I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.

The Haunting of Beatrix Green will be available at booksellers on 1-7-2021. If you've read The Haunting Of Hill House or seen the movie then you'll be familiar with the basis of this story. While not terror through and through it is at heart a horror story. The main character is a fake medium who may or may not be for real. Our main male character has a horrible case of PTSD. There are a couple of characters to fill out the spirit search team. It's presented as book 1 of 1 and also as episode 1. I'm not sure if there will be a next book. Will this be a series? It's a nice enough read but not scary enough for me.

#RachelHwkins #AshParsons #VickyAlvear Shecter #TheHauntingOfBeatrixGreene #Netgalley #SerialBox #gothic #spritualmedium #hauntedhouse ( )

The Haunting of Beatrix Greene Vol. 1 is a collaborative effort by three authors (Rachel Hawkins, Ash Parsons, Vicky Alvear Schacter) that seeks to impose a novel format to a traditional gothic horror/romance plot. The volume number indicates that this is envisioned as a continuing series, ostensibly with the same main characters. Unfortunately, this first edition fails to provide compelling evidence that these protagonists are unique or interesting enough to warrant such repeated visitation. Volume 1 introduces Beatrix Greene, who uses her empathic skills and perception to convince the recently bereaved that she can commune with the departed. The action takes place in Victorian England, during a time when interest in spiritualism was very much in vogue, and Greene recognizes it as an opportunity for making a reasonable living. She herself does not actually believe in ghosts but rationalizes her trickery to maintain her sense of propriety. She views her profession as providing an in-demand service that offers solace to those already predisposed to belief. She occasionally enlists the help of her actor friend, Harry, who is entertaining if not exactly reliable. When the pair are offered an exorbitant payment to spend the night at Ashbury Manor, they find the appeal of quick income difficult to resist. The only problem is that this offer is coming from James Walker, a well-known skeptic and scientist who has a reputation for exposing fraudulent claims. Beatrix also just happens to be inexplicably attracted to Walker, despite her knowledge that such a romance would be ill-advised. As can be predicted by anyone who familiar with these types of stories, Ashbury Manor evokes unknown gifts and abilities in Beatrix, and reveals a hidden connection with Walker’s past. Their passion is destined to be consummated and the mystery resolved. The Haunting of Beatrix Greene is moderately interesting but suffers from serious pacing issues that may be related to the split authorship of the chapters. The romance seems rushed and falls flat with some overwrought prose that causes more eye-rolls than heartbeats. Not particularly scary or gory according to today’s standards, this title might be best suited for those who prefer lighter horror in the mode of classic ghost and haunted mansion tales.

Thanks to the authors, Serial Box and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. ( )

My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟.5
Content Rating: 18+
Genre: Horror, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Mystery, Romance
Published: October 28, 2020, by Serial Box

The Haunting of Beatrix Greene, written by Rachel Hawkins, Ash Parsons, and Vicky Alvear Shecter, is a quick fun read with a creepy gothic feel that is perfect for all horror and supernatural fans—uniquely written by three authors The Haunting of Beatrix Greene, is written as one chapter; Season 1 which is then broken down into Episodes that have their own title. The authors take turns writing the episodes. Within each episode, the authors give us the two main characters' dueling viewpoints, Beatrix and James. All this may seem confusing, but not to worry, each perspective is labeled with the character's name, so actually, it's very straightforward.

Set in Victorian-era Derbyshire England, Beatrice Greene is an esteemed spiritual medium, but is she? James Walker portrays himself as a scientist who is notorious for discrediting many spiritual mediums; however, all is not what it seems when it comes to James. He sees something in Beatrice, and it fits with his dark secretive needs. James offers Beatrice a chance of a lifetime, come to Ashbury Manor and prove whether the house is haunted or not. Beatrice known she is a fraud, but if she can fake her way through this one night, she would gain financial independence.

On the eve before Beatrice goes to the estate, she learns the frighting truth about her abilities.

"There was a shadow flickering amid the gloom in her hallway-a shadow in the shape of a man…she could hear something now…a sound like the trickle of water...Do not go, do not go, do not go…"

I did like the slow buildup to the arrival of all the characters at the manor; however, the story takes off when all the characters get to the manor. The authors do a great job of making the manor come alive. There were some surprises throughout the book, which helped keep my interest. The manor's menacing macabre atmosphere was palpable, almost as if the manor took on a life of its own.

"It was a massive brick and stone fortress. Wickedly pointed spires topped each peak of the roof…the cut stones gleamed coldly in the fading light, with the entire structure the color of bone…the rain-splotched stone seemed to be oozing some dark material from the heart of the fortress…primal and ectoplasmic."

The plot line's basis was well thought out and reasonably well-executed, but what made this book more interesting for me was the characters. I loved the push and pull between the two main characters. What I didn't like was the romance between Beatrice and James. It felt forced, campy, and a bit out of place. I am not opposed to romance in horror stories, but I thought it could have been written into the plotline more subtly. Also, I would have liked a little more insight into the supporting characters.

Overall, I did enjoy this ominous read and look forward to seeing where these three authors take Beatrice and James on their next eerie adventure. Just a side note, there are many gruesome scenes of death, violence, and the mention of domestic violence.

* Please note the quotes in my review are subject to change once the book is published. *

** I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley, publisher, and author. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. ** ( )