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The Haunting of Hardlocke House
Forty years ago, paranormal researcher Diana Moore encountered the one haunted house she could never explain. Now, finally, she's ready to go back and discover the truth.Offered the chance of a lifetime, Jessie Banks agrees to go with Diana and act as her assistant. They find Hardlocke House abandoned, but soon they begin to notice small signs that something is lurking in the shadows. Hardlocke House has a dark history, having been built many centuries earlier as an orphanage, but are its past residents really trying to make their presence felt?Soon, Jessie and Diana find that the house hides far more secrets than they ever could have expected. What dark force lingers in the small chapel to the side of the house? Do the ghosts of the house's dead children really haunt the forest? And what really happened to Sarah Clarke, governess of the house all those years ago, when she tried to stand up against a malevolent force that still yearns to wreak its revenge upon the world?The Haunting of Hardlocke House is a horror story about a girl who refuses to believe in ghosts, about a woman who has spent forty years denying the truth about what she really saw, and about a house that has never been able to let go of its horrific past.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2020
277 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
664 books1,684 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 13, 2021
Blergh.
I did not find the characters either believable or likeable. The plot was full of holes and completely improbable happenings - no, Queen Elizabeth I did not make a habit of wandering the countryside cutting the throats of evildoers in the middle of the night. The flashbacks seemed choppy and unplanned and went on for way too long. The period parts didn't fit with their alleged era, and the schoolmistress ghost was just plain ridiculous. There was too little suspense and too much gore and violence.
I did not find the characters either believable or likeable. The plot was full of holes and completely improbable happenings - no, Queen Elizabeth I did not make a habit of wandering the countryside cutting the throats of evildoers in the middle of the night. The flashbacks seemed choppy and unplanned and went on for way too long. The period parts didn't fit with their alleged era, and the schoolmistress ghost was just plain ridiculous. There was too little suspense and too much gore and violence.
May 9, 2021
This is the first book by this author that I've read and I was so engrossed by it that I'm exploring her other works. I'm not usually one for horror stories or ghost stories but this one was pretty good. I was blown away by the end.
A naïve 18-year old, Jessie, meets her idol, paranormal researcher Dr Diana Moore, at a retirement party being thrown by her parents who are co-workers of the newly retired doctor. She is offered the chance to accompany the wheelchair-bound Diana as her assistant for a three day investigation of Hardlocke House. Hardlocke House was built as an orphanage and is purported to be haunted by the owners who contacted Dr. Moore for the initial investigation. Headmistress murdered and 12 young boys lost to time and poor record keeping. Forty years later, she is going back to tie up loose ends and convince herself that what she experienced during the first investigation was her imagination.
As far as the mechanics of writing are concerned, I only found a few mistakes. Story line is captivating and I had a hard time putting it down. Another commenter wrote about historical inaccuracies which do exist. However, if one is going to read this genre, it should be expected that some things will need to simply be accepted for the sake of the story. It IS fiction after all.
A naïve 18-year old, Jessie, meets her idol, paranormal researcher Dr Diana Moore, at a retirement party being thrown by her parents who are co-workers of the newly retired doctor. She is offered the chance to accompany the wheelchair-bound Diana as her assistant for a three day investigation of Hardlocke House. Hardlocke House was built as an orphanage and is purported to be haunted by the owners who contacted Dr. Moore for the initial investigation. Headmistress murdered and 12 young boys lost to time and poor record keeping. Forty years later, she is going back to tie up loose ends and convince herself that what she experienced during the first investigation was her imagination.
As far as the mechanics of writing are concerned, I only found a few mistakes. Story line is captivating and I had a hard time putting it down. Another commenter wrote about historical inaccuracies which do exist. However, if one is going to read this genre, it should be expected that some things will need to simply be accepted for the sake of the story. It IS fiction after all.
January 18, 2022
The One Sentence Summary: Eighteen-year-old Jessie Banks is recruited to help famed paranormal debunker Dr. Diana Moore reinvestigate an eighteenth century orphanage, the site of Dr. Moore’s one unexplained and possibly paranormal experience.
The Details:
Jessie Banks is an eighteen-year-old who is interested in psychiatry. She meets her academic idol, retiring author, researcher, and famed paranormal debunker, Dr. Diana Moore at the retirement party that Jessie’s parents are throwing in Dr. Moore’s honor. In a short conversation with Jessie, Dr. Moore blurts out what she feels is the failure of her career—her inability to explain a single event that occurred during her investigation of Hardlocke House, an eighteenth century orphanage. Days later Jessie receives an offer from Dr. Moore, to act as her sole assistant during a reinvestigation of the property.
Hardlocke House was a former orphanage, one that was renowned for the cruelty of its proprietor, Sarah Clarke. Sarah Clarke was found murdered one day, with all of the orphans vanished. Soon upon arriving at Hardlocke House Jessie begins experiencing things that are hard to explain—ghostly knocking in the night, and dreams that seem to show events from the house’s past. Following her mentor’s lead and terrified that Dr. Moore will see her as a hysterical kid, Jessie assures herself that there is a rational explanation for everything. But as the experiences pile up she has a harder time rationalizing them to herself.
The Haunting of Hardlocke House is a short horror novel, presented primarily from Jessie’s perspective, but with a few intrusive instances of omniscience. The setting, a large picturesque manor-house in the middle of nowhere in the English countryside, does a good job creating the mood for this ghost story. The isolation (and inability of cell phones to get a signal) presents a good, if predictable, backdrop for the spooky events on the property. It has all the feel of a classic gothic horror story, with the twist of characters who absolutely refuse to admit that anything supernatural is occurring.
The novel is presented mostly in a straightforward chronological fashion, but with periodic explorations of past events. These past events are presented in dreams, in conversation between characters, in internal reflection, and occasionally as chapter digressions with little to no explanation of context. The back and forth between past and narrative present is enjoyable, as it allows the readers to receive the background piecemeal, to discover and solve the mystery as the characters do. However, in The Haunting of Hardlocke House the back and forth is a bit clumsy.
The characters are certainly distinct and consistent. Jessie Banks is naïve, passive, and accommodating. Desperate to be accepted by her academic idol, she does anything that she is told, and rarely even lets her thoughts stray from what she thinks Dr. Moore would find acceptable. Dr. Diana Moore is overbearing, abrasive, and unwavering in her certainty. She speaks her mind and does not hesitate to tell people that they are idiots. Both of these characters have their traits taken to extremes though, to the point that they become unrealistic.
The Praiseworthy: The scientific exploration of the paranormal goings-on at Hardlocke House creates an intriguing story. The classic haunted house story is one or more characters who find themselves embroiled in ghostly events. In The Haunting of Hardlocke House the characters seek out the dangers, willingly staying three nights in a haunted house with the intent of proving there is no such thing as ghosts. Of course the readers know that the house is haunted and that the rational explanation the characters are searching for doesn’t exist. Waiting for the characters to recognize the truth makes for an interesting read.
The Shortcomings: At the start of the novel there are several chapters from the perspective of a fly. I understand that author Amy Cross was trying to present details of the house at the outset of the story, to intrigue the audience, in the absence of a real character. However, these chapters were unnecessary, and frustrating in their absurdity. And while most of the writing was adequate enough to be transparent, there were a few instances of word repetition indicative of lazy writing and editing. Amazing/amazed, genuine/genuinely, figured/figure, point/pointless—these words were used in close proximity to each other (often in the same sentence), when just a few minutes of thought could have yielded alternative word choices to avoid the repetition.
The Verdict: I would recommend The Haunting of Hardlocke House to those who like ghost stories and are looking for a quick and easy read.
The Details:
Jessie Banks is an eighteen-year-old who is interested in psychiatry. She meets her academic idol, retiring author, researcher, and famed paranormal debunker, Dr. Diana Moore at the retirement party that Jessie’s parents are throwing in Dr. Moore’s honor. In a short conversation with Jessie, Dr. Moore blurts out what she feels is the failure of her career—her inability to explain a single event that occurred during her investigation of Hardlocke House, an eighteenth century orphanage. Days later Jessie receives an offer from Dr. Moore, to act as her sole assistant during a reinvestigation of the property.
Hardlocke House was a former orphanage, one that was renowned for the cruelty of its proprietor, Sarah Clarke. Sarah Clarke was found murdered one day, with all of the orphans vanished. Soon upon arriving at Hardlocke House Jessie begins experiencing things that are hard to explain—ghostly knocking in the night, and dreams that seem to show events from the house’s past. Following her mentor’s lead and terrified that Dr. Moore will see her as a hysterical kid, Jessie assures herself that there is a rational explanation for everything. But as the experiences pile up she has a harder time rationalizing them to herself.
The Haunting of Hardlocke House is a short horror novel, presented primarily from Jessie’s perspective, but with a few intrusive instances of omniscience. The setting, a large picturesque manor-house in the middle of nowhere in the English countryside, does a good job creating the mood for this ghost story. The isolation (and inability of cell phones to get a signal) presents a good, if predictable, backdrop for the spooky events on the property. It has all the feel of a classic gothic horror story, with the twist of characters who absolutely refuse to admit that anything supernatural is occurring.
The novel is presented mostly in a straightforward chronological fashion, but with periodic explorations of past events. These past events are presented in dreams, in conversation between characters, in internal reflection, and occasionally as chapter digressions with little to no explanation of context. The back and forth between past and narrative present is enjoyable, as it allows the readers to receive the background piecemeal, to discover and solve the mystery as the characters do. However, in The Haunting of Hardlocke House the back and forth is a bit clumsy.
The characters are certainly distinct and consistent. Jessie Banks is naïve, passive, and accommodating. Desperate to be accepted by her academic idol, she does anything that she is told, and rarely even lets her thoughts stray from what she thinks Dr. Moore would find acceptable. Dr. Diana Moore is overbearing, abrasive, and unwavering in her certainty. She speaks her mind and does not hesitate to tell people that they are idiots. Both of these characters have their traits taken to extremes though, to the point that they become unrealistic.
The Praiseworthy: The scientific exploration of the paranormal goings-on at Hardlocke House creates an intriguing story. The classic haunted house story is one or more characters who find themselves embroiled in ghostly events. In The Haunting of Hardlocke House the characters seek out the dangers, willingly staying three nights in a haunted house with the intent of proving there is no such thing as ghosts. Of course the readers know that the house is haunted and that the rational explanation the characters are searching for doesn’t exist. Waiting for the characters to recognize the truth makes for an interesting read.
The Shortcomings: At the start of the novel there are several chapters from the perspective of a fly. I understand that author Amy Cross was trying to present details of the house at the outset of the story, to intrigue the audience, in the absence of a real character. However, these chapters were unnecessary, and frustrating in their absurdity. And while most of the writing was adequate enough to be transparent, there were a few instances of word repetition indicative of lazy writing and editing. Amazing/amazed, genuine/genuinely, figured/figure, point/pointless—these words were used in close proximity to each other (often in the same sentence), when just a few minutes of thought could have yielded alternative word choices to avoid the repetition.
The Verdict: I would recommend The Haunting of Hardlocke House to those who like ghost stories and are looking for a quick and easy read.
September 25, 2021
I started this book because I really liked the premise. Haunted orphanage, mysterious governess, creepy chapel, etc. But the scares were very minimal and the story was just all over the place. The flashbacks felt excessive, a lot of the dialogue felt fake, and some of the plot just felt ridiculous. I was never at any point thinking "wow this was well researched" while reading historical scenes.
It wasn't 100% bad, there were definitely enjoyable moments. But the terrible ending of the book kinda makes me forget those enjoyable moments altogether. The way the story was "resolved" felt absolutely absurd. And the epilogue just made me roll my eyes.
It wasn't 100% bad, there were definitely enjoyable moments. But the terrible ending of the book kinda makes me forget those enjoyable moments altogether. The way the story was "resolved" felt absolutely absurd. And the epilogue just made me roll my eyes.
November 9, 2023
Interesting ending
I hope Jessie treats the young student better than she was treated by Diana. Safe travels to you two. Thank you for writing. Loved all the twists and turns in it. I'm reading the entire series of the haunted house collection by Amy Cross. So far I'm happy with her work to continue on with the series since there's a total of 14 books. I usually don't read that large of a series. This is great work to read.
I hope Jessie treats the young student better than she was treated by Diana. Safe travels to you two. Thank you for writing. Loved all the twists and turns in it. I'm reading the entire series of the haunted house collection by Amy Cross. So far I'm happy with her work to continue on with the series since there's a total of 14 books. I usually don't read that large of a series. This is great work to read.
January 18, 2021
Spooky and Entertaining!
This was a very good read, a haunted house horror with more than an unlikely twist at the end. A naive ghost hunting sceptic and a bitter, narrow minded, academic run riot in an abandoned manor. The latter determined to prove her own demented theories, even at the cost of someone's life. This was a full-on blood soaked horror. Absolutely delicious!
This was a very good read, a haunted house horror with more than an unlikely twist at the end. A naive ghost hunting sceptic and a bitter, narrow minded, academic run riot in an abandoned manor. The latter determined to prove her own demented theories, even at the cost of someone's life. This was a full-on blood soaked horror. Absolutely delicious!
March 24, 2021
Again I stand in awe
Amy you are one of a kind and you are the best horror writer I have reading awhile. I keep going back to your books over and over again. Thank you for the work you put into these stories. Tell you what you keep writing them and ill keep reading them sincerely Christine Dunne Harlingen tx
Amy you are one of a kind and you are the best horror writer I have reading awhile. I keep going back to your books over and over again. Thank you for the work you put into these stories. Tell you what you keep writing them and ill keep reading them sincerely Christine Dunne Harlingen tx
December 27, 2020
Interesting story
Approached by a legendary professor Jessica is asked to spend three nights in a haunted house. Want to impress the older woman professor, Jessica agrees. Which leads into the creepy haunted house. Very good!
Approached by a legendary professor Jessica is asked to spend three nights in a haunted house. Want to impress the older woman professor, Jessica agrees. Which leads into the creepy haunted house. Very good!
January 19, 2021
Fantastic Journey
The story books you from the first chapter
Brilliantly swings back and forth through time
Characters appear from other stories but link up
Perfectly. You simply do not know what's going to
Happen next
The story books you from the first chapter
Brilliantly swings back and forth through time
Characters appear from other stories but link up
Perfectly. You simply do not know what's going to
Happen next
February 25, 2021
Good story, hooks you in
Good plot, good characters, keeps you wondering what will happen next. The only thing I found too far fetched and therefore made it seem a bit silly was involving the royals. But apart from that and a few spelling mistakes, it was a good book
Good plot, good characters, keeps you wondering what will happen next. The only thing I found too far fetched and therefore made it seem a bit silly was involving the royals. But apart from that and a few spelling mistakes, it was a good book
April 14, 2021
Twists. Turns.
Do you believe in ghosts? Consider your answer carefully. This was wild from start to finish, and Jessie was a great character. also, it’s really nice to have a female character who focuses on academia and not love.
Do you believe in ghosts? Consider your answer carefully. This was wild from start to finish, and Jessie was a great character. also, it’s really nice to have a female character who focuses on academia and not love.
May 16, 2021
Disappointed. Hard to believe any teenager putting up with sleeping in a cold, dark unheated chapel by themselves and putting up with the verbal abuse Jessie. The ending - not much to say about it. Didn’t like any of the characters except the van driver.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2021
Supernatural horror which could maybe have been a bit more subtle
The idea behind this book was a good one but it was lacking in subtlety and the ending was too predictable. Some of the dialogue was very stilted but on the whole a good read
The idea behind this book was a good one but it was lacking in subtlety and the ending was too predictable. Some of the dialogue was very stilted but on the whole a good read
Read
June 21, 2021Creepy
The ending of this story came as no surprise. But, that didn't phase the enjoyment of the read. An explanation of the history of the haunt was a little too graphic with bloody details yet appropriate. Fun read - highly recommended.
The ending of this story came as no surprise. But, that didn't phase the enjoyment of the read. An explanation of the history of the haunt was a little too graphic with bloody details yet appropriate. Fun read - highly recommended.
December 14, 2020
Another ghostly well written read that had me up until late last night.
December 23, 2020
Great story
Amy Cross is one of my favorite authors, and again she does not disappoint. This is One of those books you can’t put down. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
Amy Cross is one of my favorite authors, and again she does not disappoint. This is One of those books you can’t put down. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
January 11, 2021
Delightful
A good short story with an interesting plot twist . It was an easy and quick read which I thoroughly enjoyed and couldn't put down .
A good short story with an interesting plot twist . It was an easy and quick read which I thoroughly enjoyed and couldn't put down .
January 13, 2021
Creepy! I have read a lot of Amy Cross's books and although this is not one of my favorites, it was still good!
February 20, 2021
Exciting
What an exciting read. I felt like I was right in the middle of this story and so frightened for the young lady.
What an exciting read. I felt like I was right in the middle of this story and so frightened for the young lady.
May 18, 2021
A terrible book, couldn't hold my attention
Amy cross is usually a wonderful author but this was the worst book I have ever read. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone
Amy cross is usually a wonderful author but this was the worst book I have ever read. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone
May 21, 2021
Give it a try
I enjoyed reading this book. It was well written and I would recommend it to others but it was a bit predictable.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was well written and I would recommend it to others but it was a bit predictable.
July 13, 2021
Good read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2021
3 Stars
The Haunting of Hardlocke House by Amy Cross.....
One of my picks for spooky month- Halloween 2021.
Full review to come.
The Haunting of Hardlocke House by Amy Cross.....
One of my picks for spooky month- Halloween 2021.
Full review to come.
February 26, 2025
Dnf. The overuse of " i guess" was really getting to me.
July 19, 2025
an amazing book, you get drawn into story, the darkness and history of the house, twists and turns are seen as your read
really enjoyed this book
really enjoyed this book
August 14, 2025
This only took a week to read but it felt like months 😭 so many cool elements, I just didn’t care for the characters. At all
April 6, 2024
another class read! well. it certainly was not the most beautifully written book i’ve ever read. it was a fun ghost story though! hell yeah
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews