What do you think?
Rate this book
Cornelius Saga #1
Cornelius
A HAUNTED HOUSE. A LONELY GHOST. A SPINE-TINGLING, PARANORMAL TALE.
Thirteen-year-old Mira Cullen is very unhappy at home. She hates the way her emotionally unavailable father treats her mother--a woman who worships the ground he walks on. Michael, the family's patriarch, has real issues that prevent him from being the type of husband and father his family wishes he could be. However, unbeknownst to him, his life is about to take a drastic turn.
One day, Mira and her brother, Wade head out to explore a large, abandoned house in a wooded area near their home. They are unaware that their innocent adventure would open up the bowels of history in a most uncanny way. Shortly after their exploration, an uninvited guest invades their personal space. Unsure of what to do, Mira turns to the one source that is bound to have all the answers--a rather unlikely source.
Drawn into the life of one cut short by jealousy, Mira doesn't realize that her willingness to help a mere stranger would result in a new beginning for her own family.
CORNELIUS is a spine-tingling, paranormal tale that ties a painful history into the present day. Get ready to be chilled to the bone!!!
The Plot:
Romance
Betrayal
A Brutal History
An unexpected Guest
Paranormal Activity
˃˃˃ #1 Bestseller in the Teen & Young-adult Multi-generational Family Fiction category.
Welcome to the strange world of Mira Cullen.
Thirteen-year-old Mira Cullen is very unhappy at home. She hates the way her emotionally unavailable father treats her mother--a woman who worships the ground he walks on. Michael, the family's patriarch, has real issues that prevent him from being the type of husband and father his family wishes he could be. However, unbeknownst to him, his life is about to take a drastic turn.
One day, Mira and her brother, Wade head out to explore a large, abandoned house in a wooded area near their home. They are unaware that their innocent adventure would open up the bowels of history in a most uncanny way. Shortly after their exploration, an uninvited guest invades their personal space. Unsure of what to do, Mira turns to the one source that is bound to have all the answers--a rather unlikely source.
Drawn into the life of one cut short by jealousy, Mira doesn't realize that her willingness to help a mere stranger would result in a new beginning for her own family.
CORNELIUS is a spine-tingling, paranormal tale that ties a painful history into the present day. Get ready to be chilled to the bone!!!
The Plot:
Romance
Betrayal
A Brutal History
An unexpected Guest
Paranormal Activity
˃˃˃ #1 Bestseller in the Teen & Young-adult Multi-generational Family Fiction category.
Welcome to the strange world of Mira Cullen.
Paperback
First published February 11, 2015
185 people are currently reading
1293 people want to read
About the author
Tanya R. Taylor
87 books367 followersTanya R. Taylor is the author of both fiction and non-fiction literature, including two #1 bestsellers on Amazon - 'Cornelius' and the 'INFESTATION: A Small Town Nightmare' series. She writes in various genres including: Paranormal romance, science fiction, mystery and suspense.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 17, 2016
Review of Cornelius by Tanya Taylor
Okay, people, bring it on! I loved this tale! The book cover image of the abandoned house enraptured me, then the first mention of a plantation slaveowner ignited me, and I just raced through the book, turning the virtual pages as fast as my eyes could keep up. Yes, indeed--the very first instance of a haunted house story making me cry. I've been reading of hauntings since I was almost too tiny to hold a book, but I don't remember but once being this heart-touched. Wow! Must proceed to the sequel!
Okay, people, bring it on! I loved this tale! The book cover image of the abandoned house enraptured me, then the first mention of a plantation slaveowner ignited me, and I just raced through the book, turning the virtual pages as fast as my eyes could keep up. Yes, indeed--the very first instance of a haunted house story making me cry. I've been reading of hauntings since I was almost too tiny to hold a book, but I don't remember but once being this heart-touched. Wow! Must proceed to the sequel!
September 8, 2018
Cornelius - a review by Rosemary Kenny
When young siblings Mira and Wade trespass to pick fruit on an old abandoned plantation and enter the house - Mira gets a terrible shock.
Mistress of Paranormal Romance, Tanya R Taylor's haunting tale. Cornelius, starts the tragic saga that will stay in your mind for a very long time.
What does Mira see in the house? How does this event affect her? Does her family believe her? Why has the children's life become so hard?
When does Mira's father come to believe her story? Where do the subsequent events lead the family? Will they be able to solve the mystery?
Who is George Anderson? What does he do that helps things get back to normal? Why does he visit Mable Ferguson? Who is Cornelius?
A tale like no other that will haunt the avid reader of paranormal romance and supernatural happenings. Grab your copy today and read all night!
When young siblings Mira and Wade trespass to pick fruit on an old abandoned plantation and enter the house - Mira gets a terrible shock.
Mistress of Paranormal Romance, Tanya R Taylor's haunting tale. Cornelius, starts the tragic saga that will stay in your mind for a very long time.
What does Mira see in the house? How does this event affect her? Does her family believe her? Why has the children's life become so hard?
When does Mira's father come to believe her story? Where do the subsequent events lead the family? Will they be able to solve the mystery?
Who is George Anderson? What does he do that helps things get back to normal? Why does he visit Mable Ferguson? Who is Cornelius?
A tale like no other that will haunt the avid reader of paranormal romance and supernatural happenings. Grab your copy today and read all night!
May 28, 2015
This is the first time reading one of Tanya R. Taylor's books and I have to admit, I wasn't disappointed. She is not new to the publishing world as she takes it by storm with fiction and non fiction genres. Amongst them, she writes mysteries, paranormal romance, religious thrillers, and science fiction just to name a few.
'Cornelius' is a gritty 'edge of your seat' tale of paranormal forces, so if chilling, suspenseful, and down right nail biting pleasure is your thing, (with a splash of romance) then this novel is the one for you.
It has a little bit of every flavor thrown our way with a non-stop reading experience of unimaginable consequence to suit all ages. The author 'Tanya' certainly has a vivid imagination using splendid scenery to really take us into the depth of her mind as the danger of darkness seeps through the cracks from another world.
Extremely strong characterization that captures the essence of discovering 'Cornelius' and I highly recommend it.
'Cornelius' is a gritty 'edge of your seat' tale of paranormal forces, so if chilling, suspenseful, and down right nail biting pleasure is your thing, (with a splash of romance) then this novel is the one for you.
It has a little bit of every flavor thrown our way with a non-stop reading experience of unimaginable consequence to suit all ages. The author 'Tanya' certainly has a vivid imagination using splendid scenery to really take us into the depth of her mind as the danger of darkness seeps through the cracks from another world.
Extremely strong characterization that captures the essence of discovering 'Cornelius' and I highly recommend it.
September 16, 2022
This was quite a moving, and touching, read for me. We follow the brother and sister teenager duo, Wade and Mira, on a paranormal adventure that intertwines their lives with the fates of Karlen and Andy. The basis of the adventure unveils the history of the Cornelius plantation in all its brutal details that split the true love of Karlen and Andy. Mira is able to see the ghosts, one of which continuously visits her until Mira begins to delve into their pasts. All of the paranormal adventures also lead back into Wade and Mira's own family, their parents, Sara and Michael Cullens.
Wonderful characterization and with just the right touch of emotions brings forth a book that I feel comfortable to have my twin tweens read. Very excited to have read the first of three I received as part of a book tour. There are six all-told, one day I shall read the rest.
Wonderful characterization and with just the right touch of emotions brings forth a book that I feel comfortable to have my twin tweens read. Very excited to have read the first of three I received as part of a book tour. There are six all-told, one day I shall read the rest.
December 17, 2015
Mira and Wade, were two kids, that decided to trespass onto Cornelius's plantation house one day. Upon investigating some of the rooms, Mira sees the ghost of a slave girl trapped in that house. The ghost ends up not staying in the house, but visits Mira constantly until Mira takes the ultimate leap of faith and finds the son of the ghost's lost love to reunite the two ghosts. This book touches upon several different things, such as unfaithful spouses and yet, the ability to change and forgive. It would have been great if there was more story in regards to the ghost and Cornelius, but otherwise a really great story incorporating some important aspects!
December 4, 2015
Juvenile
Colloquial language that a person of that education would not speak. Moralizing. Sentimental. Simplistic. I wondered if it had been written by a teenager...a young teenager.
Colloquial language that a person of that education would not speak. Moralizing. Sentimental. Simplistic. I wondered if it had been written by a teenager...a young teenager.
February 2, 2021
This is a haunting story about a family in crisis. The family's home is close to a haunted, abandoned antebellum mansion. The children trespass and encounter a grieving ghost. The ghost affects everyone in the household. If you like ghost stories, this is a very good one. The story is told in two time frames - pre Civil War and 1965.
This book is rated for Juvenile Fiction. I agree with that for the most part, but readers should be young adults because of some of the themes. Murder, abuse of slaves, and sexual affairs are in this book. Also some of the language may be off putting to some. When you consider the two time frames in the book, the language is appropriate.
I enjoyed reading the story. I listed to the audio version and I thought the narrator did a great job.
The author provided me with a review copy. This is my honest review.
This book is rated for Juvenile Fiction. I agree with that for the most part, but readers should be young adults because of some of the themes. Murder, abuse of slaves, and sexual affairs are in this book. Also some of the language may be off putting to some. When you consider the two time frames in the book, the language is appropriate.
I enjoyed reading the story. I listed to the audio version and I thought the narrator did a great job.
The author provided me with a review copy. This is my honest review.
July 20, 2024
The story was okay. It would have gotten a 3 normally. But what always gets me is getting the little things wrong. The bulk of the story takes place in 1965. I’m quite familiar with that time period, having been born in 1964. 1. Mom wouldn’t have had a “mini cooler” - she might have had a small ice chest, but not a mini cooler. 2. The kids grabbed a plastic bag to catch dillies. Plastic bags didn’t come into common use until the 1980s. We had plastic bread bags, but you were more likely to use those to further insulate your winter boots than to catch fruit. 3. The state records office was open on a Saturday.🤣🤣🤣🤣😂.
June 22, 2019
One thing I truly appreciate about Ms. Taylor's writing is that she packs a lot into a few pages. Cornelius is less than 200 pages long, but the character and story development are excellent. Despite the fact that there are ghosts in the story, this isn't a horror/paranormal/supernatural book. Despite the mystery aspect, it's not a mystery, either. To me, it has the same feel as Michael McDowell's Blackwater series, and I can't pin that one down to a particular genre either, I just know that I like it.
August 13, 2019
The debut novel of a long and popular series.
Wade and Mira Cullen two teenage brother and sister explore a house that they were forbidden to go near. They soon find out that it is haunted by a young slave woman. When they return home they tell their parents and soon they all have seen the ghosts and start to try to find out the history of the house and to put the ghosts to rest. I have read different novels in the series I have found to vary in quality. Try it if you like it there is fourteen books so far in the zeries
Wade and Mira Cullen two teenage brother and sister explore a house that they were forbidden to go near. They soon find out that it is haunted by a young slave woman. When they return home they tell their parents and soon they all have seen the ghosts and start to try to find out the history of the house and to put the ghosts to rest. I have read different novels in the series I have found to vary in quality. Try it if you like it there is fourteen books so far in the zeries
December 23, 2020
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read!. A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for an awesome enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. Great book!
August 13, 2022
Cornelius was a short quick read. The main characters Mira, Michael, and Sara were undeveloped. Readers are thrown into the story with a lot of emotional turmoil, yet I did not feel anything. The plot with the paranormal was not fleshed out. The moral undercurrent of the entire book was annoying. I love character redemption, but the 180 change for some characters was too sudden. The writing was easy to read because it felt more juvenile. The timeline of some of the characters' ages and family connections had me scratching my head. I wanted to really really enjoy this; however, it was underwhelming.
September 27, 2019
Kinda spooky
I don't mind a bit of the supernatural as long as it doesn't scare me out of a good night's sleep. I rather enjoyed this one. An exciting adventure for this cast of characters. All well developed and likable people for the most part. I recommend this book it's a fun one.
I don't mind a bit of the supernatural as long as it doesn't scare me out of a good night's sleep. I rather enjoyed this one. An exciting adventure for this cast of characters. All well developed and likable people for the most part. I recommend this book it's a fun one.
July 21, 2022
This is the first I have read by this author and I have to say I loved it. Mira a child and her brother were trespassing on an old slave plantation and a ghost Karlen appeared to her. Through her determination to help said ghost she along with her whole family were able to backtrack to the day she was alive and find living relatives of Karlens soul mate. This is a great story.
May 30, 2018
Every now and then ...a novel is penned that tells the story of how love ....given the right circumstances....can transcend evil....betrayal...tragedy ...time...and even death itself...“Cornelius” by Tanya R. Taylor is just such a tale...A tale of how forgiveness is the balm that soothes us all.
August 22, 2018
Kept me turning pages
I Needed a break from my regular reads, I'm not entirely sure how I stumbled across this series but I'm happy I did. Quick, engaging good storyline happy change of the norm off to grab book two ")
I Needed a break from my regular reads, I'm not entirely sure how I stumbled across this series but I'm happy I did. Quick, engaging good storyline happy change of the norm off to grab book two ")
December 10, 2018
Enjoyed
At the end of this book, I had tears in my eyes. Two slaves, whose love lasted even after death. I got so involved with happenings of the C ullon family, I want to see what happens next. Are they going to see any more ghost?. A really good and well written book.
At the end of this book, I had tears in my eyes. Two slaves, whose love lasted even after death. I got so involved with happenings of the C ullon family, I want to see what happens next. Are they going to see any more ghost?. A really good and well written book.
April 22, 2019
Great book 📙
Wow. The writing in this book was so easy to follow. It just flows. I love the family connection. I felt so sick at the injustice of slavery and abuse. The Cullen family are very interesting.
Wow. The writing in this book was so easy to follow. It just flows. I love the family connection. I felt so sick at the injustice of slavery and abuse. The Cullen family are very interesting.
May 7, 2020
This book was nothing like I thought it was going to be. Not my type of book at all. I was thinking scary haunted house and scary ghosts. I ended the book still waiting for something scary to happen. It was okay but I won’t be reading the following books.
December 20, 2022
I grab this book as I updated the Blind Sight series to see what it was all about. I wasn't sure if I'd like the topic, but once through the opening, it flowed nicely and demonstrated the power of love and persistence. It was a fun read.
October 1, 2023
Okay
So the story wasn't horrible. The writing was weird. It felt like the book had been translated another language into English. Some sentences and words felt awkward. All in all, it was a happily ever ending ghost story.
So the story wasn't horrible. The writing was weird. It felt like the book had been translated another language into English. Some sentences and words felt awkward. All in all, it was a happily ever ending ghost story.
February 12, 2017
pretty good. reads like a fan fiction short story, but kept my attention. I'm going to read the sequel now.
August 21, 2017
Not bad
I really liked the story, characters, and history in this book. It held my interest but not a real scary book in my opinion.
I really liked the story, characters, and history in this book. It held my interest but not a real scary book in my opinion.
October 4, 2018
An entertaining goodread about a ghost killed for love. Her story comes to life years later and renews the love in a troubled marriage. Like love stories and ghost stories, you will enjoy this book.
October 8, 2018
What a story. Young siblings, Mira and Wade, come upon an abandoned house while trespassing to get fruit. They receive quite a shock. Loved it.
November 15, 2018
I was not sure when I started reading this book if I would like it, SURPRISE I loved it. Now I can't read the next one in this series. 😊😊
February 17, 2019
Good read
I'm a fan of paranormal fiction and this book didn't disappoint. I felt it could have been a little more in depth as far as the story goes, but overall it was an ok read
I'm a fan of paranormal fiction and this book didn't disappoint. I felt it could have been a little more in depth as far as the story goes, but overall it was an ok read
September 9, 2019
Interesting story. first book in a series.
September 13, 2019
Bahamas book around the world.
July 12, 2020
A little short but a good read.
I bought the complete series after the first one. Which says a lot for the first book. I am anticipating enjoying the rest.
I bought the complete series after the first one. Which says a lot for the first book. I am anticipating enjoying the rest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews