The Great Escape from Gloom Manor

By Thorne Eldridge

The Great Escape from Gloom Manor is an exciting adventure that follows a group of brave friends—Eric, Booker, Amaya, and Tyra—who find themselves trapped in a haunted mansion filled with eerie creatures, hidden passages, and cryptic riddles.

As they explore the mysterious manor, they must rely on their wits and teamwork to outsmart ghostly inhabitants, solve puzzles, and uncover the manor’s darkest secrets. With each challenge, the group learns valuable lessons about perseverance, bravery, and the power of friendship, all while discovering that the greatest treasure of all is the strength they find in each other.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Good Child Bookstore
• Release date: Aug 5, 2025

Book preview

The Great Escape from Gloom Manor

Thorne Eldridge

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The Great Escape from Gloom Manor

Adventure Series

Thorne Eldridge

Published by The Good Child Bookstore, 2025

Copyright

Published by The Good Child Bookstore

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

All rights reserved © 2025, Good Child Bookstore.

Preface

Gloom Manor had always been the subject of local legends—whispers of strange happenings, eerie figures, and unsettling sounds emanating from the crumbling mansion at the edge of town. No one dared venture close, and yet, when a dare led Eric, Booker, Amaya, and Tyra to the manor’s creaking gates, they had no idea just how truly strange the place was.

What started as a night of fun quickly turned into a race against time as the friends discovered that Gloom Manor was far more than a haunted house—it was a puzzle, a labyrinth of ghostly tricks and supernatural secrets. As they faced perilous puzzles, sneaky traps, and quirky creatures, they learned that the only way out of Gloom Manor was through their own courage and teamwork.

This adventure would test not only their minds but their hearts as well, teaching them lessons they’d carry for the rest of their lives.

Contents

Chapter 1: The Uninvited Guests

Chapter 2: The Hall of Mirrors

Chapter 3: The Shadow in the Library

Chapter 4: The Enchanted Clock Tower

Chapter 5: The Whispering Walls

Chapter 6: The Puzzle of the Hallway of Doors

Chapter 7: The Ghostly Tea Party

Chapter 8: The Secret of the Singing Stairs

Chapter 9: The Garden of Laughter

Chapter 10: The Monster Under the Bed

Chapter 11: The Maze of Moving Walls

Chapter 12: The Nightmare Bakery

Chapter 13: The Illusion of the Crystal Ballroom

Chapter 14: The Vault of Forgotten Dreams

Chapter 15: The Heart of the Manor

Chapter 16: The Door to the End

Chapter 17: The Final Trial

Chapter 18: The Return to the Real World

Chapter 19: The Echoes of the Past

Chapter 20: The Final Door

Chapter 21: A New Dawn

Chapter 22: The Path Forward

Chapter 23: The World Beyond

Chapter 24: The Weight of Choice

Chapter 25: The Road Ahead

THE END

Chapter 1: The Uninvited Guests

It was a dark and stormy evening, one of those nights that made you want to stay curled up inside with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa. But not Eric, Booker, Amaya, and Tyra. They had bigger plans—or, more precisely, a dare. A dare that would lead them to the most bizarre, spooky, and—let’s be honest—ridiculous adventure of their lives.

The four friends had grown tired of the usual games, the same old tag, scavenger hunts, and neighborhood hide-and-seek. That’s when Eric, in his infinite wisdom, suggested something new: a trip to Gloom Manor.

The grand, dilapidated mansion at the edge of town had been the stuff of local legends for years. Old, creepy, and abandoned. A place everyone knew to stay away from, yet everyone had stories about it. Stories about creaky floors, shadowy figures, and doors that slammed shut all by themselves. The perfect place for a night of adventure—or so they thought.

Tyra, ever the thrill-seeker, was the first to agree. Let’s do it! How bad could it be? she said, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she pulled her jacket tight against the chill in the air. Booker, who had an affinity for all things spooky (but from a safe distance), was the second to hop on board. I’ve heard there’s a ghost who likes to play chess, he added with a grin. Maybe we’ll get a game in.

Amaya, though a little more cautious, finally relented. She wasn’t about to let her friends have all the fun without her. Okay, but we’re not going inside if it gets too weird, she warned, crossing her arms. And if we get scared, we leave. Deal?

Eric, the self-proclaimed leader of their group, nodded enthusiastically. Deal! It’ll be a blast! He had a tendency to get a bit carried away, and this adventure was no exception.

The group met at the edge of town, where the road ended and Gloom Manor loomed like a dark silhouette against the night sky. Its windows glowed with an unnatural light—no one knew if it was just the moon or something more... sinister. The mansion was as creepy as the stories had described: towering walls covered in ivy, broken windows, and a rusted iron gate that creaked as the wind howled through it. Still, the kids pushed forward, eager to prove their bravery.

The gate, as if expecting them, swung open with a groan when they approached. Well, that’s not ominous at all, Tyra muttered, but her voice held a trace of excitement. They stepped inside, the gravel crunching under their boots. The air was thick with dust, and the scent of old wood mixed with mildew made them wrinkle their noses.

This place is perfect, Eric said, taking in the massive structure with a sense of awe. We’ll have the best stories after tonight.

As they walked toward the front door, they heard something strange: the faint sound of footsteps. At first, they figured it was just the wind, but the sound continued. It was a rhythmic tap-tap-tapping that echoed through the courtyard. The group stopped dead in their tracks. Tyra turned to look at Eric.

Did you hear that? she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Eric gave a nervous laugh. It’s probably just a raccoon or something, he said, though his confidence was slipping.

They stood there for a moment, straining their ears to listen, but the noise stopped as suddenly as it had begun. Well, that was weird, Amaya said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Yeah, weird, Booker repeated, though his eyes darted nervously toward the darkened windows of the house.

Let’s go inside, Eric suggested, trying to shake off the strange feeling that had settled in his stomach. He pushed the door open, and with a loud creak, it swung inward. The inside was dark, but the outline of a grand staircase was visible, spiraling upward to the second floor. The walls were lined with old paintings, some of which seemed to watch them as they passed. Every step they took echoed through the empty halls, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Wow, this place is big, Tyra said, her voice tinged with awe. I bet we could get lost in here.

I don’t know if that’s a good thing, Amaya said nervously, glancing around at the dark corners of the room.

They explored the main floor, which appeared to be a large foyer with doors leading off in every direction. Everything was covered in dust and cobwebs, and the air was thick with the scent of decay. The group laughed nervously as they poked around, opening doors and peeking into rooms filled with old furniture, faded curtains, and strange, half-broken antiques.

Then, suddenly, a loud bang echoed through the mansion, followed by a low moan that seemed to come from the very walls themselves. The sound sent chills down their spines, and they froze in place. Okay, maybe it’s time to go, Booker suggested, his voice trembling just a little.

I think we should leave too, Amaya agreed, her eyes wide with unease. This place is... weird.

Eric hesitated. No way. We came here for an adventure, and we’re going to have one. Besides, we’ve only seen like, half the place.

Before anyone could argue, the door behind them slammed shut with a force that made the walls shake. The sudden sound was deafening, and the friends jumped in surprise.

What the heck was that? Tyra exclaimed, her heart racing.

They rushed to the door, but it wouldn’t budge. They pushed and pulled, but it was locked—tight. This isn’t funny anymore, Booker said, panic creeping into his voice. We’re stuck.

Amaya tried the windows, but they, too, were locked. The group looked at each other, the realization sinking in. They were trapped.

Okay, this is bad, Eric admitted, his usual bravado faltering. But we can’t panic. We just have to figure out how to get out. There has to be a way.

Just then, a distant laughter echoed through the halls. It was high-pitched and mocking, like someone—or something—was enjoying their predicament. The sound made their blood run cold.

Did you hear that? Amaya whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Yeah, Booker said, his eyes wide. And I don’t think we’re alone in here.

It was then that the full weight of their situation hit them. They weren’t just exploring an old mansion. They were trapped inside Gloom Manor. And something—someone—didn’t want them to leave.

Chapter 2: The Hall of Mirrors

The door slammed shut behind them with an eerie finality, and for a moment, the group stood frozen in the dim hallway, their hearts pounding in their chests. The house seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting for them to make the next move.

Eric was the first to break the silence, exhaling a long breath. Well, this is going to be great. We’re trapped in a spooky mansion with no way out. What’s next?

Tyra, ever the optimist, gave a smirk. Next, we solve this mystery and find our way out. This place isn’t going to defeat us. We’ve got this!

Amaya was less enthusiastic. She took a cautious step forward, scanning the surroundings. I don’t know, guys. Something doesn’t feel right. I mean, look at this place. It’s like a maze.

They had entered a hallway that stretched