"Susan Howell has managed to write one of those rare cozy mysteries that is as comforting as a weighted blanket—even as it gives you thrills and chills. Through an ensemble of loveable characters, Howell’s warm narrative voice is a gentle and earnest guide through this carefully plotted mystery. Sweet and satisfying; familiar yet surprising—The Spirit of Vanderlaan is a novel that promises to hook you from the beginning and lead you deftly through the labyrinth of its twists and turns."
-Nathan Gower,
Author of The Act of Disappearing
Dr. Kenneth Harris,
Author of
Synchronicity: The Magic. The Mystery. The Meaning.
“In this novel, The Spirit of Vanderlaan, the author weaves a tale full of synchronicity, magic and mystery. It’s a well-written and engaging read with lots of twists and turns, full of surprises and discoveries how everyone was connected to their professor and each
other. I highly recommend.”
Heather Penny,
Author of Grace Space
“A captivating story that draws you in with surprising twists and engaging warmth that makes you want to join this quirky gang of characters. Highly enjoyable and unexpectedly inspiring with its relational warmth."
Janet Morris Grimes,
Author of Solomon's Porch.
“A multi-layered mystery set on the grounds of a cozy college campus. Each quirky and loyal character adds his or her sense of fact-finding flair as this intelligent team of students gains much more than an education within the mysterious hallways and history of Vandarlaan University. I found this first installment of the Dr. Samantha Hayes Series to be fascinating, and the doors are wide open for more fun and intrigue in the future.”
Susan Harris Howell is a writer, speaker and psychologist. She is the author of The Spirit of Vanderlaan – a cozy mystery to be released on December 2, 2024 – and Buried Talents, one of InterVarsity Press’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. Susan and her husband, Dwayne, reside in central Kentucky with their beagle, Doc, who ignores them both on a fairly regular basis.