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Manchester House

by Donald Allen Kirch (Goodreads Author)

3.27 of 5 stars 3.27 · rating details · 101 ratings · 29 reviews

Manchester House was built upon secrets and blood. Even the land upon which it was built was considered . . . bad.

ITEM: Native Americans for untold centuries believed that if a bird flew over the property it would die.

ITEM: On the forced "Trail of Tears" march to Oklahoma, a rival tribe invaded a campsite of a sworn enemy, resting upon the property, decapitated the women...more

Paperback, 302 pages

Published November 24th 2009 by Blood Moon Publishing

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The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Haunted Houses

3rd out of 157 books — 190 voters

Every Which Way But Dead by Kim Harrison

Best Occult Detective Novel Fiction

14th out of 128 books — 141 voters

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Jan 19, 2011 Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of haunted houses and occult detective stories

Shelves: ebook, horror, ghost, haunted-house, nerd-prof-scientist-genius-geek, occult-detective, hero-to-die-for, places-i-never-want-to-visit

For a full review, check the Bitten by Books website: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/

13 likes · like · see review

May 30, 2011 Vone Savan rated it 3 of 5 stars

As a young child, I played this fun, titillating, sometimes frightening game with friends and cousins when they came over to the house. The game didn’t have a name, but this was how it went: I would go steal my parents' biggest blanket from their bedroom, then me and as many kids as possible would gather under this blanket, covering ourselves as if the blanket were an invincible shield. We would then start our little walk from the living room down the long, dark hallway of my childhood home befo...more As a young child, I played this fun, titillating, sometimes frightening game with friends and cousins when they came over to the house. The game didn’t have a name, but this was how it went: I would go steal my parents' biggest blanket from their bedroom, then me and as many kids as possible would gather under this blanket, covering ourselves as if the blanket were an invincible shield. We would then start our little walk from the living room down the long, dark hallway of my childhood home before making our way through my parents’ bedroom, then into their private bathroom, before finally circling around and making our way back. Except for the living room, we kept all the lights off on this path; we wanted a rush from walking in the dark. Needless to say, no one wanted to be the leader or the caboose while playing this game. If a ghost or spirit of some sort were to graze us before whisking us away to some demonic land, no one wanted to be the first to go—and if we stood first or last in line, we would be the ones most susceptible. Looking back, the game was absolutely silly, but it was also so much fun!

Reading Manchester House by Donald Allen Kirch flooded my mind with memories of this particular game because oddly enough, there were so many parallels between the two experiences. Both were thrilling, exhilarating, terrifying, fun, and at times, disappointing.

The novel starts off with Jonathon Holzer, a Professor of Parapsychology (a branch of psychology that deals with the investigation of purported psychic phenomena), who is finally granted permission to investigate Manchester House; a widely known condemned house located in Atchison, Kansas, whose legends tell of extraordinary haunts and unspeakable evil. With him on this investigation is Miranda Wingate (pathologist/archeologist), James Sinclair (cameraman), Teresa Gonzalez (Psychic), and later on, Ingrid Night (badass) and Lars (Night’s servant). The code name for the group was SOURCE. Their goal on this investigation was to extract as much information from the house as possible while still trying to survive.

Manchester House was an amalgamation of Silent Hill, Scooby-Doo, Dungeons & Dragons, Van Helsing, The Exorcist (one of my favorite novel/movie of all time), and several other sources. And while I wanted to love Manchester House, I only ended up liking it; that’s why the 3 stars.

The first half of the book was amazing. I loved the premise: A group of educated, logical, experienced adults attempting to dig up information from a bizarre, illogical, supernatural place. The contrast between something concrete (the educated adults) versus something abstract (Manchester House) was a great juxtaposition. Plus, the potential for excitement was all there, and the beginning chapters delivered this excitement.

The mood was creepy, ominous, portending; all the qualities I look for in a horror novel. And as the story progressed, a frightening teenage girl known only as “The Shape” (this spirit reminded me of Regan MacNeil from The Exorcist) was introduced, and cranked up the scare factor quite a bit. The interaction between the characters and The Shape kept my focus through the beginning chapters and that was a main driving force as to why I liked the book. But, as the story continued it’s progression, my interest waned and I didn’t enjoy the direction of the book as much.

The second half of the novel lent itself to a more supernatural “Dungeons & Dragons,” Van Helsing-esque feel, which took away from the horror aspect of the novel. I liked the anticipation, the buildup of the first half of the book and when all the reveals came in the second half, they were laced with action and explosion, which didn’t gel well with the ominous nature of the beginning of the novel. And though I know some of the action elements tied in with the concepts of Parapsychology, I still felt there was a discrepancy in mood and flow, which ultimately took away from the enjoyment of the novel. If the second half of the novel was consistently creepy like the first half, this book would have easily received a higher rating.

Also, another disappointment was James Sinclair, the cameraman character. He was the obvious comic relief, but I couldn’t help but feel that his jokes and behavior during several scenes in the book were inappropriate. Sometimes he would attempt to be funny at the riskiest, most frightening times and it came off jarring; like an odd, completely illogical reaction, which again, added discrepancy to the novel. I wished Kirch had toned down Sinclair’s humorous ways in many parts of the book.

But, with all that said, I still recommend Manchester House to anyone who enjoys horror. It was a compulsively readable book with some fun surprises and scares. And, if action/horror is your cup of tea, than I can almost guarantee that this book will satiate and excite. One last thing about this book that I really appreciated was its themes: Overcoming setbacks; continuing to push forward in times of hardships; and eventually, conquering your fears. These were all great themes to explore.
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6 likes · like · see review

Apr 16, 2013 Peter rated it 5 of 5 stars

Located in the small town of Atchison, Kansas is the Manchester House. The house was built shortly after the Civil War. The land that the house was built on is said to be pure evil. People from this small town stayed away from this house, because it is said to be haunted. The local authorities give professor Holzer and his Source team a chance to investigate the strange happenings at this house. The Source team consisted of Theresa, a physic, Sinclair, a cameraman,and Miranda, a archeologist. Th...more

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 13, 2012 Timothy Dean rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Master Is In The House

"My name is Legion, for we are many." - Mark, the Bible

First thing I always look for in a book - can the writer write? I'm happy to report: yes indeedy, Donald Kirch can!

Manchester House is a tale in the horror-and-mayhem genre, in the breed of haunted and possessed houses. And this one's told by a true spinner of tales, with depth of research married to an American imagination - that is, one on steroids!

Right up your blind-terror alley you say? Then - get you one! Bu...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jun 26, 2010 E.J. Stevens rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ghosts, goodreads-authors, haunting, horror, fiction, mystery, paranormal, read-in-2010, supernatural, supernatural-horror, urban-fantasy

A house steeped in blood and death.
Manchester House was one of the most terrifying reading experiences of my life. I would like to say first that this book is incredibly well written. It should, however, come with a warning. The entire time Kirch's characters walked the haunted halls of Manchester House my lights flickered, lighting flashed, and thunder roared. The moment I would set down my copy of Manchester House the flickering and storm would stop only to begin immediately upon opening the b...more

5 likes · like · see review

Jan 20, 2011 Kate Trusler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror

Manchester House would be classified as a rollicking good horror story. While haunted house stories are nothing particularly new, Kirch adds enough interesting elements both with the nature of the 'haunting' as well as the collective of characters who investigate it to keep the reader interested in what happens. Flashback scenes are used well and while there are a few passages that might make the squeamish squirm and skip a paragraph or two, they're not gratuitous and when you find out the natur...more

1 like · like · see review

May 08, 2011 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Finished this book last night but felt like I needed time to digest what I had read before I could write this review. The beginning sucked me in, the middle was slow in some parts and fast in others and the ending...well I have I have to say is Wow! The ending had me on the edge of my seat and I felt like I couldn't read fast enough to find out what was going to happen. Very few grammatical errors (which is a big plus for me, especially in an e-book) but I will say the one thing I didn't like ab...more

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Apr 13, 2010 Suspense Magazine rated it 4 of 5 stars

“Manchester House” by Donald Allen Kirch: is a massive surprise. Rarely does a novel paint such a complete picture, such an incredible world that you no longer feel you’re reading, but simply watching the scenes unfold right before your eyes.

Dripping with detail, “Manchester House” takes you inside SOURCE, a group of scientists, psychics and craftsmen dedicated to the explanation of the unexplainable. Each time new residents settle into this decrepit and disgusting mansion, with hopes of renovat...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 29, 2010 Kathleen Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished

Not since reading The Amityville Horror and The Exorcist have I read such a creepy story. As the product description described, there were unexplained deaths that took place in this house. The police in the town hate to get calls reporting weird goings on at Manchester House. The police have decided to let a team of 'ghost hunters' into the house to investigate and finally figure out and get rid of the evil spirits that reside there. What ensues is a grisly account of what happens to this team a...more

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 14, 2012 Shiny Elizabeth rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: haunted-houses

Oh the horror.

The only book I've dropped mid-way.

Seriously the only thing scary is how utterly ridiculous the people in this novel are. While each of them had a really nice chance of being likeable, the author squashes the prospect quite ruthlessly.

Amateurish writing, a main character who cant make up his mind as to whether he ought to be terrified or macho and the silliest medium ever.
The cameraman was likeable enough but then he just seemed as if he's wandered in from some other novel.

Two...more

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Feb 28, 2013 Linnea rated it 3 of 5 stars

Turn down the lights, curl up on the couch and lock the doors. This book is freaky.

1 like · like · see review

May 23, 2011 Moonbase Alpha rated it 5 of 5 stars

There are few books that keep me guessing while I'm reading them...Manchester House was one of them! Boy! Is this an evil house or what?! The book takes us through a series of murders, killings, and disappearances that all lead up to a paranormal investigative team, trying to find out the secret behind all the evil in this small Kansas mansion. Very creepy stuff here. Kirch does a wonderful job at keeping my attention, and I looked forward to picking up my kindle and reading some more. A good re...more

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Feb 09, 2013 Beth rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 03, 2012 Kelly Truelove rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! I adore a good horror story, especially a ghost or haunted house story. Having run out of such books to read, I picked this one up and hoped for the best. I was very pleasantly surprised. A house said to be on cursed ground, unexplained disappearances, a police force beside itself, and a town that refuses to even acknowledge the property. The only thing missing from that scenario is a team of ghost hunters, oh wait, there they are! Settle down for a truly suspenseful...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 30, 2012 Julie rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book started out so good!! Very spooky! It became a little far fetched but that could be overlooked. But at the end became pretty silly with the interaction between the two male characters. He tried to show friendship but came off totally unbelievable even if they did have a relationship of "father-son". There was not enough foundation for the silliness and it was poorly written. Also, his attempts at humor distraction from the story and fell flat.

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Jan 09, 2011 Vicki Tyley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: indie

“We are all victims of our fright and uncertainties.”– Manchester House

Built just after the Civil War, Manchester House is more than haunted; it’s possessed. When the house claims yet another victim, the police have no choice but to call in parapsychology professor Jonathon Holzer and his SOURCE team…

Horror is not my usual reading, but I'm fast coming to realize it's the writing – or rather the storytelling – that matters, not the genre. The evil in Manchester House is palpable, the suspense men...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 16, 2010 Starr Reina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Kirch manages to weave a great paranormal and suspenseful tale. Although it took me a while to get into it, I enjoyed it. It has amazing detail of the fight between good and evil as well as plenty of action. By the middle of the book, I was spellbound, unable to tear my eyes away. There were some inconsistencies with certain details, but overall, a great read. Terrific plot.

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 29, 2011 Teatree_elle rated it 3 of 5 stars

What started off as a great read quickly turned into something that I was trying my best to finish due to a glaringly annoying habit of having to finish one book before moving onto the next. The house? Scary. The history? Scary. The stereotypical creepy brunette with her face blocked by stringy hair stained with blood? Scary. The final twist? Please. What a cop-out.

I should add that after I finished the book and headed to bed, I felt a twinge of fear as a result of my recent read. If it weren't...more

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May 27, 2010 Jeannie Sloan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ghost-current, horror

This was not the same old haunted house book.There was a lot of originality of thought.The characters were well developed and I found myself rooting for the main protagonist.
I bought this book as an ebook and think that it was well worth the $7 price.
If you want to read about an interesting haunting then you can't go wrong with this book.I look forward to seeing more Mr. Night in the future.

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 13, 2010 Darcia Helle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, fiction, horror, paranormal-fiction, indie

Manchester House is much more than a haunted house story. It's a bit like Amityville Horror on steroids. No one seems to be able to live there for long. People disappear, people die, and, in the process, people go crazy.

The local police have no answers, which prompts Lt. Wells to put a call in to an acquaintance who investigates the paranormal. Once that happens, this story moves at a relentless pace. We are drawn into a world of angry spirits that are controlled by a demon like no other.

This b...more

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 02, 2012 Laura rated it 1 of 5 stars

If there had been more focus on the girl/Shape's past life in the house I would have liked this book more. The writing was just so-so. I was bored about mid-way through. I would not recommend this read to anyone.

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May 22, 2011 Jan Walters rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful adventure! A good and scary book.

1 like · like · see review

Nov 12, 2012 Kati rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun book! It definitely has the creepy factor! Not only is the house bad, but the land it sits on. I liked how the book delved into the history of the haunting while still maintaining the air of mystery. I didn't feel an especially strong connection to any of the characters but in a story like this a. That's not too important and b. is probably a good thing because bad things can happen to people in haired houses. If you're looking for a fun, but scary book, definitely check out Manc...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 20, 2011 Abby rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: couldn-t-finish

Forgot to mention where the professor talks unlike any professor I've ever met and the author refers to this professor as ancient even though he's in his later 40's. Please.

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Jun 03, 2012 Katherine rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror

Very disappointing. The book had a great premise and a good start, but seemed to veer off onto some weird tangent half way through that it never recovered from.

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Jul 08, 2011 Naomi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Good book..it kept me entertained while I read it. I come away feeling it is a typical haunted house/ghost hunter book with period episodes of creepiness. I don't know if I have read too many of these, but I didn't see alot which made it stand out from others along the same line. It was well written though so I would read more of the author's ghost stories though..

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Dec 30, 2010 Scott rated it 1 of 5 stars

The most amateurish novel I have read.

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Oct 19, 2010 Brooke rated it 3 of 5 stars

Authors like this deserve so much more attention than what is given to them. Fast paced, hauntingly (ha ha) descriptive, and addictive, I literally felt like I was IN this evil house along with the intriguing paranormal researchers and the, uh, things that tormented them. Fun ride!

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 07, 2011 Tracy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror

Nothing extraordinary, with inconsistent characters and a fairly contrived plot. I honestly felt like the writing was pretty amateur. All in all, not very impressed. Merely ok.

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Jun 17, 2013 CiderandRedRot marked it as to-read

Shelves: true-ghost-story

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About Donald Allen Kirch

DONALD ALLEN KIRCH lives in Kansas City, Missouri. He is an avid reader of history, Sherlock Holmes Mysteries, and the paranormal. He has a degree in Radio and Television Arts, and is listed in "Who’s Who in America." After spending two weekends in the famous "Sallie House," a "haunted house" featured on the Fox TV-series Sightings, in Atchison, Kansas, he is one of the only authors of his genre w...more

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“Evil is nothing more than that, which was once divine, and has fallen into shit." Ingrid Night, Manchester House.” — 3 people liked it

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