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Masquerade: A Beth Harper Supernatural Thriller Book One
The first in a series of Beth Harper books, Masquerade is a supernatural thriller set in a remote North Yorkshire village. Following a whirlwind re-location for a live-in job at the local inn, Beth quickly realises the whole village is thoroughly haunted, the people here fearful and cowed. As a spiritual medium, her attention is drawn to Scarsdale Hall nearby, the enormous stately home dominating what is undoubtedly a wild and beautiful landscape. Built of black stone with majestic turrets, it seems to drain the energy from the land. There is, she feels, something malevolent about it, as if time has stopped. With the help of her spirit guides and the gift of astral travel, she will soon face the most daunting task of her life. Why is she being shown images of expressionless children gripping the bars of fairground wheels, forever going around and around? And why are the lines of women and children walking to Scarsdale Hall each day, silent and grim-faced? Barely a word is spoken here. There is no joy, no life… Past and present are as entangled as a box of ribbons, her task being to unravel the darkly disturbing truth laid down centuries before. But are the embedded secrets too horrific for those involved to ever admit, even to themselves? As the enormity of the task unfolds and Beth is pitched against one of the most powerful families on earth, she considers this may be too much for her. Ultimately, however, this is her journey, too. And she will be pushed to the limit of her abilities. Besides, as her spirit guide, Billy, says, ‘They’re still doing it…’Author note: this is not occult horror as such, but a supernatural mystery based on the very real experiences of a spiritual medium.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2021
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44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 24, 2021
Beth Harper has a new job as a chef in a remote village pub. She soon starts noticing the strange behaviours of the village residents, and how afraid of the big house on the edge of the village everyone is. Beth can also see spirits and communicate with them. Many chefs before her left their job due to being scared of the pubs ghostly residents.
With the help of Billy, her spirit guide, and the spirit of her Great Gran, Beth begins to look into the history of the village and why everything is linked up so tightly with the big house. What she begins to discover is dark and malevolent, and goes back centuries. How much can the village be helped, when it's too afraid accept that help?
This story has so many interlinking threads and interesting themes. Communication with spirit, good vs evil, and re-living past lives all feature. And, as always with Sarah's books, she covers a topic that many people may not be aware of, or would prefer to ignore. As has been said about fiction - it tell lies to tell many uncomfortable truths. This, along with Sarah's books, does this very well.
I've read all of Sarah's books, and enjoyed every one. This one has to be up there with my favourite books. Excellently written, atmospheric and very difficult to put down once you've started reading it. One of my top 5 books of 2021.
With the help of Billy, her spirit guide, and the spirit of her Great Gran, Beth begins to look into the history of the village and why everything is linked up so tightly with the big house. What she begins to discover is dark and malevolent, and goes back centuries. How much can the village be helped, when it's too afraid accept that help?
This story has so many interlinking threads and interesting themes. Communication with spirit, good vs evil, and re-living past lives all feature. And, as always with Sarah's books, she covers a topic that many people may not be aware of, or would prefer to ignore. As has been said about fiction - it tell lies to tell many uncomfortable truths. This, along with Sarah's books, does this very well.
I've read all of Sarah's books, and enjoyed every one. This one has to be up there with my favourite books. Excellently written, atmospheric and very difficult to put down once you've started reading it. One of my top 5 books of 2021.
October 24, 2021
I am a huge fan of Sarah England, and have spent many a night with a light on!, Masquerade deviates slightly on the ‘ full on occult horror genre’ , as it is the first in a new series of supernatural thrillers with Beth Harper facing up to all kinds of evil. Beth has a gift, and since a young girl she can see and communicate with spirits, often helping lost or trapped souls pass over.
Beth relocates to beautiful North Yorkshire , where, what one would expect, is a quaint village with local shops, Beth is a chef, and has a new job at the local pub, but she soon senses this is not a happy village. There is a dark foreboding atmosphere, it permeates the very heart of the village, reaching out through the centuries its dark forces as strong as ever, suspended like a thick cloud choking the life out of each and every person in the village.
With the help of Billy her spirit guide, and the spirit of Grace, her Great Gran, Beth decides to delve into the local history of the village and the links that lead to Scarsdale Hall, the big house that overlooks the village, as if it is watching and waiting…
I love that this is a new series, getting to know different characters is always exciting, Sarah England has set the groundwork to build on, and develope these new characters into a brilliant series. I can’t wait for book 2, and definitely recommend Masquerade.
Beth relocates to beautiful North Yorkshire , where, what one would expect, is a quaint village with local shops, Beth is a chef, and has a new job at the local pub, but she soon senses this is not a happy village. There is a dark foreboding atmosphere, it permeates the very heart of the village, reaching out through the centuries its dark forces as strong as ever, suspended like a thick cloud choking the life out of each and every person in the village.
With the help of Billy her spirit guide, and the spirit of Grace, her Great Gran, Beth decides to delve into the local history of the village and the links that lead to Scarsdale Hall, the big house that overlooks the village, as if it is watching and waiting…
I love that this is a new series, getting to know different characters is always exciting, Sarah England has set the groundwork to build on, and develope these new characters into a brilliant series. I can’t wait for book 2, and definitely recommend Masquerade.
October 21, 2021
Masquerade is the first in a new series, the Beth Harper supernatural thrillers. This one is set in North Yorkshire where Beth has taken up the position of cook at the Cross Daggers Inn. Nearby is the dark and foreboding Scarsdale Hall and Beth becomes aware that there is something not quite right about it and she decides, alongside her spirit guide, Billy, to investigate its secrets.
I have read quite a few of Sarah England’s books and have always enjoyed them. Although I did enjoy Masquerade, I have to admit I found it somewhat confusing. It seemed to skip around quite a bit and i didn’t always know what was happening. Maybe I wasn’t supposed to know!? However, I liked the characters of Beth and her spirit guide, Billy, as well as Gran Grace with her wolf, Yukon. They made an intrepid trio and I look forward to following their adventures in the next book.
Definitely a tale where you have to suspend belief, it’s a sinister and atmospheric creepy read which should have you wanting to switch all the lights on! 👹
I have read quite a few of Sarah England’s books and have always enjoyed them. Although I did enjoy Masquerade, I have to admit I found it somewhat confusing. It seemed to skip around quite a bit and i didn’t always know what was happening. Maybe I wasn’t supposed to know!? However, I liked the characters of Beth and her spirit guide, Billy, as well as Gran Grace with her wolf, Yukon. They made an intrepid trio and I look forward to following their adventures in the next book.
Definitely a tale where you have to suspend belief, it’s a sinister and atmospheric creepy read which should have you wanting to switch all the lights on! 👹
October 25, 2021
Whenever I read a Sarah England book, I know that I am in for a good read - but preferably to be read with all the lights on!! This book doesn't disappoint.
Beth is a chef at a local pub but she hasn't been there very long when she realises that her help is sorely needed in the village, spiritual help, that is. There is something odd about her co-workers, the stately house nearby and the "beautiful people" that tend to flock to it.
So many interesting characters in this book and I really liked that she had her great gran Grace and a spirit guide, Billy, with her at all times to protect her, as well as a wolf, Yukon. And her strong faith, of course.
All in all, this was a great book. A little confusing at times and you have to suspend belief a bit, but I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series.
4.5 stars from me.
Beth is a chef at a local pub but she hasn't been there very long when she realises that her help is sorely needed in the village, spiritual help, that is. There is something odd about her co-workers, the stately house nearby and the "beautiful people" that tend to flock to it.
So many interesting characters in this book and I really liked that she had her great gran Grace and a spirit guide, Billy, with her at all times to protect her, as well as a wolf, Yukon. And her strong faith, of course.
All in all, this was a great book. A little confusing at times and you have to suspend belief a bit, but I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series.
4.5 stars from me.
February 6, 2021
As always, amazing!
The Queen of Horror does it again! I was completely transfixed as soon as I began reading. I was gutted that it ended the way it did then my heart lightened when I saw there was going to be a book two. The storyline and characters within are well described given you enough detail to draw you in but at the same time makes you want to know more about them. I have read all of this authors books and can safely say, this one definitely stands up to the same standard as the others. Great work.
The Queen of Horror does it again! I was completely transfixed as soon as I began reading. I was gutted that it ended the way it did then my heart lightened when I saw there was going to be a book two. The storyline and characters within are well described given you enough detail to draw you in but at the same time makes you want to know more about them. I have read all of this authors books and can safely say, this one definitely stands up to the same standard as the others. Great work.
February 19, 2021
Masquerade
This is the first book in a new series by Sarah England featuring Spiritual Medium Beth Harper who has seen spirits from a young age.
I got totally engrossed in the story and couldn't stop reading as I wanted to know what happened next.
This is a book that is going to stay with me long after I've finished it.
Highly recommended.
This is the first book in a new series by Sarah England featuring Spiritual Medium Beth Harper who has seen spirits from a young age.
I got totally engrossed in the story and couldn't stop reading as I wanted to know what happened next.
This is a book that is going to stay with me long after I've finished it.
Highly recommended.
January 16, 2021
A Truly Disturbing Supernatural Chiller
The queen of nightmares returns with another slice of supernatural horror. As ever, guaranteed to have you looking nervously over your shoulder and listening out for noises in the dead of night.
This time we are introduced to Beth Harper, a cook who takes a Iive in position at a remote inn in rural wind blasted Yorkshire. However, Beth is no ordinary woman... She is a powerful psychic capable of seeing and communicating with the dead...and it seems as though there is no shortage of restless spirits in her new home and place of work.
Why are their so many in this one location and why do they seem to belong to numerous historical era's? Who are the family who live at nearby Scarsdale Hall and why do the locals treat them with such reverence and fear? It seems that no one ever leaves the local village... Not ever.
As Beth searches for the answers she discovers an ancient evil...a demonic presence that has engulfed the area for centuries and shows no sign of wanting to relinquish its grip.
This is a stunning but highly disturbing novel and touches on subjects that are definitely not for the faint hearted ...
As ever the author is at her descriptive best and the reader is placed firmly at the centre of the action..I could vividly picture every scene in this...some of them I will still see for a while to come.
The heart of this is new character, Beth, who combines the otherworldly, the vulnerable and the ordinary to great effect...so likeable and the reader is constantly rooting for her through the nightmare she is confronting . I honestly can't wait to see what this excellent character does next.
As ever, this author never disappoints...she gets better with every book and happily this is no exception.
A superb piece of writing that works on so many levels, as all the best works do
I can't recommend this highly enough and I hope the author returns soon for the next installment of what promises to be a brilliant series.
The queen of nightmares returns with another slice of supernatural horror. As ever, guaranteed to have you looking nervously over your shoulder and listening out for noises in the dead of night.
This time we are introduced to Beth Harper, a cook who takes a Iive in position at a remote inn in rural wind blasted Yorkshire. However, Beth is no ordinary woman... She is a powerful psychic capable of seeing and communicating with the dead...and it seems as though there is no shortage of restless spirits in her new home and place of work.
Why are their so many in this one location and why do they seem to belong to numerous historical era's? Who are the family who live at nearby Scarsdale Hall and why do the locals treat them with such reverence and fear? It seems that no one ever leaves the local village... Not ever.
As Beth searches for the answers she discovers an ancient evil...a demonic presence that has engulfed the area for centuries and shows no sign of wanting to relinquish its grip.
This is a stunning but highly disturbing novel and touches on subjects that are definitely not for the faint hearted ...
As ever the author is at her descriptive best and the reader is placed firmly at the centre of the action..I could vividly picture every scene in this...some of them I will still see for a while to come.
The heart of this is new character, Beth, who combines the otherworldly, the vulnerable and the ordinary to great effect...so likeable and the reader is constantly rooting for her through the nightmare she is confronting . I honestly can't wait to see what this excellent character does next.
As ever, this author never disappoints...she gets better with every book and happily this is no exception.
A superb piece of writing that works on so many levels, as all the best works do
I can't recommend this highly enough and I hope the author returns soon for the next installment of what promises to be a brilliant series.
October 20, 2021
Second book I have read by this author and definitely not the last and what a way to hook me into a new series. I need more and now. So many questions unanswered!
So Beth is a medium/psychic and has all good abilities to help spirits move on and cleanse dark spirits away – all abilities she has learned off since early childhood. With the help of her spiritual guide Billy and the spirit of her grandmother Grace, she deals with situations normal people wouldn’t walk to walk into.
But this situation she is thrown into might actually be too much for her. Beth arrives in a quaint Yorkshire village to be the new cook in the local pub. Straight off she notices the heavy atmosphere, spirits trapped in all rooms and staff that seems to live in a trance, avoiding questions at all cost. And there is the mysteries Mantel family running the whole area. Beth has to face evil, deciphering a barrage of visions and people’s memories before it’s too late.
This book drove me mad. I think I was confused all the way through about 80% of this book and still some questioned lay unanswered. But I like that, knowing this is a first book in a new series, so I have some more to look forward to. Thoroughly enjoyed this and got a little spooked too, so perfect for October time.
So Beth is a medium/psychic and has all good abilities to help spirits move on and cleanse dark spirits away – all abilities she has learned off since early childhood. With the help of her spiritual guide Billy and the spirit of her grandmother Grace, she deals with situations normal people wouldn’t walk to walk into.
But this situation she is thrown into might actually be too much for her. Beth arrives in a quaint Yorkshire village to be the new cook in the local pub. Straight off she notices the heavy atmosphere, spirits trapped in all rooms and staff that seems to live in a trance, avoiding questions at all cost. And there is the mysteries Mantel family running the whole area. Beth has to face evil, deciphering a barrage of visions and people’s memories before it’s too late.
This book drove me mad. I think I was confused all the way through about 80% of this book and still some questioned lay unanswered. But I like that, knowing this is a first book in a new series, so I have some more to look forward to. Thoroughly enjoyed this and got a little spooked too, so perfect for October time.
October 29, 2021
A fascinating read and definitely not to be read in the dark if you are alone!
Beth has a new job as a cook in a small village, this village is ruled by the 'big house' in Scarsdale but Beth doesn't understand why everyone seems so terrified of putting a foot wrong. It's no coincidence that she has this job and the arrival of her spirit guide 'Billy' and her gran means there is someone in need. It seems that this may be beyond her capabilities but she decides she needs to see why all the children seem to be so quiet and travel every day to Scarsdale Hall in fact no one ever seems to leave unless it is to the hall. Who is haunting this village? Beth puts herself in some very scary places and needs to call on all the help she can. Will she every leave the village?
This is a chilling plot and scary to read hence the comment about not reading in the dark. I can't wait to read the follow up.
Beth has a new job as a cook in a small village, this village is ruled by the 'big house' in Scarsdale but Beth doesn't understand why everyone seems so terrified of putting a foot wrong. It's no coincidence that she has this job and the arrival of her spirit guide 'Billy' and her gran means there is someone in need. It seems that this may be beyond her capabilities but she decides she needs to see why all the children seem to be so quiet and travel every day to Scarsdale Hall in fact no one ever seems to leave unless it is to the hall. Who is haunting this village? Beth puts herself in some very scary places and needs to call on all the help she can. Will she every leave the village?
This is a chilling plot and scary to read hence the comment about not reading in the dark. I can't wait to read the follow up.
October 19, 2021
This is the first book I have read by this Author but I’m very glad I did. Masquerade by S.E. England had me gripped from the very first chapter. A chilling story that sees our main character Beth arriving to work as a cook in a quaint old village inn .Things are far from normal and before long Beth is having to employ all of her earthly and other worldly skills to help the inhabitants of this ,seemingly delightful and traditional English village. All is not as it seems for the lost souls who are trapped here. This is a village that sold its soul to the dark side many centuries earlier. Beth has to call on all her powers and supporters to fight the darkness and help the long lost escape into the light. Beths quest had so many scary moments that I would suggest reading it during the daylight hours.Nevertheless, do read it!
March 28, 2021
A good story but....... !
This was a difficult read for me, as I found the plot to be somewhat disjointed. Various characters came and went in an apparent haphazard fashion. I found myself having to re-read certain passages in an attempt to understand who and what the individuals were and how they interacted with the story. Overall, this was the tale of a diabolical plot to enslave humanity, stretching back hundreds of years. I assume this book was the start of a series because, as a stand alone novel, it raised more questions than answers. That said, it was a good read as long as you suspend belief.
This was a difficult read for me, as I found the plot to be somewhat disjointed. Various characters came and went in an apparent haphazard fashion. I found myself having to re-read certain passages in an attempt to understand who and what the individuals were and how they interacted with the story. Overall, this was the tale of a diabolical plot to enslave humanity, stretching back hundreds of years. I assume this book was the start of a series because, as a stand alone novel, it raised more questions than answers. That said, it was a good read as long as you suspend belief.
February 1, 2021
This is the first and latest book by the Queen of Horror a new series of Beth Harper books, Masquerade is a dark supernatural thriller set in a remote North Yorkshire. Absolutely loved it this author has never disappointed me yet. It's all you want in a supernatural/horror, it's dark, creepy, shockingly brilliant. This author manages to firmly hold my interest throughout. I found myself saying one more chapter, just I e more. Addictive reading at its best one you start you can't stop. Really excited to see what happens to Beth Harper's next supernatural adventure ...... Oh my god!!!!
February 1, 2021
This is the first and latest book by the Queen of Horror a new series of Beth Harper books, Masquerade is a dark supernatural thriller set in a remote North Yorkshire. Absolutely loved it this author has never disappointed me yet. It's all you want in a supernatural/horror, it's dark, creepy, shockingly brilliant. This author manages to firmly hold my interest throughout. I found myself saying one more chapter, just I e more. Addictive reading at its best one you start you can't stop. Really excited to see what happens to Beth Harper's next supernatural adventure.
October 14, 2021
Another great, spooky read by S. E. England, who is fast becoming one of my favourite Authors.
The newly introduced Beth is a very interesting and detailed character who I can’t wait to read more about.
Her adventures are well written and set an eerie scene, especially in the village which on the front seems quaint and cosy but underneath the facade lays a depraved darkness which Beth has to get to the bottom of.
The story is fast paced and dark, with good descriptions and a claustrophobic feel throughout.
I look forward to reading more novels featuring this heroine!
The newly introduced Beth is a very interesting and detailed character who I can’t wait to read more about.
Her adventures are well written and set an eerie scene, especially in the village which on the front seems quaint and cosy but underneath the facade lays a depraved darkness which Beth has to get to the bottom of.
The story is fast paced and dark, with good descriptions and a claustrophobic feel throughout.
I look forward to reading more novels featuring this heroine!
October 27, 2021
Masquerade by S.E. England.
Beth Harper book 1.
The first in a series of Beth Harper books, Masquerade is a supernatural thriller set in a remote North Yorkshire village. Following a whirlwind re-location for a live-in job at the local inn, Beth quickly realises the whole village is thoroughly haunted, the people here fearful and cowed.
A brilliant read. I love love Sarah's books. This was so eerie and creepy and spooky I couldn't put it down. This is a must read. 5*.
Beth Harper book 1.
The first in a series of Beth Harper books, Masquerade is a supernatural thriller set in a remote North Yorkshire village. Following a whirlwind re-location for a live-in job at the local inn, Beth quickly realises the whole village is thoroughly haunted, the people here fearful and cowed.
A brilliant read. I love love Sarah's books. This was so eerie and creepy and spooky I couldn't put it down. This is a must read. 5*.
May 1, 2022
Incredible book !
Once again Sarah England has managed to write another fantastic book. The story had me so engrossed I read it in a few hours, I couldn’t put the book down if I tried. Honestly Sarah is an incredibly talented writer who’s story telling has you engrossed in the lives of the characters. It’s easy to get lost in her books and be drawn into the world of the occult.
Thank you for yet another fantastic book, I can’t wait for the next book in the series,
Once again Sarah England has managed to write another fantastic book. The story had me so engrossed I read it in a few hours, I couldn’t put the book down if I tried. Honestly Sarah is an incredibly talented writer who’s story telling has you engrossed in the lives of the characters. It’s easy to get lost in her books and be drawn into the world of the occult.
Thank you for yet another fantastic book, I can’t wait for the next book in the series,
October 4, 2021
A series to watch
The book had an interesting storyline though at times can seem abit repetitive with the god stuff. Its not as scary as previous books I've read by Sarah but still written very well it will be interesting to see what the next book in the series is like and fingers crossed Beth comes against some challenges as it seem to easy for her to get rid of the demons.
The book had an interesting storyline though at times can seem abit repetitive with the god stuff. Its not as scary as previous books I've read by Sarah but still written very well it will be interesting to see what the next book in the series is like and fingers crossed Beth comes against some challenges as it seem to easy for her to get rid of the demons.
October 27, 2021
A perfect Halloween read! Absolutely loved this book - best dive in one sitting with the lights on and someone else at home!
It gave me actual goosebumps 😆
The novel is set not too far from my hone and as I read the book the author has brought the wildness and the eerieness of the moors to life!
Excellent
It gave me actual goosebumps 😆
The novel is set not too far from my hone and as I read the book the author has brought the wildness and the eerieness of the moors to life!
Excellent
July 17, 2021
Good
I wanted to enjoy this more but now I've finished it I can see great potential for more stories about Beth and jeannie which I am really looking forward to. Still a very good read and well worth picking up
I wanted to enjoy this more but now I've finished it I can see great potential for more stories about Beth and jeannie which I am really looking forward to. Still a very good read and well worth picking up
November 13, 2021
I enjoyed the supernatural element of Masquerade and found it good as a Halloween read. I lowered my rating as there were several portions of the book where I completely lost the thread and had to reread to try and make sense of it and I didn’t feel I got much resolution at the end of the book.
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