4.8 (15 ratings)

Abnormal Desires

Name: Abnormal Desires
Rating: 4.8 (15 reviews)
Author: Eleanor Wagner
ISBN: B0GNSQGX3X

by Eleanor Wagner

ghosts

About this book

Sixteen-year-old Eliza Potter has nothing left. Following the death of her beloved caretaker, she is thrust from the familiar comfort of Pennsylvania into the imposing, shadow-drenched halls of Westwood Manor. As a servant to the cold and intimidating Christian Hartwell Westwood, Eliza finds herself isolated in a house that breathes with secrets, where the air is thick with the weight of a long-buried, tragic history.

This atmospheric urban fantasy masterfully blends psychological dread with the supernatural. Eliza is soon haunted by the spectral presence of a woman trapped in the manor’s walls—a ghost whose sorrow is as palpable as the living dangers surrounding her. While the paranormal elements provide a chilling backdrop, the true horror lies in the human capacity for cruelty. As the dark legacy of the Westwood family begins to unravel, Eliza realizes she is not just fighting to survive the restless dead, but the very real evil of the living.

For readers who crave a haunting, emotionally charged story, this is a must-read. It is a beautifully written, gut-wrenching tale of resilience that lingers long after the final page. If you are looking for a ghost story that prioritizes deep character work and suspense over cheap jump scares, prepare to be completely consumed.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B0GNSQGX3X

Reader Reviews

well done ghost story

March 23, 2026

I liked it because the ghost wasn't overdone; she was in the background of a story that had plenty of its own horror. It's well written and deals with how horrible some people can be. Fortunately, all seems to work out; I say that because in. real life, people who suffer such horror don't just pop up happily married - and actually that. too was good to see. )

Just Deserts

April 17, 2026

Whew..... I binge-read this book, and I really liked it, but after I finished it and wiped my tears away, I really wanted to hug the author, along with several of the characters. The emotion contained in the story was raw and real. The story started out with Adelaide, a servant in the employ of a serial se×ual abuser, Christian Westwood, in England in the late 1800s. Adelaide walked into a pond after Westwood assaulted her, and she never walked out again. Christian felt no remorse. In fact, he...

Beautifully written

May 4, 2026

Ive read several books by Eleanor Wagner. They were all great reads. This book, however, surpassed the others. If I could have given it more than five Stars I would have. To me personally there is nothing worse than the loss of innocence. The evil Christian Westwood manages to steal the innocence of two generations of girls. Eliza has no idea where she comes from. When the dear older woman who cares for her passes away she is sent to work as a servant at Westwood Manor. Alone, she finds herself...

Immersive Suspense for History and Paranormal Fans

March 3, 2026

I read Eleanor Wagner's newest book as an Arc reader and I was glad to have the opportunity to be one of the first to do so. This novella touched upon all my favorite genres - mystery, supernatural and history. The historical descriptions and details of the areas of PA, NJ and NY that were part of Eliza's story made me feel immersed in the settings and personalities of the era. After Eliza met her mother as a spirit in her new home my suspense built to the surprising revelations. One thing I...

Great Ghost Story

March 20, 2026

A great read about a paranormal romance. I highly recommend, I've been reading Eleanor's books for years, it's great to see her return to fiction! )