Status
Available
Description
Written in Dickensian prose, This House Is Haunted is a striking homage to the classic nineteenth-century ghost story. Set in Norfolk in 1867, Eliza Caine responds to an ad for a governess position at Gaudlin Hall. When she arrives at the hall, shaken by an unsettling disturbance that occurred during her travels, she is greeted by the two children now in her care, Isabella and Eustace. There is no adult present to represent her mysterious employer, and the children offer no explanation. Later that night in her room, another terrifying experience further reinforces the sense that something is very wrong. From the moment Eliza rises the following morning, her every step seems dogged by a malign presence that lives within Gaudlin's walls. Eliza realizes that if she and the children are to survive its violent attentions, she must first uncover the hall's long-buried secrets and confront the demons of its past. Clever, captivating, and witty, This House Is Haunted is pure entertainment with a catch.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member hes7
In the wake of her father’s death, needing a change, Eliza Caine arrives at Gaudlin Hall to be the governess for two children—only nothing is as she thought. She quickly becomes swept up in a story full of mystery, secrets, and a menacing presence. With eerie atmosphere and haunting
Show More
circumstances, this novel from John Boyne is an enjoyable, ghostly read. Show Less
LibraryThing member jan.fleming
This House Is Haunted is a striking homage to the classic nineteenth century ghost story. Set in Norfolk in 1867, Eliza Caine responds to an ad for a governess position at Gaudlin Hall. When she arrives at the hall, shaken by an unsettling disturbance that occurred during her travels, she is
From the moment Eliza rises the following morning, her every step seems dogged by a malign presence that lives within Gaudlin’s walls. Eliza realizes that if she and the children are to survive its violent attentions, she must first uncover the hall’s long-buried secrets and confront the demons of its past. Clever, captivating, and witty, This House Is Haunted is pure entertainment with a catch.
How can you not love a book whose first sentence is “I blame Charles Dickens for the death of my father...” a glorious, captivating mash up of Jane Eyre, Turn of the Screw, Rebecca and the film The Others.
This House bears all the hallmarks (or clichés depending on your viewpoint) of a Gothic ghost story, written in the first person, a plucky heroine who has bitten off rather more than she an chew, surly locals who know more than they are saying, warnings from random strangers and of course persistent fog. Beautifully written, well paced with escalating tension though the ending was a little disappointing
An enjoyable read
Show More
greeted by the two children now in her care, Isabella and Eustace. There is no adult present to represent her mysterious employer, and the children offer no explanation. Later that night in her room, another terrifying experience further reinforces the sense that something is very wrong.From the moment Eliza rises the following morning, her every step seems dogged by a malign presence that lives within Gaudlin’s walls. Eliza realizes that if she and the children are to survive its violent attentions, she must first uncover the hall’s long-buried secrets and confront the demons of its past. Clever, captivating, and witty, This House Is Haunted is pure entertainment with a catch.
How can you not love a book whose first sentence is “I blame Charles Dickens for the death of my father...” a glorious, captivating mash up of Jane Eyre, Turn of the Screw, Rebecca and the film The Others.
This House bears all the hallmarks (or clichés depending on your viewpoint) of a Gothic ghost story, written in the first person, a plucky heroine who has bitten off rather more than she an chew, surly locals who know more than they are saying, warnings from random strangers and of course persistent fog. Beautifully written, well paced with escalating tension though the ending was a little disappointing
An enjoyable read
Show Less
LibraryThing member MMFalcone
This House is Haunted by John Boyne is a humorous love letter to Charles Dickens and the great Gothic horrors. When her father suddenly dies after attending a reading by Charles Dickens, Eliza impulsively answers an unusual ad for a governess. She plans on making the grand Westerley estate–along
Set in a neglected mansion, This House is Haunted has all the major elements of the classic Gothic horrors: aloof villagers, vanishing servants, creepy children, a haunted attic, a cantankerous groundskeeper, madness and murder. It’s populated with characters sporting Dickensian names and had plenty of orphans and tragic childhoods to spare. You don’t have to be a fan of the genre to spot elements reminiscent of Jane Eyre, Turn of the Screw and even a Hound of Baskervilles.
John Boyne’s This House is Haunted was a restrained but humorous read until the over-the-top grand finish–where it became just silly and melodramatic. With all its humor and classic elements, I do wonder if this was meant to be a parody. If it was meant to be a parody, it was a little too serious. If it was meant to be a tragic ghost story, it was a little too silly. It was quick and enjoyable, so even with the uncertainty, it’s worth a read.
Show More
with its two orphaned children–her new home and family. But, the illusion cannot last, and the facade begins to crumble.Set in a neglected mansion, This House is Haunted has all the major elements of the classic Gothic horrors: aloof villagers, vanishing servants, creepy children, a haunted attic, a cantankerous groundskeeper, madness and murder. It’s populated with characters sporting Dickensian names and had plenty of orphans and tragic childhoods to spare. You don’t have to be a fan of the genre to spot elements reminiscent of Jane Eyre, Turn of the Screw and even a Hound of Baskervilles.
John Boyne’s This House is Haunted was a restrained but humorous read until the over-the-top grand finish–where it became just silly and melodramatic. With all its humor and classic elements, I do wonder if this was meant to be a parody. If it was meant to be a parody, it was a little too serious. If it was meant to be a tragic ghost story, it was a little too silly. It was quick and enjoyable, so even with the uncertainty, it’s worth a read.
Show Less
LibraryThing member mountie9
The Good Stuff
Dark, Gothic ghost story - one of my favorite type of story to read
Great opening line, it hooked me in right away
Fast paced and creepy - couldn't put it down even-though it was way to late at night to be reading this type of story
Awesome ending, though some may not like it
Eliza is quite the little spirited thing, you have to love her. Really enjoyed some of the dialogue between her and the various male characters- especially since the author is male
Chapter 20 is a pure delight and a wonderful discourse on organized religion
Wonderful atmosphere, while reading you will be constantly looking over your shoulder looking for ghosts - so wonderfully spooky, perfect for a cold Canadian night
Story feels like it was written in 1867 not in this day and age and I mean that as a wonderful compliment - those gothic stories were so much fun. A good spooky story that doesn't rely on blood and guts to keep you sleeping with the lights on
The Not So Good Stuff
Wanted to smack the heroine because I figured a major plot point (and she so should have) out way before she did
Checked our catalogue at work and this seems to be marketed in the adult horror section, think it would do far better if marketed more Teen
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"Miss Caine, Mrs Cratchett and I have been married some three years now. If there is one condition I am familiar with, is the tendency of the gentler sex to suffer nervous anxiety."
He offered a polite bow and I considered picking up the large paperweight on his desk, designed for some reason in the shape of Ireland, and bringing it down upon his skull. Would any jury in the land convict me."
"The Bible is written by men, " I declared. "It has gone through so many changes, so many linguistic translations over the centuries that it adapts and re-creates itself in the form of the time in which the reader engages with it. Only a fool believes that the words of the Bible are the words delivered by Christ."
"He had never before shown any interest in American matters. Indeed he had professed his belief on more than one occasion that those who lived on the opposite side of the Atlantic Ocean were nothing more than barbarous, antagonistic scoundrels who should never have been permitted independence, an act of disloyalty to the Crown for which the name of Portland should for ever be damned."
4.25 Dewey's
I received this from Random House in exchange for an honest review
Dark, Gothic ghost story - one of my favorite type of story to read
Great opening line, it hooked me in right away
Fast paced and creepy - couldn't put it down even-though it was way to late at night to be reading this type of story
Awesome ending, though some may not like it
Show More
Seriously creepy little child - personally I would have run screaming from the house after I met herEliza is quite the little spirited thing, you have to love her. Really enjoyed some of the dialogue between her and the various male characters- especially since the author is male
Chapter 20 is a pure delight and a wonderful discourse on organized religion
Wonderful atmosphere, while reading you will be constantly looking over your shoulder looking for ghosts - so wonderfully spooky, perfect for a cold Canadian night
Story feels like it was written in 1867 not in this day and age and I mean that as a wonderful compliment - those gothic stories were so much fun. A good spooky story that doesn't rely on blood and guts to keep you sleeping with the lights on
The Not So Good Stuff
Wanted to smack the heroine because I figured a major plot point (and she so should have) out way before she did
Checked our catalogue at work and this seems to be marketed in the adult horror section, think it would do far better if marketed more Teen
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"Miss Caine, Mrs Cratchett and I have been married some three years now. If there is one condition I am familiar with, is the tendency of the gentler sex to suffer nervous anxiety."
He offered a polite bow and I considered picking up the large paperweight on his desk, designed for some reason in the shape of Ireland, and bringing it down upon his skull. Would any jury in the land convict me."
"The Bible is written by men, " I declared. "It has gone through so many changes, so many linguistic translations over the centuries that it adapts and re-creates itself in the form of the time in which the reader engages with it. Only a fool believes that the words of the Bible are the words delivered by Christ."
"He had never before shown any interest in American matters. Indeed he had professed his belief on more than one occasion that those who lived on the opposite side of the Atlantic Ocean were nothing more than barbarous, antagonistic scoundrels who should never have been permitted independence, an act of disloyalty to the Crown for which the name of Portland should for ever be damned."
4.25 Dewey's
I received this from Random House in exchange for an honest review
Show Less
LibraryThing member Beamis12
Although a haunted house with a governess and two young children is nothing new, this is a wonderful read for October. The atmosphere is just scary enough, the back story all the authors own with a few unique touches. A very young governess named Eliza Caine who is just wonderful. Two children, a
Show More
girl and boy, though it was the young boy that I loved. A big old house with many secrets within and without and of course a mystery to solve. Who is haunting this house and why? The pace is quick and the journey to discover what is going on is deliciously creepy. The end surprising, but then again, maybe not. Well worth a read if you like spooky stories. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheLostEntwife
I'm a huge fan of gothic mysterious tales. From classics by the Bronte sisters to more modern day gothic tales written by authors like Kate Morton, I admit to being an absolute sucker for them. So it was with absolute glee that I requested access to This House is Haunted by John Boyne. Let me tell
Read the rest of this review at The Lost Entwife on Oct. 15, 2013.
Show More
you right now, I was not disappointed. I laughed and loved every single minute of this story - and I am a scaredy-cat when it comes to truly scary stories so let me assure you that this one is not your typical run-of-the-mill ghost story.Read the rest of this review at The Lost Entwife on Oct. 15, 2013.
Show Less
LibraryThing member katylit
Classic ghost story of a young governess in charge of two children in a large, country manor house. The suspense is gradually built through reluctant encounters with the locals, mysterious noises and events in and about the house and grounds, and violent encounters. Well written and a very
Show More
enjoyable ghost story. Show Less
LibraryThing member CasualFriday
Take The Turn of Screw, toss in a little Brontë and a little Dickens, mix well, and serve up this delicious gothic novel about a young woman persecuted by ghosts.
Eliza Cain impulsively accepts a position as a governess while grieving her father's untimely death. Upon arriving at Gaudlin Hall, she
This was obviously derivative in the extreme, but it hit all the sweet spots and was great fun. It was a classic page-turner, with a big reveal at the end of almost every chapter. You could finish it off during one nice snowstorm.
Eliza Cain impulsively accepts a position as a governess while grieving her father's untimely death. Upon arriving at Gaudlin Hall, she
Show More
finds that her employers are nowhere to be found and that the help-wanted ad had actually been placed by the previous governess, who wanted to leave in an ungodly hurry. When she asks for information, the servants and the family lawyer stonewall her. The children are similarly closed-mouthed, and while little Eustice is a charmer, the elder Isabella is a tad imperious and unnaturally adult.This was obviously derivative in the extreme, but it hit all the sweet spots and was great fun. It was a classic page-turner, with a big reveal at the end of almost every chapter. You could finish it off during one nice snowstorm.
Show Less
LibraryThing member flying_monkeys
Rating: 4 of 5
Excellent! An old-fashioned ghost story written by someone who knows how to torture, er, tease his readers with just enough information that we have to turn the page again and again, nonstop until the end. Although predictable, the story was fun and creepy. (The hands around the
Recommend This House Is Haunted to anyone who enjoys ghost stories set in the 19th century and heavily influenced by Charles Dickens and Henry James.
Excellent! An old-fashioned ghost story written by someone who knows how to torture, er, tease his readers with just enough information that we have to turn the page again and again, nonstop until the end. Although predictable, the story was fun and creepy. (The hands around the
Show More
ankles scene - ahhhh!!)Recommend This House Is Haunted to anyone who enjoys ghost stories set in the 19th century and heavily influenced by Charles Dickens and Henry James.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Whisper1
When 21 year old Eliza Caine's beloved father dies suddenly, soon thereafter she learns the house they lived in all her life was not owned by her father, but rented. In order to find shelter, in grief and shock, she makes a very hasty decision to answer an ad for a governess in the country side of
Arriving at a castle like country manor house of Gaudlin Hall, immediately she suspects all is not right. She is not greeted by adults, but rather two children. As the story progresses, there are bumps in the night, physical abuse by a spirit she cannot see, and all townspeople are very hesitant to talk to her.
Learning that of six previous employees, only one survived, all others died in suspicious fashion she decides to get to the bottom of answers regarding why the house is haunted.
Becoming fond of the young boy in her care and needed to protect both children, she insists on information.
Thereupon she learns that the mother of the children developed a severe attachment to her children and killed the first teacher, while physically beating her husband to near death.
Cared for by a local nurse, the Lord of the manor hangs on barely, secluded in the attic.
While I think the ending spun out of control, I was curious throughout and read the book in rapid fashion.
Show More
Norfolk England.Arriving at a castle like country manor house of Gaudlin Hall, immediately she suspects all is not right. She is not greeted by adults, but rather two children. As the story progresses, there are bumps in the night, physical abuse by a spirit she cannot see, and all townspeople are very hesitant to talk to her.
Learning that of six previous employees, only one survived, all others died in suspicious fashion she decides to get to the bottom of answers regarding why the house is haunted.
Becoming fond of the young boy in her care and needed to protect both children, she insists on information.
Thereupon she learns that the mother of the children developed a severe attachment to her children and killed the first teacher, while physically beating her husband to near death.
Cared for by a local nurse, the Lord of the manor hangs on barely, secluded in the attic.
While I think the ending spun out of control, I was curious throughout and read the book in rapid fashion.
Show Less
LibraryThing member arielfl
Eliza Caine's father has recently passed leaving her in unexpected, dire financial straits. When she stumbles upon a job for a governess it seems like an answer to a prayer. The only problem is when she gets to the house there are no adults, only a young boy and girl. To make matters worse no one
I loved this Gothic tale so, so much. I enjoyed the two previous John Boyne books I read, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and The Absolutist. With this novel I love him. It is the perfect, ghostly read. I haven't been this entertained since The Woman in Black.
Show More
in the town will speak to Eliza and it turns out the previous women who held her current job came to some unfortunate ends. Coincidence? Not when this house is haunted.I loved this Gothic tale so, so much. I enjoyed the two previous John Boyne books I read, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and The Absolutist. With this novel I love him. It is the perfect, ghostly read. I haven't been this entertained since The Woman in Black.
Show Less
LibraryThing member lauriebrown54
Set in 1867, this Dickensian novel actually starts with an appearance by Dickens himself. He gives a public reading of a ghost story, setting the mood for what follows. Eliza Crane, 21 years old, tells the story, adding an intimate touch. When her father dies, she seeks to get away from the home
The book is written in the style of the 1800s; it’s very much a Victorian gothic novel, right down to the language. As the story unfolds, some things have very mundane explanations but others clearly don’t. There’s a Hitchcockian twist at the end that will leave the reader with a feeling of dread. It’s not the greatest ghost story I’ve ever read, but it’s a solid one that sticks to supernatural fright rather than defaulting to slashing and gore like so many these days.
Show More
they’ve shared and takes a governess job in Norfolk, sight unseen, at Gaudlin Hall. After a couple of mishaps at the train station, Eliza is mystified to find herself met at the hall only by the children, Isabella and Eustace Westerley. At first it seems there are no adults in the house at all; inquiries made in town are stonewalled. Where are the parents? Why is there no staff? Almost immediately strange things start happening to Eliza; curtains move when there is no breeze, invisible hands grab and push violently. The book is written in the style of the 1800s; it’s very much a Victorian gothic novel, right down to the language. As the story unfolds, some things have very mundane explanations but others clearly don’t. There’s a Hitchcockian twist at the end that will leave the reader with a feeling of dread. It’s not the greatest ghost story I’ve ever read, but it’s a solid one that sticks to supernatural fright rather than defaulting to slashing and gore like so many these days.
Show Less
LibraryThing member musecure
One adapts quite quickly to the use of "Dickensian" language (thankfully Boyne does not indulge in any of Dickens' legendarily lengthy sentences) and is able to just enjoy the story. Boyne tells a good ghost story with well developed characters. Eliza Caine is particularly likable. I was frequently
Show More
through my reading reminded of "Turn of the Screw" and "The Fall of the House of Usher" and at times found the plot predictable even as the story was well told. I almost gave out a hurrah when Mrs. Livermore told Eliza that previous governesses had "all that figured out in half that time." I also found the end to be a bit much. But how can you not love a classic ghost story that opens: "I blame Charles Dickens for the death of my father."? An enjoyable read. Show Less
LibraryThing member Librarian42
Started off really good, however, I found it quite disappointing at the end. I find with John Boyne his books are either 'Amazing' or 'Middle of the Road'. Not one of his best books.
LibraryThing member Violetthedwarf
It's such a good idea, ruined by clunky, dull writing and poor pacing.
What should be scary ends up falling flat, because Boyne lacks the ability to build atmosphere.
What should be scary ends up falling flat, because Boyne lacks the ability to build atmosphere.
LibraryThing member Violetthedwarf
It's such a good idea, ruined by clunky, dull writing and poor pacing.
What should be scary ends up falling flat, because Boyne lacks the ability to build atmosphere.
What should be scary ends up falling flat, because Boyne lacks the ability to build atmosphere.
LibraryThing member nicx27
"I blame Charles Dickens for the death of my father". Who can fail to be intrigued by this opening line? Despite having all the components of a book that I wouldn't have expected to like - gothic, Victorian, ghosts - I absolutely loved this story. In it, Eliza Caine, having lost her beloved father,
Maybe it's the quality of John Boyne's writing (Crippen is one of my favourite books and who can forget the wonderful The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas) but he managed to write a ghost book that rang true to me which not many do. Eliza herself tells the story and I liked her voice very much. She is a level-headed narrator who tells a completely plausible story.
I raced through this book and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. And as well as the great opening lines, the book ends with a sinister, but not completely unexpected, turn of events. I enjoyed it all immensely.
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing a copy for review.
Show More
moves from London to Norfolk to take up a role as governess to two children at Gaudlin Hall. But nothing is as it should be and Eliza becomes more and more convinced of a malevolent force at work.Maybe it's the quality of John Boyne's writing (Crippen is one of my favourite books and who can forget the wonderful The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas) but he managed to write a ghost book that rang true to me which not many do. Eliza herself tells the story and I liked her voice very much. She is a level-headed narrator who tells a completely plausible story.
I raced through this book and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. And as well as the great opening lines, the book ends with a sinister, but not completely unexpected, turn of events. I enjoyed it all immensely.
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing a copy for review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member huntersun9
Dickensian? No. The writing is nowhere near good enough for that kind of comparison. Good premise, dull execution.
LibraryThing member JJbooklvr
A nice old style ghost story. Perfect for an October read.
LibraryThing member justpeachy
When 21-year-old Eliza Caine's father dies unexpectedly she impulsively answers an ad for a governess at Gaudlin Hall. But when she arrives at the house she discovers two children living there apparently alone. She finds that her quest for answers is thwarted by the villagers who refuse to speak
This was a good gothic ghost story, but it wasn't too scary which was great. The story moved right along without any dull or boring parts, which made for quite a page-turner.
Show More
about the house or the family. Nor will they speak about the mysterious fates of the five previous governesses who came before her in the previous year. She is also rattled by strange occurrences in the house, which start on her very first night when an unseen pair of hands grabs her ankles in bed. As Eliza learns about the family's past she begins to realize just who is haunting the house and that she is in grave danger from this ghost.This was a good gothic ghost story, but it wasn't too scary which was great. The story moved right along without any dull or boring parts, which made for quite a page-turner.
Show Less
LibraryThing member adpaton
Ghosts and governesses, isolated country houses and strange children, family secrets and pervasive menace – Jonathan Boyne uses these traditional elements to craft a wonderful Victorian ghost story which combines Dickens and Bronte with a touch of M.R. James.
Orphaned Eliza Caine accepts a post
The pleasure of the ghost genre is that it is comfortably formulaic and even the twists are predictable: Boyne is a master storyteller and transforms the obvious into the unexpected, creating a chillingly believable atmosphere of spiritual threat.
Orphaned Eliza Caine accepts a post
Show More
at Gaudlin Hall in Norfolk only to discover she is the only adult in the house, and has charge of two somewhat unsettling children. She is under supernatural attack from her first night in the ramshackle manor and her attempts to unravel the mystery of Gaudlin Hall are met with superstitious silence from the nearby village.The pleasure of the ghost genre is that it is comfortably formulaic and even the twists are predictable: Boyne is a master storyteller and transforms the obvious into the unexpected, creating a chillingly believable atmosphere of spiritual threat.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Circlestonesbooks
“But as I stared at my new home, I felt a curious urge to ask Heckling to turn the carriage around and drive me back to Norwich, where I might sit on a bench at Thorpe Station until the sun came up and then return to London, a job badly done.” (Original citation page 70)
Content:
When her father
Theme and genre:
A gripping ghost story in the best tradition of the famous 19th century gothic novels, including a dark house with secrets and supernatural mysteries, and a brave heroine. The narrative takes place in England, in the year 1867.
Characters:
Isabella and Eustace are very well educated children, but they are very quiet, severely traumatized by the circumstances of the death of their mother.
Eliza is missing her father, but she has a very brave character, not willing to give up when she can solve some of the mysteries surrounding Gaudlin Hall and the two children. It is typical for this kind of gothic novels that the reader likes the heroine and fears for her.
Plot and writing:
The exciting, creepy story is written in the first person, told by Eliza, the governess. As Eliza begins to ask people, she and the reader learn about past events that explain some of the occurrences happening in the present. Unforeseeable twists until the last pages stress the captivating storyline.
Conclusion:
A spine-chilling gothic novel that makes the reader shiver and unable to stop reading. Perfect for enjoyable reading hours on dark winter afternoons and stormy evenings.
Content:
When her father
Show More
suddenly had died, 21-year-old schoolteacher Eliza Caine wants to leave London and applies for the position of a governess at Gaudlin Hall in Norfolk. Her job begins in October 1867. When she arrives, she meets the two children, she will look after, 12-year-old Isabella Westerley and her younger brother Eustace, 8 years old. They seem to live alone in this grand country house. There is Mrs. Livermore who cooks and cleans but she lives in the nearby village. Soon Eliza learns that she is not the first governess coming here, but only one of them is still alive, because the house is full of secrets and terrifying things happen. Nevertheless, she is determined to not abandon the two children.Theme and genre:
A gripping ghost story in the best tradition of the famous 19th century gothic novels, including a dark house with secrets and supernatural mysteries, and a brave heroine. The narrative takes place in England, in the year 1867.
Characters:
Isabella and Eustace are very well educated children, but they are very quiet, severely traumatized by the circumstances of the death of their mother.
Eliza is missing her father, but she has a very brave character, not willing to give up when she can solve some of the mysteries surrounding Gaudlin Hall and the two children. It is typical for this kind of gothic novels that the reader likes the heroine and fears for her.
Plot and writing:
The exciting, creepy story is written in the first person, told by Eliza, the governess. As Eliza begins to ask people, she and the reader learn about past events that explain some of the occurrences happening in the present. Unforeseeable twists until the last pages stress the captivating storyline.
Conclusion:
A spine-chilling gothic novel that makes the reader shiver and unable to stop reading. Perfect for enjoyable reading hours on dark winter afternoons and stormy evenings.
Show Less
LibraryThing member tloeffler
Delightfully creepy book about a young governess, haunted by the mother of the children she is caring for.
LibraryThing member tloeffler
Delightfully creepy book about a young governess, haunted by the mother of the children she is caring for.
LibraryThing member LKChapman
After the death of her father Eliza Caine moves to Norfolk to be governess to two children at Gaudlin Hall, but from the moment she steps off of the train you begin to wonder what she has signed up for.
Gaudlin Hall is clearly a house where something very wrong has happened and Eliza is certainly
The book follows Eliza’s attempts to unravel the events that led to the house being haunted and the truth is slowly and gradually revealed as she befriends and talks to some of the residents of the village who knew the family before tragedy struck.
I really enjoyed this book, I liked the pace of it and was intrigued as to what dark and sinister secrets the house held and how Eliza would cope with her time there. It's spooky and unsettling in places, but not scary as such and it kept me gripped from start to finish.
Gaudlin Hall is clearly a house where something very wrong has happened and Eliza is certainly
Show More
not made welcome by its otherworldly inhabitant.The book follows Eliza’s attempts to unravel the events that led to the house being haunted and the truth is slowly and gradually revealed as she befriends and talks to some of the residents of the village who knew the family before tragedy struck.
I really enjoyed this book, I liked the pace of it and was intrigued as to what dark and sinister secrets the house held and how Eliza would cope with her time there. It's spooky and unsettling in places, but not scary as such and it kept me gripped from start to finish.
Show Less
Awards
NPR: Books We Love (2013)