What do you think?
Rate this book
The Haunted Ones #1
Haunted Hideout
Ghostly terror awaits in the so called ‘safe house’.
They didn’t know it was the last day of normal. Liam—husband, father—the rock who anchored them in a comfortable life in sunny Miami had been gunned down by a hit man.
The wounds of losing him are raw when Lydia and her two children are snatched for their own protection. The FBI scoop the family into the Witness Protection Program. Their safety from the drug cartel is assured.
Or is it?
The FBI makes a serious mistake in the relocation plan. The secluded farmhouse in a northern state is anything but a sanctuary. No one questioned why they could buy the house so cheap. No one listened to the local yokel tale of what happened there.
A tale of a dark and tragic history. Ghosts of the past have abided there for years, forcing other families to flee for their lives. At first the entities toy with Lydia and her children, flickering the lights, banging doors, and revealing fleeting glimpses.
When a raging blizzard traps the family there, the haunting escalates. What had been frightening escapades become dangerous threats. Deadly threats. Years before there had been a massacre in this house. It’s time for another.
Will they survive the night?
They didn’t know it was the last day of normal. Liam—husband, father—the rock who anchored them in a comfortable life in sunny Miami had been gunned down by a hit man.
The wounds of losing him are raw when Lydia and her two children are snatched for their own protection. The FBI scoop the family into the Witness Protection Program. Their safety from the drug cartel is assured.
Or is it?
The FBI makes a serious mistake in the relocation plan. The secluded farmhouse in a northern state is anything but a sanctuary. No one questioned why they could buy the house so cheap. No one listened to the local yokel tale of what happened there.
A tale of a dark and tragic history. Ghosts of the past have abided there for years, forcing other families to flee for their lives. At first the entities toy with Lydia and her children, flickering the lights, banging doors, and revealing fleeting glimpses.
When a raging blizzard traps the family there, the haunting escalates. What had been frightening escapades become dangerous threats. Deadly threats. Years before there had been a massacre in this house. It’s time for another.
Will they survive the night?
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2018
1482 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Dorey
28 books106 followersA writer and reader of eerie ghost novels, Michelle lives in Kingston, ' the limestone city' situated on Lake Ontario, with her husband and 2 pugs. The Hauntings of Kingston series was inspired by an evening doing the local ghost walk.
She also writes Paranormal Women's Fantasy fiction under Shelley Dorey. Midlife, divorce and magic...oh my. Her 'Hex After 40' series is soon to be a TV series. Kind of a 'Desperate housewives flavor but with Witches!
She also writes Paranormal Women's Fantasy fiction under Shelley Dorey. Midlife, divorce and magic...oh my. Her 'Hex After 40' series is soon to be a TV series. Kind of a 'Desperate housewives flavor but with Witches!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
May 4, 2019
There sure were a lot or exclamation points!!!! I don’t know is this was a YA book but that’s how it read to me. I was distracted about the exclamation points and the general immaturity of the dialogue. That being said the story had some scary parts and was a fast read. I did think it was weird that they glossed over the death of the husband without providing any details behind what you read in the initial summary of the book.
May 20, 2025
No, No and just no. This thing reads like a damn Goosebumps book with a couple of naughty words thrown in. Unlikeable and unrelatable characters that had immature dialogue with each other, and the plot is rushed as hell. There was one point in this book where the character found a diary and I thought," Well this might actually tie everything together and make this interesting", but the characters rush thru the diary in much the same way the Author rushed thru this plot..
.
But wait, there's more!!! Did I mention that Haunted Hideaway is only about 140 pages long? Yep didn't know that either, until I started reading the Authors notes and saw I was only 40% thru the book!!!!
That's because there was a special bonus novel that has an even more annoying character in it. Apparently this annoying Paris Hilton wannabe learns about the existence of ghosts, demons and the like. I wish her well since I could only read two chapters before I started wishing for a reappearance from the Reverend from Haunted Hideaway to put an ax between her eyes.
.
But wait, there's more!!! Did I mention that Haunted Hideaway is only about 140 pages long? Yep didn't know that either, until I started reading the Authors notes and saw I was only 40% thru the book!!!!
That's because there was a special bonus novel that has an even more annoying character in it. Apparently this annoying Paris Hilton wannabe learns about the existence of ghosts, demons and the like. I wish her well since I could only read two chapters before I started wishing for a reappearance from the Reverend from Haunted Hideaway to put an ax between her eyes.
July 17, 2020
I have no idea why there are so many positive reviews. The writing and character are insipid, and there is no dimension to either the characters or story. Everyone is just a shallow stereotype of whatever demographic the author is trying to portray.
Characters also violate the "show don't tell" rule of writing. Everyone is introduced and continues to be described by a list of adjectives rather than being defined by their actions, thoughts, or behavior.
I hope this author learns to write better. The premise of the story is interesting. However, the book is so frustratingly boring that I would never recommend it.
1/5 - It is technically a book. No merits otherwise.
Characters also violate the "show don't tell" rule of writing. Everyone is introduced and continues to be described by a list of adjectives rather than being defined by their actions, thoughts, or behavior.
I hope this author learns to write better. The premise of the story is interesting. However, the book is so frustratingly boring that I would never recommend it.
1/5 - It is technically a book. No merits otherwise.
May 23, 2019
Amazed at the number of positive reviews
The most shocking thing about this novella/short story is the number of positive reviews with people saying that they couldn't put it down. I put it down. Several times. The characters were underdeveloped, the plot was ridiculously contrived and the resolution, such as it was, was just plain juvenile and silly. Several times I found myself saying, "Oh, come on!" It was kind of like watching a horror movie where the characters are making decisions that are obviously stupid. Mark's cure for shock was laughable. Two stars is a generous rating and that is unfortunate, because I think the author had a good idea and wrote with good possibilities, but seemed to be more interested in writing 'the end' than in actually developing the story to its full potential. Fact is, I would read more by this author because I liked her plot idea. The development and ending were just lacking in a story that could have been so much more.
The most shocking thing about this novella/short story is the number of positive reviews with people saying that they couldn't put it down. I put it down. Several times. The characters were underdeveloped, the plot was ridiculously contrived and the resolution, such as it was, was just plain juvenile and silly. Several times I found myself saying, "Oh, come on!" It was kind of like watching a horror movie where the characters are making decisions that are obviously stupid. Mark's cure for shock was laughable. Two stars is a generous rating and that is unfortunate, because I think the author had a good idea and wrote with good possibilities, but seemed to be more interested in writing 'the end' than in actually developing the story to its full potential. Fact is, I would read more by this author because I liked her plot idea. The development and ending were just lacking in a story that could have been so much more.
April 13, 2020
I was left very disappointed by the main story of this book and rather glad that I didn't actually spend money on it. The story had so much promise but the writing was overly simplistic and flat with no depth to any aspect of the story or the characters, the latter of whom are dominated by stereotypes and are lacking any real humanity. And there are so many unanswered questions and aspects that could've been developed much further to add depth to both the story and the characters. Overall it just feels rushed and ill thought out. The only saving grace is that it was quick to read as it had the distinct feel of a very young adult book.
The second story has similar issues, although the grandmother has a bit more depth about her. The lead character is insipid, spoilt and irritating while the parents aren't much better and yet they are completely different by the end without any real reason or depth of story to justify it. Again, this just feels rushed and cobbled together.
The second story has similar issues, although the grandmother has a bit more depth about her. The lead character is insipid, spoilt and irritating while the parents aren't much better and yet they are completely different by the end without any real reason or depth of story to justify it. Again, this just feels rushed and cobbled together.
April 2, 2020
I was looking for a fun horror read here, unfortunately the writing style just wasn't for me. It probably could have used a good editor to polish it up.
An even bigger issue I had was with all the characters. They just fell flat for me. There was no real personality, or anything interesting about any of them. For how fast the beginning seemed to be written, it still felt slow, and I was waiting to get onto the good parts with the haunted house, because I found the characters themselves so one dimensional, and even stereotypical. I don't have to like your character's as people, but I do want them to be interesting enough to keep reading about.
An even bigger issue I had was with all the characters. They just fell flat for me. There was no real personality, or anything interesting about any of them. For how fast the beginning seemed to be written, it still felt slow, and I was waiting to get onto the good parts with the haunted house, because I found the characters themselves so one dimensional, and even stereotypical. I don't have to like your character's as people, but I do want them to be interesting enough to keep reading about.
February 11, 2018
Haunted hideout
Unlike the book legacy by the same author, this book fell flat for me. There were editing errors, not running the story. I believe a lack of character development, living and ghostly left the story rather flat. Makes light paranormal reading for a time killer. Still, left me feeling blank.
Unlike the book legacy by the same author, this book fell flat for me. There were editing errors, not running the story. I believe a lack of character development, living and ghostly left the story rather flat. Makes light paranormal reading for a time killer. Still, left me feeling blank.
July 30, 2021
Al leer de qué iba me hice a la idea de que me encontraría con un Sharknado versión libro, pero por desgracia ha sido mucho, mucho peor.
Esta es una de las peores novelas, objetiva y subjetivamente, que he tenido la desgracia de leer. Para empezar, la autora escribe como si tuviera cinco años (¿dónde están los editores y correctores?). Los personajes no son planos, son directamente unidimensionales, puntitos que no hacen nada, no les da para más. La historia avanza a sopapos. Es todo tan ridículo que solo sirve como ejemplo de qué no hacer (por fin he entendido el "no cuentes, enseña").
Esta es una de las peores novelas, objetiva y subjetivamente, que he tenido la desgracia de leer. Para empezar, la autora escribe como si tuviera cinco años (¿dónde están los editores y correctores?). Los personajes no son planos, son directamente unidimensionales, puntitos que no hacen nada, no les da para más. La historia avanza a sopapos. Es todo tan ridículo que solo sirve como ejemplo de qué no hacer (por fin he entendido el "no cuentes, enseña").
June 27, 2025
While the plot had potential, I felt the story didn't really deliver and wasn't the best ghost story. I also expected the beginning of the story to have more importance to the story too. The characters felt very one dimension, and the narrator made them sound very childish, which took you out of the story. All in all, not the best.
August 6, 2024
An okay read but will not read it again.
March 24, 2020
With a premise far better than its execution, Dorey's short novel is not going to please die-hard horror fans. The casual horror reader, however, may find this to be an enjoyable story, as it is a light, fast read that never gets really scary. There was one scene I found to be effective, and dozens of others marred by poor dialogue and too many exclamation points.
Dorey isn't a bad writer. I just question her dedication to the horror genre. "Haunted Hideout" reads like it was written by someone who doesn't watch horror films and maybe remembered reading Poe in middle school. The end result is exactly what you would expect.
Dorey isn't a bad writer. I just question her dedication to the horror genre. "Haunted Hideout" reads like it was written by someone who doesn't watch horror films and maybe remembered reading Poe in middle school. The end result is exactly what you would expect.
April 22, 2019
A good story
I enjoyed the book but I wish the author had given the character more depth. Why was the FBI agent single? Why did the preacher kill his family and did the father knowingly work for the cartel?
Michelle Dorey's books are listed as novels but they're really short stories you can read in two hours.
I enjoyed the book but I wish the author had given the character more depth. Why was the FBI agent single? Why did the preacher kill his family and did the father knowingly work for the cartel?
Michelle Dorey's books are listed as novels but they're really short stories you can read in two hours.
July 3, 2018
Must Read!
When i choose a book to read, and from the first chapter I cannot put the book down, I know for an absolute certainty the laundry will have to wait until tomorrow, it deserved five plus 🌟!
When i choose a book to read, and from the first chapter I cannot put the book down, I know for an absolute certainty the laundry will have to wait until tomorrow, it deserved five plus 🌟!
October 24, 2018
A first class supernatural thriller.
This was more than just a ghost story, the plot was intertwined with a drug related murder and a family's daring escape from danger. Unfortunately for them that was when a vengeful ghost entered the equation. Enjoyable!
This was more than just a ghost story, the plot was intertwined with a drug related murder and a family's daring escape from danger. Unfortunately for them that was when a vengeful ghost entered the equation. Enjoyable!
February 9, 2019
Good book. Fast read, hard to put the book down.
January 26, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book from beginning to the ending. I loved the twists and turns that took place in this paranormal adventure. Two good books in one!
May 19, 2021
I was actually enjoying the very first part where the Lydia was using her real estate talents to close a sale. But then *BAM!*, things just got crazy from there. Her husband is dead and they are under the Witness Protection Program. They get brought to the FBI office and had to start a new life, pronto. No goodbyes to the current people in their lives, no going back to get their valuables, their memories, nothing. I was actually devastated for them. And when they got moved from the city to some unknown town in a farm-feels house? I was thinking if I was reading a horror book because I was getting really depressed with what was happening to them. Turns out, that was when the scary stuff was going to happen. This book has all the usual stuff that won't scare me anymore should I see it in a movie or anything on TV. But it still actually freaked me out when I read it. I got goosebumps every now and then. There were moments where I felt like the characters were being plain dumb, tho. But I guess it's a possibility what with all the trauma they've just been through.
Well, I am still convinced! Off to the next Michelle Dorey book for me.
[image error]
Well, I am still convinced! Off to the next Michelle Dorey book for me.
[image error]
June 14, 2022
Haunted Hideout book 1 of series 4.7 stars; Mystical Veil 1 novel 4.8 stars
Haunted Hideout is really emotional and really frightening. I loved it!
The dad gets killed by the Mafia and the FBI quickly grabs the mom and two kids and drives them from Florida to Canadian border and an old house out in the country. Unfortunately, their new place is horribly haunted and they barely make it through the first 24 hrs.
The Mystical Veil isn't as intense as HH, but it is really well-written and the characters are perfect! Don't miss either!
Haunted Hideout is really emotional and really frightening. I loved it!
The dad gets killed by the Mafia and the FBI quickly grabs the mom and two kids and drives them from Florida to Canadian border and an old house out in the country. Unfortunately, their new place is horribly haunted and they barely make it through the first 24 hrs.
The Mystical Veil isn't as intense as HH, but it is really well-written and the characters are perfect! Don't miss either!
September 19, 2022
I wasn't going to write a review but seeing all of the low stars I felt I would. I do agree with many points made; Not enough backstory, but with that said, I think the FBI agent may show up in other novels. He was the most interesting character in the book. He has a history that was never developed with the end of his marriage etc.
I just feel that it was enjoyable - it's not going to win any awards - but I stayed glued in hopes to learn more about the history of the adult main characters - which never materialized sadly.
I would read more of her works.
I just feel that it was enjoyable - it's not going to win any awards - but I stayed glued in hopes to learn more about the history of the adult main characters - which never materialized sadly.
I would read more of her works.
November 26, 2024
Kristen James does a great job narrating for Audible, what is a fun premise: a family is taken into Witness Protection, only to discover their safehouse is haunted! Sadly, the characters are all unlikeable and much of the dialogue is hot garbage. Like a bad horror film, though, this does hit a good stride in the third act when the ghosts fully manifest and start trashing the place…but then it limps to a rushed ending. This one hits a “so bad it’s good” vibe for about 1/3 of the book…but it’s not enough to make me want to continue the series.
June 28, 2020
A safe house?
Haunted Hideout is the epitome of a can’t put it down story. On the run for their lives to a safe house, find it far from safe.
A page turner from the beginning became pages flying with an unbelievable story that held readers engrossed in a great scary goodread to the end.
Paranormal Suspense fans don’t miss Haunted Hideout.
My first Michelle Dorey book, will not be my last.
Haunted Hideout is the epitome of a can’t put it down story. On the run for their lives to a safe house, find it far from safe.
A page turner from the beginning became pages flying with an unbelievable story that held readers engrossed in a great scary goodread to the end.
Paranormal Suspense fans don’t miss Haunted Hideout.
My first Michelle Dorey book, will not be my last.
August 24, 2020
A good horror story.
Haunted Hideout is filled with suspense and horror. Lydia and her children are placed in the Witness Protection Program after her husband is murdered by a drug cartel. They are taken to a new home. I like the buld up to the horror. There us a second story. The Mystical Veil. I already have that story, so I did not have to read it. It's not as good as the first one, but it is still good
Haunted Hideout is filled with suspense and horror. Lydia and her children are placed in the Witness Protection Program after her husband is murdered by a drug cartel. They are taken to a new home. I like the buld up to the horror. There us a second story. The Mystical Veil. I already have that story, so I did not have to read it. It's not as good as the first one, but it is still good
June 22, 2021
Haunted Hideout
I chose five stars solely because the book was so well written and the story line was rivetting to the end. Excellent how the author wrote about GM (Nana) in the present tense fooling the reader to think that she was real when you find out near the end of the book that Nana had been dead for over a week, as I say, I found the story well written and I couldn't put the book down, thank you.
I chose five stars solely because the book was so well written and the story line was rivetting to the end. Excellent how the author wrote about GM (Nana) in the present tense fooling the reader to think that she was real when you find out near the end of the book that Nana had been dead for over a week, as I say, I found the story well written and I couldn't put the book down, thank you.
February 13, 2021
Two series starters in one
This edition actually contains the first books for two series.
Haunted HideawayThe first book of The Haunted Ones is a straight forward horror novel about a haunted safe house. Well written with a good plot and lots of suspense, it was an enjoyable read.
This edition actually contains the first books for two series.
Haunted HideawayThe first book of The Haunted Ones is a straight forward horror novel about a haunted safe house. Well written with a good plot and lots of suspense, it was an enjoyable read.
April 5, 2021
Such a good book and I really enjoyed it. It's all about the Witness Protection Program and how a family deals with it. They are from Florida and are moved up near the Canadian border and they have never lived in cold weather so when it starts to snow, it's a real change for them. I think you should pick up this book and give it a try. I loved it and I know you will too.
November 3, 2021
Scary and creepy
Haunted Hideout was creepy and while reading the hairs would tingle on my arms and neck
It literally had me in it's grip...the story was well written and I couldn't put it down
I love how the author is from Kingston, Ontario and keeps her stories around the area be it Canada or the US...
Highly recommend her books
Haunted Hideout was creepy and while reading the hairs would tingle on my arms and neck
It literally had me in it's grip...the story was well written and I couldn't put it down
I love how the author is from Kingston, Ontario and keeps her stories around the area be it Canada or the US...
Highly recommend her books
July 14, 2020
The story definitely had potential, the book needed a better editor, though. One of the complaints I saw most in the reviews here was the number of exclamation marks, and I have to agree there really is no need for that many exclamation marks.
September 23, 2020
Just when your life is already hell, you and what's left of your family land in witness protection...in a house haunted by an extremely angry ghost! Just the thought is scary. Well played, Ms. Dorey!
November 3, 2020
I normally love these types of books and they keep me completely engaged. For the most part, it was true of this one, as well. However, some of the writing was really juvenile and I almost put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews