Lancaster House by Taylor Dean

 


Title: Lancaster House
Author: Taylor Dean
Publisher: CreateSpace
Published Date: June 7, 2012
Format: Paperback & Kindle
Buy on Amazon: Paperback or Kindle
Author Website: http://www.taylordeanbooks.com/p/lancaster-house.html

 

 

 

Synopsis from Back Cover:

 

Zoe Grayson needs a change. So, she moves to another state, purchases an old, dilapidated, 1920s Victorian mansion, and sets out to restore it to its former glory. As she begins the restoration, she finds herself falling in love with the old house . . . not to mention its illustrious builder, Mr. Lancaster. Zoe becomes obsessed with the house as she discovers its secrets; hidden rooms, secret passageways . . . and a mysterious man who seems to think the house is his. Who is he? More importantly, how does he live in her home unseen and unheard? 

 

The unexpected answers leave her reeling--and questioning everything she's ever known. To her dismay, Zoe's actions land her in the local psychiatric hospital, scheming for ways to return to Lancaster House . . . and the love of her life.

My Thoughts:

Taylor Dean's Lancaster House is a suspenseful tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time.  Based in present day California, interior designer Zoe is going through a tough break up.  In order to keep her mind off of her relationship woes, she decides to purchase an old house in order to restore it to what it once was.  She never expects to find her true love as a result.

As rumors are running rampant around the neighborhood about long ago murders committed inside Lancaster House, Zoe is determined not to let the whisperings of ghosts keep her from her goal.  However, as strange things begin to happen inside Lancaster House, Zoe begins to question if the hype is getting to her or if she is indeed going crazy.  After many unfortunate circumstances, Zoe finds herself fighting for her freedom in a Psychiatric Hospital.  Her psychiatrist, Dr. Channing, genuinely likes Zoe and wants to see her better.  As she opens up to him about the haunting of Lancaster House, he must decide if she is telling the truth or a very troubled young woman.

Lancaster House easily fits into the Paranormal Romance genre.  It is a romantic ghost story with Zoe falling in love with the spirit that resides within her home.  No mean spirited poltergeist or unhappy ghosts here. What I liked about this story was the fact that I went back and forth several times trying to decipher the true reality.  Was Zoe really living in a haunted house, or was she truly schizophrenic?  I discovered that only time would tell.  As soon as I decided that Zoe was just insane, something would happen to change my mind and leave me guessing until the very end.  Lancaster House actually reminded me of the Leonardo DiCaprio movie Shutter Island.  I never knew what twist was going to come next.  Kudos to Dean for making me use my brain!

Taylor Dean did an excellent job in describing the setting in Lancaster House.  Since Zoe is an interior designer, Dean made sure to describe Lancaster House and its beauty in detail.  I clearly had the picture of Zoe's new home in my mind by the time she had finished depicting its image.  I could also tell that Dean had done her research regarding Victorian era houses.  I felt like I was discovering the hidden rooms and little intricacies right along with Zoe. 

I definitely recommend Taylor Dean's Lancaster House for those that enjoy Paranormal Romance.  I really enjoyed the novel and the suspense it created.  I'm very excited to read the sequel, The Middle Aisle, so that I can see what happens next with Zoe and Dr. Channing.  If it is anything like Lancaster House, I'm sure it will leave me thinking!

CreateSpace has provided me with a complimentary copy of the book, Lancaster House, for the purpose of review.