The Keane family is starting over…but is this the house of their dreams or a nightmare?

This book is a must read if you like: Historical mysteries, family coming together, and feel good stories.

About the Book:

Title: Caretaker
Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Author: R.J. Halbert
Published by: Novus Press Works
Date Published: September 8, 2025
Format Read: AudioBook
Where I Got It: I borrowed this book on Audible Unlimited.
Stand alone or series Number: It is Book One of a series.

Snapshot: what do you need to know before you pick up the book.

Profanity: None
Intimacy: Light married couple descriptions
Violence: Light, some moments of suspence
Themes: Life threatening illness, detailed descriptions of Louie Body Dementia, Life threatening illness, detailed descriptions of Louie Body Dementia

My Thoughts

This book has a cozy thriller vibe. I’m not sure how else to describe it. You get to know the day to day of the family, then the thriller seeps in.

I really really enjoyed the book. However, I felt like there was too much left to be resolved in book two. I loved the representation in this book.

Skip the rest of this if you don’t want a spoiler but it needs to be said. As someone who has had loved ones affected by Louie Body Dementia I very much appreciate the terrifying but realistic representation of this disease. I mostly just loved the character building in this story.

I wanted more connections made with the mystical/historical parts of the book before the end of the book. When the book ended I almost felt cheated. I know the author intends to resolve things over the series, but the beginning was so rich and well set up that the ending felt anticlimactic in that regard. I don’t think I’d have the same complaint if I was able to binge the series all at once.

I usually don’t like full cast narrations but this one was fabulous! You really can’t beat this star studded cast of amazing voices. Kelly Clarkson, Amy Grant, and Henry Ian Cusick were phenomenal.

I wish I had the chance to read this series all at once. The book was so good, but did leave so many things to link to the next book that I wish I could read it now.

Description

A family desperate for a fresh start finds themselves tangled up in a strange connection to a mysterious old house.

After experiencing marriage troubles and dark pasts, Ian and Lyana Keane are ready to leave Boston behind and move with their two kids—Ariel (15) and Zach (12)—to the sleepy New Hampshire town of Littleton. They are inexplicably drawn to an old house that they all feel an immediate connection to—a home complete with a rich history, extensive grounds, intriguing character, and a Caretaker.

But as time goes on, strange things begin to happen with the house and the family living within its walls. They see recurring symbols, experience realistic hallucinations, uncover mysteries they can’t explain. One by one the Keane family realise that dark forces – or something stronger – are afoot. Be it cursed ancient mythology, dark magic, or just chilling coincidence, the Keane family are forced to rely on Marshall the caretaker for help, but is he really as kind and cooperative as he seems?

One thing is clear: the Keane family is more connected to this house than they could have ever anticipated.

But will it have the power to save their family from tragedy? Or will it tear them apart for good?

I do get a small commission if you use the link above and it doesn’t cost you any extra, but you can use the link below if you don’t want to. Thank you!