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The Briarwych Trilogy #1
The Haunting of Briarwych Church
The year is 1942. Britain is in the grip of the Second World War, bringing blackout conditions to much of the country. And in one of the country's oldest churches, a powerful evil begins to stir. For several years, Briarwych Church has remained locked and unused. Arriving to take up his new position, Father Lionel Loveford's first task is to open the great wooden door and get the church back into use. But something lurks in the shadows. A terrible tragedy once took place in Briarwych, and now the locals live in fear of a vengeful spirit that has sometimes been spotted looking out from the church's windows. Although he doesn't believe in ghosts, Father Loveford soon discovers that the entire village of Blackwych lives in a perpetual state of guilt and terror. Does the ghost of Judith Prendergast really haunt the church and, if so, what does she want from the villagers? With the door now unlocked, does her spirit now roam the village? And can her anger really reach as far as the wartorn fields of mainland Europe? The Haunting of Briarwych Church is a horror story about a dead woman's anger, and about a terrible quest for revenge.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2018
420 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
664 books1,686 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 59 reviews
April 25, 2022
While I always appreciate religious horror, I've been spoiled by the priests that Blatty wrote. Sure, not every horror lit priest needs to have constant crises of faith or be wittier than everyone around him like in Blattys books, but this novel was missing that little bit of inward-cynicism that I enjoy so much in other novels about priests.
Father Loveford, the main character, is so pious sometimes that I felt like I was reading one of those Christian fiction novels like Left Behind, or watching God's Not Dead 5: WWII. He is hesitant to listen to anyone about the ghost that almost every person in this book has a vision of, including the priest himself. One positive thing I can say of his character and of the originality of the novel is that he refuses to believe in what is in front of him while giving those around him empty answers regarding their faith and their ways of coping with death, war, and what their village did to the antagonist. I think that adds a somewhat shallow depth to the novel, maybe unintentional, of the blindness of what should be the most faith-filled person in the community.
Typically in novels with characters like Loveford, the doubtful and pious naysayers would be side characters to be found dead by the heroic and believing main character. I give props to Amy Cross for putting Loveford in the action instead. It was a refreshing take on a ghost story.
All of that said, I'm excited to read the sequels. There was a scene (the big reveal) that did give me goosebumps and I want to see what Judith gets up to in the sequels. I've read plenty of revenant stories and Judith seems, while not entirely a revenant, an extremely pissed off ghost and more vengeful than other antagonists I've read.
Father Loveford, the main character, is so pious sometimes that I felt like I was reading one of those Christian fiction novels like Left Behind, or watching God's Not Dead 5: WWII. He is hesitant to listen to anyone about the ghost that almost every person in this book has a vision of, including the priest himself. One positive thing I can say of his character and of the originality of the novel is that he refuses to believe in what is in front of him while giving those around him empty answers regarding their faith and their ways of coping with death, war, and what their village did to the antagonist. I think that adds a somewhat shallow depth to the novel, maybe unintentional, of the blindness of what should be the most faith-filled person in the community.
Typically in novels with characters like Loveford, the doubtful and pious naysayers would be side characters to be found dead by the heroic and believing main character. I give props to Amy Cross for putting Loveford in the action instead. It was a refreshing take on a ghost story.
All of that said, I'm excited to read the sequels. There was a scene (the big reveal) that did give me goosebumps and I want to see what Judith gets up to in the sequels. I've read plenty of revenant stories and Judith seems, while not entirely a revenant, an extremely pissed off ghost and more vengeful than other antagonists I've read.
August 5, 2022
Sorry but this didn’t do a thing for me. It might have been scary if I were a teen but I’m not I’m in my 50’s. I just couldn’t really care about what was going on either. There is a ghost there isn’t a ghost. Sorry takes way more that that to hold my interest. I even love gothic ghost stories but this was too dull. And I found the ending to abrupt. I was thinking what??? That’s it? Maybe it gets better if you read the other books but there is no way I’m investing my time and money to find out. Sorry just can’t recommend this one.
November 8, 2018
The Priest Who Didn't Believe I Ghosts
Another fast read by Any Cross! The characters are well done and you keep hoping that everything will work out and that the priest will be able to save the love of his life!! However, as always, our author leaves us with hope but no final finish. One needs to use their imagination and hopefully, it will be a happy conclusion!
Another fast read by Any Cross! The characters are well done and you keep hoping that everything will work out and that the priest will be able to save the love of his life!! However, as always, our author leaves us with hope but no final finish. One needs to use their imagination and hopefully, it will be a happy conclusion!
May 21, 2020
3.5 Stars. This was an interesting mix of a ghost story and a story about faith. Audio book, good narrator. I look forward to reading the next in this series and more by this author.
December 13, 2024
I actually loved this book. There has been some mixed reviews of this book, but it kept my attention and did not have all of the stereotypical cliches that most ghost books have. I was very happy to see that this is a series. I have continued on to the third one, a little out of order, however it is the prequel book to the first. I will probably move on to the second one after!
October 26, 2018
Pretty good story.
July 20, 2020
Amy Cross is an interesting author in that she an manifest emotional pull in her characters, a lot of frustration and fear mostly, she has this ability to make you attached without even realizing it, but her writing it also very fast paced and harsh at times. She has this contradictory way about her writing that really plays out well, whether it be in her ability to use the present and past to grow interest or her curt manner of doling out compassionate ideals. While I enjoy Cross’ writing generally as a really fun horror author that gives decent ghost stories to read, this one specifically wasn’t one of my top favorites. I like the premise here, anything involving churches and ghosts is always intriguing for me, but the actual execution was a little wanting. I noticed a lot more inconsistencies in this than usual, things like a character saying they have one child and then proceeding to mention their second one moments later, just a little frustrating. I really enjoyed the plot overall but this one just came off a little more unpolished than I have come to expect and because of that, it wasn’t a favorite. That all being said, I still read this in a day and the second one the very next, so even with these slight issues, I still like the story itself very much and overall enjoyed this read.
June 4, 2019
Took me a while to really get into it.
The book is pretty decent over all, most of the book is getting the story's background into position for the real action at the end. It would have been nice to have a bit of encouragement throughout the book to keep me motivated to read it at a decent pace, but I will admit, it took me a month to finish it. At times I almost dreaded picking it up again. But in the end it came out pretty decent overall.
The book is pretty decent over all, most of the book is getting the story's background into position for the real action at the end. It would have been nice to have a bit of encouragement throughout the book to keep me motivated to read it at a decent pace, but I will admit, it took me a month to finish it. At times I almost dreaded picking it up again. But in the end it came out pretty decent overall.
December 6, 2018
The story is intriguing but it seems very drawn out at times. I was interested enough to keep reading and finish the book although at times I wanted to slap the preacher (if you read this, you will probably understand, lol). There was a nice surprise twist that I admit I didn't see coming and I think I'm definitely going to want to read the next book now.
December 14, 2018
Run of the mill ghost story.
This was a disappointing effort from Amy Cross. A rather laborious tale of a naive vicar, a bunch of yokels, a dead mother and her damaged daughter. It could have been a really good ghost story but, sadly, it lacked any kind of energy and page turning anticipation. Not what I've come to expect from this author.
This was a disappointing effort from Amy Cross. A rather laborious tale of a naive vicar, a bunch of yokels, a dead mother and her damaged daughter. It could have been a really good ghost story but, sadly, it lacked any kind of energy and page turning anticipation. Not what I've come to expect from this author.
April 22, 2019
Humm
This book while an interesting read, it was a little slow. I will read the other books in this trilogy and hope to find more going on. I enjoyed this book, don't get me wrong. Father L and Lizzy seem to be developing some type of relationship. However, I don't think that was fully explained either. Does Lizzy get better or not? What happened to Father L?
This book while an interesting read, it was a little slow. I will read the other books in this trilogy and hope to find more going on. I enjoyed this book, don't get me wrong. Father L and Lizzy seem to be developing some type of relationship. However, I don't think that was fully explained either. Does Lizzy get better or not? What happened to Father L?
February 26, 2019
It's ok
The book starts out well enough and hits all the standard gothic tropes. I just found the end to be a little weak for my taste. Make no mistake, it's not bad and fits in well enough, I just think the author, whose work I've read before, can do better.
The book starts out well enough and hits all the standard gothic tropes. I just found the end to be a little weak for my taste. Make no mistake, it's not bad and fits in well enough, I just think the author, whose work I've read before, can do better.
February 16, 2021
There may have been a logic error in regard to the inhabitation of arson ravaged buildings.
March 4, 2019
Kept my interest. Have read cross previously and have enjoyed
February 27, 2019
AN INTERESTING SPIN ON THE HAUNTED HOUSE GENRE
I enjoyed this novel. At 462 pages, I thought it would take a while to complete. However, I read “The Haunting of Briarwych Church” in 2 days. The plot was enjoyable and fast-moving. The main characters were realistic and empathetic. Initially, I found Father Loveford to be a self-righteous prig. He was so sanctimonious! He wanted to help the villagers grow spiritually, but when he spoke to them, he had a bombastic, “preachy” stance. It was easy to see why the villagers didn’t show up for Sunday service. Loveford didn’t want to incur expenses upon the parish, so he didn’t ask his bishop for the money to buy blackout drapes. So he spent his evenings in the dark. Meanwhile, he indulged his vanity by feeling like a martyr for his church because he sacrificed his comfort. I’m sure he patted himself on the back for that! I disliked this priest so much. However, as the novel continued, I saw a positive development in his character! Amy Cross showed the reader the inner heart of Loveford. I saw his sincerity, his self-doubt & insecurities. He became a sympathetic character. He went out of his way to help any parishioner who asked including those who disliked him. He was positive Judith Prendergast wasn’t “real”. At the novel’s conclusion he realizes she is real, & he realizes the damage she wrought upon her daughter Lizzy. Speaking of Lizzy, Loveford was sure he couldn’t marry a woman like her because she was too young for him. At the end of book 1, he awaits the time when Lizzy becomes cognizant so he could marry her.
This novel isn’t simply about Briarwych Church. It’s also about the development of Father Loveford & the villagers, and the devolution of Lizzy Pendergast.
I’ll be reading book 2 “The Horror of Briarwych Church” now.
I love Amy Cross’s novels!
I enjoyed this novel. At 462 pages, I thought it would take a while to complete. However, I read “The Haunting of Briarwych Church” in 2 days. The plot was enjoyable and fast-moving. The main characters were realistic and empathetic. Initially, I found Father Loveford to be a self-righteous prig. He was so sanctimonious! He wanted to help the villagers grow spiritually, but when he spoke to them, he had a bombastic, “preachy” stance. It was easy to see why the villagers didn’t show up for Sunday service. Loveford didn’t want to incur expenses upon the parish, so he didn’t ask his bishop for the money to buy blackout drapes. So he spent his evenings in the dark. Meanwhile, he indulged his vanity by feeling like a martyr for his church because he sacrificed his comfort. I’m sure he patted himself on the back for that! I disliked this priest so much. However, as the novel continued, I saw a positive development in his character! Amy Cross showed the reader the inner heart of Loveford. I saw his sincerity, his self-doubt & insecurities. He became a sympathetic character. He went out of his way to help any parishioner who asked including those who disliked him. He was positive Judith Prendergast wasn’t “real”. At the novel’s conclusion he realizes she is real, & he realizes the damage she wrought upon her daughter Lizzy. Speaking of Lizzy, Loveford was sure he couldn’t marry a woman like her because she was too young for him. At the end of book 1, he awaits the time when Lizzy becomes cognizant so he could marry her.
This novel isn’t simply about Briarwych Church. It’s also about the development of Father Loveford & the villagers, and the devolution of Lizzy Pendergast.
I’ll be reading book 2 “The Horror of Briarwych Church” now.
I love Amy Cross’s novels!
January 14, 2022
fantastic!!!!!
This book, where to begin! It’s so good I could not put it down! The pace is so fast and intense and keeps you wondering what is going to happen next!
Starts off with Father Lionel taking over the church of Briarwych. A church that has been locked for many years and no one has been it it. The secret that is found in this church will change everything Father Lionel knows and believes in. Judith Pendergast will show him things he never thought possible!
This is a fantastic ghost story with twists and turns that keep you guessing. As always Amy Cross does not disappoint!!!!
This book, where to begin! It’s so good I could not put it down! The pace is so fast and intense and keeps you wondering what is going to happen next!
Starts off with Father Lionel taking over the church of Briarwych. A church that has been locked for many years and no one has been it it. The secret that is found in this church will change everything Father Lionel knows and believes in. Judith Pendergast will show him things he never thought possible!
This is a fantastic ghost story with twists and turns that keep you guessing. As always Amy Cross does not disappoint!!!!
September 4, 2024
I listened to the audiobook.
I quite enjoyed this story.
I agree with the other reviewers that the priest is so blinded by his own piety and righteousness that often times I wanted to swiftly backhand him, but let’s give credit where credit is due: he does go through some major character development.
At the same time, there are enough twists in the story to excuse the priest’s unwillingness accept the reality.
The army chief leading the nearby training field, however… can you make it any more obvious where do you keep those top secret documents?
Anyhow, I gave it 5 stars because it was really a rather good story.
I quite enjoyed this story.
I agree with the other reviewers that the priest is so blinded by his own piety and righteousness that often times I wanted to swiftly backhand him, but let’s give credit where credit is due: he does go through some major character development.
At the same time, there are enough twists in the story to excuse the priest’s unwillingness accept the reality.
The army chief leading the nearby training field, however… can you make it any more obvious where do you keep those top secret documents?
Anyhow, I gave it 5 stars because it was really a rather good story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2024
This is a short listen (not quite 6 hours) about a priest, Father Lionel Loveford, who arrives at Briarwych church to take up his new position and finds that the villagers will not enter as they believe the church is haunted. But Father Lovelord does not believe in ghosts.
I enjoyed the setting in a small village during the second world war and the story itself was interesting, though not very scary and I did find Father Lovelord's character very irritating and sanctimonious. I will probably listen to the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the setting in a small village during the second world war and the story itself was interesting, though not very scary and I did find Father Lovelord's character very irritating and sanctimonious. I will probably listen to the next book in the series.
September 25, 2024
This book is unfortunately stupid. He literally finds the dead body of the woman and then uses never having seen her before as the reason that the ghost is real. But they talk about how the body was very well preserved so he had seen her before. I really don’t understand that point. He is creepy with the cleaner of the church, all the scares in the book are cheesy and overdone like a bad horror movie, and everyone in the town is an asshole. Honestly just a strange book that is a worse ripoff of the woman in black.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2019
Another page turner from Amy
Amy has a talent for taking you on a leisurely walk only to discover that the path has twisted and turned until you're hopelessly engulfed in the story. I love her work. I only wish she had a competent proofreader look over her books before they were released. The frequent typos cause confusion and disrupt the story's flow. They are the only thing keeping her from being a five star author.
Amy has a talent for taking you on a leisurely walk only to discover that the path has twisted and turned until you're hopelessly engulfed in the story. I love her work. I only wish she had a competent proofreader look over her books before they were released. The frequent typos cause confusion and disrupt the story's flow. They are the only thing keeping her from being a five star author.
April 22, 2019
Slightly Archaic
This story takes place in the 40's, during WW2. So, I was a little surprised that the language was so stilted. The dialogue read more like 18th or 19th century. The plotline was good and the story moved along at a good pace and it did have an acceptable ending. It was just a little disconcerting to feel like I was reading a Lovecraft novel instead of a WW2 novel.
This story takes place in the 40's, during WW2. So, I was a little surprised that the language was so stilted. The dialogue read more like 18th or 19th century. The plotline was good and the story moved along at a good pace and it did have an acceptable ending. It was just a little disconcerting to feel like I was reading a Lovecraft novel instead of a WW2 novel.
February 9, 2025
I thought this was an old book, but was surprised that it was actually published in 2018. It is a great audiobook. The pace is breath taking and it works so well because Amy Cross delvers less and means so much more. There is a great twist at the end which is so well set up that it brought a smile to my lips. Christopher Weeks' performance as the main character captures the stiff upper lipped but deep emotion of the English character so well. Highly recommended.
November 27, 2018
Another Amy Cross classic
I am an avid fan of Any and I enjoyed this book very much. It's about a new priest taking over a parish in a small town. When he arrived he doesn't get a warm welcome from the parishioners. The church.is beautiful yet none of the parishioners will come to his sermons. What are they hiding and who face can be seen from the church windows.👹Devilishly 👍
I am an avid fan of Any and I enjoyed this book very much. It's about a new priest taking over a parish in a small town. When he arrived he doesn't get a warm welcome from the parishioners. The church.is beautiful yet none of the parishioners will come to his sermons. What are they hiding and who face can be seen from the church windows.👹Devilishly 👍
May 17, 2019
After downloading the final two books in this trilogy as Amazon freebies today, I realised that I'd had this book for nigh on a year & had it collecting dust in my kindle archive. I read this book in one sitting, as usual Amy doesn't do overtly long books, which is ideal for those of us with busy lives. Kept me gripped from start to finish & looking forward to book two this afternoon.
June 30, 2020
A good story.
A good story of an evil ghost during WWII England. The new priest is told his church is haunted, but he does not believe it. Ioje the characters and the plot. The suspense and horror are built up. The ending is not fully conclusive. I look forward to reading the next book.
A good story of an evil ghost during WWII England. The new priest is told his church is haunted, but he does not believe it. Ioje the characters and the plot. The suspense and horror are built up. The ending is not fully conclusive. I look forward to reading the next book.
October 25, 2018
A pretty good story
A young ripest gets sent to a church that has been closed for a few years due to the war. Unknown to him something terrible happened on the day the doers were locked.
A young ripest gets sent to a church that has been closed for a few years due to the war. Unknown to him something terrible happened on the day the doers were locked.
December 31, 2018
Good story, but with a rather strange, unfinished seeming ending. I found the priest to be awfully pompous throughout most of the tale, but he softens quite a bit later. I guess I'll have to read the next in the series to see if there is further resolution.
January 20, 2019
Excellent.
The book was well written. The priest, Lizzy and Judith are great characters. It takes a while for get the book to really get going, but once there the story is fantastic.
The book was well written. The priest, Lizzy and Judith are great characters. It takes a while for get the book to really get going, but once there the story is fantastic.
April 17, 2019
Good book, just left a lot of loose ends.
I like the ghost stories that is why I chose this book. I don't care for trilogies much but I didn't know it was one until the end of this book.
I like the ghost stories that is why I chose this book. I don't care for trilogies much but I didn't know it was one until the end of this book.
May 29, 2019
Not a bad book - but not great. A couple of really annoying continuity mistakes. A very basic plot. No likeable characters - the 'hero' is self-centered and priggish. Sorry, I won't be reading any other books in this apparent series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews