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House of the Lost
When novelist Theo Kendal inherits the remote Norfolk house in which his cousin Charmery was murdered, he believes it will bring him closer to the truth about her death. It will also be the ideal place to finish his new book. But the bleak Fenn House is a lonely and sometimes uncomfortable place to spend the winter. And the strangest thing is that Theo's new novel seems to be writing itself - and heading in an unplanned direction. Theo finds himself describing a young boy called Matthew who lives in constant fear of a visit from the cold-eyed men. Struggling to understand the dangerous secrets that surround him and his family, Matthew inhabits a terrifying world where people die in macabre circumstances, where they can be imprisoned without trial or reason, their identities wiped from the world forever. And then Theo discovers that Matthew and his family really existed, part of a dark and violent segment of recent history that threatens to reach across the years to tear his life apart. And somehow it all connects to the death of his cousin Charmery.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
24 people are currently reading
767 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Rayne
46 books306 followersAka Frances Gordon, Bridget Wood
After a convent education, which included writing plays for the Lower Third to perform, Sarah Rayne embarked on a variety of jobs, but - probably inevitably - returned again and again to writing. Her first novel appeared in 1982, and since then her books have also been published in America, Holland and Germany.
The daughter of an Irish comedy actor, she was for many years active in amateur theatre, and lists among her hobbies, theatre, history, music, and old houses - much of her inspiration comes from old buildings and their histories and atmospheres. To these interests, she adds ghosts and ghost stories, and - having grown up in the Sixties - good conversation around a well-stocked dinner table.
After a convent education, which included writing plays for the Lower Third to perform, Sarah Rayne embarked on a variety of jobs, but - probably inevitably - returned again and again to writing. Her first novel appeared in 1982, and since then her books have also been published in America, Holland and Germany.
The daughter of an Irish comedy actor, she was for many years active in amateur theatre, and lists among her hobbies, theatre, history, music, and old houses - much of her inspiration comes from old buildings and their histories and atmospheres. To these interests, she adds ghosts and ghost stories, and - having grown up in the Sixties - good conversation around a well-stocked dinner table.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 14, 2022
Okay, we've got the modern history of Romania under the Ceau��escus, which is grim and horrible. We've got thwarted love in the fens. We've got brave dissidents, evil party stooges, art, medicine, and the most practical and subversive nuns since the Sound of Music. Rayne is at her best showing the after effects of torture on people, and this time is no exception. Great stuff.
Loan from beloved MIL
Loan from beloved MIL
November 2, 2017
I understand that every time I choose a book, I want to witness powerful encounters with spirits. Sometimes I find the uplifting moment I seek. Some are spun in a spooky way but have momentousness. Too many authors gear this revelation to youths. I know all loved-ones stay connected with us but like to see that take place, at least fictionally. Imagine then, that if book descriptions bill themselves as such but do not contain a spiritual meeting: I am severely pissed. This false advertising is no small disappointment. Authors need to stop it because no matter how good a story, people choose spiritual-sounding books for those contents. That deception is never appropriate as a red-herring; like having us wonder why Theo is privy to odd history.
I'm sharing this to warn authors and readers, so we can enjoy books for what they are; never fruitlessly awaiting spiritual scenes. Tremendous research and work had to have gone into “House Of The Lost”, 2010, which is more about Romanian politics and family secrets, than the murder case and present day. However, we care about a Romanian sister, brother, friend, and parents. It would be impactful to know the survivors are not old and could acquaint Theo's family. Time perception would also lend understanding to survivors still feeling compelled to hide in present day.
Sarah Rayne's personalized examination of what Romania suffered is valuable. I love echoing characters' emotional reactions to secrets, especially. Those pertaining to Theo should have been hinted at earlier and more plentifully, because they are enthralling. The murder's motives and depiction of Charmery's life, given the exciting twist of her roots, paled against the details that Sarah crafted. She is not endearing, as we would imagine. However the uniqueness and depth of this mystery novel merit four stars.
I'm sharing this to warn authors and readers, so we can enjoy books for what they are; never fruitlessly awaiting spiritual scenes. Tremendous research and work had to have gone into “House Of The Lost”, 2010, which is more about Romanian politics and family secrets, than the murder case and present day. However, we care about a Romanian sister, brother, friend, and parents. It would be impactful to know the survivors are not old and could acquaint Theo's family. Time perception would also lend understanding to survivors still feeling compelled to hide in present day.
Sarah Rayne's personalized examination of what Romania suffered is valuable. I love echoing characters' emotional reactions to secrets, especially. Those pertaining to Theo should have been hinted at earlier and more plentifully, because they are enthralling. The murder's motives and depiction of Charmery's life, given the exciting twist of her roots, paled against the details that Sarah crafted. She is not endearing, as we would imagine. However the uniqueness and depth of this mystery novel merit four stars.
July 6, 2013
Since it’s been so hot and humid these past few days, I wanted, I admit it, a page-turner, one where I’d be so stuck in the plot that I wouldn’t notice my legs glued to my lawn chair or that my iced tea glass kept slipping out of my hands because of condensation. That kind of summer read.
House of the Lost seemed like it would be that kind of book—a creepy, haunted house story. The tags on the cover included, “[p]ray you’re never trapped inside,” and “[h]ad me scared stiff,” so that’s what I expected starting my read. It started out promising enough, a remote house bequeathed to author Theo Kendall by his cousin, murdered brutally by an unknown and uncaught assailant. A few creepy things occurred to build atmosphere: a neglected grandfather clock suddenly chiming, fresh roses appearing at the portrait of his dead cousin, creaking floorboards and darting shadows. Not quite scary, but enough to give one a little shudder.
Early on, the author marks out two paths: one, devoting much space to the background of the Kendall family itself, so much so that Theo’s recollections become parallel stories in their own right, and two, crafting a story within the story. Structurally, the embedded story works because, after all, Theo is a writer, and his ostensible purpose in staying in the house was to complete an unfinished novel. The first time Theo sits down to write, it’s as if he’s channeling another’s voice; the story bears no resemblance to his unfinished novel. That otherworldy writing experience continues for Theo throughout the novel, with that story drawing directly from Romania’s recent, brutal history.
The structure and the direction of the novel itself was so unexpected and so far afield from what I thought this would be that I considered moving on to another book. But then a funny thing happened. I went back to Sarah Rayne’s author page to check out the book description again (“Didn’t many write that this was spooky?” “Wasn’t this about a haunted house?”), and I saw several of the author’s YouTube clips. So I clicked on them, and I found her brief talks about the origins of some of her books fascinating, and her, an engaging personality. And maybe not so surprising, because I liked her so much, I felt compelled to finish the novel. Just because it wasn’t what I expected initially says more about me as the reader than it does about the novel itself.
When I resumed reading, being able to read what the novel was--rather than resisting it for the novel it wasn’t—certainly enhanced my reading. What a surprise! Either because of my mindset or because of the narrative turn, the plot itself became very compelling. The page-turner I wanted it to be.
House of the Lost seemed like it would be that kind of book—a creepy, haunted house story. The tags on the cover included, “[p]ray you’re never trapped inside,” and “[h]ad me scared stiff,” so that’s what I expected starting my read. It started out promising enough, a remote house bequeathed to author Theo Kendall by his cousin, murdered brutally by an unknown and uncaught assailant. A few creepy things occurred to build atmosphere: a neglected grandfather clock suddenly chiming, fresh roses appearing at the portrait of his dead cousin, creaking floorboards and darting shadows. Not quite scary, but enough to give one a little shudder.
Early on, the author marks out two paths: one, devoting much space to the background of the Kendall family itself, so much so that Theo’s recollections become parallel stories in their own right, and two, crafting a story within the story. Structurally, the embedded story works because, after all, Theo is a writer, and his ostensible purpose in staying in the house was to complete an unfinished novel. The first time Theo sits down to write, it’s as if he’s channeling another’s voice; the story bears no resemblance to his unfinished novel. That otherworldy writing experience continues for Theo throughout the novel, with that story drawing directly from Romania’s recent, brutal history.
The structure and the direction of the novel itself was so unexpected and so far afield from what I thought this would be that I considered moving on to another book. But then a funny thing happened. I went back to Sarah Rayne’s author page to check out the book description again (“Didn’t many write that this was spooky?” “Wasn’t this about a haunted house?”), and I saw several of the author’s YouTube clips. So I clicked on them, and I found her brief talks about the origins of some of her books fascinating, and her, an engaging personality. And maybe not so surprising, because I liked her so much, I felt compelled to finish the novel. Just because it wasn’t what I expected initially says more about me as the reader than it does about the novel itself.
When I resumed reading, being able to read what the novel was--rather than resisting it for the novel it wasn’t—certainly enhanced my reading. What a surprise! Either because of my mindset or because of the narrative turn, the plot itself became very compelling. The page-turner I wanted it to be.
April 21, 2012
I had to abandon this book; I am shocked to be saying that about a Sarah Rayne novel, as I usually love her stuff. But this did not cut the mustard. I didn't care about the protagonist, nor did I want to find out what really happened to his cousin. She was supposed to be seductive and compelling; I found her to be selfish and banal, and as a result I just dropped the book.
July 20, 2011
Author Sarah Rayne features regularly on my reading list and I've been looking forward to reading House of the Lost since it's publication last year.
Rayne developed a complex narrative, weaving together a mystery that was a delight to unravel. There were many threads, some taking me to very dark places, much darker than any of her other books I've read (The Death Chamber, Tower of Silence , Spider Light and A Dark Dividing).
Rayne was able to plunge deep into the psyche of several characters and reveal their many layers. We also see how both human suffering and love drives and shapes characters throughout the course of their lives.
I always know Rayne is going to bring all the threads together in the end, and I enjoyed watching how each of the stories began to intersect and I certainly wasn't disappointed. (On a lighter note, there was one point in the book that I was reminded of Flowers in the Attic, and flooded with pleasant reading memories).
I must say, House of the Lost is less of the horror/thriller that initially attracted me to the author, and more mystery/drama. Having said that, Rayne seems more serious about her writing, and I'm looking forward to reading her next book, What Lies Beneath.
Rayne developed a complex narrative, weaving together a mystery that was a delight to unravel. There were many threads, some taking me to very dark places, much darker than any of her other books I've read (The Death Chamber, Tower of Silence , Spider Light and A Dark Dividing).
Rayne was able to plunge deep into the psyche of several characters and reveal their many layers. We also see how both human suffering and love drives and shapes characters throughout the course of their lives.
I always know Rayne is going to bring all the threads together in the end, and I enjoyed watching how each of the stories began to intersect and I certainly wasn't disappointed. (On a lighter note, there was one point in the book that I was reminded of Flowers in the Attic, and flooded with pleasant reading memories).
I must say, House of the Lost is less of the horror/thriller that initially attracted me to the author, and more mystery/drama. Having said that, Rayne seems more serious about her writing, and I'm looking forward to reading her next book, What Lies Beneath.
April 10, 2011
Charmery Kendal has been murdered - but when her cousin Theo inherits her remote fenland house, he finds it disturbingly alive with signs of her. He also finds that instead of finishing the book he's supposed to be writing, he's swept up into the story of a boy living in a terrifying society where people disappear at the whim of the 'cold-eyed men'.
This is a gripping and complex mystery, going far deeper than the familiar chills of the 'haunted house' to recall some of the horrors of all-too-recent European history. A good read.
This is a gripping and complex mystery, going far deeper than the familiar chills of the 'haunted house' to recall some of the horrors of all-too-recent European history. A good read.
November 2, 2012
I could not get into this book and finally returned it to the library unfinished.
April 2, 2013
I didn't enjoy this as much as the other Sarah Rayne novels I've read. The two separate story strands did not mesh together comfortably and even when they merge at the end, it doesn't feel convincing somehow. The unnerving story set in Romania makes for disturbing reading and as it turns out, there are no paranormal aspects to the novel which is what I'd loved in her previous novels. However it's a 2 and a half rather than a 2 as especially towards the end it does become quite gripping and it does give an insight into the horrific realities of Ceausescu's dictatorship (I'm assuming that Sarah Rayne has done her research and it is all true). I went on holiday to Romania in 1995 and had a fantastic time in this beautiful country not realising the extent of the hardships and fear that the Romanian people had had to endure in recent times.
May 4, 2013
I had no other choice than to give this book a five star rating. It was totally absorbing and enjoyable. The mixture of fiction and actual historical content is captivating. Sarah Rayne weaves the fictional characters into actual history so well written that you feel their highs and lows.
This is the first novel I have read by Sarah Rayne but am looking forward to reading more in the future.
This is the first novel I have read by Sarah Rayne but am looking forward to reading more in the future.
April 22, 2010
I hadn't heard of this author when I picked up the book in the library. It's a very well written psychological thriller. Very different but really enjoyable. Will definitely look out for more of Sarah Rayne's books.
October 10, 2013
this book was absolutely boring and meaningless. I couldn't even finish the book. I was hoping for some horror sensation and I only could find a good one in the beginning, then everything starts getting misleading and off topic.
March 21, 2010
Loved this book and couldn't put it down. I remember lots of news stories about the ceacescu's in the late 1980's but this book really triggered my interest and encouraged me to do my own research.
September 6, 2019
I signed up for a story about a haunted house, but what I got was Romanian history and incest. I got about halfway through and just skimmed the rest.
March 5, 2018
I finished another Sarah Rayne book! Now that I’m done, I’m pretty sure it’s a reread but it’s been long enough that it feels new to me.
When Theo’s cousin is murdered, he inherits Fenn House, where he used to spend his summers. Deciding that this would be a good place for his creative muse, Theo relocates to Fenn House. But his story deviates from plan and Theo finds himself writing about Matthew and Mara, two children living in a bleak and dystopian world. The more Theo writes and investigates, the more he realised that all that he’s writing is based on reality. And more pressingly, someone seems to be after him as well.
This story is the one where the dual plot-lines connect from the start. Theo is writing Matthew’s story, though he isn’t sure where the story is coming from. That made it slightly spooky, although the reason why he knew all this is grounded in reality. That said, when it was other people relating parts of Matthew's story to Theo, the switch to Matthew/Mara's POV felt a little strange since Theo wasn't actually writing.
As usual, I was entertained and a little horrified by this story. Matthew and Mara lived in Romania and they experienced some truly horrifying things. I guess sometimes, the scariest things are those that are rooted in reality.
That said, this book is the most ‘adult’ of Rayne’s in terms of themes that it deals with. Apart from the torture, there are pretty explicit sex scenes inside (explicit for her, anyway). So if stuff like that makes you uncomfortable, you may want to skip this.
Overall, I would recommend this book to people who are interested in dark stories rooted in history. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but it’s an absorbing read and I was not disappointed by it.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
When Theo’s cousin is murdered, he inherits Fenn House, where he used to spend his summers. Deciding that this would be a good place for his creative muse, Theo relocates to Fenn House. But his story deviates from plan and Theo finds himself writing about Matthew and Mara, two children living in a bleak and dystopian world. The more Theo writes and investigates, the more he realised that all that he’s writing is based on reality. And more pressingly, someone seems to be after him as well.
This story is the one where the dual plot-lines connect from the start. Theo is writing Matthew’s story, though he isn’t sure where the story is coming from. That made it slightly spooky, although the reason why he knew all this is grounded in reality. That said, when it was other people relating parts of Matthew's story to Theo, the switch to Matthew/Mara's POV felt a little strange since Theo wasn't actually writing.
As usual, I was entertained and a little horrified by this story. Matthew and Mara lived in Romania and they experienced some truly horrifying things. I guess sometimes, the scariest things are those that are rooted in reality.
That said, this book is the most ‘adult’ of Rayne’s in terms of themes that it deals with. Apart from the torture, there are pretty explicit sex scenes inside (explicit for her, anyway). So if stuff like that makes you uncomfortable, you may want to skip this.
Overall, I would recommend this book to people who are interested in dark stories rooted in history. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but it’s an absorbing read and I was not disappointed by it.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
March 31, 2020
This was my first book by Ms. Rayne. First I must give a disclaimer/warning. This book is for adults only. There are explicite sexual encounters both same sex and incestuous. Think along the level of VC Andrews for those who remember.
Now that said. This is a very tragic book. It centers around the story of a man who returns to his family home at the death/murder of his cousin. He inherits the house and thinks this is a good place to write his next novel. Needless to say he becomes haunted not in the sense as usual. He begins to write a story about the Romanian Communist movement of the 70's and 80's. The story then begins to follow young Matthew, his family, and friends, horrifyingly growing up in Romania during this time. It's a history lesson, and possibly all we should know.
I liked that this story was a story within a story. Intelligent and interesting. These characters are enduring such tragedy, and you can't help but follow along with them. You care for them, you hope for them, and you witness their sorrows and hopes.
I don't know if this is typical of Ms. Rayne's writing, as I have trouble finding any of her stuff. This isn't usually the type of stuff I read, and I'm not sure I would purposely seek out another like it. But I did like this book, if for no other reason then what it taught me historically what happened in Romania, and helps me know a little of what that country has endured.
Now that said. This is a very tragic book. It centers around the story of a man who returns to his family home at the death/murder of his cousin. He inherits the house and thinks this is a good place to write his next novel. Needless to say he becomes haunted not in the sense as usual. He begins to write a story about the Romanian Communist movement of the 70's and 80's. The story then begins to follow young Matthew, his family, and friends, horrifyingly growing up in Romania during this time. It's a history lesson, and possibly all we should know.
I liked that this story was a story within a story. Intelligent and interesting. These characters are enduring such tragedy, and you can't help but follow along with them. You care for them, you hope for them, and you witness their sorrows and hopes.
I don't know if this is typical of Ms. Rayne's writing, as I have trouble finding any of her stuff. This isn't usually the type of stuff I read, and I'm not sure I would purposely seek out another like it. But I did like this book, if for no other reason then what it taught me historically what happened in Romania, and helps me know a little of what that country has endured.
July 17, 2019
Had never heard of the author before however the cover and blurb sounded promising.
If you are seeking horror/scares - this is not it.
If you enjoy a mix of genre's - crime, history, mystery, romance and war then this easy, uncomplicated read may suit. I burned through the pages in 2 evenings.
The author lays everything out very neatly - I wasn't really invested in the story til about page 50.
Nice read generally but a couple of things irked me:
Protagonists seeming to act differently towards the end of novel than what seemed like their own logic in chapters early (left me puzzled?!?) and their lack of emotion/outrage to sensitive issues was bypassed and everything was ok fairy sprinkles because lovely explanations were offered?!
Overall give it a read, it does hold one's attention in wanting questions answered of the plot which is my positive point for giving it 3 stars. Without spoiling the plot there are some sensitive issues touched on child abuse etc.
If you are seeking horror/scares - this is not it.
If you enjoy a mix of genre's - crime, history, mystery, romance and war then this easy, uncomplicated read may suit. I burned through the pages in 2 evenings.
The author lays everything out very neatly - I wasn't really invested in the story til about page 50.
Nice read generally but a couple of things irked me:
Protagonists seeming to act differently towards the end of novel than what seemed like their own logic in chapters early (left me puzzled?!?) and their lack of emotion/outrage to sensitive issues was bypassed and everything was ok fairy sprinkles because lovely explanations were offered?!
Overall give it a read, it does hold one's attention in wanting questions answered of the plot which is my positive point for giving it 3 stars. Without spoiling the plot there are some sensitive issues touched on child abuse etc.
October 22, 2023
Thriller, mystery, murder, intrigue with twists, and surprises that will keep you intrigued. Whilst it appears to be a haunting type story or at least a who done it, this is not those things at heart, but a mighty fine story it is.
As my first Rayne novel, I did not know what to expect, and what I had envisaged from the blurb was very far from what I encountered, but yet described the book exactly. The intricate lives of the characters and the way that Rayne intertwined all their stories was exceptionally done. The biggest struggle was almost forcing myself to continue at the beginning, it was so slow and did not draw me in at all, I think I may have been about 3rd of the way through before I really got into it, but I'm glad I persisted. Overall, the story was horrific, heartbreaking, uplifting, and a good read, but given the slow start, I can only give this book 3 stars. In the future, I will look into more of Rayne's books as, overall, it was enjoyable .
As my first Rayne novel, I did not know what to expect, and what I had envisaged from the blurb was very far from what I encountered, but yet described the book exactly. The intricate lives of the characters and the way that Rayne intertwined all their stories was exceptionally done. The biggest struggle was almost forcing myself to continue at the beginning, it was so slow and did not draw me in at all, I think I may have been about 3rd of the way through before I really got into it, but I'm glad I persisted. Overall, the story was horrific, heartbreaking, uplifting, and a good read, but given the slow start, I can only give this book 3 stars. In the future, I will look into more of Rayne's books as, overall, it was enjoyable .
January 1, 2020
Absolutely amazing. The way it is so absorbing from start to finish is just amazing. The revelation parts were done in a kind of a mad rush but I guess it's still kind of acceptable. I opened the book fearing it might be another long dreary ride but it actually made me want to cancel all of my day's plans to finish it. Stopped somewhere along so I can get on with my life and didn't get back to it till I was sure I have enough time to spare coz I know I won't put it down till it's done haha. :)
All the characters are so relateable, and the way the author managed to write 2 books in one novel is nothing short of cool. :D I especially liked how Theo's mind works and the very flirty nun, Catherine. I also would have loved to meet and know more about Sister Teresa and her surely colourful exploits in the service of the Church and the people. <3
All the characters are so relateable, and the way the author managed to write 2 books in one novel is nothing short of cool. :D I especially liked how Theo's mind works and the very flirty nun, Catherine. I also would have loved to meet and know more about Sister Teresa and her surely colourful exploits in the service of the Church and the people. <3
September 18, 2017
What a ride! I was up much too late last night because I could not put this down! It is certainly not a light read. It is dark, with several plot threads that get pretty complicated. It was not that difficult to keep track of them all, though, and the way she brought them together to a stunning conclusion was brilliant. I love Sarah Rayne's books. I'm working my way through them all, and I haven't been disappointed yet. This was simply magnificent.
March 27, 2024
This was aweful. I could only get through barely a quarter of the book. The back and forth between past, present and imagination gave me a headache. Charmery was a horrible character with no likeable traits and her insest with her brother made the story worse.
I skimmed through the rest of the book and it seems I didn't miss much by doing so. God aweful.
Life is too short to drudge through a bad book. Don't waste your time.
I skimmed through the rest of the book and it seems I didn't miss much by doing so. God aweful.
Life is too short to drudge through a bad book. Don't waste your time.
June 4, 2017
I tried to read this, as I have enjoyed Sarah Rayne's books in the past, but I couldn't. I was around 150 pages in and wondering why I was wasting my time. I didn't like the characters, the ghost and spooky house weren't living up to their potential, and I was just annoyed. Too many books on my shelves to keep going.
September 15, 2017
I'm just re-reading this book from one of my favourite authors, Sarah Rayne. Eerie and atmospheric, it is a wonderful read. Theo inherits a house in Norfolk from his murdered cousin and retreats there to write his latest book. But strange things are happening in the house and his book seems to be writing itself. A terrific read.
Read
March 28, 2020Ahhh I remember this being my favorite Sarah Rayne novel and though I haven't finished my re-read of all her books yet I think this might remain my favorite. She does really good character work here, the mystery isn't overblown, and she does her signature trope so well--damaged people who do bad things but not because they're evil, or wrong.
December 15, 2018
One of my customers gave me this... I wasn't sure at first as it took a while to get going but I did get sucked into the story.... Had some um "Lannister moments" so if you are a bit sqeamish I don't recommend
February 12, 2019
After reading a Rayne book, I feel a loss. Her books are just so involved & those last few chapters, wrapping up the loose ends - is almost overwhelming.
I had a hard time getting into this one, but once i did, it was nearly all i thought about.
I had a hard time getting into this one, but once i did, it was nearly all i thought about.
July 19, 2024
3.5stars for me! The book had a really slow start and was not truly as described. From the blurb, I picked up this book thinking it was horror, but it was not. Still glad I persevered to finish the book as I did get sucked into the story towards the end.
May 13, 2018
Try as I might, I just could not get into this book. So on my "deserted" shelf it goes.
June 15, 2019
Surprise! Incest!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2020
Quite disappointing. Too many characters and subplots that were too extreme to be believed, and the ending was wrapped up too neatly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews