What a deliciously creepy book. It was a bit strange and set up a bit odd, but truly a perfect SpoOctober book! I thought the characters were well written, and the story unique! Had some quite chills, a bit of genuine scares, and a tad bit of romance thrown in for some relief! I would recommend to those who enjoy quirky, creepy stories!

“Beatrix Greene had remained tantalizingly out of reach. Until now. Finally, he thought again. It can begin.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

This was a quick read, but a fun one! And definitely one that makes a fantastic Halloween read. Especially, if you’re looking for spooky and just a tad scary!

I love a classic haunted house story and this is a good one with some fun twists to make it unique.

Beatrix Greene is working as a medium. No, she cannot speak to the dead, but her clients sure do believe she can. If she can give them comfort and make a living, she’s alright with that. But when a mysterious gentleman tries to ruin her business then offers her a job? She knows to be suspicious, but the curiosity is too much….

I really loved how the set up for this book occurs in episodes, but honestly? I binged the whole thing, couldn’t put it down. Each episode is short, sweet, and keeps the plot moving right along.

The story has one of those classic miss-matched group of people brought together for one weird purpose trope. I liked most of the side characters, but didn’t really get a chance to love them with how short the book is. Most of the time, they kind of felt like window dressing, but there was some stand out moments for some of them. Regardless, the main two characters were fun.

I also loved the twists! This is definitely a book that likes to mess with its readers a bit, so I found that pretty fun. Some things I saw coming other things I was totally off about. I did my best.

I did think that the romance was rushed, but not unrealistically. Of course, the book was short and it did read a bit insta-lovey, but it was really well written considering the time and attention it was given. I definitely felt for the young couple.

TL;DR: This is a super fun, quick take on a classic spooky story you can enjoy any time of the year, but especially spooky season. With a bit of romance, chills, humor, and haunts, it’s got something for everyone.

E-galley provided by Netgalley and Serial Box in exchange for an honest review. All quotations and opinions are based off an uncorrected proof.

I was a bit confused about the concept here, as I think this is a collection of related stories as opposed to a novel. Cute and entertaining, but not what I expected.

Great Halloween read! Beatrix Greene is a medium who is hired to come tell if the mansion is still haunted. From there the story takes on a life of its own. Spellbinding and terrifying. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Thank you NetGalley, Rachel Hawkins, Ash Parsons and Vicky Alcester Schecter for this edition and hearing my honest review. Looking forward to reading more with you
#partner

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

I liked that this book was written the way it was with the different parts and multiple authors. I found that very creative. I enjoyed the fact that each part was set to release each week sort of like a TV show or a podcast. I think that is a very unique idea. I also really like the cover change that happened and think it fits the book well. However, I found the story itself difficult to get through just for my personal tastes. The combination of horror/spooky with romance was weird to read for me but I can see why other people might love this type of a setup.

Smart, engaging, and so creepy from word one.

That's all I have to say- just read it, extend your creepy season as long as you need to in order to get your fill and read this book as soon as you can!

i liked the spooky part but I found the romance a bit too rushed.
It's entertaining and gripping, well thought characters and an excellent world building.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This is an entertaining Victorian horror a la Shirley Jackson and Henry James. I enjoyed it, thou it’s not a literary heavyweight.

Great premise, spooky and gory atmosphere. Cliche romance (very insta-lovy).
I liked the beginning, I was really intrigued but the interest dwindled over time, especially because of the romance that happened really fast. Sometimes the characters felt a bit too modern for the era. There is gore in this story, and it is creepy!

Title: The Haunting of Beatrix Greene
By: Rachel Hawkins, Ash Parsons, Vicky Alvear Shecter
Published by: Serial Box
Theme: Historical Fiction | Horror | Romance
Pub Date: 28 Oct 2020
Review on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3601816654

Beatrix Greene is a spiritual medium in Victorian England. Or at least she pretends to be a spiritual medium. A job that has kept Miss Greene comfortable in a time when it was not acceptable for women to earn their own money, never mind work. So it fills Miss Greene with absolute dread to hear that a man has been going around London unmasking mediums as con-artists. What is Miss Greene to do?! this stranger could cost her the freedom she is accustomed to.

Beatrix decided there is only one thing for it and fights Mr Walker at his own game, but could it cost more then financial freedom!? could it cost her life?!

Miss Greene, along with her chaperone and college Harry set off to meet Mr Walker at Ashbury Manor. Here they meet the other guests, Mrs Reynolds and without an invitation a Mr Stanhope. With Mr Stanhope comes some shocking truth and the history of Ashbury Manor. And perhaps some truths about Beatrix, is it to late for her?! Has she dug her own grave in agreeing to come to the manor?!

The writers showed the readers what it was like to be a woman in Victorian England and how women were treated in general. The Character or Mrs Reynolds was a perfect look into how woman could be and how Mr Walker treated her no differently to the men in his company, a real modern approach.

The work also give the feeling that we as a society should not judge so quickly. Mrs Ashbury was accused of murder without any real proof and that speaks to modern media too. We judge news the moment we hear or see it.

This is only the second book I have enjoyed Hate to love trope, I found that it was done very well. I was routing for the couple by the end. I did not see the point of Dr Doyle in this book, his only addition to this story was his leaving. I feel apprehension of the other characters was enough without him.

I figured out Mr Stanhope's motives all to soon and even guessed why he was missing. I found this disappointing. The only thing I was left wondering was what happened to the pit.

I do wish the mother had a bigger involvement in their escape attempt and that the big showdown scenes didn't stop and start. The characters of Beatrix and Mrs Reynolds were captivating and I loved them. The book over all was so atmospheric it had me clenching my whole body.

Finally the new cover is amazing I love the little hidden details.

What a perfect way to end October! I devoured this story in one day, on Halloween, and it was the perfect read for a different type of Halloween this year 🎃 Seductively spooky and eerily suspenseful, the writing quickly draws you in and will have your synapses firing like crazy — it’s a quick build and then it’s full out mayhem!

Set in Victorian England, we follow Beatrix Greene, a supposed medium, when her path quickly crosses with James Walker, a scientist out to discredit those in the spiritualist community. James convinces Beatrix to accompany him and his coterie to the well-known and haunted Ashbury Manor where she's asked to prove or disprove the presence of a haunting. Full of spooky and utterly terrifying moments, this story gives the ultimate The Haunting of Bly Manor meets The Haunting of Hill House meets The Haunting In Connecticut vibes!

I loved Beatrix - she is such an independent and strong female protagonist! The female friendships and women empowerment vibes were also so on point. I wasn’t expecting the romance element to be so juicy and intense (and that was without a whole lot of steam)! That was a pleasant surprise and I was absolutely here for it. I also loved that the writing of these 3 authors was so cohesive and seamless. I never noticed a change in writing style whatsoever and I'm really hoping we're going to get a TV show! If you like being generally spooked, figuring out a good haunting mystery, or hearing a ghost story around a campfire that gives you full-body chills, go read this ASAP. And while this story was definitely spooky and eerie, there was still an element of goodness, light, and purity which I really appreciated!

Potential Content Warnings: séances, ghosts, spirits, demons, darkness, evil, death, gore. Generally, this is a horror/ghost story/haunting so if you don’t like these types of scary things (ghosts, horror mysteries, paranormal activity, things that go bump in the night) I would definitely just avoid this read!

I didn't realize that The Haunting of Beatrix Greene was a Serial Box story when I first picked it up and ultimately, it had no bearing on my review. I liked this story and found the Victorian mystery perfect for Halloween and spooky season but I did think that the romance was a little rushed and the mysterious spirit in the home a little underwhelming. I would have liked to see some more background information on the curse haunting the home, even a few lines.

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.

This is a clever style for a book. This was originally published as an ebook series, where each “episode” (think chapter) was published independently from the others. All the episodes are centered around the main story but written by different authors and therefore to,d slightly differently. This change in focus is interesting as a presentation. I enjoyed the main story about Beatrix and her helper, who are in the fortune telling business. A mysterious man comes to town and declares that he can prove that fortune telling is fake. The story goes from there in many unique ways. There is a great atmosphere and twists and turns as you read.
I recommend this for those that would like a mixture of genres in an atmospheric spooky tale.
#TheHauntingofBeatrixGreene #Netgalley #SerialBox

Before I delve into my thoughts on the story, let’s talk about the format of the book itself. It’s by three separate authors, who each take a section. These sections are split into ‘episodes’ rather than ‘chapters’.

At first I thought this was extremely odd until I found out the book was originally available on Serial Box. Serial Box is essentially a paid e-book and audio book platform for sci-fi and fantasy fans. This particular book was available as an audio book, with an episode being released each week. I’m personally glad I read it in it’s full book format.

Onto the story;

I essentially wanted something a little spooky to read over Halloween, and this didn’t disappoint. I thought the writing and the flow was going to be disjointed, what with the switching of authors, but you hardly noticed to be honest. It actually reminded me of those stories you wrote as a child. When you wrote a line, folded the page over, and the person next to you wrote another line, and so on and so on.

“Beatrix watched as hands reached out from behind that rancid floral wallpaper, grasping at them, at her, the fingers curling like claws.”

I’ve only given it 3 stars, because it’s just not my genre, but this shouldn’t put you off from picking up this book. There are twists and turns that you don’t expect, and two central characters that you can truly feel for.

It’s a gothic-inspired intriguing tale of spirits vs. science, with a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure.

This was a perfect read on Halloween night. I sat on the edge of my favorite reading spot finishing this haunted tale. It much longer than the mere 23 pages that it says it is. I really enjoyed it. Thought the author did a great job.
The time period was Victorian England. The story kept me hostage and made me nervous. I messed around with ouija boards as a teenager and it scared the crap out of me. This book had a similar feel. It reminded me of Amityville Horror, the book. There was a presence in the story that wouldn’t let go. Everyone was a prisoner who entered.
I’m definitely reading book 2. I love this time period and recommend this for a great haunted read.


Thank you NETGALLEY and the publisher for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review. ♥️

My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟.5
Content Rating: 18+
Genre: Horror, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Mystery, Romance
Published: January 7, 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. **

Fast paced Victorian/gothic read. Beatrix claims to be a psychic but has never had a paranormal experience. That is until she is recruited to investigate a haunted house with a scientist to determine it is haunted, of course it is ! Quick and cute short story !

3.5 stars

The Haunting of the Beatrix Greene was a quick read that had the perfect spooky season vibes. Beatrix Greene made a living as a medium, but it was all an act. With her accomplice Harry, she was invited to spend the night at a haunted manor to answer the question, “are ghosts real?” Before the night was out, Beatrix had a answer.

The Haunting of Beatrix Greene delivered exactly what it promised, a quick easy read with chilling scenes. While it takes a bit more for books to make me uncomfortable, I thought the horror aspect was done well! While I realized this was a novella, I wanted a more of the manor’s history, instead the hauntings happened almost immediately with a very brief explanation as to why it was a site of evil.

With some scares and a light romance, The Haunting of Beatrix Greene will be on everyone’s ‘to read’ list for Halloween next year!