Looking for a fresh spin on haunted house chills? 'The House of a Hundred Whispers' delivers with a brooding, atmospheric setting and a plot that twists up the familiar ghost story formula. Masterton blends suspense, supernatural intrigue, and even a dash of historic detail, keeping readers guessing at every creak and whisper. This one's for fans of creepy mysteries, haunted mansion lore, and anyone who loves a page-turner that keeps you up at night (and maybe second-guessing those strange noises at 2am). If you enjoy stories that straddle the line between horror and the unknown, you'll find plenty to love here.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If flat characters or rushed endings bug you, you might find this a little underwhelming. Some readers found the cast hard to connect with and felt the finale didn't quite deliver on the book’s early promise. There's a brutal scene or two that some found unnecessary, and the pacing occasionally drags. If you prefer your horror tightly plotted and character-driven, or aren’t a fan of graphic content, you might want to check out a sample before diving in.

A chilling, atmospheric read that twists the haunted house trope - with a few rough edges. Perfect for a stormy night, but the ending might leave you wanting more.

About:

The House of a Hundred Whispers by Graham Masterton is a modern take on a haunted house novel that keeps readers on edge with its spooky atmosphere and mysterious plot. The story follows a cast of characters who are drawn into a terrifying battle between good and evil, where the boundaries between supernatural and science fiction blur. As the plot unfolds, readers are immersed in a fast-paced narrative filled with brutal and thought-provoking scenes that culminate in an unexpected and gripping conclusion. Masterton's writing style captivates readers with well-developed characters, historical facts, and a unique twist on the traditional haunted house trope.

Characters:

The characters vary in depth, with some being relatable while others come off as flat or unrealistic.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and atmospheric, building suspense effectively, although it may have pacing issues.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a haunted house and a family's mysterious experience after the father's death, but ultimately fails to meet expectations in its conclusion.

Setting:

The setting involves a haunted family home, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is inconsistent, starting slowly but gaining momentum and intensity towards the end.

As he reached the top of the staircase, Herbert heard a door opening. He paused, one hand on the newel post, listening intently. The full moon was shining so brightly through the diamond-patterned win...

Notes:

Graham Masterton was a significant influence on readers during their teenage years.

Many readers felt excitement for a proper horror novel from Masterton after his previous work was less appealing.

The book builds up to a battle between Good and Evil but disappoints some readers in its execution.

Readers noticed similarities between this novel and another titled 'The Village That Fell into Hell.'

One theme in both novels involves characters being trapped in a location with supernatural elements.

The book features scary elements that provoke thought about time and hauntings.

Some readers liked the atmosphere and unusual scenes, describing them as well-written and tense.

Critics have mentioned that characters seemed flat and unrealistic at times, which reduced their investment in the story.

There is a controversial explicit scene involving sexual assault that some found unnecessary.

The pacing of the story varies, starting slow but picking up toward the end with many surprises.

While some found the police portrayal at the end inconsistent, others enjoyed the twisty plot.

The novel can be brutal at times, especially toward the end, making it quite scary.

Masterton intersperses historical facts into the plot, contributing to depth.

Many readers appreciate the modernized take on the haunted house genre.

The story’s setting raised questions about character motives and actions throughout.

Despite critiques, readers still found the novel engaging and expressed interest in exploring more of Masterton's work.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include themes of sexual assault, violence, and psychological trauma.

From The Publisher:

Dartmoor, with its mists, bleak winter weather and overwhelming sense of isolation, is the perfect place to build a prison. It's not a place many would choose to live - yet the Governor of Dartmoor Prison did just that. When Herbert Russell retired, he bought All Hallow's Hall - a rambling Tudor mansion on the edge of the moor, and lived there all his life. Now he's dead, and his estranged family are set to inherit his estate. But when the dead man's family come to stay, the atsmophere of the moors seems to drift into every room. Floorboards creak, secret passageways echo, and wind whistles in the house's famous priest hole. And then, on the morning the family decide to leave All Hallows Hall once and for all, their young son Timmy goes missing...

October 2020

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295 pages

Ratings (4)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (1)
Liked It (1)

Reader Stats (11):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (2)

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The House of a Hundred Whispers

Graham Masterton

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