Step into novels about rich houses stuffed with secrets, where each room seems to be hiding another tale waiting to be told. From towering estates that conceal the secrets of many forbidden love liaisons to colossal manors that have been preserving family secrets for many generations, these novels offer a look into the secret rooms of the past.

As we meander through the lavish ballrooms and detached gardens, we find out that the gathering of riches and status is not the only thing that takes place but rather the labyrinth of deception, betrayal, and gems underneath.

Take a spellbinding trip through these amazing stories, where the greatness of the background setting is only surpassed by the intrigue held within the estate. 

Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

Maggie Holt inherits Baneberry Hall, a mansion infamous for her father's bestselling memoir recounting supernatural horrors. Disbelieving her father's claims, Maggie returns to renovate and sell the estate, only to confront eerie happenings mirroring the book.

While she gradually learns the history of the abode, she is also confronted with discomfiting facts. With the inhabitants resentful and anxious about the mansion's notoriety, Maggie's return journey involves chilling mysteries and spooky things, as well as a struggle between reality and the supernatural.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Noemí Taboada, a young, fashionable aristocrat, takes the dangerous routes to High Place to help her cousin and protect her from evil forces in a remote mansion in the Mexican countryside. Despite her anxiety and inexperience, she finds herself inextricably drawn to the efforts of her cousin's English husband, as his shady background has shadowed him.

Only the youngest son stands between Noemí and the dark forces of High Place as she ventures into its secrets, putting her freedom and sanity in danger of being trapped there indefinitely. 

When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole

Brooklyn native Sydney Green sees her neighborhood rapidly changing due to gentrification, which inspires her to create a walking tour to preserve the neighborhood's heritage. Reluctantly joined by new neighbor Theo, they uncover unsettling secrets suggesting their neighbors have not merely relocated.

As they delve deeper, paranoia looms, prompting them to question the true motives behind the community's revitalization. Suspicious occurrences blur the line between coincidence and conspiracy, pushing Sydney and Theo to confront the dangers lurking in their changing neighborhood before they vanish without a trace.

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The Missing Years by Lexie Elliott

After the death of her mother, Ailsa Calder assumes half ownership of her childhood home in the Scottish Highlands, jointly owning it with her missing father, who vanished two decades ago. Returning to this eerie mansion, she is very much puzzled by what seems an increasing mystery with eyes that stalk her.

As she grapples with her inheritance's mysteries, nighttime intruders and nosy locals heighten her fear. Ailsa realizes that escaping the ominous house may come at a steep price, as its dark secrets threaten to consume her entirely.

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

After the trauma of her father's execution and the destruction of her home during political upheaval, Beatriz seeks refuge in marriage to Don Rodolfo Solórzano. Despite rumors about his past, she hopes for security at his estate, Hacienda San Isidro. However, her sanctuary turns sinister as she faces haunting visions and eerie occurrences.

With Padre Andrés' help, Beatriz fights to uncover the truth behind the hacienda's dark secrets and protect herself from its evil forces. Yet she realizes that San Isidro may not offer salvation but rather her demise.

The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa M. Matlin

A therapist and self-help writer, Sarah purchases a Victorian house tainted by a past murder. Excited for a fresh start, she hopes the renovations will save her failing marriage. However, the dream turns into a nightmare as strange occurrences plague the house, and the neighbors turn against her.

Despite attempts to hide the house's dark history, Sarah's life unravels, and she realizes the deadly legacy of Black Wood House has only just begun.

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