Carfax House - A Christmas Ghost Story

by Shani Struthers

From the author of the bestselling Psychic Surveys and This Haunted World series, comes a Christmas ghost story to chill your bones!

A renovation. In the countryside. Just over an hour's train ride from London.

An ideal family home. Sold unseen. At auction.

Married couple, Al and Liz Greenaway, love London, but when they discover an impressive country property for sale, in need of some TLC, for the same price as their London flat, they decide to go for it. For them, life is all about reinventing themselves, keeping things fresh, and this house marks an exciting new chapter.

In the week running up to Christmas, it is Liz who finds herself at Carfax House, alone. Al's held up with work. No matter, there's plenty to occupy her before he arrives, getting it ready for the festive season. A fine house. Once. Solitary, romantic, isolated, and quiet. So quiet that, for the first time in years, Liz can hear her own thoughts as long buried memories emerge. And there's an echo in them, a whisper...

For someone else in the house, memories are emerging too.

~~~

Genres: Christmas, Gothic

110 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2020

About the author

It's all about the ghosts...

Here's the order my books come in:

Psychic Surveys Series:

Psychic Surveys Book One: The Haunting of Highdown Hall

Psychic Surveys Book Two: Rise to Me

Psychic Surveys Book Three: 44 Gilmore Street

Psychic Surveys Book Four: Old Cross Cottage

Psychic Surveys Book Five: Descension

Psychic Surveys Book Six: Legion

Psychic Surveys Book Seven: Promises to Keep

Psychic Surveys Book Eight: The Weight of the Soul

Psychic Surveys Book Nine: The Devil's Liar

Psychic Surveys Companion Novels:

Eve: A Psychic Surveys Prequel

Blakemort (Corinna's story)

Thirteen (Ness's story)

Rosamund (Rosamund Davis - Ruby's great-grandmother's story)

Jed (the story of one of Psychic Surveys' most treasured and mysterious characters)

This Haunted World Series:

This Haunted World Book One: The Venetian

This Haunted World Book Two: The Eleventh Floor

This Haunted World Book Three: Highgate

This Haunted World Book Four: Rohaise

Reach for the Dead Series:

Reach for the Dead Book One: Mandy

Reach for the Dead Book Two: Cades Home Farm

Reach for the Dead Book Three: Walker

Jessamine Series:

Jessamine

Comraich

Carfax House - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

The Damned Season - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

Wildacre - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)

Summer of Grace - A standalone psychological thriller

Catch up with me via Facebook or on my website www.shanistruthers.com where you can sign up to my newsletter for all the latest information, offers and giveaways.

Reviews

[Leoni Dempsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this little seasonal ghost story, although it wasn’t as creepy or scary as I had anticipated. 3 stars for me overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️ this book sees a couple moving from the fast pace of London to a quiet isolated house (Carfax House) in the Leicestershire countryside which they bought unseen at auction. Al is held up at work leaving Liz to travel up alone to make preparations for Christmas. Whilst there, Liz senses a presence in the house which brings back memories from her traumatic childhood and the upbringing of the girl who previously lived in Carfax House. I could really picture myself at the house with Liz feeling the chill of the mist and hearing the noises upstairs. Definitely worth a read if you fancy a festive ghost story which isn’t too hair raising but still packs an emotional and ghostly punch! 👻

[Vicky Peplow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas blessing!

Having read all of Shani's books, this one doesn't disappoint. The only downside that I found was that it didn't go on for long enough as it ended far too soon but that just might be because I enjoy these books so much. Can't wait to see what comes next.

[Dawn Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my idea of a ghost story. Think it had the potential to be so much better had it been longer

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5
Fell a bit flat for me, I know it's a short story but it felt like it was missing a lot that should have been fleshed out to pull all those loose threads in.
Not bad, just a bit meh.

[Rumer Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atmospheric and beautifully told, this is a modern Gothic tale destined to become a classic for Christmastime. Anyone who loves the likes of Wuthering Heights and Rebecca will be enchanted by this at once haunting and heartwarming novella.

[Kelsie Christensen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was really really good at first but then it went really downhill. I didn’t understand part of it and also didn’t like the ending at all. Majorly disappointed.

[Mark J Kettlewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A melancholy masterpiece

This story spoke to me in ways I cannot begin to describe. All I can say is I have been there, and I am sure many others have too. Challenging and also uplifting.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My true rating is 3.8 stars

The characters in this narrative are intricately woven, their identities defined with a gentle yet compelling touch. While you gleam insights into their personalities, the depth of who they truly are remains somewhat enigmatic, like wisps of fog that obscure clear understanding. The haunting within these walls is not overt; it is nuanced and understated, presenting itself as a gradual erosion of one’s grip on reality rather than a dramatic spectral presence. The house itself emerges as a character of significant weight, radiating a palpable energy that envelops its sole occupant, casting an atmospheric gloom that invites both curiosity and trepidation.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the English countryside, this residence stands out as a diamond in the rough, a renovation-ready jewel waiting to be polished back to its former glory. Just a little over an hour’s train ride from the vibrant pulse of London, it seems like a haven of peace.

This ideal family retreat has made its way to the auction block, sold unseen, a leap of faith wrapped in the thrill of possibility.

Married couple Al and Liz Greenaway share a deep affection for London, its frenetic energy, and endless possibilities. Yet, upon discovering this remarkable country property, they find themselves captivated by the prospect of transformation. The price—equivalent to their small urban flat—creates an irresistible allure, tempting them to seize this opportunity. For them, life is an ongoing journey of reinvention, and this house represents a fresh beginning brimming with potential and promise.

As the holiday season draws near, Liz finds herself at Carfax House, alone and engulfed in an atmosphere that is simultaneously enchanting and eerie. Al has become ensnared in the relentless demands of his career, leaving Liz to tackle the monumental task of preparing their new home. The house, with its expansive rooms and faded grandeur, resonates with a peculiar charm—its former magnificence hints at stories untold. Solitude wraps around her like a thick fog, allowing for the rare chance to hear her own thoughts—an opportunity that has eluded her for years.

As she wanders through the quiet halls, long-buried memories surge to the surface, vivid and haunting. Each creak of the floorboards reverberates in the stillness, conjuring echoes of the past that linger in the air like whispers yearning to be heard.

Unbeknownst to Liz, she is not alone in this sprawling dwelling; another presence stirs within the very walls, memories awakening as if beckoned back to life.

Though there are no overt signs of a classic haunting, the atmosphere simmers with a subtle menace, a pervasive sense of unease that leaves a tingling sensation skimming across her skin—a sensation that gnaws at the edges of her rational mind.

In this intricate tapestry of emotions, Penny Scott-Andrews shines as the narrator, expertly capturing the inner lives of her characters. Her ability to convey their emotional spectrum—joy, anxiety, and an undercurrent of dread—imbues their daily existence with richness and texture. Each voice is portrayed with care, resonating with authenticity, creating a deeply immersive experience that invites readers to walk alongside them on their poignant journey.

[Sharika · Rating 5 out of 5]

ওয়াদারিং হাইটস, হন্টিং অফ হিল হাউজ, রেবেকার মতো হন্টেড হাউজ স্ল্যাশ গথিক স্টোরি ধরণের জিনিস যাদের পছন্দ তাদের জন্য টেন বাই টেন রেকমেন্ডেড একটা বই।

বইয়ের দৈর্ঘ্য যে আসলে বইয়ের কন্টেন্টের উপর কোনো প্রভাব ফেলে না তার গ্রেটেস্ট এক্সাম্পল হতে পারে এই বইটা। এখন পর্যন্ত আমার পড়া হররগুলোর মধ্যে সেরা তিনে জায়গা পাবে। যদিও একে ট্রেডিশনাল সেন্সে হরর বলা চলে না, কিন্তু ব্রড সেন্সে লেখিকা তার লেখাটাকে ভূতুড়ে গল্পের মধ্যে ফেলেছেন বলে সেটাই মেনে নিলাম। স্পেসিফিক্যালি বললে এটা গথিক ফিকশন।

কিছু সংখ্যক অপ্রচলিত শব্দের ব্যবহার (ব্রিটিশ লোকাল ওয়ার্ডস) আর একটু goofy ধরণের রাইটিং স্টাইলের জন্য প্রথমে খুব বেশি আশা রাখি নি। শীতের সকালে কনকনে পরিবেশে একশো দশ পৃষ্ঠার ছোট্ট বইটা স্বল্প সময়ের একটা পাসটাইম হিসাবেই পড়ছিলাম - আফটার অল এই পরিবেশে ভূতের বইয়ের চেয়ে মজার কি হতে পারে! কিন্তু বই শেষ করলাম একদম মাইন্ড হেভি, হার্ট ফুল অনুভূতি নিয়ে।

বইয়ের কোনো একটা অংশ লেখার সময়ে লেখক-লেখিকার মনে কি চলছিলো, কিভাবে একটা নির্দিষ্ট লাইন তার মাথায় এসে থাকতে পারে এগুলো নিয়ে আমি সবসময়ই ভাবতে থাকি। এটা আমার পড়ার একটা অংশ হয়ে গিয়েছে। এই বইটা পড়তে গিয়ে কেন যেন বারবার মনে হলো লেখিকা খুব সেন্সিবল, সফট-মাইন্ডেড, খুব এমপ্যাথেটিক একজন মানুষ।

এতো ছোট আকারের বইতে এতোগুলো লিখে রাখার মতো উক্তিও আগে পাই নি -

- Depression could be fuelled by a variety of things – loss, abuse, violence and betrayal – but sometimes… just sometimes, there was no reason other than perhaps a chemical imbalance in the brain.

- I am not okay, I haven’t been since I was seven.

- Some people couldn’t live, no matter how much those around them might wish they could. We could get angry about it, we could cry and yell in frustration, take them by the shoulders and shake them, but it would make no difference. Yet there was something that made a difference. At least for those left behind. It was living for them, those of us that could. It was taking a moment to stop and smell the roses, to note how blue the sky was and how green the grass. It was realising you couldn’t be happy all the
time, that no one ever was. Giving yourself a break when anger resurfaced, when sadness set in. Shit happened. But it would pass, if you let it.

- The world was beautiful, but it was fragile too – and volatile. Often, it was a world of pain. And some realised that pain; they felt it so deeply.

অনেক কিছু মনে মনে ভাবছিলাম - এভাবে কাহিনী আগাতে পারে, ওভাবে আগাতে পারে। মনে মনে কতো সিনারিও ভেবে ফেলেছিলাম। কিন্তু লেখিকা যেভাবে এন্ডিং টেনেছেন সেটা আমার যেকোনো ভাবনার চেয়ে অনেক বেশি স্যাটিসফাইং আর সুন্দর ছিলো। তার সাইকোলজিক্যাল ভিউপয়েন্ট অসাধারণ।

চারশো পাঁচশো পৃষ্ঠার বই এতো সময় নিয়ে পড়ে কখনো দেখি পুরোটাই ছিলো মাকাল ফল, আবার ছোট্ট একটা বই পড়ে কি দারুণ সন্তুষ্টি পেলাম। This book is hugely underrated, a hidden gem.

[T.A. Belshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review of Carfax House. A Christmas story by Shani Struthers.

Not your run of the mill ghost story.

Carfax House is not your usual run of the mill ghost story, but then Shani Struthers is not your usual run of the mill author.
Set in the desolate winter landscape of the Leicestershire countryside, Carfax House sits alone in its overgrown, briar tangled acres. Neglected for too long, the big house has fallen into disrepair and is badly in need of more than a little TLC.
Step in, Lizzie and Al, a London journalist married to a criminal lawyer who see an opportunity on a property website. Sure, the old house will need some work and it will cost, but with the money they can get from selling their nicely appointed London apartment and their combined incomes, they should be able to afford to restore the old house to something close to its former glory. Besides, Lizzie thinks to herself, what woman wouldn’t want to saunter down that beautiful open staircase wearing a designer creation to the wide-eyed acclaim of her party guests?
So, the flat is sold and the deal is done. Carfax House, bought unseen, awaits their arrival.
I won’t go into too much detail of the story as I don’t want to spoil it for future readers but what I will say is that Carfax House has great depth and tackles issues that other authors steer well clear of. As I said earlier, this is not a run of the mill ghost story, it is a story of loss, of isolation, of desperate emotions.
Carfax House is all about memories. The repressed memory of childhood, dreadful memories of a shameful family secret that a mother and daughter weave a web of lies to attempt to hide, and the memories of an old house, memories that are baked into the bricks and mortar. Memories that make the floorboards creak, memories hidden behind a small but strong, oak door built into the walls of bedroom six.
You will be able to read this one in bed without scaring yourself silly. It’s not that kind of book, but by the time you reach the end, you will have been so eloquently informed about the brutality of mental illness and how it was endured by two families born a hundred years apart.
This book gets a well-deserved five-star rating from me. I lost myself in this short novel for a few hours, reading it in one session, broken only by my need to fuel my long-standing coffee addiction.
T. A. Belshaw

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Al and Liz Greenaway were a successful young couple living the good life in London, when they saw a notice for the Auction of a large country house called Carfax, and immediately fell in love with it from the photos. The house became there's but only Liz was able to journey to it and move in because Al's position as a solicitor in a London Law Firm, was involved in a Court case that he couldn't walk away from.
The removal men arrived a couple of days after Liz had entered Carfax House, and deposited the meagre furniture from their little London flat, into their respective spacious rooms, of which 6 were bedrooms leading off from the magnificent sweeping staircase that led to them.
Christmas was almost upon them and Al's case was proving a problem that he couldn't get away from, so Liz resigned herself to cleaning, making lists for repairs for after the festivities and thoughts of preparing the vast hall into a Christmas Wonderland, with a tree and all the trimmings, before Al was due home the following day.
Liz couldn't help feeling that there was 'something' going on with the house, but put it down to stress, waiting for Al to come home and the mist that never seemed to leave Carfax House. Christmas was fast approaching, her magical time of the year, but something just didn't feel right.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 3 out of 5]

Al and Liz have purchased an old mansion, sight unseen, in order to restore it to its former glory and get away from the rat race of London. When Liz decides that she wants to be in the house by Christmas, little does she know what she will encounter. Since Al is involved in an important murder trial, Liz goes by herself to get things set up for the holiday. Soon, she starts to imagine things and her emotions run rampant. Is the house haunted?

This wasn't so much a ghost story as a tale of mental illness (in my opinion). As Liz comes to realize things about her own childhood, she discovers a grave outside the house and she is determined to find out more about the woman buried there. My main complaint with the story is that once Liz begins to remember things about her past, the viewpoint switches to the mysterious woman, Josephina. To me, the jump was a little too abrupt and I would have liked more insight into how Liz learned the truth about the woman.

The narrator did a good job, but her "posh" accent was a little difficult for this southern girl to decipher at times, especially when Liz's emotions got out of hand. All in all, not a bad book, but not what I was expecting from a ghost story or from this author. I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.

[Tina Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but a bit boring.

This one has a good storyline, but it was a bit boring. The mist was made up to have you feel anxious over what caused it, but the repetition of why the house was bought just happened repetitively. I think this book is mainly geared for those whom have lost someone to suicide and questions why. I, myself lost my dad when I was fifteen years old to suicide. It's hard, but I also knew he was a sick man with many problems, and as our priest said at the time, God accepts all sick people!

[Michael John Paul McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great in-depth book relating to the sadness of depression.

At first I thought Carfax House would be yet another haunted house story. Wrong! Set in old Carfax House the story delves into the sadness of depression be it the characters father who finally hangs himself, or Josaphina who, in the 1800's does the same thing through depression. A sad but uplifting book as Lizzie reconciles with her childhood memories through the memories of Josaphina. Shani Struthers has written a wonderful Christmas Ghost Story that I enjoyed and read in two days.

[mmobsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creepy and atmospheric. Love books about houses being bought to do up/make into a home so it appealed from the start. Was there a ghost or was everything an over active imagination from being alone, and sometimes after a lot of wine, in an unfamiliar empty house for several days. Could go either way. Glad past 'ghosts' were laid to rest and in such an interesting way which again left questions about what was real as did the end. Great spooky story.

[Mrs Doreen A Broomfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carfax house

Again a wonderful story what a great writer adding sadness and happiness liz worried they made the wrong move but realised it was meant to be, Al getting made partner where he worked it london, having a wonder Christmas with a new friend Patricia that liz had met after buying her a bauble and them going for a coffee together. Finding the grave of joespina and hearing her story gave liz great hope for the future of carfax house excellent book

[Tracy Halls · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book from this author....

This is the first book from this author I have read and I really enjoyed it, some difficult subjects approached during this book but was done well.
Good story, relatable characters and not your average haunted house story
Will definitely be checking out more from this author

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant story.

Shani Struthers has written a poignant story which deals with mental illness and how it affects not only the sufferer but those closest to them.
This is a different kind of ghost story, and one that is well written with true to life characters.
Highly recommended.

[David Prendergast · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dissapointing

Carfax house Christmas story started out well but i started skipping pages as it was quite repetitive i.e what if the house is haunted...
I have read so many of shani books and they have been amazing this book was slow I never felt at all frightened just boring I hate using that word but it was sorry

[Anna fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little ghost story

I've read the psychic surveys series and so and well used to Shaun struthers so I was pleased that this followed the usual, well written style. I feel.!one I was rushed at the end and I think I'd have liked to see somebody of connection between the family and the end characters but was still a good read.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This starts off very atmospheric and I thought, quite scary. It’s really not very scary though and doesn’t really deliver on it truly being a ghost story. It’s a decent short story and worth a seasonal read but not a fabulous read.

[Mrs V · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read better Christmas ghost stories.

Although this book is very well written, it is not the happiest read for Christmas.

The very predictable ending saves it from being totally depressing.

[Kepplemarsh · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've never given a one star review before, but I spent every page of this book wondering, without malice but with genuine curiosity, how such bad writing made it to publication. The answer was revealed when I turned the last page: 'Printed by Amazon.'

One to become a fixture of Oxfams everywhere, I fear.

[June Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written

Holds your attention just enough suspense to.make it an interesting and believable story The characters well rounded and the house description was brilliant you felt you were there

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Think we might see more from this cast of characters.

Entertaining, quick read. Author never disappoints with twists & turns that keeps your interest and keeps you guessing how it will all end.

[Will Macmillan Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

Plenty of character building and an interesting premise, but ultimately no feeling of atmosphere. Not every ghost has to be threatening but at the least should provide some tension - here, sadly, absent

[Colin Hodgkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Christmas Ghost Story

Two days to read, couldn't put it down.
Pulls on the heart strings, whole gamut of emotions including tears of compassion.
Shani Struthers is a wonderful writer with a style one can fall into.

[Mrs L Crew · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is unfortunate that I read Rohaise directly before this one and so could immediately compare the two. There is very little difference between these 2 books other than the way in which the 2 “ghosts” died. The thick mists, going to a new place as the only inhabitant as the partner had to stay behind for work, the flickering lights etc could have been copied from one book into the next and this is very disappointing as I have really enjoyed the other work by this author.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fabulous Read

Not your typical ghost story, the brutal effects of mental illness born by two unrelated families years apart. Poignant and chilling in it's own right. A perfect Christmas ghost story.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this.