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Fenton House #2
House Of Mirrors
You know, don’t you, that it’s not my soul the Devil wants, it’s yours?
Two years ago the Piper family fled Fenton House after their dream of a new life turned into an unspeakable nightmare. The house has stood empty ever since, given a wide berth by everyone except ghost hunters and occult fanatics.
Now something is trying to lure the Pipers back to Fenton House. But is that ‘something’ a malevolent supernatural entity? Or is there a more earthly explanation? Whatever the truth, Adam and Ella Piper are about to discover that their family’s future is inextricably bound up with the last place they ever wanted to see again.
The Pipers aren’t the only ones whose fate is tied to Fenton House. Three thieves seeking their fortune and a mysterious redheaded woman are also converging on the remote Cornish mansion.
Over the course of a single stormy night, each of them will be forced to confront their true self. How far are they willing to go in pursuit of their deepest, darkest desires? How much are they prepared to give in order to simply survive till dawn?
Two years ago the Piper family fled Fenton House after their dream of a new life turned into an unspeakable nightmare. The house has stood empty ever since, given a wide berth by everyone except ghost hunters and occult fanatics.
Now something is trying to lure the Pipers back to Fenton House. But is that ‘something’ a malevolent supernatural entity? Or is there a more earthly explanation? Whatever the truth, Adam and Ella Piper are about to discover that their family’s future is inextricably bound up with the last place they ever wanted to see again.
The Pipers aren’t the only ones whose fate is tied to Fenton House. Three thieves seeking their fortune and a mysterious redheaded woman are also converging on the remote Cornish mansion.
Over the course of a single stormy night, each of them will be forced to confront their true self. How far are they willing to go in pursuit of their deepest, darkest desires? How much are they prepared to give in order to simply survive till dawn?
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2021
392 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
Ben Cheetham
42 books255 followersBen Cheetham is an award-winning writer and Pushcart Prize nominee. His writing spans the genres, from horror and sci-fi to literary fiction, but he has a passion for dark, gritty crime fiction. His short stories have been published in Swill Magazine, The Fiction Desk, Deadcore (Comet Press), The London Magazine, The Willisden Herald New Short Stories 3, The Grist Anthology of New Writing, Dream Catcher, Staple, Fast Forward: A Collection of Flash Fiction, Voice From The Planet (Harvard Square Editions), The Momaya Annual Review, Transmission, The Chaffey Review, and numerous other magazines.
Ben lives in Sheffield, UK, where - when he's not chasing around after his two-year old son - he spends most of his time locked away in his study racking his brain for the next paragraph, the next sentence, the next word.
Ben lives in Sheffield, UK, where - when he's not chasing around after his two-year old son - he spends most of his time locked away in his study racking his brain for the next paragraph, the next sentence, the next word.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 23, 2023
I was super excited to start this sequel. It had the same energy as the first book with lots of twists and turns. A book full of mystery and a much deeper, darker take on Fenton house. I give it three stars because the story was decent. I feel the book left its ghost roots and took on a darker side. I did not care for that part of the story. Overall a decent story and ending, or is it?
November 22, 2021
Unnecessarily gory. I really enjoyed Don't Look Back but this one was just too over the top. Stick to the psychological and drop the butchery.
November 24, 2021
An exceptional horror story!
I would have awarded the story a full 5 stars if it hadn't been for the voyeuristic and gory descriptions of death that marred the narrative. (In my personal opinion that is). The characters were quite brilliantly drawn and the plot was both fast moving and addictive. The story reminded me of the ancient Scottish prayer, "From ghoulies and ghosties and long legged beasties and things that go bump in the night, good Lord deliver us".
I would have awarded the story a full 5 stars if it hadn't been for the voyeuristic and gory descriptions of death that marred the narrative. (In my personal opinion that is). The characters were quite brilliantly drawn and the plot was both fast moving and addictive. The story reminded me of the ancient Scottish prayer, "From ghoulies and ghosties and long legged beasties and things that go bump in the night, good Lord deliver us".
January 11, 2022
While the first book was very interesting/intriguing, this 2nd book fell short. I won't be reading a 3rd one if it comes out, that's for sure!
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November 23, 2021Edge of your seat reading
This is the second book in the Fenton House saga. Really enjoyed it . It is quite dark and a little sad in parts.
Given it 4 stars and the only reason is that it was a long while since I read book 1. So had to do a recap again to become clued up on the main characters again. If you haven’t read book one I suggest you read both books back to back and you won’t be disappointed.
This is the second book in the Fenton House saga. Really enjoyed it . It is quite dark and a little sad in parts.
Given it 4 stars and the only reason is that it was a long while since I read book 1. So had to do a recap again to become clued up on the main characters again. If you haven’t read book one I suggest you read both books back to back and you won’t be disappointed.
July 15, 2023
Did not enjoy this book as much as the first. The story was weird and just seemed all over the place. I found myself just wanting to get it finished so I could move on.
December 26, 2023
a second book to Don’t Look Back. gave a little more intel from the first book, it was a basic “scary” book. wish it was more paranormal, and it didn’t keep me on the edge of my seat sadly.
July 23, 2023
Wow...what a HUGE let down after just finishing and LOVING the first book, "Don't Look Back" check out my review here on my page.
This was such terrible audiobook of a terrible sequel! The book just never took off with the speed, ghosts, and terror of the first book. Cheetham brings in these new characters that wanna be the bad guys from 'Home Alone' and they just ruined this story! Cannot recommend it. In fact skip this one and just read the first one.
2 very WEAK eh's!
This was such terrible audiobook of a terrible sequel! The book just never took off with the speed, ghosts, and terror of the first book. Cheetham brings in these new characters that wanna be the bad guys from 'Home Alone' and they just ruined this story! Cannot recommend it. In fact skip this one and just read the first one.
2 very WEAK eh's!
January 25, 2024
Two years after the horrific events at Fenton House, Adam, Ella and Henry are back in their house in London and trying to forget what happened.
Henry is still obsessed and can’t settle. Events take over the family as Fenton House draws them all back to where it started.
Incredibly addictive and a fantastic sequel to the first book.
A creepy ending that I didn’t see coming!
Henry is still obsessed and can’t settle. Events take over the family as Fenton House draws them all back to where it started.
Incredibly addictive and a fantastic sequel to the first book.
A creepy ending that I didn’t see coming!
November 7, 2025
Another good read
Another good read, couldnt put it down. I will be reading more by this author and downloading to the kindle.
Another good read, couldnt put it down. I will be reading more by this author and downloading to the kindle.
November 20, 2021
Second in the series and just as good as the first
I have no problem in totally recommending this book.Anyone who likes a fast moving exciting read will love this.The writing is of the highest quality.
I have no problem in totally recommending this book.Anyone who likes a fast moving exciting read will love this.The writing is of the highest quality.
March 30, 2022
Preferred the last book
I enjoyed the previous book so read this one but found it a bit irritating. Should have stopped at the first one
I enjoyed the previous book so read this one but found it a bit irritating. Should have stopped at the first one
November 17, 2021
All I can say is WOW! What an amazing story. So many people trying to figure things out at the Fenton House. The darkness that lingers, the hauntings, the terror. This will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Characters are amazing! I loved the story!
Characters are amazing! I loved the story!
November 8, 2021
I started reading this book sat pm and finished it sun pm .I have never read a book this quickly. I could not put it down the washing did not get done no one was fed etc etc. The House of Mirrors the 2nd book about Adam Piper . I was thinking where can this book go after the first one. Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant book . What a talent you have Ben so many twists and turns. Is there gonna be a 3rd . Loved it !!! Georgie
March 10, 2022
I dove into HOUSE OF MIRRORS immediately after completing DON'T LOOK BACK. Reading these consecutively was engrossing, exciting, revolting, and scary. One of the best aspects of this two-book series (oh I hope for more, and the conclusion of HOUSE OF MIRRORS could be a springboard to a third!!) Is that one never knows what twist is about to spring at the reader, whether from the human characters, from Fenton House itself, or from the potentially supernatural. What am I saying? It IS Supernatural. But also these characters are, as the song says, "Going through them changes." These folks put the "roller coaster" in character evolution and devolution. It's a wonder they don't all go Stark raving bonkers. Oh, wait: what's to say they don't?
All in all, I found these great Reads and hope for more. Meanwhile I get to go read others of Ben Cheetham's books, fortunate me.
All in all, I found these great Reads and hope for more. Meanwhile I get to go read others of Ben Cheetham's books, fortunate me.
May 14, 2022
I enjoyed the first book in this series. I’m not sure why this book took such a turn. Maybe I just missed it in the first one, or I’ve forgotten about it, but I don’t remember the summoning and worshiping happening. I wanted this to be more like the first book in that it spooky, haunting sort of way. The constant referring to the house and the Master was too much. I didn’t feel like it was a follow up to the first book at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2023
I gave the first book in the series four stars. I just don't know what went wrong with this one for me. While some other reviewers complain about the gore, I liked that. But the characters were so utterly irritating, I couldn't identify with their actions or their reasons for acting the way they did. The plot also seemed forced to me, as if Cheetham had an ending in mind into which he had to force the plot. But it's not a bad read. A decent morning's entertainment.
January 28, 2022
I was rather disappointed with this book. I really enjoyed the first of the series however this one just fell flat for me, took me forever to get through as I just didn’t find it interesting enough to keep me gripped.
February 13, 2022
Car Crash
The first book was good this one was a car crash! Can’t say much without revealing the story but all I can say is there are points where the plot just verges on the ridiculous!
The first book was good this one was a car crash! Can’t say much without revealing the story but all I can say is there are points where the plot just verges on the ridiculous!
July 27, 2023
Again… what???
January 16, 2023
Having read the first novel, “Don’t Look Back”, and loved it, I was beyond excited for this sequel. I bought it immediately, beginning it as soon as it arrived- and yet, there was something not quite as charming about “House of Mirrors” as what had drawn me into its predecessor. When I read the first novel, it had a flow to the plot that was fluid and engaging, characters that drew me in. While the writing was a little too simplistic at the beginning, it grew to be better and stronger. The sequel, in comparison, got off to a strong start with its writing. You can tell that Mr. Cheetham has improved as a writer, or at least that he had a better grasp on how to start the second novel.
The start may have been strong, but I’m not sure the rest of the novel was. As I read on, “House of Mirrors” ended up becoming a little clunky, at least to me. Following three separate storylines, we get to see the roles of Adam and Ella as concerned (or judgemental) parents, Henry and new character Faith as ghost seekers, and entirely new characters, Leon, Jamie, and Natalie as gold seekers. The story goes much more into the idea of demons, possession, and portals to another dimension, in a way I wasn’t expecting.
While the writing is easy to follow, it does bounce around a lot, to the point where I got rather tired of switching back and forth and just wanted more of a solid story. I still enjoyed my read, but it certainly wasn’t as captivating. It was a bit underwhelming, and certain parts of the novel became quite cheesy. For me, it was a novel that kept getting set down and picked back up again, not a fluid read.
I appreciate the growth and inner struggles of the characters, particularly that of Adam and Henry’s father-son relationship, but the rest of the novel was underwhelming. Natalie was the most interesting of the new characters, to me, but Faith and Ella’s fate were both disappointing. As a reader, I look for novels that have high points and low points, and House of Mirrors was more of an average novel throughout with a handful of lows. It’s decent, but just that- not as outstanding as its predecessor.
The start may have been strong, but I’m not sure the rest of the novel was. As I read on, “House of Mirrors” ended up becoming a little clunky, at least to me. Following three separate storylines, we get to see the roles of Adam and Ella as concerned (or judgemental) parents, Henry and new character Faith as ghost seekers, and entirely new characters, Leon, Jamie, and Natalie as gold seekers. The story goes much more into the idea of demons, possession, and portals to another dimension, in a way I wasn’t expecting.
While the writing is easy to follow, it does bounce around a lot, to the point where I got rather tired of switching back and forth and just wanted more of a solid story. I still enjoyed my read, but it certainly wasn’t as captivating. It was a bit underwhelming, and certain parts of the novel became quite cheesy. For me, it was a novel that kept getting set down and picked back up again, not a fluid read.
I appreciate the growth and inner struggles of the characters, particularly that of Adam and Henry’s father-son relationship, but the rest of the novel was underwhelming. Natalie was the most interesting of the new characters, to me, but Faith and Ella’s fate were both disappointing. As a reader, I look for novels that have high points and low points, and House of Mirrors was more of an average novel throughout with a handful of lows. It’s decent, but just that- not as outstanding as its predecessor.
June 17, 2025
Simply awful.
I really do hate to say this of anybody's writing, but this is almost the worst book I have ever read. Not quite, but almost. I only made it to the end to find out how bad it could get, and because I had paid for the blasted thing. Many a fourteen-year-old could do better.
To set the scene, there is a bit of backstory. This can be done well, or it can be done the way Cheetham has done it. Picture the scenario: three people driving to their destination, and they have the most unfeasible conversation ever, basically one person reading out details from a diary that takes up almost the entirety of pages three to seventeen. All three people know where they are going, and why they are going there, so to have this explained in exhaustive detail in this way is utterly unbelievable. It is the most clumsy info dump of backstory that I have ever encountered.
Same as in the previous book, we have eyebrows knitted, knotted, raised, furrowed, so many references to brows, eyebrows, and foreheads that you feel compelled to scream.
As for the story itself, there isn't one. It flounders from one half-baked idea to another, and the ending is simply a hodge podge of weak scenarios.
Normally when I have finished a book, unless it is outstanding and I wish to keep it in my collection, I will take it to a charity shop. I would not inflict this on anybody, so to save anybody else from trying to read it I will put it in the bin.
I really do hate to say this of anybody's writing, but this is almost the worst book I have ever read. Not quite, but almost. I only made it to the end to find out how bad it could get, and because I had paid for the blasted thing. Many a fourteen-year-old could do better.
To set the scene, there is a bit of backstory. This can be done well, or it can be done the way Cheetham has done it. Picture the scenario: three people driving to their destination, and they have the most unfeasible conversation ever, basically one person reading out details from a diary that takes up almost the entirety of pages three to seventeen. All three people know where they are going, and why they are going there, so to have this explained in exhaustive detail in this way is utterly unbelievable. It is the most clumsy info dump of backstory that I have ever encountered.
Same as in the previous book, we have eyebrows knitted, knotted, raised, furrowed, so many references to brows, eyebrows, and foreheads that you feel compelled to scream.
As for the story itself, there isn't one. It flounders from one half-baked idea to another, and the ending is simply a hodge podge of weak scenarios.
Normally when I have finished a book, unless it is outstanding and I wish to keep it in my collection, I will take it to a charity shop. I would not inflict this on anybody, so to save anybody else from trying to read it I will put it in the bin.
February 14, 2025
Having not long read the first book, I thought now would be a good time to jump into this whilst it was still quite fresh in my mind. The plot mostly picks up where the last left off, and if you hadn’t read the first I think you might be slightly in the dark. Not that that’s a massive issue, it is a sequel at the end of the day.
Without trying to spoil too much, I did like the additional narrative from the other set of new characters. It was always quite clear to me where they’d link up with the main storyline, but it added another layer.
Much like the first, it does take some quite sexual, strange turns. This book in particular doesn’t shy away from some quite grim depictions, the same for gore. Maybe it’s just me, but I found them a little much.
The plot certainly didn’t go quite as supernatural/paranormal as I’d hoped or expected. Certainly occult elements that were heavily built up somewhat fizzled out, leaving it vague quite what was the case. Maybe that was intentional? I just found it a little hard to tell.
Overall it was a decent read, but as is often the case, not quite up to the standard of the original. If you’ve read the first and enjoyed it, it’s probably worth still giving it a read.
Without trying to spoil too much, I did like the additional narrative from the other set of new characters. It was always quite clear to me where they’d link up with the main storyline, but it added another layer.
Much like the first, it does take some quite sexual, strange turns. This book in particular doesn’t shy away from some quite grim depictions, the same for gore. Maybe it’s just me, but I found them a little much.
The plot certainly didn’t go quite as supernatural/paranormal as I’d hoped or expected. Certainly occult elements that were heavily built up somewhat fizzled out, leaving it vague quite what was the case. Maybe that was intentional? I just found it a little hard to tell.
Overall it was a decent read, but as is often the case, not quite up to the standard of the original. If you’ve read the first and enjoyed it, it’s probably worth still giving it a read.
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July 11, 2022*I'm not going to give you the 'what this book is about' blurb - you can read that elsewhere.
1. I'm not rating this one, because I'm really not sure how to rate it.
2. I got this on Hoopla - the audiobook. My library isn't great and finding horror audiobooks is tough - Hoopla wasn't super clear this was a 'book 2' which I take responsibility for not looking into further, but honestly I was about to walk my dog and just needed something quick to listen to. Perhaps it would have been better if I'd listened to book 1 first, but I was far enough along by the time I actually realized it was a sequel that I just went with it. So, again, not fair for me to rate the book based on the fact that I kind of messed it up. However, after reading this one, I have no desire to read the first, so there is that.
3. I guess I'd say it was 'okay'. I finished it and didn't DNF it, but there was nothing that stuck out for me including the narrator. So, no hate, but no love either. Just fine.
1. I'm not rating this one, because I'm really not sure how to rate it.
2. I got this on Hoopla - the audiobook. My library isn't great and finding horror audiobooks is tough - Hoopla wasn't super clear this was a 'book 2' which I take responsibility for not looking into further, but honestly I was about to walk my dog and just needed something quick to listen to. Perhaps it would have been better if I'd listened to book 1 first, but I was far enough along by the time I actually realized it was a sequel that I just went with it. So, again, not fair for me to rate the book based on the fact that I kind of messed it up. However, after reading this one, I have no desire to read the first, so there is that.
3. I guess I'd say it was 'okay'. I finished it and didn't DNF it, but there was nothing that stuck out for me including the narrator. So, no hate, but no love either. Just fine.
March 30, 2025
Two years ago the Piper family fled Fenton house. Something is now trying to lure them back. A mysterious redheaded woman and three thieves all enter Fenton House. How much are they prepared to give in order to survive till dawn?
"It's not about the house being haunted or not haunted. It's about it's history. Some places have a past that draws the wrong people to them."
What a great sequel to "Don't look back." I enjoyed the first book and this one was just as good. A little more graphic (gore) in this book than the first, long chapters but worth it. I like this duo as the author is very descriptive when it comes to the details of Fenton House. An immersive read.
I mentioned this in the first books review and same goes for this book, if your looking for paranormal activity and things that go bump in the night, this is not it. If you enjoy immersive writing styles I would recommend this book to others. An eerie read that focuses around grief of individuals.
"It's not about the house being haunted or not haunted. It's about it's history. Some places have a past that draws the wrong people to them."
What a great sequel to "Don't look back." I enjoyed the first book and this one was just as good. A little more graphic (gore) in this book than the first, long chapters but worth it. I like this duo as the author is very descriptive when it comes to the details of Fenton House. An immersive read.
I mentioned this in the first books review and same goes for this book, if your looking for paranormal activity and things that go bump in the night, this is not it. If you enjoy immersive writing styles I would recommend this book to others. An eerie read that focuses around grief of individuals.
August 6, 2023
Z prvního dílu této série jsem byla nadšená, a pokud milujete příběhy strašidelných domů, neváhala bych ho doporučit. O čemž vypovídá i plné hodnocení, které jsem tomuto příběhu dala. Bohužel o druhém dílu, to už tak úplně říct nemůžu.
I když se i v tomto případě děj odehrává převážně v prostředí Fenton House, plynulost a uhlazenost dílu předchozího, mu výrazně schází. A stejně tak i atmosféra. Ta je nahrazena o něco větším množstvím akce a krve. Ztrácí tak však veškeré kouzlo tajemna, a je nahrazeno čistě lidskou brutalitou. Jako pro čtenáře, který preferuje právě onu gradující atmosféru, se tak pro mě příběh stává poněkud zklamáním. Jednotlivé dějové obrazy působí mírně zmatečně, vzájemně se mají tendence spíše překrývat než prolínat, a místy tak vyznívají až mírně rušivě, než že by vzájemně gradovaly.
Škoda, já jsem se těšila na další příběh, nesoucí se v duchu a tradici gotických hororů.
I když se i v tomto případě děj odehrává převážně v prostředí Fenton House, plynulost a uhlazenost dílu předchozího, mu výrazně schází. A stejně tak i atmosféra. Ta je nahrazena o něco větším množstvím akce a krve. Ztrácí tak však veškeré kouzlo tajemna, a je nahrazeno čistě lidskou brutalitou. Jako pro čtenáře, který preferuje právě onu gradující atmosféru, se tak pro mě příběh stává poněkud zklamáním. Jednotlivé dějové obrazy působí mírně zmatečně, vzájemně se mají tendence spíše překrývat než prolínat, a místy tak vyznívají až mírně rušivě, než že by vzájemně gradovaly.
Škoda, já jsem se těšila na další příběh, nesoucí se v duchu a tradici gotických hororů.
July 17, 2023
Proofreading
I enjoyed both books 1 & 2. However, Mr. Cheetham needs someone to better proof read his final manuscript before he sends it to the publisher. I found many mistakes in punctuation, essential words being omitted, spelling (although this could be because the author is British), among other things. I can only speak for myself, but I enjoy books immensely when I DON'T have to guess at what I'm reading. I have read many a Stephen King book, and I don't recall finding ANY mistakes. The same goes for books by Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway, etc. I'm sure you can see the point I'm trying to make. Please, next time you send a manuscript to your publisher, be certain it is clean.
I enjoyed both books 1 & 2. However, Mr. Cheetham needs someone to better proof read his final manuscript before he sends it to the publisher. I found many mistakes in punctuation, essential words being omitted, spelling (although this could be because the author is British), among other things. I can only speak for myself, but I enjoy books immensely when I DON'T have to guess at what I'm reading. I have read many a Stephen King book, and I don't recall finding ANY mistakes. The same goes for books by Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway, etc. I'm sure you can see the point I'm trying to make. Please, next time you send a manuscript to your publisher, be certain it is clean.
March 26, 2022
A cracking follow on from Don't Look Back.
In this 2nd book in the 'Fenton House' series we find the Piper family returning to the house from which they had fled..... but only one is returning willingly.
The plot really develops, together with new characters being introduced to enhance the twists and turns into a thrilling read. Not every character is likeable and so they shouldn't!
The ending left me wanting to leap straight into the follow up but I can't find it. It really annoys me when I have to wait for ages for another installment in a series. If I'd have know I wouldn't have started the series.
In this 2nd book in the 'Fenton House' series we find the Piper family returning to the house from which they had fled..... but only one is returning willingly.
The plot really develops, together with new characters being introduced to enhance the twists and turns into a thrilling read. Not every character is likeable and so they shouldn't!
The ending left me wanting to leap straight into the follow up but I can't find it. It really annoys me when I have to wait for ages for another installment in a series. If I'd have know I wouldn't have started the series.
April 29, 2022
So this is the second book in the Fenton house series. And whilst I enjoyed it, I felt the characters strayed in extreme directions; I can't say more about that without spoiling anything. I liked the additions to the cast of characters very much. And the house descriptions were once again fantastic in conjuring what it feels like inside that house. Ben has a great way of really selling atmosphere, and I think the book at its best when it goes into the psychological realms. Hopefully, there will be a third, and it will steer it back into the greatness of the first one. Either way, Ben Cheetham remains one of my favourite modern authors, and I cannot wait to read what he has planned next.
September 21, 2023
I found this second book in the 2 book (so far) series to be entertaining and worth my time, but I have to admit that it wasn't edge of the seat entertaining. Ben Cheetham is a good author and I will probably take a look at his other books to see if something else grabs my attention. I think with the right imagination there could very well be a third offering in this series but I'm not 100% sure I'm on-board with delving into this Fenton House any further. Personally I'm looking for books with a really scary ghost/paranormal angle that will scare the pants off me and I don't think Ben Cheetham is the author whose going to deliver that sort of story for me.
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