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Murder Manor: A Psychological and Paranormal Thriller

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In a secluded valley, local life has always unfolded beneath the brooding shadow of the mountain—a presence as constant as it is feared. Generations have passed down stories of the lodge at its peak, where cruelty and madness once reigned before the doors were sealed and the truth buried beneath snow and silence.
 
Nearly a century later, a new owner reopened the lodge, and soon, people began to vanish... again.
 
Three teenagers, isolated on a family vacation and cut off from the comforts of their modern world, find themselves drawn to the mountain's dark allure. Strange sounds ripple through the old house at night. A stranger spotted out the window one minute disappears the next. The past seems to breathe just beneath the surface—watching, waiting.
 
As their curiosity turns to terror, the line between legend and reality blurs. The question is no longer what happened here—but whether they'll make it off the mountain alive.

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2026

6 people are currently reading
1360 people want to read

About the author

Cori Nevruz

19 books65 followers
Cori Nevruz is a suspense and thriller author known for her gripping narratives and psychological depth. She has penned five novels: Murder Manor, A psychological thriller with a whisper of the paranormal—reserve your stay at the manor, but beware: not every guest checks out; The Unwelcome Guest,  An island escape, a mansion of dreams… and a nightmare hiding within; Making a Killing (previously published as Noxious), a chilling tale of a lethal assassin targeting retired pensioners; Left Without Answers, which follows a mother teetering on the edge of madness in her quest for justice; and Dirty Laundry, a fast-paced thriller that delves into the unraveling mind of a mom pushed to her limits.

Cori resides in Wilmington, NC, where she balances her writing career with family life alongside her husband and three sons. When she's not crafting thrilling stories, she enjoys reading and passionately following her favorite sports.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Ana.
58 reviews6 followers
January 28, 2026
The story hooked me in right from the beginning and I found it hard to put down. I wanted to know what happened next and wanted to know how it ended. The transitions between different POVs and timelines are easy to follow and clear, though because there’s a few different POVs, it is difficult to connect to any single character. The characters are, however, consistent and well written.

There are a few spelling mistakes scattered throughout the book that I assume will get edited out before its release, and a few cliches that I thought could have been avoided, but otherwise I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a mystery thriller.

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for allowing me to read this ARC for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Bob Fendt.
167 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 19, 2025
*ARC Review*
Release date 3 Feb 2026
Murder Manor

Author Cori Nevruz

Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Murder Manor is the first book I've read by Cori, and I was in no way disappointed, I absolutely loved this fast-paced and short chapter multi POV thriller.

A remote village lies in the gloom of a mountain shadow, where an isolated holiday lodge sits at the top.
Cruelty to visitors and the disappearance of many people were buried and hidden, kept secret.

A century later with a new owner and renovations, the lodge reopens to holiday makers and people start disappearing again.

The Johnson family, Lisa, David and their three teens check in for a holiday break, find they are cut off from the outside, without media and socials.

Dark happenings and strange noises in the night from all around the lodge terrify the teens, a stranger is seen outside and vanishes a translucent figure keeps appearing and fades away.

The Johnson teens become curious and in their fear are determined to search for the past history of the lodge and dark happenings they find themselves being drawn into.

Will they uncover the secrets of the lodge, and will they escape with their lives?

I love Cori's writing style in this tense and suspenseful, gripping thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
My attention was captured from the beginning, with the believable characters, stunning settings in this enthralling story.

I say go check Cori Nevruz and her amazing book out, you won't regret it.
Profile Image for Sandy Goguen-Young.
287 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy
January 12, 2026
I was pulled into the story from the first page. The book is told from multiple POVs and alternating from past to present, even with all that it was easy to follow. Several twists in the story with a great twist at the end. I couldn't put it down and kept me guessing throughout the book. I will definitely find more stories from Cori Nevruz, the author.

Thanks to Book Sirens for this ARC book and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rachel.
83 reviews
February 17, 2026
Loved the this creepy awesome book! Loved the writing because it made me feel like I was there and I’m definitely rethinking going on vacation to a lodge! So I’m obviously looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Katie.
11 reviews
March 1, 2026
Welcome to Murdoch Manor, the relaxing mountain retreat with a not so relaxing history.

Murder manor is a psychological thriller about a mountainside manor with a dark history. There are two main timelines, one is the current timeline about the Johnson family who are staying at the lodge for their vacation. The second is actually multiple short chapters each dedicated to a different victim of the lodge. I enjoyed the multiple timeline approach as it allowed you a glimpse into the murderous goings on without giving anything away about who was committing these crimes keeping the suspense high. They got darker and more descriptive as you went through helping build the anticipation for when the Johnson's finally discovered the truth behind Murdoch Manors nickname, murder manor. Although the story itself was very clever how the original manor killer was linked to the new one i feel that the conclusion although effective was slightly rushed. After spending so much time putting in all the detail needed to solve the mystery i believe tho author could have put a little more into the discovery of who the killer was and the two families finding out about the bodies at the bottom of the cliff. I felt like seeing as how long the killer was getting away with the crimes their should of been more of a fight it all felt a little to easy. That said the actual end of the book which jumped about 2 years forward was a perfect summary providing a feeling of closure.

In terms of characters i think they were perfect to the story each with their own quirks and to the overall eerie feel of this book. Manny who was giving creepy staring through you vibes who was always too quiet, Jon always giving non specific warning leaving you with more questions then answers, Mia with her endless knowledge of creepy and crazy facts at thats just a small list. I think that each and every character played a very important role in the story and the differences in them all helped keep the story interesting providing perfect filler sections in between the main storyline.

Overall i think this book was very well laid out and other then the ending which i felt was a a little rushed the rest of the book was very well paced building the suspense all the way though just like any good psychological thriller should. if you are a lover of murder stories, serial killers or just any psychological thriller you should definily give this book a read you wont regret it. You may even pick up some murderous factoids along the way.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Cheyenne Joy Mijdam.
289 reviews12 followers
February 3, 2026

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC Review
Murder Manor by Cori Nevruz

First things first: thank you to Cori Nevruz and Inside Story for this ARC. A psychological–paranormal thriller that promised unease, delivered atmosphere, and then quietly messed with my head while pretending not to.

Let’s get this out of the way: if you’re here for full-blown paranormal chaos—wrong house. The supernatural element barely whispers. What does scream is the psychological side. The subtle games. The way everyone seems involved without fully realizing they’re even playing. Distant, connected, circling the same truth and still missing it.

At the center of it all: a teenager who senses more than she should… and keeps it locked inside. Because of course she does. Add two families bound together by grief, loss, and an old mystery that refuses to stay buried—plus a more recent one that’s just as uncomfortable—and you’ve got a story soaked in quiet tension.

This book hooked me from the start, though I won’t pretend it was effortless. The timeline jumps—2024, 2022, years further back—demand your attention. Blink and you might miss a moment from 2007. Short, almost throwaway scenes… except they’re not. They matter. Annoyingly so. This is not a passive read. This book expects you to show up.

What hit hardest wasn’t the plot—it was the weight. The emotions. Every point of view carried its own shade of grief, guilt, fear, longing. Some heavier than others. Secrets hovering in plain sight. Things everyone knows but no one dares to say. It left me with that hollow, unsettled feeling that doesn’t have a neat label. The worst kind. The good kind.

As for the mystery? I won’t lie. I saw it coming. The answers landed exactly where I expected them to—even the final chapter didn’t surprise me. But strangely… that didn’t ruin it. This story was never really about the “who” or the “what.” It was about the damage left behind.

Read this if you want to get lost in grief, tangled emotions, mountains, woods, and an old manor that remembers more than it should. Don’t play detective. Let the children guide you. They carry the story better than the answers ever could.

Four emotionally locked-in stars. I wanted a little more—but what I got demanded to be felt. And honestly? Their emotions were heavier than mine, and they needed the space.
Profile Image for Mache.
69 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 16, 2026
Murder Manor by Cori Nevruz is an atmospheric thriller that leans heavily into isolation dread and the weight of a long buried past. Set in a secluded mountain lodge with a violent history, the story immediately establishes an eerie tone that lingers throughout. The setting itself feels like a character, looming and watchful, amplifying the sense that something is deeply wrong long before the truth begins to surface.

The story follows siblings Rachel, Mia, and Tenner during a family vacation where they befriend three local brothers whose mother oversees the lodge while the owner is in town. As strange occurrences begin to unfold, Mia’s clairvoyant abilities add another layer of unease, hinting that the lodge’s history is not finished claiming victims. The slow unraveling of secrets creates a steady sense of tension, even when the pacing occasionally lingers longer than necessary.

The writing is well done and the characters are thoughtfully developed, making it easy to stay invested in their survival. The thriller elements are present and effective, though the extended buildup does soften some of the suspense as the story progresses. The use of multiple points of view is engaging, particularly the inclusion of victims from earlier decades, which adds emotional weight and context to the lodge’s dark reputation. That said, the frequent shifts between the modern timeline and the earlier decades can feel a bit disjointed and may pull some readers out of the moment. Structuring the story into clearer sections might have strengthened the impact of both timelines.

While Mia’s ability to see spirits is an intriguing element, some of the victim perspectives feel less essential when they do not directly connect with her; however, their stories being told was understandable. The ending delivers a twist, with a mix of surprises and moments that are easier to anticipate, but it still provides a satisfying conclusion to the mystery.

Overall, Murder Manor is a solid and engaging thriller with a strong foundation, an unsettling atmosphere, and memorable characters. Cori Nevruz delivers a compelling story that will appeal to readers who enjoy slow burn suspense and haunted settings.

Star Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4 out of 5)
Profile Image for jenny is reading again.
19 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 2, 2026
A secluded mountain valley hides a long-buried history of cruelty centered on a lodge once sealed off from the world. Nearly a century later, the lodge reopens—and people begin disappearing again.
When three teenagers vacation nearby, cut off from modern life, they’re drawn into the mountain’s eerie pull. As strange sightings and unsettling sounds blur legend and reality, they uncover a past that refuses to stay buried. What begins as curiosity quickly turns into a fight for survival as the mountain’s dark legacy closes in.

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

This book tells its story through multiple POVs with short, punchy chapters that jump between past and present. Normally that kind of structure can get confusing, but here it’s surprisingly easy to follow and actually adds to the tension. Each shift feels purposeful, slowly revealing pieces of the mystery at just the right time.

The atmosphere is paranormal and eerie. I’ll admit, I was skeptical going in. I’m scared as a cat when it comes to spooky stories. But this one struck a great balance. It’s unsettling without being overwhelming, and yes, I can still sleep with the lights off afterward. The vibe gave me strong Ghost Whisperer energy, which I absolutely loved.

It’s also very fast-paced and an incredibly easy read. The tension is well maintained throughout, and the story stays gripping enough that it’s hard to put down. However, the ending felt a bit rushed in my opinion, especially compared to how carefully the rest of the story unfolds.

Overall, this is a highly recommended read if you love paranormal stories with a psychological thriller edge - creepy, engaging and perfect for readers who want chills without full-on nightmares.

3.5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
991 reviews114 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 1, 2026
First off a big thank you to the author for the invite to read and review Murder Manor, she kindly reach out to me though my instagram and as soon as I saw some of my all time things i love in books , I knew without a doubt this was a me type of book , and those things are :
remote mountain lodge
guests and townspeople begin to disappear,
A blinding snowstorm traps everyone inside, turning the lodge into a deadly prison
Someone—or something—is hunting them,
And if a certain book comes to mind let's say And Then There Are None , and those sound like the tropes in that book ,you are 100% right, because that book is one of my all time favorite and because of that those have become my favorite trope to read , so of course I wasn't going to say no and I reply back yes and thank you , and I'm so glad I did, because it was the perfect atmosphere read for last night, I started it on January 31st and was up all night reading it , loved the creepy spooky feeling I got from the inn, as well as how you get the
Different perspectives, as well as trying to guess who among the characters could I trust and who was the killer and which ones might survive. I also loved how the author brought her characters as well as the location to live and made you feel like you was there . As for the paranormal touch , there was just the right amount mixed in with the Suspense. And the ending, wow that I didn't see coming . I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Patricia.
722 reviews42 followers
Review of advance copy
January 30, 2026
Cori Nevruz is becoming one of my go-to authors for creepy house settings. I read The Unwelcome Guest last year, a locked-room (island) thriller about a family reunion on a remote island. The setting of this, a remote mountain-top retreat, gave me the same creepy vibe.

The Johnson family of five has decided to spend their vacation at Murdoch Manor. They have no idea that it's been linked to the disappearances of several people throughout the years, starting with the disappearance of Maryanne Maxwell in 1954. The story alternates between the POVs of Rachel and Mia Johnson and the victims of those who went missing over the years. To complicate matters, there is a family that is responsible for cooking and cleaning, BnB style, but their interactions with the family are rather suspect to me!

As much as I try to stay away from paranormal events in stories, Mia's ability to see spirits is a thread that is important to the story, and it was so well done that it didn't make me cringe.

Thank you to Book Sirens and Masonboro Press for keeping this author on my radar with an advance reader's copy.
Profile Image for Eva Edge.
1,362 reviews39 followers
Review of advance copy
January 31, 2026
Murder Manor by Cori Nevruz is a shocking, horrific, but atmospheric thriller that grips you from the very first page. Set in a secluded mountain lodge with a bloody history, the setting itself acts as a looming, watchful character, ensuring that a sense of unease permeates every chapter. It is a haunting, "creeping tension" kind of read that makes it nearly impossible to put down as you peel back the layers of the lodge's dark reputation.

The narrative expertly weaves together multiple points of view and different timelines, including the voices of victims from earlier decades. While the wide cast makes it a bit difficult to deeply connect with any single character, these historical perspectives add a profound emotional weight to the mystery. The transitions are seamless, and the suspense is consistently high, as every character seems to harbour their own dark secrets. While some elements of the finale were easier to anticipate, the ending still delivers a satisfying twist that ties together the manor's gruesome history.

If you're looking for a gripping, unsettling mystery that holds your attention until the final reveal, this is a well-deserved 4-star nightmare.
Profile Image for BAM who is Beth Anne.
1,438 reviews39 followers
January 10, 2026
This was a really fun surprise. It’s sort of a locked-room mystery with a group of ragtag teens at the center, and while it definitely reads YA-adjacent, I didn’t mind that at all. The story kicks off with a jolt and never lets up — the pacing is tight and propulsive from start to finish.

The multiple POVs were a highlight, especially the chapters told from the perspectives of past victims going all the way back to the 1950s. That added a nice layer of atmosphere and history to the hotel setting. There’s also a subtle supernatural thread woven through the story that gives the mystery an extra edge without overwhelming it.

Is it predictable? A little, but the momentum and structure keep it engaging. Overall, it’s a sharp, entertaining mystery with a fun premise, strong pacing, and just enough creepiness to keep things interesting.
Profile Image for Christina Watt.
4 reviews
February 6, 2026
Suspenseful! Multiple POV was really well done. It was easy to follow the story and was nice to get different perspectives throughout. It felt like a YA book- the characters and how they interacted and viewed each other was perfect for a teen reader. Definitely scarier than the books I read as a teenager but it reminded me of all the Nancy Drew books I read that fueled my love of reading.

While there were good twists, I didn’t find any of them surprising so that lost a star for me personally.

I also feel like this book would be better marketed as Young Adult. The overall writing of the book feels more suited for a younger audience. That being said, it definitely had the fear and thriller of an adult book.

I am grateful for the honor of reading this book as part of ARC. While I received this advance copy for free, this author deserves every purchase I know she will get.
Profile Image for Samantha Wales.
12 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2026
ARC REVIEW

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟



Checking into Murder Manor may not mean you’ll always check out. 🔪 Join a family with all sorts of personalities as they embark on their vacation and stay at an isolated mountaintop lodge that sits perched above a town where many people have vanished without explanation.



A mom and her 3 boys are the “caretakers” of the lodge and they are there to cook and serve the guests while the boys rotate turns staying the night in the office in case anything goes wrong. 🛎️🧳



Noises heard, spirits seen, and mysteries unraveled. If you like books with eeriness, a hint of paranormal activity, unexpected twists 😳🤯missing and unaliving people then you’re in luck because this book has it all!



Releasing early February and I highly recommend checking it out! 🙌🏻
Profile Image for Steph Mann.
126 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
January 31, 2026
An enjoyable and gripping read that held my attention from start to finish, thanks to its compelling plot, atmospheric setting, and the way the story shifts between multiple timelines.
A family stays at a remote, old lodge high in the mountains of North Carolina called Murdoch Manor. While heavy snow falls, cutting them off from the outside world strange noises and the ghostly presence of the daughter (of one of the staff) who dissapeared years before, hint at a dark and sinister history behind the retreat. As the children and staff begin to investigate, unsettling truths come to light. The story builds tension effectively and concludes with a satisfying ending.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
30 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
January 5, 2026
Murder Manor by Cori Nevruz is a multi POV thriller set in an old mountain lodge. Even though the lodge has been ‘recently’ remodeled, the house still remembers its history. Following the Johnson family on their mountain getaway, we go on a wild ride to discover the truth of the houses history - Blending past and present. I really enjoyed this book and found the characters developed and relatable. Quick, face paced chapters. The twists will leave you guessing until the end!

I received an ARC through BookSirens and am happily leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Britney Ireland.
201 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 11, 2026
Amazing story with what I would call smaller POV stories intertwined into it, which in my opinion I loved. Several POVs throughout that never caused confusion only added to the greatness of the book!

The story takes place at a lodge that opened in the early 1900s. The legend was several people arrived and not everyone checked out. The suspense was great and there were several moments my jaw dropped to the floor.

Up until the very last sentence was amazing!
I did not expect it to end like that. I loved it. I can’t wait to purchase the physical copy to add to my collection.

I would recommend this book 100%.

Profile Image for Kat M.
5,286 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy
January 19, 2026
I really enjoyed getting to read this book, it had that psychological thriller that I was looking for and enjoyed the feel of this and how good it was suspenseful the atmosphere was during this storyline. The characters worked well overall and was invested in what was going on with the characters. Cori Nevruz has a great style for the genre and enjoyed getting into this world and characters and wanted to read more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2,644 reviews46 followers
Review of advance copy
January 21, 2026
This whole book kept my mind reeling! When the title says murder manor, that's entirely accurate. It was horrendous and horrific to read , about all the murders and torture. This is not my go to read type, and it took me way out of my comfort zone almost to psychotic proportion. An odd feeling about one death, and my suspicions were proven to be true into the end. Read if you appreciate senseless brutal evil killing. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
Profile Image for Christie.
1,272 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy
February 1, 2026
This book was amazing. I loved every part of it. It did jump from present to the past but each chapter told who the chapter was about and what year it was so that was not a problem, in fact it created suspense. I really liked Mia and how she would spout random facts to read tension... but sometimes crafted or by the fact she shared. I liked the name Tenner, and how he got the name. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I can't wait to read another book by Cori Nevruz.
Profile Image for travel_thru_books.
Author 2 books83 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 26, 2026
Murder Manor pulls you in with its steady, creeping tension and a cast of characters who all seem to be hiding something. The atmosphere stays unsettling in the best way, and every chapter adds another layer of suspicion that keeps you turning the pages just to see who you can actually trust. This was my first book by Cori and it definitely won’t be my last — her pacing, tone, and ability to build suspense are spot‑on.

And that ending? My jaw dropped, literally, haha.
Profile Image for Jennifer Page.
36 reviews
February 24, 2026
Super quick easy read! Fast paced with suspenseful moments. Loved the ending- I did predict Lisa killing her husband though. A thriller version beach read! And a local NC author as a bonus❤️ Would prob give it 3.5 stars, but with Goodreads it’s one or the other and I definitely thought it’s better then a 3!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marie.
114 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy
January 26, 2026
Such a creepy and twisty thriller!! I liked all the different aspects even if they did get a little confusing at time! I could see this becoming a tv show though!
I look forward to reading more of Cori's books!
Profile Image for Sarah * Between the Lines Book Reviews.
288 reviews111 followers
February 3, 2026
This book grabbed my attention right away, the title itself is what sold me!
Multi POV from Past to Present day was well written and easy to follow.
This book grasps you from the get go and doesn't let you go until the end, its fast paced with short chapters!
Profile Image for Craig Simons.
38 reviews
February 17, 2026
This was a really good read but it was a little bit too much of a slowburn. Have to say though, definitely has one of the best last lines of a book I've ever read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Katlin Stokes.
290 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
January 26, 2026
Thank you to Inside Story for a copy of this ARC book. This was definitely a spooky and thrilling read. The twists really got me.
280 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2026
*yawn*

That was boringgggg and disjointed and poorly written.

I don’t know what the other reviews are talking about, that was hard to get through.
Profile Image for Paula Quig.
Author 2 books17 followers
February 28, 2026
This twisty thriller was a great read! I loved the creepy vibe of the book and how it kept me flipping the pages and guessing right until the very end.
Profile Image for Marie-Ann Byrne.
7 reviews
February 18, 2026
I loved this book. For a book that is only really set in one location, over the span of a few days, the tension is constant. There is a permanent eeriness lurking in the shadows that leaves the reader on edge throughout. A good thriller creates a tense atmosphere based on the fact that you know that something is coming/going to happen. A great thriller leaves you looking over your shoulder while reading, creating a sense of edginess that makes you jump and turn the lights on. I had to stop reading this book in the dark!

The reader might think ‘a snowstorm, in a lodge, with a bunch of teenagers, that doesn’t sound very thriller-y’. But the sense of unease that the author creates keeps the reader hooked from start to end, and that's before you talk about the creepy lurking figure, the missing and the murdered. Be Cruz keeps the reader guessing and gasping, even up until the last page.
Profile Image for Ava Brown.
36 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2026
Edge of my seat

What a great story that had me hooked from the beginning. The character build, flashbacks and suspense had me on the edge of my seat. Throughly enjoyed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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