ve read all of Michael Richan’s books and this is one of my favorites I love the characters, their humor and the story. I can’t wait for the next one.

[Karen Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting new plot!

I am enjoying the river from a whole new perspective. The tan time end was more than worth it, can't wait for sequel!

[Krishnan Sivakumar]

Just not interesting at all

[Colleen A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more

This was fabulous read great characters twists
turns etc
Love Lida ❤️
Please continue this series
There are so many directions you can take this

[Steve Osten · Rating 2 out of 5]

Silly

I thought that was just silly. I read the book and didn't get anything out of it. Sorry about that. Better luck next time.

[Dorothy Pitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

I really loved this book! Fantastic characters, with lots of mystery and action. I couldn't put it down! Great author!

[BG · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could not finish, very boring.

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really didn’t feel that this book had any great story. I didn’t get the other reviews and I felt that it was just kind of there. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great.

[Vickie McWhorter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast read

I didn’t think I would enjoy the book after I read a few pages. Decided to keep going; glad I did. Fast moving. I enjoyed the book

[Gina Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I will continue the series!

[Renell Hardtmayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another portal to explore!

I have read every book Michael has written each a page turner with mind bogling characters, cryptic dialogue and other worldly adventure! He makes reading addictive.


of seductive

[Sara Vogt · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

MY TAKE: Quick, very different horror read. I was pleasantly surprised by the different take than I was expecting. I think this may have a sequel so I would read more from this author.