Grave Wind: A Supernatural Horror Story

by Janice Tremayne, Momir Borocki (Illustrator)

A cursed lighthouse, a malevolent shapeshifter, and a deadly game. One life-altering decision could seal their fate.

In Solitary Island, Australia. A storm-battered lighthouse is haunted by a malevolent shapeshifter. When Dahlia confronts an ancient secret, she must make a life-or-death sacrifice to save herself and Paranormal Jack from a terrifying entity trapped between worlds.

Caught in a twisted game, Dahlia is forced to make an impossible choice—one of them must die for the other to survive.

As Paranormal Jack fights to escape the lighthouse's sinister grip, he must explore the human fear of death and what lies beyond to uncover the horrifying truth. Betwixt has been claiming the souls of those who enter the lighthouse for centuries, and its curse runs deep.

As fate hangs in the balance, Dahlia must uncover the dark history of the Island and make a desperate bid before the evil grave wind takes hold.

Grave Wind is the first book in the Australian Horrors series. This riveting tale, packed with unforgettable characters, heart-pounding paranormal investigations, and shocking twists, will leave readers spellbound. If you were hooked by the eerie tension of Dean Koontz's Phantoms, this electrifying story is a must-read.

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Genres: Horror, Paranormal Fiction, Mystery

223 pages, Paperback

Published June 8, 2025

About the author

Janice Tremayne is an Amazon bestselling and award-winning independent supernatural horror writer. Janice is a finalist in the Readers' Favorite 2020 International Book Awards in fiction-supernatural and was awarded the distinguished favorite prize for paranormal horror at the New York City Big Book Awards. She recently was awarded the silver medal at the IPPY Awards 2021 Australia/New Zealand/Pacific Rim – Best Regional Fiction. In 2023 she was awarded the Literary Titan Gold Book Award as a mark of distinction, recognizing excellence in writing that is both innovative and impactful.

She is an Australian author who lives with her family in Melbourne. Her publication, Haunting in Hartley, reached number one in the Amazon Kindle ranking for Occult Supernatural, Ghosts, and Haunted Houses categories hot new releases/bestsellers.

Janice is well-versed in her cultural superstitions and how they influence daily life and customs. She has developed a passion and style for writing supernatural horror novels for adult readers.

Writing the Haunting Clarisse series was spawned over a cup of coffee many years ago, and she has never looked back since. Her books contain heart-thumping, bone-chilling, and thought-provoking paranormal experiences that deliver a new twist to every tale.

Find out more about Janice at www.janicetremayne.com.

Reviews

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth or Ghost Story?
This place sounds like a lovely island, I would love to visit! There is never a dull moment; sounds and even smells are not what you might think they should be on an island, especially when it starts with a cursed lighthouse!
Dahlia does her very best to do what is needed to help battle the evil! Paranormal Jack does some wonderful things too.
Betwixt... well, that one you will have to read this book about. It is one that kept me going until I finished it!
Thank you, Janice Tremayne, for another wonderful story to keep me up at night.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book keeps your interest throughout. I am pretty good at figuring out mysteries, but this had me stumped. I couldn’t wait to get to the end so I could have my questions answered. An easy and fast read. A real page turner. So glad I got an advanced copy from the author through Voracious Readers.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is and honest review. Grave Wind is a brilliant adventurous supernatural thrill ride. Solitary Island, for those in the outside it looks beautiful with a natural landscape that's filled with secrets to explore. For the people that call the small village on the island home, this idyllic place is tormented by a terrifying spirit that takes pleasure in making people suffer in dark and unimaginable ways. For Dahlia and her friends Jack, they brave the shadowy of places to finally free this shrouded isle with its haunted lighthouse from its demons.

Perfect for fans of Andrew van Wey's Tides of Darkness.

Highly recommended.

[PAR]

I was drawn ever so discreetly in the lower themes of this novel. You will shortly find yourself examining humanity's many unusual thoughts and beliefs and the wide range fear of death and what lies beyond. You may find that their is a price to pay, and may just comes at a cost, when the wind rises so do the dead.

Key Themes:

I do not wish to give away any plots, but I will say that this is one of the best paranormal novels that I have read in quit a while. This author is able to take you down many twists and turns. and leave you wanting more. I found myself sleeping into the wee hours of the morning. I am excited to read the next novel in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave Wind serves as a captivating introduction to Janice Tremayne’s latest series, Haunting Dahlia. It tells a chilling tale of Dahlia and her companion, Paranormal Jack. Long ago, a curse was cast upon a lighthouse and the keeper's dwelling on Solitary Island, Australia.

For many years, individuals have vanished, claimed by Betwixt, a spirit trapped in the in-between world, caught between life and death, unable to move on to the afterlife. Dahlia and Jack attempt to lift the curse as they face Betwixt within the lighthouse. Betwixt must take a soul with him, showing no preference for whose soul he claims. In a selfless act, Dahlia offers her own soul to Betwixt, sparing Jack from the dreadful fate.

Years later, Jack encounters Crinkled Face Joe, who possesses knowledge about Dahlia's fate. With Crinkled Face Joe’s assistance, Jack devises a plan to rescue Dahlia and bring her home, hoping to finally break the curse.

Grave Wind is a remarkable beginning to this enchanting new series. It kept me engrossed with each word as I anticipated Dahlia’s destiny. Would Crinkled Face Joe and Paranormal Jack manage to save Dahlia from Betwixt and lift the curse?

I eagerly look forward to exploring more of Dahlia’s haunting universe to discover what lies ahead in the next spine-chilling adventure.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spectacular new book by Janice Tremayne which contains some familiar loved characters from her other books series that has become another adored book in my library. I am so looking forward to the next in series.

[Emily Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting story. Paranormal Jack has his first real encounter. Spooky amazing characters.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grave Wind does not disappoint! The story arc was very well done. The storyline and story telling does meander a bit so I took off a few stars. I think it could be shortened or rearranged to remove that and it would be so much better. But overall the evil entity Betwixt was devilish and clever and was always changing tactics. Definitely a good adversary and paranormal Jack definitely grew into his toke as time passed. The use of folklore about the island was great. The characters were well written. I would recommend!

[Margarita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling and thrilling. Keeps you wanting to read on. A island haunted by a demon. Dahlia and Paranormal Jack are tasked with defeating the evil.

[John Bitsko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a super fast read . Definitely recommended!

[Jamie Serrano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another ripping yarn of ghostly hauntings
I thought it was quite good middling but still a good ghost story, solid, protagonist, and antagonist
I would like to think the publisher and the author for the advanced reader copy I received of this particular book hopefully it’s not the last one I will receive for review

[Karen Mazzaferri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and I'm giving it a solid 4.5 stars! At first, the formal prose threw me off a bit, but I quickly found myself captivated by the story. The setting—a secluded island steeped in supernatural lore—paired with the eerie mystery of disappearing islanders and a menacing shape-shifting demon that preys on the vulnerable kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m so glad I persevered because this tale turned out to be a real gem! You must read to see how this story ends
The characters are wonderfully crafted, and the author’s vivid descriptions of the island made it come alive in my mind. I’m already eagerly anticipating Dahlia and Jack's next adventure! I truly hope they maintain that old fashioned small-island vibe and don’t get swept away by the outside world.
Dahlia is portrayed as a character driven by instinct and determination, often relying on her intuition in various situations. In contrast, Paranormal Jack possesses supernatural abilities but lacks a strong connection to his instincts, resulting in a somewhat vulnerable appearance.
The setting is Solitary Island, an isolated island located in the northeastern region of Australia. This remote location is known for its treacherous waters, which have claimed many ships and lives over the years. The island frequently experiences "Grave Winds," a heavy breeze that carries the scent of decay, originating from an old cemetery not frequently visited.
Among the island's many eerie features is a lighthouse situated above the cemetery, which adds to the unsettling atmosphere. Another notable area is Forsaken Rock, shrouded in legend; it is said that a man who took a piece of this rock vanished into thin air, leading to madness among the remaining colonists. This event is believed to have unleashed some dark and ominous power.
Additionally, the narrative introduces Betwixt, a shapeshifting demon that inhabits the space between heaven and hell. Betwixt preys on individuals, particularly those who harbor dark and horrific secrets.
The island's small community consists of approximately 200 residents, forming a tight-knit group similar to those depicted in "The Village." The community is guided by elders who provide wisdom and guidance. While the exact time period remains ambiguous, it has the feel of the mid-twentieth century. The residents are highly reliant on their natural resources, and Dahlia plays a crucial role in the community by providing medical care through the use of herbal remedies.

[Aparna J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janice Tremayne's Grave Wind is a chilling descent into the shadowy heart of horror fiction, skillfully blending supernatural dread with emotional intensity. Set against the hauntingly atmospheric backdrop of Solitary Island, Australia, this first installment in the Haunting Dahlia series delivers a spine-tingling story that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go.

At its core, Grave Wind is more than just a ghost story—it’s a tale of survival, sacrifice, and the human confrontation with the unknown. Tremayne crafts her characters with remarkable depth, particularly Dahlia and the enigmatic Paranormal Jack. Their emotional journeys feel authentic and profound, elevating the story far beyond traditional horror tropes.

The story follows Dahlia, a resilient and intuitive woman drawn to the island’s cursed lighthouse—an eerie relic that has claimed countless souls. She is joined by the enigmatic Paranormal Jack, a seasoned investigator of the unexplained. Together, they confront an evil older than memory: a malevolent shapeshifter and a vengeful force known as Betwixt, who has been feeding on fear and sacrifice for generations.

The true brilliance of Ms. Tremayne’s storytelling lies in her ability to build tension like a slow, creeping fog—just when you think you’ve grasped the truth, the ground shifts beneath your feet. The cursed lighthouse becomes a character in its own right: brooding, claustrophobic, and malevolently alive. It's the perfect stage for the sinister shapeshifter and the centuries-old force known as Betwixt.

What makes Grave Wind stand out is not just the suspense or the eerie setting—it’s the philosophical undercurrent about death, fate, and the choices we make when everything is on the line. Tremayne challenges readers to ponder the cost of survival and the price of truth, making the horror feel deeply human.

Janice Tremayne has not only delivered a gripping tale but launched a series that promises even darker and more thrilling chapters ahead. A truly commendable start to what’s sure to be a standout in modern supernatural fiction.

[Eve Hallows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Janice Tremayne’s HAUNTING CLARISSE series, I was pleased to see Paranormal Jack in his younger years. GRAVE WIND provides some background on how Paranormal Jack became involved in supernatural occurrences in Australia.

There wasn’t too much that I didn’t like about the story. I did have trouble keeping up right before the climax when Paranormal Jack, Dahlia, and an Elder are at the Feeding Stone by Forsaken Rock. It could have been because I was reading too fast, but I missed how they moved from one place to the next. Once I re-read it, it clicked, so I don’t think it’s a huge issue.

There were a few proofreading mistakes, but they didn’t hinder my reading or take away from the story.

Janice Tremayne is great at descriptive world-building. The location where the story takes place is also a character in the story. I could hear the grave wind blow and feel Paranormal Jack’s trepidation. I liked how she told the history of Solitary Island’s first settlers and showed how their actions in the past continue to affect the present.

I received an advance review copy of this book for free from BookSirens and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

I will be adding this review to my website, EveHallows.com

#GraveWind #JaniceTremayne #BookSirens #paranormal #horror #BookReview #EveHallows

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grave wind is a very interesting read, after sampling the first chapter on booksirens i was intrigued and the the first few chapters really do give insight into the book. I felt like its straight into the storyline with no build up which i thought worked really well, As the chapters progress you do get the background history of the island and the lighthouse.

I found the scene setting of the book really interesting and the history aspect it built a vivid image in my mind of what the grave wind looked like. You get an eerie feeling of a cursed sad community that is aware of the history involving many people. Dahlia and Paranormal Jack are well up to the challenge of meeting Betwixt , anyone whos like supernatural and paranormal will find this interesting.

Dahlia isnt driven away by anyone easily and shes a big risk taker in this book , eventful and although i found this quite a short read, its good to know that the author will be bringing out another book on this as i would happily read the next installment. A well written book with plenty of different aspects to keep the reader turning the pages. A good combination of history and horror events and a solitary island.

Thanks to Booksirens for an advanced reader copy.

[PlotTwist_Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave Wind does not disappoint Wow what a prologue…. I’m already hooked and can’t wait to dive into this story head first into the pages of this story

Legend says the light house is haunted by the spirit of the old lighthouse keeper. A evil spirt Betwixt sits in waits for the next person to come play his deadly game and seal their fate. Only the games is rigid as he is a clever foe who is always changing tactics to get his way.

The vividly detailed descriptions of the island made it come alive.. Solitary Island, an isolated remote island located in the northeastern region of Australia. known for its treacherous waters and Grave winds were unexplainable things happen.

Dahlia is rebellious, Strong and determined driven by her intuition she has a connect to her psychic capabilities. She does what she wants rather than following what the elders say as they tell there tales to try and keep the villagers safe. Meanwhile Paranormal Jack possesses supernatural abilities and is obsessed with the supernatural but lacks a strong connection to his instincts making him vulnerable

[MizzyRed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyably quick read that kept me intrigued the whole time. To me it kinda read as a bunch of short stories connected by the being known as Betwixt who plays games in return for a soul as they are trapped by another entity on the same small isolated island. You get to know them as well as Dahlia and Paranormal Jack who have their own connections to the other side and are working to find out why terrible things are happening (lots of disappearances and deaths, partially courtesy of Betwixt) and free the island from the long lasting curse of the Grave Wind. It would be an interesting place to visit though I am not sure I would be brave enough to enter the lighthouse or the cottage standing by it at least not without Dahlia and Paranormal Jack! They are quite impressive by the end and I would love to read about their further adventures in defeating the dark powers in solitary places!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this fun story!

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lighthouse keeper, Elias Gray, lives a depressing life and indulges in alcohol and lewd behaviour. A demon called Betwixt taunts him and forces him to commit suicide by hanging. Betwixt has been involved in countless unexplained deaths. A young girl, Dahlia and her friend, Paranormal Jack chance upon Betwixt who coerces them into a one sided deal which is detrimental. How can they ever hope for peace in their town as long as the demon holds sway over all the townsfolk? A captivating suspense filled page turner which highlights the despair and darkness of a once vibrant town and the scary scenario surrounding it but also the courage and determination of a few people to destroy the dark entity.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelly Neinast · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Forbidden

Wow!!! What an intriguing suspenseful supernatural read. I love reading supernatural haunted house novels but this haunted lighthouse blew me away.
The author did a fantastic job in creating a fictional storyline that included an island town and historic evil.
The characters were superb and very interesting and the two protagonist's were created with just the right character involvement and determination to solve and destroy the towns historical evil intenty.
The book had suspense, terror, historical fiction, and was definitely a page turner until the very end. I recommend this suspenseful supernatural novel to anyone who loves a great spooky read. Don't read it in the dark or by yourself at night.

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This is a really good supernatural horror story. On Solitary Island a cursed lighthouse stands haunted by the wickedly devious shapeshifting entity Betwixt. A well written story with strong and interesting characters, atmospheric vivid descriptions and scenes, and with lots of spirits and superstition and death. Overall I found it an excellent read although I did think a couple of characters were underused and the book almost had two endings with one scene left unresolved. However I really likeJanice Tremayne's books and this is a good start to a new series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off I want to say that I wish we could give 1/2 stars as this is definitely a book that deserves 4 1/2 stars (since I never give 5 since that would be perfection and no one is perfect)! OMG, she did it again! The beginning of a new series, it drew me in from the first paragraph and I couldn't put it down. I had to keep the light on thru the night but I still couldn't put it down. Great storyline. The characters are intriguing and make you think about what you would do in their positions. I can't wait to see where this series goes!

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

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave Wind is an eerie, atmospheric thrill ride that had me hooked from the first page. Set on a remote Australian island, the story follows Dahlia and the unforgettable Paranormal Jack as they battle a deadly shapeshifter and a cursed lighthouse with a terrifying secret. The tension is constant, and the stakes feel real—every chapter pulls you deeper into the mystery and the danger. I loved how the supernatural elements blended with human emotion, and the ending left me both breathless and haunted. I’m already itching to read the next book in the series.

[Cat B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS
As much as I have enjoyed this author's writings, I found this a difficult read. There is a story here, and a character from a previous book that I enjoyed quite a bit. However, there were parts that read as very confusing and almost seemed unfinished. I realize that what I read was an uncorrected copy and these things may be taken care of by time the finished product was issued. I am willing to read the next in the series to see if this was just a one off for the author.
I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale

[Shannon Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed seeing Paranormal Jack in this new series. I have enjoyed the folklore and the story telling of the other series by this author, and this one was also enjoyable. I think I will enjoy getting to know Dahlia better as the series continues, as she is a bit of an enigma in this one. The dialogue with the Lady felt a bit stiff. I don't know if that was just the character, but it was definitely awkward. A little polishing to the story may also be a good idea, but it was still a fun read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trevor Ortez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grave Wind was a quick but satisfying read. The pacing was tight, and the dialogue felt natural and engaging. I really liked the core concept—a cursed lighthouse, a shapeshifter, and a twisted paranormal mystery—and thought it was well executed. Even though it was short, it still packed in enough suspense and creepy atmosphere to keep me turning the pages. I'm curious to see where the Haunting Dahlia series goes next.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’ALL. Grave Wind had me looking sideways at every lighthouse pic on Pinterest. 😳 This book? Creepy AF and absolutely unputdownable. Haunted island? ✔️ Shapeshifter monster? ✔️ A hot paranormal investigator with a tragic backstory? DOUBLE ✔️. Dahlia is the kind of fierce I root for, and the tension is so thick you could carve it with a bone dagger. If you like your thrillers dark, spooky, and twisty as heck, go grab this one. Just don’t read it alone at night…
💀🌫️🕯️

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 of the Haunting Dahlia series. Dahlia and Paranormal Jack encounter a malevolent shapeshifter in their travels. Dahlia is actually waiting for Betwixt this time. She has met this spirit previously, as he is in between worlds. She and Paranormal Jack are drawn into a deadly game and must find the truth of the dark history of the island. I love the way Janice Tremayne writes. I am drawn right into the story. I received an ARC copy through BookSirens and this is my honest review.

[Philip Bones · Rating 5 out of 5]

It may sound weird, but this was a creepy tale that was also somehow homely, like it was normal enough to happen next door, or in your neighborhood, and yet was decently spine chilling, and that was a combination that really showed off the skill of the writer. It was familiar in a way that made it all the more horrifying, as if I know people just luike the characters, who would do just as the characters did, and it added a level of creepiness that made the whole story quite delicious!

[Mary S · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Grave Wind" marks the beginning of the Haunting Dahlia series with an intriguing premise. Dahlia and Paranormal Jack embark on a journey to explore a haunted lighthouse, where they soon uncover a lurking evil. The narrative unfolds rapidly, filled with unexpected twists that weave together elements of horror and mystery, compelling the reader to stay engaged from the opening page to the conclusion.

This book comes highly recommended for enthusiasts of the horror/thriller genre.