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Lingering
The woods looked dark and ominous. Between the trees, where the darkness was blacker than black, dozens of slanted yellow eyes flicked open and stared back towards the house. They weren't the eyes of anything human. When Paul and Christy purchase Croft House, they are both looking forward to a new start. Christy's abusive father is dying and she is ready to put the past well and truly behind her. But the house has other ideas. They soon realise there is something in the house, something that's trying to communicate with them. In their fear, they ask a local psychic to remove this entity. And in so doing, release something far, far worse.
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Published April 24, 2025
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About the author
Chris Coppel
14 books53 followersChris Coppel was born in California. His family moved to Europe, living in Spain, France, Switzerland and mainly England. He has written numerous screenplays but Far From Burden Dell is his first novel. He taught advanced screenwriting at U.C.L.A.
Chris is also an accomplished drummer and guitarist. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Clare, and their very own scaredy-cat, Samantha.
Chris is also an accomplished drummer and guitarist. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Clare, and their very own scaredy-cat, Samantha.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 12, 2022
Lingering is a haunted house story that’s perfect for spooky season! It tells the story of a couple, Christy and Paul, who buy a new house for a steal (which is always a red flag in these types of books!). Just before they’re to move in, Christy’s estranged father suffers from a stroke. She has to stay with him at her childhood house and help him rehabilitate. This was one of my favourite parts of the book, because the horror was not at all supernatural, but so well executed. I absolutely love books that blend supernatural horror with real-life horrors, because there’s something to frighten everyone. In this book, not only is her father suffering the dire consequences of a stroke at that age, but we’re given flashbacks to when Christy was younger and he abused her. I absolutely loved her inner turmoil at being back at her home and facing an impossible temptation… for revenge.
The ghost story itself was rather straightforward, HOWEVER there was a few parts that were utterly brilliant, particularly toward the end. I loved those parts, and kind of wished that they had taken up a bit more of the book.
Coppel’s writing style is quite eloquent and matter-of-fact at the same time. It reminded me a little of the book The Amityville Horror in the way that the events were being described, but I liked this book a lot more, as it wasn’t over the top and had some
Lastly, I’m going to talk about the setting. Croft House is well described and completely eerie. This book is set during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are quite a few references to masking, social distancing, family bubbles, etc. throughout. One thing I’d been hoping for was a little more fear surrounding the pandemic to contribute to the overall sense of unease that moving into a haunted house has. What if there was another lockdown? Imagine being locked down in a haunted house… 👀
All in all, this was a short, scary book that’s ideal to read in the autumn, possibly curled up on the porch of the historic house you just bought for a steal…
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
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My 2022 Reading Challenge
The ghost story itself was rather straightforward, HOWEVER there was a few parts that were utterly brilliant, particularly toward the end. I loved those parts, and kind of wished that they had taken up a bit more of the book.
Coppel’s writing style is quite eloquent and matter-of-fact at the same time. It reminded me a little of the book The Amityville Horror in the way that the events were being described, but I liked this book a lot more, as it wasn’t over the top and had some
Lastly, I’m going to talk about the setting. Croft House is well described and completely eerie. This book is set during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are quite a few references to masking, social distancing, family bubbles, etc. throughout. One thing I’d been hoping for was a little more fear surrounding the pandemic to contribute to the overall sense of unease that moving into a haunted house has. What if there was another lockdown? Imagine being locked down in a haunted house… 👀
All in all, this was a short, scary book that’s ideal to read in the autumn, possibly curled up on the porch of the historic house you just bought for a steal…
*Thank you to Black Tide Book Tours, the autho r, and the publisher for the ebook to review*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
Book Blog | Instagram | TikTok | Website | Twitter
My 2022 Reading Challenge
May 1, 2022
This is my fourth read by the author, which I suppose makes me at least something of a fan. At least, there’s a quality control and certain expectations established. Coppel doesn’t exactly do literary horror to wow you, but he does genre’s midrange pretty well.
This book is probably his least horrific out of the ones I’ve read; it has a certain mildness of tone, a certain quaintness of all-age-appropriateness, but it’s still a pretty entertaining read. Coppel does very well with describing day-to-day activities in an engaging manner, and so here you get to follow a married couple on their step-by-step journey of acquiring their dream house, finding out it’s haunted (because, of course) and then trying to sort out their ghosts.
The haunted house scenario, is of course nothing new, and Coppel’s only original takes on the granddaddy genre staple is doubling down the haunt itself and introducing a friendly (not Casper) ghost.
At times the overall quaintness and PG-ratedness of the tone overwhelms the BOO quality, but there are a few scenes of hallucinations gone rogue and creepiness that really work. Plus, like all Coppel’s books, it’s such a quick and easy read, that you’re probably not going to want your time back. Not the author’s best, by far, but…some fun was had. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
This book is probably his least horrific out of the ones I’ve read; it has a certain mildness of tone, a certain quaintness of all-age-appropriateness, but it’s still a pretty entertaining read. Coppel does very well with describing day-to-day activities in an engaging manner, and so here you get to follow a married couple on their step-by-step journey of acquiring their dream house, finding out it’s haunted (because, of course) and then trying to sort out their ghosts.
The haunted house scenario, is of course nothing new, and Coppel’s only original takes on the granddaddy genre staple is doubling down the haunt itself and introducing a friendly (not Casper) ghost.
At times the overall quaintness and PG-ratedness of the tone overwhelms the BOO quality, but there are a few scenes of hallucinations gone rogue and creepiness that really work. Plus, like all Coppel’s books, it’s such a quick and easy read, that you’re probably not going to want your time back. Not the author’s best, by far, but…some fun was had. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
May 30, 2022
*trigger warning for child sexual abuse/rape should have been included for this book*
Paul and Christy are a happily married couple, looking forward to moving into their new home. Cue the ominous warning from a stranger that they need to be sure about this house because once they move in it will be too late.
Follow that up with a presale home inspection that shows the inside dimensions of the house don't match up to the outside. Top it off with a way too thick wall in the loft and you have your makings for a typical haunted house story. Gosh, I wonder what's behind there? You may be surprised but I was not.
Weirdly, Christy decides she has to go to her childhood home to care for her dying father after his stroke. I say weirdly because she has had nothing to do with him for decades, ever since she escaped his abuse when she was 16. It seemed an odd choice or at least a choice most people wouldn't make under such circumstances. So for this reason she is not there for her husband to help him with packing or moving into their new home.
Paul moves in by himself unless you count his wife's dog. The strange happenings begin right away, frightening the cable tv installer when he wanted to break through that unusually thick wall, although the ghost seems quite mild and even helpful. When Christy arrives she demands they have the house cleansed of this spirit immediately. Paul for some reason has this done by a woman who outright tells him she does not want to do it, that she doesn't do it anymore, that she has had something traumatic happen when she tried to cleanse a house of something more powerful than she is strong enough to deal with. Sure she sounds like the right woman for the job. He convinces her that this is a mere friendly ghost so against her better judgment she attempts this cleansing. It's not long before she is also frightened away, telling Paul that yes she got rid of the friendly ghost but there is something else in the house.
Up to this point, nothing really scary has happened unless you count dreams and hallucinations which just don't do it for me.
I enjoyed the parts of the story that were about Christy and what her life was like before she met Paul. It was almost like I was reading two different books, one a domestic drama and the other a haunted house story.
There were a few spooky parts near the end but after the big climax, I didn't care for the way Paul and Christy treated the woman who they practically forced to attempt a cleansing that she did not want to do. I had liked them until then. To me, it's ridiculous to blame someone for not being able to do something they told you they couldn't do. The ending itself was not to my liking either. It's too Casper the friendly ghost or Beetlejuice for my taste. You may enjoy it more than I did, lots of people have loved it.
I received an advance copy.
Paul and Christy are a happily married couple, looking forward to moving into their new home. Cue the ominous warning from a stranger that they need to be sure about this house because once they move in it will be too late.
Follow that up with a presale home inspection that shows the inside dimensions of the house don't match up to the outside. Top it off with a way too thick wall in the loft and you have your makings for a typical haunted house story. Gosh, I wonder what's behind there? You may be surprised but I was not.
Weirdly, Christy decides she has to go to her childhood home to care for her dying father after his stroke. I say weirdly because she has had nothing to do with him for decades, ever since she escaped his abuse when she was 16. It seemed an odd choice or at least a choice most people wouldn't make under such circumstances. So for this reason she is not there for her husband to help him with packing or moving into their new home.
Paul moves in by himself unless you count his wife's dog. The strange happenings begin right away, frightening the cable tv installer when he wanted to break through that unusually thick wall, although the ghost seems quite mild and even helpful. When Christy arrives she demands they have the house cleansed of this spirit immediately. Paul for some reason has this done by a woman who outright tells him she does not want to do it, that she doesn't do it anymore, that she has had something traumatic happen when she tried to cleanse a house of something more powerful than she is strong enough to deal with. Sure she sounds like the right woman for the job. He convinces her that this is a mere friendly ghost so against her better judgment she attempts this cleansing. It's not long before she is also frightened away, telling Paul that yes she got rid of the friendly ghost but there is something else in the house.
Up to this point, nothing really scary has happened unless you count dreams and hallucinations which just don't do it for me.
I enjoyed the parts of the story that were about Christy and what her life was like before she met Paul. It was almost like I was reading two different books, one a domestic drama and the other a haunted house story.
There were a few spooky parts near the end but after the big climax, I didn't care for the way Paul and Christy treated the woman who they practically forced to attempt a cleansing that she did not want to do. I had liked them until then. To me, it's ridiculous to blame someone for not being able to do something they told you they couldn't do. The ending itself was not to my liking either. It's too Casper the friendly ghost or Beetlejuice for my taste. You may enjoy it more than I did, lots of people have loved it.
I received an advance copy.
December 7, 2022
Lingering by Chris Coppel was an interesting ghost story that was exactly what this reader needed at the time.
Oddly I remember reviewing this book before but the review seems to have vanished...
I removed thinking this book had a certain creeping dread and atmosphere to it and want to thank #NetGalley, #CranthorpeMilner, and Chris Coppel for the ARC of #Lingering.
Oddly I remember reviewing this book before but the review seems to have vanished...
I removed thinking this book had a certain creeping dread and atmosphere to it and want to thank #NetGalley, #CranthorpeMilner, and Chris Coppel for the ARC of #Lingering.
May 27, 2022
Lingering
Chris Coppel
Great haunted house horror novel. The setting of this novel just starts off creating a ominous atmosphere. You quickly get pulled into Paul and Christy’s lives as they finally buy a new home. A “charming”cottage which Paul has to move into on his own as Christy goes to take care of her ill father. We get to follow along and learn background on Paul and Christy which I felt just made you even more drawn into the story. This is my first novel by Chris Coppel and certainly won’t be my last. I read this book in one sitting. I just had to know what was going to happen next. You will not regret reading this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Chris Coppel
Great haunted house horror novel. The setting of this novel just starts off creating a ominous atmosphere. You quickly get pulled into Paul and Christy’s lives as they finally buy a new home. A “charming”cottage which Paul has to move into on his own as Christy goes to take care of her ill father. We get to follow along and learn background on Paul and Christy which I felt just made you even more drawn into the story. This is my first novel by Chris Coppel and certainly won’t be my last. I read this book in one sitting. I just had to know what was going to happen next. You will not regret reading this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
April 28, 2024
Haunted Houses and Haunted Lives
This book was a pretty good ghost story and the main storyline was interesting and well thought out. I liked the main characters and some of the spooky scenes were truly terrifying. However, there was a lot of added subplot that wasn’t needed and there were things that didn’t make complete sense or were too over exaggerated that took away from the creepier, more subtle ghostly vibes. Sometimes less is more.
This book was a pretty good ghost story and the main storyline was interesting and well thought out. I liked the main characters and some of the spooky scenes were truly terrifying. However, there was a lot of added subplot that wasn’t needed and there were things that didn’t make complete sense or were too over exaggerated that took away from the creepier, more subtle ghostly vibes. Sometimes less is more.
September 9, 2022
Title: Lingering
Author: Chris Coppel
Publisher: Cranthorpe Millner Publishers
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Paul and Christy are looking to make a fresh start; Croft House appears to be the perfect new home for this. After a traumatic upbringing at the hands of her father, Christy hopes this house will give her the peace she’s been longing for. However, Croft House, has other ideas, the couple soon realise there is something in the house trying to communicate. Fear kicks in and they ask a local psychic to try remove the entity, but this proves to be a huge mistake- as this releases something far more sinister.
Review:
The front cover of this book was very eye-catching, it hinted that this could be a sinister read and I couldn’t wait to find out more about it. The book description also pulled me in, I instantly had questions I needed answering, like who was trying to communicate and what was released!? Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect with this read, but the star rating looked very promising, despite this though, I made sure for full effect I went in blind.
Chapter 1 really set the scene, the cottage sounded dreamy and like everything
I would want, but I knew this feeling wouldn’t last. The first thing I also noticed about the book is that the chapters were a nice length, they weren’t too long which meant they didn’t overwhelm me.
I connected with the author’s writing straight away and therefore it didn’t take me long to be pulled in. I could also picture all the author’s descriptions, so I had vivid imagery in my head at times.
I admired how the author was able to suddenly change the tone of the book from upbeat and light hearted to something quite intense and eerie. In fact, my own mind began to play tricks on me, putting me on edge.
As for the characters, I really connected with Paul, I enjoyed his sense of humour and how his humour was used to lighten the tone after things had been rather intense. I have also always wanted a Labrador, after finishing this book, I definitely want one even more now!
The book wasn’t overly long, and the build up led to an action packed ending, it was a quick and easy read! I liked that it wasn’t all eerie and spooky too, there was some tender, heart warming moments in there. It was hard for me to put down because I needed to know what would happen next!
This is definitely the perfect read for dark, autumn months. The author did a fantastic job at creating an atmosphere and a bonus, was that the ending was very satisfying!
Author: Chris Coppel
Publisher: Cranthorpe Millner Publishers
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Paul and Christy are looking to make a fresh start; Croft House appears to be the perfect new home for this. After a traumatic upbringing at the hands of her father, Christy hopes this house will give her the peace she’s been longing for. However, Croft House, has other ideas, the couple soon realise there is something in the house trying to communicate. Fear kicks in and they ask a local psychic to try remove the entity, but this proves to be a huge mistake- as this releases something far more sinister.
Review:
The front cover of this book was very eye-catching, it hinted that this could be a sinister read and I couldn’t wait to find out more about it. The book description also pulled me in, I instantly had questions I needed answering, like who was trying to communicate and what was released!? Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect with this read, but the star rating looked very promising, despite this though, I made sure for full effect I went in blind.
Chapter 1 really set the scene, the cottage sounded dreamy and like everything
I would want, but I knew this feeling wouldn’t last. The first thing I also noticed about the book is that the chapters were a nice length, they weren’t too long which meant they didn’t overwhelm me.
I connected with the author’s writing straight away and therefore it didn’t take me long to be pulled in. I could also picture all the author’s descriptions, so I had vivid imagery in my head at times.
I admired how the author was able to suddenly change the tone of the book from upbeat and light hearted to something quite intense and eerie. In fact, my own mind began to play tricks on me, putting me on edge.
As for the characters, I really connected with Paul, I enjoyed his sense of humour and how his humour was used to lighten the tone after things had been rather intense. I have also always wanted a Labrador, after finishing this book, I definitely want one even more now!
The book wasn’t overly long, and the build up led to an action packed ending, it was a quick and easy read! I liked that it wasn’t all eerie and spooky too, there was some tender, heart warming moments in there. It was hard for me to put down because I needed to know what would happen next!
This is definitely the perfect read for dark, autumn months. The author did a fantastic job at creating an atmosphere and a bonus, was that the ending was very satisfying!
July 21, 2022
First Impressions
This one it's pretty interesting at the beginning, I liked that it's so in these times in a way, totally will done without the explanation about the times, but nicely done.
The first time we have all the situation or more of the situation down, it was a little unnerving and intriguing really, I mean there were things that I wouldn't have done but to each their own, it kept me pretty on edge and guessing what else would come of the story.
Characters
Christy was complex to say the the least, I think she had a lot of growth from the beginning to the end, that was nice, she suffered so much so I liked to see that she was able to get past that at her own pace and in her own terms.
Paul was pretty interesting too, he was the anchor in the relationship in a way, even when he wasn't perfect in any way, but who is really, that resonated with me a lot since well relationships are hard and we have to try and work them out and sometimes just give the space the other person needs.
Final Thoughts
By the end the house and it's macabre story was so cool a little predictable maybe from the background and all the clues, but it was nice nonetheless.
I think suspense and horror readers will enjoy it a lot
This one it's pretty interesting at the beginning, I liked that it's so in these times in a way, totally will done without the explanation about the times, but nicely done.
The first time we have all the situation or more of the situation down, it was a little unnerving and intriguing really, I mean there were things that I wouldn't have done but to each their own, it kept me pretty on edge and guessing what else would come of the story.
Characters
Christy was complex to say the the least, I think she had a lot of growth from the beginning to the end, that was nice, she suffered so much so I liked to see that she was able to get past that at her own pace and in her own terms.
Paul was pretty interesting too, he was the anchor in the relationship in a way, even when he wasn't perfect in any way, but who is really, that resonated with me a lot since well relationships are hard and we have to try and work them out and sometimes just give the space the other person needs.
Final Thoughts
By the end the house and it's macabre story was so cool a little predictable maybe from the background and all the clues, but it was nice nonetheless.
I think suspense and horror readers will enjoy it a lot
May 20, 2023
A great story. A couple buys a house and guess what? It has ...issues. No big surprise there, but this was quite delightful in some ways and sad and horrific in other ways. The woman has to deal with an ill father before she can move into the house, a father that abused her terribly as a kid, but now needs her. This book explores her journey through her feelings and how it has affected her life and then she gets to her new home..it doesn't get any easier for her, she has new things to deal with. The book is very character driven and they are brought to life very well with the writing. The paranormal stuff is interesting and well done. I really enjoyed this fast and easy read.
August 5, 2023
Review to come
September 12, 2022
This book was so creepy, I’m glad I didn’t read this at night time! I could feel myself shivering when these things started to communicate with the couple. The book started off all sweet but it took a turn for the worst when strange things begun to happen. The switch of the writing style was instant and I thought it made the book even more creepy. Some chapters are also left on cliffhangers which made me want to read more.
I thought the characters were great in this book. They were so naive and unaware of what was going to happen to them throughout the book. I also enjoyed how the dog was brought into the story and how the dog was used to show other beings in the house. This made the book even more creepy when the dog acted up.
The whole book wasn’t too long and I thought it had a great pace throughout, with it building up towards the end. I managed to read it over the course of 2 days, I couldn’t put it down! The cover on this book was eye catching for me, I think it represents the book really well. This book does mention some dark topics so please check trigger warnings when picking this one up. Overall, I thought this was a great book, I enjoyed the thriller/horror aspect of the story.
I thought the characters were great in this book. They were so naive and unaware of what was going to happen to them throughout the book. I also enjoyed how the dog was brought into the story and how the dog was used to show other beings in the house. This made the book even more creepy when the dog acted up.
The whole book wasn’t too long and I thought it had a great pace throughout, with it building up towards the end. I managed to read it over the course of 2 days, I couldn’t put it down! The cover on this book was eye catching for me, I think it represents the book really well. This book does mention some dark topics so please check trigger warnings when picking this one up. Overall, I thought this was a great book, I enjoyed the thriller/horror aspect of the story.
August 14, 2023
Free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars. Married couple Paul and Christy (along with their dog), buy the Croft House. Before moving in, Christy’s abusive father is dying and she needs to help take care of him for a bit. While Christy takes on her dark past, Paul and the dog do all the work and move into their new house. Weird things happen and when Christy finally moves into their new house, they agree it might be haunted. They ask an old psychic friend to cleanse the house and weirder things start to happen.
Okay so the writing style wasn’t really for me. It was too simplistic? I guess. It also seemed like two books in one (which I would gladly read both separately). You have this whole *trigger warning* past life of Christy, and nothing from Paul. You do get half a chapter on how he got his normal, boring job (surprise, it’s a normal, boring reason). I found their marriage a weird relationship where Paul did everything and Christy treated him like a child. Maybe his need to lie for no reason is why he’s treated as such.
The haunted parts would have been great with more of the house’s background and more of the haunted parts. That I would have read all day because the author’s descriptions of that was picturesque and well done. I felt like I was there during those chapters. I think the author would do great just focusing on horror.
The one thing I could not get past was the Covid thrown in. If you could remove that before publishing, it would make a world of a difference. We’re still living through this virus and the last thing I know I want is to read about when I’m reading to escape reality is that. I mean anytime there was two people meeting the author had to discuss gloves, social distancing, or hand sanitizer. Just unnecessary filler that did not add to the book. The ending was completely rushed and did not tie it together nicely. It just seemed spewed out quickly and not where I wanted it to go. It was a good book. I do not want to seem like I was full of complaints with it; it just needs some tidying up.
3.5 Stars. Married couple Paul and Christy (along with their dog), buy the Croft House. Before moving in, Christy’s abusive father is dying and she needs to help take care of him for a bit. While Christy takes on her dark past, Paul and the dog do all the work and move into their new house. Weird things happen and when Christy finally moves into their new house, they agree it might be haunted. They ask an old psychic friend to cleanse the house and weirder things start to happen.
Okay so the writing style wasn’t really for me. It was too simplistic? I guess. It also seemed like two books in one (which I would gladly read both separately). You have this whole *trigger warning* past life of Christy, and nothing from Paul. You do get half a chapter on how he got his normal, boring job (surprise, it’s a normal, boring reason). I found their marriage a weird relationship where Paul did everything and Christy treated him like a child. Maybe his need to lie for no reason is why he’s treated as such.
The haunted parts would have been great with more of the house’s background and more of the haunted parts. That I would have read all day because the author’s descriptions of that was picturesque and well done. I felt like I was there during those chapters. I think the author would do great just focusing on horror.
The one thing I could not get past was the Covid thrown in. If you could remove that before publishing, it would make a world of a difference. We’re still living through this virus and the last thing I know I want is to read about when I’m reading to escape reality is that. I mean anytime there was two people meeting the author had to discuss gloves, social distancing, or hand sanitizer. Just unnecessary filler that did not add to the book. The ending was completely rushed and did not tie it together nicely. It just seemed spewed out quickly and not where I wanted it to go. It was a good book. I do not want to seem like I was full of complaints with it; it just needs some tidying up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2022
*Thank you to Cranthorpe Milner, Chris Coppel, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Previously published at https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/li...
“A day will come when certain antiques and old homes will be able to play sounds and voices of our past like record players. Technology will scan the grooves embedded within them as mediums can do without it.”
― Lorin Morgan-Richards
I first became a fan of Chris Coppel when I read The Lodge, where the animals in a hunting lodge come to life, in 2020. I loved it so much that I kept an eye out for his next book. Luckily, Lingering did not disappoint! It is as creepy and atmospheric as his last one, with the added bonus of a haunted house in the English countryside.
Paul and Christy Chappell, slightly sidelined by the Covid pandemic, have been looking for a house for the better part of a year. Despite their rather large budget, they are priced out of any offers. Their real estate agent calls with a listing that has been on the market for a while, Croft House. Croft House is a 16th century cottage with a hodgepodge of extensions and modifications, reminding the reader of a smaller Winchester mystery house. There are several things that strike them as odd, such as there seems to be no rhyme or reason to the additions. There is a lovely comforting feel to the house and while hesitant at first, especially after being told the house is not for everyone, they decide to purchase it, despite the repairs it needs.
Christy’s long estranged father has had a stroke, and though she has no kind or loving thoughts towards him, after suffering years of abuse at his hand, she must take care of him as no facilities are accepting patients because of Covid. The horror of what went on in her childhood home is much scarier than the haunted house they just bought. But Paul must move into the house on his own until she has found a solution for her father. Almost as soon as he moves in, strange things start happening. Why does the mirror steam up in all but one place? Why does the cutlery drawer open on its own? Why is Maggie, their beloved dog, obsessed with the loft-like attic?
I read this book entirely in one sitting. It was so hard to put down. It is all the things you want in a horror book; dark, disturbing, and creepy. There is one scene with cockroaches which suddenly became my worst nightmare. I haven’t read a good haunted house story in a long time and this one was perfect. Coppel’s characters are all strong, with emphatic opinions and completely relatable. The reader feels like if this can happen to a couple like the Chappells, it can happen to anyone.
Do not read this book in the dark! Trigger warnings include incest and rape.
Previously published at https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/li...
“A day will come when certain antiques and old homes will be able to play sounds and voices of our past like record players. Technology will scan the grooves embedded within them as mediums can do without it.”
― Lorin Morgan-Richards
I first became a fan of Chris Coppel when I read The Lodge, where the animals in a hunting lodge come to life, in 2020. I loved it so much that I kept an eye out for his next book. Luckily, Lingering did not disappoint! It is as creepy and atmospheric as his last one, with the added bonus of a haunted house in the English countryside.
Paul and Christy Chappell, slightly sidelined by the Covid pandemic, have been looking for a house for the better part of a year. Despite their rather large budget, they are priced out of any offers. Their real estate agent calls with a listing that has been on the market for a while, Croft House. Croft House is a 16th century cottage with a hodgepodge of extensions and modifications, reminding the reader of a smaller Winchester mystery house. There are several things that strike them as odd, such as there seems to be no rhyme or reason to the additions. There is a lovely comforting feel to the house and while hesitant at first, especially after being told the house is not for everyone, they decide to purchase it, despite the repairs it needs.
Christy’s long estranged father has had a stroke, and though she has no kind or loving thoughts towards him, after suffering years of abuse at his hand, she must take care of him as no facilities are accepting patients because of Covid. The horror of what went on in her childhood home is much scarier than the haunted house they just bought. But Paul must move into the house on his own until she has found a solution for her father. Almost as soon as he moves in, strange things start happening. Why does the mirror steam up in all but one place? Why does the cutlery drawer open on its own? Why is Maggie, their beloved dog, obsessed with the loft-like attic?
I read this book entirely in one sitting. It was so hard to put down. It is all the things you want in a horror book; dark, disturbing, and creepy. There is one scene with cockroaches which suddenly became my worst nightmare. I haven’t read a good haunted house story in a long time and this one was perfect. Coppel’s characters are all strong, with emphatic opinions and completely relatable. The reader feels like if this can happen to a couple like the Chappells, it can happen to anyone.
Do not read this book in the dark! Trigger warnings include incest and rape.
July 8, 2022
I feel like this book reads more like a surreal, psychedelic trip than an actual ghost story. A lot of the imagery featured in it felt like low-grade horror material, and alongside that I felt that there was a lot of stuff included in the story for Christy, but none at all for Paul. Overall, the story did not seem very fleshed out.
We get this deep background for Christy, referencing past trauma that is supposed to build her character. Only this trauma didn't feel as if it transferred to her present self. We got a heavy glimpse of it in the beginning, but I don't think it was particularly necessary at the level it was presented since it didn't feel carried out throughout the story. It honestly felt as if we had three stories in one book.
Alongside this, we get nothing meaningful with Paul, who I thought was going to be the main person in the story for a while since we were in his perspective quite a bit in the beginning. In truth, the relationship between him and Christy felt negative at times and neutral at others, but never entirely positive. His reasonings also made no sense to me and it felt as if he was made to be a dumb character more so than a sophisticated individual.
The climax and ending were also rather lackluster. Christy, who I felt had hardly experienced anything, all of a sudden knew everything and had the perfect way to resolve the issues, when she hadn't been there for half of them. There was no depth or detail given to her actions, just a few short sentences that said she had already done something. If we can include all of her trauma in the beginning, we damn well could have gotten a scene showing her conducting research and figuring out what was going on instead of her just all of a sudden knowing. I also feel like a lot was left out relating to one of the side characters .
All in all, the story had promise, but lacked depth in the most important places.
We get this deep background for Christy, referencing past trauma that is supposed to build her character. Only this trauma didn't feel as if it transferred to her present self. We got a heavy glimpse of it in the beginning, but I don't think it was particularly necessary at the level it was presented since it didn't feel carried out throughout the story. It honestly felt as if we had three stories in one book.
Alongside this, we get nothing meaningful with Paul, who I thought was going to be the main person in the story for a while since we were in his perspective quite a bit in the beginning. In truth, the relationship between him and Christy felt negative at times and neutral at others, but never entirely positive. His reasonings also made no sense to me and it felt as if he was made to be a dumb character more so than a sophisticated individual.
The climax and ending were also rather lackluster. Christy, who I felt had hardly experienced anything, all of a sudden knew everything and had the perfect way to resolve the issues, when she hadn't been there for half of them. There was no depth or detail given to her actions, just a few short sentences that said she had already done something. If we can include all of her trauma in the beginning, we damn well could have gotten a scene showing her conducting research and figuring out what was going on instead of her just all of a sudden knowing. I also feel like a lot was left out relating to one of the side characters .
All in all, the story had promise, but lacked depth in the most important places.
August 4, 2022
Chris Coppel’s weaves a splendid tale of mystery in his book Lingering, a paranormal thriller that will have readers eager to get to the end.
Protagonists Paul and Christy Chappel purchase an old house and are excited because it came as a great deal. After viewing the house, Paul and his wife go to a pub to discuss and make a final decision on what their offer would be. While there, a man sitting nearby over hears their conversation and makes a remark about the house that leaves the couple puzzled. “It’s not the house that’s the problem. It’s what’s in it. Once you’ve moved in, it’ll be too late.” The plot starts to make a slow climax from this juncture. Paul is excited about the prospect of not having neighbors and overlooks many of the inconsistencies and small discrepancies of layout of the house. There just happens to be a seven foot thick mystery wall in the house but is it JUST a wall???
The plot twists reveal the dark side of Christy’s past and tells of physical abuse, emotional trauma and sexual abuse. Christy’s father was not a good man but in his senior years he experienced a stroke which resulted in him needing additional care. Christy’s ruminations illuminate her emotional development, especially as she deals with an aging father who still makes an attempt at being inappropriate. The author builds on Christy’s character and she is seen as kind-hearted and compassionate, even though her father sexually abused her, she came to his aid in his time of need. While she was caring for her father her husband Paul was in the middle of several paranormal experiences with a benevolent presence in the house. When Christy finally arrives at the house the plot accelerates rapidly and the suspense is palpable. There is more than one presence in the house and the second is malevolent. The Croft House is indeed haunted and the couple do all they can to solve the mystery and even banish the spirits that dwell within the house. The book concludes quite peacefully and readers will be satisfied with the author's work.
Lingering is a paranormal thriller with effortlessly elegant prose and characters who will linger in the memory.
Protagonists Paul and Christy Chappel purchase an old house and are excited because it came as a great deal. After viewing the house, Paul and his wife go to a pub to discuss and make a final decision on what their offer would be. While there, a man sitting nearby over hears their conversation and makes a remark about the house that leaves the couple puzzled. “It’s not the house that’s the problem. It’s what’s in it. Once you’ve moved in, it’ll be too late.” The plot starts to make a slow climax from this juncture. Paul is excited about the prospect of not having neighbors and overlooks many of the inconsistencies and small discrepancies of layout of the house. There just happens to be a seven foot thick mystery wall in the house but is it JUST a wall???
The plot twists reveal the dark side of Christy’s past and tells of physical abuse, emotional trauma and sexual abuse. Christy’s father was not a good man but in his senior years he experienced a stroke which resulted in him needing additional care. Christy’s ruminations illuminate her emotional development, especially as she deals with an aging father who still makes an attempt at being inappropriate. The author builds on Christy’s character and she is seen as kind-hearted and compassionate, even though her father sexually abused her, she came to his aid in his time of need. While she was caring for her father her husband Paul was in the middle of several paranormal experiences with a benevolent presence in the house. When Christy finally arrives at the house the plot accelerates rapidly and the suspense is palpable. There is more than one presence in the house and the second is malevolent. The Croft House is indeed haunted and the couple do all they can to solve the mystery and even banish the spirits that dwell within the house. The book concludes quite peacefully and readers will be satisfied with the author's work.
Lingering is a paranormal thriller with effortlessly elegant prose and characters who will linger in the memory.
September 12, 2022
"
It's not the house that's the problem. It's what's in it "
In the often creepy, at times uncomfortable, sometimes funny, a bit scary haunted house tale Lingering by eclectic author Chris Coppel, I couldn't help but feel the author smirking at each jump scare, keep the lights on moments.
At first it appears to be a simple haunted house tale. Paul and Christy are thrilled that the old house they love is affordable but of course when something is too good to be true it usually is and you should just RUN.
They realize they are not alone in the house but Paul will have to deal with it because Christy has to leave to care for her father who has suffered a stroke. Paul hires a psychic to rid the house of any spirits. It turns out the happy not at all evil being is ready to leave...maybe too ready?
Seems the house is not happy its friendly ghost is gone because now there is only the real evil left in it. Christy has been away dealing with her sick father but maybe she shouldn't have gone to help him. Her father sexually abused her as a child but he is frail and old now. Well some evil just stay evil. Some evils never change their ways whether they are part of a house's or a human's history.
One of the reasons I love horror stories is there is often a moral lesson to them, a reason why the evil exists. In Lingering evil sticks around, maybe because we don't want to see it, believe it or deal with it.
This is the third book I have read by this extremely creative writer who has the ability to make every story feel necessary; they are fun but have a reason to be read. Lingering is a thrilling, curious fast read with an ending that will leave you with a smile...or lingering smirk.
I received a free copy of this book from Black Tide Book Tour for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
It's not the house that's the problem. It's what's in it "
In the often creepy, at times uncomfortable, sometimes funny, a bit scary haunted house tale Lingering by eclectic author Chris Coppel, I couldn't help but feel the author smirking at each jump scare, keep the lights on moments.
At first it appears to be a simple haunted house tale. Paul and Christy are thrilled that the old house they love is affordable but of course when something is too good to be true it usually is and you should just RUN.
They realize they are not alone in the house but Paul will have to deal with it because Christy has to leave to care for her father who has suffered a stroke. Paul hires a psychic to rid the house of any spirits. It turns out the happy not at all evil being is ready to leave...maybe too ready?
Seems the house is not happy its friendly ghost is gone because now there is only the real evil left in it. Christy has been away dealing with her sick father but maybe she shouldn't have gone to help him. Her father sexually abused her as a child but he is frail and old now. Well some evil just stay evil. Some evils never change their ways whether they are part of a house's or a human's history.
One of the reasons I love horror stories is there is often a moral lesson to them, a reason why the evil exists. In Lingering evil sticks around, maybe because we don't want to see it, believe it or deal with it.
This is the third book I have read by this extremely creative writer who has the ability to make every story feel necessary; they are fun but have a reason to be read. Lingering is a thrilling, curious fast read with an ending that will leave you with a smile...or lingering smirk.
I received a free copy of this book from Black Tide Book Tour for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 10, 2022
𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀⭐️⭐️⭐️💫rounded to 4
𝓛𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰
𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙡
Ghost Thriller
262 Pages
Short Synopsis
In Lingering, a couple finally finds a house after hunting for longer than planned. Paul and Christy are enthralled with the sixteenth-century cottage with its oddly laid add-ons.
Unexpectedly, Christy learns of her father’s stroke and feels she needs to care for him until finding help for him, even though he abused her as a child. Being in her childhood home brings back memories of the abuse and her mother who left her.
While she is gone, Paul deals with the unknown in their new house as he settles in. He doesn’t want to believe that it can be anything other than his mind playing tricks, but he can’t continue to feel that way after unexplained things continue to happen.
After Christy returns home, the events get worse. They have to deal with the problem. Will they be able to stay in their home, or is it too dangerous?
My Thoughts
Lingering is a good read. I treat horror stories as I do horror movies. They typically have some unbelievable aspects, but that is what I expect and love about them.
I think my favorite character was the couple’s dog, Maggie. Paul was pretty realistic as he wanted to explain away the strange happenings and keep them from his wife. However, I didn’t feel Christy was likable. She was t and a blunt and no-nonsense kind of woman, yet she looked the problem in the face and slapped it!
Overall, Lingering is a ghost story that is fun to read. I did figure out what resided upstairs early on, but I still enjoyed the ride. This book would be a good spooky season read.
Thank you to Henry Roi, the author, and the publisher for providing this ebook for me to read and review.
~Read more riveting reviews at Latishaslowkeylife.com
𝓛𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰
𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙡
Ghost Thriller
262 Pages
Short Synopsis
In Lingering, a couple finally finds a house after hunting for longer than planned. Paul and Christy are enthralled with the sixteenth-century cottage with its oddly laid add-ons.
Unexpectedly, Christy learns of her father’s stroke and feels she needs to care for him until finding help for him, even though he abused her as a child. Being in her childhood home brings back memories of the abuse and her mother who left her.
While she is gone, Paul deals with the unknown in their new house as he settles in. He doesn’t want to believe that it can be anything other than his mind playing tricks, but he can’t continue to feel that way after unexplained things continue to happen.
After Christy returns home, the events get worse. They have to deal with the problem. Will they be able to stay in their home, or is it too dangerous?
My Thoughts
Lingering is a good read. I treat horror stories as I do horror movies. They typically have some unbelievable aspects, but that is what I expect and love about them.
I think my favorite character was the couple’s dog, Maggie. Paul was pretty realistic as he wanted to explain away the strange happenings and keep them from his wife. However, I didn’t feel Christy was likable. She was t and a blunt and no-nonsense kind of woman, yet she looked the problem in the face and slapped it!
Overall, Lingering is a ghost story that is fun to read. I did figure out what resided upstairs early on, but I still enjoyed the ride. This book would be a good spooky season read.
Thank you to Henry Roi, the author, and the publisher for providing this ebook for me to read and review.
~Read more riveting reviews at Latishaslowkeylife.com
April 21, 2022
*E-ACR received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Paul and Christy have finally found a home they love - it's a little quirky, with multiple add-ons over the centuries that don't quite match the original, but this is the home for them. While Christy is away battling her own demons and caring for her ailing father, Paul begins to notice something isn't quite right...
Lingering is a great new gothic novel where the house definitely stands out as its own character. The dual perspective shifts give us insight into both Paul and Christy while they are both adjusting to the... eccentricities... of the house. This book was captivating and drew me in immediately. I love a good ghost story and Coppel delivered. I loved that the house on its own feels so warm and inviting, but houses such a dark spirit inside.
Keeping this from a 5 star read for me was the use of Christy's trauma as a plot device, and also her main personality trait. Honestly I found both Christy and Paul's character description lacking, but perhaps that was intentional so that readers focus on the house and its haunting. Specifically with Christy though, it felt like she was the recipient of severe trauma just for the set up of the later, more malicious haunting. There was also absolutely no reason for a memory flashback with graphic details of her father sexually assaulting her. Major content warning for anyone who is thinking of picking this book up. The story was great and had so many amazing elements of horror, but I don't see myself rereading it in a few years.
Paul and Christy have finally found a home they love - it's a little quirky, with multiple add-ons over the centuries that don't quite match the original, but this is the home for them. While Christy is away battling her own demons and caring for her ailing father, Paul begins to notice something isn't quite right...
Lingering is a great new gothic novel where the house definitely stands out as its own character. The dual perspective shifts give us insight into both Paul and Christy while they are both adjusting to the... eccentricities... of the house. This book was captivating and drew me in immediately. I love a good ghost story and Coppel delivered. I loved that the house on its own feels so warm and inviting, but houses such a dark spirit inside.
Keeping this from a 5 star read for me was the use of Christy's trauma as a plot device, and also her main personality trait. Honestly I found both Christy and Paul's character description lacking, but perhaps that was intentional so that readers focus on the house and its haunting. Specifically with Christy though, it felt like she was the recipient of severe trauma just for the set up of the later, more malicious haunting. There was also absolutely no reason for a memory flashback with graphic details of her father sexually assaulting her. Major content warning for anyone who is thinking of picking this book up. The story was great and had so many amazing elements of horror, but I don't see myself rereading it in a few years.
June 9, 2022
Croft House sits waiting for Paul and Christy to move in. Croft House isn’t empty, and the one that waits with the house has been so lonely.
Paul meets her first and grows fond of her friendly, and helpful, antics. Christy has had to tend to the abusive father she hates due to his severe stroke, so she misses the moving in and unpacking. Maggie the adorable black lab also meets, and enjoys, the invisible lady. Croft House is a haunted, but good house. Unfortunately Christy is uncomfortable having a ghost, even a friendly one, and she convinces Paul to have the house cleansed. They should’ve left things alone as they soon discover the cleansing backfired and now they must contend with a malicious and malignant spirit.
I enjoyed “The Lingering” quite a bit. There is a delightful love story hidden within the story that made me smile. Paul, Christy and Maggie are a likable little unit and you really root for them. Christy’s period with her father is well played out. She speaks one spur of the moment sentence to him and in that moment she empowers herself, as an adult and for the child she once was. In his face she sees that he knows he no longer has any power to scare or control her. This is a powerful moment..
There may be triggers for victims of childhood sexual abuse. For the dog lovers out there……Maggie the dog makes it through the story just fine, Thank you Chris Coppel for not hurting the dog!
Thank you #netgalley for the opportunity to read and review #Lingering
Paul meets her first and grows fond of her friendly, and helpful, antics. Christy has had to tend to the abusive father she hates due to his severe stroke, so she misses the moving in and unpacking. Maggie the adorable black lab also meets, and enjoys, the invisible lady. Croft House is a haunted, but good house. Unfortunately Christy is uncomfortable having a ghost, even a friendly one, and she convinces Paul to have the house cleansed. They should’ve left things alone as they soon discover the cleansing backfired and now they must contend with a malicious and malignant spirit.
I enjoyed “The Lingering” quite a bit. There is a delightful love story hidden within the story that made me smile. Paul, Christy and Maggie are a likable little unit and you really root for them. Christy’s period with her father is well played out. She speaks one spur of the moment sentence to him and in that moment she empowers herself, as an adult and for the child she once was. In his face she sees that he knows he no longer has any power to scare or control her. This is a powerful moment..
There may be triggers for victims of childhood sexual abuse. For the dog lovers out there……Maggie the dog makes it through the story just fine, Thank you Chris Coppel for not hurting the dog!
Thank you #netgalley for the opportunity to read and review #Lingering
September 10, 2022
Rating: 4.5 stars
"When Paul and Christy purchase Croft House, they are both looking forward to a new start. But the house has other ideas."
The premise of Lingering of a couple moving into a remote house with creepy vibes is one we have all seen/read before, so I went into Lingering hoping for Chris Coppel to bring something new to the trope. I am so pleased to say he pleasantly surprised me, not only with his characters but with how they were haunted!
We spend the first 30% of Lingering meeting our couple and following Christy as she deals with the death of her abusive father. At the time I felt it was too long, particularly as I usually dislike males writing about female abuse, however, Chris handled it well, and it contributed to Christy's thought process throughout the rest of the book. Where some authors would add throw-away lines to allude to a character's troubled past, Chris lets you get to know exactly how Christy's mind works.
One of my favourite things throughout Lingering was the main couple's ability to communicate, trust each other, and work together to get to the bottom of their house haunting. I would say Lingering is a breath of fresh air in the horror genre and well worth picking up.
In fact, browsing other people's reviews of Lingering, I saw that some people commented on Chris Coppel's other books being heavier on the horror, so I look forward to checking them out!
All opinions are my own, however, I would love to thank Black Phoenix Booktours, the publisher, and the author for gifting me an E-Copy.
"When Paul and Christy purchase Croft House, they are both looking forward to a new start. But the house has other ideas."
The premise of Lingering of a couple moving into a remote house with creepy vibes is one we have all seen/read before, so I went into Lingering hoping for Chris Coppel to bring something new to the trope. I am so pleased to say he pleasantly surprised me, not only with his characters but with how they were haunted!
We spend the first 30% of Lingering meeting our couple and following Christy as she deals with the death of her abusive father. At the time I felt it was too long, particularly as I usually dislike males writing about female abuse, however, Chris handled it well, and it contributed to Christy's thought process throughout the rest of the book. Where some authors would add throw-away lines to allude to a character's troubled past, Chris lets you get to know exactly how Christy's mind works.
One of my favourite things throughout Lingering was the main couple's ability to communicate, trust each other, and work together to get to the bottom of their house haunting. I would say Lingering is a breath of fresh air in the horror genre and well worth picking up.
In fact, browsing other people's reviews of Lingering, I saw that some people commented on Chris Coppel's other books being heavier on the horror, so I look forward to checking them out!
All opinions are my own, however, I would love to thank Black Phoenix Booktours, the publisher, and the author for gifting me an E-Copy.
April 28, 2022
Lingering
By: Chris Coppel
This was my first book by this author and I am pleased to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am not easily scared and this book was not scary in any sense to me (I just love horror and ghost stories), but that doesn't mean it won't scare the pants off someone else. This is a classic gothic ghost story centering around a spirit-filled house that has been around for centuries with all these quirky add-ons bought by a couple who found it to be in their price range making an easy sell. The characters Paul and Chrissie each come with their own background stories, mainly Chrissie with her disturbing history of childhood/adolescent sexual assault at the hands of her abusive father which comes to play later in the book as the dark spirit in the house uses their fears against them. I found the book was a really good read that slowly developed into a nice little thrill ride towards the end when the spirits and the homeowners come to head. There is a dark element to the story with the history of abuse and murder, a little humor, great descriptive scenes but not too over the top making it unrealistic (if you consider ghosts and spirits realistic), and overall I found it to be a very enjoyable good old fashioned haunted house type story and I absolutely adored the ending.
By: Chris Coppel
This was my first book by this author and I am pleased to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am not easily scared and this book was not scary in any sense to me (I just love horror and ghost stories), but that doesn't mean it won't scare the pants off someone else. This is a classic gothic ghost story centering around a spirit-filled house that has been around for centuries with all these quirky add-ons bought by a couple who found it to be in their price range making an easy sell. The characters Paul and Chrissie each come with their own background stories, mainly Chrissie with her disturbing history of childhood/adolescent sexual assault at the hands of her abusive father which comes to play later in the book as the dark spirit in the house uses their fears against them. I found the book was a really good read that slowly developed into a nice little thrill ride towards the end when the spirits and the homeowners come to head. There is a dark element to the story with the history of abuse and murder, a little humor, great descriptive scenes but not too over the top making it unrealistic (if you consider ghosts and spirits realistic), and overall I found it to be a very enjoyable good old fashioned haunted house type story and I absolutely adored the ending.
April 5, 2022
The strength of Chris Coppel’s horror mysteries is that they feature characters who might be you, characters who find that what appears to be normal is slowly morphing into the supernatural. By the time you realize this, you are standing with them, nervously looking over your own shoulder.
Lingering takes young professionals Paul and Christy into a world of dark puzzles. After an unsuccessful search for their first home, they discover Croft House, a charming cottage with multiple quirky additions, set down a tree lined lane on several private, forested acres. There are some warning signs: Why is the price set so low? Why did the former owners leave so suddenly? And who is the old man who counsels them that the house “is not to everyone’s taste”? So they move in. Or Paul does while Christy is temporarily taking care of her abusive father. Then Paul quickly discovers that he is not the only one living in Croft House…
Lingering is not to be read alone or in the dark. It pulls you in quickly and makes you want to rationally solve the unimaginable. Don’t try. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Cranthorpe Millner Publishers and Chris Coppel for this ARC.
Lingering takes young professionals Paul and Christy into a world of dark puzzles. After an unsuccessful search for their first home, they discover Croft House, a charming cottage with multiple quirky additions, set down a tree lined lane on several private, forested acres. There are some warning signs: Why is the price set so low? Why did the former owners leave so suddenly? And who is the old man who counsels them that the house “is not to everyone’s taste”? So they move in. Or Paul does while Christy is temporarily taking care of her abusive father. Then Paul quickly discovers that he is not the only one living in Croft House…
Lingering is not to be read alone or in the dark. It pulls you in quickly and makes you want to rationally solve the unimaginable. Don’t try. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Cranthorpe Millner Publishers and Chris Coppel for this ARC.
May 19, 2022
This book gave me creeps...even the front cover is giving me creeps!
The married couple, Christy and Paul move into their dream house, Croft House. Christy however had to return back to her childhood house to care for her abusive and ailing father while Paul dealt with the house. As they start a new life in the house, they realize that the house has many dark secrets inside that.
Reading this book gave me a feeling of as if I was watching a horror movie. Christy's relationship with her father, his abusive nature was interesting to read, How Paul hires a psychic to see if there are "dark" ghosts in the house was also interesting. The vivid descriptions of the house gave a creeping sense that you could actually as a reader feel like you are also in the haunted house with the characters as well. Both Chrisy and Paul have many flaws as characters. There were some twists and turns. Overall, I actually enjoyed reading this book and since this is the first time I am reading from this author, I am looking forward to read more.
Worth four stars!
Mnay thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
The married couple, Christy and Paul move into their dream house, Croft House. Christy however had to return back to her childhood house to care for her abusive and ailing father while Paul dealt with the house. As they start a new life in the house, they realize that the house has many dark secrets inside that.
Reading this book gave me a feeling of as if I was watching a horror movie. Christy's relationship with her father, his abusive nature was interesting to read, How Paul hires a psychic to see if there are "dark" ghosts in the house was also interesting. The vivid descriptions of the house gave a creeping sense that you could actually as a reader feel like you are also in the haunted house with the characters as well. Both Chrisy and Paul have many flaws as characters. There were some twists and turns. Overall, I actually enjoyed reading this book and since this is the first time I am reading from this author, I am looking forward to read more.
Worth four stars!
Mnay thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
September 9, 2022
I want to start off by saying that I received complimentary ebook arc. In return for my honest thoughts and review. I am so happy that I joined this book tour. There are trigger warnings in this book child abuse,sexual and rape.
I must say besides the trigger warnings I couldn’t put this short read down. I love haunted house stories and heck movies too. I will be adding more of this author book to my reading list.
I loved the back story to Christy and all the things she went through. How she came out of it. Even having to deal with her dying father. Always angry with her mother for leaving. Sometimes running for a better life and not knowing what happens next. I honestly been brave to run and never look back. It’s been good.
I loved Paul character when it came to understanding Christy how she needed to be there with dad. While Paul handled the new house and all that needed to be done. Paul started having crazy dreams and thinking he was seeing things that he thought were dreams or real live. Christy didn’t like the idea of house having a ghost. Or is there just one ghost in the house. You have to read to find out. Highly recommend this book. Thank you the the author and tide.phoenix.coffee
I must say besides the trigger warnings I couldn’t put this short read down. I love haunted house stories and heck movies too. I will be adding more of this author book to my reading list.
I loved the back story to Christy and all the things she went through. How she came out of it. Even having to deal with her dying father. Always angry with her mother for leaving. Sometimes running for a better life and not knowing what happens next. I honestly been brave to run and never look back. It’s been good.
I loved Paul character when it came to understanding Christy how she needed to be there with dad. While Paul handled the new house and all that needed to be done. Paul started having crazy dreams and thinking he was seeing things that he thought were dreams or real live. Christy didn’t like the idea of house having a ghost. Or is there just one ghost in the house. You have to read to find out. Highly recommend this book. Thank you the the author and tide.phoenix.coffee
September 9, 2022
A Grand Read
What a grandly haunting story in Lingering by Chris Coppell. This is the first book I've read by Coppell, but I don't believe it will be the last. It's not just about the past, which lingers over Christy, but also the house, and what is lingering there, behind the scenes. We are introduced to Christy and Paul, and their new home. The story was written well and captured the fear and the belief in what they can't see. It's a very interesting paranormal and a definite thriller, not sure about being a horror, but that's me. Also, this story mixes in family relationships, and all the dysfunctions. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible (I believe, so I don't think it's impossible at all, to be trying to communicate with the "other side." This author is a great storyteller. The author brings the reader on a superb journey. The characterizations are engrossing and dynamic. Tantalizing and intriguing! A wonderous trail of words. Lingering is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
What a grandly haunting story in Lingering by Chris Coppell. This is the first book I've read by Coppell, but I don't believe it will be the last. It's not just about the past, which lingers over Christy, but also the house, and what is lingering there, behind the scenes. We are introduced to Christy and Paul, and their new home. The story was written well and captured the fear and the belief in what they can't see. It's a very interesting paranormal and a definite thriller, not sure about being a horror, but that's me. Also, this story mixes in family relationships, and all the dysfunctions. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible (I believe, so I don't think it's impossible at all, to be trying to communicate with the "other side." This author is a great storyteller. The author brings the reader on a superb journey. The characterizations are engrossing and dynamic. Tantalizing and intriguing! A wonderous trail of words. Lingering is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
April 13, 2022
Having never heard of Chris Coppel before, it was the book description that grabbed me and the fact that I haven’t read a horror in a while. From page one, I was gripped. Every good horror needs to do that.
The signs are there for the reader. I found myself yelling at the pages about the low price, the old man telling them "the house isn’t for everyone" and more. I found myself examining their characters closely. How could a woman go to her father after what he did? How could the husband let her?
Once our characters had moved in , our author upped the ante. The horror stepped up a pace and I was gripped through the pages as the scary entities took hold.
This book is written in a unique style. Different elements of the story and how they’re told make you doubt yourself and flick back a page. Was Paul asleep? Is he dreaming?
I loved this book. I will be reading more of Mr Coppels work.
The signs are there for the reader. I found myself yelling at the pages about the low price, the old man telling them "the house isn’t for everyone" and more. I found myself examining their characters closely. How could a woman go to her father after what he did? How could the husband let her?
Once our characters had moved in , our author upped the ante. The horror stepped up a pace and I was gripped through the pages as the scary entities took hold.
This book is written in a unique style. Different elements of the story and how they’re told make you doubt yourself and flick back a page. Was Paul asleep? Is he dreaming?
I loved this book. I will be reading more of Mr Coppels work.
July 7, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I'm a sucker for a good spooky house book, which is why I picked this one up in the first place. While the storyline isn't necessarily groundbreaking, it is fresh enough to keep you intrigued.
The writing was very cinematic, with detailed visual descriptions that I couldn't help imagining how it would play out on the big screen.
My only complaint is that the book starts off a bit slow, but the pacing improves greatly in the second half.
Also, the book contains descriptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it is set in roughly present day (which I know not everyone loves to read about, so I wanted to include that in my review).
The book also describes childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence, so TW for that content.
Overall a pretty solid haunted house book. If haunted houses are in your wheelhouse, you should give this one a chance!
I'm a sucker for a good spooky house book, which is why I picked this one up in the first place. While the storyline isn't necessarily groundbreaking, it is fresh enough to keep you intrigued.
The writing was very cinematic, with detailed visual descriptions that I couldn't help imagining how it would play out on the big screen.
My only complaint is that the book starts off a bit slow, but the pacing improves greatly in the second half.
Also, the book contains descriptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it is set in roughly present day (which I know not everyone loves to read about, so I wanted to include that in my review).
The book also describes childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence, so TW for that content.
Overall a pretty solid haunted house book. If haunted houses are in your wheelhouse, you should give this one a chance!
August 7, 2022
Lingering by Chris Coppel is a horror suspense thriller with an incredible story. Paul and Christy want to start over in life. Christy wants to be over and done with her abusive dying father. They decide to purchase a home far away from everyone and everything. They lock into the Croft House and ready for a new life. But nothing is as it seems at their dream house, soon they discover there is something in the house. When trying to remove the entity by hiring a local psychic, they unleash something far worse.
The author is brilliant with his work; he creates an atmosphere of suspense, thrill and haunting. I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it. The start is as normal as it gets but as the story progresses what crawls out of the pages is super creepy. This is a perfect dose of horror for people who are avid readers of this genre. This is a must read to experience a story of a perfect mysterious haunting.
The author is brilliant with his work; he creates an atmosphere of suspense, thrill and haunting. I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it. The start is as normal as it gets but as the story progresses what crawls out of the pages is super creepy. This is a perfect dose of horror for people who are avid readers of this genre. This is a must read to experience a story of a perfect mysterious haunting.
May 19, 2022
Lingering by Chris Coppel was a haunted house tale, although the narrative was broken up a bit differently than most haunted tales.
The first part of the book we get Paul’s perspective of the haunting at Croft House. Christy goes home to care for her ailing and horribly abusive father after a stroke. We go back and forth in these two narratives. I enjoyed this a lot as the reader was immersed in the character and I felt tied to both Paul and Christy.
The second part they are back together at Croft house with the entity that haunts it. Because we learned so much about them as individuals, I felt it made them stronger as they came together to deal with the haunting.
I also have the mention Maggie the Labrador. She was a wonderful character all on her own.
Fans of horror, haunted houses and deep characters will really enjoy this book.
The first part of the book we get Paul’s perspective of the haunting at Croft House. Christy goes home to care for her ailing and horribly abusive father after a stroke. We go back and forth in these two narratives. I enjoyed this a lot as the reader was immersed in the character and I felt tied to both Paul and Christy.
The second part they are back together at Croft house with the entity that haunts it. Because we learned so much about them as individuals, I felt it made them stronger as they came together to deal with the haunting.
I also have the mention Maggie the Labrador. She was a wonderful character all on her own.
Fans of horror, haunted houses and deep characters will really enjoy this book.
August 5, 2022
Lingering by Chris Coppel is a thriller starring young couple Paul and Christy, who have finally found their forever home in Croft House. Coppel does well in setting the scene for a horror in the book’s opening—“Tucked away amidst open fields, it could only be accessed via a narrow lane no wider than an average-sized car, lined with four-metre-high, untamed hedgerows” is where they find Croft House, which sounds quaint and quiet and lovely unless you’re reading horror fiction.
I also liked the way Coppel imagines Croft House, as a hodgepodge of architecture spanning four centuries. It’s creative, but also gives the house a much more alive presence than an old, disused ghost house.
Also, as shocking as a cliff-ending is, I enjoyed a resolution, which this book provides in closure and family. Overall, a good horror fix.
I also liked the way Coppel imagines Croft House, as a hodgepodge of architecture spanning four centuries. It’s creative, but also gives the house a much more alive presence than an old, disused ghost house.
Also, as shocking as a cliff-ending is, I enjoyed a resolution, which this book provides in closure and family. Overall, a good horror fix.
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