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The Haunting of Caldgrave House
“Stay close to me, Hugo. I've seen enough horror films to know the dog always gets it.”
Moving to the English countryside with her parents, Maisie immediately takes a dislike to their new home. Old, crumbling and covered in rotting moss, Caldgrave House is about as welcoming as its name suggests. But as she tries to get used to her new surroundings, Maisie at least has someone to keep her company.
Hugo. Her dog.
Unfortunately for Hugo, he's already begun to notice some strange things at the house. Who are the mysterious scentless figures who seem to move around unseen by the others? Why does a broken-jawed woman keep going into Maisie's bedroom? Who buried a copy of the Bible in the garden, with some of its pages turned upside down? And what is the cause of an ear-piercing scream that sometimes rings out at night when everyone else is asleep?
Before long, Maisie and Hugo find themselves trapped by the house's vengeful spirits. Something awful once happened at Caldgrave House, something that left long-lasting echoes. And now an evil force is stirring in the basement, preparing to claim its next victim.
Expanded from the original short story, THE HAUNTING OF CALDGRAVE HOUSE is a horror novel about one girl and her dog, and about a vengeful spirit that has waited patiently for its next chance to feed.
Moving to the English countryside with her parents, Maisie immediately takes a dislike to their new home. Old, crumbling and covered in rotting moss, Caldgrave House is about as welcoming as its name suggests. But as she tries to get used to her new surroundings, Maisie at least has someone to keep her company.
Hugo. Her dog.
Unfortunately for Hugo, he's already begun to notice some strange things at the house. Who are the mysterious scentless figures who seem to move around unseen by the others? Why does a broken-jawed woman keep going into Maisie's bedroom? Who buried a copy of the Bible in the garden, with some of its pages turned upside down? And what is the cause of an ear-piercing scream that sometimes rings out at night when everyone else is asleep?
Before long, Maisie and Hugo find themselves trapped by the house's vengeful spirits. Something awful once happened at Caldgrave House, something that left long-lasting echoes. And now an evil force is stirring in the basement, preparing to claim its next victim.
Expanded from the original short story, THE HAUNTING OF CALDGRAVE HOUSE is a horror novel about one girl and her dog, and about a vengeful spirit that has waited patiently for its next chance to feed.
- GenresHorror
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2018
320 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
665 books1,689 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 35 reviews
December 3, 2018
This book is written from a rather unusual P.O.V. for a horror novel. I have read other novels with the dog as first person, but this is the first horror novel I have come across (other than parts of Cujo). I agree that the first part is a bit slow, but I still think it was needed for character and back story development. The dog is able to sense and see the ghosts before the humans can. The story of the two main ghosts is not what their supposed history shows. One hopes that the girl and her dog will eventually be reunited. A dysfunctional family dynamic is frequently used in horror novels. There is some fairly disturbing imagery at times, but not too over-the top for the story line. Even with a few flaws, I still consider it a good read.
May 29, 2018
Now that was interestingly different.
Was a bit hard at first to get used to the dog
doing the narrative. I got a little confused when
it kept switching from human to canine. Some
of the story line was especially hard for me to
take since it involved animal cruelty. I did enjoy
the ghostly parts and the actual ghostly mystery
was interesting. The end was a bit too drawn out
and the parts about Hugo chewing his foot off
made me slightly nauseous. All in all it was fairly
good. The reason I did give it a 5 was because the
ghostly, nongross parts were really great. I did
find it a very interesting read.
Was a bit hard at first to get used to the dog
doing the narrative. I got a little confused when
it kept switching from human to canine. Some
of the story line was especially hard for me to
take since it involved animal cruelty. I did enjoy
the ghostly parts and the actual ghostly mystery
was interesting. The end was a bit too drawn out
and the parts about Hugo chewing his foot off
made me slightly nauseous. All in all it was fairly
good. The reason I did give it a 5 was because the
ghostly, nongross parts were really great. I did
find it a very interesting read.
March 26, 2020
The Haunting of Caldgrave House by Amy Cross is written from the point of view of the dog, Hugo and he is the best dog in the whole world(I will fight you if you disagree).
The story was a quick read in the flavour of most Cross books ,but what set it apart for me was the dog. Never have I cried after reading any of this authors books but damn this one lead to a good weeping session and then hours recuperating watching videos on The Dodo channel.
The story was a quick read in the flavour of most Cross books ,but what set it apart for me was the dog. Never have I cried after reading any of this authors books but damn this one lead to a good weeping session and then hours recuperating watching videos on The Dodo channel.
January 25, 2020
I read this book in one sitting, about two hours or so. I loved that it was from the dog’s point of view, but that also meant there was a lot of generalization narration like “person A stated at the light box and started talking to themselves” ie read aloud from their internet search. It means the entire family suddenly read to their dog or thought out loud so that the audience would have some backstory to follow. It also means the dog did some uncharacteristic things for a dog, to advance the plot, like knowing to step on the gas pedal. And he was able to lift things that were probably the size of the dog, given that it’s established he’s a small breed (I imagined chihuahua but it’s set in England so that’s probably not as likely). I was also furious with the action that happened at the end, though that’s frustrations with a character being an idiot that gets herself and her dog hurt.
Overall, the writing was good, the POV was an interesting take, the characters were frustrating, and there wasn’t a lot of backstory or explanation, because we as the audience only know what the dog knows, and the dog doesn’t know or care anything about history.
Overall, the writing was good, the POV was an interesting take, the characters were frustrating, and there wasn’t a lot of backstory or explanation, because we as the audience only know what the dog knows, and the dog doesn’t know or care anything about history.
July 2, 2018
A horror book written from mans faithful friends point of view, with some spirits & haunting thrown in. Started a little slow, but the storyline soon started to flow. Not bad for an Amazon free book & Amy Cross books have just the right amount of suspense on them to keep you wanting more.
Having just finished the book, I loved it. As an animal lover, it was horrible reading how Hugo was left alone for years, but he waited patiently for his owner to return & so so sad when he had to chew his own paw off to go saving her 😥
This book is more proof that man is a dogs best friend & the bond they share is unbreakable no matter what.
Having just finished the book, I loved it. As an animal lover, it was horrible reading how Hugo was left alone for years, but he waited patiently for his owner to return & so so sad when he had to chew his own paw off to go saving her 😥
This book is more proof that man is a dogs best friend & the bond they share is unbreakable no matter what.
April 2, 2018
Very cute
I loved it but I had two issues. First you don't know how old the girl is till much later on in the book, I was picturing a 6 or7 year old girl and it turns out she was 11. Second there was never a description of the dog beyond being small enough to pick up so I left that to my imagination, which isn't always a bad thing. Overall I loved reading a story from the dogs view. I cried, laughed, cringed and awwed.
I loved it but I had two issues. First you don't know how old the girl is till much later on in the book, I was picturing a 6 or7 year old girl and it turns out she was 11. Second there was never a description of the dog beyond being small enough to pick up so I left that to my imagination, which isn't always a bad thing. Overall I loved reading a story from the dogs view. I cried, laughed, cringed and awwed.
August 6, 2018
This is a really good haunted house novel as seen through the eyes of a dog. Hugo tried and tried to warn his humans about strange happenings at their new house but they do not see what he sees. This was a very different story that I really enjoyed. Us humans do not listen to our animal friends very well. They warn us of danger all the time and we think they know nothing. I’m sure Maisie had a different outlook about Hugo after her experience.
December 16, 2018
Better than the last book.
I gave it 4 stars. I think because it is an Amy Cross book. This one is a ghost story. A tween or a tee
YA book about ghosts, things being able to get used to and why is that old bible, human bones and people who don't want things going bump into the night. The book also has a great.story teller. You won't be afraid but read it during the day of you can.The
I gave it 4 stars. I think because it is an Amy Cross book. This one is a ghost story. A tween or a tee
YA book about ghosts, things being able to get used to and why is that old bible, human bones and people who don't want things going bump into the night. The book also has a great.story teller. You won't be afraid but read it during the day of you can.The
March 20, 2019
Not my cup of tea!
I have read more than a few books by this author, and enjoyed them. This is not one I enjoyed. I am very sensitive to animal abuse, I cannot even stomach the SPCA commercial on TV. The mistreatment of the poor dog in this story really bothered me! I know it is fiction,however if you love books you empathize with the characters, it did not sit well with me. I wasn't impressed with the story line either. I have read much better from this Author.
I have read more than a few books by this author, and enjoyed them. This is not one I enjoyed. I am very sensitive to animal abuse, I cannot even stomach the SPCA commercial on TV. The mistreatment of the poor dog in this story really bothered me! I know it is fiction,however if you love books you empathize with the characters, it did not sit well with me. I wasn't impressed with the story line either. I have read much better from this Author.
April 30, 2018
Not as expected
I had a hard time getting into this book due to it being a dog's point of view. However, after I got into it I read it in one night. I got mad, cried, smiled, then cried some more. Yes, I cry a horror books. I love being odd that way. In the end this was a good book and lived up to my expectations of this author.
I had a hard time getting into this book due to it being a dog's point of view. However, after I got into it I read it in one night. I got mad, cried, smiled, then cried some more. Yes, I cry a horror books. I love being odd that way. In the end this was a good book and lived up to my expectations of this author.
December 4, 2019
A different take...
on a horror story through the eyes of a dog and...What a dog! Hugo is a great protagonist and a pretty terrific companion too. Brave, fierce and loyal. You'll fall in love with him and his connection to M. The only complaint is that too bad Michael didn't get his sooner.
on a horror story through the eyes of a dog and...What a dog! Hugo is a great protagonist and a pretty terrific companion too. Brave, fierce and loyal. You'll fall in love with him and his connection to M. The only complaint is that too bad Michael didn't get his sooner.
April 21, 2023
What a story
I love dogs and it was good to see them for what they know and feel ms. Cross you come through all the misspelled words and the gamour problems with such a moving and touching story l use to say that Stephen king was the most popular writer I have ever read but you are moving a long and you writing just gets better and better. Thanks for the stories.
I love dogs and it was good to see them for what they know and feel ms. Cross you come through all the misspelled words and the gamour problems with such a moving and touching story l use to say that Stephen king was the most popular writer I have ever read but you are moving a long and you writing just gets better and better. Thanks for the stories.
May 25, 2018
I just wanted to smack the father over the head
How could someone be so mean. Treating Hugo the dog so bad, when all he wanted to do is protect the girl. I was in the edge of my seat. Good Read.
How could someone be so mean. Treating Hugo the dog so bad, when all he wanted to do is protect the girl. I was in the edge of my seat. Good Read.
June 8, 2018
Loved this one!
Told from the perspective of the family dog, I had never before dead anything else in this genre like it! Very creative and an awesome way of telling a terrifying story.
Told from the perspective of the family dog, I had never before dead anything else in this genre like it! Very creative and an awesome way of telling a terrifying story.
July 4, 2018
A doggie ghost story!
Yes, I still find the concept strange, a ghost story narrated by a dog - really! However, it does work and produces an absorbing story and a pleasurable quick read. An ideal book for the holidays.
Yes, I still find the concept strange, a ghost story narrated by a dog - really! However, it does work and produces an absorbing story and a pleasurable quick read. An ideal book for the holidays.
October 10, 2018
Another good book by Amy Cross. There are a few grammatical errors but nothing to stop anyone from reading. :) This book is written in a dog's perspective. I was a little confused at first since haven't read one like that before but it ended up being really good.
October 20, 2018
The haunting of caldgrave hall
Excellent story, well written. I was entertained throughout the book and loved all the twists within it, the ending was not a disappointment either, sometimes, with some authors, the ending can be an anti climax, this was just right.
Excellent story, well written. I was entertained throughout the book and loved all the twists within it, the ending was not a disappointment either, sometimes, with some authors, the ending can be an anti climax, this was just right.
August 5, 2019
Didn't like this one
This book should've ended at 93% finished. Those drawn out scenes with the witch went on too !ong and were too repetitive. I hope the next book knows when it should call it quits.
This book should've ended at 93% finished. Those drawn out scenes with the witch went on too !ong and were too repetitive. I hope the next book knows when it should call it quits.
August 13, 2019
I loved this Amy Cross book. It is told by the viewpoint of the dog. It's really interesting and a good story. It has a bit of lost and found in it and it makes for a great story and great ending. You really can't miss with this book.
October 13, 2019
Told from the perspective of a dog which is very unusual. Not the best horror but certainly not the worse. A little predictable at times but If you want something that doesn’t take a lot of concentration and easy to read then this is perfectly fine.
July 15, 2020
A good story.
This story is from a dog's POV. The story starts out slow, but picks up the pace later. I like the suspense. The human characters were frustrating. Maisie, for example, was extremely slow to run from danger when she was older. I enjoyed this story.
This story is from a dog's POV. The story starts out slow, but picks up the pace later. I like the suspense. The human characters were frustrating. Maisie, for example, was extremely slow to run from danger when she was older. I enjoyed this story.
March 27, 2018
Disappointed
I really didn’t like the book narrated by a dog. I prefer to hear books written with all characters speaking on their own. Really not happy with this book.
I really didn’t like the book narrated by a dog. I prefer to hear books written with all characters speaking on their own. Really not happy with this book.
April 15, 2018
From the POV of the dog, Hugo, surprisingly good.
April 23, 2018
Best read for years
Fantastic read all through the eyes of a dog
The simple description used throughout the book
Is pure genus. Didn't want it to end
Would recommend this book
Fantastic read all through the eyes of a dog
The simple description used throughout the book
Is pure genus. Didn't want it to end
Would recommend this book
April 30, 2018
Different!
This story is written by two dogs! At first I thought it strange, but soon enough I was fine with it. A very different sort of story!
This story is written by two dogs! At first I thought it strange, but soon enough I was fine with it. A very different sort of story!
May 2, 2018
The love of a loyal dog
I enjoyed the story from the view of how the dog lived it. The love and loyalty of Hugo was heartwarming .
I enjoyed the story from the view of how the dog lived it. The love and loyalty of Hugo was heartwarming .
May 17, 2018
Amazing story
A story of a loyal dog and his girl. Also some creepy ghosts thrown in. I really enjoyed this book told entirely from the dogs point of view
A story of a loyal dog and his girl. Also some creepy ghosts thrown in. I really enjoyed this book told entirely from the dogs point of view
June 19, 2019
2.5 -3 star rating. I liked that the story was told from the dog’s pov. But everything that the poor, fictional dog went through made me regret reading this book.
August 12, 2020
Great!
Another great Amy Cross book!
Love her writing. I get caught up in all her stories and feel I'm there.
Another great Amy Cross book!
Love her writing. I get caught up in all her stories and feel I'm there.
February 15, 2021
I like that it's from a dog's perspective, makes it a different read. Far fetched in places and lack of depth in characters but still enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews