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House of Souls #2
Malefic
“Something is watching from behind the walls...”
The move into 889 Morgan Road was supposed to be a fresh start for Joseph Dubois and his family. What they got instead was a nightmare.
Dark shadows in the halls are only the beginning. At night, guttural noises issue from behind the walls, and the family reports seeing a terrifying figure wandering the premises. Desperately seeking someone with experience in supernatural matters, Joseph calls upon his uncle, Marcel.
Retired surgeon Marcel Dubois has a special gift: The ability to communicate with his dead wife. Harnessing this gift allows him to plumb the depths of the afterlife and to confront the paranormal. Arriving in Detroit, Marcel seeks to uncover the truth about the strange figure seen in his nephew's new house.
But when his questions are finally answered, Marcel finds himself at the center of a horror without parallel.
The House of Long Shadows seeks another lodger.
The move into 889 Morgan Road was supposed to be a fresh start for Joseph Dubois and his family. What they got instead was a nightmare.
Dark shadows in the halls are only the beginning. At night, guttural noises issue from behind the walls, and the family reports seeing a terrifying figure wandering the premises. Desperately seeking someone with experience in supernatural matters, Joseph calls upon his uncle, Marcel.
Retired surgeon Marcel Dubois has a special gift: The ability to communicate with his dead wife. Harnessing this gift allows him to plumb the depths of the afterlife and to confront the paranormal. Arriving in Detroit, Marcel seeks to uncover the truth about the strange figure seen in his nephew's new house.
But when his questions are finally answered, Marcel finds himself at the center of a horror without parallel.
The House of Long Shadows seeks another lodger.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2018
About the author
Ambrose Ibsen
52 books688 followersOnce upon a time, a young Ambrose Ibsen discovered a collection of ghost stories on his father's bookshelf. He was never the same again.
Apart from horror fiction, he enjoys good coffee, brewed strong.
Apart from horror fiction, he enjoys good coffee, brewed strong.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 28, 2019
I don’t know which was better... the first or second.
This one was very freaky to say the very least. This one continues with the house, like the series title suggests.
If you want something creepy check these two in this series out so far. Very unusual spooky stuff. This isn’t your usual haunt.
I like Marcel as a main character so much better than I did Kevin in the first book; and even though he is older I feel I can identify with him a lot more.
This one was very freaky to say the very least. This one continues with the house, like the series title suggests.
If you want something creepy check these two in this series out so far. Very unusual spooky stuff. This isn’t your usual haunt.
I like Marcel as a main character so much better than I did Kevin in the first book; and even though he is older I feel I can identify with him a lot more.
September 10, 2022
As usual, Ambrose Ibsen has done a great job of spinning up a creepy haunting story. Being book 2 in the House Of Souls series, I liked this one even more than the first.
It was really cool to get to find out more about the house and ghosts history as Marcel did a great job of digging up some new info. Also the ending was pretty great as well.
Would definitely recommend both books in the series. Especially around Halloween to add some spooky vibes to your October.
It was really cool to get to find out more about the house and ghosts history as Marcel did a great job of digging up some new info. Also the ending was pretty great as well.
Would definitely recommend both books in the series. Especially around Halloween to add some spooky vibes to your October.
July 7, 2025
889 Morgan Road was supposed to be a fresh start for Joseph Dubois and his family. What they got instead was a nightmare. Dark shadows in the halls are only the beginning. At night, guttural noises issue from behind the walls, and the family reports seeing a terrifying figure wandering the premises. Desperately seeking someone with experience in supernatural matters, Joseph calls upon his uncle, Marcel. Retired surgeon Marcel Dubois has a special gift: The ability to communicate with his dead wife. Harnessing this gift allows him to plumb the depths of the afterlife and to confront the paranormal. Arriving in Detroit, Marcel seeks to uncover the truth about the strange figure seen in his nephew's new house. But when his questions are finally answered, Marcel finds himself at the center of a horror without parallel. The House of Long Shadows seeks another lodger.
The House of the Long Shadows, from book#1 of this series, is again, the star of the show...and the main character in this story also. To have read the first book is not at all necessary in order to enjoy this one. The reader will get enough information about the past important events. actually, this is a story that could very well be a standalone.
A new family is now living in the house, and the noises and the strange shadows are making life nearly impossible there. These things are creepy and disturbing. It seems that the house almost has a soul...even if that soul is a very dark one. I loved the first book, but I think this one is even better, if that is even possible. It's very well written, and if you have read the first book, you will learn more about the history of the house and its previous inhabitants.
Our new house owner is Marcel Dubois who is a relative of the family who is living there now. Marcel takes on the job of ridding the house of its current dark presence with the help of his deceased wife. You read that right...his wife...his very DEAD wife. The characters’ relationships and the dynamics between Marcel and his "dead" wife...are really "something else". Ambrose Ibsen has created and added an original, and unexpected detail that made this story 100% more interesting than it already was...and believe me, that was quite a feat!
The story is filled with the utter horror and despair of each of the characters, which you...the reader, will get to experience with them. I hope there is going to be more about this house, but believe me, this one will surely delight all true horror and paranormal fans.
The House of the Long Shadows, from book#1 of this series, is again, the star of the show...and the main character in this story also. To have read the first book is not at all necessary in order to enjoy this one. The reader will get enough information about the past important events. actually, this is a story that could very well be a standalone.
A new family is now living in the house, and the noises and the strange shadows are making life nearly impossible there. These things are creepy and disturbing. It seems that the house almost has a soul...even if that soul is a very dark one. I loved the first book, but I think this one is even better, if that is even possible. It's very well written, and if you have read the first book, you will learn more about the history of the house and its previous inhabitants.
Our new house owner is Marcel Dubois who is a relative of the family who is living there now. Marcel takes on the job of ridding the house of its current dark presence with the help of his deceased wife. You read that right...his wife...his very DEAD wife. The characters’ relationships and the dynamics between Marcel and his "dead" wife...are really "something else". Ambrose Ibsen has created and added an original, and unexpected detail that made this story 100% more interesting than it already was...and believe me, that was quite a feat!
The story is filled with the utter horror and despair of each of the characters, which you...the reader, will get to experience with them. I hope there is going to be more about this house, but believe me, this one will surely delight all true horror and paranormal fans.
March 5, 2021
The second book, same house, same spooks, but this time a different POV, meet Marcel.
I was a bit unsure if I should read this book given that I just wasn’t a big fan of the previous book (too much repetitions, dumb decisions and more). But I wanted to give it a shot in the hopes that maybe someone could do something against Fiona.
In this one a new family has settled in our home, it is 10 years later and the road/street is a whole different thing now. People are living there. People are making their lives. HOWEVER, our family is in the house. Yep, the bad house. The one with the whispers, the cotton man (we all know who that is), and other creepy things going bump in the night (and when awoken also in the day). They ask their uncle, Marcel, to help out as they know he has done some other spooky things and helped out people. I was really curious to see what Marcel could do, especially when we found out that he still had a way of contacting and talking to his dead wife, Constance. Which I really loved btw, it was really sweet, though given the house it turned really creepy quite soon.
I have to say I wasn’t a fan of Marcel all the time. Instead of just being honest with the family, with his nephew, he kept lying to them. He kept telling things were fine. And that pissed me off. I get that he wants to make things sound a bit better, these people have been through enough, but it just didn’t right to me, it just came over to me as their fears weren’t real. Later on at least he confided in Joey, but yeah, it just didn’t make me happy. Plus, I am just not that much in rich characters who throw their money around like it is nothing.
I did like him doing research and us finding out more about Fiona, but at times I was just scratching my head, he kept a very one track mind on things. Never once did it cross his mind that there may be more ways to transport souls. He just kept his eye on an object. On one specific thing and he never once thought to consider his options. I mean really, you get so many warnings, you learn some horrific things and you keep to your but she is a poor little girl? Boy, please.
There are a lot more stupid decisions. Like for instance, I would have just burned down the house instead of ignoring all warning signs, all creepy things that went on. Haha, it seems drastic but given everything? Just burn it down. The ending just had me shaking my head and wondering why Marcel was being so dumb. I mean, all the warning signs went off for me. And the part where he made his choice just had me screaming at him.
There are still questions I have, like what was that handprint in the crawlspace that we saw in the first book? Does it mean something (given that there were things in the space I would say yes)? Will Fiona ever be stopped? Are there more things to what Fiona is and what she dragged with her?
But will I be reading the next book? Not sure, given the reviews the story doesn’t end there and I am just not in the mood for a never-ending story. Maybe I will give it a shot, for now it is a pass.
All in all, I did enjoy this book for quite some parts, but in the end just can’t give it more than 3 stars because of several dumb decisions and how Marcel was written. 3 stars is at least more positive than the 2.5 I gave the previous book. Haha.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I was a bit unsure if I should read this book given that I just wasn’t a big fan of the previous book (too much repetitions, dumb decisions and more). But I wanted to give it a shot in the hopes that maybe someone could do something against Fiona.
In this one a new family has settled in our home, it is 10 years later and the road/street is a whole different thing now. People are living there. People are making their lives. HOWEVER, our family is in the house. Yep, the bad house. The one with the whispers, the cotton man (we all know who that is), and other creepy things going bump in the night (and when awoken also in the day). They ask their uncle, Marcel, to help out as they know he has done some other spooky things and helped out people. I was really curious to see what Marcel could do, especially when we found out that he still had a way of contacting and talking to his dead wife, Constance. Which I really loved btw, it was really sweet, though given the house it turned really creepy quite soon.
I have to say I wasn’t a fan of Marcel all the time. Instead of just being honest with the family, with his nephew, he kept lying to them. He kept telling things were fine. And that pissed me off. I get that he wants to make things sound a bit better, these people have been through enough, but it just didn’t right to me, it just came over to me as their fears weren’t real. Later on at least he confided in Joey, but yeah, it just didn’t make me happy. Plus, I am just not that much in rich characters who throw their money around like it is nothing.
I did like him doing research and us finding out more about Fiona, but at times I was just scratching my head, he kept a very one track mind on things. Never once did it cross his mind that there may be more ways to transport souls. He just kept his eye on an object. On one specific thing and he never once thought to consider his options. I mean really, you get so many warnings, you learn some horrific things and you keep to your but she is a poor little girl? Boy, please.
There are a lot more stupid decisions. Like for instance, I would have just burned down the house instead of ignoring all warning signs, all creepy things that went on. Haha, it seems drastic but given everything? Just burn it down. The ending just had me shaking my head and wondering why Marcel was being so dumb. I mean, all the warning signs went off for me. And the part where he made his choice just had me screaming at him.
There are still questions I have, like what was that handprint in the crawlspace that we saw in the first book? Does it mean something (given that there were things in the space I would say yes)? Will Fiona ever be stopped? Are there more things to what Fiona is and what she dragged with her?
But will I be reading the next book? Not sure, given the reviews the story doesn’t end there and I am just not in the mood for a never-ending story. Maybe I will give it a shot, for now it is a pass.
All in all, I did enjoy this book for quite some parts, but in the end just can’t give it more than 3 stars because of several dumb decisions and how Marcel was written. 3 stars is at least more positive than the 2.5 I gave the previous book. Haha.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
November 10, 2018
Having loved the first book, I bought the second when it came out, but didn't read it because I wanted to wait for the audio, and I'm so glad I did because Joe Hempel brought this to life!!
Book 2 sees a new family living in the house, and they soon realise that there is something wrong with it. Long shadows, weird noises, footsteps and their daughter is seeing something nearly every night. Joseph has had enough and decides to call his Uncle whom has some experience with supernatural things. And so enters Marcel. He takes over the house in the hopes of uncovering the secrets, but he gets more than he bargained for and is now in the middle of a terrifying fight for his soul.
I want an Uncle like Marcel please!! He is awesome. Not only for his generosity, but also the fact that he can communicate with spirits. Since his wife passed, they have written to each other nearly every night. He would write first and the next morning his wife would have responded. It was cute!!! From the second Marcel enters the house, the tension and creepiness slowly ramps, I had chills when I was reading parts and actually jumped when there was a knock at my door. I was that engrossed in the story!!
While this is book 2, it can be read as a stand alone, though I do recommend reading book 1 first as it gives a lot of background into the house. This one is even better than the first, and I loved the first one! I can't recommend this series enough, nor can I recommend the author enough. He is such a fantastic writer and is able to grab the reader right from the get go. I highly, highly recommend you check out his books!!
Joe Hempel is the voice of horror!! He captures the atmosphere and the essence of the story perfectly and with the right inflections, he brings the book to life. When he gets together with this author, it's an automatic winner in my book. Brilliant narrator for a brilliant book.
Book 2 sees a new family living in the house, and they soon realise that there is something wrong with it. Long shadows, weird noises, footsteps and their daughter is seeing something nearly every night. Joseph has had enough and decides to call his Uncle whom has some experience with supernatural things. And so enters Marcel. He takes over the house in the hopes of uncovering the secrets, but he gets more than he bargained for and is now in the middle of a terrifying fight for his soul.
I want an Uncle like Marcel please!! He is awesome. Not only for his generosity, but also the fact that he can communicate with spirits. Since his wife passed, they have written to each other nearly every night. He would write first and the next morning his wife would have responded. It was cute!!! From the second Marcel enters the house, the tension and creepiness slowly ramps, I had chills when I was reading parts and actually jumped when there was a knock at my door. I was that engrossed in the story!!
While this is book 2, it can be read as a stand alone, though I do recommend reading book 1 first as it gives a lot of background into the house. This one is even better than the first, and I loved the first one! I can't recommend this series enough, nor can I recommend the author enough. He is such a fantastic writer and is able to grab the reader right from the get go. I highly, highly recommend you check out his books!!
Joe Hempel is the voice of horror!! He captures the atmosphere and the essence of the story perfectly and with the right inflections, he brings the book to life. When he gets together with this author, it's an automatic winner in my book. Brilliant narrator for a brilliant book.
December 18, 2018
Well... I didn’t like this one as much as book 1 in the series. I listened to them back to back. It took me a while to warm up to the characters but by the end I like Uncle a little bit more but not as much as flipper Kevin. Kevin just broke my heart. Oh Kevin honey. The end of this book ended on a “ohhh no” note. Curious to see what happens next.
*i received this audiobook in exchange for a honest review. This is it. Thank you very much for the book.*
*i received this audiobook in exchange for a honest review. This is it. Thank you very much for the book.*
October 4, 2019
A perfect book for the Halloween season, full of the creepiness and scares that I have come to expect from Ambrose Ibsen.
When a young family moves into a house that is just too good of a deal to pass up, you know that something has to be wrong with it. Joseph Dubois calls his uncle, Marcel, asking for help because he believes that the house is haunted. Marcel has a little experience with spirits since he is able to communicate with his dead wife, Constance, through spirit writing.
What Marcel encounters when he goes to Detroit and stays in the house is creepy indeed! Shadows that follow you around, things that go bump in the night and other apparitions convince Marcel that there is definitely someone or something haunting the house.
Marcel travels to Annapolis trying to find some answers and hopefully be able to banish the ghosts from the house. The story becomes part detective work as he tracks down clues and finds a lot of coincidences as he does. What he finds is heartbreaking and also unique for this genre.
Mr. Ibsen always gives his readers just what they are looking for in a haunted house book and this one does not disappoint. With the addition of the wonderful Joe Hempel as narrator, this is a great book with just the right amount of scares and creepiness. Mr. Hempel's pacing and voice is perfect and really added a lot to my enjoyment of the book. The ending was perfect IMHO and really added to the scariness of the whole thing.
I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
When a young family moves into a house that is just too good of a deal to pass up, you know that something has to be wrong with it. Joseph Dubois calls his uncle, Marcel, asking for help because he believes that the house is haunted. Marcel has a little experience with spirits since he is able to communicate with his dead wife, Constance, through spirit writing.
What Marcel encounters when he goes to Detroit and stays in the house is creepy indeed! Shadows that follow you around, things that go bump in the night and other apparitions convince Marcel that there is definitely someone or something haunting the house.
Marcel travels to Annapolis trying to find some answers and hopefully be able to banish the ghosts from the house. The story becomes part detective work as he tracks down clues and finds a lot of coincidences as he does. What he finds is heartbreaking and also unique for this genre.
Mr. Ibsen always gives his readers just what they are looking for in a haunted house book and this one does not disappoint. With the addition of the wonderful Joe Hempel as narrator, this is a great book with just the right amount of scares and creepiness. Mr. Hempel's pacing and voice is perfect and really added a lot to my enjoyment of the book. The ending was perfect IMHO and really added to the scariness of the whole thing.
I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
July 6, 2020
I liked this one even more than the first book! Loved the main character so much and the story kept me guessing till almost the end. I didn't mention narration in the other one, but it's the same narrator for both books and I really liked him.
December 2, 2018
A family believes their house to be haunted and turns to their uncle for help. Said uncle, Marcel, arrives at the house, and finding nothing amiss initially, endeavours to explain things by more rational means. But Marcel is no hardened cynic, and very much believes in ghosts, as he has contact with his dead wife. The spooks finally materialise, and they are as bad, if not worse, than previously advertised. Marcel sets out to discover who is haunting the house , and why, and it leads him down a rabbit hole of twists and turns that leads to a surprising end.
I haven't read part one of the book, but this seemed to work well as a standalone. The plot isn't particularly novel, but has some interesting turns. There were some nice touches, like the wife haunting a fountain pen, and they communicate through writing each other. This was an audio version, and the narrator did a good job adding life to Marcel. The story is pretty good, although not particularly scary, and it's reads more like a detective story as Marcel investigates the case.
Pretty good. Somewhere between 3-3.5 stars.
I haven't read part one of the book, but this seemed to work well as a standalone. The plot isn't particularly novel, but has some interesting turns. There were some nice touches, like the wife haunting a fountain pen, and they communicate through writing each other. This was an audio version, and the narrator did a good job adding life to Marcel. The story is pretty good, although not particularly scary, and it's reads more like a detective story as Marcel investigates the case.
Pretty good. Somewhere between 3-3.5 stars.
September 21, 2019
Book Two
It's a rare thing, and yet, I manage to keep finding it especially with Mr. Ibsen's work--book two is just as good, if not better, than the first. The sequel starts immediately after the last chapter of book one, picking up story of 889 Morgan Road with its new owners--a young family. While this family is key to the story, they are not the most interesting or even the MCs. The protagonist is a complex and unique man named Marcel with a very special way of investigating the supernatural. This book is intriguing from the get-go and definitely does not disappoint in the spook department.
It's a rare thing, and yet, I manage to keep finding it especially with Mr. Ibsen's work--book two is just as good, if not better, than the first. The sequel starts immediately after the last chapter of book one, picking up story of 889 Morgan Road with its new owners--a young family. While this family is key to the story, they are not the most interesting or even the MCs. The protagonist is a complex and unique man named Marcel with a very special way of investigating the supernatural. This book is intriguing from the get-go and definitely does not disappoint in the spook department.
May 24, 2021
As is the case with every Ambrose Ibsen I've read so far, this was a good one. The main character is an elderly widower who misses his wife but has managed to keep established connection with her in the afterlife. This comes in handy when it comes to helping other ghosts move on --- until he comes to his nephew's haunted house. A bit confusing with a twist at the end, but I did not read the first book in series yet, so I may be missing some of the larger picture. It's not my favorite of his, but it was well written, had some creepy imagery, a backstory mystery that intrigued, and is recommended for haunted house fans.
January 18, 2021
Interesting follow-up to the first
The house is still haunted. The spirits continue to attempt escape. The young family who had moved in are out of their minds with terror. They call in Uncle Marcel, a retired doctor who dabbles in the paranormal. Marcel begins looking into the haunting and learns that some things were never meant to be known.
I actually would give this 3.5 stars. I didn't like it as much as the first. Probably because I felt that Marcel was a bit overbearing. However, the story was captivating, and I recommend it to those who like haunted house stories.
The house is still haunted. The spirits continue to attempt escape. The young family who had moved in are out of their minds with terror. They call in Uncle Marcel, a retired doctor who dabbles in the paranormal. Marcel begins looking into the haunting and learns that some things were never meant to be known.
I actually would give this 3.5 stars. I didn't like it as much as the first. Probably because I felt that Marcel was a bit overbearing. However, the story was captivating, and I recommend it to those who like haunted house stories.
November 6, 2018
Fun "haunted house" story with a twist as far as hauntings go. Not as good as the first in the series but definitely an entertaining, quick read. I like that this author often has dark endings.
April 4, 2022
A disappointing sequel. I was excited to read more on this story, but the ending to this installment left a lot to be desired. Picking up where the first book had left off, a new family had moved into the haunted home on Morgan Rd and was immediately tormented at every turn. They turn to their uncle, a man known to dabble in the supernatural, and ask him for help diagnosing and ridding the home of its spirits. He agrees, and sets off to help his young nephew and his family.
Pretty standard setup for a sequel. Having some background from the first book, I was hopeful to get a little more backstory and build on the creepiness factor that the first book did so well. From the start it was a much faster pace for the hauntings in the home. This was great except it was then halted for the mystery side of the story, diving into the background of the main malevolent spirit. This too was what I wanted, so for those wondering, where did the story go wrong. It was in the resolution to the main conflict. It was just too easy and not nearly as dramatic as the first book. Granted, the ending of the book eluded to a further cliffhanger, like any good book, but it was the lack of care put into the main resolution that didn't live up to my expectations.
The characters and setting were great, as they were in the first book. The mystery element behind this sequel was also a great addition, delving into the history of Fiona and the reasoning behind her lingering presence in this world. I will say that the amount of coincidental connections to the MC and the implication of fate into the story was perhaps a little too much. One unbelievable coincidence would be fine, but there were just too many. Also, the inclusion of the spirit of Uncle Marcel's late wife as an element to the story was a little hokey, but it did add an extra layer to the ending.
All-in-all the book was not bad, just not as good as its predecessor and I feel that the potential to continue on an interesting-enough story was ruined by the inclusion of too many new elements. The first book did well to take the standard setup for a horror haunting tale and didn't change too much. This book tried a little too hard to become a complex piece, and I feel it hurt it in the end. If you read the first book, give it a read, though I am not sure that there will be a third.
Pretty standard setup for a sequel. Having some background from the first book, I was hopeful to get a little more backstory and build on the creepiness factor that the first book did so well. From the start it was a much faster pace for the hauntings in the home. This was great except it was then halted for the mystery side of the story, diving into the background of the main malevolent spirit. This too was what I wanted, so for those wondering, where did the story go wrong. It was in the resolution to the main conflict. It was just too easy and not nearly as dramatic as the first book. Granted, the ending of the book eluded to a further cliffhanger, like any good book, but it was the lack of care put into the main resolution that didn't live up to my expectations.
The characters and setting were great, as they were in the first book. The mystery element behind this sequel was also a great addition, delving into the history of Fiona and the reasoning behind her lingering presence in this world. I will say that the amount of coincidental connections to the MC and the implication of fate into the story was perhaps a little too much. One unbelievable coincidence would be fine, but there were just too many. Also, the inclusion of the spirit of Uncle Marcel's late wife as an element to the story was a little hokey, but it did add an extra layer to the ending.
All-in-all the book was not bad, just not as good as its predecessor and I feel that the potential to continue on an interesting-enough story was ruined by the inclusion of too many new elements. The first book did well to take the standard setup for a horror haunting tale and didn't change too much. This book tried a little too hard to become a complex piece, and I feel it hurt it in the end. If you read the first book, give it a read, though I am not sure that there will be a third.
December 25, 2019
Review originally published at: https://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookr...
The House of the Long Shadows, that we read about in book one of this series, is the main character again in this story. Having listened to the previous book last year, it was nice to go back to the same place and remember what happened there. But having read the first book is not a requisite, as we get enough information about past important events, and this is a story that could perfectly stand on its own.
There is a new family living in the house, but noises and strange shadows are making life impossible there. Creepy and disturbing, Ambrose Ibsen knows how to give soul to a house, even if this soul is a very dark one. I enjoyed the previous book, but I think I liked this one even better. The book is very well written, and this time we will know more about the origins of this house and its previous inhabitants.
Marcel Dubois is a relative of the family currently living there, and he takes full the job of ridding the house of its current dark presence with the help of his deceased wife. I enjoyed the characters’ relationships and especially the dynamics between Marcel and his wife. It was an original detail that made the story more interesting.
Joe Hempel delivered an excellent narration, keeping the tension and intrigue at the right moments, while also transmitting the characters’ utter horror and despair. Each character was recognizable thanks to subtle differences in tone and interpretation style. The narration made following the story a breeze. Ibsen and Hempel is always a winning combination, which will delight not only horror fans.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The House of the Long Shadows, that we read about in book one of this series, is the main character again in this story. Having listened to the previous book last year, it was nice to go back to the same place and remember what happened there. But having read the first book is not a requisite, as we get enough information about past important events, and this is a story that could perfectly stand on its own.
There is a new family living in the house, but noises and strange shadows are making life impossible there. Creepy and disturbing, Ambrose Ibsen knows how to give soul to a house, even if this soul is a very dark one. I enjoyed the previous book, but I think I liked this one even better. The book is very well written, and this time we will know more about the origins of this house and its previous inhabitants.
Marcel Dubois is a relative of the family currently living there, and he takes full the job of ridding the house of its current dark presence with the help of his deceased wife. I enjoyed the characters’ relationships and especially the dynamics between Marcel and his wife. It was an original detail that made the story more interesting.
Joe Hempel delivered an excellent narration, keeping the tension and intrigue at the right moments, while also transmitting the characters’ utter horror and despair. Each character was recognizable thanks to subtle differences in tone and interpretation style. The narration made following the story a breeze. Ibsen and Hempel is always a winning combination, which will delight not only horror fans.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
May 10, 2020
Outstanding segue from the first book! I'm a little confused though and because I read this book practically straight through from the first one, I may have missed something but it seems the house was eventually renovated from the description that the new couple saw and the reason they bought... please someone help me here to make sure I didn't miss anything but I am wondering how it got finished without any incidents... secondly I could definitely have predicted how it ended with uncle Marcel becoming the latest victim however it seems, and I could be wrong again here because I read the book continually that my eyes could've gone a little wonky, that only his wife was left and Fiona was eventually gone along with the rest of the ghosts... i'm pretty sure that the bird would have been found by flipping idiot Kevin when he dug out Fiona in the first place... while it probably would have been extremely timely and added a significant timeline to the book,I would have liked to have seen some sort of background on how Fiona came to be the way she was... was she somehow possessed by some thing in the basement of the orphanage or something of that nature? Was her father the devil incarnate himself? trauma does all kinds of things to people, and she certainly had her fair share, but I'm not sure it makes them sticky paper for souls... as always this author provides outstanding in your face hauntings that definitely stick in the back of your mind on a continual basis but leave you craving for more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2026
I did enjoy this book, but I loved the first one more. This sequel was still a good read, but it didn’t quite capture the same magic as the original.
Once again, I found myself wishing there was more background on Fiona. The story gives a bit of additional information about her, but it still never really explains how she’s able to speak to ghosts or how exactly she “collects” them. It feels like there’s an interesting backstory there that we only get small pieces of. Maybe there’s another book dedicated to her?
It wasn’t the kind of book that keeps you awake for days because it’s so scary, but there were definitely a few moments that genuinely creeped me out. Those unsettling scenes were probably my favorite parts. The author does a good job of setting scenes and describing them with detail. Has a great ending which is important to me.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but the first book still stands out as the stronger one for me. Still 4 stars.
Once again, I found myself wishing there was more background on Fiona. The story gives a bit of additional information about her, but it still never really explains how she’s able to speak to ghosts or how exactly she “collects” them. It feels like there’s an interesting backstory there that we only get small pieces of. Maybe there’s another book dedicated to her?
It wasn’t the kind of book that keeps you awake for days because it’s so scary, but there were definitely a few moments that genuinely creeped me out. Those unsettling scenes were probably my favorite parts. The author does a good job of setting scenes and describing them with detail. Has a great ending which is important to me.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but the first book still stands out as the stronger one for me. Still 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2019
A Great Follow-Up (2 of 3) to House of Long Shadows
Ibsen does mystery horror with a large shot of paranormal well, and this book doesn’t disappoint. It picks up the story from the prior HofS book nicely. It’s a 4.5 stars for sure.
While the characters were not unbelievable, it is uncommonly lucky to have a rich uncle to *come to the rescue*. But characters are not Ibsen’s strongest point, though I am hoping these new homeowners, Nephew & Family, will be fleshed out in Book 3. Uncle obviously hadn’t read those ghost hunter books of his (or any others) nor watched any Dead Files et al. shows (though I believe the writer has) - it’s a cardinal rule NEVER to mess with Ouija Boards.
However, the writing is beautiful and the story flows and keeps you reading. If you like this genre, you’ll love this book!
Ibsen does mystery horror with a large shot of paranormal well, and this book doesn’t disappoint. It picks up the story from the prior HofS book nicely. It’s a 4.5 stars for sure.
While the characters were not unbelievable, it is uncommonly lucky to have a rich uncle to *come to the rescue*. But characters are not Ibsen’s strongest point, though I am hoping these new homeowners, Nephew & Family, will be fleshed out in Book 3. Uncle obviously hadn’t read those ghost hunter books of his (or any others) nor watched any Dead Files et al. shows (though I believe the writer has) - it’s a cardinal rule NEVER to mess with Ouija Boards.
However, the writing is beautiful and the story flows and keeps you reading. If you like this genre, you’ll love this book!
June 18, 2025
Wow – I was honestly surprised by how different Malefic reads! New character, new voice, totally different tone – and Ambrose Ibsen really pulls it off. The style shift feels natural and convincing, and to be honest, I actually liked the writing even more than in the first book. It flows a bit smoother and feels more refined.
We finally get more information about the mysterious woman, which I really appreciated. That said, it still feels just like a continuation, not quite like a deep dive into the bigger story – so that’s where the one star drops.
Still, I’m totally on board for book three. Malefic pulled me right in. If you liked the first one, you’ll definitely enjoy this one. And if you're into psychological horror with a stylish twist – this series is for you.
We finally get more information about the mysterious woman, which I really appreciated. That said, it still feels just like a continuation, not quite like a deep dive into the bigger story – so that’s where the one star drops.
Still, I’m totally on board for book three. Malefic pulled me right in. If you liked the first one, you’ll definitely enjoy this one. And if you're into psychological horror with a stylish twist – this series is for you.
June 21, 2018
Very good book although the second book about this haunting stands on it's own.
I have read several of Mr. Ibsen's works and find he is improving with each new book. This was an enjoyable horror story with some original ideas and it is unnecessary to read the first book in the series since they are really two separate tales of the same haunted house. Although the first book was enjoyable this book is better. I believe the author should attempt to write longer books for I believe he has honed his craft to join the likes of King, Saul and Koontz. I realize it is a difficult business to break into but it may be time to go for it!
I have read several of Mr. Ibsen's works and find he is improving with each new book. This was an enjoyable horror story with some original ideas and it is unnecessary to read the first book in the series since they are really two separate tales of the same haunted house. Although the first book was enjoyable this book is better. I believe the author should attempt to write longer books for I believe he has honed his craft to join the likes of King, Saul and Koontz. I realize it is a difficult business to break into but it may be time to go for it!
November 13, 2018
********* AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *********
Yes! Now this is the Ambrose Ibsen that I have come to love and stalk! This book was incredibly creepy. I listened to it within 24 hours. It starts out a bit slow and slowly... ever so slowly Ibsen builds his story up and you are left with a slack jaw and eyes wide open! Joe Hempel is just THE narrator for ghost stories... for stories creepy as can be! These two together are a ghost/paranormal powerhouse! Now, if you are looking for a book that'll make you stop and stare off a bit while getting chills... Malefic is perfect for you. Now this is the follow up to The House of Long Shadows and I'd definitely recommend you listen to it first. However, if you decide to jump into this one feet first, I don't think you'll be lost. The story is retold so everything unfolds here but not as in-depth as the first one.
Yes! Now this is the Ambrose Ibsen that I have come to love and stalk! This book was incredibly creepy. I listened to it within 24 hours. It starts out a bit slow and slowly... ever so slowly Ibsen builds his story up and you are left with a slack jaw and eyes wide open! Joe Hempel is just THE narrator for ghost stories... for stories creepy as can be! These two together are a ghost/paranormal powerhouse! Now, if you are looking for a book that'll make you stop and stare off a bit while getting chills... Malefic is perfect for you. Now this is the follow up to The House of Long Shadows and I'd definitely recommend you listen to it first. However, if you decide to jump into this one feet first, I don't think you'll be lost. The story is retold so everything unfolds here but not as in-depth as the first one.
March 20, 2020
If you love horror read anything by Ibsen. His love of words brings his writing to life in a way very few others do. The monsters he creates are truly scary. He leaves pieces of himself in the pages, whether about coffee, food or music it's fun finding him inside the story. It's his true love of our language that amazes me time and time again with every new release. Every single word is chosen carefully so that we can see what he sees. It doesn't happen to me often but I find it hard to describe just how amazing i find his writing. Great backstory with great set up and I hope the next entry in the series is just as good. I cannot wait!
December 31, 2020
Excellent as always! Great author.
Enjoying this particular trilogy. Look forward to reading it when I saw who was the author. Excellent descriptive writing without being overbearing completely draws the reader into the scene has plenty of room for one's imagination to create the visual. Love all the different characters involved and different developments I'm just enough to make them feel included into feel like you know them more for the main characters. Looking forward to the next book. Thought in this one something would have been left back at the house, yet Constance would have been back with him. So this is interesting.
Enjoying this particular trilogy. Look forward to reading it when I saw who was the author. Excellent descriptive writing without being overbearing completely draws the reader into the scene has plenty of room for one's imagination to create the visual. Love all the different characters involved and different developments I'm just enough to make them feel included into feel like you know them more for the main characters. Looking forward to the next book. Thought in this one something would have been left back at the house, yet Constance would have been back with him. So this is interesting.
June 23, 2018
SO SO GOOD! Wow! Ambrose Ibsen, you must know by now I am seriously enamoured by your books!❤.
This series is some of his best! The first in the series was great, therefore leading me directly to the second! This one - "Malefic" (House of Souls: Book 2) is equally as good as the first of the series! The first might have had a bit more creep factor, but this also includes plenty! This novel features more of the historical events that brought about these awful horrors and has kept me totally engrossed from front to end! Eagerly awaiting the next instalment! Hurry Please!❤
This series is some of his best! The first in the series was great, therefore leading me directly to the second! This one - "Malefic" (House of Souls: Book 2) is equally as good as the first of the series! The first might have had a bit more creep factor, but this also includes plenty! This novel features more of the historical events that brought about these awful horrors and has kept me totally engrossed from front to end! Eagerly awaiting the next instalment! Hurry Please!❤
June 24, 2018
Great sequel....cannot wait for the next!
I'm not sure about this author, but I do know I do not prefer to run into him on a dark, stormy night! This is one of the few horror authors that can really give me the creeps! You know, one of those stories you think about while in your dark bedroom at night! I really enjoy his work. The characters are well developed and the suspense & horror seems realistic and capable. I HIGHLY recommend any and all works by Mr. Ibsen! Cannot wait to start the next!!
I'm not sure about this author, but I do know I do not prefer to run into him on a dark, stormy night! This is one of the few horror authors that can really give me the creeps! You know, one of those stories you think about while in your dark bedroom at night! I really enjoy his work. The characters are well developed and the suspense & horror seems realistic and capable. I HIGHLY recommend any and all works by Mr. Ibsen! Cannot wait to start the next!!
December 12, 2018
I enjoyed this more than the first book. I don't always get to say that, but it is the case here. It wasn't the way it ended, but it was interesting how Ambrose Ibsen developed the history of the story and gave the characters a chance to survive the tale. This book series is an enjoyable break from the everyday haunted house story. I like this take on it a lot. As far as Joe Hemple, I feel like his narration gets better every time I listen to him. Really good job.
This story was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
This story was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
November 11, 2018
Good read
I peered out the window.
Somewhere down there was a house where the shadows grew long.
A house where the doors slammed, and where croaking whispers sometimes sounded in the dead of night.
In that house, too, there was something hidden behind one of the walls.
My wife, God willing, was there as well. I was soon to return.
And this time, I planned to put a stop to it all. I was going to quiet that house, empty it of souls, before the day was through.
I peered out the window.
Somewhere down there was a house where the shadows grew long.
A house where the doors slammed, and where croaking whispers sometimes sounded in the dead of night.
In that house, too, there was something hidden behind one of the walls.
My wife, God willing, was there as well. I was soon to return.
And this time, I planned to put a stop to it all. I was going to quiet that house, empty it of souls, before the day was through.
December 10, 2018
Startlingly better than its predecessor
Wow, this was so much better than the first tome! I think most of my problems with the first are because I found the protagonist so unlikeable, but the sequel’s narrator is so much better. A fleshed out back story was welcome too.
Doesn’t everyone need a rich uncle to send them on holidays to spas while he exorcises their house from spirits?
Wow, this was so much better than the first tome! I think most of my problems with the first are because I found the protagonist so unlikeable, but the sequel’s narrator is so much better. A fleshed out back story was welcome too.
Doesn’t everyone need a rich uncle to send them on holidays to spas while he exorcises their house from spirits?
January 29, 2019
Terrifying!!
Amazing set of books! Kept me absolutely fantastically terrified!! Loved every single page!! This author knows the incredible secret to building the story into anxious fear of what’s coming next! I found myself holding my breath so many times. It scared the daylights out of me with it’s all consuming creepiness. Geez this author has terror nailed down without all the blood and gore.
Amazing set of books! Kept me absolutely fantastically terrified!! Loved every single page!! This author knows the incredible secret to building the story into anxious fear of what’s coming next! I found myself holding my breath so many times. It scared the daylights out of me with it’s all consuming creepiness. Geez this author has terror nailed down without all the blood and gore.
November 30, 2019
This is the second book in the House of Souls duology and I just loved it. This picks up what happens after the first book and a new family has bought the house but it starting to hear and see things. So the father calls his uncle, Marcel, to asks him to come and check out the house. Marcel is an elderly man but is into ghosts and spirits so he definitely wants to come and help out. I don't want to go into the story more because I am not going to spoil it but I highly recommend it.
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