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The Haunting of Thores-Cross: A Yorkshire Ghost Story
Silver Medal Winner, European fiction - 2015 Independent Publisher Book Awards
A haunting historical thriller set in Britain's North Yorkshire Moors about isolation, superstition and persecution, The Haunting of Thores-Cross explores 18th century life in a picturesque but isolated village in the North Yorkshire Moors. But when a vulnerable young girl is ostracised within her community and accused of witchcraft, the descendants of her neighbours will suffer for centuries to come.
"This is the most well-researched, intense and spookiest book I've ever read" - Author Amy Queau
Likened by independent reviewers on Amazon to the BrontE sisters, Edgar Allen Poe, Barbara Erskine and Nathaniel Hawthorne, Karen Perkins' novels are filled with unflinching honesty and an acute understanding of human nature. She explores not only the depths of humanity, but the depths of human motivation behind the actions and pain people inflict upon each other, as well as the repercussions of these actions not only in the short term, but also the later generations who live with the implications of the past.
Emma Moorcroft is still grieving after a late miscarriage and moves to her dream house at Thruscross Reservoir with her husband, Dave. Both Emma and Dave hope that moving into their new home signifies a fresh start, but life is not that simple. Emma has nightmares about the reservoir and the drowned village that lies beneath the water, and is further disturbed by the sound of church bells - from a church that no longer exists.
Jennet is fifteen and lives in the isolated community of Thores-Cross, where life revolves about the sheep on which they depend. Following the sudden loss of both her parents, she is seduced by the local wool merchant, Richard Ramsgill. She becomes pregnant and is shunned not only by Ramsgill, but by the entire village. Lonely and embittered, Jennet's problems escalate, leading to tragic consequences which continue to have an effect through the centuries.
Emma becomes fixated on Jennet, neglecting herself, her beloved dogs and her husband to the point where her marriage may not survive. As Jennet and Emma's lives become further entwined, Emma's obsession deepens and she realises that the curse Jennet inflicted on the Ramsgill family over two hundred years ago is still claiming lives.
Emma is the only one who can stop Jennet killing again, but will her efforts be enough?
The Haunting of Thores-Cross was previously released asThores-Cross.
Results on Amazon:
#1 Bestseller British Horror
#1 Bestseller Occult, Ghosts & Haunted Houses
#1 Bestseller Gothic Romance
Over 100 5-STAR reviews on Amazon.com
A haunting historical thriller set in Britain's North Yorkshire Moors about isolation, superstition and persecution, The Haunting of Thores-Cross explores 18th century life in a picturesque but isolated village in the North Yorkshire Moors. But when a vulnerable young girl is ostracised within her community and accused of witchcraft, the descendants of her neighbours will suffer for centuries to come.
"This is the most well-researched, intense and spookiest book I've ever read" - Author Amy Queau
Likened by independent reviewers on Amazon to the BrontE sisters, Edgar Allen Poe, Barbara Erskine and Nathaniel Hawthorne, Karen Perkins' novels are filled with unflinching honesty and an acute understanding of human nature. She explores not only the depths of humanity, but the depths of human motivation behind the actions and pain people inflict upon each other, as well as the repercussions of these actions not only in the short term, but also the later generations who live with the implications of the past.
Emma Moorcroft is still grieving after a late miscarriage and moves to her dream house at Thruscross Reservoir with her husband, Dave. Both Emma and Dave hope that moving into their new home signifies a fresh start, but life is not that simple. Emma has nightmares about the reservoir and the drowned village that lies beneath the water, and is further disturbed by the sound of church bells - from a church that no longer exists.
Jennet is fifteen and lives in the isolated community of Thores-Cross, where life revolves about the sheep on which they depend. Following the sudden loss of both her parents, she is seduced by the local wool merchant, Richard Ramsgill. She becomes pregnant and is shunned not only by Ramsgill, but by the entire village. Lonely and embittered, Jennet's problems escalate, leading to tragic consequences which continue to have an effect through the centuries.
Emma becomes fixated on Jennet, neglecting herself, her beloved dogs and her husband to the point where her marriage may not survive. As Jennet and Emma's lives become further entwined, Emma's obsession deepens and she realises that the curse Jennet inflicted on the Ramsgill family over two hundred years ago is still claiming lives.
Emma is the only one who can stop Jennet killing again, but will her efforts be enough?
The Haunting of Thores-Cross was previously released asThores-Cross.
Results on Amazon:
#1 Bestseller British Horror
#1 Bestseller Occult, Ghosts & Haunted Houses
#1 Bestseller Gothic Romance
Over 100 5-STAR reviews on Amazon.com
279 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
251 people are currently reading
3504 people want to read
About the author
Karen Perkins
36 books244 followersKaren Perkins is the author of the Yorkshire Ghost Stories, the Pendle Witch Short Stories and the Valkyrie Series of historical nautical fiction. All of her fiction has appeared at the top of bestseller lists on both sides of the Atlantic, including the top 21 in the UK Kindle Store in 2018.
Her first Yorkshire Ghost Story – THE HAUNTING OF THORES-CROSS – won the Silver Medal for European Fiction in the prestigious 2015 Independent Publisher Book Awards in New York, whilst her Valkyrie novel, DEAD RECKONING, was long-listed in the 2011 MSLEXIA novel competition.
Originally a financial advisor, a sailing injury left Karen with a chronic pain condition which she has been battling for over twenty five years (although she did take the European ladies title despite the injury!). Writing has given her a new lease of – and purpose to – life, and she is currently working on A Question of Witchcraft – a sequel to Parliament of Rooks: Haunting Brontë Country.
To find out more about current writing projects as well as special offers and competitions, you are very welcome to join Karen in the her Facebook group. This is an exclusive group where you can get the news first, as well as have access to early previews and chances to get your hands on new books before anyone else. Find us on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/groups/karenperkinsb...
Her first Yorkshire Ghost Story – THE HAUNTING OF THORES-CROSS – won the Silver Medal for European Fiction in the prestigious 2015 Independent Publisher Book Awards in New York, whilst her Valkyrie novel, DEAD RECKONING, was long-listed in the 2011 MSLEXIA novel competition.
Originally a financial advisor, a sailing injury left Karen with a chronic pain condition which she has been battling for over twenty five years (although she did take the European ladies title despite the injury!). Writing has given her a new lease of – and purpose to – life, and she is currently working on A Question of Witchcraft – a sequel to Parliament of Rooks: Haunting Brontë Country.
To find out more about current writing projects as well as special offers and competitions, you are very welcome to join Karen in the her Facebook group. This is an exclusive group where you can get the news first, as well as have access to early previews and chances to get your hands on new books before anyone else. Find us on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/groups/karenperkinsb...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
December 28, 2014
I really am surprised at all the 5 star reviews of this book. I can understand how people may have enjoyed the story, but 5 star? Really? 5 star is surely for the best, if not of all literature then at least of the genre, you can't get any better. Was this book the best, the pinnacle of the genre?
The plot-line, which had attracted me to the the book in the first place, was good, although it became somewhat predictable. I felt the real problem was in the writing. The parts set in the present I found pedestrian. I think they suffered from being in the first person; the way Emma introduced and explained characters was forced, and the dialogue often unnatural. When Emma described her house as having a 'wetroom/loo',I laughed out loud; was this a novel or a estate agents ad? The parts set in the 18th C were somewhat better, though they mostly felt like a bad Catherine Cookson novel. The book reminds me of my local pub, they do a Carvery for £3.50, it's not very good, but at £3.50, what do you expect? £1.31 for the kindle edition was possibly value for money, but if I'd paid £7.99 in a bookshop, I would have wanted my money back. To be fair 2 stars is a bit mean, but 3 stars too generous, 2 and a half is the perfect rating for me.
The plot-line, which had attracted me to the the book in the first place, was good, although it became somewhat predictable. I felt the real problem was in the writing. The parts set in the present I found pedestrian. I think they suffered from being in the first person; the way Emma introduced and explained characters was forced, and the dialogue often unnatural. When Emma described her house as having a 'wetroom/loo',I laughed out loud; was this a novel or a estate agents ad? The parts set in the 18th C were somewhat better, though they mostly felt like a bad Catherine Cookson novel. The book reminds me of my local pub, they do a Carvery for £3.50, it's not very good, but at £3.50, what do you expect? £1.31 for the kindle edition was possibly value for money, but if I'd paid £7.99 in a bookshop, I would have wanted my money back. To be fair 2 stars is a bit mean, but 3 stars too generous, 2 and a half is the perfect rating for me.
June 5, 2013
If you read mystery/thrillers with historical and supernatural elements, Thores-Cross should be at the top of your list.
This book is very well-written, well paced and the characters are wonderfully developed. And like all good historical fiction, this book is very detailed when it comes to the time, setting, lifestyle, and character traits you'd expect from modern and 16th century England.
In a nutshell, the main protagonist, Emma (a novelist), is mysteriously compelled to write the story of a young girl that lived and died in the Moors where Emma currently resides. Local legends accuse the girl (Jennet) as being a witch, but there is always another side to the story. What begins as a labor of love for Emma soon becomes a crazed obsession to finish the book, to tell young Jennet's tale. As Emma tries to settle into her new home and re-establish life with her husband after a miscarriage, her hopes of normality are quickly dashed as Jannet's spirit takes over, invading her life, her desires, and her will.
This book is told in Emma and Jannet's points of view, alternating with each chapter. I loved this part. As Emma's life grew more insane, I simultaneously lived the horrendous experience of Jannet's life, through her eyes, watching her lose her parents, the man she loved, her home, her reputation and babies at the hands of a cruel family and ultimately a community that is as cold and dangerous as the accusers in Salem, MA.
This witch hunt/ghost story/historical yarn was a pleasant and fast read for me. I write supernatural fiction myself and really enjoyed this book immensely even though I don't normally read books with a British flare. I have, however, read other books like this that I really enjoyed, like An Untimely Romance (An Untimely Romance Novel). There's something intriguing about old English dialogue, especially when the story is moved along with a modern element to keep the me straight. So the teetering back and forth was a bonus for me.
Besides the above mentioned points, here are a few more reasons why you should read Thores-Cross:
~ Helpful key, defining old English terms. This clarified a few pertinent terms, although I still had a basic idea what was being said. This was a nice touch.
~ I read this pretty fast but I do not recall any spelling or grammatical errors.
~ The setting is beautiful.
~ The characters are real and fleshed out quite well.
~ The ending, although maybe slightly rushed (imo), was quite satisfying.
I give this book 5 stars. A must read!
Jeff Bennington
The Secret Tree, Reunion, and Twisted Vengeance
This book is very well-written, well paced and the characters are wonderfully developed. And like all good historical fiction, this book is very detailed when it comes to the time, setting, lifestyle, and character traits you'd expect from modern and 16th century England.
In a nutshell, the main protagonist, Emma (a novelist), is mysteriously compelled to write the story of a young girl that lived and died in the Moors where Emma currently resides. Local legends accuse the girl (Jennet) as being a witch, but there is always another side to the story. What begins as a labor of love for Emma soon becomes a crazed obsession to finish the book, to tell young Jennet's tale. As Emma tries to settle into her new home and re-establish life with her husband after a miscarriage, her hopes of normality are quickly dashed as Jannet's spirit takes over, invading her life, her desires, and her will.
This book is told in Emma and Jannet's points of view, alternating with each chapter. I loved this part. As Emma's life grew more insane, I simultaneously lived the horrendous experience of Jannet's life, through her eyes, watching her lose her parents, the man she loved, her home, her reputation and babies at the hands of a cruel family and ultimately a community that is as cold and dangerous as the accusers in Salem, MA.
This witch hunt/ghost story/historical yarn was a pleasant and fast read for me. I write supernatural fiction myself and really enjoyed this book immensely even though I don't normally read books with a British flare. I have, however, read other books like this that I really enjoyed, like An Untimely Romance (An Untimely Romance Novel). There's something intriguing about old English dialogue, especially when the story is moved along with a modern element to keep the me straight. So the teetering back and forth was a bonus for me.
Besides the above mentioned points, here are a few more reasons why you should read Thores-Cross:
~ Helpful key, defining old English terms. This clarified a few pertinent terms, although I still had a basic idea what was being said. This was a nice touch.
~ I read this pretty fast but I do not recall any spelling or grammatical errors.
~ The setting is beautiful.
~ The characters are real and fleshed out quite well.
~ The ending, although maybe slightly rushed (imo), was quite satisfying.
I give this book 5 stars. A must read!
Jeff Bennington
The Secret Tree, Reunion, and Twisted Vengeance
May 10, 2014
This book is nothing but a sizzling novel written in the simplest of ways. Just like water drops, you're dragged in gently and before you know it, you are drowned. The language is unique, the phrases are well-turned.
If you're the kind of person with love for historical fiction with some dollop of horror and romance - this is your girl.
If you're the kind of person with love for historical fiction with some dollop of horror and romance - this is your girl.
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April 26, 2018Writing a dual-time novel is not an easy thing to do and Karen Perkins should be given credit for trying. However, I think there are some problems with this novel. The historical story is problematic because the heroine loses the reader's sympathy by moving from a state of foolishness to a state of vindictiveness. It's true that she is badly treated by others in the story, but she cannot be said to be innocent of the crimes of which she is accused. Also the historical part of the story lacks any mystery or suspense, which I think is why some readers have commented on its predictability.
A key element of dual-time stories is the way in which the author links the past and the present. I don't have a problem with use of the supernatural for this purpose (I love Kate Mosse's books for example) but here it just didn't work for me and I remained unconvinced. Not much happens in the modern day part of the story and it became a bit repetitive.
I was also surprised that the historical part was set in the late eighteenth century when the century for witch hunts was the seventeenth century.
A key element of dual-time stories is the way in which the author links the past and the present. I don't have a problem with use of the supernatural for this purpose (I love Kate Mosse's books for example) but here it just didn't work for me and I remained unconvinced. Not much happens in the modern day part of the story and it became a bit repetitive.
I was also surprised that the historical part was set in the late eighteenth century when the century for witch hunts was the seventeenth century.
May 30, 2013
As a North Yorkshire lad, I simply had to read this.
I was astonished at the almost flawless narrative and beautiful flow of this story.
The startling, but extremely accurate use of language, only goes to enhance the period scenes within the book. I don't think someone reading from another area would realise just how precise Jennet's speech is.
As for the story itself, wonderful. We have the haunting intro, short and scary. Then onwards to Jennet's awful circumstances. I found the whole experience with her father to be harrowing but quite brilliantly done.
The contrast to the fresh and youthful Emma and Dave was superb. The couple that we at first think have it all but soon realise they haven't.
Then back again to the past and the bitterness of the funeral. Very emotive and skilfully handled.
The use of italics works extremely well and the whole story leaves a definite chill.
I found the writing fluid and accurate but more importantly, completely enthralling. I would buy this having read the intro alone. I rarely say such things in a review of any kind.
Highly recommended and a sure-fire crowd pleaser.
I was astonished at the almost flawless narrative and beautiful flow of this story.
The startling, but extremely accurate use of language, only goes to enhance the period scenes within the book. I don't think someone reading from another area would realise just how precise Jennet's speech is.
As for the story itself, wonderful. We have the haunting intro, short and scary. Then onwards to Jennet's awful circumstances. I found the whole experience with her father to be harrowing but quite brilliantly done.
The contrast to the fresh and youthful Emma and Dave was superb. The couple that we at first think have it all but soon realise they haven't.
Then back again to the past and the bitterness of the funeral. Very emotive and skilfully handled.
The use of italics works extremely well and the whole story leaves a definite chill.
I found the writing fluid and accurate but more importantly, completely enthralling. I would buy this having read the intro alone. I rarely say such things in a review of any kind.
Highly recommended and a sure-fire crowd pleaser.
June 25, 2013
I almost had a problem with this book on account of its excellent writing. It is written in the first person, with alternate chapters told by Emma, a young married woman living in the 21st century, and by Jennet, an orphaned fifteen-year old living in the 18th century. After reading the first 'Jennet' chapter, I struggled to keep myself from skipping ahead and reading all the other Jennet chapters as fast as I could, forgetting about the overall flow of the story.
This is not a criticism of the Emma chapters; they are well-written and engaging. But, the heartbreaking story of Jennet, and the fascinating language used to tell it, both the speech patterns and the words themselves, would overshadow any story set next to them. (By the way, there was an interesting moment in the 21st century story when Mark is introduced and you realize from his grammar that he's a native of the area. And yes, that becomes relevant.)
But, the story arc belongs to Emma. She is a young married woman, a writer, newly moved into her dream home. She struggles to deal with a miscarriage. Her husband is loving, but spends much time away from home. She hears church bells tolling from under the water of the lake, where a drowned village lies. She begins having nightmares. (Those are the parts of the 'Emma' story that are as vivid as the 'Jennet' story--more than once I had to stop reading for a moment to deal with what seemed to be happening--it was so horrifying.) And, then she starts doing things that she does not want to do, that are contrary to her nature. And what is happening to her seems to parallel the story of Jennet that she is obsessively writing.
That story, Jennet's story, goes from one disaster to another worse one, with just enough hope along the way to make the final catastrophe even more devastating. And Jennet's character, Greek tragedy style, helps bring about that final catastrophe. (By the way, I love the character of Mary Farmer, who started out seeming fussy and irritating, and revealed herself to be someone filled with love and courage.)
The ending of the entire story felt a little rushed, when I first read it. When I look at it again, it seems just fine. So, I would highly recommend this to anyone who is intrigued by the idea of a gripping historical story intertwined with a modern ghost story.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This is not a criticism of the Emma chapters; they are well-written and engaging. But, the heartbreaking story of Jennet, and the fascinating language used to tell it, both the speech patterns and the words themselves, would overshadow any story set next to them. (By the way, there was an interesting moment in the 21st century story when Mark is introduced and you realize from his grammar that he's a native of the area. And yes, that becomes relevant.)
But, the story arc belongs to Emma. She is a young married woman, a writer, newly moved into her dream home. She struggles to deal with a miscarriage. Her husband is loving, but spends much time away from home. She hears church bells tolling from under the water of the lake, where a drowned village lies. She begins having nightmares. (Those are the parts of the 'Emma' story that are as vivid as the 'Jennet' story--more than once I had to stop reading for a moment to deal with what seemed to be happening--it was so horrifying.) And, then she starts doing things that she does not want to do, that are contrary to her nature. And what is happening to her seems to parallel the story of Jennet that she is obsessively writing.
That story, Jennet's story, goes from one disaster to another worse one, with just enough hope along the way to make the final catastrophe even more devastating. And Jennet's character, Greek tragedy style, helps bring about that final catastrophe. (By the way, I love the character of Mary Farmer, who started out seeming fussy and irritating, and revealed herself to be someone filled with love and courage.)
The ending of the entire story felt a little rushed, when I first read it. When I look at it again, it seems just fine. So, I would highly recommend this to anyone who is intrigued by the idea of a gripping historical story intertwined with a modern ghost story.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2013
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
Holy crap.
This is the most well-researched, intense and spookiest book I've ever read. Not only did these characters come alive and jump out at me from my screen, but I even dreamed about them! Not just one - all of them!
I admit, some of the dialect was difficult to decipher, because I'm no historian and I'm not used to hearing people speak this way, but Jennet's POV was immaculate. The two voices in this story (Jennet- 1770s and Emma-present day) were distinct and original.
In this engrossing story, we meet Emma and Dave. A married couple suffering from the loss of a child a year earlier. After moving into a home they designed, they soon come to realize the property is... haunted? As Emma dreams about a woman from two hundred years earlier, she begins to write Jennet's story - a story she has no idea where its coming from and even waking unknowing how the words appeared on the page.
But it gets creepier. Much, much creepier.
As we journey along, the book switches POV, experiencing how Jennet came to be in her situation and why she still roams the grounds two hundred years later.
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK. But I warn you, it will set a new standard for what you expect in future reads. The writing is flawless, the story is original, and every character is compelling.
Holy crap.
This is the most well-researched, intense and spookiest book I've ever read. Not only did these characters come alive and jump out at me from my screen, but I even dreamed about them! Not just one - all of them!
I admit, some of the dialect was difficult to decipher, because I'm no historian and I'm not used to hearing people speak this way, but Jennet's POV was immaculate. The two voices in this story (Jennet- 1770s and Emma-present day) were distinct and original.
In this engrossing story, we meet Emma and Dave. A married couple suffering from the loss of a child a year earlier. After moving into a home they designed, they soon come to realize the property is... haunted? As Emma dreams about a woman from two hundred years earlier, she begins to write Jennet's story - a story she has no idea where its coming from and even waking unknowing how the words appeared on the page.
But it gets creepier. Much, much creepier.
As we journey along, the book switches POV, experiencing how Jennet came to be in her situation and why she still roams the grounds two hundred years later.
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK. But I warn you, it will set a new standard for what you expect in future reads. The writing is flawless, the story is original, and every character is compelling.
November 14, 2013
I'm with another reviewer on this. 5 stars should really be used for the best books you've ever read. Maybe this is the best book you've ever read - but for me, while it was entertaining it was not one of the books I've ever read. I adore ghost stories but unfortunately I can't think of one that is on my list of the best books I've ever read.
That said, this is a good ghost story. Karen Perkins does a great job managing the back and forth between the two different time centuries and while for me it lacked the atmospheric "creepiness" of a great ghost story; the characters are interesting, the setting intriguing and the plot, while a tad predictable, moves along very nicely.
This is a great quick read for anyone looking for an entertaining break.
That said, this is a good ghost story. Karen Perkins does a great job managing the back and forth between the two different time centuries and while for me it lacked the atmospheric "creepiness" of a great ghost story; the characters are interesting, the setting intriguing and the plot, while a tad predictable, moves along very nicely.
This is a great quick read for anyone looking for an entertaining break.
March 4, 2019
I can't even begin to express how much I have fallen in love with this series already after just a few chapters of this first book! I love anything set in historical time periods, but this book takes things SO much further than that. Jennet is a poor young woman not yet of age living in the late 1800's and she loses both her parents towards the beginning of the book. She is now alone and left to tend to her family's small farm by herself. She has a few friends and of course when her parents die the entire village tells her they will be there if anything happens - but when something DOES happen to her, they are all gone. All but her one friend in the village, Mary Farmer and her husband John, who live in town. Jennet now has to face the consequences of what has happened with just one friend and when things go horribly awry, she curses the wealthiest and most powerful family in town who caused her grief that they will only ever have 1 boy to carry on the family name and will lose all others. I love how in the beginning we see Jennet as this meek and small young girl, but she grows right before our eyes - and she remembers the herbal lessons from her Mam and begins selling herbal remedies to the townsfolk who hate her, but know she can help them. All this just to keep a roof over her head and food on her table. There is another young man named Peter who seems to take a real liking to Jennet and he is the only other person who doesn't just abandon her. I can't really tell a lot without spoiling the plotline, but trust me - you will be unable to put it down.
Now on the other half of the book is Emma in 2012, a writer who has lost her baby and she and her husband have built a dream house on Thrus-Cross, which is what was left of Thores-Cross after the village was washed away back in the 18th century. At first it's unclear how this relates to Jennet, but the story flips back and forth between past and present. Emma and her husband Dave meet a couple who live close to them and become friendly - the husband Mark is a direct descendant of the family that harmed Jennet - but until Emma starts talking to them she has no idea. She stumbles upon an inkpot in a haunted house, not knowing that in fact it had belonged to Jennet Scot, and she keeps it. Ultimately she starts to feel as if Jennet's spirit is possessing her in every way and as her marriage and life crumbles, she realizes she has been chosen by Jennet's spirit to tell her story. She decides that in order to finish things, she must do what the spirit wants and so she takes the inkpot and starts writing and amazingly the story comes to life right before her eyes. Unfortunately the people around her don't believe that she is possessed and think she is just going crazy, so she has to finish it before something even more terrible happens.
If I could give this book 10 stars I would, it was amazingly written and it was a story that I haven't seen before. I loved the back and forth and the way the reader begins to put the story together and then it leaves you just hanging for more - which of course the author has given us :)
***I received a free book to read***
Now on the other half of the book is Emma in 2012, a writer who has lost her baby and she and her husband have built a dream house on Thrus-Cross, which is what was left of Thores-Cross after the village was washed away back in the 18th century. At first it's unclear how this relates to Jennet, but the story flips back and forth between past and present. Emma and her husband Dave meet a couple who live close to them and become friendly - the husband Mark is a direct descendant of the family that harmed Jennet - but until Emma starts talking to them she has no idea. She stumbles upon an inkpot in a haunted house, not knowing that in fact it had belonged to Jennet Scot, and she keeps it. Ultimately she starts to feel as if Jennet's spirit is possessing her in every way and as her marriage and life crumbles, she realizes she has been chosen by Jennet's spirit to tell her story. She decides that in order to finish things, she must do what the spirit wants and so she takes the inkpot and starts writing and amazingly the story comes to life right before her eyes. Unfortunately the people around her don't believe that she is possessed and think she is just going crazy, so she has to finish it before something even more terrible happens.
If I could give this book 10 stars I would, it was amazingly written and it was a story that I haven't seen before. I loved the back and forth and the way the reader begins to put the story together and then it leaves you just hanging for more - which of course the author has given us :)
***I received a free book to read***
June 10, 2013
I've had the pleasure to read another of Karen Perkin's novels on authonomy, the HarperCollins website and thoroughly enjoyed her amazing story-telling ability, at the time.
Thores-Cross did not disappoint either. I couldn't put the book down and read it in one sitting, spending a pleasant Sunday afternoon reading an amazing story with a truly intriguing plot. I was glad that I read the book during the day; nighttime would've been really frightening for me!
Emma Moorcroft and her husband, Dave move into their new home built in the same area in Yorkshire where she grew up. Their nearest neighbours, Mark and Kathy Ramsgill live on Wolf Farm - a place which has been known in the past to be haunted - only old wives' tales, or reality? Little do any of them know how closely their lives will become embroiled by events which had happened more than two hundred years ago in the area.
Emma is a writer who until recently, suffered from writers' block - until she starts researching the life of Jennet, a young girl of fifteen, who lost her parents and had to learn to fend for herself, often being taken advantage of by a wealthy landowner who lived in the area at the time. Then Emma's life is turned upside down. Haunting dreams, churchbells ringing at night and frightening storms, add to the suspense of this drama, which skillfully relates two stories, which culminate in a third.
If you are looking for suspense, a thrilling drama and a fair dollop of a haunting,being scared while reading with shivers running down your spine,having a nailbiter right to the final page, I recommend Thores-Cross, a smoothly written and well-thought out plot.Thores-Cross
Thores-Cross did not disappoint either. I couldn't put the book down and read it in one sitting, spending a pleasant Sunday afternoon reading an amazing story with a truly intriguing plot. I was glad that I read the book during the day; nighttime would've been really frightening for me!
Emma Moorcroft and her husband, Dave move into their new home built in the same area in Yorkshire where she grew up. Their nearest neighbours, Mark and Kathy Ramsgill live on Wolf Farm - a place which has been known in the past to be haunted - only old wives' tales, or reality? Little do any of them know how closely their lives will become embroiled by events which had happened more than two hundred years ago in the area.
Emma is a writer who until recently, suffered from writers' block - until she starts researching the life of Jennet, a young girl of fifteen, who lost her parents and had to learn to fend for herself, often being taken advantage of by a wealthy landowner who lived in the area at the time. Then Emma's life is turned upside down. Haunting dreams, churchbells ringing at night and frightening storms, add to the suspense of this drama, which skillfully relates two stories, which culminate in a third.
If you are looking for suspense, a thrilling drama and a fair dollop of a haunting,being scared while reading with shivers running down your spine,having a nailbiter right to the final page, I recommend Thores-Cross, a smoothly written and well-thought out plot.Thores-Cross
May 31, 2013
Thores Cross is to begin with a haunting story of love, betrayal and revenge, and lives are intertwined and with the present and the past.
The book is cleverly set out weaving backwards and forewards between history and the present and bringing the two stories to an almost unbearably dramatic peak, before coming apart before your eyes.
This isn't the sort of book I normally read, but I was lucky enough to read some of Karens previous work and fell in love with her pirate adventures and so the chance of reading another book of hers was never an option for me.
I was literally shouting at times, and close to tears at others, and then Karen would switch perspectives and thrust me into another characters life. It was frustrating and emotional... and amazing.
The thoughts and facts that went into writing this, down to the technical detail that went the village and the character dialogue is amazing, and truly gives the book it's shine.
I loved this book, and if you love historical horror books, or even if you don't, you'll love this.
The book is cleverly set out weaving backwards and forewards between history and the present and bringing the two stories to an almost unbearably dramatic peak, before coming apart before your eyes.
This isn't the sort of book I normally read, but I was lucky enough to read some of Karens previous work and fell in love with her pirate adventures and so the chance of reading another book of hers was never an option for me.
I was literally shouting at times, and close to tears at others, and then Karen would switch perspectives and thrust me into another characters life. It was frustrating and emotional... and amazing.
The thoughts and facts that went into writing this, down to the technical detail that went the village and the character dialogue is amazing, and truly gives the book it's shine.
I loved this book, and if you love historical horror books, or even if you don't, you'll love this.
September 7, 2016
I wanted to like this book. The storyline had promise and the writing was decent but, ultimately, ended up being a disappointment. I think a good editor could have helped guide the author into making the story really shine. As it stands, however, I would not recommend it.
My main complaint was the lack of growth in the main characters and the ongoing themes of victimization and using tragedy as an excuse to repeatedly make decisions that ultimately destroyed lives. I would have loved to see the main characters grow, develop and take responsibility for their own actions. Instead they continually acted in flagrantly unhealthy ways and blamed others for their choices. I quickly became disgusted with the characters continued self-destructive behavior but kept hoping, up until the very end, that there would be some twist and they would choose to change for the better. Unfortunately, there was no redemptive moment and the story played out to a predictable and frustrating ending.
My main complaint was the lack of growth in the main characters and the ongoing themes of victimization and using tragedy as an excuse to repeatedly make decisions that ultimately destroyed lives. I would have loved to see the main characters grow, develop and take responsibility for their own actions. Instead they continually acted in flagrantly unhealthy ways and blamed others for their choices. I quickly became disgusted with the characters continued self-destructive behavior but kept hoping, up until the very end, that there would be some twist and they would choose to change for the better. Unfortunately, there was no redemptive moment and the story played out to a predictable and frustrating ending.
February 28, 2015
I am surprised by all the 5 star reviews. For this reason, and the interesting premise, I picked it up on BookBub. While giving only 2 stars is a bit harsh, I did not feel it were worth 3. I would put it somewhere around 2.5.
While I did enjoy the story bits set in the 1700's, I found the modern time sections centered around the main protagonist to be dull, unbelievable, and one note. The character development was lacking; the dialog forced and unrealistic. This section could have been great, had the author just dug a little deeper. I found myself starting to skim the current times sections. The only thing that kept me reading and not putting the book down mid way was the historic storyline. I did find that part of the book compelling enough to read on, however. But the other parts could have been completely omitted. Or at the very least, they needed a serious re-write to put it on par with the rest of the story. Dissapointing. I had high hopes.
While I did enjoy the story bits set in the 1700's, I found the modern time sections centered around the main protagonist to be dull, unbelievable, and one note. The character development was lacking; the dialog forced and unrealistic. This section could have been great, had the author just dug a little deeper. I found myself starting to skim the current times sections. The only thing that kept me reading and not putting the book down mid way was the historic storyline. I did find that part of the book compelling enough to read on, however. But the other parts could have been completely omitted. Or at the very least, they needed a serious re-write to put it on par with the rest of the story. Dissapointing. I had high hopes.
September 13, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed this novel - the first I have purchased for my new kindle. It is extremely well-written, with just enough description to set the scenes without becoming bogged-down. The characters are well-drawn and believable, even though the tale itself is supernatural. The two narratives work really well together and are linked in a very clever way. The story is well researched and the narrative flows well, keeping the reader gripped all the way through. I would definitely recommend Thores-Cross and will certainly be reading more of the author's work.
June 3, 2013
This is a popular format at the moment: a time slip with the present-day character manipulated by an adversary in the past. The structure has the two characters’ stories running simultaneously so that the reader alternates between past and present gradually picking up the threads which tie, if not strangle, the life of the main character in the present.
The setting of Thores Cross is eerie and compelling. A ruined village drowned under a reservoir, a house which seems haunted to a little girl who grows up to be haunted by its history.
The story of Jennet, from the time she is orphaned at fifteen to her eventual cursed demise is compellingly written. The discomforts of her time, the social strictures which both corrupt and bring her down, these are portrayed vividly. It is almost frustrating to be torn from her story back to the present, blander authoress who is recovering from three miscarriages. This contemporary story becomes darker as Emma is troubled by strange events and threats, ultimately pulled against her will into a rough, meaningless affair. There is a gripping scene where she is alone in her boat nearing the precipice of water. Again it seems as though some past force is sucking her towards disaster.
A strength of this novel is the interplay between the male and female characters, past and present. The females are no push-overs but they are subjected to a force stronger than themselves. The highlight of the novel is the character development of Jennet, a convincing transformation into witch. The males are also propelled by their situation, known and sometimes unknown. The results are complex, heightening the tension and increasing the reader’s need to turn the page.
Perhaps it is the dark side of us which rejects the straightforward happy ending but the device of the inkpot and the need to send it to the place it belongs satisfyingly brings the novel to a close.
The setting of Thores Cross is eerie and compelling. A ruined village drowned under a reservoir, a house which seems haunted to a little girl who grows up to be haunted by its history.
The story of Jennet, from the time she is orphaned at fifteen to her eventual cursed demise is compellingly written. The discomforts of her time, the social strictures which both corrupt and bring her down, these are portrayed vividly. It is almost frustrating to be torn from her story back to the present, blander authoress who is recovering from three miscarriages. This contemporary story becomes darker as Emma is troubled by strange events and threats, ultimately pulled against her will into a rough, meaningless affair. There is a gripping scene where she is alone in her boat nearing the precipice of water. Again it seems as though some past force is sucking her towards disaster.
A strength of this novel is the interplay between the male and female characters, past and present. The females are no push-overs but they are subjected to a force stronger than themselves. The highlight of the novel is the character development of Jennet, a convincing transformation into witch. The males are also propelled by their situation, known and sometimes unknown. The results are complex, heightening the tension and increasing the reader’s need to turn the page.
Perhaps it is the dark side of us which rejects the straightforward happy ending but the device of the inkpot and the need to send it to the place it belongs satisfyingly brings the novel to a close.
November 2, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars I Simply Can't Wait to Tell You About This Compelling Book!!, June 1, 2013
I was trying to decide what to use in the title when I decided to say exacting what was in my mind. Thores-Cross by Karen Perkins is not only a stunning book but is so well written and so well laid out that you truly do not have a moment to gather your thoughts until it's all over. Then, you want to go back and read it all over again.
It would be so easy to tell you the entire story to show you what I found so impressive, but I cannot do that because I would have to write a whole book about her book. So, I must restrain myself and try to explain what drew me to this book.
Thores-Cross by Karen Perkins is a book about a haunting that began with a young girl who found herself in a very bad situation that continued to get worse. In her day, the mid 1700's, she was considered a cunning woman, which meant she could make incantations and knew her herbs and potions. Driven to anger by having to live a life she didn't choose and was made more difficult as time went on, her ability to curse began to show itself to some of the villagers that had driven her to such deep dismay. Consequently, the villagers began to fear her and a catalyst was sure to occur.
Enter Emma, a young woman who was a writer who finds an inkpot that had been hidden by Jennet, the cunning woman. From that moment on, Emma's life began to absorb Jennet's pain and anger which caused frightening parallels that were driven by the Jennet's feelings of having been so ill-used.
If you want to know anymore, you must read it. Rest assured that the characters are extremely well described. The plots are literally thick with mystique. Karen Perkins has written other books so you will have to excuse me. I am going to get one.
I was trying to decide what to use in the title when I decided to say exacting what was in my mind. Thores-Cross by Karen Perkins is not only a stunning book but is so well written and so well laid out that you truly do not have a moment to gather your thoughts until it's all over. Then, you want to go back and read it all over again.
It would be so easy to tell you the entire story to show you what I found so impressive, but I cannot do that because I would have to write a whole book about her book. So, I must restrain myself and try to explain what drew me to this book.
Thores-Cross by Karen Perkins is a book about a haunting that began with a young girl who found herself in a very bad situation that continued to get worse. In her day, the mid 1700's, she was considered a cunning woman, which meant she could make incantations and knew her herbs and potions. Driven to anger by having to live a life she didn't choose and was made more difficult as time went on, her ability to curse began to show itself to some of the villagers that had driven her to such deep dismay. Consequently, the villagers began to fear her and a catalyst was sure to occur.
Enter Emma, a young woman who was a writer who finds an inkpot that had been hidden by Jennet, the cunning woman. From that moment on, Emma's life began to absorb Jennet's pain and anger which caused frightening parallels that were driven by the Jennet's feelings of having been so ill-used.
If you want to know anymore, you must read it. Rest assured that the characters are extremely well described. The plots are literally thick with mystique. Karen Perkins has written other books so you will have to excuse me. I am going to get one.
July 28, 2014
What could I say about this tale that could give it justice? Thores-Cross is about the past, Jennet, and the present, Emma, whose lives intertwine. The story tells of love and betrayal which is told magically.
We follow both women’s lives along their journey through hardship and tragedy but Jennet’s was so tormenting that, at times, it was cruel. To be honest, I loved her majority of the time but there were moments that I became so frustrated with her because of her antics. I had to catch myself and remember that she was only fifteen. Jennet’s story definitely touched me the most. I love traveling back in time to learn how others lived and Karen did a splendid job in explaining that in this work of art. Her words truly came to life and I could vision the lay of the land as I read.
Emma was of the present time and, although her story was a great one, my heart yearned for more of Jennet’s. At first I thought that Emma was selfish, but then it became apparent the curse Jennet set forth inflicting pain on others. There was a funny moment in Emma’s story when Mark caught her entranced while writing, yet he stuck around. Absolutely not!
The link across centuries was believable to me and I wondered how it was going to be explained and Karen pulled it off wonderfully. She basically put it out there to either accept or reject and I accepted. The tale was flawless and well written. This is the first of many books that I shall read from Karen Perkins. I utterly loved this read.
We follow both women’s lives along their journey through hardship and tragedy but Jennet’s was so tormenting that, at times, it was cruel. To be honest, I loved her majority of the time but there were moments that I became so frustrated with her because of her antics. I had to catch myself and remember that she was only fifteen. Jennet’s story definitely touched me the most. I love traveling back in time to learn how others lived and Karen did a splendid job in explaining that in this work of art. Her words truly came to life and I could vision the lay of the land as I read.
Emma was of the present time and, although her story was a great one, my heart yearned for more of Jennet’s. At first I thought that Emma was selfish, but then it became apparent the curse Jennet set forth inflicting pain on others. There was a funny moment in Emma’s story when Mark caught her entranced while writing, yet he stuck around. Absolutely not!
The link across centuries was believable to me and I wondered how it was going to be explained and Karen pulled it off wonderfully. She basically put it out there to either accept or reject and I accepted. The tale was flawless and well written. This is the first of many books that I shall read from Karen Perkins. I utterly loved this read.
June 12, 2014
I received this book courtesy of Goodreads First Reads program. A combination historical horror/ghost story, the novel is told from the dueling perspectives of Emma, a modern woman who has moved back to her childhood home in Yorkshire only to find herself haunted by Jennet, a teenager who lived in the same village 200 years prior. Jennet is a restless spirit determined to have her story told, with the help of Emma, who just happens to be an author.
Jennet's tale is tragic, full of the ignorance and superstition endemic of her time in small, isolated villages. Emma is no stranger to tragedy herself; she and her husband have built their dream home and hope to rebuild their lives after a late-term miscarriage. Emma begins to dream of Jennet, dreams that soon turn to nightmares. She is driven to write the story of this young girl, orphaned and ostracized by her village after she is seduced by the son of the wealthiest family in the area. Perkins ratchets up the tension as Jennet's life spins out of control. The reader knows what the likely outcome will be, but is drawn along by the author's gripping storytelling.
This is a novel of building horror as Jennet and Emma race to the conclusion of the tragedy. Unfortunately, the ending is rather abrupt, if not unexpected. That doesn't spoil the novel, however; it is still an engaging tale well worth reading.
Jennet's tale is tragic, full of the ignorance and superstition endemic of her time in small, isolated villages. Emma is no stranger to tragedy herself; she and her husband have built their dream home and hope to rebuild their lives after a late-term miscarriage. Emma begins to dream of Jennet, dreams that soon turn to nightmares. She is driven to write the story of this young girl, orphaned and ostracized by her village after she is seduced by the son of the wealthiest family in the area. Perkins ratchets up the tension as Jennet's life spins out of control. The reader knows what the likely outcome will be, but is drawn along by the author's gripping storytelling.
This is a novel of building horror as Jennet and Emma race to the conclusion of the tragedy. Unfortunately, the ending is rather abrupt, if not unexpected. That doesn't spoil the novel, however; it is still an engaging tale well worth reading.
May 31, 2013
I love historical novels and it’s a pleasure to read one as beautifully crafted as this.
The story centres on Emma, a present day writer, and Jennet, a girl living in the 1770s, struggling after the death of her parents. Although the two are separated by more than 200 years, they are nevertheless inextricably linked. Just how they are bound together, is gradually revealed by altering between Emma’s present day narrative and Jennet’s historical one.
The historical details and use of dialect in Jennet’s narrative really bring the time period to life and portray the gritty realities of her day to day life.
The characters are well developed and their emotions are very real and palpable. The scene and surroundings are excellently described, which makes the book completely immersive.
This is a gripping tale, very well told, and it held my attention until the very end.
Thoroughly recommended.
The story centres on Emma, a present day writer, and Jennet, a girl living in the 1770s, struggling after the death of her parents. Although the two are separated by more than 200 years, they are nevertheless inextricably linked. Just how they are bound together, is gradually revealed by altering between Emma’s present day narrative and Jennet’s historical one.
The historical details and use of dialect in Jennet’s narrative really bring the time period to life and portray the gritty realities of her day to day life.
The characters are well developed and their emotions are very real and palpable. The scene and surroundings are excellently described, which makes the book completely immersive.
This is a gripping tale, very well told, and it held my attention until the very end.
Thoroughly recommended.
July 12, 2013
I cannot recommend Karen Perkin's novel, Thores-Cross highly enough. If you enjoy a truly intriguing paranormal story, this one is sure to get under your skin.
This is more than a story about ghosts and witches, it's also a contemporary story of a woman who must delve into the mysteries of the past in order to come to terms with the difficulties she faces in her own present.
I could not put this book down, and it's been a long time since I've enjoyed a story so much. Kudos to Karen Perkins and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
This is more than a story about ghosts and witches, it's also a contemporary story of a woman who must delve into the mysteries of the past in order to come to terms with the difficulties she faces in her own present.
I could not put this book down, and it's been a long time since I've enjoyed a story so much. Kudos to Karen Perkins and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
June 6, 2013
Karen's latest book impresses as much, or more, than her previous seafaring tales. Unlike the pirate stories, this one uses a lovely back and forth between modern day and the late 1700's to paint an exquisite tale - with a bit of sailing, of course.
The story of Emma and Jennet hooked me right away. It was emotionally powerful with action carrying the plot along crisply.
A great read!
The story of Emma and Jennet hooked me right away. It was emotionally powerful with action carrying the plot along crisply.
A great read!
August 25, 2013
Excellent. Helped by strong characterisations. Couldn't put it down.
December 8, 2013
I'm not sure what to say about this book except that at about one third of the way through, I felt like Jennet Scot had possessed me, too.
I could not stop reading.
Unforgettable!
I could not stop reading.
Unforgettable!
March 3, 2015
Really enjoyed this book prob not a good idea to read it before bed Cus I had a few scary dreams, but I am a whimp!!! :)
March 20, 2013
Very powerful - couldn't put it down!
August 12, 2018
Having prided myself over the years at being a master of reading a horror book without flinching or watching any supernatural-based film on my own with the lights off, it came as something of a surprise that the Haunting of Thores-Cross pushed my resolve in a way that few have succeeded. As a keen historian with an interest in local tales, I was quickly taken with the premise of this cross era approach that alternates seamlessly between our modern day protagonist Emma, a successful local writer from the North York Moors whose life, and writing, becomes inexplicably intwined with that of Jennet, a much maligned cunning woman whose sorry tale of loss and tragedy in the 1770s refuses to be forgotten...
From the first page to the last, there is so much to be enjoyed about this tale. Sticking to an area she clearly knows well, the author offers the reader a rare treat in incorporating a tale rich in local knowledge coupled with that of a spine-chilling, psychological narrative. Presented in a style surely to be enjoyed by fans of King to Bronte, Perkins does an excellent job at seaming the past and the present together as one while always keeping one step ahead of the reader's thinking to the point it's not always clear, is this really happening.
Reading this book in an age when literary substance is often substituted for shallow commercialism, I'm delighted to see the success of this book that without question comprises some of the deepest characters I've come across. I also thoroughly enjoyed the short story and look forward to more of Jennet in the future, as well as Karen's other stories!
From the first page to the last, there is so much to be enjoyed about this tale. Sticking to an area she clearly knows well, the author offers the reader a rare treat in incorporating a tale rich in local knowledge coupled with that of a spine-chilling, psychological narrative. Presented in a style surely to be enjoyed by fans of King to Bronte, Perkins does an excellent job at seaming the past and the present together as one while always keeping one step ahead of the reader's thinking to the point it's not always clear, is this really happening.
Reading this book in an age when literary substance is often substituted for shallow commercialism, I'm delighted to see the success of this book that without question comprises some of the deepest characters I've come across. I also thoroughly enjoyed the short story and look forward to more of Jennet in the future, as well as Karen's other stories!
December 5, 2017
Not your typical ghost story, this is a great book for historical fiction fans. Definitely going to read some of Karen Perkins other books.
April 28, 2018
This was great! I enjoyed the back n forth between current day n the past. The story was well written n I had a hard time putting it down. A bit supernatural, a bit mystery, n all around great read!
March 21, 2017
I love this book! Beautifully written and well researched, this is one heck of a ghost story.
April 30, 2022
Hmmmm....not much of a ghost story.
Two time frames: 1770s and present day.
The present day story was clumsy and dull. Dialogue was unnatural; the story moved slowly.
The 1770's story was better. I felt for Jenna and her situation. A young girl, left alone, without support. She gets angry & revengeful. Understandable, but not smart. A young woman in those days would have been more aware of superstitions and actions towards others.. Her situation wasn't helped by her actions; instead, her actions may have caused her sad story. That said, she was young and the townspeople were incredibly antagonizing and hateful. These two sides mixed together made Jenna's storyline also unnatural and unbelievable.
All in all, I was interested to hear what happened to Jenna. But it joined the present day story and became predictable.
Two time frames: 1770s and present day.
The present day story was clumsy and dull. Dialogue was unnatural; the story moved slowly.
The 1770's story was better. I felt for Jenna and her situation. A young girl, left alone, without support. She gets angry & revengeful. Understandable, but not smart. A young woman in those days would have been more aware of superstitions and actions towards others.. Her situation wasn't helped by her actions; instead, her actions may have caused her sad story. That said, she was young and the townspeople were incredibly antagonizing and hateful. These two sides mixed together made Jenna's storyline also unnatural and unbelievable.
All in all, I was interested to hear what happened to Jenna. But it joined the present day story and became predictable.
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