who now lives in a facility for dementia patients while Sam struggles at a low-paying job. As the book begins, Sam returns to Paynes Hollow for the first time in years for her grandfather’s funeral. When her grandfather’s will is read, Sam learns that she will inherit the family’s prime lakeshore real estate, valued at $10 million… if she spends one month on the property. (There are several cabins on the property where her family spent the summer when she was a child.) If not, her greedy relatives will inherit the land.

Of course, there’s plenty of backstory behind the unusual bequest. The reason Sam left was that she witnessed her father murdering a teenage boy from the town, then killing himself. Sam’s grandfather insisted Sam’s memories of the event were mistaken and set up the bequest in the hope she would finally learn the truth. That truth might have something to do with the legendary headless horseman, which her grandfather insisted inhabited Paynes Hollow instead of Sleepy Hollow, half the state away. Horseman or not, Sam begins seeing and hearing strange things at night. Sam finds the remains of dead animals on the cabin’s doorstep. She sees a strange man in the nearby utility shed, but he disappears by the time the door opens. She also finds mysterious footprints at the lakeshore. Finally, Sam’s aunt, who is spending the month with her in the cabin to keep her company, disappears without a trace other than some footprints and drag marks.

As The Haunting of Paynes Hollow progresses, Sam turns detective, investigating the strange phenomena and trying to figure out exactly what’s going on. (Since she’s stuck on the property for a month, she’s got plenty of time on her hands.) Greedy relatives may have staged the events to boost their inheritances… or somebody else did . It’s also possible the horseman is responsible… or something else is. The author’s mystery-writing skills work well here. Sam is an astute observer and a good investigator. As the book progresses, she learns much more about the property and past events, including her father’s death. (I don’t want to spoil anything for readers here, so I can’t elaborate.)  By presenting Sam’s findings more objectively, the author creates an atmosphere that feels far creepier than a typical “haunted house” story.

The author eventually provides answers to all the book’s mysteries, but she does so gradually instead of in one massive information dump. Some answers involve introducing new characters or putting new spins on existing characters and previous events. The Haunting of Paynes Hollow culminates in a huge climax in which the author pulls out all the stops to effectively create a genuinely fright-filled confrontation (one that will play even better should this book become the basis for cinematic treatment). The surprise twists continue until the book’s last chapter, when the author reveals one final bit of information that alters readers’ perceptions of several characters.

Although I really enjoyed The Haunting of Paynes Hollow, the author employs some worn-out, annoying stylistic gimmicks. She ends some chapters by creating artificial cliffhangers, only to resolve them in a mundane manner at the start of the next chapter. For example, she ends one chapter: “I’m going to call [the sheriff], but while we’re waiting, I need to ask you about something.” This style may have been effective when authors published serialized versions of their novels in weekly or monthly magazines, but the gimmick is silly when the author resolves any “mystery” as soon as readers turn to the next page. The author also allows Sam to keep certain deductions to herself to maintain suspense. Many writers adopt such stylistic mannerisms, especially in romantic suspense stories, but they stand out more in The Haunting of Paynes Hollow, which is otherwise so carefully and effectively written.

When the author finally reveals the whole truth about what’s been taking place, The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is as chilling as the best horror stories. Before that, however, the book’s plot is as twisted and convoluted as the best mysteries, with characters and events that aren’t what they seem, the discovery of a hidden journal in an unlikely place, and a multitude of both natural and supernatural suspects. I would have preferred if the author had chosen something more original than the hoary legend of the headless horseman to weave into the plot. Still, some of the other possible supernatural elements were new to me. Kelley Armstrong’s works span the globe and the historical timeline from 19th-century Scotland to the far Arctic north. She has now added a haunting new tale set on the seemingly placid shores of the Great Lakes. Readers will enjoy spending time in Paynes Hollow.

NOTE: The publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.