What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ghosts of Lakeforth Hotel
Do ghosts get to choose where they haunt? Do they get to choose what they become once they're dead? When Beth Hayes arrives at Lakeforth Hotel, she's expecting a quiet, sedate and maybe even boring night. What she finds, however, is a crumbling old ruin that has clearly been left abandoned for many years. She wants to turn around and leave immediately, but her boyfriend has other ideas. Lakeforth Hotel has a dark history. Almost a century earlier, two young girls were orphaned in a horrific fire, and they were quickly taken in by the hotel's owner Jobard Nash. They soon discovered that Nash was a cruel and sadistic man, and now it's said that the ghosts of those two girls haunt the hotel. But what do they want, and how far will they go in their hunt for revenge? The Ghosts of Lakeforth Hotel is a horror novel about a girl who wants revenge for her murder, and about a woman who discovers years later that the living can never escape the clutches of the dead.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2016
499 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
664 books1,677 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 17, 2021
This was a typical Amy Cross horror thriller where she grabs you out of your seat and sticks you right dab in the middle of her story!
A small backstory:
Steve Culshaw decides that he wants to take his girlfriend, Beth to a hotel that is rumored to be haunted which is okay with Beth, but she has to take her sister with her too. Steve really wants to spend the night there which Beth is a little weary about it, but she goes along with his idea.
Once they arrive at the hotel all kinds of things start happening including ghost encounters along with the usual haunting antics and then the story really becomes interesting as Steve ends up not being what he seems while he is in the hotel.
Thoughts:
The book includes some going back and forth in history of the hotel and what made it haunted which normally is a turn off for me on jumping back and forth, but author, Amy Cross is able to do it smoothly without hiccups.
There is quite a few twists in this book and it kept me glued to my kindle as when things started getting "hairy" the tension became edge of the seat thrills. Four "riveting ride" stars!
A small backstory:
Steve Culshaw decides that he wants to take his girlfriend, Beth to a hotel that is rumored to be haunted which is okay with Beth, but she has to take her sister with her too. Steve really wants to spend the night there which Beth is a little weary about it, but she goes along with his idea.
Once they arrive at the hotel all kinds of things start happening including ghost encounters along with the usual haunting antics and then the story really becomes interesting as Steve ends up not being what he seems while he is in the hotel.
Thoughts:
The book includes some going back and forth in history of the hotel and what made it haunted which normally is a turn off for me on jumping back and forth, but author, Amy Cross is able to do it smoothly without hiccups.
There is quite a few twists in this book and it kept me glued to my kindle as when things started getting "hairy" the tension became edge of the seat thrills. Four "riveting ride" stars!
June 23, 2017
I started out with high hopes for this book. I've loved every book I've read by this author so far. I must say this one was a bit of a disappointment. I kept finding myself thinking 'just get on with it', as it dragged on and on. There were multiple spelling errors as well which was very irritating. And once I think the wrong name was used? Maybe one of the main characters had a different name and it was changed but one was missed? I read that and was very confused... Who the hell is James?
February 19, 2021
A good tense horror novel, and I enjoyed the switch from time period to time period. I have given it 3.5 stars although i had to pick 4.
I found the ending was weak, and slightly disjointed or it would have been firmly 4 stars.
I found the ending was weak, and slightly disjointed or it would have been firmly 4 stars.
October 28, 2017
Review to come.
Want to read
December 17, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/17/2019)! 🎁
April 7, 2025
I enjoyed how all the ghosts were tied together to tell one story. Not a fan of the last guy who wanted to make money off the hotel being haunted. Twisted individual not caring about ghosts pasts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2017
Amazingly fine novel that more than satisfies on every level. Truly a must-read for ghost story lovers and here's why.
The Lakeforth Hotel and its owner Jobatd Nash are the true focus of this impressively delightful scary tale. We are presented with vignettes of the individuals who sadly become the ghosts, covering in satisfying details the hows, whys, and wherefores of such becomings. We meet two successive owners of the hotel during the telling, and learn what each is prepared to do to make the Lakeforth rich and prominent. We are shown in a fabulously bloody light just how far some persons will go to achieve their ends, whether dead or alive, and we walk with both the living and the dead through every fantastic page.
Miss Cross is again in her finest element with this novel, using her patented prologue to make your heart race and your eyes go wide, dumping you into the modern Lakeforth with a bang. The story never falters as we move from vignette to vignette, increasing our pulse rate page by page as the story builds to a vicious, horrific ending. A final wrap up in the epilogue to lay answer to one unsettled question, and the novel wraps with finesse and satiation in the finest fashion. Miss Cross' talent for the arc of a story, excellent characterizations, controlling suspense, and finesse of detail is well displayed.
One note for the editorial purists -- this does have typos and sound-alike word substitutions, so get over it before you start reading. It's the necessary evil of the world of self-publishing. Although I noted them at the time, these errors weren't glaring enough to pull me from the story. Get over it and enjoy the fetid fun!!!
Highly recommended. This is one of her best.
The Lakeforth Hotel and its owner Jobatd Nash are the true focus of this impressively delightful scary tale. We are presented with vignettes of the individuals who sadly become the ghosts, covering in satisfying details the hows, whys, and wherefores of such becomings. We meet two successive owners of the hotel during the telling, and learn what each is prepared to do to make the Lakeforth rich and prominent. We are shown in a fabulously bloody light just how far some persons will go to achieve their ends, whether dead or alive, and we walk with both the living and the dead through every fantastic page.
Miss Cross is again in her finest element with this novel, using her patented prologue to make your heart race and your eyes go wide, dumping you into the modern Lakeforth with a bang. The story never falters as we move from vignette to vignette, increasing our pulse rate page by page as the story builds to a vicious, horrific ending. A final wrap up in the epilogue to lay answer to one unsettled question, and the novel wraps with finesse and satiation in the finest fashion. Miss Cross' talent for the arc of a story, excellent characterizations, controlling suspense, and finesse of detail is well displayed.
One note for the editorial purists -- this does have typos and sound-alike word substitutions, so get over it before you start reading. It's the necessary evil of the world of self-publishing. Although I noted them at the time, these errors weren't glaring enough to pull me from the story. Get over it and enjoy the fetid fun!!!
Highly recommended. This is one of her best.
July 10, 2017
I give this 3.5 stars.
This is the second Amy Cross novel that I've read and it's fair to say she has quite a talent for the poop-your-pants horror/ghostie novel. She has a wonderful flair for ratcheting up the tension and has thrown in a visceral scare or three with this story to heighten the horror. Interwoven throughout is a pervading sense of evil and the dread that ensues.
There were a few technical problems with this novel that I shall list in the hope that the author could perhaps amend future ebook copies. I'm aware that this novel was self published but these "glitches" were glaring enough to distract me from the reading.
* The wrong name used in the start of the book with a major character. "James" was used instead of Steven and it threw you a bit.
* The style of language used in the flashbacks didn't seem to suit the period talked about. To me it read like the story took place in the latter 1800's instead of the early to mid 19th century. Just my opinion ..... and you know what they say about that and a certain piece of anatomy. Lol.
* I have concerns towards the end of the novel and how Steven came about his inheritance. I don't know if anyone else picked it up, but where did Jobard Nash/Maurice Micklethorpe's brother come from???? Steven was supposedly descended from this line of the family but nowhere is it mentioned that Maurice even had a brother. This distracted me greatly while I was going "what the???"
If these inconsistencies were addressed then a far higher star rating would be achieved.
Having said that, it really is an enticing novel and one that I would recommend.
This is the second Amy Cross novel that I've read and it's fair to say she has quite a talent for the poop-your-pants horror/ghostie novel. She has a wonderful flair for ratcheting up the tension and has thrown in a visceral scare or three with this story to heighten the horror. Interwoven throughout is a pervading sense of evil and the dread that ensues.
There were a few technical problems with this novel that I shall list in the hope that the author could perhaps amend future ebook copies. I'm aware that this novel was self published but these "glitches" were glaring enough to distract me from the reading.
* The wrong name used in the start of the book with a major character. "James" was used instead of Steven and it threw you a bit.
* The style of language used in the flashbacks didn't seem to suit the period talked about. To me it read like the story took place in the latter 1800's instead of the early to mid 19th century. Just my opinion ..... and you know what they say about that and a certain piece of anatomy. Lol.
* I have concerns towards the end of the novel and how Steven came about his inheritance. I don't know if anyone else picked it up, but where did Jobard Nash/Maurice Micklethorpe's brother come from???? Steven was supposedly descended from this line of the family but nowhere is it mentioned that Maurice even had a brother. This distracted me greatly while I was going "what the???"
If these inconsistencies were addressed then a far higher star rating would be achieved.
Having said that, it really is an enticing novel and one that I would recommend.
January 8, 2017
Wow
All I can say this was wow this is a book you will want to read to the end there are things done in this book that will surprise you that a person could but in a book and wonder about the person that wrote this it was really good
All I can say this was wow this is a book you will want to read to the end there are things done in this book that will surprise you that a person could but in a book and wonder about the person that wrote this it was really good
December 6, 2016
another hit
another good book written, her imagination must be wild couldnt put the book down read it in half a day
another good book written, her imagination must be wild couldnt put the book down read it in half a day
June 29, 2017
I enjoyed this and would definitely read more from this author. I understand her books are self published so there are some grammar and spelling errors but not enough to detract from the overall enjoyment of the story, although she does get one of the main character's names wrong at one point - who the hell is James?
This is a somewhat unrealistic account on some levels - but then, it's a fictional ghost tale with lots of gore and revenge and blood and haunting all wound up to lead the reader easily on through suspensful twists and turns. At various points it does feel a little disjointed until you realise that's the idea and it does all come together cohesively in the end. It is one I would advise sitting down to read over a short period of time as there are a fair few characters and timelines to follow but it's not a hard read and, if you like this genre, you won't be disappointed!
This is a somewhat unrealistic account on some levels - but then, it's a fictional ghost tale with lots of gore and revenge and blood and haunting all wound up to lead the reader easily on through suspensful twists and turns. At various points it does feel a little disjointed until you realise that's the idea and it does all come together cohesively in the end. It is one I would advise sitting down to read over a short period of time as there are a fair few characters and timelines to follow but it's not a hard read and, if you like this genre, you won't be disappointed!
May 21, 2018
Steven Culshaw talks his girlfriend Beth in to going with him to see an old hotel that he used to visit with his parents when he was younger. Her sister Annie decides she's not going to be left behind so goes with them. What they find is the place in ruins. It doesn't matter to Steve but Beth and Annie are not happy. When Annie disappears Beth is soon to learn all about the ghostly goings on at the hotel. What happened many years ago to make a young girl haunt the place?
I've not read a decent ghost story for a while so found myself enjoying turning the pages to find out more. Loved the way the story takes you back over the years to when it all started and how it all came to an end.
For those of you who enjoy ghosts I would recommend this book. It gets four stars from me. This is my honest and unbiased review
I've not read a decent ghost story for a while so found myself enjoying turning the pages to find out more. Loved the way the story takes you back over the years to when it all started and how it all came to an end.
For those of you who enjoy ghosts I would recommend this book. It gets four stars from me. This is my honest and unbiased review
September 12, 2017
I am still deciding if I really liked this book or not - the concept was good, but there was just something about the writing style that fell short. I found the characters to be a bit shallow, and their dialogue not believable....for the various time periods, the characters actions seemed out-of-place, as if they were portraying someone's stilted idea of a certain decade. Leaving out the 'ghost story' aspect, surely someone would investigate a girl found on the side of the road badly burnt? Or investigate how a house burnt down with 3 people inside? No one thought an 8 year old working as a servant strange in the 1930's (maybe 1830's) Parts of the story just didnt ring true for me....and I kept forgetting that the story was supposed to be set in England.
All in all, a middle of the road horror - a good concept that needed a lot of polish.
All in all, a middle of the road horror - a good concept that needed a lot of polish.
October 18, 2017
I liked this book much better than her first one I read. This is a great ghost story, and I loved, loved, loved, that everyone involved got to tell their part from their point of view. Which means you traveled to the past, and the present while following the saga of this haunted hotel. She definitely has a great deal of imagination, and wow such a detailed story, full of twists.
June 20, 2018
Typical Any Cross or not? By the time I was half way through I knew what I thought the ending would be. I was wrong. While not her best book it was still good. I think was you have read several of her books they all kind of have a central theme. No matter, Any is still of my favorite authors and she can scare the rat out of you.
August 26, 2018
What a fantastic horrifying ghost story!!
Amy Cross sure knows how to weave a
truly horrifying tale! There was no end
to the suspense and on the edge of your
seat action. She knows how to take you
back through the centuries to the present
to incorporate the history into an intricate
ghost story. Always delivers a fabulous
read!!!!
Amy Cross sure knows how to weave a
truly horrifying tale! There was no end
to the suspense and on the edge of your
seat action. She knows how to take you
back through the centuries to the present
to incorporate the history into an intricate
ghost story. Always delivers a fabulous
read!!!!
June 6, 2017
Brilliantly wrote
I thoroughly enjoyed this book & highly recommend it to those that enjoy a Spooky tale, it definitely had my heart racing, I can't wait to lose myself in Amy's other stories.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book & highly recommend it to those that enjoy a Spooky tale, it definitely had my heart racing, I can't wait to lose myself in Amy's other stories.
August 17, 2017
Read in One Sitting!
Another Incredible book by Amy Cross! I read this book in one day; I could Not put this one down! Great story with fascinating characters that go back and forth in time. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Another Incredible book by Amy Cross! I read this book in one day; I could Not put this one down! Great story with fascinating characters that go back and forth in time. I highly recommend this book and this author.
August 29, 2017
Mediocre
A bit disappointing, started well and then got a bit silly. It didn't scare me at all but it might scare some people. I've read two of her other books which were quite good, I just hope that the other books of hers that I have in my library aren't the same
A bit disappointing, started well and then got a bit silly. It didn't scare me at all but it might scare some people. I've read two of her other books which were quite good, I just hope that the other books of hers that I have in my library aren't the same
December 14, 2017
Can't put it down!
Such an interesting and unusual story! A man and his Hotel! Of course it's haunted! I could not put it down because I had no idea where it was going. You have to read this one!
Such an interesting and unusual story! A man and his Hotel! Of course it's haunted! I could not put it down because I had no idea where it was going. You have to read this one!
March 18, 2018
This is Amy Cross's BEST book yet!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat when sitting up. And buried under the covers when reading in bed!. I couldnt put my kindle down on my own, I'd awake after falling asleep from forcing myself to stay up reading. A must buy book!.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat when sitting up. And buried under the covers when reading in bed!. I couldnt put my kindle down on my own, I'd awake after falling asleep from forcing myself to stay up reading. A must buy book!.
August 2, 2018
This is the second book I have read by this author and I have to say her writing is the equivalent of comfort food. Hits the spot every time. Quick read, plot that has plenty of surprises. I can't figure how she manages to pound them out and still do such a good job, but she does.
August 22, 2018
Really good read
I got this book for free off the Amazon kindle app in my cellphone and desktop, and I read it through my cell phone. It was really a good page turner for me as I love books about the paranormal.
I got this book for free off the Amazon kindle app in my cellphone and desktop, and I read it through my cell phone. It was really a good page turner for me as I love books about the paranormal.
September 30, 2018
Excellent
I could not put it down. I enjoyed it, for the most part, but in the end it should not have the last couple of chapters, they were too much and should have been left out.
I could not put it down. I enjoyed it, for the most part, but in the end it should not have the last couple of chapters, they were too much and should have been left out.
January 20, 2019
Another good story and a creepy ghost too!
Entertaining read that once again crosses into different times through different characters' perspectives. Despite the jumping around, the story progresses forward well. I'm finding Amy Cross tales don't always have happy endings.
Entertaining read that once again crosses into different times through different characters' perspectives. Despite the jumping around, the story progresses forward well. I'm finding Amy Cross tales don't always have happy endings.
March 23, 2019
Highs and lows to this book. Very intriguing and easy to get into and then the story changes. There are several stories running together and it becomes clear later. Not so keen on the later part of the book though as quite bizarre.
July 10, 2019
Sorry I don't like writing reviews but I do love reading your books.
To everybody out there that likes horror read this author. Even though so!e are longer then others there all quick reads.
To everybody out there that likes horror read this author. Even though so!e are longer then others there all quick reads.
August 23, 2019
Amy Cross did it again!
Amy Cross did it again! She kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages as quickly as I could, to find out what was going to happen next!
Thanks Amy, for sharing your creepy goodness!
Amy Cross did it again! She kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages as quickly as I could, to find out what was going to happen next!
Thanks Amy, for sharing your creepy goodness!
March 13, 2017
Great read
This was a great read. The way it was written was different but I did greatly enjoy it. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
This was a great read. The way it was written was different but I did greatly enjoy it. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
March 14, 2017
A gripping read
The story is very enjoyable, even if some of it is a little farfetched but for readers who enjoy ghost stories, a very interesting read.
The story is very enjoyable, even if some of it is a little farfetched but for readers who enjoy ghost stories, a very interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews