In a quiet Dorset Village, Old Cross Cottage has stood for centuries, overlooking the place where four roads meet. Marred by tragedy, it's had a series of residents, none of whom have stayed for long. Pink and pretty, with a thatched roof, it should be an ideal retreat, but as new owners Rachel and Mark Bell discover, it's anything but.
Ruby Davis hasn't quite told her partner the truth. She's promised Cash a holiday in the country but she's also promised the Bells that she'll investigate the unrest that haunts this ancient dwelling. Hoping to combine work and pleasure, she soon realises this is a far more complex case than she had ever imagined.
As events take a sinister turn, lives are in jeopardy. If the terrible secrets of Old Cross Cottage are ever to be unearthed, an entire village must dig up its past.
Psychic Surveys Book One: The Haunting of Highdown Hall
Psychic Surveys Book Two: Rise to Me
Psychic Surveys Book Three: 44 Gilmore Street
Psychic Surveys Book Four: Old Cross Cottage
Psychic Surveys Book Five: Descension
Psychic Surveys Book Six: Legion
Psychic Surveys Book Seven: Promises to Keep
Psychic Surveys Book Eight: The Weight of the Soul
Psychic Surveys Book Nine: The Devil's Liar
Psychic Surveys Companion Novels:
Eve: A Psychic Surveys Prequel
Blakemort (Corinna's story)
Thirteen (Ness's story)
Rosamund (Rosamund Davis - Ruby's great-grandmother's story)
Jed (the story of one of Psychic Surveys' most treasured and mysterious characters)
This Haunted World Series:
This Haunted World Book One: The Venetian
This Haunted World Book Two: The Eleventh Floor
This Haunted World Book Three: Highgate
This Haunted World Book Four: Rohaise
Reach for the Dead Series:
Reach for the Dead Book One: Mandy
Reach for the Dead Book Two: Cades Home Farm
Reach for the Dead Book Three: Walker
Jessamine Series:
Jessamine
Comraich
Carfax House - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)
The Damned Season - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)
Wildacre - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)
Summer of Grace - A standalone psychological thriller
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short review for busy readers: Part 4 of an English paranormal investigation series (fictional). Writing competently on the mass market paperback level. Good use of mediumship, ghosts and the history of a small English village to create a fair amount of creep. Interesting plot. Fast, engaging read. A little relationship baloney, but not overdone.
in detail: Ruby, the focus character for this series and the owner of Psychic Surveys, a type of all-female Ghost Busters outfit, investigates haunted houses and "helps" ghosts move on to the light.
Not very well, as she flubs a lot of stuff and fails to see the obvious that the reader - as well as her co-psychics - do immediately. But never let it be said that being the least talented one in the bunch ever stopped anyone from opening a business in the field and acting like the big cheese!
Sounds like I didn't enjoy this one, doesn't it? In fact, I did. I just was not so fond of emotional, stereotypical Brit female, Ruby (or her perfect boyfriend, Cash).
The hauntings at Old Cross Cottage are plenty good enough to satisfy readers of lighter ghost stories. The twist is somewhat easy to foresee, but that doesn't stop things from getting fast and dangerous.
I very much enjoyed the history of the Ouija board, the ghost detection app and the scene where two ghosts fight over Ruby's cell phone!
This was my first Struthers/Psychic Survey and it was interesting enough that I think I'll be reading more of this series eventually. Thanks for the rec, John!
This is the 4th case in the Psychic Surveys series. It can be read as a stand alone, but why would you do that when there are 3 other novels and 2 novellas to read first?!
I'm a big fan of this series of books. I like how each case covers a different aspect of hauntings and psychic phenomena. I found this case really interesting. The symbolism of cross roads and lay-lines were well used, and the effects of the case on the local village, wide ranging.
Ruby, Cash and Jed investigate spiritual occurrences at Old Cross Cottage and have a lot on their hands. I'm not sure if I liked Mary or not. Part product of her unstable and violent upbringing, and part manipulator, her story is complex and multi-layered. I was concerned many times through the book for Ruby's physical and mental well-being, and was shocked at what she and Cash discovered.
I think this case is the most complex of the series so far. It gives you a lot to digest, but in a really engaging way. The pace of the book never slows and certain parts I didn't see coming. A special mention has to go to Jed. A faithful, loyal spiritual sidekick who played a big part in helping Ruby and Cash solve the case.
This is the 2nd book I’ve read by this author and fell in love with her writing style first time around, so I knew this follow up, which can also be read as a standalone, wouldn’t disappoint. Had I not read any of Shani’s work before, I still wouldn’t have been able to resist that cover. As soon as I saw the cottage I knew I wanted to find out all about its history and its inhabitants. Every single one of the characters is credible and lifelike and Ruby and Cash’s relationship proved particularly intriguing the more I read. I sensed subtle changes in each character and the way they related to each other which drew me even more into the ever- unfolding intrigue. The period cottage with its sinister past and ghostly sightings was described so vividly that I became completely immersed in my surroundings, only to wonder where I was when I finally had to leave its pages. As for poor Mary, I was quite spellbound by this character and found myself just as gullible as Ruby was, in her dealings with her but won’t say too much about this reveal, due to spoilers. What I can tell you though is that the suspense intensified with every page and my mind was a whirlwind of activity as I tried to anticipate what the author had in store for me. I needn’t have worried because the denouement was spot on. Overall, this was a very haunting and fast paced read, with just the right amount of supernatural elements to keep me hooked.
Old Cross Cottage by Shani Struthers. In a quiet Dorset Village, Old Cross Cottage has stood for centuries, overlooking the place where four roads meet. Marred by tragedy, it’s had a series of residents, none of whom have stayed for long. Pink and pretty, with a thatched roof, it should be an ideal retreat, but as new owners Rachel and Mark Bell discover, it’s anything but. Absolutely fantastic read. I love this series. I loved the story and the characters. I loved the ending too. I do hope there is more to come. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5*. Tbc on fb.
That's what I have come to expect from Shani Struthers and this book didn't disappoint. A fast moving story had me enthralled from start to finish. I can't wait for the next installment.
This is the fourth book in the Psychic Surveys series. I have not read the first three, but this tale worked well as a standalone.
The new residents of Old Cross Cottage, which is located in a small village in Dorset, have been experiencing some spooky and sinister occurrences and have resorted to asking the Psychic Surveys team to investigate. It does not help that the property stands on a crossroads, a place 'between worlds'!
I love a good ghost story (although I have to admit I'm very sceptical about the whole phenomenon) and this one did not disappoint. It had me on the edge of my seat and avidly turning the pages. It is quite a dark, eerie tale, very atmospheric and chilling. It is well written, full of unearthly intrigue and suspense, just what you would expect from a haunted house mystery.
A fabulous, spine tingling tale which will have you hiding behind a cushion - read it if you dare! 😱 One to read with all the lights on, I think. I now look forward to reading this series from the beginning, the first book being The Haunting of Highdown Hall.
Many thanks to TBC on Facebook for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I've just finished another brilliant tale from the amazing imagination of Shani Struthers. Once again I was left gripped until the very end. You just never know, while your reading, how the story will play out. Success or tragedy! Either could easily be the outcome of this tale. In some ways, for Ruby, it's both. Once again she rushed ahead alone to try to come to the aid of a traumatic haunting. This time it's in the holiday cottage of the title. Once again she seems to over-stretch herself. It's lucky that Ruby has such a loyal boyfriend. Cash is never shy of telling Ruby when she heads down the wrong path. There is also her guardian spirit dog and the rest of her 'gang' who constantly have her back. She definitely needs their strength this time as she gets in over her head. Ruby's action did sometimes annoy me, she tends to turn a deaf-ear to good advice and think she knows best. That attitude had devastating results! I did wonder if maybe the loyal Cash had had enough and might even walk away. Shani Struthers character just seem to grow and are so well fleshed out that it's easy for me to get an image of them in my head. I love their little group and hope that the books keep coming. I will be here to keep reading them while they do. This is becoming a much loved series to me.
I have read several books by this author before, and enjoyed them, this one was no different :)
Old Cross Cottage has a history, and that history is slowly being revealed, bit by bit. "If the walls could talk" is a phrase that is particularly apt here!
Ruby and her boyfriend Cash are supposedly going away for a week's holiday in a historic cottage. What Ruby doesn't tell Cash is that the owners of the cottage, Rachel and Mark, are worried that there are some supernatural goings-on there and they need her to sort them out. Ruby sets to and gets more than she bargained for. The secondary characters in this book had lots of depth as well, and really added to the story.
This is a complex tale which slowly built up until around two-thirds through, when the tension really went through the roof and I didn't dare take a break in my reading! The lights were left on as well, haha.
Highly recommended read from me.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. Thank you to THE Book Club and the author.
As soon as there is an announcement that the latest release from Shani Struthers is imminent, I excitedly plan my reading around the new addition to my collection. Her books never fail to disappoint and this one is no exception. Although it is part of the Psychic Surveys series, it can be read as a stand-alone but if you've got this far in reading the reviews before you purchase Old Cross Cottage ... then I can highly recommend you treat yourself and get the rest in the series too.
This is the 4th in the series but not having read them all did not take away from my enjoyment, I was totally hooked straight away. Ruby and her boyfriend Cash are visiting a lovely old cottage for a well deserved holiday or at least that's what Cash thinks but Ruby has not been quite truthful. The owners of the cottage have asked Ruby to look into moving on the 'ghosts' from their new property and ruby didn't think to tell Cash. I loved the complexity of the plot and whilst there was horror content it was so much more and it was so easy to imagine the cottage and surrounding areas that I felt almost a part of the story. I have read one previous book but I will be definately ordering the ones I have missed and keeping an eye out for more from this author. A very big 5* from me and a thank you to TBConFacebook for my copy.
Scary but the best one of the series so far. I loved the setting and could imagine the cottage in my minds eye. I would love to one day visit a small village such as described in the book. I look forward to the next book in the series. I would recommend this series to lovers of the paranormal.
This is a great way to spend a quiet afternoon. Very well written and a smooth transition from one time to another. Never feeling lost as to which century you are in. Can't wait to read another of Struthers books 📚.
"So still... a beautiful cottage,,, listing, the ground beneath trying to bury it, perhaps." Ruby and Cash start jauntily off on their first holiday together, but have to grapple with the strange goings on in the house. It's like being with old friends again, and I settle down to enjoy another other-worldly mystery. I'm becoming addicted to Shani Struthers's books. I love the feisty altercation between the Reverend and Ruby, the indignant psychic, refereed by Cash and overseen by Jed, the invisible dog. A masterpiece of a scene. The climax comes, the scenes are vivid. The emotions are vivid. This is like a film, so utterly heart-breaking and horrifying it all is. Muddled. And pieces of the jigsaw are gradually fitted together. It is a book of contrasts in every respect, one which will stay in your mind, however fast you want to read it to the end. Sometimes I feel there is too much happening, too many different people, to take it all in. A second read would be appropriate, but not right now. I am completely exhausted, like Ruby, and Cash, and - probably - Jed. Thank you TBC for giving me the opportunity to write this review.
I keenly awaited this book and was no way disappointed. As always Shani's writing is amazing, fully able to draw you into the story. Her descriptive details as ever was great capturing everything to set the perfect scene in your mind whilst you read. The psychic surveys series is an amazing series and am so excited for the next now as the story is getting deeper!
I have been a fan of Shani's work for years. I discovered her first book in this series quite by accident. It was a rainy day in April and I had just got a new Kindle. From the first page, I was captivated by this authors ability to create a completely believable haunting. Naturally, I then read the others in the series and so I found myself here later than planned reading Old Cross Cottage. These books are a series, although if you really wanted to you could read them in a different order. However, the characters do tend to pop up from earlier books in this title so I would recommend starting at book one. I'll add a reading list at the bottom of this piece.
The Return of Ruby and Boyfriend Cash was a very pleasant start to the book, I really love Ruby as a character and the addition of Cash to the series gave her more depth and so to have them there from page one was wonderful. The fact that Ruby hasn't told Cash that this holiday she has booked in a quaint cottage near Lyme Regis isn't exactly a romantic getaway, was a real head in hands moment. As the reader I could tell she was trying to find the right time but I could see it all going sideways for her. Old Cross Cottage is her next job, she has been called in by the owners who have bought the beautiful pink cottage as a holiday home for themselves and their extended family and friends. Once Cash got over his initial upset about being misled they get down to the business of finding out what exactly has been occurring at the house. This is when I really got excited, The author has a brilliant way of giving you enough to get that tingle up the back of your neck at the start, which just makes you want to read faster to see how the potential haunting is going to manifest. After hearing what several people have experienced Ruby and Cash start their week-long working holiday. At this point, I'd like to point out the addition of a meat hook in the parlor was the most disturbing thing I have ever read. The context of said hook is explained fully in the book, I just wanted to touch on the fact there is one and my imagination went nuts. It becomes clear quite early on to Ruby that there are several entities still inhabiting the old cottage, She hears about the death of the former landlord of the cottage. It used to be called the Old Cross Inn before it returned to a family home back in the 1900's. The descriptions of Thomas Ward's residual echo gave me goosebumps. The author is very well versed in the psychic realm. I started reading this book very late at night, the best time to read a paranormal thriller in my opinion. When Ruby goes to do some investigating in the local churchyard and gets screamed at by an unknown and unseen entity I dropped my kindle! The suspense that is constantly being built throughout the book is so well done that I am always surprised to find my heart rate has picked up so early on.
The entity called Mary scared the life out of me. The one thing I find extremely frightening is ghost children or possessed children. Yet I read books that contain both. I know I love to punish myself. Mary gets a hold on Ruby's heartstrings and I have to say apart from the super creepy fact she's a child from somewhere around 1900, I felt bad for her. As Ruby learns more about Mary's life at Old Cross Cottage in the form of dreams it becomes clear that something very sinister has happened within the walls of the little house at the crossroads. The link of physical crossroads and the cottage haunting's was brilliant, and really helped link the haunting to the surrounding area, both physically and psychically. With the tension ramping up and physical harm being inflicted on both Ruby and Cash it is time to call in the rest of her team. Again, It was such a joy to have Theo ( she is my second fav character after Ruby) Corinna and Ness back to help convince the ghosts to move on. The other character inclusions were perfect. The author weaved a story that not only affected Mary and her family in the house after Thomas Ward's time there as pub landlord; but also many others from the past who lived in the village had a part to play in the revelations of what really happened to the ghosts of Old Cross Cottage. The ending was perfect and so well developed. It was not at all expected from the start, which is what I love about this author, she is able to keep you guessing until she chooses to reveal the true reason for the activity. In conclusion, I really enjoyed this addition to the series and I will, of course, be reading book five and the companion novels as well. I have already started Blakemort and am loving it so far. If you enjoy a physiological psychic thriller then these books are for you and this one is out of this world amazing.
I give it FIVE STARS out of a possible FIVE STARS.
I am so happy to be able to review another one of Shani’s books and on its publication days too. This is a fourth book the in Psychic Surveys series, but a first one for me and it read well as a standalone novel.
As always I was not disappointed. Although this book hasn’t spooked me as much as the others, the story went along well and kept you guessing till the end. The village and the cottage itself were described so well I could really picture it in my head (plus I love the cover!).
When Ruby told her boyfriend Cash that she found a lovely Dorset cottage for week’s holiday, she holds back on the fact that the cottage is riddled with unsettled spirits and she was actually contacted by the owners to see if she could move them on.
Things start going wrong right from the start and it’s not long before both Ruby and Cash feel the presence of more than one spirit. As they start to unravel the history of the cottage they soon realise that this case might not be as easy to solve and that the whole village is somehow involved.
Fabulous spooky book from Shani Struthers and I can’t wait to read the others. I have book one and three and my kindle and will now read them as soon as I can. For anyone who likes to be kept on the edge of their seat with the unknown at the grasp of their fingers, these books are perfect.
Thank you to the author for spooking me once again and #TBConFB for access to this book in return for this honest review.
Another excellent read from Shani Struthers with the latest outing from the Psychic Surveys team, although the majority of the team only make an appearance late on, as this concentrates largely on Ruby, boyfriend Cash and ghost-dog Jed. Indeed, initial there is a tension between Ruby and Cash after what the latter believes is a holiday in a picturesque Dorset cottage, is in reality, a potential haunting for Ruby to look into. There is actually a small degree of tension between the pair throughout which actually makes the relationship seems more real and authentic. Old Cross Cottage it seems, has a history and not a particularly pleasant one with a number of previous occupants seemingly involved in various deaths and for a variety of differing reasons, including abuse and shame!! To say more would give away potential spoilers but needless to say, not all is as it seems! This is another worthy addition to a cracking series and an interesting look into the closed-knit village community, especially when "outsiders" arrive, notably the dialogue and spectacular tension between Ruby and the local vicar! If you've read any of the Psychic Surveys series before, then chances are you'll need no further recommendation for Old Cross Cottage, but if not, then give it a go if you have any interest in a paranormal story with a difference. This one even had me checking out various "related" apps for mu phone.....although I havent downloaded any yet!!
I've said this before -- Shani Struthers is my favorite paranormal author! She has a way of making a story just scary enough to make it a fun, tense and keeps you a little bit anxious (like a rollercoaster ride), but not so scary that you can't sleep at night (like a car crash).
I love Jed! Who wouldn't want a ghost dog as a pet.....you don't have to feed or clean up after him, but he is there sitting beside you and a guard dog when necessary.
I enjoy that Struthers has kept the ongoing relationship between Ruby and Cash, and that Cash is strong enough to stay and love her when most relationships wouldn't survive any ghostly event. I also enjoyed that Cash is more and more involved in the efforts as part of the team.
This book is a story that starts small and builds and builds until you don't know who is good and who is evil. The story carries you faster and faster until the end. About in the middle, I had to really pay attention to all the characters that were developing along the way. I wasn't even sure that it could be brought together. But Struthers did an excellent job all making all the pieces fit to a very satisfactory end.
I usually don't like epilogues, but again, this author wrote it in way that was like you would be thinking about the people and what had happened to them since their experiences at Cross Cottage and even left it open just enough that there just might be a continuation of the story in the future.
Old Cross Cottage, is a beautiful, pretty and pink thatched cottage, from the outside it looks like any one of those cottages we have seen as children and thought, ' ah, it belongs in a fairy tale '....until one enters and a whole new world awaits, where crossroads meet, worlds collide, a chilling tale waiting to be heard, a village that needs to listen....to help heal the past, and let the sun bring warmth into the present day....Current owners Rachael and Mark experience one too many unexplained 'activities' , enter Ruby and her team of psychic investigators, only Ruby omitted telling her boyfriend the team were joining them on their 'country getaway', I love how Shani brings her characters to life, the discription of fine detail brings perfection to a story that should just chill the heart, but it opens up so many emotions as she takes you on a journey through time...expect the unexpected, and maybe leave a light on, for you will feel the psychic power calling....
I was offered this book on TBC for an honest review. I've read this series throughout and enjoy the team and how they operate. I can't help it Ruby still annoys me and probably always will. She promises her boyfriend Cash a holiday but its really work trying to resolve issues raised at a cottage built at a crossroads. Ruby is her own worst enemy but thankfully with Cash and her psychic team behind her we slowly build a picture of the past occupants of the cottage. A dark story and intriguing throughout I'm looking forward to book 5 and what's to become of the team.
This was perhaps a more complex haunting than others in the series but as good as the others. Ruby continues to ride her luck at times and can be thoughtless about the living people she encounters. Cash is a lovely man, caring and funny and so supportive even when she isn't nice to him. Jed returns to in this instalment and I love how Cash and he "interact". This story involves several aspects of psychic or paranormal phenomena and richer for it. Well paced and well told. I look forward to the next instalment and will also read the novellas which I haven't yet got around to.
This is the second book that I have read by Shani and it hasn't disappointed! Although it's the 4th book in the series, this can be read as a standalone (which is good as I haven't read the other books..YET!) The story focuses on Ruby and Cash who are on their way to a quaint little cottage in a small village. As far as Cash is concerned they are going away on holiday, little does he know they are going away on business. Ruby speaks to the dead and helps them to walk into the light and make peace. Once at the cottage, Cash realises they are there to help Mary..who died many years ago and still haunts the cottage, as well as other's. Throughout the story, many obstacles are thrown in the path of Ruby as she tries to unravel the mystery of the cottage and to try and help Mary. As the story progresses it seems like she's bitten off more than she can chew! Loved reading about Ruby and Cash, get a sense of love that they have for each other. Also loved seeing their characters develop. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Having read the series so far, I was eager for this one and devoured it within 24 hours. My husband kept saying to me, 'the book can't be that good," as he tried to talk to me whilst my nose was buried deep in the book. It is!! Exciting. Gripping. Surprising. Full of suspense and tender moments as we follow Ruby, Cash and Jed to Old Cross Cottage for a break away. Of course with Ruby being psychic, can she ever have a break? Shani's writing pulls you in with vivid description and characters you really care about in this fast moving ghost story. Fast becoming one of my favourite series and writers.
This is the first book I have read in the series and would say it could easily be read as a stand-alone. There were many things I could relate to, having experienced paranormal activity myself on numerous occasions. I liked the Author's writing style, straight and to the point but also descriptive. I don't like giving spoilers but certainly wasn't expecting the ending, which has a good twist that came out of nowhere. The only thing I didn't really like was the use of the Ouija board; otherwise it was an enjoyable read.
After reading the last three books in the psychic surveys series I thoroughly enjoyed this one in particular. It was excellent, as all of Shani Struthers books are. I actually felt like I was transported to Old Cross Cottage, while feeling mixed emotions from each and every character, especially Ruby's. I love the way Shani mixes fact with fiction, giving her work an edge of the seat thrill like no other ghost story that I've read. I cannot wait to read more books from this author.
Ruby and friends feel so loving and kind and i feel very close to them. The story of mary and the cottage, and all the people ghosting the property, became more and more dramatic as the book went on. Every time i had to stop reading, i couldn't wait to find the time to get on and read more. The friends ruby made in the village were such lovely people too, so i was left to feel part of the village people, ruby's friends from home, ruby's lovely boyfriend and their wonderful ghost dog who i wish i could have as my own companion. Shani struthers is new to me. I am ready and waiting to get into my second book of hers.
Easy to predict and not that spooky, though there were parts that had they been developed were the perfect setup for good spooky stuff.some of the descriptions were fantastic and I could really see it, others not so much. I would call this the perfect spooky book for a young preteen, just enough to get them into the style not so much to give them nightmares, the spooky training bra if you will🤷🏼♀️
The story of a young woman and her team helping spirits to go to the light. Some romance, some research into the spirits history when alive, spooky ghosts, lots of twists. The story keeps you guessing until the end. A stand alone story but great as a series seeing the team develop
Psychic Surveys Book Four picks up the gauntlet set by the previous volumes and exceeds their parameters. A book that will not only have you engrossed but which will have you questioning every bump and groan you hear throughout the night!!An excellent read I look forward to more