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The House on the Hill
Can a house be evil? A telegram Vince Ransome receives makes him wonder.
The Martins stand on the brow of a hill, wreathed in mystery. If a house could choose solitude, perhaps that house did. Or perhaps it was the choice of its last owner, who died mysteriously in a fire fifty years ago.
A boy witnessed it. Vince Ransome did he also witness the deaths of each owner of the house since it was built over a hundred years ago? If so, what is he? A ghost, maybe. And now, Vince’s sister owns the house.
The House on the Hill is an English ghost story set in 1930, in the same vein as A Woman in Black.
The Martins stand on the brow of a hill, wreathed in mystery. If a house could choose solitude, perhaps that house did. Or perhaps it was the choice of its last owner, who died mysteriously in a fire fifty years ago.
A boy witnessed it. Vince Ransome did he also witness the deaths of each owner of the house since it was built over a hundred years ago? If so, what is he? A ghost, maybe. And now, Vince’s sister owns the house.
The House on the Hill is an English ghost story set in 1930, in the same vein as A Woman in Black.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2024
33 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
S.S. Saywack
9 books36 followersS S Saywack is the author of the Mary Finch Mysteries – Mary Finch and the Thief to be released soon, to be followed by Mary Finch and the Grey Lady, and Mary Finch and the Spy. After a career as a Graphic Designer, then an art teacher, he took to writing short stories, flash fiction and novels for middle-grade readers. He has a love of history - Victorian England and the early twentieth century – and is an avid reader. He lives in the East End of London, a place well suited for his creation, Mary Finch, to explore and to have her adventures.
Find him on the web at: https://saywackwrites.com
Find him on the web at: https://saywackwrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 16, 2024
The receipt of an unwelcome telegram prompts Vince Ransome to look back across the years and recount the events which unfolded when his sister Poppy bought The Martins, a rambling and derelict old house sitting in an isolated position on the Norfolk coast.
Poppy takes her brother to view the property, not far from the village of Atwell St Peter—where the locals are reticent to speak about the dwelling. Such information as the siblings are able to glean tells of the Martingale family, Septimus—an aloof and unpopular businessman—as well as his daughter and her daughter, all of whom died by fire, at different times. The nearby church was burned too, and never rebuilt—and then there’s the matter of the strange boy seen at Vince and Poppy’s arrival in the village, rendering them both uneasy, to say the least.
Unimpressed by his sister’s impulse buy—hardly prime real estate—Vince nevertheless pitches in to assist with renovating the place. Before that can happen though, matters take a dark and sinister turn, events spiralling out of control to a level of near-insanity.
An air of foreboding pervades the well-paced and descriptive narrative, the foetid atmosphere of the decaying house painted in lurid colours, from the foul odours which pervade the place—although not continually—to the shades of those who contributed to the miasma of mortality which takes a lingering and horrifying hold on the Ransome siblings. There’s also a chilling twist at the end. Horrifying yet irresistible.
Poppy takes her brother to view the property, not far from the village of Atwell St Peter—where the locals are reticent to speak about the dwelling. Such information as the siblings are able to glean tells of the Martingale family, Septimus—an aloof and unpopular businessman—as well as his daughter and her daughter, all of whom died by fire, at different times. The nearby church was burned too, and never rebuilt—and then there’s the matter of the strange boy seen at Vince and Poppy’s arrival in the village, rendering them both uneasy, to say the least.
Unimpressed by his sister’s impulse buy—hardly prime real estate—Vince nevertheless pitches in to assist with renovating the place. Before that can happen though, matters take a dark and sinister turn, events spiralling out of control to a level of near-insanity.
An air of foreboding pervades the well-paced and descriptive narrative, the foetid atmosphere of the decaying house painted in lurid colours, from the foul odours which pervade the place—although not continually—to the shades of those who contributed to the miasma of mortality which takes a lingering and horrifying hold on the Ransome siblings. There’s also a chilling twist at the end. Horrifying yet irresistible.
June 27, 2024
Spine Tingling!
Set in the era of the Great Depression, the House on the Hill is a riveting read. Told from the perspective of Vince, the story is his observations. The Martins, a derelict house in the town of Atwell St Peter, has become the property of Vince's little sister, Poppy. The plan - to renovate it and create the art studio that Poppy has always dreamed of. But the house holds a secret, an evil history that fully embroils the siblings. With Poppy's ever-increasing odd behaviour, a sinister solicitor and a mysterious boy, things take a dark turn. Vince needs to save his sister and to do so, he will have to face what happened before - both to Poppy and others. An excellent ghost story within a great historical setting. For fans of ghostly whodunnits.
Set in the era of the Great Depression, the House on the Hill is a riveting read. Told from the perspective of Vince, the story is his observations. The Martins, a derelict house in the town of Atwell St Peter, has become the property of Vince's little sister, Poppy. The plan - to renovate it and create the art studio that Poppy has always dreamed of. But the house holds a secret, an evil history that fully embroils the siblings. With Poppy's ever-increasing odd behaviour, a sinister solicitor and a mysterious boy, things take a dark turn. Vince needs to save his sister and to do so, he will have to face what happened before - both to Poppy and others. An excellent ghost story within a great historical setting. For fans of ghostly whodunnits.
September 24, 2024
Genuinely Scary - When Vince accompanies his sister Poppy to the small village of Atwell St Peter he thinks it’s just a simple affair of overseeing her most recent impulse buy The Martins. A big house that has been sitting derelict for the last 50 years. But as soon as they set foot in the village they know that something is off. The villagers are secretive and are given the brother and sister weird looks. And then there is the house itself. As soon as they reach its front door they know there is something evil lurking inside. And what is with the lonely little boy that keeps following them around. As the story unravels in the most creepiest and scariest of ways Vince and Poppy soon realise they have to rid the House on the Hill of its ghosts and its terrifying secrets from within. But how do you kill a ghost? This is an excellently written ghost story that could easily rival the greats such as Edgar Allan Poe and HP Lovecraft. And I was awestruck by how the author has managed to switch genres. The last book I read from S.S. Saywack was a children’s story and before that was a mystery series. The author really is very talented. I look forward to reading more from him in the future.
August 1, 2024
A creative and totally captivating story that follow siblings on a journey of bewilderment, terror and entrapment, when a house, the Martins, is purchased. Abandoned, delapidated and in desperate need of significant renovation, this old, isolated property stood in an eerie silence, an evil presence had taken up residency.
This author has a great skill when it comes to effectively conveying the voice, thoughts and feelings of Vince, together with the descriptive scenery, as the events in this story unfold. You are easily transported to the time and location, seeing in your minds eye the sights and hearing the sounds the author wants you to experience. A read that keeps you enthralled throughout, wanting an outcome but not wanting it to end. Job well done!
This author has a great skill when it comes to effectively conveying the voice, thoughts and feelings of Vince, together with the descriptive scenery, as the events in this story unfold. You are easily transported to the time and location, seeing in your minds eye the sights and hearing the sounds the author wants you to experience. A read that keeps you enthralled throughout, wanting an outcome but not wanting it to end. Job well done!
January 25, 2025
Wow
I am an absolute wimp when it comes to anything scary, and this is no exception. However, it was a fantastic read! This book is written so eloquently, the author has an incredible talent of describing fear in a way that you feel it too as you read. Terrified, yet compelled to continue, i found myself fully immersed in Vince's experience. A satisfying and well written story. Thank you. I have every intension of reading more by this author. Recommended.
I am an absolute wimp when it comes to anything scary, and this is no exception. However, it was a fantastic read! This book is written so eloquently, the author has an incredible talent of describing fear in a way that you feel it too as you read. Terrified, yet compelled to continue, i found myself fully immersed in Vince's experience. A satisfying and well written story. Thank you. I have every intension of reading more by this author. Recommended.
July 17, 2024
A well-written story
I really enjoyed reading this quaint ghost story. It certainly drew me in from the very beginning. I especially liked the way the storyline was told and emersed the reader into the story. Well done.
I really enjoyed reading this quaint ghost story. It certainly drew me in from the very beginning. I especially liked the way the storyline was told and emersed the reader into the story. Well done.
August 7, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading, The House on the Hill. It's an epic tale of ghosts and evil centered around a deserted house in a small English village. The author does a great job setting the right tone through his use of rich, descriptive words. He develops his characters and the reader is drawn into each scene to experience their pain.
I highly recommend reading S. Saywack's gripping novel.
I highly recommend reading S. Saywack's gripping novel.
July 23, 2024
An atmospheric delight.
When a sister invites her brother to tour the 'fixer-upper' she's recently purchased, he is sure he is in for a load of work and some brotherly support. But he is not prepared for the fight he will have to keep his sister alive.
What I enjoyed about this tale was the time-period and setting. The great war has ended. There is a spark of hope for the future but it is still in the distance for this struggling seaside English village. And the bleakness is accentuated by the season as it moves from fall to winter.
As Vince navigates the past, present, and otherworldly influences upon his 'vacation' at the local inn with his sister, Poppy, the reader is immersed in an engaging and tragic tale.
Discerning what is real and present from what was is another thing I enjoyed greatly.
When a sister invites her brother to tour the 'fixer-upper' she's recently purchased, he is sure he is in for a load of work and some brotherly support. But he is not prepared for the fight he will have to keep his sister alive.
What I enjoyed about this tale was the time-period and setting. The great war has ended. There is a spark of hope for the future but it is still in the distance for this struggling seaside English village. And the bleakness is accentuated by the season as it moves from fall to winter.
As Vince navigates the past, present, and otherworldly influences upon his 'vacation' at the local inn with his sister, Poppy, the reader is immersed in an engaging and tragic tale.
Discerning what is real and present from what was is another thing I enjoyed greatly.
September 20, 2024
If you enjoy reading frightening ghost stories that scare the living daylights out of you, then, The House on the Hill, is an absolute Must Read.
The story begins fifteen years in the past. The tragic events are imaginatively detailed through the compelling narration of Mr Ransome and his sister, Poppy Ransome. The disturbing story begins soon after Poppy purchases an old dilapidated, abandoned house, located on the outskirts of Atwell St Peter.
Unsettling ghosts, troubled spirits and inexplicable fires haunt the past and merge into the present in this tale of evilness and slavery, motivated by greed. Creepy, and highly atmospheric throughout, I found myself caught up in this immersive tale.
An unputdownable book that I thoroughly enjoyed. The best ghost story that I have ever read. Superbly written, by talented author, Shiv Saywack.
The story begins fifteen years in the past. The tragic events are imaginatively detailed through the compelling narration of Mr Ransome and his sister, Poppy Ransome. The disturbing story begins soon after Poppy purchases an old dilapidated, abandoned house, located on the outskirts of Atwell St Peter.
Unsettling ghosts, troubled spirits and inexplicable fires haunt the past and merge into the present in this tale of evilness and slavery, motivated by greed. Creepy, and highly atmospheric throughout, I found myself caught up in this immersive tale.
An unputdownable book that I thoroughly enjoyed. The best ghost story that I have ever read. Superbly written, by talented author, Shiv Saywack.
February 5, 2025
The House on the Hill by S.S. Saywack is a great little horror story about a haunted house. It’s set in the early 20th century and the author has written it in the style expected of the era. This adds so much to the element of gothic horror throughout the book.
The descriptions are awesome, from the characters—living and not living—to the village, the weather, the pub and the house itself.
‘…whatever was stirred in The Martins would not now be stilled.’ This line chilled me to the bone, and there are many more just like it.
It’s a great book for a cold, foggy winter’s evening, but keep a light on in case one of the ghosts from The Martins might be nearby, lurking in the shadows. Waiting there.
The descriptions are awesome, from the characters—living and not living—to the village, the weather, the pub and the house itself.
‘…whatever was stirred in The Martins would not now be stilled.’ This line chilled me to the bone, and there are many more just like it.
It’s a great book for a cold, foggy winter’s evening, but keep a light on in case one of the ghosts from The Martins might be nearby, lurking in the shadows. Waiting there.
June 7, 2024
Wow, what a gripping read this is! It has all the ingredients of a ghostly story; a remote village, a ruined church, a derelict mansion, and people who don’t want to talk about it. Not to mention a solicitor who apparently practices in what turns out to be a long-abandoned building. I was completely captivated by this story. I enjoyed the phrasing of narration, as befitting a story set in the 1930s. What did happen at The Martins? Who was Septimus Martingale really, and what had he done? Why was The Martins so terrifying, and who is the young black boy so often seen? I was really involved in this story; it’s a great tale, but the answers, when they come, really pull at the heart strings.
January 2, 2025
Ghostly Chilling!
The House on the Hill by S S Saywack is a captivating and chilling supernatural read that kept me on the edge of my seat. The story is set in the 1930s and surrounds an abandoned house, The Martins, a brother and sister along with ghostly and chilling goings on.
I’ve read many books by this author and I’m never disappointed. The descriptive style of writing captures the scene and creates the creepy atmosphere wonderfully.
If you enjoy a good ghost story that will keep you in suspense and the chills coming all the way through, then I can highly recommend The House on the Hill.
The House on the Hill by S S Saywack is a captivating and chilling supernatural read that kept me on the edge of my seat. The story is set in the 1930s and surrounds an abandoned house, The Martins, a brother and sister along with ghostly and chilling goings on.
I’ve read many books by this author and I’m never disappointed. The descriptive style of writing captures the scene and creates the creepy atmosphere wonderfully.
If you enjoy a good ghost story that will keep you in suspense and the chills coming all the way through, then I can highly recommend The House on the Hill.
June 3, 2024
The Haunting Comes to Life
S Saywack’s The House on the Hill is beautifully written. I was drawn into the period scenes and could feel the haunting down to my bones with the descriptive, seductive prose. The world building and character development bring this story to life on the pages. Underlying mysteries unfold throughout that weave the distinct characters, a remote oceanside town, and the ghostly past of an old, abandoned mansion into an immersive tale. Absolutely loved this classy, intriguing, spooky novel. Highly recommend this book!
S Saywack’s The House on the Hill is beautifully written. I was drawn into the period scenes and could feel the haunting down to my bones with the descriptive, seductive prose. The world building and character development bring this story to life on the pages. Underlying mysteries unfold throughout that weave the distinct characters, a remote oceanside town, and the ghostly past of an old, abandoned mansion into an immersive tale. Absolutely loved this classy, intriguing, spooky novel. Highly recommend this book!
June 18, 2024
A splendidly, well-written, ghost story! A young woman experiences a traumatic incident when she is saved by a ghostly apparition. Ensconced in an obligation of repayment for her salvation , she is now held deeply within the grips of its power in order to do so. As an author of true-account hauntings and an investigator of the paranormal with the New Jersey Spirit Hunters, I appreciate a well-woven tale of hauntings. I would like to add that I have read all of this author’s books, and find each of them to be unfailingly entertaining!
September 29, 2024
For me, this was like reading a gothic novel written in the nineteenth century. There’s no blood and gore, but a creeping unease as the events play out, a sense of menacing horror that Vince Ransom, the narrator, tries to find a logical explanation for. After all, ghosts don’t exist, do they? But maybe some things can’t be rationalised, and as you get deeper into the story, as it unfolds, you are drawn into its horror and pathos. I read this in Vince’s voice. It was there, clear in my head. This is for you if you like a slow-burn, well-written, and evocative tale. Highly recommended.
October 26, 2024
Why isn’t this book on the NY Times Best Seller List!?
This is a haunting tale that is a throwback to the classically written Gothic tales you don’t seem to see much of anymore these days. Settings of decay, a damsel in distress, the supernatural, and a feeling of overall unease, questioning is this really happening? The world building elaborately done and I felt like I was there in the moment. The characters are well written and three dimensional. This was a page turner and I had a hard time putting it down!
This is a haunting tale that is a throwback to the classically written Gothic tales you don’t seem to see much of anymore these days. Settings of decay, a damsel in distress, the supernatural, and a feeling of overall unease, questioning is this really happening? The world building elaborately done and I felt like I was there in the moment. The characters are well written and three dimensional. This was a page turner and I had a hard time putting it down!
April 24, 2025
What a story I was absolutely hooked from the first page. The strange relationship between Vince and his sister, sometimes anger, sometimes caring was so fascinating and added to the story. I loved the description of the house and church and bizarrely I wanted to visit it. To feel what Vince and Poppy were feeling. The whole town is hiding secrets and not giving much away. I'm recommending this story to a friend who used to live in Kings Lynn and holidayed in Norfolk. As did we. If I could give this story 6 stars I would. I will definitely read more from this author.
April 24, 2025
A good read
Having enjoyed the Mary Finch Mysteries series, I was excited to dive into this book from the same author. The writing here once again displays the author’s signature smoothness and eloquence, as seen in the previous works. However, I found that this particular story didn’t quite captivate me to the same extent as the others. From time to time, lengthy narratives seemed to slow the pacing, which may simply come down to personal preference.
Nonetheless, I love the author’s writing style and look forward to reading more from this talented writer in the future.
Having enjoyed the Mary Finch Mysteries series, I was excited to dive into this book from the same author. The writing here once again displays the author’s signature smoothness and eloquence, as seen in the previous works. However, I found that this particular story didn’t quite captivate me to the same extent as the others. From time to time, lengthy narratives seemed to slow the pacing, which may simply come down to personal preference.
Nonetheless, I love the author’s writing style and look forward to reading more from this talented writer in the future.
June 17, 2024
I do enjoy a good ghost story, and The House on the Hill certainly doesn’t disappoint. I’m not sure on the age ratings, I would put this at more of an adult read than a children’s. There are some bits that I couldn’t have read alone in the dark, and the book is written from an adult point of view. The story made for compulsive reading and I found it hard to put down. A perfectly paced and beautifully described, deliciously eerie book.
June 28, 2024
An affecting tale of the supernatural
This well-written ghost story is reminiscent of classic tales by M. R. James and Wilkie Collins, although the historic slavery angle gives a piquant twist to the traditional haunted house theme. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style, which harks back to a more elegant age and is in keeping with the material. With its gothic overtones and atmospheric scene-setting, this book is a spooky success and the conclusion is exactly as it should be.
This well-written ghost story is reminiscent of classic tales by M. R. James and Wilkie Collins, although the historic slavery angle gives a piquant twist to the traditional haunted house theme. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style, which harks back to a more elegant age and is in keeping with the material. With its gothic overtones and atmospheric scene-setting, this book is a spooky success and the conclusion is exactly as it should be.
May 7, 2025
This atmospheric ghost story evokes the creeping terror of classic spookiness. Set in 1930s England, the novel pulls readers into a world where history is not buried, and the past watches with malevolent eyes. Written in the tone of the period, it still adds the writer’s precision and sharp edge. He has created a vivid story that breathes—the house looms from the outskirts of the town, and the descriptions of the interior, exterior and surrounding places are my favourite part. It’s beautiful writing.
The story is never slow, not for a second, but it is restrained. It builds suspense with perfect timing, letting unease trickle in through loaded silences, mysterious telegrams, and shadows that stretch longer than they should. Vince’s appearance pulls readers into a tangle of secrets, and as the mystery unravels, the answers are more chilling than the questions. This is gothic storytelling done right—elegant, eerie, and beautifully, stunningly, haunting.
The story is never slow, not for a second, but it is restrained. It builds suspense with perfect timing, letting unease trickle in through loaded silences, mysterious telegrams, and shadows that stretch longer than they should. Vince’s appearance pulls readers into a tangle of secrets, and as the mystery unravels, the answers are more chilling than the questions. This is gothic storytelling done right—elegant, eerie, and beautifully, stunningly, haunting.
May 23, 2024
NOW THIS IS A GHOST STORY!
Extremely well-written. Absolutely nothing frivolous here. I am not kidding when I tell you that I felt a chill and watched goosebumps emerge on my skin as I read the last page – I attribute my physical reaction to having just experienced an extraordinary ghost story. I think you too will admire how S S Saywack seriously and thoughtfully wrote THE HOUSE ON THE HILL.
Extremely well-written. Absolutely nothing frivolous here. I am not kidding when I tell you that I felt a chill and watched goosebumps emerge on my skin as I read the last page – I attribute my physical reaction to having just experienced an extraordinary ghost story. I think you too will admire how S S Saywack seriously and thoughtfully wrote THE HOUSE ON THE HILL.
June 12, 2024
fantastic
Oh my goodness this was such a good book! The atmosphere that Saywack creates is outstanding. It gave me chills and kept me on the edge of my seat, and the story is beautifully crafted. There is a real sense of foreboding as you read on, and mystery after mystery into this compelling ghost story.
Excellent read.
Oh my goodness this was such a good book! The atmosphere that Saywack creates is outstanding. It gave me chills and kept me on the edge of my seat, and the story is beautifully crafted. There is a real sense of foreboding as you read on, and mystery after mystery into this compelling ghost story.
Excellent read.
July 23, 2024
Very reminiscent of the classic haunted house stories like The Lady in White or a dash of Poe. This may not suit all readers as the language is somewhat old fashioned, as befits the tone and callback to the classic ghost stories, but still something to keep in mind. The climax is intense and the atmosphere is suitably spooky.
October 16, 2024
A beautifully written account of an evil house that haunts a young woman her entire life. The author's descriptive narrative is both spooky and enticing. I enjoyed reading this story, especially since Halloween is coming soon. Highly recommended for those who enjoy detailed description.
May 7, 2025
Classic gothic, make a cuppa and enjoy.
I sometimes need a rest from the usually hectic pace of life, and when I do, I want to read an interesting story that paces itself and rather sneaks up on you. This is the second book I've read from this author and have become a fan...
I sometimes need a rest from the usually hectic pace of life, and when I do, I want to read an interesting story that paces itself and rather sneaks up on you. This is the second book I've read from this author and have become a fan...
July 26, 2024
Not really a genre I enjoy much
August 6, 2024
Fascinating
The storytelling is exquisite, and the haunting is well deserved. The true horror lies in a history some choose to ignore even today.
The storytelling is exquisite, and the haunting is well deserved. The true horror lies in a history some choose to ignore even today.
November 15, 2024
The book was absolutely fantastic. A cliff hanger until the end. It’s too bad I can only leave 5 stars.
November 21, 2024
I loved this book. It reminded me of the books I read by Victoria Holt--the gothic mystery-romances. I was hooked immediately. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews