A Breathing House
In the waning years of the Gilded Age, Marian enters a mansion built on excess - a world of towering marble and glittering chandeliers designed to announce her family's arrival into high society. But despite the opulence, the house greets her with a bitter, unnatural cold.
As her husband’s illness miraculously fades, Marian’s own health begins a mysterious decline. A chill settles deep into her bones, leaving her weaker with every passing day, as if the walls themselves are draining her vitality. The longer she remains, the more undeniable the truth becomes: the mansion is no sanctuary. It was built to give, and to take - and unless Marian uncovers its secrets, the price of their fortune will be her life.
- Mrs. Marian Davies - Lady of the house
- Brigid - Mrs. Davies’ ladies’ maid
- Mr. Davies - Marian’s husband
- Josepha - Medium
- Mr. Isaacs - Butler
- Part One
- Ever since moving into the house, Mrs. Davies has been unwell, while everyone else remains in perfect health.
- Mr. Davies was near death when they moved in, but his health has since returned.
- Mrs. Davies seeks out Josepha about the house’s energy.
- Josepha reads her tarot cards and says that cleansing the house may bring ruin.
- Josepha’s crystal ball flies off the table and attacks her, forcing her to flee the house.
- Something unnatural takes hold of Brigid and says, ‘They come for you, Marian.’
- Two other maids carry Brigid out of the room, surprised by how light she feels.
- Part Two
- A hand beckons Marian out of the room, and she follows it, drawn by the burst of hot air it produces.
- She sees a young woman with no legs dragging herself across the floor and follows her.
- Suddenly, the woman and the warmth disappear.
- Part Three
- Marian walks into the kitchen to find Mr. Davies and Brigid having sex.
- Afterward, Brigid’s belly swells and she gives birth to a creature.
- Mr. Isaacs kills it and puts it into the cauldron over the fire.
- Mr. Davies eats some of the soup and instantly looks healthier, but there is emptiness behind his eyes.
- Each of the servants takes a spoonful and looks healthier.
- Marian takes a spoonful and feels instantly healthy.
- Marian’s body is finally warm, but her soul is empty.
A Breathing House is a chilling departure from my preferred genre of thrillers and it did not disappoint. As part of the In The Cards collection, this horror story leans into an unsettling atmosphere that builds a genuine sense of dread very quickly. The pervasive creepy factor kept me fully invested to see what would happen next. The breathing element is handled through eerie chants and physical shifts in the protagonist's health, making the house feel like a living, predatory entity. I appreciated that the main character's reactions felt grounded and realistic even as the situation escalated. It features a masterfully executed ending that delivers a satisfying conclusion to a truly haunting read.
- Death
- Supernatural elements
- Violence
Publisher: Independently Published
ASIN: B0GRRM8DMD
Publication Date: June 1, 2026
Note: Details are for the original edition. Other formats, editions, and audiobook versions may be available.
