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Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Craven Manor in Books

May 15, 2018  
Craven Manor
Craven Manor
Darcy Coates | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry, Horror
8
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
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.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated Send in the Clowns in Books

Oct 12, 2024 (Updated Oct 12, 2024)  
Send in the Clowns
Send in the Clowns
Julie Mulhern | 2016 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Killer Clown in a Haunted House
Being at the local haunted house wasn’t Ellison’s choice for a Sunday night activity. But as she finds herself navigating the various rooms, she finds a room with two clowns. Ellison already isn’t a fan of clowns, but she quickly realizes that one of the clowns was just stabbed, and he dies in her arms after asking for Ellison’s help by name. When Ellison returns with help, she finds the room completely empty. Who was the victim? More importantly, who was the other clown?

I’d let too long go between visits with Ellison, but it was great to be back in her presence. The returning characters are fun, and I’m not minding the love triangle yet. The plot started out quickly and the pace never lagged. The ending was weaker than I would have liked, but it did answer all our questions. I didn’t enjoy a couple of the elements rooting in the changing times of the 70’s. One of them definitely takes the book outside of cozy territory. On the other hand, I loved the little details that put us in that decade. And the humor continues to entertain. This is a great book to read in October for the seasonal feels, but you’ll enjoy it any time of the year you pick it up.
  
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Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated The Witch In The Window (2018) in Movies

Nov 9, 2018  
The Witch In The Window (2018)
The Witch In The Window (2018)
2018 | Horror
7
6.0 (2 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
Performances from father and son (1 more)
Exploration of a complex relationship
Not much gets explained (0 more)
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!
  
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Wildfell in Books

Jun 2, 2018  
Wildfell
Wildfell
London Clarke | 2018 | Horror
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
plot, characters, setting (0 more)
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!