Book Review: Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
Trigger Warnings: Stalking, graphic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, murder, human trafficking
“You’ll never escape me, little mouse.”
— Zade Meadows, Haunting Adeline
Genre: Dark Romance, Psychological Horror, Thriller
Tropes: Obsession, Stalker Romance, Morally Gray MMC, Dual POV, Taboo Romance
Main Characters: Zade Meadows and Adeline Reilly
💀 Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Haunting Adeline is the first book in the Cat and Mouse Duet by H.D. Carlton, and it’s not your typical dark romance. It teeters between reality and nightmare, laced with haunting suspense and visceral horror. The story follows Adeline Reilly, a bestselling author who inherits her grandmother’s eerie mansion in Parsons Manor — a house full of secrets and shadows. But the real nightmare begins when she catches the attention of Zade Meadows, a dangerously unhinged man with his own twisted sense of morality and justice.
Zade is no ordinary stalker — he watches her, follows her, invades her life unapologetically… and Adeline can’t help but be drawn to the darkness inside him.
🔥 The Characters
Zade Meadows is probably one of the most terrifying yet compelling characters I’ve read in dark romance. He’s obsessive, possessive, and disturbingly cunning. But behind his monstrous methods lies a vigilante who’s deeply entrenched in fighting human trafficking — a storyline that runs parallel to the central romance and gives the book a chilling depth.
“You don’t have to be afraid of the dark, little mouse. Not when I’m the worst thing in it.”
Adeline, on the other hand, is not your usual fragile heroine. She’s resilient, curious, and defiant — which makes her dynamic with Zade even more twisted and psychologically complex.
🧠 Psychological Horror & Trigger Points
This book is not for the faint of heart. From stalking, home invasion, and non-consensual scenes, to explicit violence, gore, and human trafficking, Haunting Adeline plunges deep into the darkest corners of the human psyche.
Carlton uses horror not just for shock value, but to explore the blurred line between fear and desire, and how trauma can be both a prison and a catalyst.
If you’re sensitive to themes involving sexual abuse or trafficking, proceed with caution. But if you’re prepared for an intense psychological ride, this book delivers.
🧵 Themes: Obsession, Power, and the Broken System
One of the most unsettling yet intriguing themes is the duality of Zade’s character — he commits unforgivable acts in the name of protecting the innocent. This moral ambiguity is both disturbing and oddly satisfying.
The human trafficking subplot is not romanticized but handled with brutal honesty. Carlton doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of abuse and systemic failure. Zade’s vigilante group, The Order, exposes the horrors behind elite trafficking rings, adding a layer of dark realism to the story.
📚 Writing Style & Pacing
H.D. Carlton’s writing is addictive. She combines lyrical prose with sharp dialogue, creating a world where love and fear coexist. The pacing is intense, and the tension between Zade and Adeline is electric, keeping you on edge throughout.
The inclusion of journal entries and flashbacks adds a gothic, almost ghostly touch — especially with the haunted mansion backdrop.
🖤 Final Thoughts
Haunting Adeline is a boundary-pushing, morally gray romance that reads like a horror novel and feels like a descent into madness. It challenges your comfort zone while unraveling a dark tale of obsession, justice, and trauma. This book is not a safe space, but for those who can handle it — it’s unforgettable.
“You’ll learn to love the dark, little mouse. Especially when it’s mine.”
Rating: 4.5/5 (for fans of dark, taboo, and psychologically intense fiction)
🛒 Where to Buy Haunting Adeline in India
If you’re in India and brave enough to dive into the dark mind of Zade Meadows, here’s where you can get your hands on Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton:
📚 Amazon India
🔗 Buy Haunting Adeline on Amazon India
✔ Usually available in paperback and Kindle
✔ Ships across India
✔ Prime delivery for eligible users
📖 Flipkart
🔗 Check for Haunting Adeline on Flipkart
✔ Paperback copies sometimes in stock
✔ Easy returns & payment options
💡 Pro Tip: If it’s out of stock or overpriced, check out Kindle Unlimited or Scribd trials. The book is often listed there too — digitally.
📦 Want It Fast?
Search on local bookstores like BookChor, BooksWagon, or ShopClues — some Indian sellers carry imported editions.