Books matching: ghostly apparitions
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- #1
'A House of Ghosts' by W.C. Ryan is a historical mystery set during the winter of 1917 at Blackwater Abbey, the residence of arms manufacturer Francis Highmount. The story revolves around a house party gathering on an island where guests attempt to contact the spirits of Highmount's two deceased sons who died during the war. Among the guests are undercover intelligence agents, a former fiancée, a psychic, and a mix of paranormal mystery, spy thriller, and historical novel elements. The plot unfolds with secrets, espionage, hidden passages, and a touch of romance between the main characters, Kate Cartwright and Captain Donovan, while ghosts play a significant role in the atmospheric setting of the haunted mansion.
He had returned from France that morning, landing at Dover at dawn and taking the train up to London. It had been a rough crossing and he was glad to be back on dry land. He was less glad to have been... - #2
'Cast A Cold Eye' by Alan Ryan is a ghost story set in rural Ireland, following an American writer named Jack Quinlan who travels to a small village to research the Irish Potato Famine for his book. Jack starts experiencing eerie encounters and apparitions, leading him to uncover the secrets and mysteries hidden within the town. The book is praised for its atmospheric descriptions of the Irish scenery, blending natural beauty with haunting elements, creating a sense of suspense and intrigue throughout the story.
They sat there, four old men, as old as the dirt-floored cottage, a stone and thatch-roofed shebeen, and the rock-scattered hill it stood on, their shallow breath making thin white puffs before their ... - #3
'Night Things' by Michael Talbot is a haunting novel set in an old mansion known as Lake House, where supernatural phenomena unfold. The story revolves around the characters Lauren Montgomery, her son Garrett, and her rock star husband Stephen Ransom, who rent the mansion and soon discover its dark history and eerie secrets. As they navigate through the mysterious house, they encounter ghostly apparitions and ominous events, leading to a battle between good and evil. The writing style combines clean prose with a balance of creepiness and revelation, providing a unique twist to the haunted house genre.
“Are we almost there?” Lauren asked excitedly as the Porsche shifted gears to negotiate the increasing steepness of the mountain road. The highway they were on was one of the old two-laners, and toget... - #4
This House Is Haunted by John Boyne is a gothic ghost story set in a Victorian era, revolving around Eliza Caine, a young governess who takes a job at Gaudlin Hall to care for two children. As Eliza delves into the mysterious occurrences in the house, she uncovers dark family secrets and faces supernatural threats. The novel combines traditional elements of the 19th-century ghost story genre with a modern twist, incorporating feminist perspectives and eerie atmospheres reminiscent of classics like The Turn of the Screw and Jane Eyre.
The plot unfolds with Eliza navigating through the haunted house, encountering chilling events and uncovering the tragic past of the family residing in Gaudlin Hall. John Boyne skillfully weaves a suspenseful narrative, utilizing familiar tropes like ghostly apparitions, mysterious children, and hidden secrets to create a compelling tale that keeps readers engaged till the end.
In tracing the moment where my life transformed from serenity to horror, twisting the natural into the unspeakable, I find myself seated in the parlour of our small terraced home near Hyde Park, obser... - #5
Crimson Peak by Nancy Holder is a novelization of the film that beautifully expands on its gothic elements and rich Victorian themes. The story follows Edith Cushing, an aspiring author, in a haunting tale filled with ghosts, mystery, and twisted family dynamics. The writing style is lyrical and spellbinding, offering interior insights into characters' thoughts, particularly focusing on delicate relationships and the darker aspects of human nature. While the pace is fast and compelling, certain details slightly differ from the movie, such as character descriptions and motivations.
The book succeeds in creating a more immersive experience, enriching the story with layers that may not have been fully explored in the film. Readers are treated to a vivid portrayal of Edith's world, coupled with a gothic ambiance that captures the essence of the original movie. Though it may not deviate significantly from the film's plot, it allows fans of the movie to delve deeper into the characters and their haunting experiences, making for a delightful read.
It was snowing on the day they put Edith Cushing’s mother in the ground. Large wet flakes wept in a leaden sky. The world was colorless. Dressed for deep mourning in a black coat and a hat that framed... - #6
Ueda Akinari's 'Tales of Moonlight and Rain' is a collection of nine short stories set in provincial Japan, dealing with ghosts, demons, spirits seeking revenge, possession, and curses. The stories are described as mysterious and strange, with frequent appearances of ghosts and elements of the occult. The book is noted for its evocative and spellbinding nature, transporting readers to a world filled with eerie and captivating narratives.
The title, “Shiramine” (White Peak), refers to a mountain in the coastal village of Matsuyama, now part of the city of Sakade, Kagawa Prefecture (formerly, Sanuki Province), on the island of Shikoku. ... - #7
The Italian by Ann Radcliffe is a gothic novel that follows the story of Vivaldi, who falls in love with Ellena, against the wishes of his family. The plot includes elements of mystery and intrigue, with warnings from a ghostly figure and a sinister black monk. The narrative is filled with lush descriptions of travel through Italy and the Alps, as well as staples of the genre like poison, evil priests, and the Inquisition. The main character, Father Schedoni, plays a pivotal role in opposing the match and his own shady past is gradually revealed, leading to a web of deceit and unraveling secrets.
The book is known for its fast-paced plot, intricate family-related twists, and a versatile character like Schedoni. Despite some finding the book slow or verbose, others appreciated the engaging scenes and the stress-inducing journey of the characters as they faced constant obstacles. The Italian is considered a classic gothic novel from the late 18th century, showcasing Radcliffe's talent for creating a suspenseful and atmospheric narrative that keeps readers intrigued.
- #8
The Comet Seekers by Helen Sedgwick is a unique novel that intertwines the lives of characters across different time periods, connected by the appearances of comets. The story follows individuals dealing with themes of family, love, loss, and the mystical ties to the stars. The narrative jumps back and forth between timelines, weaving a complex but rewarding storyline that explores the desire for adventure versus the need for connection and roots. Through lush prose and beautiful settings, the author creates a mesmerizing tale that leaves readers haunted by its imagery.
THEY ARRIVE ON THE SNOW during the last endless day of summer. Forty-eight hours of light and then, they gather outside to watch their first sunset of the South. The ice shelf they’re standing on is f... - #9
'The Elementals' by Michael McDowell is a Southern Gothic horror novel set on an isolated spit of land on the Gulf of Mexico, where two families vacation in the stifling Alabama summers. The story revolves around the mysterious Third House, being slowly engulfed by a sand dune, harboring something sinister. The author masterfully creates a suspenseful and disturbing atmosphere during the sweltering Southern summer, with a blend of eerie occurrences and dysfunctional family dynamics. Characters like Luker, India, and Odessa bring depth to the story, while the unsettling buildup leads to a chilling climax that leaves readers on edge.
The narrative of 'The Elementals' gradually introduces readers to the characters and their relationships, drawing them into a world where supernatural elements slowly creep up on them. McDowell's writing style is described as atmospheric, creepy, and unsettling, with a focus on creating a unique blend of Southern Gothic horror. The novel explores themes of family ties, mysterious occurrences, and the haunting presence of the Third House, making it a gripping and immersive read that keeps readers engaged till the end.
The house in which Dauphin and Leigh Savage lived had been built in 1906; it was a large, comfortable place with generous rooms and careful and pleasing detail in such things as hearths, moldings, fra... - #10
In "An Inquiry Into Love and Death" by Simone St. James, set in 1920s England, Jillian Leigh is pulled from her studies at Oxford to investigate the suspicious death of her ghost hunter uncle, Toby, in the seaside village of Rothewell. As she delves into her uncle's affairs, she uncovers a murder mystery involving a ghostly figure named Walking John, German spies, a switch at birth, and encounters with Scotland Yard. The story weaves elements of mystery, romance, suspense, and ghostly encounters, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged. St. James' writing style is rich and atmospheric, quickly immersing readers into the post-World War I era with vivid descriptions of the setting and characters.
My uncle Toby died of a broken neck in the autumn of 1924, just as I was starting the Michaelmas term at Oxford. I was pulled from the back of the lecture hall by a pimpled assistant in thick Mary Jan...