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Nykolas Freeman #1
The Priest Hole
“Nykolas Freeman died four hundred years ago. On a cold night, you can still hear his victims screaming.”
When Laura and her family move to a remote house in the English countryside, they have no idea of the macabre events that took place more than four centuries ago. It's said that a priest once hid in the walls of the house and was never seen again. Some say he hides there still...
Laura doesn't believe in ghosts, but when she and her sister start hearing scratching sounds and whispers from within the walls, it becomes clear that spirits in and around the house have some unfinished business. Is there really a priest still hidden somewhere nearby? Does the ghost of his tormentor still roam the forest? And why has Laura started to experience a series of intensely vivid waking dreams in which she finds herself in the same house, hundreds of years ago?
The Priest Hole is a horror novel about two sisters uncovering the dark forces in their new home, and about the divisions that once threatened to tear England apart. Contains violent scenes.
When Laura and her family move to a remote house in the English countryside, they have no idea of the macabre events that took place more than four centuries ago. It's said that a priest once hid in the walls of the house and was never seen again. Some say he hides there still...
Laura doesn't believe in ghosts, but when she and her sister start hearing scratching sounds and whispers from within the walls, it becomes clear that spirits in and around the house have some unfinished business. Is there really a priest still hidden somewhere nearby? Does the ghost of his tormentor still roam the forest? And why has Laura started to experience a series of intensely vivid waking dreams in which she finds herself in the same house, hundreds of years ago?
The Priest Hole is a horror novel about two sisters uncovering the dark forces in their new home, and about the divisions that once threatened to tear England apart. Contains violent scenes.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2015
184 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
664 books1,686 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 27, 2022
Captivating
This was, once again, Amy Cross doing what she does best. A ghost story complemented with time slips and a vicious twist at the end. It certainly wrapped up the tension throughout the book and ensured a rollercoaster of thrills for the reader. Well done Amy!
This was, once again, Amy Cross doing what she does best. A ghost story complemented with time slips and a vicious twist at the end. It certainly wrapped up the tension throughout the book and ensured a rollercoaster of thrills for the reader. Well done Amy!
February 3, 2017
Gruesome
This is defiantly not for the faint hearted. There are many graphic moments, all the creepy critters being the most chilling! I really enjoyed the story, right until the end and then I was left feeling like Amy took a serious wrong turn with the plot.
Delving between the present and the past kept the story interesting. In fact until the final pages it was proving to be one of my favourites by the author. A weird and random ending that seams to have been somehow slotted on from its intended and rightful place in a whole other book. Maybe it's just me, or maybe... Its witchcraft ?? X
This is defiantly not for the faint hearted. There are many graphic moments, all the creepy critters being the most chilling! I really enjoyed the story, right until the end and then I was left feeling like Amy took a serious wrong turn with the plot.
Delving between the present and the past kept the story interesting. In fact until the final pages it was proving to be one of my favourites by the author. A weird and random ending that seams to have been somehow slotted on from its intended and rightful place in a whole other book. Maybe it's just me, or maybe... Its witchcraft ?? X
October 19, 2017
This was another one of Amy Cross' novels that I had to push through at times so that I didn't become bogged down. Great plot that centred on historical events tied in with the gruesomeness of the antagonist and ghostly happenings.
I loved how the story switched between the past and the present, and how the two became interwoven to culminate in the finale. However I was completely lost with the ending of the novel which didn't seem to go with anything - it was a mini story on it's own. It was like the author didn't know how to finish the tale and tacked that bit on. Also ....
*** Spoiler Alert ... Look Away ***
what was the point of the woman being found dead on the road??? Anyone that knows can feel free to clue me in.
An interesting read but perhaps not one of the author's best works.
I loved how the story switched between the past and the present, and how the two became interwoven to culminate in the finale. However I was completely lost with the ending of the novel which didn't seem to go with anything - it was a mini story on it's own. It was like the author didn't know how to finish the tale and tacked that bit on. Also ....
*** Spoiler Alert ... Look Away ***
what was the point of the woman being found dead on the road??? Anyone that knows can feel free to clue me in.
An interesting read but perhaps not one of the author's best works.
June 29, 2020
Really interesting story, some genuinely creepy moments, along with a tatse of the history and cruelty of the hunts done in the past.
February 26, 2018
Loved this thrilling roller coaster ride of a book. Between the fast pace and the historical ties, I couldn't put it down. The eerie creatures, witchcraft, a ruthless murder out for blood and backed by the king as some sort of religious blood hunter, not to mention the excellent characters and great writing. And oh... the ending....
October 19, 2022
Really good! It was not frightening but it was very engaging. I actually liked the main characters which is odd because I normally do NOT like kids either in books or real life but I was rooting for the main character who was 16 with a very young kid sister.
I had just read a 400 page book The Hanging Tree that had a past time line and a modern time line. The past was the subject of a book that the heroine of the book was supposed to be writing about. But the book was way too long and each story had equal treatment which was annoying. Even though the past timeline was events that she was writing a book about it really had no more effect or affect on the present timeline and the length of the book with that style was annoying.
When I started to read this book and suddenly the next chapter was one of those 'in the past' time lines I was getting annoyed. But the chapters were not as long, the stories did intertwine enough that they were affecting the present and so it wasn't as annoying reading them and the whole book was only 200 pages.
I just learned that there is a sequel and I hope that the same characters are involved and that finally the evil guy is destroyed.
The only thing I see as a bother is that the epilog makes the evil guy some what silly in that he might become endearing I am not sure how to say it but its almost like he is lolcow status but a lolcow who murders. Not sure how else to say it and I don't like it the guy is evil and deranged and he should continue to make people feel disgust and to make him a campfire ghost become real he just doesn't seem threatening. He should have been killed when he was destroyed by his axe.
I had just read a 400 page book The Hanging Tree that had a past time line and a modern time line. The past was the subject of a book that the heroine of the book was supposed to be writing about. But the book was way too long and each story had equal treatment which was annoying. Even though the past timeline was events that she was writing a book about it really had no more effect or affect on the present timeline and the length of the book with that style was annoying.
When I started to read this book and suddenly the next chapter was one of those 'in the past' time lines I was getting annoyed. But the chapters were not as long, the stories did intertwine enough that they were affecting the present and so it wasn't as annoying reading them and the whole book was only 200 pages.
I just learned that there is a sequel and I hope that the same characters are involved and that finally the evil guy is destroyed.
The only thing I see as a bother is that the epilog makes the evil guy some what silly in that he might become endearing I am not sure how to say it but its almost like he is lolcow status but a lolcow who murders. Not sure how else to say it and I don't like it the guy is evil and deranged and he should continue to make people feel disgust and to make him a campfire ghost become real he just doesn't seem threatening. He should have been killed when he was destroyed by his axe.
May 19, 2020
a zealot from the past is determined to rid England of Catholic priests, witches and anyone who dares to stand in his way. He meets his match in the brother of a woman he has accused of witchcraft. Fast forward to the current day. A widowed woman and her two daughters have moved into the decrepit mansion with the intent to transform it into a bed and breakfast. The house was the site of one of the more horrific executions. Strange happenings, eerie occurrences, time travel and violence plague the girls. Despite their beliefs, it becomes obvious that the past is not dead.
This is an okay book. I've read others by this author and don't think this is her best work. There are plenty of creepy moments and plenty of violence. But the end is a disconnect and I never truly got involved with any of the characters. It is alright.
This is an okay book. I've read others by this author and don't think this is her best work. There are plenty of creepy moments and plenty of violence. But the end is a disconnect and I never truly got involved with any of the characters. It is alright.
December 3, 2017
Super creepy beginning of series
I really liked this book, the storyline is unique and interesting with loads of page turning action and suspense. I do wish Ms. Cross would invest in a thesaurus though, because I must have read the word "hissed" at least 35-40 times when she was describing the tone of voice of her characters. It was rather irritating after the tenth time, and insufferable the rest of the times. But all in all, a very enjoyable book, and I'm about to begin part 2.
I really liked this book, the storyline is unique and interesting with loads of page turning action and suspense. I do wish Ms. Cross would invest in a thesaurus though, because I must have read the word "hissed" at least 35-40 times when she was describing the tone of voice of her characters. It was rather irritating after the tenth time, and insufferable the rest of the times. But all in all, a very enjoyable book, and I'm about to begin part 2.
August 26, 2021
Laura (16) komt met haar zusje (5) en moeder in het afgelegen Braxendale House wonen. In 1608 heeft zich hier een priester verstopt voor de beroemde Nykolas Freeman die namens King James jacht maakte op katholieken en heksen. Als Laura haar hoofd stoot, ziet ze wat Freeman met de familie Braxendale doet om de priester te proberen te vinden...
Het boek is spannend en goed geschreven. Het is extra eng dat zulke vervolgingen echt zijn gebeurd en dat er ook in onze tijd nog steeds mensen worden vervolgd door andere mensen die het zelf juist goed vinden wat ze doen. Waarom?
Het boek is spannend en goed geschreven. Het is extra eng dat zulke vervolgingen echt zijn gebeurd en dat er ook in onze tijd nog steeds mensen worden vervolgd door andere mensen die het zelf juist goed vinden wat ze doen. Waarom?
February 1, 2019
I have to say this was a really good book. I love Amy Cross books because they invoke fear. This book was no different. Everything from the house, the church, and the cemetery were very creepy. Switching back and forth, from the past to the present only added to the intensity of the situation. I would recommend this book to those that like horror stories with some horrible ghosts that must be stopped.
July 11, 2024
Having moved to a new house, Laura and her family are starting anew after loosing her father, the house that they move too is steeped in history which seems to be coming to the present when Laura starts to see things happening in the house which seems to be from the past.
Horror and ghost stories seem to merge together in this first book of a series, leaving you to feel haunting and chilled with each new chapter that you read.
Horror and ghost stories seem to merge together in this first book of a series, leaving you to feel haunting and chilled with each new chapter that you read.
May 24, 2018
I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed this book considering others that I have read by this author have only ranged from disappointing to solidly average. My usual criticism, that the language in the historical sections is far too modern is still in evidence but the plot is clever and the atmosphere is very strong with plenty of evocative images.
March 27, 2019
If I could give half marks this would be 2.5.
The story and writing are okay, a few too many typos and there are issues with the internal logic. After reading that Amy Cross writes a book in six days I had low expectations on the quality so I was pleasantly surprised. It was a quick read, but at times it felt like the author was pouring in buckets of gore for no real reason.
The story and writing are okay, a few too many typos and there are issues with the internal logic. After reading that Amy Cross writes a book in six days I had low expectations on the quality so I was pleasantly surprised. It was a quick read, but at times it felt like the author was pouring in buckets of gore for no real reason.
June 13, 2020
The Priest Hole is an eerie paranormal tale. A family looking to open a Bed & Breakfast purchase an old mansion, one that is haunted by events of four centuries past. Two sisters will uncover the dark forces in their new home and bring to life the frightening times best forgotten. A good horror story.
June 20, 2020
Okay story.
The atmosphere and horror are good. There is graphic violence. I liked how the story went back and forth from the 1600's to modern times. I liked Laura, the heroine. I liked the plot, but not the ending. Also, people in the 1600's were using the word "okay ". That word did not exist until the 1800's. I have the second book in the series. I will be reading it.
The atmosphere and horror are good. There is graphic violence. I liked how the story went back and forth from the 1600's to modern times. I liked Laura, the heroine. I liked the plot, but not the ending. Also, people in the 1600's were using the word "okay ". That word did not exist until the 1800's. I have the second book in the series. I will be reading it.
February 6, 2021
A fantastic ghost story!
I was glued to this story all the way through!
Loved the story line and the characters. Will
be interesting to see what happens in book 2.
Amy Cross is a phenomenal author and all her
books get my attention right from the beginning
and hold it all the way through to the end. I value
that in all the books I read.
I was glued to this story all the way through!
Loved the story line and the characters. Will
be interesting to see what happens in book 2.
Amy Cross is a phenomenal author and all her
books get my attention right from the beginning
and hold it all the way through to the end. I value
that in all the books I read.
September 10, 2023
He was a cruel man
Well this is a story about two families in different times and how they are a treated by a man who claims he was working for King and GOD. But he was a mentally dangerous cruel man who treated people how he wanted to. He didn't care if you were innocent. You were guilty in his eyes.
Well this is a story about two families in different times and how they are a treated by a man who claims he was working for King and GOD. But he was a mentally dangerous cruel man who treated people how he wanted to. He didn't care if you were innocent. You were guilty in his eyes.
August 9, 2017
Good, but not great
This is my favorite author these days and she has written so many excellent books. However, I felt that, although there was the making of another great story,I felt the ending was hurried and rushed.
This is my favorite author these days and she has written so many excellent books. However, I felt that, although there was the making of another great story,I felt the ending was hurried and rushed.
December 22, 2017
What a read
The author has an uncanny method of merging the past the present and future throughout the chapters. I read th ok s book over 3 nights. Couldn't put it down you get to know the characters and their emotions and motives for their behaviour. An amazing read
The author has an uncanny method of merging the past the present and future throughout the chapters. I read th ok s book over 3 nights. Couldn't put it down you get to know the characters and their emotions and motives for their behaviour. An amazing read
February 11, 2019
Excellent
Amy Cross is an excellent writer. Although The Priest's Hole is an entirely different type of mystery, it is still interesting. You can count on Amy to always write an unusual novel.
Amy Cross is an excellent writer. Although The Priest's Hole is an entirely different type of mystery, it is still interesting. You can count on Amy to always write an unusual novel.
February 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this it's an interesting book, and not your usual ghost story it's set in the 1600s and modern day, I was a bit shocked that the mother was so callous about her daughter's fears, and the ending was a bit weak, which was a shame after such a good story.
October 9, 2019
Slow Start
It was a great read. I was thinking early on it was just a bit grey but it picked up as scary toward the end. I eventually didn't want to put it down. I don't know if I'm interested enough to continue with the series but I might change my mind.
It was a great read. I was thinking early on it was just a bit grey but it picked up as scary toward the end. I eventually didn't want to put it down. I don't know if I'm interested enough to continue with the series but I might change my mind.
February 23, 2022
Priests and witchcraft
Anyone dealing with witchcraft and the cruel ways it was dealt with. Many innocent women murdered. The story goes from
Past and present. Nicolas Freeman is the witch and priest hunter and strikes with an axe and decapitation.
Anyone dealing with witchcraft and the cruel ways it was dealt with. Many innocent women murdered. The story goes from
Past and present. Nicolas Freeman is the witch and priest hunter and strikes with an axe and decapitation.
July 9, 2017
Brilliant horror.
Nice change of pace for me with is horror story. Great time mergers which help the plot. Can be read on its own.
Nice change of pace for me with is horror story. Great time mergers which help the plot. Can be read on its own.
August 6, 2018
excellent horror highly reccomendeddu
January 5, 2019
Loved this book. Kept me gripped from beginning to end. Awesome read. Buying the second one in the series now. Highly recommend.
May 12, 2019
Really good
Mom buys an really old house. She moved her family there, after the death of her husband. House has a history......
Mom buys an really old house. She moved her family there, after the death of her husband. House has a history......
December 24, 2021
Good read
January 7, 2017
I really enjoyed this book.
February 16, 2017
Excellent read
Gripped me as I couldn't put it down. Good story line as I love witchy ghostly stuff! Now just purchased book 2
Gripped me as I couldn't put it down. Good story line as I love witchy ghostly stuff! Now just purchased book 2
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews