Beneath the Stairs

Jennifer Fawcett writes a psychological horror novel set in Sumner's Mills, upstate New York. The narrative centers on Clare, who returns home after her best friend Abby attempts suicide at the Octagon House. This abandoned structure is infamous for a past crime where a man killed his wife and two daughters. Twenty years prior, fourteen-year-old Clare and Abby visited the house together. Clare survived the visit, but Abby was left with lasting trauma. Now in a coma, Abby’s condition forces Clare to confront the darkness that ruined their lives. The story draws on traditions of haunted house fiction and psychological suspense. It appeals to readers who enjoy atmospheric terror rooted in human psychology rather than supernatural ghosts. Those seeking fast-paced action or traditional ghost stories may find the tone too slow. Fawcett, known for her ability to blend personal trauma with local legend, structures the plot around Clare’s investigation into the Octagon House’s history. The novel examines how past events continue to haunt the present. It is suitable for fans of Jennifer McMahon and Simone St. James who prefer character-driven dread over jump scares.