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The Haunting of Hern Hall
When three innocent children play a game that ends in fatal consequences, it sets in motion a series of events that will haunt their family forever…
After the horror of World War One, disillusioned army chaplain John Elliot arrives at Hern Hall, an isolated estate in the English countryside. Shrouded by mist, the mystery of its tragic past seems to haunt the shadows when John glimpses the face of a drowned child beneath the dark waters of the lake.
Despite suffering from shellshock, John has made a promise to his friend Will, who died in the trenches whilst saving John's life. It is a promise he is determined to keep.
Before being introduced to Will's grieving parents, Lord and Lady Chiddingstone, he first meets Will’s sister Lucy, a beautiful, blind and mysterious young woman.
After being invited by Lord and Lady Chiddingstone to remain as a guest at Hern Hall, John has a series of unsettling and eerie encounters, even attending a seance conducted by the infamous Madame Blanche, a spiritualist medium whom Lady Chiddingstone hopes can communicate with her dead sons.
As John grows closer to the family, he uncovers more about their traumatic past, and the disturbing secrets hiding in the walls and tunnels of Hern Hall.
Is the family cursed as an ancient legend tells, and can the ghosts and the living ever find peace, or are they destined to be forever haunted by death?
After the horror of World War One, disillusioned army chaplain John Elliot arrives at Hern Hall, an isolated estate in the English countryside. Shrouded by mist, the mystery of its tragic past seems to haunt the shadows when John glimpses the face of a drowned child beneath the dark waters of the lake.
Despite suffering from shellshock, John has made a promise to his friend Will, who died in the trenches whilst saving John's life. It is a promise he is determined to keep.
Before being introduced to Will's grieving parents, Lord and Lady Chiddingstone, he first meets Will’s sister Lucy, a beautiful, blind and mysterious young woman.
After being invited by Lord and Lady Chiddingstone to remain as a guest at Hern Hall, John has a series of unsettling and eerie encounters, even attending a seance conducted by the infamous Madame Blanche, a spiritualist medium whom Lady Chiddingstone hopes can communicate with her dead sons.
As John grows closer to the family, he uncovers more about their traumatic past, and the disturbing secrets hiding in the walls and tunnels of Hern Hall.
Is the family cursed as an ancient legend tells, and can the ghosts and the living ever find peace, or are they destined to be forever haunted by death?
290 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2024
202 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 14, 2024
Deliciously dark and gothic!
This story was set in the aftermath of World War 1, but the writing was very Victorian in nature and, as such, may not be appreciated by everyone. However, I loved it. This was a tale of despair, loss of faith and the search for redemption. Spiritualism was rife after the war, as England's population attempted to come to terms with the massive loss of young lives in the trenches of France and Belgium. Many mediums were frauds, but not all and certainly not the character in this story, even though she came across as a most unpleasant and sinister woman. In many ways this was a love story, good overcoming evil and all that, but I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended if you can appreciate the quaint style of writing.
This story was set in the aftermath of World War 1, but the writing was very Victorian in nature and, as such, may not be appreciated by everyone. However, I loved it. This was a tale of despair, loss of faith and the search for redemption. Spiritualism was rife after the war, as England's population attempted to come to terms with the massive loss of young lives in the trenches of France and Belgium. Many mediums were frauds, but not all and certainly not the character in this story, even though she came across as a most unpleasant and sinister woman. In many ways this was a love story, good overcoming evil and all that, but I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended if you can appreciate the quaint style of writing.
March 29, 2025
In one word: atmospheric. A classic haunted house chiller given extra weight with the backdrop of World War 1, shell-shock and contemplation on faith. Well-crafted and well written. The supernatural elements add to the fear and psychological anxiety without spilling over into the ridiculous or gratuitous. Very good read.
November 21, 2024
The Haunting of Hern Hall offers a compelling read. Set in England at the end of WWI, it tells the story of army Chaplain John Elliot, whose faith has not survived the war. He's shell-shocked, despairing, and physically weakened. However, he has a job to do, and as soon as his doctors release him, he sets out for Hern Hall, the ancestral home of Will, one of the soldiers he served with who did not survive the conflict. John is carrying a package for Will's sister Lucy—a package that Will left on John's bunk before going out on the mission on which he was killed.
Lord Chiddingstone, the master of Hern Hall, welcomes John, inviting him to stay for as long as he'd like. But Hern Hall is an uneasy place to stay: forbidding, populated by shadows, stalked by toothed herons, the original symbol of the family, and lying on top of a vast series of tunnels. Two sons are being mourned there: Will, and also Albie, who as a child fell through a frozen pond and drowned. Lady Chiddingstone is incapable of caring for anyone beyond Albie and blames Will and Lucy for their sibling's death. She has a psychic living at the hall and endlessly attempts to contact Albie's spirit. Lucy is blind, the result of an injury she suffered while trying to draw will attention of Albie as he falls through the ice.
The package John delivers to Lucy is strange, inexplicable, but gradually John and Lucy convince themselves that Will has left them a way to bring his spirit, perhaps his living self, back to Hern Hall. As winter solstice arrives and a storm rages, John and Lucy set out to see if they can accomplish the task Will has set for them.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
Lord Chiddingstone, the master of Hern Hall, welcomes John, inviting him to stay for as long as he'd like. But Hern Hall is an uneasy place to stay: forbidding, populated by shadows, stalked by toothed herons, the original symbol of the family, and lying on top of a vast series of tunnels. Two sons are being mourned there: Will, and also Albie, who as a child fell through a frozen pond and drowned. Lady Chiddingstone is incapable of caring for anyone beyond Albie and blames Will and Lucy for their sibling's death. She has a psychic living at the hall and endlessly attempts to contact Albie's spirit. Lucy is blind, the result of an injury she suffered while trying to draw will attention of Albie as he falls through the ice.
The package John delivers to Lucy is strange, inexplicable, but gradually John and Lucy convince themselves that Will has left them a way to bring his spirit, perhaps his living self, back to Hern Hall. As winter solstice arrives and a storm rages, John and Lucy set out to see if they can accomplish the task Will has set for them.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
November 14, 2024
This is a great creepy book! It's well written and moved at a good pace. The character development is really well done. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to G.R. Pidgeon,Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2024
John Elliot is a broken man after serving as an Army chaplain in WW1, both in body and spirit. The only thing he has held onto through his recovery is a package his friend Will Chiddingstone gave him, to hand deliver to his sister, Lucy, after Will’s death. Upon his arrival, John finds Will’s ancestral home, Hern Hall, to be in a perpetual state of mourning and haunted by numerous stories and legends. Lucy, Will’s blind and beautiful sister, tries to keep a positive outlook but she seems to be fighting against a strong tide. When the pair feel they have unlocked a way to bring some peace back to Hern Hall, they must risk everything to do so, even at the peril of their own lives.
This was an amazing gothic thriller that I just loved. The atmosphere was absolutely perfect right from the very beginning. The description of Hern Hall, the characters, the legends and lore, it all put you in the perfect mood for just snuggling in with this book and enjoying a spooky tale. Which is just what this book promised.
Plus, there’s a nice subplot in there with a little romance that I’ll admit, I fell for. But what can I say, I’m a sap. I can’t help it - I was just on tenterhooks waiting for the moment, if you know what I mean!
I won’t spoil all the spooky ooky stuff, but this one has all the perfect ones and I enjoyed them to the fullest. The ending was amazing as it all came together perfectly. It was like a campfire tale that wrapped up nicely and wholly, with a satisfying sigh.
I’d recommend this one for a great weekend in with a ghostly book and a nice drink by your side! You won’t regret it!
This was an amazing gothic thriller that I just loved. The atmosphere was absolutely perfect right from the very beginning. The description of Hern Hall, the characters, the legends and lore, it all put you in the perfect mood for just snuggling in with this book and enjoying a spooky tale. Which is just what this book promised.
Plus, there’s a nice subplot in there with a little romance that I’ll admit, I fell for. But what can I say, I’m a sap. I can’t help it - I was just on tenterhooks waiting for the moment, if you know what I mean!
I won’t spoil all the spooky ooky stuff, but this one has all the perfect ones and I enjoyed them to the fullest. The ending was amazing as it all came together perfectly. It was like a campfire tale that wrapped up nicely and wholly, with a satisfying sigh.
I’d recommend this one for a great weekend in with a ghostly book and a nice drink by your side! You won’t regret it!
December 31, 2024
ABSOLUTELY LUDICROUS
It started off so well, a gothic story that drew on the tragedy of WWl, with the promise to become heart wrenching as well as chilling... But it soon degenerated into a mishmash of Christianity, paganism, spiritualism and Mills & Boon, complete with a miracle cure for the plucky heroine. One reviewer thought it 'believable', another compared it to the work of the inimitable M R James. No, dear: M R James never blatted the reader round the head with over explicit heavy-handedness.
It started off so well, a gothic story that drew on the tragedy of WWl, with the promise to become heart wrenching as well as chilling... But it soon degenerated into a mishmash of Christianity, paganism, spiritualism and Mills & Boon, complete with a miracle cure for the plucky heroine. One reviewer thought it 'believable', another compared it to the work of the inimitable M R James. No, dear: M R James never blatted the reader round the head with over explicit heavy-handedness.
July 24, 2025
This was so creepy but also such a sweet story I absolutely loved Lucy a blind and strong young woman determined to do right by her dead brothers. The slow burning romance between her and army Chaplin John was so beautiful all I wanted was for their happiness.
I didn’t like the portrayal of spiritualism as a whole but I can understand why the particular medium in this story was so hated. It felt like a bit of a cliche of the evil medium praying on the grieving however I still enjoyed this story.
I didn’t like the portrayal of spiritualism as a whole but I can understand why the particular medium in this story was so hated. It felt like a bit of a cliche of the evil medium praying on the grieving however I still enjoyed this story.
June 16, 2025
Have you ever started reading a book and then thought for a moment that the author must have dived into all your interests and wrote the book specifically for you?
This book was my dream come true. Gothic mansion house. Historical horror. Ghosts. Supernatural beliefs. Mentions of things like Mythology, Satan, places like Stonehenge. Perfection!
The author wrote this so vividly, so descriptive, I felt like I was there. One part, where John is following Lucy through the gardens and sees something rather haunting, chilled me. I actually went to a manor house at the weekend and while walking through the estate garden, that clear image was all I could see. I was expecting it to pop out on me and I'd be part of the book I was reading.
John helps this family navigate a series of cruel deaths in their family. He spends time with the only remaining daughter, who is a fascinating character. He deals with his own grief and what is clearly post traumatic stress disorder from the war. His battles with religion, and his discovery of the legend that controls this estate house and family. It's up to him to end this curse, and hopefully end part of the curse that remains trapped in his mind too.
Haunting. Emotional. Terrifying. Vivid. Dark. Weirdly wonderful. A new favourite book for me. This is one of the best horrors I've read this year, perhaps ever! This book and these characters will stay with me for a long time... and will only further my interest in mansion houses and all the stories and history they must hold.
For fans of things like The Woman in Black, The Village, and spooky historical fiction.
This book was my dream come true. Gothic mansion house. Historical horror. Ghosts. Supernatural beliefs. Mentions of things like Mythology, Satan, places like Stonehenge. Perfection!
The author wrote this so vividly, so descriptive, I felt like I was there. One part, where John is following Lucy through the gardens and sees something rather haunting, chilled me. I actually went to a manor house at the weekend and while walking through the estate garden, that clear image was all I could see. I was expecting it to pop out on me and I'd be part of the book I was reading.
John helps this family navigate a series of cruel deaths in their family. He spends time with the only remaining daughter, who is a fascinating character. He deals with his own grief and what is clearly post traumatic stress disorder from the war. His battles with religion, and his discovery of the legend that controls this estate house and family. It's up to him to end this curse, and hopefully end part of the curse that remains trapped in his mind too.
Haunting. Emotional. Terrifying. Vivid. Dark. Weirdly wonderful. A new favourite book for me. This is one of the best horrors I've read this year, perhaps ever! This book and these characters will stay with me for a long time... and will only further my interest in mansion houses and all the stories and history they must hold.
For fans of things like The Woman in Black, The Village, and spooky historical fiction.
October 29, 2024
If you are a fan of Susan Hill's ghost stories then you need to read The Haunting of Hern Hall. It is in the mold of Hill's best works while still being its own unique story, gloomy, atmospheric, and gothic AF. Wandering blindly in the mist? Check! Ominous whispering on the breeze? Double check! Lightning crashing down as a storm engulfs the crumbling family estate? Check check check! I loved everything about this, but particularly the writing style, which really captured that post-WWI bone deep despair. Curses, seances, occult rituals: The Haunting of Hern Hall had everything I look for in a ghost story.
It does lean heavily on religious themes, which may not be for everyone, but I think it worked beautifully for the characters and their situation.
It does lean heavily on religious themes, which may not be for everyone, but I think it worked beautifully for the characters and their situation.
March 24, 2025
Listened to the audio book via Hoopla through my local library. Great reader; his voice added richness to the story, not that it needed help. This is a slow-burn haunted house story with well-crafted, interesting and all damaged-in-some-way characters. Our main character was wounded in the war having been saved by a comrade who did not survive. Strangely, the comrade left a packet on his bed with instructions for it to be hand-delivered to his sister. Due to a tragic childhood incident, the sister, Lucy, is blind, though she has mental clarity and heightened senses, being able to "see" mentally better than those with normal sight. A lovely detail is that her brother wired up their property, Hern Hall, in grids with bells so Lucy can navigate the grounds on her own, wire to wire, jingle to jingle.
(One must presume that there isn't grass to mow; that would be quite something...)
This novel unfolds like a fern frond, little by little, turning, uncurling, coming to light. It is modeled after the traditional ghost story, one to be savored like a fine after dinner brandy, not guzzled in a shot.
Lots of contrasts-- Christian vs. pagan, the past vs. the future, love vs. bitterness, faith vs. spiritual deadness, sibling love vs. lack of parental love.
(Mom is a Gothic horror of grief-induced mental derangement.)
Snow. Wind. Cold. Ice.
A terrific choice to either be read in the middle of summer when you need to cool down, or by the fire in the dead of winter.
(One must presume that there isn't grass to mow; that would be quite something...)
This novel unfolds like a fern frond, little by little, turning, uncurling, coming to light. It is modeled after the traditional ghost story, one to be savored like a fine after dinner brandy, not guzzled in a shot.
Lots of contrasts-- Christian vs. pagan, the past vs. the future, love vs. bitterness, faith vs. spiritual deadness, sibling love vs. lack of parental love.
(Mom is a Gothic horror of grief-induced mental derangement.)
Snow. Wind. Cold. Ice.
A terrific choice to either be read in the middle of summer when you need to cool down, or by the fire in the dead of winter.
October 9, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut .
The mysterious Hern Hall, Perfectly balanced with a gothic atmosphere, haunted elements and mystery . The style of writing was great and definitely felt old and historical.
I listened on audio mostly and I also read it on my kindle together too and have to say the narrators voices were perfectly fitting and made it even more atmospheric.
Totally transported there inside that big house & out in the grounds and to me thats what makes a good book . Great ending .
The mysterious Hern Hall, Perfectly balanced with a gothic atmosphere, haunted elements and mystery . The style of writing was great and definitely felt old and historical.
I listened on audio mostly and I also read it on my kindle together too and have to say the narrators voices were perfectly fitting and made it even more atmospheric.
Totally transported there inside that big house & out in the grounds and to me thats what makes a good book . Great ending .
April 12, 2025
This wasn't my favourite, I enjoyed it to start with but then it felt like it was dragging towards the end. Still, wasn't a bad story.
January 12, 2025
not explicitly christian fiction, but very, very christian. it makes sense, given the protagonist is a former army chaplain whose entire journey in this novel is about finding his faith again. and of course the medium is a nasty woman described as looking like "a witch over a bubbling cauldron" at one point– i rolled my eyes often, especially at which is a shame, because the atmosphere was pretty spooky at times.
for only $3 for a b&n ebook, not a horrific way to spend an afternoon. i did fully laugh at the epilogue. like oh john. i think the fuck not.
for only $3 for a b&n ebook, not a horrific way to spend an afternoon. i did fully laugh at the epilogue. like oh john. i think the fuck not.
December 1, 2024
The Haunting of Hern Hall is a perfectly chilling gothic read; great for those still clinging to the Halloween season but wanting more of a Winter chill. It was one of those books that you say to yourself, I'll just read to the end of the chapter and put it down, but the last sentence hooks you, and before you know it... well you've finished the book xD
The story is set post WW1 and the languange is beautifully poetic as typical of gothic literature. The events were disturbing, and suspenceful, and the historical elements really helped develop the plot.
The main character John is an army chaplain, dissillusioned after experiencing the war. I'm not religious but I really enjoyed this aspect of the novel, and felt that as the plot progressed, so did the character development. Everything just interlinked in an immensely satisfying way.
The tale is captivating, and made me feel reminiscent of my favourite gothic read - The turn of the screw by Henry James. I enjoyed reading it after the sun had set, and with the winter aspects, it really suited me as a mood reader. One of my top reads of 2024 (and just managed to squeeze in there before the year is done!).
#bookreview #bookrecommendations #gothic #gothicliterature #thehauntingofhernhall #ghosts
The story is set post WW1 and the languange is beautifully poetic as typical of gothic literature. The events were disturbing, and suspenceful, and the historical elements really helped develop the plot.
The main character John is an army chaplain, dissillusioned after experiencing the war. I'm not religious but I really enjoyed this aspect of the novel, and felt that as the plot progressed, so did the character development. Everything just interlinked in an immensely satisfying way.
The tale is captivating, and made me feel reminiscent of my favourite gothic read - The turn of the screw by Henry James. I enjoyed reading it after the sun had set, and with the winter aspects, it really suited me as a mood reader. One of my top reads of 2024 (and just managed to squeeze in there before the year is done!).
#bookreview #bookrecommendations #gothic #gothicliterature #thehauntingofhernhall #ghosts
October 17, 2024
This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley.
A Gothic horror story, The Haunting of Hern Hall takes place in the aftermath of The Great War. John, an army chaplain who's lost his faith, travels to the manor of the family of his good friend and fallen comrade in arms, Will, to deliver a package. While there he learns of the historic and tragic family history, or possibly even curse, as he battles his own demons and encounters the cursed family sentinel and a spiritualist he believes to be a charlatan.
The narrative was skillfully written, and had an intense quality that makes you want to keep reading to see where the story goes next. It had a very deeply plotted element of historical and mythical beliefs, though towards the end they became a bit too fantastical. My only other issue with the book was the a bit too much of religious dogma and questions of faith that eventually felt overdramatic. But on the whole, it was a very enjoyable period piece.
A Gothic horror story, The Haunting of Hern Hall takes place in the aftermath of The Great War. John, an army chaplain who's lost his faith, travels to the manor of the family of his good friend and fallen comrade in arms, Will, to deliver a package. While there he learns of the historic and tragic family history, or possibly even curse, as he battles his own demons and encounters the cursed family sentinel and a spiritualist he believes to be a charlatan.
The narrative was skillfully written, and had an intense quality that makes you want to keep reading to see where the story goes next. It had a very deeply plotted element of historical and mythical beliefs, though towards the end they became a bit too fantastical. My only other issue with the book was the a bit too much of religious dogma and questions of faith that eventually felt overdramatic. But on the whole, it was a very enjoyable period piece.
November 21, 2024
G.R. Pidgeon’s The Haunting of Hern Hall is a masterful blend of gothic horror and historical fiction, transporting readers to the misty, eerie English countryside in the aftermath of World War One. At its heart, this novel explores themes of loss, guilt, and redemption, all set against the chilling backdrop of Hern Hall, an estate steeped in tragedy and spectral whispers.
The story begins with disillusioned army chaplain John Elliot, a man deeply scarred by the horrors of the trenches. He arrives at Hern Hall to fulfill a solemn promise to his fallen comrade, Will Chiddingstone. From the moment John glimpses the face of a drowned child in the estate’s dark lake, it’s clear that Hern Hall is no ordinary residence. The atmosphere is thick with secrets, grief, and a lingering malevolence that seems to grow with every page.
The Chiddingstone family, grappling with their own immense losses, are vividly drawn characters. Lucy, Will’s blind sister, stands out as both enigmatic and ethereal, her presence adding a layer of intrigue to the story. The addition of Madame Blanche, a medium invited to communicate with the family’s lost sons, heightens the novel’s suspense and raises questions about the limits between life and death.
Pidgeon weaves a captivating tale filled with unsettling encounters, dark legends, and the oppressive weight of the past. The seances, shadowy tunnels, and ominous visions create a tension that builds to an unforgettable crescendo. The novel’s exploration of John’s shellshock and the collective grief of the Chiddingstone family lends emotional depth, making the haunting elements all the more impactful.
For fans of gothic literature like The Turn of the Screw or Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black, The Haunting of Hern Hall offers a richly atmospheric tale where the ghosts of the past refuse to rest. With its intricate storytelling and chilling revelations, this book is both a poignant exploration of post-war trauma and a gripping supernatural mystery. An exceptional read for anyone who loves their hauntings served with historical gravitas and emotional resonance.
The story begins with disillusioned army chaplain John Elliot, a man deeply scarred by the horrors of the trenches. He arrives at Hern Hall to fulfill a solemn promise to his fallen comrade, Will Chiddingstone. From the moment John glimpses the face of a drowned child in the estate’s dark lake, it’s clear that Hern Hall is no ordinary residence. The atmosphere is thick with secrets, grief, and a lingering malevolence that seems to grow with every page.
The Chiddingstone family, grappling with their own immense losses, are vividly drawn characters. Lucy, Will’s blind sister, stands out as both enigmatic and ethereal, her presence adding a layer of intrigue to the story. The addition of Madame Blanche, a medium invited to communicate with the family’s lost sons, heightens the novel’s suspense and raises questions about the limits between life and death.
Pidgeon weaves a captivating tale filled with unsettling encounters, dark legends, and the oppressive weight of the past. The seances, shadowy tunnels, and ominous visions create a tension that builds to an unforgettable crescendo. The novel’s exploration of John’s shellshock and the collective grief of the Chiddingstone family lends emotional depth, making the haunting elements all the more impactful.
For fans of gothic literature like The Turn of the Screw or Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black, The Haunting of Hern Hall offers a richly atmospheric tale where the ghosts of the past refuse to rest. With its intricate storytelling and chilling revelations, this book is both a poignant exploration of post-war trauma and a gripping supernatural mystery. An exceptional read for anyone who loves their hauntings served with historical gravitas and emotional resonance.
October 28, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of The Haunting of Hern Hall.
G.R. Pidgeon crafts an eerie, atmospheric Gothic novel in The Haunting of Hern Hall, set in the aftermath of World War I. The story follows John Elliot, a former Army chaplain, who carries the emotional scars of the war and the burden of a promise to his fallen friend, Will Chiddingstone. John's task: deliver a package to Will’s sister, Lucy, at their ancestral home, Hern Hall. Upon arrival, John finds the mansion cloaked in melancholy and haunted by dark legends that may be more than just family lore. Lucy, blind yet resilient, embodies the sorrow of the house while fiercely fighting to restore its peace.
The novel’s strength lies in its immersive, Gothic atmosphere. Pidgeon’s descriptions of Hern Hall bring the crumbling, mist-shrouded estate vividly to life, with its shadowy hallways and ghostly secrets. The interplay between Lucy and John, with hints of a deepening connection, adds warmth amidst the chills, giving the reader a compelling reason to root for them as they delve into the mysteries of the estate.
The supernatural elements are perfectly balanced with historical and mythical layers, and while they veer toward the fantastical, they stay grounded in the story’s dark, haunting ambiance. At times, John’s internal struggle with faith and purpose feels a bit drawn out, but this internal conflict also underscores his haunted psyche, mirroring the spectral nature of Hern Hall.
Overall, The Haunting of Hern Hall is a richly woven Gothic tale, complete with suspense, spectral mysteries, and the lure of dark secrets just waiting to be uncovered. This is an ideal read for fans of haunting historical fiction and Gothic romance, best enjoyed on a quiet evening by candlelight.
G.R. Pidgeon crafts an eerie, atmospheric Gothic novel in The Haunting of Hern Hall, set in the aftermath of World War I. The story follows John Elliot, a former Army chaplain, who carries the emotional scars of the war and the burden of a promise to his fallen friend, Will Chiddingstone. John's task: deliver a package to Will’s sister, Lucy, at their ancestral home, Hern Hall. Upon arrival, John finds the mansion cloaked in melancholy and haunted by dark legends that may be more than just family lore. Lucy, blind yet resilient, embodies the sorrow of the house while fiercely fighting to restore its peace.
The novel’s strength lies in its immersive, Gothic atmosphere. Pidgeon’s descriptions of Hern Hall bring the crumbling, mist-shrouded estate vividly to life, with its shadowy hallways and ghostly secrets. The interplay between Lucy and John, with hints of a deepening connection, adds warmth amidst the chills, giving the reader a compelling reason to root for them as they delve into the mysteries of the estate.
The supernatural elements are perfectly balanced with historical and mythical layers, and while they veer toward the fantastical, they stay grounded in the story’s dark, haunting ambiance. At times, John’s internal struggle with faith and purpose feels a bit drawn out, but this internal conflict also underscores his haunted psyche, mirroring the spectral nature of Hern Hall.
Overall, The Haunting of Hern Hall is a richly woven Gothic tale, complete with suspense, spectral mysteries, and the lure of dark secrets just waiting to be uncovered. This is an ideal read for fans of haunting historical fiction and Gothic romance, best enjoyed on a quiet evening by candlelight.
November 12, 2024
The Haunting of Hern Hall by G.R. Pidgeon was an excellent dark gothic historical mystery and a perfect read for this time of year, sitting in your comfy chair snugged under a blanket sitting by the fire reading this book. It was an excellent book from start to finish and I really enjoyed reading it.
A very creepy read, and set in post War 1 in England, three innocent children played a game and the consequences still haunt their family. People are just getting over the horror on the first world war and disillusioned army chaplain John Elliot arrives at Hern Hall, this is an isolated estate in the English countryside. John has made a promise to his friend called Will, who died in the trenches while saving John’s life. This is a promise he’s determined to keep.
When John meets Will’s sister Lucy, who is beautiful, blind, and is a mysterious young woman, she introduces him to Will’s grieving parents, Lord and Lady Chiddingstone. But this old house, shrouded by mist, seems to be tormented by some tragic past . . . . . . .
After being invited to stay at Hern Hall, he has a series of unsettling and eerie encounters, which he can not explain! even attending a séance conducted by the infamous Madame Blanche, a spiritualist medium who Lady Chiddingstone hopes can communicate with her dead sons.
John becomes closer to all the family, and he uncovers more about their traumatic history, and finds out some disturbing secrets that are hiding in the walls and tunnels of their great house.
Is the family cursed as an ancient legend tells? and why?
WoW this book was brilliant and so creepy. I highly recommend this book.
A very creepy read, and set in post War 1 in England, three innocent children played a game and the consequences still haunt their family. People are just getting over the horror on the first world war and disillusioned army chaplain John Elliot arrives at Hern Hall, this is an isolated estate in the English countryside. John has made a promise to his friend called Will, who died in the trenches while saving John’s life. This is a promise he’s determined to keep.
When John meets Will’s sister Lucy, who is beautiful, blind, and is a mysterious young woman, she introduces him to Will’s grieving parents, Lord and Lady Chiddingstone. But this old house, shrouded by mist, seems to be tormented by some tragic past . . . . . . .
After being invited to stay at Hern Hall, he has a series of unsettling and eerie encounters, which he can not explain! even attending a séance conducted by the infamous Madame Blanche, a spiritualist medium who Lady Chiddingstone hopes can communicate with her dead sons.
John becomes closer to all the family, and he uncovers more about their traumatic history, and finds out some disturbing secrets that are hiding in the walls and tunnels of their great house.
Is the family cursed as an ancient legend tells? and why?
WoW this book was brilliant and so creepy. I highly recommend this book.
November 24, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for an eARC copy of The Haunting of Hern Hall by G.R. Pidgeon.
A chilling atmospheric tale that combines elements of gothic horror, post-war trauma, and the supernatural. Set in the mist-shrouded English countryside, the novel transports readers into the eerie world of Hern Hall, an isolated estate steeped in tragedy and mystery. At its heart is John Elliot, a disillusioned World War I chaplain suffering from shellshock, who finds himself grappling not only with his own demons but also with the restless spirits that haunt the estate.
The Haunting of Hern Hall reminded me so much of the movie, The Awakening, with Rebecca Hall. With the shrouded countryside and a large hall with secrets that tie into the main character's life in one way or another. In this case, it is John Elliot's promise to his fall comrade, Will Chiddingstone. With Hern Hall becoming a character itself, its walls and corridors thick with the weight of its tragic past which heightens the novel's atmosphere of dread.
Pidgeon excels at exploring the psychological toll of war, particularly through John's character. As a chaplain, he was trained to offer solace, but the horrors of the war left him scarred and disillusioned. He struggles with his shellshock and help create the emotional journey he faces of himself and of the house. The novel certainly is a meditation on grief, loss, and the shadows that are cast by trauma. It examines how the past can haunt the present and how the dead can leave their mark on the living. It's a wonderful story that is both complex and thoughtful.
A chilling atmospheric tale that combines elements of gothic horror, post-war trauma, and the supernatural. Set in the mist-shrouded English countryside, the novel transports readers into the eerie world of Hern Hall, an isolated estate steeped in tragedy and mystery. At its heart is John Elliot, a disillusioned World War I chaplain suffering from shellshock, who finds himself grappling not only with his own demons but also with the restless spirits that haunt the estate.
The Haunting of Hern Hall reminded me so much of the movie, The Awakening, with Rebecca Hall. With the shrouded countryside and a large hall with secrets that tie into the main character's life in one way or another. In this case, it is John Elliot's promise to his fall comrade, Will Chiddingstone. With Hern Hall becoming a character itself, its walls and corridors thick with the weight of its tragic past which heightens the novel's atmosphere of dread.
Pidgeon excels at exploring the psychological toll of war, particularly through John's character. As a chaplain, he was trained to offer solace, but the horrors of the war left him scarred and disillusioned. He struggles with his shellshock and help create the emotional journey he faces of himself and of the house. The novel certainly is a meditation on grief, loss, and the shadows that are cast by trauma. It examines how the past can haunt the present and how the dead can leave their mark on the living. It's a wonderful story that is both complex and thoughtful.
November 10, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and G.R. Pidgeon for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Haunting of Hern Hall coming out November 12, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
After the horror of World War One, disillusioned army chaplain John Elliot arrives at Hern Hall, an isolated estate in the English countryside. Shrouded by mist, the mystery of its tragic past seems to haunt the shadows when John glimpses the face of a drowned child beneath the dark waters of the lake.
Despite suffering from shellshock, John has made a promise to his friend Will, who died in the trenches whilst saving John's life. It is a promise he is determined to keep.
Before being introduced to Will's grieving parents, Lord and Lady Chiddingstone, he first meets Will’s sister Lucy, a beautiful, blind and mysterious young woman.
After being invited by Lord and Lady Chiddingstone to remain as a guest at Hern Hall, John has a series of unsettling and eerie encounters, even attending a seance conducted by the infamous Madame Blanche, a spiritualist medium whom Lady Chiddingstone hopes can communicate with her dead sons.
As John grows closer to the family, he uncovers more about their traumatic past, and the disturbing secrets hiding in the walls and tunnels of Hern Hall.
Is the family cursed as an ancient legend tells, and can the ghosts and the living ever find peace, or are they destined to be forever haunted by death?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really loved the time period of the book being after WWI. John was a really complex character, dealing with the aftermath of the war and PTSD. The setting at the gothic hall was perfect. I loved the spooky vibes of the book. There were definitely some interesting characters. I really enjoyed Lucy and John’s interactions. I would definitely read more books by this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys gothic tales!
After the horror of World War One, disillusioned army chaplain John Elliot arrives at Hern Hall, an isolated estate in the English countryside. Shrouded by mist, the mystery of its tragic past seems to haunt the shadows when John glimpses the face of a drowned child beneath the dark waters of the lake.
Despite suffering from shellshock, John has made a promise to his friend Will, who died in the trenches whilst saving John's life. It is a promise he is determined to keep.
Before being introduced to Will's grieving parents, Lord and Lady Chiddingstone, he first meets Will’s sister Lucy, a beautiful, blind and mysterious young woman.
After being invited by Lord and Lady Chiddingstone to remain as a guest at Hern Hall, John has a series of unsettling and eerie encounters, even attending a seance conducted by the infamous Madame Blanche, a spiritualist medium whom Lady Chiddingstone hopes can communicate with her dead sons.
As John grows closer to the family, he uncovers more about their traumatic past, and the disturbing secrets hiding in the walls and tunnels of Hern Hall.
Is the family cursed as an ancient legend tells, and can the ghosts and the living ever find peace, or are they destined to be forever haunted by death?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really loved the time period of the book being after WWI. John was a really complex character, dealing with the aftermath of the war and PTSD. The setting at the gothic hall was perfect. I loved the spooky vibes of the book. There were definitely some interesting characters. I really enjoyed Lucy and John’s interactions. I would definitely read more books by this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys gothic tales!
November 13, 2024
The Haunting of Hern Hall was a good supernatural mystery.
Chaplain John Elliot comes to Hern Hall a year after the end of WWI. He has come to the hall at the postmortem request of the heir of Hern Hall, William Chiddingstone, to bring a package to William’s sister. William was John’s friend and fellow soldier who died protecting John and another solider caught in no man’s land. Hern Hall is the home to William’s mother and father, Lord and Lady Chiddingstone and his sister Lucy. Lucy lost her sight in an accident on the same day their younger brother Albie died. There is a curse on the Chiddingstone bloodline that sees the younger son die in every generation. This generation sadly saw the death of both sons. John has lost his faith and has come to adjudicate William’s last request, he does not expect to find himself in the middle of a cursed family drama. John starts to see an evil looking bird like figure and starts to wonder if there is more to the curse than just legend. With the help of Lucy and the delightful Reverend Streatfield, and the assistance of Will beyond the grave, John hopes to end the curse and give relief to the Chiddingstone family and the myriad of men that never made it home from the horrors of WWI.
This was a creepy but enjoyable story. I liked all the characters except for Lady Chiddingstone and the medium Madame Blanche. The reverend was especially delightful. This was a great read and I look forward to more books by this author.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bloodhound Books and the author for the chance to read and review this ARC.
Chaplain John Elliot comes to Hern Hall a year after the end of WWI. He has come to the hall at the postmortem request of the heir of Hern Hall, William Chiddingstone, to bring a package to William’s sister. William was John’s friend and fellow soldier who died protecting John and another solider caught in no man’s land. Hern Hall is the home to William’s mother and father, Lord and Lady Chiddingstone and his sister Lucy. Lucy lost her sight in an accident on the same day their younger brother Albie died. There is a curse on the Chiddingstone bloodline that sees the younger son die in every generation. This generation sadly saw the death of both sons. John has lost his faith and has come to adjudicate William’s last request, he does not expect to find himself in the middle of a cursed family drama. John starts to see an evil looking bird like figure and starts to wonder if there is more to the curse than just legend. With the help of Lucy and the delightful Reverend Streatfield, and the assistance of Will beyond the grave, John hopes to end the curse and give relief to the Chiddingstone family and the myriad of men that never made it home from the horrors of WWI.
This was a creepy but enjoyable story. I liked all the characters except for Lady Chiddingstone and the medium Madame Blanche. The reverend was especially delightful. This was a great read and I look forward to more books by this author.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bloodhound Books and the author for the chance to read and review this ARC.
December 29, 2024
The Haunting of Hern Hall by G.R. Pidgeon is a gripping and eerie historical fiction novel set in post-WWI England. The story follows John Elliot, an army chaplain suffering from shellshock, who arrives at the isolated Hern Hall estate to fulfill a promise to his late friend, Will. There, he meets Will's blind sister, Lucy, and the grieving Lord and Lady Chiddingstone. The hall, however, is steeped in mystery, its walls hiding unsettling secrets.
John soon experiences chilling occurrences, including a séance led by a controversial spiritualist medium, Madame Blanche, who the Chiddingstones hope can reconnect them with their deceased sons. As John digs deeper, he uncovers the tragic past of the Chiddingstone family and the dark legends that haunt the estate. With ghosts lingering in the house, John must decide whether the family is truly cursed or if their torment is a result of unresolved grief and trauma.
The novel masterfully blends historical fiction with supernatural horror, exploring themes of loss, the psychological scars of war, and the thin veil between the living and the dead. As John unravels the mysteries of the past, both the living and the ghosts must confront their painful truths. This atmospheric story keeps readers on edge, wondering if peace is possible or if the spirits will continue to haunt Hern Hall forever.
John soon experiences chilling occurrences, including a séance led by a controversial spiritualist medium, Madame Blanche, who the Chiddingstones hope can reconnect them with their deceased sons. As John digs deeper, he uncovers the tragic past of the Chiddingstone family and the dark legends that haunt the estate. With ghosts lingering in the house, John must decide whether the family is truly cursed or if their torment is a result of unresolved grief and trauma.
The novel masterfully blends historical fiction with supernatural horror, exploring themes of loss, the psychological scars of war, and the thin veil between the living and the dead. As John unravels the mysteries of the past, both the living and the ghosts must confront their painful truths. This atmospheric story keeps readers on edge, wondering if peace is possible or if the spirits will continue to haunt Hern Hall forever.
November 12, 2024
I am certainly the type of person who loves a good spooky book with some psychological trauma already affecting most of the people in the house. It just makes the events more eerie and unsettling as the reader since the narrator becomes unreliable between his PTSD and his survivors guilt and the family of a friend who died in war.
John was a chaplain when he was serving in the war, however after losing his best friend and getting injured, his faith is frayed. He made a promise to Will to deliver a package and plans to share stories but the house seems to have other ideas. John is visited by dark shapes in the night and feels creepy feelings throughout the house,
There are ancient legends to uncover, and traumatic events which haunt the family members. Everyone has their own personal ghosts to contend with in this novels so it is a good book to question whether it is the mind or the paranormal which is truly haunting the inhabitants. It's a very good gothic mystery, though I am not certain I call it a thriller as I am not certain there were enough thrilling moments for my personal taste. However, the vibe was fantastic for the spooky season or a fall read as the leaves fall from the trees and the fog rolls in.
John was a chaplain when he was serving in the war, however after losing his best friend and getting injured, his faith is frayed. He made a promise to Will to deliver a package and plans to share stories but the house seems to have other ideas. John is visited by dark shapes in the night and feels creepy feelings throughout the house,
There are ancient legends to uncover, and traumatic events which haunt the family members. Everyone has their own personal ghosts to contend with in this novels so it is a good book to question whether it is the mind or the paranormal which is truly haunting the inhabitants. It's a very good gothic mystery, though I am not certain I call it a thriller as I am not certain there were enough thrilling moments for my personal taste. However, the vibe was fantastic for the spooky season or a fall read as the leaves fall from the trees and the fog rolls in.
November 10, 2024
A very poignant story to read ahead of Rememberance Sunday this weekend. A very accomplish debut gothic mystery thriller and one that gave me echoes of Susan Hill's The Small Hand with its victorian residences shrouded in mystery and intrigue and Katherine Arden's The Warm Hands of Ghosts with its ability to weave tales from the battlefield with the split narrative with life at the manor house.
I found the opening pages absolutely compelling, as Lucy Chiddingstone hides in an innocent game of hide and seek in the old attic how little did she know that this was the start of life changing events for the entire family.
I found the narrative easy to follow, the characters well rounded, deep and with intriguing aspects to their personalities I was drawn to find out more, the house itself becomes a character breathing around the family with its creaks and groans.
I adored the family butler who clearly cared a lot for Lady Lucy and wanted to protect her from the world and it was great to see the relationship develop between Lucy and Chaplain John who goes to visit the family after the war to share the personal possessions of Lucy's older brother, William.
A superb read and an author I will definitely be following for future work.
I found the opening pages absolutely compelling, as Lucy Chiddingstone hides in an innocent game of hide and seek in the old attic how little did she know that this was the start of life changing events for the entire family.
I found the narrative easy to follow, the characters well rounded, deep and with intriguing aspects to their personalities I was drawn to find out more, the house itself becomes a character breathing around the family with its creaks and groans.
I adored the family butler who clearly cared a lot for Lady Lucy and wanted to protect her from the world and it was great to see the relationship develop between Lucy and Chaplain John who goes to visit the family after the war to share the personal possessions of Lucy's older brother, William.
A superb read and an author I will definitely be following for future work.
May 20, 2025
Hern Hall is an exploration of the boundaries between life and death, wrapped in a gothic ghost story. The language feels both of the period and contemporary--which is a difficult balance to achieve and I applaud the author, G.R. Pidgeon. The descriptions of the setting are lush. The memories of the battles are compelling. The story moves at its own pace and the focus is kept almost exclusively on the main character, John Elliot, and the Chiddingstone family. You won't want to speed read this for the action. Instead, give yourself time to consider the meditations, examining love and hope, good and evil, and the true meaning of 'lost'. (Some reviews mention religious references, but I read those lines as true to the characters and the period and as devices to explore the themes.) And I loved how the author tied up loose ends in the Epilogue, expressing hope for the future. Yet, as I closed the book, I was left with the chilling knowledge of the human evils to come, which seems very apt in today's environment. If you like gothic and you're looking sfor a thought-provoking read, you'll enjoy this book.
November 4, 2024
This book was so good! I was enjoying it so much that when I got about two-thirds in I started to worry that the ending was going to let it down. No spoilers, but the ending worked perfectly for me and I'm pleased to say it was a five star read.
Traumatised by his experience as a chaplain in the trenches of World War One, John Elliot visits Hern Hall to fulfill a promise to his friend Will. He must hand deliver a mystery parcel to Will's sister Lucy.
Hern Hall is an ominous building haunted by the grief of a family marred by tragedies. Together, Lucy and John are determined to unlock the secret that Will has left for them in the parcel.
A creepy and spooky story set in a time when the whole country was mourning the loss of young men. It was interesting to read how John lost and found his faith as a chaplain and how the story challenged ideas of death and grief.
Recommend to anyone who likes gothic ghost stories.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Traumatised by his experience as a chaplain in the trenches of World War One, John Elliot visits Hern Hall to fulfill a promise to his friend Will. He must hand deliver a mystery parcel to Will's sister Lucy.
Hern Hall is an ominous building haunted by the grief of a family marred by tragedies. Together, Lucy and John are determined to unlock the secret that Will has left for them in the parcel.
A creepy and spooky story set in a time when the whole country was mourning the loss of young men. It was interesting to read how John lost and found his faith as a chaplain and how the story challenged ideas of death and grief.
Recommend to anyone who likes gothic ghost stories.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2024
A gripping supernatural page-turner with the spookiest of Gothic settings and characters.
After returning home from WWI, former chaplain John Elliot has seen too much suffering to believe in God anymore. Disillusioned and still recovering from his injuries, he visits Hern Hall to fulfill a promise to his late friend Will to deliver a mysterious package to Will's blind sister. John stumbles onto a supernatural mystery with a tragic family history, a grieving family in need of closure and the opportunity for redemption. There's a sweet gothic romance in the mix here as well.
This book had everything you want in a Gothic - ghosts, a medium, pagan rituals, a seance, spooky settings, tragic deaths, a curse and new beginnings. It kept me hooked from start to finish! John does a lot of soul-searching about the role of religion when dealing with death and grief. Through his journey of faith, we get a lot of thought-provoking ideology. Hern Hall is definitely a great addition to a Halloween TBR pile!
After returning home from WWI, former chaplain John Elliot has seen too much suffering to believe in God anymore. Disillusioned and still recovering from his injuries, he visits Hern Hall to fulfill a promise to his late friend Will to deliver a mysterious package to Will's blind sister. John stumbles onto a supernatural mystery with a tragic family history, a grieving family in need of closure and the opportunity for redemption. There's a sweet gothic romance in the mix here as well.
This book had everything you want in a Gothic - ghosts, a medium, pagan rituals, a seance, spooky settings, tragic deaths, a curse and new beginnings. It kept me hooked from start to finish! John does a lot of soul-searching about the role of religion when dealing with death and grief. Through his journey of faith, we get a lot of thought-provoking ideology. Hern Hall is definitely a great addition to a Halloween TBR pile!
November 21, 2024
John Elliot a former chaplain in WWI returns to Hern Hall to keep a promise to a dead comrade and hand over a parcel to his sister. He finds a very sad family Lord Chiddingstone trying to keep it together, his Lady who lives in a very tragic past and Lucy the blind daughter. All are troubled people overshadowed by an accident where the youngest son died in an accident. The mother blames the elder boy for the accident and ignores the existence of everyone else. A spiritualist lives on the premises, promising Lady C that the spirit of her son will appear to her.
When John arrives, he is like a breath of fresh air to both Lord C and Lucy but the spiritualist and Lady C seem antagonistic. Unraveling the secrets of years past and the “curse” that is supposed to affect the family was what John wanted to uncover, mainly to set Lucy free whom he is falling in love with.
Very atmospheric with threads of magic, the afterlife and what we do not know about death the story was spooky but held the readers interest throughout. It was not fast paced but followed a gentle rhythm.
When John arrives, he is like a breath of fresh air to both Lord C and Lucy but the spiritualist and Lady C seem antagonistic. Unraveling the secrets of years past and the “curse” that is supposed to affect the family was what John wanted to uncover, mainly to set Lucy free whom he is falling in love with.
Very atmospheric with threads of magic, the afterlife and what we do not know about death the story was spooky but held the readers interest throughout. It was not fast paced but followed a gentle rhythm.
July 15, 2025
Atmospheric, gripping, and elegantly crafted.
The Haunting of Heron Hall is where Wuthering Heights meets The Turn of the Screw, The Woman in Black, The Chamber of Secrets, and Blithe Spirit, a deliciously gothic debut steeped in foreboding and emotional intensity. If you’re drawn to stories laced with candlelit corridors, family secrets, and the uncanny presence of the past, this will absolutely satisfy.
Set within the brooding shadows of a cursed estate, this is a novel where superstition clings to every surface and nothing is quite as it seems. The chiaroscuro of light and shade is masterfully woven throughout, with moments such as ‘a halo of soft light kept the worst of the darkness at bay’ creating beauty amidst the menace.
G. Pidgeon explores the idea that love transcends time and reason, anchoring the story in something deeply human even as the otherworldly creeps ever closer.
As a former colleague, it’s a joy to see this talent brought to the page. Heron Hall lingers long after the last flame dies down. I’ll be first in line for his next.
The Haunting of Heron Hall is where Wuthering Heights meets The Turn of the Screw, The Woman in Black, The Chamber of Secrets, and Blithe Spirit, a deliciously gothic debut steeped in foreboding and emotional intensity. If you’re drawn to stories laced with candlelit corridors, family secrets, and the uncanny presence of the past, this will absolutely satisfy.
Set within the brooding shadows of a cursed estate, this is a novel where superstition clings to every surface and nothing is quite as it seems. The chiaroscuro of light and shade is masterfully woven throughout, with moments such as ‘a halo of soft light kept the worst of the darkness at bay’ creating beauty amidst the menace.
G. Pidgeon explores the idea that love transcends time and reason, anchoring the story in something deeply human even as the otherworldly creeps ever closer.
As a former colleague, it’s a joy to see this talent brought to the page. Heron Hall lingers long after the last flame dies down. I’ll be first in line for his next.
November 6, 2024
G.R. Pidgeon's knowledge of Victorian and gothic literature adds a dark, eerie, atmospheric tone to this superbly well-crafted novel. There are echoes here of the ghostly M.R. James stories and the haunting novellas of Susan Hill.
The story is set in a manor house on the edge of Ashdown Forest just after the end of the Great War. Like so many other families, the Chiddingstones mourn the loss of a son. A spiritualist is already in residence at the manor.
The real strength of the novel lies in the characters of John Elliot, an army chaplain who has lost his faith in God through the horrors of the trenches, and Lucy Chiddingstone, who has been blind since a terrible accident when she was very young. Together they take on a nemesis, who they think could be Baaltun, a malignant spirit of the ancient underworld.
Using all the best tropes of classic macabre literature the author takes one on a journey along the roadways of the dead. This is a chilling but poignant story.
The story is set in a manor house on the edge of Ashdown Forest just after the end of the Great War. Like so many other families, the Chiddingstones mourn the loss of a son. A spiritualist is already in residence at the manor.
The real strength of the novel lies in the characters of John Elliot, an army chaplain who has lost his faith in God through the horrors of the trenches, and Lucy Chiddingstone, who has been blind since a terrible accident when she was very young. Together they take on a nemesis, who they think could be Baaltun, a malignant spirit of the ancient underworld.
Using all the best tropes of classic macabre literature the author takes one on a journey along the roadways of the dead. This is a chilling but poignant story.
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