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Whispering Corridors
There's something in the house on Kenwood Drive, and it only comes out at night...
College students Eric and Lydia are looking for a novel way to spend Halloween. They decide to put together a documentary about the supernatural and take a camcorder into the long-abandoned house on Kenwood Drive. It's said that a vengeful spirit lives there, and Lydia thinks it the perfect location.
Eric, though, has his reservations. Having grown up in the area, he's familiar with the stories of the spirit they call the "Upside-Down Man", and as their trip to the house draws near, his fear begins to mount. According to the rumors, once you go into the house, you bring the Upside-Down Man out with you. And in three days' time, you disappear.
When the two of them begin to see and experience strange things, they launch into a frenzied search for truth, attempting to separate the myth of Kenwood House from the reality. But it turns out that untangling the threads of local legend is more difficult than it appears. Especially when you've only got three days.
College students Eric and Lydia are looking for a novel way to spend Halloween. They decide to put together a documentary about the supernatural and take a camcorder into the long-abandoned house on Kenwood Drive. It's said that a vengeful spirit lives there, and Lydia thinks it the perfect location.
Eric, though, has his reservations. Having grown up in the area, he's familiar with the stories of the spirit they call the "Upside-Down Man", and as their trip to the house draws near, his fear begins to mount. According to the rumors, once you go into the house, you bring the Upside-Down Man out with you. And in three days' time, you disappear.
When the two of them begin to see and experience strange things, they launch into a frenzied search for truth, attempting to separate the myth of Kenwood House from the reality. But it turns out that untangling the threads of local legend is more difficult than it appears. Especially when you've only got three days.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2016
128 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Ambrose Ibsen
61 books667 followersOnce upon a time, a young Ambrose Ibsen discovered a collection of ghost stories on his father's bookshelf. He was never the same again.
Apart from horror fiction, he enjoys good coffee, brewed strong.
Apart from horror fiction, he enjoys good coffee, brewed strong.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
June 18, 2017
Holy crab cakes!
This scary book was awesome! You better not go into the house on Kenwood Drive or the Upside-Down Man will get you!
The story is that way back in the day there was an evil man that lived in this house and the town decided to take matters into their own hands. That's all I'm going to tell you about that.
But he creeps around on the ceiling and OMG! Once you go inside the house, you have three days to live or so the old story goes.
Lydia wants to do a documentary on the house on Halloween night so she gets her friend Eric to go along with her. He wants nothing to do with it but he goes anyway.
They go in during the day to get some idea of the place and find something spooky and even spookier on film. Then everything gets scary as all get out. The End. Good-bye! I'm running away. Lol
PS ~ This is on Kindle Unlimited for those that have it.
This scary book was awesome! You better not go into the house on Kenwood Drive or the Upside-Down Man will get you!
The story is that way back in the day there was an evil man that lived in this house and the town decided to take matters into their own hands. That's all I'm going to tell you about that.
But he creeps around on the ceiling and OMG! Once you go inside the house, you have three days to live or so the old story goes.
Lydia wants to do a documentary on the house on Halloween night so she gets her friend Eric to go along with her. He wants nothing to do with it but he goes anyway.
Don't go inside! Don't go inside! Don't go inside!
They go in during the day to get some idea of the place and find something spooky and even spookier on film. Then everything gets scary as all get out. The End. Good-bye! I'm running away. Lol
PS ~ This is on Kindle Unlimited for those that have it.
June 22, 2017
4.5 stars!
WHISPERING CORRIDORS: A Ghost Story, by Ambrose Ibsen, is a book that honestly took me by surprise--in a good way! The synopsis grabbed my attention immediately: a supernatural tale about a haunted house. The legend states that once you go in, you bring "something" out with you--and disappear three days later.
". . . There's something in the house on Kenwood Drive, and it only comes out at night . . ."
College student, Lydia, is determined to make a documentary in an attempt to find proof of an existence beyond death. She elicits the help of her friend, Craig, a fellow student that actually grew up in the town of Moorlake, Ohio. There is one house he knows of that is the local "haunted house", although oddly enough, he seems to have forgotten all but the vaguest of details about it until Lydia brings it up . . .
Before their planned expedition on Halloween night, the two briefly go around to get some "local commentary" on their chosen location. While many, like Eric himself, are filled with a sudden, inexplicable dread at the thought of the place, there are a few . . . questionable . . . people that offer up their opinions.
". . . That house on Kenwood wasn't ever meant to be lived in. It ain't friendly . . . "
" . . . The old house on Kenwood Drive? Stay the f--- away from it . . . "
In this novel, the house is almost a character, itself. No matter how much of the mystique surrounding it is given, the exact cause remains somewhat of an enigma--even at the end. In my opinion, Ibsen's decision on this matter was a stroke of genius. By giving the reader enough information for them to get that same sense of fear and disquiet that our main characters get, keeps us in suspended suspense--allowing us to go along this perilous journey WITH them.
". . . there are places in this world where people aren't meant to go. Places where certain things lay low. Dangerous and awful things . . . you're better off never encountering."
Eric is something of a skeptic, and Lydia's sudden insistence on exploring this particular house has him mentally at odds with himself. Despite her very petite stature, there is simply nothing Eric can do or say to dissuade her. Even when his own "forgotten memories" and new warnings about the house begin to surface, Lydia remains resolute--obstinately determined to record the interior of the infamous house on Halloween night.
". . . Facing your fears can be a dangerous thing . . . there's always the chance . . . that your very worst fears could match the reality."
In this book, you won't find bucketfuls of gore and viscera, but the atmosphere, along with the half-murmurred rumors and connections about the house, bring out more of an inner horror than I was expecting. It's simply amazing how effectively a good writer can invoke a heightened sense of terror in his or her readers with mental and atmospheric tension mounting, without resorting to physical and carnal displays. Ibsen uses his words to lure us in--starting with a nonchalant comment, and finishing with a single statement that sends genuine shivers throughout our bodies and minds.
". . . aren't so different from the stories surrounding the old, abandoned houses where you live. Every town has them, and Moorlake, Ohio is no exception. But I was wrong. I went inside, and I shouldn't have . . ."
A patch of mold on a wall worms its way into your brain and begins to take on a more sinister, deadly quality. The term Upside-Down Man , and the circumstances that led to this moniker will be ruthlessly researched in a frenzied attempt to ward off that which may already be set in stone.
". . . In cautionary legends of this kind, there isn't any salvation to be found from the threat . . . If the Upside-Down Man could be dissuaded from claiming his victims in some way, then the sense of risk, of real danger, wouldn't be present . . ."
It's been a while since a novel has literally scared me into keeping the lights on at night, but WHISPERING CORRIDORS: A Ghost Story, has accomplished just that.
"It takes three days, and your time is up."
Highest recommendation!
WHISPERING CORRIDORS: A Ghost Story, by Ambrose Ibsen, is a book that honestly took me by surprise--in a good way! The synopsis grabbed my attention immediately: a supernatural tale about a haunted house. The legend states that once you go in, you bring "something" out with you--and disappear three days later.
". . . There's something in the house on Kenwood Drive, and it only comes out at night . . ."
College student, Lydia, is determined to make a documentary in an attempt to find proof of an existence beyond death. She elicits the help of her friend, Craig, a fellow student that actually grew up in the town of Moorlake, Ohio. There is one house he knows of that is the local "haunted house", although oddly enough, he seems to have forgotten all but the vaguest of details about it until Lydia brings it up . . .
Before their planned expedition on Halloween night, the two briefly go around to get some "local commentary" on their chosen location. While many, like Eric himself, are filled with a sudden, inexplicable dread at the thought of the place, there are a few . . . questionable . . . people that offer up their opinions.
". . . That house on Kenwood wasn't ever meant to be lived in. It ain't friendly . . . "
" . . . The old house on Kenwood Drive? Stay the f--- away from it . . . "
In this novel, the house is almost a character, itself. No matter how much of the mystique surrounding it is given, the exact cause remains somewhat of an enigma--even at the end. In my opinion, Ibsen's decision on this matter was a stroke of genius. By giving the reader enough information for them to get that same sense of fear and disquiet that our main characters get, keeps us in suspended suspense--allowing us to go along this perilous journey WITH them.
". . . there are places in this world where people aren't meant to go. Places where certain things lay low. Dangerous and awful things . . . you're better off never encountering."
Eric is something of a skeptic, and Lydia's sudden insistence on exploring this particular house has him mentally at odds with himself. Despite her very petite stature, there is simply nothing Eric can do or say to dissuade her. Even when his own "forgotten memories" and new warnings about the house begin to surface, Lydia remains resolute--obstinately determined to record the interior of the infamous house on Halloween night.
". . . Facing your fears can be a dangerous thing . . . there's always the chance . . . that your very worst fears could match the reality."
In this book, you won't find bucketfuls of gore and viscera, but the atmosphere, along with the half-murmurred rumors and connections about the house, bring out more of an inner horror than I was expecting. It's simply amazing how effectively a good writer can invoke a heightened sense of terror in his or her readers with mental and atmospheric tension mounting, without resorting to physical and carnal displays. Ibsen uses his words to lure us in--starting with a nonchalant comment, and finishing with a single statement that sends genuine shivers throughout our bodies and minds.
". . . aren't so different from the stories surrounding the old, abandoned houses where you live. Every town has them, and Moorlake, Ohio is no exception. But I was wrong. I went inside, and I shouldn't have . . ."
A patch of mold on a wall worms its way into your brain and begins to take on a more sinister, deadly quality. The term Upside-Down Man , and the circumstances that led to this moniker will be ruthlessly researched in a frenzied attempt to ward off that which may already be set in stone.
". . . In cautionary legends of this kind, there isn't any salvation to be found from the threat . . . If the Upside-Down Man could be dissuaded from claiming his victims in some way, then the sense of risk, of real danger, wouldn't be present . . ."
It's been a while since a novel has literally scared me into keeping the lights on at night, but WHISPERING CORRIDORS: A Ghost Story, has accomplished just that.
"It takes three days, and your time is up."
Highest recommendation!
August 21, 2019
Wow! Thank you Joe for a copy of this audiobook! This story lived up to the Ambrose Ibsen standard-Damn fine ghost story! I wasn't too crazy about Eric and Lydia's relationship. It seemed they didn't like each other that much.
The story itself was good and creepy. I loved the upside down man urban legend. That was great!
There was a few surprises along the way which I liked. I really, really liked the ending. I won't spoil it but I love endings like that.
Joe Hempel reads this story and does a great job.
* I did receive this audio book in exchange for a honest review. This is it.*
The story itself was good and creepy. I loved the upside down man urban legend. That was great!
There was a few surprises along the way which I liked. I really, really liked the ending. I won't spoil it but I love endings like that.
Joe Hempel reads this story and does a great job.
* I did receive this audio book in exchange for a honest review. This is it.*
May 29, 2017
My original Whispering Corridors audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
It’s Halloween time, and college student Lydia wants to make a documentary about an old deserted house (think Blair Witch Project) and persuades her best friend Eric to come along. Eric is hesitant because he has heard the rumors about the house in Kenwood Drive. A local legend speaks of “The Upside-Down Man” who haunts the place. Anybody entering the house disappears three days later never to be seen again.
I have listened to several stories by Ambrose Ibsen now (his Ulrich files are great) and he is consistently brilliant at creating a fitting atmosphere and letting the tension build up gradually. This isn’t the kind of horror story that’s full of blood and gore. Instead, you get a high dose of psychological tension, the sense of the clock ticking, and a constant menace in the background. Scary stuff. Because of the “silly college kids enter haunted house”-topic I was expecting this to be fairly predictable, but it actually wasn’t.
Eric, the male protagonist, is likable, but I couldn’t understand why he was friends with Lydia. She just came across as selfish and unkind. I would have preferred a bit more back-story to their friendship. Theirs wasn’t a romantic relationship – unless I totally missed something – but their seemingly close friendship was never really explained. But as this was quite a short story and the main focus is obviously on the haunted house scenario, this is really a minor niggle.
The end seems to split readers/listeners into two camps. You’ll either think it’s crafty or you’ll feel dissatisfied. I don’t necessarily need everything wrapped up perfectly, but this was so abrupt, I actually had to check whether there was something wrong with the audio and I was missing a bit. However, I then went back to the first chapter and after listening to it again, I felt happier with the ending. There was one scenario towards the end that didn’t make sense to me. It relates to the idea of ‘upside down’. Can’t really explain this fully without giving the plot away.
Joe Hempel was an excellent choice as narrator for this story because his normal tone of voice matched the description of Eric, the young college student, in whose first-person perspective the story is told, perfectly. His delivery is clear and he adds the right amount of emotions and eeriness to his delivery where appropriate. The smooth, first-class performance combined with the gripping plot held my attention throughout.
Overall, Whispering Corridors: A Ghost Story was a spooky, fun story, which, at just over 5 hours, I easily devoured in a day. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a good haunted house / urban legend story. This should also appeal to fans of paranormal thrillers.
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 5 stars
Audiobook provided for review by the audiobookreviewer.com
It’s Halloween time, and college student Lydia wants to make a documentary about an old deserted house (think Blair Witch Project) and persuades her best friend Eric to come along. Eric is hesitant because he has heard the rumors about the house in Kenwood Drive. A local legend speaks of “The Upside-Down Man” who haunts the place. Anybody entering the house disappears three days later never to be seen again.
I have listened to several stories by Ambrose Ibsen now (his Ulrich files are great) and he is consistently brilliant at creating a fitting atmosphere and letting the tension build up gradually. This isn’t the kind of horror story that’s full of blood and gore. Instead, you get a high dose of psychological tension, the sense of the clock ticking, and a constant menace in the background. Scary stuff. Because of the “silly college kids enter haunted house”-topic I was expecting this to be fairly predictable, but it actually wasn’t.
Eric, the male protagonist, is likable, but I couldn’t understand why he was friends with Lydia. She just came across as selfish and unkind. I would have preferred a bit more back-story to their friendship. Theirs wasn’t a romantic relationship – unless I totally missed something – but their seemingly close friendship was never really explained. But as this was quite a short story and the main focus is obviously on the haunted house scenario, this is really a minor niggle.
The end seems to split readers/listeners into two camps. You’ll either think it’s crafty or you’ll feel dissatisfied. I don’t necessarily need everything wrapped up perfectly, but this was so abrupt, I actually had to check whether there was something wrong with the audio and I was missing a bit. However, I then went back to the first chapter and after listening to it again, I felt happier with the ending. There was one scenario towards the end that didn’t make sense to me. It relates to the idea of ‘upside down’. Can’t really explain this fully without giving the plot away.
Joe Hempel was an excellent choice as narrator for this story because his normal tone of voice matched the description of Eric, the young college student, in whose first-person perspective the story is told, perfectly. His delivery is clear and he adds the right amount of emotions and eeriness to his delivery where appropriate. The smooth, first-class performance combined with the gripping plot held my attention throughout.
Overall, Whispering Corridors: A Ghost Story was a spooky, fun story, which, at just over 5 hours, I easily devoured in a day. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a good haunted house / urban legend story. This should also appeal to fans of paranormal thrillers.
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 5 stars
Audiobook provided for review by the audiobookreviewer.com
November 8, 2020
Summary
When Lydia gets the idea to shoot a paranormal documentary, the supposedly haunted house on Kenwood Drive seems like the perfect location.
Her friend Eric is a bit more hesitant having grown up in the area and hearing stories about an angry spirit called the Upside Down Man who lives inside. After visiting they discover that not only is the local legend true, but that they made a grave mistake by going inside.
Personal Opinion
Another spooky haunted house read with a bit of a Freddy Kruger vibe to it.
The suspense in this one was great and with the great writing, like usual with Ambrose Ibsen's novels, I had no problems feeling like part of the story. The ghost in this one was both believable and really creepy.
I generally don't like books that have an open ending, but this one worked well for the story.
If you're an Ambrose Ibsen or ghost story fan, you should definitely check this one out!
When Lydia gets the idea to shoot a paranormal documentary, the supposedly haunted house on Kenwood Drive seems like the perfect location.
Her friend Eric is a bit more hesitant having grown up in the area and hearing stories about an angry spirit called the Upside Down Man who lives inside. After visiting they discover that not only is the local legend true, but that they made a grave mistake by going inside.
Personal Opinion
Another spooky haunted house read with a bit of a Freddy Kruger vibe to it.
The suspense in this one was great and with the great writing, like usual with Ambrose Ibsen's novels, I had no problems feeling like part of the story. The ghost in this one was both believable and really creepy.
I generally don't like books that have an open ending, but this one worked well for the story.
If you're an Ambrose Ibsen or ghost story fan, you should definitely check this one out!
August 15, 2017
Whispering Corridors by Ambrose Ibsen was a ghost story that just was okay, I liked the upside down man thought that was cool but it just didn't make me scream or set my pulse racing, some parts were really slow & lost me some what. Lets just say the highlight of this was the ending quite dramatic & errie other than that was just okay.
February 23, 2017
Another good ghost story by Ambrose Ibsen. A little on the creepy side in certain parts of the book. It is about a house that has a malovent spirit called "the upside down man" and if anyone looks upon him then they will disappear within three days as he comes to collect them. Midway through the book to the end, the story escalates where you have to keep reading to find out what happens. Four stars for this one.
November 15, 2017
Imagine this: you're being stalked by a malevolent spirit. It can only be seen in reflective surfaces, but you know it's there, circling around, watching you. No one else can see it, and nobody can help you. Everyone else who has encountered this spirit has disappeared, never to be seen again. Unless you can think of a solution, and quickly, you look likely to follow them.
Starting with a Blair Witch-style premise – an aspiring filmmaker heads off, camera in hand, to investigate a local legend – Whispering Corridors quickly pulls the reader into a breathless, headlong rush into horror. Like The Blair Witch Project, it begins on a quiet, almost mundane note: two students preparing to spend the night in a local haunted house, shooting footage for a planned documentary. One is initially sceptical; the other is hoping that something will make itself felt. Lydia, the project's instigator, has – as the reader soon learns – her own particular reasons for pursuing this project, and they are not just to do with making a film…
What happens next sounds predictable, but actually doesn't read that way (the mark, I suspect, of a writer who really knows what he's doing). The students quickly discover that there is indeed something lurking in the house, but it isn't interested in their filmmaking plans – and it certainly isn't friendly.
This is a compelling read: addictive, intense and, yes, very scary. Being a regular horror reader, I find that very few things really frighten me that much anymore – but Whispering Corridors did. I dreaded finding out what happened next, but those e-pages kept on turning anyway as I was desperate to get to the next twist, the next revelation…
I'm so glad I decided to take a chance on an unknown book and an author I'd never read before. Whispering Corridors reminded me that, apart from anything, there is so much talent out there, just waiting to be discovered – and, having discovered Ambrose Ibsen, I'm looking forward to reading more by him. Great job!
Starting with a Blair Witch-style premise – an aspiring filmmaker heads off, camera in hand, to investigate a local legend – Whispering Corridors quickly pulls the reader into a breathless, headlong rush into horror. Like The Blair Witch Project, it begins on a quiet, almost mundane note: two students preparing to spend the night in a local haunted house, shooting footage for a planned documentary. One is initially sceptical; the other is hoping that something will make itself felt. Lydia, the project's instigator, has – as the reader soon learns – her own particular reasons for pursuing this project, and they are not just to do with making a film…
What happens next sounds predictable, but actually doesn't read that way (the mark, I suspect, of a writer who really knows what he's doing). The students quickly discover that there is indeed something lurking in the house, but it isn't interested in their filmmaking plans – and it certainly isn't friendly.
This is a compelling read: addictive, intense and, yes, very scary. Being a regular horror reader, I find that very few things really frighten me that much anymore – but Whispering Corridors did. I dreaded finding out what happened next, but those e-pages kept on turning anyway as I was desperate to get to the next twist, the next revelation…
I'm so glad I decided to take a chance on an unknown book and an author I'd never read before. Whispering Corridors reminded me that, apart from anything, there is so much talent out there, just waiting to be discovered – and, having discovered Ambrose Ibsen, I'm looking forward to reading more by him. Great job!
May 17, 2017
Interesting myth ghost story, which was laid out nicely. However, a key element in the myth was forgotten quickly by the main character once he told the other character about it and then they both questioned what was happening when it was clearly told earlier. I do not like first person POV, especially in this type of story, because it left the ending as anti-climactic. Perhaps a change in POV at the end to let us know what happened would have been in order.
The female character was stereotypically shallow. The male character was too easily persuaded against his better judgement by the female.
The female character was stereotypically shallow. The male character was too easily persuaded against his better judgement by the female.
December 16, 2016
Okay
I'm a big fan of Ambrose Ibsen but I found this book to be way too tame. The characters were boring and I think that if there'd been more interaction between the characters and the Upside Down man the book would have been a lot better.
I'm a big fan of Ambrose Ibsen but I found this book to be way too tame. The characters were boring and I think that if there'd been more interaction between the characters and the Upside Down man the book would have been a lot better.
June 25, 2017
There is an old abandon house on Kenwood Drive. Some says that it is haunted and not fit to live in. Lydia, a college student wants to film a documentary on the house and it history. Lydia persuaded her friend Eric, to go along with her. Legend has it, if you enter the house, the Upside Down Man, will follow you for three days, after that, he will come and take you, and you will never be heard from again. Some say that the legend was created, to keep kids away from the house. A family of three, once lived in the house on Kenwood Drive. The family vanished into thin air and were never heard from again. Eric was still not sure if wanted to enter the house on Halloween night. With a little coaching from Lydia, he gives in. While checking out the rooms in the old house, Lydia and Eric see this stain on the wall, that is shaped some what like a man. but that is impossible. Lydia and Eric agree, that it must be a leak from the roof. While checking out the footage that was shot inside the house, both Lydia and Eric think that they see something. It looks like a leg of some type of creature. This will be one Halloween night, that they will not forget. Ibsen, does an excellent job of developing his characters and this make the story stronger. This was a really good ghosts story, with plenty of twists and turns, along the way. I recommend this book!
May 12, 2017
*I received a copy of this audio book to be honestly reviewed*
This. Was. AWESOME! Perfect amount of creepiness, good characters, good flow, and excellent plot. This was very well put together, one of the best ghost stories I've heard/ read in a long time! And very cinematic; I would watch the crap out of a movie made from this.
The narration was spot on, too, and only added to the overall experience. Superbly done!
Like ghost stories? Like haunted houses? Into local legend type things? Read this.
Bob says: 5 platypires and one of my favorite things this year!!
This. Was. AWESOME! Perfect amount of creepiness, good characters, good flow, and excellent plot. This was very well put together, one of the best ghost stories I've heard/ read in a long time! And very cinematic; I would watch the crap out of a movie made from this.
The narration was spot on, too, and only added to the overall experience. Superbly done!
Like ghost stories? Like haunted houses? Into local legend type things? Read this.
Bob says: 5 platypires and one of my favorite things this year!!
October 4, 2017
3.5 stars, rounded up because Ibsen consistently entertains and brings exceptionally creepy-fun to his work.
December 23, 2018
Better than expected! After getting off to a slow start, the story amped up. We know the end as it's basically told in flashback, but it's still interesting. In retrospect, I didn't actually want the spoiler.
This is the story of the upside down man and a haunted house that you don't want to enter. Something bad will happen to you if you dare to go in. (The story started out a little bit Blair Witch style but after a while it lost that aspect.) Two people broke the rules and this is what happens.
Might have been interesting if there had been more scenes of exploring the house at night, but that's a minor complaint.
This is the story of the upside down man and a haunted house that you don't want to enter. Something bad will happen to you if you dare to go in. (The story started out a little bit Blair Witch style but after a while it lost that aspect.) Two people broke the rules and this is what happens.
Might have been interesting if there had been more scenes of exploring the house at night, but that's a minor complaint.
October 25, 2017
3 Stars Story, 4 Stars for Narration by Joe Hempel
Mini-Review:
The story would have been tighter if about an hour of unnecessary extra was cut from the whole. The beginning of the story caught my attention but I lost interest by the end of the book. There were multiple ways for the story to be more interesting but they didn't happen. This would make a great B-Rated horror flick.
Mini-Review:
The story would have been tighter if about an hour of unnecessary extra was cut from the whole. The beginning of the story caught my attention but I lost interest by the end of the book. There were multiple ways for the story to be more interesting but they didn't happen. This would make a great B-Rated horror flick.
May 26, 2017
Very creepy book! Eric and Lydia decide to check out this creepy house and the urban legend of the upside-down man. Legend says that if you enter the house, the upside-down man will follow you for 3 days then he takes you in your sleep. Lydia wants to film a documentary of the house, hoping to prove there is something more after we die. What they find is just scary! Excellent book by Ambrose Ibsen and great narration by Joe Hempel! I am a Joe Hempel fan and this is definitely one of my favorites!
January 1, 2017
Scary good read
The author certainly knows how to hook a reader from the beginning. The story of the upside down man was interesting and the tale that revolved around the house was great! While I thought I knew how the story would end I was actually a bit surprised. Plenty of twists and along with a creepy good story held my attention from beginning to end.
Another book provided by my kindle unlimited subscription.
The author certainly knows how to hook a reader from the beginning. The story of the upside down man was interesting and the tale that revolved around the house was great! While I thought I knew how the story would end I was actually a bit surprised. Plenty of twists and along with a creepy good story held my attention from beginning to end.
Another book provided by my kindle unlimited subscription.
July 20, 2020
I really loved this one. The characters were well formed and I loved their banter. It was not as thrilling as some of the other books I've read by Ibsen but was a good ghost story. It's about some college kids, so there is that recklessness of youth and moody vibes going on. All in all a great story, and I like the narrator to boot!
July 22, 2019
OMG! I really loved this creepy unique story! The book follows Eric, a college student, and his friend Lydia. They decide they are going spend Halloween night at the abandoned house on Kenwood Drive. The legend says that the "Upside Down Man" killed the last residents in only three days after they moved in and that it is haunted. The reason they call this man the "Upside Down Man" is because of the way he was buried, upside down. That is all I am going to say about this book because I do not want to spoil it but I highly recommend it. It would be an awesome book to read during the Halloween/Autumn season!
March 12, 2025
While not the typical scare factor in Ibsen’s books, Whispering Corridors was still spooky as hell! I love the ghost hunting gone wrong trope and this delivered. It’s a quick read that makes you question if everything is going to be alright after all or if the MCs’ fates have been sealed. The urban legend about the Upside Down man is creepy, too! Good read!
June 18, 2023
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Terminal Illness, Medical Content, Death, Murder
Whispering Corridors é o equivalente a um filme de terror “popcorn”. No entanto a opção de seguir o ponto de vista do rapaz, Eric, como o mais crédulo dos dois personagens principais deu uma revitalizada na formula, usualmente é o personagem feminino que percebe algo errado antes. A obra segue a dupla de amigos Eric e Lydia, dois estudantes universitários. Eric é um garoto de fraternidade, um leal amigo e tem uma certa sensibilidade para o sobrenatural. Ele aceita ajudar com o projeto de documentário de Lydia apesar de ter fortes pressentimentos sobre a casa escolhida. Lydia tem como objetivo fazer um documentário sobre vida após a morte e é um tanto intransigente a respeito, não dando ouvidos aos avisos de Eric. A atmosfera do livro é bastante boa: cidade pequena durante o Halloween e uma casa assombrada. A ambientação, o clima é uma das melhores coisas do livro. A escrita da obra é funcional para o estilo terror popcorn. Sobre a história o resumo é: Há algo na casa em Kenwood Drive, e só sai à noite...Os estudantes universitários Eric e Lydia estão procurando uma nova maneira de passar o Halloween. Eles decidem montar um documentário sobre o sobrenatural e levar uma câmera de vídeo para a casa há muito abandonada em Kenwood Drive. Dizem que um espírito vingativo mora lá, e Lydia acha que é o local perfeito. Eric, porém, tem suas reservas. Tendo crescido na área, ele conhece as histórias do espírito que eles chamam de “Upside-Down Man" e, à medida que a ida para a casa se aproxima, seu medo começa a aumentar. De acordo com os rumores, uma vez que você entra na casa, você traz o Upside-Down Man com você. E em três dias, você desaparece. Quando os dois começam a ver e experimentar coisas estranhas, eles se lançam em uma busca frenética pela verdade, tentando separar o mito da casa em Kenwood da realidade. Mas acontece que desvendar os fios da lenda local é mais difícil do que parece. Especialmente quando você só tem três dias.
No geral, assim como esperado de um terror popcorn, apesar dos furos na lógica Whispering Corridors foi divertido e me entreteve, dou 3 estrelas.
Whispering Corridors é o equivalente a um filme de terror “popcorn”. No entanto a opção de seguir o ponto de vista do rapaz, Eric, como o mais crédulo dos dois personagens principais deu uma revitalizada na formula, usualmente é o personagem feminino que percebe algo errado antes. A obra segue a dupla de amigos Eric e Lydia, dois estudantes universitários. Eric é um garoto de fraternidade, um leal amigo e tem uma certa sensibilidade para o sobrenatural. Ele aceita ajudar com o projeto de documentário de Lydia apesar de ter fortes pressentimentos sobre a casa escolhida. Lydia tem como objetivo fazer um documentário sobre vida após a morte e é um tanto intransigente a respeito, não dando ouvidos aos avisos de Eric. A atmosfera do livro é bastante boa: cidade pequena durante o Halloween e uma casa assombrada. A ambientação, o clima é uma das melhores coisas do livro. A escrita da obra é funcional para o estilo terror popcorn. Sobre a história o resumo é: Há algo na casa em Kenwood Drive, e só sai à noite...Os estudantes universitários Eric e Lydia estão procurando uma nova maneira de passar o Halloween. Eles decidem montar um documentário sobre o sobrenatural e levar uma câmera de vídeo para a casa há muito abandonada em Kenwood Drive. Dizem que um espírito vingativo mora lá, e Lydia acha que é o local perfeito. Eric, porém, tem suas reservas. Tendo crescido na área, ele conhece as histórias do espírito que eles chamam de “Upside-Down Man" e, à medida que a ida para a casa se aproxima, seu medo começa a aumentar. De acordo com os rumores, uma vez que você entra na casa, você traz o Upside-Down Man com você. E em três dias, você desaparece. Quando os dois começam a ver e experimentar coisas estranhas, eles se lançam em uma busca frenética pela verdade, tentando separar o mito da casa em Kenwood da realidade. Mas acontece que desvendar os fios da lenda local é mais difícil do que parece. Especialmente quando você só tem três dias.
No geral, assim como esperado de um terror popcorn, apesar dos furos na lógica Whispering Corridors foi divertido e me entreteve, dou 3 estrelas.
August 24, 2017
Pet peeve alert: This novel is from the perspective of a twenty-first century college student, not a circa 1900 male college professor, so there is no excuse whatsoever for describing female college students as "co-eds." I've observed this in movies and tv (Hollywood); it has been an archaic expression for a long time and is always a sexist expression. Not only have women been going to college since the 1860s, but in addition, male students are just as much co-eds as female students. Stop "othering" females and wallowing in white male privilege.
I know the above is only a little part of the book, but it's sufficiently irksome to deserve a full paragraph.
The grammar and punctuation would be flawness except for two issues that kept repeating. One is the word "laying" when it should be "lying." The other is run-in sentences with "however" after a comma; it should always come after a period or semi-colon.
On a positive note, it is a creepy, spooky, and suspenseful supernatural horror novel, and it gets especially interesting 55% into the novel. From that point on, it's very hard to put down. I'd complain about the ending, but that would be a spoiler.
I know the above is only a little part of the book, but it's sufficiently irksome to deserve a full paragraph.
The grammar and punctuation would be flawness except for two issues that kept repeating. One is the word "laying" when it should be "lying." The other is run-in sentences with "however" after a comma; it should always come after a period or semi-colon.
On a positive note, it is a creepy, spooky, and suspenseful supernatural horror novel, and it gets especially interesting 55% into the novel. From that point on, it's very hard to put down. I'd complain about the ending, but that would be a spoiler.
January 14, 2017
Creepy
This book was a good quick read. Well written. Although the whole thing was ruined by the ending and that's why I gave it 2 stars.
I don't know if this a new author and they are working out how to end a book and setup the next one...but this is not the way. It left me pissed that I had invested my time in a story that does not conclude.
This book was a good quick read. Well written. Although the whole thing was ruined by the ending and that's why I gave it 2 stars.
I don't know if this a new author and they are working out how to end a book and setup the next one...but this is not the way. It left me pissed that I had invested my time in a story that does not conclude.
January 23, 2017
I liked this book, but was disappointed in the ending. Seems like another sequel should follow. . . The story moved along at a good pace, the ending kind of left you hanging.
It held my interest throughout and I enjoyed the book. The ending was the only thing that I was a little disappointed in.
It held my interest throughout and I enjoyed the book. The ending was the only thing that I was a little disappointed in.
January 16, 2017
Started out good
It was okay mostly through the story. But the ending I didn't understand at all. That is why I only gave it two stars. I was pretty involved until the ending, I felt like I was left hanging
It was okay mostly through the story. But the ending I didn't understand at all. That is why I only gave it two stars. I was pretty involved until the ending, I felt like I was left hanging
February 24, 2017
I couldn't get into this book. Not crazy about the writing style.
October 17, 2018
Just creepy enough that I would only read it during daylight hours. The end was lacking but it was a good Halloween time read.
July 3, 2020
Ambrose Ibsen is a master storyteller. "Whispering Corridors" (2018) is an excellent horror story about youth, reality and the fear of the unknown. This book is an upcoming classic! Why? Because of the following reasons.
The story is about Erik and Lydia who want to make a documentary about the supernatural. They decide to shoot it in an abandoned house which, according to local legends, is haunted. According to Lydia, it is the perfect place. Erik has his reservations. It is not long before both begin to see and experience strange things.
I feel that Ibsen's work plays with reality in a great way. With the help of direct (the visit to the house) and indirect observation (the film being made), the existence of both main characters is horribly turned upside down. In a sinister way they become aware of the existence of the supernatural. This reminded me strongly of the horror stories of Dutch author, Anthonie Holslag, because they also bring characters to the point where seeming and reality meet and are confronted with the macabre.
What is the supernatural in this masterful story? The Upside Down man. As soon as someone enters and leaves the abandoned house, this spirit goes with him or her and chases the person for three days. On the third day, this evil appearance causes the visitor to disappear. This antagonist is described in a powerful, convincing and terrifying way by the author. Not only as a story figure, but also in terms of semantic meaning it is completely correct.
For me, "Whispering Corridors" is about young people's existential fear of death. Lydia puts it like this: "The thing that scares me most about death is the idea of being forgotten. Everyday I find myself thinking about that. Who's going to remember me when I'm dead? P.7 That's why she wants to make a documentary about the supernatural. Erik's instinctive sense tells him that Lydia's plan is dangerous. And his development reminded me of the words of H.P. Lovecraft: "The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown." The semantic significance of the upside Down Man provides a cynical answer to Lydia's question. Not only does he show that death is not the end, but also that legend formation ensures that someone lives on. In my experience, he is the embodiment of the unknown that comes after death.
And the characters form a beautiful unity of opposites. Erik is a sympathetic character who stands firmly on the ground and is himself. Lydia keeps a certain appearance about her personal circumstances. This contradiction between actually being yourself and maintaining an ideal image of yourself is reflected in both characters in a consistently credible manner.
In addition, Erik is someone who listens to his feelings, where Lydia is more rational. Erik's experiences masterfully represent existential fear to me, as is also found in the work of Poe, King and Lovecraft. A wonderful example of this are his fear dreams, which are very strong. These are a great combination of reality and fear.
The title of the story is reflected in the story in a creative way. The documentary that both students make is called "Whispering Corridors". A book and documentary are both sources of information and this gives 'Whispering Corridors' extra excitement.
In short, this is an absolute must for fans of literary horror. This page turner is a powerful expression of the fear of the unknown. I will not be surprised if the name Ibsen will be added to those of King, Lovecraft and Poe. #whisperingcorridors #ambroseibsen #ghoststory
The story is about Erik and Lydia who want to make a documentary about the supernatural. They decide to shoot it in an abandoned house which, according to local legends, is haunted. According to Lydia, it is the perfect place. Erik has his reservations. It is not long before both begin to see and experience strange things.
I feel that Ibsen's work plays with reality in a great way. With the help of direct (the visit to the house) and indirect observation (the film being made), the existence of both main characters is horribly turned upside down. In a sinister way they become aware of the existence of the supernatural. This reminded me strongly of the horror stories of Dutch author, Anthonie Holslag, because they also bring characters to the point where seeming and reality meet and are confronted with the macabre.
What is the supernatural in this masterful story? The Upside Down man. As soon as someone enters and leaves the abandoned house, this spirit goes with him or her and chases the person for three days. On the third day, this evil appearance causes the visitor to disappear. This antagonist is described in a powerful, convincing and terrifying way by the author. Not only as a story figure, but also in terms of semantic meaning it is completely correct.
For me, "Whispering Corridors" is about young people's existential fear of death. Lydia puts it like this: "The thing that scares me most about death is the idea of being forgotten. Everyday I find myself thinking about that. Who's going to remember me when I'm dead? P.7 That's why she wants to make a documentary about the supernatural. Erik's instinctive sense tells him that Lydia's plan is dangerous. And his development reminded me of the words of H.P. Lovecraft: "The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown." The semantic significance of the upside Down Man provides a cynical answer to Lydia's question. Not only does he show that death is not the end, but also that legend formation ensures that someone lives on. In my experience, he is the embodiment of the unknown that comes after death.
And the characters form a beautiful unity of opposites. Erik is a sympathetic character who stands firmly on the ground and is himself. Lydia keeps a certain appearance about her personal circumstances. This contradiction between actually being yourself and maintaining an ideal image of yourself is reflected in both characters in a consistently credible manner.
In addition, Erik is someone who listens to his feelings, where Lydia is more rational. Erik's experiences masterfully represent existential fear to me, as is also found in the work of Poe, King and Lovecraft. A wonderful example of this are his fear dreams, which are very strong. These are a great combination of reality and fear.
The title of the story is reflected in the story in a creative way. The documentary that both students make is called "Whispering Corridors". A book and documentary are both sources of information and this gives 'Whispering Corridors' extra excitement.
In short, this is an absolute must for fans of literary horror. This page turner is a powerful expression of the fear of the unknown. I will not be surprised if the name Ibsen will be added to those of King, Lovecraft and Poe. #whisperingcorridors #ambroseibsen #ghoststory
May 6, 2017
Review originally published at: http://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookre...
I have received a copy of this book in audio format from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
Lydia convinces her friend Eric to go to the Kenwood house on Halloween to film some images for a documentary. Eric is reticent to go because all kind of dark tales surround this house, which has been abandoned for years. There they say the upside down man inhabits, waiting for his next victim, which will be haunted for three days and on the third the upside down man will come for them.
Even though I do not like paranormal elements in books where this does not fit, I do enjoy a pure ghost story now and then, especially if it is a good one, like 'Whispering Corridors'. Ibsen did a great job building up the tension and creating the right atmosphere. Even though it is not a long book (just over five hours) we have time to know the characters. It is true that we do not know a lot about them (in fact we know more about Lydia, even though the book is written from the point of view of Eric), but their conversations, actions and descriptions bring them to life. There are very powerful images evoked in this story, which help to set the mood and believe in the wickedness of the house.
Reading other reviews, I see people complaining about the lack of closure. I did not feel this. My only complaint would be that some thing towards the end were kind of predictable and I felt like screaming to Eric since he was not getting some of the things.
The book is narrated by the wonderful Joe Hempel. Let me tell you this: if you find a book narrated by Joe Hempel, even if it is not your favorite genre, go for it. He will make any story shine, and with a good one, the result will be superb. He is unique transmitting emotions and interpreting characters. He makes you live the story.
I enjoyed this scary ghost story, and it is a fairly quick listen. I would recommend this one if you enjoyed 'The Blair Witch Project', since it is partially based on it and it is also mentioned a couple times in the book.
I have received a copy of this book in audio format from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
Lydia convinces her friend Eric to go to the Kenwood house on Halloween to film some images for a documentary. Eric is reticent to go because all kind of dark tales surround this house, which has been abandoned for years. There they say the upside down man inhabits, waiting for his next victim, which will be haunted for three days and on the third the upside down man will come for them.
Even though I do not like paranormal elements in books where this does not fit, I do enjoy a pure ghost story now and then, especially if it is a good one, like 'Whispering Corridors'. Ibsen did a great job building up the tension and creating the right atmosphere. Even though it is not a long book (just over five hours) we have time to know the characters. It is true that we do not know a lot about them (in fact we know more about Lydia, even though the book is written from the point of view of Eric), but their conversations, actions and descriptions bring them to life. There are very powerful images evoked in this story, which help to set the mood and believe in the wickedness of the house.
Reading other reviews, I see people complaining about the lack of closure. I did not feel this. My only complaint would be that some thing towards the end were kind of predictable and I felt like screaming to Eric since he was not getting some of the things.
The book is narrated by the wonderful Joe Hempel. Let me tell you this: if you find a book narrated by Joe Hempel, even if it is not your favorite genre, go for it. He will make any story shine, and with a good one, the result will be superb. He is unique transmitting emotions and interpreting characters. He makes you live the story.
I enjoyed this scary ghost story, and it is a fairly quick listen. I would recommend this one if you enjoyed 'The Blair Witch Project', since it is partially based on it and it is also mentioned a couple times in the book.
May 6, 2017
I was a fast-paced, entertaining read. The characters seemed to mesh oddly together though, to me. The friendship between Lydia and Eric didn't really make sense to me. They seemed so different. The only thing I could think of was that it was basically a friendship of convenience.
And, quite honestly, I really didn't like Lydia. I thought she was obtuse and unwilling to listen to Eric at all. Her whole attitude was cocky to the extreme. Even the revelation about her didn't really affect my opinion of her. In fact, I think it lowered it a bit more. It made some of her motivations a bit clearer but it also made some of her actions a lot dumber. I would never dock a book points for this minor irritation (and also because it says a lot about Lydia's character) but you don't wear a ban shirt without knowing the band. Ok, minor gripe out of the way.
The vague backstory of the haunting might work for some people but others might not like it so well. When we had our discussion on www.scifiandscary.com it seemed to be a 50/50 split on if it worked or not.
It's not great literature but it's a fast, fun read that I would recommend.
And, quite honestly, I really didn't like Lydia. I thought she was obtuse and unwilling to listen to Eric at all. Her whole attitude was cocky to the extreme. Even the revelation about her didn't really affect my opinion of her. In fact, I think it lowered it a bit more. It made some of her motivations a bit clearer but it also made some of her actions a lot dumber. I would never dock a book points for this minor irritation (and also because it says a lot about Lydia's character) but you don't wear a ban shirt without knowing the band. Ok, minor gripe out of the way.
The vague backstory of the haunting might work for some people but others might not like it so well. When we had our discussion on www.scifiandscary.com it seemed to be a 50/50 split on if it worked or not.
It's not great literature but it's a fast, fun read that I would recommend.
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