Review of The Haunting Season by Michelle Muto

[Barbara Ann RS]

Located in Savannah, Georgia, one of the most haunted cities in the U.S., the fictitious Siler House provides an ideal setting for the scary, macabre story that unfolds in The Haunting Season.  Led by parapsychologist, Dr. Brandt, four teenagers, each with unusual paranormal abilities, participate in a paid study funded by a secret government organization by agreeing to stay in the infamous Siler House for one month to investigate the presence of supernatural entities haunting the mansion. Two of the participants want to stay in the house where they can test and enhance their abilities, one is there out of guilt, and another is forced to be there.  Jess, Allison, Bryan and Gage all have different motives for being at Siler House when they first arrive, but by the end, they are united in their efforts to survive and escape the evil that has imprisoned them.

I was engrossed throughout the entire book, not only by the tension-filled plot but also by the characters themselves. Each one has been touched by the supernatural and their backstories are sad, heartbreaking, and even shocking. When the house itself begins to exert its own powers, the characters begin to question themselves and each other as they become more and more suspicious about Dr. Brandt and the real reason for conducting the study.

The action centers around gruesome murders, malevolent spirits, séances, an antique Ouija board, and necromancy.  The story is fast-paced with lots of drama and a sensual romance between Jess and Gage that enhances the storyline but doesn’t overshadow the main plot. The intense outcome was not what I expected nor what I wanted but one I can accept. Muto does an excellent job with character development and, overall, wraps up the story well. However, I did want to know more about how some of the participants, especially Gage, resolved the conflicts with their families regarding the use of their supernatural gifts and am still not sure how family dynamics have changed since the characters have returned home.

I also think Muto leaves the ending open for a possible sequel. The characters have all been dramatically affected by their experience, and some of the conflicts don’t seem to be fully resolved.  Are these gifted young adults really free of this mysterious government organization that has been watching them? 

With Halloween, approaching, The Haunting Season is a great read, especially this time of year.

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

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