This was a great story. It had me holding on to the edge of my seat. That's why I rated it as high as I did.

That being said, this book should come with major trigger warnings. I almost stopped reading in Chapter 7, a matter of fact, I was going to stop reading it. I actually did, I closed it and did not intend to pick it back up. The next day, however, I thought to myself maybe there is a reason for it. So I picked it back up and started reading again. I am so glad I did, this has been the best paranormal/scary book I've read in the last few months.

We follow David Caine to the Alexander house where he is to determine if the stories are true. Are there really ghosts in this world? Can a place be truly haunted?
We laugh, we cry, and we cringe along with David throughout this entire book. It is a great story!!!

I received this eBook from Netgalley in turn for an honest review.

**** Huge thank you to Flame Tree Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review ****

****Trigger Warnings: (Pretty much everything, it’s a horror novel), Attempted Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, Pedophilia/Molestation, Death, Suicide, and Violence. (This is also all challenged on page)****

I cannot even begin to describe my love for this book, honestly one of the best books I’ve ever read and definitely one of the best horror books I’ve ever read. It’s extremely well written, well developed, and definitely scary as hell at some points! Prepare yourselves for a gushing review that will hopefully convince you that you need “The Siren and The Specter” in your lives!


If there’s one thing that’s always going to be good it’s a good old fashioned haunted house story! It certainly didn’t disappoint either. The writing was so atmospheric and so GOOD that I was drawn into the story immediately, I could not get enough! His writing is just fantastic, eerie, and down right addictive that I’m definitely going to be reading more of his work. Janz made even the most mundane moments of the book interesting and at times terrifying and suspenseful as well. Seriously, there was never a dull moment even when “spooky” things weren’t happening. I would definitely say it’s pretty fast paced and had plenty of twists to keep things going.

I’m going to tell you now I’m a HUGE horror fan, everything from books to movies, so I like to think I don’t scare that easily. I tell you this so you know when I say this book is scary, it’s SCARY! There is so much suspense and scenes that were truly terrifying throughout, I honestly had to put the book down at some points and then sleep with a light on! So if you’re looking for something terrifying, trust me, look no further.

The nice thing about this book that I just really appreciated was the fact that this wasn’t all horror and scares. There are other sub-plots going on that were actually just as interesting as our haunted house including the mystery of the peninsula the house is on, the mysterious island on the river, the bizarre neighbors, and a woman from David’s (our MC) past. There are just so many different interesting things that kept me 100% intrigued all the way up until the end. I truly enjoyed all of the added mysteries, I honestly would have read the book just for that and all the horror and scary bits were a plus! Everything was weaved together and connected perfectly!

I didn’t think the story was too convenient or predictable whatsoever either, everything flowed really well. I also loved that there was horror and action all the way up until the very last page too!


I feel blessed to have read a horror novel that had both an amazing plot and amazing characters. Everyone was so well written and so complex, it really did wow me.

David was a great protagonist, both likable and even unlikable at times. I loved reading about his opinions and skepticism on the happenings in the house, it did get to be frustrating though seeing a non-believer keep waltzing right in to danger like he did. However, if we had someone run away from the danger we wouldn’t have much of a story would we? Even though he had his flaws and share of wrong-doings (he is human after all) I still felt protective of him especially when people didn’t think the best of him.

There were also a slew of other great secondary characters: Ralph, the old and fairly wise neighbor, Jessica, the mysterious woman that may be up to something, Sheriff Harkless, the badass black female sheriff who is just…awesome, seriously awesome is the word, and Mike Jr. and Ivy, the poor, adorable, neglected children of the bizarre, sex fiend neighbors.

Everyone has page time and everyone is so well developed, I could not believe it. There are a few other characters but not that I can mention too much of, especially since I want to avoid spoilers! Overall though the characters I mentioned above were all of my favorites!


I feel like I should at least briefly mention the romance since there is a little bit in the book, however, it isn’t a big focus and certainly doesn’t overshadow the plot. I liked that the romance was slow burn and by the end of the book I was practically begging the author to let the two of them be together! They’re a great couple and I loved both characters individually as well, though I won’t say who because I don’t want to spoil it!


What I Loved:

The writing and atmosphere
Plenty of twists and turns
Scary as hell scenes!
Action all the way up until the end
Fast pacing
Interesting sub plots, more going on than just the horror
Complex, well developed characters
Slow burn romance

What I Didn’t Love:

Nothing, absolutely nothing! Everything was great!

I highly, highly recommend checking out “The Siren and The Specter” especially for my fellow horror fans, if you love haunted house stories then this book is 100% for you! It’s also the perfect read just in time for Halloween as well if you’re looking for a well written, well rounded, book with plenty of scares!

Where has this book been all my life?!

This book had everything I want in a haunted house story - Janz has a wonderful writing style which makes each chapter feel like part of a gift that just keeps on giving. Seriously, I couldn't get enough of this book, it had strong characters, hauntings, gore and a beautiful gothic feel to it.

David Caine is a skeptic of the supernatural and an author of books that disproves ghosts and hauntings, so that's exactly what he sets out to do when an old college friend asks him to investigate a house he and his wife have bought. Obviously, this is a horror novel so there's something legit going on with the house...

David is a bit of a knob. He knows it. There are some extenuating circumstances behind why he is the way he is, and honestly, I feel like he has a bit of a bad rep given that he's just a garden variety knob rather than an out-and-out bastard.
This story is partially about his redemption and about forgiving himself for his behaviour as a young man - but with really nasty ghosts and the neighbours from hell.

The author manages to hold the tension for the entire book, with a grand finale to satisfy even the most demanding reader.
I love that the author kept the genre fresh by mixing up different elements that you wouldn't expect to see together in one story, wrapped up in a wonderful gothic horror writing style.

David Caine, author and renowned skeptic, soon finds his beliefs tested after he agrees to move into a friend's "haunted" house for a month.

Another enjoyable title by Janz. There's a cast of well-developed supporting characters, and a fully realized history behind the villains. Nice balance between plot and well-executed gore. Overall, recommended.

I have been looking for a good haunted house story and I found one! The Siren and the Specter was fast paced and full of lots of spooky action!

David has made a living on being a skeptic when it comes to the paranormal. He has debunked several haunted houses and wrote books based on them. His old friend from college invites him to come and spend a month at the Alexander House, it's a place that him and his wife bought. It is supposed to be one of the most haunted houses in Virginia.

David goes into this like any other haunted house, he figures he will stay there and write a book. He knows what Kathyrn, Chris's wife wants from him, she wants a great book about a haunted house so it could attract people but he won't write something he doesn't believe in. Though on his first night there he experiences something he cannot explain though he writes it off as too much to drink or not enough sleep.

The longer he is there and the more he gets to know those around him the stranger things become. Strange things happen in the house that he can't fathom but he refuses to believe in the paranormal yet he is afraid to sleep in the house.

His neighbors are very strange and he feels bad for the two little kids that live with them. It's that part of the story line that I hated the most because it was just so skivvy and gross. It was a little over the top but it does go with the storyline of the house and the land surrounding it.

David drove me crazy a few times with his quest to not believe anything he was seeing but at the same time I was rooting for him to figure things out.

I feel like this is a book that I can't talk a lot about as it's best to just discover all the coolness for yourself. There is a lot of evil in that house and it made for a very action packed fast paced haunted house story and I enjoyed it immensely.

I would recommend this one for anyone who loves a good haunted house story!

Holy cow! This book is NOT for the faint hearted. Extremely dark and gory. There are going to be some scenes that’ll pisses or turn you off. For some reason it felt like it was written for a movie instead of a reader. I wanted to put the book down but I needed the answers which unfortunately were at the end. It will keep you in your toes. His writing is MUCH darker than Stephan King and Dean Koontz. Warning: There are explicit scenes in the book. There some graphic sexual nature and child abuse in it. I have never read a thriller that is so dark as this one. I’m going to give it 3 3/4 stars. I received this ARC from Net Galley and Flame Thrower in exchange for an honest review.

This was only the second book by the author I've read so far, but I can already recognize the author's unique voice. Again, Janz delivers a complex story packed with gory action and glimpses into the abyss of depravity, but also interludes of more subtle horror and an exceptional character depth. The broad variety found in this book makes it not just another haunted house/ghost story, but a unique sample of the finer art of horror.

At first, I felt slightly overwhelmed by the different plot lines thrown in, but at the end everything fit perfectly together. I was eager to explore the history of the house and the peninsula, and to understand step by step how it came to be haunted. What got to me most though were the children, and seeing how their innocence was already crushed by human monsters long before any supernatural evil reached out for them.

Regarding characters, it was fascinating to observe the transformation of the main character David. He fought so hard to maintain his belief in the non-existence of anything supernatural, but at some point he could no longer deny it, as it was staring him right in the eye. Oh, and at the beginning I was really amused by his jumpiness, which contradicted his matter-of-fact appearance.

A very rewarding reading experience which more than fulfilled my expectations.

I read THE CHILDREN OF DARK earlier this year, so I know what Jonathan Janz is capable of. THE SIREN AND THE SPECTER is a good haunted house story. I read it in two sittings. I enjoyed the experience, but there are some things in this book that I didn't like.

David Caine is a renowned skeptic of the supernatural who is invited to stay at the Alexander House (the most haunted house in Virginia) to debunk the urban legends and to write a book about his experience. What will become of David Caine? Will he accomplish his task?

THE SIREN AND THE SPECTER has several layers to it. This ghastly tale of depravity delivers the occasional scares. The scenes were good, but I didn't care for the dialogue. It didn't feel natural. I didn't like the way the characters talked to David. I didn't know why the characters didn't like David. After a while, the dialogue did get better.

There are several layers to THE SIREN AND THE SPECTER. There's almost too much happening in this book, and it's a lot to digest in a short amount of time. I loved the atmosphere and I was rooting for David to succeed. The past comes crashing into the present. There are a few surprises in the reveals, which I delighted in. The gore is on full display. THE SIREN AND THE SPECTER is a mystery shrouded in the supernatural and doused with blood and guts.

Even though I enjoyed THE SIREN AND THE SPECTER, I feel like it would make for a better read if it was broken down into two separate books, that way Janz could fully flesh out the big picture. I loved the ending of the story. That ending is everything. I would love to read more about David Caine.

While reading this book, I realized that I love Janz's writing style. He drops a few words here and there that I'm not familiar with, which makes the reading experience fun. If you haven't read Janz yet, then remedy that quick like.

Recommend!

I was lucky to receive this wonderful book on request from NetGalley for an honest review.
Around a month ago I read Children Of The Dark by Jonathan Janz, and it blew me away.
I discovered his work by sheer accident looking for writers influenced by Richard Laymon.
After some digging around, Jonathan's name kept cropping up, praise from so many respected authors.
Now, I'm not saying he is exactly like Laymon, far from it, although I do believe his earlier work has shown an influence, from what I've heard anyway. What I am saying is he can grip you with a story like Laymon could, and that's all we horror lovers are really after. isn't it?
The Siren and the Specter is a terrifyingly beautiful tale about a sceptic called David Caine, invited to spend a month in the Alexander House by an old friend.
As the story progresses we meet up with some of the most twisted, well-thought-out characters I've ever read in a novel. The children, for example, are the way they are for a reason. Jeez... what a life.
The house isn't the only thing with a past either. David Caine has one too.
I can't tell you too much more because I don't want to spoil the journey.
What I will say though is each character has a journey of their own. And for each one of them, you'll be emotionally invested.
When I was about a third of the way through I commented on Twitter that the book was a bloody nightmare... in the most awesome way. For the rest of the book, I never lost that feeling.
Go buy this one.. And then go buy another one of his. And then tell all your friends too, because Jonathan won't ever let you down.
And that's as honest as I can be.

I’m a sucker for a good haunted house story, but even more so, I’m a sucker for books that make you question whether the events taking place are actually supernatural. So when I happened across this book, I knew I needed to read it. David is a professor and a well-known skeptic of the supernatural, so when his college friend Chris asks him to settle a bet between him and his wife on whether the most haunted house in America is, indeed, haunted, David jumps at the chance. He agrees to spend a month in the Alexander House and write a book about his experience. But what David doesn’t realize is that, haunted or not, the house is about to bring his own demons out of hiding.
This book was so, so good. From the very first pages, I was absolutely absorbed by the writing. Janz builds a tense and creepy atmosphere right out of the gate, and I was hooked! I found myself constantly doubting what was taking place along with David, unsure of what or who to believe. More than once, I had to put the book down for a bit while reading at night because I was too spooked! One scene in this book even got a literally, out-loud “wtf?!” from me.
One thing I really appreciated about this book was the human element, something that’s often lacking in horror novels. For the most part, the main characters felt fully fleshed-out with believable motives for their actions, which really enhanced the feeling of suspicion I had towards each of them at different points in the novel. Having such real characters went a long way to making me question what was real and what wasn’t while reading. David also makes for an incredibly compelling protagonist; even though he’s kind of a crappy person, he’s sympathetic and interesting, and it’s hard for the reader not to empathize with him.
This novel is an excellent example of what a fantastic haunted house story should be. It’s well-rounded, with lots of horror but without neglecting characters, plot and style. Everything fits perfectly together, even the elements that might have seemed a bit out of place originally all come together by the end of the novel to create a fantastically terrifying and incredibly satisfying read. Anyone looking for a smart, scary read should pick this up, I promise it won’t disappoint!

Thank you to the publishers for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Siren and The Specter, for me, is not your typical ghost story. I admit that at first I was a bit hesitant to read another cliche' novel but this one surprised me. It had a really good plot and kept me hooked to know how the story would twist, it did not disappoint.

Jonathan Janz, whose fiction I have enjoyed for many years, presents his newest offering, his take on the haunted house tale. Things start off with David Caine, who stays at the Alexander House in Virginia. As a debunker of ghost myths and the supernatural in general, he's not sure what to expect but let's just say he's in for a rude awakening on multiple levels. What I found most interesting as the story unfolded was the growing sense of unease that even though David seems like mostly a "good guy," that there's a lot more to him than it seems at first. He isn't as innocent as he seems at first and still carries the weight of a very troubled past with him.

I definitely felt a strong sense throughout that this novel is one of those that made me question as a reader who is telling the truth and where at many times, it was unclear whom to believe, which only added to the overall suspense and tension that Janz did a great job sustaining throughout.

For those who can't get enough of haunted house novels but want a novel that goes in more interesting directions than the usual fare, definitely check out The Siren and the Specter by Jonathan Janz.

This was my first read from Jonathan Janz, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Siren and The Specter is a great haunted house story, pulling me in from the very beginning. The characters are well written; I found myself truly invested in the well-being of several of David, Jessica, and several others. The suspense builds throughout the novel, and I found it hard to put down many times. I loved the setting and thought that the amount of detail in the story was just right. This is a novel that contains the right amount of creepiness and supernatural elements, balanced with lovable characters, a great plot, and deeper themes, such as forgiveness. I can't wait to read more from this author!

I didn't know much going into this beyond that it involved a haunted house and a main character that intended to debunk any supernatural happenings. Through the story we learn more about the house, its inhabitants, and David, our skeptic.

So, the good: I loved reading this. I was hooked, and it got me through a boring red eye flight (and part of my layover). David's narration was entertaining, the writing in the story was great, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters - especially Harkless and Mike Jr. I was completely captivated throughout a majority of this - until the end.

I felt the last quarter of the book, while entertaining, was a bit chaotic. Pieces were fit together that previously seemed to have no connection, and there was a lot of extra stuff that didn't seem to quite fit into the main story. I can't really explain this much without spoiling, but there's some sort of historical thing that happened to a woman a long time ago, and while it was mentioned earlier in the story, by the time this comes into actual play again, I was confused about why it was even happening. It just seemed like a part of a separate story that somehow found its way into this one during editing.

I also found it really difficult to get on board with the main romantic situation, considering... other stuff I won't spoil. Again, another thing that seemed a bit out of place here.

Overall, 4 stars from me! I would definitely recommend this to fans of the haunted house genre, with a brief warning that there is quite a lot of talk of sex and porn - and if you're put off by that sort of thing, you may want to steer clear.

I like to read some good horror fiction and this was really good as I was scared to death. The book is a bit slow at the beginning but when it starts going it's enthralling and you cannot put it down.
It made me discover very good author I didn't know and a very good book I really enjoyed.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Flame Tree Press and Netgalley for this ARC

A skeptic takes on "the most haunted house in Virginia". What could be better than that premise. The Siren and the Specter is a bone chilling ghost story with plenty of exciting scares and twists. The haunting scenes are the scariest I have ever read, and I found that I could not put it down. This novel is gory, spooky, and hedonistic to the core.

The setting is a small lake community by a forest in a house built in the 1700s. This setting provides the perfect atmospheric backdrop for a fantastic horror novel.

This small lake town is full of interesting characters including a no-nonsense sheriff and depraved neighbors. The main character David Caine is slow to believe in the supernatural, but is confronted by two spirits that will make him rethink his beliefs and face his past. He is such a great protagonist.

I would recommend The Siren and the Specter by Jonathan Janz to those who love horror and ghost stories. This one is scary, twisted, and addictive.

4,5
Unsettling and atmospheric since the beginning, The Siren and the Specter is a horror novel that focuses on David Caine, a skeptic writer of the supernatural, who’s invited by his friend Chris to stay at the Alexander House, “the most haunted house in Virginia”, and write a book about it.

Jonathan Janz hooked me right in the first chapter and he never let me go. Despite finding David a presumptuous narrator in the beginning, I slowly grew attached to him as he was developed, and thought he was a great main character because, as someone who’s not easily scared with horror novels, I love those where skeptics become believers because I, too, want to be a believer in that world.
The other characters were likewise quite memorable for different reasons – especially the creepy Shelbys -, and I think the role each of them had in the story was very well-thought, which revealed a plot way more complex than I initially thought. The author did a great job weaving and encountering David’s past and the House’s history in the most unpredictable ways, creating the biggest mind-fucking twists. What’s not to love?

Throughout the book there were several chilling scenes that gave me LIFE! They both amazed and unsettled me, which put my mind in a happy place while reading this, which is exactly what I seek in horror books.
There was only a little something - and I can’t put my finger on what - that made knock off half a star, including the last part of the very last scene in the very last chapter that felt disjointed. Despite that, I was absolutely stunned with The Siren and the Specter, with Janz’s engrossing writing and the solid, surprising story.
I highly recommend this.

Thank you so much Flame Tree Press and NetGalley for allowing me to review this in exchange for an honest review.

The haunted house is my favorite type of horror story. I can’t get enough of creaking floorboards, cold spots, and doors that open and close by themselves. I love those houses of evil, where terror lurks behind every door and the people foolish enough to enter are trapped inside with forces beyond their comprehension. In The Siren and the Specter, Jonathan Janz takes this trope and expands it. We’re not just dealing with a haunted house here; we’re dealing with a haunted peninsula. And I loved every creepy, brilliant minute of it.

David Caine is a writer known for his skepticism of the supernatural. He accepts an old friend’s invitation to spend a month in Alexander House, the most haunted house in Virginia, so that he can write a book debunking the myths surrounding the property. David shows up with sophisticated ghost-hunting equipment, a highly distrustful nature, and enough personal baggage to fill a cargo plane. Despite his skepticism, he feels something as soon as he enters Alexander House, and he struggles to explain away the creepy phenomena he keeps experiencing on the second floor of the house. His encounters with the locals, some of which will require multiple brain-bleachings to remove their stain from my memory, suggest that Alexander House may not be the only danger David is facing.

Janz handles David’s skepticism deftly. In stories like this — where a skeptic encounters the supernatural and must re-examine their belief system — it can be difficult, bordering on impossible, to maintain the suspense and doubt in the audience’s minds regarding what exactly is going on AND to keep your skeptic character likeable enough to keep readers engaged. Janz pulls off the juggling act flawlessly. I was constantly guessing at the characters’ motives and allegiances. Even as I was terrified by the descriptions of the haunting, I was doubting right along with David at times whether it truly was a haunting. I never got frustrated with David for not believing, even when his skepticism seemed ridiculous in the face of the terrors he was facing, which is a real testament to Janz’s skill. His main character isn’t the most sympathetic, but with Janz’s sharp command of plot and characterization, he keeps the reader in the palm of his hand throughout the entire book.

As the title tells us, there’s more than one supernatural entity at play in this story, but the narrative never feels forced, disjointed, or overly full. There’s a common thematic thread between all of the supernatural goings-on: jealousy, desire, betrayal, and — above all — the evil that men do. Janz weaves these complex legends, motivations, and backstories into a cohesive, compelling narrative that won’t let you put the book down. (Especially if it’s 2 A.M. and you’re too scared to reach out past the edge of your bed to turn off the light. Not that I would know anything about that, of course.)

The Siren and the Specter is part of the premiere lineup from Flame Tree Press, a new imprint shepherded by legendary horror editor Don D’Auria. I’m thrilled to see what their other releases have in store for us, because this first read was incredible. With evocative prose and masterful storytelling, Jonathan Janz weaves drama, horror, and tragedy into a brilliant and terrifying modern ghost story.

The Siren and the Specter
Jonathan Janz
Publication Date: September 6th 2018
Flame Tree Press


I received this book courtesy of NetGalley and Flame Tree Press in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book has had a lot of love over social media and various book review sites; it has popped up on my news feed time and again with its 4 and 5 star reviews and I’ve seen numerous posts about how scary and terrifying it was, and I admit I was very excited to receive it in exchange for a review. I was a little late to the party with this, but thankfully it was still available to request via NetGalley.

To me, this was a story about a love lost, and the search for forgiveness, not from other people, but the journey to forgiving yourself. This was a story about moving on, finding peace, and closing the door on a dark chapter of your life.

Synopsis: “When David Caine, a celebrated skeptic of the supernatural, is invited by an old friend to spend a month in “the most haunted house in Virginia,” he believes the case will be like any other. But the Alexander House is different. Built by a 1700s land baron to contain the madness and depravity of his eldest son, the house is plagued by shadows of the past and the lingering taint of bloodshed. David is haunted, as well. For twenty-two years ago, he turned away the woman he loved, and she took her life in sorrow. And David suspects she’s followed him to the Alexander House.”

I enjoyed it, I really did, although I personally didn’t find it scary. From reviews I have read and various posts I have seen in relation to it, I had expected to be shaken to my very core by this one. To me it was a great story no doubt, with an eclectic mix of characters, ranging from the sweet, the decent, to the downright seedy. I found the majority of characters interesting; I became very fond of the lead protagonist, David Caine, as well as growing to love Jessica as the story developed.

Two characters I had problems with were Mr Templeton, the caretaker of Alexander House, and his daughter Alicia. To me, they felt to be ‘filler’; they seemed to serve only a gratuitous purpose. The discovery of Alicia’s severed head seemed to be inserted only for shock value and then her father who responds in anguish was a bit of a ‘blink and you miss him’ character, brought in to pad the scene out. One minute he was trying to kill David and Ralph, the next he was helping them escape the house. This was the one part of the book that felt a little messy to me, a tad pointless. Alicia’s character hadn’t been developed enough for me really to be bothered by her grim demise, it felt more like she was just introduced so she could be killed.

I wish more had been done with Ralph’s character. After the revelation of what he had done, or more accurately, what he had allowed to be done, I really wished that his story had been allowed to develop a little more. I would have loved to see a bit more before his confession, and a lot more after. I think he was a decent guy overall, he had just made a bad decision to get through life – don’t we all sometimes? We all have regrets, dark secrets that we want to stay hidden, sins we wish we could undo. A part of me wished that he hadn’t have been killed the way he was, but again, it developed the story somewhat with regards to David and the undoing of his perpetual scepticism,so I can see why it was played out in such a way.

I really enjoyed the seedy Shelby family, Honey... oh dear lord, what a nightmare of a woman. Her bullish husband and her two innocent children, it was heartbreaking at times. Especially Ivy - the poor girl endured a lot. I really liked David’s interaction with them, the inner monologue of deciding what to do, should he go to the police or not. It really fitted well with the sad times we live in, with this kind of family unit being everywhere. The sad truth nowadays is you find yourself torn, you might want to help, take a child in and feed them, make them feel safe for a little bit, but you can’t. We now live in a world where if you so much as smile at a child you can be accused of all kinds. I have even read ridiculous news stories where a father was arrested for taking a picture of his own child in a park. We have created this madness, this world where we are all too scared of accusation and repercussion, to help people now. I appreciated that it was alluded to within the book, intentionally or otherwise.

The Siren aspect of the story is another part that I feel wasn’t touched enough on. We only receive a brief synopsis of this during the book, and it felt a little like a Marvel post credit scene at the end.

Overall I very much enjoyed The Siren and the Specter. I have several issues with it, but with that, it’s a great story. It is about love and loss, as well as the sad truths of some families and the twisted way friendships can end up. It didn’t feel like a great ghost story, and I was definitely more interested and involved with the characters and the developing plot, rather than with the haunting, which just felt more like a secondary side story.

It’s a fantastic read despite what I found to be flaws. It’s interesting and thought provoking and does have a few horrifying moments near the end.

3/5 – not terribly scary but a great story nonetheless.

Lesley-Ann (Housewife of Horror)

The Siren and the Spector is a book that I am finding difficult to review. I want to say 5/5 because it’s Janz, and I love his writing, and I love his characters. I also want to give you an honest opinion, because without that there is no point in even reviewing books. I did love it, and I did have issues with it, and I’ll try to break that down some.

This book has all of the right elements that I want in a haunted-house-themed horror novel. The atmosphere is there, the characters are complicated, and the ghosts are scary. That, by the way, doesn’t even begin to give you the story itself, which the entire premise is thought-provoking and well-written. My biggest issue was with the amount of characters/story lines that are packed into this book. Most of them work as a whole, but to me it feels like there is a lot that is sacrificed from the story when you are trying to lead in so many different directions. I want to know more about almost every character in here, including the main character, even though I personally couldn’t stand David. I feel like this could easily have been a mind-blowing book series. The bones of the story are solid, I would just liked to have seen more depth and history behind it.

This is the 8thbook that I have read from Jonathan Janz, who is without a doubt, one of my favorite authors. Do I recommend that you read this? Absolutely. I will continue to read any Janz books that I can get my hands on, because even when it’s not my favorite book of his, it’s still ten times better than most books that I read on a regular basis. Most people who read this have given it a 5/5, so perhaps I’m just biased to his previous work, but that’s for you to decide and I absolutely think you should.

I received an e-ARC of this from Flame Tree Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.