The Haunting at Morsley Manor by George Morris De'Ath

Eric Thompson, paranormal researcher, has the gift. He can sense the paranormal and even see the past. He has made a name for himself making online videos investigating haunted places. Well, he and Michael made a name for themselves. But Michael took off and now Eric works alone. Not by his choice. He keeps trying out new assistants or apprentices, but they don't last long (for one reason or another.) 

The book opens with Eric encountering a rather nasty spirit. We also get to see him during an interview and get some third person omniscient thoughts about how uncomfortable he is, though he's there for the fans. He's not sure where he's going next until he's approached to go to Morsley Manor. An old director is trying to start a new series and Eric could be involved. From there, we see others from his past as well as meet new people, but not everyone will make it out of the manor alive. 

The book description was gory campy horror.  I was not expecting such graphic descriptions of said horror that took up so much of the book. If you are looking for a book with great character development, this book was not that. Other than Eric, it seemed like characters were introduced just to move his life along. 

Two and a half stars

This book came out September 23, 2025

ARC kindly provided by Rising Action Publishing Co. and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Elizabeth Sails by Kristin Owens

Beth Schiff rarely leaves her New York city apartment, preferring to stay inside and complete the ghostwriting she does for politicians. She's working with her therapist on correcting some mental health issues that she's struggling with. All of that comes to a head when her great aunt dies and Beth is suddenly on the hunt for a missing will. If she doesn't, her hideously entitled step cousin will inherit millions of dollars rather than a number of deserving charities. 

She's suddenly having to rush to get her cat taken care of and some good clothes because her aunt was on a luxury cruise ship when she died. Once aboard, she meets a group of characters. She also discovers that the hidden will might be more planned than she originally believed.

This is a very fast and fluffy book. There are mentions of mental health but I felt that it was very hand-wav-y in Beth feeling "better." 

Three and a half stars

This book came out October 8, 2024

Borrowed as ebook from Hoopla

Opinions are my own