When a novel blends centuries-old history with modern-day mystery, digging up historical truths and adding a slight mystical touch, you know you are in for an immersive story. The Old Stone House by Joseph L. Waner draws readers into a world of ancient secrets, mind-twisting revelations, and unexpected turns of events that will blur the line between myth and reality.

The story is set against the scenic backdrop of Mont-Saint-Michel and follows Nathan Gudin, an archeologist whose routine life took an unexpected turn when he discovered a copper plate during his archaeological oversight of construction work behind Monica's restaurant on Mont-Saint-Michel. The discovery was the beginning of the chaos Nathan would soon find himself in. The path Nathan took purely out of professional curiosity soon tangled him in a web of secrets, danger, and revelations. And made him question what he knows about history, faith, and even the nature of the people around him.

As the story progressed, Nathan met Harold and Anaine. Every encounter of Nathan with Harold ended up being a mystery, leaving him with questions that defied logic. And Anaine, a Benedictine monk whose version of history puzzled Nathan as he spoke with an unsettling familiarity of events centuries past. As Nathan ventured deeper, he got to know about the Accord, a legendary artifact tied to the very foundations of the Mont. The Accord seemed to be more than just an ancient artifact. To uncover the truth, Nathan must decide how far he's willing to go.

The standout aspect of this book is its ability to evoke an urge to learn history. I found myself searching French history while reading this book. Because the book made me utterly curious. Mont-Saint-Michel was not only rich in history but also a breathtaking place that transported me right into the story. The author's vivid descriptions of the tide, stone walls, and night view made it feel like I could feel every sensation of the atmosphere. The blend of history with eerie fiction promises a thrilling read throughout. The characters are what made this novel intriguing. Nathan is a relatable character with his skepticism about the unsettling events he was witnessing. His dilemma about whether to believe in something that defies every rational logic is authentic. On the other hand, Harold and Anaine are the ones that heighten the suspense with their unspoken secrets and mysterious nature. Nathan's relationship with Harold and Anaine was sometimes pleasant, other times full of doubts. I couldn't pinpoint their true intentions, just like Nathan couldn't. The growing tension promises an engaging read throughout. I commend the author's ability to craft a well-developed mystery in such a compact narrative.

There is something that I felt can be improved. I felt that the ending was a bit rushed and abrupt. The truth should have been unraveled with more clarity and intensity. A little extension would make the ending feel earned without losing the compactness of the book. Although this aspect didn't affect my overall enjoyment. Because I was completely immersed in the mystery. I found very few errors. So overall, the book is well edited. With that being said, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. If you enjoy stories that blend the past with the mystical, then this will be a worthwhile read for you.

This thrilling paranormal mystery novella, Waner’s debut, centers on Nathan Gudin, an archaeologist tasked with overseeing renovations at the historic Le Beauvoir restaurant on the iconic tidal island of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France. As the tide rushes in and traps unwary tourists in the island’s treacherous mudflats, Nathan watches helplessly—until a mysterious figure, Harold, appears and seemingly propels the victims to safety without physically touching them. Nathan senses he has encountered not just a hero, but a true friend—and perhaps something more. Soon, the construction work reveals the kind of discovery that tantalizes readers of archaeological thrillers: not just the skull of a saint, but long-buried chambers beneath the island’s surface, shrouded in mystery and echoing with ancient secrets.

Waner understands the awed appeal of such finds, and he brings welcome credibility to the storytelling through attention to process and practical reality. With the discovery comes the directive to halt all renovations, as the site and artifacts demand careful archaeological review and preservation. Inevitably, as Nathan, Harold, and a team of allies delve deeper into the past, they uncover connections to a secretive ancient order and a legacy intertwined with surprising names from history—and possibly something more. The tale pulses with paranormal elements, both otherworldly and divine, not just adding suspense but also challenging Nathan’s understanding of time, fate, and identity.

Dialogue and characterization are convincing. The storytelling is brisk, crisp, and assured. The compact page count means the mysteries never feel protracted, though the settings, dangers, revelations, and implications are intriguing enough that readers may wish The Old Stone House offered more opportunity to linger. The ending feels abrupt at first read, as if there’s still much story to be told, but it has a sneaky power and rewards contemplation. Connecting the supernatural and ancient legacies with strong imagery and gripping moments of peril, Waner encourages readers to consider what lies beneath the surface—of both land and soul.

Takeaway: Smart archaeological thriller novella exploring paranormal secrets near Normandy