What do you think?
Rate this book
The House of Balestrom
A tragic death. Two sisters...one who marries for love...the other marries into THE HOUSE OF BALESTROM. When Susan's husband, Victor Balestrom, dies in a mysterious and tragic accident, Susan is suspected of murdering him. With the Balestrom family, manipulated by Camille Balestrom, pointing fingers. Susan calls on her sister, Sara and her husband David to come to the private island owned by the Balestrom family to be by her side during this tragic moment in her life.But Sara and David's visit become twisted and manipulated by someone in the family, who not only wants Susan to pay for her crimes, but wants revenge as well. Will Sara discover who is behind everything before it is too late? Who is the mysterious man roaming the island grounds--the man who terrorizes Sara at every turn? Secrets are abound and will be revealed all the way to its tragic end in this new suspense thriller by William Butler.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2011
About the author
William Butler
10 books13 followersWilliam is a low key writer who never stops writing. He was born in Morehead City, NC. He moved around a lot as a child living in various places such as NY, GA, FL, VA, until his family settled back in NC, where he lives now. He runs the blog Bang Noir and writes articles for examnier.com. His debut novel, Bang, a noir suspense novel, was published in December 2010. His other works include: The House of Balestrom, Time of the Season, Smoking Gun (the sequel to Bang) and Agatha Christie inspired novel Nine to Dine.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 13, 2011
The House at Balestrom
Author: William Butler
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Taking a ferry rise would change Sara and David’s lives forever. Sara’s sister, Susan summons her to come to Balestrom when her husband, Victor dies under strange or unusual circumstances. On the ferry ride there the driver enlightens both Sara and David about the history of this house, its previous occupants and the untimely murder of Cyrus Balestrom by his mistress. Added to that Sara learns that her sister had more than one previous marriage and all of her husbands are deceased. This is quite intriguing to say the least and creates a mystic about this book that most do not have. Seeing Susan after a long period of time and the way she lives makes Sara feel insecure but she promised to support and stay with her since the authorities think she killed her rich and quite well off husband. Author Walter Butler describes the scenery, the house, the back stories in detail allowing the reader to take the ferry ride along with Sara and David, feel eeriness of the house and understand why Sara and David just might not be the same after visiting this home.
As Sara walks through the living room on her way up to her quarters with David she stops to look around and what she feels, senses and sees shakes her inner core. Feeling a presence within the room she sees a shadow thinking someone or something is watching her. Finding Susan and David she mentions it but Susan gives no hints, and when they meet the butler again before Victor’s wake he answers her questions with a warning. The House of Balestorm envelops those that live there, keeps them entranced so they never leave, draws them in as if it magnetizes their mind and body keeping them from leaving the same way author Walter Butler draws the reader to the printed page until reading the end startling ending of this book.
Sara hears a sound in the middle of the night, leaves her room and overhears a conversation between Susan and an unknown male. Angry words are exchanged, threats are made on both sides and Susan pleads with this man not to reveal a hidden secret that would destroy her life. Camille Balestrom seems to hold the purse strings and much more in this family. Susan stands to inherit quite a bit of money and this unknown figure claims that Camille will find a way to make sure she never sees it. Sara becomes concerned as he hears Susan plead for his understanding, begins to feel that she is under some kind of scrutiny and when she reveals this to David his reaction is one you won’t believe. Just why is everyone so afraid of Camille? What are these people capable of and how many dead bodies have not been found? From murders, to suicides to accidental death as Victor’s death was documented as, just what really goes on behind all of the closed doors of Balestrom House and why would everyone warn Sara to leave as soon as possible.
Events unfold as the funeral takes place under some unusual conditions as Sara and David join the family in the limo. Sara feeling intimidated by Camille, Victor’s sister causing unsettling moments during the service and afterwards too. Susan seems untouched by the family’s actions until Camille states that she is no longer welcome at Balestrom, should leave and forget she ever married Victor letting the reader know that the fight was just beginning, more damage or deaths will come and this family is not one you want to be a part of. Alexander Balestrom the surviving brother exhibits the same cold exterior as Camille and the frightening part is no one seems upset that Victor is gone? Why no one has dared asked? Why does Gerard the Butler keep warning Sara to leave? What secrets are they really hiding and why doesn’t anyone seem to mourn Victor in an emotional way? What exactly did Sara hear when she went over to his coffin and said she would have liked to have known him?
Author Walter Butler leads the reader inside the home of some really disturbed and sick people who vie on the misery of others, feed on the weak and enjoy manipulating and controlling situations in order to have their own planned outcomes. Well- crafted plot with characters that are quite unique and very interesting. Very strong storylines with a plot that has suspenseful twists and turns keeping the reader on the printed page until the very end. But, what will that end bring and how many will pay the price before all is said and done. Is this family really cursed? Who is behind what happened to Victor and the others?
Meet the women of Balestrom. Each one of these women is ruthless, cunning, underhanded, smart, deceitful yet vulnerable in their own way and within their own family dynamics. Ruth Balestrom is the matriarch of this family who is definitely nothing like Ellie Ewing or even Alex Carrington. She is hardnosed; mean, forthright, secretive yet will stop at nothing to keep her family in toe. Camille, her loveless and non married daughter strikes out at Susan and Sara at every turn letting them both know she can bring them down at any moment. Secrets revealed, past told and no one is immune to the cruelty. Susan, married three times and each time her husband died of a mysterious boat accident. The body count rises, the ghosts linger in the halls and someone seems to be gas lighting Sara. Even David, her husband thinks she is imagining things and yet there are many who would like to silence not only her but Susan too. As Sara uncovers many other secrets about the family and her sister what will be her final verdict concerning this family? What will happen when the truth is revealed? Why is Susan cold one minute and distraught the next? Just how long does she really mourn before moving on?
The chapter headings explain the events that will occur but the one that is titled Trust says it all. The answer you decide whether it is no one or anyone after learning what I did from reading what each character revealed and how Ruth tells it all. But, accidents happen or do they? The body count rises and you won’t believe who is left standing? Revelations, deceit, betrayals and one woman learns the hard-core truth about not only this family but her sister too. Just who is behind what is happening at Balestrom House? Just how far will anyone go to cover up the truth? An ending so powerful you won’t see it coming as the Balestrom family comes full circle with their own lies crashing down on them. One woman will never be the same others will face an ending that only author William Butler can create with so many twists, unexpected events keeping you in suspense even with the dramatic ending to this outstanding novel. The House of Balestrom: What became of it? Did Susan murder Victor and her other husbands? What was Camille’s hold over everyone? What was Alexander’s secret? You won’t believe it. Who was the mysterious man roaming the grounds that was terrorizing Sara and trying to gaslight her? What role did everyone play in this diabolical plot? I can’t tell you that since the Balestrom’s handle things in their own way and I would never divulge their secrets. This book gets Five Stars. Can’t wait to read Time of the Season. This is one author to watch and definitely to read. Watch for my top picks of the month on my show Sept. 21.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Author: William Butler
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Taking a ferry rise would change Sara and David’s lives forever. Sara’s sister, Susan summons her to come to Balestrom when her husband, Victor dies under strange or unusual circumstances. On the ferry ride there the driver enlightens both Sara and David about the history of this house, its previous occupants and the untimely murder of Cyrus Balestrom by his mistress. Added to that Sara learns that her sister had more than one previous marriage and all of her husbands are deceased. This is quite intriguing to say the least and creates a mystic about this book that most do not have. Seeing Susan after a long period of time and the way she lives makes Sara feel insecure but she promised to support and stay with her since the authorities think she killed her rich and quite well off husband. Author Walter Butler describes the scenery, the house, the back stories in detail allowing the reader to take the ferry ride along with Sara and David, feel eeriness of the house and understand why Sara and David just might not be the same after visiting this home.
As Sara walks through the living room on her way up to her quarters with David she stops to look around and what she feels, senses and sees shakes her inner core. Feeling a presence within the room she sees a shadow thinking someone or something is watching her. Finding Susan and David she mentions it but Susan gives no hints, and when they meet the butler again before Victor’s wake he answers her questions with a warning. The House of Balestorm envelops those that live there, keeps them entranced so they never leave, draws them in as if it magnetizes their mind and body keeping them from leaving the same way author Walter Butler draws the reader to the printed page until reading the end startling ending of this book.
Sara hears a sound in the middle of the night, leaves her room and overhears a conversation between Susan and an unknown male. Angry words are exchanged, threats are made on both sides and Susan pleads with this man not to reveal a hidden secret that would destroy her life. Camille Balestrom seems to hold the purse strings and much more in this family. Susan stands to inherit quite a bit of money and this unknown figure claims that Camille will find a way to make sure she never sees it. Sara becomes concerned as he hears Susan plead for his understanding, begins to feel that she is under some kind of scrutiny and when she reveals this to David his reaction is one you won’t believe. Just why is everyone so afraid of Camille? What are these people capable of and how many dead bodies have not been found? From murders, to suicides to accidental death as Victor’s death was documented as, just what really goes on behind all of the closed doors of Balestrom House and why would everyone warn Sara to leave as soon as possible.
Events unfold as the funeral takes place under some unusual conditions as Sara and David join the family in the limo. Sara feeling intimidated by Camille, Victor’s sister causing unsettling moments during the service and afterwards too. Susan seems untouched by the family’s actions until Camille states that she is no longer welcome at Balestrom, should leave and forget she ever married Victor letting the reader know that the fight was just beginning, more damage or deaths will come and this family is not one you want to be a part of. Alexander Balestrom the surviving brother exhibits the same cold exterior as Camille and the frightening part is no one seems upset that Victor is gone? Why no one has dared asked? Why does Gerard the Butler keep warning Sara to leave? What secrets are they really hiding and why doesn’t anyone seem to mourn Victor in an emotional way? What exactly did Sara hear when she went over to his coffin and said she would have liked to have known him?
Author Walter Butler leads the reader inside the home of some really disturbed and sick people who vie on the misery of others, feed on the weak and enjoy manipulating and controlling situations in order to have their own planned outcomes. Well- crafted plot with characters that are quite unique and very interesting. Very strong storylines with a plot that has suspenseful twists and turns keeping the reader on the printed page until the very end. But, what will that end bring and how many will pay the price before all is said and done. Is this family really cursed? Who is behind what happened to Victor and the others?
Meet the women of Balestrom. Each one of these women is ruthless, cunning, underhanded, smart, deceitful yet vulnerable in their own way and within their own family dynamics. Ruth Balestrom is the matriarch of this family who is definitely nothing like Ellie Ewing or even Alex Carrington. She is hardnosed; mean, forthright, secretive yet will stop at nothing to keep her family in toe. Camille, her loveless and non married daughter strikes out at Susan and Sara at every turn letting them both know she can bring them down at any moment. Secrets revealed, past told and no one is immune to the cruelty. Susan, married three times and each time her husband died of a mysterious boat accident. The body count rises, the ghosts linger in the halls and someone seems to be gas lighting Sara. Even David, her husband thinks she is imagining things and yet there are many who would like to silence not only her but Susan too. As Sara uncovers many other secrets about the family and her sister what will be her final verdict concerning this family? What will happen when the truth is revealed? Why is Susan cold one minute and distraught the next? Just how long does she really mourn before moving on?
The chapter headings explain the events that will occur but the one that is titled Trust says it all. The answer you decide whether it is no one or anyone after learning what I did from reading what each character revealed and how Ruth tells it all. But, accidents happen or do they? The body count rises and you won’t believe who is left standing? Revelations, deceit, betrayals and one woman learns the hard-core truth about not only this family but her sister too. Just who is behind what is happening at Balestrom House? Just how far will anyone go to cover up the truth? An ending so powerful you won’t see it coming as the Balestrom family comes full circle with their own lies crashing down on them. One woman will never be the same others will face an ending that only author William Butler can create with so many twists, unexpected events keeping you in suspense even with the dramatic ending to this outstanding novel. The House of Balestrom: What became of it? Did Susan murder Victor and her other husbands? What was Camille’s hold over everyone? What was Alexander’s secret? You won’t believe it. Who was the mysterious man roaming the grounds that was terrorizing Sara and trying to gaslight her? What role did everyone play in this diabolical plot? I can’t tell you that since the Balestrom’s handle things in their own way and I would never divulge their secrets. This book gets Five Stars. Can’t wait to read Time of the Season. This is one author to watch and definitely to read. Watch for my top picks of the month on my show Sept. 21.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
August 25, 2012
Let me first say that House of Balestrom was nowhere near what I expected it to be. Looking at the cover, you expect, well, maybe historical fiction, or a tale about a rich family or something. You expect that it being a rich family means they will have secrets. What you do not, by any means, expect is the level of intrigue that is held within the pages.
Mr. Butler is a gifted storyteller. While the beginning of the book gets off to a slow start, it will quickly suck you in once you get to the meat of it. You cannot seem to walk away. Be warned that your spouse may feel neglected, your children shall go hungry and your pets will not get out.
Sara is the type of character you love and Camille is the type of character you love to hate. Susan, well, I still have not decided how I feel about her.
The degree of manipulation that occurs within these pages may somewhat remind you of watching Jerry Springer, but at the same time, it may just remind you of home. In some small way, every one of us has at least one of these characters within our own family, if only you are willing to look deep enough.
The reason I had to rate this at 3-1/2 stars is due to editing. Some of the grammar and sentence structure was a little spotty. It is a testament to the skill in storytelling that I kept reading, though, because I have had books where the errors were distracting enough to keep me from reading the book. That was not the case here.
I don't know if there will be a sequel or not, and maybe somehow the author will weigh in on this, but if there is, I will be interested to see what is going to happen to the characters and how they will continue on in their individual paths.
If you want a book that will transcend expectations and leave you wondering "What the hell just happened here," than this is the book for you!
Mr. Butler is a gifted storyteller. While the beginning of the book gets off to a slow start, it will quickly suck you in once you get to the meat of it. You cannot seem to walk away. Be warned that your spouse may feel neglected, your children shall go hungry and your pets will not get out.
Sara is the type of character you love and Camille is the type of character you love to hate. Susan, well, I still have not decided how I feel about her.
The degree of manipulation that occurs within these pages may somewhat remind you of watching Jerry Springer, but at the same time, it may just remind you of home. In some small way, every one of us has at least one of these characters within our own family, if only you are willing to look deep enough.
The reason I had to rate this at 3-1/2 stars is due to editing. Some of the grammar and sentence structure was a little spotty. It is a testament to the skill in storytelling that I kept reading, though, because I have had books where the errors were distracting enough to keep me from reading the book. That was not the case here.
I don't know if there will be a sequel or not, and maybe somehow the author will weigh in on this, but if there is, I will be interested to see what is going to happen to the characters and how they will continue on in their individual paths.
If you want a book that will transcend expectations and leave you wondering "What the hell just happened here," than this is the book for you!
September 27, 2011
RATING: 4.5)THE HOUSE OF BALESTROM by William Butler is an exciting supense thriller set on an island. "The House of Balestrom" is full of secrets,lies and deception with diastrous ends. It has a few murders, a lot of secrets,manipulations,secrets to be revealed,a bit of adultery,secrets from long ago,and a family of manipulaters. You have two sisters,Susan and Sara. One marries for love,Sara,while the other marries for "money",Susan. One thinks she knows her sister while the other hides secrets from her sister."The House of Balestrom" has many secrets,disatrous things,deaths that is passed from generation to generation and a family of manipulaters. This is a fast paced story that will have you yearning for more. It has twists and turns you NEVER see coming and a susprise ending that will leave you in awe. I hope to learn more of Susan,Sara and of course Alexander Balestrom in the future. A must read for any suspense, and thriller readers. A great read that will have you loving some characters while wanting to poke the eyes out of others. This author is a great storyteller who will have you longing for more,and hoping to never meet the Balestroms. This book was received for review from the author. Details can be found at Createspace and My Book Addiction and More.
June 7, 2012
THE HOUSE OF BALESTROM—WILLIAM BUTLER
Welcome to the island of secrets and lies. Everyone of the Balestroms has a few and skeletons to match. They are a wealthy and powerful family, yet they fear scandal will ruin them and go out of their way to cover it up; even murder. Sara and her husband David arrive at Balestrom Island to console her newly widowed sister Susan. Camille Balestrom is full of accusations about her brothers death and will do anything to punish Susan and ultimately Sara.
This story has more twists and turns than THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD or a soap opera script. The book was jam-packed with action and never a dull moment. I recommend the story to any one who loves the dark and sinister plots. 5 stars for THE HOUSE OF BALESTROM.
Welcome to the island of secrets and lies. Everyone of the Balestroms has a few and skeletons to match. They are a wealthy and powerful family, yet they fear scandal will ruin them and go out of their way to cover it up; even murder. Sara and her husband David arrive at Balestrom Island to console her newly widowed sister Susan. Camille Balestrom is full of accusations about her brothers death and will do anything to punish Susan and ultimately Sara.
This story has more twists and turns than THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD or a soap opera script. The book was jam-packed with action and never a dull moment. I recommend the story to any one who loves the dark and sinister plots. 5 stars for THE HOUSE OF BALESTROM.
September 4, 2011
Ace author William Butler delivers again in with a cast of characters beginning with a woman and her husband visiting the home of her recently widowed sister in the home of the late husband’s rich, powerful, and manipulative family, the Balestroms. “Nothing is as it seems” gradually avalanches into a complex tale of love, hate, pride, and money. No character is left unscathed as the eccentric family members’ secrets are peeled back revealing their dark history and darker plans for each other. Butler delivers again with an unpredictable ride that doesn’t follow typical clichés of the wealthy dysfunctional family. Five stars!
September 10, 2012
This is without doubt the worst book I've ever read. The 'plot' is preposterous and the prose littered with spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and malapropisms. Self-publishing gone mad.
August 7, 2017
Disappointing
This book was clearly self-published, without the benefit of an editor. It read as if it were written by a non-English speaking twelve year old. I should have stopped reading after the first chapter, but I kept hoping the story would get better. It didn't. Total waste of time, especially considering how many GOOD books there are out there.
This book was clearly self-published, without the benefit of an editor. It read as if it were written by a non-English speaking twelve year old. I should have stopped reading after the first chapter, but I kept hoping the story would get better. It didn't. Total waste of time, especially considering how many GOOD books there are out there.
October 1, 2011
I thought my family was strange but this Balestrom family beats even us. Not by much mind you! Sisters Sara and Susan could not be more different and the secrets, well all I can say is WOW. Sara is called to the island where her sister lives due to the unexpected death of her husband (or was it unexpected?) and as soon as Sara sets foot on the island she is stepping into another world. A world of lies, secrets, not so nice people, murder? and all around strangeness. And what kind of person is Susan? Is she a cold blooded killer or just getting a raw deal? Oh, we find out and I will not give it away.
All of the above for me is just about a guarantee of a great book. I like families that have skeletons and are not your Leave it to Beaver type of family. Trust me, the Beaver could never have been part of this bunch!
We get a hint of what will be happening in the chapter titles. I really liked that. Before I started the chapter I would try to figure out what was about to take place. I was wrong more than I was right!
The twists and turns had my head spinning at times, a good spinning, I had to keep reading and never did I see what was coming at the end. The only complaint that I had and again, it's just my opinion is that at times the writing was hard to read, didn't flow smoothly in some places and I had to re-read.
A great suspense book with a touch of what I call Gothic horror and creepiness added in. I look forward to more from Mr. Butler.
~this book was received free from the author for review consideration~
See what Telly Says About Things
All of the above for me is just about a guarantee of a great book. I like families that have skeletons and are not your Leave it to Beaver type of family. Trust me, the Beaver could never have been part of this bunch!
We get a hint of what will be happening in the chapter titles. I really liked that. Before I started the chapter I would try to figure out what was about to take place. I was wrong more than I was right!
The twists and turns had my head spinning at times, a good spinning, I had to keep reading and never did I see what was coming at the end. The only complaint that I had and again, it's just my opinion is that at times the writing was hard to read, didn't flow smoothly in some places and I had to re-read.
A great suspense book with a touch of what I call Gothic horror and creepiness added in. I look forward to more from Mr. Butler.
~this book was received free from the author for review consideration~
See what Telly Says About Things
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews