I received a complimentary audiobook of this title from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

I love ghost stories set in small towns, especially if they focus on families carrying old guilt and a past that refuses to stay buried. This book fits that bill perfectly. It’s got atmosphere for days, strong characters, and just enough supernatural dread to make it a perfect autumn read.

The story follows Samantha Payne, who returns to her family’s old lakefront cottage after her grandfather’s death. She hasn’t been back since she was a kid, and for good reason: her father was accused of murdering a child there before taking his own life, and Sam herself witnessed something that convinced her he was guilty. But her grandfather’s will changes everything. He’s left her the cottage, and if she sells it, all of her financial worries will disappear. But of course, there is one condition. She has to stay there for a month and confront the truth about what really happened all those years ago.

It’s a classic setup, and Armstrong handles it beautifully. The small-town setting of Paynes Hollow feels alive with history and tension. You can almost feel the damp chill of the woods and smell the rot of fallen leaves. I also appreciated how grounded the story feels, even as the supernatural elements creep in. The relationships are believable and layered. Sam’s dynamic with her aunt, her fractured memories of her father, and the way guilt has shaped her whole life all feel real.

I also loved that this book pulls from the legend of the Headless Horseman. That story has always fascinated me since childhood (probably because of the old Disney cartoon that terrified me), and Armstrong gives it a fresh, eerie twist. She doesn’t just retell it, she expands it into something older, darker, and tied to the land and the family’s history.

The pacing is steady, with a few well-placed surprises and a final reveal that caught me off guard, which is always a welcome surprise. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in how the mysteries unfold, and especially in how it is all tied up.

If I had one small critique, it’s that I would have loved a little more of the Headless Horseman angle. It’s such a strong hook, and while Armstrong uses it well, part of me wanted to see it take center stage. Still, the way she integrates it into the broader haunting feels organic, not gimmicky.

I read this one while listening to an audio copy, and the narration by EJ Lavery was spot on. She really captures the character of Samantha well and voices the other characters convincingly. I was completely immersed.

Overall, this is a solid, spooky read that balances mystery, family drama, and folklore in ways that make it feel real. It’s eerie but not overly dark, and perfect for curling up with on a cold night. If you love haunted-house stories with a folklore twist, or you just want something that feels like a ghost story told by firelight, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. Add this one to your Halloween TBR.

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