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Haverscroft
Kate Keeling leaves all she knows and moves to Haverscroft House in an attempt to salvage her marriage. Little does she realise, Haverscroft’s dark secrets will drive her to question her sanity, her husband and fatally engulf her family unless she can stop the past repeating itself. Can Kate keep her children safe and escape Haverscroft in time, even if it will end her marriage?
Haverscroft is a gripping and chilling dark tale, a modern ghost story that will keep you turning its pages late into the night.
Haverscroft is a gripping and chilling dark tale, a modern ghost story that will keep you turning its pages late into the night.
296 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
July 4, 2019
It’s easy to be mean when you’re reviewing novels - and, depressingly, it wins more likes than being nice (we all do this: you hate a novel everyone else likes, and coming to the few one- or two-star reviews feels like you’re suddenly among dear friends). I’ve learned from experience that being too fast and loose with someone’s work of love can be agonising - especially in the intimate world of social media (my stepbrother is a Goodreads author, and I honestly don’t know how he handles it; ‘never read the critics’ seems to me such essential advice for writers).
I’ve read a few of Salt’s Booker-shortlisted novels and I admire their regional strength. They do a dependable, moody cover and dark, marshy thing. They’re good on the edge. I found Haverscroft on the edge in that soon-to-close bookshop in the underpass at Old Street (along with another Salt novel that the manager gushed about and that I’m now wary of starting). I suppose I was looking for some satisfying, modern spook a la Daisy Johnson’s ‘Fen’ or Anthony Michael Hurley’s ‘Loney’.
The novel annoyed the hell out of me though - the more so because a publisher like Salt could-should have done a better job of making it into something and supporting the author. There’s a ghost of something here, but it was frustratingly hard to believe in. Haverscroft is frankly shaking its chains and wailing for an editor’s attention.
From the beginning, the choice of a first person, present tense narrator is problematic. It may lend immediacy to prose, but it can also make a narrator sound like they’re on a creative writing course, carrying their Moleskine around with them. The house is on fire and they need to get out - but let’s just describe the heat and the light falling on the carpet first.
The language is also often bland and clichéd. Every dog ‘scrambles’. Every incident sends something to the gut - a heat, a coldness, a weight. One minute the air is icy - all ‘a hundred cold fingers’ - then it’s hot. This does beg the question: is this the narrator or the novelist talking? If Ishiguro created a first-person narrator who sounded like a slightly harassed Waitrose shopper who can’t find any unwaxed lemons, we’d probably give him immense credit. Or was it the writer talking? Dunno.
I can see the germ of an idea here: a character suffering from anxiety, spooked by a move to the sticks with a jerk of a breadwinner husband - that’d be fresh and contemporary, after all (mental health, gender roles, etc). But this pain in the butt, over-effusive character and wobbly cast never took for me.
I even felt the reflex that the mouth-readers of JoJo Moyes, ‘The Girl With The I Dunno Toaster Has Anyone Done Toaster Yet’ and Dawn French’s ‘Did I Possibly Mention I Wasn’t Thin?’ and announce: ‘I just didn’t like the characters’. They irritated the crap out of me. But hating them is not the problem - the problem is that I didn’t care about them.
The husband, evidently, was a prick (was that entirely the intention though?) - a decent picture of a passive aggressive little Boomer in deck shoes. The kids were like those little drama school Chuckies that record their lines into a mic at home and get mixed onto the Archers - one moment a toddler, the next a over-articulate pre-teen. (To be fair, ‘Blue Duck’ was actually highly effective - I hated that thing: it’s exactly the sort of annoying detail that an annoying kid would annoy us all with and you’d want to accidentally run a lawn mower over. (A normal kid would have a branded character from a global Iron / Bat / Spider-franchise - not some genus).
For me, the local cleaner, Mrs Cooper, was the villain of the piece - 99% Victoria Wood’s kettle-bothering ‘Mrs Overall’ character from Acorn Antiques, all the way down to her cod rustic ‘so it was’ at the end of every sentence and the 200 nice cuppas per afternoon. The way the old lady Mrs Havers was rendered got me too: Getty Images upper middle class meets John Major syntax (‘As you will appreciate’, ‘it was not without fear for me to consider’,’one just doesn’t want neighbours talking’ (Eh? What neighbours?)). And inconsistent: one minute Mrs H is an Edwardian waxwork in a retirement home; the next she’s bounding with energy and having a standing pow-wow with the gang at 4am about genealogy.
Add to the line-up a couple of sitcom village estate agents and solicitors, and, god, they were all so Afternoon Play on Radio 4. I wanted them all to be taken out by a naked lunatic with a Samurai sword, passing through the village that day.
It’s worse, though, when characters are drawn into each others’ worlds - when they just would never in any normal human circumstance be in each others’ world (a commonplace problem in the whimsical schlock of Nicola Barker - Britain’s Most Bewilderingly Overhyped Novelist). I can’t remember who wrote that character really comes in to relief when two touch against each other (James Wood? Orwell? Mourinho?).
Take the kitchen-squatting cleaner, Mrs Cooper-Cuppa So-It-Was: why is she in the fucking house all the time? You’re a mortgaged middle class family of four with young kids. You need this cleaner? She was the old lady’s cleaner, y’say? Are you keeping the old lady’s home hairdresser and toenail nurse too? Don’t you just tell her to, like, go away?
Then there’s the unquestioned presence of the old lady, Mrs Havers, and all her baggage (literally too) - the premise of the novel. I’m no real estate wizard, but when you buy a house, the seller has to get their crap out. You don’t get mysterious sealed rooms and time capsule attics full of the seller’s family clobber. C’mon: these people are Waitrose Middle Class: they’d never settle for a basic survey and they’d nail you for money off on the tidy-up. They’d be all over Martin Lewis and Which? A full blown massacre could have happened in the spare room - they’d just strip it and decorate it before you can say AirBnB. Your stuff isn’t staying put, dear. Which left it all feeling all a little daft and forced. The spookiness wasn’t even that consistent. The grabby pond was really promising - the only really bold bit of eeriness. The rest was all a bit ‘It was probably woodworm, mate’.
And then some daft plot elements that just seemed sloppy. I turned down a page corner where our protagonist reads the revealing letter (from Mrs Havers, I think). Only, she’s reading said slow unwrapping in the back of a mini-cab, late at night, on a short skip across the village. I”ve forgotten the detail, but I’d be yelling ‘you can’t comment on the curlicues and pauses between paragraphs to alight upon something cryptic Mrs H said last week...we’ve got to your house already and the taxi geezer wants paying. Plus, he’ll get annoyed with you using the light in the back too long. And you’ll get car sick’. Sort of continuity errors.
So, one that could have gained from a good editor’s job.Anxiety + home + gender + supernatural + repressed feelings - with more marshalling, this might have come closer to the promise of the cover and the publisher.
May 30, 2019
Finally! A ghost story that delivers the required chills. It is controlled and well plotted- which means it doesn’t lose its way and become ridiculous as we hurtle towards its conclusion. Think Amityville without the red eyed demon pig called Jody! This house is the diabolical, vengeful sort. And it’s characters are the ambiguous sort you need to make this kind of story credible.
August 17, 2020
This is not a genre I would normally choose, but regardless, this story has done nothing to attract me to similarly themed books. I read this through my book club, The Pigeonhole, and the general consensus was that the story was badly written and fraught with inconsistencies from timelines to occurrences.
The characters were all horrible and the ending didn’t actually explain anything properly.
Instead of scaring me, this book made me laugh and not in a good way so I could not in good conscience ever recommend it as a book. Everything was drawn out tediously from conversations and explanations to the ending and filled with so many clichés all I wanted was for it to end. 1 and a half stars.
The characters were all horrible and the ending didn’t actually explain anything properly.
Instead of scaring me, this book made me laugh and not in a good way so I could not in good conscience ever recommend it as a book. Everything was drawn out tediously from conversations and explanations to the ending and filled with so many clichés all I wanted was for it to end. 1 and a half stars.
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January 9, 2023(Review originally published at Nudge, now NB magazine, June 2019; removed from their site at some point in 2022, not sure why!)
Kate Keeling has just moved into a grand, if slightly shabby, new home with her husband Mark and their 9-year-old twins, Sophie and Tom. At first, they're the picture of modern domesticity: beleaguered parents and bickering children, all of them feeling the strain of moving house, but essentially a solid, happy unit. Yet there are hairline cracks in this picture, and Haverscroft sets about uncovering (and deepening) them with a slow, eerie intensity.
The house, Haverscroft, teems with secrets and mysteries. The previous owner – who boasts the du Maurier-eque moniker of Mrs. Havers – didn't want to sell, and writes perplexing letters to the Kellers. There's a room saturated with a strange smell, a door that opens and closes according to its own whims, and an attic nobody can get into. The more time Kate spends in Haverscroft, the more she comes to believe the place is haunted, but her suspicions are often dismissed by others. Furthermore, we begin to understand what has led the Keller family to move there: a tangled web of incidents and betrayals involving the Kellers' marriage and Kate's mental health problems.
Haverscroft is a ghost story made for those who'd usually avoid ghost stories. While it has the requisite locked rooms and things that go bump in the night, at its heart this is a tale of family. It could just as easily slot into the 'domestic thriller' genre – as the strange events surrounding Haverscroft escalate, Kate is increasingly forced to question those around her and revisit unpleasant memories. The implication is that whatever is haunting Haverscroft relates directly to Kate, not just to the house and its sinister former occupant. To untangle the mystery and save her family, she will need to take an unflinching look at herself and those she loves.
As a seasoned reader of ghost stories and horror, I expect something a bit more innovative from the genre, and Haverscroft definitely isn't that sort of book: it delivers familiar beats rather than genuine surprises. What it does do really well is to show how the inexplicable is so often entwined with the domestic. Kate's role as a wife and mother is key to the events of the novel – one imagines this story could not have been built around a male protagonist. As well as Rebecca, I was put in mind of Kate Murray-Browne's The Upstairs Room, Brandi Reeds' Oak Avenue and Alison Moore's short fiction.
Kate Keeling has just moved into a grand, if slightly shabby, new home with her husband Mark and their 9-year-old twins, Sophie and Tom. At first, they're the picture of modern domesticity: beleaguered parents and bickering children, all of them feeling the strain of moving house, but essentially a solid, happy unit. Yet there are hairline cracks in this picture, and Haverscroft sets about uncovering (and deepening) them with a slow, eerie intensity.
The house, Haverscroft, teems with secrets and mysteries. The previous owner – who boasts the du Maurier-eque moniker of Mrs. Havers – didn't want to sell, and writes perplexing letters to the Kellers. There's a room saturated with a strange smell, a door that opens and closes according to its own whims, and an attic nobody can get into. The more time Kate spends in Haverscroft, the more she comes to believe the place is haunted, but her suspicions are often dismissed by others. Furthermore, we begin to understand what has led the Keller family to move there: a tangled web of incidents and betrayals involving the Kellers' marriage and Kate's mental health problems.
Haverscroft is a ghost story made for those who'd usually avoid ghost stories. While it has the requisite locked rooms and things that go bump in the night, at its heart this is a tale of family. It could just as easily slot into the 'domestic thriller' genre – as the strange events surrounding Haverscroft escalate, Kate is increasingly forced to question those around her and revisit unpleasant memories. The implication is that whatever is haunting Haverscroft relates directly to Kate, not just to the house and its sinister former occupant. To untangle the mystery and save her family, she will need to take an unflinching look at herself and those she loves.
As a seasoned reader of ghost stories and horror, I expect something a bit more innovative from the genre, and Haverscroft definitely isn't that sort of book: it delivers familiar beats rather than genuine surprises. What it does do really well is to show how the inexplicable is so often entwined with the domestic. Kate's role as a wife and mother is key to the events of the novel – one imagines this story could not have been built around a male protagonist. As well as Rebecca, I was put in mind of Kate Murray-Browne's The Upstairs Room, Brandi Reeds' Oak Avenue and Alison Moore's short fiction.
August 17, 2020
I have just finished reading this through Pigeonhole, and my main thought is that there are several hours of my life that I will never get back!
The premise of the story may be good, but it is so poorly executed that the whole thing becomes nonsensical. Inconsistent doesn't quite describe the contradictions and about turns in this book. Characters need to be built up and can't just suddenly start behaving differently. If, as a writer, you pose questions, please answer them, don't leave the reader hanging after a ridiculous anticlimax.
I felt that this was written as an exercise in creative writing, the brief being, write something atmospheric. This was then written to a formula - deep pond, unsafe balcony, faulty door catch. odd smell, spooky house. The exercise was then published before the teacher marked it. (Or a copy editor went near it)
Move on readers - there is nothing to see here but a lot of nasty people - nothing at all spooky about that.
The premise of the story may be good, but it is so poorly executed that the whole thing becomes nonsensical. Inconsistent doesn't quite describe the contradictions and about turns in this book. Characters need to be built up and can't just suddenly start behaving differently. If, as a writer, you pose questions, please answer them, don't leave the reader hanging after a ridiculous anticlimax.
I felt that this was written as an exercise in creative writing, the brief being, write something atmospheric. This was then written to a formula - deep pond, unsafe balcony, faulty door catch. odd smell, spooky house. The exercise was then published before the teacher marked it. (Or a copy editor went near it)
Move on readers - there is nothing to see here but a lot of nasty people - nothing at all spooky about that.
August 17, 2020
I love a good ghost story and I was excited to be given the chance to read this with Pigeonhole. Sadly, I am left feeling a little disappointed. There were just too many questions left unanswered and a lot of inconsistencies and mistakes throughout the whole book. However, I loved the creepy atmosphere and the author created some fabulous, larger than life characters which carried me through the story. I found myself looking forward to returning to the book each day and it to be a fantastic escape from the every day. The plentiful mistakes, unanswered questions and a rather rushed ending unfortunately earned this book a 3* rating.
June 19, 2019
The Keeling family – Kate, Mark, and their 9 year old twins, Tom and Sophie have just moved in to Haverscroft House. The move from London was made in an attempt to salvage Kate and Mark’s marriage, and to create the opportunity to spend more time together as a family. Little do they know, Haverscroft harbours some dark secrets that could not only destroy their marriage, but also put all of their lives at risk.
From the very beginning, the story gripped me. Although the ghostly activity doesn’t start immediately, the tension between the characters is so thick, that you couldn’t even cut it with knife. From there, the book continues to get better and better. It’s a thrilling and extremely creepy ghost story, that will have your heart beating out of your chest, and all of the pieces of the puzzle finally come together in one the most intense endings that I have had the pleasure of reading.
The characters are all so well built, with some brilliant back stories, and the background characters were just as interesting as the main characters. I am particularly fond of the way the character of Kate was written. Sometimes in ghost stories, I find that the female protagonist can be a little predictable, and also a little on the weak side. However, I can not say this about Kate. She was strong, and not once did she cower in fear. I also loved the fact that S.A. Harris didn’t forget about the dog in those final intense moments, unlike a lot of stories where the loyal pet gets completely written out of the story once things get serious.
The story was well plotted, and extremely enjoyable to read. The rural setting was perfect (and rather close to my home of Ipswich, Suffolk). It was truly unsettling and eerie. The fear builds with every chapter, and it is easy to lose yourself in the thought of the horrors that await the family as the story continues.
I thoroughly enjoyed this reading experience, and would give Haverscroft a 5/5 rating! I can not wait to see what else the author has to give. She’s definitely one to watch! Also, I would like to say a huge thank you to Sally for going in to Jarrolds Norwich a little earlier than intended, and signing some more copies, so that I could get my hands on a signed one!
From the very beginning, the story gripped me. Although the ghostly activity doesn’t start immediately, the tension between the characters is so thick, that you couldn’t even cut it with knife. From there, the book continues to get better and better. It’s a thrilling and extremely creepy ghost story, that will have your heart beating out of your chest, and all of the pieces of the puzzle finally come together in one the most intense endings that I have had the pleasure of reading.
The characters are all so well built, with some brilliant back stories, and the background characters were just as interesting as the main characters. I am particularly fond of the way the character of Kate was written. Sometimes in ghost stories, I find that the female protagonist can be a little predictable, and also a little on the weak side. However, I can not say this about Kate. She was strong, and not once did she cower in fear. I also loved the fact that S.A. Harris didn’t forget about the dog in those final intense moments, unlike a lot of stories where the loyal pet gets completely written out of the story once things get serious.
The story was well plotted, and extremely enjoyable to read. The rural setting was perfect (and rather close to my home of Ipswich, Suffolk). It was truly unsettling and eerie. The fear builds with every chapter, and it is easy to lose yourself in the thought of the horrors that await the family as the story continues.
I thoroughly enjoyed this reading experience, and would give Haverscroft a 5/5 rating! I can not wait to see what else the author has to give. She’s definitely one to watch! Also, I would like to say a huge thank you to Sally for going in to Jarrolds Norwich a little earlier than intended, and signing some more copies, so that I could get my hands on a signed one!
August 17, 2020
The first thing I need to say is that I adored this book. I do have some reservations but they are just my own opinions.
I'm not going to pretend this is the greatest piece of literature ever written. Or the best ghost story though it kept me reading and guessing far more than for instance, the irritatingly slow, The Turn of the Screw which is a 'classic'. We like our chills and thrills at a faster pace these days.
The long descriptions of the ghostly goings-on detracted somewhat from the suspense and at times I laughed when I should have been terrified. All a bit Rebecca meets The League of Gentlemen. But having said that I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
Personally, I think it could be a lot darker and if it ever gets made for TV I think it should be. It lacks that real creeping terror that you get with an author such as Michelle Paver (Wakenhyrst). The spookiness is all a bit 'out there' leaving little to the imagination, which as I said earlier, detracts from the suspense.
But I still loved it! Reading with The Pigeonhole meant I received a 'stave' (made up of a few chapters) each day and had to wait till the following day for the next episode. And I was on tenterhooks. You know sometimes books are so beautiful and well-written that you realise the story is actually a bit weak underneath the poetry ie 'style over substance'. I'm not saying this is the opposite - it's better than that. But the story is really good. Don't be put off by a few comments from my fellow Pigeons or the occasional bad review. But having said all that the ending was a bit of a damp squib.
It's an excellent story though and many thanks to The Pigeonhole and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
I'm not going to pretend this is the greatest piece of literature ever written. Or the best ghost story though it kept me reading and guessing far more than for instance, the irritatingly slow, The Turn of the Screw which is a 'classic'. We like our chills and thrills at a faster pace these days.
The long descriptions of the ghostly goings-on detracted somewhat from the suspense and at times I laughed when I should have been terrified. All a bit Rebecca meets The League of Gentlemen. But having said that I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
Personally, I think it could be a lot darker and if it ever gets made for TV I think it should be. It lacks that real creeping terror that you get with an author such as Michelle Paver (Wakenhyrst). The spookiness is all a bit 'out there' leaving little to the imagination, which as I said earlier, detracts from the suspense.
But I still loved it! Reading with The Pigeonhole meant I received a 'stave' (made up of a few chapters) each day and had to wait till the following day for the next episode. And I was on tenterhooks. You know sometimes books are so beautiful and well-written that you realise the story is actually a bit weak underneath the poetry ie 'style over substance'. I'm not saying this is the opposite - it's better than that. But the story is really good. Don't be put off by a few comments from my fellow Pigeons or the occasional bad review. But having said all that the ending was a bit of a damp squib.
It's an excellent story though and many thanks to The Pigeonhole and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
August 21, 2020
I've read this on Thepigeonhole and it was a very popular one, comments flying at the speed of light once again.
When it comes to the story: it is enjoyable albeit very predictable and stereotypical. I guess it's rather hard to write ghost stories in this day and age firstly because there are so many of them out there it's beyond hard to come with something new and secondly because ghost stories count on the readers' willingness to accept things that may look illogical. But in my view the author does a decent job: she tried to combine classic ghost story elements with a bit of a physiological thriller making us question the heroine mental health and reliability as a narrator. This was a nice way to make some actions acceptable from a modern perspective. There's a lovely eery atmosphere that's kept up throughout the book plus the pace of the events is satisfying. The ending is indeed what we all expected it to be, leaving some questions answered, but from my point of view this answers weren't necessary and wouldn't have impacted the narrative in a significant way, so I am fine without them.
As for the experience of reading this with so many people butting in - looks like I've become better at ignoring all the comments. I've managed to enjoy it and see the comments for what they are. At times it really felt that some where so engaged in the process of commenting at every line that they couldn't concentrate on the plot(and I mean simple things as not knowing events that have been explained in previous pages and putting that on the author instead of their inability of paying attention!). Also it seemed to be a sort of competition going on: who will anticipate where the story was going with: "I've said that will happen... (almost as if we were in middle school!). But I think the most annoying thing ever is when people say that it's not logical just because the character didn't act/react as they themselves would have. With comments like: "a normal person would have done this... " or "I would have done ..". Well guess what normal people act in all sort of manners, if a character acts differently than what you would expect doesn't make it illogical. Seriously .... Oh and one more thing: we've read an advanced, uncorrected copy. Yes this book was published in 2019 but despite that, Thepigeonhole has received an uncorrected copy and that's what we've read. Yet people couldn't stop complaining about the mistakes - maybe next time they should refrain themselves from reading advanced copies if they know they cannot overlook mistakes.
When it comes to the story: it is enjoyable albeit very predictable and stereotypical. I guess it's rather hard to write ghost stories in this day and age firstly because there are so many of them out there it's beyond hard to come with something new and secondly because ghost stories count on the readers' willingness to accept things that may look illogical. But in my view the author does a decent job: she tried to combine classic ghost story elements with a bit of a physiological thriller making us question the heroine mental health and reliability as a narrator. This was a nice way to make some actions acceptable from a modern perspective. There's a lovely eery atmosphere that's kept up throughout the book plus the pace of the events is satisfying. The ending is indeed what we all expected it to be, leaving some questions answered, but from my point of view this answers weren't necessary and wouldn't have impacted the narrative in a significant way, so I am fine without them.
As for the experience of reading this with so many people butting in - looks like I've become better at ignoring all the comments. I've managed to enjoy it and see the comments for what they are. At times it really felt that some where so engaged in the process of commenting at every line that they couldn't concentrate on the plot(and I mean simple things as not knowing events that have been explained in previous pages and putting that on the author instead of their inability of paying attention!). Also it seemed to be a sort of competition going on: who will anticipate where the story was going with: "I've said that will happen... (almost as if we were in middle school!). But I think the most annoying thing ever is when people say that it's not logical just because the character didn't act/react as they themselves would have. With comments like: "a normal person would have done this... " or "I would have done ..". Well guess what normal people act in all sort of manners, if a character acts differently than what you would expect doesn't make it illogical. Seriously .... Oh and one more thing: we've read an advanced, uncorrected copy. Yes this book was published in 2019 but despite that, Thepigeonhole has received an uncorrected copy and that's what we've read. Yet people couldn't stop complaining about the mistakes - maybe next time they should refrain themselves from reading advanced copies if they know they cannot overlook mistakes.
June 21, 2019
I hate to give this book a poor rating - it's a genre I love, from a publisher I love, and it's a first novel. But, it just didn't do it for me. It started off with all the elements of a classic, good old ghost story, but along the way, I felt the story lost direction.
There were loads of elements at play, which Harris weaves in to one another with varied success. Her writing is lovely - although there are a couple of jarring repetitions that her editor should have picked up on - and very engaging, but I didn't warm to any of the characters. Everyone felt a bit flat, and some quite clichéd.
Crucially for me, it just didn't scare me. Towards the end, I was mostly just longing for it to be over. I couldn't foresee Harris pulling off a particularly effective ending, especially one with a twist, in the few pages I had left, and I don't think she did. The ending, for me, was pretty 'blah', and was definitely the weakest part of the story.
I'd definitely read more by Harris, but for me, Haverscroft just went on too long and did too little.
There were loads of elements at play, which Harris weaves in to one another with varied success. Her writing is lovely - although there are a couple of jarring repetitions that her editor should have picked up on - and very engaging, but I didn't warm to any of the characters. Everyone felt a bit flat, and some quite clichéd.
Crucially for me, it just didn't scare me. Towards the end, I was mostly just longing for it to be over. I couldn't foresee Harris pulling off a particularly effective ending, especially one with a twist, in the few pages I had left, and I don't think she did. The ending, for me, was pretty 'blah', and was definitely the weakest part of the story.
I'd definitely read more by Harris, but for me, Haverscroft just went on too long and did too little.
May 21, 2019
One of those books where I had to keep reading until I finished it. The suspense is built up brilliantly throughout to the point of me questioning random noises I heard while I was reading.
May 27, 2019
Firstly, I need to thank Emma Downson from Salt for sending me a review copy of Haverscroft and allowing me to be a part of the book tour.
Haverscroft is a modern day ghost story set in a creepy old house in a small town. From that mini description I was completely sold. I am the perfect audience for a ghost story and thriller. I never guess the outcome and good writing can genuinely creep me out.
One of the great things about Haverscroft and indeed Harris’s writing of it is that she keeps the sense of eeriness all the way through it; this increases chapter by chapter and the reader continues to have a feeling of unease throughout. There is no reprieve from this and for a modern day ghost story that is a hard feeling to create and keep consistent.
Harris also manages to toy with your mind. We don’t know if what Kate is feeling is true – we suspect it is because she is not the only one uneasy with the house but with her history we start to question whether or not she is a reliable narrator or not. However, what you also feel is the need to believe her and in turn dislike the people in her life who are making you question her. There were times whilst reading this book when I was compelled to shout out loud ‘ooh, you swine!”
I think that to write a contemporary ghost story is quite difficult. As an audience, we are jaded and aren’t necessarily as skittish anymore. Harris does all the elements of the thriller very well although for me the ending needed to be stronger; that being said, when everyone in my house went to bed I had to put down the book because Haverscroft did leave me seriously freaked out.
Haverscroft by S. A. Harris is available now.
Haverscroft is a modern day ghost story set in a creepy old house in a small town. From that mini description I was completely sold. I am the perfect audience for a ghost story and thriller. I never guess the outcome and good writing can genuinely creep me out.
One of the great things about Haverscroft and indeed Harris’s writing of it is that she keeps the sense of eeriness all the way through it; this increases chapter by chapter and the reader continues to have a feeling of unease throughout. There is no reprieve from this and for a modern day ghost story that is a hard feeling to create and keep consistent.
Harris also manages to toy with your mind. We don’t know if what Kate is feeling is true – we suspect it is because she is not the only one uneasy with the house but with her history we start to question whether or not she is a reliable narrator or not. However, what you also feel is the need to believe her and in turn dislike the people in her life who are making you question her. There were times whilst reading this book when I was compelled to shout out loud ‘ooh, you swine!”
I think that to write a contemporary ghost story is quite difficult. As an audience, we are jaded and aren’t necessarily as skittish anymore. Harris does all the elements of the thriller very well although for me the ending needed to be stronger; that being said, when everyone in my house went to bed I had to put down the book because Haverscroft did leave me seriously freaked out.
Haverscroft by S. A. Harris is available now.
July 10, 2019
There’s nothing new here. It’s the same stereotypes and cliches found at the low and uninspired end of the ghost story market. Of course it’ll work for some, but I am after something fresh and original.
I’ve posted a question also. I’m perplexed at the author’s use of a ‘golly’ doll in some of the early scenes. If there isn’t a point to this, why do it?
I’ve posted a question also. I’m perplexed at the author’s use of a ‘golly’ doll in some of the early scenes. If there isn’t a point to this, why do it?
October 17, 2020
3.5 stars?
August 18, 2020
Kate and Mark Keeling, along with their two children, move to Haverscroft House in a small village in East Anglia to try to resolve their difficulties. However, as in most ghost stories of this type, things are definitely not as they seem, in fact things start ‘going bump in the night’.
This story has all the elements of an old fashioned tale of the supernatural - a creepy old house, doors which open on their own, a haunted room, a locked room in the attic, mysterious voices and a ghostly presence. Personally, I’m not sure I wouldn’t have run for the hills at the first sign of anything out of the ordinary! 👀👀
Whilst I liked the writing style (although I sometimes found it slightly disjointed) and the spooky atmosphere, I felt there were a few loopholes and gaps which weren’t explained fully enough. I don’t mind a little ambiguity in my reading matter, I’m quite happy to fill in the gaps myself, but this one had gaping canyons! Having said all that, I quite enjoyed it and loved some of the descriptions. The setting was easy to visualise and I could picture the house vividly in my mind’s eye. 👻👻. I read this book via Pigeonhole and looked forward to receiving each stave every day to find out what was going to happen next and how it was all going to end. It was a good premise but, ultimately, the lack of explanation and the inconclusive ending let it down somewhat for me.
This story has all the elements of an old fashioned tale of the supernatural - a creepy old house, doors which open on their own, a haunted room, a locked room in the attic, mysterious voices and a ghostly presence. Personally, I’m not sure I wouldn’t have run for the hills at the first sign of anything out of the ordinary! 👀👀
Whilst I liked the writing style (although I sometimes found it slightly disjointed) and the spooky atmosphere, I felt there were a few loopholes and gaps which weren’t explained fully enough. I don’t mind a little ambiguity in my reading matter, I’m quite happy to fill in the gaps myself, but this one had gaping canyons! Having said all that, I quite enjoyed it and loved some of the descriptions. The setting was easy to visualise and I could picture the house vividly in my mind’s eye. 👻👻. I read this book via Pigeonhole and looked forward to receiving each stave every day to find out what was going to happen next and how it was all going to end. It was a good premise but, ultimately, the lack of explanation and the inconclusive ending let it down somewhat for me.
August 17, 2020
I like a good ghost story so was looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately Haverscroft, in my opinion, was neither a ghost story or good. The story centred round a married couple Mark and Kate and their twins. For some reason Mark decided to buy this old house which appeared to be in dire need of renovation without his wife knowing. She was recovering from a breakdown but Mark decided that she could cope with the house and twins on her own whilst he was away working for most of the week. Cue strange goings on which I couldn't say I found spooky and an attic room still full of the last owner's belongings. None of the characters were very likeable and some were downright annoying especially Mrs Cooper the last owner's cleaner. I was rather hoping that the last owner, Mrs Havers, would turn out to be Nigel's mum which would have added considerably to my interest. I was also distracted by the many spelling mistakes which I hope were corrected before publication. The idea of the story was good but the execution left a lot to be desired.
July 4, 2019
A haunted house, a small village, strange things happening, a marriage to save, you won't be bored reading this one.
I have been looking forward to this for ages, I am always looking for the newest haunted house books to read as I just LOVE haunted house books. Well, if they are written well, which this one was.
However, I am rating it lower, just 3 stars, because of a few things that I wasn't a fan of in the book. For instance, not sure if it was my copy or not, there were several mistakes in spelling or grammar. Sentences that just seemed wonky and I had to read them two times to find out what was being said.
Then there is the subplot of the Havershouse + land and what was going on with that, I was just bored out of my mind with that + I just didn't feel like it fitted with the book. I come for horror, not some fraudulent pricks who need to stop being dicks about things.
And of course, Mark. Mark was just the absolute worst in this book. I am not sure if it is because of how we see him through Kate's eyes or because he is truly a prick. I can just tell you I was hoping that some ghost in the house was going to eat him. He is the typical person in the horror story who doesn't believe despite MANY MANY events happening. His wife and his children are absolutely terrified of things and you just dismiss them. Because it must be your wife's mental state and it rubbing off the kids... whut? Even later when his mom is terrified and even sleeps downstairs and refuses to come back he just dismisses it. There are several other moments that had me groaning. Later we learn a bit more about why, but sorry, by then it was just way too late for me. I just didn't see any love between Mark and Kate and I was wondering why they were still together.
But if we remove all these things the story is just perfection. The house is terrifying and there are many things that happen at night (oh and of course during the day, but most of the terrifying stuff is happening at night. Doors that open, doors that close and lock, a doll (which I had to look up as I never heard of it before) pops up at random times and scares the crap out of me (and the people in the book), there is a shadow lurking around, knocking, and oh my I could go on. You don't want to be alone in the house. And even with more people it is just a NOPE zone. We slowly find out who is haunting the place, and I just adored how everything unfolded in the right tempo.
There were quite a few moments that had me wanting to hide, it was that scary at times. The author really manages to write an atmospheric horror read.
It didn't help that we had no clue if Kate was reliable or not. Given her past and how she is just recovering from something big and given some things that happen in this one I was just waiting for the big twist, which never came, sadly, but yeah. It made reading this a bit more exciting as you don't know if what we see is truly happening or not.
The ending was a bit of a mixed bag for me, on the one hand HOLY HELL, on the other hand why did it end there? Can't we have a little epilogue? Please!
All in all, I flew through this book before I knew it the book was over. I had plenty of fun reading this one even with the frustrations I had. I would still recommend this book as it is a good haunted house book.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I have been looking forward to this for ages, I am always looking for the newest haunted house books to read as I just LOVE haunted house books. Well, if they are written well, which this one was.
However, I am rating it lower, just 3 stars, because of a few things that I wasn't a fan of in the book. For instance, not sure if it was my copy or not, there were several mistakes in spelling or grammar. Sentences that just seemed wonky and I had to read them two times to find out what was being said.
Then there is the subplot of the Havershouse + land and what was going on with that, I was just bored out of my mind with that + I just didn't feel like it fitted with the book. I come for horror, not some fraudulent pricks who need to stop being dicks about things.
And of course, Mark. Mark was just the absolute worst in this book. I am not sure if it is because of how we see him through Kate's eyes or because he is truly a prick. I can just tell you I was hoping that some ghost in the house was going to eat him. He is the typical person in the horror story who doesn't believe despite MANY MANY events happening. His wife and his children are absolutely terrified of things and you just dismiss them. Because it must be your wife's mental state and it rubbing off the kids... whut? Even later when his mom is terrified and even sleeps downstairs and refuses to come back he just dismisses it. There are several other moments that had me groaning. Later we learn a bit more about why, but sorry, by then it was just way too late for me. I just didn't see any love between Mark and Kate and I was wondering why they were still together.
But if we remove all these things the story is just perfection. The house is terrifying and there are many things that happen at night (oh and of course during the day, but most of the terrifying stuff is happening at night. Doors that open, doors that close and lock, a doll (which I had to look up as I never heard of it before) pops up at random times and scares the crap out of me (and the people in the book), there is a shadow lurking around, knocking, and oh my I could go on. You don't want to be alone in the house. And even with more people it is just a NOPE zone. We slowly find out who is haunting the place, and I just adored how everything unfolded in the right tempo.
There were quite a few moments that had me wanting to hide, it was that scary at times. The author really manages to write an atmospheric horror read.
It didn't help that we had no clue if Kate was reliable or not. Given her past and how she is just recovering from something big and given some things that happen in this one I was just waiting for the big twist, which never came, sadly, but yeah. It made reading this a bit more exciting as you don't know if what we see is truly happening or not.
The ending was a bit of a mixed bag for me, on the one hand HOLY HELL, on the other hand why did it end there? Can't we have a little epilogue? Please!
All in all, I flew through this book before I knew it the book was over. I had plenty of fun reading this one even with the frustrations I had. I would still recommend this book as it is a good haunted house book.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
May 27, 2019
Haverscroft, by S.A. Harris, is a deliciously creepy ghost story. It opens with the Keeling family – Kate, Mark and nine year old twins, Sophie and Tom – moving into a big, old house on the edge of a small town in Suffolk. Having renovated their London home the couple are aware of the work ahead of them. Their relocation has mostly been driven by Mark with Kate agreeing for the sake of their faltering marriage. She has been ill for many months but is now determined to stop taking her medication and return to her former, capable self.
The old house creaks and groans but there are other noises that cannot be explained. The children are scared so Kate must try to be rational despite her own fears. During the working week Mark still resides in the city. With no internet and patchy mobile reception the couple struggle to communicate. Kate is concerned that if she tells her husband of the malevolent presence she sometimes feels he will believe she is relapsing and stop listening to anything she says.
The Keelings have kept on the former owner’s cleaner and gardener, with the cleaner soon becoming a friend. Through her Kate learns more about the history of the place and those who have lived there. The Havers family harboured dark secrets yet few in the gossipy town seem willing to share the detail with Kate. She starts to research on her own. Each new discovery increases the tension with Mark.
The story is told from Kate’s perspective, her shaky mental state leaving the reader unsure of the veracity of the narration. The unfolding tale puts many under suspicion. The denouement offers potential explanations without taking from the chilling portrayal.
The writing is taut and fluid. Both the atmosphere of the old house and the wider family dynamics are evoked with skill. Whatever one thinks of a place harbouring the spirit of past deeds this story could throw shade over certainties. Recommended, but exercise caution if reading after dark.
The old house creaks and groans but there are other noises that cannot be explained. The children are scared so Kate must try to be rational despite her own fears. During the working week Mark still resides in the city. With no internet and patchy mobile reception the couple struggle to communicate. Kate is concerned that if she tells her husband of the malevolent presence she sometimes feels he will believe she is relapsing and stop listening to anything she says.
The Keelings have kept on the former owner’s cleaner and gardener, with the cleaner soon becoming a friend. Through her Kate learns more about the history of the place and those who have lived there. The Havers family harboured dark secrets yet few in the gossipy town seem willing to share the detail with Kate. She starts to research on her own. Each new discovery increases the tension with Mark.
The story is told from Kate’s perspective, her shaky mental state leaving the reader unsure of the veracity of the narration. The unfolding tale puts many under suspicion. The denouement offers potential explanations without taking from the chilling portrayal.
The writing is taut and fluid. Both the atmosphere of the old house and the wider family dynamics are evoked with skill. Whatever one thinks of a place harbouring the spirit of past deeds this story could throw shade over certainties. Recommended, but exercise caution if reading after dark.
February 16, 2020
Atmospheric & Chilling. A lovely traditional ghost story with a great story running through it. A story of love, lies and deceit. Great characters revealing their life stories mainly focused on the leading lady trying desperately to keep her family together. A must read for anyone who loves a ghost story.
May 27, 2019
A classic ghost story with a modern twist - and I loved every single scary, creepy moment of it all!!! Every noise I now hear in the house has me worried.....
Kate is married to Mark, and with their 2 children they move to Haverscroft in what seems to be a bid to save their marriage and start afresh in a new village. But Kate is increasingly spending more time alone with the children in their new home, as Mark is busy living away during the week with work, and her state of mind appears to be unravelling as she's starting to see things, hear things, smell things... it is a figment of her imagination or is their new home genuinely haunted and trying to force them out.
The relationship between Kate and Mark is at the centre of this story and brilliantly looks into suspicions, mental health and how parents can play off against one another to look the good guy in the eyes of their children. With Mark away, Kate is troubled by him not answering the phone when she tries to call so that is setting off her doubts on his actual whereabouts. Their new home has always had a strange and unsettling feeling to her and the children and the more time they spend in there, the more that feeling intensifies - and the question of what is in the locked attic doesn't help matters! The previous owner, Mrs Havers, had to move out because of her health but is keen to talk to Kate about the house and the longer the story goes on, the more you understand why she is so keen to share her thoughts to the new owners and as Kate delves more into the past of the house and local area the more she becomes driven and obsessed with finding out the truth about so many things.
The contributions from the children were some of the most chilling aspects for me! The things they talk about and that they see really add that edge to the ghost story and I think if I was living there I would have run out after a couple of days!! With history repeating itself you really just lose yourself in wondering what terrifying moments await them all.
I loved the setting and the pace of this story. The fear didn't let up and the questions and doubts about Kate and her frame of mind played so well along the children and their perception of what was happening. This house full of dark secrets really had me petrified and I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us with her next book!!
Kate is married to Mark, and with their 2 children they move to Haverscroft in what seems to be a bid to save their marriage and start afresh in a new village. But Kate is increasingly spending more time alone with the children in their new home, as Mark is busy living away during the week with work, and her state of mind appears to be unravelling as she's starting to see things, hear things, smell things... it is a figment of her imagination or is their new home genuinely haunted and trying to force them out.
The relationship between Kate and Mark is at the centre of this story and brilliantly looks into suspicions, mental health and how parents can play off against one another to look the good guy in the eyes of their children. With Mark away, Kate is troubled by him not answering the phone when she tries to call so that is setting off her doubts on his actual whereabouts. Their new home has always had a strange and unsettling feeling to her and the children and the more time they spend in there, the more that feeling intensifies - and the question of what is in the locked attic doesn't help matters! The previous owner, Mrs Havers, had to move out because of her health but is keen to talk to Kate about the house and the longer the story goes on, the more you understand why she is so keen to share her thoughts to the new owners and as Kate delves more into the past of the house and local area the more she becomes driven and obsessed with finding out the truth about so many things.
The contributions from the children were some of the most chilling aspects for me! The things they talk about and that they see really add that edge to the ghost story and I think if I was living there I would have run out after a couple of days!! With history repeating itself you really just lose yourself in wondering what terrifying moments await them all.
I loved the setting and the pace of this story. The fear didn't let up and the questions and doubts about Kate and her frame of mind played so well along the children and their perception of what was happening. This house full of dark secrets really had me petrified and I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us with her next book!!
August 11, 2019
The atmospheric cover of Haverscroft is more than enough to tempt you into this eerie and uncanny ghost story which is much more than just a tale of ‘things that go bump in the night’.
At the insistence of her husband Mark, Kate Keeling has left London and her career to move to Haverscroft House with Mark and their nine year old twins, Tom and Sophie. Kate has previously had a breakdown and her marriage is troubled. She is hopeful that this is the change the family need but Haverscroft is a dark and foreboding house full of unsettling noises and she soon discovers, dark secrets. Doors open, close, lock and unlock by themselves, lights flicker and die and shadows flit across the disconcerting landing. Mark is adamant that the events are in her imagination and suggests she is becoming ill again. However once the twins refuse to sleep in their own beds and hear voices in the dark Kate believes that they are in real danger from supernatural forces emanating from the house.
Haverscroft is very well-plotted and the main and supporting characters are fully realised, some are more pleasant than others and they all have an important role to play, even the dog. The tension between Kate and Mark is palpable and as the reader you do wonder how much is in Kate’s head and what is actually taking place. The author adeptly maintains a serious sense of unease throughout the novel. The introduction of the house’s previous owner in the form of the stern Mrs Havers adds an extra dimension. She knows what has happened in the past and you are cleverly drip-fed pieces of history.
This is a really satisfying ghost story which also considers the stresses and strains of family relationships when mistakes have been made in the past. I recommend it very highly.
At the insistence of her husband Mark, Kate Keeling has left London and her career to move to Haverscroft House with Mark and their nine year old twins, Tom and Sophie. Kate has previously had a breakdown and her marriage is troubled. She is hopeful that this is the change the family need but Haverscroft is a dark and foreboding house full of unsettling noises and she soon discovers, dark secrets. Doors open, close, lock and unlock by themselves, lights flicker and die and shadows flit across the disconcerting landing. Mark is adamant that the events are in her imagination and suggests she is becoming ill again. However once the twins refuse to sleep in their own beds and hear voices in the dark Kate believes that they are in real danger from supernatural forces emanating from the house.
Haverscroft is very well-plotted and the main and supporting characters are fully realised, some are more pleasant than others and they all have an important role to play, even the dog. The tension between Kate and Mark is palpable and as the reader you do wonder how much is in Kate’s head and what is actually taking place. The author adeptly maintains a serious sense of unease throughout the novel. The introduction of the house’s previous owner in the form of the stern Mrs Havers adds an extra dimension. She knows what has happened in the past and you are cleverly drip-fed pieces of history.
This is a really satisfying ghost story which also considers the stresses and strains of family relationships when mistakes have been made in the past. I recommend it very highly.
June 29, 2019
Haverscroft is a horror with a great atmospheric story that will truly hold you and spook you until the end.
From the start, it already gives me this dark vibes that I know would hunt me until the end of the book. The story will provide you with a chilly and scary tale of how Kate and her family stay at their newly bought house. But, there is another problem aside from the unknown that might exist in that house. This haunting experience of her will drive her to question her sanity. If it is true or it is just on her mind.
The author has written this novel wonderfully. She knows how to capture the audience’s attention with her storytelling and interesting plot. She also wrote a story that carries themes of family, relationship, love, loss, death, survival, darkness, sanity, and fear. As I read this book, I can visibly imagine the scene, which I really like because it shows how effective her writing is in telling a chilling and spine-tingling story like this.
The story is told from the perspective of Kate. As the main character, she is a loving mom to her twins, and she is also courageous to find and solve the mysteries that surround the house. She might not be a good narrator because of her unstable mental health, but her determination to keep her family safe from the unknown is inspiring.
I like how the mysteries were slowly exposed. The twists and turns are unexpected, and you won’t see it coming. This is a fast-paced novel even though it took me some time to finish this because of some personal matters. The development of the story and the characters are also great.
Overall, this novel was intensely terrifying and frightening from beginning to end. I recommend this book to all horror lovers.
BLOG POST LINK: https://wp.me/p7AwHZ-5vD
From the start, it already gives me this dark vibes that I know would hunt me until the end of the book. The story will provide you with a chilly and scary tale of how Kate and her family stay at their newly bought house. But, there is another problem aside from the unknown that might exist in that house. This haunting experience of her will drive her to question her sanity. If it is true or it is just on her mind.
The author has written this novel wonderfully. She knows how to capture the audience’s attention with her storytelling and interesting plot. She also wrote a story that carries themes of family, relationship, love, loss, death, survival, darkness, sanity, and fear. As I read this book, I can visibly imagine the scene, which I really like because it shows how effective her writing is in telling a chilling and spine-tingling story like this.
The story is told from the perspective of Kate. As the main character, she is a loving mom to her twins, and she is also courageous to find and solve the mysteries that surround the house. She might not be a good narrator because of her unstable mental health, but her determination to keep her family safe from the unknown is inspiring.
I like how the mysteries were slowly exposed. The twists and turns are unexpected, and you won’t see it coming. This is a fast-paced novel even though it took me some time to finish this because of some personal matters. The development of the story and the characters are also great.
Overall, this novel was intensely terrifying and frightening from beginning to end. I recommend this book to all horror lovers.
BLOG POST LINK: https://wp.me/p7AwHZ-5vD
October 8, 2020
‘Haverscroft’ is a name that deserves to be whispered in the same breath as the Marsten House,in the same way that author S.A Harris and Susan Hill make great bedfellows.
I don’t say that lightly, as it takes a lot to make me double check the doors and under the bed before turning in, but I can absolutely recommend reading this in broad daylight-trust me on this.
Kate’s husband has bought run down wreck of a house, Haverscroft, in a bid to move their family away from the city and start afresh, The details of why they left are dotted through the first half of the book, as you are gathering the full picture of Kate,her twins Tom and Sophie and husband Mark and placing them, dolls house like, in the various parts of Haverscroft.
Kate is reluctant to move there, she has given up everything-or has she?-to rescue her family from seperation. This move is supposed to bring them closer together but Haverscroft has other ideas.
As the house becomes more firmly entrenched in the mind of both the reader, and Kate herself, its’ secret history is slowly revealed like a creaking attic door that you finally found the right key for. It swings wide open and what is reveals is rotten, shocking and potentially life ending…
A brilliant modern gothic tale which plays on the expectations of the role of women, the manipulation of their mental health and the risks they will take for their children, ‘Haverscroft’ is a perfect late night read from a major new talent in the field of ghost stories.
I don’t say that lightly, as it takes a lot to make me double check the doors and under the bed before turning in, but I can absolutely recommend reading this in broad daylight-trust me on this.
Kate’s husband has bought run down wreck of a house, Haverscroft, in a bid to move their family away from the city and start afresh, The details of why they left are dotted through the first half of the book, as you are gathering the full picture of Kate,her twins Tom and Sophie and husband Mark and placing them, dolls house like, in the various parts of Haverscroft.
Kate is reluctant to move there, she has given up everything-or has she?-to rescue her family from seperation. This move is supposed to bring them closer together but Haverscroft has other ideas.
As the house becomes more firmly entrenched in the mind of both the reader, and Kate herself, its’ secret history is slowly revealed like a creaking attic door that you finally found the right key for. It swings wide open and what is reveals is rotten, shocking and potentially life ending…
A brilliant modern gothic tale which plays on the expectations of the role of women, the manipulation of their mental health and the risks they will take for their children, ‘Haverscroft’ is a perfect late night read from a major new talent in the field of ghost stories.
August 20, 2019
Whilst trying to avoid cliches - this book is a page turner. It’s a classic ‘I’ll just read one more chapter’ cliffhanger and next thing you know you’ve lost an hour or more.
Kate and Mark Keeling and their 9 year old twins Sophie and Tom move in to an old country pile. At first a seemingly happy unit until cracks start to appear. Mark was the driving force whilst buying Haverscroft and upon moving in almost instantly returns to London to work leaving Kate and the children alone in the dilapidated house. Mark is a bit of a ass. We are not keen on Mark.
Haverscroft comes with a busybody cleaner and a gardener in situ. If only that were all, the house comes with cacophony of eerie sounds, locking doors and hidden secrets. A mysterious history that would put any old residence to shame.
What I particularly enjoyed about this book was at its heart it’s a story about a mother and her mental health issues just trying to not let them take control again following a breakdown. Fighting her internal daemons alongside the terrifying events unfolding in her house. All to ensure her children’s safety.
Kate and Mark Keeling and their 9 year old twins Sophie and Tom move in to an old country pile. At first a seemingly happy unit until cracks start to appear. Mark was the driving force whilst buying Haverscroft and upon moving in almost instantly returns to London to work leaving Kate and the children alone in the dilapidated house. Mark is a bit of a ass. We are not keen on Mark.
Haverscroft comes with a busybody cleaner and a gardener in situ. If only that were all, the house comes with cacophony of eerie sounds, locking doors and hidden secrets. A mysterious history that would put any old residence to shame.
What I particularly enjoyed about this book was at its heart it’s a story about a mother and her mental health issues just trying to not let them take control again following a breakdown. Fighting her internal daemons alongside the terrifying events unfolding in her house. All to ensure her children’s safety.
August 18, 2020
I’m disappointed with this book, and I’m quite sad that I’m so disappointed as the book started off quite well, with all the makings of a nice spooky little ghost story.
Kate, Mark and their children move out of London into a big old house in a countryside village, but strange things start happening, with Kate unsure as to whether she’s imagining things and Mark completely oblivious to any explanations other than the most logical.
Unfortunately this is where the plot starts to unravel, with inconsistencies and plot holes all over the pages! It just doesn’t get any better from there. And without giving anything away, we’re left hanging at the very abrupt end too, with lots of unanswered questions.
It’s a real shame as this did have the bare bones of a good story, and I really wanted to like this book, but the execution just wasn’t there for me.
Thanks to Pigeonhole for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kate, Mark and their children move out of London into a big old house in a countryside village, but strange things start happening, with Kate unsure as to whether she’s imagining things and Mark completely oblivious to any explanations other than the most logical.
Unfortunately this is where the plot starts to unravel, with inconsistencies and plot holes all over the pages! It just doesn’t get any better from there. And without giving anything away, we’re left hanging at the very abrupt end too, with lots of unanswered questions.
It’s a real shame as this did have the bare bones of a good story, and I really wanted to like this book, but the execution just wasn’t there for me.
Thanks to Pigeonhole for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2020
I’ve been strapped to a chair and had my eyelids pinned open while a demonic hand turned the pages of Haverscroft. I had no choice other than to be riveted by this book.
For me, it’s the uncertainty of the characters’ motives stacking up the tension amid an onslaught of supernatural events that makes Haverscroft a real page-turner. The story feels dense but the uncomplicated writing has a clarity that dissipates this making it a very satisfying read. I was able to visualise well the believable characters to the extent where I even felt reassured by the presence of Riley, the yappy little dog!
A great, modern ghost story.
For me, it’s the uncertainty of the characters’ motives stacking up the tension amid an onslaught of supernatural events that makes Haverscroft a real page-turner. The story feels dense but the uncomplicated writing has a clarity that dissipates this making it a very satisfying read. I was able to visualise well the believable characters to the extent where I even felt reassured by the presence of Riley, the yappy little dog!
A great, modern ghost story.
August 17, 2020
I don't mind a good ghost story so I was really looking forward to this. Sadly it didn't really live up to expectations.
The premise was good, but editorially it was a let down. The writing was disjointed making it confusing and difficult to follow. It didn't help that the characters weren't particularly likeable.
What also didn't help was the fact that the book ended rather abruptly leaving a few questions unanswered.
I think the only reason I finished it was not because I enjoyed it, but just because I wanted to know what happened.
Thank you to Pigeonhole and S. A. Harris for the chance to read this book.
The premise was good, but editorially it was a let down. The writing was disjointed making it confusing and difficult to follow. It didn't help that the characters weren't particularly likeable.
What also didn't help was the fact that the book ended rather abruptly leaving a few questions unanswered.
I think the only reason I finished it was not because I enjoyed it, but just because I wanted to know what happened.
Thank you to Pigeonhole and S. A. Harris for the chance to read this book.
June 20, 2019
Kate Keeling’s whole world is thrown off kilter when husband Mark moves her and their two young children, Sophie and Tom, to Haverscroft House. Kate’s ‘illness’ has left her vulnerable and dependent on Mark, who appears to be distancing himself from them, blaming it on a demanding job. But what is he hiding and why has he moved the family to an old house which is falling apart?
Kate becomes convinced that Haverscroft is haunted and that Sophie and Tom are the target of malevolent spirits. Past tragic events come to light as Kate delves into the history of the Havers family, with equal shares of help and hinderance from its previous owner, Alice Havers.
As events spiral out of control, Kate is desperate to keep her children safe, but who she can really trust?
A beautifully atmospheric and gripping debut that kept me awake at night. A complex ghost story which didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended.
Kate becomes convinced that Haverscroft is haunted and that Sophie and Tom are the target of malevolent spirits. Past tragic events come to light as Kate delves into the history of the Havers family, with equal shares of help and hinderance from its previous owner, Alice Havers.
As events spiral out of control, Kate is desperate to keep her children safe, but who she can really trust?
A beautifully atmospheric and gripping debut that kept me awake at night. A complex ghost story which didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended.
August 17, 2020
This started well and the storyline was promising but the ending was a real let down! Too many unanswered questions and things left unexplained. I did enjoy the read, despite the many errors and inconsistencies throughout. Parts were quite scary but we didn’t get to find out the truth about lots of things. Thanks Pigeon and author for allowing me to read it!
June 1, 2019
It’s creepy and slightly disturbing in parts, but so intriguing that I finished it in 2 days. I wanted to know where the strange noises were coming from or if Kate was imagining everything due to illness. Great characters and a well written narrative made this book a page turner.
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