She came to debunk ghosts. She left with a viral video.

The Haunting of Crumbleton Manor

Join Maggie Hawkins on a gut-busting adventure filled with eerie encounters, quirky friendships, and the realization that humor might just be the key to surviving the supernatural!

You've heard of haunted houses, but have you ever encountered a Wraith that prefers sarcasm over screams?

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Maggie Hawkins

The sharp-witted protagonist of our tale, Maggie is a skeptical paranormal blogger who thrives on dismissing the supernatural while secretly longing for something extraordinary. With a disheveled ponytail and dark-rimmed glasses, she navigates the haunted manor armed with sarcasm and a thirst for greater blog views, often finding humor in even the spookiest situations. Despite her tough exterior, Maggie's ambition and quick thinking become vital as she confronts the unexpected horrors of Crumbleton Manor.

Nina

The enthusiastic and earnest ghost enthusiast, Nina is the heart of the group, brimming with excitement and a serious belief in the supernatural. Armed with extensive research about Crumbleton Manor, she often serves as the group's guiding force, eager to embrace every spooky encounter despite the chaos it might unleash. Her passion for the paranormal sometimes leads her to overlook the more humorous aspects of their situation, providing a delightful contrast to Maggie’s irreverence.

Tom

The laid-back friend of Maggie, Tom provides a calming presence throughout the chaos of their ghost-hunting adventure. With his easy-going demeanor and deadpan humor, he often plays the role of the skeptic who lightens the mood with absurd observations. Tom also adds a dose of practicality to the group, ensuring they keep a level head amongst the paranormal madness.

Barnabas

The cheeky and sarcastic ghost who loves to create mischief, Barnabas is truly a menace to the more serious spirits in Crumbleton Manor. With a dry sense of humor, he adds a layer of levity to the ghostly ensemble, often engaging in playful antics that keep Maggie on her toes. While he enjoys poking fun at the living, Barnabas also seeks companionship, making him an essential part of the group’s otherworldly dynamic.

Lady Eleanor Crumbleton

A ghostly figure clad in Victorian fashion, Lady Eleanor is the manor’s elegant but dramatic spirit who thrives on her ancestral heritage. With a penchant for poetry and theatrical flair, she often recites verses that bewilder Maggie while bringing an air of old-world charm to the haunted happenings. Despite her ethereal nature, Lady Eleanor’s desire for fun and connection drives her to work alongside Maggie and the others in their ghostly escapades.

The Wraith

The ominous and ancient spirit of Crumbleton Manor, the Wraith is a shadowy figure cloaked in mist and darkness, with glowing red eyes that pierce through the gloom. Unlike the more whimsical ghosts, it embodies cold calculation and feeds on fear, creating an unsettling atmosphere wherever it lurks. Though it seeks isolation and quiet, it becomes the main antagonist of the story, facing Maggie's irreverent humor and unexpected defiance—forcing it to confront the absurdity of modern life in a showdown that turns the traditional ghost story on its head.

LISA A. MOORE

Meet the author

Lisa A. Moore writes the kinds of stories that creep under your skin, whether you’re ready or not. With a background in psychology, she takes a deep dive into her characters’ minds—and a few dark corners you probably didn’t know existed.

Specializing in urban fantasy, paranormal comedy, psychological thrillers, and gothic fantasy, she’s the author of The Haunting of Crumbleton Manor, a spooky (and snarky) short story that’s left readers laughing even as they check under the bed. Her next book, Whispers of the Selkie, an urban fantasy novel steeped in mystery and myth, releases in January 2025.

When she’s not building darkly magical worlds, Lisa can be found creating vibrant watercolor art, mixing growth mindset with pop culture on her blog Mindset Luminaries, or hitting the dog park with Violette, her sweet but high-energy sidekick. She’s also happily married to John, a pilot with a knack for sweeping Lisa off her feet—metaphorically and literally.