What do you think?
Rate this book
The House on Poultney Road : based on a true ghost story
I hardly know where to start. How do you put such terror into words when the words I choose need to be real, not just a fabrication of a well educated imagination. I know that you may have your doubts and conclude with your own presumptions; and with no hard-evidence to offer, I am asking for you to explore and consider your deepest beliefs. I am unable to refer to this as a story, it goes much deeper than that of a progressive tale with happy ever afters. What you are about to read is real; the feelings and emotions described have actually been lived. The fear felt. This is a narrative of the events which took place across almost a century, 1903 to 1983, in a house which stood closely among others and for many years shared the usual comforts of home. This house was once safe, it was a comfortable place to spend time but over time, it evolved into a dark emptiness which the house of Poultney Roads’ residents would never forget. It was hidden away from what it once was and over time had emerged as a building of strong, solid bricks which concealed more secrets than some members of my family wish to remember. I am not writing this in an attempt to scare you but yet to inform you of what exists, whether you choose to believe it or not. This is not a fictional novel, created to shock and leave you in suspense but is instead a retelling of what happened to several generations of a family who had lived their lives as any other but who were, quite literally, introduced to another world. I guess you could consider this a warning, that perhaps you should believe your instincts instead of living your life creating explanations and judgements. Seeing is believing some might say but learning about the house on Poultney Road could prepare you for something you may one day come face to face with and perhaps prevent you from the pain that that this house bought to so many. Safe in your own home; sit back in a comfortable chair and turn on the side light. The beam will comfort you through this roller-coaster of memories which have left their mark on everyone who entered The House on Poultney Road. 'This book awakens those lost or hidden fears that its predecessors seemed to smother.' Horror Honey () 'I felt a fear I've never felt before from a book, I had shivers and my hairs standing up on my arms.' Amazon review. 'What a Fantastic novel, Stephanie Boddy pulled me in by the end of the first chapter, I had read it by the end of the day.' Beverley Aspinall, Horror Inside the Box Amazon no.1 Bestseller : Ghosts / Unexplained Mysteries / Supernatural
- GenresParanormalHorrorFiction
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2014
60 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Boddy
5 books18 followersWriting has always been my passion and horror my obsession.
I always knew that I wanted to be an author, with a degree in Media & Journalism and career in copywriting and marketing; but working full-time and running my own business, it was more a matter of when, than how.
The House on Poultney Road was born many years ago when I was told ghost stories by my family about the occurances inside the house they grew up in.
So when in 2013, I started my FaceBook page, www.facebook.com/TheHouseOnPoultneyRoad - I never quite expected the level of support that I got and it's thanks to those people who have encouraged me to publish my work.
The House on Poultney Road is a ghost story based on true events experienced and witnessed by my family, so it was important to me not to have my work manipulated. I wanted it to read in a way that I would tell the story to my friends and aquaintances, around a burning fire on a cold, winter's night.
This, along with the sequel, It Found Me, are published by SCAMPS Publishing.
I feel my writing's improving everyday and I hope to one day I'll be respected among the Kings and Queens of horror.
I always knew that I wanted to be an author, with a degree in Media & Journalism and career in copywriting and marketing; but working full-time and running my own business, it was more a matter of when, than how.
The House on Poultney Road was born many years ago when I was told ghost stories by my family about the occurances inside the house they grew up in.
So when in 2013, I started my FaceBook page, www.facebook.com/TheHouseOnPoultneyRoad - I never quite expected the level of support that I got and it's thanks to those people who have encouraged me to publish my work.
The House on Poultney Road is a ghost story based on true events experienced and witnessed by my family, so it was important to me not to have my work manipulated. I wanted it to read in a way that I would tell the story to my friends and aquaintances, around a burning fire on a cold, winter's night.
This, along with the sequel, It Found Me, are published by SCAMPS Publishing.
I feel my writing's improving everyday and I hope to one day I'll be respected among the Kings and Queens of horror.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 8, 2019
I am bound to be biased as I have always loved the ghost stories behind The House on Poultney Road. I have grown up being told the stories by members of several generations of my family; stories that have bewildered and yet fascinated me. Stories that have made my blood run cold and yet offer me the faith and belief that I need at times.
The House on Poultney Road is based on my family's true ghost story that revolves around a home, not dissimilar to any other in Essex, but has terrifying secrets hidden within its walls.
I have written the story in a simple, old-fashioned style that doesn't involve gimmicks or generic paranormal activity; The House on Poultney Road is different from other paranormal novels and delves into the unexplained in a way that will test your beliefs.
If you're looking for gore, and technical writing ability, The House on Poultney Road won't be for you; but if you're looking for a good old-fashioned ghost story that's told from the heart, then this one is a novel you won't be able to put down.
It is my debut novel and sequel, It Found Me, will be out later this year.
Follow me on facebook - www.facebook.com/TheHouseOnPoultneyRoad
The House on Poultney Road is based on my family's true ghost story that revolves around a home, not dissimilar to any other in Essex, but has terrifying secrets hidden within its walls.
I have written the story in a simple, old-fashioned style that doesn't involve gimmicks or generic paranormal activity; The House on Poultney Road is different from other paranormal novels and delves into the unexplained in a way that will test your beliefs.
If you're looking for gore, and technical writing ability, The House on Poultney Road won't be for you; but if you're looking for a good old-fashioned ghost story that's told from the heart, then this one is a novel you won't be able to put down.
It is my debut novel and sequel, It Found Me, will be out later this year.
Follow me on facebook - www.facebook.com/TheHouseOnPoultneyRoad
May 24, 2014
I really didn't know what to expect when I purchased this book. I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed it. After reading it (in just a few hours!) I have so many questions. First off I really liked how the story covered a long period of time from the 1920's till present day. I was intrigued that Richard didn't reach out to a church for assistance to ask the entities to leave or contact a medium to try to figure out who the man in black was and his connection to his childhood friend's death and to prevent further harm to his children and wife. It seemed like he invited additional entities into his house and caused more problems. I want to know what parts are from the author's childhood stories and what she added. It was a fascinating and entertaining read.
March 23, 2014
I won this book from a competition on the author's facebook page.This is an honest review.
I was a little surprised when I got this book as I wasnt sure what to expect and when I realised it was based on a true account of the going on at The house I couldn't wait to start it. This book is about the spooky goings on in the aforsaid house and I found myself quite involved, I couldnt wait to see what would happen next.It started with a visit to the house that has now had changes inside and brightened up although it doesn't seem to have made the house any more welcoming. The rest of the book is about stephanies family and their involvment in the spooky and etheral goings on including the man in black who seems to be a large character. I have no idea why they continued to attempt contact with the 'beings' in the house as I am sure I would have run a mile. It was a surprising insight into what happened and how it was dealt with, Is it true? I don't know but there are some things you just cannot dismiss. Read it yourself and see if you believe.
I was a little surprised when I got this book as I wasnt sure what to expect and when I realised it was based on a true account of the going on at The house I couldn't wait to start it. This book is about the spooky goings on in the aforsaid house and I found myself quite involved, I couldnt wait to see what would happen next.It started with a visit to the house that has now had changes inside and brightened up although it doesn't seem to have made the house any more welcoming. The rest of the book is about stephanies family and their involvment in the spooky and etheral goings on including the man in black who seems to be a large character. I have no idea why they continued to attempt contact with the 'beings' in the house as I am sure I would have run a mile. It was a surprising insight into what happened and how it was dealt with, Is it true? I don't know but there are some things you just cannot dismiss. Read it yourself and see if you believe.
March 1, 2014
Well written tale
I love how the story flows. I have questions unanswered. Did Richard's childhood friend cross over? Why did the demonic entity choose Richard? Was a historical research of the home's previous occupants available or helpful to identify the man in black?
I love how the story flows. I have questions unanswered. Did Richard's childhood friend cross over? Why did the demonic entity choose Richard? Was a historical research of the home's previous occupants available or helpful to identify the man in black?
April 1, 2014
Good read (supposedly true story), about the paranormal, ghosts, ouija boards, and seances. Covers the period from the 1920's to present day of a family in London. Very interesting and well written. I found it hard to put down!
May 15, 2014
Scary but.... there was something missing. I like it, I am not going to say to you that was not good. However to me it was a little slow, It really didn't have any ending or reason why, It was entertaining.
February 17, 2014
I have to say, this really was creepy, and it had me soo glad,that I didn't have a space under my bed! Well written, great true ghost story,one that you don't want to read on your own,at night!
June 26, 2014
it is a compelling story certainly a book i could not put down
February 20, 2014
Really enjoyed reading this book, it is a must read
December 19, 2020
The definitive "can't put it down" book, so good!
I almost never leave reviews, but I had to for this one. I read voraciously, and my weird choice of "comfort lit" for Coronapocalypse has been ghost and haunting stories. But only true ones really interest me. Poultney Road was so incredible, I literally couldn't put it down. When people say "gripping", this is what they mean. And it was truly scary, in a sincere, natural way. Well-paced story, with characters brought into the family's multi-generational history, in whose fates you feel invested. One gripe: the story ended abruptly, the ending rushed and poorly integrated. That's where the pacing broke down. Others have complained about too many family vignettes. I appreciated them. I wish there were more such books, of real hauntings, even if embellished. Now what will I read?
I almost never leave reviews, but I had to for this one. I read voraciously, and my weird choice of "comfort lit" for Coronapocalypse has been ghost and haunting stories. But only true ones really interest me. Poultney Road was so incredible, I literally couldn't put it down. When people say "gripping", this is what they mean. And it was truly scary, in a sincere, natural way. Well-paced story, with characters brought into the family's multi-generational history, in whose fates you feel invested. One gripe: the story ended abruptly, the ending rushed and poorly integrated. That's where the pacing broke down. Others have complained about too many family vignettes. I appreciated them. I wish there were more such books, of real hauntings, even if embellished. Now what will I read?
July 2, 2017
A complete page turner!
This book is beyond gripping. I couldn't put it down. Finished it very quickly because of this. Well worth a read. So well written. I love everything about this book.
This book is beyond gripping. I couldn't put it down. Finished it very quickly because of this. Well worth a read. So well written. I love everything about this book.
February 3, 2019
Good read
I enjoyed this book and admit it spooked me a few times. I hope that some of it was embellished a bit as it seems particularly scary to think absolutely all of it was a real account.
I enjoyed this book and admit it spooked me a few times. I hope that some of it was embellished a bit as it seems particularly scary to think absolutely all of it was a real account.
March 15, 2018
Definitely recommend if you like true haunting stories!
Super interesting and creepy. I read it less than a day! Author is a great story teller and I've already bought the book!
Super interesting and creepy. I read it less than a day! Author is a great story teller and I've already bought the book!
May 29, 2019
Creepy
I was hooked from the start.
A story that flowed really well and provides a chilling read.
Whether a believer of the paranormal or not, this book is worth a read.
I was hooked from the start.
A story that flowed really well and provides a chilling read.
Whether a believer of the paranormal or not, this book is worth a read.
March 13, 2020
Good book. Not 100% sure I believe all the accounts, but a great traditional ghost story nevertheless.
November 4, 2020
I liked it
This book was a nice read and at times it was scary. Definitely going to read the sequel, can’t wait.
This book was a nice read and at times it was scary. Definitely going to read the sequel, can’t wait.
May 8, 2019
I really enjoyed reading The House on Poultney Road. It was a little slow to start I must admit however I ended up finishing it in a day. The story covered a fairly long time frame but still flowed really well which I thought was great - certain parts you could feel yourself grip the book a little tighter. There were a few questions left unanswered but not to a point where you couldn't enjoy the ending - i'm not sure if there is a sequel planned? Would make a great book for a reading group as there is so much discussion that could take place throughout.
March 11, 2014
Title: The House on Poultney Road: based on a true ghost story [Kindle Edition]
Author: Stephanie Boddy
Publisher: Scamps Publishing (January 8th, 2014)
ASIN: B00HMDU8PA
Genre Fiction: - Supernatural
An Adventure into the Unknown
Author, Stephanie Boddy, takes the reader on a paranormal journey into the unknown. Based on actual events makes this read not only entertaining but also terrifying. The author introduces to the reader several family members – describes in great detail their horrifying personal accounts, but make no mistake – ‘The House on Poultney Road’ is the main character in this haunting true tale of supernatural occurrences.
I personally finished this riveting book within just a few hours. I found the dialogue to flow with ease – believable, not forced. A reader wants a page-turner, characters that they can relate to, a story that is thought provoking – Stephanie Boddy gives the reader all these things and more in this spine tingling tale of ghostly suspense.
I give ‘The House on Poultney Road’ four stars, and I do believe this new author is well on her way to making a huge splash in the vast ocean of literary works.
Review by, Barbara Watkins
Author: Stephanie Boddy
Publisher: Scamps Publishing (January 8th, 2014)
ASIN: B00HMDU8PA
Genre Fiction: - Supernatural
An Adventure into the Unknown
Author, Stephanie Boddy, takes the reader on a paranormal journey into the unknown. Based on actual events makes this read not only entertaining but also terrifying. The author introduces to the reader several family members – describes in great detail their horrifying personal accounts, but make no mistake – ‘The House on Poultney Road’ is the main character in this haunting true tale of supernatural occurrences.
I personally finished this riveting book within just a few hours. I found the dialogue to flow with ease – believable, not forced. A reader wants a page-turner, characters that they can relate to, a story that is thought provoking – Stephanie Boddy gives the reader all these things and more in this spine tingling tale of ghostly suspense.
I give ‘The House on Poultney Road’ four stars, and I do believe this new author is well on her way to making a huge splash in the vast ocean of literary works.
Review by, Barbara Watkins
February 22, 2015
Holy Ghost, ( Absolutely The Best Scary Read
I was absolutely blown away by this story. This Author ,Wow, I don't know if I've ever read anything quite like this book. When I say I love scary this did not disappoint me. You have to remind yourself this stuff really happened, felt the hair stand up and the goosebumps. I'm not usually spooked but I couldn't read this before bed. I could feel the terror of this family as if I were in the room with them. I did not want this book to end and I just hope I can find another book to take me this far into the real thing. If you like this kind of Scary this is IT!!!!
kozetteksmith
I was absolutely blown away by this story. This Author ,Wow, I don't know if I've ever read anything quite like this book. When I say I love scary this did not disappoint me. You have to remind yourself this stuff really happened, felt the hair stand up and the goosebumps. I'm not usually spooked but I couldn't read this before bed. I could feel the terror of this family as if I were in the room with them. I did not want this book to end and I just hope I can find another book to take me this far into the real thing. If you like this kind of Scary this is IT!!!!
kozetteksmith
November 7, 2015
Humans and ghosts living together.
I'm thinking that people move into a house, discover ghosts and their usual activities, accept it, and live on. Children growing up in a "haunted house" develop their perceptions and grow up.
It's like all spirits, living and dead, go about their routine for decades. Is this becoming more common now that more people believe that those unexplainable thumps, laughs, and chaos really are made by the ghosts?
So the stories passed down by families includes the daily haunts from the spirits. Humans and ghosts living together may be the next trend.
I'm thinking that people move into a house, discover ghosts and their usual activities, accept it, and live on. Children growing up in a "haunted house" develop their perceptions and grow up.
It's like all spirits, living and dead, go about their routine for decades. Is this becoming more common now that more people believe that those unexplainable thumps, laughs, and chaos really are made by the ghosts?
So the stories passed down by families includes the daily haunts from the spirits. Humans and ghosts living together may be the next trend.
September 28, 2014
This was a book that I couldn't put down. Can't wait to read the sequel as I have unanswered questions. There was one part of the book that I especially want to know more about. Without mentioning it so as not to be a spoiler, I thought "ewww ... Gross and mega creepy!". It was during WW11 when Flo and Ellen took the boys & left London to stay in the house in Overton. Definitely passing this book on to my friends to read so I can discuss it with them! Thanks Stephanie for this story! Loved it.
June 5, 2019
I used to be a real bookworm in my teens, but stopped reading altogether in my early twenties. I'd not read a book for probably fifteen years when I read this story,but this book changed all that!
The house on poultney Road and it's sequel 'it Found me' are the reason I got back into reading and are still two of my favourite ever books. Nothing else has ever made the hair on the back of my neck stand up like these pair!!
The house on poultney Road and it's sequel 'it Found me' are the reason I got back into reading and are still two of my favourite ever books. Nothing else has ever made the hair on the back of my neck stand up like these pair!!
June 16, 2016
Really liked this tale. It was intriguing and different. Loved the characterisation and the way the unbelievable events were enveloped within a normal family unit. The time span was also a good way to reveal the different effects on the individuals that witnessed the 'apparitions' or noises. Wish we knew who the man in black had been ! Poor Ellen!
March 2, 2015
I love the way this story was written .
I found this story to be direct and interesting. I have experienced similar things ... and I share the same gift as Richard also ... and this story rings with truth. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the paranormal. I also want to thank the author for sharing his family's experiences so compellingly.
I found this story to be direct and interesting. I have experienced similar things ... and I share the same gift as Richard also ... and this story rings with truth. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the paranormal. I also want to thank the author for sharing his family's experiences so compellingly.
June 9, 2016
Having been intrigued to read this true story for a while, I was interested in the characters and the lineage of stories that the author shared. Sadly I didn't enjoy the story as much as I had hoped, I found the writing itself a little clunky and some of the filler sections a bit unnecessary.
All in all an interesting plot.
All in all an interesting plot.
September 27, 2014
Great story
This story was very well written and once I started reading I couldn't stop. I highly recommend reading this book,especially if you love the paranormal or are just looking for a good ghost story.
This story was very well written and once I started reading I couldn't stop. I highly recommend reading this book,especially if you love the paranormal or are just looking for a good ghost story.
October 19, 2014
I really enjoyed it!
This is the quintessential ghost book! It is a book that I couldn't put down. But I was scared to read it at night. Halloween is coming up in a few weeks and this is the perfect book for the season.
This is the quintessential ghost book! It is a book that I couldn't put down. But I was scared to read it at night. Halloween is coming up in a few weeks and this is the perfect book for the season.
March 29, 2015
A very scary true story. Well written and easy to follow, I enjoyed it very much. I think this story will play on my mind for some time. I read most of it in bed at nights before sleep and it made me nervous to go to the bathroom in the dark!
August 10, 2015
Good spooky read.
Great read. At points I would get a little too scared that I would have to put the book down and walk away for a little while before beginning to read again. Haha. But overall great book and I would recommend to those who enjoy spooky stories.
Great read. At points I would get a little too scared that I would have to put the book down and walk away for a little while before beginning to read again. Haha. But overall great book and I would recommend to those who enjoy spooky stories.
November 21, 2015
Good read
After a few chapters I was hooked! Great haunted house story! The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star is because it ended a little too abruptly but other than that it is very interesting and well written.
After a few chapters I was hooked! Great haunted house story! The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star is because it ended a little too abruptly but other than that it is very interesting and well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews