Gaslit

By: R.R. Haywood

Narrated by: Gethin Anthony

Disgraced former detective Mike Humber gets off a train in the bleak autumn countryside, his mind haunted by a dark past.

A new job awaits. Huntington House needs a live-in security guard to prevent access during an inheritance dispute.

This is exactly what Mike needs: a new start in a new place and a chance to turn things around.

It all seems perfect, especially when he meets Tessa.

But Huntington House holds dark secrets. Bumps in the night. Flickering lights. Music playing from somewhere.

Mike’s mind starts to unravel as he questions his sanity in the dark, claustrophobic corridors and rooms.

Something isn’t right.

There is someone else in the house.

The pressure grows as the people around Mike get pulled into a web of lies and manipulation, forcing him to take action before it’s too late.©2024 R. R. Haywood (P)2024 W F Howes Ltd

Do you believe in ghosts?

Where do you go when you’ve been fired, you’ve been an internet sensation for beating a child molester? Your entire life has been ruined? You take any job opportunity offered you, even if it’s in a haunted house with a “spirit” who’s determined to kill you.

Haunted House, Dark Humor – and a Twist That Doesn’t Quite Work

«Gaslit» by R.R. Haywood is an entertaining but uneven thriller with strong dialogue and a memorable setting.

The story follows Mike Humber, a disgraced former police officer who takes a strange job as the caretaker of the remote Huntington House. The mansion is nearly abandoned because the family is locked in a bitter inheritance dispute. Left alone in the vast, half-decaying estate, Mike soon encounters unsettling events: a jukebox playing by itself, objects mysteriously moving, and locals hinting that the former owner might still be around.

Mike doesn’t believe in ghosts—but he also knows he’s not in great shape. After losing his career, he drinks too much, struggles with depression, and questions his own judgement. Still, his investigative instincts remain sharp, and they lead him to suspect Stanley Cooper, a man connected to the Huntington family who keeps showing up near the property.

Haywood’s strengths are clear: witty, fast dialogue and a protagonist whose loneliness and inner turmoil are convincingly portrayed. The audiobook narration by Gethin Anthony is excellent and adds a lot to the experience.

However, the novel ultimately stumbles in its plot and character development. The story delivers a big twist, but it relies on withholding crucial information from the reader—an authorial trick that feels cheap rather than clever. Some characters also remain thinly drawn, especially the villain.

Overall, «Gaslit» is an enjoyable listen with sharp humor and good atmosphere, but its narrative shortcuts prevent it from leaving a lasting impression.

it's not often a book can consume me

I listen to a lot of books as I do my work, not often does a book grip me, and I'm sure it's dependent of the readers/listeners character but this book hooked me. the twists were fun but the character building and premise of the book was well done. I do wish it was a little longer in the middle while learning about the setting and characters but the relationships and narration felt surreal and I was transported. I think the last book that could do this was 11/22/63. I've already purchased book 2.

twisted end

what an unexpected ending. never saw it coming. great writing by the author. keeps you returning to listen and finish the book.

Great Characters

RR Haywood, I have enjoyed reading and listening to your stories. The Characters are brought to my living imagination in a way that really relates. Thanks.
Im a fan for life!