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Olde Tudor: A ghost story
When Alistair Swift, a retired school teacher buys an old Tudor cottage in the ancient town of Thornbarrow, he soon discovers that his rural retreat is anything but the peaceful getaway he had hoped for. In fact, he becomes the owner of two homes. One, a delightful Tudor cottage. The other, an ancient sepulchral cavern. The land on which they both stand a once sacred site in prehistory. Alistair’s practiced curiosity finds him meddling with things that should remain untouched. Cut off from the rest of the town by bad weather and sick with fever, he is tormented by something beyond the tangible world.
- GenresHorror
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2018
20 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 26, 2021
Alistair, a retired school teacher, is buying a small house outside a small town. With the house come a cave, a monolithic stone and a strange journal the predecessor left. What happened to Rev Redgrave? Why is an unsettling atmosphere threatening Alistair? Will he get rid of the evil that walks around him? This is an extremely creepy traditional ghost story in the best tradition of MR James. Very English, you can fully imagine the scene and the characters. I also liked the reverences to stone age, the paintings in the cave and the mysterious historical hints. The ending left a bit too much open for me (the only minus I could think about, except if the author plans a follow up). A very fine ghost story indeed, thoroughly plotted and highly recommended! Splendid read!
November 21, 2019
I adored this book. Definite shades of M R James and a creeping sense of unease. Beautifully written with believable characters. I was genuinely worried for poor Alistair and his welfare. Will certainly look out for this very talented author again.
January 28, 2019
A wonderful ghostly tale
I really enjoyed this book, only the 2nd ghost story I've read in years it was refreshingly different. Mixing the prehistorical past with the present day in which the story was set, shortly following WWII, was very interesting. I found myself caring for the main character very soon after he appeared in the book, and especially for his companion, and loved the atmospheric feel of the storyline. It certainly gave me the creeps and kept me wondering what was going to occur next. I would recommend it to anyone interested in classic ghost stories and of prehistory culture in Britain.
I really enjoyed this book, only the 2nd ghost story I've read in years it was refreshingly different. Mixing the prehistorical past with the present day in which the story was set, shortly following WWII, was very interesting. I found myself caring for the main character very soon after he appeared in the book, and especially for his companion, and loved the atmospheric feel of the storyline. It certainly gave me the creeps and kept me wondering what was going to occur next. I would recommend it to anyone interested in classic ghost stories and of prehistory culture in Britain.
January 31, 2021
An old house, an ancient horror awakened and a haunting that cannot be suspended, all in the shadow of war. I’m a fan of the Victorian and Edwardian ghost story, and this seems to me to be in the tradition of my favorite author of horror, M.R. James. It was a lovely thing to read by the fire with a cup of tea, but I’m glad I finished it before the dark comes. It was a short story, but that’s usually best. I thought it well written from the suspense point of view, and the ending perfect. We don’t end up knowing everything, but that’s what leaves the reader just a little bit afraid after the last page.
February 16, 2020
I am a big fan of ghost stories and tales of the supernatural. Here is an author, who for me, ticks all the boxes for a great spooky tale. We have a scary old house, prehistoric relics and a sinister presence. A great story and I will certainly be buying more of this author's work. Keep them coming Mr. Williams! Thank you!
December 9, 2024
Gem of a writer
Great writer love the tales absolutely amazing,will be looking forward to reading more tales and hopefully keep a couple for Christmas eve
Great writer love the tales absolutely amazing,will be looking forward to reading more tales and hopefully keep a couple for Christmas eve
October 20, 2024
Another classic ghost story by the very talented David Ralph Williams. I love his style of writing completely. Every detail is meticulously written. I can't recommend this book enough. Very haunting and like the victorian ghost stories. You'll want to read more of his books after this!!
April 5, 2020
This was a really good book, a lot shorter then I expected but i was gripped.
It was really well written with the perfect balance of history and suspense. I dont like to read books that cause me to become spooked to much. This however was just right, it had me a little on edge but not enough to make me want to stop reading.
The story had me hoping and praying for Alistairs life. I felt sad at Smokeys fate.
Alistair is a retired teacher who has finally decided to buy his own home to retire and enjoy.
Wanting something with character, history and charm he falls In love with 'Olde Tudor' a house that comes with beautifully original features and a story to go with it. Alistair becomes intrigued by a cave situated on the property grounds, the cave Is dark and mysterious. Inside it holds 3 burials and many holographic drawings from thousands of years before.
Alistair starts to notice strange happenings and before long his fears become reality. Believing the thing in the cave is wanting him , taunting him and driving him to madness.
It was really well written with the perfect balance of history and suspense. I dont like to read books that cause me to become spooked to much. This however was just right, it had me a little on edge but not enough to make me want to stop reading.
The story had me hoping and praying for Alistairs life. I felt sad at Smokeys fate.
Alistair is a retired teacher who has finally decided to buy his own home to retire and enjoy.
Wanting something with character, history and charm he falls In love with 'Olde Tudor' a house that comes with beautifully original features and a story to go with it. Alistair becomes intrigued by a cave situated on the property grounds, the cave Is dark and mysterious. Inside it holds 3 burials and many holographic drawings from thousands of years before.
Alistair starts to notice strange happenings and before long his fears become reality. Believing the thing in the cave is wanting him , taunting him and driving him to madness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2018
A Beautiful Style of Writing
This novel is rather a hidden gem I managed to stumble across! It is a good, old fashioned ghost story with a very interesting premise. As a lover of both history and the supernatural I thoroughly enjoyed this short, yet tension packed, tale and I look forward to reading more from this author.
The characters and their voices are very genuine and sympathetic. The style of writing fits perfectly with the time period in which it is set and reminded me somewhat of the early works of M.R. James.
I got the sense that this may be a relatively early piece of Mr Williams work - not in a negative way, it almost felt like I was seeing him become more confident in his storytelling as the book progressed. There were some slight grammatical errors and some prose felt a little awkward but I feel that rather adds to its charm.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good ghost story that doesn't lazily depend on shock or gore.
This novel is rather a hidden gem I managed to stumble across! It is a good, old fashioned ghost story with a very interesting premise. As a lover of both history and the supernatural I thoroughly enjoyed this short, yet tension packed, tale and I look forward to reading more from this author.
The characters and their voices are very genuine and sympathetic. The style of writing fits perfectly with the time period in which it is set and reminded me somewhat of the early works of M.R. James.
I got the sense that this may be a relatively early piece of Mr Williams work - not in a negative way, it almost felt like I was seeing him become more confident in his storytelling as the book progressed. There were some slight grammatical errors and some prose felt a little awkward but I feel that rather adds to its charm.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good ghost story that doesn't lazily depend on shock or gore.
December 7, 2018
Gory ghost
This book was fast paced and full of suspense. It was a quick read. The ending was abrupt. The story line needed expansion.
This book was fast paced and full of suspense. It was a quick read. The ending was abrupt. The story line needed expansion.
October 31, 2020
Excellent Fun
This story is the type of solid english ghost story that the likes of Mark Gatiss seem to strive after writing. Set in a post-war East Anglia it has all the ingredients for a creepy foreboding tale. A mourning central character; a house with an unhappy past; locals who seem to know more than they dare tell; snowy, dark nights alone. Highly recommended, the writer creates a good creepy yarn with solid threads of action, horror and foreboding. Can see this clearly as a 70's Hammer House of Horror episode!
This story is the type of solid english ghost story that the likes of Mark Gatiss seem to strive after writing. Set in a post-war East Anglia it has all the ingredients for a creepy foreboding tale. A mourning central character; a house with an unhappy past; locals who seem to know more than they dare tell; snowy, dark nights alone. Highly recommended, the writer creates a good creepy yarn with solid threads of action, horror and foreboding. Can see this clearly as a 70's Hammer House of Horror episode!
November 7, 2020
Loved it
I love a good ghost story especially at this time of year but there are not many that draw me in so easily as this did imagine if Shirley Jackson and Edith Blyton wrote a story together that is how best to describe this wonderful story it is deliciously dark and gothic but written in a beautifully 1940s style that is quite innocent and that makes it even more wonderful I forgot to breath as I reached the end I've just bought 3 more of David Ralph Williams
I love a good ghost story especially at this time of year but there are not many that draw me in so easily as this did imagine if Shirley Jackson and Edith Blyton wrote a story together that is how best to describe this wonderful story it is deliciously dark and gothic but written in a beautifully 1940s style that is quite innocent and that makes it even more wonderful I forgot to breath as I reached the end I've just bought 3 more of David Ralph Williams
November 5, 2019
Perfect ghost story for Christmas
Part M.R. James, part H.P. Lovecraft. I really loved this book. It is suspenseful and the characters have depth. I hope to read a prequel or sequel. I think this could be adapted as a BBC special. Just perfect.
Part M.R. James, part H.P. Lovecraft. I really loved this book. It is suspenseful and the characters have depth. I hope to read a prequel or sequel. I think this could be adapted as a BBC special. Just perfect.
March 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this, very Susan Hill. Its a short book but it is atmospheric. Alistair buys an old house in Thornberry. It is built on a very old site and contains a cavern with secrets that are not meant to be disturbed. Alistair starts to meddle and things begin to happen He soon learns buying Olde Tudor is a big mistake. I really enjoyed it and rate it at four point five only losing out on the five by a gruesome scene I did not enjoy but this is a story well worth reading, if you like a good ghost story,
November 2, 2018
Please learn English punctuation and grammar!
Dreadful. Ploddingly written. Poorly punctuated. Filled with daft cliches. Cringe-worthy. Why did you i imagine anyone would want to read this nonsense? Self-publishing is a crime against basic awareness of written English. Really.
Dreadful. Ploddingly written. Poorly punctuated. Filled with daft cliches. Cringe-worthy. Why did you i imagine anyone would want to read this nonsense? Self-publishing is a crime against basic awareness of written English. Really.
November 5, 2018
Nice traditional ghost story. Written in an old style that I particularly like. Not very long but the length suited the story. I enjoy this style of writing. A couple of high end minor punctuation errors, but I always find these even in books that aren't self published.
February 11, 2019
A traditional kind of ghost story. Unusual idea not come across this setting for a ghost story before. I felt as though this book was written some 60 or so years ago, but is only a year old, so the writer has created this non contemporary feel. Recommended read.
March 20, 2019
A "Victorian" ghost story!
Although the plot was centred around the late 1940s this story had all the hallmarks of a Victorian gothic horror. As a 19th century ghost story this book could well have been penned by such a writer as Wilkie Collins. Very good indeed.
Although the plot was centred around the late 1940s this story had all the hallmarks of a Victorian gothic horror. As a 19th century ghost story this book could well have been penned by such a writer as Wilkie Collins. Very good indeed.
June 12, 2019
It was a good story but I felt it jumped about a bit from Alistar to the Reverend. The reason I gave it three stars and not four was because of the ending. I would have liked to have got a little more of the story instead of ending so abruptly
March 30, 2019
Good honest ghost story
Atmospheric and creepy without being OTT. An enjoyable ghost story that I found easy to get absorbed into, well worth a read.
Atmospheric and creepy without being OTT. An enjoyable ghost story that I found easy to get absorbed into, well worth a read.
April 5, 2019
Creepy
Very creepy story that I read in one go to see what happened to the main characters Would recommend you anyone that likes scary stories.
Very creepy story that I read in one go to see what happened to the main characters Would recommend you anyone that likes scary stories.
June 23, 2019
Spine chilling
Very much like a Susan Hill book. Not one to read at night.
Moral of story: don't let curiosity get the better of you!
Very much like a Susan Hill book. Not one to read at night.
Moral of story: don't let curiosity get the better of you!
October 30, 2019
A classic style ghost story (or is it a "thing" story?). Lovely atmosphere and delightful suspense. An honest bit of good old fashioned spookiness.
November 6, 2018
A very well written story and one that takes you back to the days of the old style of writing ghost stories. The author sets the scene early on and builds up the tension throughout. Not an overlong book, but a very welcome change. The authors style of writing is not too dissimilar to the great M R James. Very good indeed.
February 3, 2020
A gem of a ghost story, written in a formal gothic style reminiscent of Wilkie Collins. When Alistair Smith moves into Olde Tudor, he finds a dark history that he should have left buried. The book builds with an undercurrent of simmering unease becoming a deep sense of malevolence until its grisly climax.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews