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the_weirdling's review
4.0
This is a fine little haunted house tale, involving an old inherited estate, clouded histroy, and an occupant looking for a new lease on life. It has all the typical essentials of a good haunted house story. These books usually sink or swim based on their writing, characters, and the details. This book swims.
I liked Emma from pretty early on in the book. I wanted her to do well. I felt the pain of her abusive relationship. I hated her ex, liked her support stytem, etc. There was also something compelling about her obligatory "love interest", Brent. The author chose to dispense with the usual annoying storyline of the detective who is all facts and figures, knows there is no such thing as ghosts, and is sure the lady is crazy until a ghost smacks him in the face near the end. The Detective Inspector early on feels conflict between what he "knows" (ghosts aren't real) and the fact that the house just never feels right, the young woman is clearly scared of something, even is it isn't ghosts. He then does what any good police officer would do. He sticks around to check out suspicious activities. I appreciate that.
This definitely isn't an earth shattering novel in the history of haunted house books. It is, for the most part, pretty standard stuff. That said, I enjoyed spending time with Emma and Brent, the mstery and backstory were compelling, and the resolution was satisfying. There's not a lot more to ask from a book like this. If you are in the mood for a good spooky home and the baddies than infest it, you could do a lot worse The Haunting of Brynlee House.
I liked Emma from pretty early on in the book. I wanted her to do well. I felt the pain of her abusive relationship. I hated her ex, liked her support stytem, etc. There was also something compelling about her obligatory "love interest", Brent. The author chose to dispense with the usual annoying storyline of the detective who is all facts and figures, knows there is no such thing as ghosts, and is sure the lady is crazy until a ghost smacks him in the face near the end. The Detective Inspector early on feels conflict between what he "knows" (ghosts aren't real) and the fact that the house just never feels right, the young woman is clearly scared of something, even is it isn't ghosts. He then does what any good police officer would do. He sticks around to check out suspicious activities. I appreciate that.
This definitely isn't an earth shattering novel in the history of haunted house books. It is, for the most part, pretty standard stuff. That said, I enjoyed spending time with Emma and Brent, the mstery and backstory were compelling, and the resolution was satisfying. There's not a lot more to ask from a book like this. If you are in the mood for a good spooky home and the baddies than infest it, you could do a lot worse The Haunting of Brynlee House.
mommasaystoread's review
4.0
While I wouldn't call this a horror story, it is a bit creepy, if somewhat predictable. There are some elements of mystery thrown in with Emma's ex and a bit of a budding romance with the very patient Brent. The book is short and I would've preferred more of a build on the haunting aspect, which would've added to the creep factor. Overall though, it is an entertaining read, perfect for a rainy afternoon or evening.
skyfox24kd's review
3.0
Hmm. This was a nice little haunted house tale, family legacy included. It was spooky and intense for the most part. Some of it had history having do with the witch trials or at least references to them and those in Britain who were wrongfully accused at that time. It mentioned the Bishop and if a woman confessed under torture she was executed. Sad affair. It dealt with ghosts during that time and a young lady trying to start her life over and become brave once again.
krissipocalypse's review
3.0
Decent book, but there were a lot of things I felt could have been expanded on. Atmospheric and creepy start that seems to end too abruptly. Good read but could have been longer and more detailed
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