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Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Craven Manor in Books
May 15, 2018
Craven Manor by Darcy Coates ended up as the first pick for the #spookyfriendsbookclub, a buddy read group I started initially on Litsy – a social media app for readers. When we selected it, I only knew that we’d be reading a haunted house story and of course, I was excited. Haunted houses are, after all, my first love when it comes to horror. In that regard, Coates doesn’t disappoint.
Craven Manor tells the story of a long-forgotten house and a similarly forgotten town hidden away in the woods. With an elaborate backstory woven into its history, she pens an intricate plot that, once you think you’ve got it figured out, she quickly tells you otherwise. When young Daniel Kane ends up employed at the Manor to clean it up, the mystery quickly unravels and what has been forgotten is soon remembered.
The characters are just as unique, with none of the cast fitting into any one stereotype – which is a much welcomed change from many of the books I’ve read lately. Although, I can say that I thoroughly disliked Daniel’s cousin, Kyle. He an asshole, and I think anyone who has read this book will agree with me on that.
Coates clearly masters the creepy in her work and I certainly look forward to reading more of her work. If you haven’t checked her out, I highly recommend it.
Craven Manor tells the story of a long-forgotten house and a similarly forgotten town hidden away in the woods. With an elaborate backstory woven into its history, she pens an intricate plot that, once you think you’ve got it figured out, she quickly tells you otherwise. When young Daniel Kane ends up employed at the Manor to clean it up, the mystery quickly unravels and what has been forgotten is soon remembered.
The characters are just as unique, with none of the cast fitting into any one stereotype – which is a much welcomed change from many of the books I’ve read lately. Although, I can say that I thoroughly disliked Daniel’s cousin, Kyle. He an asshole, and I think anyone who has read this book will agree with me on that.
Coates clearly masters the creepy in her work and I certainly look forward to reading more of her work. If you haven’t checked her out, I highly recommend it.
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated The Witch In The Window (2018) in Movies
Nov 9, 2018
Performances from father and son (1 more)
Exploration of a complex relationship
Not at all scary, but actually rather enjoyable
This is a Shudder original, and I was expecting a fairly standard haunted house scenario, and the setup doesn't disappoint in this regard.
A father has bought an old country house to renovate and sell, and bring his son out with him, who was recently found looking at 'unsavoury' things on the internet which had traumatised him.
The spooky house elements are fairly predictable, and there are lots of metaphors for the house being alive, the boiler being its 'heart' etc
However, what I actually ended up enjoying was the father-son relationship as they explore the flaws in their characters and come to realise the strength they both possess.
The movie actually becomes more of an exploration of weakness, be it, curiosity, fear of loss, fear of failure, and it is quite engrossing watching the two main leads bouncing off of eachother.
The supernatural element is largely unexplained, and honestly serves little purpose other than to bring father and son closer together, and to provide the grounding for a bittersweet ending.
This is a surprisingly good movie, but not at all what I thought I was in for when I started it up!
A father has bought an old country house to renovate and sell, and bring his son out with him, who was recently found looking at 'unsavoury' things on the internet which had traumatised him.
The spooky house elements are fairly predictable, and there are lots of metaphors for the house being alive, the boiler being its 'heart' etc
However, what I actually ended up enjoying was the father-son relationship as they explore the flaws in their characters and come to realise the strength they both possess.
The movie actually becomes more of an exploration of weakness, be it, curiosity, fear of loss, fear of failure, and it is quite engrossing watching the two main leads bouncing off of eachother.
The supernatural element is largely unexplained, and honestly serves little purpose other than to bring father and son closer together, and to provide the grounding for a bittersweet ending.
This is a surprisingly good movie, but not at all what I thought I was in for when I started it up!
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Wildfell in Books
Jun 2, 2018
Loved, Loved, Loved
I had won Wildfell by London Clarke in a giveaway. I'm really happy I did.
Wildfell by London Clarke is a true gothic horror that takes place in London, England. I loved all the character especially Nigel and Alice. While they weren't major characters, I still had a soft spot.
I don't want to give too much away, but I enjoyed the whole plot line of people going missing and a haunted house.
London Clarke did a great job with the setting of London, England even though she's not from there.
I would definitely recommend this book to those 15+. It is so good!
Wildfell by London Clarke is a true gothic horror that takes place in London, England. I loved all the character especially Nigel and Alice. While they weren't major characters, I still had a soft spot.
I don't want to give too much away, but I enjoyed the whole plot line of people going missing and a haunted house.
London Clarke did a great job with the setting of London, England even though she's not from there.
I would definitely recommend this book to those 15+. It is so good!
Ross (3282 KP) rated Insidious (2010) in Movies
Nov 27, 2017 (Updated Nov 27, 2017)
The idea (1 more)
The creepy assortment of ghosts
With my wife out for the night and the kids all tucked up in bed, I decided to treat myself to a horror film, and Insidious was what I opted for (having watched the set of Sinister films a few months ago).
The film follows a fairly similar trajectory: weird things happen, the house is haunted, no its not the house its the child that's haunted, demons, triumph, happy ending. I don't think that's a spoiler as it describes 90% of the recent horror films.
A family with three young children move to a new home and soon one of the children bumps his head and ends up in a coma. From there some weird things start to happen.
Rose Byrne is excellent as the housewife struggling to raise her three kids and write music to kickstart her new career. It is her who experiences most of the unpleasant visitations, being stuck at home all day with the baby and her son in a coma. In one particularly creepy scene in the new house, she plays the role superbly (and I will never again listen to Tiptoe through the Tulips without shivering).
As with most decent horror films, this doesn't try to do anything new with the bulk of the film, but has an underlying new idea shaping it (and revealing that would be a spoiler!) that looks to explain the haunting.
Apart from Rose Byrne, I found the rest of the cast really quite poor, but they're acting during the haunting scenes didn't manage to spoil them too much.
Overall, a great creepy film that ticks all the boxes and leaves you wanting to watch the sequel.
The film follows a fairly similar trajectory: weird things happen, the house is haunted, no its not the house its the child that's haunted, demons, triumph, happy ending. I don't think that's a spoiler as it describes 90% of the recent horror films.
A family with three young children move to a new home and soon one of the children bumps his head and ends up in a coma. From there some weird things start to happen.
Rose Byrne is excellent as the housewife struggling to raise her three kids and write music to kickstart her new career. It is her who experiences most of the unpleasant visitations, being stuck at home all day with the baby and her son in a coma. In one particularly creepy scene in the new house, she plays the role superbly (and I will never again listen to Tiptoe through the Tulips without shivering).
As with most decent horror films, this doesn't try to do anything new with the bulk of the film, but has an underlying new idea shaping it (and revealing that would be a spoiler!) that looks to explain the haunting.
Apart from Rose Byrne, I found the rest of the cast really quite poor, but they're acting during the haunting scenes didn't manage to spoil them too much.
Overall, a great creepy film that ticks all the boxes and leaves you wanting to watch the sequel.
Sarah Betts (103 KP) rated The Fade in Books
Dec 31, 2019
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley And the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is strange. The first half is a slow burn creepiness which I did not mind at all. Then the last fourt of the book is at breakneck speed and really confusing.
So. Plot. Haunted house. Dead girls. Creepy small child. Angty guy with past.
I liked the writing although the main character Haley seemed to be written about twelve instead of fifteen and that was...odd.
Also I really really hated the ending. I'll fully admit that that's a me thing though and has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the writing.
This book is strange. The first half is a slow burn creepiness which I did not mind at all. Then the last fourt of the book is at breakneck speed and really confusing.
So. Plot. Haunted house. Dead girls. Creepy small child. Angty guy with past.
I liked the writing although the main character Haley seemed to be written about twelve instead of fifteen and that was...odd.
Also I really really hated the ending. I'll fully admit that that's a me thing though and has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the writing.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Legend of Hell House (1973) in Movies
Mar 21, 2020
Broodingly effective British horror movie is strikingly unlike anything else of its time - not much resemblance to a movie by Hammer, or Amicus, or AIP. Four people move into a haunted house for a week; their beliefs about the supernatural vary, but they are forced to agree there is something funny about the place...
Understated, almost pseudo-documentary atmosphere works in the film's favour; the actors also know to underplay it until the big histrionics are required. Unsettling soundtrack by radiophonic genii Delia Derbyshire and Brian Hodgson is a major plus. The script goes a bit nuts towards the end (don't think too hard about the plot) but the journey to get to this point is more than worthwhile.
Understated, almost pseudo-documentary atmosphere works in the film's favour; the actors also know to underplay it until the big histrionics are required. Unsettling soundtrack by radiophonic genii Delia Derbyshire and Brian Hodgson is a major plus. The script goes a bit nuts towards the end (don't think too hard about the plot) but the journey to get to this point is more than worthwhile.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Dreaming Darkness #1 in Books
Sep 22, 2021
The first in an annual collection of horror and dark-fantasy short stories for the Halloween season. All four stories in this volume have been previously published.
Volume One Contents
•The Girl in the Carnival Gown
Brilliant didn’t see that coming at all!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Last Stand
Oh I really liked this and I’m sure it would be fabulous as a full book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Nos Galan Gaeaf
Yay an early visit to cainsville I so miss it!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•A Haunted House of Her Own
Brilliant absolutely loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall I love this little collection would definitely like to see more!!
Volume One Contents
•The Girl in the Carnival Gown
Brilliant didn’t see that coming at all!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Last Stand
Oh I really liked this and I’m sure it would be fabulous as a full book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Nos Galan Gaeaf
Yay an early visit to cainsville I so miss it!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•A Haunted House of Her Own
Brilliant absolutely loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall I love this little collection would definitely like to see more!!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Ghost Moon (The Bone Island Trilogy #3) in Books
Oct 24, 2020
178 of 200
Kindle
Ghost moon (BONE island book 4)
By Heather Graham
Reclusive collector Cutter Merlin is seldom seen in Key West - lately, not at all. Officer Liam Beckett visits Merlin's curious house and discovers the gentleman in his study. In his death grip: a volume of occult lore and a reliquary. His eyes are wide with fright, his mouth a horrified rictus where spiders now dwell.
Kelsey Donovan returns to the old house to catalog her estranged grandfather's collection of artifacts and antiquities, vowing to see his treasures divested properly. But she cannot ignore the sense that she's being watched, the reports of malevolent black figures, the pervasive smell of death.
Is the Merlin house haunted, even cursed? Liam knows well that some ghost stories are true and he swears to protect Kelsey. But there are forces at work for whom one more life is a pittance to pay for their deepest desire...
I enjoyed this one more than the 2nd it rounded everything off so nicely! The only thing that slightly annoyed me was the jumping straight from one character to another in a different part of the story drove me crazy. Bartholomew finally found peace with his lovely lady!
Nice end to a strange ghost series!
Kindle
Ghost moon (BONE island book 4)
By Heather Graham
Reclusive collector Cutter Merlin is seldom seen in Key West - lately, not at all. Officer Liam Beckett visits Merlin's curious house and discovers the gentleman in his study. In his death grip: a volume of occult lore and a reliquary. His eyes are wide with fright, his mouth a horrified rictus where spiders now dwell.
Kelsey Donovan returns to the old house to catalog her estranged grandfather's collection of artifacts and antiquities, vowing to see his treasures divested properly. But she cannot ignore the sense that she's being watched, the reports of malevolent black figures, the pervasive smell of death.
Is the Merlin house haunted, even cursed? Liam knows well that some ghost stories are true and he swears to protect Kelsey. But there are forces at work for whom one more life is a pittance to pay for their deepest desire...
I enjoyed this one more than the 2nd it rounded everything off so nicely! The only thing that slightly annoyed me was the jumping straight from one character to another in a different part of the story drove me crazy. Bartholomew finally found peace with his lovely lady!
Nice end to a strange ghost series!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2067 KP) rated Haunted House Murder in Books
Aug 17, 2022
Weak Novella
Halloween is coming, but everyone in Tinker’s Cove is talking about the old, abandoned house in town. While it looks run down from the outside, someone has bought it and moved in during the middle of the night. However, they aren’t very friendly, rebuffing Lucy’s and other’s attempts to welcome them to town. Then the rumors start flying and strange events start happening. What is really going on in this house?
I know that the Lucy Stone series is extremely popular, but I struggle to get through the stories I have read. Part of it is Lucy’s family. I haven’t spent enough time with them to look past their faults and love them, I guess. And, let’s face it, that is often what we have to do with people in real life. In this case, I found the story to be better suited to a short story than even a novella. It’s not bad, but it felt drawn out and a little forced.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Haunted House Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time consider this Halloween trip to Maine.
I know that the Lucy Stone series is extremely popular, but I struggle to get through the stories I have read. Part of it is Lucy’s family. I haven’t spent enough time with them to look past their faults and love them, I guess. And, let’s face it, that is often what we have to do with people in real life. In this case, I found the story to be better suited to a short story than even a novella. It’s not bad, but it felt drawn out and a little forced.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Haunted House Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time consider this Halloween trip to Maine.
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated The Haunting of Hill House in TV
Oct 15, 2020
Characters (1 more)
Story
Netflix's: a haunted Mansion
I was roped into watching this by my partner, but I wasn't disappointed.
NETFLIX as usual has given us a great horror story just in time for Halloween, haunting of hill house is a diamond in the dark that follows a group of distant siblings who are troubled and haunted by their childhood.
A brilliant offering with some very strong "the shining" vibes that were very welcome.
Dark, intense and deep with common issues.
After the death of one of their own, the siblings are forced to reach out and come face to face with each other....and their estranged father.
With storys of past, present & future dangerously entwined and nightmares clawing their way back in, time, trust & understanding may be their only means of surviving.
Although some parts seemed to drag a little, it more than made up for it with sub plot explaining and some great cliffhangers.
The show is an adaption of the Shirley Jackson novel of the same name from 1959.
It is definitely something I will watch again and something I'd like to see more of.
NETFLIX as usual has given us a great horror story just in time for Halloween, haunting of hill house is a diamond in the dark that follows a group of distant siblings who are troubled and haunted by their childhood.
A brilliant offering with some very strong "the shining" vibes that were very welcome.
Dark, intense and deep with common issues.
After the death of one of their own, the siblings are forced to reach out and come face to face with each other....and their estranged father.
With storys of past, present & future dangerously entwined and nightmares clawing their way back in, time, trust & understanding may be their only means of surviving.
Although some parts seemed to drag a little, it more than made up for it with sub plot explaining and some great cliffhangers.
The show is an adaption of the Shirley Jackson novel of the same name from 1959.
It is definitely something I will watch again and something I'd like to see more of.