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House on Cold Hill #1
Das Haus in Cold Hill
Evil isn't born. It's built. The House on Cold Hill is a chilling and suspenseful ghost story from the multi-million copy bestselling author of Dead Simple, Peter James.
Moving from the heart of the city to the Sussex countryside is a big undertaking for born townies, Ollie Harcourt, his wife, Caro, and their twelve-year-old daughter, Jade. But when they view Cold Hill House – a huge, dilapidated, Georgian mansion – they are filled with excitement. Despite the financial strain of the move, Ollie sees Cold Hill House as a paradise for his animal-loving daughter, a base for his web-design business and a terrific long-term investment.
But, within days of moving in, it becomes apparent that the Harcourt family aren't the only residents in the house.
At first it is only a friend of Jade, talking to her on FaceTime, who sees a spectral woman standing behind her. Then there are more sightings of her, and increasingly disturbing occurrences. Two weeks after moving in, Caro, out in the garden, is startled to see faces staring out of an upstairs window of the house. The window of a room which may hold the secret to the house's dark history ...
A room which does not appear to exist.
'Superbly creepy modern horror story' - Book of the Week, Sunday Mirror
Moving from the heart of the city to the Sussex countryside is a big undertaking for born townies, Ollie Harcourt, his wife, Caro, and their twelve-year-old daughter, Jade. But when they view Cold Hill House – a huge, dilapidated, Georgian mansion – they are filled with excitement. Despite the financial strain of the move, Ollie sees Cold Hill House as a paradise for his animal-loving daughter, a base for his web-design business and a terrific long-term investment.
But, within days of moving in, it becomes apparent that the Harcourt family aren't the only residents in the house.
At first it is only a friend of Jade, talking to her on FaceTime, who sees a spectral woman standing behind her. Then there are more sightings of her, and increasingly disturbing occurrences. Two weeks after moving in, Caro, out in the garden, is startled to see faces staring out of an upstairs window of the house. The window of a room which may hold the secret to the house's dark history ...
A room which does not appear to exist.
'Superbly creepy modern horror story' - Book of the Week, Sunday Mirror
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2015
532 people are currently reading
3792 people want to read
About the author
Peter James
243 books3,645 followersPeter James is a global bestselling author, best known for writing crime and thriller novels, and the creator of the much-loved Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. With a total of 21 Sunday Times No. 1s under his belt, he has achieved global book sales of over 23 million copies to date and has been translated into 38 languages.
Synonymous with plot-twisting page-turners, Peter has garnered an army of loyal fans throughout his storytelling career – which also included stints writing for TV and producing films. He has won over 40 awards for his work, including the WHSmith Best Crime Author of All Time Award, Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger and a BAFTA nomination for The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons for which he was an Executive Producer. Many of Peter’s novels have been adapted for film, TV and stage.
Synonymous with plot-twisting page-turners, Peter has garnered an army of loyal fans throughout his storytelling career – which also included stints writing for TV and producing films. He has won over 40 awards for his work, including the WHSmith Best Crime Author of All Time Award, Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger and a BAFTA nomination for The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons for which he was an Executive Producer. Many of Peter’s novels have been adapted for film, TV and stage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,020 reviews
March 23, 2018
Ollie and Caro Harcourt move into a huge, dilapidated Georgian mansion with their daughter Jade. The move will place a substantial financial strain on the family, but Ollie thinks it is the perfect place to settle down out in the country. Very quickly after moving in, Jade’s friend spots a presence in the background while on FaceTime – but there are other residents in this house, and as the history of the house is unravelled, the forces start to become more malevolent.
I had so many issues with this book. So I’ll try and present them as best as I can. Firstly, from the very beginning we are bombarded with these brand names – the Range Rover, the Golf, Nespresso pods, Mac, Instagram, FaceTime, the Dyson… it goes on…and on and on. This was very distracting to me, it felt like James was trying to show he was hip and down with the kids. It’s basically the equivalent of that Steve Buscemi meme where he was in 30 Rock and is wearing a baseball cap backwards with a skateboard slung over his shoulder – “How do you do, fellow kids?” And okay, maybe he was trying to demonstrate how “well-off” this family was, that they can afford these fancy cars and Apple products and they don’t just drink instant coffee, oh no, they use Nespresso pods. Fair enough… BUT EVERY 10 SECONDS WE ARE REMINDED OF THEIR ABILITY TO AFFORD THIS HUGE MANSION. I got it, okay? I got it.
Speaking of, it drove me around the bend that these two IDIOTS purchased this house even after the surveyor’s report probably had a red stamp on it saying “Don’t buy this – it’s a shithole”. At one point, our protagonist even alludes to the fact that he overlooked some details on the report. Oh, you know, just tiny details that if ignored would result in the four walls of their mansion caving in around them. Insignificant, I guess? And they constantly bitch and moan about all these “unforeseen” additions being made to the renovation list. How have these two morons got this far in life?
The “scares” and the “plot twists” had me rolling my eyes so far back that I went blind periodically whilst reading this book. A blind man on a galloping horse would have seen this shit coming. I HATE, HATE, HATE that “twist” in movies or books – you know the one – “oh, you were talking to Mr X? He’s been dead for 10 years.” Anytime that plot twist is used I want to rip every eyelash from my eyelids.
Certain ideas or details are just hammered home – the pounding music coming from the daughter’s bedroom, the daughter constantly being on her phone, the financial strain currently on the couple… I hate excessive repetition like this – I, unlike the characters in this book, am not an idiot. You don’t need to reinforce silly details or ideas with me. Oh, also the husband constantly telling the wife that everything is going to be okay. It’s clearly not, Ollie. You have some fucking evil presence in your home, this is not easily fixed. And the family don’t communicate with each other!! My favourite instance being when the 12 year old daughter tells them about a man having been in her room the previous number of nights – ARE YOU FOR REAL. A fucking spider enters my room and I’ll tell the entire country, and I’m 28!!!
Oh, the dialogue was a delight. It was cheesy and unrealistic and cringeworthy at times. Darling this, darling that… even in the midst of being terrorised in your family home!! It was like watching one of those Z list movie on the Christmas channel that my mum loves.
I could honestly write another PhD thesis on why this book did not work for me. I’m trying to think of something positive to say… to be fair, it was easy reading. Not much thought or concentration required, and therefore was quite easy to just breeze through. And I guess I did find some enjoyment in hating it so much. I wouldn’t go as far to say that it was so bad it was good, but it did make me laugh at times (which clearly was not the intention). Since it didn’t waste too many precious reading hours, and some parts were okay (I guess), I’d give it 2 stars. I’m feeling generous.
I had so many issues with this book. So I’ll try and present them as best as I can. Firstly, from the very beginning we are bombarded with these brand names – the Range Rover, the Golf, Nespresso pods, Mac, Instagram, FaceTime, the Dyson… it goes on…and on and on. This was very distracting to me, it felt like James was trying to show he was hip and down with the kids. It’s basically the equivalent of that Steve Buscemi meme where he was in 30 Rock and is wearing a baseball cap backwards with a skateboard slung over his shoulder – “How do you do, fellow kids?” And okay, maybe he was trying to demonstrate how “well-off” this family was, that they can afford these fancy cars and Apple products and they don’t just drink instant coffee, oh no, they use Nespresso pods. Fair enough… BUT EVERY 10 SECONDS WE ARE REMINDED OF THEIR ABILITY TO AFFORD THIS HUGE MANSION. I got it, okay? I got it.
Speaking of, it drove me around the bend that these two IDIOTS purchased this house even after the surveyor’s report probably had a red stamp on it saying “Don’t buy this – it’s a shithole”. At one point, our protagonist even alludes to the fact that he overlooked some details on the report. Oh, you know, just tiny details that if ignored would result in the four walls of their mansion caving in around them. Insignificant, I guess? And they constantly bitch and moan about all these “unforeseen” additions being made to the renovation list. How have these two morons got this far in life?
The “scares” and the “plot twists” had me rolling my eyes so far back that I went blind periodically whilst reading this book. A blind man on a galloping horse would have seen this shit coming. I HATE, HATE, HATE that “twist” in movies or books – you know the one – “oh, you were talking to Mr X? He’s been dead for 10 years.” Anytime that plot twist is used I want to rip every eyelash from my eyelids.
Certain ideas or details are just hammered home – the pounding music coming from the daughter’s bedroom, the daughter constantly being on her phone, the financial strain currently on the couple… I hate excessive repetition like this – I, unlike the characters in this book, am not an idiot. You don’t need to reinforce silly details or ideas with me. Oh, also the husband constantly telling the wife that everything is going to be okay. It’s clearly not, Ollie. You have some fucking evil presence in your home, this is not easily fixed. And the family don’t communicate with each other!! My favourite instance being when the 12 year old daughter tells them about a man having been in her room the previous number of nights – ARE YOU FOR REAL. A fucking spider enters my room and I’ll tell the entire country, and I’m 28!!!
Oh, the dialogue was a delight. It was cheesy and unrealistic and cringeworthy at times. Darling this, darling that… even in the midst of being terrorised in your family home!! It was like watching one of those Z list movie on the Christmas channel that my mum loves.
I could honestly write another PhD thesis on why this book did not work for me. I’m trying to think of something positive to say… to be fair, it was easy reading. Not much thought or concentration required, and therefore was quite easy to just breeze through. And I guess I did find some enjoyment in hating it so much. I wouldn’t go as far to say that it was so bad it was good, but it did make me laugh at times (which clearly was not the intention). Since it didn’t waste too many precious reading hours, and some parts were okay (I guess), I’d give it 2 stars. I’m feeling generous.
October 24, 2015
An excellent ghost story from the talented Peter James.
This is a well written ghost story that makes it's mark in the first chapter and keeps going right to the end.I am not a big fan of this genre but love the writing of Peter James and that's why I read it. This is not a gory book but certainly at times creepy and intriguing.
Oliver Harcourt moves into Cold Hill House with his solicitor wife, Caro and twelve year old daughter, Jade. Having spent all the families money on this dream house they plan to refurbish it and live happily ever after.
However, once they move in they start to hear stories of the house and it's ghostly history and their well intended plans are put into doubt.Strange things happen in the house and the suspense grows and grows.
This is not particularly a frightening story but it does grip the reader and is build the tension. This is my kind of ghost story not gory but more suspense and intrigue.
This is a well written ghost story that makes it's mark in the first chapter and keeps going right to the end.I am not a big fan of this genre but love the writing of Peter James and that's why I read it. This is not a gory book but certainly at times creepy and intriguing.
Oliver Harcourt moves into Cold Hill House with his solicitor wife, Caro and twelve year old daughter, Jade. Having spent all the families money on this dream house they plan to refurbish it and live happily ever after.
However, once they move in they start to hear stories of the house and it's ghostly history and their well intended plans are put into doubt.Strange things happen in the house and the suspense grows and grows.
This is not particularly a frightening story but it does grip the reader and is build the tension. This is my kind of ghost story not gory but more suspense and intrigue.
February 5, 2016
This book was so bad it annoys me to think so many copies were sold.
It is shallow, boring and has no purpose. It is not scary, nor spooky, nor anything really.
It is a mass market writer masterpiece of crap.
The characters are boring, the story is boring. I don't even know why I am writing a review. I had to read it at work and thank god I did on my work time and not at home.
Terrible, keep away from this I beg you.
It is shallow, boring and has no purpose. It is not scary, nor spooky, nor anything really.
It is a mass market writer masterpiece of crap.
The characters are boring, the story is boring. I don't even know why I am writing a review. I had to read it at work and thank god I did on my work time and not at home.
Terrible, keep away from this I beg you.
October 26, 2015
4.5 stars - Super creepy and perfect for Halloween a nerve jangling ghost story set in modern day - I love Peter James's style whether he is doing detective (Roy Grace series is highly recommended) or paranormal like this one - he is so easy to read.
October 7, 2022
This is the third time I have read this book and it more than likely won't be the last. It's a perfect book at any time, but even more so during the Halloween season when the book sites have challenges that need haunted, ghostly, shivery books to fill challenges. I love Peter James's Roy Grace series so was slightly surprised when I encountered this jewel 7 years ago. I am the "ghost-story junkie" and this one was like an overdose of horror combined with heart pounding excitement that I just couldn't put down or be persuaded to turn the lights off. The story is based on an actual house in a real village. The house stayed vacant for years...no one that did move in ever stayed more than a few weeks or even days. Some say the house "wouldn't let them move in".... others say that it wouldn't let them leave. Doors and windows slammed and locked, the family in resident when this story takes place didn't notice anything for weeks and then the husband and father was first affected with the overbearing need to stay and try to appease something that he hadn't seen but only felt. The young daughter had been telling her parents from the day she walked in the door for the first time, that a lady was walking through the house. Rather it is really haunted or not is up for debate and seems to depend on the individual. Some that have stayed there for a night say diffidently...others felt or saw nothing. Does anyone reading this want to give it a try? Peter James wrote a second book, which I am also going to reread for the Halloween challenges, entitled The Secret of Cold Hill where he tells the reader what may have caused the stories to begin to start with and how some are affected by the houses atmosphere and others notice nothing they can put a finger on but all say they at times felt that they were being watched or sometimes worse. The family that this story is written about stay but their world as they know it is never the same.
October 30, 2017
1 star - did not like it.
I didn't have high expectations for this book; I was anticipating a quick, spooky read for October. What I got was a quick, rubbish read.
This book has so many elements I dislike - phoney dialogue (darling darling darling - who does that?) and brand names hurled around. I mean, who cares what brand your coffee machine is? What type of vacuum cleaner you use?
The main character is incredibly dense. He is apparently a web designer who KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT COMPUTERS? He buys an old house after getting a survey done that reveals a huge amount of expensive structural issues which he admits on more than one occasion to ignoring because...why exactly?
The daughter, Jade, is 12 years old but has a boyfriend? And is constantly "blasting" music (really, it is always "blasting"), using Instagram, face timing (Apple plug!!) and doesn't bother telling anyone that she has seen a man in her room for several nights??
These people are so over-the-top stereotypically middle class it's embarrassing - I HAVE A RANGE ROVER! MY WIFE DRIVES A GOLF! AND WEARS A BARBOUR JACKET! I'M GOING TO WAITROSE! his house is falling down and he continually complains about the escalating bills but he makes time to ensure he gets the Daily Mail delivered? Drinks costly coffee? And loads of other expensive things that he could easily cut out??
The ghosts are laughable - I mean, there is no atmosphere, nothing remotely creepy happens. The wife, Caro says, "We're going to be alright, Ols, aren't we?". "Of course we are", says the dense husband. And ghosty chips in "OH NO YOU'RE NOT!" - it's like some kind a crap pantomime, just...bloody awful.
This only took a couple of hours to read (as it's written so, so simplistically) - but I just can't recommend it to anyone. The 4 & 5 star reviews are completely mystifying. It's not scary, the plot is completely rubbish. the characters are awful, the dialogue is cringe-worthy - not a single redeeming feature.
Read this if you want to:
1) read about some inane interactions with builders
2) like product placement
As Jade says on page 7, "Fail, Dad!" (whilst clutching her iPhone of course...)
I didn't have high expectations for this book; I was anticipating a quick, spooky read for October. What I got was a quick, rubbish read.
This book has so many elements I dislike - phoney dialogue (darling darling darling - who does that?) and brand names hurled around. I mean, who cares what brand your coffee machine is? What type of vacuum cleaner you use?
The main character is incredibly dense. He is apparently a web designer who KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT COMPUTERS? He buys an old house after getting a survey done that reveals a huge amount of expensive structural issues which he admits on more than one occasion to ignoring because...why exactly?
The daughter, Jade, is 12 years old but has a boyfriend? And is constantly "blasting" music (really, it is always "blasting"), using Instagram, face timing (Apple plug!!) and doesn't bother telling anyone that she has seen a man in her room for several nights??
These people are so over-the-top stereotypically middle class it's embarrassing - I HAVE A RANGE ROVER! MY WIFE DRIVES A GOLF! AND WEARS A BARBOUR JACKET! I'M GOING TO WAITROSE! his house is falling down and he continually complains about the escalating bills but he makes time to ensure he gets the Daily Mail delivered? Drinks costly coffee? And loads of other expensive things that he could easily cut out??
The ghosts are laughable - I mean, there is no atmosphere, nothing remotely creepy happens. The wife, Caro says, "We're going to be alright, Ols, aren't we?". "Of course we are", says the dense husband. And ghosty chips in "OH NO YOU'RE NOT!" - it's like some kind a crap pantomime, just...bloody awful.
This only took a couple of hours to read (as it's written so, so simplistically) - but I just can't recommend it to anyone. The 4 & 5 star reviews are completely mystifying. It's not scary, the plot is completely rubbish. the characters are awful, the dialogue is cringe-worthy - not a single redeeming feature.
Read this if you want to:
1) read about some inane interactions with builders
2) like product placement
As Jade says on page 7, "Fail, Dad!" (whilst clutching her iPhone of course...)
February 14, 2017
This took me too long to read because it's really just not good. I feel bad because I really wanted to like it and be a big Peter James fan but maybe this was not the book to start out with. Really predictable plot line with borrowed imagery and twists from other horror books/movies I've seen or read. The character names were driving me nuts. Like the first and last names starting with the same letters, there were at least 4 of those--it was noticeable. Lots of Name brand dropping too like characters using a Dyson instead of a vacuum or drinking Nespresso...it was odd enough and used often enough that you notice. Anyhow, really not impressed.
October 18, 2025
slightly above average ghost story that loses marks for it's truly awful character names. I do wonder if Peter James was offered a free Nespresso Machine in lieu of writing this because it really is one of the central characters in the book.
July 20, 2023
Boo Spooky!
Small backstory:
Ollie and Caro Harcourt along with their young daughter, Jade, move from the city to the country into an old mansion that seems to be falling apart. Ollie and Caro know they will need to put lots of love and care into the old place but they are willing to make a go of it if they want to make the mansion their home.
Though unbeknownst to the Harcourts they soon realize that they are not alone in the home as something else is already there as within just a few days things start happening in the mansion. An old woman ghost appears and disappears - footsteps are heard throughout the place - phantom drafts whisk through the hallways to the point that the family is in fear of what will happen next. But the mansion is nowhere done with them as whatever forces are in the house are about to amp up the haunting which will really drive fear into the Harcourts lives!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
First time reading this author as I came across this book from a Goodreads advert that popped up on their website and the haunting tale of the story just grabbed me so I thought I would give it a go. I am so happy that I did as I love a good haunting story and this one delivers on all fronts!
This spooky tale of a haunted house just seeped into the core of my being and kept me wrapped within its pages for a few days. The haunting doesn't take long to get started and the author keeps the slow suspense building up with tiny things happening at first till finally a full scale haunting that took me on a spooky ride!
There is a sequel to this book which I need to read at some point and will look forward to getting back to what happens next with this haunting. Giving this book five "Frightening Ghost" stars!
Small backstory:
Ollie and Caro Harcourt along with their young daughter, Jade, move from the city to the country into an old mansion that seems to be falling apart. Ollie and Caro know they will need to put lots of love and care into the old place but they are willing to make a go of it if they want to make the mansion their home.
Though unbeknownst to the Harcourts they soon realize that they are not alone in the home as something else is already there as within just a few days things start happening in the mansion. An old woman ghost appears and disappears - footsteps are heard throughout the place - phantom drafts whisk through the hallways to the point that the family is in fear of what will happen next. But the mansion is nowhere done with them as whatever forces are in the house are about to amp up the haunting which will really drive fear into the Harcourts lives!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
First time reading this author as I came across this book from a Goodreads advert that popped up on their website and the haunting tale of the story just grabbed me so I thought I would give it a go. I am so happy that I did as I love a good haunting story and this one delivers on all fronts!
This spooky tale of a haunted house just seeped into the core of my being and kept me wrapped within its pages for a few days. The haunting doesn't take long to get started and the author keeps the slow suspense building up with tiny things happening at first till finally a full scale haunting that took me on a spooky ride!
There is a sequel to this book which I need to read at some point and will look forward to getting back to what happens next with this haunting. Giving this book five "Frightening Ghost" stars!
December 4, 2015
Why did I waste my time reading this book?!!!I seem to be in the minority here but I was just glad in the end it had only taken me 2 days to read it!
I have never read Peter James before but I love a good ghost story & I knew this author was popular. However the whole story was just so "in your face" it was a total turn off. From the product placement which ran all through the book & detracted from the plot (an attempt to cover up a lack of prose & descriptive narration?) to the blatantly gory & unimaginative way the original family was pulped in the very first chapter - that set the scene for the whole book really.
I have never read Peter James before but I love a good ghost story & I knew this author was popular. However the whole story was just so "in your face" it was a total turn off. From the product placement which ran all through the book & detracted from the plot (an attempt to cover up a lack of prose & descriptive narration?) to the blatantly gory & unimaginative way the original family was pulped in the very first chapter - that set the scene for the whole book really.
October 27, 2015
Imagine buying the home of your dreams and and wanting to start a new chapter in your life as this family did, Ollie, Caro and their teenager Jade. Imagine sinking every penny in your dream home because everything is simply going wrong and becoming a money pit you can't escape because your last dime is spent on renovations and you have a ghost that does not want you there nor does not want you to leave. Making sure your life is turned upside down at every corner.
This book was so hard to put down!!! It was a modern day scary story with a touch of old fashion ghost story, de ja vu...everything was in this book. it reminded me a slight bit of The others movie with Nicole Kidman in it.I don't want to tell the story it is best you pick it up and read :) You felt the terror and Ollie was feeling like he was losing his mind and you felt his panic. Nail biting!!!!!
This book was so hard to put down!!! It was a modern day scary story with a touch of old fashion ghost story, de ja vu...everything was in this book. it reminded me a slight bit of The others movie with Nicole Kidman in it.I don't want to tell the story it is best you pick it up and read :) You felt the terror and Ollie was feeling like he was losing his mind and you felt his panic. Nail biting!!!!!
September 10, 2018
I’ve been avidly reading James ‘Roy Grace’ crime series pretty much from the beginning, so I’m always curious to try he’s other stories.
This modern day ghost story instantly appealed.
The story follows Ollie, he’s wife Caro and 12 year old daughter Jade as the move from the city of Brighton and Hove to the Sussex countryside.
It’s fun to see the family adapting to their new surroundings in the dilapidated Georgian house.
It has all the elements you’d expect with this type of story.
Not entirely original but it’s fun to see James try other genres, it’s my favourite of the non-Grace books.
This modern day ghost story instantly appealed.
The story follows Ollie, he’s wife Caro and 12 year old daughter Jade as the move from the city of Brighton and Hove to the Sussex countryside.
It’s fun to see the family adapting to their new surroundings in the dilapidated Georgian house.
It has all the elements you’d expect with this type of story.
Not entirely original but it’s fun to see James try other genres, it’s my favourite of the non-Grace books.
September 30, 2015
Author Peter James is best known for his crime novels, but somehow these had passed me by and so I had no expectations when I began this, stand alone, ghost story. Now I know that I must go back and explore this author’s previous work, as this deliciously creepy book kept me gripped throughout.
Oliver Harcout has just started his own web business, when he moves into Cold Hill House with his solicitor wife, Caro and twelve year old daughter, Jade. They have thrown all their money into this dream house, which has been standing empty for too long and, they believe, simply needs some tender loving care and refurbishment to make it the country home they have dreamed off. Caro still needs to commute, but the house easily has the room for Ollie to have an office at home and Jade, although sad at leaving her friends, is cheered by the possibility of a pet dog and possibly even a pony.
However, things soon take a disturbing turn. James cleverly uses both the traditionally creepy (complete with cats bolting out of doors, cold draughts and sinister happenings) along with the very modern (involving computers and mobile phones) to make this scenario of the dream house which becomes a nightmare seem all too believable. Both Ollie and Caro hear odd rumours and are given warnings from people they come across, but leaving the house does not seem an option with their financial commitment to the property.
Some readers will undoubtedly say this was not frightening enough or did not scare them, but I thought this was wonderfully atmospheric and also an interesting story; rather than just a series of horrible happenings. Ollie’s dawning realisation that things are not as they seem, the couples sense that haunted houses just don’t exist and that they are being silly, plus their unease at being in their new home is all so well down that it is quite chilling. Add to that the best beginning to a book I’ve read in a while, which sets the scene brilliantly, and some great peripheral characters and you have a really spooky ghost story, just right for the approaching winter evenings…. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Oliver Harcout has just started his own web business, when he moves into Cold Hill House with his solicitor wife, Caro and twelve year old daughter, Jade. They have thrown all their money into this dream house, which has been standing empty for too long and, they believe, simply needs some tender loving care and refurbishment to make it the country home they have dreamed off. Caro still needs to commute, but the house easily has the room for Ollie to have an office at home and Jade, although sad at leaving her friends, is cheered by the possibility of a pet dog and possibly even a pony.
However, things soon take a disturbing turn. James cleverly uses both the traditionally creepy (complete with cats bolting out of doors, cold draughts and sinister happenings) along with the very modern (involving computers and mobile phones) to make this scenario of the dream house which becomes a nightmare seem all too believable. Both Ollie and Caro hear odd rumours and are given warnings from people they come across, but leaving the house does not seem an option with their financial commitment to the property.
Some readers will undoubtedly say this was not frightening enough or did not scare them, but I thought this was wonderfully atmospheric and also an interesting story; rather than just a series of horrible happenings. Ollie’s dawning realisation that things are not as they seem, the couples sense that haunted houses just don’t exist and that they are being silly, plus their unease at being in their new home is all so well down that it is quite chilling. Add to that the best beginning to a book I’ve read in a while, which sets the scene brilliantly, and some great peripheral characters and you have a really spooky ghost story, just right for the approaching winter evenings…. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
November 13, 2015
Having read and loved other books by Peter James, I was really looking forward to read his newest one 'The House on Cold Hill'. I knew this was a ghost story and therefore quite different from the books I usually read, but this time round I wanted to read something spooky.
This is essentially a typical haunted house story in a modern setting in which an unsuspecting family goes to live in a grand old house, upsetting the resident ghost/s in the process. The story kicks off in quite a promising, unexpected and horrific way with a major tragedy that immediately sets a dark, unsettling mood. By the end this family's dream home turns into a living nightmare. What dark entity dwells within the rooms of this vast mansion? What happened in this house in the past?
There's no questioning Peter James' excellent writing that once again makes this book quite an easy one to read. What I found rather interesting and original was the inclusion of modern day technology such as website building and social media in a ghost story. Never read a book with such a combination before.
As I started to read this book, I was really looking forward to have my blood running cold as I read through the horror experienced by this family, however to my dismay I must say that the blood-curdling paranormal activity I was expecting didn't materialise. In fact though the story was spooky, I wouldn't classify it as a scary one.
After the initial part, the story is mostly concentrated on Oliver's worries with his finances and work and a continuous going up and down the stairs from the attic to the cellar, and in and out of every room in the house inspecting damages. This became a tad too repetitive and boring for me. Reading through certain parts, I found myself completely detached from the main story and I was unable to warm or empathise with any of the characters. Apart from the fact that they lacked depth, I found them rather stupid. The dialogue was quite bland.
I know that in ghost stories you can expect all sorts of unnatural things happening, but honestly some things that I've read in this book go far beyond what I expect and accept as coming from a paranormal activity.
The ending was abrupt and totally confusing and left many questions unanswered. I'm sorry to say but I ended up disappointed. I was expecting so much more.
With thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for approving my request to read this book in exchange of an honest review.
This is essentially a typical haunted house story in a modern setting in which an unsuspecting family goes to live in a grand old house, upsetting the resident ghost/s in the process. The story kicks off in quite a promising, unexpected and horrific way with a major tragedy that immediately sets a dark, unsettling mood. By the end this family's dream home turns into a living nightmare. What dark entity dwells within the rooms of this vast mansion? What happened in this house in the past?
There's no questioning Peter James' excellent writing that once again makes this book quite an easy one to read. What I found rather interesting and original was the inclusion of modern day technology such as website building and social media in a ghost story. Never read a book with such a combination before.
As I started to read this book, I was really looking forward to have my blood running cold as I read through the horror experienced by this family, however to my dismay I must say that the blood-curdling paranormal activity I was expecting didn't materialise. In fact though the story was spooky, I wouldn't classify it as a scary one.
After the initial part, the story is mostly concentrated on Oliver's worries with his finances and work and a continuous going up and down the stairs from the attic to the cellar, and in and out of every room in the house inspecting damages. This became a tad too repetitive and boring for me. Reading through certain parts, I found myself completely detached from the main story and I was unable to warm or empathise with any of the characters. Apart from the fact that they lacked depth, I found them rather stupid. The dialogue was quite bland.
I know that in ghost stories you can expect all sorts of unnatural things happening, but honestly some things that I've read in this book go far beyond what I expect and accept as coming from a paranormal activity.
The ending was abrupt and totally confusing and left many questions unanswered. I'm sorry to say but I ended up disappointed. I was expecting so much more.
With thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for approving my request to read this book in exchange of an honest review.
October 7, 2015
Peter James treads no new ground with this haunted house ghost story. I have not read him before, but understand it's a change for him to move away from police proceedurals. He should return there.
The skeleton of the story (pardon the pun) is harmless and vaguely entertaining but it is so similar to many that have gone before, and quite predictable. Perhaps an offence to the king and queen of haunted house tales, Poe with Usher, and Shirley Jackson's Haunting of Hill House.
My real area of criticism is the attempt to bring it all up to date, to use trade names like Dyson, quote Radio Sussex shows, and TV shows. Much of the 'haunting' is of a 'virtual' nature, by 'Apple Mac' or smart phone. Really. What would Poe have made of it? Do we not need gothic atmospheres anymore? Maybe it's my generation, but I can't imagine this sort of treatment of a ghost story being in the slightest bit scary. I welcome comments from anyone who disagrees.
The skeleton of the story (pardon the pun) is harmless and vaguely entertaining but it is so similar to many that have gone before, and quite predictable. Perhaps an offence to the king and queen of haunted house tales, Poe with Usher, and Shirley Jackson's Haunting of Hill House.
My real area of criticism is the attempt to bring it all up to date, to use trade names like Dyson, quote Radio Sussex shows, and TV shows. Much of the 'haunting' is of a 'virtual' nature, by 'Apple Mac' or smart phone. Really. What would Poe have made of it? Do we not need gothic atmospheres anymore? Maybe it's my generation, but I can't imagine this sort of treatment of a ghost story being in the slightest bit scary. I welcome comments from anyone who disagrees.
October 28, 2019
One of my favourite novels by James! He takes his flare for writing mysteries, and puts it into a paranormal setting, which for me is a bonus! I found the tale chilling, and have since re-read it, and still got the same chill even though I expected the events! Such a great twist to the story at the end; a fantastic spooky book to read at night or during Halloween season!
October 30, 2015
No resolution, no coherence, plot elements abandoned by the country road as even the kitchen sink gets thrown at the increasingly frustrated reader. Boo! Hiss....
July 17, 2016
This book sets out to bring the traditional ghost story bang up to date. It takes well-known haunted house elements and sticks a modern-day family in the midst of them. A family moves into an old mansion complete with ghost(s), taking their modern technology with them (Apple Mac, Ipad, email, facebook, remote working, mobile phones etc etc)
This was all well and good... but it didn't really work for me.
Why not? Well... the ancient ghost has no problem sending texts, emails and screen messages.. it has an excellent command of modern English idioms and modern business practice. It knows about hundu castes, food hygiene regulations, penalties for fraud, classic cars... It can move freely outside the confines of the haunted house and can manipulate the space-time continuum at will. All just a bit too far-fetched and cheesy really.
I could have coped with all this, had it not been for the mostly cliched storyline and the 2d, cardboard cutout characterisation. The main characters were pretentious, middle class stereotypes and (worse) the author went to great lengths to remind me of the fact at every opportunity and in great detail. We regularly sit through long-drawn descriptions of what TV they watch, what Radio 4 programmes they listen to, what the father eats on his sandwiches, which high brow magazines and newspapers they read, how they like drinking wine... I could go on... and on... and on...
The father complains he has sunk all their money into the house and his savings are rapidly dwindling... the next moment he has no issues financing an i-pad, a pony and paddock, a pedigree puppy, riding lessons, an ever-expanding list of guests and extras for a birthday party - anything his daughter wishes for in fact. Dad doesn't even ask how much it will cost him!!
And they are so weak willed and so slow on the uptake!!
After the first 20% I decided they deserved everything coming to them; I would just go with it and enjoy the ride. Listening to the audiobook I could just make blaah blaah blaah noises to myself, cringe and cover my eyes at the appropriate points... this helped! !
So why the extra star (2 instead of 1)?
I have to admit, I enjoyed giving free rein to my 'evil streak' for a change. It was quite liberating. Also, I need to applaud the idea behind the book. It really could have worked and the author tried to give modern, scientific explanantions to the ghost phonenomen.
The unexpected end to the first chapter made me stop in my tracks (literally - I was listening to the audiobook whilst walking up the road)! And the final few chapters were thought-provoking and stayed with me after finishing the book... they were even slightly creepy, despite the wooden descriptions, superfluous running about and the continuing dumbness of the main character.
So 2 stars.
Would I recommend it? If you've read this review and still want the experience, be my guest, go ahead. But don't say I didn't warn you!
This was all well and good... but it didn't really work for me.
Why not? Well... the ancient ghost has no problem sending texts, emails and screen messages.. it has an excellent command of modern English idioms and modern business practice. It knows about hundu castes, food hygiene regulations, penalties for fraud, classic cars... It can move freely outside the confines of the haunted house and can manipulate the space-time continuum at will. All just a bit too far-fetched and cheesy really.
I could have coped with all this, had it not been for the mostly cliched storyline and the 2d, cardboard cutout characterisation. The main characters were pretentious, middle class stereotypes and (worse) the author went to great lengths to remind me of the fact at every opportunity and in great detail. We regularly sit through long-drawn descriptions of what TV they watch, what Radio 4 programmes they listen to, what the father eats on his sandwiches, which high brow magazines and newspapers they read, how they like drinking wine... I could go on... and on... and on...
The father complains he has sunk all their money into the house and his savings are rapidly dwindling... the next moment he has no issues financing an i-pad, a pony and paddock, a pedigree puppy, riding lessons, an ever-expanding list of guests and extras for a birthday party - anything his daughter wishes for in fact. Dad doesn't even ask how much it will cost him!!
And they are so weak willed and so slow on the uptake!!
After the first 20% I decided they deserved everything coming to them; I would just go with it and enjoy the ride. Listening to the audiobook I could just make blaah blaah blaah noises to myself, cringe and cover my eyes at the appropriate points... this helped! !
So why the extra star (2 instead of 1)?
I have to admit, I enjoyed giving free rein to my 'evil streak' for a change. It was quite liberating. Also, I need to applaud the idea behind the book. It really could have worked and the author tried to give modern, scientific explanantions to the ghost phonenomen.
The unexpected end to the first chapter made me stop in my tracks (literally - I was listening to the audiobook whilst walking up the road)! And the final few chapters were thought-provoking and stayed with me after finishing the book... they were even slightly creepy, despite the wooden descriptions, superfluous running about and the continuing dumbness of the main character.
So 2 stars.
Would I recommend it? If you've read this review and still want the experience, be my guest, go ahead. But don't say I didn't warn you!
December 11, 2015
“They said the dead can’t hurt you … they were wrong.”
Whoa! Anyone who has been following my reviews knows that I have a self proclaimed and always ongoing quest to find a really good ghost story. There have been contenders, close calls and some that actually make the list. “The House on Cold Hill” most certainly makes the list!
Ollie and Caro Harcourt and Jade, their twelve-year-old daughter, move to Cold Hill, a small village within commuting distance to Brighton. Their new home, an old Georgian Mansion, has stood empty for a long time and needed some serious renovation. Yes it was pushing their finances to the max but Ollie, an “eternal optimist” felt very positive about the whole project. They were going to be living their dream.
From the moment they pulled up to the house, driving between the two stone pillars topped with the sinister looking wyverns, something was not quite right. Was that someone watching them arrive through one of the dormer windows?
Mr. James spins a wonderfully suspenseful and scary story in this book. He writes a ghost story the way its supposed to written … unusual and frightening things happening to an ordinary family – things that, with a little stretch of the imagination, can be explained away as normal happenings in a centuries old house undergoing renovations – that is explained away until things get really strange. He builds, layer upon layer, so the reader slowly comes to care about Ollie and his family and between each layer he inserts another tingle. As the truth around the history of the house is, ever so slowly, unraveled Mr. James gives his reader a sense that maybe, just maybe, everything is going to be okay now that the truth is revealed. But will it truly be all right when the house really doesn’t like it when anyone leaves?
I loved it from the first page. Five pages in I suspected that this was going to be a good ghost story. Of course, many have started off strong only to tank in the last half or third of the book. Not so in this case. Mr. James gave me goose bumps right through to the last sentence. Well done!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written horror/ghost story that doesn’t throw guts and gore at you, but rather gives you a nice, slow clackety ride to the top of the hill before your realize the stomach wrenching drop is inevitable.
This is the first book I have read by Mr. James and will definitely be checking out his other stand-alone novels.
Whoa! Anyone who has been following my reviews knows that I have a self proclaimed and always ongoing quest to find a really good ghost story. There have been contenders, close calls and some that actually make the list. “The House on Cold Hill” most certainly makes the list!
Ollie and Caro Harcourt and Jade, their twelve-year-old daughter, move to Cold Hill, a small village within commuting distance to Brighton. Their new home, an old Georgian Mansion, has stood empty for a long time and needed some serious renovation. Yes it was pushing their finances to the max but Ollie, an “eternal optimist” felt very positive about the whole project. They were going to be living their dream.
From the moment they pulled up to the house, driving between the two stone pillars topped with the sinister looking wyverns, something was not quite right. Was that someone watching them arrive through one of the dormer windows?
Mr. James spins a wonderfully suspenseful and scary story in this book. He writes a ghost story the way its supposed to written … unusual and frightening things happening to an ordinary family – things that, with a little stretch of the imagination, can be explained away as normal happenings in a centuries old house undergoing renovations – that is explained away until things get really strange. He builds, layer upon layer, so the reader slowly comes to care about Ollie and his family and between each layer he inserts another tingle. As the truth around the history of the house is, ever so slowly, unraveled Mr. James gives his reader a sense that maybe, just maybe, everything is going to be okay now that the truth is revealed. But will it truly be all right when the house really doesn’t like it when anyone leaves?
I loved it from the first page. Five pages in I suspected that this was going to be a good ghost story. Of course, many have started off strong only to tank in the last half or third of the book. Not so in this case. Mr. James gave me goose bumps right through to the last sentence. Well done!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written horror/ghost story that doesn’t throw guts and gore at you, but rather gives you a nice, slow clackety ride to the top of the hill before your realize the stomach wrenching drop is inevitable.
This is the first book I have read by Mr. James and will definitely be checking out his other stand-alone novels.
March 13, 2019
There's nothing I love more than a good haunted house tale, but unfortunately, this was not one. The story is one of a family--Ollie, Caro, and their daughter, Jade--who buy the house because Ollie has a hankering to live in the country. He wants it so badly, in fact, that he can't be bothered to read all of the home inspector's report, which basically says that the house is a deathtrap that needs to be condemned. Instead, Ollie moves in, visions of the income from his startup website-design company financing the extensive renovations needed.
There are all the oldies but goodies--floating orbs, shadows out of the corner of the eye, ghosts that appear behind you and are reflected in the mirror (or FaceTime), conversations with people that turn out to have been dead for years, and the list goes on. It quickly becomes clear that there is a serious haunting going on in this house. However, Ollie is SUPER annoying and refuses to admit that there's a problem. For the entire book, he finds excuses and explanations for EVERYTHING and keeps insisting that everything is going to be fine. It reaches the point where his refusal to admit the obvious becomes even crazier than how he thinks admitting it will sound. I was so tired of his denial that I was ready for something to take him out!
Another annoying thing was the constant focusing on the website-design customers. There were two that Ollie was working for at this time, and they are mentioned repeatedly. Their existence is important to the story in that the ghosts' meddling with his business significantly impacts the family, both emotionally and financially. However, this is not a big enough point to merit their inclusion in every chapter. One of those customers, especially, is mentioned constantly (I forgot his name and I've already returned the book) and his name is even linked to former owners of the house! This goes . . . absolutely nowhere! Did no one ever tell Peter James about including the gun in the beginning of the story?
The ending was weird and confusing and rather abrupt. Sadly, this was an opportunity wasted. Oh, well, on to the next!
There are all the oldies but goodies--floating orbs, shadows out of the corner of the eye, ghosts that appear behind you and are reflected in the mirror (or FaceTime), conversations with people that turn out to have been dead for years, and the list goes on. It quickly becomes clear that there is a serious haunting going on in this house. However, Ollie is SUPER annoying and refuses to admit that there's a problem. For the entire book, he finds excuses and explanations for EVERYTHING and keeps insisting that everything is going to be fine. It reaches the point where his refusal to admit the obvious becomes even crazier than how he thinks admitting it will sound. I was so tired of his denial that I was ready for something to take him out!
Another annoying thing was the constant focusing on the website-design customers. There were two that Ollie was working for at this time, and they are mentioned repeatedly. Their existence is important to the story in that the ghosts' meddling with his business significantly impacts the family, both emotionally and financially. However, this is not a big enough point to merit their inclusion in every chapter. One of those customers, especially, is mentioned constantly (I forgot his name and I've already returned the book) and his name is even linked to former owners of the house! This goes . . . absolutely nowhere! Did no one ever tell Peter James about including the gun in the beginning of the story?
The ending was weird and confusing and rather abrupt. Sadly, this was an opportunity wasted. Oh, well, on to the next!
October 14, 2015
This book was five stars all the way until....................................................
This was the kind of book I always loved to read, one I could not wait to return to, not over run with swearing, no graphic blood an guts, a real ghost story and it was excellent until the end. What happened? It all came to a rushed conclusion and an unsatisfactory one at that. There were glaring holes, things I wanted to know and a complicated mish mash of tying this book up. I was deflated. The story concentrates on a haunted house and the history that goes with it is too minimally explained. It has atmosphere, it is written well, all the right ingredients but undercooked. A fantastic book spoiled by the end,
This was the kind of book I always loved to read, one I could not wait to return to, not over run with swearing, no graphic blood an guts, a real ghost story and it was excellent until the end. What happened? It all came to a rushed conclusion and an unsatisfactory one at that. There were glaring holes, things I wanted to know and a complicated mish mash of tying this book up. I was deflated. The story concentrates on a haunted house and the history that goes with it is too minimally explained. It has atmosphere, it is written well, all the right ingredients but undercooked. A fantastic book spoiled by the end,
November 10, 2015
I am a huge fan of Peter James 'Roy Grace' series. This book is a standalone ghost/ supernatural story. It started well but I found it a huge disappointment. It just did not work for me. I read it in a couple of days as it is such a light/ undemanding read. I hope Peter James sticks to crime novels in future.
October 6, 2015
Even though I have some of the authors books already on my kindle I haven't actually got round to reading them yet but after reading The House On Cold Hill I will certainly be bumping them up my list.
Probably one of the best horror books of 2015 I can honestly say I loved this book. With jaw dropping moments and a story that sent chills up and down my spine, this is an absolute must read for horror fans.
The location of where Cold Hill house is situated sounds very idyllic and even though the house is extremely run down, like the Harcourt family, the reader can visualise what a spectacular family home this house will make once renovated.
Not only does the family have to cope with living in a building site that constantly seems to have more things going wrong with it they seem to be sharing it with a ghost.
As Ollie tries to do some background research into the house and its previous owners, he, as well as the reader are in for some shocking discoveries.
The House On Cold Hill is just an absolutely brilliant horror novel. I was totally gripped throughout and had to keep remembering to close my mouth after reading so many jaw dropping parts. Through the writing I could feel the fear and horror that the family must have been feeling. I have to admit I would have run for the hills from the very first incident but then that would not make for a very good story but so many times I wanted to shout at my kindle telling the family to get the hell out of the house as fast as they could. It really did make for a tense but fast paced read as I was unable to put it down.
Can not recommend this book highly enough, definitely my favourite horror book of the year so far.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Probably one of the best horror books of 2015 I can honestly say I loved this book. With jaw dropping moments and a story that sent chills up and down my spine, this is an absolute must read for horror fans.
The location of where Cold Hill house is situated sounds very idyllic and even though the house is extremely run down, like the Harcourt family, the reader can visualise what a spectacular family home this house will make once renovated.
Not only does the family have to cope with living in a building site that constantly seems to have more things going wrong with it they seem to be sharing it with a ghost.
As Ollie tries to do some background research into the house and its previous owners, he, as well as the reader are in for some shocking discoveries.
The House On Cold Hill is just an absolutely brilliant horror novel. I was totally gripped throughout and had to keep remembering to close my mouth after reading so many jaw dropping parts. Through the writing I could feel the fear and horror that the family must have been feeling. I have to admit I would have run for the hills from the very first incident but then that would not make for a very good story but so many times I wanted to shout at my kindle telling the family to get the hell out of the house as fast as they could. It really did make for a tense but fast paced read as I was unable to put it down.
Can not recommend this book highly enough, definitely my favourite horror book of the year so far.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
March 9, 2019
I bought this book as I’m going to see the play next week and wanted to see how creepy it was.
It’s a great ghost story which had me slightly spooked!
I’m not a big fan of this genre but love Peter James so was intrigued by this story.
Ollie moves into Cold Hill House with his wife, Caro and twelve year old daughter, Jade. Having spent all the families money on this dream house they plan to refurbish it and make it their home.
Someone has other plans though.....
Strange things happen in the house and the suspense grows and grows.
An old woman in a blue dress is seen by all the family and impossible things start happening around the house.
Ollie wants to get to the bottom of this but each time he thinks he’s found someone who can help, something happens to stop them.
This is a gripping read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
It’s a great ghost story which had me slightly spooked!
I’m not a big fan of this genre but love Peter James so was intrigued by this story.
Ollie moves into Cold Hill House with his wife, Caro and twelve year old daughter, Jade. Having spent all the families money on this dream house they plan to refurbish it and make it their home.
Someone has other plans though.....
Strange things happen in the house and the suspense grows and grows.
An old woman in a blue dress is seen by all the family and impossible things start happening around the house.
Ollie wants to get to the bottom of this but each time he thinks he’s found someone who can help, something happens to stop them.
This is a gripping read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
June 24, 2020
I probably like the paranormal genres the least and this book hasn't changed my mind, however I did like the spin Peter James takes with this tale. 4 out of 12.
July 3, 2021
It wasn't as exciting nor spooky as I had hoped but it was an okay read anywho. Don't have much to say about it more then it wasn't bad both not great either.
October 14, 2015
Every review for this novel is going to start with horrific event that befalls Johnny and his family on the day they move into Cold Hill House – a sprawling mansion that has a lot of history..decrepit but beautiful.
Cold Hill House was once a monastery with a story of it’s own and the ghost of a Lady in Blue, is at the heart this ‘spooktacular’ tale.
Peter James has experience with the paranormal and this shows in his writing. Cold Hill is fabulously written and has just enough of everything, ghosts, suspense and a little bit of horrifying chills.
This tale keeps the reader gripped to the reality that the Harcourt family is experiencing and it is difficult to talk about the book without giving spoilers.
All I can say is that Peter James has written a book that has a feel of truth and authenticity to it. You really do think that you are reading a biography of fact rather than a fictional tale.
I am happy to say that there is no animal deaths in this book,which I thought there might be given the cruelty and antipathy of the Lady in Blue.
This is the first novel that I have read by Peter James, but it won’t be the last.
Cold Hill House was once a monastery with a story of it’s own and the ghost of a Lady in Blue, is at the heart this ‘spooktacular’ tale.
Peter James has experience with the paranormal and this shows in his writing. Cold Hill is fabulously written and has just enough of everything, ghosts, suspense and a little bit of horrifying chills.
This tale keeps the reader gripped to the reality that the Harcourt family is experiencing and it is difficult to talk about the book without giving spoilers.
All I can say is that Peter James has written a book that has a feel of truth and authenticity to it. You really do think that you are reading a biography of fact rather than a fictional tale.
I am happy to say that there is no animal deaths in this book,which I thought there might be given the cruelty and antipathy of the Lady in Blue.
This is the first novel that I have read by Peter James, but it won’t be the last.
October 12, 2016
The writing was good but the story was the same-old-same-old: Family moves into big, dilapidated old house. One of them thinks they see something in the window on the first day. Must be imagining. Family proceeds with moving in. Everything goes wrong and there is creepy occurrence after creepy occurrence. Oh no, house is haunted. But we can't leave, too much money invested. I need not go on, you get the gist. It's just your typical run-of-the-mill haunted house ghost story. Nothing new, and therefore nothing creepy about this one. Totally predictable. We've read this one before, folks, about a thousand times. Even though I'm not being very generous with the stars here, I wouldn't be opposed to trying another by Peter James. The writing itself was good. I liked his characters, especially Jade, who unfortunately we learn the least about. But this particular book was just too clique and done-to-death, no pun intended. 2.5 stars
March 12, 2016
Was really looking forward to this but so disappointed. Peter James wa a good horror writer before he moved into thrillers but this was so childish and not in the least bit frightening. Used same ideas as in an early horror with messages appearing on the computer screen. No explanation of the ghosts, what had happened in the secret room, why the ghosts were after this family. Wish I could have the time back I wasted on reading this. Honestly surprises to read the reviews saying how good this was and that it was terrifying.
April 4, 2016
Started well and then went down hill, became boring and the ending very predictable with no background as to why the events were occurring just a passing mention
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