Content levels
Positive tags
Not yet taggedHero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Synopsis
Susan Hapgood, a shy, quiet girl, cannot believe how lucky she is that rich, attractive Martin Summerslee wants to marry her. After a whirlwind courtship, Susan and Martin are married and head towards Martin's estate in Maine. But even before they get there Susan has apprehensions. She feels a shadow over her--that of Martin's first wife, Irene, killed in a plane accident. Irene had been a beautiful, accomplished woman, and Susan feels she is always being compared to the first Mrs. Summerslee. Soon Susan becomes aware of an evil presence threatening her happiness, sanity, and even her life itself. As jealousy and terror begin to control her life, Susan becomes more and more helpless, until it seems as if nothing can save her. (book cover description)
Is A Presence in an Empty Room appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
A psychological gothic thriller with themes of gaslighting, paranoia, and potential supernatural menace. Contains emotional manipulation and psychological terror but no explicit violence or sexual content.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include emotional abuse, death of a loved one, and gaslighting (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens interested in atmospheric gothic suspense and psychological thrillers will find this haunting tale of a newlywed's descent into paranoia compelling.