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Secrets in Stone
A dead-end job. An unrequited crush. A break-in and near assault.
Life wasn't going too well for Joyce Manning. Given her circumstances, it wasn't surprising that she was willing to accept the strange condition in the will of a heretofore-unknown relative. Joyce would inherit a house, and an income, if she lives in the property for two years. Joyce doesn't hesitate to leave Chicago for upstate New York. It's not until she's almost there that she begins to worry that the house might be a rickety shack with no lights or running water, and filled with feral cats.
It's not. In some ways, it's worse. The house is like something out of a nightmare, crawling with gargoyles and grotesques. The nearest neighbor to the isolated house, depending on who you talk to, is a spa -- or a mental asylum.
But it's not all bad. The interior of the house, thankfully, doesn't match the outside. Not one but two local men actively pursue Joyce -- more attention than she garnered in Chicago. And not having to work for a living is a dream come true.
Things would be great, if it weren't for the odd occurrences in the house, and the changes on its outside that make Joyce wonder whether her imagination is too vivid or if she's losing her mind. Will Joyce realize that when something seems too good to be true, it usually is? Because the house has a horrifying secret, and there was a special -- and sinister -- reason Joyce was lured there.
Life wasn't going too well for Joyce Manning. Given her circumstances, it wasn't surprising that she was willing to accept the strange condition in the will of a heretofore-unknown relative. Joyce would inherit a house, and an income, if she lives in the property for two years. Joyce doesn't hesitate to leave Chicago for upstate New York. It's not until she's almost there that she begins to worry that the house might be a rickety shack with no lights or running water, and filled with feral cats.
It's not. In some ways, it's worse. The house is like something out of a nightmare, crawling with gargoyles and grotesques. The nearest neighbor to the isolated house, depending on who you talk to, is a spa -- or a mental asylum.
But it's not all bad. The interior of the house, thankfully, doesn't match the outside. Not one but two local men actively pursue Joyce -- more attention than she garnered in Chicago. And not having to work for a living is a dream come true.
Things would be great, if it weren't for the odd occurrences in the house, and the changes on its outside that make Joyce wonder whether her imagination is too vivid or if she's losing her mind. Will Joyce realize that when something seems too good to be true, it usually is? Because the house has a horrifying secret, and there was a special -- and sinister -- reason Joyce was lured there.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2014
34 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 28, 2015
The secret is...don't waste your time!
I kept reading it hoping the character would somehow get more interesting! The plot was too ridiculous. I'm embarrassed to say that I read the entire book!
I kept reading it hoping the character would somehow get more interesting! The plot was too ridiculous. I'm embarrassed to say that I read the entire book!
March 16, 2015
This was a good change to my normal reads. Definitely kept me guessing. I felt so much for poor Joyce. I wasn't sure if she was going crazy or if someone was really out to get her. Things just started happening too soon when she moved into her great-aunt's house. The stipulation was that she would get all of the estate provided she lives in the house for 2 years. Everyone in town gives her half-truths about the house and town, it really creeps her out
December 30, 2014
Modern Gothic
I enjoyed this book because I've always loved a good gothic novel. It was an interesting story with shades of "Rosemary's Baby". I started reading in the evening and read through most of the night. I have to agree with other reviews that this would make a good movie!
I enjoyed this book because I've always loved a good gothic novel. It was an interesting story with shades of "Rosemary's Baby". I started reading in the evening and read through most of the night. I have to agree with other reviews that this would make a good movie!
April 14, 2016
A Must Read...Outstanding !!!!
Bravo Rebecca, you had me from the first page. I enjoyed this book so much , the characters are so believable and I just had a hard time putting this one down. This could be a heck of a good movie. I hope I can find another book by this Author that is as well written and entertaining. I highly recommend this one.
kozettekaysmith
Bravo Rebecca, you had me from the first page. I enjoyed this book so much , the characters are so believable and I just had a hard time putting this one down. This could be a heck of a good movie. I hope I can find another book by this Author that is as well written and entertaining. I highly recommend this one.
kozettekaysmith
September 23, 2017
A fun,quick read.
A unique story that kept my attention. Even with the predictable heroine actions, I found the characters likeable and compelling. The gargoyles could have used a little more background, but a novel foil all the same. A fun read.
A unique story that kept my attention. Even with the predictable heroine actions, I found the characters likeable and compelling. The gargoyles could have used a little more background, but a novel foil all the same. A fun read.
March 29, 2015
Surprise surprise.
Keeps you at the edge of your seat. 's Engel has the gift of making her characters almost real, and though I had a feeling "who dun it" the climax of the story does have some suprises
Keeps you at the edge of your seat. 's Engel has the gift of making her characters almost real, and though I had a feeling "who dun it" the climax of the story does have some suprises
June 5, 2015
Mhm....
The beginning of the book is fine. Mystery-like, nothing out of the ordinary. The end however, I did not like and was not prepared for. Definitely intriguing. Just not my thing.
The beginning of the book is fine. Mystery-like, nothing out of the ordinary. The end however, I did not like and was not prepared for. Definitely intriguing. Just not my thing.
July 8, 2015
Love old houses
This book never left me bored or not thinking of when I could read more. A nice quiet evenings read and a well written one, from the parts you can't put down to the hint of more on the horizon. Watch for the next fascinating book...
This book never left me bored or not thinking of when I could read more. A nice quiet evenings read and a well written one, from the parts you can't put down to the hint of more on the horizon. Watch for the next fascinating book...
August 19, 2015
a little interesting
pretty far-fetched for me but there were some interesting moments. I applaud anyone who can write an entire book, but I doubt that I will read this author again.
pretty far-fetched for me but there were some interesting moments. I applaud anyone who can write an entire book, but I doubt that I will read this author again.
March 16, 2016
Secrets in Stone is an enjoyable read .
Secrets in Stone is a good read. I had a hard time putting it down. I will be starting another of Rebecca A Engl's books as soon as I finish this review.
Secrets in Stone is a good read. I had a hard time putting it down. I will be starting another of Rebecca A Engl's books as soon as I finish this review.
August 23, 2015
Great read!
It was a good story!! I enjoyed it very much! Characters were easy to relate too. Story was pulled together well it was a easy read
It was a good story!! I enjoyed it very much! Characters were easy to relate too. Story was pulled together well it was a easy read
August 16, 2015
Started off a bit slow, but by Chapter 3 things were flowing along. Towards the end it does get a bit wonky, so you need to keep an open mind
February 10, 2016
Interesting!!
I really enjoyed this book!! It has a weird twist to it that I did not see coming!! It was spooky without being gorey!!!
I really enjoyed this book!! It has a weird twist to it that I did not see coming!! It was spooky without being gorey!!!
October 16, 2015
Worth the wait
Took me a while to get into the novel, but once I was in, I couldn't get enough. Great read
Took me a while to get into the novel, but once I was in, I couldn't get enough. Great read
December 28, 2016
Gargoyle
Very interesting! The story at beginning was dragging but it got better. Now I am curious to read book 2.
Very interesting! The story at beginning was dragging but it got better. Now I am curious to read book 2.
January 4, 2016
A bit predictable but still interesting. A very quick read.
April 29, 2017
Great!!! Read
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good mystery, love and magic mix in reading. This book was well written incorporating all of these factors in a great mix of wonder keeping myself/you the reader quickly turning pages for the next bit of information tying them all together for a great read!!!! While making me anxious to begin the next book in this tale of wonder, magic and love.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good mystery, love and magic mix in reading. This book was well written incorporating all of these factors in a great mix of wonder keeping myself/you the reader quickly turning pages for the next bit of information tying them all together for a great read!!!! While making me anxious to begin the next book in this tale of wonder, magic and love.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews