Blakemort

Psychic Surveys Companion Novels #1

by Shani Struthers

“That house, that damned house. Will it ever stop haunting me?”

After her parents’ divorce, five-year old Corinna Greer moves into Blakemort with her mother and brother. Set on the edge of the village of Whitesmith, the only thing attractive about it is the rent. A ‘sensitive’, Corinna is aware from the start that something is wrong with the house. Very wrong.

Christmas is coming but at Blakemort that’s not something to get excited about. A house that sits and broods, that calculates and considers, it’s then that it lashes out – the attacks endured over five years becoming worse. There are also the spirits, some willing residents, others not. Amongst them a boy, a beautiful, spiteful boy…

Who are they? What do they want? And is Corinna right when she suspects it’s not just the dead the house traps but the living too?

Genres: Horror, Paranormal, Ghosts, Ghost Stories, Fiction, Supernatural

184 pages, Paperback

Published July 27, 2016

About the author

It's all about the ghosts...

Here's the order my books come in:

Psychic Surveys Series:

Psychic Surveys Book One: The Haunting of Highdown Hall

Psychic Surveys Book Two: Rise to Me

Psychic Surveys Book Three: 44 Gilmore Street

Psychic Surveys Book Four: Old Cross Cottage

Psychic Surveys Book Five: Descension

Psychic Surveys Book Six: Legion

Psychic Surveys Book Seven: Promises to Keep

Psychic Surveys Book Eight: The Weight of the Soul

Psychic Surveys Book Nine: The Devil's Liar

Psychic Surveys Companion Novels:

Eve: A Psychic Surveys Prequel

Blakemort (Corinna's story)

Thirteen (Ness's story)

Rosamund (Rosamund Davis - Ruby's great-grandmother's story)

Jed (the story of one of Psychic Surveys' most treasured and mysterious characters)

This Haunted World Series:

This Haunted World Book One: The Venetian

This Haunted World Book Two: The Eleventh Floor

This Haunted World Book Three: Highgate

This Haunted World Book Four: Rohaise

Reach for the Dead Series:

Reach for the Dead Book One: Mandy

Reach for the Dead Book Two: Cades Home Farm

Reach for the Dead Book Three: Walker

Jessamine Series:

Jessamine

Comraich

Carfax House - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

The Damned Season - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

Wildacre - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

Summer of Grace - A standalone psychological thriller

Catch up with me via Facebook or on my website www.shanistruthers.com where you can sign up to my newsletter for all the latest information, offers and giveaways.

Reviews

[Magdalena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't tell you what a pleasure it was to finally read a real haunting haunted house story. I've found lately that either the story isn't creepy enough (seriously cozy horror is not a thing) or it's a romance masquerading as a horror. So, reading Blakemort was a real thrill.

I've never read anything by Shani Struthers before. However, I own the first book in this series (and I bought two books in the series after finishing this one hehe). I'm really thrilled to have discovered an author that can write a thrilling and creepy horror story. Right from the start is the story intriguing and I love how creepy the house is. You can really feel that something is badly wrong here. Poor little Corinna who knows that the house is wrong that it's evil, but neither her brother and mother listen to her and that makes this story so sad. She can see them, there are some rooms that are a bit more "safe", but most of the house is bad. Especially around Christmas.

I like how the story focuses on Christmas during the years they lived in the house. As Corinna state in the book, bad things happened all through the years. But, Christmas was especially bad, every year. I quite liked the mystery of the house, and how they in the last year in Blakemort finally discovered the truth.

Blakemort is a terrific novella. I found it engrossing and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series!

I chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased!

Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most creepy, freakish haunting novels I've read in a while ..... this one is definitely going to stay with me for some time. **Note to self: DO NOT read this novel in the dead of night!**

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not really a genre I read much these days, but I did enjoy Blakemort, and could definitely see me having loved it if I had read it as a young teenager, when I loved reading books that spooked me.

Even after all these years, one part in particular did send a shiver down my spine, as I too was pushed down the stairs, when I was just a few years old, and to this day I am still convinced it was a ghost that pushed me. I was pushed twice by something invisible, falling down the stairs on the second push, and I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a giant jellyfish that pushed me.

There was a good mix of characters, and I liked that the two adult sisters were Julia and Helena, as I'm Julie and one of my sisters is Helen. Julia was the one without kids, like myself, and Helena was the one with kids, like my sister Helen. I also loved the character of Helena's daughter, Corinna.

I’ve never really thought about what my surname means, until this novella mentioned ‘mort’ meaning dead, which then got me curious about what Mortimer actually means. My husband (being born with the surname), informed me it means ‘dead sea’. How interesting.

Blakemort is a great novella for anyone who enjoys haunted house ghost stories. Although there is mention of a number of Christmas periods over the years throughout this story, I do think this novella could be read any time of year, as it is not really festive at all, but more of a ghostly mystery.

[Mark Tilbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her mum and dad split up, Corinna and her brother Ethan move into Blakemort with their mum. It doesn't take long for strange things to start happening and for the house to affect it's new residents. This novella features a young Corinna, from the author's Psychic Surveys series and Blakemort is going to feature in a full length novel - which I'm really looking forward to.

Shani is an expert at building atmosphere and tension in her books. The feelings felt by Corinna and her family whilst inside the house, seemed to transfer themselves through my kindle and into me. I felt anxious and unsure, but was compelled to keep reading to see what else was discovered about the house, and it's previous occupants.

I really enjoyed finding out about Corinna's life pre Psychic Surveys and am interested in finding out what happened at Blakemort all those years ago for it to hold such power over everyone who lives there. I recommend this and the Psychic Surveys series to anyone who likes their fiction full of the paranormal, tension and suspense. I chose to read an ARC copy of this book.

[Nolene Driscoll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shani Struthers writes a good novel but this book left me a little disappointed. To me there was a nice build up of tension as though something was going to happen, then it was glossed over. I felt that there should have been more action, more things happening not just alluded to. It had a great plot and storyline but for me never quite got going, perhaps if this had been a complete book rather than a novella She could have done more with it.

[John Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant ghost story

This is one of the most enthralling ghost stories I have ever read. A well written, traditional spooky tale. Brilliant!

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've not read the PSYCHIC SURVEYS Series in order, though I have read Book 1 and Book 4, and BLAKEMORT, which gives background prequel on one of the new characters. So far I do believe OLD CROSS COTTAGE is my favourite. It provides both depth and breadth--there are multiple threads of haunting involved, and we really delve into the reasons why and the emotional backgrounds. Several of the characters--alive and dead--particularly resonated for me; and Ruby and Cash certainly pull our heartstrings as they develop their relationship while simultaneously coping with numerous hauntings. I am definitely going to catch up on this series.

[Kaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blakemort....The house of the dead...Shani Struthers has delivered a Christmas novella like no other, The story centre's around 5 year old Corrina and her family, Corrina's parent''s are newly separated, and when Helena, her mother rents Blakemort she is hoping for a new start for Corrina and Ethan her brother. Corrina sense's and see's thing's. she has a gift, and Blakemort is a Pandora's box just waiting to be opened, but once the lid is off, there are no pleasant surprise's.....just malevolent evil, intend on releasing dark forces against Corrina and the family, and this all builds up to a crescendo as Christmas approaches. What a great novella for a creepy chilling read, I seem to be reading books at the moment that make me leave the light on at night!!.I love the style of Shani Struthers writing here , Corrina narrates the story and I felt as if I was sitting next to her, sensing the horror that surrounds Blakemort, the dead, who cannot rest, what are he secret's hidden,? why do the spirits want to harm Corrina?...my heart ached for her, struggling to cope with her parent's unhappy separation, while being the target of wicked spirit's, and all while her mother and brother thought her rather melodramatic.Oh this is a real chilling atmostopheric novella, just dive in, it will grip you, and unsettle you, but it's a perfect read for winter, decorate the Christmas tree, dim the light's , maybe a glass of mulled wine and you will be ready to go!!...

[Jesse Christiansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blakemort bleeds rich with imagination, chilling ambiance, and, most importantly, the signature, master storytelling that Struthers fans have come to expect and love. I found myself quickly drawn in and living in the scene with the characters, of which the story was perhaps the most memorable protagonist. The author also does a great job of weaving the history of the house into a building plot and satisfying climax.

Well worth the read. Another ghost story gem for haunted house enthusiasts everywhere.

[Hilary Mortz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first Shani Struthers book I have read and I have to admit that after a good start, I became a little disappointed by the slow pace of the story telling. I know the intention was to build tension for the reader, but after a while I just stopped caring what happened to the characters. I've certainly had much worse family Christmases than the ones described in Blakemort.

The whole thing was just a bit too drawn out for my reading taste. A must for her many fans however.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit to dry

While I liked the story itself I found the telling, even through Audible as a bit dry. Things seem to move at a snails pace and the characters are never really very interesting. They do make you feel for them at times, but they never really maintain it. As I said the pacing is slow and drags quite a bit throughout. You never get as much as you want about the villain of the story either which is the house. More background could have taken this to a different level. I

The narrator did a great job of giving voices to the characters so that you could distinguish them apart without being told who was speaking. That is always appreciated when listening to a book.

I think it is enjoyable enough that most would like it and so still recommend it.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This is an amazing add on to the Psychic Surveys books! 📚 I can't wait to see what happens when she has to go back to this house!

[Chris Hooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really enjoyable read

I would say I was slowly reading my way through Shani's series of books - but I'd be lying. Discovering these books has made me love reading again. I'm flying through them, each book as enjoyable as the last.
Can't wait to start the next one.!!

[MRS C MARSHALL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky

I have read this book and giving my honest review.
Wow what a creepy spooky book
Enjoyed from page one to the end could not put it down.
I had to find out what happened:
Hoping you enjoy as much as I did.

[Gemma Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Story is written in the first person in a diary or memory style, as the lead character, Corinna is now a grown woman, and this is her recollection of a very troubled time in her life. I was very surprised to discover that this wasn’t a Ruby Davis led book. However, I was delighted to find it is based around another of the key characters in the Psychic Surveys universe. Blakemort follows Corinna and her family, which consists of her brother Ethan, mother Helena, aunt Julia and father Paul. The dynamic of the family and indeed the reason for moving to the house named Blakemort is due to the breakdown of the marriage between Helena and Paul. Aunt Julia becomes a support for the single mother and her two children especially around the Christmas period; which is what this book is based around spanning several years. They have rented the crumbling pile from an old friend of Helena’s from art college called Carol.
With the back story neatly explained let’s delve into the story of Blakemort.
Corinna is only five years old when she moves to the isolated house with her sullen brother and heartbroken mother. Right from the start she is unhappy about being there for so many reasons. Her world has just tipped on its axis and her new home makes her feel uneasy, very uneasy. From the early part of chapter one it was clear that Corinna has a latent psychic ability which as the book progresses she learns to understand and develop to some degree. At the age of five she was already able to describe her new home as ‘a bad place’ She is particularly reluctant to enter the music room which has a large glass panned door that leads into the very overgrown garden at the rear of the house. The door frame is identified as being painted black which I made a mental note of and that she felt no one should ever open this door. This made me want to know everything about this door.
Going back to the reason for the move to this house, I found it very interesting. The fact that a broken family unit has moved into a clearly unloved house, which Corinna feels uncomfortable in and everything that could go wrong in an old manor does. The heating isn’t working right, and pictures won’t hang straight on the old walls. More than that though is the link between the family dynamic and the sudden development of Corinna’s psychic abilities beginning to manifest. I have read a lot of book on the paranormal both fiction and none fiction and the feelings of anger, loneliness and hurt are vital to the manifestation of less than friendly entities. I felt the author had made an excellent choice of family and paranormal connectivity here.
The progression of the haunting is very well written. Corinna has crystal clear memories of her time at Blakemort and as I mentioned at the start of my review this is written in a dairy style which spans several Christmases. This time of year is the main focus throughout the book and again I found that very interesting. It is a time for family and togetherness. Which as I read the book is not an atmosphere that is able to thrive in Blakemort. Corinna’s remembering’s really humanized her as it comes across almost painfully how ill equipped she was as a child to deal with the things that were happening in the house and indeed to her directly. Her brother and mother were also deeply affected, and this too was a point of deep frustration to the young girl as she tried to explain to them what was happening.



The Ghosts of Blakemort seem to span centuries, the paintings and photographs that are found in the attic along with strange ritualistic garb suggests the house was once the base for a cult of some sort. The actual reason for the strange artifacts is never revealed. Though symbolism is mentioned and appears in several areas of the house and its grounds which lends itself to my theory of it being used for rituals and dark arts. The grave yard full of inverted grave markers was truly horrifying as they seem to have the names of children etched into them. Some of the ghosts that are mentioned in the book are children. All the graves bear the same last name which I won’t reveal to you here, but it is another breadcrumb I feel for what really happened at the manor in years past.
I loved this book because even though it is not like the main books in the series, there was still an element of mystery and the need for answers. Corinna finally gets her mother to agree to help her with a school project about the house and they discover more about it, the words lost village and plague are used which I jumped on and hoped for more explanation. Sadly, I didn’t get it but again I hope these are bread crumbs that will lead to answers in another book.
An endearing quality of the story and indeed Corinna is her ability to overcome. One of the entities uses a form of connection called automatic writing and as a child of five Corinna has very limited understanding of either reading or writing. Her determination, along with her child’s intuition galvanises her into learning as much as she can, as fast as she can to understand and maybe finally receive the messages someone is trying to share with her.
The way the house affects the family unit is very well done. One of the many reasons I enjoy this author so much is her ability to really capture human nature even when things of an unknown quality are involved. The sprites seem to find it easier to feed off Ethan and Helena, Ethan was a pre-teen at the start of the book and was also very angry at the family split. The two characters seem to suffer a great deal due to their overwhelming feelings of rejection and loss. New cracks appear within the family and disagreements escalate very quickly. The description that Corinna gives of the house I felt was perfect. She calls it a ‘dead place’.



Some great touches that really stood out for me in this book were the used of symbolism which I touched on earlier, is very central to the story. It is used as a physical marker and metaphorically. An ailment that both mother and son develop as different points in the book I felt linked very nicely with the mention of the plague and the symbolism as well.
This title did not end with a cut and dried conclusion. I found this deeply frustrating as I really wanted to know all the answers to every question the author had raised within the book and to see if my own opinions, are indeed correct. However, it gives me hope that the author may return to Blakemort, at a later date. This was in my mind cemented when the now adult Corinna mentions her job and how she expects to return there one day to complete a survey.
In conclusion I found this to be a very different read to the rest of the series just as detailed. There was no formal investigation as such but the bread crumbs that the author has left for the reader are tantalising and definitely left me wanting to know more about this house and its other worldly inhabitants.
This is the book that has most affected me in this entire series. I never read the synopsis for any book so as always, I went in blind and was not disappointed. It is a well written book with not a word out of place. The descriptions are on point and the atmosphere the author has managed to create is the most chilling to date in this series. I cannot see how the author can resist a return trip the house called Blakemort. There are so many questions to be answered and many grounded spirits. I can live in hope there will be another book.

I give this title 5 stars of a possible 5 stars

[Carol Peace · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an introduction into the books of Shani Struthers, I had not read any of hers before but I will after.
Corrine's mum and dad had split up and her mum was finding things difficult when her old friend Carol offered her a house to rent very cheap. Corrine her mum and older brother Ethan went to live in Blakemort. On arrival they realised it was a bit run down and from the outset Corrine just didn't feel easy as she felt there were 'other' people there too but knowing she wouldn't be believed she kept quiet. They settled in but that was to follow was very disturbing and downright scary and to tell you more just wouldn't be fair. The narrator is Corrine and it works very well that way and she had me well and truly hooked. A must read for any time of the year not just halloween.

[Natasha du Plessis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a fan of watching Horrors on the tv or the big screen, but will gladly read a Horror. This book was really scary and if it is ever made into a movie you will not find met watching this movie as I will be scared to death. I would probably leave the room or switch channel within the first 10 minutes of the movie.
This book by Shani Struthers is a stand alone within the Psychic Surveys series and I read it as such. I loved the writing style and the characters. I would have loved to find out more of the history of Blakemort though. I'm really glad that I don't have to spend Christmas in Blakemort.
If you are into reading horrors I would definitely recommend this book to you.

Thank you to TBC and Shani Struthers for the copy.

[Emma Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliantly terrifying ghost book. It gripped me from the first chapter and nothing in the book is predictable. It's quite an eerie read.

Blackened has become a new home for corinnna, her mum and brother after her parents get divorced and this house is affordable on rent from a friend so it's too good to turn down. The house is like a mansion but not one of those glamourous places. This home is definitely not for the living. But will they realise too late or will they find a way out soon. The story is from young corinna, it's told so well that you actually feel as though you are there. I couldn't read this book at night! I love haunted places and would love to stay in one..... but this house is not for me thank you! The research has been done amazingly though!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's quite scary when you realise that Blakemort is based on documented true facts. Corrina was only five when she moved into Blakemort with her mum and older brother. It was a move of necessity as her mum and dad had split up and their old house sold. When Corrina entered the house she realised that all was not as it should be and for some reason a feeling of dread came over her. This was the start of terrifying unexplained events and one thing was certain they were not alone or welcome in the house. I loved this book, it would make a great Christmas ghost film. Thanks to TBC, Shani and the publisher for the ARC

[J.L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Christmas ghost story seen through the eyes of a child, narrated twenty years afterwards. I have to get used to the anomaly of mature words, observations and thoughts coming from a five year-old girl. The initial pace is steady and the content spooky. I can see that dreaded house so clearly in my mind's eye. Reading on, I experience horror after horror until my senses deaden. I guess I've never been one to thrive on horrific thrills, and somehow the ending has left me in the air - is that all?
But I read to the end in rapid time, which is a tribute to the quality of writing I've grown to expect from this author. I still prefer Jessamine!
Thank you to TBC for giving me this chance to read.

[Heather Fitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely terrifying, chilling book!

I wasn't sure about it at first, I'm not really a ghost story kind of a person; but I'd read Jessamine and really enjoyed it so I thought I'd give it a go.

A first it I thought 'is this it?' I was convinced it was going to be a something and nothing book; but oh my goodness! Shani Struthers is a master and building tension slowly but surely, then letting it fall away before ramping it up all over again. There were times when by blood ran cold and the hairs stuck up all over my body - at one point I had to stop reading even! I definitely couldn't bring myself to read it at night or when I was home alone.

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought Blakemort was a great introduction to the author's Psychic Surveys stories. It can also be read as a standalone and and it made a very good Christmas ghost story.

It's eerie and has all the elements of what you would expect in a haunted house mystery. I loved the writing style and I enjoyed the build up of tension. The house and its many 'inhabitants' were really spooky and I could easily picture it all in my mind! I really liked Corinna, the narrator, and look forward to reading more about her in other books.

A spine tingling and hair raising tale which is sure to set hearts racing!

[Sarah Muxlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this is the first I have read in the psychic surveys series and all I can say is wow. I found this to be a very powerful thought provoking book which looks at the issues of a split family and how those insecurities can be pushed to the limit by forces from the other side. The story focuses on Corinna who shows great strength for such a young child and I loved seeing her character develop as the years took their toll. I won't give the plot away but will say is a definite must read as I couldn't put it down once started and will most definitely be reading the rest in the series.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book centres on a girl a sensitive growing up over 4 years in a haunted house.
This house has a history and its interested in Corrine and her gifts! They drain her of her psychic energy and they play tricks on her and her family. This house is cheap for her mother following a split from her father and it gets harder and harder for Corrine to deal with the growing malevolence.
It makes for an interesting read on how atmospheres and hauntings are experienced on a personal level.
I'm already read to move onto Eve the next book.

[Glynis · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started Blakemort I was of the opinion that this was an average haunted house book, nothing special but an alright read. But hey it got better and better and really gripped me so much so that I was reading way in to the early hours, looking over my shoulder to see what that shadow could be hovering in the corner of the room. I definitely will read more of this author. Reminiscent of James Herbert The Magic Cottage.

A big thank you to Facebook The Book Club and Helen Boyce in particular for my ARC.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blakemort

Corinna, her mother Helena and brother Ethan move into Blakemort after her parents separation. But this is no ordinary house. Blakemort is evil to the core.
This novel is told from Corinna's point of view and covers the years she and her family lived in Blakemort focusing on the Christmases in the house.
Shani Struthers has written a book that is chilling and gets even more scary as it reaches its climax. You can almost feel the evil dragging the characters down it is that atmospheric.
Highly recommended.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg absolutely fantastic read.

Blakemort by shani Struthers is a psychic Surveys Christmas novella read.
After her parents divorce, five year old Corinna greer moves to blakemort with her mother and brother.
Absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. Especially Corinna and her family. Wow that house. Highly recommended. Definitely worth more than 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from tbc on fb.

[Michelle Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.....I couldn't put this down read it in one sitting. I got goosebumps a lot and choked up twice. This is the first book I've read by SHANI STRUTHERS and I promise I will be reading more I love supernatural I'm a believer, However I need to see something for myself. To know that this is based on true events is mind boggling. I am left wondering and have many questions I'd love to have answered. Very well written kept me hooked and a pleasure to read.

[Bridget McKeown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book (first one I've read by this author). It's very well written and flows.
Corinna is a sensitive in a house filled with mostly malevolent spirits. I'd be running for the door!!
I'll have to read more books by Ms Struthers. Thank you to TBC for the opportunity to read this book.

[Janice Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read any of the psychic surveys series but as it said this was a stand alone novella I thought I'd give it a go. This was spine tingling stuff which I stayed up all night reading. Great book will now need to download the rest of the series.