I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. A mystery set during WWII, it’s the story of Sarah and her experiences at a hospital in San Francisco. Of course, it’s a little more than that, but you can see that in the promo blurbs. It had a very gothic feel to it, which I enjoyed. The story arc was interesting and drew me in. There were a few odd things worth mentioning. I didn’t really believe the love between Zeke and Sarah, as there wasn’t enough foundation there. Sarah has an incident about halfway through the book that doesn’t seem like it would fit her abilities unless they were more extensive than is put forth in this particular story. There were times that I felt like I had missed the first in a series, because of the way past events were referred to, but the author did a good job of weaving that story. The only other thing was that the story was set in San Francisco with American characters, but there was British spelling throughout (i.e., kerb instead of curb). I know that seems nitpicky, but it’s one of those things that takes me out of a story. Regardless, I did enjoy this book. It looks as if it might be the beginning of a series. I hope so because Sarah Bennett is a character I would enjoy following. Oh, and if it is, I hope Great-Aunt Lillian sticks around. I really liked her. This review was based on a complimentary, pre-release copy. Thank you to NetGalley, HQ Digital, and the author.

I have not read the first book in this series (but sure am planning on it!). This did not keep me from following Sarah's story and thoroughly enjoying this light mystery. The characters were lovable and the story kept me wanting more! I would definitely recommend The House of Secrets. This is the first book I have read by Terry Lynn Thomas and am looking forward to reading more of her books.

Sarah Bennett has two secrets: she sees ghosts, and she's in love with a spy. What a hook. The first line in the blurb made me want to read this. I love ghost stories and this book certainly didn't disappoint. It was a great mystery and even though it is book 2 of a series, you don't have to read book one to enjoy The House of Secrets. The characters were well written and felt real. The storyline worked and kept me engaged from start to finish. The setting was haunting and if you enjoy historical mysteries with ghosts thrown in, you'll love this book.

Sarah takes a job with occult expert Dr Matthew Geisler who promises to help her understand that ghost that has attached itself to her. As the story progresses Sarah will find herself caught up in a struggle between the living and the dead. She must solve the mystery.

This is a quick read that will pull you in and the suspense and intrigue create a wonderful mystery. The descriptions are excellent as is the atmosphere setting. The book did have a conclusion, but there will be more to come from Sarah Bennett and I look forward to reading future books.

My only negative was that there was no reference to this being book 2 of a series. There was no mention of this on the cover. Although it didn't really distract from the story, it would have been nice to have read book 1 and had more background information.

This was an amazing book, a fascinating mystery that I enjoyed very much. The characters are well drawn, the storyline kept me really engaged and connected with the characters.

I loved the first novel in the Sarah Bennet Mysteries. This novel did not disappoint. Sarah has grown stronger and more acute with her power. The mystery was very compelling. The setting was haunting and mysterious. Overall, I recommend this for fans of Simone St. James.

I enjoyed this story and finished it in one sitting. I didn’t know it was the second book in the series, so I am now getting ready to read the first book in the series. This book is historical fiction with a mystery and ghosts.

I received an ARC of this novel in exact for a honest review. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.

I was given a copy of The House of Secrets by the publisher for an honest review. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone book. I hadn't read the first book but didn't find it a problem. The book is set in America during the second world war. It is about Sarah who goes to live and work at a house which has been turned into a hospital for returning soldiers. Sarah has visions from the dead.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the story was well thought out. A perfect read for fans of mysteries.

Note: This is the SECOND book in a series, which may cause some confusion for the first couple of chapters.

I would say this was a solid good read. Enjoyable, great pacing, and not too long. It had hints of paranormal, it was a good mystery and though you may find you could pinpoint 'whodunit' early on, it doesn't take away from the entertainment value. It's the sort of book where I KNOW I'll want to read the next one each time and I appreciated the writing style as well. It wasn't too flowery or heavy and it's a blissful escape from a stressful day, the sort of read where it won't drain you but it will keep you intrigued.

I would recommend this to any mystery/paranormal reader and would definitely recommend reading the first book, well, first.

"Sarah Bennett has two secrets: she sees ghosts, and she is in love with a spy.

When Sarah takes a job with occult expert Dr Matthew Geisler, he promises to help her understand the sorrowful spirit that seems to have attached itself to her.

As Sarah struggles to cope with the ghostly presence, she runs into Zeke, the man who left her six months earlier and is recovering from injuries suffered in an alleged accident. But Zeke has secrets of his own, and when an attempt is made on Geisler’s life, Sarah finds herself caught in a struggle between the living and the dead.

Unsure who she can trust, Sarah must solve the mystery of the soul determined to haunt her, and save Dr Geisler and herself from an unknown threat."

I've always been fascinated and equally scared about spirits that attach themselves to people.

Terry Lynn Thomas was a new author to me and I didn't realize that it wasn't the first in a series but I had no trouble following along and was able to get the back story in the snippets that Thomas included throughout. I feel that is a sign of a good book and was easily done in Thomas' capable hands.

Thomas use of intrigue and suspense is on full display in the paranormal mystery. A clear sense of place and time (wartime San Francisco) are enhanced by her descriptions of the Institute and the creepy goings on of the residents and staff (some paranormal, some not!). Her portrayal of the main characters, made you question their motives and sanity and kept you guessing the entire story.

Although there was a satisfactory conclusion, it is set up for more books to follow.

Not much of a ghost story, rather a historical mystery. Plot was all over the place and the story progressed at a snail's pace.

The House of Secrets is a enticing paranormal mystery that is very enjoyable to read. The writing and characters are wonderful. I can't wait to read more from this author.

This was not what I expected and I really liked it!

I was drawn to this book because of the cover. I think I expected something spookier, but I was pleasantly surprised with this book.

I loved the historical aspects, and I was swept right up into the story from the start. The characters feel real and the story was cohesive.

This book could have been so much longer though. I would have loved more information about what had happened in her life with regards to the trial and to how she got to this place. I believe there's more in this series which might explain some of what I was missing in this one, but if I"m wrong, and there isn't, then there should be!

The fact that it was only 120 pages is the only issue I had. I was digging the mystery, the characters, the intrigue, and the paranormal ghost business! I just wanted so much more!

I will totally pick up other books by this author, the writing style was perfect, and I enjoyed this book.

I really enjoyed this and found it to be really atmospheric and sinister. It's the type of book that you find yourself absorbed with and I was gripped from start to finish.

This was a paranormal mystery and romance that was very well written. Zeke is the love that got away for Sarah but what he is exactly? a spy, a murder, or someone that needs to be back in her life. The way the story played out left me unexpectedly surprised. When the tow are back in each other's lives it is apparent that they still have feelings for each other. Oh and of course add in some ghosts and you have a perfect blend for a great story. Thank you NetGalley .

The House of Secrets is the second book in the Sarah Bennett mysteries, I haven't read the first book but this book reads well without having to, Sarah hears and sees ghostly figures, something no one believes, apparently in the first book she was locked up in a mental institution after accusing her step farther of murder, now the trial has finished and she has been lucky enough to find a job with Dr Geisler, who runs a hospital but more importantly is interested in the occult and he thinks he can help Sarah quieten the spirits that plague her. The mix of mystery and occult makes for easy & engaging reading and the characters are engaging, So I definitely feel this is a n author i would continue to read.

I received an ARC of The House of Secrets from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

When I received this book I had previously never heard of the author, but after reading I plan to look into other books by Terry Lynn Thomas. I was so pleased with this hauntingly good book. It is filled with suspense, mystery, and supernatural. This book was truly a page turn that kept me guessing to figure out what happened until the end. If you love suspense and books that you can’t put down this book is for you.

Having recently read The Spirit of Grace, the first book in this series, I thought that book two improved on the author's style. Although the plot is still filled, she seemed to have slowed down and focussed a little more on the characters, particularly Sarah Bennett, who is a great heroine. She is independent yet fits in with the role of women during the period (World War II). The paranormal element of Sarah hearing crying was integrated well and I thought the setting of the private psychiatric hospital with the doctor who is obsessed with the occult was good, and I particularly liked what the author did with Minna, a patient of the hospital who is frightened that a dead man is returning for revenge. If I had a criticism, it would be that I thought the denouemont was a little rushed. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series though.

This book was good with a mix of all the perfect materials to be a page turner buttt it was a little rough going with the Dark Shadows rough redo. It was a quick read though, a nice break from other lengthy novels. Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for a honest review.

The blurb for this book caught my immediate interest, however I was not able to finish this book. The writing was good, but it was very difficult for me to "get into" the story. From what I could gather, there must have been a previous book which, had I read it, would have explained a lot.

In appreciation for the ARC, and understanding that I wasn't able to give this novel a fair read, I will not post negative feedback on Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, or any other social (or print) media.

I do thank the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.