A missing boy. Three extraordinary children. And a darkness that will stop at nothing.
Fourteen-year-old Ollie Cruise is missing. He was last seen two nights ago, down by the river, with an older boy. DCI Bob Foreman suspects something very nasty has happened to him – and there’s only one person who can uncover the truth: Ellie McEwan, a healer with a rare psychic gift.
At her Surrey healing centre, Ellie is already alarmed by two new cases. Five-year-old Harry sketches WWII bomber planes with uncanny technical precision. Eight-year-old Christopher writes chilling stories of events before they actually happen.
When the body of a teenager is found on a lonely forest road, Ellie realises the boys are connected to something very dangerous.
All leads point to an isolated mansion deep in the woods, home to the mysterious Eleventh House – and an extraordinary secret.
To save the children – and those she loves – Ellie must lead a perilous rescue. But it will take every ounce of her courage, and stretch her ability to its limits.
The House of Mystery by Joy Ellis is out now!
The third instalment in the Ellie McEwan Mysteries, this gripping crime thriller is published by Joffe Books on 22 January 2026 and is available from all good bookshops. If you love suspense, unforgettable characters, and stories that keep you turning pages long into the night, this is a must-read.
Want to see what other readers are saying? Check out the reviews and ratings on Goodreads, and follow along with the book tour via Zooloo’s Book Tours schedule — there are plenty of insights, reactions, and discussion to enjoy.
The digital edition is available now and can also be read on Kindle Unlimited. Don’t miss out — dive into Ellie McEwan’s thrilling world today!
About The Author
I was born in Kent but spent most of my working life in London and Surrey. I was an apprentice florist to Constance Spry Ltd, a prestigious Mayfair shop that throughout the Sixties and Seventies teemed with both royalty and ‘real’ celebrities. What an eye-opener for a working-class kid from the Garden of England! I swore then, probably whilst I was scrubbing the floor or making the tea, that I would have a shop of my own one day. It took until the early Eighties, but I did it. Sadly the recession wiped us out, and I embarked on a series of weird and wonderful jobs; the last one being a bookshop manager. Surrounded by books all day, getting to order whatever you liked, and being paid for it! Oh bliss!
And now I live in a village in the Lincolnshire Fens with my partner, Jacqueline, and three Springer spaniels and four little rescue, Breton spaniels. I had been writing mysteries for years but never had the time to take it seriously. Now I write full-time, and as my partner is a highly decorated retired police officer; my choice of genre is a no-brainer! I have an on-tap police and judicial consultant, who makes exceedingly good tea!
I have set my crime thrillers here in the misty fens because I sincerely love the remoteness and airy beauty of the marshlands. This area is steeped in superstitions and lends itself so well to murder!
I am lucky enough to be one of the amazing Joffe Books team of authors and am really enjoying being able to spend time doing what I love… writing!
As one of the final stops on the Zooloo’s Book Tours book tour, I’m beyond excited to be sharing my thoughts on The House of Mystery by Joy Ellis. My sincere thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours and Joffe Books for the opportunity to take part and for supplying a digital review copy.
My Review
Outstanding. Unputdownable. Unforgettable.
WOW. Just… WOW. I honestly don’t even know where to start, except to say I loved this book. I went in knowing nothing — and I am so, so glad I didn’t read the blurb beforehand. Nothing could have prepared me for the intensity, the atmosphere, and the sheer perfection of how Joy Ellis has crafted this story. From the very first page, I was completely absorbed. The scene setting was flawless, the tension relentless, and the world Ellie inhabits felt so vivid that I could see, hear, and feel every shadow, every heartbeat, every flicker of danger.
There’s a moment in the book where they talk about seeing the aura around people, and it completely stayed with me. And when I say “seeing the aura,” I don’t mean just colours or energy — I mean being able to tell when someone is carrying darkness, when someone is in trouble, and being able to help them find the light, the joy, the hope they need. That idea made my heart ache in the best way. It reminded me that, at its core, this story is about humanity, compassion, and the courage to bring light into even the darkest situations.
Early on, I felt hints that I might be missing something from the first two books — a traumatic case that brought these characters together, forged unbreakable friendships, and made them stronger for what came next. I haven’t read the earlier novels yet (though I do have them waiting on my Kindle!), and not knowing didn’t stop me from following or loving this story. But it does make me curious. Whatever happened in the past, it clearly shaped these people and their bonds, and I hope that thread is explored in those earlier books — or maybe it’s a story that will continue to unfold across the series. Either way, it doesn’t matter, because I’ll be here, eagerly waiting for the next book, no matter what.
What truly blew me away, though, was the emotional pull. Yes, the suspense and tension had me racing through the pages, heart in my throat, but the depth of feeling is what really stays with you. The children, the danger, the darkness creeping in… and yet, the hope, the courage, and the humanity shine through in ways that are both uplifting and haunting. There’s an extraordinary balance here — a story that is thrilling, chilling, and deeply moving all at once.
This book made me want to shut out the world and read. I don’t usually pick up stories like this, and yet, I couldn’t put it down. I am desperate to go back and read the first two books in this series, but finishing this one left me feeling full, exhilarated, and completely obsessed. Joy Ellis has created something extraordinary — a story that grips you, haunts you, and makes you care so deeply about the people in it that you don’t want to leave their world.
If you are looking for a book that will grab you from the first page, refuse to let go, and leave you thinking about it long after you’ve finished, The House of Mystery is it. Seriously. Everyone needs to read this book. I can’t recommend it highly enough. This isn’t just a story. It’s an experience. And it will stay with you forever.
#JoyEllis #TheHouseOfMystery #EllieMcEwanMysteries
#JoffeBooks #ZooloosBookTours #BookReview
See About My Reviews and Review FAQ for full star rating explanations and review guidelines. This review may also appear on my social media channels and selected book platforms. All links were correct at the time of publication. Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book via Zooloo’s Book Tours, thanks to Joffe Books. This review reflects my own reading experience. This review is original content. Please credit and link back if you wish to quote.
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