The House on the Hill

by Eileen Dunlop

Cousins visiting proud, unfriendly Great-aunt Jane in her spooky Victorian house come upon a fifty-year-old mystery which is frightening in its investigation and which reveals a tragic story in Jane's past.

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade, Scotland, Fiction, Fantasy

Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Eileen Dunlop has lived in Scotland all her life. Born in Alloa, 13 October 1938, she was educated at Alloa Academy and Moray House College, Edinburgh.

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book I picked up randomly at a library book sale last year. I wasn't expecting much other than a typical children's mystery, but it was more than that! The dynamic of Susan, Phillip, and aunt Jane had familiar elements from other books, yet ultimately felt fresh. The relationship that developed between self-centered Phillip and distant aunt Jane was so sweet. There was a conversation they had where she was encouraging him to apply himself more at school and his future. When he worries that he will disappoint her, she responds that she just wants him to do something that will make him happy--she will cheer him on whatever that may be. That's what every child needs in their life!!!

While the mystery took a backseat to the characters (for me), that also had some fascinating elements!

I did have trouble staying focused while reading, but I think that could've been external circumstances. I'll round up from 3.5 stars.

[LuAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is such a good book--deep and rich and satisfying. The title and cover don't do it justice. That it includes two children, an old lady and a mystery in old gothic house on a hill in Glasgow is almost incidental to the character development, relationship growth and final resolution! But what a creative mystery that leaves one thinking. I'm looking for more books by this author.

[Siri Conant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read! It handles some tough life situations in a very light way and mixes in some ghostly mystery as well!

[CLM · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review: https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...

[Stephanie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in one afternoon and really enjoyed it. There were some melancholy overtones and some ghostly occurrences that never got too depressing or spooky. I really liked the character development though and the ending.

The atmosphere (and perhaps the situations of the characters?) put me in mind of L. M .Montgomery for some reason, even though the time period is quite different.

[Shrishti Jain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice plot... mysterious one

[Mazzou B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book which involves some magical, unrealistic points. However, I found it interesting and worth reading because the character development was very good. Also, the writing style was excellent. I will warn the reader that although this book is good for younger readers, it has a lot of typical English bad language which I wouldn't want a younger siblings constantly reading.

[Umar Hashmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

cousins confirm what their parents have been saying since forever: grandma went cray cray a looong time ago

[Bente · Rating 4 out of 5]

My opinion about this book is very positive. I think that the book has a very deep but very inspiring end, you find out a lot about Great-Aunt Jane’s past. The character developing was very impressive, because in the beginning you do not know much about them, but the more you read the more you get to know about all of them, just like the relationships between Philip, Jane and Susan. Philip was a new begin or fresh start in Jane’s life, he helps her forget about the past. Susan and Jane give rebellious Philip lectures about life, that make him less rebellious. I just liked the contrast between Philip and Jane + Susan, and how they helped each other. I would say the book is more suiting for the younger readers because it is a bit of a childish story in the beginning. I recommend reading this book because it was surprisingly amusing to read and it is not very difficult or wordy.