Book Review The Haunted House of Hillman H2OH

In “The Haunted House Of Hillman,” Frank Weber's newest novel, a young woman, Maddie Dehler, demonstrates one of the most remarkable survival escapes in history. Still, horror returns again and again to the same county in rural Minnesota, and eventually to the home Julia Adams had built in the town of Hillman. The Hillman House itself takes on its own persona in the book as thrill seekers go there on a dare and seem fascinated by the idea of spooky hauntings and uncovering the killer. 

Weber includes some of his characters from previous books as well as introduces several new ones who bring to the storyline their own secrets and questionable backgrounds. Jon Frederick, who is flawed, sensitive, and yet efficient reprises his role as investigator. His wife Serena continues to bring mystery to their marriage. Jon is called in to investigate and reopen a cold case. He is hoping to find a common thread to a series of crimes that appear unrelated to several young women's deaths in the area. Jon's relationship with his wife Serena is put to the test when her connection to an old friend is exposed and his trust level is shaken. As the investigation intensifies so do suspicions of several characters.  

The cast of characters is large and Weber wisely includes a list of characters as a forward in the book. The book is structured so each chapter is narrated from a different perspective as well as chapters narrated by the killer. Characters are well-developed, unique, and quite believable. Multiple viewpoints help readers better understand each character's thoughts and motives as a series of events unfold. Do note with a myriad of characters readers are challenged to remain attentive throughout the story, particularly the last third of the story when tensions mount high trying to trap the killer, find a motive, and secure a confession. The young women who have interacted with the killer prove to be strong and resilient and show just what lengths a person will go to for survival. With so many twists and turns developing identifying the killer is not obvious to the reader.

I must say during my reading I often found it necessary to put myself on “pause.” With increased storyline tensions running high so did my level of anxiousness. I had to put the book down for a bit and step out of the intense drama.

Weber effectively writes credible mysteries of true crimes set in Minnesota. He skillfully weaves relevant information and characters from his previous books into the current book. His novel is filled with gripping action with excellent explanations of criminology methods along the way to enlighten readers. I highly recommend this book for those readers who enjoy a mystery thriller filled with multi-dimensional characters, relevant events, suspense, and seeing justice served.

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ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Frank Weber is a forensic psychologist who has completed assessments for homicide, sexual assault, and domestic abuse cases. He has testified as an expert witness in numerous sexual assault and homicide cases, and has written seven different treatment workbooks. Frank has taught college classes on Social Problems and started his own company CORE Professional Services, PA, which specializes in forensic work and is located in downtown Brainerd, Minnesota. Weber, a forensic psychologist with over 25 years of experience, has been allowed access to visit every prison in the state of Minnesota to perform psychological assessments. Weber's qualifications give him a unique understanding of forensic profiles of predators' thought processes, and the trauma of victims. His background lends credibility to his writing as well as giving his characters authentic voices. Weber makes the investigative process in each of his books as real as possible with logistics, dead ends, red herrings, differing opinions, and politics.

Weber chooses stories to write about that he is familiar with, tapping into real-life experiences. His mystery stories are all inspired by true crimes set in Minnesota towns. Weber is all about family and community. He ties settings in all his books to actual places near his hometown Pierz, Minnesota, St. Cloud, and the Twin Cities area.
Check out Frank's website for more information on him. his books and upcoming planned speaking engagements. http://frankweberauthor.com/