Survival House

by Elisabeth Maria Fowler

In the chilling debut of 'Survival House,' a clean-read murder mystery unfolds within the confines of family bonds and a relentless detective's pursuit of a killer.

As suspicion surrounds main character, Nicole, in the aftermath of a tragic familicide, this tale reveals the disturbing perspectives of each family member just before they perish in a mysterious house fire.

But was it truly the flames that killed them?

With secrets smoldering and tensions rising, the line between innocence and guilt blurs, leaving you on the edge of your seat until the very last unhinged revelation.

146 pages, Paperback

Published July 14, 2023

About the author

Elisabeth Fowler is a novelist and storyteller who crafts narratives deeply rooted in regional empathy and the shared experiences of the human race. Hailing from Alabama, Fowler draws inspiration from the South, a world with its own distinct rhythms and complexities. Through a mixed-cultural lens, Fowler explores themes of identity, resilience, and the intricate fabric of human connection.
When Elisabeth isn’t crafting fictional allegories, she enjoys traveling the world and sewing purses.

Reviews

[Dawna]

This is a difficult book to rate because it’s so short yet so much is packed into it. This is messy family times 10. I wish it was longer so I had a chance to care about all of the characters and really sink my teeth into the drama they were giving. Yet, I definitely cared what happened next with each point of view making me more and more curious. The ending…”well ain’t that a…”. Looking forward to more from this author.

[Abdul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chilling whodunit!

Fowler’s writing is concise, devoid of unnecessary filler, making it a quick yet satisfying read.

One line from the book says everything, "I just want to go home…but there is no home left," poignantly encapsulates the story's essence – a search for truth in a world where the concept of 'home' and 'safety' is shattered.

What sets "Survival House" apart from usual whodunit stories is its raw portrayal of the blurred lines between innocence and guilt. The detective’s eagerness to pin the crime on either Nicole or Tara, without thorough investigation, resonates deeply with the contemporary issue of bias in law enforcement, especially within the African-American community. This aspect adds a layer of social commentary to the already compelling narrative.

[Samaiyah Faison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was page after page of straight shenanigans. I had a good time reading it and even laughed quite a bit. My biggest criticism is that it was way too short. With more pages the plot could have been developed more but I’d read something else by this author. 2.5 stars rounded to 3.

[Elrica Francisca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling

If you love a good mystery with secrets and an unsolved murder, then this book is ideal for you to read.

[Toni H · Rating 3 out of 5]

An extended family lives together in one house. The family consists of a husband and wife and their two children, the wife’s sister and her daughter and the husband’s mother and father. With this dynamic, fights are bound to happen. One night in the midst of a major fight, the house catches on fire and the only survivors are the husband and wife’s daughter and the wife’s sister’s daughter. Immediately an investigation begins with all fingers pointing to the two survivors. Flashbacks of what actually occurred that night is very shocking. Many secrets are revealed that night by several members of the family. So when the fire erupts, anyone could be at fault. But when the event is revealed, it's unbelievable.