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Brannon House #3

The Darkest Garden

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How many secrets can one house hide?

Kenzi Brannon has always dreaded going down to the dark basement of the old Brannon house she grew up in. Now an adult, she’s returned home to find her apprehension has intensified. She avoids that locked door and the secrets beyond in hope that ignoring the problem will keep long-forgotten horrors buried.

A neighbor’s obsession with her house and history has rekindled Kenzi’s old fears. And reconnecting with someone from her past may force her to face what she’s been running from her entire life.

And that might not be the worst of it.

The garden her family is restoring could conceal something far more terrifying than anything inside the house. Something that could rip her newly found family apart.

Some people say the truth will set you free. Kenzi can’t help but feel that it will destroy everything.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2020

275 people are currently reading
151 people want to read

About the author

Stacy Claflin

157 books1,404 followers
Stacy Claflin writes about complex women overcoming incredible odds. Whether it's her Gone trilogy of psychological thrillers, her ongoing Transformed paranormal saga, or her Seaside Hunters sweet romance series, Stacy's three-dimensional heroines shine through.

Decades after she wrote her first stories on construction paper and years after typing on an inherited green screen computer that weighed half a ton, Stacy realized her dream of becoming a full-time author.

When she's not busy writing or educating her kids from home, Stacy enjoys watching TV shows like Supernatural, Pretty Little Liars, and Once Upon a Time.

Join Stacy's newsletter to get free books: http://stacyclaflin.com/newsletter/

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Michael  Dawson .
235 reviews11 followers
May 22, 2021
This is the third book in the series, I don't know why but after the first two books the third book seems to get kind of dull. The first two books were brilliant but this book and I'm assuming the book after seem to be very repetitive they seem to be based on the first two books and not really going anywhere story wise
Profile Image for Misty’s Corner Reviews.
263 reviews11 followers
May 27, 2020
Doesn't that eerily beautiful cover just say it all?!

Stacy Claflin's vivid setting portrayal and character mastery have managed, once again, to keep me up most of the night! She has brought the haunted house genre to new highs with the latest book in her Brannon House thriller series, The Darkest Garden!

Kenzie and Ember, aunt and niece, rediscovered one another under the unfortunate circumstances in book one and have managed to grow together and be just what the other needs since then. They have become quite the pair, shedding light on their ancestors' dark past all the while navigating their newfound roles... and family!

The title, The Darkest Garden, is more than fitting as this may possibly be her darkest book yet! The whispers and haunted vibes are one thing, yes, but that neighbor and the garden at the Brannon House, shrouded in sinister familial history, increase the overall chill factor in more ways than one!

I can't honestly think of a single element about this story that I did not like. I've enjoyed getting to know these characters and hope their stories continue on, unwrapping the Brannon House mysteries one-by-one. The Darkest Garden was an easy 5-star rating for me, Stacy knows just how to pique my interest with her fast-paced works of twisted thrills. If you haven't yet started this series and need a quick read, maybe a change of pace from your usual reads - pick this up. I've no doubt that you'll soon be converted into a fan, racing to follow it all up with her Alex Mercer Thriller Series and his many exploits. Don't just take my word for it though - go find out for yourself.

Many thanks go to the author, Stacy Claflin, for providing me with a complimentary copy of The Darkest Garden in exchange for an honest review.

I just reviewed The Darkest Garden by Stacy Claflin. #MistysCornerReviews
Profile Image for Anne - Books of My Heart.
3,735 reviews218 followers
February 7, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

3.5 hearts

Kenzi and Ember  are settling into the house and apparently it is huge as they continue to find new rooms and places.  I'm surprised how well they get along with Jack and that he is able to live with them and not have problems.   He spends a lot of time enjoying working in the garden.

The family mysteries continue.  Ember waffles over whether to talk to Graham to figure out if he is her father.   Kenzi starts looking for a lost half sister who she was convinced by her parents was imaginary.   I am not a fan of Bella so far. These parents and step-parents were majorly messed up.   So we learn more family secrets in bits and pieces.

Kenzi seems to be interested in a relationship with Graham but between his injury (in the last book), the is he Ember's father question, and some of his issues, they don't spend any time together until briefly at the end of the book.  Meanwhile, she has a big offer from a client and has to decide whether to take it.

The nosy neighbor gets more demanding and shows up more often.  As I suspected, he turns into a real problem.  There is a lot of action and progress on multiple fronts jammed in at the end of the story.

The Darkest Garden  is fairly short.  The pacing felt uneven to me and transitions between scenes was kind of choppy.  The Brannon House series is one I would read in order, as I think you'd be lost otherwise.  There are still some unknowns here and one more book, Shattered Pieces  to read. It is already available in ebook format in Kindle Unlimited currently.  Each book certainly is surprising in its topics and secrets unveiled.

Narration:
This narrator is the same throughout this series, so now I am familiar with her.   I still feel like Ember's voice is lower or deeper than Kenzi's voice which felt odd to me, as Ember is younger.   I was comfortable with the performance overall and able to stay in the story.  I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.

Listen to a clip: HERE
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,683 reviews110 followers
May 24, 2020
OMG I absolutely love this series! Just when you think things can settle down and life can maybe try to be normal it all blows up in your face, at least that’s what it must seem to to Kenzi! There’s more mystery and suspense and twists and turns, secrets that need to be found out as well as a nosey neighbour and a new sister and what is in the basement!?? I read this in one sitting as I got so lost in this gripping plot that I didn’t notice day turn into night!! I just cannot get enough of this series!
Profile Image for Cyndi.
423 reviews9 followers
May 25, 2020
I don't know how in the world I'm going to be able to wait for the next book. This 3rd book in the series was amazing. I absolutely loved it. So many things came to light. The Brannon House holds many secrets, some have already been discovered in previous books. Can you imagine what it would be like for you to discover that you have a brother that is older than you, that has lived in the same house and yet you have never met. That is what happened to poor Kenzi in the last book. Kenzi was named as her niece's ward when her sister was killed. Kenzi, Jack and Ember live in the Brannon House. How they do I have no idea because even though it is a mansion over a hundred years old, I think I would be running in the opposite direction. Giggles, whispers, doors slamming and cool breezes swirling around you, would not be idea of home. But the family is getting used to the things that happen and it doesn't make them as nervous. Ember has a secret about Kenzi's boyfriend. Dustin the neighbor has pushed Kenzi just about as far as she is able to take. So many things happening the suspense is non stop, there is also some sweet and some heartbreaking romance. This is a really great story you don't want to miss!
I received a free download of this book. This review is totally my own honest opinion of a book I really enjoyed.
3,628 reviews41 followers
July 21, 2020
👀Mystery voices & slamming doors:👻haunted mansion or a heroine going gaga😕

😲 Boy, this Brannon House gets creepier as the series progresses! Kenzi and her orphaned teenage niece Ember seem to be living in a huge house of unsettling noises, bad memories, chilling mystery and rumors of murder and disappearances! Kenzi does not believe in ghosts but the alternative does not bear thinking about as she's already experienced life in a psych ward as a child. Ember is enmeshed in teen drama and uncertainty about seeking out her probable biological father. There are a few uncomfortably odd characters as well pushing them to learn more of their mansion's secretive history.

The last half of the story really took off and the action climax was fast and furious. The book's opening, however, keep me confused for quite a long time as the story keeps referring to people and actions from the earlier books in the Brannon House series. I've read both prior books but the references to earlier events often were not detailed enough to jog my memory or clue in a reader new to the series. I think I would have enjoyed this story more if I had just finished reading those previous books. It's really not a standalone.

Is there more to come? I felt the main plot points were resolved by the book's conclusion so it's not a cliffhanger, but I can see room for future developments especially on the romantic front.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review and opinions expressed are completely my own.
Profile Image for Mindo'ermatter.
444 reviews9 followers
February 28, 2021
Fair Storyline Lacking Depth and Strong Characters

This book felt too superficial and even trite at times. I kept expecting more substance and character development that never materialized. The timing of story events seemed disjointed, and the sudden revelations at the end seemed too convenient.

This third installment continues the emerging saga of the Brannon house, and yet the few interesting elements of the story are overshadowed by daily routines, forced yet preventable conflicts, and predictable storytelling. Perhaps an appropriate read for a mindless journey when any distractions are welcome.

Many dialogues were detached, first-person observations that often sounded like Facebook or journal postings told after the fact, making it harder to create an emotional connection to the reader.

Although the book's family friendly tones might be appropriate for younger teens, the interpersonal tensions are often contrived and one dimensional.

The family's new additions add complexity and backstories that likely will drag out for several additional series installments. This whole series has a soap opera format of minor events or interactions, rather than written as a serious suspense thriller or mystery adventure.

I was a bit offput by Audible's narration because the voice dramatizations were almost demeaning characatures of key personalities.

I do not intend to complete the series and only wished the author had focused more on the promoted plot elements, rather than overemphasizing mundane daily activities and chitchat dialogues.

Not quite 3 stars, but better than 2 stars.
Profile Image for Alicia C..
17 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2020
Stacy Claflin never disappoints, and this book is no exception. Another 5-star read for sure. The Brannon House series has turned into one of my favorites. It has everything you could want in a book series. Mystery, suspense, emotional turmoil, and budding romances. Let us not forget that gorgeous cover.

The Brannon house is shroud in mystery. Even for the occupants. The slamming doors, the whispering, the giggles. Kenzi Brannon has been back at her childhood home, a place she never expected to set foot back in, let alone living. With her niece Ember and her brother Jack to watch over, a nosey neighbor pushing the limits, and a love interest who, may not be interested, Kenzi has a lot on her plate. Especially when she seems to be drawn to the basement, a place she promised herself she would never set foot in again. When someone from her past, someone she was not sure even existed, returns, Kenzi is thrilled and apprehensive.

The basement continues to draw her in, and her guest is determined to see what secrets its holds. The nosy neighbor becomes more aggressive in his demands. Her brother, Jack, seems determined to bring the garden, once a prized spectacle, back to its glory. It soon becomes a family affair, and a nice reprieve from the eerie house for Kenzi. With all the secrets that the Brannon house and the property holds, no one could have ever guessed that the darkest of them all may just be hiding in the garden itself.

Thank you to the author, Stacy Claflin, for providing me a complimentary copy of the Darkest Garden in exchange for an honest review.
1,190 reviews8 followers
Read
May 22, 2020
Kenzie is trying to find her sister Billa after her mother told her the truth. She decides that calling the people on the list will the best bet. She is caring for Jack that seems to like the garden, he is doing good. Ember is getting closer to the delivery kid, things are will get complicated.
Kenzie is having a hard time with the noises and voices. She keeps having nightmares and memories that are hard for her. Everything is getting to be to much. Kenzie also wants Ember to tell Graham about being her dad. Kenzie feels that Graham is pulling away from her. The neighbor is becoming even more . She can't take him any more.
Things will be changing in the Bannon house, secrets will come to light. Kenzie will have to make decides in regards to her job, her private life that will put her heart on the line.

This book was so good, the build up the secret reveal. Her relationships with Dayton and Graham. Ember going through her own hardships. There are so many great moments in this book. I can't choose who I would want Kenzie with. I thought making Graham her father was an easy out, but will see where things go from there. I highly recommend this book/ series, it is that good.

I received an ARC copy of this book, this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Stephanie Zammit.
34 reviews2 followers
June 3, 2020
Spooky!! I have no idea why I thought I should read this book before going to bed, but let me tell you.... that was not my best idea to date! The Brannon house keeps spouting more secrets, the ghosts more felt, the main characters more courageous as they navigate into their family history, the new additions add another dimension to the story and I couldn't believe all of the twists and turns this entailed. I also loved that there is a bit of a romantic twist thrown in, it makes the story feel all the more real. I love Kenzie and Ember's dynamic, especially how their relationship is evolving into one of trust especially after all they've been through. I highly suggest you start the story from book 1 of this amazing new series to make sure you get the full experience as it just keeps getting better!!! Love it and have no idea how I can wait till the next installment!!

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,744 reviews64 followers
June 11, 2021
Kenzie, Ember and Claire Brannon are women with a dark upbringing that would make you shudder. After romantic and familial complications make relationships break down, or come to light, the final secrets of the eponymous garden (and the hideous sights in the basement), could make you almost believe you're in the real-life 'murder house' of serial-killers Fred and Rose West in the UK some years back.
What will the results be for Kenzie's on-off love affair with Graham?
Who else knows about it?
What's Graham's relationship to Ember?
How does Kenzie now feel towards Dayton?

Stacy Claflin never fails to satisfy your noir mystery inclinations and I would highly recommend this book to fans of Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Willow Rose.
Get your copy today, so you can escape into The Darkest Garden and learn its secrets!
Profile Image for Linda.
1,180 reviews18 followers
June 7, 2024
Kenzie continues hunting for her sister. The Brannon family gets even bigger and stranger. So many suppressed memories, secrets, lies and strange past events in the Brannon house. Could the rumors of the torture basement be true? Does Ember find out who her father is? I wish more time was spent developing the characters, back story, etc. rather than the day to day activities of the family. What a strange job Kenzie has...is she an escort or something? I liked finding out more about the house, family and it's past. You never know what's buried in a garden. I still don't like the narrator at all.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,735 reviews5 followers
May 25, 2020
The Darkest Garden is the third book in the Brannon House series by Stacy Claflin.

I loved the first two books and this was even better! There is non-stop action as we learn more about the Brannon family and the secrets the house holds.

This book had relationship issues for both Kenzi and Ember as if everything going on with their house and creepy neighbor isn’t difficult enough.

I’m sure there are more secrets to be discovered and I can’t wait for the next book!

I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angie.
215 reviews
May 26, 2020
Beware!
Definitely not the series to read late at night if you have a basement! Brannon House continues to reveal secrets and so do those who are entangled with it, both near and far. This latest book is the creepiest yet as the suspense ebbs and flows at a waterfall pace at times. It also reminds me of static electricity here and there, you can’t see it but you can sure feel it! We learn even more about our curious cast of complex characters, with new relationships and older ones revealed. No spoilers! Highly recommend reading the series from the beginning!
712 reviews5 followers
June 8, 2020
Wow!! Fasten your seatbelt because it is going to be a bumpy ride!! You'll love it!

I loved this book. It has been quite a journey from the first book to this one. Mysteries have been solved and several more have developed. Things are never what they seem. The characters are interesting, but the House - Brannon House is the center of everything. Each book is a standalone, although starting at the beginning does give you a great introduction to the family. Just read any one of them!! They are extraordinarily well written and you will not regret it!
Profile Image for Teya Teya.
Author 9 books102 followers
June 11, 2020
I do not like where this one ended. I loved the storyline. I continue to keep my white-knuckled and at the edge of my seat. I even pretty much know what's going to happen and I'm still goosebumps and keep reading. I'm hoping the next one is the last one but it's not even out yet. GAH!!! I want those two together and they are driving me nuts. but nobody is fighting for anyone and it's frustrating that she keeps running. She needs to face her past and move on. Anyway, I"m really curious where this story came from, besides her mind.
Profile Image for Kirstie Ibrahim.
1,833 reviews19 followers
May 23, 2020
Another fantastic story for this series. A huge old house comes with so many secrets and this story we learn a bit more. Another secret room and an overgrown garden that both contain secrets long ago hidden. Kenzi and Ember's family also grows a bit more this time round. There's plenty going on to keep you entertained and turning page after page. There's still so much left of the house to explore and I wonder what secret and mystery will be next?
Profile Image for Gina.
2,311 reviews27 followers
May 25, 2020
Another chilling chapter to the Brannon house. While Kenzi and Ember deal with their love like, their neighbor gets very stalky about the house. New surprises and a grisly discovery upends their lives. And when Ember let's Graham in on the information she found it affects his relationship with Kenzi. Anxiously awaiting the next installment. I received a complimentary copy and I am giving a review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sheila.
596 reviews4 followers
May 29, 2020
Searching for a book that you can’t get enough? Look no further than this series, I’ve read each book and have read each one of them in less than a day. Amazing characters, including the house, mystery, lies, reunited with family members, some mild violence by a neighbor (too many adjectives to describe him), some twists n turns, and so much more! I am SO looking forward to the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Sammye.
3,953 reviews23 followers
May 24, 2020
I was thoroughly invested in this book from the first to last page. There is so much drama and suspense. So many twists and turns throughout. The storyline continues to capture my interest. Very well done. I highly recommend this series if you like a good mystery. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review
2,207 reviews26 followers
June 4, 2020
So much is happening in the book!! Another mystery, villain, new family member, a new romance and a pause on another relationship. Wow. This was definitely a page turner for me - liked this one even more than book 2. Kenzie is my favorite character and love her personality. Looking forward to book 4. I have changed my mind about who I want her to end up with.
Profile Image for Laura Pigg.
41 reviews6 followers
June 18, 2020
This is the best one yet!! Couldn’t put it down (finished in a day)! What other mysteries will this house hold? A basement, a secret room and a half sister just to name a few. I can only hope that there are a few more secrets for another book.

If you desire a page turner, that is a keep you on the edge of your seat story, then this series is for you!!
7 reviews
January 19, 2021
Sucked in!!!

I’m losing sleep over this series!! I’m so sucked into the Brannon’s family secrets that it’s keeping me up at night. I’ve never been so pleased for a book series. It’s been a long time since I enjoyed reading so so much.
When you finish a book and are sad it’s ended and just desperate to know more. I will be immensely sad when I finish this series!!
Profile Image for Diane Dixon.
464 reviews
June 19, 2023
A Very Riveting Book!!

Wow simply wow! The dark family secrets just keep coming and they get darker and more sinister. I wouldn’t want to live in that house with all the darkness and evil that has happened. I just wish Kenzie and Graham would make up their minds about each other. One more book in this series and I can’t wait to see what’s revealed next.
Profile Image for Nati.
2,802 reviews16 followers
May 27, 2020
Can Kenzi and Ember discover more terrible things in the Brandon House? Will Kenzi find her half sister Billa? Is Jack going to adjust to his new life? Will Ember tell Graham he must be her father? More mysteries to solve in a rollercoaster of emotions. Great reading.
Profile Image for JeNom Makama.
58 reviews7 followers
May 28, 2020
Another Super Thrilling Read from Stacy

Once again Stacy Claflin blew me away!

While the Brannon house gets weirder with each book, the story of the surviving Brannons get better, inspite of the dark legacy.
135 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2020
For Kenzie and Ember, living in a haunted house is the easy part of their life. Trying to figure out all of the dark family secrets that come with that house isn't so easy. Couldn't put this down! Can't wait for book #4!
37 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2020
I want more

This book was so good and I want more. I feel for Kinzie and want her to find love and someone to care for her and put her first. She deserves it so much. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
706 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2020
Hook line and sinker

Geeze one thing after another with this series and we're not even close to resolving all the unknowns.

Gonna have to wait a bit for book 4. Hope voices don't start talking to me in the meantime.
921 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2020
Really like this series

Third installment is as great as the first two. Family disfunccx keeps this story line moving along with the distinction dragging on as more and more time goes by. Reminds me of Jodi Piccoult.....linger
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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