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The Hauntings of Kingston #1
The Haunting of Crawley House
Like a grand lady, the house has reigned over Harvest Street for almost a century. It's a splendid home- a sweeping veranda, ivy covered walls and spacious rooms, all within a short walk to the campus. Add to its charm the exceptionally low rent, and it's a perfect student rental. In spite of this, tenants never stay. Within weeks of settling in, they flee; whispering tales of occurrences that were first odd, then escalated to terrifying. Over the years, the house has stood vacant for longer and longer periods. Gillian McDougall has just moved to Kingston and this Victorian era house is perfect! Dirt cheap rent, close to the university and a fenced backyard for her five year old daughter Sarah, make the place irresistible. Gillian's mother Maureen, Sarah's loving Nana agrees. Together, the three of them will build a new life here, and this house will once again become a family home. Soon, they too learn that this house is bewitched. Odd things start to happen. Sarah loves the swing in the backyard and her new friends, twin girls who no one else has seen. Nana Maureen can't sleep in her room. She's constantly woken by creaking floors, nightmares of being strangled and the smell of rotting flesh. They have never quarreled before, but now the air is heavy with tension. Small disagreements explode into rage. They don't know that they're only the second family to ever dwell under this roof. They don't know about the horrible fate that befell the original family. They don't know about the greed and hatred from an earlier era that still breathes in the very walls of this house. This malevolence doesn't want Gillian's family to run away. It wants them dead
309 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2016
1429 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Dorey
33 books107 followersA writer and reader of eerie ghost novels, Michelle lives in Kingston, ' the limestone city' situated on Lake Ontario, with her husband and 2 pugs. The Hauntings of Kingston series was inspired by an evening doing the local ghost walk.
She also writes Paranormal Women's Fantasy fiction under Shelley Dorey. Midlife, divorce and magic...oh my. Her 'Hex After 40' series is soon to be a TV series. Kind of a 'Desperate housewives flavor but with Witches!
She also writes Paranormal Women's Fantasy fiction under Shelley Dorey. Midlife, divorce and magic...oh my. Her 'Hex After 40' series is soon to be a TV series. Kind of a 'Desperate housewives flavor but with Witches!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
February 5, 2019
I love a good ghost story and this one didn't disappoint. The storyline felt realistic and I grew attached to the characters. The hauntings were believable and reminded me of V. C. Andrews. I can't wait to read more from Michelle Dorey.
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
November 1, 2024
This is a strange book to rate and review. In general, the story is different, which makes it interesting, and I did find this to be an enjoyable read. However, there are some faults that let it down. There were some eerie moments, but especially in the second part of the book, more could have been done to create suspense if some of the details in the first part were not revealed.
A couple of things prevented me from rating this higher than 3 stars. Firstly, the typos, missing words, and other poor editing/proofing errors. I have seen this noted in some other reviews, so I won't labour the point. However, spelling a name in two ways on the same page, more than once, is an irritating error (Sarah spelt as Sara).
Secondly, the character of Bridget/Bridey in general. There isn't any real context to her attitude and behaviour, so it feels pointless and unexpectedly sudden. Also, because the history of the story is that she is Irish and her employer is English, the pronunciation of her nickname isn't clarified where it could be multiple ways depending on who says it. This is probably just a minor point, but for me, it feels hard to understand why she hates it so much. Is it Bree-dee, Bry-dee, or Brid-ee?
I know some other reviews on here also complain about the style of language used to express the accents of the Irish characters and it not being accurate or over the top, however, as an English person I don't feel that it is too far off; it perhaps just needs some refining.
The ending is good, and it comes together well, but it does feel a little rushed. For me, the explanation of opening the boarded-up wall wasn't clear, and the second floor seemed to be suddenly accessible but I had understood the blockade to be at the bottom of the stairs to it.
I enjoyed the story overall, and I understand that this is the author's first novel, so I expect that some of my points may be areas she has improved on in later releases, so I will most likely read some of her other stories (especially as the version of this that I read from Kindle Unlimited includes another of her books from another series as a bonus). I would have just hoped that some of the errors could be edited out post-release in a revised version for Kindle.
A couple of things prevented me from rating this higher than 3 stars. Firstly, the typos, missing words, and other poor editing/proofing errors. I have seen this noted in some other reviews, so I won't labour the point. However, spelling a name in two ways on the same page, more than once, is an irritating error (Sarah spelt as Sara).
Secondly, the character of Bridget/Bridey in general. There isn't any real context to her attitude and behaviour, so it feels pointless and unexpectedly sudden. Also, because the history of the story is that she is Irish and her employer is English, the pronunciation of her nickname isn't clarified where it could be multiple ways depending on who says it. This is probably just a minor point, but for me, it feels hard to understand why she hates it so much. Is it Bree-dee, Bry-dee, or Brid-ee?
I know some other reviews on here also complain about the style of language used to express the accents of the Irish characters and it not being accurate or over the top, however, as an English person I don't feel that it is too far off; it perhaps just needs some refining.
The ending is good, and it comes together well, but it does feel a little rushed. For me, the explanation of opening the boarded-up wall wasn't clear, and the second floor seemed to be suddenly accessible but I had understood the blockade to be at the bottom of the stairs to it.
I enjoyed the story overall, and I understand that this is the author's first novel, so I expect that some of my points may be areas she has improved on in later releases, so I will most likely read some of her other stories (especially as the version of this that I read from Kindle Unlimited includes another of her books from another series as a bonus). I would have just hoped that some of the errors could be edited out post-release in a revised version for Kindle.
April 10, 2016
"Crawley House" by Michelle Dorey, was not what I expected. But in this case, it turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. Expecting the usual run-of-the-mill new owners/ghost formula, I was treated to an in-depth and very compelling story of the first owners of the house, the very ones who become the ghosts and populate the second half of the book. I really enjoyed this perspective and thought it was a very unique and enjoyable way of telling this wonderful and creepy little tale.
The author's writing was very good and the book is flawless. I would highly recommend this if you enjoy a gentler ghost story with plenty of atmosphere and background. I know I, for one, am looking forward to more from this author.
**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
The author's writing was very good and the book is flawless. I would highly recommend this if you enjoy a gentler ghost story with plenty of atmosphere and background. I know I, for one, am looking forward to more from this author.
**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
August 22, 2017
It was a good book. Your standard ghost story. There were two things I really liked about the book. One was that the book was separated into essentially two stories....the story of the original murder(s) that set up the hauntings and then the story of the family members, several generations later, who experienced the hauntings. The second thing I liked about the book was that it was creepy rather than ghoulish and full of gore. In fact, it was as interesting as it was creepy and it kept my interest going until, before I knew it, I was done the book.
I would recommend if creepy and a bit complicated, but not the modern zombie-gushing blood-brains, is a genre you enjoy.
I would recommend if creepy and a bit complicated, but not the modern zombie-gushing blood-brains, is a genre you enjoy.
April 28, 2019
Michelle Corey Rocks!
I really liked the main story! It was original and I couldn't put down! The second story took a moment to really catch my attention, but as soon as I did I was not disappointed!
I really liked the main story! It was original and I couldn't put down! The second story took a moment to really catch my attention, but as soon as I did I was not disappointed!
December 22, 2023
Haunting through time
Well orchestrated plot bringing multiple times and families together in a chilling, emotional story. I would read more of this series.
Well orchestrated plot bringing multiple times and families together in a chilling, emotional story. I would read more of this series.
April 12, 2016
One you won't want to put down
This is the kind of book that grabs my attention and holds it. But don't read it without a light on.
This is the kind of book that grabs my attention and holds it. But don't read it without a light on.
May 22, 2016
Spellbinding.
This story held me in suspends from start to finish. I recommend this book to all who enjoy suspense stories.
This story held me in suspends from start to finish. I recommend this book to all who enjoy suspense stories.
August 26, 2016
Loved it
This book pulled me in right from the start, I love the characters and storyline so much, an look forward to more books by this author..
This book pulled me in right from the start, I love the characters and storyline so much, an look forward to more books by this author..
October 16, 2016
This was one of the best books I've read in a long time!! It was so good that I read it all in one afternoon!! Can't wait to read more of your books!!!
August 24, 2020
The first part is great and well written, the second part made me wonder if there was another writer as it was just not right. Slow in some parts and with a rushed ending.
September 24, 2019
Haunting’s of Kingston
The Haunting of Crawley House is a great book in the paranormal genre. It starts with the devastation of one happy family by a jealous maid and a beloved, beautiful mother and wife is secretly poisoned and she dies. The mother comes back trying to protect her husband and twin daughters and the maid knows this. The maid has tricked the sad widower into marrying her and she’s cruel to the twins behind his back. Over the next 2-3 years the whole family is dead and I don’t want to give it away but it the maid’s cruelty and her plans for the future woke the widower up and he took care of business. The widower and maid had a son that plays out in the future when he’s an elderly man. Meanwhile, a new family sells their old family home due to death of matriarch. Rent then buy Crawley house and eventually learn their connection and help calm the spirits through young daughter. Very good book. I don’t do reviews usually but this series honestly interesting.
The Haunting of Crawley House is a great book in the paranormal genre. It starts with the devastation of one happy family by a jealous maid and a beloved, beautiful mother and wife is secretly poisoned and she dies. The mother comes back trying to protect her husband and twin daughters and the maid knows this. The maid has tricked the sad widower into marrying her and she’s cruel to the twins behind his back. Over the next 2-3 years the whole family is dead and I don’t want to give it away but it the maid’s cruelty and her plans for the future woke the widower up and he took care of business. The widower and maid had a son that plays out in the future when he’s an elderly man. Meanwhile, a new family sells their old family home due to death of matriarch. Rent then buy Crawley house and eventually learn their connection and help calm the spirits through young daughter. Very good book. I don’t do reviews usually but this series honestly interesting.
April 8, 2025
3.75 stars
I listened to this on audio just as a palate cleanser, I wanted something different and a little scary. To be honest, though, it wasn’t scary. Yes it had ghost elements, but it felt more like a historical novel than a horror.
The narrative is told from 2 timelines. One is set between the First and Second World War, where we follow a happy family whose lives are eventually destroyed by a witch named Brigette. Oh, how I hated this woman, I honestly wish she’d gotten the worst ending imaginable.🤬
The second timeline takes place in the future, when another family moves into the mansion and starts experiencing paranormal activity, slowly uncovering the secrets behind the house.
I did enjoy the book But I really wish the author had started with the second timeline and then moved into the past. I think that structure would’ve made the story scarier and more intriguing, letting readers discover the mystery as it unfolded. Instead author kind of spoiled everything upfront.
I listened to this on audio just as a palate cleanser, I wanted something different and a little scary. To be honest, though, it wasn’t scary. Yes it had ghost elements, but it felt more like a historical novel than a horror.
The narrative is told from 2 timelines. One is set between the First and Second World War, where we follow a happy family whose lives are eventually destroyed by a witch named Brigette. Oh, how I hated this woman, I honestly wish she’d gotten the worst ending imaginable.🤬
The second timeline takes place in the future, when another family moves into the mansion and starts experiencing paranormal activity, slowly uncovering the secrets behind the house.
I did enjoy the book But I really wish the author had started with the second timeline and then moved into the past. I think that structure would’ve made the story scarier and more intriguing, letting readers discover the mystery as it unfolded. Instead author kind of spoiled everything upfront.
June 3, 2022
Bad writing
The punctuation is so bad and then writing so bad that I barely made it to chapter three. This author uses exclamation points! At least every page! It makes the text sound juvenile and unprofessional! The narration is also written as if someone took a guess at the stereotype of how British or Irish people speak. It feels forced and again, unprofessional. "She barely had time for a cuppa, twasn't time for more!" Etc. Like a high schooler in a creative writing class. The characters blend together because the dialogue and text have no distinction between the two. It's almost cringe worthy. The characters are not that interesting. The hooks seem hackneyed too. I don't know how this book got so many stars when the writing is so bad I couldn't bring myself to care about the story.
The punctuation is so bad and then writing so bad that I barely made it to chapter three. This author uses exclamation points! At least every page! It makes the text sound juvenile and unprofessional! The narration is also written as if someone took a guess at the stereotype of how British or Irish people speak. It feels forced and again, unprofessional. "She barely had time for a cuppa, twasn't time for more!" Etc. Like a high schooler in a creative writing class. The characters blend together because the dialogue and text have no distinction between the two. It's almost cringe worthy. The characters are not that interesting. The hooks seem hackneyed too. I don't know how this book got so many stars when the writing is so bad I couldn't bring myself to care about the story.
July 1, 2024
Absolutely brilliant author, she really knows how to write evil characters "Bridey", I'll leave it at that no spoilers. I will be getting the rest of the 2 series she has written, I already have the next book in a series. I had read 2 previous books by different authors and one I couldn't finish the other I deserved a medal for sticking with it. I was in desperate need of a win and as I had already read another book by Michelle Dorey, I thought it would be a good choice to get me back on track, and I can say it was.
If you haven't read Michelle Dorey give her a try you won't be disappointed. She writes characters you want to care about and evil characters you want to strangle. In the last book I read by another author, I wanted the book to end and for all the characters to die to put them and me out of our misery.
If you haven't read Michelle Dorey give her a try you won't be disappointed. She writes characters you want to care about and evil characters you want to strangle. In the last book I read by another author, I wanted the book to end and for all the characters to die to put them and me out of our misery.
February 13, 2018
This book is really two different stories. The first tells the story of a house and its occupants, and how jealousy and spite leads a woman placed in a position of trust to commit the ultimate betrayal, and begins the haunting of the Crawley House. The second half of the book is the culmination, when years later a fractured family purchases the home, only later to learn of its sinister past, and the malevolent spirit that now inhabits it. Well-written, old-fashioned ghost story. This isn't the Exorcist or anything as dark as that, but more the kind of book you curl up with on a gloomy day and read as you sip your favorite beverage. I'm glad I made time for this one, and was pleasantly surprised to receive a bonus novel at the end.
August 2, 2019
I was expecting a typical ghost story - the old owner's ghost haunting the new owners. This is that, sort of, but the twist makes it special and the intertwined characters (both dead and living) are not at all typical. The conclusion will make you cry, but you'll be smiling through the tears. I hope the rest of the series lives up to the potential the first installment displayed.
Having now read all five volumes, I would definitely recommend reading the first, The Haunting of Crawley House. It's unique in the series. Then I would skip the next two and read the fourth The Haunting of Larkspur Farm - the other two aren't significantly different, other than in the details of the families involved. Book four had a more interesting set-up than the previous two. Finally read book five, The Ghosts of Hanson House. It's also unique in the series.
Having now read all five volumes, I would definitely recommend reading the first, The Haunting of Crawley House. It's unique in the series. Then I would skip the next two and read the fourth The Haunting of Larkspur Farm - the other two aren't significantly different, other than in the details of the families involved. Book four had a more interesting set-up than the previous two. Finally read book five, The Ghosts of Hanson House. It's also unique in the series.
June 20, 2019
This book is very cleverly written. The first part is almost a stand-alone in itself then there is an 'intermission' chapter before it carries on to the present day! The second part started off a bit slow and I found myself constantly trying to figure out which was the mother and which was the daughter as they held conversations, their names being mentioned in most sentences! Once you get past the confusion of their names, the story builds up and proves to be another masterpiece from Michelle.
How she comes up with all the different scenario's is amazing!
I'm off to visit her 'Haunted Cabin' next!
How she comes up with all the different scenario's is amazing!
I'm off to visit her 'Haunted Cabin' next!
November 14, 2024
"The haunting of Crawley House" - (The Hauntings of Kingston Book 1) .....
The first book in a new series, I love these kinds of stories! This is definitely going to be a series of books that I'm not gonna want to put down & I'll be excitingly awaiting the next issue of each and every amazing adventure that 'Keira' and her Guardian will have within their paranormal experiences? This book kept me hooked, for hours at a time, sometimes until I couldn't stay awake any longer. My eyes refusing to stay awake any longer?!!
Anyone who's interested or even curious about the Paranormal world, will enjoy this book immensely. I definitely did !!
The first book in a new series, I love these kinds of stories! This is definitely going to be a series of books that I'm not gonna want to put down & I'll be excitingly awaiting the next issue of each and every amazing adventure that 'Keira' and her Guardian will have within their paranormal experiences? This book kept me hooked, for hours at a time, sometimes until I couldn't stay awake any longer. My eyes refusing to stay awake any longer?!!
Anyone who's interested or even curious about the Paranormal world, will enjoy this book immensely. I definitely did !!
May 15, 2020
The first half of this book follows a young family in the 1920's. We see what tragedy followed the young family and the cause of all the darkness. The second half of the book follows another family Grandma, Mother, daughter in the present as they move into a new home and start to deal with ghosts only the young daughter can see. The two families are more connected then they know. Actually pretty good story. Good believable characters, and enough suspense and mystery to keep you reading. I enjoyed it.
June 2, 2019
Intriguing tale of love, jealousy and murder
The book had me captivated from the beginning with its colourful characters and well paced writing. Having the book in essentially two halves - the back story from the past and the present story that tangles with the past when ghosts appear, is a great move. I love paranormal stories with ghosts, so this is a must read for those with similar tastes.
The book had me captivated from the beginning with its colourful characters and well paced writing. Having the book in essentially two halves - the back story from the past and the present story that tangles with the past when ghosts appear, is a great move. I love paranormal stories with ghosts, so this is a must read for those with similar tastes.
April 17, 2023
Extremely intense! Fantastic ghost story!
I very much enjoyed this book! It had me reading so fast to see what would happen next that my eyes couldn't keep up. From the early years of the house and family to the modern day family and finally unraveling the connection between the two I found very interesting. The evil and good battling kept me on the edge of my seat all the way to the end. I truly enjoyed this book and plan to read the rest in the series.
I very much enjoyed this book! It had me reading so fast to see what would happen next that my eyes couldn't keep up. From the early years of the house and family to the modern day family and finally unraveling the connection between the two I found very interesting. The evil and good battling kept me on the edge of my seat all the way to the end. I truly enjoyed this book and plan to read the rest in the series.
May 17, 2023
A good story.
I enjoyed this haunted house story. First part of the book takes place in the 1920's, and the second part is in modern times. Lots of chills and good atmosphere. The tragedies causing the haunting are heartbreaking. I like the characters, and the plot. The ghost who caused the haunting is one of the evilest ghosts I've seen in a haunted house story. I will be reading more of this series.
I enjoyed this haunted house story. First part of the book takes place in the 1920's, and the second part is in modern times. Lots of chills and good atmosphere. The tragedies causing the haunting are heartbreaking. I like the characters, and the plot. The ghost who caused the haunting is one of the evilest ghosts I've seen in a haunted house story. I will be reading more of this series.
December 11, 2023
Really good read! Kept me on the edge of my seat, it was full of good characters, the script was different and not boring. It had twist and turns, when you think you know how it was going to go it went another direction! I liked the twist at the end , I thought I had it figured out but I had it all wrong!!! I loved this audiobook!!! Would make an amazing movie if they don't put in the gore or make it a slasher movie.
December 4, 2024
The first book of a new series, I love these kinds of stories!This series of books is undoubtedly one that I won't want to put down, and I'll eagerly anticipate each new instalment, excited for the incredible adventures 'Keira' and her Guardian will encounter in their paranormal experiences. This book was so captivating that I found myself engrossed for hours, often until sleep overtook me. For those intrigued by the paranormal world, this book is a delightful read. I certainly enjoyed it!
May 29, 2018
Great story!
So the circle needs to be closed; what exactly does that mean? Well, in this book it's clearly explained, and it's a harrowing journey from beginning to end. If you enjoy paranormal stories, then this is a definite must read! The book, "Legacy" , included in the end is another fantastic series!
So the circle needs to be closed; what exactly does that mean? Well, in this book it's clearly explained, and it's a harrowing journey from beginning to end. If you enjoy paranormal stories, then this is a definite must read! The book, "Legacy" , included in the end is another fantastic series!
March 14, 2019
Emotional
Loved the haunting of Crawley house but I loved the free first book after that even more , about a young woman finding out she has paranormal gifts from her estranged grandmother ,I am definitely following this author and catching up with her back catalogue .I heartily recommend anyone who enjoys ghostly tales with emotion to read these books
Loved the haunting of Crawley house but I loved the free first book after that even more , about a young woman finding out she has paranormal gifts from her estranged grandmother ,I am definitely following this author and catching up with her back catalogue .I heartily recommend anyone who enjoys ghostly tales with emotion to read these books
June 7, 2019
2 great stories in one
I like how well written both the books in this selection were, it made it quite difficult to put down. The first one was an amazing tale of the supernatural while the second while also dealing with the supernatural, did so in a different manner. I like that it also was just the first in what I am sure will be an absolutely intriguing series
I like how well written both the books in this selection were, it made it quite difficult to put down. The first one was an amazing tale of the supernatural while the second while also dealing with the supernatural, did so in a different manner. I like that it also was just the first in what I am sure will be an absolutely intriguing series
April 14, 2020
Do you know what chicken skin or goose bumps are? Well I had that while reading this book.
As I was reading I felt like I was there with the characters in the book.
I totally missed an important clue in the book or I would have seen something that I should have caught.
This book is chilling and captivating at the same time.
As I was reading I felt like I was there with the characters in the book.
I totally missed an important clue in the book or I would have seen something that I should have caught.
This book is chilling and captivating at the same time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews