This novel begins with the mysterious death of the ninth president of the United States, William Henry Harrison. History tells us he died of pneumonia, but author Frost presents a more malevolent picture of his demise. His successor is John Tyler, a slave-owner from Virginia and vice president at the time of Harrison’s death. Tyler journeys to the capital with his man-servant James, a slave, who we find out is the half-brother to Tyler’s invalid wife, Letitia. The White House (the secret house in the title) is found to be in disrepair, full of spider webs, cracked walls, ceilings stained with oil and soot, among other things not quite so mundane. Tyler brings to the house his family and a coterie of slaves, picked by James, which include Mel, the cook and part-time sorceress. After arrival, James and Mel soon learn that Harrison’s death was far from natural and that lurking in the house is a malevolent presence – one which manifests itself from within the building’s many mirrors. But who is controlling this evil entity and why does it seek the destruction of, first, William Henry Harrison, and second, the entire Tyler clan?

This was an enthralling read, although I have to say that the first part of it I found less than intriguing. I put the book down several times, not knowing if I would pick it up again. The politics and lengthy descriptions of the house in general left me cold and it was hard to get into the story or see where it was going. However, once the plot took off, it took off with a bang and the second half of the novel became a real page-turner I could barely put down. The characters, especially those of the slaves and Tyler’s children, are well-developed and real and, as the plot develops, it is hard not to become invested in their fates.

I can recommend The Secret House to lovers of historical mysteries, especially early Americana. The novel is also recommended for those who love stories of the supernatural, ghosts, and haunted houses.