Reviews
Uncovering Norman * Death in the Cards * Lady, Will You Hear Me? *
The One-in-the-Noose * Haunted in Paradise *
Click or Scroll down to read the reviews in each book's section
Uncovering Norman
True Ghost Story Series - Book 1
I received this awesome book review for Uncovering Norman in my email. I'm posting the review here with permission.
5/28/25, from Alexis:
Hi Susan,
I just finished Uncovering Norman, and I wanted to take a moment to tell you how deeply it resonated with me. From the first page, I felt I was stepping into a layered and emotionally rich world—one that you clearly crafted with care, intelligence, and a deep empathy for your characters.
Norman, in particular, was a revelation. The way you peeled back his layers—slowly, almost reluctantly at times—was masterful. You gave us just enough to keep wondering: who is this man, really? And as the story progressed, what unfolded was more than just a character study—it was a meditation on memory, grief, identity, and connection.
Your writing is subtle but powerful. There were moments where I paused not just because of what was happening in the plot, but because of how you phrased something—those quiet, piercing truths that sneak up and sit with you long after you’ve turned the page.
What I appreciated most was your refusal to wrap everything up too neatly. Life isn't tidy, and neither is Norman. That honesty gave the book so much authenticity. I felt like I knew these people—or at least recognized parts of them in people I’ve loved, struggled with, or even lost.
Thank you for writing this. It’s the kind of story that invites readers to look a little deeper—not just at the characters, but at themselves.
Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating and thought provoking.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 25, 2018
​I really enjoyed reading how the author discovered her connections to Norman. The story is fascinating and very thought provoking.
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"Uncovering Norman: Proving the Former Life of a Ghost by Susan E. Rogers was an interesting look at how she was contacted by a spirit and it became a bit of a quest to find out who he had been in life. It explored how he was connected to others to show that he was in fact here before and also had an amazing secret that he eventually revealed.
"I have always been curious about the paranormal, as I grew up in a house most of my siblings now admit was haunted. I am always skeptical of these sorts of claims, because I have experienced a lot and can usually sift through the fictional stories rather quickly.
"Not only do I believe Susan, but I admire the length she was willing to go to help Norman find his peace to seek comfort and truth from the other side..."
Bibiana Krall, Goodreads , 4/16/2019
"I thoroughly enjoyed the book; The local character of the topic and environs really kept me glued to the page. It being well-written by a local author was quite impressive!!"
Parker Lumen, Balboa Press website, 5 stars
"Very interesting topic and well written. Fascinating story! A must read!! Looking forward to more stories by this new author."
Catherine, Balboa Press website, 5 stars
"I loved this mind-blowing memoir that takes place at the intersection of our world with the supernatural."
Gene A., Facebook, 6/1/24
"This story is riveting. Norman became a reality through the author's research skills and clear writing. I couldn't put the book down."
Alana Gilkeson, Balboa Press website, 5 stars
Fascinating story...well and very compelling.
Betty Mullen, Balboa Press website, 5 stars
I loved this book. It was just given to me by a family member. She picked it up in Florida and brought it All the way home to Maine for me. She knew this was a book I Needed and would want to read as I am dealing with something very similar in my life at the moment. Well moments and this book just validated everything I ALREADY KNEW!! THANK YOU SUSAN FOR HAVING THE COURAGE TO WRITE THIS BOOK!! I APPRECIATE YOU & NORMAN MORE THAN YOU BOTH WILL EVER KNOW...OR MAYBE YOU DO/WILL. READ IT IN ONE DAY!!
Andrea J., Balboa Press website, 5 stars
Death in the Cards
An absorbing quick read.
Janeen meets her recently deceased grandmother’s friend and former business partner, Queenie who provides special tarot readings - but they come at a price…for the clients, and for Janeen.
Really enjoyed this clash of wits, sorcery and ultimate corruption of power. The ending suggests there may be more to discover? I hope so.
Trish, Goodreads, 11/5/23
I loved this book! The setting was enveloping, and the characters were intriguing. As a reader of tarot, this was a fun horror story.
Carrie L., Goodreads, 11/6/23
Loved it! Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2024
I loved this book! The setting was enveloping, and the characters were intriguing. As a reader of tarot, this was a fun horror story!
Indie Horror Reviewer, 3/8/24
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Enjoyed the Book. Bought this for my daughter and she loved it. She asked if there was another book in the near future
Stacy, Amazon 10/25/23, 5 stars
Loved it!
"This was my first read by Susan Rogers, and I really enjoyed it!
At just over 100 pages, it's a short read, but the wit and depth she captures in that short amount of time was wonderful.
I don't want to give too much away, but I really hope there is a sequel as the ending (kind of... maybe...) implies."
Victoria, Goodreads and Amazon, 11/30/23
GREAT READ!! amazing book!! i was looking for a book for myself and my friend who loves halloween. PERFECT, LOVE THE STORY !
Jess, Amazon 9/18/23, 5 stars
"Great Read! Well written. Mysterious with just enough spooky. Had me going. I would highly recommend this book."
Karen, Amazon, 12/27/23, 5 stars
A not-so-cozy occult mystery.
I’m really glad I went into this completely blind.
It’s a fun, well written tale, but one that requires some suspension of disbelief.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read.
C.C., Goodreads, 4 stars, 1/8/24
"Pretty good book!"
Jacinta, Goodreads, 4 stars
A See-Saw of a Story.
What happened in the past matches the tension of what will happen in Janeen's near future. This page turner keeps you guessing. Does good triumph over evil.....?
Tsarina, Amazon, 5 stars, 1/7/24
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Magical Occult Mystery.
Ok , I am a nerd for a lot of the subjects covered in this short adventure. There are only a couple of characters to focus on, and they're drawn well enough to care about what happens to them. All in all a good trip through an esoteric adventure.
J.A. Hall, Amazon, 1/12/24
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I loved the story and the characters!
Perfect book to curl up with under an afghan on a rainy day or tuck in your carry on for vacation! Susan describes the inside of the tarot parlor so well I thought I was there and the story kept me captivated. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Sandra Jackson, Amazon, 10/7/25
Lady, Will You Hear Me?
True Ghost Story Series - Book 2
Fantastic Read
Couldn't put it down, so interesting!
Deb Blackburn, Amazon, September 16, 2024, 5 stars
A beautifully haunting blend of ghost story, memoir, and historical mystery - 5-Stars!!!
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2024
Lady, Will You Hear Me? is a beautifully haunting blend of ghost story, memoir, and historical mystery. Susan E. Rogers takes readers on an extraordinary journey as she delves into the tragic life and lingering presence of Joe Tripp, a 17-year-old Union Army soldier whose post-war suffering and untimely death left him lost in both life and death.
As a practicing psychic medium, Rogers received a desperate plea from Joe’s ghost to share his story, uncovering the anguish he endured during the Civil War and the mental torment that followed. The way Rogers weaves together the supernatural elements with meticulous historical research is nothing short of captivating. Her dedication to giving Joe a voice and closure after his soul endured unimaginable pain is heartfelt and moving.
This book is not just for fans of ghost stories—it's for anyone interested in history, the human condition, and the impacts of trauma across time. The emotional depth and compassion Rogers shows for Joe's spirit left me thinking about this story long after I turned the last page. Highly recommended for those who appreciate the blend of the supernatural and history with a poignant message of healing.
Phillip Vega, Amazon, September 9, 2024, 5 stars
I recently came across Lady, Will You Hear Me? and was immediately captivated by its depth and purpose. Blending memoir, ghost story, and historical mystery, your book offers more than a narrative—it offers healing, not only to the spirit at the center of the story but to readers seeking meaning beyond the veil of ordinary life.
Your willingness to serve as both guide and witness to a soul’s journey is deeply moving. It’s rare to find a book that so honestly bridges the worlds of the living and the departed, and even rarer to find one that does so with compassion, courage, and clarity.
The One-in-the-Noose
Recommend this one!
Wonderful ghost story. Lots of tension and page-turning action. This author has a terrific imagination and knows how to put it down on the page. Well-written and fun to read.
L.T. Peno, Amazon, September 24, 2025, 5 stars
Compelling, Unforgettable — A Must-Read Five-Star Thriller
From the very first page, One Noose grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go. Susan Rogers has fashioned a story that is at once deeply suspenseful and emotionally resonant — the kind of thriller that haunts you long after you close the cover.
What makes this stand out:
Rich, multi-layered characters. Each character feels real, flawed, and full of internal conflicts. I found myself rooting for them, worrying for them, and sometimes questioning them — in the best possible way.
Taut pacing & relentless suspense. There’s no lull; the tension builds page by page. The reveals are well spaced, and you won’t see all the twists coming, which makes the payoff that much more satisfying.
Atmospheric & evocative writing. Rogers’ descriptions bring setting and mood alive — whether it’s a quiet room or a high-stakes confrontation, you feel it.
Themes & moral ambiguity. This isn’t a black-and-white tale of heroes vs. villains. The moral lines blur, and you’ll find yourself pondering what you would do in similar circumstances.
I devoured this in just a few sittings — I couldn’t put it down. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with emotional depth, One Noose is absolutely worth your time. Highly recommended!
Phillip Vega, Goodreads and Amazon, Sept. 30, 2025, 5 stars
The One in the Noose by Susan E. Rogers is one of those rare books that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. I was completely drawn into Ursie Donovan’s world her curiosity, her fears, and the eerie mystery surrounding the old Vansander house. The atmosphere is so vividly written that I could almost feel the chill of the attic and the strange weight of the noose hanging above.
What really stood out to me was how Susan E. Rogers blends psychological suspense with supernatural horror. It’s not just about ghosts or curses it’s about obsession, guilt, and the invisible ties between the past and present. Ursie’s journey felt so real and emotional that I often caught myself holding my breath, wondering if she’d make it out of this haunting alive or sane.
The imagery of the doll and the noose is deeply symbolic and unsettling in the best way. Every chapter adds another layer of mystery until everything comes together in a way that’s both chilling and satisfying. You can tell the author poured her heart into every scene.
If you enjoy dark, atmospheric stories with strong emotional depth and a touch of gothic horror, The One in the Noose is absolutely worth reading. It’s beautifully written, eerie, and thought-provoking a story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Helena regan, Goodreads, October 4, 2025, 5 stars
Read it in one sitting - couldn;t put the book down!
I couldn't put this book down once I got started. Susan did an excellent job of grabbing the reader with this mystery book. Her descriptions of the house, the town and the characters keep me enthralled. Keep up the good work Susan; I am a fan of your books!
Stephen Dominski, Amazon, October 14, 2025, 5 stars
Okay I went into this absolutely blind, did not even check the back, that cover was enough.
I’m reading this in exchange for an honest review, but what other kind would I make?
I have read a few short stories here and there by Susan and this is the first full meal type read for me, and I was fed.
This was about Ursie and her dad who are hired to clean out a old house, but it can’t just be a normal house, that would be too easy, this one is packed with mystery, pain and ghosts of the past heavy in the air.
First, under no circumstances will you catch me bringing dolls home, no dolls, no mannequins, no whatever the hell else goes in that circle of things that are the exact same and you cannot change my mind. Never a good thing, and as soon as Ursie wanted to bring it home, I was SCREAMING.
But here we go, diving into something that I couldn’t tell if it was a true haunting or were these things just in her head? I love that type of chaos, it makes you just as frantic as the characters and you feel the same vibes they are, and the layers that adds are phenomenal.
The story builds on itself, as Ursie figures out, maybe something is wrong and looks deeper into the house itself, what will she have to do to break herself free from the draw of the noose and can she resist??
Wow, I need more.
ScarlettAnomalyReads, Goodreads, October 26, 2025, 4 stars
A must read
Kept my interest from beginning to end!
S. McGoff, Amazon, November 1, 2025, 5 stars
Haunted in Paradise
The title immediately caught my attention and made me curious enough to check out the synopsis. From what I’ve read, this promises to be a gripping mix of supernatural suspense and real-world danger. I’m intrigued by Sharon’s struggle, wanting peace after years of living with a psychic gift, only to find herself haunted by her ex-husband’s ghost and hunted by a very human predator. The Gulfside setting sounds like the perfect backdrop: sunshine and serenity on the surface, with shadows lurking underneath.
Though the book hasn’t been released yet, the setup alone has me eager to see how Sharon balances her psychic strength with the threats closing in on her. Definitely one I’ll be keeping an eye on.
Amelia Beatrice, Goodreads, September 24, 2025, 5 stars
Cozy mystery with psychic elements
3.5 stars rounded up. I was intrigued by the small beach town setting of the book and the main character's ability as a psychic. I think the author did a good job of creating the atmosphere of a small town and I could picture the location in my mind while reading. It was fun to follow Sharon on her journey to learn how to use her psychic gifts. I was surprised by the age that she is supposed to be in the story because much of it felt like I was reading about a younger person although there were many mentions of things she had experienced. Overall, I felt that the ending was a little disappointing but this was an easy cozy mystery with supernatural elements. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.​
Jenn H, Amazon and Goodreads, October 29, 2025
Fun Supernatural Read!
I was hooked by the premise of this book from the start! There were a few times when the details got to be too much for me but the story always rebounded quickly and brought me back. I really liked the FMC, Sharon. I thought she was a cool, independent, scrappy woman and I rooted for her the whole book. I read this book quickly because I was eager to see how it would end. I was not disappointed, I quite enjoyed the ending! Also I really loved the setting of Gulfside, it was described so beautifully and picturesque. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jennifer M, Amazon and Goodreads, November 8, 2025, 4 stars
Supernatural cozy
This was my first book by Ms Rogers and I really enjoyed it. I loved the descriptions of the background. It made me feel like I was there. The main character, Sharon, felt like someone I could hang out with, even though I’m a bit skeptical of crystals and tarot cards. There was a lot of good information on the use of crystals and it was easy to see Ms Rogers knows her stuff. The story was unique for the books I’ve been reading so that made it more interesting. I’m hoping this is the start of a series because I think it would be great. I received this book as a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Irene B, Amazon and Goodreads, November 9, 2025, 5 stars
Haunted in Paradise is a haunting, heart tightening blend of supernatural terror and emotional resilience. Sharon’s struggle to reclaim peace while battling the ghost of her ex-husband and a chilling real-world predator creates a tension that never lets go. One of the most gripping moments is when Sharon finally embraces the psychic strength she’s tried to deny; it’s powerful, cathartic, and unforgettable. Rogers delivers suspense that seeps under the skin. A must-read for fans of atmospheric, character-driven paranormal thrillers.
Kelli Daniels Richards, Goodreads, November 15, 2025, 5 stars