This was one of the creepiest and innovative books I’ve read in a long time. I feel like I can’t mention too much of the plot because figuring out what was happening in the first few chapters is part of the tension in this book. I almost quit at one point because I kept thinking: why doesn’t she leave the house?!? So glad I kept reading- the twists in this book were dare I say- killer!

I love Darcy Coates and have read everything she has ever written. I really wanted to love this book but was a little disappointed in the premise. This is a difficult book to review without giving away the plot, it's that convoluted. Is the protagonist being haunted or is something else afoot? We find out several chapters in and Ms. Coates throws a twist in there that I found oddly disappointing. I remain hopeful that she will go back to writing what she does best in her next book.

Darcy Coates is the queen of scary! This is the second book I have read of hers and both of them were amazing. This book was one of the most disturbing, scary, and heartbreaking books I have ever read! Highly recommend!

Thank you for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

For some reason, even though I’m a HUGE baby about horror movies (seriously, I can’t even watch trailers for scary movies), I love scary stories in book + podcast form. Honestly, it’s more of an obsession. If you name a horror podcast - especially if it’s ghost stories - I’ve probably listened to it. And I will read every single haunted house book that I can get my grubby little gremlin hands on…but it takes a lot for a scary story to actually, well, scare me.

I started reading this book at work, in the middle of the day, and just the opening scene had me so creeped out that I was physically recoiling into myself like one of those bugs that rolls itself into a little ball as a defense mechanism. This story is engrossing and addictive and utterly unique. It’s the kind of book that’ll have you staying up past your bedtime because you can’t put it down…and because you’re so thoroughly creeped out that you can’t fall asleep.

Darcy Coates never fails to deliver! I'm fairly new to her books (last year I read my first by her). A good storyline, compelling characters which I like, and some good spine tingling and genuinely creepy moments! May I suggest waiting for a stormy night, light a candle and brew a tea, you won't regret it!

This is an engrossing horror novel that dives right into some scary scenes.

Leigh Harker has happily lived in her house for about fifteen years until one night she is frozen with terror because there is an intruder slowly creeping its way into her bedroom. What follows is a house that is suddenly vibrating with bad energy, items go missing, other items appear from nowhere, there’s a creepy cupboard under the stairs, and this ghastly intruder that stalks Leigh. On her own, Leigh refuses to leave her sanctuary and decides to take a stand against these terrifying forces.

I think it’s best to go into this one not knowing much more than that. Like I mentioned, this novel jumps right in to a terrifying scene with no introduction. There are breadcrumbs dispersed throughout that provide insight into Leigh’s background and character.

Some parts of this were truly scary. I found myself holding my breath, waiting to see what would happen. While the beginning was intended to be scary, it took a few pages before I became fully invested in this tale.

Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Darcy Coates for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I don’t think I’ve read anything like The Haunting of Leigh Harker. Harker is a book that you can’t discuss at any length because so much of its magic is in not knowing. This is my second Darcy Coates novel and by far my favorite. I don’t think there’s much comparison between this and The Whispering Dead, even if the latter wasn’t bad. It just wasn’t in the same league as this story.

There are sections so visceral that it’s difficult to feel like you aren’t in this house with Leigh. The house itself is a terrific character, which is interesting. Anyhow, this was a 4 star read for me. I’d recommend picking this up upon its release on September 7th.

4⭐
Darcy Coates is becoming one of my new favorite horror authors. This novel was no exception. Terrifying from the first page and such a page turner.
We follow Leigh Harker who all of a sudden is being terrorized by a creature/being of some kind in her house. She has lived in this house for a while with no issues before. The first intro chapter was terrifying to me. I felt Leigh's sense of panic and dread. I cannot wait to catch up on Darcy's back list of titles and anything new she puts out. If you haven't read anything, and are a fan of horror, what are you waiting for? DO IT!!!!
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this novel, in exchange for an honest review.

Darcey Coates can certainly send shivers down your spine and have you afraid to turn the lights off. The beginning of the haunting of Leigh Harker seemed straight into the creepy atmosphere, ramping up in such a way her previous books had not. A beginning that gets right into the nity gritty and fear.

I loved Leigh. There was a bit of character development through this book. I could empathize with her sense of isolation in her life, relationship with her sister as well. I loved what she got mad about, her insight into her home.

I did feel some parts went on too long but can appreciate that these are the parts that drop little clues which are wound up nicely towards the end. I couldn't figure out the haunting or where the story was going, which kept me on the edge of my seat.

Darcey Coates manages to put a new spin on the haunted house tale, each of her books different yet familiar with her descriptive writing style that helps us get to know the characters and their situation.

With Twists and turns I couldn't see coming, this is a four star read for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Poision Pen Press for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC freely. All thoughts are my own.

Not your usual haunting! Love a good ghost story, and this one delivers - with more going on than just a trapped ghost! Don't want to give any spoilers, but if you like a creepy haunting with mystery woven in - this one is for you. Coates always delivers!

The Haunting of Leigh Harker is well, haunting. The story has the visceral, slow burn mysterious plot line that really makes the reader become one with the story. I felt everything the character did, I looked over my shoulder as I read, I wanted to know what was going on. If there ever was a story that made me become a part of the haunting it is this one.

While the story is atmospheric in the best of ways, it might not be the more original (as far as the reason for the haunting), however, that didn't take away from my enjoyment. The beginning of the story is very cloudy, and it is like reading through a fog and I really found that both disorienting, and helpful because it really put me into the mind and spirit of the main character.

I don't want to give anything away, this story needs to be read to be enjoyed. There are a few moments of jump scares but this story really read like a psychological haunting and that was beyond enjoyable. What the author accomplished in this story, Hollywood has been trying to do for years. This is one of those campfire reads that will stay with the reader long after the last page has been read. 3.8 stars.

I just recently found this author and have already listed her as one of my instant one click must read authors. If you are looking for a story to become a part of, to share in the angst and emotions then I highly suggest this one.

Book Review for The Haunting of Leigh Harker

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This is the scariest Darcy Coates novel I’ve read and that’s saying something. Chilling and utterly scary with descriptive writing that affected me even in the daylight!
I’m adding to my review because I cant stop thinking about this book, its plot and the lives of Leigh and Sarah and how they were lived. A compelling and powerful story on so many levels.

I love good, spooky novels and Darcy Coates never disappoints! Grab this one up if you're a fan! The Haunting of Leigh Harker for the win.

This is a chilling ghost story that will haunt and entertain readers, from USA Today bestselling author and rising queen of horror Darcy Coates

Leigh Harker is certain her house is haunted. Curtains open by themselves. Radios turn off and on. And a dark figure looms outside her bedroom door at night, watching her. Waiting for her to finally let down her guard and fall asleep. Despite appearances, despite all logic, Leigh knows she's no longer alone.Pushed to her limits but unwilling to abandon her beloved home, Leigh's determined to find some answers. But the more she digs, the more she begins to suspect that her house is keeping troubling secrets…and some of them could be deadly.

This book grabbed my attention right from the first page and maintained it throughout the book! This was a scary read, thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC of this book! I loved it!

I’ve read every single one of Darcy Coates’ books, and was so beyond excited to receive this ARC. As with every one of her books, it’s impossible to put down. I feel like every chapter left you guessing and shocked and I just had to read all the way through the end in one sitting. It was such an amazing book!

This book is so confusing. The first 4 chapters were horrible, I almost stopped reading based on them but I stuck it out. The actions in the first chapters were overly descriptive adding to the confusion. The last half of the book was decent at best. The villian in the story came out of total left field, not a fan. This book is a pass for me.

Wow!! This was so atmospheric!. Then ambiance really did it for this novel! The writing was brilliant and was just submerge and immerse in that book I just lost track of time and my surrounding! Amazing read seriously! You need to read it!

This is one of those 3.5 stars rounded up kind of books.

I didn’t enjoy the beginning. Honestly, I thought the start of this was a mix of messy and tedious. I almost decided to DNF it, but based on another review, stuck with it…and I was glad I did.

All the messiness began to make sense. I won’t put any spoilers in this review – I’ll simply say that, while not a unique plot, the author deals with it in a clever way that pleased me!

I do want to warn you that it’s not scary. It’s mysterious and sad, but also has these lovely bittersweet moments – and it ends well. I did not figure out the solution to our mystery in advance and ended the book glad I’d stuck with it.

*ARC via Net Galley

Can you imagine how terrifying it could be : A dark, strange, legless entity lurking around the corridors, taking long tours in your house, as you barely move in your bed, numb, hopeless, scared.

Leigh Harker chose her new suburban home as her new sanctuary but when the sacred place she owned turns into nightmarish haunted place, what could she do get away from being trapped in this place?

Curtains open themselves like radio turns on and off without her touch! Yes, something truly scary is about to haunt her! She needs to find a way to fight or she’s going to lose her mind!

So she digs out the past inhibitors of the house to find a solution. But knowing the past doesn’t make things easier, it may make them more complicated!

The book starts a little slow and honestly I had a little hard time to get into it at the beginning but I didn’t give up which was the right choice to do! Because things get escalated so quickly and I found myself drawn into the story. It was one of our quickest reads and as a big fan of Darcy Coates and her jaw dropping, scary, gothic, horror stories, I found what I really expected!

I highly recommend this to the genre lovers! Get ready to scream aloud! Don’t read it before going to bed unless you want to deal with night terrors.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.