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House of Malice
Novelist Mandy Freeman thinks her dreams have come true when she becomes owner of Summer Cottage, former home of her idol, author Ellen Grace. With her new life starting and love on the horizon, Mandy's future looks bright.
But Mandy begins to learn all is not as it seems. A series of disturbing, sinister events force her to delve into the past of its former owner. Mandy finds herself caught in a nightmare that threatens to destroy her....
But Mandy begins to learn all is not as it seems. A series of disturbing, sinister events force her to delve into the past of its former owner. Mandy finds herself caught in a nightmare that threatens to destroy her....
134 pages, Audiobook
First published September 17, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 23, 2013
Not sure I liked the ending really. Was expecting more from the story to just end the way it did. It didn't fit with the storyline, sorry.
January 19, 2024
This was a random pick up at my local second hand bookshop and I mainly grab it because it clocks in at a brisk 128 pages. I have also neglected other stories by horror authors not named King, so this checked that box.
Anyway, this was a mixed bag. It's your standard haunted house, or in this case cottage, tale. There's really nothing remarkable here. The prose was kinda lame and felt like a bad attempt at R.L Stine. However, what I did like was the mean streak at the heart of this novella. Not a great deal happens for eighty percent of the book but when it does, it's nasty, punchy and holds no prisoners. I loved that aspect of the book, it's just unfortunate that the hokey, George Lucas-esque dialogue leading up to it was a bit meh.
Anyway, this was a mixed bag. It's your standard haunted house, or in this case cottage, tale. There's really nothing remarkable here. The prose was kinda lame and felt like a bad attempt at R.L Stine. However, what I did like was the mean streak at the heart of this novella. Not a great deal happens for eighty percent of the book but when it does, it's nasty, punchy and holds no prisoners. I loved that aspect of the book, it's just unfortunate that the hokey, George Lucas-esque dialogue leading up to it was a bit meh.
May 3, 2014
Scott Mariani known for his Ben Hope series of books really should branch out fully into more horror writing. It has been a long time since a horror novel has made my skin crawl but this one certainly did. The horror is not gory or blood thirsty but instead is that subtle horror that creeps up your spine and imbeds itself firmly at the base of your neck.
Mandy Freeman budding author moves to her dream home. I don't think I give anything away especially if your read the title by saying the house is not what it seems and instead it has a personality all of its own. With excellent character development which is common with this author this short story weaves itself into a horror thriller like no other.
Although the story is a short story it does not lose anything in the telling. This is a spine chilling horror novel that will leave you both breathless and on the edge of your seat. A must read for all horror fans.
Mandy Freeman budding author moves to her dream home. I don't think I give anything away especially if your read the title by saying the house is not what it seems and instead it has a personality all of its own. With excellent character development which is common with this author this short story weaves itself into a horror thriller like no other.
Although the story is a short story it does not lose anything in the telling. This is a spine chilling horror novel that will leave you both breathless and on the edge of your seat. A must read for all horror fans.
October 21, 2021
House kills em all
The only shocking thing about this rubbish is that anyone published it. Writer buys a house.. the inspires a book then kills her and her dog and her boyfriend and some random psychic all very slowly and woodenly for a woefully tedious 130 pages at the end of which nothing is explained and everyone is dead. YAWN
The only shocking thing about this rubbish is that anyone published it. Writer buys a house.. the inspires a book then kills her and her dog and her boyfriend and some random psychic all very slowly and woodenly for a woefully tedious 130 pages at the end of which nothing is explained and everyone is dead. YAWN
February 25, 2017
Having read Mariani's Ben Hope series, I wasn't sure what to expect. This is a horror tale full of things that go bump in the night. The writing is evocative and the story's ok but I think horror is just not my genre.
July 9, 2024
**Lazy Writing or Unsophistcated AI?**
I've only given two stars on account that I finished it. I only reserve one star when I give up on a book. Perhaps 1.5 would be an accurate rating.
There was something extremely off about this book... This was the first time I'd even heard of Scott Mariani, so a quick google told me he was a Sunday Times bestseller of over 35 books.
Let me assure you, this is not the work of a Sunday Times bestselling author who has produced over 35 books since 2007.
The writing was extremely poor. I'm not sure how Mariani's other works fair, but if this is an example he needs to learn how to show not tell (this was 100% telling), how to develop characters and how to structure and plot a story. The prose lacked any unique style or voice.
The end offered now resolution to anything that came before it. All it offered was a feeble attempt at a shock twist, but there was not set up for it to pay off. The end may have worked better in a short story, but nothing more.
Furthermore, some paragraphs felt very familiar, like I'd read them before, like they had been reworded for various Stephen King novels.
But 35 books in 17 years... and this is what he produces. Call me suspicious, but this and the way this was written, leads me to suspect a lot of A.I was involved. Either that or Mariani is a really lazywriter producing quantity over quality, hoodwinking people into buying.
I've only given two stars on account that I finished it. I only reserve one star when I give up on a book. Perhaps 1.5 would be an accurate rating.
There was something extremely off about this book... This was the first time I'd even heard of Scott Mariani, so a quick google told me he was a Sunday Times bestseller of over 35 books.
Let me assure you, this is not the work of a Sunday Times bestselling author who has produced over 35 books since 2007.
The writing was extremely poor. I'm not sure how Mariani's other works fair, but if this is an example he needs to learn how to show not tell (this was 100% telling), how to develop characters and how to structure and plot a story. The prose lacked any unique style or voice.
The end offered now resolution to anything that came before it. All it offered was a feeble attempt at a shock twist, but there was not set up for it to pay off. The end may have worked better in a short story, but nothing more.
Furthermore, some paragraphs felt very familiar, like I'd read them before, like they had been reworded for various Stephen King novels.
But 35 books in 17 years... and this is what he produces. Call me suspicious, but this and the way this was written, leads me to suspect a lot of A.I was involved. Either that or Mariani is a really lazywriter producing quantity over quality, hoodwinking people into buying.
June 15, 2020
This is totally different from the Ben Hope series of books.
Mandy Freeman is the proud new owner of Summer Cottage, which had [reviously been owned by her favourite author, Ellen Grace. Mandy is also an author and usually writes historical romance novels.
Mandy's Jack Russell, Buster, hates Summer Cottage. After a while, Mandy also begins to feel uneasy there. She sees people, hears strange noises and has the most horrific nightmares. Her friend Todd comes round and cooks for her, but when Mandy tells him what's been happening, he virtually tells her she's nuts. Because of this, he breaks off the relationship until Mandy sorts herself out.
Mandy gets so scared of the malevolent forces in her home that she contacts a paranormal investigator. Claire comes round and interviews Mandy, then looks round on her own. When she gets home, Claire admits to herself that there's something bad in Summer Cottage.
Claire returns to Summer Cottage as she has nowhere else to go. She tries to contact Todd, but can't get hold of him. Buster is barking and terrified. Eventually, Mandy starts walking round the house to locate the sounds and lights that are round her.
Six months later, nobody has seen Mandy. Has the same fate that affected Ellen Grace now claimed Mandy?
Mandy Freeman is the proud new owner of Summer Cottage, which had [reviously been owned by her favourite author, Ellen Grace. Mandy is also an author and usually writes historical romance novels.
Mandy's Jack Russell, Buster, hates Summer Cottage. After a while, Mandy also begins to feel uneasy there. She sees people, hears strange noises and has the most horrific nightmares. Her friend Todd comes round and cooks for her, but when Mandy tells him what's been happening, he virtually tells her she's nuts. Because of this, he breaks off the relationship until Mandy sorts herself out.
Mandy gets so scared of the malevolent forces in her home that she contacts a paranormal investigator. Claire comes round and interviews Mandy, then looks round on her own. When she gets home, Claire admits to herself that there's something bad in Summer Cottage.
Claire returns to Summer Cottage as she has nowhere else to go. She tries to contact Todd, but can't get hold of him. Buster is barking and terrified. Eventually, Mandy starts walking round the house to locate the sounds and lights that are round her.
Six months later, nobody has seen Mandy. Has the same fate that affected Ellen Grace now claimed Mandy?
October 2, 2017
what a rollercoaster of a story. !!
I never read horror stories but, because it was written by my favourite author I thought that I'd give it a try. The story grabbed me from the first chapter.I had never read anything like it before. This book was well-written and atmospheric. I couldn't put it down. I felt as bound as the main character. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a great thriller and doesn't get frightened too easily.
I never read horror stories but, because it was written by my favourite author I thought that I'd give it a try. The story grabbed me from the first chapter.I had never read anything like it before. This book was well-written and atmospheric. I couldn't put it down. I felt as bound as the main character. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a great thriller and doesn't get frightened too easily.
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August 21, 2019Mysterious
I was engaged throughout this book.
At first it doesn't seem to be a thriller or a horror, but gradually all of the motions are coincidental.
I also found it a bit strange as the main character Mandy Freeman, hadn't done and research in the property.
Only phone calls from Mandys past kept her feet firmly on the ground but it didn't stop the bitterness and eerie happening to her little dog Buster.
This book is gripping, and sometimes not able to put down
I was engaged throughout this book.
At first it doesn't seem to be a thriller or a horror, but gradually all of the motions are coincidental.
I also found it a bit strange as the main character Mandy Freeman, hadn't done and research in the property.
Only phone calls from Mandys past kept her feet firmly on the ground but it didn't stop the bitterness and eerie happening to her little dog Buster.
This book is gripping, and sometimes not able to put down
May 6, 2019
This is my first book in horror genre. I'm a Ben Hope fan. So I picked this book. As usual Scott's way of story telling was amazing. Even though it's a novella it had good character development. I don't know whether I had expected more from this story or not, the ending seemed to be inadequate for me. But apart from that it's a good short read from Scott..
February 17, 2022
A quick read, kinda creepy in parts but not scarey. Not an original concept which might be why it's rather predictable but nonetheless a reasonable read. I see on goodreads a lot seem disappointed with the ending but strangely, as one who usually moans about how a book ends, I found it quite fitting.
May 2, 2025
Really gross in places. I found it scary and unsettling. Deleted it from my kindle as I’d never want to read it again. It sent my imagination into overdrive as I don’t usually go for horror stories but thought I’d give it a try as I really like all Scott Mariani’s other books especially the Ben Hope series.
November 19, 2017
I have really enjoyed Mariani's Ben Hope series so I thought I would give this novella a try. Horror is not really my genre so I did not enjoy it much but I guess it was well written for this type of storyline.
January 1, 2018
Scary!
Couldn't put this down. Didn't realise Scott wrote this type of book so was surprised when I got into it. I found it really scary and disturbing but can't knock down the rating as it's my fault for not reading the blurb before downloading it.
Couldn't put this down. Didn't realise Scott wrote this type of book so was surprised when I got into it. I found it really scary and disturbing but can't knock down the rating as it's my fault for not reading the blurb before downloading it.
December 15, 2018
Could put it down!
This had me gripped from beginning to end! Very spine chilling. Not my normal genre but I really enjoy it
This had me gripped from beginning to end! Very spine chilling. Not my normal genre but I really enjoy it
November 17, 2019
House of malice
House of Mali e by Scott Mariano good story great read a d an awesome storyline bring on another great book
House of Mali e by Scott Mariano good story great read a d an awesome storyline bring on another great book
November 12, 2020
Predictable
Normally like Scott Mariani and read all the Ben Hope books. This was predictable and unpleasant. Horror written like chick flick!
Normally like Scott Mariani and read all the Ben Hope books. This was predictable and unpleasant. Horror written like chick flick!
June 9, 2021
grossly mesmerizing
not an experience I wish to repeat . Beautifully written macabre story of strange
happenings in a village setting. Not my thing at all
not an experience I wish to repeat . Beautifully written macabre story of strange
happenings in a village setting. Not my thing at all
October 5, 2021
Very scary enjoyed it not my usual read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2021
What a change from Ben Hope, HORROR and it was just that, will be sleeping with the lights on ! I don’t usually read horror and probably won’t read any more, but the story got my attention.
February 18, 2022
It’s been quite some time since I read a book that gave me goosebumps like this one did. It had just the right amount of creepiness to keep you hooked - I loved it!
May 29, 2023
Found this little beauty in a charity shop last week....I quite enjoyed it 😊
January 27, 2026
a nice quick read as only 129 pages. gripped all the way through. finished in a day. would look more into this author based on this book.
November 5, 2014
Mandy is an author who writes historical romance after her marriage break-up she moves into an idyllic cottage in the country, to hopefully write something that will keep publishers interested in keeping her on contract. However, once living at Summer Cottage she experiences a number of events she cannot explain. Is something malevolent haunting her home?
I have been a fan of Scot Mariani's Ben Hope book for years and was delighted to find he had dabbled a little in horror. As a short story, this will not give you any deeply chilling answers to the questions Mandy's experiences pose, however, Mariani does write enjoyable suspense and chilling horror that had me on the edge of my seat. I was hoping this was a prelude to a much more involved horror novel when I was about 90% of the way through this, but alas it was all wrapped up with more questions than answers as a lot of short stories often end.
I have been a fan of Scot Mariani's Ben Hope book for years and was delighted to find he had dabbled a little in horror. As a short story, this will not give you any deeply chilling answers to the questions Mandy's experiences pose, however, Mariani does write enjoyable suspense and chilling horror that had me on the edge of my seat. I was hoping this was a prelude to a much more involved horror novel when I was about 90% of the way through this, but alas it was all wrapped up with more questions than answers as a lot of short stories often end.
May 8, 2014
I love Scott Mariani, I love Ben Hope, I love horror books and I love Vampire Federation, however I did not love this at all. I didn't care about any of the characters, nothing was a surprise, it was shallow with no real depth to draw the reader in. This story has been told a million times only much better. I don't think I have ever given Scott's books less than 4 stars but this was predictable at best. Please Scott no more of these you are a far better writer than this title implies.
June 6, 2014
wonderfull
August 29, 2014
I thought this was a pretty good, creepy read! The only thing that kept me from giving this 5 stars was the ending- it was just okay.
May 30, 2016
It is what it is.
Worth a read, though the authors thrillers are a lot better. If you want something scary to read that won't terrify you this could be the book for you.
Worth a read, though the authors thrillers are a lot better. If you want something scary to read that won't terrify you this could be the book for you.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews