The Haunting of Sycamore House: A Psychic Suspense Novel

by Cathy Peper

A shocking murder. A houseful of possible culprits. Can a reluctant psychic unravel a tragedy from the past to catch a killer in the present?

In the town of Little Hills, Penny Spark lives a quiet life, leaving her past—and her psychic abilities—behind. That's until an invitation to a haunted bed & breakfast pulls her back into the world of tarot and premonitions.

However, when a revelry turns to tragedy as the proprietor’s husband meets a chilling end, Penny, along with a host of others, finds herself ensnared in a treacherous web of suspicion. Battling the torment of her sister's increasingly odd behavior and her own nightmarish visions, Penny confronts not only a real-life murderer but an apparition hell-bent on wreaking revenge on the descendants of those who harmed her.

With the noose of the past tightening around her, can Penny appease a furious ghost and uncover the murderer, or will she be the next to join the spirits of ?

The Haunting of Sycamore House is the first book in the thrilling In for a Penny paranormal suspense series. If you like determined heroines, mysteries with an occult twist, and light romance, then you’ll love Cathy Peper’s enthralling tale.

Buy The Haunting of Sycamore House to uncover the secrets of the past today!

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2021

Reviews

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit if a strange read. Penny Spark and her sister Dora have moved to St Louis so Dora can have a college education after losing her hearing in an accident. While working in a cafe, Penny gets a chance to do tarot readings at a newly opened B+B and she and Dora spend the night.

The husband of the owner of the B+B is killed and Penny and the other people working the opening become suspects. Can Penny trust her dreams to help a vengeful ghost cross over so others won't be hurt?

This is my first book by this author. It was a bit formulaic but I kept reading and found myself rather pleased with the resolution. Penny is a great character. Recommended 4/5

[Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]

[Casarah Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penny and Dora move rent an old house. Dora is a college student, penny works at a cafe. Penny reads tarot and just so happens her bosses friend is opening a b and b, for the grand opening penny is hired to read tarot. A cast of characters comes to the inn and oops a co owner is found dead. The suspect pool is full of alive and dead, this is a murder mystery with a paranormal twist.
I found the book entertaining. A few little things left me confused, but maybe the next book will mention it. Glad to see there is more books, can't wait to read.

[Lou Owl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short but fun read! Slightly predictable but I still enjoyed the mystery. My favorite part was the tarot readings and interpretations of the cards. I would love to read more about Gage's earlier years!

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young woman agrees to entertain attendees with tarot card readings at the grand opening of an allegedly haunted B&B and becomes entangled in a murder investigation when the establishment’s owner is found dead the next morning. Could the screaming spirit of Sycamore House possibly be to blame? And if so, is anyone safe from its reach?

This fast-paced novel boasts agreeable female characters, a charming setting, and an interesting take on the spiritual realm. My taste in books runs more towards straight horror, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from paranormal suspense, and I was pleasantly surprised. The plot moves along at a good clip, and it held my interest throughout.

My main complaint was that the ending seemed to come out of nowhere, conveniently tying up all of the story’s loose ends like one of Hercule Poirot’s grand unveilings at the end of an Agatha Christie novel. The male characters were also somewhat formulaic, all of them repeatedly admiring the protagonist’s legs, and the introduction of a mysterious government organization dedicated to paranormal investigations wasn't really relevant to the storyline, although it may be an important element in future installments.

All in all, a light, entertaining read.

Thank you, Cathy Peper and Goodreads, for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book for free.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haunting of Sycamore House by Cathy Peper
In for a Penny Series Book One
Penelope “Penny” Roberts and Pandora “Dora” Roberts are sisters who had lived with their grandmother in Pennsylvania. Their mom had left when they were young, and their dad was in jail. After Dora was in a serious car accident along with her boyfriend, they broke up. Because of a hearing issue caused by the accident, Dora ends up at a college in Little Hills, Missouri. Penny, who always took care of Dora, moved with her.
The quiet-sounding little town isn’t quite like that. Penny ends up working at a café that is haunted, along with the house nearby. It ends up the café was the carriage house of Sycamore House. Penny is drawn to a house for rent. Once they move in there, she starts having realistic dreams of a girl from centuries ago. Penny has some “abilities” as she does tarot readings. She’d given them up after not foreseeing Dora’s accident.
I enjoyed this story. I was pulled in from the beginning and kept up at a page-turning pace. I’ve enjoyed all of Cathy Peper’s books. Her time-travel series is excellent.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Kaylynn McDonough · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pacing was a little weird at first, and some of the side plots didn't really mesh that well with the main story line. Like Gage and his secret company. And it kind of felt like it came out of left field with it being Kendra who was the murderer bc she was secretly possessed, but also looking out for Brooke? But she was also working for some mysterious client who pushed Paul into gambling debts? It all just felt like random information thrown in there to further the plot without making much sense overall. And Penny and Ben's relationship felt so inorganic; they went on a date and a half and he's been hanging out with his ex girlfriend but he's trying to kiss her all the time. Idk. Other than that I liked the overall plot and how it turned out. Would continue reading just to see where it goes.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in a new genre for Cathy Pepper. I have read a few of her historical/time travel books and was looking forward to reading this one. I was not disappointed there was good blend of paranormal activity, mystery and suspense. Can Penny Spark, tarot reader, clear her name when the husband of a haunted B&B falls to his death and she is one of the suspects? Not only that vengeful ghost haunts her through terrifying nightmares. Will she be able to put his restless spirit to rest? A really good read that keeps you page turning right to the end. Look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Dorcia Beland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haunting of Sycamore House: In for a Penny Book 1 is the first book in a new series by Ms. Peper. It did not disappoint. I can't wait to read more about these delightful characters in upcoming books. Ms. Peper has combined historic St. Louis, paranormal events, and modern-day circumstances to create a compelling adventure and wonderful characters that kept this reader turning pages. I enjoy this author's writing style. I highly recommend this book.

[PEGIANNE BLACKSHEAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read......scary!

I am so happy that there really were ghosts and they did not turn out to be someone posing as a ghost.
This book was easy to read and it was equally easy to keep up with the characters even though there were quite a few.. It did not drag on forever and I was thoroughly surprised to get answers before the very end of the story.
If I were going to tell a story, this is the way I would want it to unfold. Good read!

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book but unfortunately, I didn't much care for it. I wasn't a huge fan of the author's writing. The whole thing came off a little cheesy somehow. The characters felt flat, and I didn't feel any chemistry between Penny and Ben. It was a quick read, and I was interested enough in to finish, but I don't think I will continue the series. Which is a shame because the books sound great and I was looking forward them. 2.5 stars rounded down.

[Ashley Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up, here.

All in all, I enjoyed the book. However, it did seem a little juvenile (and that may be the intent, I am unsure). The ending reminded me of Disney's Haunted Mansion which my kids have had on repeat all month.

That said, I did appreciate the story and I went ahead and downloaded the second book of the series. I haven't started it yet-and may not, but if I need a quick and easy read, I will pick it up. I also enjoyed the local folklore aspect of Pepper's work. I am from Missouri and appreciate some local "history," and legend, if you will.

Overall, I would put this book in more of a teen fiction category than adult fiction. If you're used to Simone St. James' fiction work or something similar, this book may be a little PG for you. Still enjoyable, but somewhat reserved.

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good Ghost Story

This was a very good story with a good variety of characters involved. I also liked the way things progressed as the story went on. Charlene was such a gental, caring young woman back in the 18th century that as things came to a head, I was surprised by the change.

[Papyrus Shelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Medium: Kindle Ebook
Category: Paranormal Mystery
1st Impression: Sweet but not Thrilling.
Overall Impression: Recommend w/ caveat. Not realistic portrayal of physic abilities. Inconclusive historical timeline.
Themes: Small Town Vibes, New Beginnings, Sisters, Tarot Readers, paranormal haunting, physic abilities.

[The Other One · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoy a good ghost story. Sycamore House gave me ghosts, murder, infidelity, a touch of romance, and a cute little stray dog. I always like to try to figure out who did it, and this one gave me a few surprises.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this story, a mix of who donit, supernatural elements and great backstory, although sad. I love the ease of her writing style, clear plots and how she slips in an uneasiness of creepiness. Will continue to read more of her books!

[Rosaleen Gilmore · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was interesting, but the writing needed some work, especially the dialogue and interiority. I also wasn’t sure if I was supposed to root for Penny to end up with Gage or Ben, so I was pretty ambivalent toward the entire romantic plot line.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great light paranormal read. It was a perfect Halloween read!

[Princesspint · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was really good, I will be continuing the series. I'm glad that Dora didn't die and that Brooke didn't lose the baby

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

A good story with plenty of twists and believable characters with the twist of the haunting. Give it a go!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, good story.

I enjoyed this book very much. The story drew me in and kept hold until it was finished. I enjoyed the characters and the pace of the story.

[Elizabeth Guiney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book

It started off a little slow, but once it got going was great reading,Hope they will gain stronger gifts, enjoy ghost and Psyhics.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I love this book. It jumps right in, which is great and holds on until the end. An absolutely gripping plot and a fabulous ending. Looking forward to reading more.

[Sydney Gronberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 Rounded down. The narrator style was all over the place for me. No specific point of view. The narrator often told the thoughts of multiple characters within the same chapter/page.

[Denise Sweitzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story along with the rest of the “In For A Penny” series. Very enjoyable. Highly recommend.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlene

Good read. Takes you through different emotions and experiences. Also kept my anxiety at a high level for most of the read.

[Ashlee Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly don’t know where to start with this book. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last ( I already bout the rest in this series!). I’m so glad I found this series.

This book was wonderfully written and I honestly couldn’t put it down. The twists have you reeling. I honestly didn’t see a few of them coming and was just as shocked as our rag tag group. Action packed from the start with lots of Hastings and ghost sightings. An absolutely amazing ghostly read! The characters were great. I loved that they all didn’t instantly get along, because come on, nobody just instantly gets along with someone they just meant. They were a few love triangles and even a love square. Tense scenes, seances, ghosts from the past, and so much more. I definitely recommend this book! I can’t wait for more!

I also loved at the end of the story the author gave us the actual truths of the story. I loved that this book has aspects of history that actually seems to be happening. I highly recommend not skipping that part. It was really interesting.

[Sean Atwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the book for me. I didn't much like the writing or the characters, who were a little bland. The dreams/flashbacks were good, though - by far the best part of the story. I wanted to like it more than I did.