My true rating is 4.2 stars.
Here’s an expanded and more detailed version of the original text:
Some of my favorite characters find themselves ensnared in the same intricate situations, time and again, regardless of the backdrop. These characters are on a continuous journey of growth, navigating the complexities of their world while unearthing the layers of their identities.
At the edge of a tumultuous sea, a woman clad in black gazes sorrowfully into the depths. Her form appears almost ethereal, transparent against the crashing waves, with her tear-filled eyes reflecting the tumult of her spirit—a haunting figure trapped between realms.
Inside Blackthorn Manor, psychic medium Addison Lockhart is drawn to this enigmatic apparition. As she leans over the aged windowsill, hoping to catch a glimpse of the woman, an unexpected, overwhelming force suddenly bears down on her. It is as if some unseen entity is pushing her forward, intensifying her unease. With her heart racing, she instinctively clutches the frame of the window to steady her balance, but in an instant—she is falling.
Who is this sorrowful, spectral woman haunting the corners of Blackthorn Manor? What secrets lie entwined within the fabric of this ominous estate, and why does it seem someone is hell-bent on preventing Addison from revealing its darkest truths?
This narrative took me on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and mystery, leading me on a relentless quest to uncover the identity of the wrongdoer. I found myself jumping from one suspect to another, attempting to piece together the clues scattered throughout, only to circle back to one of my earliest instincts—how crafty the misdirection was!
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale, as it transcended the typical ghost story to deliver a superb whodunit experience. The plot was riddled with red herrings—there were more than I could count! Each twist and turn kept me on my toes, making it hard to put the book down.
Kudos to the talented narrator, Jane Oppenheimer, whose compelling vocal delivery infused each scene with vibrancy and emotion. Her skillful portrayal of the diverse characters brought them to life in a way that made the story's intensity soar, capturing the essence of their struggles and triumphs brilliantly.