The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton
4.0 / 5 Stars
336 Pages
Originally Published in 2024
Finished Reading on July 21, 2024

A crumbling mansion on the Florida coast, a family full of secrets, and a history that refuses to stay buried. The House on Biscayne Bay had all the elements of a gothic mystery that immediately pulled me in. As someone who loves books steeped in history and atmosphere, I knew this would be a perfect blend of suspense and family drama. Plus, anything set in a hauntingly beautiful estate? Sign me up!
“The past never truly fades. It lingers in the cracks of these walls, whispering its secrets to those who dare to listen.”
What I Loved
The eerie setting of the Biscayne Bay mansion was practically a character itself. Chanel Cleeton’s rich, immersive descriptions made me feel like I was right there, standing on its weathered balconies, listening to the waves crash below. The dual timeline storytelling was expertly woven. The past felt as urgent and gripping as the present. And let’s talk about family secrets! Twist after twist kept me flipping pages late into the night!
“In houses like these, the truth is often buried beneath layers of whipers and deception.”
What I Didn’t Love
While I loved the atmospheric tension, there were moments when the pacing slowed a bit. It made me eager for the next big reveal. And though the ending was satisfying, I wanted just a bit more resolution with some of the character arcs.
“Some ghosts are not bound by death. They live on in the choices we make and the secrets we keep.”
Final Thoughts
This novel beautifully explores themes of family loyalty, betrayal, and the inescapable grip of the past. The way Cleeton crafts a story where history refuses to be forgotten is both chilling and thought-provoking. It’s a reminder that the places we inhabit hold echoes of the lives lived before us. Sometimes, the most haunting ghosts are the ones within ourselves.
This book is for:
- Fans of gothic mysteries and dual-timeline historical fiction
- Readers who love atmospheric, slow-burning suspense
- Anyone drawn to family dramas with dark secrets waiting to be uncovered.
With its lush prose and hauntingly beautifully setting, The House on Biscayne Bay was a captivating read. While no the fastest-paced thriller, it was one that simmered with tension and intrigue. It left me thinking about its twists long after I turned the last page. If you love books that feel like stepping into a historical mystery filled with secrets, this one is for you.
I’m giving if 4 out of 5 stars!
Do you believe old houses hold the energy of the past? Have you ever been in a place that felt haunted by history?