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The Hiding House
Every family has its secrets...
Four years after being abandoned by their abusive mother, headstrong Elise Montgomery and her timid younger brother Sebastian are finally rebuilding their childhood at their grandmother’s isolated woodland home.
But on a sweltering summer’s day, tragedy is about to come calling again.
When Nana May is killed in a horrible accident, the siblings find themselves terrified and alone. Sebastian wants to contact their one remaining relative, the elusive Uncle Edward. However, Elise insists they hide away from the outside world.
But the outside world is the least of their troubles.
In a house built on secrets and lies, the children will soon discover that nothing is as it seems...and danger lies much, much closer to home.
Jumping between past and present, and building to a shocking conclusion, The Hiding House is a gripping and unique mix of dark family drama, fairy tale, and British psychological suspense.
Bonus Material: Includes the short story follow-up, A Return To The Hiding House, and Q&A with the author
*warning - may contain triggers
Four years after being abandoned by their abusive mother, headstrong Elise Montgomery and her timid younger brother Sebastian are finally rebuilding their childhood at their grandmother’s isolated woodland home.
But on a sweltering summer’s day, tragedy is about to come calling again.
When Nana May is killed in a horrible accident, the siblings find themselves terrified and alone. Sebastian wants to contact their one remaining relative, the elusive Uncle Edward. However, Elise insists they hide away from the outside world.
But the outside world is the least of their troubles.
In a house built on secrets and lies, the children will soon discover that nothing is as it seems...and danger lies much, much closer to home.
Jumping between past and present, and building to a shocking conclusion, The Hiding House is a gripping and unique mix of dark family drama, fairy tale, and British psychological suspense.
Bonus Material: Includes the short story follow-up, A Return To The Hiding House, and Q&A with the author
*warning - may contain triggers
Paperback
First published September 16, 2011
About the author
Malcolm Richards
42 books111 followersMalcolm Richards crafts stories to keep you guessing from the edge of your seat. He is the author of several crime thrillers and mystery novels, including the PI Blake Hollow series, the award-nominated Devil’s Cove trilogy, and the Emily Swanson series. Many of his books are set in Cornwall, where he was born and raised.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Malcolm worked for many years in the special education sector, teaching and supporting children with complex needs. After living in London for two decades, he has now settled in the Somerset countryside with his partner and a cat named Sukey.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Malcolm worked for many years in the special education sector, teaching and supporting children with complex needs. After living in London for two decades, he has now settled in the Somerset countryside with his partner and a cat named Sukey.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 1, 2012
This was like a modern day Hansel and Gretel story and until I was quite a way through I assumed was based in the USA but believe I was wrong and it was over here !!
Two young siblings live alone with their grandmother out in the middle of nowhere. She suddenly dies and they're left alone and being only twelve and nine they know they'll be taken into care so they don't tell anyone what's happened and carry on as normal !!
It was very interesting and I was dying to know just how things ended up and what would happen, the mark of a good tale.
There were a few spelling errors and formatting errors where paragraphs ended up underlined or bolded for no apparent reason but nothing horrendous.
Two young siblings live alone with their grandmother out in the middle of nowhere. She suddenly dies and they're left alone and being only twelve and nine they know they'll be taken into care so they don't tell anyone what's happened and carry on as normal !!
It was very interesting and I was dying to know just how things ended up and what would happen, the mark of a good tale.
There were a few spelling errors and formatting errors where paragraphs ended up underlined or bolded for no apparent reason but nothing horrendous.
January 1, 2025
The Hiding House
Malcolm Richards
A horrifying read!
I enjoyed reading this story. The struggle of young children having to deal with grown-up problems and situations is horrifying. Yet, in our world, it happens all too often. This story will keep you captivated from the start until the end.
Malcolm Richards
A horrifying read!
I enjoyed reading this story. The struggle of young children having to deal with grown-up problems and situations is horrifying. Yet, in our world, it happens all too often. This story will keep you captivated from the start until the end.
April 8, 2022
A mother that has issues with what happened to her as a child. She leaves her children with her mother since she has alcohol problems to drown out her past. Elsie and Sebastian live with their Nana.
One day Nana is on her rocking chair on the front porch and is dead. Elsie does not want to go to foster care so the children hide the body in a coal shed. A shadow man, as Sebastian calls him, holds the children captive. A suspenseful novel that keeps your interest.
One day Nana is on her rocking chair on the front porch and is dead. Elsie does not want to go to foster care so the children hide the body in a coal shed. A shadow man, as Sebastian calls him, holds the children captive. A suspenseful novel that keeps your interest.
April 15, 2018
A well crafted story.
I have read all of the authors previous books and was glad that The Hiding House, like the others, did not disappoint.
Malcolm Richards crafts an enjoyable psychological thriller that keeps you turning the pages. X
I have read all of the authors previous books and was glad that The Hiding House, like the others, did not disappoint.
Malcolm Richards crafts an enjoyable psychological thriller that keeps you turning the pages. X
April 14, 2021
Another gripping thriller from Malcolm Richards
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense novel. I would also recommend all the other books by this author i have thoroughly enjoyed them all.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense novel. I would also recommend all the other books by this author i have thoroughly enjoyed them all.
March 17, 2017
This was a pretty good book.
June 29, 2018
Excellent read.
Another thrilling page turner. I have read a number of Malcolm Richards books and this one doesn't disappoint. Get reading.
Another thrilling page turner. I have read a number of Malcolm Richards books and this one doesn't disappoint. Get reading.
July 1, 2019
Good read
A good read. I couldn't put it down once I had started it. The story is very compelling and arresting.
A good read. I couldn't put it down once I had started it. The story is very compelling and arresting.
September 2, 2020
Great
This book is so well written and I was not able to put it down had me engrossed till the end
This book is so well written and I was not able to put it down had me engrossed till the end
July 23, 2023
Grammatical errors put me off so I gave up.
October 15, 2015
Where do i start? I found this book very intriguing. Every family has it's secrets and the author shows how sometimes these secrets can cause more damage than if the truth were known all along. Elise 12, and Sebastian 9, have been living with their grandmother Nana May for four years since their abusive and mentally disturbed mother went to the store one day and never came back. Nana May works very hard at making them feel loved and protected. When Nana May dies suddenly the children go into survival mode as many children of abuse do. If they tell anyone that Nana May has died they are afraid of what will happen to them. The have no one else in the world to take care of them and have no idea how to find their mother. Elise and Sebastian try hiding her body and surviving at the Hiding House in the woods until they can figure out what to do. They think they are mature enough to handle the situation until the shadow shows up trying to get into the house. Is the shadow real or just a product of their guilty conscience? The author teases the reader with the way he feeds background information. He switches back and forth from the present and the past. He will mention something and then it would be fully explained later in the book. The Hiding House was hard to put down. I read it in two days staying up most of the night because I just couldn't put it down. Every time I had to return to the real world I couldn't stop thinking about the children's situation and what they would do next. The ending honestly surprised me. It was so unexpected. I usually judge books by the ending. If it isn't what I expected then the author did a great job. Hat's off to you Malcolm Richards for a fantastic read of a subject that tragically is too true in this world we live in today. Looking forward to more novels by this author.
June 2, 2015
ARC received from author and publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
4 stars
Genre: Mystery and Thriller, Adult Fairy Tale
Four years ago, Elise, now age 12 and her brother Sebastian, now nine, were placed in the arms of their loving grandmother. After suffering abuse from an alcoholic self-centered mother for years, they were dropped at the "hiding house" in the woods by their unstable mother. She never returned. The children have felt safe and loved since that time, grateful for the home cooking and tender care.
One hot summer afternoon, Nana May suddenly dies. She is found seated on her porch by the children when they return home. Fearing foster home placement and separation, the children hide her body. Due to the isolated location, they keep quiet about the death and continue with their lives as usual. The ongoing grief from the loss of their grandmother and the stress of hiding their secret begins, however, to take a toll on Elise and Sebastian. Now, out of the dark woods surrounding the house, comes new terror.
Excerpt from the book:
The shadow moved closer. It pressed its face against the glass. Sebastian stared in horror as the door handle began to turn. Sebastian leapt from his chair and slammed into the kitchen door. He scrabbled for the key, twisted it and heard the lock snap in place. Taking a step back. he watched as the door handle moved up and down, and then was still. The shadow at the door remained unmoving.
"Will you let me in?" it rasped.
4 stars
Genre: Mystery and Thriller, Adult Fairy Tale
Four years ago, Elise, now age 12 and her brother Sebastian, now nine, were placed in the arms of their loving grandmother. After suffering abuse from an alcoholic self-centered mother for years, they were dropped at the "hiding house" in the woods by their unstable mother. She never returned. The children have felt safe and loved since that time, grateful for the home cooking and tender care.
One hot summer afternoon, Nana May suddenly dies. She is found seated on her porch by the children when they return home. Fearing foster home placement and separation, the children hide her body. Due to the isolated location, they keep quiet about the death and continue with their lives as usual. The ongoing grief from the loss of their grandmother and the stress of hiding their secret begins, however, to take a toll on Elise and Sebastian. Now, out of the dark woods surrounding the house, comes new terror.
Excerpt from the book:
The shadow moved closer. It pressed its face against the glass. Sebastian stared in horror as the door handle began to turn. Sebastian leapt from his chair and slammed into the kitchen door. He scrabbled for the key, twisted it and heard the lock snap in place. Taking a step back. he watched as the door handle moved up and down, and then was still. The shadow at the door remained unmoving.
"Will you let me in?" it rasped.
December 15, 2015
Reviewed on www.snazzybooks.com.
The Hiding House by Malcolm Richards took me a little while to get into, but once I did, I was really drawn into Elise and Sebastian’s world!
The entire book has a kind of dreamlike state to it- although it seemed to be set in the real world, it was hard to pinpoint exactly which decade, and exactly where in the world. I couldn’t quite get my head around what I was reading- I think the fact that various parts of the narrative were very reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel and other fairy tales added to this, and make me expect certain things that didn’t actually happen. However what did happen certainly kept me entertained (though I got a little confused sometimes at the change from present to past narratives)!
The characters were likeable and interesting; I cared what happened to Sebastian and Elise and felt their intense fear at certain points. There were parts that were quite creepy and I was impressed at the way that the author used just the right amount of hyperbole and drama to create a menacing, threatening situation for both siblings.
I feel that Malcolm Richards has created a unique, atmospheric story in The Hiding House, which keeps the reader absorbed and, at times, guessing too!
(Many thanks to the author for providing a copy of this novel in return for an honest review)
The Hiding House by Malcolm Richards took me a little while to get into, but once I did, I was really drawn into Elise and Sebastian’s world!
The entire book has a kind of dreamlike state to it- although it seemed to be set in the real world, it was hard to pinpoint exactly which decade, and exactly where in the world. I couldn’t quite get my head around what I was reading- I think the fact that various parts of the narrative were very reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel and other fairy tales added to this, and make me expect certain things that didn’t actually happen. However what did happen certainly kept me entertained (though I got a little confused sometimes at the change from present to past narratives)!
The characters were likeable and interesting; I cared what happened to Sebastian and Elise and felt their intense fear at certain points. There were parts that were quite creepy and I was impressed at the way that the author used just the right amount of hyperbole and drama to create a menacing, threatening situation for both siblings.
I feel that Malcolm Richards has created a unique, atmospheric story in The Hiding House, which keeps the reader absorbed and, at times, guessing too!
(Many thanks to the author for providing a copy of this novel in return for an honest review)
July 12, 2015
Whilst this book held a particular resonance for myself having gone through similar experiences to Elise and Sebastian to such an extent it was almost uncanny, this book would still have earned 5 stars for me as it was beautifully written. The story jumps from the family's past to the present day throughout, building the tension until you can't possibly put it down. Both the setting and characters are very well depicted, and the pace builds steadily with the children thrown into turmoil as the truth of their past begins to emerge while their lives slowly disintegrate.
This kindle edition included a short story follow-up, and I could definitely see a second novel there. For me, books have always been about escaping, and whilst this one reminded me greatly of that which I used to be escaping from, I enjoyed The Hiding House immensely and look forward to reading more from this astute author.
This kindle edition included a short story follow-up, and I could definitely see a second novel there. For me, books have always been about escaping, and whilst this one reminded me greatly of that which I used to be escaping from, I enjoyed The Hiding House immensely and look forward to reading more from this astute author.
December 28, 2016
I feel like this book opened with promise but in the end it was a bit of a winding tale with nowhere to go leaving the ending feeling like it had been tacked on in a rush to bring a conclusion to a mediocre story. The promise of a "fairytale" for grownups is also false and I really struggled to find any reference to fairy tales within the book, included is the short story "Return to the hiding house" which is also pointless bringing nothing to the story or even character development.
It feels like something written by a very young person who has no idea about the basic rules of novel writing.
It feels like something written by a very young person who has no idea about the basic rules of novel writing.
February 25, 2012
Quite a disturbing story about a young brother and sister who have been living with their grandmother four the past four years. Their mother left them there and went off to try and sort out her personal devastating problems. When the grandmother dies, they have to work out what to do so as not to be put into care and possibly separated. Trying to cope with their agonising grief and hide their secret is traumatic to them both. Then out of the darkness comes more terror for the two.
A well written book with all the emotions and anxieties realistically believable.
A well written book with all the emotions and anxieties realistically believable.
November 16, 2015
I had a hard time getting into this book because it kept going into the past! Once I figured out what was going on it became easier to read and I got involved in the characters as the story unfolded! The story is about 2 children who grew up in a troubled home but now live with their loving Nana. Not sure where it takes place as it never really says but worth reading. It was a very good book and had an unexpected ending!
October 12, 2015
Slow at start to a satisfying end. Some parts were a reach from our reality but it's a good escape and that is what is good about some novels. Definitely a rollercoaster ride in the emotions that Elise and Sebastian had. From a mother who abandons them to the secrets they realize.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
July 3, 2016
Thought provoking novel.
Unusual choice for me. It left questions in my mind. The predicament the children found themselves in, with no knowledge of what to do, left the door wide open as to what could then take place. The story left me wondering how we find a way when we come against life altering events.
Unusual choice for me. It left questions in my mind. The predicament the children found themselves in, with no knowledge of what to do, left the door wide open as to what could then take place. The story left me wondering how we find a way when we come against life altering events.
June 6, 2012
Picked it up and couldn't put it down! And excellent first book, with some real twists. The characters really draw you right into their story along with them. (I'm sure I recognised the school and woods!)
July 21, 2013
A very strange story which I only finished as I hate not seeing a book through to the end. Not sure where it is set or even when it was set. I like to try different books but for me this was not what I expected and doubt I would read more from this Author.
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May 29, 2013Loved this book.
June 3, 2015
A book I shall never forget!
One of the best stories I have read in a long time. The characters are so real and easy to become beloved forever. Such a touching story. Loved it!
One of the best stories I have read in a long time. The characters are so real and easy to become beloved forever. Such a touching story. Loved it!
August 4, 2015
Very unexpected and unpredictable story. sad, far fetched, and occasionally scary. really enjoyed.
November 28, 2016
I wasn't sure what to expect because his other books are murder mysteries, but this was a horror story. Eerily good and scary, some great twists.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews