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The Haunting
He was searching for an escape. But in his new home, there may be no way out…
World-class pianist Sebastian Carmichael desperately needs rest. After the strain of his touring career causes him to collapse onstage, he seeks peace and quiet in the remote English countryside. But when he buys a dilapidated seventeenth-century building, his plan to renovate could be the riskiest decision of his life. As the walls reveal unexpected secrets, Sebastian becomes enraptured with a beautiful but mysterious woman. And though the frightened contractors refuse to return, the troubled musician feels compelled to discover the terrifying truth of the structure’s dark history. Can Sebastian survive a centuries-old curse? The Haunting is a chilling standalone paranormal fiction novel. If you like eerie characters, and astonishing twists and turns, then you’ll love Raymond M Hall’s edge-of-your-seat thriller. Buy The Haunting to unleash the forgotten past today!
World-class pianist Sebastian Carmichael desperately needs rest. After the strain of his touring career causes him to collapse onstage, he seeks peace and quiet in the remote English countryside. But when he buys a dilapidated seventeenth-century building, his plan to renovate could be the riskiest decision of his life. As the walls reveal unexpected secrets, Sebastian becomes enraptured with a beautiful but mysterious woman. And though the frightened contractors refuse to return, the troubled musician feels compelled to discover the terrifying truth of the structure’s dark history. Can Sebastian survive a centuries-old curse? The Haunting is a chilling standalone paranormal fiction novel. If you like eerie characters, and astonishing twists and turns, then you’ll love Raymond M Hall’s edge-of-your-seat thriller. Buy The Haunting to unleash the forgotten past today!
355 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2017
304 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Raymond M. Hall
16 books24 followersRaymond M Hall's books have been described by reviewers in glowing terms as a mixture of Thriller, Mystery, and Romance; indicating that readers find their individual tastes in his writing.
As one reviewer commented on his novel, "The Haunting":
Tremendously satisfying writing and character/time interplay make this a book to treasure. Think Poe, Doyle, King….......
The comedic side of the author is displayed in "The Importance of Being Roger". The subject of the book, Roger Sidebottom, can be seen either as a downright villain or a modern day anti-hero. However, within his character, you are bound to recognise somebody you know!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 4, 2024
Ghostly karma?
I really enjoyed this twin timeline story, that seemed to move effortlessly between the 17th and 21st centuries. Yes, it was a haunted house story but we were given detailed insights into the spirits haunting the property and why they were still Earthbound. Two separate but conjoined stories ran throughout the book, both of which I found fascinating. The ending was quite brilliant and totally wrapped up both storylines. Well recommended and I'll make sure to look out for this author in the future.
I really enjoyed this twin timeline story, that seemed to move effortlessly between the 17th and 21st centuries. Yes, it was a haunted house story but we were given detailed insights into the spirits haunting the property and why they were still Earthbound. Two separate but conjoined stories ran throughout the book, both of which I found fascinating. The ending was quite brilliant and totally wrapped up both storylines. Well recommended and I'll make sure to look out for this author in the future.
July 23, 2021
What an excellent read, had me gripped right from the start, and indeed a very surprising ending, good stuff :)
November 10, 2017
‘The dark figure in the bakery doorway wasn’t smiling.’
Australian author Raymond M Hall, born in Essex, England and lived in Mistley, and spent his evolving career in various occupations including the police force. He now lives and writes in New South Wales, Australia.
Raymond writes with a style that demands admiration and commands our attention. The manner in which he blends bifurcated time frames and characters places the story of success and career changes and love stories into the realm of the paranormal - and for a story with the title ‘The Haunting’ this approach works very well.
One of Raymond’s many strong attributes as a writer is the manner in which he sculpts his characters. Of the several important characters in this book, note how he introduces Sebastian: ‘Sebastian needed an interest, something to take his mind off music altogether. Relaxing once again into travel mode, he mulled over the things he was capable of and settled on a past hobby he had as a teenager. His father had been a builder with not one musical bone in his body, and mother was a beautiful woman, but again no musical talent. Sebastian had no idea where his musical ability derived, perhaps some distant antecedent? His parents had been killed together in a road accident over twenty years before, just when his career was hitting the heights. He remembered helping his father when he was younger and enjoyed spending time around building sites, especially renovation projects. He thought at one time he would follow in his father’s footsteps, but that was before his old music teacher had realised the hidden talent he possessed in his fingers. A scholarship had developed, and things had progressed rapidly. He had won just about every award that was winnable and held honorary degrees from music colleges worldwide.’
But for a very brief summary of this long book the following synopsis captures highlights – ‘Sebastian Carmichael is one of the world's greatest concert pianists, but he feels a new life awaits him when the strain of performing becomes too much. A trip to the countryside sees him take on the challenge of a run down property in Lincolnshire, a disused bakery, and he can't wait to get to grips with renovating the sadly neglected building. However, it seems he is not the only occupant and is forced to come to terms with his unwelcome guests. The past meets the present as he struggles to make his new found venture a success, particularly when he encounters a new love, the mysterious Briony.’
Tremendously satisfying writing and character/time interplay make this a book to treasure. Think Poe, Doyle, King…
Australian author Raymond M Hall, born in Essex, England and lived in Mistley, and spent his evolving career in various occupations including the police force. He now lives and writes in New South Wales, Australia.
Raymond writes with a style that demands admiration and commands our attention. The manner in which he blends bifurcated time frames and characters places the story of success and career changes and love stories into the realm of the paranormal - and for a story with the title ‘The Haunting’ this approach works very well.
One of Raymond’s many strong attributes as a writer is the manner in which he sculpts his characters. Of the several important characters in this book, note how he introduces Sebastian: ‘Sebastian needed an interest, something to take his mind off music altogether. Relaxing once again into travel mode, he mulled over the things he was capable of and settled on a past hobby he had as a teenager. His father had been a builder with not one musical bone in his body, and mother was a beautiful woman, but again no musical talent. Sebastian had no idea where his musical ability derived, perhaps some distant antecedent? His parents had been killed together in a road accident over twenty years before, just when his career was hitting the heights. He remembered helping his father when he was younger and enjoyed spending time around building sites, especially renovation projects. He thought at one time he would follow in his father’s footsteps, but that was before his old music teacher had realised the hidden talent he possessed in his fingers. A scholarship had developed, and things had progressed rapidly. He had won just about every award that was winnable and held honorary degrees from music colleges worldwide.’
But for a very brief summary of this long book the following synopsis captures highlights – ‘Sebastian Carmichael is one of the world's greatest concert pianists, but he feels a new life awaits him when the strain of performing becomes too much. A trip to the countryside sees him take on the challenge of a run down property in Lincolnshire, a disused bakery, and he can't wait to get to grips with renovating the sadly neglected building. However, it seems he is not the only occupant and is forced to come to terms with his unwelcome guests. The past meets the present as he struggles to make his new found venture a success, particularly when he encounters a new love, the mysterious Briony.’
Tremendously satisfying writing and character/time interplay make this a book to treasure. Think Poe, Doyle, King…
November 8, 2018
Remarkable book! Well written, spooky.
June 23, 2025
Boring story. Poorly written. No real character development. Not scary in the slightest just gross descriptions of rape and sexual assault.
I’m really surprised this trash got such good reviews.
Shock, horror! The main character was a ghost the whole time.
Bethany’s exposition dump at the end wasn’t needed. It’s pretty obvious what’s going on by the end of the story but for some reason the author thinks the reader is totally stupid and needs every single thing spelt out to them.
Trigger warning for sexual assault.
I’m really surprised this trash got such good reviews.
Shock, horror! The main character was a ghost the whole time.
Bethany’s exposition dump at the end wasn’t needed. It’s pretty obvious what’s going on by the end of the story but for some reason the author thinks the reader is totally stupid and needs every single thing spelt out to them.
Trigger warning for sexual assault.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2025
World class pianist, Sebastian Carmichael has suffered a collapse onstage and decides he needs to rest. He decides to find a quiet countryside in England and finds a house that is just what he is looking for, buys the house, which was built in the 17th century. The house is known as the Bakery. Sebastian is determined to bring it back to its original self, with some modern conveniences. What he is not aware of is that the house is very haunted. The story is actually told in both the 17th and 21rst centuries. These are two separate stories, but are very much woven together. A good read.
February 25, 2019
Enjoyed the ghost stories
Engaging all the way to the end. Ending tied all the stories together and left me with a good experience.
Engaging all the way to the end. Ending tied all the stories together and left me with a good experience.
October 7, 2025
Surprising and ingenious
This is a great Halloween read
. Loved the surprise and mystery. Highly recommended for mystery lovers. Check it out!
This is a great Halloween read
. Loved the surprise and mystery. Highly recommended for mystery lovers. Check it out!
January 1, 2021
Simply a good ghost story.
July 3, 2017
I hung on every word as I read the parallel love stories of Sebastian and Briony, then Luke and Bethany. Raymond Hall is a creative story teller; I could almost visualize him as a favorite around campfires. With the Haunting it is a continual power struggle to see who will end up on top, the evil or the good. Hall continually flips between the two sets of lovers as each tries to keep others from harming their mates.
Sebastian Carmichael is a renowned pianist who needs to find a haven. He decides remodeling a house is just what he needs to consume himself. He is drawn to an old bakery everyone claims is haunted. He soon discovers it would be a lot easier to get work done if the “other inhabitants” didn’t keep scaring his workers away. Just went his relationship with Briony starts to flourish Caroline, his dramatic sister, is added to the mix.
I cannot go into the love story of Luke and Bethany without giving too much away, so you will need to read this book to solve that mystery.
Sebastian Carmichael is a renowned pianist who needs to find a haven. He decides remodeling a house is just what he needs to consume himself. He is drawn to an old bakery everyone claims is haunted. He soon discovers it would be a lot easier to get work done if the “other inhabitants” didn’t keep scaring his workers away. Just went his relationship with Briony starts to flourish Caroline, his dramatic sister, is added to the mix.
I cannot go into the love story of Luke and Bethany without giving too much away, so you will need to read this book to solve that mystery.
January 7, 2019
I am definitely not a fan of Horror but I read the book nonetheless. It wasn't as bad as I imagined. I have a few goosebumps and hair-raising, but it was fine eventually. The book centers around, "
Sebastian Carmichael one of the world's greatest concert pianists, but he feels a new life awaits him when the strain of performing becomes too much. A trip to the countryside sees him take on the challenge of a run-down property in Lincolnshire, a disused bakery, and he can't wait to get to grips with renovating the sadly neglected building. However, it seems he is not the only occupant and is forced to come to terms with his unwelcome guests. The past meets the present as he struggles to make his newfound venture a success, particularly when he encounters a new love, the mysterious Briony.
Quite an unexpected read. I'm not going to give away any more details.
This is an amazing book. Well structured and perfectly matured characters.
Sebastian Carmichael one of the world's greatest concert pianists, but he feels a new life awaits him when the strain of performing becomes too much. A trip to the countryside sees him take on the challenge of a run-down property in Lincolnshire, a disused bakery, and he can't wait to get to grips with renovating the sadly neglected building. However, it seems he is not the only occupant and is forced to come to terms with his unwelcome guests. The past meets the present as he struggles to make his newfound venture a success, particularly when he encounters a new love, the mysterious Briony.
Quite an unexpected read. I'm not going to give away any more details.
This is an amazing book. Well structured and perfectly matured characters.
June 28, 2017
The Haunting by Raymond M. Hall is a well put together paranormal romance/thriller. Sebastian Carmichael is a world recognized pianist, but is looking for a change, and a move to a remote village is just what the doctor ordered. He peruses several properties, and decides to purchase a run down old bakery/homestead and start anew. The story is not merely about a renovation however, and when Sebastian meets a mysterious woman named Briony, his life certainly gets more interesting by the day. With a good mix of subtle romance, a little touch of ghosts haunting old homes, and a mercurial love interest, the author has written a compellingly readable story. The characters are fairly well fleshed out, and scenery and settings are described with a thoughtful tone. You will feel as though you are driving through and visiting a small English village. If you are looking for an escape,this is a good book to curl up with and get lost in.
February 23, 2018
Hauntingly heartbreaking and surprising
Although The Haunting started off slow, it didn't take long for me to become engrossed in this cross-genre read. What I thought was just a "scary story"(I believe it is categorized as a paranormal romance), was also a mystery and a romance, with a little adventure thrown in for good measure.
The beginning was the only part that I felt was slow. The flashbacks happened without notice which was confusing at first. Generally, the author indicates a change of date at the beginning of the chapter. In The Haunting, flashbacks are separated by chapters, but they don't happen regularly. Once you get to know the characters though, it is not an issue.
The character development was so well-done that I absolutely despised some characters and wanted to protect others. It is a book a reader can really get lost in for a while.
I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys paranormal romance, mysteries, history and maybe a twist or two.
Although The Haunting started off slow, it didn't take long for me to become engrossed in this cross-genre read. What I thought was just a "scary story"(I believe it is categorized as a paranormal romance), was also a mystery and a romance, with a little adventure thrown in for good measure.
The beginning was the only part that I felt was slow. The flashbacks happened without notice which was confusing at first. Generally, the author indicates a change of date at the beginning of the chapter. In The Haunting, flashbacks are separated by chapters, but they don't happen regularly. Once you get to know the characters though, it is not an issue.
The character development was so well-done that I absolutely despised some characters and wanted to protect others. It is a book a reader can really get lost in for a while.
I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys paranormal romance, mysteries, history and maybe a twist or two.
November 13, 2018
Wow, well that was not what I was expecting at all, and in the very best of ways.
I love my mystery books, trying to work out what will happen, what is real and what is not. Well this hit the nail on the head and went further than that it hammered it in!
It’s the perfect mix of believability and surprise. Every page of the book made logical sense and was definitely believable but it still kept me (a true connoisseur) having not a clue what would happen next the entire way through.
To be given a house to renovate, to do what you want with and turn into a home. Sounds like a dream come true, hey? That is until you find that there’s a bunch of ghosts living there too. But where did these ghosts come from, what can they really do and how much power do they have?
Kept me thoroughly interested throughout and I will definitely be looking for more by this author. Bravo!
I love my mystery books, trying to work out what will happen, what is real and what is not. Well this hit the nail on the head and went further than that it hammered it in!
It’s the perfect mix of believability and surprise. Every page of the book made logical sense and was definitely believable but it still kept me (a true connoisseur) having not a clue what would happen next the entire way through.
To be given a house to renovate, to do what you want with and turn into a home. Sounds like a dream come true, hey? That is until you find that there’s a bunch of ghosts living there too. But where did these ghosts come from, what can they really do and how much power do they have?
Kept me thoroughly interested throughout and I will definitely be looking for more by this author. Bravo!
July 9, 2019
A Dizzying, Tragic Love Story
This review contains some spoilers.
This is not a straightforward story, it darts around from the past to the present and back again, introducing new characters along the way. It is fairly easy to follow however, and though evil, brutal characters commit horrible, violent acts (including rapes) there are characters I became really fond of and felt deeply for their triumphs and downfalls.
I thought I had the story figured out, but the ending took me by surprise, which pleased me, except it wrapped up without much feeling. The tone of the storytelling was by turns hopeful and happy, then ominous and grim, but the abrupt and lightweight resolution of the ending left me a bit cold. It could be improved on, I think, but all in all, it was a good read.
This review contains some spoilers.
This is not a straightforward story, it darts around from the past to the present and back again, introducing new characters along the way. It is fairly easy to follow however, and though evil, brutal characters commit horrible, violent acts (including rapes) there are characters I became really fond of and felt deeply for their triumphs and downfalls.
I thought I had the story figured out, but the ending took me by surprise, which pleased me, except it wrapped up without much feeling. The tone of the storytelling was by turns hopeful and happy, then ominous and grim, but the abrupt and lightweight resolution of the ending left me a bit cold. It could be improved on, I think, but all in all, it was a good read.
July 4, 2017
A supernatural thriller.
The haunting is a supernatural thriller that will keep you on edge and wondering what is around the next turn. A quick paced novel with a flare for the dramatic. When Sebastian Carmichael decides he has had enough of his piano career, he decides to move to the countryside and buy an old property to open as a new business. As he world to get his business going things take an unexpected turn. This book will keep the reader guessing and interested from page one to the end. Good storyline. I really like supernatural story's so this is my genre. I would recommend if you are looking for a fun easy read that will let you escape the stress of the day and relax while drifting away.
The haunting is a supernatural thriller that will keep you on edge and wondering what is around the next turn. A quick paced novel with a flare for the dramatic. When Sebastian Carmichael decides he has had enough of his piano career, he decides to move to the countryside and buy an old property to open as a new business. As he world to get his business going things take an unexpected turn. This book will keep the reader guessing and interested from page one to the end. Good storyline. I really like supernatural story's so this is my genre. I would recommend if you are looking for a fun easy read that will let you escape the stress of the day and relax while drifting away.
September 9, 2017
Unexpectedly intriguing
I have to admit, I'm not usually a fan of ghost stories. But this one definitely captured me and reeled me in easily. At first I didn't understand the ties between the current age and going back hundreds of years. They confusion kept me interested as I had to keep reading to find out what the connection was! The story took so many twists and turns and while I suspected that things may end up how they did, there was still a surprise in store for me at the end! I definitely wasn't expecting it to end that way! Raymond Hall did an absolutely fantastic job of creating his characters and fitting them into the story perfectly! I can't wait to see what else he has up his sleeve!
I have to admit, I'm not usually a fan of ghost stories. But this one definitely captured me and reeled me in easily. At first I didn't understand the ties between the current age and going back hundreds of years. They confusion kept me interested as I had to keep reading to find out what the connection was! The story took so many twists and turns and while I suspected that things may end up how they did, there was still a surprise in store for me at the end! I definitely wasn't expecting it to end that way! Raymond Hall did an absolutely fantastic job of creating his characters and fitting them into the story perfectly! I can't wait to see what else he has up his sleeve!
April 4, 2018
Who is haunting Whom. That is the question.
This is a fun ghost story and a bit of a detective story as well. An exhausted musician arrives in a small town and purchases a derelict property reputedly haunted. This is the spot our hero will quietly recover from his onstage collapse. Nothing of the sort is going to happen.
The story covers 2 time periods; one period tells the story of the ghosts, and the other tells the story of those being haunted. As the story progresses, however, it becomes unclear as to who is a ghost and who is not. It's quite fun as the twisted story unravels to reveal who is haunting whom.
This is a fun ghost story and a bit of a detective story as well. An exhausted musician arrives in a small town and purchases a derelict property reputedly haunted. This is the spot our hero will quietly recover from his onstage collapse. Nothing of the sort is going to happen.
The story covers 2 time periods; one period tells the story of the ghosts, and the other tells the story of those being haunted. As the story progresses, however, it becomes unclear as to who is a ghost and who is not. It's quite fun as the twisted story unravels to reveal who is haunting whom.
November 16, 2018
Romance meets sci-fi
Asked on the title, I assumed that the Haunting would have been more of a thriller novel but the romantic in me was pleasantly surprised at just how much of a romance novel it turned out to be. I’m not the worlds biggest sci-fi fan but I enjoyed how that element was incorporated in the book. The story definitely builds as the book goes along so don’t get discouraged — this story is well worth the time you invest in it. Sebastian is a like-able main character and the supporting characters are all crucial to the plot. I would say that this is more of a romance story but fans of both genres will appreciate it.
Asked on the title, I assumed that the Haunting would have been more of a thriller novel but the romantic in me was pleasantly surprised at just how much of a romance novel it turned out to be. I’m not the worlds biggest sci-fi fan but I enjoyed how that element was incorporated in the book. The story definitely builds as the book goes along so don’t get discouraged — this story is well worth the time you invest in it. Sebastian is a like-able main character and the supporting characters are all crucial to the plot. I would say that this is more of a romance story but fans of both genres will appreciate it.
May 26, 2018
I was really disappointed with this book. I didn't sign on for multiple rapes, horrific murders and an ending like "The Sixth Sense." Most of the characters were nasty excuses for human beings. The other issue I had with this book was the punctuation. The author used single quotation marks for the dialogue instead of double quotation marks. Single quotation marks are to be used when you are quoting someone else in the dialogue or narrative and not for the actual dialogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2018
It is rare that a book will make the hair on the back of my neck stand up, like this one did. I have long been a fan of Ghost stories, but rarely do I find any that hold my interest the way this book did. The story is well written and easy to follow. It is also unpredictable. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a great story, I couldn't put the book down. I loved the parallel love stories.
December 12, 2018
Coming across this book after reading Raymond M. Hall’s other books I was extremely intrigued as to how he would approach a paranormal, mystery, and romance themed plot. Granted the start of the book was a tad slow but with the flashbacks of the characters, there was a lot for the reader to learn. I loved the storyline and felt that Raymond M. Hall did a fantastic job of developing the characters. The audience is kept guessing, and the descriptions are vivid.
February 27, 2024
Not sure what to think about this. I suppose horror is a good category for this, but I think there should be a warning about the sexual assaults that take place in the story. I wanted to just stop several times because of the violence that was in the story. I finally got to the point where I began to dislike the characters. It felt like the story dragged on a bit.
October 16, 2019
WOW Extremely good
So many ghosts, you can hardly keep up with them. And the story is written in a way to keep you wondering. Then the ending really is a twister, that you'll never expect.
So many ghosts, you can hardly keep up with them. And the story is written in a way to keep you wondering. Then the ending really is a twister, that you'll never expect.
August 2, 2020
Long story, but well written.
More spooky than scary, this was a good story. I was sure that I had everything figured out, but several twists later, I was surprised at the end. It was rather a long story, but worth the time to finish reading it.
More spooky than scary, this was a good story. I was sure that I had everything figured out, but several twists later, I was surprised at the end. It was rather a long story, but worth the time to finish reading it.
June 12, 2022
Never wanted it to end!!!!
Loved this book. Could not put it down. Two different stories could be confusing, but they just flowed into each other. Also enjoyed the explanation at the end, of who everybody used to be. Thank you!
Loved this book. Could not put it down. Two different stories could be confusing, but they just flowed into each other. Also enjoyed the explanation at the end, of who everybody used to be. Thank you!
June 7, 2024
A New Kind of Tragedy
First ever read by this author. Wow! Loved the story! A ghost story, love story and tragedy all mixed in, that works! Had me guessing and trying to figure things out. Recommend this read!
First ever read by this author. Wow! Loved the story! A ghost story, love story and tragedy all mixed in, that works! Had me guessing and trying to figure things out. Recommend this read!
February 8, 2018
Good
I loved the book. Loved the past and present.
Thinking I had it all figured out, I couldn't quite
Decide how the author would bring it all together.
Very satisfying ending.
I loved the book. Loved the past and present.
Thinking I had it all figured out, I couldn't quite
Decide how the author would bring it all together.
Very satisfying ending.
September 23, 2024
Ghost story
Nothing like a good historical fiction ghost story. Very interesting and well-written. The story moved along well in both time frames. Good characters!
Nothing like a good historical fiction ghost story. Very interesting and well-written. The story moved along well in both time frames. Good characters!
March 12, 2023
Sorry, but this was a joke. In the space of the first few pages, we were told that the main Character (Sebastian) had lost both parents in a car crash. If I had £1 for every story I’ve read with the same scenario, I would be a wealthy person!! Without demeaning the author (I admire anyone who can write a novel), the plot line appeared to be lacking, with none of the suspense and detail from other stories I’ve read. So sorry Mr Hall, it just didn’t float my boat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews