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An Extraordinary Haunting
For the first time, 'An Extraordinary Haunting - parts One and Two' are available together as the complete novel!
Unexplained occurrences are tormenting a houseful of students in Swansea, South Wales:
Noises in the middle of the night. Things moving which shouldn’t. And when an ethereal girl is glimpsed, they decide it's time for a seance to make contact. But when they do, objects fly across the room to a cacophony of shrieks to get out!
Forty miles away, beautiful former housemate, Elin Treharne, is plagued by nightmares of her one-time home. She knows something the new tenants don't. Something life-threatening. But even she doesn’t understand the peril she's in.
Someone must learn the truth... Before it’s too late.
Unexplained occurrences are tormenting a houseful of students in Swansea, South Wales:
Noises in the middle of the night. Things moving which shouldn’t. And when an ethereal girl is glimpsed, they decide it's time for a seance to make contact. But when they do, objects fly across the room to a cacophony of shrieks to get out!
Forty miles away, beautiful former housemate, Elin Treharne, is plagued by nightmares of her one-time home. She knows something the new tenants don't. Something life-threatening. But even she doesn’t understand the peril she's in.
Someone must learn the truth... Before it’s too late.
354 pages, Paperback
Published August 26, 2015
163 people are currently reading
712 people want to read
About the author
Michael Christopher Carter
32 books84 followersI grew up in the Home Counties of Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. I always felt I wanted to be somewhere else and dreamed of sunny beaches and shady woods. I imagined a move abroad would be the answer but when I visited Pembrokeshire to visit my then fiance's family, I succumbed to the 'Pembrokeshire Pull' and have lived in the National Park ever since.
I have always wanted to be a writer and flirted with the idea, buying a word processor and beginning a number of manuscripts, with very little idea how to actually write a book. When I turned forty something polarised within me, or I just stumbled upon the right advice, and I found the whole thing immensely enjoyable. In fact, I would say I'm only truly happy when I'm writing (I have just completed my fourth book since beginning writing mid-way through 2013!)
Prior to writing I was a dreaded double glazing salesman. I ended up running my own conservatory design and build company for a number of years before the ill-health of a family member meant moving away from the industry.
Opportunities can be found in adversity. It began with studying Welsh language and then Psychology. Then I found my confidence in my own life experiences to know I had plenty to give as an author. I am now able to focus on my writing where the long working hours of my past life never would have allowed.
I live and write in South-West Wales, with my wife, four children and dog!
Show Less
I have always wanted to be a writer and flirted with the idea, buying a word processor and beginning a number of manuscripts, with very little idea how to actually write a book. When I turned forty something polarised within me, or I just stumbled upon the right advice, and I found the whole thing immensely enjoyable. In fact, I would say I'm only truly happy when I'm writing (I have just completed my fourth book since beginning writing mid-way through 2013!)
Prior to writing I was a dreaded double glazing salesman. I ended up running my own conservatory design and build company for a number of years before the ill-health of a family member meant moving away from the industry.
Opportunities can be found in adversity. It began with studying Welsh language and then Psychology. Then I found my confidence in my own life experiences to know I had plenty to give as an author. I am now able to focus on my writing where the long working hours of my past life never would have allowed.
I live and write in South-West Wales, with my wife, four children and dog!
Show Less
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 30, 2021
What an original story Loved it
November 17, 2017
I have to admit that I did have to put down "An Extraordinary Haunting: parts One and Two) a few times. I enjoyed the synopsis of the story but was overwhelmed by all that was going on and the writing a few times. It could very well have been my mood at the time. I always love a good ghost story and this one was interesting. It did feel a bit disjointed at times which might be why I took so long to finish but overall it was an enjoyable read.
July 21, 2021
Unpredictable enjoyable reading. Keeps you wanting to find out what the next chapter brings!
January 24, 2016
The perfect novel?
An Extraordinary Haunting really is extraordinary!
I have read other books by this author but I think this is my favourite. I was hooked from the first page. There were times when my heart was beating so fast, but I just couldn't put it down.
It's about a haunting in a houseful of students in Swansea, Wales. But nothing is as it seems. Just when I thought I had a handle on where the plot was going, it took an unexpected turn. I almost giggled with the thrill of it. It was exhausting, but thoroughly satisfying to try and work it out. Thankfully, every question I had was answered by the end. Definitely one of the best books I have read in a long time. The perfect novel: Great characters, intriguing plot, and even a touch of romance. I loved it.
An Extraordinary Haunting really is extraordinary!
I have read other books by this author but I think this is my favourite. I was hooked from the first page. There were times when my heart was beating so fast, but I just couldn't put it down.
It's about a haunting in a houseful of students in Swansea, Wales. But nothing is as it seems. Just when I thought I had a handle on where the plot was going, it took an unexpected turn. I almost giggled with the thrill of it. It was exhausting, but thoroughly satisfying to try and work it out. Thankfully, every question I had was answered by the end. Definitely one of the best books I have read in a long time. The perfect novel: Great characters, intriguing plot, and even a touch of romance. I loved it.
June 6, 2020
I enjoy paranormal reads and this was a good one. Not read anything similar and that’s what I love. A unique story line.
April 22, 2021
Not what I expected
Really good book and the twists were brilliant. Total different kind of haunting story and would recommend anyone to read it!
Really good book and the twists were brilliant. Total different kind of haunting story and would recommend anyone to read it!
March 28, 2017
This is a definite page turner, Mr. Carter has produced a definite must read. The twist on the normal haunted house theme is nothing short of genius. Just buy it and read.
April 25, 2021
I enjoyed the haunting twist and that revenge was enacted in the end.
August 23, 2016
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 349
Published - Createspace
Blurb from Goodreads
Unexplained occurrences are tormenting a houseful of students in Swansea, South Wales. Noises in the middle of the night. Things moving which shouldn’t. Something wants them out. And when they witness objects flying across the room and flee for their safety, a psychic friend of the family warns them to stay away until they perform an exorcism with a priest. Forty miles away, beautiful former housemate, Elin Treharne, is plagued by nightmares of her one-time home. She knows something the new tenants don't. Something life-threatening. But even she doesn’t realise the peril she's in. Someone must learn the truth... before it’s too late.
My Review
Set in South Wales, students are experiencing paranormal activity, they call in a psychic who is a family friend but things get worse. Forty miles across the way, Elin Treharne keeps dreaming about her old home now occupied by the students being tormented. Neither realise they are linked, one of them is in mortal danger, the hauntings are getting worse, something has to give before it is too late.
So, after reading the blurb I was expecting a scary haunting exorcist style book, that isn't what this book is. This book is about astro projection, out of body experiences with echoes of hauntings, a young girls struggle to come to terms with things in her life, it covers family, friendship, hope and the aptly named extraordinary. Perfectly normal healthy young people experiencing something out of the norm, coming to terms with it and doing something incredible.
It is hard to go into detail without spoiling the story, some of it is quite creepily written particularly the beginning which supported the blurb and draws the reader in. However as the story slowly develops you appreciate there is much more to it. This is my first time reading this author, I would read him again, 3/5 for me.
Pages - 349
Published - Createspace
Blurb from Goodreads
Unexplained occurrences are tormenting a houseful of students in Swansea, South Wales. Noises in the middle of the night. Things moving which shouldn’t. Something wants them out. And when they witness objects flying across the room and flee for their safety, a psychic friend of the family warns them to stay away until they perform an exorcism with a priest. Forty miles away, beautiful former housemate, Elin Treharne, is plagued by nightmares of her one-time home. She knows something the new tenants don't. Something life-threatening. But even she doesn’t realise the peril she's in. Someone must learn the truth... before it’s too late.
My Review
Set in South Wales, students are experiencing paranormal activity, they call in a psychic who is a family friend but things get worse. Forty miles across the way, Elin Treharne keeps dreaming about her old home now occupied by the students being tormented. Neither realise they are linked, one of them is in mortal danger, the hauntings are getting worse, something has to give before it is too late.
So, after reading the blurb I was expecting a scary haunting exorcist style book, that isn't what this book is. This book is about astro projection, out of body experiences with echoes of hauntings, a young girls struggle to come to terms with things in her life, it covers family, friendship, hope and the aptly named extraordinary. Perfectly normal healthy young people experiencing something out of the norm, coming to terms with it and doing something incredible.
It is hard to go into detail without spoiling the story, some of it is quite creepily written particularly the beginning which supported the blurb and draws the reader in. However as the story slowly develops you appreciate there is much more to it. This is my first time reading this author, I would read him again, 3/5 for me.
May 24, 2016
Wow...
This is a fabulous book and a unique story unlike anything I've ever read. I expected a somewhat typical ghost/poltergeist story but it was so much more interesting than that. It seems to start out a little slow but it was still interesting and important in getting to know all the characters for later when their paths and stories all crash together. It turned out to be one of those "don't talk to me I can't put this down until I'm finished" books for me.
Excellent!
I received my copy through Goodreads first reads program.
This is a fabulous book and a unique story unlike anything I've ever read. I expected a somewhat typical ghost/poltergeist story but it was so much more interesting than that. It seems to start out a little slow but it was still interesting and important in getting to know all the characters for later when their paths and stories all crash together. It turned out to be one of those "don't talk to me I can't put this down until I'm finished" books for me.
Excellent!
I received my copy through Goodreads first reads program.
August 22, 2016
Scary
It's scary. Stuff like this happened to my family. Really scared all of us. Luckily two of my sister's are psychic and finally took care of it. Was she really dead? Or was her soul traveling while she slept? Don't know and won't tell.
Ruby
It's scary. Stuff like this happened to my family. Really scared all of us. Luckily two of my sister's are psychic and finally took care of it. Was she really dead? Or was her soul traveling while she slept? Don't know and won't tell.
Ruby
January 15, 2017
Excellent
A true page turner. I defy anyone not to be gripped by opening paragraph. A must read, the twist on the usual ghost story is genius.
No spoilers from me. Just please buy and read.
Michael Christopher Carter, was new to me, going to search for more of his works.
A true page turner. I defy anyone not to be gripped by opening paragraph. A must read, the twist on the usual ghost story is genius.
No spoilers from me. Just please buy and read.
Michael Christopher Carter, was new to me, going to search for more of his works.
March 27, 2021
An Extraordinary Read!
I read alotta books, but I have never read anything quite like this, I loved it!
I would love for this to have a sequel with the same characters!
A note to the author: U have really outdone yourself with this one!
I read alotta books, but I have never read anything quite like this, I loved it!
I would love for this to have a sequel with the same characters!
A note to the author: U have really outdone yourself with this one!
January 6, 2021
Outstanding.
Great characters. Very emaginative. I read it in one day. Couldn't put it down. I can definitely recommend it 😃
Great characters. Very emaginative. I read it in one day. Couldn't put it down. I can definitely recommend it 😃
May 23, 2021
Couldn’t put it down. Very different, found it intriguing. Well done to the author.
March 31, 2021
A break from the normal haunting story.
It was a good story and a different view from most I have read. Very eager to finish the story but frustrated in parts that were quite obvious to the reader and I feel should have been to the characters. Perhaps though it plays a part in the whole suspense and build up. Definitely a good read.I intend to read one maybe two more by this author before I commit him to my favourites list.
It was a good story and a different view from most I have read. Very eager to finish the story but frustrated in parts that were quite obvious to the reader and I feel should have been to the characters. Perhaps though it plays a part in the whole suspense and build up. Definitely a good read.I intend to read one maybe two more by this author before I commit him to my favourites list.
April 7, 2021
3.5 stars!
Well, this tale was certainly very different from the normal haunted house story. Astral projection, Ouija boards, seances, exorcisms, poltergeist activity, this book had it all. It really should have merited four stars but was let down by lightweight characters and a plot overburdened with everyday minutiae. Still it was an enjoyable read.
Well, this tale was certainly very different from the normal haunted house story. Astral projection, Ouija boards, seances, exorcisms, poltergeist activity, this book had it all. It really should have merited four stars but was let down by lightweight characters and a plot overburdened with everyday minutiae. Still it was an enjoyable read.
September 22, 2017
This story had a few Kindle editing problems but other than that I really enjoyed it. It remained interesting throughout.
March 17, 2018
An unusual novel.
Enjoyed reading this book. Characters are convincing. Holds your attention. Quite an unusual twist. Well worth a read.
I recommend.
Enjoyed reading this book. Characters are convincing. Holds your attention. Quite an unusual twist. Well worth a read.
I recommend.
September 30, 2018
Another good one! Such a great read, compelling to say the least. Loved it.
May 25, 2020
Boring
No conclusion boring book
Would not recommend to anyone it just ends making no sense at all sorry Michael Carter
No conclusion boring book
Would not recommend to anyone it just ends making no sense at all sorry Michael Carter
April 20, 2021
This book was extremely drawn out and the buildup to the conclusion took way too long. It lost it's suspense with too much detail and repetition.
April 23, 2022
Different type of story
Set up as a ghost story this is not it ,you like the caricatures but the twist is the best bit
Set up as a ghost story this is not it ,you like the caricatures but the twist is the best bit
August 15, 2022
Brilliant
One of the most creative books I have ever read. This book would make great film. I vote the happy ending.
One of the most creative books I have ever read. This book would make great film. I vote the happy ending.
March 19, 2023
Fantastic
This book had me hooked from the moment I started reading it to the very end ,I like a good supernatural book
This book had me hooked from the moment I started reading it to the very end ,I like a good supernatural book
August 19, 2017
This wasn't terrible, but it felt quite a bit like a very early novel.
The author is clearly trying to find a voice, and he is starting to, but he hasn't quite managed yet and it makes the book feel a bit clunky. The subplots are awkwardly integrated and the shifts between different character viewpoints don't quite flow naturally. They're not bad, really, but they don't have the kind of polish needed to make them actually add something to the story.
I'll be honest: I almost set this down several times in the first few pages. Neil starts as the type of rather awkward protagonist you occasionally see in horror movies/books--the loner who is somehow not really sympathetic. He does grow on you, admittedly, though part of that is because many of the other characters are particularly obnoxious.
Plot-wise I was intrigued, however. I did see what was happening before the reveal (it was teased a little too long, personally), but it was not necessarily the normal way of handling a story like this, which was interesting. I wish the horror bits had been scarier, though. There are several scenes that are legitimately creepy in outline, but they don't get to the level of visceral detail that makes them terrify the reader.
I'm interested enough to probably pick up the second part, and I do think the author is worth keeping an eye on, but this wasn't quite what I was hoping for. A chunk of that was just plain let-down, however: this could have been very good with a bit more polishing. The ideas are there, even the writing is not at all bad, it just needed a bit more to manage to be good.
The author is clearly trying to find a voice, and he is starting to, but he hasn't quite managed yet and it makes the book feel a bit clunky. The subplots are awkwardly integrated and the shifts between different character viewpoints don't quite flow naturally. They're not bad, really, but they don't have the kind of polish needed to make them actually add something to the story.
I'll be honest: I almost set this down several times in the first few pages. Neil starts as the type of rather awkward protagonist you occasionally see in horror movies/books--the loner who is somehow not really sympathetic. He does grow on you, admittedly, though part of that is because many of the other characters are particularly obnoxious.
Plot-wise I was intrigued, however. I did see what was happening before the reveal (it was teased a little too long, personally), but it was not necessarily the normal way of handling a story like this, which was interesting. I wish the horror bits had been scarier, though. There are several scenes that are legitimately creepy in outline, but they don't get to the level of visceral detail that makes them terrify the reader.
I'm interested enough to probably pick up the second part, and I do think the author is worth keeping an eye on, but this wasn't quite what I was hoping for. A chunk of that was just plain let-down, however: this could have been very good with a bit more polishing. The ideas are there, even the writing is not at all bad, it just needed a bit more to manage to be good.
June 5, 2019
An Extraordinary Haunting is the story of confusion, awkwardness and... confusion. Oh, did I say that one already? Well, I repeated because it's true. I wanted to like this book but it was most difficult, in that it comes off as Carter's very first book. EVER.
I don't know about you, but I usually don't like my hauntings un-haunted. The story's about a group of people tethered by ethereal circumstances, the likes of The Sixth Sense. The book gives you three separate locations:a college house, a local pub and a residence, but the occupants don't know. Why? Well almost all is revealed by the end of Part One of the story, but there seemed to be this infinite drag... so long it's unbelievable! I think I died and came back to haunt myself into reading it to the end- and the book's not even that long!
Let me explain in a kind way. An Extraordinary Haunting is filled with characters who didn't react the way real people would have. They continuous rationalizing made a crap-load of excuses for things that could have easily brought the story to the climactic middle pages ago. People purchased and lived in a house where they were afraid to walk down a hallway! One wouldn't even go to bed unless everyone else went or was accompanied by someone. I couldn't relate to them, and they were in Swansea!
I wanted to like the book, because the spooky incidents that took place were spooky, but the reactions of those being h haunted ruined it for me. You can read my full review at http://bit.ly/SwanseaUKHaunt for more details. Cheers!
I don't know about you, but I usually don't like my hauntings un-haunted. The story's about a group of people tethered by ethereal circumstances, the likes of The Sixth Sense. The book gives you three separate locations:a college house, a local pub and a residence, but the occupants don't know. Why? Well almost all is revealed by the end of Part One of the story, but there seemed to be this infinite drag... so long it's unbelievable! I think I died and came back to haunt myself into reading it to the end- and the book's not even that long!
Let me explain in a kind way. An Extraordinary Haunting is filled with characters who didn't react the way real people would have. They continuous rationalizing made a crap-load of excuses for things that could have easily brought the story to the climactic middle pages ago. People purchased and lived in a house where they were afraid to walk down a hallway! One wouldn't even go to bed unless everyone else went or was accompanied by someone. I couldn't relate to them, and they were in Swansea!
I wanted to like the book, because the spooky incidents that took place were spooky, but the reactions of those being h haunted ruined it for me. You can read my full review at http://bit.ly/SwanseaUKHaunt for more details. Cheers!
January 24, 2016
The perfect novel? An Extraordinary Haunting really is extraordinary! I have read other books by this author, but I think this is my favourite. I was hooked from the first page. There were times when my heart was beating so fast, but I just couldn't put it down.
It's about a haunting in a houseful of students in Swansea, Wales. But nothing is as it seems. Just when I thought I had a handle on where the plot was going, it took an unexpected turn. I almost giggled with the thrill of it. It was exhausting, but thoroughly satisfying to try and work it out. Thankfully, every question I had was answered by the end. Definitely one of the best books I have read in a long time. The perfect novel: Great characters, intriguing plot, and even a touch of romance. I loved it.
It's about a haunting in a houseful of students in Swansea, Wales. But nothing is as it seems. Just when I thought I had a handle on where the plot was going, it took an unexpected turn. I almost giggled with the thrill of it. It was exhausting, but thoroughly satisfying to try and work it out. Thankfully, every question I had was answered by the end. Definitely one of the best books I have read in a long time. The perfect novel: Great characters, intriguing plot, and even a touch of romance. I loved it.
June 12, 2016
This is not your typical ghost story, has a bit of a twist which makes it quite an interesting read. Unfortunately, for me this started off really slow and did not pick up until half way through the book, but once it did I started to enjoy the haunting and what came out of it for the characters.
I received a free copy through a goodreads giveaway.
I received a free copy through a goodreads giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews