What is the book Haunting Adeline about?
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton is a dark romance that follows Adeline Reilly, a young author who moves into her grandmother’s house and discovers hidden family secrets linked to a troubling past. Her life becomes entwined with Zade Meadows, a complicated vigilante tackling human trafficking. Their relationship features intense moral dilemmas, obsession, and trauma, exploring themes of consent, power dynamics, and psychological depth, all set in a suspenseful atmosphere reflecting gothic and thriller influences.
What genre is Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton?
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton fits within the dark romance genre. It weaves together elements of psychological thriller and horror, exploring complex themes like obsession, trauma, and power dynamics. With intense, morally ambiguous relationships, this book targets mature readers seeking dark and suspenseful romantic stories that challenge conventional narratives.
How many chapters are in Haunting Adeline?
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton has a total of 42 chapters, which includes a prologue and an author's note; this can be confirmed by checking the book's table of contents, where the chapters are numbered up to 42.
Haunting Adeline summary
Adeline Reilly returns to Parsons Manor, her grandmother Serafina’s Victorian home in Washington, after Serafina passes away. Drawn by a desire to feel connected to her beloved grandmother, Adeline ignores her mother's warnings against the move. The dark and moody mansion brings her into contact with a hidden family legacy—and an unexpected horror that follows her closely as she settles in.
Soon after moving in, Adeline starts receiving roses and notices signs of someone watching her. The tension escalates when she's attacked by an unknown man. Fear consumes her life, but Adeline feels compelled to secret properties within the house. A hidden safe reveals diaries penned by her great-grandmother Gigi, setting Adeline on a path to uncover the mystery of Gigi’s sudden death in the 1940s.
As Adeline reads Gigi’s accounts, she learns about Ronaldo, a man who stalked her before she fell in love with him. This unsettling revelation complicates her investigation, as Adeline begins to understand the dangerous patterns that have recurred within her family. Simultaneously, her own presence within Parsons Manor is threatened by a shadowy intruder who begins announcing his intentions through violent actions.
The stalker soon becomes identified as Zade Meadows, a man with an obsessive interest in Adeline. Although he engages in criminal activities, Zade also acts as a vigilante, fighting against human trafficking via an underground group known as "The Society." This dual identity creates tension—straddling the line between protector and predator makes Zade a source of fear and attraction for Adeline.
Hoping to escape the terror of her stalker, Adeline attempts to maintain a normal social life. She goes out with her friends, including Daya, and begins to date a man named Arch. However, Arch becomes collateral damage when Zade takes his possessive obsession a step further; Arch is captured, tortured, and killed, sending a horrific message to Adeline in the form of his severed hands.
Meanwhile, the truth about Gigi's murder places Adeline deeper into a web of terror and revelation. Searching closely reveals that the real murderer is not Ronaldo, the man Gigi was once fixated on, but rather Mark’s father. With complications thickening, her mother also plays a role in exposing chilling bits of their family history.
Zade navigates his involvement in The Society, attempting to take down a trafficking operation by rescuing a young victim intended for sacrifice. This risky move ensnares Zade while further entangling Adeline in his violent reality. As setbacks unfold, both characters find themselves in the crosshairs of danger more imminent than ever.
Wrapping up with cliffhanger suspense, Adeline faces new threats after suspicious messages lead her to her friend Daya's home. However, tragedy strikes when she ends up in a car crash and is kidnapped, plunging her fate into uncertainty and leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Haunting Adeline remains rooted in themes of obsession, trauma, and the complex interplay between protection and possession. Adeline’s quest for family answers and survival amidst chaos drives forward a tale like no other, blending horror, mystery, and dark romance.
How does Haunting Adeline end?
At the end of Haunting Adeline, Zade successfully infiltrates the Society, a notorious sex-trafficking ring, by posing as an initiate. His mission intensifies when he kills several members and rescues a little girl who was about to become a sacrifice. Just as Zade celebrates this victory, he discovers that the operation’s true leader has orchestrated everything, putting him in a dangerous position.
As Zade realizes this setup, his thoughts quickly shift to Adeline, who is now at risk. Adeline starts receiving strange messages, heightening her sense of unease. On her way to visit her friend Daya, she becomes involved in a car crash, which escalates the tension. Following this incident, she gets kidnapped, leaving readers on edge about her fate.
Before these dramatic events unfold, Adeline and Zade's complicated relationship develops further. Despite Zade's dark past of stalking, Adeline finds herself feeling drawn to him. They share intimate moments together, creating a connection that complicates their story. This combination of suspense and emotional depth sets the stage for the sequel, leaving many questions unanswered about their futures.
Who are the main characters in Haunting Adeline?
Adeline Reilly: She is a bold young author who inherits Parsons Manor, her grandmother's eerie estate. Adeline seeks to uncover her family's dark past and the mystery of her great-grandmother's murder.
Zade Meadows: A complex and intense vigilante, Zade leads a hacking group focused on fighting human trafficking. His obsession with Adeline creates a dark, controlling, and morally gray relationship.
Gigi: Adeline’s great-grandmother, whose unsolved murder is key to the story’s plot.
Sarina Reilly: Adeline’s caring mother, concerned about family issues.
Daya: Adeline’s loyal best friend, providing support throughout challenges.
Nana: Adeline's late grandmother, whose history affects the estate and sets an eerie tone.
Frequently asked questions
Who killed Gigi in Haunting Adeline?
Gigi in Haunting Adeline was killed by Frank Williams, who is the father of Senator Mark Williams. He murdered her to silence her after she found out about his involvement in a secret society involved in human trafficking. This crime remained unsolved for 75 years until Adeline uncovered the truth.
Who is Frank in Haunting Adeline?
Frank in Haunting Adeline is Frank Williams; he is a wealthy and charming antagonist who hides his disturbing nature. As a member of a secretive elite group known as the Society, he is involved in human trafficking. Frank killed Adeline’s great-grandmother, Gigi, to cover up his dark deeds.
How many books are in the Haunting Adeline series?
The Haunting Adeline series by H.D. Carlton features two main books in the "Cat and Mouse Duet": Haunting Adeline (Book 1) and Hunting Adeline (Book 2). There is also a prequel novella titled Satan’s Affair, but the primary focus is on the two novels.