This was such a fun and interesting read! I loved how short it was so that way it got right to the plot aka the spooky scary house!
I also enjoyed how most people said this first volume is somewhat a first season and I can’t wait to read more!

Thank you to NetGalley and Serial Box for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
Well who doesn’t love a haunted house story around Halloween time?
This is a very fast paced story and I absolutely flew through it. So much so that I think the pace could have been slowed in some places to allow more tension to build. It also felt that the romance involved in this story was a bit insta-love.
I did still enjoy it though and found the characters well formed. I absolutely adored the Victorian setting and I would recommend

This is a fun but fairly typical haunted house story. Its serialized so the ending of each section is exciting enough to bring the reader back for the next section making the pacing of the book very fast (but it a good way). This doesn't do anything special or new but that didn't make it any less fun to read. A great palate cleanser.

There is some really good, on point and funny feminism for an added bonus.

The Haunting of Beatrix Greene Vol. 1 is a series on Serial Box that is absolutely perfect to dive into this spooky season (in case it wasn't obvious, I read this right around Halloween).

Beatrix Greene has done an excellent job of making a name and reputation for herself. She came from nothing, and built her way up to this point. How? By reading people and telling them the things they needed to hear in over to help move on from the loss of a loved one.

Yes, Beatrix fully believed that she is a con artist, like many others out there. The biggest difference is that she won't delve into silly tricks and flash moves. Her class brought her name to the attention of James Walker, and a haunted house he desperately needed answers about.

“It was...inconvenient, then, when she had these little moments of, if not shame, exactly, but something akin to regret.”

I went into The Haunting of Beatrix Greene with pretty high expectations if I'm being truthful here. So far, I've loved everything that has come out of Serial Box, and thus assumed that it would be the same here.

Thankfully, I wasn't wrong! While Beatrix is not my favorite of the series available (Jessica Jones: Playing With Fire has that honor), it was still a highly entertaining story. One that delved into the more graphic side of things, making it a perfect read for the Halloween season.

Right from the first introduction of this world, I knew that it was going to be a captivating one. I adore this aesthetic – haunted houses and horrid creatures roaming around in this time period. Beatrix's grit and determination helped to carry the story, while James' tortured history added all of the raw emotion one could ever hope for.

“So much of Beatrix's success lay in reading people correctly.”

I'll admit that I was a bit surprised by just how dark (and graphic) this first season ended up getting. That isn't a bad thing! While not expected, it did fit in nicely with what the story was trying to show and tell us.

Meanwhile, the romantic subplot helped to balance out all of the more daunting edges, adding a little spark of hope in what was otherwise a fairly dark story. On that note, I can't wait to see how the second season of this series develops (I have no doubt that there will be a second season!).

Thank you, NetGalley, Rachel Hawkins, Ash Parsons, Vicky Alvear Shecter, and Serial Box Publishing for the opportunity to read this book!

The Haunting of Beatrix Greene by Rachel Hawkins, Ash Parsons, and Vicky Alvear Shecter caught my eye while browsing through NetGalley. With Halloween looming, I knew I had to read it! Beatrix Greene brings comfort to those who lost loved ones by pretending to communicate with their spirits. When a scientist named James Walker asks for her to come to Ashbury Manor to hold a seance she is skeptical. He is known for trying to discredit mediums but she can’t refuse the generous payment she will receive. Beatrix is immediately concerned upon entering the manor. Something isn’t right, there is an evil that lurks here that no one can imagine.

This is definitely a unique horror story. It is laid out in “episodes” rather than chapters. It feels as if I am reading a Netflix series. In fact, I just finished watching The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor and I felt the same vibe in this book. It is similar in the sense that the house itself is corrupted and evil. The ghosts there are just trying to help. This story had some extremely creepy moments. I got the chills during the scene where hands are reaching out grabbing them as they run down a hallway.

I really loved the characters. Beatrix and Harry have a wonderful friendship that reminded me of some of my friendships. However, this book is all about Beatrix and Amanda. In Victorian times, it is always pleasant to see fierce women. My only complaint is the lack of development. While I loved the characters, there could have been more, but I also wanted more plot development with the plot and background. It felt very thin at times. However, if these authors ever collab again, I will definitely check it out. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. This book is available on October 28th!! Read it to get into the Halloween mood!

This is a very short and spooky read that can be finished in one or two sittings. The beginning is very gripping, as it shows a medium at work, frauding her customers, but also offering them comfort and peace of mind. It’s definitely a thrilling topic for skeptics and believers alike, and some touches were familiar from another NetGalley book I read and reviewed this year.

Beatrix is also rather likeable as a character, especially since she’s an independent woman earning her own keep and isn’t afraid to stand up to anyone who might want to challenge her.

Structurally, each of the chapters, or “episodes” is written by a different author, but they do flow into one another seamlessly. The POVs also alternate between Beatrix and James, but each change propels the story forward instead of dwelling too much on the same event from different perspectives. This helps the plot advance faster, which is appropriate for such a short book.

Somehow I liked the story better up until the point where the characters all travel to the mansion. It may be that I expected Beatrix to ponder on the offer for a bit longer or for us to see her at work one more time; somehow it all happens too fast. At the mansion, the book delivers some chilling scares, and the concept and the solution to the secret are quite scary indeed.

We even meet a famous real person from Victorian times, which is a real treat, even though he unfortunately doesn’t stay with the readers for too long. There are also hints of social criticism, especially regarding people who profit from crime and turn other people’s personal tragedies into burlesques.

There’s a strong focus on romance among all the creepy things that occur, which will probably sit well with most readers. I thought it was sweet, if a little rushed. I have to admit I felt somewhat let down by the resolution, but the very ending holds the promise of more to come, and I really wouldn’t mind reading more.

Gothic setting? Ghosts? Mediums? Creepy House? Check! This was the perfect book for Halloween and truly anytime anyone wants a spooky read! I loved the romantic aspect of the book, Beatrix, James, and some gore for fun.

Beatrix is a medium, at least, that’s what her clients think she is. So when she’s sought by James to work with others to confirm if Ashbury Manor is haunted, she readily agrees. The pay will open doors for her that weren’t previously possible. But it might all be more than any of them can handle.

The gothic setting is perfect for holding a seance. The characters were wonderful, and I loved that even in this Victorian age women were willing to stick together. We’re given mystery and horror in a fast-paced read. Hawkins did a superb job of leaving the readers wanting more. A fun and quick read from start to finish. I’m looking forward to the next one. Thank you, Serial Box, for sending this along.

I guess this book just wasn't for me because I really struggled to read it. I felt this fell flat.

I know maybe some people would enjoy it but I just didn't.

The Haunting of Beatrix Greene is a special treat and definitely perfect for the Halloween spooky season. All the chills and all Tbilisi spooky vibes! This is a great book for any supernatural lover.

This is a quick read featuring a spooky Victorian manor—and an instalove romance that I did NOT sign up for.

I don’t buy into the contrived romance of this story because, quite frankly, I didn’t see anything romance-worthy about either of the parties—Beatrix OR James—beyond the fact that they’re both oh-so-attractive. (Not to mention, James was kind of caveman-possessive of Beatrix, which was especially off-putting since he’d known her for all of like a day.) I think if the story had taken the arc at even a SLIGHTLY slower pace, I could’ve found the romance more believable and thus enjoyable.

There are also some details that baffled me. For example, how did James Walker—the man who’s made a living out of exposing fraudulent mediums—immediately know that Beatrix was a “real” one? I don’t doubt her powers, just his uncanny ability to detect them (and the book’s lack of elaboration on this highly convenient plot point). It was also weirdly convenient that Harry had left the manor to traipse to the town bar and thus missed the bulk of the action; that felt kind of random.

Otherwise, the horror elements of this story were pretty decent. Not particularly subtle, but ominous all the same—especially the gruesome action at the end. It’s just unfortunate that it took me until the 70% mark to really feel invested in the horror/mystery plot.

Bottom line: I’d recommend this to anyone who doesn’t mind (or dare I say even enjoys) generic romances, and doesn’t mind the action only picking up in the latter half. (TW for gore!)

The Haunting of Beatrix Greene is a mystery thriller with a hint of romance that is sure to keep you turning the pages. A captivating story that is will stay with you long after reading.

The Haunting of Beatrix Greene by Ash Parsons, Rachel Hawkins and Vicky Alvear Schecter.

I really enjoyed this book! Set in Victorian England, Beatrix Greene has made a name for herself as an honest, reputable spiritual medium. When she accepts a job from skeptic James Walker in the daunting Ashbury Manor, her talents are put to the test.

I can safely say there was nothing that I disliked about this book, I really enjoyed the historical element, the atmosphere and the characters.
The authors do an amazing job of describing the environment, I could so easily envision the misty London town, the daunting and overwhelming Ashbury Manor.

I enjoyed the way the book was laid out as seasons and episodes. I felt although it was a shorter read, the characters and their personalities really came through.
I liked the romance too. I felt it was just enough, I don't think it would hinder your enjoyment of the book.

There's a solid feeling of dread that envelops the reader during the characters time in Ashbury castle.

I think it's slightly obvious that for me, this book was 5 stars, I just really enjoyed it!

This lovely is out tomorrow, thank you to Serial Box Publishers, NetGalley and the authors for this eArc in exchange for an honest review!

Overall, this is a really quick read (about 200 pages) that’s half romance, half horror, with decent amounts of spookiness to get you in the mood for Halloween.

I will readily admit that I found the romance to be pretty formulaic. The scenes between Beatrix and James read like a cheesy romance novel. They’re instantly smitten by each other, love at first sight, and James “growls” with jealousy and possession when his womanizer friend Stanhope leans in for a kiss of her hand. None of the characters are really fleshed out; it’s a short novel, so they all act pretty stereotypically for a romance/thriller. The horror aspects were pretty spooky (some body horror, ghost action, and possession) but not so much that I was ever scared to go to turn the lights off or go to sleep. I think this would be a pretty good book for scaredy cats like myself or people who just want a haunted house story without being completely terrified.

This was written by three authors so it definitely felt disjointed at times. Occasionally something was said or a character’s actions wouldn’t line up with what had previously occurred (referring to an event happening “tonight” when it actually occurred the previous night), so I think the editing could have been a lot better. Hopefully I was reading an uncorrected proof and the final published copy was fixed.

Thanks to Netgalley and Serial Box for allowing me to read this in time for Halloween!

Its Halloween and everyone is entitled to ONE GOOD SCARY STORY.
Look no further and grab this book which is not just TRICKY but also a TREAT to all your horror aficionados out there.

House on Haunted Hill meets Haunting of Hill House in this scary story about a house or shall I say Manor, no no not Bly Manor but ASHBURY MANOR.
Which makes me wonder are all the MANORS inhabited largely by banshees and ghosts more than people? Are they all HAUNTED?

This book took me to the yesteryears and I remembered my childhood where we group of curious and horror fan teenagers used to give dares to each other to go to the areas which were isolated and eerie and rumoured to be haunted at 12 a.m during the summer holidays. Loved the NOSTALGIC REVERIE while reading this book.

So this book is about our enigmatic female protagonist, BEATRIX GREENE (a spiritual medium and psychic) who is approached by a scientist , James to accompany her to ASHBURY MANOR (which is believed to be haunted due to a gruesome murder which took place) and assess for real whether it is haunted or not. Beatrix is chaperoned by her childhood friend Harry, a horror story author, Mr.Doyle and an American photographer, Amanda Reynolds. They are all supposed to spend a night in the manor while Beatrix performs a seance.

I LOVED THE BOOK!
IT is ATMOSPHERIC, SPOOKY, EERIE and RIVETING.

THIS BOOK WILL LURE YOU IN INSTANTLY!

BUT ALSO MAKE YOU LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER.
So lets get a little OLD SCHOOL, shall we? Switch off those lights, set up your CANDELABRAs, light those candles and pour yourself some sherry and start reading!


Thankyou NEtGalley and Serial Box for sending me an e ARC in exchange for an honest and SPOOKED review.

This is a perfect gothic haunted house story for Halloween! It is fast paced and a definite quick read with no dull moments. It reminded me a lot of "The Haunting of Hill House," but I feel like this one might be a little spookier with more supernatural occurrences.

I have noticed that I have read some so-called haunted books that have had no scare factor to them, but this book is not one of them. There were a few scenes that were pretty intense.

This book reads a lot like a short novel whereas it jumps to different events with little to no transition. I don't mind that, but there were a few times I had to read segments over since I feel like I missed something.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

Have you ever read a fantastic ghost story in one day? Well I did. It grabbed me right from the beginning, the tired semi-professional spiritualist medium Beatrix Greene eking out a living with her friend/chaperone Harry Smythe, aiding the bereaved by pretending to make contact with their deceased relatives. And in comes James Walker (Lord Ashbury) offering her to conduct a seance in his ancestral home which he has not visited in years for unexplained reasons with an American spiritualist photographer on hand also, to record any apparitions or images. It is a recipe for a delightful read on a rainy night and not a chapter goes by that does not titillate the reader. I stopped doing things I needed to do just to get to the end of the book! I highly recommend this to lovers of things that go bump in the night and many thanks to the trio of authors Rachel Hawkins, Ash Parsons and Vicky Alvear Shecter and Serial Box and of course Net Galley for a wonderful chilling read.

Thank you to the publisher, authors and Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for a honest review!
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Beatrix Greene is a spiritual medium who offers her services to clients who crave for some contact or closure with their departed loved ones. Unlike her competitors, Beatrix is famous for relaying empathy in her work without all the show and pomp that mediums displayed during Victorian England. However she is also a fraud just like the others and does not believe in ghosts.

At a time when finances are tight, Beatrix gets a lucrative offer from Dr. Walker, a scientist known to tarnish reputations of spiritual mediums. Nevertheless, Dr. Walker challenges Beatrix to perform a seance and conclude whether Ashbury Manor is truly haunted or not following the history of a mother who killed one of her two sons before slashing her own throat. Beatrix takes up the offer and faces the consequences of the most evil journey one can imagine.

Let me start off by saying this book has gratuitous gore so definitely not for the fainthearted! But if you can get past that, this book is unique in many ways! First, the book is written by 3 women authors with each author penning one chapter. Yet the writing is not choppy at all. Secondly, the chapters are called episodes and the whole book is called Season 1. Perhaps a sequel is in order? Thirdly, this is a feminist horror novel where the women rule! You go, ladies! And lastly, my favorite...the ending is not your usual ending of mundane mutilations (although there is plenty of that) but lot of positive messages. I won’t get too specific but messages like good/confidence can outdo any type of evil. So even though I read the most gory novel this year, the positive messages in the end left me in good spirits (pun intended). 5 stars!

Beatrix poses as a medium, but she is not, she is just playing with people's feelings for money. When James is asking her to come to the infamously haunted Ashbury Manor she will find dark secrets that are buried deep into the house.
It is a great ghost/romance story, I enjoyed the characters but did not like the ending much, I was thinking at something else.
Thank you Netgalley for this opportunity.

This book is separated into a Season with 8 episodes like in a tv season. I can totally see each of these as a tv episode.
***May contain spoilers***(trying to sum as tight as possible)
We start with Beatrix Greene, medium, working with a client but she is more a mentalist in her thinking. She can read people and know what to tell them. She gets drawn in by a Houdini-esque character who is debunking all the mediums in town.
Come to find out this Mr. Walker is actually looking for a real medium to help determine if a manor is actually haunted. He gathers a photographer and novelist as well to have a seance in the manor and some creepy occurrences start.
Beatrix may have more abilities than she realized. The house will not let them leave and is not what it seems. It is way more than it seems with the spirits of centuries of sacrifices trapped beneath it. Will they find a way to escape or die trying?!
So this book is labeled as historical fiction, horror and romance. Thank you for adding romance. I mean in near death experiences there's always a little hanky panky. I appreciate that, lol.
This book is perfect for Halloween and it is coming out this week! It was unique in that 3 authors wrote the different episodes as you will find at the beginning of each as they are titled. I think they did well that you couldn't tell that 3 people were carrying the story through.

Tw: There was some graphic death, suicide, demon type stuffs.

Thank you Net Galley and Serial Box for the ARC copy for my honest voluntary review.