This was a genuinely scary ghost story. Lucky for that because I almost didn't make it past Leeann's incessant southern drawl and endless, brainless commentary. She was not a likeable character at all. Full of conceit and greed, she grates terribly on the nerves. I know she was written this way intentionally and that it is all probably supposed to be a little tongue and cheek, but all it managed to do was annoy me. Again, this is a very scary story...I just recommend that you learn to tune Leeann out or you will never get to the good meat of the story. ( )

I think perhaps the audience for this book would be younger, maybe high school? Sorry to say but i just could not wait to wade my way through to the end. Parts of the writing made the book seem like it was based on reality and at the same time, quite juvenile. Made me wonder if this was a quickie written novel? ( )

First Line: Well, if I didn't want to cry, I guess I would be laughing.

High school senior Leeann Worthier is a girl from the poor side of town who's learned to trade on her good looks to get the things she wants. One of the things she wants is a life on Easy Street, which she obtains by marrying the rich boy in town after graduation.

As a wedding gift, Leann's new in-laws give the couple the Willets House. On the surface, being given a mansion to live in sounds like a good deal, but the Willets House has a history. You see, one day about twenty years ago, Robina Willets killed her husband, her five children... and then committed suicide in that very house. A few years later, two boys dared each other to go in the house. One of the boys died-- Leeann's brother.

Leeann's not crazy about moving into the house, but it is beautiful, and it does have a nice big swimming pool.... It's not until Leeann learns that she and her new husband are living with a very unhappy and very dangerous spirit that Leeann becomes afraid.

Most readers are going to know within the first few pages whether or not they're going to like the book. Leeann tells her own story, and if you like her, you're going to like the book. McKenna nailed Leeann's character. In many ways, she's a typical teenage girl, obsessed with her looks, her clothes, and boys. Her father likes to drink, so the family's never had much, and Leeann learned at an early age that folks are usually quite nice to pretty girls. In turns she's ignorant, hateful, devious, laugh-out-loud funny, and has an honesty about herself that ultimately won me over.

Another element of the book that the author gets just right is what I call the Creep Factor. I don't scare easily, but the ghost in the Willets House had my flesh crawling and had me listening for faint, unusual noises in the house as I read. What's even better, readers learn that the ghost's story is actually heartbreaking, so there's a fundamental emotional shift from fright and repulsion to understanding and compassion.

A feisty, flawed narrator who's not afraid to speak her mind. A downright scary ghost worthy of compassion. And a big surprise when the identity of the person who caused it all is revealed. Leeann may turn some folks away at the door, but for those who are won over by her sass and honesty, there are genuine chills and thrills to follow. ( )

Even though Leeann is a very unlikable character I still enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. Leeann is the epitome of the dumb blonde and very self centered but she made me laugh and believe me it wasn’t with her!

This books starts out with the story of Leeann on her wedding day to the richest man in town, George Willets, plus the story of his uncle and entire family being murdered in the old Willets house, also where a prank gone wrong took the life of Leeann’s brother when she was just a baby. But does she know the whole story? Will it be too late when she finally does?

After Leeann & George get married they move into the house his uncle and his whole family were murdered in. This was a very different ghost story and kind of reminded me of American Horror Story in that this house has had some bad things happen in it and some of those people are still there.

I thought this was a pretty good southern gothic horror but what was different was that there were parts that will make you laugh mostly some of the things Leeann says, she is definitely not the brightest crayon in the box, but after she what she goes through I do think she will grow up some.

All in all I would recommend this to southern fiction fans and fans of ghost and horror stories.

3 ½ Stars
I received this book from Netgalley in return for a fair and unbiased review. ( )

Book 1 of trilogy