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The Blood House
Seventy-five years ago, a family of three disappeared from their remote English home. Blood was left smeared all over the floors and walls, but despite an extensive search, their bodies were never found. Now the house is ready to kill again. On the run from his creditors, Owen Richards moves his wife and daughter out to the same house. Despite the strange portrait of an old man in the hallway, and the faint ticking sound coming from the walls, he insists that the house offers a perfect chance for them to start afresh. Before their first night in their new home is over, however, Owen and his family are going to come face-to-face with the diabolical creation of a long-dead old man. Deadly dangers lurk in every room, and the constant ticking sound is just the first hint of a much greater monstrosity. No-one has ever managed to survive the house, or to outsmart its creator. And beneath the house, a horrific mechanism predicts every move the Richards family might make as they desperately try to escape. The Blood House is a horror novella about three people trapped in a nightmare, and about an old man who was willing to stop at nothing in his quest to be remembered as a great genius.
128 pages, ebook
First published March 27, 2016
144 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
668 books1,698 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 2, 2022
Owen is on the run from creditors. He sees a house for rent in the middle of nowhere and decides to move his family in. The house was the scene of a gruesome disappearance of a family 75 years ago. All that was left was blood smears and splatters. Their bodies are still unaccounted for. Upon arrival, they find all the furniture is bolted down and there are strange gaps in the walls. Not to mention an annoying ticking sound that seems to be speeding up. The family soon learns they are in the middle of a killing machine invented by a psychopathic genius.
**3.5 Stars** I wish this would have been longer. It felt rushed to reach the end. Nice little horror read.
**3.5 Stars** I wish this would have been longer. It felt rushed to reach the end. Nice little horror read.
May 28, 2025
Another fantastic Amy Cross experience. I loved how this didn't take the expected route of a haunted house and made the house itself be the antagonist. And it didn't rely heavily on modern technology or over the top traps, akin House on Haunted Hill, which I always appreciate. But what a very innovative concept, which resulted in a very exciting time. The family conflicts and overall dynamics between Jenna, Owen, and Helen also added a nice layer of depth to the characters and overall story. This wasn't a picture perfect family entering a bad situation, but rather a troubled family entering into a devastating scenario. And Cross intertwined all of it together and had a wonderful pace and flow to the book. There is plenty of blood and nerve-wracking situations that will keep you on the edge of your seat. My only critique here is that I wished the ending was a little stronger. It wasn't bad, by any means, but I felt like it was just a bit underwhelming. I would have loved to see certain members of the family repairing the damage done with the move, the house itself, and the subsequent aftereffects of it all. Especially with all of the devastation and hard feelings that the book spent significant time developing, a slightly more elongated and positive finale would have rounded it all out. But this is a great, quick read and I am looking forward to my next Amy Cross story.
May 28, 2020
Wow! What a blood fest this turned out to be!
This was a great short story by Amy Cross! I started this book in the middle of the night and finished it quick as I was not able to put it down!
The haunting in this house reminded me a little bit of the Stephen King adaption of Rose Red as the house literally comes alive in this book and as the main characters endure the haunting I could feel everything they were feeling! The haunting turns ominous as the book literally becomes fast paced and I was trying to move through my kindle at lightning speed as I wanted to see what would happen next!
This book is not for the faint of heart - very graphic and gory.
It grabs your attention right away and stays with you through the entire book. It also stays with you long after you put it down!
I enjoyed the book so much that I am going to start reading other books by Amy Cross and I am going to add her to my horror author lists. This was definitely a five star read.
This was a great short story by Amy Cross! I started this book in the middle of the night and finished it quick as I was not able to put it down!
The haunting in this house reminded me a little bit of the Stephen King adaption of Rose Red as the house literally comes alive in this book and as the main characters endure the haunting I could feel everything they were feeling! The haunting turns ominous as the book literally becomes fast paced and I was trying to move through my kindle at lightning speed as I wanted to see what would happen next!
This book is not for the faint of heart - very graphic and gory.
It grabs your attention right away and stays with you through the entire book. It also stays with you long after you put it down!
I enjoyed the book so much that I am going to start reading other books by Amy Cross and I am going to add her to my horror author lists. This was definitely a five star read.
December 3, 2016
"Mama lost her head... Papa's still in bed... Mama lost her head....”
Owen Richards is a bit of a shady character. Accused of embezzling two hundred thousand dollars from his former employer, he's on the run with his family. He finds a too-good-to-be-true deal on a house in a secluded area. If something is too good to be true...well then, it probably is. In this case, the house isn't good at all. On the contrary....
Jenna, Owen's teen-aged daughter, isn't silent about her animosity towards the house (or her father, for that matter). The lease agreement specifies that there can't be any physical changes made--not even a nail in the wall. All of the furniture is bolted down. There's a foul smell in Jenna's room. When the circuits are set, there is an annoying incessant ticking sound. Later, there are other horrid sounds, like the clanking sound of some sort of metallic gear turning.
It's bad enough having to deal with those nuisances. But very soon, the Richards family will wish that those were the only problems they had to contend with.
This was another wildly-entertaining story by Amy Cross. To be honest, I strongly disliked Jenna. She was such an immature, whiny brat and, much like her father, she didn't make the wisest choices. The fact that she annoyed me so much is actually a credit to the author for writing her so well. Cross is definitely adept in creating genuine, well-developed characters, whether you like them or not.
This isn't one of those typical haunted house stories. This book is quite unique, which I always appreciate. It has a great storyline that may require some suspension of disbelief but it is certainly creative and fascinating.
Owen Richards is a bit of a shady character. Accused of embezzling two hundred thousand dollars from his former employer, he's on the run with his family. He finds a too-good-to-be-true deal on a house in a secluded area. If something is too good to be true...well then, it probably is. In this case, the house isn't good at all. On the contrary....
Jenna, Owen's teen-aged daughter, isn't silent about her animosity towards the house (or her father, for that matter). The lease agreement specifies that there can't be any physical changes made--not even a nail in the wall. All of the furniture is bolted down. There's a foul smell in Jenna's room. When the circuits are set, there is an annoying incessant ticking sound. Later, there are other horrid sounds, like the clanking sound of some sort of metallic gear turning.
It's bad enough having to deal with those nuisances. But very soon, the Richards family will wish that those were the only problems they had to contend with.
This was another wildly-entertaining story by Amy Cross. To be honest, I strongly disliked Jenna. She was such an immature, whiny brat and, much like her father, she didn't make the wisest choices. The fact that she annoyed me so much is actually a credit to the author for writing her so well. Cross is definitely adept in creating genuine, well-developed characters, whether you like them or not.
This isn't one of those typical haunted house stories. This book is quite unique, which I always appreciate. It has a great storyline that may require some suspension of disbelief but it is certainly creative and fascinating.
August 18, 2022
This was quite a good psychological horror story, with shades of the film "Thirteen Ghosts". A brilliant, but quite mad, Edwardian inventor designs a diabolical house that will last for eternity. The house is programmed to kill the occupants and clean up afterwards. All with precision clockwork machinery. He was also a very rich psychopath and had created a trust and corporation to oversee the house in perpetuity. Now a young family have decided to rent the property!
March 19, 2020
This was a bit off the beaten track in that a genius creates a house that kills. Good idea but lack of character development allowed me to have an indifference to their fates.
September 23, 2017
Another outstanding read from Amy Cross. For me ... the leather-skinned horror reader I am ... parts were more tongue-in-cheek than terrifying, and I love horror that can make me smirk. Truly. I give this book a solid 4+ stars.
January 18, 2018
Another great read from AC .. A gripping Novella that is short enough to read in one sitting, but long enough to give you believable characters, a grizzly plot and plenty of blood, gore and tension. I really enjoy books where I am thankful it isn't me in that situation, but my interest is held as to how the characters will work out how to escape .. This reminded me very much of a Jonathan Creek story, but if I say which one, it'll give the game away. Well paced read all the way through ..
February 9, 2018
Edge of your seat horror!
March 3, 2017
The Blood House is another well written book by Amy Cross. She was recommended to me by a friend so I started to purchase her books, and am happy I did.
Many horror stories have taken place in houses, but this one takes a different spin on it.The plot is interesting with some nice twists hidden within. The pace of the book is just right, never feels dragged out nor rushed through the story. Those are things I appreaciate a lot.
Owen is an interesting character. He seems rather shady at first but once you read into the story he is actually very intelligent and likable! Sadly his daughter did the reverse in my book. Initially she was a typical teenager, a very smart one at that (must be from dad), but as the story continues I start to dislike her more and more. She just doesn't seem to listen when she is told by her parents and eventually drives me nuts with her behavior.
If you enjoy a good horror story read this one, you will like it.
Many horror stories have taken place in houses, but this one takes a different spin on it.The plot is interesting with some nice twists hidden within. The pace of the book is just right, never feels dragged out nor rushed through the story. Those are things I appreaciate a lot.
Owen is an interesting character. He seems rather shady at first but once you read into the story he is actually very intelligent and likable! Sadly his daughter did the reverse in my book. Initially she was a typical teenager, a very smart one at that (must be from dad), but as the story continues I start to dislike her more and more. She just doesn't seem to listen when she is told by her parents and eventually drives me nuts with her behavior.
If you enjoy a good horror story read this one, you will like it.
April 23, 2017
Very gruesome to say the least
If a book could give the film saw a run for its money this one would definitely have a chance. Its exactly what it says in the title a blood house! Not for the squeamish at all. Very descriptive detail and an overall good read.
If a book could give the film saw a run for its money this one would definitely have a chance. Its exactly what it says in the title a blood house! Not for the squeamish at all. Very descriptive detail and an overall good read.
April 30, 2016
Bloody Good Book!
I chose this review because the book is better than average. Lots of gore,which I enjoy(good escape for me). Not too predictable. Nice way to pass a couple of hours.
I chose this review because the book is better than average. Lots of gore,which I enjoy(good escape for me). Not too predictable. Nice way to pass a couple of hours.
November 15, 2021
That's some messed up shit... Brutal!
December 9, 2019
In 'The Blood House', Owen is desperate to get away from the creditors and lawyers that won't stop hounding him. He finds the perfect solution in the form of a massive house rentable at a low price. Shortly after he moves in with his wife and daughter, the house's hunger for blood manifests in a series of vicious attacks..
The story dived into the characters' dilemmas - Owen with the chasers and Helen dealing with Jenna's unhappiness regarding the sudden move to a secluded area before becoming unforgivingly dark and bloody. Once the true nature of the house was revealed, the tense atmosphere pervaded through every scene. The characters' fear was conveyed convincingly.
There were numerous gory scenes complete with intricate descriptions. The meticulously built mechanisms combined with the amount of thought put into every ambush and possible move of the occupants were horrifying. However, suspension of disbelief was required considering how the house could easily .
Although I rooted for the trio, I got frustrated with Jenna's sudden bout of stupidity. She couldn't shut up and kept repeating herself. Worst of all, she . The same outcome could've been achieved without deliberately making a smart, cautious character dumb.
Overall, 'The Blood House' was a fast-paced, blood-filled read that would make one think twice before entering a suspiciously low rent house (as any sensible person would).
The story dived into the characters' dilemmas - Owen with the chasers and Helen dealing with Jenna's unhappiness regarding the sudden move to a secluded area before becoming unforgivingly dark and bloody. Once the true nature of the house was revealed, the tense atmosphere pervaded through every scene. The characters' fear was conveyed convincingly.
There were numerous gory scenes complete with intricate descriptions. The meticulously built mechanisms combined with the amount of thought put into every ambush and possible move of the occupants were horrifying. However, suspension of disbelief was required considering how the house could easily .
Although I rooted for the trio, I got frustrated with Jenna's sudden bout of stupidity. She couldn't shut up and kept repeating herself. Worst of all, she . The same outcome could've been achieved without deliberately making a smart, cautious character dumb.
Overall, 'The Blood House' was a fast-paced, blood-filled read that would make one think twice before entering a suspiciously low rent house (as any sensible person would).
November 26, 2016
Adrenaline-junkie thrill fesr of terror!
Amy at her hair-raising full-speed OMG what's happening next best! Full on page turner, with the feisty teenage daughter Jenna making heroic efforts to save her family from the vengeful blood machine house created by a mad-man Victorian inventor. Characters are fleshed out just enough to get a good grasp of their personalities so that you can root or boo for them. Scenery is minimal in this story but well done when called for. Amy is again kind and clever enough to utilize a prologue to toss us right into the guts of the story and an epilogue to wrap it up while completely reopening it. God save the Queen and Amy Cross (and Jonathan Janz but that's for a different review)! Loved this novella, love Amy. If you haven't read Amy Cross, you can't go wrong by starting with this one. If you're already a fan, do yourself a favor and buy this one too. EXCELLENT!!!!
Amy at her hair-raising full-speed OMG what's happening next best! Full on page turner, with the feisty teenage daughter Jenna making heroic efforts to save her family from the vengeful blood machine house created by a mad-man Victorian inventor. Characters are fleshed out just enough to get a good grasp of their personalities so that you can root or boo for them. Scenery is minimal in this story but well done when called for. Amy is again kind and clever enough to utilize a prologue to toss us right into the guts of the story and an epilogue to wrap it up while completely reopening it. God save the Queen and Amy Cross (and Jonathan Janz but that's for a different review)! Loved this novella, love Amy. If you haven't read Amy Cross, you can't go wrong by starting with this one. If you're already a fan, do yourself a favor and buy this one too. EXCELLENT!!!!
April 1, 2019
I'm a fan of Amy Cross' books (and they are so cheap on Amazon, Bonus!) and I this was a handy short book that I could use for my reading challenge since I needed to read a book with a red cover. This book is a bit more graphic than the atmospheric haunted house horror I normally like best. But in this book I really feel like this more graphic element really worked. I was left gasping for breath a couple of times when one of the characters got hurt. It was very easy to get into this book. I could easily imagine the house and atmosphere in my mind. In fact I was able to focus so well that I finished this book in one go (with a little dinner break since I turn into a velociraptor when I'm not fed regularly). Even though I normally feel like these shorter books are too short, here the length felt perfect.
Amy Cross didn't let me down and I'm glad for that because I still have quite an extensive collection of her works in my digital library.
Amy Cross didn't let me down and I'm glad for that because I still have quite an extensive collection of her works in my digital library.
January 19, 2023
Owen Richards is desperate to start a new life with his wife and daughter. On the run from his past, he counts his blessings as he finds a remote house in the middle of nowhere–a perfect hideaway for a man on the run. But what Owen doesn’t realize, is that the house he moved his family into, is far more dangerous than the past threatening to catch up with him.
The last family living here disappeared under mysterious circumstances, an ominous ticking sound acts like a herald of doom, and Owen has no idea that time is running out…
I really liked this book, particularly because I found the concept so intriguing and original. I won’t give any spoilers, but let’s just say this was a twist that I could appreciate.
There’s definitely some gore, though (as the series title suggests) so this isn’t for the faint of heart. I also felt that the book was rushed in some places, but overall, I really enjoyed this story and I thought it was innovative and original.
The last family living here disappeared under mysterious circumstances, an ominous ticking sound acts like a herald of doom, and Owen has no idea that time is running out…
I really liked this book, particularly because I found the concept so intriguing and original. I won’t give any spoilers, but let’s just say this was a twist that I could appreciate.
There’s definitely some gore, though (as the series title suggests) so this isn’t for the faint of heart. I also felt that the book was rushed in some places, but overall, I really enjoyed this story and I thought it was innovative and original.
June 30, 2018
I am a big fan of Amy Cross's books but must admit to being a bit disappointed with this one - not up to her usual standard. There was a lot packed into a very short space, which was quite gripping, but I do feel the story was a bit far-fetched, although I suppose you could say this for a lot of horror stories. I think my real bugbear with this one, as picked up by other reviewers, is that the book is supposed to be set in England but much of the dialogue, vocabulary and approach seems to be American - thus you have an 'elevator' rather than a 'lift' and the 'trunk' of the car rather than the boot - so this detracted from the story quite a bit for me. Still a fairly good read - 6.5/10.
November 2, 2017
The Blood House
We as humans have needs. Homes are up on top of the list. A madman from long ago has counted on that an made plans. Now his work is being looked after by corporations that he set up. DEATH AWAITS ALL WHO ENTER or can they be smart enough to beat the madman at his game ? This SUPERNATURAL THRILLER IS HORROR AT IT'S GREATEST. PREPARE YOURSELF AND ENJOY...I RECOMMEND !
We as humans have needs. Homes are up on top of the list. A madman from long ago has counted on that an made plans. Now his work is being looked after by corporations that he set up. DEATH AWAITS ALL WHO ENTER or can they be smart enough to beat the madman at his game ? This SUPERNATURAL THRILLER IS HORROR AT IT'S GREATEST. PREPARE YOURSELF AND ENJOY...I RECOMMEND !
October 12, 2019
This was such a fun read. A family, stuck in a booby trapped house that is trying to kill them! Pure genius. Spoiler alert... QUIT READING IF YOU DON'T LIKE Spoilers... The best part of the book is the not happy ending. I'm so not a happy ending person. I think of myself as a realist, so I loved the ending. This is a solid 5 star book. I'm so glad that I have so many more Amy Cross books on my Kindle
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August 12, 2022Where do her ideas come from?
Normally I can figure out where Ms. Cross gets her ideas, as I can see hints of movies or older stories in hers, but I'm at a loss for this one. Very original concept, as far as I know! I would have never, in my wildest dreams, have thought of a story like this one. Not your typical haunted house story. In fact, this house isn't haunted at all! But, I won't give away the plot by telling you what it's about. Suffice it to say, it's... Creepy!
Normally I can figure out where Ms. Cross gets her ideas, as I can see hints of movies or older stories in hers, but I'm at a loss for this one. Very original concept, as far as I know! I would have never, in my wildest dreams, have thought of a story like this one. Not your typical haunted house story. In fact, this house isn't haunted at all! But, I won't give away the plot by telling you what it's about. Suffice it to say, it's... Creepy!
June 23, 2017
Owen can't believe his luck that he's found a house for him and his family to live in, it's not only cheap to rent but will make it hard for the creditors to find him. The house has hidden secrets which they learn about on their first night there.
I enjoy a book with blood and gore but this was a bit too far fetched for my liking and only gets three stars
I enjoy a book with blood and gore but this was a bit too far fetched for my liking and only gets three stars
March 30, 2018
To good to be true
If it's to good to be true, it usually is and this is no different. Once the decision has been made to move, either voluntarily or not, you are too tired to question oddities that you stumble across. This should be a lesson learned to question everything right then and if in doubt, get out. The brilliance behind it is amazing, and terrifying.
If it's to good to be true, it usually is and this is no different. Once the decision has been made to move, either voluntarily or not, you are too tired to question oddities that you stumble across. This should be a lesson learned to question everything right then and if in doubt, get out. The brilliance behind it is amazing, and terrifying.
November 27, 2022
Unique, unusual, read it.
I have never read one quite like this before. I can't say much to avoid spoilers, but this story kept me reading, heart pounding, can't wait to see what happens next, nail biting suspense until the very end. This story is so good, and so unusual, you won't regret trying .
I have never read one quite like this before. I can't say much to avoid spoilers, but this story kept me reading, heart pounding, can't wait to see what happens next, nail biting suspense until the very end. This story is so good, and so unusual, you won't regret trying .
August 6, 2017
Another winner by Amy Cross
After finishing this book I, for the first time, didn't feel like I was left hanging. A good clean, clear and fast read. With excitement included. I am recommendating this book to my friends.
After finishing this book I, for the first time, didn't feel like I was left hanging. A good clean, clear and fast read. With excitement included. I am recommendating this book to my friends.
September 3, 2017
Too Americanised
Although supposedly set in England a lot of the dialect is Americanised. The daughter carries a baseball bat, not familiar with English girls carrying such things. Was dissapointed.
Although supposedly set in England a lot of the dialect is Americanised. The daughter carries a baseball bat, not familiar with English girls carrying such things. Was dissapointed.
November 7, 2017
Why would anyone build a house or apartment that has a mystery. Maybe they wanted to see if someone is smarter than he was. Maybe there is no reason. Beware this book is on the gruesome side and there is plenty of blood. Amy Cross has out done herself again.
April 6, 2018
I didn't even finish it.
Good thing it was free. This book was unbearable to read. I've liked some of Amy's other books. The typos, the weird premise and the unlikable characters were just too much. :(
Good thing it was free. This book was unbearable to read. I've liked some of Amy's other books. The typos, the weird premise and the unlikable characters were just too much. :(
May 3, 2022
2.75 rounded up
This was a gory, fast ride of a read that gave me Thir13en Ghosts vibes. I liked it, but I really wish it had been a full length novel instead of a novella. The potential was there, and everything I read just left me wanting more.
This was a gory, fast ride of a read that gave me Thir13en Ghosts vibes. I liked it, but I really wish it had been a full length novel instead of a novella. The potential was there, and everything I read just left me wanting more.
July 21, 2022
Why?
Good story. Great build up. Just one nagging thought that frustrates
. Why ?
No reasoning behind the house builders decision to bump people off! Especially as he wasn't around to see it! .
Good story. Great build up. Just one nagging thought that frustrates
. Why ?
No reasoning behind the house builders decision to bump people off! Especially as he wasn't around to see it! .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews