The House That Held Her

by Ellis Hart

Margot Bennett thought she was leaving the past behind when she moved to the quiet town of Mount Dora, Florida. A fresh start, a charming old house, and the promise of peace—until she unearths something sinister buried beneath the floorboards of Hawthorn Manor.

As Margot digs deeper into the manor's history, she finds herself tangled in the chilling legacy of George and Cecilia Hawthorn, a once-beloved couple whose presence still lingers in ways no one dares to explain. Nightmares bleed into reality. Puzzles stretch throughout the sleepy city. And the deeper she searches, the more she realizes the truth—no one is safe here.

Someone is watching—always. As the house's walls close in, Margot must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice to answer one "What is the cost of keeping the dead quiet?"

Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers with a haunting twist, The House That Held Her is a gripping tale of obsession, guilt, and the weight of secrets buried just beneath the surface.

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Gothic, Fiction, Suspense

312 pages, Hardcover

First published May 11, 2025

About the author

I'm an independent author who lives in Orlando, Florida, with his wife, three children, and delightfully curious cat, Jovie. The House That Held Her is my debut novel, and I am incredibly proud of it. After eight rewrites, four different endings, and many characters killed, saved, and killed again, I think The House That Held Her will have you turning pages faster than ever.

I'm always eager to connect with fellow book lovers. If you’d like to chat about this novel or swap reading recommendations, you can reach out via any of my official author platforms.

Reviews

[Nikki Lee (Nikkileethrillseeker) · Rating 4 out of 5]

How on earth is this your debut, Ellis Hart? I am literally blown away by your talent in writing. Bravo 👏

First, you gotta experience how stunning this book is in person! It’s absolutely gorgeous. This will definitely make a beautiful trophy on the shelf.

The story——
Margo and Nate decide they need a do-over and move to Mount Dora, Florida. They re-locate into a historical home within the town that is notorious for its history.

After arriving, Nate heads out of town on business trip, while Margo gets nosey. She realizes that she knew nothing about the house before moving. The town folk mention some unsettling deaths took place which inspires her to play detective.

What happened to the previous owners? Was it something sinister? Look, yes, Margo is your classic character making dumb decisions. Who’s there ….and all that nonsense. Sometimes I was screaming for her to run.. not investigate lol.

The writing is fantastic and Ellis’s talent is that of a seasoned author. The story is instantly atmospheric, eerily creepy, spine-tingling …. Gripping horror! Twists that shock you! The perfect read for horror and thriller lovers.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Trigger Warnings -
Child death, child abuse, spousal abuse, and I might be missing some, however I feel the TW are lightly mentioned.

I look forward to Ellis’s next chapter.

[Kim ~ It’s All About the Thrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have I got a spooky 👻 recommendation for you!! This book is perfect for spooky season! 🖤 This is one amazing debut!! 👏👏

@ellis_hart_author is a phenomenal writer and I can’t wait to read more by him! This book was SO atmospheric… creepy… and disturbing.😳 SO clearly.. I loved it!!

Welcome to Hawthorne Manor… your new home. 😳 Once a beautiful prestigious home.. actually the talk of the town… Mount Dora, FL. This manor has been empty for WAY too long. The previous owner vanished. No worries… the new owners Margot and Nate have plans for the manor… little did they know.. the manor had plans for them as well. 😬😳🫣

This started out with creepy vibes building into a high intensity gothic work of horror. It freaked me out in the best possible way!! I am VERY picky about what horror books I read and this one checked ✅ all the boxes!!

I can’t let you all go without telling you about the actual quality of the book. It’s so stunning and gorgeous! It’s actually heavier and the quality of the pages are stunning. You really have to see it IRL to fully appreciate it. Swipe to see what is under the cover. 😍

Wow!! I seriously can’t wait to read more by this author!! His writing is beautiful and atmospheric.

[The Pastel Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Ellis for trusting me with your very first book! Just to be transparent, Ellis sent me a copy of his book with absolutely no obligation to post a review so these are my unbiased views.

Wow! I actually can’t believe this is the author’s first book. The suspense and atmosphere Ellis created in this book had my heart pounding when I was reading it. I loved that Margot was an unreliable narrator of her own story and she didn’t know if the house was haunted or if she was losing her mind. This book gave me proper gothic house vibes and I loved the mystery/puzzle solving elements to it too. I literally inhaled the second half of the book, it was so fast paced!

It lost a star just because I guessed the twist and did find it a bit predictable towards the end but I still had a fantastic time while I was reading it and would recommend it to anyone who loves a psychological thriller.

Can’t wait to read more from this author

[Becky · Rating 1 out of 5]

Full disclosure: This review is going to be extremely long, highly critical, contain curse words, and WILL HAVE SPOILERS.

If that's not your jam, this review is not for you. Keep scrolling.

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
=====
OK then. I ended this 334 page book (*all pages based on the kindle edition I read), with 356 annotations. Inconsistencies and plot holes and narrative impossibilities, oh my! It's a HOT MESS.

I may be done with the thriller genre for a while, at least by unknown-to-me authors. This book reconfirmed my dislike of first person present narratives, but also upped the ante by making me hate physiological reactions now too. In the thriller genre... that is not good. This genre is supposed to be fast-paced. It's supposed to keep you on the edge of your seat. It's not supposed to be bogged down with a ton of emotional exposition, so using physiology as shorthand is valid and useful. But it is NOT a substitute for characterization.

An example: "I sit on the edge of my bed, my heart heavy, my phone cold and useless in my hand. I reach Nate's voicemail again -- just as I expected. The silence in our master bedroom is suffocating, pressing against my chest like the heavy air before a storm. I'd been hoping, foolishly, for something more than his curt text: "Stuck in a meeting. Will call later."" No warmth, no concern, just empty words on a screen." (p33)

On its own, this isn't terrible. It evokes her emotion in that moment, right? Show, don't tell. But their history, the background underlying this disconnection between them, is missing. I have fully finished this book, even gone back & reread parts, but I can't tell you who Margot is. I can only tell you things she did, and things her body did, the latter of which was frustrating and annoying and so repetitive. Here's a sample:
p165: "my heartbeat thrumming"
p167: "my heart sinking"
p167: "my heart pounds"
p169: "my heart begins to pound"
p169: "my heart leaps into my throat"
p170: "my heart sinks"
p170: "my heart pounding"

That's 5 pages, which covers a few minutes of in-book time. If I had been stupid enough to make a drinking game out of this, we'd both be unconscious. Margot from her obvious heart condition, and me from 7 drinks in 5 minutes. And that's just "heart" reactions. I didn't include stomach jolts, or chest tightenings, or pulse spikes, etc. O_O

There's no depth or reason or humanity underneath her or Nate’s actions. I know more about a side character that was in the story for TWO PAGES than I do about the main characters of this book. There is nothing SUPPORTING them, no foundation to build on. There’s nothing to them, nothing to believe in. At least nothing I’ve seen that I would want to believe in.



Case in point: Margot was previously a CPS Social Worker, who felt that "advocating for vulnerable children" was "her calling", and had been in the role for a decade. Lila is the 7 y.o. foster child placed by Margot. But then Margot says "the endless battles and heartache wore me down", then we're given snippets of how it went wrong (p4-5). Bruises on Lila, which Margot brushed off. Bedwetting, withdrawal. Margot says (AND I QUOTE) "I had convinced myself Lila was safe. I needed to believe it. [...] I prioritized myself and the desire for a family of my own over my CPS responsibilities." And later on p34: "I'd seen the signs and convinced myself they were just part of the adjustment period. I wanted it to be fine. I needed it to be fine." (HER emphasis.)

Me: "WHY?" Because the author said so, apparently.

AM I TO BELIEVE that the cliched maternal desire Margot had for a biological child so overwhelmed and consumed her that she knowingly, willingly ignored her own "calling", ignored a decade of experience, ignored behavioral and physical signs of abuse, and let this child die?

Is that what we're to take from this? It wasn't the stress, it was the desire for family of her own. Her words. Nothing else is EVER GIVEN as any cause of distraction or distress that would impact her life to the degree that she would let a child die at the hands of abusive foster parents.

We don't know whether Margot & Nate struggled with infertility. We don't know whether they disagreed about their readiness to bring children into their life. We're given no info on HOW this "desire for family" ACTUALLY MANIFESTED IN THEIR LIVES to such a dire degree. To be clear this is not about justification. It’s about explanation and characterization.

We do learn, in the second half of the book when the POV changes, that Nate had lost his job because he was using his corporate card for gambling, had blown their savings, and had been lying to Margot about all of it. So we can extrapolate that financial stress would've likely caused some strife, but it's not stated as a stressor to Margot either - how could it when he lied and hid it from her. Lila is Margot's issue and trauma to deal with, one that Nate exploits (husband of the year!) to get what he wants, but we never see any kind of marital dynamic or history to tell us who they are before Nate's manipulation starts. We never see him support her emotionally through this ordeal, despite her claim that he's been "my crutch, my anchor". (Which is ironically funny, because she relies on him and he just weighs her down. Doubt that was intentional though.)

What kind of person cares SO MUCH about HAVING children that she ignores child abuse right in front of her, never mind that it was her literal job, her “calling” to protect children like Lila.
What kind of person loves his wife SO MUCH that he will use her biggest trauma and regret to manipulate and lie to her?

Yet these are the people we're supposed to ROOT FOR in this book? Who get their wish fulfillment happy ending baby and orphanage and hero worship in the epilogue? Eww. Are you fucking KIDDING ME?

But more than that, I literally spent the entire book wondering why Margot was so invested in the "mystery"... and what "mystery" she even thought it was. She kept wanting answers, and I kept wondering what the question was. She embarks on a quest to "solve the mystery" of her house before she even knows there IS a mystery. I still don't know why. She has no ties to this house, the town, the community. SHE doesn't know that they are broke and out of options, so that fact isn’t forcing her hand to “make the best out of a bad situation” or something.

She never treats this as a simple "find out about the previous owners" mission - if she did, she would've started with public deeds and records. She never treated it as a simple "treasure hunt" either. If she had, she would have mentioned finding the treasure map to someone - Walter the caretaker, or Paula the historian - both of whom logically would've been in a position to aid her.

It doesn't make sense no matter how I look at it. It just doesn't hold water. There are plot holes large enough to fly the International Space Station through. It was so inconsistent, in literally every single way. She pays $50 for a boat tour across the lake following her treasure map, but apparently it's close enough to walk back to her house after EMBARASSINGLY getting chased away from uncovering the X's secret by a territorial alligator. (Seriously, she is embarrassed about this. Out of all the things to feel in that moment - embarrassment? Okay.) Then she pays $60 the following day for the SAME boat ride, plus additional for a ride back - even though this time she drove to the dock (but hid her car because she was embarrassed from yesterday, but now also ashamed if her house's caretaker should see her car... parked.... in public. THE HORROR. He did warn her away after she told him about the alligator, though, and it's heartwarming to see that her concern for his feelings trumps her concern for her own fucking life). But whatever. She goes, digs up the chest, yada yada. No alligators this time. They must have been on break.

Oh, before I move on from this boat journey, I want to mention that on the first one, she spots an old, rotting rowboat in the water, and the tour operator gives her this history: "That's the old Hawthorn rowboat," Donny notes. "The wife drowned out there some years ago. Folks say the hubby might've gone out in that same boat and never came back. If you ask me, gator got him." (p28)

So... you know. They just left it there. For 16 years. Apparently it's a tourist destination now.

After finding the chest, dragging up INTO HER BEDROOM, & discovering human skulls inside, she decides NOT to just call the police immediately, with the phone that is literally in her hand. She decides to GO TO THE POLICE DEPT IN PERSON, which telegraphed like the fucking Bat Signal that those skulls would NOT be there when she got back and she'd be treated like the crazy outsider woman. Which is exactly what happened. Can’t spell “thriller” without “unreliable female narrator”!

But even then - SHE STILL KEEPS GOING. "If the skulls are gone now, and the police refuse to help, I need to track down other proof -- evidence that can't disappear so easily." (p93) Did she think that the local Mount Dora, Florida (pop 18,652) police department was it? Never thought about maybe the county sheriff's office? State police? FBI? Shit, even calling the game warden (because the swamp is a crime scene now) would be better than what she DID do, which was google missing people, find one, go harass his poor mother, then break into her home, and end up getting the woman killed.

She's "only trying to help". She's determined to stick her prying fingers in every open wound in the community rather than realizing that this shit is above her nonexistent paygrade & calling the authorities. She just NEEDS to solve this mystery! WHY? Because the author says so, I guess.

I couldn't even figure out what season this was supposed to be happening in. IT'S FLORIDA! You can just say it's HOT and HUMID, and that's enough. But no. Not this book. This couple FROM MARYLAND find Florida to be cold.

NO THE FUCK THEY DON'T.

I grew up in Florida. I currently live about 2 hours north of Maryland. I have acclimated to a northern climate. I went to Florida in FEBRUARY for a friend's wedding, and WENT SWIMMING AT THE FUCKING BEACH. I was not wearing sweaters and jackets. I didn't even bring one. I left mine in the car in airport parking.

But this is how maddeningly inconsistent this shit was to me. When we start the book, there's a hurricane coming, so sometime June to the end of November. Cool. Immediately after the hurricane has passed, Margot ventures out to the local Historical Museum, opens the door, and I QUOTE: "Cool air sweeps over me, a welcome relief from the sticky Florida humidity clinging to my skin like a second layer." (p19) Yet, only a day or two later, at most, she's dressing in jeans and a sweater, and the "air is crisp", with sunlight giving everything a "pristine" golden glow. (p71)

Let's give it the benefit of the doubt and say this took place in November. According to google -
Central Florida November average temps: High 78 f, Low 60 f
Maryland November average temps: High 58 f, Low 42 f
Maryland MAY average temps: High 77 f, Low 58 f

They'd have left behind weather 20 degrees colder than they now get to enjoy. It should feel like almost freaking SUMMER to them. My guess is this native Floridian author used his own internal “sweater weather” gauge. That makes far more sense to me. Or maybe he used a randomizer. Who knows.

But this leads me to my next humidity inconsistency.
"I stare at the map, its worn edges curled from the sticky Florida humidity, the red "X" almost taunting me -- daring me to try again." (p37)

"[...] I catch sight of the map. Something is happening to the paper. Words appear in a deep, inky black, creeping across the surface [...]" (p160)

"Cobalt chloride [...]. It's a chemical compound used as a humidity-activated ink, changing from colorless to colored ink when exposed to moisture." (p164)

Except that's not how cobalt chloride works. It's "invisible" pale pink when wet, and turns "visible" BLUE (not black) when HEAT is applied to dry it. But even if it WAS how it worked and the humidity made the ink appear, why then wouldn't she have seen the writing when she was holding the map in the "sticky Florida humidity"?

Another inconsistency is the timeline of George Hawthorn's disappearance.
"After that, Mr. Hawthorn changed. He stopped attending town events, made fewer appearances, kept to himself. Folks would occasionally catch glimpses of him on his porch, staring towards the lake, but over time, even those sightings became rare. One day, people realized they hadn't seen him at all in months." (p14, source Walter)

"Another article catches my eye: "Respected Business Owner Missing After Wife's Death." George vanishes days after Cecilia's death, just as Walter said." (p74, source library microfiche article)

Hmm... DID he say that?

Inconsistency in the timeline of Michael Lark.
"Then, finally, something. A fifteen-year-old article about a local boy, age six, who vanished without a trace. Michael Lark." (p93)
"I'm sorry, but you are Penny Lark, right? Isn't Michael your son? He disappeared from here fifteen years ago." (p95)
Then we have the killer's flashback POV chapter, specified as "13 Years Ago" showing his abduction of Michael. (p225)

OK, finally (not really, but it'll have to do) I want to come back to the narrative style & pacing of this book. There are multiple POVs: Margot, Nate, Killer, plus a random italicized 3rd person POV. For some reason. In most thrillers, POVs alternate, and the change-ups can really amp up the tension and conflict. They help keep the pacing tight and the story moving forward. Flashbacks generally show previously unknown info that is important to the plot, to (say it with me now) keep the story moving forward!

This book says to hell with all of that. I'm gonna go my own way. I'm not even going to reveal that there ARE multiple POVs until chapter 40.

Except that weird italicized 3rd person chapter with no heading or indication that it's not simply another "Margot, Present Day" chapter, since it was only deemed necessary to specify POV when there was a change to the POV. (Until it didn't. Then did again.)

Oh and except the last paragraph of chapter 16, a MARGOT POV CHAPTER, which nearly made my head explode when I read it. There are authors who subvert writing rules successfully. There are authors who try, but aren't as successful. Then there are authors who do… whatever this is. Literally I don't even know how to DESCRIBE it.

"At the same moment I [Margot] close the door behind me, approximately one and a half miles away, a heavy droplet of rain strikes an old roof. It slides beneath a loosened slate tile, slipping silently through the ceiling and landing on the cold, swollen face of a man I love very much. He lay on a cold, dirty floor, fear in his eyes, waiting for the monster to fulfill its promise -- to add Nate Bennett to the pile of skulls waiting in the center of the room."

I'm sorry, fucking WHAT? Did I just have a stroke? DID SHE?

Did she have a crystal ball this whole time? Did moving to Florida give her magical psychic powers? HOW is she relating this knowledge? WHY DOESN'T SHE KNOW THIS KNOWLEDGE? She tells someone that Nate is in D.C. (his fabricated work trip) 5 pages later. She does not seem worried about the "monster" or what it wants to do with her husband's skull. What the shit is this?

Seriously, HOW did nobody catch it before it made it to print?

[Some time later…] Well shit. I did a bunch of Googling when I should’ve just read the acknowledgments. That would’ve told me that this was a self published book. That was “edited” and revised and rewritten multiple times, and every detail… “honed”.

RIGHT!

Well then… Dang it, I got sidetracked. I was trying to make a point. Anyway, POVs usually alternate, but not here. Here it's Margot 1-39 ending with a Bond villain monologue (ALWAYS fun), Killer 40, Margot 41-43, then Nate from 44 until the end, but by that point who cares.

Chapter 44 backtracks us TWELVE WEEKS, via Nate's POV. This is where we learn about the gambling, yada yada. But my real point here is that it then rehashes SO MUCH OF THE BOOK AGAIN, this time through Nate's eyes. WHY? It would have been MUCH more compelling to have the concurrent dual/multi-POV narrative, where the reader gets to see what each of them can't.

By this point, I thought Margot (and her friend (unimportant)) were dead, and it was SO FRUSTRATING to have so much book left, going over the same ground, showing us the revelation of every shock we already know, just this time from a different angle, and then seeing Nate stumble into the right place and time to be the hero.

That weird "premonition" "foreshadow" scene of Nate getting dripped on while fearfully awaiting death in the room filled with skulls was bullshit. That scene never happens.

In the epilogue, when a kid refers to Margot as "Mrs. M" I sincerely and hopefully thought that she had divorced Nate's sorry, manipulative, financially abusive ass and married someone else. But then he shows up, they have their "oh isn't life wonderful now" moment, and I have to try not to puke because my insides are still healing, and I do not need an ER visit because I ruptured something reacting to a ridiculous book.

Neither ever faces any accountability for anything, not even harassment or breaking and entering the grieving mother's house or tampering with a crime scene for Margot, definitely not involuntary manslaughter for Nate (long story, but he fought someone and knocked them unconscious when he pushed them down some stairs, then the killer found and killed that person). We don't know if Nate ever came clean with Margot about the lies and the manipulation and who he really is and why they are really in Florida. No idea. But I'm thinking that based on all previous information, IF HE DID, he shared enough to be believable, not truthful. Liars gonna lie.

I just realized that this review is super long but doesn’t even mention the main “WHY is there a chest full of skulls?” plot.

Yup.

Zero stars. Do not recommend.

[Shae Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ - Guys, this may be one of the easiest five stars I have ever given! The House That Held Her is brilliantly written, incredibly well thought out, and packed with such intricate detail. Every element, from the characterisation to the unfolding mystery, is so thoughtfully constructed that it blows my mind this is a DEBUT!!! 🤯

The story follows Margot, who moves to the quiet town of Mount Dora with her husband, Nate, for a fresh start. Their new home, Hawthorn Manor, is a crumbling gothic estate, and when a hurricane causes a leak, Margot discovers something hidden beneath the floorboards. What follows is a chilling unravelling of the manor’s past.

I loved the gothic vibes, the creeping sense of dread, and the puzzle/mystery elements had me completely invested. The house itself felt like a living, breathing character, and Hart captured the unsettling atmosphere so perfectly.

I buddy read this with my book bestie, Jess, and we both absolutely devoured it. If you love haunting settings, clever mysteries, and beautifully crafted writing, this one is a must read! Ellis Hart is definitely an author to watch! He is also absolutely lovely to chat to - funny, kind, engaging and clearly passionate about his work 🩷

[Liza (LitLifewithLiza) Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Darkness stirs, ever hungry but never satisfied." A debut and indie author?! What a hit for his first book. From page one it’s fast-paced, atmospheric, and extremely creepy. No such thing as a dull moment in this book. 

You'll like this book if you're a fan of: 

- Inheritance Games mysteries & puzzles, but with horror and suspense. 
- Reading with every light on. 
- Scooby Doo shenanigans but at an adult level of creepiness. 

Also, I highly recommending following the author on Instagram. He's very friendly with the book community and posts a lot of fun content. 

[Abby Draper · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m having a hard time rating this book. Maybe 2.5 stars. The plot was so intriguing that I dropped everything to read this book. I’ve been in a reading slump and it sounded like just what I needed to get out of it. The plot is good and well-thought-out. There are a couple good twists even though they weren’t too shocking.

The thing that bothered me the most was that there were a lot of very small plot holes and repetition that could have been avoided with more editing. For example, Margot takes some pictures, says her phone dies, and then is immediately flipping through the photos on her phone…that was supposed to be dead. Or when she went straight to the museum, passed the bakery without going in, but then somehow showed up with bagels and chai that she had picked up on the way.

The ending really turned this book around for me because I’m a sucker for a happy ending. The ending was also probably the best written part of the whole book. However, it was kind of unreasonable that Margot would forgive Nate for going to these extremes to keep secrets from her, including hiding from her when she thought his mutilated body was in a bathtub….

I wanted to love this book because I love to support indie authors, but the more I think about it, the more issues I find. I wish there had been a better editing process because it could have been a great novel.

[Kate Yost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC copy of this book, and all I have to say is- WOW! How is this a first time author?? The character development, build up of suspense and mystery, and ultimately all the twists and turns this book brings will keep you turning pages! I canNOT wait to see what Ellis Hart gives us next. If you enjoy dark thrillers, definitely check this one out!

[Katie Holcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing debut novel from Ellis Hart! Seriously, you need to check it out if you are a fan of psychological thrillers/horror books. This one hooked me right from the start & didn’t let go. Only reason it took me longer than normal to read is because of an unexpected cancer diagnosis. Otherwise, I would have flown through it. The chapters were nice & short with cliff hangers at the end just begging you to keep reading. The characters were also really well-developed. I was shocked for sure by a couple different twists! Highly recommend this one!

[Cory Holcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute page-turning psychological thriller! So well written with some of the best imagery I have felt in awhile! This book was full of twists and turns and was very hard to put down! Will be recommending to everyone who likes this genre. A must read!

[Melaneezz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope. We find out what is happening about middle of the book. The story just gets silly after this and is infuriating.

I did like all the clues and secret passages

[Selena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everyone in this book was either stupid or evil, or both. It was so sloppily written and how it came together relied solely on the fact that none of the characters used any common sense when making decisions.

[Marie Reads a Mystery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margot and Nate moved to a historic house in Mount Dora, Florida, seeking a fresh start. They left their past in Maryland behind but now face a strange mystery at their new home.

Although I thought the book started slowly, as the story progressed, so did the momentum of the plot. The author’s writing style was engaging, drawing me in with imaginative descriptions and a compelling plot. I thought I knew how the story would end, but it surprised me with an unexpected twist!

In his debut, Ellis Hart delivers a suspenseful book that kept me engrossed in the main character’s story. I’d recommend this to anyone who likes psychological thrillers.

I received an advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

[Valerie Leffingwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The vibes!!! 🤩

[Rachel_loves_to_read · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb:

Margot Bennett thought she was leaving the past behind when she moved to the quiet town of Mount Dora, Florida. A fresh start, a charming old house, and the promise of peace—until she unearths something sinister buried beneath the floorboards of Hawthorn Manor.

As Margot digs deeper into the manor's history, she finds herself tangled in the chilling legacy of George and Cecilia Hawthorn, a once-beloved couple whose presence still lingers in ways no one dares to explain. Nightmares bleed into reality. Puzzles stretch throughout the sleepy city. And the deeper she searches, the more she realizes the truth—no one is safe here.

Someone is watching—always. As the house's walls close in, Margot must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice to answer one question: "What is the cost of keeping the dead quiet?"

My thoughts:

This was a fairly fast paced, suspenseful read. I was drawn in from the start and hooked up until the end.

To say this book creeped me out a bit would be an understatement, however I still kept reading as I needed to know what was going on!!! I was getting vibes of The Shining and The Ring from some of the descriptions.

I enjoyed reading through the different pov and being told the story along several timelines filling in gaps. The story is so well told and felt that there were no details left out.

Really cleverly written. I loved learning bits about the characters and loved piecing together what was going on. There was one thing that I had a suspicion about and was right, but it didn’t spoil the story and there were so many details and a few twists that I didn’t see coming!

There are a few trigger warnings which are clearly detailed at the start of the digital copy I received.

Thank you so much to the author for reaching out to me with a free digital copy of his debut book. All opinions expressed here are my own. I really enjoyed, and quickly devoured it. For those who enjoy psychological thrillers and horror, this is one to look out for on May 11th.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of The House That Held Her by Ellis Hart
Publishing on May 11, 2025.

I received an ARC from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up!

This book is a major page turner. For those who have a guilty pleasure for whodunits, this one will have you on the edge of your seats, turning pages with great anticipation. Ellis Hart exemplifies extremely cohesive writing in this book that has a natural flow. The build up entices tension within the reader as they are lured in, but the build up is pleasantly paced. The build up is not too quick, nor does it drag on. This is the perfect book to spend the weekend tied up in and will have you thinking about it for days after.

Taking place in the charming town of Mount Dora, Florida, Margot Bennett is seeking a fresh start in life. Her and her husband Nate are the proud new owners of Hawthorn Manor. Things are going smoothly until she finds something discomforting beneath the floorboards of their home. This is where things at Hawthorn Manor start to seem off. Unnerving events continue to unravel in Margot's life until she becomes unsure of what's real and what's not. Margot's 'fresh start' is quickly fading into the abys. She can feel a presence but what she doesn't know is that these puzzles she continues to resolve are bringing her closer to the truth, but at what cost? The House That Held Her is a masterful psychological thriller that weaves elements of horror and suspense into an intricate tapestry of obsession, guilt, and buried secrets that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book.

[Katies_cosy_reading_corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

PHENOMENAL debut novel.
I simply stumbled across this author and his new book by pure booksta luck. However, after reading this debut novel, I'll certainly be following the rest of your writing journey because this book was outstanding.

This is a psychological thriller that dives into some dark, creepy themes. It's got a unique storyline and stands out from a popular thriller crowd. There's a slight crossover of horror, but not the fantastical type.

The book started strong with domestic drama, a mysterious map, and a box full of skulls. Although it starts like a slow-burn mystery, before you know it, you're whisked into a whirlwind of calamity.

This is the story of Margot and Nate. Their move to Hawthorn Manor in Florida is meant to save them and their marriage. Margot has had a very tough year; the trauma of caring for neglected children carries a heavy burden.
Nate also has his own dark secrets.
However, small towns hide the darkest secrets of all, and you never know what might crawl out of the woodwork. This might just turn their life upside down.

The wide cast of strongly developed characters matched this tale perfectly. There was a good mix of personalities: some very likeable and some extremely creepy. They each stood out and were memorable despite the main narrator being Margot. I easily became invested in Margot's tale and connected to her immediately.

There were so many singular stories included in one novel; it was a lot to digest. But the way Hart crafted these meticulous layers was ingenious. Every little intricate detail seamlessly slotted into place.
A highly complex story but composed with such precision, it was sharp and intelligible.
There is many twists and turns along the way. I wont spoil anything but your in for a sudden jaw-dropping shock.

The novel was executed meticulously.  Nothing is as it seems. I was fooled continuously by this manipulative treat of a book, and I loved it all the more for it. The guessing game was addictive.

This tale is inclusive of some blood, guts, and gore. Everything reveals itself towards the end of the book as each of the pieces slot together; I was mesmerised. What was an interesting takeaway from the whole story was the symbolic undertones of child abuse, neglect, and long-term impact. It has a bittersweet ending. Within 24 hours, I devoured this book, which left me feeling completely satisfied.

[Taylor Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

FAST PACED.

What did I just read?!

PLOT TWIST.

THAT JUST HAPPENED!


I cannot believe this was the first book written by this author.
READ… THIS… BOOK!

Honored to have been able to read this ARC!!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very slow burn mystery involving a historically intense gothic manor. Margot intrigued me. She had her traumatic past and becomes this unreliable narrator you can’t help put root for every step of the way. The manor itself had so much characterization and I absolutely loved it. Eerie, sinister, and ominous. Half way through the plot really picks up and becomes a true page turner. The hidden clues and scavenger hunt for the culprit was a nice touch. Things were a bit predictable. With that being said, the amplified delivery of each twist and turn was worth every minute. The House That Held Her is a well crafted suspenseful gothic thriller buried with hidden secrets.

Thank you to Ellis Hart & BookSirens for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[evergrowingtbr · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Oh my goodness, this book is literally WILD” a verbatim text I sent multiple times to my friend while reading this book. I cannot express how much enjoyed this book. It was so entertaining, the twists just kept coming up until the last page. The fact that is a debut book is really so impressive, I truly can’t wait to see what Ellis Hart has in store for us in his next novel.

I would recommend this to my sister, my friend, my grandma, literally everyone. A big thank you to Booksirens, Ellis Hart and Dusk and Dagger Publishing, for an ARC of this ebook in return for an honest review! ✝️💗

[Sam R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It was unique, the writing was amazing and made you feel like you were actually IN the book with the characters. Awesome twists and turns!

[Rebecca Dimanche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this book! There were so many good twists that it kept me reading until the very end. Literally was on the edge of my seat reading certain parts wondering how it will turn out. And some parts I didn’t want to read at night because of how intense they were but I loved that. You don’t find that in books very often!! I also loved that there were 2 parts to the book from the perspective of Margot and Nate. That really made it interesting and a fun read. If you’re into thrillers with lots of twists and turns I would definitely recommend this book. Looking forward to reading more Ellis Hart books in the future!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House That Kept Her was a solid, twisty mystery that kept me engaged, even if it didn’t quite stick the landing for me.

There was a plot hole introduced fairly early on that never fully got resolved, and once I noticed it, I had a hard time letting it go. It pulled me out of the story just enough to keep this from being a higher-rated read for me.

That said, the mystery itself was genuinely compelling. The atmosphere was tense and unsettling, and I found myself eager to keep turning pages. I thought I had everything figured out… and I was absolutely wrong, which is always a win in my book. The twists surprised me in the best way and made the ride genuinely fun.

Overall, this was an enjoyable mystery with strong suspense and unexpected turns. If you’re someone who can roll with a few unanswered questions, you’ll likely have a great time with this one.

[Leah Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. This is the authors debut novel and I see big things happening for him. The twists and turns were great. Had me on the edge of my seat most of the book. Then when I got to the big twist in the middle of the book I couldn't put it down. If you like murder mystery and thriller then this book is for you.

[Kayln · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed this book! First 5 star of the year! I can not wait to read his next book

[Joshua Masse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I have read this year so far

[Savitri (IG: abookishcookie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the #gifted book!

Margot and Nate move to small town Mount Dora, Florida, far away from Maryland in order to escape their past baggage and traumas. Hawthorn Manor is lavish and beautiful, the perfect location to a new chapter in their lives. However, while Nate is away on business, Margot discovers that the previous heir of Hawthorn Manor left some macabre puzzles that Margot unearths one by one, leading up to grizzly findings. Unbeknownst to the couple, there’s also a serial killer on the loose in a town where everyone keeps to themselves…

First of all, I’m shocked this is a debut! Well done, Ellis! Every time I had a feeling I knew where this was going, in comes new twists and turns that had me gasping audibly!

I loved how Hawthorn Manor was a main character of its own, carrying the legacy and burdens of its owners, past and current, silently witnessing all the misdeeds over decades. As a result, I was glad when the house got its ending it deserved. I also really loved the couple being morally grey. Both are far from the idealistic husband and wife but also learn and grow along the way. I particularly enjoyed the chapters from the husband’s POV, whom you’ll love or hate, but I’ll bet my money on hate. Of course, the highlight of the entire book is the serial killer and I just have to say this is one of the best written serial killers ever…meticulous, creepy, manipulative and in need of serious help. I loved how Ellis ends the book with a nod to how the serial killer came to be, and the underlying struggles that are overlooked and underfunded in modern society. I’ll be eagerly looking forward to Ellis’ next novel!

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new author for me and an opportunity to read a debut novel which allows you as a reader to start that book journey together in real time.

I often wonder how such intricate plotting and outrageous ideas can be nurtured and given voice. This is a complex novel both in concept and telling. Yet the author got me to the end safely, wondering what I had just experienced.

It is a horror novel which seems to border on the supernatural with influences and forces from beyond the grave we usually term as ghosts. Here the physical violence is real but the malevolence seems to be a mansion, simply a house of horrors. If it were associated with a roller coaster of a ride it would be the scariest of them all; where participants scream throughout.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Do you like books where you increasingly shout at the protagonist for their stupidity for stumbling, almost rushing towards danger? Then you’ll love this novel as the tension builds and leaves you breathless. The start is a little laboured for me at times as the mystery unravels and you question the motivation of Margot for sticking around and placing herself in peril. She seems devoid of friends, short of brains but single-minded on solving cryptic clues to unravel the past. About halfway through you find you can’t put the book down as the ghost train becomes a runaway locomotive rushing towards the buffers.

I was completely captivated by the twists and outworking of this tangled plot. This shows the skill of a story teller and promises a positive future for this young author of real talent. I really enjoyed this book that appears a familiar story but has many new concepts and ideas studded within the text. It felt fresh and original at times. The author should be congratulated for bringing this project to production and deserves the plaudits this book will receive.

It tackles serious issues and provides support at the end of the book where the story may touch on sensitive experience. This is a difficult balance to maintain. There are trigger warnings here as with many books now and I trust this author in that process. Certainly it doesn’t inhibit the writer in the telling of this horror filled thriller.

[§am I Am · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf

[Kim Hess (kims_killer_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, where are all my thriller lovers? Because this story is for you! Like just wow! This book was SO good. I can’t believe it’s a debut novel from @ellis_hart_author. Like what? Get ready for the big times. I mean it, if this is how you start out, with such a banger, I can only imagine where you’ll go in the future. Great job! 👏🏻

I don’t want to give too much away with this book, but I will give you a little teaser. You have Margot and Nate, a young couple looking to start over in Florida. They moved into an old historic house called Hawthorn Manor. Soon after they move in, Nate has to leave on a business trip. Leaving Margot all alone in this huge mansion. Curiosity gets the best of her and she goes snooping around the house. What she finds is a chest. What’s inside this chest is quite horrific. Also, what’s inside leads Margot to go digging even deeper about this house’s history and its previous owners. And what she finds may lead her and her husband to some unexpected danger.

And that’s all I’m going to say. You’re going to have to read it for yourself to find out what happens.
Again, this was such a great book!
I highly recommend it to any thriller lover. You won’t be disappointed. It will make a perfect read for this summer or especially for the upcoming spooky season. This was such an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 star read for me! I loved it!
Go get this book now! GO!

I just want to give a special shout out to @ellis_hart_author for giving me this gifted, signed copy. It’s sitting pretty on my shelves now. It’s such a beautiful book. I love the cover page to every chapter. Beautiful. And I am in love with your writing style. 🙌🏻♥️
I cannot wait to see what you do next. (So glad I can say I knew you when) Because you sir, are on your way! I wish you nothing but the best.

Have you been lucky enough to get your hands on this one yet? If so, what were your thoughts?