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The Haunting of Brynlee House: Based on a Real Haunted House

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Based on a real haunted house - Brynlee House has a past, a secret; it is one that would be best left buried. Emma has been hiding for a year. Hiding from an abusive ex who broke more than her bones. Now it is time to start again, and she has been left an old house in which to make a new beginning.Brynlee house is remote, old, and kinda creepy, but she knows that this is the second chance she needs. That is, until things start to go wrong.The sound of a child laughing, or screaming haunts her dreams. Strange sounds, smells, and marks on the wall make her doubt her own sanity and what is it with the black cat?Is this just stress?Has her ex found her, and is he playing games?When Emma starts to research the house, she reads of witch trials, burning, and torture, but surely that can have nothing to do with today?In her panic, she goes to the police. Brent is a Detective Inspector. He searches the house but can find no intruder. All his training tells him this woman is seeing things... and yet his gut says something is not quite right.Welcome to Brynlee House. Dare you look into its past? Could the murder of a mother and child have left a stain on the house?Watch out for the cat. He has been here longer than anyone!Read this exciting haunted house mystery for FREE on KINDLE UNLIMITED.

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2017

332 people are currently reading
376 people want to read

About the author

Caroline Clark

9 books370 followers

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5 stars
248 (37%)
4 stars
194 (29%)
3 stars
141 (21%)
2 stars
53 (7%)
1 star
29 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for John Morris.
1,013 reviews79 followers
April 29, 2024
Not bad but.....

This book lacked depth and I struggled to relate to the characters. Much of the story seemed clichéd and a bit Mills & Boon. Still it moved on at a fast pace and would provide distraction on a tedious train or plane journey.
Profile Image for Marie.
1,121 reviews391 followers
August 1, 2020
This was a great read! The story kept up the pace from the first page to the last page. Lots of spooky phenomena with slamming doors, footsteps, screaming ghosts, and violent entities. Kept me glued to my kindle as I wanted to see what would happen next!

The story is about a woman that inherits a home from her aunt and she moves into the house as she wants to make a fresh start somewhere else. As soon as she moves in, the house comes alive with all its antics, to the point where she thinks she might be crazy. She involves a local police inspector to help her with the house as at first she thinks it might be intruders roaming around, which they soon find out that is not the case.

The story picked up speed the more I delved into the storyline and kept me hooked till the end! Giving four stars for this one.
Profile Image for Shainlock.
835 reviews
November 26, 2018
Hmm. This was a nice little haunted house tale, family legacy included. It was spooky and intense for the most part. Some of it had history having do with the witch trials or at least references to them and those in Britain who were wrongfully accused at that time. It mentioned the Bishop and if a woman confessed under torture she was executed. Sad affair. It dealt with ghosts during that time and a young lady trying to start her life over and become brave once again.
Profile Image for Zain.
1,884 reviews286 followers
August 31, 2021
Leave, Already!

I love haunted house stories. They don’t need to be bloody and gory for me to like them. In fact, I prefer them not to be. However, like with any kind of scary story, in order to be able to be scared, you have to suspend your disbelief.

I had trouble doing this because I could not feel any sympathy for the main character. I just could not stop thinking of her as being a big fool. I don’t know. Maybe I’m being too hard on her.

I just think she should have left…like, yesterday.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,948 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2018
THE HAUNTING OF BRYNLEE HOUSE, by Caroline Clark, is a novel based upon a Real Haunted House. Our main character is Emma, a vulnerable woman who has spent the last year of her life hiding in a woman's shelter following a brutal beating at the hands of her ex. When she inherits a house from an Aunt she never knew, she decides it's time to move on and reclaim her life. Still wary from her past experiences, we watch as she begins to grow emotionally. The author does a great job of showing the setbacks and "re-starts" as Emma strives to start a fresh life for herself.

The house she now owns presents an altogether different challenge--one that nobody could have anticipated. Almost immediately, Emma is thrust into a supernatural world where entities from the past--both good and bad--coexist within her new walls. Even as she learns the tragic history of her home, there is a part of her determined to stay and make her stand.

". . . It was a place of torture and death . . ."

While I initially found Emma a sympathetic character, as the story went on I felt she became more inconsistent--and not necessarily in a "natural growth" way. I enjoyed the idea behind the cause of the haunting; however, it didn't make any sense that for as long as someone in Emma's family lived there, she was "the only one" who could find the root cause and try to fix it.

". . . Did it want her to stop what had happened? For that was not possible . . . "

There were also--conveniently--people she met that believed her story without hesitation, which was something I just found too implausible. Overall, I felt the source of the haunting was suitably horrible, and Emma's initial reactions rang true with what I would have expected after her recent past. Unfortunately, it felt like everything fell into place a little too easily around the second half of the novel, and things seemed very "predictable" from that point on. A good beginning, but a lackluster, too formulaic ending, in my opinion.
Profile Image for Andrew “The Weirdling” Glos.
275 reviews76 followers
September 11, 2019
This is a fine little haunted house tale, involving an old inherited estate, clouded histroy, and an occupant looking for a new lease on life. It has all the typical essentials of a good haunted house story. These books usually sink or swim based on their writing, characters, and the details. This book swims.

I liked Emma from pretty early on in the book. I wanted her to do well. I felt the pain of her abusive relationship. I hated her ex, liked her support stytem, etc. There was also something compelling about her obligatory "love interest", Brent. The author chose to dispense with the usual annoying storyline of the detective who is all facts and figures, knows there is no such thing as ghosts, and is sure the lady is crazy until a ghost smacks him in the face near the end. The Detective Inspector early on feels conflict between what he "knows" (ghosts aren't real) and the fact that the house just never feels right, the young woman is clearly scared of something, even is it isn't ghosts. He then does what any good police officer would do. He sticks around to check out suspicious activities. I appreciate that.

This definitely isn't an earth shattering novel in the history of haunted house books. It is, for the most part, pretty standard stuff. That said, I enjoyed spending time with Emma and Brent, the mstery and backstory were compelling, and the resolution was satisfying. There's not a lot more to ask from a book like this. If you are in the mood for a good spooky home and the baddies than infest it, you could do a lot worse The Haunting of Brynlee House.
Profile Image for Peter.
382 reviews29 followers
May 29, 2018
Emma Kent's friend Lynn convinces Emma that she must leave the shelter and go out into the world and find herself. Emma went to stay at the shelter after she was brutally beaten by her ex-husband. Emma inherits this old house, from an aunt that she has never heard of. This is a chance for Emma, to start all over again. When Emma enters the house, it smells old and musty. Emma is cut off from the real world, because she has no phone or internet. Emma feels something rub against her leg. Then she hears a child scream and smells smoke. Emma finds a letter in the bread bin, from her long lost aunt. The letter states that a family member has lived in this house since 1575. The letter states that Emma should not let anyone into the house or the cage. The aunt tell Emma, that evil lives in the house and it is her job not to let it out. Emma decides to go to the Police Station, to see if they could come up, and look around. Inspector Brent Murkham, decides that he will go to the house, and check things out. Inspector Murkham, can't find anything wrong at the house. He has a strange feeling about the house but can not put his finger on it. Emma decides to go to the local library, to do some research on her house. Emma finds out that there was a witch trial there and witches were burned at the stake. This story line is based on a true story. As haunted house stories goes, this one is just ok.
Profile Image for Lynette.
565 reviews
March 28, 2021
The story had a lot of potential, but just never quite worked. Plus, the backstory was muddled and confusing, and I'm not sure the author knew how to make it work without ruining the twist. Lots of typos.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,581 reviews23 followers
June 11, 2017
A true to life haunting that grips you from the beginning to end!

Base on a true happening, this book grabs you and never lets you go! A scary page turner takes our main character, Emma through some harrowing experiences when she thinks she can start a new life away from her abusive ex-husband. She inherits an old house that appears to have a history that envelopes it and tries to bring her in. This is not a story you want to read with the lights out or even dim! The story grips you and holds you there as Emma who was trying to start a new life feels everything spinning out of control. When she goes to the police inspector, Brent for help, he doesn't find anything, but believes her that something is just not right. We learn a lot about the history of the house and I loved how Emma strengthened more and more throughout. The descriptions created a very detailed picture in my mind and I just couldn't put it down! I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.
12.7k reviews189 followers
March 11, 2018
Based on truth. Amazing and scary all the way. Couldn’t put it down. Read a few books by this superb author and definitely ready for more.
Profile Image for Cheryl .
2,414 reviews80 followers
November 8, 2017
I received a free eBook copy of this work directly from the author and voluntarily chose to leave a review. :)

Ooooh .... I loved this book! This is the second ghostie novel I've read in the past month about the historical witch trials in England and they've really grabbed my attention. Apart from the thrills of a ghost story there is also the occult leanings regarding the witches, and the depravity inflicted upon ordinary women thought to be witches. Religion, and the monsters who hide behind it, have a lot to answer for. (historically and currently)

The back story of Emma Kent leaving a women's shelter after being abused by her ex-husband, and fortuitously inheriting the haunted house from an unknown Aunt provided a solid foundation to the novel. A lot of ghost stories don't provide a reason as to why the person stays when they should just get the hell out of there! In Emma's case there really was nowhere else for her to go. It also left a question mark as to whom or what was actually scaring her in regards to her ex.
I also loved how all the ghostly happenings were tried to be explained away, either as nerves or imaginings, or through the scientific approach of proving what was making the noises and breezes.

My only problem with the book was the burgeoning friendship between Emma & Detective Inspector Brent Markham. Yes, I can see him being helpful and attracted to her, and I can also see the friendship morphing into a romantic relationship, but for the life of me I just can't see a women, abused or otherwise, presuming the policeman wanted a date from the outset just for helping reassure her! It just didn't sound true or sit right.

Apart from that it was a well written and constructed novel made all the more scarier for being based on a true story. You should really Google the case that inspired the story - it seems in this case reality might be scarier than fiction. A highly recommended frightly read to cause you more than once to question the noises in your own house.

Oh! And the cat was awesome ..... freaky ... but awesome.
1 review
November 2, 2017
I gave up after the first few chapters because of all the spelling and grammar mistakes - what makes it even worse was that the main character was supposed to be a copywriter!

I was really looking forward to a good ghost story too :(
20 reviews
July 29, 2018
Took All I Had to Finish It!

Juvenile and redundant....OMG. If I would have had to read one more time about the hair standing up on her arms or that she wanted to leave the house and never return, I would have screamed! UGH...maybe okay for tweenies...
Profile Image for Stephany McIntyre.
21 reviews
September 23, 2018
Not a fan

There is a good story behind it somewhere but it wasn’t brought out at all. No creepy factor for a “scary book”.
Profile Image for Annatasia Meehleder.
78 reviews3 followers
August 29, 2017
*** I received this as an ARC for free in exchange for an honest review. ***

I was really excited when I saw this on BookFunnel because it is based on a real haunted house and I am such a sucker for horror stories. I mean, who isn’t ?

YOU GUYS!!! The blurb talked about the house being creepy. check. children laughing and screaming haunting the main character, Emma’s dreams. check. strange sounds and smells and marks on the wall. check, check and check. There is also matters of the cat…

So when things keep getting more and more strange Emma researches the past and finds secrets upon secrets about the house which include witch trials, of burning, torment and more. Who and what can she trust? Everything is so interwoven and complex in this story that if I reread it I am pretty sure I would pick up on some new things than I did the first time around. I just love a good mystery to solve. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time because I never knew what the hell was going to happen next. There were so many twists in the book to keep the reader surprised too. It was an intense experience. I am so glad she has wrote more books. I can’t wait to read them all.

I am giving this a 5 star rating, and that cat is fucking awesome.
Profile Image for Saundra Wright.
2,898 reviews14 followers
March 17, 2019
Based loosely on a real place, walk in the halls of this haunted house and see if you can get out alive. Caroline Clark’s version of this haunted house is very actively evil!

Emma has been living in a home for battered women. Her ex left her hospitalized with broken bones. For the past few months he has had no way to find her as she gained her strength, both physically and mentally. Now she is ready to take back her life, and venture beyond the safe place the shelter has been for her.

Emma’s aunt, someone she had never heard of, has passed on and left Emma her house. It is secluded in the countryside, and the best part is there is no way her ex can find her there. This house seems the perfect place for a fresh start.

The house however has more than its share of odd noises. At times Emma could swear she heard a child screaming, and at others a child’s laughter. Add to that the creepy stuffed cat that seems to move itself around the house, and Emma begins to think she has an intruder.

Could her ex have somehow found her? Should she report the strange occurrences to the police? Is her mind playing tricks on her or could Emma really be in danger?

Kindle Unlimited edition
Profile Image for Randi Robinson.
657 reviews15 followers
May 31, 2017
I enjoyed this little ghost story even if it was predictable with not much character development. The fact that it was supposed to be based on a true story made it more interesting. Emma has spent a year at a home for abused women but now it is time for her to move on and learn to live again. She has been left a house by a relative she never knew about. Of course she gets lost and doesn't arrive until night, making the creepy old house even creepier. The weird happenings begin immediately and Emma thinks she is losing her mind. She goes to the police for help and Brent, the policemen she speaks with believes her. She learns more about the history of the house and finally figures out what she must do. The book moves quickly as the hauntings escalate and reaches a predictable climax. The description of the house and grounds and of the hauntings were detailed and very good. With more depth of character and historical background this book would have another star or two. Thanks to the author for giving me a copy of the book to review. I will check out more of her work.
405 reviews
June 9, 2018
Very very good

I purchased this book, after reading the blurb. Once I started reading the book, I could not put it down! Talk about creepy, my own hair rose on my arms. Everytime something happened, I held my breath. Chilling does not express my feelings for this story.
Based upon a true story, The Haunting of Brynlee House is a truly terrifying story of a young woman who was murdered during the Inquisition. The stories of the haunting at The Cage is still investigated to this day.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the paranormal & doesn't mind being scared by a book. Bravo to the author!
1,769 reviews24 followers
January 23, 2024
This horror story is written with an array of vibrant characters ghostly hauntings revisited as well as the fear of abuse to appear from the past and the hope for new beginnings. This story is very impactful holding you tight from beginning to end not wanting to give you a breathe while cheering for a peaceful and happy ending. Acquire " The Haunting of Brynlee House " discover the answers for yourself while enjoying the horror experience you're looking for. I truly don't think you'll be disappointed. Kat
Profile Image for Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read.
3,441 reviews113 followers
May 11, 2017
While I wouldn't call this a horror story, it is a bit creepy, if somewhat predictable. There are some elements of mystery thrown in with Emma's ex and a bit of a budding romance with the very patient Brent. The book is short and I would've preferred more of a build on the haunting aspect, which would've added to the creep factor. Overall though, it is an entertaining read, perfect for a rainy afternoon or evening.
Profile Image for Angela Sanders.
Author 47 books976 followers
November 28, 2017
Chilling and full of suspense

I enjoyed this short book and read it in one sitting. I love the fact that it's based on a real haunted house. Little nuggets of truth in fiction always intrigue me. The characters (and spirits) were very well fleshed out, as was the plot and setting. If you're looking for a quick, nail-biting suspense about the paranormal, you'll enjoy this book. Highly recommended, five-stars!
Profile Image for Ericka.
423 reviews6 followers
February 2, 2018
Good Story But Needs Editing

The story itself is very good and moves well and is actually well written, but the character names are so similar that it's easy to confuse them and as the story begins to climax there are some simple mistakes that may have happened in the publishing cycle that could have been caught by a good copy editor. Don't let that cause you to lose out on a good ghost story though.
95 reviews5 followers
May 4, 2017
I received a copy for a voluntarily review. A great ghost story about a women that is left a house by a aunt that she didn't know about. Leaving a womens shelter after a abusive and violent partner. Within the first night she hears and feels strange noise. A realistic ghost story, fight between good and evil.
245 reviews
May 17, 2017
A haunting short story of death, tragedy and revenge. For Emma, who is trying to remake her life after leaving her abusive ex, things soon start to spiral out of control. Feeling like she is going mad, Emma soon learns that there are more evils in the world than flesh and bone.

A truly chilling tale.

I received an ARC of The Haunting of Brynlee House and have reviewed honestly.
Profile Image for Kelly B Robison.
57 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2017
Quick, scary haunted house story

This short novel was a breeze to read, with just enough suspense to be a page-turner. I appreciated the simple, yet detailed build up which led to the dramatic finish. The cute developing romance between the main characters does not deter from the book's plot or storyline, in fact, it pleasantly enhances it.
4 reviews
August 16, 2017
Pleasant read

This book was easy to read and I felt the plot had massive potential which I don't feel was exploited. It began well explaining the scene and the characters, but it seemed to become very rushed and as a result the story became unglued. A bit more meat in the middle would have made all the difference.
1 review
April 1, 2018
Really good story

The story was really good but the story itself could have been told better. There were times that I could clearly see what was going on within the story and its characters but there were many times that the writer seemed to jump ahead and miss small details that would have drawn me into the story more than I had been.
99 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2019
Creepy And Scary.

Nothing beats a good book, especially if it's about a haunted house, which this book is. It has all the right ingredients from a black cat to things that go bump in the night, plus a whole lot more besides. Will it all end well for its owner, give it a try and see. In my opinion, well worth a read and its five stars.
Profile Image for Stacy.
166 reviews
June 7, 2024
2.5/5

Just okay. It really wasn't spooky in the way I was expecting. The writing was a bit inconsistent - first it was day, then next paragraph it's night. It seemed rushed, not a lot of depth to the characters or the story itself. It at least is fairly interesting and based off a true Haunted house is pretty cool.

Alden's malice was directed at the wrong people though.
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