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nourten22's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
This book dates itself. The language and verbiage used makes it a longer read than it would seem. I know it is because it is an older book and probably the writing style of the time, but I felt like I was constantly missing an incredible amount of information. Overall, the story line was good, it got there in the end, but it was also a terribly predictable ending. There were no jaw dropping moments, no twists or turns. One of my least favorite books I’ve read.
rebroxannape's review against another edition
4.0
After re-reading Witch, my interest in Barbara Michaels was reignited. I remembered a movie of the week based on Ammie Come home and watched it on You Tube. I then , of course, had to reread the book. An added attraction for me to jump it to the head of the line in my TBR list was the fact that there are 2 other books featuring Pat and Ruth, the gracious couple in Ammie.
Ammie is much spookier than Witch, which was really more about small town religious prejudices and insularity rather than the paranormal. I enjoyed it very much. The mystery concerning the who and why of the haunting, I of course knew. I remembered most of it, but of course the movie, which is unfortunately titled, The House That Would not Die, stayed true to the plot. The romance of Pat and Ruth had just the right amount of attention, as did the secondary romance of Bruce and Sara. Ruth is a very similar character to Ellen in Witch, but Pat could not be more different than John. He is one of Barbara Michaels’ more delightful and well-drawn heroes.
Most of the book concerns powwows around the dinner table, and research into the history of house in the days before computers and social media. They actually had to go to the library and pour through old books and documents all day long. I loved the debates and discussions, the tension between the two generations, and conflicting schools of thought. But it was the family atmosphere, relationships among the principals, and the slow unfolding of the mystery that really drew me in. I was right there and part of it. This book was written 50 years ago now, in 1968. Barbara was just coming into her own. I loved being taken back in time to my high school years. The book is soaked in the attitudes, fashions, and concerns of the liberal and intellectual elite. And as such, some might call it dated, or might not be able to relate. But I loved this reminder of how life used to be in certain circles. It was almost like a fairytale!
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings.com/
Ammie is much spookier than Witch, which was really more about small town religious prejudices and insularity rather than the paranormal. I enjoyed it very much. The mystery concerning the who and why of the haunting, I of course knew. I remembered most of it, but of course the movie, which is unfortunately titled, The House That Would not Die, stayed true to the plot. The romance of Pat and Ruth had just the right amount of attention, as did the secondary romance of Bruce and Sara. Ruth is a very similar character to Ellen in Witch, but Pat could not be more different than John. He is one of Barbara Michaels’ more delightful and well-drawn heroes.
Most of the book concerns powwows around the dinner table, and research into the history of house in the days before computers and social media. They actually had to go to the library and pour through old books and documents all day long. I loved the debates and discussions, the tension between the two generations, and conflicting schools of thought. But it was the family atmosphere, relationships among the principals, and the slow unfolding of the mystery that really drew me in. I was right there and part of it. This book was written 50 years ago now, in 1968. Barbara was just coming into her own. I loved being taken back in time to my high school years. The book is soaked in the attitudes, fashions, and concerns of the liberal and intellectual elite. And as such, some might call it dated, or might not be able to relate. But I loved this reminder of how life used to be in certain circles. It was almost like a fairytale!
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings.com/
heidenkind's review against another edition
3.0
This is one of my mom's favorite books. It's been a looooong time since I read it, so I don't know whether to give it 3 or 4 stars, but I do remember liking it. It's a very spooky mystery with a little romance thrown in. I would definitely recommend it if those kind of books appeal to you.
cimorene1558's review against another edition
5.0
I'm very fond of this book, with its sixties details, its charming characters, and its very scary conclusion.
jenmcmaynes's review against another edition
3.0
Rather silly ghost story I picked up to while away the time while my in-laws were visiting. Pretty predictable, and the decisions of the characters to keep entering a potentially haunted house at dusk was frustrating and silly! But, sorta fun to read the dated, 1960s take on psychology, hypnotism, and feminism in terms of a haunting. I wouldn't recommend it, but it served to pass the time in a boring weekend nicely.
turrean's review against another edition
3.0
A trip down memory lane. Dated, a little cheesy, but a fun look at characters I love in (much) later novels.
sjgochenour's review against another edition
4.0
Very spooky, but the main draw is the relationships. I do love a forty-something romance.
melwyk's review against another edition
3.0
I love Barbara Michaels but upon this reread I found that the dated gender relations were quite offputting. Even though this was written & set in late 60s, doesn't mean I have to like the joking about domestic abuse... Otherwise, as usual, this is classic, well written, her usual kind of characters and a really spooky haunting. Creeped myself out a little by reading this at bedtime even though I've read it before!
bgstrong's review against another edition
3.0
I’m kind of torn about about this book. It is an absolutely solid ghost story. It was spooky and unsettling and I think it holds up.
I also liked (most) of the romance between Pat and Ruth and it was refreshing to see a romance between older adults.
But the dated parts were soooooo dated that I have a hard time ranking this more than 3 stars.
I also liked (most) of the romance between Pat and Ruth and it was refreshing to see a romance between older adults.
But the dated parts were soooooo dated that I have a hard time ranking this more than 3 stars.