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The Horror at Criven Farm
Out in the English countryside, two desperate drifters make an astonishing an abandoned house, with food in the freezer and all utilities still running. It seems too good to true, but they can't resist venturing inside. Soon, they'll come to regret the fact that they ever stopped at Criven Farm.
Something is watching from the shadows. As Phil and Grace settle into their miraculous new home, they start to notice a few strange things, but they decide that there's no harm in staying for a little while. By the time they start to understand the threat posed by the house, they're already at the heart of an ancient trap, and the fate of the entire world is at stake.
The Horror at Criven Farm is a horror novel about the lure of evil and the birth of a terrifying new force. This is the 2022 edition of the original 2020 book.
Something is watching from the shadows. As Phil and Grace settle into their miraculous new home, they start to notice a few strange things, but they decide that there's no harm in staying for a little while. By the time they start to understand the threat posed by the house, they're already at the heart of an ancient trap, and the fate of the entire world is at stake.
The Horror at Criven Farm is a horror novel about the lure of evil and the birth of a terrifying new force. This is the 2022 edition of the original 2020 book.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2020
544 people are currently reading
355 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 47 reviews
September 14, 2022
Two Dumb Heroes!
Grace and Philip are on the run from an unknown act. While seeking a respite from their travels, they come across a too-good-to-be-true sanctuary.
A nice little cottage sitting back from the road is conveniently waiting with warmth and electricity and cupboards and freezers filled with food.
No seriously…I’m telling you the truth.
Philip knows instantly when he gets there that the fates are finally gathering on his side. Grace isn’t too sure.
But the ending is nice. 😉
Grace and Philip are on the run from an unknown act. While seeking a respite from their travels, they come across a too-good-to-be-true sanctuary.
A nice little cottage sitting back from the road is conveniently waiting with warmth and electricity and cupboards and freezers filled with food.
No seriously…I’m telling you the truth.
Philip knows instantly when he gets there that the fates are finally gathering on his side. Grace isn’t too sure.
But the ending is nice. 😉
November 6, 2021
Creepy Wild Ride!
A small backstory:
Phil and Grace are just wanting someplace that they can start over so when they come across an abandoned house out in the woods they decide to check it out. They find out that the house still has electric and water, plus there is food stored in the freezers. They think they have stumbled upon a miracle as who would leave a house that was still livable but no one is living in it.
They were not planning on really staying long as they kept thinking that whoever abandoned the house would eventually come back to it, but when no one shows up they decide to just go ahead and settle into the house. Though unbeknownst to Phil and Grace they are under a watchful eye as they are not "alone" as much as they think and the house is really considered a trap as there are worse things out in the woods waiting for them!
Why is the house abandoned? What or who is lurking out in the woods? No spoilers here as you will need to read the book!
Thoughts:
This book was really a slow burn in the first half of the book - though there was some intrigue here and there, but nothing truly happened till after the 50% mark of the book.
For me I thought it dragged a little too much in the first part of the book as it was just kind of a weird setup with the house and the thoughts of the characters. The only other interesting factor with the story is that every other chapter was a pov of either Phil or Grace which at first was hard to keep up with as I had to keep remembering whose chapter I was reading.
But after the halfway point things started happening within the story which drove the tension and suspense through the roof! The last half of the story I read within a few hours as there was plenty of action that made up for the first half of the book being slow! Giving this one four "Sinister Spooky" stars.
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
A small backstory:
Phil and Grace are just wanting someplace that they can start over so when they come across an abandoned house out in the woods they decide to check it out. They find out that the house still has electric and water, plus there is food stored in the freezers. They think they have stumbled upon a miracle as who would leave a house that was still livable but no one is living in it.
They were not planning on really staying long as they kept thinking that whoever abandoned the house would eventually come back to it, but when no one shows up they decide to just go ahead and settle into the house. Though unbeknownst to Phil and Grace they are under a watchful eye as they are not "alone" as much as they think and the house is really considered a trap as there are worse things out in the woods waiting for them!
Why is the house abandoned? What or who is lurking out in the woods? No spoilers here as you will need to read the book!
Thoughts:
This book was really a slow burn in the first half of the book - though there was some intrigue here and there, but nothing truly happened till after the 50% mark of the book.
For me I thought it dragged a little too much in the first part of the book as it was just kind of a weird setup with the house and the thoughts of the characters. The only other interesting factor with the story is that every other chapter was a pov of either Phil or Grace which at first was hard to keep up with as I had to keep remembering whose chapter I was reading.
But after the halfway point things started happening within the story which drove the tension and suspense through the roof! The last half of the story I read within a few hours as there was plenty of action that made up for the first half of the book being slow! Giving this one four "Sinister Spooky" stars.
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
April 4, 2020
Questions...
This is a good book, but now I want to know the back story. The beginning of Phil and Grace.
Exactly where were they when they met? Why were they there? What did Phil do that was so bad, why are they on the run, and from who?
This is a good book, but now I want to know the back story. The beginning of Phil and Grace.
Exactly where were they when they met? Why were they there? What did Phil do that was so bad, why are they on the run, and from who?
May 2, 2020
A really enjoyable and mysterious first half is marred by a ridiculous second half and pointless GOTCHA epilogue.
September 5, 2022
This was not what I was expecting at all! I'm not gonna lie, I was feeling a little meh about this book after I passed the halfway point. Everything up until then was super creepy and I was really digging it, but then it took a haaaaard turn. I wasn't sure how I felt about where things were going but the story redeemed itself in the last twenty or so pages. It actually made me tear up a little... 😢
June 5, 2020
Great read
It definitely kept me on my toes and every guess I had was wrong, in a good way. Not your usual horror at a farm type story. I can't wait to read more but let me say this.... THAT ENDING!!!!!!!
It definitely kept me on my toes and every guess I had was wrong, in a good way. Not your usual horror at a farm type story. I can't wait to read more but let me say this.... THAT ENDING!!!!!!!
September 18, 2020
Not a bad book - few things irked me ( and could totally just be me). Didn't think the prologue added anything to the book - if anything you kind of gave away some of the ending and somewhat ruined the plot twist in the epilogue. The other thing was a bit more bothersome. Phil spends 9 months in a well but all of a sudden has the strength to climb out of the well - kill the guard - find his way back to the cottage - get back to the mansion on foot - kill dozens of cult members - get stabbed, beaten, sliced and bleeds alot - carry grace and baby back to cottage and fight off more cult members. Then at the tail end of the book its all casually explained as " dark forces lending a hand". I almost didn't finish the story because it was a tad unbelievable - it felt like the author realized the problem and just slapped a bandage over it to explain the many gaps in the plot. Still somewhat enjoyable - might try a few more of her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2021
This is the second Amy Cross book I have read and I doubt there will be a third. The previous one I only gave one star as well (Hotel Necro)
The writing was annoyingly repetitive, the storyline so-so, the fact that was ridiculous, and despite both Grace and Phil being .
A really silly little book that was mercifully short.
The writing was annoyingly repetitive, the storyline so-so, the fact that was ridiculous, and despite both Grace and Phil being .
A really silly little book that was mercifully short.
April 26, 2020
Another absolutely thrilling adventure from Amy Cross!
I love her novels. They always have a great storyline with well developed characters and vivid descriptions. This ending was definitely not what I was expecting at all. A young couple on the run find an isolated cabin that has freezers stocked with food, all the utilities are on and there's a dead body in the front room! What could possibly go wrong!
I love her novels. They always have a great storyline with well developed characters and vivid descriptions. This ending was definitely not what I was expecting at all. A young couple on the run find an isolated cabin that has freezers stocked with food, all the utilities are on and there's a dead body in the front room! What could possibly go wrong!
May 27, 2020
I love Amy Cross but...
This book had a great beginning but seemed to totally lose its identity in the middle. It fell apart. The typos got worse, the story rambled on too quickly...like she was trying to just finish. She even called the doctor in the last chapter Dr Malone AND Dr Monroe. I’m disappointed. I’ll keep reading Ms Cross though. Hopefully they get back to good. *fingers crossed*
This book had a great beginning but seemed to totally lose its identity in the middle. It fell apart. The typos got worse, the story rambled on too quickly...like she was trying to just finish. She even called the doctor in the last chapter Dr Malone AND Dr Monroe. I’m disappointed. I’ll keep reading Ms Cross though. Hopefully they get back to good. *fingers crossed*
April 5, 2020
Great, fast read
Amy is a great story teller. She only misses 5 star reviews because of the abysmal grammatical errors and typos all through the book. Someone desperately needs to proofread her work before it's released. However, she is skilled at bringing her characters to life and keeping her readers engaged.
Amy is a great story teller. She only misses 5 star reviews because of the abysmal grammatical errors and typos all through the book. Someone desperately needs to proofread her work before it's released. However, she is skilled at bringing her characters to life and keeping her readers engaged.
April 26, 2020
Excellent
When I began reading this story, I expected another ghost in the ac novel. Surprisingly there were no ghosts at all, but a bunch of devil worshippers . The plot was reminiscent of the Rosemary's Baby classic but was different enough to make it a really fun read. This is one of this author's best works.
When I began reading this story, I expected another ghost in the ac novel. Surprisingly there were no ghosts at all, but a bunch of devil worshippers . The plot was reminiscent of the Rosemary's Baby classic but was different enough to make it a really fun read. This is one of this author's best works.
May 8, 2020
Far fetched
Poor grammar. Spelling mistakes and terrible lack of editing. Story was thrown together and predictable in the ending. Don't bother reading this book.
Poor grammar. Spelling mistakes and terrible lack of editing. Story was thrown together and predictable in the ending. Don't bother reading this book.
December 29, 2024
Amy Cross’s The Horror at Criven Farm starts with an intriguing premise and delivers a chilling atmosphere, but ultimately struggles to maintain momentum and depth, leaving a mixed impression.
🚨 Spoilers Ahead! 🚨
The story begins with Phil and Grace, a couple on the run, who stumble upon Criven Farm—a seemingly abandoned cottage with electricity, water, and a fully stocked freezer. While they initially plan to stay for just one night, the allure of stability pulls them in. However, it doesn’t take long for the farm’s sinister secrets to unravel. From eerie noises to a dead body found in the front room, the couple quickly realizes they’ve walked into a trap far more terrifying than they could have imagined.
The book’s strengths lie in its tense atmosphere and the relationship dynamics between Phil and Grace. Their desperation and moral compromises are compelling, adding layers of realism to the story. The descriptions of the farm, its decaying interior, and its ominous aura are vivid and immersive, drawing readers into the unsettling setting.
However, as the plot progresses, the pacing becomes uneven. The mysterious forces at play, hinted to be ancient and apocalyptic, are intriguing but feel underdeveloped by the conclusion. Some revelations, like the origins of the evil surrounding the farm, lack the depth and detail needed to fully satisfy.
Favorite Quote:
“Something is watching, something that’s been here longer than the house, longer than the land itself.”
While The Horror at Criven Farm is an entertaining read with moments of genuine creepiness, it doesn’t fully deliver on the potential of its premise. Fans of atmospheric horror may still enjoy its dark and foreboding vibe, but those looking for a tightly woven narrative might find it lacking.
#TheHorrorAtCrivenFarm #AmyCross #AtmosphericHorror #DarkFiction #CreepyReads 🌫️👻
🚨 Spoilers Ahead! 🚨
The story begins with Phil and Grace, a couple on the run, who stumble upon Criven Farm—a seemingly abandoned cottage with electricity, water, and a fully stocked freezer. While they initially plan to stay for just one night, the allure of stability pulls them in. However, it doesn’t take long for the farm’s sinister secrets to unravel. From eerie noises to a dead body found in the front room, the couple quickly realizes they’ve walked into a trap far more terrifying than they could have imagined.
The book’s strengths lie in its tense atmosphere and the relationship dynamics between Phil and Grace. Their desperation and moral compromises are compelling, adding layers of realism to the story. The descriptions of the farm, its decaying interior, and its ominous aura are vivid and immersive, drawing readers into the unsettling setting.
However, as the plot progresses, the pacing becomes uneven. The mysterious forces at play, hinted to be ancient and apocalyptic, are intriguing but feel underdeveloped by the conclusion. Some revelations, like the origins of the evil surrounding the farm, lack the depth and detail needed to fully satisfy.
Favorite Quote:
“Something is watching, something that’s been here longer than the house, longer than the land itself.”
While The Horror at Criven Farm is an entertaining read with moments of genuine creepiness, it doesn’t fully deliver on the potential of its premise. Fans of atmospheric horror may still enjoy its dark and foreboding vibe, but those looking for a tightly woven narrative might find it lacking.
#TheHorrorAtCrivenFarm #AmyCross #AtmosphericHorror #DarkFiction #CreepyReads 🌫️👻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2020
Superb
Grace and Philip on are the run and wanting a fresh start. They drive for days eating at truck stops and sleeping in the car.
Grace has always been the type to frighten easily, while Philip is the gung go.
They happen to find an abandoned cabin. Philip convinces her that he needs just one night where he can just relax and sleep. The next morning Grace has decided to stay for at least a few days. The next night Philip goes to the kitchen to het some water while the storm's fury is going on outside, but je never makes it back upstairs.
When Grace awakens she notices Philip is gone and r remembers that he was going to go exploring. He never comes back. After nine months she gives birth to a beautiful daughter.
Philip has fought his way out of the well he was thrown in when he was kidnapped so long ago, and after killing the man who kept him in there he goes off looking for Grace.
Will he find her? Is she safe? Read this book! There are a few grammar errors, but other than that it is well written and the characters have been brought to life.
Grace and Philip on are the run and wanting a fresh start. They drive for days eating at truck stops and sleeping in the car.
Grace has always been the type to frighten easily, while Philip is the gung go.
They happen to find an abandoned cabin. Philip convinces her that he needs just one night where he can just relax and sleep. The next morning Grace has decided to stay for at least a few days. The next night Philip goes to the kitchen to het some water while the storm's fury is going on outside, but je never makes it back upstairs.
When Grace awakens she notices Philip is gone and r remembers that he was going to go exploring. He never comes back. After nine months she gives birth to a beautiful daughter.
Philip has fought his way out of the well he was thrown in when he was kidnapped so long ago, and after killing the man who kept him in there he goes off looking for Grace.
Will he find her? Is she safe? Read this book! There are a few grammar errors, but other than that it is well written and the characters have been brought to life.
June 5, 2020
Having run away from their old lives, Phil and Grace are trying to find somewhere they can start their lives again. Just as things are starting to get really desperate, however, they stumble upon a miracle in the English countryside: an abandoned house with electricity and water still connected, and with freezers filled with food.
At first, Phil and Grace decide to only stay for one night. Soon, however, they find themselves lulled into a sense of security. Sure, the house seems too good to be true, but they figure there's no harm in sticking around for at least a little while longer. After all, Criven Farm has everything they could ever want. Leaving would feel wrong.
Something is watching, however. The house hides a dark secret, and sinister forces are starting to gather. An ancient trap has been sprung, and the fate of the whole world is at stake.
The Horror at Criven Farm is a story about evil, fate, and the birth of a terrifying new force.
At first, Phil and Grace decide to only stay for one night. Soon, however, they find themselves lulled into a sense of security. Sure, the house seems too good to be true, but they figure there's no harm in sticking around for at least a little while longer. After all, Criven Farm has everything they could ever want. Leaving would feel wrong.
Something is watching, however. The house hides a dark secret, and sinister forces are starting to gather. An ancient trap has been sprung, and the fate of the whole world is at stake.
The Horror at Criven Farm is a story about evil, fate, and the birth of a terrifying new force.
May 7, 2020
This was kind of a strange book from the beginning I had a hard time getting into it just due to the fact that it was written more like a diary type book... But I dredged through as the story line picked up with them finding the house... Definitely too good to be true for sure but I didn't foresee the whole Satanic part... that part was pretty scary especially when a small brand new baby is involved that had me on edge just a little bit... but the ending was the absolute best! Their daughter now a teenager Wanting to know who her parents are then wanting to change her name to Matilda! 😳 Definitely did not see that coming and that's what I love about Darcy coats is sometimes you just don't see what twist is around the corner...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2020
Rosemary's Baby knock off
You know how the poundshop does those hilariously bad knock offs of character toys, this is like that in book form. A very bad Rosemary's Baby knock off. Repetitive writing, ridiculous scenarios, characters that have no substance and a plot Prime to meandering that for pages upon pages doesn't really go anywhere. Unforgettable and bland.I
It was a kindle unlimited read so I don't feel short changed however I wouldn't have been happy if I'd wasted money on this. I have read other review staying this is the authors poorest work so I would give her another try but to be honest having read this I wouldn't have high expectations.
You know how the poundshop does those hilariously bad knock offs of character toys, this is like that in book form. A very bad Rosemary's Baby knock off. Repetitive writing, ridiculous scenarios, characters that have no substance and a plot Prime to meandering that for pages upon pages doesn't really go anywhere. Unforgettable and bland.I
It was a kindle unlimited read so I don't feel short changed however I wouldn't have been happy if I'd wasted money on this. I have read other review staying this is the authors poorest work so I would give her another try but to be honest having read this I wouldn't have high expectations.
June 23, 2020
This was a meh read.
First half? A slow burn that was interesting, leaving me with questions. Yes, the characters made bad choices and trusted one another when they should not, but...
The second half devolved into nonsense. Completely lost me. My interest sapped the further I went.
Something tells me the author started writing one book and then changed gears, deciding to rewrite into another story she thought was better.
Whatever the path, the story makes little sense.
First half? A slow burn that was interesting, leaving me with questions. Yes, the characters made bad choices and trusted one another when they should not, but...
The second half devolved into nonsense. Completely lost me. My interest sapped the further I went.
Something tells me the author started writing one book and then changed gears, deciding to rewrite into another story she thought was better.
Whatever the path, the story makes little sense.
May 2, 2020
A ridiculous tale!
I can't believe that Amy Cross actually penned this rubbish. True, it started out well and the first half of the story was quite good. Then it became more and more ridiculous and morphed into a teenage version of a trashy horror. The story was not only bad it was quite appalling.
I can't believe that Amy Cross actually penned this rubbish. True, it started out well and the first half of the story was quite good. Then it became more and more ridiculous and morphed into a teenage version of a trashy horror. The story was not only bad it was quite appalling.
June 22, 2020
Waste of time
I think the author is just pumping out books with little regard to serious and professional writing. This book has a ridiculous story line and unrealistic characters. It is wordy and redundant in dialogue. I continued reading in the hope that it would redeem itself but it did not.
I think the author is just pumping out books with little regard to serious and professional writing. This book has a ridiculous story line and unrealistic characters. It is wordy and redundant in dialogue. I continued reading in the hope that it would redeem itself but it did not.
July 7, 2020
On my gosh!! Wow, just wow!
I read this thru at one sitting, I couldn't put it down. If you enjoy horror stories, edge of your seat action or stories about the occult, this book is definitely for you. So many twists and turns, and the ending - wow! This was one hell of a thrill ride!!
I read this thru at one sitting, I couldn't put it down. If you enjoy horror stories, edge of your seat action or stories about the occult, this book is definitely for you. So many twists and turns, and the ending - wow! This was one hell of a thrill ride!!
August 31, 2020
Okay, but not Great
I chose this book short story because of interest synopsis.
My kindle has the option of text-to-speech, so I listened to part and read part. The beginning starts out okay, but after after a while I lost interest. It not a horrible read, I just had difficulty staying focussed to complete it.
I chose this book short story because of interest synopsis.
My kindle has the option of text-to-speech, so I listened to part and read part. The beginning starts out okay, but after after a while I lost interest. It not a horrible read, I just had difficulty staying focussed to complete it.
September 20, 2021
This is what most readers would call a slow burn. Not to say the beginning isn't interesting, it's just that not much too scary happens until about 65percent into the book. I kept telling myself to keep with it... The back of my mind knew that Cross wouldn't let me down. And she didn't disappoint with an action packed ending that actually made everything make sense
March 16, 2020
Another great one
I just love your books. I check every day to see if you have come out with something new and you never disappoint . I really would love to see another mermaid book though
I just love your books. I check every day to see if you have come out with something new and you never disappoint . I really would love to see another mermaid book though
April 4, 2020
Interesting story
A young couple running from trouble have no where to go. After driving for weeks they find an abandoned cottage. Inside is everything they need to live for years. Are somethings too good to be true?
A young couple running from trouble have no where to go. After driving for weeks they find an abandoned cottage. Inside is everything they need to live for years. Are somethings too good to be true?
May 12, 2020
Good quick read!
A tad creepy if you read at night with lights down low in a quiet house! Liked the way the story progressed and a bit of a surprise ending. Some typos but that doesn't affect my overall satisfaction and would recommend to anyone who likes occult based stories.
A tad creepy if you read at night with lights down low in a quiet house! Liked the way the story progressed and a bit of a surprise ending. Some typos but that doesn't affect my overall satisfaction and would recommend to anyone who likes occult based stories.
June 3, 2020
Gripping
Phil and Grace are running from there past when they come across a cottage which seems too good to be true, fully stocked with food they decide to stay. The nightmare is about to begin
Phil and Grace are running from there past when they come across a cottage which seems too good to be true, fully stocked with food they decide to stay. The nightmare is about to begin
July 29, 2020
WOW!!! I didn’t expect that. Great story. Great ending.
Didn’t expect that. Great book. Terrific ending. I usually read before bed, but this woke me up. That’s alright. I’m just going to check out what else you have to offer.
Didn’t expect that. Great book. Terrific ending. I usually read before bed, but this woke me up. That’s alright. I’m just going to check out what else you have to offer.
August 10, 2020
Ending sucks
I hate the way it ended for me that's a big deal , creepy for sure ! Scary yes I really do not care for the devil winning . Ever ..... Not much more I can say . I also hate having to waste words so I can review .
I hate the way it ended for me that's a big deal , creepy for sure ! Scary yes I really do not care for the devil winning . Ever ..... Not much more I can say . I also hate having to waste words so I can review .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews