The Haunting of William Thorn

This disjointed outing from Alderson (The Witch and His Crow) blends chilling suspense and tepid queer romance into an unsatisfying whole. When William Thorn’s partner, Archie Thomas, dies in a tragic accident, William inherits decrepit Hanbury Manor, the Thomas family residence in the Cotswolds. Mired in grief, guilt, and anger, William decides to spend an experimental week at the decidedly haunted manor. What little peace he finds is soon interrupted by blandly amiable Edward Jones, who has come to the manor seeking the truth of what happened to a long-lost family member. Together the men work to piece together the events in 1939 that led to the permanent parting of two lovers, with one disappearing and the other dying by suicide. This mystery is unfortunately undermined by baffling characterization, puzzling details that lead nowhere, and an unpleasant (if understandably so) protagonist. A shocking twist near the end undermines much of the novel’s final act and will leave many readers frustrated. Gothic horror fans will be better served elsewhere. Agent: Hannah VanVels Ausbury, Belcastro Agency. (Sept.)