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The Ash House
Librarian Note: This is the original cover edition of ASIN: B0711MTZDT.
Why would anyone ever return to a haunted house?
For Diane Mercer the answer is simple. She's dying of cancer, and she wants to know once and for all whether ghosts are real.
Heading home with her young son, Diane is determined to find out whether the stories are real. After all, everyone else claimed to see and hear strange things in the house over the years. Everyone except Diane had some kind of experience in the house, or in the little ash house in the yard.
As Diane explores the house where she grew up, however, her son is exploring the yard and the forest. And while his mother might be struggling to come to terms with her own impending death, Daniel Mercer is puzzled by fleeting appearances of a strange little girl who seems drawn to the ash house, and by strange, rasping coughs that he keeps hearing at night.
THE ASH HOUSE is a horror novel about a woman who desperately wants to know what will happen to her when she dies, and about a boy who uncovers the shocking truth about a young girl's murder.
Why would anyone ever return to a haunted house?
For Diane Mercer the answer is simple. She's dying of cancer, and she wants to know once and for all whether ghosts are real.
Heading home with her young son, Diane is determined to find out whether the stories are real. After all, everyone else claimed to see and hear strange things in the house over the years. Everyone except Diane had some kind of experience in the house, or in the little ash house in the yard.
As Diane explores the house where she grew up, however, her son is exploring the yard and the forest. And while his mother might be struggling to come to terms with her own impending death, Daniel Mercer is puzzled by fleeting appearances of a strange little girl who seems drawn to the ash house, and by strange, rasping coughs that he keeps hearing at night.
THE ASH HOUSE is a horror novel about a woman who desperately wants to know what will happen to her when she dies, and about a boy who uncovers the shocking truth about a young girl's murder.
256 pages, ebook
First published May 11, 2017
447 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
664 books1,677 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 2, 2019
When I first started reading this, I felt an extreme sadness for the character, because she comes right out and tells her mother that she is dying of cancer and how it has spread, etc. She explains she is at the end and needs a home for her son.
Her mother goes on like nothing is being said. That is part of Diane’s battle. The other part is, she wonders if she can come back and watch over her son Daniel. She knows he is safe here with her mother, but she knows her Mum won’t do any better than she did with her and drinks even more now.
She wants to know about ghosts.
This is the part where the Ash House figures in. I had never heard of one and thought this was very interesting.
Life after death, spiritual battles, attachment, and some other things more freaky are all here. I enjoyed it. Amy Cross is great. I was glad to be able to get into one of her books again. They have been hit or miss for me lately.
There were a lot of typos or errors in this one. As many books as she writes it would be good to see her get good editors or betas. She is really talented.
Her mother goes on like nothing is being said. That is part of Diane’s battle. The other part is, she wonders if she can come back and watch over her son Daniel. She knows he is safe here with her mother, but she knows her Mum won’t do any better than she did with her and drinks even more now.
She wants to know about ghosts.
This is the part where the Ash House figures in. I had never heard of one and thought this was very interesting.
Life after death, spiritual battles, attachment, and some other things more freaky are all here. I enjoyed it. Amy Cross is great. I was glad to be able to get into one of her books again. They have been hit or miss for me lately.
There were a lot of typos or errors in this one. As many books as she writes it would be good to see her get good editors or betas. She is really talented.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2017
This is the first book from this author that I've read. It looked like she writes scary books, so I grabbed up some when they went free and thought I'd give her stories a try. This was a ghost story, about a sick mother who takes her son to live with her mom in the house she grew up in. And outside of the house is a tiny stone ash house (to hold ashes in, not used for decades) where all the little kids are drawn to play in. Only there are some creepy spirits attracted to the little shelter. And possibly more around the old house. The book was on the shorter side, though still book length. The story was good and there was plenty of chill-factor mixed in with a good general story. Overall the writing was good and it was just what I was looking for. I will definitely read more from this author.
January 27, 2018
Its o.k.
I want to give it 3 1/2 stars. There is a twist at the end that i liked. But it was kind of predictable.
I want to give it 3 1/2 stars. There is a twist at the end that i liked. But it was kind of predictable.
August 10, 2018
Gripping
Real gripping read. Had me from page 1, and didn't give up until it had twisted and turned to the books conclusion. I didn't expect anything less this author
Real gripping read. Had me from page 1, and didn't give up until it had twisted and turned to the books conclusion. I didn't expect anything less this author
Read
December 11, 2023DNF 20%. Again.
June 20, 2017
Another excellent tale from Amy Cross
I really enjoy reading the stories written by this author. You can always be sure of a good, scary, page turning book. This tale was no exception and had me enthralled until the final page. A great story.
I really enjoy reading the stories written by this author. You can always be sure of a good, scary, page turning book. This tale was no exception and had me enthralled until the final page. A great story.
September 22, 2018
As a mother of one boy, this had me a little teary eyed at times. Crazy and sad twist. I would of loved to know more about the little girl's backstory.
October 31, 2018
Solid five star ghost story.
January 26, 2019
I know this is supposed to be a ghost story and I admit I didn’t quite see the last twist coming. Overall this book gave me a feeling of sadness. A young mother dying of cancer returns to her mother’s home where she grew up to answer the question once and for all, are ghosts real? She must know the answer to this before she dies so she knows if she’ll be able to watch over her son, protect him and see him grow. All of her friends heard and or saw something in the house when she was growing up, she never did. Meanwhile her son is starting to see a little girl and hear creaks and coughs in the house. Once the mom passes, she realizes she is a ghost and can see her son, but can she protect him from the ghost, can she uncover the truth behind the little girl? The mother is desperately trying to find a way to stay connected to the son she has to leave behind, her greatest fear is that she won’t ever see him again. This is the vein I felt all the way through the book, not a ghost story but sadness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2018
The Ash House is a well written ghost story by Amy Cross. This author likes to write her books from the perspective of a few of her main characters which keeps it interesting. The book follows a great pace and has a very well developed twist at the end that I did not see coming, so I really enjoyed that. The book was very well written and had a great plot that I enjoyed reading.
You can't help but hurt for Diane, the mom who is slowly dying of cancer and doesn't know how to tell her son, and is also trying to figure out if ghosts are real to try and be there for her son after she is gone. Her son is a very smart kid and is a very likable character, just like his mom. Nana is your somewhat typical grandma if you ask me.
This is definitely a enjoyable read if you like a good ghost story with a good twist and some gore in it, not too bad on the gore scale though.
You can't help but hurt for Diane, the mom who is slowly dying of cancer and doesn't know how to tell her son, and is also trying to figure out if ghosts are real to try and be there for her son after she is gone. Her son is a very smart kid and is a very likable character, just like his mom. Nana is your somewhat typical grandma if you ask me.
This is definitely a enjoyable read if you like a good ghost story with a good twist and some gore in it, not too bad on the gore scale though.
May 7, 2020
A dying woman returns to her mother's isolated, presumably haunted house. She is leaving her young son and is hoping to determine conclusively whether there is life after death before she succumbs to cancer. What lurks in the house and on the grounds is more dangerous than anyone could anticipate. But she is determined to protect her son regardless of whether she is dead or alive.
This is a spooky novel. It is narrated by both the mother and the son. I didn't care for the mother, Diane, initially. She is rather snippy and rude to her mother but her dilemma is heart-wrenching. Entertaining twist at the end and a good creepy atmosphere.
This is a spooky novel. It is narrated by both the mother and the son. I didn't care for the mother, Diane, initially. She is rather snippy and rude to her mother but her dilemma is heart-wrenching. Entertaining twist at the end and a good creepy atmosphere.
September 17, 2017
Very enjoyable
A great old fashioned Ghost Story. It was very enjoyable. Dianne and Daniel her son visit her mother in their family home. Dianne has a reason for coming home, she's dying from cancer and she wants her mum to be her son's carer. In all the years when she was growing up there was mention of ghostly visions in and around the house but Dianne never seen anything, so she's curious to find out if there is any truth in it. Will the house be haunted? Or will it all be smoke and mirrors. Great📕😄
A great old fashioned Ghost Story. It was very enjoyable. Dianne and Daniel her son visit her mother in their family home. Dianne has a reason for coming home, she's dying from cancer and she wants her mum to be her son's carer. In all the years when she was growing up there was mention of ghostly visions in and around the house but Dianne never seen anything, so she's curious to find out if there is any truth in it. Will the house be haunted? Or will it all be smoke and mirrors. Great📕😄
March 21, 2018
Clever and Compelling
This novel is much more than a simple ghost story. Expertly told and with a number of plot surprises, the story is quickly engrossing. At times, the tale is chilling, at other times it is deeply bitter sweet, but even in the midst of "fantasy", there is a deep and feeling honesty to the characters and to the nature of the story. This is a really wonderful book, and I would highly recommend it, even for readers who aren't normally drawn to the horror genre.
This novel is much more than a simple ghost story. Expertly told and with a number of plot surprises, the story is quickly engrossing. At times, the tale is chilling, at other times it is deeply bitter sweet, but even in the midst of "fantasy", there is a deep and feeling honesty to the characters and to the nature of the story. This is a really wonderful book, and I would highly recommend it, even for readers who aren't normally drawn to the horror genre.
December 11, 2020
A good book
This book is really good! Sometimes the books I choose on Kindle Unlimited ARE limited in their literary contribuions, (I know, I should make better choices) so I was very pleasantly surprised when I read The Ash House. I liked the characters, they were well portrayed. The progress of Diane’s disease felt authentic and it evoked sadness in me.
I think it is really well-written. I did notice a couple of editing errors but the points always came across and, to me, that’s what is important.
This book is really good! Sometimes the books I choose on Kindle Unlimited ARE limited in their literary contribuions, (I know, I should make better choices) so I was very pleasantly surprised when I read The Ash House. I liked the characters, they were well portrayed. The progress of Diane’s disease felt authentic and it evoked sadness in me.
I think it is really well-written. I did notice a couple of editing errors but the points always came across and, to me, that’s what is important.
March 20, 2018
Another enjoyable ghost story from this author. I do like the first-person narrative, this time from two points of view, which allows for more depth of feeling and character.
There is a haunted house, a dying woman and a boy...and more. What are the secrets that lie within the ash house?
I thought the 'dying' part was well done, its sadness and pain and regret and how someone could deal with it. The ghost part was clever with a great twist.
Well-written and recommended.
There is a haunted house, a dying woman and a boy...and more. What are the secrets that lie within the ash house?
I thought the 'dying' part was well done, its sadness and pain and regret and how someone could deal with it. The ghost part was clever with a great twist.
Well-written and recommended.
May 27, 2017
Delightful
The Ash House by Any Cross is a fast paced read. She literally pulls you into the abyss of the unknown through the characters residing in the haunted house. I for one would really love to see and visit a haunted house. If you love a good horror book, then I suggest you read this book.
The Ash House by Any Cross is a fast paced read. She literally pulls you into the abyss of the unknown through the characters residing in the haunted house. I for one would really love to see and visit a haunted house. If you love a good horror book, then I suggest you read this book.
November 1, 2017
This was a good scary book. I did not expect that ending. The story was interesting, but sad at the same time. It made me think of what I would do if I had to leave my kids. I will continue to read more from this author. All her stories are different and fun and most of all I love stories that all her stories have scary elements to them.
November 13, 2017
Addictive Read
The story was easy reading yet gripping. The main character is experiencing the fear of the unknown following a terminal diagnosis.
Worrying about her young son and if she will be able to still be a parent when she passes away. Will her end be a new beginning ? Fantastic Read
The story was easy reading yet gripping. The main character is experiencing the fear of the unknown following a terminal diagnosis.
Worrying about her young son and if she will be able to still be a parent when she passes away. Will her end be a new beginning ? Fantastic Read
May 24, 2018
I'm not a huge fan of POVs jumping between characters, and child to adult was especially odd for me. However, it seemed to work in this case, because the adult was coming to the end of her life and had sort of resorted to a child-like state of mind. The ghost story aspect of the book was especially fun and what kept me hooked. The creepy scenes are well-described, with great imagery.
January 18, 2019
And ”I realized” it wasn't getting better
”I realized” is the phrase repeated a few times per page, ”I swear”. (that too)
This is written in first person, alternating between a mother and son. The son is young but written in the same way the mother is written, well beyond his years.
Much of the dialog and plot twists are on the nose. I cannot recommend this book.
”I realized” is the phrase repeated a few times per page, ”I swear”. (that too)
This is written in first person, alternating between a mother and son. The son is young but written in the same way the mother is written, well beyond his years.
Much of the dialog and plot twists are on the nose. I cannot recommend this book.
October 15, 2019
Excellent
Any Cross is a genius. It's unimaginable how she can turn out such great books on a variety of subjects but still manages to grab the reader's attention every tume. I can't find a book of her's that isn't enjoyable, Ash House included. It made me wonder if there really is an afterlife. Great book, outstanding writer.
Any Cross is a genius. It's unimaginable how she can turn out such great books on a variety of subjects but still manages to grab the reader's attention every tume. I can't find a book of her's that isn't enjoyable, Ash House included. It made me wonder if there really is an afterlife. Great book, outstanding writer.
June 3, 2017
Interesting twist
Love a story with a twist. Good storyline, I noticed one or two editing errors. I enjoyed the storyline. I didn't get that feel for character development that I had hoped for, still a great book to read at night.
Love a story with a twist. Good storyline, I noticed one or two editing errors. I enjoyed the storyline. I didn't get that feel for character development that I had hoped for, still a great book to read at night.
June 19, 2017
About old house that haunted by little girl n her dad dobt wanna tale the rrst it give away the story but i liked it
Pretty good book. Really liked it ghost n humans do mix not gonna say anything else it give it away
Pretty good book. Really liked it ghost n humans do mix not gonna say anything else it give it away
August 16, 2017
Amy Cross's books always seem like they're going to take a long time to read because of the page length but once you get going, they just flow, and they're hard to put down. I love reading her books because they always have some surprise twist in them, you never really know what's going to happen.
August 19, 2017
As with her other books I loved this one too. Ghosts and the paranormal have always fascinated me and this author writes such wonderfully chilling tales. I admit I did not see the end coming. I have begun a collection of her books and hopefully will be able to read them all!
November 21, 2017
Excellent book... super plot, believable storyline and engaging characters. A final scene that I didn't suspect and which delighted me. I couldn't put it down. I've discovered that I like Amy Cross as a writer and am now a faithful follower.
November 30, 2017
SPOILER ALERT:
It was a good story, not one of my faves from Amy Cross. I would have preferred more interaction between Daniel and Diane post death but I definitely loved the fact that the experiences at the house did not break him and he was able to have his own family, thank you Amy Cross.
It was a good story, not one of my faves from Amy Cross. I would have preferred more interaction between Daniel and Diane post death but I definitely loved the fact that the experiences at the house did not break him and he was able to have his own family, thank you Amy Cross.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2017
Well written
Very well written story but not one I would reread. The story flowed smoothly, I didn't encounter any hiccups that made the reading difficult. I just didn't enjoy this as much as I enjoyed the others that I've read.
Very well written story but not one I would reread. The story flowed smoothly, I didn't encounter any hiccups that made the reading difficult. I just didn't enjoy this as much as I enjoyed the others that I've read.
March 27, 2018
Timeline confusing
I like this author normally. Good scary stuff. Not sure if it was a we ice or just me, but I got confused about halfway through. Still good, just not as good as her others.
I like this author normally. Good scary stuff. Not sure if it was a we ice or just me, but I got confused about halfway through. Still good, just not as good as her others.
June 26, 2018
I really enjoy Amy Cross' style of writing. I really felt for the Mother in this book and what she was facing. The story (without giving anything away) was very interesting and kept my attention. I also am a fan of surprise endings and this book definitely had one! Read it! You won't be sorry!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews