THE SPIDER HOUSE: A Madam Celeste Mystery - Overview

Author Linda Anthony Hill has another paranormal thriller, The Spider House, to titillate readers of cozy mysteries. The author’s knowledge of ghosts, mediums and the paranormal are apparent from the prologue which sets the stage and introduces psychic, Madam Celeste and her apprentice, Emma. The opening sentences of Chapter One grab the reader, especially readers who suffer from arachnophobia.

Strange happenings in an abandoned house belonging to Cheryl’s mother entice young adults into paranormal investigation. In addition to gigantic spiders, smothering webs, and ghosts, strange things happen that could not be predicted. “Slowly and very deliberately, a ball of light formed in the back bedroom. It grew larger as it moved through the rooms. It seemed to float through the webs as if they weren’t there. Slowly it took shape.” The mysteries and suspense continue to intrigue as the plot rapidly advances through conversations between and among the well developed young adult characters.

Madam Celeste and Emma, are joined by amateur ghost hunters who are friends of Cheryl. Weird happenings are blamed on djinn, supernatural genies, or buru buru that cause ghost sickness. Native American skin-walkers, creatures who can morph into other creatures and hypnotize humans, may be to blame for the unexplained craziness.

As the sleuths investigate the hauntings of the old house, they use contemporary, up-to-date technology with night vision cameras and sound equipment. Strange wolf-like footprints appear to extend the paranormal activity into the forest surrounding the old house.

Whether the reader believes in the supernatural/paranormal or not, this semi-scientific fiction poses a lot of questions into our own beliefs. “We all carry our own truth. We have gut reactions to information – listen to that.” Madam Celeste also says, “ …you will have your own beliefs. Never let anyone shove you in a box and tell you what you have to believe.” Her personal philosophy is that she sees “possibilities, probabilities, and potentialities.” She, and the other investigators, research and study looking for a motive for the hauntings and a murder. Yes, a murder is also involved. Hill continues to ratchet the suspense until The Spider House’s surprising conclusion.

Writers are admonished to “write what you know.”  Hill proves her understanding of the paranormal and parapsychology questioning because she is the owner of a haunted house. She has written stories inspired by tales she’s heard from paranormal investigators who have visited her property. Reminiscent of Agatha Christie, Hill’s fiction, webbed in suspense, is highly entertaining for young adults and mature readers who love stories that produce a few goosebumps and call the hairs on the back of the neck to attention.