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Cover of The Haunting of William Thorn

The Haunting of William Thorn

by Ben Alderson

🌶️fade to black·spoiler

Why Read This?

A gothic horror that doubles as a deeply moving exploration of grief, guilt, and queer love across two timelines. The haunted manor atmosphere is genuinely creepy, and the dual romances (past and present) both deliver emotional punches that will leave you in tears.

Synopsis

The Notebook meets The Haunting of Hill House in this split timeline queer twisted love story, set against the backdrop of a haunted English manor. William Thorn had his life all planned out… until he discovered his long-term boyfriend Archie in bed with another man. Distraught, William kicks him out of their home, where tragedy strikes when Archie is killed instantly in a car accident. Riddled with guilt, William is shocked to learn that he’s inherited a manor in the quaint village of Stonewall, left to him in Archie’s will. He leaves the city with plans to make a new start for himself, but is surprised by the rundown state of the manor, and the unwelcoming villagers who want him gone. His only ally is Edward, a seemingly friendly local with secrets of his own. However, it’s not only the villagers who are adverse to his presence. A malevolent spirit roams the manor, one that seeks to drive William out for good. But when he uncovers the heartbreaking tale of two men in love in the 1920s, William strives to find peace for the spirit, ending the haunting once and for all. But what dark secrets lie hidden in the manor walls? And will William be able to put aside his own grief to save his new home...and his life? An evocative tale from #1 bestselling author Ben Alderson, exploring grief, trauma and the bones of the past, The Haunting of William Thorn is the perfect read for fans of the gothic.

At a Glance

3.88 ★ Goodreads
Spice Level🌶️fade to black
Endingspoiler
PairingM/M
Romance Pacingslow burn

Top Tropes

forced proximityforbidden lovehidden identity

Mood

gothiceeriemelancholicmysteriousromantic

Book Details

Goodreads Rating

3.88 ★

Page Count

456 pages

Published

2025

Primary Genre

Paranormal Romance

Pairing

M/M

POV

Dual POV

Romance Pacing

Slow Burn

Cliffhanger

spoiler

Audiobook

Available

Yes

Tropes

RomanceMagicActionAngstWorld
Theme Constellation

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Mood & Vibe

Mood

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Characters

FMC: N/A sign in to unlock

Spice Details 🌶️

emotional intimacy focus sign in to unlock

suicidedeath of a partnermurderviolencegoregriefhomophobia/transphobiaalcoholismpanic attackssuicidal ideationblood

World & Setting

gothic sign in to unlock

Reading Context

the angst delivered sign in to unlock

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