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Abandoned: A Ghost Story
Lisa has nowhere to go. She’s been kicked out of her apartment in Queens by her alcoholic boyfriend and has no other friends in the city. A co-worker tells her about a house on Staten Island where she can live in rent-free, but Lisa comes to realize the price that comes with living in an abandoned house. A Ghost Story is a novelette of 14,500 words.
39 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
126 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 27, 2018
Lisa boyfriend is an alcoholic and he orders her to leave the accommodation they share leaving her homeless. She is so relieved when a co-worker tells her she can use an apartment in an old house that is being renovated. The owner of the apartment has had to cease work on the house because of planning restrictions on the property and know one will ever know that Lisa has stayed. She can't believe her luck as she is totally out of money till she gets paid. It's just the lucky break that Lisa needs or at least she thinks it is. Will her dream home become a nightmare for Lisa alone in the apartment at night. Will everything eventually come right for Lisa or has Lisa's luck finally run out never to return.
This short story was free on Kobo and I was really enjoying it till it got near the end of the story.
I felt like it was missing the ending which left me disappointed. I will read more from this author at a future date to see if I enjoy other stories.
This short story was free on Kobo and I was really enjoying it till it got near the end of the story.
I felt like it was missing the ending which left me disappointed. I will read more from this author at a future date to see if I enjoy other stories.
September 25, 2018
It’s easy to write a haunted rambling old mansion or spooky cabin in the woods story. Those setting have a build in creep factor. I, for one, have always preferred a more creative approach (the one that speaks directly to the fears of a city person), so haunted apartments it is. This one is set in Staten Island, appropriately enough, because people would inexplicably do all sort of crazy sh*t just to live in or near Manhattan. So a giant old place, abandoned (or just about so) as the title promises, means a rent free apartment for a desperate young woman. But looks like there’s no such thing as free rent after all. One way or another, you end up paying as she so terrifyingly finds out. So yeah, for a random Kindle freebie this novelette was a very pleasant surprise. Well edited, nicely written (first person perspective magnifying the mounting terror) and genuinely creepy without any gore and guts, something seldom found in modern scary stories. Nice find, well worth the 40 minutes or so. Be sure to read it when it’s dark out for optimal effect. If you dare.
January 29, 2018
I'll leave the landing light on at night now. Really enjoyed this book even though it was a short story. Well written and really engaged me. Will read more from this author.
November 17, 2020
Psychological Slow Burner
Atmosphere. This story has it in spades.
From the outset, the reader perceives both the chill surrounding the protagonist, and how haunted she becomes over a short space of time.
Given the right (or wrong) circumstances, our minds can be our own worst enemy, forcing us into rash decisions.
This fab short story (50 minutes) exemplifies just such a situation, with the author adding the right level of tension to both move the story along at a steady pace and make you wonder if the shadow in the corner isn't hiding something you'd rather not know was there.
Atmosphere. This story has it in spades.
From the outset, the reader perceives both the chill surrounding the protagonist, and how haunted she becomes over a short space of time.
Given the right (or wrong) circumstances, our minds can be our own worst enemy, forcing us into rash decisions.
This fab short story (50 minutes) exemplifies just such a situation, with the author adding the right level of tension to both move the story along at a steady pace and make you wonder if the shadow in the corner isn't hiding something you'd rather not know was there.
February 25, 2020
Short read with quite a few genuinely creepy scenes, the last couple of pages had me riveted. Unfortunately there were a few plot cliches that pulled me out of the narrative, but still worth a quick read for Women in Horror Month.
October 14, 2021
chilling
This one is the ultimate haunted house story! I could feel the suspense build as the main character grapples with what is occurring. The house was truly a character that oozed from the pages of the story.
This one is the ultimate haunted house story! I could feel the suspense build as the main character grapples with what is occurring. The house was truly a character that oozed from the pages of the story.
July 2, 2019
As a long time fan of ghost stories and the supernatrual I thought i'd download this as was reccommended. Unfortunately it wasn't the best purchase. Firstly, this book is actually well written and well edited. The writing flows well and is very clear. However, there are many elements lacking in contrast to the clear writing style.
The downsides are...it's slow, real slow, and it's not that long, maybe 1hr 30 mins read max, but 50% in I wanted to stop, but I carried on through hoping some major twist might occur. 75% in I was climbing the walls. The story is very linear and the character is a bit weak and feeble. There is nothing that stands out with her. She has a logical reason for being in this haunted accomodation but there is no real reason, nor explanation as to why it is haunted. It also changes between 1st and 3rd person perspective at certain breaks within the story which serves no purpose. It's like the author is practising or changing their mind on what might work; either would have been fine. The author also has an anoying overuse of the word 'silly' withing the characters thoughts. The level of detail and description of the house/apartment is actually very high, but it's a shame that effort wasn't placed into a more interesting story. A few twists and turns would have made it feel much less linear. There were several scenarios and techniques that seemed flawed in places such as the protagonists meeting with the Dean about her appearance. A manager/superior I don't think would react in such a harsh, matter-of-fact way before sympathising or attempting to locate a problem. There was also a part that said "This is just like the dream where I'm running, but this time it's different. Everything is different." This kind of juxtaposition jarrs badly for me and makes itself irrelevant.
I found the ending a bit weak too. I understood it, yet it wasn't a big enough twist for me. shadows and gasps among a dark bathroom just don't cut it for me. It actually reminded me of another very old story, 'The Tapestried Chamber' (1829) by Sir Walter Scott, which is a much more acrhaic version of what 'Abandoned' is trying to achieve with a modern day setting.
The downsides are...it's slow, real slow, and it's not that long, maybe 1hr 30 mins read max, but 50% in I wanted to stop, but I carried on through hoping some major twist might occur. 75% in I was climbing the walls. The story is very linear and the character is a bit weak and feeble. There is nothing that stands out with her. She has a logical reason for being in this haunted accomodation but there is no real reason, nor explanation as to why it is haunted. It also changes between 1st and 3rd person perspective at certain breaks within the story which serves no purpose. It's like the author is practising or changing their mind on what might work; either would have been fine. The author also has an anoying overuse of the word 'silly' withing the characters thoughts. The level of detail and description of the house/apartment is actually very high, but it's a shame that effort wasn't placed into a more interesting story. A few twists and turns would have made it feel much less linear. There were several scenarios and techniques that seemed flawed in places such as the protagonists meeting with the Dean about her appearance. A manager/superior I don't think would react in such a harsh, matter-of-fact way before sympathising or attempting to locate a problem. There was also a part that said "This is just like the dream where I'm running, but this time it's different. Everything is different." This kind of juxtaposition jarrs badly for me and makes itself irrelevant.
I found the ending a bit weak too. I understood it, yet it wasn't a big enough twist for me. shadows and gasps among a dark bathroom just don't cut it for me. It actually reminded me of another very old story, 'The Tapestried Chamber' (1829) by Sir Walter Scott, which is a much more acrhaic version of what 'Abandoned' is trying to achieve with a modern day setting.
August 23, 2020
2 stars rounded up from 1.5.
As a life long horror fan I picked this book up expecting to be terrified, but it just wasn't meant to be and I was really disappointed in this book, especially since I felt it had quite a lot of potential.
The author attempted to deliverd a classic ghostly tale, complete with dark stairwells and things that go bump in the night (amongst other scary noises). However, for me it just didn't come off that way.
I thought the author tried too hard to scare us, there was too much emphasis placed on the dark stairwell and the dark room upstairs that Lisa was showering in, or how cold Lisa's flat felt even with the heating on.
She didn't focus enough on the parts that mattered, such as expanding upon the neighbour downstairs, we never found out if she was a ghost. Or the "it's you she wants" that Lisa hears through the hole in the floorboards. And at the start of the book we have a large group of people running to the ferry terminal, with no explanation whatsoever about it.
We were left with a lot of questions, which disappointed me. I expect a certain level of mystery and intrigue from horror books but also some answers to the burning questions...
I'm just disappointed with this book because as I said, I feel it had so much potential to it and if the author was to go back to it and rewrite it, I could imagine it being so much scarier.
As a life long horror fan I picked this book up expecting to be terrified, but it just wasn't meant to be and I was really disappointed in this book, especially since I felt it had quite a lot of potential.
The author attempted to deliverd a classic ghostly tale, complete with dark stairwells and things that go bump in the night (amongst other scary noises). However, for me it just didn't come off that way.
I thought the author tried too hard to scare us, there was too much emphasis placed on the dark stairwell and the dark room upstairs that Lisa was showering in, or how cold Lisa's flat felt even with the heating on.
She didn't focus enough on the parts that mattered, such as expanding upon the neighbour downstairs, we never found out if she was a ghost. Or the "it's you she wants" that Lisa hears through the hole in the floorboards. And at the start of the book we have a large group of people running to the ferry terminal, with no explanation whatsoever about it.
We were left with a lot of questions, which disappointed me. I expect a certain level of mystery and intrigue from horror books but also some answers to the burning questions...
I'm just disappointed with this book because as I said, I feel it had so much potential to it and if the author was to go back to it and rewrite it, I could imagine it being so much scarier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2017
Super scary little story about a young woman who thinks she has found an amazing free apartment in Staten Island. The only catch is the apartment is located in a house that is temporarily abandoned. The new owner started renovations but had to stop due to city regulations and hasn't returned. So it's not in great shape and the owner could come back at any time to start renovations again. Little does she know that there is much more to be worried about than the returning owner...
The author creates real suspense as the protagonist, Lisa, discovers more and more ominous signs as she explores the house. Who is the creepy neighbor on the first floor? What are those strange noises? What exactly is that stain on the radiator pipe?
The only small issue is you will have to suspend belief that Lisa has no other options but to return to the house every day, but if you accept that, this is an eerie, well-written story. Highly recommended.
The author creates real suspense as the protagonist, Lisa, discovers more and more ominous signs as she explores the house. Who is the creepy neighbor on the first floor? What are those strange noises? What exactly is that stain on the radiator pipe?
The only small issue is you will have to suspend belief that Lisa has no other options but to return to the house every day, but if you accept that, this is an eerie, well-written story. Highly recommended.
May 6, 2019
Magical & Mesmerising with an edge on uneasy, PERFECT
Mesmerising and magical, the perfect mix. The story twists and turns sucking you in with each page. Beautifully illustrated, the narrative flows all to easily leaving the reader wanting more. Elation, sadness and a smattering of romance too. McMahon begins with a reality we can all relate to and by the end has you believing in a fabulous fantasy world of spirits, warlocks and witches! Will definitely be reading more. Couldn't put it down! 😊
Mesmerising and magical, the perfect mix. The story twists and turns sucking you in with each page. Beautifully illustrated, the narrative flows all to easily leaving the reader wanting more. Elation, sadness and a smattering of romance too. McMahon begins with a reality we can all relate to and by the end has you believing in a fabulous fantasy world of spirits, warlocks and witches! Will definitely be reading more. Couldn't put it down! 😊
August 22, 2019
Scary! Feckless protagonist meets more and more trouble...that's only mildly scary, that this poor well-meaning young woman can't get her life straight, choosing the wrong guys, getting homeless, low on funds....
The really scary is how in a 16,000 word short story, which I foolishly read AT NIGHT, the author manages to tap so many of my phobias! More than once I tried to stop, thinking I would return in the daytime--but my eyes wouldn't turn away and my brain wouldn't stop digesting the scares....the very real, terrifying, perceptions and events.
The really scary is how in a 16,000 word short story, which I foolishly read AT NIGHT, the author manages to tap so many of my phobias! More than once I tried to stop, thinking I would return in the daytime--but my eyes wouldn't turn away and my brain wouldn't stop digesting the scares....the very real, terrifying, perceptions and events.
January 1, 2022
Wonderful ghost 👻 listening🔰😮
A will written fantasy ghost 👻 novella by Carol McMahon about a young woman 🚺 who leaves her apartment and boyfriend. A fellow worker offers her apartment in an abandoned building and the fun begins. I would highly recommend this novella if you are into fantasy ghost 👻stories I did it for a change. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or 🎶 listening to something different in books 📚 2022 😈🗽👗👒
A will written fantasy ghost 👻 novella by Carol McMahon about a young woman 🚺 who leaves her apartment and boyfriend. A fellow worker offers her apartment in an abandoned building and the fun begins. I would highly recommend this novella if you are into fantasy ghost 👻stories I did it for a change. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or 🎶 listening to something different in books 📚 2022 😈🗽👗👒
November 10, 2019
Holy Crap Batman!!!
I'm lying here in my bed, in total darkness, and just finished this story. All I can think of is getting up to pee, but there's no WAY I'm getting out of this bed!! Crazy awesome atmospheric short story, and I'm loving how creeped out I am! Excellent Ms. McMahon, truly excellent writing!
I'm lying here in my bed, in total darkness, and just finished this story. All I can think of is getting up to pee, but there's no WAY I'm getting out of this bed!! Crazy awesome atmospheric short story, and I'm loving how creeped out I am! Excellent Ms. McMahon, truly excellent writing!
December 3, 2022
Incredible
This is genuinely one of the best books I have read in years. It’s unique, terrifying, and gripped me straight away. The character is relatable, and the story is well planned, and incredibly well-written. I’m going to be devastated if I can’t find more from this author.
This is genuinely one of the best books I have read in years. It’s unique, terrifying, and gripped me straight away. The character is relatable, and the story is well planned, and incredibly well-written. I’m going to be devastated if I can’t find more from this author.
March 10, 2018
I’m uncertain about the rave reviews. Nothing really made sense. Plot was blah and the Lisa is underdeveloped.
Two stars because it was above average grammatical sound; not because I liked it. Frankly, I would almost give it 1 star. Not scary nor thrilling ... quite boring.
Two stars because it was above average grammatical sound; not because I liked it. Frankly, I would almost give it 1 star. Not scary nor thrilling ... quite boring.
March 20, 2019
The slightest noise at night freaks me out & that was before reading this captivating little novella. Shame it wasn't written into a full length book as the storyline had potential to go a lot further. Didn't stop till I'd finished as it kept you wanting more.
April 22, 2022
This book is such a good read. It was something different for me to read and I couldn’t believe what happened. I found this book to be gripping and the author did a great job writing the book. I hope to read more books from this author.
April 9, 2023
Boring! Boring! Boring! What more can I say. Confusing start that lead nowhere, repetitive mention of the dark stairway, the cold room, the main character hiding under her covers, no explanation who the lady in the flat was (ghost? alive?) & what the stains round the pipe were. All in all, a waste of time. Won't bother with this author again.
September 20, 2018
I did not like the ending. The story didn't really seem to go anywhere. I was left with more questions then answers.
April 2, 2019
i like the stars say, it was just ok. :D
June 5, 2019
Pretty good
A pretty good ghost story. Would happily read more from this author. I really liked the characters and the twist at the end.
A pretty good ghost story. Would happily read more from this author. I really liked the characters and the twist at the end.
October 3, 2019
Creepy
Wow this book is creepy. An abandoned apartment complex, a person needing a temporary home. Nothing can go wrong right? Haha
Wow this book is creepy. An abandoned apartment complex, a person needing a temporary home. Nothing can go wrong right? Haha
October 19, 2019
Interesting
The story was good but I was a little disappointed waiting for something to jump up and be scary it wasn't
The story was good but I was a little disappointed waiting for something to jump up and be scary it wasn't
November 26, 2019
Dont read alone and in the dark
This is a very short book. I read it in less than an hour. But oh man was it creepy. I think I should of read it during the day.
This is a very short book. I read it in less than an hour. But oh man was it creepy. I think I should of read it during the day.
April 6, 2020
Scarey
8th s book by Carol McMahon is short but very well written! I did not see the ending at all! A complete surprise twist at the end... TOTALLY unexpected!
8th s book by Carol McMahon is short but very well written! I did not see the ending at all! A complete surprise twist at the end... TOTALLY unexpected!
July 16, 2020
Good book
But not long enough.not a lot of details.or story lines.I love a good ghost story.but this one needs something more.
But not long enough.not a lot of details.or story lines.I love a good ghost story.but this one needs something more.
July 25, 2020
Another short story and pretty good. Enjoyable quick read. Recommend.
April 7, 2021
Loved this scary stuff
I really felt the terror of the character in this short story. I wished it could continue into a longer book.
I really felt the terror of the character in this short story. I wished it could continue into a longer book.
May 4, 2021
Creepy...yet sad
Satisfying short ghost story...I wish it was Longer. I honestly think in theory she was haunting that apartment building...so sad
Satisfying short ghost story...I wish it was Longer. I honestly think in theory she was haunting that apartment building...so sad
May 12, 2021
Not at all well done
The story has no point. At the end she realizes she is a ghost.... I think, except she is clearly alive throughout the story.
The story has no point. At the end she realizes she is a ghost.... I think, except she is clearly alive throughout the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews