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Haunted Minds #1
The Ghost of Normandy Road
Three Legends. One True Horror.
An old house stands on Normandy Road, uncared for and uninhabited for years, until one day, believing an urban legend that no-one dares to live there, a young boy decides to cross its threshold.
Yet the house is far from empty - within its walls, a terrible evil has been disturbed.
It will take one brave soul three of the longest nights of his life to unlock its secrets, but will he live to tell the tale?
***
Although told as a work of fiction, this tale really is based on a true story.
Part of the Haunted Minds series of books.
An old house stands on Normandy Road, uncared for and uninhabited for years, until one day, believing an urban legend that no-one dares to live there, a young boy decides to cross its threshold.
Yet the house is far from empty - within its walls, a terrible evil has been disturbed.
It will take one brave soul three of the longest nights of his life to unlock its secrets, but will he live to tell the tale?
***
Although told as a work of fiction, this tale really is based on a true story.
Part of the Haunted Minds series of books.
142 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2015
351 people are currently reading
1476 people want to read
About the author
John Hennessy
34 books234 followersJohn Hennessy is the British author of paranormal fantasy horror for YA, psychological horror and murder mysteries, plus his own unique take on vampire lore. He has also written ghost stories and delved into high epic fantasy with a hint of romance.
BOOKBUB: Follow the author for Featured Deals and New Releases here
BUSINESS INQUIRIES ONLY VIA CONTACTING
JohnHennessyBooks.com
John is an international best selling author. The Ghost of Normandy Road reached Number One for British Horror Fiction in July 2020 on Amazon.com, Children of the Dark Light also topped the charts for the same category in August 2020.
His 2015 YA Horror novel, The Ghost of Normandy Road: Haunted Minds I won the Silver Award for its category at the 2016 Readers Favourite International Book Contest.
His 2018 Non-fiction work, The Mastery of Martial Arts: End Fights in Seconds, had a featured review in the prestigious and highly respected Wing Chun Illustrated magazine (Issue 53 April 2020 edition)
A TALE OF VAMPIRES: SERIES - for anyone new to the author's series, this is the sugested reading order:-
Prequel: Dawn of the New Breed
I: Murderous Little Darlings
Murderous Little Christmas Darlings (2022)
II: The Blood and the Raven (Free to subscribers)
III: Innocent While She Sleeps
IV: Dream the Crow's Black Dream
V: Reunion of the Blood
VI: Our Hearts Go to Their Graves
To get an email, freebies, giveaways and chapter extras whenever the author releases a new title, sign up for the VIP newsletter
at the official website:-
http://www.johnhennessybooks.com/
at the blog https://authorjohnhennessy.wordpress....
Five Star Seal Awarded to The Ghost of Normandy Road by Readers' Favourite
BOOKBUB: Follow the author for Featured Deals and New Releases here
BUSINESS INQUIRIES ONLY VIA CONTACTING
JohnHennessyBooks.com
John is an international best selling author. The Ghost of Normandy Road reached Number One for British Horror Fiction in July 2020 on Amazon.com, Children of the Dark Light also topped the charts for the same category in August 2020.
His 2015 YA Horror novel, The Ghost of Normandy Road: Haunted Minds I won the Silver Award for its category at the 2016 Readers Favourite International Book Contest.
His 2018 Non-fiction work, The Mastery of Martial Arts: End Fights in Seconds, had a featured review in the prestigious and highly respected Wing Chun Illustrated magazine (Issue 53 April 2020 edition)
A TALE OF VAMPIRES: SERIES - for anyone new to the author's series, this is the sugested reading order:-
Prequel: Dawn of the New Breed
I: Murderous Little Darlings
Murderous Little Christmas Darlings (2022)
II: The Blood and the Raven (Free to subscribers)
III: Innocent While She Sleeps
IV: Dream the Crow's Black Dream
V: Reunion of the Blood
VI: Our Hearts Go to Their Graves
To get an email, freebies, giveaways and chapter extras whenever the author releases a new title, sign up for the VIP newsletter
at the official website:-
http://www.johnhennessybooks.com/
at the blog https://authorjohnhennessy.wordpress....
Five Star Seal Awarded to The Ghost of Normandy Road by Readers' Favourite
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 12, 2016
“We could always see more than what the adults believed of us.”
What I thought was an innocent, harmless narrative of a boy about the usual children’s myths and fantasies turned out to be a dark, brusque and macabre tale that surprisingly gave me the chills. What I was expecting after the introductory portion was a middle grade, amusing story resembling something like...
But what I got was an unnervingly impressive story that gave me similar vibes as that of The Amityville Horror House, only more subtle but just as sinister.
*Shivers* (Glad I didn’t read this during the Halloween.)^^
It’s not only the horror that makes this book striking though. It’s also the evocative and graceful writing with stimulating and imaginative descriptions that made the story authentic, fascinating even. The characters are created very well and the narrative was hinted with this restrained but clever humor making the book unputdownable. With its riveting plot, unexpected plot twist (despite my dad spoiling it for me and yes my 69 year old dad reads and has read almost every book in my makeshift bookshelf except for the sappy romance novels^^) and eloquent narrative voice of a ten year old boy, this is a surprisingly good horror story fans of the genre will definitely enjoy…enjoy? Ahem! Good luck with that. Get ready to be scared out of your wits! Buahahahahaha!
Thank you, John Hennessy for sending my big sister, Rachel, a copy of your book. Thank you in advance for when you send her the second book. (Yes, I’m that shameless! Lol!)
July 7, 2016
Before anything else, I would like to thank my dear friend John Hennessy for once again sending me the pdf copy of this book.You just don't know how overwhelmed I am for DEDICATING this magnificent novel to me.It made me feel so SPECIAL..
Anyway,this book freaked me out from first ACT til the last! This is what you call a true horror story because the author gives the reader a clear vision of so many thrilling legends and events.
One of the reasons why the stories are scary is because of the ART that you put in a book's cover. And John's books are stuck with me since the first time I've read his novel because of the gruesome and disturbing imagery of the cover that give his books justice in the stories. Aside from that,this is a fine bit of composition that will be cherished by many people for years to come.
JOHN HENNESSY writes in a style that is both easy to read and has a lasting effect that tells the story in a unique way for readers. His work is appreciated because he did an excellent job once again! A rare book that once you've finished it, it inspires you to give it a special spot on the night table, just in case you want to read it again soon. This is exactly what popular book should be: well told story,smart,gracefully written,exciting,informative and riveting!
A truly enjoyable book for those who love and treasure stories that scare you!
So to you my dear friend,John Hennessy, I'm re-posting this review to honor your special day,today..It isn't much I know,but I'm hoping that it would somehow give you a smile upon reading this..Happy,happy Birthday,JOHN!
Anyway,this book freaked me out from first ACT til the last! This is what you call a true horror story because the author gives the reader a clear vision of so many thrilling legends and events.
One of the reasons why the stories are scary is because of the ART that you put in a book's cover. And John's books are stuck with me since the first time I've read his novel because of the gruesome and disturbing imagery of the cover that give his books justice in the stories. Aside from that,this is a fine bit of composition that will be cherished by many people for years to come.
JOHN HENNESSY writes in a style that is both easy to read and has a lasting effect that tells the story in a unique way for readers. His work is appreciated because he did an excellent job once again! A rare book that once you've finished it, it inspires you to give it a special spot on the night table, just in case you want to read it again soon. This is exactly what popular book should be: well told story,smart,gracefully written,exciting,informative and riveting!
A truly enjoyable book for those who love and treasure stories that scare you!
So to you my dear friend,John Hennessy, I'm re-posting this review to honor your special day,today..It isn't much I know,but I'm hoping that it would somehow give you a smile upon reading this..Happy,happy Birthday,JOHN!
May 26, 2015
“The sweetest smiles hold the darkest secrets...”
----Sara Shepard, an American author
John Hennessy, an English author, pens his ninth book, The Ghost of Normandy which is the first book in the Haunted Minds series and just like the series name, this book completely haunted my mind with it's sweet yet scary myths-turning-into-real story. This book is inspired from real-life incidents, so behold your minds into being dismissive about it. The book is centered around three myths- the Tooth Fairy with Blood Red Wings, the Witch of Hill Top Road and the Ghost of Normandy Road.
Synopsis:
Three Legends. One True Horror.
An old house stands on Normandy Road, uncared for and uninhabited for years, until one day, believing an urban legend that no-one dares to live there, a young boy decides to cross its threshold.
Yet the house is far from empty - within its walls, a terrible evil has been disturbed.
It will take one brave soul three of the longest nights of his life to unlock its secrets, but will he live to tell the tale?
The author foretells three scary and mystifying legends that still haunts the young children living near the Normandy Road. But one 10 year boy braves his fear to fins out the answers behind these legends which are suddenly becoming all so real. The story is featured in three whole nights when the secrets and the mysteries are unraveled by this very young boy. And as the fear seeps into our minds, it becomes very difficult to shake away that feeling from our heart which arrests us all through out the story.
The characters that John chose for this book are extremely innocent by their demeanor and with the progress of the story the innocence from those characters are gradually peeled away. The writing is absolutely lucid and articulate and the plot is layered with dark elements and myths that are surely going to give goosebumps.
Told from a child's mind-set, yet not even for a second, I felt that it is an immature or unrealistic story. From the very first line of the book, I was captivated with John's evocative narrative style. And I bet there are very few authors who can make you feel in this way (like scaring the shit out of me) with their eloquent words and intricate detailing style. The fact is that John is a master story-teller when it comes to capturing fear and setting them on his reader's minds.
I read it within a few hours and once again I would like to thank him for dedicating it to me, I can't express it in words that how honored I feel with his noble gesture. His genuine and free-flowing style of narrating a story has forever left me awestruck and hats off to his imaginative skill, he can easily turn a dull and boring house into something evil with his layers of tiniest of tiny details. Although this story doesn't end with a cliffhanger but with a jaw-dropping and mind-blowing and an unpredictable twist, I'm now dying to follow the next book in the Haunted Minds series.
In a nutshell, if you're a huge crazy fan of horror, then do grab a copy of this book, which will not only leave you scared to death and chilled to your skin, but will definitely leave you with a lingering fear in your mind even after reading the book.
Verdict: Engaging, scary and a complete page-turner.
Courtesy: I can't thank you enough, John, for dedicating this book to me and for providing me with a special preview copy.
----Sara Shepard, an American author
John Hennessy, an English author, pens his ninth book, The Ghost of Normandy which is the first book in the Haunted Minds series and just like the series name, this book completely haunted my mind with it's sweet yet scary myths-turning-into-real story. This book is inspired from real-life incidents, so behold your minds into being dismissive about it. The book is centered around three myths- the Tooth Fairy with Blood Red Wings, the Witch of Hill Top Road and the Ghost of Normandy Road.
Synopsis:
Three Legends. One True Horror.
An old house stands on Normandy Road, uncared for and uninhabited for years, until one day, believing an urban legend that no-one dares to live there, a young boy decides to cross its threshold.
Yet the house is far from empty - within its walls, a terrible evil has been disturbed.
It will take one brave soul three of the longest nights of his life to unlock its secrets, but will he live to tell the tale?
The author foretells three scary and mystifying legends that still haunts the young children living near the Normandy Road. But one 10 year boy braves his fear to fins out the answers behind these legends which are suddenly becoming all so real. The story is featured in three whole nights when the secrets and the mysteries are unraveled by this very young boy. And as the fear seeps into our minds, it becomes very difficult to shake away that feeling from our heart which arrests us all through out the story.
The characters that John chose for this book are extremely innocent by their demeanor and with the progress of the story the innocence from those characters are gradually peeled away. The writing is absolutely lucid and articulate and the plot is layered with dark elements and myths that are surely going to give goosebumps.
Told from a child's mind-set, yet not even for a second, I felt that it is an immature or unrealistic story. From the very first line of the book, I was captivated with John's evocative narrative style. And I bet there are very few authors who can make you feel in this way (like scaring the shit out of me) with their eloquent words and intricate detailing style. The fact is that John is a master story-teller when it comes to capturing fear and setting them on his reader's minds.
I read it within a few hours and once again I would like to thank him for dedicating it to me, I can't express it in words that how honored I feel with his noble gesture. His genuine and free-flowing style of narrating a story has forever left me awestruck and hats off to his imaginative skill, he can easily turn a dull and boring house into something evil with his layers of tiniest of tiny details. Although this story doesn't end with a cliffhanger but with a jaw-dropping and mind-blowing and an unpredictable twist, I'm now dying to follow the next book in the Haunted Minds series.
In a nutshell, if you're a huge crazy fan of horror, then do grab a copy of this book, which will not only leave you scared to death and chilled to your skin, but will definitely leave you with a lingering fear in your mind even after reading the book.
Verdict: Engaging, scary and a complete page-turner.
Courtesy: I can't thank you enough, John, for dedicating this book to me and for providing me with a special preview copy.
December 23, 2016
This is absolutely without a doubt the best book by John Hennessy I have read to date. I picked it up, started reading and did not come back to reality until the end of the book. All read in one sitting.
It truly transported me to another place. I was in the pages, with the characters, right there, part of it all. I adore a good ghost story and this one was a great ghost story with a twist.
What fascinates me is that in the blurb it says this book is based on a true story. John, tell me more!
An old house stands on Normandy Road, uncared for and uninhabited for years, until one day, believing an urban legend that no-one dares to live there, a young boy decides to cross its threshold.
Yet the house is far from empty - within its walls, a terrible evil has been disturbed.
It will take one brave soul three of the longest nights of his life to unlock its secrets, but will he live to tell the tale?
The book is written from a young boy's perspective as he braves the nightmare that is school, braves the nightmare of being young and not having your mum understand you, but most of all he braves the house on Normandy Road. The house with the ghost. The house nobody will enter in case they never come out. The house all the kids won't walk near. The house that has eerie figures staring from the window.
The house. The house. The house.
Local legend and rumours abound about not only the scary house on Normandy Road but other creepy things from the dark side that exist near the school and house of this endearing young boy that all the children believe in. He believes. He didn't plan on it. He tried not to. But he HAS to believe. He has seen too much. What evil has been unleashed?
The book has a lovely sweet childhood romance in it with boy and girl (I am deliberately not sharing names), he is madly in love, it's his first love, I mean she gave him her hair clip to keep! This is special stuff when you are young. Stolen kisses are taken. Then they venture to the house on Normandy Road together.....I say no more.
The characters are engaging and tangible, endearing. Then there are those boys, those terrible awful bullies that you always have in school who are not endearing at all, they are nasty and mean and cruel and they taunt and tease and terrorise. What happens to them is nothing less than beautiful fiction. Every bully should read this book. Learn a lesson.
Whilst not the type of ghost story that is totally terrifying or made me scared in the dark, it slowly weaved around me like some type of weird smoke from a smoke machine, designed to make my reading my book look kind of creepy. Huh? That's a bit much, but you get my point right? I was just drawn in. I loved the creepy parts as much as I loved those that were not. The story is told...and in it's telling I was lost.
I was waiting for a certain type of ending, had it pictured in my mind but John Hennessy was having none of that. Nope. He has his own ideas and so did the book. The ending simply made me gasp. I gasped. And then the satisfaction of a story having a brilliant ending sunk in. I was a satisfied and happy reader.
Right, enough raving about this clever story, and it is very much a story, I felt like it could have been told around a campfire, in the dark with all of us listening in, tense and alert. So if you like a good story, if you like a good ghost story and if you like to be taken on an escapist journey, then you must, must read this one.
Five paw prints from Booklover Catlady for this one. Just delectable! I cannot wait for the second book in this series, if it's anything like the first or better I will be a very happy reader and reviewer. John is a writer who is growing in skill with each book he delivers and they are just getting better and better.
For more of my reviews, book chat, author discovery and more see me at:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
Thanks to the author for a copy of this wonderful book to read and review, I would of happily have paid full price for this one.
It truly transported me to another place. I was in the pages, with the characters, right there, part of it all. I adore a good ghost story and this one was a great ghost story with a twist.
What fascinates me is that in the blurb it says this book is based on a true story. John, tell me more!
An old house stands on Normandy Road, uncared for and uninhabited for years, until one day, believing an urban legend that no-one dares to live there, a young boy decides to cross its threshold.
Yet the house is far from empty - within its walls, a terrible evil has been disturbed.
It will take one brave soul three of the longest nights of his life to unlock its secrets, but will he live to tell the tale?
The book is written from a young boy's perspective as he braves the nightmare that is school, braves the nightmare of being young and not having your mum understand you, but most of all he braves the house on Normandy Road. The house with the ghost. The house nobody will enter in case they never come out. The house all the kids won't walk near. The house that has eerie figures staring from the window.
The house. The house. The house.
Local legend and rumours abound about not only the scary house on Normandy Road but other creepy things from the dark side that exist near the school and house of this endearing young boy that all the children believe in. He believes. He didn't plan on it. He tried not to. But he HAS to believe. He has seen too much. What evil has been unleashed?
The book has a lovely sweet childhood romance in it with boy and girl (I am deliberately not sharing names), he is madly in love, it's his first love, I mean she gave him her hair clip to keep! This is special stuff when you are young. Stolen kisses are taken. Then they venture to the house on Normandy Road together.....I say no more.
The characters are engaging and tangible, endearing. Then there are those boys, those terrible awful bullies that you always have in school who are not endearing at all, they are nasty and mean and cruel and they taunt and tease and terrorise. What happens to them is nothing less than beautiful fiction. Every bully should read this book. Learn a lesson.
Whilst not the type of ghost story that is totally terrifying or made me scared in the dark, it slowly weaved around me like some type of weird smoke from a smoke machine, designed to make my reading my book look kind of creepy. Huh? That's a bit much, but you get my point right? I was just drawn in. I loved the creepy parts as much as I loved those that were not. The story is told...and in it's telling I was lost.
I was waiting for a certain type of ending, had it pictured in my mind but John Hennessy was having none of that. Nope. He has his own ideas and so did the book. The ending simply made me gasp. I gasped. And then the satisfaction of a story having a brilliant ending sunk in. I was a satisfied and happy reader.
Right, enough raving about this clever story, and it is very much a story, I felt like it could have been told around a campfire, in the dark with all of us listening in, tense and alert. So if you like a good story, if you like a good ghost story and if you like to be taken on an escapist journey, then you must, must read this one.
Five paw prints from Booklover Catlady for this one. Just delectable! I cannot wait for the second book in this series, if it's anything like the first or better I will be a very happy reader and reviewer. John is a writer who is growing in skill with each book he delivers and they are just getting better and better.
For more of my reviews, book chat, author discovery and more see me at:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
Thanks to the author for a copy of this wonderful book to read and review, I would of happily have paid full price for this one.
September 1, 2015
This is absolutely without a doubt the best book by John Hennessy I have read to date. I picked it up, started reading and did not come back to reality until the end of the book. All read in one sitting.
It truly transported me to another place. I was in the pages, with the characters, right there, part of it all. I adore a good ghost story and this one was a great ghost story with a twist.
What fascinates me is that in the blurb it says this book is based on a true story. John, tell me more!
An old house stands on Normandy Road, uncared for and uninhabited for years, until one day, believing an urban legend that no-one dares to live there, a young boy decides to cross its threshold.
Yet the house is far from empty - within its walls, a terrible evil has been disturbed.
It will take one brave soul three of the longest nights of his life to unlock its secrets, but will he live to tell the tale?
The book is written from a young boy's perspective as he braves the nightmare that is school, braves the nightmare of being young and not having your mum understand you, but most of all he braves the house on Normandy Road. The house with the ghost. The house nobody will enter in case they never come out. The house all the kids won't walk near. The house that has eerie figures staring from the window.
The house. The house. The house.
Local legend and rumours abound about not only the scary house on Normandy Road but other creepy things from the dark side that exist near the school and house of this endearing young boy that all the children believe in. He believes. He didn't plan on it. He tried not to. But he HAS to believe. He has seen too much. What evil has been unleashed?
The book has a lovely sweet childhood romance in it with boy and girl (I am deliberately not sharing names), he is madly in love, it's his first love, I mean she gave him her hair clip to keep! This is special stuff when you are young. Stolen kisses are taken. Then they venture to the house on Normandy Road together.....I say no more.
The characters are engaging and tangible, endearing. Then there are those boys, those terrible awful bullies that you always have in school who are not endearing at all, they are nasty and mean and cruel and they taunt and tease and terrorise. What happens to them is nothing less than beautiful fiction. Every bully should read this book. Learn a lesson.
Whilst not the type of ghost story that is totally terrifying or made me scared in the dark, it slowly weaved around me like some type of weird smoke from a smoke machine, designed to make my reading my book look kind of creepy. Huh? That's a bit much, but you get my point right? I was just drawn in. I loved the creepy parts as much as I loved those that were not. The story is told...and in it's telling I was lost.
I was waiting for a certain type of ending, had it pictured in my mind but John Hennessy was having none of that. Nope. He has his own ideas and so did the book. The ending simply made me gasp. I gasped. And then the satisfaction of a story having a brilliant ending sunk in. I was a satisfied and happy reader.
Right, enough raving about this clever story, and it is very much a story, I felt like it could have been told around a campfire, in the dark with all of us listening in, tense and alert. So if you like a good story, if you like a good ghost story and if you like to be taken on an escapist journey, then you must, must read this one.
Five paw prints from Booklover Catlady for this one. Just delectable! I cannot wait for the second book in this series, if it's anything like the first or better I will be a very happy reader and reviewer. John is a writer who is growing in skill with each book he delivers and they are just getting better and better.
For more of my reviews, book chat, author discovery and more see me at:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Thanks to the author for a copy of this wonderful book to read and review, I would of happily have paid full price for this one.
It truly transported me to another place. I was in the pages, with the characters, right there, part of it all. I adore a good ghost story and this one was a great ghost story with a twist.
What fascinates me is that in the blurb it says this book is based on a true story. John, tell me more!
An old house stands on Normandy Road, uncared for and uninhabited for years, until one day, believing an urban legend that no-one dares to live there, a young boy decides to cross its threshold.
Yet the house is far from empty - within its walls, a terrible evil has been disturbed.
It will take one brave soul three of the longest nights of his life to unlock its secrets, but will he live to tell the tale?
The book is written from a young boy's perspective as he braves the nightmare that is school, braves the nightmare of being young and not having your mum understand you, but most of all he braves the house on Normandy Road. The house with the ghost. The house nobody will enter in case they never come out. The house all the kids won't walk near. The house that has eerie figures staring from the window.
The house. The house. The house.
Local legend and rumours abound about not only the scary house on Normandy Road but other creepy things from the dark side that exist near the school and house of this endearing young boy that all the children believe in. He believes. He didn't plan on it. He tried not to. But he HAS to believe. He has seen too much. What evil has been unleashed?
The book has a lovely sweet childhood romance in it with boy and girl (I am deliberately not sharing names), he is madly in love, it's his first love, I mean she gave him her hair clip to keep! This is special stuff when you are young. Stolen kisses are taken. Then they venture to the house on Normandy Road together.....I say no more.
The characters are engaging and tangible, endearing. Then there are those boys, those terrible awful bullies that you always have in school who are not endearing at all, they are nasty and mean and cruel and they taunt and tease and terrorise. What happens to them is nothing less than beautiful fiction. Every bully should read this book. Learn a lesson.
Whilst not the type of ghost story that is totally terrifying or made me scared in the dark, it slowly weaved around me like some type of weird smoke from a smoke machine, designed to make my reading my book look kind of creepy. Huh? That's a bit much, but you get my point right? I was just drawn in. I loved the creepy parts as much as I loved those that were not. The story is told...and in it's telling I was lost.
I was waiting for a certain type of ending, had it pictured in my mind but John Hennessy was having none of that. Nope. He has his own ideas and so did the book. The ending simply made me gasp. I gasped. And then the satisfaction of a story having a brilliant ending sunk in. I was a satisfied and happy reader.
Right, enough raving about this clever story, and it is very much a story, I felt like it could have been told around a campfire, in the dark with all of us listening in, tense and alert. So if you like a good story, if you like a good ghost story and if you like to be taken on an escapist journey, then you must, must read this one.
Five paw prints from Booklover Catlady for this one. Just delectable! I cannot wait for the second book in this series, if it's anything like the first or better I will be a very happy reader and reviewer. John is a writer who is growing in skill with each book he delivers and they are just getting better and better.
For more of my reviews, book chat, author discovery and more see me at:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Thanks to the author for a copy of this wonderful book to read and review, I would of happily have paid full price for this one.
June 23, 2022
Wonderful fodder for the "Ghost Story Junkie". This is the first book I have read by this author, but I was very impressed with his style of telling the tale. He writes about the paranormal with a style that I have never encountered before. You will BE with Danny in that haunted mansion, becoming an "observer" of the events that occurred in the house. The reader can do nothing less than enjoy this ride. The journey is made even more intriguing after learning what Danny recalls as a ten-year-old boy. Of course, everything is magnified and becomes more exciting to his young and impressionable mind, but it doesn't mean that it didn't happen, exactly the way he recalls it. I found it was difficult, if not entirely impossible, to stop reading. There are so many twists in this 162 page story, and just when you think you know the answer...you can start thinking all over again. The ending is truly explosive and unexpected. It's tagged as YA but "ghost story junkies" everywhere, of any age will find it irresistible.
August 11, 2015
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
This was a quick read and a good creepy story.
The main characters of the story are Danny and Rebecca, they are little kids in school. I think all of us at some time in our childhood had scary stories we told with friends, or heard of scary things happening to people. The kids in this school are no different. They tell stories of the scary house on Normandy Road that has a ghost, The Witch of Hill Top Green that hangs out in the woods, and The Tooth Fairy with Blood-Read Wings!
Some really weird stuff happen to Danny, Rebecca and some of the kids in their class. Some of the kids start going missing. Danny's parents seem mostly oblivious to most things that are going on in his life.
I had no idea where this story was going to go, but I was so surprised at the ending! I won't give out any spoilers, but let me tell you it was such a cool, scary, messed up ending and I loved it. I certainly didn't see that one coming.
I think this is a nice little book for those of you that like horror books at any age.
This was a quick read and a good creepy story.
The main characters of the story are Danny and Rebecca, they are little kids in school. I think all of us at some time in our childhood had scary stories we told with friends, or heard of scary things happening to people. The kids in this school are no different. They tell stories of the scary house on Normandy Road that has a ghost, The Witch of Hill Top Green that hangs out in the woods, and The Tooth Fairy with Blood-Read Wings!
Some really weird stuff happen to Danny, Rebecca and some of the kids in their class. Some of the kids start going missing. Danny's parents seem mostly oblivious to most things that are going on in his life.
I had no idea where this story was going to go, but I was so surprised at the ending! I won't give out any spoilers, but let me tell you it was such a cool, scary, messed up ending and I loved it. I certainly didn't see that one coming.
I think this is a nice little book for those of you that like horror books at any age.
December 12, 2015
This novella focusses on a ten year old boy and his school friends. The young love within this story is adorable. Time at school isn’t always happy though, as there are some nasty bullies (yes, I remember those too). There are also some creepy things taking place, such as The Witch of Hill Top Green, The Tooth Fairy with Blood-Red Wings, and the Ghost of Normandy Road. But how much of it is real, or just legend to scare the children?
The sense of creepiness within this story reminded me of a childhood memory. I was only a few years old, and was messing about in bed rather than sleeping, so my dad pretended to be Wee Willie Winkie, and used a long stick to knock on my upstairs bedroom window. My parents had told me about Wee Willie Winkie and used it to make sure I went to bed on time, so I was absolutely terrified by the knock on my window. I remember screaming, then crying my eyes out while sat in my bed. I can still picture my mum and dad appearing in the doorway of my bedroom to see what was going on. My dad didn’t admit to pretending to be Wee Willie Winkie for years. Needless to say, I didn’t mess around in bed after that night.
On a more positive note, I did have a much nicer tooth fairy than the one in this book. When I had 6 teeth taken out at the dentist when I was just 9 years old, I placed them under my pillow, but the following morning, I discovered a postage stamp sized letter from Fiona, the tooth fairy, explaining she was unable to carry all 6 teeth and would be back for the remaining 2 teeth the following night. I read that tiny letter for years after that, and feel a little sad that I lost it at some point.
I love a book that triggers childhood memories, especially the magical ones. This story certainly did that. There is an innocence running through this novel, but at the same time a somewhat harrowing undertone, which I think gave this story a great balance.
Overall, a very well written story with interesting characters. I found it very hard to put down, reading it until almost 3am, and dying to finish it later that day, once I had got some sleep and done my work.
As an adult I really enjoyed this novella. As a teenager I would have loved it. I loved the ending. I never saw that coming, and briefly sat stunned at what I had just read.
Although I didn’t find this scary, there are some descriptions that are graphic or violent enough for me to not necessarily recommend this to young readers. Great book for fans of young adult horror and dark fairy tales. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more in the Haunted Minds series.
The sense of creepiness within this story reminded me of a childhood memory. I was only a few years old, and was messing about in bed rather than sleeping, so my dad pretended to be Wee Willie Winkie, and used a long stick to knock on my upstairs bedroom window. My parents had told me about Wee Willie Winkie and used it to make sure I went to bed on time, so I was absolutely terrified by the knock on my window. I remember screaming, then crying my eyes out while sat in my bed. I can still picture my mum and dad appearing in the doorway of my bedroom to see what was going on. My dad didn’t admit to pretending to be Wee Willie Winkie for years. Needless to say, I didn’t mess around in bed after that night.
On a more positive note, I did have a much nicer tooth fairy than the one in this book. When I had 6 teeth taken out at the dentist when I was just 9 years old, I placed them under my pillow, but the following morning, I discovered a postage stamp sized letter from Fiona, the tooth fairy, explaining she was unable to carry all 6 teeth and would be back for the remaining 2 teeth the following night. I read that tiny letter for years after that, and feel a little sad that I lost it at some point.
I love a book that triggers childhood memories, especially the magical ones. This story certainly did that. There is an innocence running through this novel, but at the same time a somewhat harrowing undertone, which I think gave this story a great balance.
Overall, a very well written story with interesting characters. I found it very hard to put down, reading it until almost 3am, and dying to finish it later that day, once I had got some sleep and done my work.
As an adult I really enjoyed this novella. As a teenager I would have loved it. I loved the ending. I never saw that coming, and briefly sat stunned at what I had just read.
Although I didn’t find this scary, there are some descriptions that are graphic or violent enough for me to not necessarily recommend this to young readers. Great book for fans of young adult horror and dark fairy tales. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more in the Haunted Minds series.
September 16, 2015
THE GHOST OF NORMANDY ROAD is the first volume in the Haunted Minds series by John Hennessey. This psychological, supernatural tale takes three local legends--The Witch of Hill Top Road, The Tooth Fairy With the Red Wings, and The Ghost of Normandy Road--and expertly weaves them all together into one complex storyline.
Each of these individual legends have been the source of spooky tales and fear-fueled nights for as long as anyone can remember. However, for ten year old Danny, each is about to become startlingly real. When a series of events leads him to enter the reputed haunted house on Normandy Road three nights in a row, the basis behind these tales begin to take focus and bring him a new clarity--one that perhaps he would have been happier without.
I'll admit that at first I was a bit confused as to what was really happening in the story, but soon realized that this was a tactic to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The subtle logic of it all hit me towards the end, and I give the author credit for creating such a frightful, mesmerizing tale.
Told from the point of view of Danny, the information and situations are all perceived through the ten year old's thoughts and emotions. I felt that this intensified the uncertainty and terror that an adult would try to quickly rationalize over. Overall, a very clever tale with twists and turns throughout. The truth behind the legends will haunt you long after you've finished reading.
Recommended!
*I received an e-copy of this book from the publicist in exchange for an honest review.*
Each of these individual legends have been the source of spooky tales and fear-fueled nights for as long as anyone can remember. However, for ten year old Danny, each is about to become startlingly real. When a series of events leads him to enter the reputed haunted house on Normandy Road three nights in a row, the basis behind these tales begin to take focus and bring him a new clarity--one that perhaps he would have been happier without.
I'll admit that at first I was a bit confused as to what was really happening in the story, but soon realized that this was a tactic to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The subtle logic of it all hit me towards the end, and I give the author credit for creating such a frightful, mesmerizing tale.
Told from the point of view of Danny, the information and situations are all perceived through the ten year old's thoughts and emotions. I felt that this intensified the uncertainty and terror that an adult would try to quickly rationalize over. Overall, a very clever tale with twists and turns throughout. The truth behind the legends will haunt you long after you've finished reading.
Recommended!
*I received an e-copy of this book from the publicist in exchange for an honest review.*
February 18, 2016
This is the first book in the Haunted Mind Series. Hennessy, weaves three local legends, The Witch of Hilltop Road, The Tooth Fairy, with Blood Red Wings and The Ghost of Normandy Road, into a haunting tale of the unknown. Danny, doesn't believe in the legends but some locals say they are true. Danny meets a girl at his school name Rebbecca. He falls in love with her and things are going fine. One day Rebbecca tells Danny, that her family is moving to Normandy Road. There is an old house on Normandy Road, that has been abandon for many years. No one dares to go into the old house, because some of the local's say that it is haunted. Rebbecca, ends up disappearing and Danny can't find her. Danny is dared to enter the old house by one of his classmates . Once Danny has entered the house, his life will never be the same and everything is turned upside down. The ending caught be by surprise and I never saw it coming. This was an excellent introduction, to the writings of John Hennessy. I highly recommend this book!
February 1, 2016
This is a review by Readers' Favorite, with the link to it below (they are not allowed to post reviews on Amazon and GR it seems, so here it is)
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen (Teen Reviewer) for Readers' Favorite
'The Ghost of Normandy Road: Haunted Minds Series Book One is a thrilling tale about a boy named Danny who lives in a town with three local legends. The first legend is the Witch of Hill Top Green, which Danny doesn’t believe and thinks it was designed to make kids run faster. The second legend is the Tooth Fairy with Blood Red Wings, which Danny doesn’t believe until it attacks him. The third and final legend is the Ghost of Normandy Road. Danny is unsure whether to believe it or not, but he thinks there is something unusual about 110 Normandy Road. Follow Danny as he falls in love with a girl named Rebecca, but then she vanishes. Other strange disappearances happen that lead others to suspect Danny. Discover the truth about the ghost of Normandy Road.
The Ghost of Normandy Road is a thrilling, must-read book that is action-packed and will leave you on the edge of your seat. Author John Hennessy describes the events so well that I felt as though I was there alongside Danny. I found the characters relatable and the scenery spectacular. Author John Hennessy leaves us spellbound and in awe. The Ghost of Normandy Road should be an award-winning novel because it is well written and riveting. I highly recommend it for adults, as well as young adults. It is the perfect book for anyone who likes scary stories. It has the kind of cliff-hanger ending that will make you want to read the next book.'
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen (Teen Reviewer) for Readers' Favorite
'The Ghost of Normandy Road: Haunted Minds Series Book One is a thrilling tale about a boy named Danny who lives in a town with three local legends. The first legend is the Witch of Hill Top Green, which Danny doesn’t believe and thinks it was designed to make kids run faster. The second legend is the Tooth Fairy with Blood Red Wings, which Danny doesn’t believe until it attacks him. The third and final legend is the Ghost of Normandy Road. Danny is unsure whether to believe it or not, but he thinks there is something unusual about 110 Normandy Road. Follow Danny as he falls in love with a girl named Rebecca, but then she vanishes. Other strange disappearances happen that lead others to suspect Danny. Discover the truth about the ghost of Normandy Road.
The Ghost of Normandy Road is a thrilling, must-read book that is action-packed and will leave you on the edge of your seat. Author John Hennessy describes the events so well that I felt as though I was there alongside Danny. I found the characters relatable and the scenery spectacular. Author John Hennessy leaves us spellbound and in awe. The Ghost of Normandy Road should be an award-winning novel because it is well written and riveting. I highly recommend it for adults, as well as young adults. It is the perfect book for anyone who likes scary stories. It has the kind of cliff-hanger ending that will make you want to read the next book.'
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
September 30, 2015
A YA novel by John Hennessy.
I started to read John's work to see what the difference was between YA & A Horror. I read his first book and this one of his latest works. The author has a real ability to get into the mind of a 11 year old and bring the reader along for the ride. I must say that I saw a marked difference in the quality of the writing. Both were great reads but The Ghost of Normandy Road has a mature style that left the reader caught in a case of cat & mouse moves. If I was 11 to 13 years of age ... I would be frightened to death. Perhaps John should be called the YA King of Horror.
I don't think I will ever look at one of my grandkids toothless grins the same way after John's version of the Tooth Fairy - gross!
The ending was also a delightful surprise :o)
Well done.
I started to read John's work to see what the difference was between YA & A Horror. I read his first book and this one of his latest works. The author has a real ability to get into the mind of a 11 year old and bring the reader along for the ride. I must say that I saw a marked difference in the quality of the writing. Both were great reads but The Ghost of Normandy Road has a mature style that left the reader caught in a case of cat & mouse moves. If I was 11 to 13 years of age ... I would be frightened to death. Perhaps John should be called the YA King of Horror.
I don't think I will ever look at one of my grandkids toothless grins the same way after John's version of the Tooth Fairy - gross!
The ending was also a delightful surprise :o)
Well done.
September 27, 2015
I received this book from the author for an honest review
It was so good, it had me shaking a lot between the lore and damn it got to my heart with the last phrase, I didn't knew till the end what really happened and it so wonderful how it will make you think that everything is normal and good and then bam nothing of what you think true was it.
This one will chill you and have you wondering in the mystery of Normandy Road and it's Red brick house.
I will say that this one it's a must on horror lovers shelves, it will play with your mind so much that the ending will get to you very nicely.
more reviews: www.bookwormiespot.com
It was so good, it had me shaking a lot between the lore and damn it got to my heart with the last phrase, I didn't knew till the end what really happened and it so wonderful how it will make you think that everything is normal and good and then bam nothing of what you think true was it.
This one will chill you and have you wondering in the mystery of Normandy Road and it's Red brick house.
I will say that this one it's a must on horror lovers shelves, it will play with your mind so much that the ending will get to you very nicely.
more reviews: www.bookwormiespot.com
September 16, 2015
When i first started reading this book I wasn't sure about it at first but I soon changed my mind.
It was a short story but a good one.
It has a Haunted House
A blood Red Winged Tooth Fairy.
And a witch what more could you want.
The story revolves around a 10 year old boy and his girlfriend Rebecca who go to the haunted house but then Rebecca goes missing so he goes back to try and find out what is going on.
Can not wait for the sequel I want to know where the story will go next.
Thanks to the Author and Booklover Catlady for a chance to review this book.
It was a short story but a good one.
It has a Haunted House
A blood Red Winged Tooth Fairy.
And a witch what more could you want.
The story revolves around a 10 year old boy and his girlfriend Rebecca who go to the haunted house but then Rebecca goes missing so he goes back to try and find out what is going on.
Can not wait for the sequel I want to know where the story will go next.
Thanks to the Author and Booklover Catlady for a chance to review this book.
June 29, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A kid lives in a neighborhood haunted by three very real...if not ghosts, then SOMETHINGs. It seems only children can see them. It's very British. There's some real scares here, and the usual sorts of stupid decisions.
Pretty decent read on a dark and stormy night.
A kid lives in a neighborhood haunted by three very real...if not ghosts, then SOMETHINGs. It seems only children can see them. It's very British. There's some real scares here, and the usual sorts of stupid decisions.
Pretty decent read on a dark and stormy night.
May 27, 2015
A good book to instill the fear of ghost in you
Again thank you is a very light word to be used here because the gratitude i feel towards the author is much more than what can be contained in that little word. John is not only a fantastic writer but an amazing person with a heart of gold. There has no one who has encouraged and appreciated my reviews as much as he has ...so i think i am going to hunt for a new powerful synonym for the word thank you in the future to express my gratitude...but for now... THANK YOU SO MUCH for providing me the copy of the book and trusting my blabbering which i like to call review ;)
So here we go ....
Over the time John has become one of those authors whose work has floored me to the extent that i would gladly read his shopping list as if it was divine and classic like the bible or Shakespearean Romeo and Juliet but .... having being experienced with his works, i am afraid that even his shopping list will be spooky, making me hide in the cupboard for days.
He has single-handedly managed to scare the good life out of me with his works that even my teachers and parents could not achieve till date... so yeah i fear even a grocery list written by John can give me a heart attack because he has gone on to become that good with this genre.
One of the best things i like in his works is the ends. Every single book from his work house has done a 360 on me at the very end. The book comes with a ending that you would not even have dreamed. He freaks me out every single time.
As i keep saying in the reviews of John's book, he keeps reinventing himself with the narration technique and language and this time too language is smooth and flowing but its the narration that has scored with me with this book. I had never seen such a humorous side in his narration before as much as i got to see in this book. John has introduced light humour in form of a child innocence and view point. The humour lightens the horror air a bit and adds a bit of color too.
But But But....
i know John must be dialing the grim reaper now ...but i have to say
There is a flickering narration in the first half or what i call a zig zag narration.The narration starts with the present goes into a flashback and then again into another flashback and then coming back to the present . This is very vivid in the first phase of the book but gradually smooths itself and put together an effective narration.. So hang on a bit in the beginning and let it all settle down to open up a fantastic horror tale.
I think it is clear by now that i am partial to the author... yes i am and i am not even going to deny it ;)
but the truth is that John can spook you good with his stories...
(i am never sending my kids to him for a bedtime stories... oh no never )
if you love horror then pick up a John Hennessy book. He is defining this genre for me lately with his works. You can trust the author to play tricks on you and that is why my advise to you is to stick to the very end and then you will see how the author makes you go mad. Its a short yet powerful narration with a beautiful language and light humour for added touch... Have fun with the nightmares you are bound to get after reading it
John.... DUDE YOU ROCK !!! ;) (Had i been filthy rich, i would have made a statue for you, but since i am not , lets settle for this review ;) )
Again thank you is a very light word to be used here because the gratitude i feel towards the author is much more than what can be contained in that little word. John is not only a fantastic writer but an amazing person with a heart of gold. There has no one who has encouraged and appreciated my reviews as much as he has ...so i think i am going to hunt for a new powerful synonym for the word thank you in the future to express my gratitude...but for now... THANK YOU SO MUCH for providing me the copy of the book and trusting my blabbering which i like to call review ;)
So here we go ....
Over the time John has become one of those authors whose work has floored me to the extent that i would gladly read his shopping list as if it was divine and classic like the bible or Shakespearean Romeo and Juliet but .... having being experienced with his works, i am afraid that even his shopping list will be spooky, making me hide in the cupboard for days.
He has single-handedly managed to scare the good life out of me with his works that even my teachers and parents could not achieve till date... so yeah i fear even a grocery list written by John can give me a heart attack because he has gone on to become that good with this genre.
One of the best things i like in his works is the ends. Every single book from his work house has done a 360 on me at the very end. The book comes with a ending that you would not even have dreamed. He freaks me out every single time.
As i keep saying in the reviews of John's book, he keeps reinventing himself with the narration technique and language and this time too language is smooth and flowing but its the narration that has scored with me with this book. I had never seen such a humorous side in his narration before as much as i got to see in this book. John has introduced light humour in form of a child innocence and view point. The humour lightens the horror air a bit and adds a bit of color too.
But But But....
i know John must be dialing the grim reaper now ...but i have to say
There is a flickering narration in the first half or what i call a zig zag narration.The narration starts with the present goes into a flashback and then again into another flashback and then coming back to the present . This is very vivid in the first phase of the book but gradually smooths itself and put together an effective narration.. So hang on a bit in the beginning and let it all settle down to open up a fantastic horror tale.
I think it is clear by now that i am partial to the author... yes i am and i am not even going to deny it ;)
but the truth is that John can spook you good with his stories...
(i am never sending my kids to him for a bedtime stories... oh no never )
if you love horror then pick up a John Hennessy book. He is defining this genre for me lately with his works. You can trust the author to play tricks on you and that is why my advise to you is to stick to the very end and then you will see how the author makes you go mad. Its a short yet powerful narration with a beautiful language and light humour for added touch... Have fun with the nightmares you are bound to get after reading it
John.... DUDE YOU ROCK !!! ;) (Had i been filthy rich, i would have made a statue for you, but since i am not , lets settle for this review ;) )
April 23, 2018
The Ghost of Normandy Road by John Hennessy is the first in his Haunted Minds series. The book is written in first-person and is told from the perspective of a ten-year-old boy. This is a ghost story and is well deserving of the horror genre label. It may be about a ten-year-old but it is far from a children's book.
Prepare to be completely creeped out. I am not kidding. This story is told in such a normal voice that the paranormal aspects seem just another completely believable part of the story. Read this one at night, I dare you.
I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed it.
Prepare to be completely creeped out. I am not kidding. This story is told in such a normal voice that the paranormal aspects seem just another completely believable part of the story. Read this one at night, I dare you.
I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed it.
July 13, 2022
Surprisingly good!
I say , surprisingly good, because this book was aimed at "young adults" and it's a very long time since I was in that category. When I saw the YA tag I was prepared to give up there and then but, the story was very well written and I just kept going. The story, supposedly based on some sort of truth, was a fictionalized account of a horror as seen through the eyes of a 10 year old child. Very clever and rather enjoyable.
I say , surprisingly good, because this book was aimed at "young adults" and it's a very long time since I was in that category. When I saw the YA tag I was prepared to give up there and then but, the story was very well written and I just kept going. The story, supposedly based on some sort of truth, was a fictionalized account of a horror as seen through the eyes of a 10 year old child. Very clever and rather enjoyable.
October 21, 2024
It simply didn't resonate with me. Despite its high ratings and popularity, it failed to capture my interest. Perhaps I'll reconsider it in the future if the opportunity arises. However, the inability to connect with any of the characters was a significant drawback for me, even though I persisted well beyond the usual stopping point.
September 4, 2015
I received a free copy from the author and his publicist in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, John Hennessy!
This is a short read, almost a novella, but it still had time to make my skin crawl. From the little girls in The Shining to Damien in the Omen, kids can be very creepy and all the things that Danny sees are the stuff of nightmares. The fact that it is based on a true story makes everything even scarier. Danny is only a 10-year-old boy, but he is madly in love with Rebecca and will do anything for her. When he gets accosted by bullies, ghosts and the most terrifying version of the tooth fairy that you will ever know, he fights back just to make Rebecca safe. But are the things he sees real or is it all in his head? You'll have to read it to find out. I loved the parts where Danny goes into the house on Normandy Road which everybody says is haunted. It is so beautiful in a weird way. And the paintings… those paintings sound fascinating and beyond scary. Then there is a twist that I didn’t see coming, and it gets you thinking about the novel again in a different light. This is a ghost that will haunt you.
This is a short read, almost a novella, but it still had time to make my skin crawl. From the little girls in The Shining to Damien in the Omen, kids can be very creepy and all the things that Danny sees are the stuff of nightmares. The fact that it is based on a true story makes everything even scarier. Danny is only a 10-year-old boy, but he is madly in love with Rebecca and will do anything for her. When he gets accosted by bullies, ghosts and the most terrifying version of the tooth fairy that you will ever know, he fights back just to make Rebecca safe. But are the things he sees real or is it all in his head? You'll have to read it to find out. I loved the parts where Danny goes into the house on Normandy Road which everybody says is haunted. It is so beautiful in a weird way. And the paintings… those paintings sound fascinating and beyond scary. Then there is a twist that I didn’t see coming, and it gets you thinking about the novel again in a different light. This is a ghost that will haunt you.
March 3, 2017
Although there is a YA tag associated with this book I'm an old adult and I enjoyed it. John Hennessey writes the paranormal with a style all of his own. He is both clever and inventive. I love this type of book and as such I tend to be very critical when it doesn't work. In this instance there is little for me to gripe about My only problem if you could call it that is that I generally dislike most first person perspectives and at times the I's got to me a little. But that is a very picky and personal preference. The pacing in a story like this is all important and that I think is where this author excels. I was kept gripped in a space that could easily have lost me in the hands of a less talented writer. Delicate when it needed to be, a little rougher at times but not too much for the YA audience I believe. This is one of those books you will start to read and just keep reading straight through to the end. I know that's what I did. Totally enjoyable read for me 5 stars
May 29, 2015
A tale of three
When I was a child I was afraid like most children of ghost stories, the creaking of the floorboards at night, strange looking shadows.
When reading this collaboration of tales the author took me right back into my youth through the eyes of a ten year old boy.
As I read the stories it reignited the old folklore tales that frightened me so much. John Is very good at spooking you by bringing you right into the world of the unknown and sparking the fears in your mind.
I recommend you read these tales at night, make sure you have a light on and whatever you do, don't read them alone.
When I was a child I was afraid like most children of ghost stories, the creaking of the floorboards at night, strange looking shadows.
When reading this collaboration of tales the author took me right back into my youth through the eyes of a ten year old boy.
As I read the stories it reignited the old folklore tales that frightened me so much. John Is very good at spooking you by bringing you right into the world of the unknown and sparking the fears in your mind.
I recommend you read these tales at night, make sure you have a light on and whatever you do, don't read them alone.
September 20, 2015
When I was a child I was afraid like most children of ghost stories, the creaking of the floorboards at night, strange looking shadows.
When reading this collaboration of tales the author took me right back into my youth through the eyes of a ten year old boy.
As I read the stories it reignited the old folklore tales that frightened me so much. John Is very good at spooking you by bringing you right into the world of the unknown and sparking the fears in your mind.
I recommend you read these tales at night, make sure you have a light on and whatever you do, don't read them alone.
When reading this collaboration of tales the author took me right back into my youth through the eyes of a ten year old boy.
As I read the stories it reignited the old folklore tales that frightened me so much. John Is very good at spooking you by bringing you right into the world of the unknown and sparking the fears in your mind.
I recommend you read these tales at night, make sure you have a light on and whatever you do, don't read them alone.
September 1, 2015
I don't know what to say about this one, is very unlike other books I've read.. but I did really enjoy it, I'm definitely keeping an eye on this author. really hoping a sequel comes fast!!
Three scary nights, one scared boy, and one old house to explore....
It's beautifully descriptive, and I can forgive spelling errors when the story is great. can't recommend this author enough, grab this book, snap it up!!
Three scary nights, one scared boy, and one old house to explore....
It's beautifully descriptive, and I can forgive spelling errors when the story is great. can't recommend this author enough, grab this book, snap it up!!
September 1, 2015
A very different read. Read in one sitting, a short ghost story with a twist. A nice easy relaxing read that won't give you nightmares.One that even older children would enjoy. I'm not into horror or chilling tales but this one made me smile (I did see where it was going mid way). A change from my normal reading material which entertained me on a rainy afternoon, so thank you John!
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read
January 2, 2016Masterful ghost story about a first love. To say that this story is told from the point of view of a ten-year-old boy Danny would be just a half-truth. Some parts of the book look as if the narrator were an adult man and related something that happened to him a long time ago, but at other times I did have a feeling that I was reading a fresh account that had been truly written by a ten-year-old boy who happened to be an excellent story-teller.
I believe that this “confusion” is deliberate, and it works out well. We cannot recall and describe our most powerful experiences without reliving them in our minds again. Yet the occasional moments of the narrator’s apparent detachment and more mature way of thinking just add an element of mystery -- whenever it looked like the boy was a grown-up man just remembering something that had happened to him when he was a child, I was inclined to think that he survived the whole thing at least, so I found it easier to read the gruesome parts. But the next paragraph often made me less certain and question this assumption. Perhaps the boy just seemed to grow up more quickly when going through the scary moments. It’s a ghost story full of surprises and artistic twists -- but I must avoid spoilers.
No matter how old the narrator is when relating his story, he seems to be somewhat timeless.
“Don’t let anyone just say ‘oh, they’re just kids.’ We know what we are doing -- we just happen to rely on the foolishness of society to let us off the hook.”
Apart from being an outstanding ghost story, this book is also about a first love. Danny’s innocent infatuation with a girl of his age seems much more intense when contrasted with his fear of the horrible things going on not only in the haunted house of Normandy Road. She gives him a moribund keepsake -- her tooth, but he cherishes it like a treasure. There are many other instances of dark romance that remind me of the Victorian era, although the story is quite recent.
The reality of the schoolchildren’s lives blends artistically and eloquently with local legends about The Witch of Hill Top Road, The Tooth Fairy with Blood-Red Wings, and The Ghost of Normandy Road.
This is the first book in the Haunted Minds Series by John Hennessy, but I read the second and third books first. Each book is unique, and they all intentionally leave some questions unanswered. I personally like it this way. These books force us to think, fantasize and fill in the blanks -- so they sort of draw us into the story in such a way where we have to participate.
I believe that this “confusion” is deliberate, and it works out well. We cannot recall and describe our most powerful experiences without reliving them in our minds again. Yet the occasional moments of the narrator’s apparent detachment and more mature way of thinking just add an element of mystery -- whenever it looked like the boy was a grown-up man just remembering something that had happened to him when he was a child, I was inclined to think that he survived the whole thing at least, so I found it easier to read the gruesome parts. But the next paragraph often made me less certain and question this assumption. Perhaps the boy just seemed to grow up more quickly when going through the scary moments. It’s a ghost story full of surprises and artistic twists -- but I must avoid spoilers.
No matter how old the narrator is when relating his story, he seems to be somewhat timeless.
“Don’t let anyone just say ‘oh, they’re just kids.’ We know what we are doing -- we just happen to rely on the foolishness of society to let us off the hook.”
Apart from being an outstanding ghost story, this book is also about a first love. Danny’s innocent infatuation with a girl of his age seems much more intense when contrasted with his fear of the horrible things going on not only in the haunted house of Normandy Road. She gives him a moribund keepsake -- her tooth, but he cherishes it like a treasure. There are many other instances of dark romance that remind me of the Victorian era, although the story is quite recent.
The reality of the schoolchildren’s lives blends artistically and eloquently with local legends about The Witch of Hill Top Road, The Tooth Fairy with Blood-Red Wings, and The Ghost of Normandy Road.
This is the first book in the Haunted Minds Series by John Hennessy, but I read the second and third books first. Each book is unique, and they all intentionally leave some questions unanswered. I personally like it this way. These books force us to think, fantasize and fill in the blanks -- so they sort of draw us into the story in such a way where we have to participate.
October 23, 2015
As children, we get to hear various legends which sound very scary. The Ghost of Normandy Road is one such narrated through the eyes of a ten year old boy Danny.
John Hennessy definitely kept me hooked to his book till the very end. The narration is fast paced, purposedly left distorted at few points, a bit gothic and with appropriate language. It gives you the right amount of chills and frights.
The book also brings about aural and visual imageries in the mind of the reader. Its like a movie being played with all the sound and light effects needed in a horror movie. The story has the potential to involve the reader as a participant in the proceedings of the story.
The icing on the cake was the ending. Totally unexpected and unthought of. In fact, it is the ending which will make the reader go back to the story again and again and again to check out for loopholes if any.
There are a few issues, like absence of reasons for the ending, sudden changes in scenes, etc., but once the story ends, all these really do not matter.
To sum up, the Ghost of Normandy Road definitely spooks you out but its ending does leave you with a 'Wow!!!'
P.S- I received a free copy of ebook in exchange for an honest review from Booklover Catlady Publicity. Thank you Maxine.
John Hennessy definitely kept me hooked to his book till the very end. The narration is fast paced, purposedly left distorted at few points, a bit gothic and with appropriate language. It gives you the right amount of chills and frights.
The book also brings about aural and visual imageries in the mind of the reader. Its like a movie being played with all the sound and light effects needed in a horror movie. The story has the potential to involve the reader as a participant in the proceedings of the story.
The icing on the cake was the ending. Totally unexpected and unthought of. In fact, it is the ending which will make the reader go back to the story again and again and again to check out for loopholes if any.
There are a few issues, like absence of reasons for the ending, sudden changes in scenes, etc., but once the story ends, all these really do not matter.
To sum up, the Ghost of Normandy Road definitely spooks you out but its ending does leave you with a 'Wow!!!'
P.S- I received a free copy of ebook in exchange for an honest review from Booklover Catlady Publicity. Thank you Maxine.
October 12, 2015
The Ghost of Normand Road is a great freaky book. Told from the perspective pre-teen, Danny, the book is about a kid that braves the haunted house that no-one will dare venture into. There is a legend and evil attached to the house, but Danny doesn't believe it is as bad as they say and wants to see what everyone is talking about. To further the mystery, the house is blamed on the disappearances of some neighborhood children and when Danny's love interest goes missing, he now knows he needs to investigate.
Once he ventures into the house, Danny is stuck in the nightmare that is the house on Normandy Road. Danny awakens things that should have been left alone. Now in order to escape, he must do what the house and its occupants want.
The story was very well written. It was an emotional roller coaster for me. I was totally freaked out the entire time. I was not expecting the ending. That was a total WHAT???? moment for me. Loved the book and recommend it if you want a freaky read that will leave you needing to leave the lights on afterwards.
Once he ventures into the house, Danny is stuck in the nightmare that is the house on Normandy Road. Danny awakens things that should have been left alone. Now in order to escape, he must do what the house and its occupants want.
The story was very well written. It was an emotional roller coaster for me. I was totally freaked out the entire time. I was not expecting the ending. That was a total WHAT???? moment for me. Loved the book and recommend it if you want a freaky read that will leave you needing to leave the lights on afterwards.
October 8, 2015
I really don't know how I feel about this book. I start to think "It was too..." or "It would have been better if..." but the sentences won't finish themselves.
Maybe that means I loved it. Maybe not. It's been a long time since I haven't known how to put into words what I like or don't like about a book. This one's got me.
The ending was a surprise though! It's worth reading "The Ghost of Normandy Road" for the last 20% alone.
I may need to come back to this one, so the 3* rating is provisional.
Maybe that means I loved it. Maybe not. It's been a long time since I haven't known how to put into words what I like or don't like about a book. This one's got me.
The ending was a surprise though! It's worth reading "The Ghost of Normandy Road" for the last 20% alone.
I may need to come back to this one, so the 3* rating is provisional.
September 18, 2018
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This was the longest 135 pages I've ever read. I should have been able to read it all in one sitting, but because the writing was so clunky and amateur, it took me over a week because I couldn't stand to read more than a few pages at a time. I kept trying to forgive that because I thought the idea of the story had potential, but by the end, it just seemed like the author got bored or ran out of ideas and wrapped it up in the quickest way possible. I love a good horror/haunted house story, but this is not it.
This was the longest 135 pages I've ever read. I should have been able to read it all in one sitting, but because the writing was so clunky and amateur, it took me over a week because I couldn't stand to read more than a few pages at a time. I kept trying to forgive that because I thought the idea of the story had potential, but by the end, it just seemed like the author got bored or ran out of ideas and wrapped it up in the quickest way possible. I love a good horror/haunted house story, but this is not it.
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