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Die Folcroft-Geister
Nachdem ihre Mutter nach einem schweren Autounfall im Krankenhaus liegt, müssen Tara und Kyle bei ihren Großeltern wohnen, die sie noch nie zuvor gesehen haben.
May und Peter Folcroft scheinen zunächst warmherzig und ihr weitläufiges Haus am Waldrand wirkt idyllisch. Doch die Kinder werden das Gefühl nicht los, dass etwas sie beobachtet ...
Als ein heftiger Sturm ihren Kontakt zur Außenwelt abschneidet und sie in dem verwunschenen Herrenhaus festsitzen, müssen die Geschwister einen Weg finden, sich vor ihren zunehmend unberechenbaren Großeltern zu schützen ... und vor den Geistern der Familie Folcroft, die das Haus heimsuchen.
Neben dem Roman enthält dieser Band drei weitere Kurzgeschichten, die das ungewöhnliche Talent der jungen Autorin veranschaulichen.
New York Journal of »Die Autorin setzt eher auf Atmosphäre und Suggestion und bietet ein Feuerwerk der Spannung und des Unheimlichen.«
Ihr liebt Geistergeschichten? Dann lest die Romane von Darcy Coates. Ihre Fans lieben es, wenn beim Lesen die kalten Finger der Angst die Wirbelsäule hinaufkrabbeln.
May und Peter Folcroft scheinen zunächst warmherzig und ihr weitläufiges Haus am Waldrand wirkt idyllisch. Doch die Kinder werden das Gefühl nicht los, dass etwas sie beobachtet ...
Als ein heftiger Sturm ihren Kontakt zur Außenwelt abschneidet und sie in dem verwunschenen Herrenhaus festsitzen, müssen die Geschwister einen Weg finden, sich vor ihren zunehmend unberechenbaren Großeltern zu schützen ... und vor den Geistern der Familie Folcroft, die das Haus heimsuchen.
Neben dem Roman enthält dieser Band drei weitere Kurzgeschichten, die das ungewöhnliche Talent der jungen Autorin veranschaulichen.
New York Journal of »Die Autorin setzt eher auf Atmosphäre und Suggestion und bietet ein Feuerwerk der Spannung und des Unheimlichen.«
Ihr liebt Geistergeschichten? Dann lest die Romane von Darcy Coates. Ihre Fans lieben es, wenn beim Lesen die kalten Finger der Angst die Wirbelsäule hinaufkrabbeln.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2017
1010 people are currently reading
6676 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Coates
72 books14.7k followersDarcy Coates is the USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen horror and suspense novels.
She lives in the Central Coast of Australia with her family, cat, and a collection of chickens. Her home is surrounded by rolling wilderness on all sides, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
You can hear about her next book by joining her newsletter: www.darcycoates.com/updates
She lives in the Central Coast of Australia with her family, cat, and a collection of chickens. Her home is surrounded by rolling wilderness on all sides, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
You can hear about her next book by joining her newsletter: www.darcycoates.com/updates
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 805 reviews
October 18, 2020
The Folcroft Ghosts by Darcy Coates seems to be a teen or preteen ghost story with a brother and sister staying with grandparents they haven't met before. Their mother had been in an accident and now they have to stay somewhere. Things get creepy and all is not as it appears! Pretty darn good!
February 3, 2019
An excellently chilling story that has everything to do with family. Keep the living close, but keep the dead closer? What about when they pass on? Some people just don’t want to let go even in death .... (and that can have layered meanings )
I loved this and couldn’t put it down for very long. I kept reading while eating dinner or breakfast, during commercials, late at night ... you get the idea. This is one of my favorite ones, too. Clever kids and spooky older ppl. Love it! ❤️♥️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars Darcy Coates does it again. 👻
I loved this and couldn’t put it down for very long. I kept reading while eating dinner or breakfast, during commercials, late at night ... you get the idea. This is one of my favorite ones, too. Clever kids and spooky older ppl. Love it! ❤️♥️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars Darcy Coates does it again. 👻
April 30, 2020
“We want to talk about the ghosts.”When their mother is hospitalised after an accident, fifteen year old Tara and her eleven year old brother, Kyle, go to stay with their grandparents. Their mother doesn’t talk about her parents and the siblings have never even met Peter and May.
The house is isolated and it isn’t long before the siblings notice some strange things. They begin to wonder what secrets their grandparents are hiding from them.
I’ve been eyeing off Darcy Coates’ books for quite a while now and know at least one has made it into my Kindle’s Black Hole of Good Intentions, but this was the first I’ve read. I expected some serious creepiness but I comfortably read this in the middle of the night while everyone was sleeping and the rain was keeping me company. I wasn’t even tempted to quickly turn on a light to make sure nothing was watching over me as I read.
“Did you hear the footsteps?”If I’d read this book when I was younger I expect it would have unsettled me enough that I would have been suspicious of every noise I heard at night. However, it felt like I was reading a more atmospheric R.L. Stine book than one intended for adults.
Having said that, I enjoyed the story. It was a quick, light read, I was almost immediately sucked in and I liked the characters. While I never felt like I really got to know Peter as well as I would have liked, Tara and Kyle’s bond made me wish I had a sibling.
“There is nothing more important to us than family.”May was the standout character for me. Regardless of everything else going on in the background I wanted to hang out with her in the kitchen. Never mind the ghosts; I’m going to the Folcroft’s for May’s cooking.
My main niggle was a strange one; the maths didn’t work for me. We learn that Tara and Kyle’s mother was 17 when she wrote in her journal in 1985. Then later it’s said she was almost 2 in 1975.
At the end of the book there are three short stories. My favourite was Clockwork.
Clockwork
This had a Roald Dahl short story feel and it was a delight.
“Some run fast. Others run slow. They must all keep the same time. Down to the second.”Sub Basement
Sometimes I enjoy ambiguity when reading something potentially spooky; this time I wanted to see for myself what was there.
Dozens of people had made the run without seeing anything out of the ordinary. And even when … well, Joan had suffered from a heart condition, anyway.Crypt
In this sleepy town’s graveyard there’s a new section and then there’s the one that was there before the town was settled. There are stories about that old section.
“They don’t believe me,” he said before I could even open my mouth. “They think I’m making it up.”Content warnings include .
“Making what up?” I asked.
“The vampire.”
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press, an imprint of Sourcebooks, for the opportunity to read this book. I want to read more books by this author. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.
January 18, 2021
Awesome ghost story!
A small backstory:
Two teens (Kyle and Tara) go to live with their grandparents while their mother is recuperating in the hospital. The grandparents are a doting elderly couple who want nothing more then the best for their grandchildren...or so it seems, until things start happening in the house which leads to the place being haunted.
What does Kyle and Tara discover while they are staying with their grandparents? Why is the house haunted? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book!
This was a spooky read and I read it in about 48 hours!
The story just reaches in and pulls you right into the storyline. The author, Darcy Coates has a habit of grabbing the reader from the first page and not letting go until the last page. This book was able to keep my attention and kept me glued to my kindle! Five "haunting" stars!
A small backstory:
Two teens (Kyle and Tara) go to live with their grandparents while their mother is recuperating in the hospital. The grandparents are a doting elderly couple who want nothing more then the best for their grandchildren...or so it seems, until things start happening in the house which leads to the place being haunted.
What does Kyle and Tara discover while they are staying with their grandparents? Why is the house haunted? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book!
This was a spooky read and I read it in about 48 hours!
The story just reaches in and pulls you right into the storyline. The author, Darcy Coates has a habit of grabbing the reader from the first page and not letting go until the last page. This book was able to keep my attention and kept me glued to my kindle! Five "haunting" stars!
December 27, 2018
THE FOLCROFT GHOSTS, by Darcy Coates, was one of her novels in which I developed a strong attachment to the characters very early on in the tale. Two children, Kyle (11) and Tara (15), find themselves completely uprooted when they are taken to live with their mother's parents--whom they've NEVER met--after a sudden car accident puts their mother in a coma.
". . .a fantasy world was easier to cope with than their new reality."
Grandma May and Grandpa Peter greeted them with so much affection, the two had to question why was it that their Mom never took them to visit. When they saw the large old home beautifully secluded in the woods, they couldn't help feeling drawn to it, especially compared to the series of cramped apartments they'd always inhabited.
". . . Family has always been important to us Folcrafts."
Coates really has a way with characterization--especially when it comes to children. At just a quarter of the way through, I felt I had known Tara and Kyle for years. Tara was used to taking care of her brother, and much like the Folcrofts, had a strong love for her family. Kyle was the bookworm; outwardly timid, but with a mind that knew no boundaries.
". . . what does it matter if I forget a story after a month as long as I enjoy it while I'm reading it?"
The dynamics of the personalities in this book were incredibly complex and spell-binding, I felt. This was especially impressive in regards to the children.
". . . It's like he doesn't want to live in the real world anymore . . . "
With only a few chapters, Coates managed to convey more about the two kids' feelings, upbringing, and loyalties than some writers pull off within an entire novel. When things start to . . . alter . . . the reactions shown are plausible here, even in what would be an implausible situation, otherwise.
". . . If this is true, it's really, really bad . . . "
The isolated, large home, is somehow made more "normal" by virtue of its position in the deep forest, outside of the passing of time that the rest of the village has kept up with. It's so easy to believe that in a remote location, anything could be considered commonplace when it's all you've known. Coates plays up the atmosphere very convincingly.
"Death is not a blessing . . . "
Overall, this was a novel that really took me by surprise with the overall direction it took--in a good way. I was so entranced by the emotional upheaval that the kids were going through, that certain other occurrences really hit forcefully, making me pause to take things in from different directions. As a voracious reader who is "seldom" very surprised by anything in a novel, this was quite a pleasant change. There were several twists that I had never even guessed at. I have to give Darcy Coates credit for taking on what could have been a common, run-of-the-mill story, and elevating it to something much more unique.
". . . If fiction has taught me anything, nothing's a coincidence."
Recommended.
". . .a fantasy world was easier to cope with than their new reality."
Grandma May and Grandpa Peter greeted them with so much affection, the two had to question why was it that their Mom never took them to visit. When they saw the large old home beautifully secluded in the woods, they couldn't help feeling drawn to it, especially compared to the series of cramped apartments they'd always inhabited.
". . . Family has always been important to us Folcrafts."
Coates really has a way with characterization--especially when it comes to children. At just a quarter of the way through, I felt I had known Tara and Kyle for years. Tara was used to taking care of her brother, and much like the Folcrofts, had a strong love for her family. Kyle was the bookworm; outwardly timid, but with a mind that knew no boundaries.
". . . what does it matter if I forget a story after a month as long as I enjoy it while I'm reading it?"
The dynamics of the personalities in this book were incredibly complex and spell-binding, I felt. This was especially impressive in regards to the children.
". . . It's like he doesn't want to live in the real world anymore . . . "
With only a few chapters, Coates managed to convey more about the two kids' feelings, upbringing, and loyalties than some writers pull off within an entire novel. When things start to . . . alter . . . the reactions shown are plausible here, even in what would be an implausible situation, otherwise.
". . . If this is true, it's really, really bad . . . "
The isolated, large home, is somehow made more "normal" by virtue of its position in the deep forest, outside of the passing of time that the rest of the village has kept up with. It's so easy to believe that in a remote location, anything could be considered commonplace when it's all you've known. Coates plays up the atmosphere very convincingly.
"Death is not a blessing . . . "
Overall, this was a novel that really took me by surprise with the overall direction it took--in a good way. I was so entranced by the emotional upheaval that the kids were going through, that certain other occurrences really hit forcefully, making me pause to take things in from different directions. As a voracious reader who is "seldom" very surprised by anything in a novel, this was quite a pleasant change. There were several twists that I had never even guessed at. I have to give Darcy Coates credit for taking on what could have been a common, run-of-the-mill story, and elevating it to something much more unique.
". . . If fiction has taught me anything, nothing's a coincidence."
Recommended.
August 29, 2025
It is what it is. For every 3 good Darcy Coates books, you get 1 dud.
October 12, 2017
2.5 / 5
Good writing, nice characters, decent atmosphere. I just wish it was more... spooky. For a book with the word 'ghost' in the title, I think in the end I found the people more disturbing than the ghosts.
Probably deserves a better rating, to be honest, but I'm a bit bitter that this wasn't as horrifying as I wanted it to be. I'd recommend this to anybody looking for a quick read with minor spookiness.
Good writing, nice characters, decent atmosphere. I just wish it was more... spooky. For a book with the word 'ghost' in the title, I think in the end I found the people more disturbing than the ghosts.
Probably deserves a better rating, to be honest, but I'm a bit bitter that this wasn't as horrifying as I wanted it to be. I'd recommend this to anybody looking for a quick read with minor spookiness.
March 31, 2025
Review to come.. :P
June 6, 2025
Every family has its secrets
When a freak car accident puts their mother in a coma, Tara, a teen blogger, and Kyle, her book-loving younger brother, find themselves staying with their grandparents...grandparents that they’ve never met.
Everything is initially perfect. "Grandmother May" is overjoyed to see and meet them and she bakes everything she thinks the youngsters would possibly crave. "Grandfather Peter" is a bit on the gruff side...but he is kind and also appears to be happy to have the grandkids there. Sounds perfect, so, you may ask..."what could possibly, go wrong"?
There is just one "tinny-tiny little problem"...there’s no cell signal this far out in the country, so "Grandmother May" kindly takes Tara and Peter's cell phones, she says "to keep them safe". Of course, to make matters even worse...there’s no internet signal out there, either. There is a pier out by the lake that looks like it could provide some fun...that is until they discover that "Grandfather Peter’s" younger sister had years ago, drowned right out there, and in that very spot. Oh, but the fun is only beginning! In a short period of time, Peter and Tara encounter rooms throughout the house that are for some unexplained reason...locked. Strange apparitions begin to visit the children in the night making Tara and Kyle at first suspect... and then wholly realize, that the house is, without a shadow of a doubt, DEFINITELY HAUNTED. Ghosts are scary... But...wrap your head around it... ghosts aren’t the scariest things roaming around here. Tara and Kyle now begin to suspect, and fear, that their grandparents aren’t quite what they appear to be. Be assured that this is a ghost story with its own unique twists and turns.
If there is one thing that Darcey Coates does indeed know, it's how to write a bone-chilling ghost story. She has been my "go to" author for a very long time, when I need a "haunted house fix." Here, she allows the reader to see and experience every bit of the emotional isolation, and heart-stopping terror that those kids must have experienced. The only friends that Tara had, and that she daily interacted with, were on the internet. Kyle’s best, and now only friends, were the characters that lived in his beloved books. Their mother is in a coma and completely out of reach, leaving them only with the isolated and spooky atmosphere of the house, emotions which the reader soon begins to share with the children. The stress of their "single parent" family is also depicted very well.
Although the chilling discoveries at the end may stretch our belief ability, a little too far, The Folcroft Ghosts offers readers of all ages, an extremely satisfying ghost story with just enough "spookiness" and surprises to keep everyone entertained right to the very last word.
When a freak car accident puts their mother in a coma, Tara, a teen blogger, and Kyle, her book-loving younger brother, find themselves staying with their grandparents...grandparents that they’ve never met.
Everything is initially perfect. "Grandmother May" is overjoyed to see and meet them and she bakes everything she thinks the youngsters would possibly crave. "Grandfather Peter" is a bit on the gruff side...but he is kind and also appears to be happy to have the grandkids there. Sounds perfect, so, you may ask..."what could possibly, go wrong"?
There is just one "tinny-tiny little problem"...there’s no cell signal this far out in the country, so "Grandmother May" kindly takes Tara and Peter's cell phones, she says "to keep them safe". Of course, to make matters even worse...there’s no internet signal out there, either. There is a pier out by the lake that looks like it could provide some fun...that is until they discover that "Grandfather Peter’s" younger sister had years ago, drowned right out there, and in that very spot. Oh, but the fun is only beginning! In a short period of time, Peter and Tara encounter rooms throughout the house that are for some unexplained reason...locked. Strange apparitions begin to visit the children in the night making Tara and Kyle at first suspect... and then wholly realize, that the house is, without a shadow of a doubt, DEFINITELY HAUNTED. Ghosts are scary... But...wrap your head around it... ghosts aren’t the scariest things roaming around here. Tara and Kyle now begin to suspect, and fear, that their grandparents aren’t quite what they appear to be. Be assured that this is a ghost story with its own unique twists and turns.
If there is one thing that Darcey Coates does indeed know, it's how to write a bone-chilling ghost story. She has been my "go to" author for a very long time, when I need a "haunted house fix." Here, she allows the reader to see and experience every bit of the emotional isolation, and heart-stopping terror that those kids must have experienced. The only friends that Tara had, and that she daily interacted with, were on the internet. Kyle’s best, and now only friends, were the characters that lived in his beloved books. Their mother is in a coma and completely out of reach, leaving them only with the isolated and spooky atmosphere of the house, emotions which the reader soon begins to share with the children. The stress of their "single parent" family is also depicted very well.
Although the chilling discoveries at the end may stretch our belief ability, a little too far, The Folcroft Ghosts offers readers of all ages, an extremely satisfying ghost story with just enough "spookiness" and surprises to keep everyone entertained right to the very last word.
April 27, 2020
I try to express only my most honest opinion in a spoiler-free way. Unfortunately, there is still always a risk of slight spoilers despite my best efforts. If you feel something in my review is a spoiler please let me know. Thank you.
I am becoming a true fan of Darcy Coates' books. They are scary and ominous, and I almost never can tell what is going to happen next. This makes 4 books I've read by her now and it has only increased my interest in her books.
This one follows 15-year-old Tara and her 12-year-old brother Kyle. The main character being kids is a new thing for me. It was secluded and scary and a bit crazy at times. It was short though, while the story was great, I think there was so much more that could have been done here with a longer book. It was just sad to put down. My husband will be happy as he hates when I read horror. I scare easily and my fear stays with me even after I put the book down. So I need to learn to only read horror in the daytime lol.
The only thing I had a harder time with was the kid's relationship. Even with the tragedy and everything. They just seemed to get along too well for siblings with only a 3 year age difference. I have a sister only 2 years apart, and despite how close we are as current adults. We would fight about everything and nothing when we were younger. So this just doesn't feel real to me. Also, Kyle's age feels off. Sometimes he seems 12 but there are times where he acts to old and other times to young for his age.
Another few hours well spent on this bit of entertaining fiction.
I am becoming a true fan of Darcy Coates' books. They are scary and ominous, and I almost never can tell what is going to happen next. This makes 4 books I've read by her now and it has only increased my interest in her books.
This one follows 15-year-old Tara and her 12-year-old brother Kyle. The main character being kids is a new thing for me. It was secluded and scary and a bit crazy at times. It was short though, while the story was great, I think there was so much more that could have been done here with a longer book. It was just sad to put down. My husband will be happy as he hates when I read horror. I scare easily and my fear stays with me even after I put the book down. So I need to learn to only read horror in the daytime lol.
The only thing I had a harder time with was the kid's relationship. Even with the tragedy and everything. They just seemed to get along too well for siblings with only a 3 year age difference. I have a sister only 2 years apart, and despite how close we are as current adults. We would fight about everything and nothing when we were younger. So this just doesn't feel real to me. Also, Kyle's age feels off. Sometimes he seems 12 but there are times where he acts to old and other times to young for his age.
Another few hours well spent on this bit of entertaining fiction.
April 28, 2020
What a page-turner! I stayed up way too late to finish this gripping ghost story, suitable for older teens as well as adults.
When their mother is left in a coma after a car accident, Tara and Kyle are dispatched to their grandparents, Peter and May Folcroft, who they have never met. The Folcrofts are kind and attentive, but, increasingly, the children encounter stories that don’t hold together, locked doors and odd noises in the night. Ghosts? Of course! They’re right in the title! But do the phantoms mean Tara and Kyle well or harm?
I adored every minute of this novel, and I will be seeking out more books from author Darcy Coates, who can spin a fabulous yarn.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.
When their mother is left in a coma after a car accident, Tara and Kyle are dispatched to their grandparents, Peter and May Folcroft, who they have never met. The Folcrofts are kind and attentive, but, increasingly, the children encounter stories that don’t hold together, locked doors and odd noises in the night. Ghosts? Of course! They’re right in the title! But do the phantoms mean Tara and Kyle well or harm?
I adored every minute of this novel, and I will be seeking out more books from author Darcy Coates, who can spin a fabulous yarn.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2024
This wasn’t what I was expecting, but I still enjoyed it! I came in thinking this was adult fiction, then realized it was probably YA, and ended up with something more like lower-YA/middle-grade horror. Very Mary Downing Hahn vibes! (Nothing but love for MDH)
When Tara’s mother survives an accident but is left in a coma, she and her younger brother, Kyle, are sent to stay with their estranged grandparents. Despite the elderly couple’s immediate kindness, something is off with the Folcrofts and their isolated old house. Tara and Kyle must work together to figure out what’s going on if they plan to see their mother again.
Darcy delivers a quick and creepy tale! Jan Cramer does a superb job with the audio, especially with her rendition of ol’ grandma May Folcroft!
When Tara’s mother survives an accident but is left in a coma, she and her younger brother, Kyle, are sent to stay with their estranged grandparents. Despite the elderly couple’s immediate kindness, something is off with the Folcrofts and their isolated old house. Tara and Kyle must work together to figure out what’s going on if they plan to see their mother again.
Darcy delivers a quick and creepy tale! Jan Cramer does a superb job with the audio, especially with her rendition of ol’ grandma May Folcroft!
February 20, 2023
This was fun! Not my favorite Darcy, but I had a good time with it. Creepy old people? Sign me up! I didn't just love the ending, but that is pretty common for the cozy type horror Darcy writes. I felt like this was a unique haunted house story.
July 25, 2024
3.0⭐️
This was a decent YA-oriented ghost story. It’s eerie in that it successfully conveys a sense of claustrophobia, entrapment and impending doom. There’s sinister, creepy old relatives with secrets untold.
The story held my interest but there’s nothing particularly unique or noteworthy about it.
This was a decent YA-oriented ghost story. It’s eerie in that it successfully conveys a sense of claustrophobia, entrapment and impending doom. There’s sinister, creepy old relatives with secrets untold.
The story held my interest but there’s nothing particularly unique or noteworthy about it.
May 18, 2017
Fifteen-year-old Tara Kendall and her eleven-year-old brother, Kyle are taken to their maternal grandparents' house after their mother is in involved in a car accident and slips into a coma. They have never met their grandparents and are reluctant to stay in their remote home, but Peter and May Folcroft are graciously accommodating and seem genuinely concerned for their grandchildren. They lavish them with gifts and more food than they can eat. They spend quality time with them and play family games together. But Kyle can't help but feel that something is off. Soon Tara also grows suspicious. Do the kind-hearted Folcrofts have an ulterior motive and sinister plans for them?
This book reminded me of those great R.L. Stine stories for kids. It is well-written and entertaining. The characters are realistic, relatable and likable. The story is well paced and easy to follow. It's a simple story, straightforward and quick to read.
As there is little violence and no gore or foul language, this book is definitely suitable for young adults. It was a tad too tame for my taste, though, and is the only reason I'm withholding that fifth star--just my preference. I was hoping for something scarier.
This book reminded me of those great R.L. Stine stories for kids. It is well-written and entertaining. The characters are realistic, relatable and likable. The story is well paced and easy to follow. It's a simple story, straightforward and quick to read.
As there is little violence and no gore or foul language, this book is definitely suitable for young adults. It was a tad too tame for my taste, though, and is the only reason I'm withholding that fifth star--just my preference. I was hoping for something scarier.
July 8, 2024
2.5 stars. Not spooky enough or interesting enough for me!
Update upon second read: I liked this better the second time, so my rating is going up to 3 stars.
Update upon second read: I liked this better the second time, so my rating is going up to 3 stars.
March 16, 2025
Not for me.
Weirdly slow for more than half of the story, and then way too rushed near the ending.
The prose seemed quite repetitive in this compared to a couple other books I have read from this author.
Although I bought this book from the horror section of my B&N, it really reads like a middle-grade or a YA book. There's no swearing, no gore, no blood, and hardly any creepiness. All the characters are also written in a way that makes it feel like a YA or younger book.
There's hardly any depth and definitely no development to any of these characters, and the cast is really small too!
This is advertised as a ghost book, but there are hardly any ghosts, and when there are any, there's no threat or urgency about them, causing all the "thrilling" or "creepiness" to go away.
Even though this is a ghost story, it's quite farfetched, and there are allot of plot holes and unanswered questions, which I am not going to get into.
There's a dumb mountain lion scene in this that is absolutely baffling and makes no sense. It really had no reason to be in here.
For some reason I thought the three short stories included at the end of my edition would be better than The Folcroft Ghosts but they're really not. They were weird and depressing and not in a good or entertaining way. And left me feeling strangely hollow and horrible...
Really weird to include these three short stories in a book that really feels like a middle-grade/YA. They were completely opposite of each other.
This is just very forgettable to me, and kind of makes me think that this author isn't for me, but I own more books of hers that I'll have to read, because, well, I spent money on them.
Weirdly slow for more than half of the story, and then way too rushed near the ending.
The prose seemed quite repetitive in this compared to a couple other books I have read from this author.
Although I bought this book from the horror section of my B&N, it really reads like a middle-grade or a YA book. There's no swearing, no gore, no blood, and hardly any creepiness. All the characters are also written in a way that makes it feel like a YA or younger book.
There's hardly any depth and definitely no development to any of these characters, and the cast is really small too!
This is advertised as a ghost book, but there are hardly any ghosts, and when there are any, there's no threat or urgency about them, causing all the "thrilling" or "creepiness" to go away.
Even though this is a ghost story, it's quite farfetched, and there are allot of plot holes and unanswered questions, which I am not going to get into.
There's a dumb mountain lion scene in this that is absolutely baffling and makes no sense. It really had no reason to be in here.
For some reason I thought the three short stories included at the end of my edition would be better than The Folcroft Ghosts but they're really not. They were weird and depressing and not in a good or entertaining way. And left me feeling strangely hollow and horrible...
Really weird to include these three short stories in a book that really feels like a middle-grade/YA. They were completely opposite of each other.
This is just very forgettable to me, and kind of makes me think that this author isn't for me, but I own more books of hers that I'll have to read, because, well, I spent money on them.
March 23, 2025
Ein relativ kurzer Roman mit etwas über 200 Seiten plus drei Kurzgeschichten sind beinhaltet.
Ich habe mich dazu entschieden, auf alle getrennt einzugehen.
Haupterzählung: Die Folcroftgeister ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️◾️:
Eher Thriller als Horror. Darcy Coates schreibt fokussiert atmosphärisch, aber nur in Ansätzen horrorlastig. Von Grusel kann hier nicht die Rede sein. Ihre vier Hauptfiguren dominieren die Geschichte und zogen mich schnell in ihren Bann. Somit verflog die Lesezeit im nu. Wenn ich ein Buch lese, überlege ich mir währenddessen schon, wie sich die Umwelt im Nachhinein mit Tatsachen und Erklärungen auseinander setzen würde. Das war mein größtes Manko an der Geschichte. Als jugendlich naiv würde ich die finalen Erklärungen bezeichnen, die Darcy Coates mir aufzwingen möchte. Rein erzählerisch fühlte ich mich hervorragend unterhalten. Kopf ausschalten würde helfen.
Kurzgeschichte "Uhrwerk" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️◾️:
Leidet etwas unter ihrer Vorhersehbarkeit. Könnte aber auch aus der Feder von Stephen King stammen. Sehr düster.
Kurzgeschichte "Zweites Untergeschoss" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:
Highlight des Buches. Hier hätte ich mir gut und gerne eine romanumspannende Erzählung vorstellen können. Kreative Horrorspannung mit Gänsehautgarantie.
Kurzgeschichte "Krypta" ⭐️⭐️⭐️◾️◾️:
Fällt deutlich zum Rest ab. Ende wie erwartet. Recht unterhaltsam zumindest
Ich habe mich dazu entschieden, auf alle getrennt einzugehen.
Haupterzählung: Die Folcroftgeister ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️◾️:
Eher Thriller als Horror. Darcy Coates schreibt fokussiert atmosphärisch, aber nur in Ansätzen horrorlastig. Von Grusel kann hier nicht die Rede sein. Ihre vier Hauptfiguren dominieren die Geschichte und zogen mich schnell in ihren Bann. Somit verflog die Lesezeit im nu. Wenn ich ein Buch lese, überlege ich mir währenddessen schon, wie sich die Umwelt im Nachhinein mit Tatsachen und Erklärungen auseinander setzen würde. Das war mein größtes Manko an der Geschichte. Als jugendlich naiv würde ich die finalen Erklärungen bezeichnen, die Darcy Coates mir aufzwingen möchte. Rein erzählerisch fühlte ich mich hervorragend unterhalten. Kopf ausschalten würde helfen.
Kurzgeschichte "Uhrwerk" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️◾️:
Leidet etwas unter ihrer Vorhersehbarkeit. Könnte aber auch aus der Feder von Stephen King stammen. Sehr düster.
Kurzgeschichte "Zweites Untergeschoss" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:
Highlight des Buches. Hier hätte ich mir gut und gerne eine romanumspannende Erzählung vorstellen können. Kreative Horrorspannung mit Gänsehautgarantie.
Kurzgeschichte "Krypta" ⭐️⭐️⭐️◾️◾️:
Fällt deutlich zum Rest ab. Ende wie erwartet. Recht unterhaltsam zumindest
November 29, 2022
This was soooo close to a 5 star read for me. Essentially what stopped it was that it was shorter then I wanted. The ending felt very rushed. After an incredible set up.
This book is technically YA which makes sense to me. As it follows a 15 year old girl and her 12 year old brother who's mom is in a coma so they get sent to live at their grandparents house in the middle of nowhere. Who they have never met or really even heard about. From their the sketchy things start to happen.
I love the set up and atmosphere of this book! The creepy house with creaking doors, the happy grandparents who "love" family!
I've started to notice Darcy uses the same plot devices all the time. But it hasn't affected my enjoyment yet.
If you want to hear about all of my thoughts there's a YouTube video on it. https://youtu.be/09wPI4fj2Mo
This book is technically YA which makes sense to me. As it follows a 15 year old girl and her 12 year old brother who's mom is in a coma so they get sent to live at their grandparents house in the middle of nowhere. Who they have never met or really even heard about. From their the sketchy things start to happen.
I love the set up and atmosphere of this book! The creepy house with creaking doors, the happy grandparents who "love" family!
I've started to notice Darcy uses the same plot devices all the time. But it hasn't affected my enjoyment yet.
If you want to hear about all of my thoughts there's a YouTube video on it. https://youtu.be/09wPI4fj2Mo
May 1, 2020
4.5 Stars. The Folcroft Ghosts is a spooky ghost story set in North America. Two siblings are sent to their Grandparents house in a remote forest, after their Mum has an accident. Just as the children are starting to settle in strange things being to happen during the night. This is my first time reading a book by Aussie author Darcy Coates and I enjoyed this fast-paced, gripping story for teens and adults. This book also contains several short stories at the end. These are much creepier and I really enjoyed Crypt and Sub Basement. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my digital copy.
May 17, 2021
Ugh I was a little disappointed by this book by Darcy Coates, which makes me angry because I love Coates so so so much!
I am assuming this is one of her earlier books and has evolved into the author I love now!
This book was just a little boring with boring characters. The secrets that we all read to find out about were not really that crazy, and somewhat predictable.
I really am disappointed :/
I am assuming this is one of her earlier books and has evolved into the author I love now!
This book was just a little boring with boring characters. The secrets that we all read to find out about were not really that crazy, and somewhat predictable.
I really am disappointed :/
July 17, 2023
Коутс пише поредният си отличен роман и разказва майсторски заплетена история със симпатични герои и изключителна атмосфера, пр��давана от старата обитавана от духове къща и възрастните хора, зад чиито сладкиши и домашни игри се крие злокобна мистерия. Книгата обаче е от по-меките четива на авторката и макар особено към края да има страшните си моменти, като цяло е по-скоро уютна и вълнуваща, което я прави идеална и за по-млади читатели.
Малко повече подробности - в Цитаделата:
https://citadelata.com/the-folcroft-g...
Малко повече подробности - в Цитаделата:
https://citadelata.com/the-folcroft-g...
January 3, 2018
I love a good ghost story, so when I saw this come across my bookbub feed (BB knows my weaknesses( I jumped on it. While I usually avoid YA at all costs, I love a good ghost story more. This one was really good, more creepy than scary. Luckily, thanks to evil BB's ways, I have another DC all ready to go when I am wanting a new ghost story to read. First book of 2018!
October 9, 2024
Another Darcy classic!! I loved it!
It is very “The Visit” and “Crimson Peak” but done so well. These kids are badass and I enjoyed it.
I’m so glad I’m not close with family 😂😂😂
It is very “The Visit” and “Crimson Peak” but done so well. These kids are badass and I enjoyed it.
I’m so glad I’m not close with family 😂😂😂
May 11, 2025
War mit seinen 200 Seiten eher kurz und ich muss sagen, dass ich die anderen Kurzgeschichten nicht mehr gelesen habe.
War ne nette Geschichte, aber mehr leider auch nicht.
War ne nette Geschichte, aber mehr leider auch nicht.
September 11, 2025
This was an interesting gothic mystery set in an unusual time for gothic novels.
May 9, 2025
what a delightful & cozy ghost story.
there’s just something about creepy elderly people.
there’s just something about creepy elderly people.
March 24, 2024
This is a different read for Darcy Coates. This is more of a YA twist on a ghost story as both MC are kids but the story is still amazing and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
October 26, 2017
Pretty good book, held my interest.. wasn't expecting the twist at the end. It did drag a bit in the middle found my self just skimming more than actually reading but it picked back up towards the end.
July 25, 2021
Although this is my least favorite of Darcy Coates's ghost stories, I still really enjoyed it. When I'm in the mood for a haunted house/ghost story, this is my go-to author. Her novels are always so atmospheric that you can feel the chilly breath of whatever spooky thing you're reading about on your neck. She does an incredible job and this book is no different.
We follow two young children who go to stay with their 'estranged?' grandparents after their mother suffers an accident that leaves her in a coma. The home is charming and their grandparents seem like the storybook version of the perfect family, now completed by the arrival of their grandchildren. But the children start to notice things happening out of the ordinary and start to get the impression their grandparents may be harboring secrets.
This was a fun page turner that really kept me guessing until the resolution at the end. Perhaps it was the age of our main characters that caused a bit of a disconnect between myself and their plight. But that disconnect had nothing to do with actual character development or flaws...I just wasn't quite transported into their world the way I have been in Coates's other books.
I still highly recommend trying this author out if you are a fan of haunted house horror, or just general suspenseful, atmospheric horror.
We follow two young children who go to stay with their 'estranged?' grandparents after their mother suffers an accident that leaves her in a coma. The home is charming and their grandparents seem like the storybook version of the perfect family, now completed by the arrival of their grandchildren. But the children start to notice things happening out of the ordinary and start to get the impression their grandparents may be harboring secrets.
This was a fun page turner that really kept me guessing until the resolution at the end. Perhaps it was the age of our main characters that caused a bit of a disconnect between myself and their plight. But that disconnect had nothing to do with actual character development or flaws...I just wasn't quite transported into their world the way I have been in Coates's other books.
I still highly recommend trying this author out if you are a fan of haunted house horror, or just general suspenseful, atmospheric horror.
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