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Haunted #2
Devil's Door
Halloween night, 1982. Many people were brutally killed or simply vanished at the Blackwater Hotel—formerly Perron Manor. The events of that night have always remained a mystery.
Until now...
Ray and Rita Pearson, along with their daughter, Chloe, move into the hotel to help with its renovation and grand opening. All under the watchful eye of the mysterious owner, Marcus Blackwater.
But as they move closer to the opening date, things begin to happen in the hotel that are unexplainable. And Rita herself begins to change.
Unbeknownst to the family, there are other plans in place, and Marcus Blackwater has his own agenda—one started by his grandfather many years ago.
The story culminates in a horrific turn of events that changes everything you think you know about the house... and its inhabitants.
Until now...
Ray and Rita Pearson, along with their daughter, Chloe, move into the hotel to help with its renovation and grand opening. All under the watchful eye of the mysterious owner, Marcus Blackwater.
But as they move closer to the opening date, things begin to happen in the hotel that are unexplainable. And Rita herself begins to change.
Unbeknownst to the family, there are other plans in place, and Marcus Blackwater has his own agenda—one started by his grandfather many years ago.
The story culminates in a horrific turn of events that changes everything you think you know about the house... and its inhabitants.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2020
1384 people are currently reading
2360 people want to read
About the author
Lee Mountford
61 books1,015 followersI am an author with a huge love of horror.
Of course, other genres float my boat as well; Sci-Fi, Thrillers, pretty much any Dark Fiction, but Horror is what I call home.
My first novel, Horror in the Woods, was released on in May 2017, and the second, The Demonic, on the the following July hitting multiple best seller lists. Since then, I have authored a number of horror novels that have terrified fans for the past few years.
You can find out more about me on my website, but also, don't forget to claim your FREE ebooks
: http://eepurl.com/dIaS0r
- Lee
Of course, other genres float my boat as well; Sci-Fi, Thrillers, pretty much any Dark Fiction, but Horror is what I call home.
My first novel, Horror in the Woods, was released on in May 2017, and the second, The Demonic, on the the following July hitting multiple best seller lists. Since then, I have authored a number of horror novels that have terrified fans for the past few years.
You can find out more about me on my website, but also, don't forget to claim your FREE ebooks
: http://eepurl.com/dIaS0r
- Lee
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
September 27, 2021
This was an excellent follow-up to Perron Manor. The writing, the flow of the story, the multiperspective all continue to be done excellently. In addition, the pacing is spot-on as the story builds.
I enjoyed this 'prequel,' so to speak, and it has a helluva twist at the end. The information and background are provided to the house's past that was merely alluded to in the first book.
I was slightly curious about how the author would up the horror ante, which is a minor nitpick because everything else was so well done. Although the horror was not as punchy as the previous volume, I feel this wasn't due to the content; instead, I somewhat knew what to expect. Again a very minor nitpick.
I am excited to proceed to volume 3 with the big reveal/twist firmly in my mind. :)
I enjoyed this 'prequel,' so to speak, and it has a helluva twist at the end. The information and background are provided to the house's past that was merely alluded to in the first book.
I was slightly curious about how the author would up the horror ante, which is a minor nitpick because everything else was so well done. Although the horror was not as punchy as the previous volume, I feel this wasn't due to the content; instead, I somewhat knew what to expect. Again a very minor nitpick.
I am excited to proceed to volume 3 with the big reveal/twist firmly in my mind. :)
October 7, 2022
Second Reread of this book was better the second time around!
A small backstory:
This book ensnares the story of a tragic massacre that took place in 1982 which happened on Halloween night.
The Pearson family (Rita and Ray along with their daughter, Chloe) have moved into what was considered Perron Manor as the owner Marcus Blackwater wants to turn the manor into a hotel, so he hires Rita and Ray to not only fix up the place which he provides the necessary funds for them, but also to manage the hotel as well.
Rita's brother Vincent is the one that reached out to her that Marcus was looking for someone to turn the manor into a hotel along with managing it as well. Marcus wants the hotel ready to go by Halloween night.
There is plenty to do to get the manor in tip-top shape for it to become a hotel to house guests, but Marcus Blackwater seems to think that the best way to draw guests is to make them think the manor is haunted as there are people that love the paranormal so what better way to bring in the masses then to let it be known that there are spooks roaming the halls.
Perron Manor a/k/a Blackwater Hotel has come to life since the Pearsons have begun renovating the place and the spirts are restless to the point that things begin to happen within the manor. As Halloween fast approaches and the hotel becomes ready to have the guests the manor literally wakes up as it anticipates the new victims that will be walking through the doors. Things go bad real quick with the owner, Marcus Blackwater at the helm as he has a few plans of his own in the making as well which no one realizes until it is too late what sinister plans he has put into motion for Halloween night!
What happens on Halloween night? What plans has Marcus prepared? Do the guests survive the night? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book!
Thoughts:
This was a fast paced story and it kept me on the edge of my seat! A true nail-biter as the haunting atmosphere just wrapped itself around me the more I became involved in the story!
Even though this book is the second in the haunted series, it goes back in time to what caused the haunting from the first book. This second book tells the story of why there is a haunting of Perron Manor and what paths lead down a hellish road to the cause of the haunting.
When the story reaches the night of the murders is when the book literally goes into maniac overdrive as more things start happening in the book which drives the tension and suspense up several notches!
The characters come alive on the pages of this book and the house itself also comes alive as the haunting goes into full force bringing this second book into a horror filled suspense spook zone! Keeping this book at five "Nightmare Spooky" stars!
A small backstory:
This book ensnares the story of a tragic massacre that took place in 1982 which happened on Halloween night.
The Pearson family (Rita and Ray along with their daughter, Chloe) have moved into what was considered Perron Manor as the owner Marcus Blackwater wants to turn the manor into a hotel, so he hires Rita and Ray to not only fix up the place which he provides the necessary funds for them, but also to manage the hotel as well.
Rita's brother Vincent is the one that reached out to her that Marcus was looking for someone to turn the manor into a hotel along with managing it as well. Marcus wants the hotel ready to go by Halloween night.
There is plenty to do to get the manor in tip-top shape for it to become a hotel to house guests, but Marcus Blackwater seems to think that the best way to draw guests is to make them think the manor is haunted as there are people that love the paranormal so what better way to bring in the masses then to let it be known that there are spooks roaming the halls.
Perron Manor a/k/a Blackwater Hotel has come to life since the Pearsons have begun renovating the place and the spirts are restless to the point that things begin to happen within the manor. As Halloween fast approaches and the hotel becomes ready to have the guests the manor literally wakes up as it anticipates the new victims that will be walking through the doors. Things go bad real quick with the owner, Marcus Blackwater at the helm as he has a few plans of his own in the making as well which no one realizes until it is too late what sinister plans he has put into motion for Halloween night!
What happens on Halloween night? What plans has Marcus prepared? Do the guests survive the night? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book!
Thoughts:
This was a fast paced story and it kept me on the edge of my seat! A true nail-biter as the haunting atmosphere just wrapped itself around me the more I became involved in the story!
Even though this book is the second in the haunted series, it goes back in time to what caused the haunting from the first book. This second book tells the story of why there is a haunting of Perron Manor and what paths lead down a hellish road to the cause of the haunting.
When the story reaches the night of the murders is when the book literally goes into maniac overdrive as more things start happening in the book which drives the tension and suspense up several notches!
The characters come alive on the pages of this book and the house itself also comes alive as the haunting goes into full force bringing this second book into a horror filled suspense spook zone! Keeping this book at five "Nightmare Spooky" stars!
August 26, 2021
This was a compelling read that took one deeper into the turmoil and chaos that is Perron Manor. More questions are answered and other things partially click into place. I have seen a house developed as a character before but not in this way.
Partial spoilers as to the nature of the house in the next few sentences, ....: The house comes into focus as an intelligent entity 'off-screen' per say. You learn of its part; of its malevolent nature, a little at a time through the eyes of others. I love how this is done. It starts out as an innocent bystander with an unfortunate history until you start to learn that a location is much more than a place marked on a map.
This is the most haunted house in Britain... Yet are things lurking inside the house really the masterminds in control; and are they the real supernatural power to fear? Are there more than mere spirits roaming the rooms and halls of Perron Manor? It's chilling.
There are just a couple things that bothered me: Continuous repeat response; and what I call Rosemary's baby syndrome--
Specifically--> There were SO many uses of, "Fair enough," as a retort or response from.... every... character.
I seriously thought I might go 'bat excrement crazy' if one more response was that! It wasn't just this book in the series, either.
All in all this was creepy though, and continued to develop the series plot-wise, despite a trope that I consider gag-a-docious. ;)(That’s just me being silly, no, but being pregnant with hell spawn is seriously gross to me.)
3.5
Partial spoilers as to the nature of the house in the next few sentences, ....: The house comes into focus as an intelligent entity 'off-screen' per say. You learn of its part; of its malevolent nature, a little at a time through the eyes of others. I love how this is done. It starts out as an innocent bystander with an unfortunate history until you start to learn that a location is much more than a place marked on a map.
This is the most haunted house in Britain... Yet are things lurking inside the house really the masterminds in control; and are they the real supernatural power to fear? Are there more than mere spirits roaming the rooms and halls of Perron Manor? It's chilling.
There are just a couple things that bothered me: Continuous repeat response; and what I call Rosemary's baby syndrome--
Specifically--> There were SO many uses of, "Fair enough," as a retort or response from.... every... character.
I seriously thought I might go 'bat excrement crazy' if one more response was that! It wasn't just this book in the series, either.
All in all this was creepy though, and continued to develop the series plot-wise, despite a trope that I consider gag-a-docious. ;)(That’s just me being silly, no, but being pregnant with hell spawn is seriously gross to me.)
3.5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2022
Having such a blast reading this series with my Castle Terror buds. Lee Mountford is well on his way to becoming a favorite.
September 3, 2023
Supernatural Scandal! Evil Minion Double-Crosses Master Occultist! "Well, I hired him 'cause I wanted an (air quotes) 'Evil Minion,' but I wasn't expecting him to go full EVIL on me. (Throws hands in air). You just can't trust anyone these days!" - Marcus - The Diabolist's Diatribe.
An awesome 2nd instalment in the 'Haunted,' series. I've already purchased the 3rd book and I'm looking forward to catching up with more diabolical supernatural shenanigans at Perron Manor.
Recommended. 5 'Keep The Door Locked!' stars.
An awesome 2nd instalment in the 'Haunted,' series. I've already purchased the 3rd book and I'm looking forward to catching up with more diabolical supernatural shenanigans at Perron Manor.
Recommended. 5 'Keep The Door Locked!' stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2025
Halloween night, 1982. Many people were brutally killed or simply vanished at the Blackwater Hotel...formerly Perron Manor. The events of that night have always remained a mystery...until now.
This is the second book in the Haunted series. It takes us back in time to the 1980s, when the manor was turned from the Perron Manor to the Blackwater Hotel.
The manor has had a lot of history. There were always rumors that it was haunted. Rita Pearson has been invited, by her brother Vincent, to work at the manor. He is a close friend of the current owner, Marcus Blackwater. He was looking for a new position, so this could be just the solution that Rita, her husband Ray and daughter Chloe, were looking for.
Marcus is wanting to get rid of the name "Perron Manor" and turn it into a hotel but also to try and get away from the stigma, rumors and reputation that has surrounded the place, which when looking at it's history, is understandable. He thought that bringing in a family to run and oversee the changes was a good idea.
The remodeling starts to take place. To begin with, while this is happening, there seemed to be an "everything is okay feeling" to the place. But as soon as the hotel opens things start to take place and there is more stress...a LOT more stress. Sleep is interrupted; and odd smells and cold spots are everywhere. The staff try to explain it away as it being an old building, but they can't explain away the feeling that there is something else going on. "I know I wouldn't want to stop in this place" is the feeling that Ray is starting to get, plus it also makes him wonder just how safe his daughter is. It's affecting him and Rita also. They are becoming less of a couple and spend most of their time simply ignoring each other. Rita feels that she has something to prove so tensions are running out of control.
As these tensions between the family grow, so do the stuffy atmosphere and general eeriness of the house. The house is in some ways almost a character by itself. Then there are the “other” characters; the unreal, supernatural creepy ones. They have a “presence” obviously, and there is some indication that something else is also always going on underneath it all. Vincent is not much help, and he tries to push the feelings and the constant tension away in the background...almost unseen, but then we find that Marcus has become "the star of the show".
Everything that goes on in the book is headed toward what happened Halloween, 1982. This event gives you a creepy, spooky, climactic feel. It also then gives a lot more details that were missing from the first book. It sounds odd, but this flipping back and forth across two books shouldn't work, but it actually does. It worked so well, that I am definitely going to be reading the next book.
If you are a fan of supernatural, horror thrillers, mystery, occult and ghost stories.... then this is a fabulous story....one that I would definitely recommend. The books should be read in order, as it appears that this is one continuous story, so start with Haunted: Perron Manor, also by this author.
This is the second book in the Haunted series. It takes us back in time to the 1980s, when the manor was turned from the Perron Manor to the Blackwater Hotel.
The manor has had a lot of history. There were always rumors that it was haunted. Rita Pearson has been invited, by her brother Vincent, to work at the manor. He is a close friend of the current owner, Marcus Blackwater. He was looking for a new position, so this could be just the solution that Rita, her husband Ray and daughter Chloe, were looking for.
Marcus is wanting to get rid of the name "Perron Manor" and turn it into a hotel but also to try and get away from the stigma, rumors and reputation that has surrounded the place, which when looking at it's history, is understandable. He thought that bringing in a family to run and oversee the changes was a good idea.
The remodeling starts to take place. To begin with, while this is happening, there seemed to be an "everything is okay feeling" to the place. But as soon as the hotel opens things start to take place and there is more stress...a LOT more stress. Sleep is interrupted; and odd smells and cold spots are everywhere. The staff try to explain it away as it being an old building, but they can't explain away the feeling that there is something else going on. "I know I wouldn't want to stop in this place" is the feeling that Ray is starting to get, plus it also makes him wonder just how safe his daughter is. It's affecting him and Rita also. They are becoming less of a couple and spend most of their time simply ignoring each other. Rita feels that she has something to prove so tensions are running out of control.
As these tensions between the family grow, so do the stuffy atmosphere and general eeriness of the house. The house is in some ways almost a character by itself. Then there are the “other” characters; the unreal, supernatural creepy ones. They have a “presence” obviously, and there is some indication that something else is also always going on underneath it all. Vincent is not much help, and he tries to push the feelings and the constant tension away in the background...almost unseen, but then we find that Marcus has become "the star of the show".
Everything that goes on in the book is headed toward what happened Halloween, 1982. This event gives you a creepy, spooky, climactic feel. It also then gives a lot more details that were missing from the first book. It sounds odd, but this flipping back and forth across two books shouldn't work, but it actually does. It worked so well, that I am definitely going to be reading the next book.
If you are a fan of supernatural, horror thrillers, mystery, occult and ghost stories.... then this is a fabulous story....one that I would definitely recommend. The books should be read in order, as it appears that this is one continuous story, so start with Haunted: Perron Manor, also by this author.
October 25, 2024
Auch wenn man durch den ersten Band wusste wie es enden würde, hat es doch die Spannung nicht rausgenommen.
May 6, 2021
Back story of book 1
This tells the story of Chloe's parents and their own history of Perron Manor. The massacre was talked about in book 1 but this tells how it happened. A page turner as you delve into the power of the house and it's history as it controls several of it's occupants all to some end game of it's own.
This tells the story of Chloe's parents and their own history of Perron Manor. The massacre was talked about in book 1 but this tells how it happened. A page turner as you delve into the power of the house and it's history as it controls several of it's occupants all to some end game of it's own.
November 26, 2020
Rita is thrilled to be given an opportunity to make use of her skills as a hotel manager in Perron Manor. Her brother, Vincent has recommended her to the owner. She moves in with her husband, Ray and six year old daughter, Chloe. Marcus Blackwater, who is the owner of the Manor is very elusive and Rita finds him creepy. What is he hiding? Why does he have private meetings only with Vincent? What are those strange artefacts in his room? At first everything seems to be working out well for Rita until her energy gets drained and her husband finds her behaviour out of character. More bizarre happenings take place when guests arrive at the hotel. Ray feels that they should leave but Rita is in thrall to the house. Will Ray save his family? Or are they doomed to stay in Perron Manor forever? This book gave me the chills. It is super scary
December 23, 2021
Good prequel to the 1st in the series.
It answered a lot of questions and provided a good solid story in itself. I admit the first one was scarier for me, but I really enjoyed the classic 70/80's feel this one had. We went back in time and it really felt that way.
On to the next one!
It answered a lot of questions and provided a good solid story in itself. I admit the first one was scarier for me, but I really enjoyed the classic 70/80's feel this one had. We went back in time and it really felt that way.
On to the next one!
December 25, 2020
EVERY installment in this Series is excellent, but so far DEVIL'S DOOR is my favorite! Exposing the nitty gritty of the horrific events in 1982 on the fatal Halloween night, which backdrops the events of HAUNTED: PERRON MANOR and itself is backstoried by the long history of Perron Manor and the land on which it perches, this novel I'd NON-STOP! I especially admire the twists, and the depths (and "depths" is the accurate expression) of the pivotal characters and their various rationales. I also appreciate the integrity of those few characters who exemplify moral value and uprightness and compassion.
October 23, 2024
It was a great read, couldn’t wait till the end to find out what all happened.
October 13, 2023
První díl této série mě vysloveně nadchl, a tak není divu, že jsem se na ten druhý vrhla nedočkavě a plná nadšení. Možná jsem to však, s pěním ód na tuto sérii, přeci jen trochu přehnala, jelikož Ďáblovy dveře jsou, alespoň pro mě, celkem zklamáním. Příběh je to sice zajímavý, ze všeho nejvíc však působí, jen jako doplnění historie, k dílu předchozímu. Klišé, v tomto případě, přebíjí jen další a další klišé, a děsuplného mrazení v zádech, se nedočkáte.
Zatím je to tedy, jak na houpačce. Uvidíme, kam nás zanese další díl.
Zatím je to tedy, jak na houpačce. Uvidíme, kam nás zanese další díl.
August 13, 2021
Finished this one yesterday. The second book in the Haunted series and already looking forward to reading the rest. This book takes us to what happened before the events of book 1 transpired at the big, old house and was suitably horrific and creepy that led to a gruesome, bloody ending. Lee Mountford certainly knows how to write the haunted house/possession subgenre.
March 10, 2025
Excellent, couldn't put the book down once I started. Now on to the third book!
An excellent second installment to the Haunted series.
Truly recommend
An excellent second installment to the Haunted series.
Truly recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2021
Devils Door is the second installment of Lee Mountford's Haunted Series. In this book, we go back to the 82' Halloween Massacre at The Blackwater Hotel. The events of that night have been briefly mentioned in book 1 and 1.5 but have always been a mystery... until now.
We follow Chloe's Parents Rita and Ray who have a life saving offer to run the Blackwater hotel that's currently run by Marcus Blackwater, a mysterious and odd individual who has a taste for the darker things in life. here we get to see the characters that were mentioned in the first book, including a young Uncle Vincent.
Once again, the characters in this book are definitely one of the strongest points. I've always been a reader that needs that connection with the characters or its simply not going to work. I instantly took a liking to Rita who i reminded me so much of a grown up Chloe from the first book. Ray is a bit more reserved but I think he may have been my favourite character. He's a no bullshit kind of guy who just wants an easy life with his family which unfortunately Is not what he gets with The Blackwater Hotel. I also found that there was a bit more info about the ghosts trapped in the house and also the history behind the house similar to book 1.5 which was interesting. It's weird to say that the house feels like a character but it really does. It takes on a life of its own and becomes a deadly force not to be taken lightly.
Although I absolutely loved the first book. I found Devils Door to be much more scary and fun to read at the same time, than the previous books. The whole build up to Halloween was so tense and I found myself absolutely devouring the book. Mountford definitely has a way of playing with the readers emotions and I found myself going from anger towards characters to pure terrified at times. The actual event on Halloween may be one of the most explosive and creepiest scenes I've ever read in any book. Its so well written that you feel feel like you're there with the characters and the house has you in a iron tight grip that refuses to let go.
Without giving any spoilers away. Devils Door had a twist that I don't think anyone seen coming at the beginning. It's left me absolutely craving the next book!
Im pretty new to the Horror genre but the Haunted series by Lee Mountford is one I would recommend to all readers that have an interest in the Horror genre. It's a classic tale of a haunted house that has a special and unique twist that will captivate anyone who reads it.
We follow Chloe's Parents Rita and Ray who have a life saving offer to run the Blackwater hotel that's currently run by Marcus Blackwater, a mysterious and odd individual who has a taste for the darker things in life. here we get to see the characters that were mentioned in the first book, including a young Uncle Vincent.
Once again, the characters in this book are definitely one of the strongest points. I've always been a reader that needs that connection with the characters or its simply not going to work. I instantly took a liking to Rita who i reminded me so much of a grown up Chloe from the first book. Ray is a bit more reserved but I think he may have been my favourite character. He's a no bullshit kind of guy who just wants an easy life with his family which unfortunately Is not what he gets with The Blackwater Hotel. I also found that there was a bit more info about the ghosts trapped in the house and also the history behind the house similar to book 1.5 which was interesting. It's weird to say that the house feels like a character but it really does. It takes on a life of its own and becomes a deadly force not to be taken lightly.
Although I absolutely loved the first book. I found Devils Door to be much more scary and fun to read at the same time, than the previous books. The whole build up to Halloween was so tense and I found myself absolutely devouring the book. Mountford definitely has a way of playing with the readers emotions and I found myself going from anger towards characters to pure terrified at times. The actual event on Halloween may be one of the most explosive and creepiest scenes I've ever read in any book. Its so well written that you feel feel like you're there with the characters and the house has you in a iron tight grip that refuses to let go.
Without giving any spoilers away. Devils Door had a twist that I don't think anyone seen coming at the beginning. It's left me absolutely craving the next book!
Im pretty new to the Horror genre but the Haunted series by Lee Mountford is one I would recommend to all readers that have an interest in the Horror genre. It's a classic tale of a haunted house that has a special and unique twist that will captivate anyone who reads it.
January 31, 2022
The follow-up to Perron Manor that I hoped for.
I was a little surprised and unsure why this book was technically a prequel to the first in the series, but it all makes sense now. The events that take place in this book are heavily referenced and clouded by mystery in the previous book, and boy does this remove that mystery quite well.
Devil's Door is about a down-on-their-luck family that takes a job in restoring a massive house and in turn is tasked with turning it into a hotel. A history shrouded in violence, unbeknownst to said family prior to accepting said job, conflicts with all of the well-written characters of the novel.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, which takes place well after the events of this one, everything about this book is better. The character development, pacing, and horror elements almost perfectly mash together to create a thrilling and horrifying read. My main issue with the first book, which is that not enough things really happened, is thrown out the window here. Lots of stuff happen, but not too much. Like I said, the pacing is almost flawless.
A welcome change compared to the first book was that all of the scenes actually take place within the property limits, save for one or two. The house, just like with the characters in the story, does not let you escape for a moment. It possesses not only the living humans residing there, but also you, the reader. The author brilliantly traps us into his dreary, claustrophobic dwelling and I loved every minute of it.
The whole demon/occult aspect was also more present, with some more details arising, however, I would still like to learn more specifics. The author may be using this as an element of mystery to instill anxiety in the reader, however, I wished for more knowledge on the demons possessing the house, just like Marcus and Vincent. I hope the next book in the series does just that.
If you have not read the first book in the series, I'd say if you really wanted to you could read this first, however, I highly recommend going in order here. While yes this is a prequel, going in with a tiny bit of knowledge from the first book will make it that much more enjoyable.
On to the next book in the series!
I was a little surprised and unsure why this book was technically a prequel to the first in the series, but it all makes sense now. The events that take place in this book are heavily referenced and clouded by mystery in the previous book, and boy does this remove that mystery quite well.
Devil's Door is about a down-on-their-luck family that takes a job in restoring a massive house and in turn is tasked with turning it into a hotel. A history shrouded in violence, unbeknownst to said family prior to accepting said job, conflicts with all of the well-written characters of the novel.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, which takes place well after the events of this one, everything about this book is better. The character development, pacing, and horror elements almost perfectly mash together to create a thrilling and horrifying read. My main issue with the first book, which is that not enough things really happened, is thrown out the window here. Lots of stuff happen, but not too much. Like I said, the pacing is almost flawless.
A welcome change compared to the first book was that all of the scenes actually take place within the property limits, save for one or two. The house, just like with the characters in the story, does not let you escape for a moment. It possesses not only the living humans residing there, but also you, the reader. The author brilliantly traps us into his dreary, claustrophobic dwelling and I loved every minute of it.
The whole demon/occult aspect was also more present, with some more details arising, however, I would still like to learn more specifics. The author may be using this as an element of mystery to instill anxiety in the reader, however, I wished for more knowledge on the demons possessing the house, just like Marcus and Vincent. I hope the next book in the series does just that.
If you have not read the first book in the series, I'd say if you really wanted to you could read this first, however, I highly recommend going in order here. While yes this is a prequel, going in with a tiny bit of knowledge from the first book will make it that much more enjoyable.
On to the next book in the series!
March 9, 2022
I thought this one was even better than the first, had a nicer flow to the story and the pacing was faster.
I think the horror got taken down a peg just slightly, it wasn't as suspenseful or creepy as #1, but it was more than made up for with the thrills that come along with this prequel, and all the answers you receive to the amounted list of questions that pile up in your mind when finishing the 1st book.
I like the way Lee tells a story, you can tell he's not writing it thinking ‘I better be careful how I go about wording certain situations’, he just goes for it and writes the story exactly as he wants to tell it; not only is it refreshing but it's also really enjoyable to read.
I also like the way he builds up the world, I always have a very clear image of where the characters are and find it easy to paint the story in my mind's eye; at the end of the first book he even had me thinking Perron Manor was a real place (and I'm not joking, I was actually trying to find it on Google thinking he'd based the series on a real manor lol), that's the sign of a talented writer right there.
This series is really addictive, I look forward to tucking in to the 3rd book ‘Haunted: Purgatory’ which picks up from the cliffhanger of the 1st. Definitely recommend this series so far, it makes for some entertaining and compulsive reading.
This one is an easy 4.5 for me, but since you can't do half stars on this stupid site (seriously, what's with that?) it gets a 5.
I think the horror got taken down a peg just slightly, it wasn't as suspenseful or creepy as #1, but it was more than made up for with the thrills that come along with this prequel, and all the answers you receive to the amounted list of questions that pile up in your mind when finishing the 1st book.
I like the way Lee tells a story, you can tell he's not writing it thinking ‘I better be careful how I go about wording certain situations’, he just goes for it and writes the story exactly as he wants to tell it; not only is it refreshing but it's also really enjoyable to read.
I also like the way he builds up the world, I always have a very clear image of where the characters are and find it easy to paint the story in my mind's eye; at the end of the first book he even had me thinking Perron Manor was a real place (and I'm not joking, I was actually trying to find it on Google thinking he'd based the series on a real manor lol), that's the sign of a talented writer right there.
This series is really addictive, I look forward to tucking in to the 3rd book ‘Haunted: Purgatory’ which picks up from the cliffhanger of the 1st. Definitely recommend this series so far, it makes for some entertaining and compulsive reading.
This one is an easy 4.5 for me, but since you can't do half stars on this stupid site (seriously, what's with that?) it gets a 5.
March 15, 2025
I really like this series! The second book started off slow as well, but like before, once the horror starts IT STARTS!
My prediction on the younger sis being the child of Marcus was correct! Which kinda makes sense as to why the house affected her so bad, but I’m surprised it went after her Chloe so much and not her in the first book. But I guess it wouldn’t harm her seeing as she was probably needed for the house.
Rita is a crazy one for keeping that baby tho 😂🤣 idk man I wouldn’t want nothing that would remind me of that house of that man! And RAY!!! Baby that is a STRONG man!! Granted he is correct none of this was really HER! Seeing as she was someway possessed. But honestly if I was him I would’ve BEEN left! Once she reniged on out conversation about leaving I would’ve been OUT! Like ok you want this house and this man more than your own family. Cool! ✌🏾
As far as MARCUS!! Hahaha GOT YA BISH!!! He really went thru all that just to suffer the same fate as everyone else who died in that house.
I also have no sympathy for Vincent either. Because you deliberately set your FAMILY up!! Mans could’ve found ANYBODY! And you picked you’re sister and her family!? Literally preyed on them!
Great book 2 tho! I’m anxious to see where it goes from here.
My prediction on the younger sis being the child of Marcus was correct! Which kinda makes sense as to why the house affected her so bad, but I’m surprised it went after her Chloe so much and not her in the first book. But I guess it wouldn’t harm her seeing as she was probably needed for the house.
Rita is a crazy one for keeping that baby tho 😂🤣 idk man I wouldn’t want nothing that would remind me of that house of that man! And RAY!!! Baby that is a STRONG man!! Granted he is correct none of this was really HER! Seeing as she was someway possessed. But honestly if I was him I would’ve BEEN left! Once she reniged on out conversation about leaving I would’ve been OUT! Like ok you want this house and this man more than your own family. Cool! ✌🏾
As far as MARCUS!! Hahaha GOT YA BISH!!! He really went thru all that just to suffer the same fate as everyone else who died in that house.
I also have no sympathy for Vincent either. Because you deliberately set your FAMILY up!! Mans could’ve found ANYBODY! And you picked you’re sister and her family!? Literally preyed on them!
Great book 2 tho! I’m anxious to see where it goes from here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2021
This has been my favourite book out of the series so far.
I found the first one a bit boring to be honest. But I couldn't put this one down. I had to know what was going to happen. And I loved all the characters. (Especially Vincent...) The story was done perfectly.
I honestly can't praise this one enough. 👏
I found the first one a bit boring to be honest. But I couldn't put this one down. I had to know what was going to happen. And I loved all the characters. (Especially Vincent...) The story was done perfectly.
I honestly can't praise this one enough. 👏
January 4, 2024
Intense follow-up from Book 1. Very engaging writing by Mountford which tells the 1982 happenings when the building was a hotel. I enjoyed the plot thoroughly and the characters are either really good or really creepy. My only difficulty was deciding if 6-year-old Chloe’s emotional strength is far-fetched or not. It’s got to be tough to write from a 6 year old’s perspective in a horror book without making it seem like a children’s story. I give Mountford credit for that.
September 15, 2024
I really enjoyed the first book. But this book was something terrible. I felt very uncomfortable when I read it and it was something disgusting. It was a nightmare and it was twisted, but not in a good way. The first half of the book was good, but the second half was terrible. I have to say that this book disgust reading to me. (of course I’m gonna read something but now I’m scared😂😭)
July 25, 2023
How does this author constantly have a grip on my Haunted Housing adoring heart? With a house that essentially lives and breathes horror, blood, and thirst for scaring the s**t out of me.
Even if the ‘fair enough’ phrase keeps coming in the next book.. I’ll still be reading.
Even if the ‘fair enough’ phrase keeps coming in the next book.. I’ll still be reading.
December 8, 2020
Terrifying
As always this book had me hooked from page one!! Terrifying, graphic, and brilliant, can't wait for the next instalment
As always this book had me hooked from page one!! Terrifying, graphic, and brilliant, can't wait for the next instalment
October 22, 2021
Excellent continuation of the story
November 9, 2023
This series continues to bring surprises and a couple of scares. I cannot wait to keep reading the rest of the series.
August 29, 2024
Another good’n! The house possesses the people inside and I think the books have possessed me because I can’t quit reading them!
January 3, 2025
A solid prequel that’s just as disturbing and creepy as the first one!
February 28, 2025
So good
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