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The Haunted Rectory
The author of the popular Dorsetville series takes us to the small town of Bend Oaks to meet a group of hookers—rug hookers, that is. When rumors of a haunted rectory shake up the small town, a new priest comes to pastor, and what he discovers will change all of their lives forever.
Bend Oaks is a small town with a big problem—every new priest who comes to town flees the rectory in the night, and no one will say why. Strange disappearances, unexplained sounds and smells, and mysterious deaths all haunt this hallowed building. But this doesn’t stop the St. Francis Xavier Church Hookers from continuing their decades-old tradition of meeting in the rectory to hook their colorful rugs to auction off at the Strawberry Festival in order to raise money for the parish.
This tight-knit band of faithful women is startled by the arrival of Father Rich Melo, sent by the archdiocese to live in St. Francis Xavier’s “haunted” rectory. Father Rich brings skepticism to his mission in Bend Oaks, but he also carries with him the terrible memory of an earlier encounter with demonic forces.
From the unearthing of an ancient biblical curse to an exorcism in Rome to the bowels of a decaying insane asylum, Valentine brings readers on a wild ride set against the familiar backdrop of small-town New England. This heartfelt tale is both an exciting suspense story and a deeply moving story of the power of faith.
Bend Oaks is a small town with a big problem—every new priest who comes to town flees the rectory in the night, and no one will say why. Strange disappearances, unexplained sounds and smells, and mysterious deaths all haunt this hallowed building. But this doesn’t stop the St. Francis Xavier Church Hookers from continuing their decades-old tradition of meeting in the rectory to hook their colorful rugs to auction off at the Strawberry Festival in order to raise money for the parish.
This tight-knit band of faithful women is startled by the arrival of Father Rich Melo, sent by the archdiocese to live in St. Francis Xavier’s “haunted” rectory. Father Rich brings skepticism to his mission in Bend Oaks, but he also carries with him the terrible memory of an earlier encounter with demonic forces.
From the unearthing of an ancient biblical curse to an exorcism in Rome to the bowels of a decaying insane asylum, Valentine brings readers on a wild ride set against the familiar backdrop of small-town New England. This heartfelt tale is both an exciting suspense story and a deeply moving story of the power of faith.
277 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2006
2 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 14, 2011
I started listening to this book thinking that it was going to be a 'cozy mystery'. I was really surprised to find that it tackled the more serious subject of fighting Satan. The writing was compelling and fun at the same time. I'll be sure to look for the sequel to read.
December 2, 2021
Not at all what I was expecting. Interesting and thought provoking.
Got a bit discouraged at the beginning as there were just too many characters to keep up with. Some of which I believe could have never been introduced and the story would have been just fine.
As a Catholic this book piqued my interest as we have a non-Christian family friend dealing with "an unknown dark visitor." Seems a bit frightening to me.
Got a bit discouraged at the beginning as there were just too many characters to keep up with. Some of which I believe could have never been introduced and the story would have been just fine.
As a Catholic this book piqued my interest as we have a non-Christian family friend dealing with "an unknown dark visitor." Seems a bit frightening to me.
March 11, 2016
So I got this as my first AudioBook ever from the library. I did not know what it was about but I immediately knew it was the right choice to go audio...narrated by Christina Moore the book was actually pretty interesting/entertaining. Not something to take serious but to take you out of reality in a way....is October and Halloween is in the air 8)
Granted some people write that is cheesy and I sort of see why. I could see myself thinking that if I was reading it instead of listening to it. The storyline was catching/captivating to me since I couldn't help but think that the "theology" behind the demon may hold some truth or the possibility of it (the mother who cursed King David for delivering her sons to sacrifice and then cursing future generations by attaching the curse to the scriptures). HAVE YOU SEEN SUPERNATURAL!!! Lol....What can I say, I believe there are things out there that we do not know anything about. But this I know it was pure fiction :)
I liked that the book also had a sense of humor in it...especially when the hookers had The Demon in the back of the van and they decided to taunt it and then fight it....or their sarcastic comments throughout their demonic experiences.
I feel the author did a good job at explaining the different characters in the book. At the beginning, however, I was a bit confused since she explained so many characters. It all became clear as the story develop. The author did a good job at bringing you back and forth between each characters experience in order to piece it all together. Overall Good read!
The Hookers: Jane, Gale, Rose, Vera, Kate.
The Priest: Father Rich Milo.
The silent wise and unappreciated groundskeeper: Marvin
The distant advisors: Father Malachi and the ArchBishop
I really enjoyed the book especially on audio. It gave me chills at times, especially when I'll lay in bed at night with all the lights off and listening to some of the chapters alone (the story about Luisa, the first Library/basement incident, and Jane's car ride).
PS I never got over the fact they are called hookers lol
Granted some people write that is cheesy and I sort of see why. I could see myself thinking that if I was reading it instead of listening to it. The storyline was catching/captivating to me since I couldn't help but think that the "theology" behind the demon may hold some truth or the possibility of it (the mother who cursed King David for delivering her sons to sacrifice and then cursing future generations by attaching the curse to the scriptures). HAVE YOU SEEN SUPERNATURAL!!! Lol....What can I say, I believe there are things out there that we do not know anything about. But this I know it was pure fiction :)
I liked that the book also had a sense of humor in it...especially when the hookers had The Demon in the back of the van and they decided to taunt it and then fight it....or their sarcastic comments throughout their demonic experiences.
I feel the author did a good job at explaining the different characters in the book. At the beginning, however, I was a bit confused since she explained so many characters. It all became clear as the story develop. The author did a good job at bringing you back and forth between each characters experience in order to piece it all together. Overall Good read!
The Hookers: Jane, Gale, Rose, Vera, Kate.
The Priest: Father Rich Milo.
The silent wise and unappreciated groundskeeper: Marvin
The distant advisors: Father Malachi and the ArchBishop
I really enjoyed the book especially on audio. It gave me chills at times, especially when I'll lay in bed at night with all the lights off and listening to some of the chapters alone (the story about Luisa, the first Library/basement incident, and Jane's car ride).
PS I never got over the fact they are called hookers lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2019
I really wanted to like this book. A rag-tag group of diverse women, spooky happenings, an old church rectory, & exorcisms? Sign me right the heck up! But I ended up being a bit disappointed. If I had a dollar for every time the author used the word "chagrin" I'd probably be a millionaire.
Not only did she not have much variety in the vocabulary department but I don't feel as though the dialogue was very organic nor engaging. At one point in the book there was literally a demon throwing furniture and terrorizing them and not a single exclamation point was used in the course of that dialogue. You would think they'd be doing some sort of yelling or screaming while a demon is trying to posses their mortal souls.
Another issue for me was the characters felt very one dimensional (don't even get me started on their personalities!!) They were so stereotypically generic & unrealistic! For example, the author described Jane, who was supposed to be middle-aged woman, as "lean & fit much like her 14 year old daughter" and that she didn't wear a stitch of makeup because she couldn't be bothered with it because people who were concerned about their appearance were vapid & self-serving. WE'RE IN THE 21st CENTURY YOU CAN CARE ABOUT YOUR APPEARANCE AND STILL BE A STRONG BUSINESS WOMAN WHO ISN'T AFRAID TO DO THE DIRTY WORK YOURSELF. And the way the author described Rose was extremely disrespectful. I think the point I'm trying to make here is overall the characters felt like saltine versions of the same old "tropes"
The concept of the book I was totally here for.. the execution not so much
Not only did she not have much variety in the vocabulary department but I don't feel as though the dialogue was very organic nor engaging. At one point in the book there was literally a demon throwing furniture and terrorizing them and not a single exclamation point was used in the course of that dialogue. You would think they'd be doing some sort of yelling or screaming while a demon is trying to posses their mortal souls.
Another issue for me was the characters felt very one dimensional (don't even get me started on their personalities!!) They were so stereotypically generic & unrealistic! For example, the author described Jane, who was supposed to be middle-aged woman, as "lean & fit much like her 14 year old daughter" and that she didn't wear a stitch of makeup because she couldn't be bothered with it because people who were concerned about their appearance were vapid & self-serving. WE'RE IN THE 21st CENTURY YOU CAN CARE ABOUT YOUR APPEARANCE AND STILL BE A STRONG BUSINESS WOMAN WHO ISN'T AFRAID TO DO THE DIRTY WORK YOURSELF. And the way the author described Rose was extremely disrespectful. I think the point I'm trying to make here is overall the characters felt like saltine versions of the same old "tropes"
The concept of the book I was totally here for.. the execution not so much
July 4, 2018
A rip off of "The Exorcist" with random rug hookers mixed in.
January 29, 2018
2.5 Stars.
Interesting storyline, not my usual fare, however, and I'm not sure if I would read more if this was a series. or rather listen, since this was the audiobook I was listening to.
For a while, I wasn't sure I would finish this but. I did. And now I'm moving on. So a story about exorcisms and demon possession. I don't think just anyone can handle this. I almost couldn't so it's hard for me to recommend. But it was still a good story. I liked the friendships between the women and the backstory of the priest was a little bit creepy but really gave insight into what made him tick.
All the characters are all interesting. (Once I got straight who was who. I got Jane and Gale mixed up for a while) The hookers were all women I would like to meet in real life, and father Rich was intriguing as well. However, this was not the cozy mystery I thought it was. Closer to a thriller to my thinking.
Recommended? Er, how are you with the thought of demon possession?
Buy/Borrow? Borrow
Interesting storyline, not my usual fare, however, and I'm not sure if I would read more if this was a series. or rather listen, since this was the audiobook I was listening to.
For a while, I wasn't sure I would finish this but. I did. And now I'm moving on. So a story about exorcisms and demon possession. I don't think just anyone can handle this. I almost couldn't so it's hard for me to recommend. But it was still a good story. I liked the friendships between the women and the backstory of the priest was a little bit creepy but really gave insight into what made him tick.
All the characters are all interesting. (Once I got straight who was who. I got Jane and Gale mixed up for a while) The hookers were all women I would like to meet in real life, and father Rich was intriguing as well. However, this was not the cozy mystery I thought it was. Closer to a thriller to my thinking.
Recommended? Er, how are you with the thought of demon possession?
Buy/Borrow? Borrow
March 12, 2021
I love a good mystery and this is one of them.
A small town has a big problem---every new priest who comes to town flees the rectory in the night, and no one knows why. Disappearances, unexplained sounds and smells and mysterious deaths haunt this hallowed building. But there are a band of faithful women who continue their age old tradition of meeting in the rectory to hook their colorful rugs to auction off at the yearly festival in order to raise money for the parish. They are known as the St. Francis Xavier Church Hookers, which brings a smile to many in and out of the area, but they're not what you first think.
Follow along with these tight-knit women as they welcome a new priest, who was sent by the archdiocese to live in the haunted rectory. Father Rich Melo brings skepticism and a memory of an earlier encounter of demonic forces and what he discovers will change all their lives forever.
This story is exciting and suspenseful, and a moving story of the power of faith!
I recommend this book to all you mystery lovers!
A small town has a big problem---every new priest who comes to town flees the rectory in the night, and no one knows why. Disappearances, unexplained sounds and smells and mysterious deaths haunt this hallowed building. But there are a band of faithful women who continue their age old tradition of meeting in the rectory to hook their colorful rugs to auction off at the yearly festival in order to raise money for the parish. They are known as the St. Francis Xavier Church Hookers, which brings a smile to many in and out of the area, but they're not what you first think.
Follow along with these tight-knit women as they welcome a new priest, who was sent by the archdiocese to live in the haunted rectory. Father Rich Melo brings skepticism and a memory of an earlier encounter of demonic forces and what he discovers will change all their lives forever.
This story is exciting and suspenseful, and a moving story of the power of faith!
I recommend this book to all you mystery lovers!
November 4, 2024
Originally Read March 2024
The Haunted Rectory hit personal experiences with me and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! As someone who reads a lot of thriller and paranormal books this ending that I thought was predictable turned out to be completely upended.
Thrilling danger, heartfelt community, and spiritual warfare all in one incredible setting that keeps you guessing until the climax.
Definitely put this one on your never ending TBR if you enjoy something spooky!
The Haunted Rectory hit personal experiences with me and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! As someone who reads a lot of thriller and paranormal books this ending that I thought was predictable turned out to be completely upended.
Thrilling danger, heartfelt community, and spiritual warfare all in one incredible setting that keeps you guessing until the climax.
Definitely put this one on your never ending TBR if you enjoy something spooky!
February 10, 2018
Very interesting. Hard to put down.
September 1, 2018
For a christian novel I was offended by the language, even though it was used to show the bad characters. Otherwise it was a fascinating and well written story.
October 16, 2020
Mostly just "brain candy" - fun with (rug) hookers. :D
April 10, 2023
A surprisingly slow read for the subject matter and short length. And it tries too hard to be successful at the totally-different-women-who-make-a-family genre. Blah.
March 21, 2017
Bend Oaks is a small town with a big problem: the rectory is haunted. This book was rather scary to read. It tells of the unearthing of an ancient curse and talks about exorcism. The subject of evil is highlighted
April 22, 2009
Bend Oaks is a small town with a big problem-every new priest who comes to town flees the rectory in the night, and no one will say why. Strange disappearances, unexplained sounds and smells, and mysterious deaths all haunt this hallowed building. But this doesn't stop the Saint Francis Xavier Church Hookers from continuing their decades-old tradition of meeting in the rectory to hook their colorful rugs to auction off at the Strawberry Festival in order to raise money for the parish.
This tight-knit band of faithful women is startled by the arrival of Father Rich Melos, sent by the archdiocese to live in St. Francis Xavier's "haunted" rectory. Father Rich brings skepticism to his mission in Bend Oaks, but he also carries with him the terrible memory of an earlier encounter with demonic forces.
From the unearthing of an ancient Biblical curse, to an exorcism in Rome, to the bowels of a decaying insane asylum, Valentine brings readers on a wild ride set against the familiar backdrop of small-town New England. This heartfelt tale is both an exciting suspense story and a deeply moving story of the power of faith.
This tight-knit band of faithful women is startled by the arrival of Father Rich Melos, sent by the archdiocese to live in St. Francis Xavier's "haunted" rectory. Father Rich brings skepticism to his mission in Bend Oaks, but he also carries with him the terrible memory of an earlier encounter with demonic forces.
From the unearthing of an ancient Biblical curse, to an exorcism in Rome, to the bowels of a decaying insane asylum, Valentine brings readers on a wild ride set against the familiar backdrop of small-town New England. This heartfelt tale is both an exciting suspense story and a deeply moving story of the power of faith.
May 6, 2009
When every priest sent to St. Francis Xavier either ends up running from the house or dead, the next priest sent there to serve knows he has a big job to do. With the help of the Hookers of St. Francis Xavier ( rug hookers!!!) he is able to finally put some rest and closure on the strange happenings there. I've always like Katherine Valentine, but this was not my favorite of hers. And I categorized it as both a gentle read and thriller/suspense. Seems like oxymorons, but it really does work!
June 8, 2009
Good read, well written - except the authors tendency to go off on long soliloquies about the New England countryside. There were a few places where the obvious solution was overlooked, making the book longer than it needed to be (in a book about the church and demons, most self respecting people would jump in and say 'let us pray'!)
July 26, 2009
this is a quick read about a group of women in a small town who along with the new interim priest have to solve the mystery of the haunted rectory. It wasn't world class writing but I did love the women. Each personaly type is covered. The unexpected pleasure is Father Melos. I see future exorcisms in his future.
August 8, 2008
Not the best book I have ever read, but it was entertaining, although highly improbable. Ms Valentine's writing skills are variable, some descriptions are beautifully well written, some incredibly hackneyed.
April 9, 2013
I just happened to pick this book in the library in passing. Different kind of fiction for me. A quick read, finished it in a day. A little predictable but the characters were interesting making it fun.
June 6, 2016
Very interesting and fun to listen to. Even though it is Catholics battling demons, which is a very serious and scary matter, the author interjects humor. There is one foul mouthed character who gets a comeuppance, and other very colorful characters. But all in all a good clean read.
April 9, 2008
This book was passed to me by one of my co-workers and I enjoyed it. I read it in about 1 week, as I didnt want to put it down. Its a fun book and fast read.
Read
June 15, 2009This could be the 5th in the Dorsetville St. Cecilia's series
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July 31, 2009Started listening but didn't want to keep going with it. Willing to read other books by this author, but just not interested in this one or this series. A recorded books inspirational audio book.
October 1, 2009
Too far out for me - rug hookers and demons... I'm finishing it but I'm skimming a lot of pages. Maybe in another plot, I'd like the characters better.
May 26, 2010
read about the book here: http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/2009...
April 4, 2011
The plot was completed unexpected for me.
I assumed that it would be another seemingly haunted house that turned out not be haunted at all.
This book was much more than that!
I assumed that it would be another seemingly haunted house that turned out not be haunted at all.
This book was much more than that!
September 27, 2013
Did not finish this book.
November 21, 2013
Listened to on CD -- remember liking it
March 20, 2017
A little Catholic-ish ? - and I don't usually like exorcism kind of books, but this one is different. Values, goodness, friendships, and just interesting all the way around. I loved this book.
January 8, 2016
This was a bit more detailed than I expected. It was good, though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews