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The Haunting of Jessop Rise
Alone and penniless after his father is killed in a cotton mill accident, fourteen-year-old William faces the rest of his childhood in a brutal workhouse. Then his long-estranged uncle Seth sends for him, and William thinks his fortunes are changing.
But arriving at Uncle Seth's grand house in North Wales, Jessop Rise, William encounters a ghostly figure. It soon becomes clear that the place is haunted by more than just one ghost.
But who are the spectral creatures that prowl about the estate? What are they trying to tell William? And what is the dark secret that Uncle Seth has been keeping for so long? As William uncovers the clues, he finds himself caught up in a dark and terrifying mystery.
But arriving at Uncle Seth's grand house in North Wales, Jessop Rise, William encounters a ghostly figure. It soon becomes clear that the place is haunted by more than just one ghost.
But who are the spectral creatures that prowl about the estate? What are they trying to tell William? And what is the dark secret that Uncle Seth has been keeping for so long? As William uncovers the clues, he finds himself caught up in a dark and terrifying mystery.
308 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2016
4 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 7, 2016
Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cozy and enjoyable haunting read. A good book with which to sit back and relax on a rainy day, like I was lucky enough to enjoy while reading.
This was a cozy and enjoyable haunting read. A good book with which to sit back and relax on a rainy day, like I was lucky enough to enjoy while reading.
February 4, 2018
After his father dies, William is sent to live with he's uncle in a remote mansion, Jessop Rise.
Straightaway he notices peculiar happenings, William soon realizes that Jessop Rise hides a terrifying, dark secret.
Weston tells a very creepy and atmospheric Victorian tale. Aimed at a young audience, there's some really terrifying moments.
I found it to be a quick enjoyable read.
Straightaway he notices peculiar happenings, William soon realizes that Jessop Rise hides a terrifying, dark secret.
Weston tells a very creepy and atmospheric Victorian tale. Aimed at a young audience, there's some really terrifying moments.
I found it to be a quick enjoyable read.
April 1, 2017
A very enjoyable little book for kids and adults. I'd recommend this book to anyone over 12 that loves chost stories.
July 30, 2016
Welsh mythology combines with universal spooks in this atmospheric tale filled with mystery and danger. Danny Weston writes competently with good, structured prose, a variety of individual characters to like and dislike, and a solid plot. The overall feel of the story is similar to his first book, "The Piper", only a little meatier, a little spookier and a little more intriguing.
If you're new to the Horror & Suspense genre, I would highly recommend this book. Ghost-busting veterans however, may find the plot-execution a tad hoary and the Scare-Factor a trifle lacking.
Thank-you to Lovereading4kids for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review!
If you're new to the Horror & Suspense genre, I would highly recommend this book. Ghost-busting veterans however, may find the plot-execution a tad hoary and the Scare-Factor a trifle lacking.
Thank-you to Lovereading4kids for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review!
November 2, 2018
I recently found this book in the teen section of my local library. I had found nothing of interest in the adult horror section and I really wanted to discover something new so I took a gamble on Danny Weston and do you know what? I’m glad I did! I had not heard of the author and so It was the Title that grabbed my attention. I loved it, there are some really chilling moments in this book, it’s the sense of realism which blends perfectly with the supernatural elements which really got me. I also love the setting of North Wales and the Victorian era felt perfect for this story too. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books from this author in the future. This is a perfectly chilling tale that feels somewhat misplaced in the teen section. Any adult who loves supernatural horror with mysterious elements will do far worse than checking this one out!
June 28, 2023
Found this book in the teen section of my local library, having never heard of it before. I was looking for a shorter book to fill time whilst waiting for another book I wanted to read. I was a bit surprised when I first started reading because it was for early teens and I am 23.
The story itself, however, was intriguing, and I was definitely committed to finding other answers to the mysteries of the book. I loved the paranormal aspect of it as well.
Unfortunately, for me, the ending was a little disappointing. There was this massive build-up for over half the book only for the ending to be short and over very quickly.
Overall, it was still a great read, and it helped me to continue reading daily whilst I waited to read other books on my list.
The story itself, however, was intriguing, and I was definitely committed to finding other answers to the mysteries of the book. I loved the paranormal aspect of it as well.
Unfortunately, for me, the ending was a little disappointing. There was this massive build-up for over half the book only for the ending to be short and over very quickly.
Overall, it was still a great read, and it helped me to continue reading daily whilst I waited to read other books on my list.
May 21, 2018
There’s too much predictable silliness in this ghost story. The evil uncle, the resourceful orphan, the crusty housemaid, the loyal and brave simpleton: they’re all here, along with a few unmysterious ghosts.
Even with all that, it’s fun to follow the plot for a while. 19th century Wales and the quarry industry make for an interesting setting. I especially like the descriptions of the massive slate wall gallery.
And then the climax rears its predictable ugly head. Boastful cartoon confessions of dastardly deeds confirm my worst fears - that there’s not much to be afraid of, or surprised by, or entertained with, here. Daggum.
Even with all that, it’s fun to follow the plot for a while. 19th century Wales and the quarry industry make for an interesting setting. I especially like the descriptions of the massive slate wall gallery.
And then the climax rears its predictable ugly head. Boastful cartoon confessions of dastardly deeds confirm my worst fears - that there’s not much to be afraid of, or surprised by, or entertained with, here. Daggum.
July 3, 2025
It is hard to find Gothic fiction with a male protagonist (even more so for Gothic romance.) Th Haunting of Jessop Rise is an exemplar of the genre. It features many of the classic hallmarks: orphans, creepy or ominous uncles, vengeful spirits, simple but loyal servant, etc. I cannot honestly say if the book was slow or if current events have weighted too heavily upon my mind and pulled me from the narrative. Regardless, I will always give kudos to an author willing to contribute to such a sparce canon.
November 22, 2019
A brilliant supernatural thriller. I live in Wales, so it was great to see some welsh words thrown in there.
I loved the creepy scenes and the characters. I felt the gwrach could have been explored a little more, but other than that it was a brilliant book.
I loved the period and setting and the writing is brilliant, as ever.
I loved the creepy scenes and the characters. I felt the gwrach could have been explored a little more, but other than that it was a brilliant book.
I loved the period and setting and the writing is brilliant, as ever.
December 16, 2018
A great haunting tale of ghosts, murder and unsolved tales. I could almost picture the house and the characters as I read this. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed though but all in all I would suggest this book to people.
November 2, 2017
A chilling book. Perfect for being cozy under a duvet.
December 21, 2017
A very good ghost story for children and young adult.
September 22, 2018
it was great.
March 5, 2020
Amazing book,, I just wanted to read on for hours and I was honestly quite sad when I finished the book, I wanted it to carry on :( 10/10 definitely one of my favorite authors now 👍👍
June 7, 2022
some parts were a bit confusing but they had to be for the story to develop. the characters just got better and better
September 2, 2023
This was a very nice read, one that I really enjoyed!
December 30, 2023
Very quick entertaining read. Enough clues along the way that you could work out the ending but it still he satisfying when the pay-off came.
August 22, 2016
The Haunting of Jessop Rise was an entertaining read. It was an unassuming, simple haunted house story with elements of gothic horror that neither excited nor bored. It simply was, which in some cases is exactly what you want as a reader. I read the whole book in a few hours so it never overstayed its welcome, and for a middle grade novel it did have some pretty effective moments of fear.
William, the protagonist is a surprisingly deep character. Weston actually does a great job of building a pretty decent character profile in a very short amount of time. The main characters felt read and the satellite characters didn't have too much fleshing them out that the novel felt bloated. My only issue with the characters though was that they felt too much like characters from other novels. There was nothing particularly unique about them to set them apart from better works of the 19th century, or more involved haunted house stories. There were elements of Jane Eyre, The Woman in Black and even Great Expectations.
Using North Wales as a setting for was originally what drew me to The Haunting of Jessop Rise. Wales is a country rife with folklore and mystery. It is a place where tales of witches and fairies become almost believable and the countryside almost seems to sing with the voices of ancient civilisations. There was potential here, but a potential that was completely unrealised. The one element of the particularly Welsh supernatural was actually pretty unnecessary to the plot, and most of the action took place in the confines of the titular Jessop Rise meaning that the setting of Wales was largely unnecessary. The local Welsh were represented as menial and superstitious, whereas the English characters somehow seemed superior, going so far as to scoff at the Welsh language. This bothered me. I'm sure it wasn't the intention of the author, and indeed was probably pretty historically accurate in the way perceptions lay at the time, however that's the benifit of writing fiction. Weston simply could have done more.
All in all, The Haunting of Jessop Rise was a short read and one that I must admit I enjoyed despite its shortcomings. It's an entertaining middle grade horror if nothing else.
Review also available at I Blame Wizards
William, the protagonist is a surprisingly deep character. Weston actually does a great job of building a pretty decent character profile in a very short amount of time. The main characters felt read and the satellite characters didn't have too much fleshing them out that the novel felt bloated. My only issue with the characters though was that they felt too much like characters from other novels. There was nothing particularly unique about them to set them apart from better works of the 19th century, or more involved haunted house stories. There were elements of Jane Eyre, The Woman in Black and even Great Expectations.
Using North Wales as a setting for was originally what drew me to The Haunting of Jessop Rise. Wales is a country rife with folklore and mystery. It is a place where tales of witches and fairies become almost believable and the countryside almost seems to sing with the voices of ancient civilisations. There was potential here, but a potential that was completely unrealised. The one element of the particularly Welsh supernatural was actually pretty unnecessary to the plot, and most of the action took place in the confines of the titular Jessop Rise meaning that the setting of Wales was largely unnecessary. The local Welsh were represented as menial and superstitious, whereas the English characters somehow seemed superior, going so far as to scoff at the Welsh language. This bothered me. I'm sure it wasn't the intention of the author, and indeed was probably pretty historically accurate in the way perceptions lay at the time, however that's the benifit of writing fiction. Weston simply could have done more.
All in all, The Haunting of Jessop Rise was a short read and one that I must admit I enjoyed despite its shortcomings. It's an entertaining middle grade horror if nothing else.
Review also available at I Blame Wizards
October 11, 2019
Review of 'The Haunting of Jessop Rise' by Danny Weston.
A cozy and yet haunting book based in the victorian era and In Wales, both being a bonus for me. This book wan a children's award and well deserved at that. I found that even though it is "for" children/young adults that I didn't feel that way reading it as an adult and thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the writing, setting and characters were excellent and thought it was very well described so I found myself "in" the story and turning page after page. I would definitely recommend this to fans of ghost stories regardless of age. I would definitely read more by this author and have already added his other titles to my library reserve list. Rated 5/5 on Goodreads
A cozy and yet haunting book based in the victorian era and In Wales, both being a bonus for me. This book wan a children's award and well deserved at that. I found that even though it is "for" children/young adults that I didn't feel that way reading it as an adult and thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the writing, setting and characters were excellent and thought it was very well described so I found myself "in" the story and turning page after page. I would definitely recommend this to fans of ghost stories regardless of age. I would definitely read more by this author and have already added his other titles to my library reserve list. Rated 5/5 on Goodreads
November 14, 2016
A compelling supernatural story
I’m possibly a few(!) years older than the intended readership for this book, but even so I found it a very enjoyable read. It’s got some classic ghost story elements, and some elements familiar from other children’s literature – a young person sent to live in a large, isolated house with people he doesn’t know – but also some very adult themes, adultery and murder. The supernatural atmosphere is built up nicely throughout the book, and the ending leaves the reader feeling that everything is as right as it can be with the world.
I’m possibly a few(!) years older than the intended readership for this book, but even so I found it a very enjoyable read. It’s got some classic ghost story elements, and some elements familiar from other children’s literature – a young person sent to live in a large, isolated house with people he doesn’t know – but also some very adult themes, adultery and murder. The supernatural atmosphere is built up nicely throughout the book, and the ending leaves the reader feeling that everything is as right as it can be with the world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2016
Received as a goodreads giveaway. Scary but not too scary (just as well I scare easily). Atmospheric setting with lots of mist and dangerous cliffs, characters we can cheer and those we can boo. The plot was satisfactory with a beginning, middle and end and if that sounds derogatory it is not meant to be; it's a good thing. Very quick read that I am sure I would have loved as a child and I know I liked it as an adult.
July 23, 2017
Deliciously gothic. Perfect read for a misty autumn evening
January 31, 2017
3.5 stars. Another book read for YTF award. This was a nicely written, spooky story with a strong and likeable protagonist. The denouement was a bit 'pat' but very enjoyable overall.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews