The Spirits of DeMaine's

Strathmore Paranormal, Book 2

De: Mark E. Drotos

Narrado por: Kimberly Weiss

Some spirits should be left alone.

DeMaine’s. To the locals of Strathmore, it represents one of the oldest buildings of the town’s 300-year history. It also is likely to produce stories of shadow figures seen in its old dark hallways, voices from no living person, objects moving on their own accord, and of an apparition seen by many people known as the “Blue Lady”. It is also where a teenage Stephen Davenport experienced horrors that changed his life. This is because DeMaine’s is haunted.

Since the founding of Strathmore in the early 18th century, the building known as “DeMaine’s” has been a furniture manufacturer, a funeral home, and a place of intense spiritual activity. Since records have been kept, it has seen an unusual number of suicides, murders, and unexplainable deaths on top of the dead that came to it during the 150 years of it being a funeral home.

Today, Stephen is an adjunct professor of Paranormal Studies at Strathmore University, and a skilled paranormal investigator with the added ability to see the dead. After the paranormal investigation of Crimshaw Manor, he now ironically lives in DeMaine’s after its renovation along with his girlfriend, Evelynn Dumavastra and her dog Poltergeist. Haunted from his past, Stephen, along with students from the Strathmore University Paranormal Investigations club, decide that Spring Break is the perfect time to investigate what unseen entities inhabit this building and why. What they discover challenges their belief in the supernatural and now has the Spirits of DeMaine’s seeking them out. Spring Break will never be the same.

The Spirits of DeMaine’s picks up where The Haunting of Crimshaw Manor left off.

©2025 Mark E. Drotos (P)2025 Mark E. Drotos

Atmospheric, Haunting, and Full of Twists

The Spirits of DeMaine’s is a gripping continuation of the Strathmore Paranormal series that delivers just the right mix of mystery, suspense, and supernatural intrigue. From the very beginning, the story pulls you into an eerie, richly layered setting where nothing feels quite as it seems.

The pacing is excellent—steady enough to build tension, but never slow. The paranormal elements are handled well, adding just the right amount of unease without overwhelming the story. What really stands out is how the mystery unfolds, with twists that keep you guessing and engaged until the end.

The characters feel more developed in this installment, and their interactions add depth to the haunting atmosphere. There’s a strong sense that the stakes are rising, making it an exciting read for fans of the series.

If you enjoy paranormal mysteries with a dark, immersive vibe and a storyline that keeps you on edge, this book is definitely worth picking up.

Great Suspenseful, Haunting, Paranormal Story

The Spirits of DeMaine's is the second book in the Strathmore Paranormal Series by Mark E. Drotos. I really enjoyed this story dealing with the historic funeral home and how the main characters investigate what is haunting this structure. This is a suspenseful story that builds upon history and their interaction with the spirits that linger still. Having read the first story this builds upon the characters, and I am starting to see that something else is going on in the background with "The Tall Dark Man" and now with Camille. The narrator does an excellent job of bringing emotion at the right places and on more than one occasion I got a chill or a tear in my eye. Highly recommend this audio book!

The Spirit of Demaine's

DeMaine's is one of the oldest buildings in the town's 300-year history, a place that has worn many faces over the decades. It was once a furniture manufacturer, then a funeral home that processed the dead for over 150 years, and now it operates as a nightclub managed by paranormal professor Stephen Davenport, who lives on the third floor with his partner Evelynn, right above the very spot where Camille drew her last breath. They have heard the whispers in empty hallways. Seen shadow figures drifting through the old parlor rooms. Watched their dog freeze and growl at something no living eyes can see.

Unexpected Twists and Turns

Excellent story in this paranormal haunted genre. Relatable characters with good tie in to the first book of the series. Good read that keeps you guessing and your attention.

A Paranormal Treat!

DeMaine’s is one of the oldest buildings in Strathmore—and according to locals, one of the most haunted, filled with shadow figures, strange voices, and the infamous “Blue Lady.” It’s also where Stephen Davenport first experienced the horrors that shaped his life, and years later, he ends up living there after its renovation. Now a professor and paranormal investigator who can see the dead, Stephen and his students decide to investigate the building over Spring Break. What they uncover turns their understanding of the supernatural upside down—and the spirits may not be finished with them yet.

The author’s, Mark E. Drotos, writing is clear, engaging, and vividly descriptive, making it easy to visualize each scene as it unfolds. The imagery feels intentional rather than excessive, which allows the story to remain immersive without becoming heavy or distracting. What stood out most is how authentic the details feel—particularly those connected to paranormal and academic research. That authenticity adds credibility and depth, giving the narrative a grounded quality that pulls the reader in and keeps them invested.

Even when the plot introduces layered elements, the storytelling never becomes confusing or weighed down. The author skillfully keeps the pacing smooth and the structure easy to follow, allowing the complexity to enhance the story rather than overwhelm it. Dialogue feels natural and true to each character, which strengthens both realism and connection. The tension builds steadily through well-placed details, creating a sense of intrigue that is consistently interesting, captivating, and difficult to step away from.

The narrator, Kimberly Weiss, delivers a strong, confident performance that immediately draws the listener in. Their speech is consistently clear and easy to follow, which allows the story to unfold naturally without distraction. One of the most impressive elements is the use of distinct character voices—often subtle rather than exaggerated—which makes each personality recognizable while still keeping the tone believable and grounded.

Equally effective is the narrator’s expressive tone and well-controlled cadence, both of which shift smoothly to reflect the action and emotional beats of the narrative. Moments of tension, reflection, and intensity are enhanced through vocal nuance rather than overdramatization, showing a thoughtful understanding of pacing and delivery. The result is a polished narration that not only supports the story but elevates it, creating an engaging and immersive listening experience.

This is a paranormal treat that should be savored!

There were no issues with the production or quality of this audiobook.