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The Devil's Serenade
Maddie had forgotten that cursed summer. Now she's about to remember…
When Maddie Chambers inherits her Aunt Charlotte’s Gothic mansion, old memories stir of the long-forgotten summer she turned sixteen. She has barely moved in before a series of bizarre events drives her to question her sanity.
The strains of her aunt’s favorite song echo through the house, the roots of a faraway willow creep through the cellar, a child who cannot exist skips from room to room, and Maddie discovers Charlotte kept many deadly secrets.
Gradually, the barriers in her mind fall away, and Maddie begins to recall that summer when she looked into the face of evil. Now, the long dead builder of the house has unfinished business and an ancient demon is hungry. Soon it is not only Maddie’s life that is in danger, but her soul itself, as the ghosts of her past shed their cover of darkness.
When Maddie Chambers inherits her Aunt Charlotte’s Gothic mansion, old memories stir of the long-forgotten summer she turned sixteen. She has barely moved in before a series of bizarre events drives her to question her sanity.
The strains of her aunt’s favorite song echo through the house, the roots of a faraway willow creep through the cellar, a child who cannot exist skips from room to room, and Maddie discovers Charlotte kept many deadly secrets.
Gradually, the barriers in her mind fall away, and Maddie begins to recall that summer when she looked into the face of evil. Now, the long dead builder of the house has unfinished business and an ancient demon is hungry. Soon it is not only Maddie’s life that is in danger, but her soul itself, as the ghosts of her past shed their cover of darkness.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2016
13 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cavendish
41 books425 followersHello, my name's Catherine Cavendish and I write suspense novels, novellas and short stories of the ghostly, haunted, creepy kind that include supernatural, paranormal, Gothic and other, related themes.
THE STONES OF LANDANE is out now from Flame Tree Press - When Jonathan agrees to accompany his girlfriend, Nadia, on a trip to Landane, he imagines a short relaxing break in the countryside, but he quickly discovers that Nadia isn’t just drawn to the ancient Neolithic stone circle, she is obsessed by the megaliths. One in particular holds a fascination for her. Within hours, her personality begins to change, and it isn’t long before Jonathan starts to fear for her sanity. All too soon he realizes, it isn't only Nadia who is in danger
My other novels from Flame Tree Press are:
THOSE WHO DWELL IN MORDENHYRST HALL - Evil runs deep at Mordenhyrst Hall… When Grace first sets eyes on the imposing Gothic house, she is struck with an overwhelming sense that something doesn’t want her there. Her fiancé’s sister heads a coterie of Bright Young Things whose frivolous lives hide a sinister intent. Simon, Grace’s fiancé, is not the man she fell in love with, and the local villagers eye her with suspicion that borders on malevolence.
Her friend, Coralie, possesses the ability to communicate with powerful spirits. She convinces Grace of her own paranormal gifts – gifts Grace will need to draw deeply on as the secrets of Mordenhyrst Hall begin to unravel.
THE AFTER-DEATH OF CAROLINE RAND - Alli is caught between fantasy and reality, past and present, in the life of a famous singer from the 1960s and soon learns that evil infests the once-holy building she called
home. Before long, Alli's fate will be sealed, and she will learn about her role in the after-death of Caroline Rand. It begins with a chilling greeting: "Welcome to The Columbine, Miss Sinclair. You are expected."
DARK OBSERVATION - is published by Flame Tree Press. In the dark days of war-torn London, Violet has more to fear than bombs. From deep within the Earth, demonic forces are rising.
IN DARKNESS, SHADOWS BREATHE. Carol and Nessa are strangers with one thing in common, they are in the hands of an entity that knows no boundaries and crosses dimensions - bending and twisting time itself - where danger waits in every shadow
THE GARDEN OF BEWITCHMENT. Historical haunted Gothic horror set in the wilds of the Yorkshire moors - pure Bronte country - with a Bronte theme.
And - THE HAUNTING OF HENDERSON CLOSE. Ghostly horror set in Edinburgh's Old Town.
THE CROW WITCH AND OTHER CONJURINGS is my first short fiction collection and is out now from Weird House Press.
My novellas THE DARKEST VEIL, COLD REVENGE, MISS ABIGAIL'S ROOM, THE DEMONS OF CAMBIAN STREET, DARK AVENGING ANGEL, LINDEN MANOR, THE DEVIL INSIDE HER and THE SECOND WIFE are published by Crossroad Press.
My novels THE DEVIL'S SERENADE and SAVING GRACE DEVINE have also been released in new editions by Crossroad Press, as has my novel of the Lancashire Witches - THE PENDLE CURSE.
I live with a long-suffering husband and a delightful black cat who has never forgotten that her species used to be worshipped in ancient Egypt. She sees no reason why that practice should not continue. Who am I to argue?
When not slaving over a hot computer, I enjoy wandering around Neolithic stone circles and visiting old haunted houses.
THE STONES OF LANDANE is out now from Flame Tree Press - When Jonathan agrees to accompany his girlfriend, Nadia, on a trip to Landane, he imagines a short relaxing break in the countryside, but he quickly discovers that Nadia isn’t just drawn to the ancient Neolithic stone circle, she is obsessed by the megaliths. One in particular holds a fascination for her. Within hours, her personality begins to change, and it isn’t long before Jonathan starts to fear for her sanity. All too soon he realizes, it isn't only Nadia who is in danger
My other novels from Flame Tree Press are:
THOSE WHO DWELL IN MORDENHYRST HALL - Evil runs deep at Mordenhyrst Hall… When Grace first sets eyes on the imposing Gothic house, she is struck with an overwhelming sense that something doesn’t want her there. Her fiancé’s sister heads a coterie of Bright Young Things whose frivolous lives hide a sinister intent. Simon, Grace’s fiancé, is not the man she fell in love with, and the local villagers eye her with suspicion that borders on malevolence.
Her friend, Coralie, possesses the ability to communicate with powerful spirits. She convinces Grace of her own paranormal gifts – gifts Grace will need to draw deeply on as the secrets of Mordenhyrst Hall begin to unravel.
THE AFTER-DEATH OF CAROLINE RAND - Alli is caught between fantasy and reality, past and present, in the life of a famous singer from the 1960s and soon learns that evil infests the once-holy building she called
home. Before long, Alli's fate will be sealed, and she will learn about her role in the after-death of Caroline Rand. It begins with a chilling greeting: "Welcome to The Columbine, Miss Sinclair. You are expected."
DARK OBSERVATION - is published by Flame Tree Press. In the dark days of war-torn London, Violet has more to fear than bombs. From deep within the Earth, demonic forces are rising.
IN DARKNESS, SHADOWS BREATHE. Carol and Nessa are strangers with one thing in common, they are in the hands of an entity that knows no boundaries and crosses dimensions - bending and twisting time itself - where danger waits in every shadow
THE GARDEN OF BEWITCHMENT. Historical haunted Gothic horror set in the wilds of the Yorkshire moors - pure Bronte country - with a Bronte theme.
And - THE HAUNTING OF HENDERSON CLOSE. Ghostly horror set in Edinburgh's Old Town.
THE CROW WITCH AND OTHER CONJURINGS is my first short fiction collection and is out now from Weird House Press.
My novellas THE DARKEST VEIL, COLD REVENGE, MISS ABIGAIL'S ROOM, THE DEMONS OF CAMBIAN STREET, DARK AVENGING ANGEL, LINDEN MANOR, THE DEVIL INSIDE HER and THE SECOND WIFE are published by Crossroad Press.
My novels THE DEVIL'S SERENADE and SAVING GRACE DEVINE have also been released in new editions by Crossroad Press, as has my novel of the Lancashire Witches - THE PENDLE CURSE.
I live with a long-suffering husband and a delightful black cat who has never forgotten that her species used to be worshipped in ancient Egypt. She sees no reason why that practice should not continue. Who am I to argue?
When not slaving over a hot computer, I enjoy wandering around Neolithic stone circles and visiting old haunted houses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 6, 2021
Wow! This was a spooky atmospheric story!
A small backstory:
Maddie Chambers inherits a mansion from her Aunt Charlotte who she hasn't seen since she was a teenager. The mansion dubbed "Hargest House" is known around town for having a dark and disturbing past from a previous owner, Nathaniel Hargest as some believe that he was dabbling in the dark arts and was possibly involved in satanic rituals.
Maddie moves into the mansion and not too long after she is there she starts experiencing paranormal activity. A favorite song that her aunt loved, "Serenade in Blue" by Glenn Miller, plays throughout the house, but when Maddie goes to check it out then it stops. Maddie hears the sound of laughing children, whispers through the air, furniture slamming around above her head, feels cold drafts throughout the house, but what she finds in the cellar is the most disturbing thing of all!
What is haunting the mansion? What does Maddie discover in the cellar? Was the house really used for satanic rituals? No spoilers here as you will just need to read the book!
Thoughts:
This was an excellent gothic haunting/mystery that just pulled me right into the story from the first chapter. When I sit down to read books by this author, I always know that something is going to spook me and give me shivers which is exactly what this book did!
There is plenty of ghostly atmosphere throughout the book as when the activity of the haunting picks up within the story with the main character, Maddie the book just takes off!
There is quite a bit of mystery surrounding the mansion along with demonic activity that is laced throughout the storyline along with some twists and turns that kept me on my toes driving the scare factor up a few notches making me read late into the night! There is a major twist near the end of the book that blew me away as I wasn't expecting it! Giving this book five "Demon Dark Arts" stars!
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
A small backstory:
Maddie Chambers inherits a mansion from her Aunt Charlotte who she hasn't seen since she was a teenager. The mansion dubbed "Hargest House" is known around town for having a dark and disturbing past from a previous owner, Nathaniel Hargest as some believe that he was dabbling in the dark arts and was possibly involved in satanic rituals.
Maddie moves into the mansion and not too long after she is there she starts experiencing paranormal activity. A favorite song that her aunt loved, "Serenade in Blue" by Glenn Miller, plays throughout the house, but when Maddie goes to check it out then it stops. Maddie hears the sound of laughing children, whispers through the air, furniture slamming around above her head, feels cold drafts throughout the house, but what she finds in the cellar is the most disturbing thing of all!
What is haunting the mansion? What does Maddie discover in the cellar? Was the house really used for satanic rituals? No spoilers here as you will just need to read the book!
Thoughts:
This was an excellent gothic haunting/mystery that just pulled me right into the story from the first chapter. When I sit down to read books by this author, I always know that something is going to spook me and give me shivers which is exactly what this book did!
There is plenty of ghostly atmosphere throughout the book as when the activity of the haunting picks up within the story with the main character, Maddie the book just takes off!
There is quite a bit of mystery surrounding the mansion along with demonic activity that is laced throughout the storyline along with some twists and turns that kept me on my toes driving the scare factor up a few notches making me read late into the night! There is a major twist near the end of the book that blew me away as I wasn't expecting it! Giving this book five "Demon Dark Arts" stars!
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
April 29, 2018
THE DEVIL'S SERENADE, by Catherine Cavendish, is a gothic-style haunted house tale. Maddie, a single woman starting her life over, is shocked to learn that her Aunt Charlotte--who she hasn't seen since she was sixteen--has left her the huge mansion that she lived in up until her death.
". . . This was a house that truly reflected the man who created it . . . "
The setting and the estate, itself, are immediately able to draw you into the story. The many rooms, unexplored floors, and half-glimpsed figures set the tone instantly. Maddie begins to wonder if it's just her imagination acting up, or if there is something . . . off . . . about her new home, as others have insinuated. I found the first half of this story to be very fluid, and suspected nearly everything and everyone that Maddie encountered--including Maddie, herself. When she was younger, being a lonely child, she invented a bunch of imaginary siblings for herself. Returning to this large, empty house, she begins to think she hears and sees the make-believe family she hadn't thought of in years.
" . . . Invisible friends were all well and good, but when it came to clearing up messes, they weren't much help . . ."
Then came the second half, and things began to become more predictable. The characters introduced were a little obvious to me in the scheme of things, and the things that DID remain unknown, took a decided turn towards "fantasy", in my opinion. Once that genre entered into things, the scarier elements began to unravel.
While there certainly were some good scenes throughout, I felt that things became a little too predictable early on, and the "fantasy element" took away a lot of the tension that I felt at the beginning of the story.
"There's something in this house. Something . . . .not right. . . "
". . . This was a house that truly reflected the man who created it . . . "
The setting and the estate, itself, are immediately able to draw you into the story. The many rooms, unexplored floors, and half-glimpsed figures set the tone instantly. Maddie begins to wonder if it's just her imagination acting up, or if there is something . . . off . . . about her new home, as others have insinuated. I found the first half of this story to be very fluid, and suspected nearly everything and everyone that Maddie encountered--including Maddie, herself. When she was younger, being a lonely child, she invented a bunch of imaginary siblings for herself. Returning to this large, empty house, she begins to think she hears and sees the make-believe family she hadn't thought of in years.
" . . . Invisible friends were all well and good, but when it came to clearing up messes, they weren't much help . . ."
Then came the second half, and things began to become more predictable. The characters introduced were a little obvious to me in the scheme of things, and the things that DID remain unknown, took a decided turn towards "fantasy", in my opinion. Once that genre entered into things, the scarier elements began to unravel.
While there certainly were some good scenes throughout, I felt that things became a little too predictable early on, and the "fantasy element" took away a lot of the tension that I felt at the beginning of the story.
"There's something in this house. Something . . . .not right. . . "
March 8, 2016
Maddie inherits a Gothic mansion from her aunt Charlotte. She is puzzled and surprised by this gift but determined to make full use of the unexpected inheritance. She has decided for the present to reside there.
A series of unusual occurrences and events is somewhat concerning; what is the significance of the willow tree in the basement? what are the shady figures and apparitions that live within the confines of the house, in particular an elderly gentleman in a cloak. We learn that Maddie had a lonely childhood and to compensate for this she has created an imaginary circle of friends who appear to her throughout the story.
The reader is introduced to Shona and her amateur theatrical associates who make good use of the abundant house resources for rehearsal, and young Charlie Evans the friendly plumber who appears to be a resource of inspiration and help to an increasingly frightened and confused Maddie. Is there something unexplained and frightening within the characters of Shona and Charlie that the reader should be cautious and concerned about? As the story proceeds the issues are dealt with in a very effective manner.
For a haunted house story to be successful the most important element is the pace of the story telling. At the centre of this novel is the imposing and gothic presence of Hargest House. Maddie is frightened by ghostly figures and the willow in the basement, and her state of mind is deteriorating the longer she remains in residence.
The slow unveiling of the house and characters almost leads the reader into a false sense of security and is subtly done by the author creating a beautiful foundation to showcase the evil when it occurs in the latter part of the story.
So an enjoyable Gothic horror tale expertly paced with enough hidden surprises to entertain and engage the reader's interest until the end. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written.
A series of unusual occurrences and events is somewhat concerning; what is the significance of the willow tree in the basement? what are the shady figures and apparitions that live within the confines of the house, in particular an elderly gentleman in a cloak. We learn that Maddie had a lonely childhood and to compensate for this she has created an imaginary circle of friends who appear to her throughout the story.
The reader is introduced to Shona and her amateur theatrical associates who make good use of the abundant house resources for rehearsal, and young Charlie Evans the friendly plumber who appears to be a resource of inspiration and help to an increasingly frightened and confused Maddie. Is there something unexplained and frightening within the characters of Shona and Charlie that the reader should be cautious and concerned about? As the story proceeds the issues are dealt with in a very effective manner.
For a haunted house story to be successful the most important element is the pace of the story telling. At the centre of this novel is the imposing and gothic presence of Hargest House. Maddie is frightened by ghostly figures and the willow in the basement, and her state of mind is deteriorating the longer she remains in residence.
The slow unveiling of the house and characters almost leads the reader into a false sense of security and is subtly done by the author creating a beautiful foundation to showcase the evil when it occurs in the latter part of the story.
So an enjoyable Gothic horror tale expertly paced with enough hidden surprises to entertain and engage the reader's interest until the end. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written.
February 15, 2016
Who tells a haunted house story better than Catherine Cavendish? Here, Maddie Chambers inherits the home of her aunt, where she spent many wonderful summers. But from the moment she arrives, she uncovers one dark secret after another.
It is hard to inject something new into a haunted house story, but Catherine manages many new new ideas in this overworked genre, and her story comes off fresh. Ghosts who were never living people, the world’s most terrifying basement, and an excellent twist reveal at the end all put this story head and shoulders above other haunting tales.
Great dialogue and splendid descriptions make this story come alive and keep the reader enthralled until the last page.
It is hard to inject something new into a haunted house story, but Catherine manages many new new ideas in this overworked genre, and her story comes off fresh. Ghosts who were never living people, the world’s most terrifying basement, and an excellent twist reveal at the end all put this story head and shoulders above other haunting tales.
Great dialogue and splendid descriptions make this story come alive and keep the reader enthralled until the last page.
June 25, 2017
Overall an enjoyable read. Nicely creepy, if not outright scary.
Recently divorced Maddie moves into the very gothic looking home she inherited from her late Aunt. Maddie used to spend summers there as a child, up until something happened on her sixteenth birthday. Something she cannot remember. Once she gets there strange things begin to happen. Is she going crazy? Do neighbor Shona and handyman Charlie have anything to do with the bizarre happenings at her house?
Before I go any further, I have to say that I appreciate the fact that the main character was a woman in her late 40's/early 50's, and not a dewy eyed innocent very young woman. It was a nice change of pace.
I like the premise of the story, but felt it suffered some by being too short. The kindle edition I read says it's 208 pages long. I felt the book needed more time to build its world and develop its characters. I think that I would have felt more horror while reading the book had I had more time to connect to these characters. It also took awhile to really get into the history of the house, and by the time it did, the book was nearly over, and the conclusion seemed to happen in a hurry.
That being said, I did enjoy the book enough to want to try out other offerings by this author.
Recently divorced Maddie moves into the very gothic looking home she inherited from her late Aunt. Maddie used to spend summers there as a child, up until something happened on her sixteenth birthday. Something she cannot remember. Once she gets there strange things begin to happen. Is she going crazy? Do neighbor Shona and handyman Charlie have anything to do with the bizarre happenings at her house?
Before I go any further, I have to say that I appreciate the fact that the main character was a woman in her late 40's/early 50's, and not a dewy eyed innocent very young woman. It was a nice change of pace.
I like the premise of the story, but felt it suffered some by being too short. The kindle edition I read says it's 208 pages long. I felt the book needed more time to build its world and develop its characters. I think that I would have felt more horror while reading the book had I had more time to connect to these characters. It also took awhile to really get into the history of the house, and by the time it did, the book was nearly over, and the conclusion seemed to happen in a hurry.
That being said, I did enjoy the book enough to want to try out other offerings by this author.
February 1, 2016
THE DEVILS SERENADE starts out much like any book you may have read lately. Woman inherits her aunt's estate and finds herself the owner of a gothic mansion and millions of (pounds? euros?). She spent summers with her aunt growing up and was happy about moving to the house. The strange sounds begin and this seems to be a haunted house.
Catherine Cavendish knows how to write smart and scary horror. This is so much more than a haunted house story. As Cavendish weaves the story and you think you've figured the whole thing out, you reach the end and find out just how wrong you were.
I absolutely love Cat's books. Hers are very different from what you may be used to. If you've never read one of her books before, I highly recommend you start here, if you have read her before you know what you're getting into and shouldn't have a problem with the creep factor (it's a 10).
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.
Catherine Cavendish knows how to write smart and scary horror. This is so much more than a haunted house story. As Cavendish weaves the story and you think you've figured the whole thing out, you reach the end and find out just how wrong you were.
I absolutely love Cat's books. Hers are very different from what you may be used to. If you've never read one of her books before, I highly recommend you start here, if you have read her before you know what you're getting into and shouldn't have a problem with the creep factor (it's a 10).
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.
August 12, 2016
Maddie inherits a gothic manor when her aunt dies and decides to move in to begin her life afresh after her divorce. But her memories of spending her summer's with her aunt at the house stop abruptly when she reached sixteen and after a few strange occurrences after she has moved in, Maddie wonders what secrets the spooky house holds.
A haunted house story of epic proportions, which had me on the edge of my seat from the start. The atmospheric horror and suspense throughout the first part of the book is well written and the second half does not disappoint as we are introduced to the more malevolent characters of the story.
As Maddie pieces her memories together through truth of her childhood begins to emerge but can she break the spell the house has cast for generations.
A haunted house story of epic proportions, which had me on the edge of my seat from the start. The atmospheric horror and suspense throughout the first part of the book is well written and the second half does not disappoint as we are introduced to the more malevolent characters of the story.
As Maddie pieces her memories together through truth of her childhood begins to emerge but can she break the spell the house has cast for generations.
March 9, 2016
4 stars
Huge thanks to Catherine Cavendish, Samhain Publishing and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Haunted house novels are some of my very favourite of all time so I try and read as many as I can get my hands on.
This one was slightly different than I expected, massive tree swing the difference but I really enjoyed it! Didn't scare me which is a shame as I'm still looking for one that will but it didn't stop me from becoming involved in the story and working out the twists early on.
The only reason I haven't given it a 5 star is because I wish it was longer, could've got some more creepy situations in there.
Huge thanks to Catherine Cavendish, Samhain Publishing and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Haunted house novels are some of my very favourite of all time so I try and read as many as I can get my hands on.
This one was slightly different than I expected, massive tree swing the difference but I really enjoyed it! Didn't scare me which is a shame as I'm still looking for one that will but it didn't stop me from becoming involved in the story and working out the twists early on.
The only reason I haven't given it a 5 star is because I wish it was longer, could've got some more creepy situations in there.
November 18, 2021
It was ok. Could have gone into the background a bit more.
April 23, 2019
Too bad this book wasn’t being published in October because it would have been a great one to read during my Spook-tacular October reads! Wow, this story made my senses so raw, every noise I heard made me take a second look and then immediately I went back to the story. (wink)!
Maddie Chambers fell into the lap of luxury (or curse) from her dear Aunt Charlotte who willed Hargest House to her along with all her wealth. If the cover of the book doesn’t give you a great visual of what this house was like, the author’s description of the interior frightened me more than the cover. (chuckle).
Maddie is met by a charming groundskeeper named Charlie who tells her of the people who once lived there and what it was like. Of course, Maddie remembered spending many of her summers there as a child. Superstitious rumors swirled around St. Priorary Michael (the area where Hargest House resided) about devil worshipping and sacrifices of which her aunt was accused of participating. Nathaniel Hargest, who was the creator of Hargest House, was a legend in his own right with the townspeople pointing a trembling finger at him for having built the house in the first place. To most people, he was a cruel evil man with a temper ready to blow at any second. Maddie had heard similar stories about Mr. Hargest and her Aunt Charlotte, but she knew the kind of woman her aunt was and ignored the rumors. Maddie also knew there was something different about the house when strange occurrences began to happen as she set about trying to bring the house up-to-date with new lighting and heating. While she’s going about her day, the sound of a door creaking in the distance startled her. Children’s laughter and pitter-patter of running feet on the stairs. But when she went to investigate, there wasn’t anything or anyone there. And more importantly, Maddie didn’t have any children, and neither had her aunt, so who were the children and to whom did they belong?
What was even more strange than light bulbs blowing out, children’s laughter, doors slamming or opening at will, it was what was growing in her basement that terrified the Be-Jesus out of me! This thing also frightened Maddie who was quick to bolt back upstairs and rejoin the living, or was that the dead? Hmmm? The neighbors treated Maddie like she was the devil’s familiar and stayed cleared of her, that is, until a very nice lady who lived in the neighborhood befriended Maddie and asked if she and her theater friends could use the upstairs section of Hargest House as a practice area. Maddie was all too happy and eager for them to begin. She couldn’t stand living in the house. The very thought of being alone with voices echoing and things-that-go-bump-in-the-night of which she couldn’t explain away without sounding like she needed a first-class ticket to the nearest insane asylum, she welcomed the theater actors.
This is a very short read which can be read in a few hours, but those few hours of terror will have you reading this story in the daytime, and giving pause to the night! I absolutely loved this story. As my readers know, I love, love, love horror books! Every time I read one, I’m constantly reminded as to why did I venture down this road knowing it’s going to scare me half to death, but read on I must. Don’t know why I love spooky books, but I do. This is definitely a must read. It was hella scary. I couldn’t get enough. Cavendish did an exceptional job giving her readers just enough to have your mind racing and wondering what lurked behind that wall? Did I just see something move in the corner? Hmmm? Will wonders ever cease?
This is a must-add-to-your-shelf-type of read! Whatever you do, don’t read this book alone? Make sure you have company, or then again, perhaps you will have company, even though you’re not aware they’re there?! Hmm? Read at your own risk, if you dare. The ending was mind-blowing!
Maddie Chambers fell into the lap of luxury (or curse) from her dear Aunt Charlotte who willed Hargest House to her along with all her wealth. If the cover of the book doesn’t give you a great visual of what this house was like, the author’s description of the interior frightened me more than the cover. (chuckle).
Maddie is met by a charming groundskeeper named Charlie who tells her of the people who once lived there and what it was like. Of course, Maddie remembered spending many of her summers there as a child. Superstitious rumors swirled around St. Priorary Michael (the area where Hargest House resided) about devil worshipping and sacrifices of which her aunt was accused of participating. Nathaniel Hargest, who was the creator of Hargest House, was a legend in his own right with the townspeople pointing a trembling finger at him for having built the house in the first place. To most people, he was a cruel evil man with a temper ready to blow at any second. Maddie had heard similar stories about Mr. Hargest and her Aunt Charlotte, but she knew the kind of woman her aunt was and ignored the rumors. Maddie also knew there was something different about the house when strange occurrences began to happen as she set about trying to bring the house up-to-date with new lighting and heating. While she’s going about her day, the sound of a door creaking in the distance startled her. Children’s laughter and pitter-patter of running feet on the stairs. But when she went to investigate, there wasn’t anything or anyone there. And more importantly, Maddie didn’t have any children, and neither had her aunt, so who were the children and to whom did they belong?
What was even more strange than light bulbs blowing out, children’s laughter, doors slamming or opening at will, it was what was growing in her basement that terrified the Be-Jesus out of me! This thing also frightened Maddie who was quick to bolt back upstairs and rejoin the living, or was that the dead? Hmmm? The neighbors treated Maddie like she was the devil’s familiar and stayed cleared of her, that is, until a very nice lady who lived in the neighborhood befriended Maddie and asked if she and her theater friends could use the upstairs section of Hargest House as a practice area. Maddie was all too happy and eager for them to begin. She couldn’t stand living in the house. The very thought of being alone with voices echoing and things-that-go-bump-in-the-night of which she couldn’t explain away without sounding like she needed a first-class ticket to the nearest insane asylum, she welcomed the theater actors.
This is a very short read which can be read in a few hours, but those few hours of terror will have you reading this story in the daytime, and giving pause to the night! I absolutely loved this story. As my readers know, I love, love, love horror books! Every time I read one, I’m constantly reminded as to why did I venture down this road knowing it’s going to scare me half to death, but read on I must. Don’t know why I love spooky books, but I do. This is definitely a must read. It was hella scary. I couldn’t get enough. Cavendish did an exceptional job giving her readers just enough to have your mind racing and wondering what lurked behind that wall? Did I just see something move in the corner? Hmmm? Will wonders ever cease?
This is a must-add-to-your-shelf-type of read! Whatever you do, don’t read this book alone? Make sure you have company, or then again, perhaps you will have company, even though you’re not aware they’re there?! Hmm? Read at your own risk, if you dare. The ending was mind-blowing!
June 17, 2016
Fresh off writing Dark Avenging Angel, one of Beneath the Underground’s Top 20 Books of 2015 comes The Devil’s Serenade, a freshly classic venture into haunted house stories from author Catherine Cavendish.
Having spent a great deal of time at her aunt’s mansion, known as Hargest House, Madeleine Chambers now finds herself as the sole heir of the house and its property after the passing of her relative. Epic in its size and dark in its presence, her new home is filled with mysteries including a large one that involves Maddie. When she was sixteen, her last summer at the house until some years later, an incident took place, one that was so horrendous that the event was pushed from Maddie’s memory.
Being an only child with few friends, Maddie created a multitude of playmates with her imagination, including a new identity for herself, Kelly. Before Maddie can even unpack all of her belongings, she begins to see and feel the presence of these creations. Songs being played, the smell of tobacco, giggling in rooms on the second floor, just to name a few. Is there anything more terrifying than the ghost of something that was never truly alive to begin with? The subtle themes to the story are at the heart of the terror, terror in the most classic sense, with a splash of poetry and romanticism for the emotions that are evoked.
As odd as these experiences are, the encounters will grow to become more frequent and far more troubling than she ever imagined. Maddie will try to hold her sanity as she pieces her memory back together in hopes of solving the mysteries that surround her new home. As shocking and terrifying as the encounters are with the children, nothing will prepare her for the demonic horrors that await her.
Haunting books are a tricky subject to nail down. Most authors seem to know the beats in films that send shivers down your spine, but they do not know how to effectively translate that into the written word without being formulaic. Cavendish displays a natural talent for succeeding where most fail. In her writing, it isn’t about the shadow moving in the corner, it’s about the feeling that it gives you and that is what is terrifying to read. With all of the specters running about, nothing terrified me more than that damn willow tree, a large tree that survived years of cold and even a lightning strike or two. Being far away from the house itself, the roots snake their way into the basement, creating tentacle-like formations in the foundation of the mansion. The unknown and the known regarding this tree fill my mind with vivid reactions of honest to goodness horror.
Having read as many horror books and seen as many horror films as I have, very little effects me. This book rattled me at times. Living in a place where the roof creaks lent itself to me only wanting to read it in the daytime. Needless to say, Catherine’s writing is intelligent and brings an elegance back to horror that has been missing for years. The Devil’s Serenade is a true testament to her body of work.
April 19, 2016
I love a good, old fashioned haunted house story. The thing with the haunted house is that they are familiar. That old house down the road, grandma’s house, or that creepy old place you look at before buying your safe cookie cutter place in the burbs. Those old places have nooks and crannies where things hide in the shadows; they have creaks and squeaks that no one can explain. These houses have roots growing into their cellars and a nonexistent child skipping from one room to another, or at least Catherine Cavendish’s does.
I truly enjoyed the way that Catherine Cavendish slowly built up the tension in The Devil’s Serenade, with small things that could be rationally explained at first. Stage two, okay, perhaps Maddie is just a wee bit crazy; that’s right, there’s no such thing as a haunted house (dripping with sarcasm). Then we reach stage three…that did not just happen! At this point, we fully realize that Hargest House is FUBAR; at this point, any rational person would just get the heck out of Dodge, but where would the fun be in that?
Madeleine Chambers was a great character. She had her own little idiosyncrasies that kept that bit of doubt going through the bulk of the story. Is this really happening? The protagonist was a perfect fit for the tale. The other characters in the cast worked well off of Maddie, and you’re just not sure who you can trust.
The Devil’s Serenade is a great, new haunted house tale that is packed with tension and has a few fantastic surprises along the way.
* I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.
I truly enjoyed the way that Catherine Cavendish slowly built up the tension in The Devil’s Serenade, with small things that could be rationally explained at first. Stage two, okay, perhaps Maddie is just a wee bit crazy; that’s right, there’s no such thing as a haunted house (dripping with sarcasm). Then we reach stage three…that did not just happen! At this point, we fully realize that Hargest House is FUBAR; at this point, any rational person would just get the heck out of Dodge, but where would the fun be in that?
Madeleine Chambers was a great character. She had her own little idiosyncrasies that kept that bit of doubt going through the bulk of the story. Is this really happening? The protagonist was a perfect fit for the tale. The other characters in the cast worked well off of Maddie, and you’re just not sure who you can trust.
The Devil’s Serenade is a great, new haunted house tale that is packed with tension and has a few fantastic surprises along the way.
* I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2016
Reading a new book by Catherine Cavendish is always exciting because, to me, it's like getting into a cosy jumper that I love and feel comfortable in. That's what Ms. Cavendish's writing is like. I know exactly how easy she'll be to read, how descriptive, how brilliant the setting. And I know I'll be scared out of my wits (forget the jumper now).
Ms Cavendish is a bit of an aficionado of haunted houses (I think she even lives in one) so she's writing about what she knows in The Devil's Serenade.
Maddie Chambers has inherited a gothic mansion that she spent much of her childhood in with a spinster aunt. Curious happenings went on then but they pale in comparison to now: there are a series of ghostly children skipping about, supernatural beings haunt the attic and scare workmen witless, and a shadowy figure in a cloak lurks in dark places. But what really sent chills down my spine were the all-too alive roots of a tree that wriggled, throbbed and scratched if anyone picked one up and which were growing at a rate in the basement...and there's no tree on the outside where they could have come from.
Tension is built up in a delicious way, a cast of believable characters make their appearance (for example Shona and her amateur dramatics friends and Charlie the plumber) leaving the reader wondering if he or she has anything to do with the evil that lurks in Hargest House. Nothing concrete is revealed until the twist at the very satisfying end. This is definitely a book to read while the lights are on.
Ms Cavendish is a bit of an aficionado of haunted houses (I think she even lives in one) so she's writing about what she knows in The Devil's Serenade.
Maddie Chambers has inherited a gothic mansion that she spent much of her childhood in with a spinster aunt. Curious happenings went on then but they pale in comparison to now: there are a series of ghostly children skipping about, supernatural beings haunt the attic and scare workmen witless, and a shadowy figure in a cloak lurks in dark places. But what really sent chills down my spine were the all-too alive roots of a tree that wriggled, throbbed and scratched if anyone picked one up and which were growing at a rate in the basement...and there's no tree on the outside where they could have come from.
Tension is built up in a delicious way, a cast of believable characters make their appearance (for example Shona and her amateur dramatics friends and Charlie the plumber) leaving the reader wondering if he or she has anything to do with the evil that lurks in Hargest House. Nothing concrete is revealed until the twist at the very satisfying end. This is definitely a book to read while the lights are on.
May 14, 2016
The Devil’s Serenade by Catherine Cavendish has all the elements you would expect from a good scary story; a big creepy house, a reclusive and sinister former owner, family secrets, rumors of the occult, and a fairly innocent heroine.
This book was interesting and had plenty of mystery and suspense to keep you guessing through the whole book. While having many of the same elements of other stories, The Devil’s Serenade is definitely unique as a whole. The pacing was good and there was always some sort of action going on. Not fighting action, but action nonetheless. The ending was definitely not what I expected.
One of the things I liked about The Devil’s Serenade was that the heroine, Madeline Chambers, wasn’t some twenty-something fresh out of college starting her life. It seems as though many of the stories similar to this one have had their female main character fit right into that description. Madeline is older. Like, late 40’s older. She has life experience and isn’t given to flights of fancy. She may be on her own, but she’s no fool.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good creepy story.
March 2, 2016
As a young lonely child Maddie looked forward to her time spent at Aunt Charlotte's house. Maddie is an only child but her imagination creates the siblings she wishes she had. She is often scolded for talking to herself, but at Aunt Maddie's house she is free to chatter away to her imaginary brother and sisters while her parents are off on Safari. Now that Maddie is a grown woman and has inherited her Aunt's house she struggles to remember what happened the summer she turned 16 and why she never visited Charlotte again. Strange things are seen and heard in the house and rumors abound concerning Aunt Charlotte and the previous owner. Maddie begins to wonder if she is losing her mind or if something more sinister is at work. I would rate it 4 out of 5 spooky stars.
I received an advance copy for review
I received an advance copy for review
January 31, 2016
Review: THE DEVIL'S SERENADE by Catherine Cavendish
Catherine Cavendish has a gift for scariness--always so, but on some occasions "great" becomes "exceptional" and the fright level achieves memorable. Such is the case with THE SECOND WIFE; LINDEN MANOR; and now, THE DEVIL'S SERENADE. There is true horror here, but there is also triumph--both human and spirit. The denouement scared me pale. Read with the lights on...and ignore those noises upstairs. They're just your imagination.
Catherine Cavendish has a gift for scariness--always so, but on some occasions "great" becomes "exceptional" and the fright level achieves memorable. Such is the case with THE SECOND WIFE; LINDEN MANOR; and now, THE DEVIL'S SERENADE. There is true horror here, but there is also triumph--both human and spirit. The denouement scared me pale. Read with the lights on...and ignore those noises upstairs. They're just your imagination.
February 16, 2016
An excellent, back-to-the-basics haunted old house story - a Gothic horror which doesn’t get too mired in on itself. The Devil’s Serenade builds a sense of dread, with genuine scares, right up to the climax.
September 3, 2022
When it comes to horror, sometimes the best scares are those just hinted at, kept off the page, or left open to explanation. It's that sense of doubt, that inability to trust our senses, that makes the reader so perfectly uncomfortable. It's a large part of why Gothic horror endures, and why the haunted house tale remains a classic.
The Devil's Serenade by Catherine Cavendish is a brilliant example of the genre, and even if it does show a bit more than we might expect in the end, the entire story is built up to justify it. This is a haunted house tale as full of memories and regrets as it is demons and spirits. More importantly, it's a story where the house itself is part of the story.
On the surface, Hargest House seems like your typical Gothic haunted house. It's large, looming, dark, and cold throughout. There is a definite sense of age, as evidenced by its lack of heating, its scarcity of illumination, and its dusty antique furniture. The attic is full of those ghosts and memories, striking Maddie with a fear she can't explain, but it's the cellar where Cavendish puts her mark on things most strongly. Down there are tree roots that seem a part of the house's foundation, with no tree close enough to justify their intrusion, and . . . well, let's just say their frequent comparison to tentacles is an apt one.
As for Maddie, she's an interesting twist on the Gothic heroine. Neither an innocent young damsel nor a crooked old maid, she's a strong, confident middle-aged divorcee looking to reclaim a life on her own terms. As surprised as she is to have inherited her aunt's estate, there are fond memories attached to it that make for a welcome return. There's also a gap in her memory, however, coinciding with the last summer she stayed there as a child. As each lost memory is triggered by something sinister inside the house, we begin to get a fuller picture of what happened then, and what is happening now.
Like the best haunted house stories, The Devil's Serenade is something to be experienced for yourself. I could go on and on about the characters, the setting, and the plot, but they're only part of the story. It's the narrative itself . . . the air of mystery . . . the slowly building tension . . . and the overall atmosphere that make it so effective. There are subtle twists aplenty as well, with Cavendish playing on our assumptions. Much to her credit, while I had figured out some of what was going on, there were still some genuine surprises in the climax.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
The Devil's Serenade by Catherine Cavendish is a brilliant example of the genre, and even if it does show a bit more than we might expect in the end, the entire story is built up to justify it. This is a haunted house tale as full of memories and regrets as it is demons and spirits. More importantly, it's a story where the house itself is part of the story.
On the surface, Hargest House seems like your typical Gothic haunted house. It's large, looming, dark, and cold throughout. There is a definite sense of age, as evidenced by its lack of heating, its scarcity of illumination, and its dusty antique furniture. The attic is full of those ghosts and memories, striking Maddie with a fear she can't explain, but it's the cellar where Cavendish puts her mark on things most strongly. Down there are tree roots that seem a part of the house's foundation, with no tree close enough to justify their intrusion, and . . . well, let's just say their frequent comparison to tentacles is an apt one.
As for Maddie, she's an interesting twist on the Gothic heroine. Neither an innocent young damsel nor a crooked old maid, she's a strong, confident middle-aged divorcee looking to reclaim a life on her own terms. As surprised as she is to have inherited her aunt's estate, there are fond memories attached to it that make for a welcome return. There's also a gap in her memory, however, coinciding with the last summer she stayed there as a child. As each lost memory is triggered by something sinister inside the house, we begin to get a fuller picture of what happened then, and what is happening now.
Like the best haunted house stories, The Devil's Serenade is something to be experienced for yourself. I could go on and on about the characters, the setting, and the plot, but they're only part of the story. It's the narrative itself . . . the air of mystery . . . the slowly building tension . . . and the overall atmosphere that make it so effective. There are subtle twists aplenty as well, with Cavendish playing on our assumptions. Much to her credit, while I had figured out some of what was going on, there were still some genuine surprises in the climax.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for review consideration. This does not in any way affect the honesty or sincerity of my review.
June 23, 2017
It was okay. A few spelling errors that bugged me.
I wish it had been longer and given more time to flesh out. I felt the book didn't leave space or time to really connect with the characters as a reader. The characters themselves weren't given page space to develop the relationships with each other either, so it was rather unconvincing.
I really did not enjoy switching from first person perspective of Maddie the adult to third person with Maddie as a child. Getting Charlotte's perspective halfway through the book was strange to me and didn't quite fit, especially when reading a book that starts out in first person. I think if the entire book had been done in third person, it would have been more successful.
It was an interesting idea for the story and loved the pagan aspects of the book mixed in with the demonic stuff. A lovely good vs evil thing going on there, but I just wish the ideas and characters had been presented better. Still, it was a quick read and if you are in the mind for something fast and unpolished, it might be worth it.
I wish it had been longer and given more time to flesh out. I felt the book didn't leave space or time to really connect with the characters as a reader. The characters themselves weren't given page space to develop the relationships with each other either, so it was rather unconvincing.
I really did not enjoy switching from first person perspective of Maddie the adult to third person with Maddie as a child. Getting Charlotte's perspective halfway through the book was strange to me and didn't quite fit, especially when reading a book that starts out in first person. I think if the entire book had been done in third person, it would have been more successful.
It was an interesting idea for the story and loved the pagan aspects of the book mixed in with the demonic stuff. A lovely good vs evil thing going on there, but I just wish the ideas and characters had been presented better. Still, it was a quick read and if you are in the mind for something fast and unpolished, it might be worth it.
December 17, 2017
Too dark and a bit naive to my taste
I didn't read enough reviews I guess. Thought it to be of some psychological depth. It is not though. Turned out to be a teenager book about supernatural powers of good or evil where evil seems to win at the end. An okey read though. Nicely written. The start is intriguing page turned. Feelings and emotions are very well described.
I didn't read enough reviews I guess. Thought it to be of some psychological depth. It is not though. Turned out to be a teenager book about supernatural powers of good or evil where evil seems to win at the end. An okey read though. Nicely written. The start is intriguing page turned. Feelings and emotions are very well described.
June 27, 2017
Good haunted house story.
Good haunting story of house with evil and good. Two story lines merge into one! A good quick read for summer days or winters nights by the fire. I enjoyed the twists and turns!
Good haunting story of house with evil and good. Two story lines merge into one! A good quick read for summer days or winters nights by the fire. I enjoyed the twists and turns!
July 9, 2017
Only if there's nothing else to read -
Story is fast-paced, but that's about it. It was $.99, still over-priced. Typical wanna-be scary story. I'll delete it from my library.
Story is fast-paced, but that's about it. It was $.99, still over-priced. Typical wanna-be scary story. I'll delete it from my library.
November 18, 2020
A decent story.
Parts of this were good. Plenty of spooky things happened. Some parts were not as good. It has a good Gothic atmosphere of a haunted house.
Parts of this were good. Plenty of spooky things happened. Some parts were not as good. It has a good Gothic atmosphere of a haunted house.
April 9, 2016
In a way, there is nothing super special about The Devil's Serenade . It is a pretty typical haunted house story: woman moves into inherited house, stuff of creepy nature ensues, big creepy origin of creepy stuff is revealed, all is resolved. Let's face it, this is a tough sub-genre – what can you do with a haunted house that makes it truly novel?
Cavendish does her best plot-wise in The Devil's Serenade. This is not 100% typical as in there is no well-to-Hell-in-the-basement or Indian burial ground or otherwise super cliched plot line here, but while her take on the Big Bad is interesting, the novel only turns out as an overall so-so. Why? Well, her writing is very much of telling and not showing variety. Granted, this seems to be a flaw in many books that have crossed my reading end-table lately, so maybe it is a trend I am not in on, yet there is a lot of explanation:
And so on.
I find this sort of telling is irritating, and it hurt the overall quality of the book, but mad props for the actual plot and ghostly origin story. (Seriously, there are tree people, but trust me, it works). While there was the obligatory am I crazy versus is something supernatural happening trope, this wasn't too heavily emphasized and so it was forgivable in Cavendish's novel. However, The Devil's Serenade would benefit from a bit less description in favor of letting the readers draw conclusions about setting, motivations, and characters at large.
On the balance however, this gets a meh. I do not have PTSD as a result of reading this, but I was not transported to a sublime place from reading this either. Depending on your dedication to this genre, you could probably give this a miss with little impact to your overall life. However, if you, like me, are a haunted-house-story aficionado, then you could do worse. Though it does depend on the price point.
2.5/5
Many thanks to Catherine Cavendish, Samhain Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.
And you can read this exact same review on my blog Read or Die if you want.
Cavendish does her best plot-wise in The Devil's Serenade. This is not 100% typical as in there is no well-to-Hell-in-the-basement or Indian burial ground or otherwise super cliched plot line here, but while her take on the Big Bad is interesting, the novel only turns out as an overall so-so. Why? Well, her writing is very much of telling and not showing variety. Granted, this seems to be a flaw in many books that have crossed my reading end-table lately, so maybe it is a trend I am not in on, yet there is a lot of explanation:
”Next Monday's fine,” I said. He grinned, showing even white teeth, which he wore collar length and neatly trimmed Even though he was in work clothes, he managed to appear well groomed, despite a morning spent in my dusty cellar.
My cellar. My house. Thanks to my Aunt Charlotte, I was not Mrs. Madeleine Chambers of Hargest House, Priory St. Michael. It had a ring to it and a certain grandeur. Pity Mr. Chambers – Neil – wouldn't be around to share it. Not for the first time I gave thanks that our divorce and all our financial settlements had been finalized two years earlier. I smiled."
And so on.
I find this sort of telling is irritating, and it hurt the overall quality of the book, but mad props for the actual plot and ghostly origin story. (Seriously, there are tree people, but trust me, it works). While there was the obligatory am I crazy versus is something supernatural happening trope, this wasn't too heavily emphasized and so it was forgivable in Cavendish's novel. However, The Devil's Serenade would benefit from a bit less description in favor of letting the readers draw conclusions about setting, motivations, and characters at large.
On the balance however, this gets a meh. I do not have PTSD as a result of reading this, but I was not transported to a sublime place from reading this either. Depending on your dedication to this genre, you could probably give this a miss with little impact to your overall life. However, if you, like me, are a haunted-house-story aficionado, then you could do worse. Though it does depend on the price point.
2.5/5
Many thanks to Catherine Cavendish, Samhain Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.
And you can read this exact same review on my blog Read or Die if you want.
April 7, 2016
**We received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
The author did an amazing job with suspense. Every turn that Maddie makes in that house when things start to go wrong had me on edge. There was plenty to be frightened of, and hinted at in that eerie house.
Maddie is a peculiar woman, but I think that's why I was getting to like her. She has a mystery to her past that I couldn't wait to sort out, and the author was careful to keep the cards close to her chest.
When Maddie inherits the old Hargest house from her Aunt Charlotte, she inherits money and a huge home in a new place. A place where she can restart her life, which I think she desperately wanted, but the longer she's there the more unusual things become. It starts with roots in the cellar, ones that seem to be coming in from a willow tree several feet away, and then the hauntings begin. As a child, Maddie had imaginary friends/siblings, but when those imaginary siblings begin to show up in the house, for more than just Maddie to see a series of supernatural entities are showing up for a showdown and Maddie's smack dab in the middle. Like I said, the suspense was masterfully done. I also really enjoyed Maddie, as she was always trying to strive to be a new, and better person while at the same time trying to understand the history of the house.
The history, I thought I had guessed it, and I did, to a point. The detail and sympathy I had for Charlotte once her fate was revealed was both heartbreaking and something to admire, as she was a stronger woman than I originally thought.
Also, if this book had me googling "The Blue Serenade" a couple of times just to listen to the song while I was reading. Now, I don't think I could ever hear it without thinking of Maddie.
CONCLUSION
I love ghost stories, and this is a ghost story done well. There's plenty of twists, turns, and doubt. I really enjoyed Maddie, the mystery surrounding the house, and Charlotte's story. I think horror, and ghost-loving fans will really like to sink into this one.
The author did an amazing job with suspense. Every turn that Maddie makes in that house when things start to go wrong had me on edge. There was plenty to be frightened of, and hinted at in that eerie house.
Maddie is a peculiar woman, but I think that's why I was getting to like her. She has a mystery to her past that I couldn't wait to sort out, and the author was careful to keep the cards close to her chest.
When Maddie inherits the old Hargest house from her Aunt Charlotte, she inherits money and a huge home in a new place. A place where she can restart her life, which I think she desperately wanted, but the longer she's there the more unusual things become. It starts with roots in the cellar, ones that seem to be coming in from a willow tree several feet away, and then the hauntings begin. As a child, Maddie had imaginary friends/siblings, but when those imaginary siblings begin to show up in the house, for more than just Maddie to see a series of supernatural entities are showing up for a showdown and Maddie's smack dab in the middle. Like I said, the suspense was masterfully done. I also really enjoyed Maddie, as she was always trying to strive to be a new, and better person while at the same time trying to understand the history of the house.
The history, I thought I had guessed it, and I did, to a point. The detail and sympathy I had for Charlotte once her fate was revealed was both heartbreaking and something to admire, as she was a stronger woman than I originally thought.
Also, if this book had me googling "The Blue Serenade" a couple of times just to listen to the song while I was reading. Now, I don't think I could ever hear it without thinking of Maddie.
CONCLUSION
I love ghost stories, and this is a ghost story done well. There's plenty of twists, turns, and doubt. I really enjoyed Maddie, the mystery surrounding the house, and Charlotte's story. I think horror, and ghost-loving fans will really like to sink into this one.
June 18, 2016
Review rating: 5+ Chilling Stars!
"Maddie had forgotten that cursed summer. Now she’s about to remember…"
Maddie has not been back since that summer. When her aunt Charlotte died, she left everything to Maddie, her money and the big imposing Hargest House.
The house has been left unattended for a while and Maddie decides to get help from the local handyman, Charlie.
Maddie's not even barely settled in when strange vision and sounds become the norm of her daily life at Hargest House.
"The roots of a faraway willow shouldn’t reach into the cellar..."
Maddie finds comfort in the Willow tree outside the house. It makes her feel safe from evil lurking in the house. It shows her secrets and tells her stories. But can she be sure of the Willow's intentions, is there lurking something sinister or mysterious inside its roots?
Quote from The Devil's Serenade
"How could this man - so capable of extreme violence against her - show such gentleness? BUT, she reminded herself, even Hitler loved his dogs."
- Charlotte
"My first novel by Catherine Cavendish and I'm sure to say that I will be reading more of her work in the future. Brilliantly surprised."
Love the cover & title! Great, classic horror.
Keeps you turning the pages faster!
Thank you for reading my review.
"Maddie had forgotten that cursed summer. Now she’s about to remember…"
Maddie has not been back since that summer. When her aunt Charlotte died, she left everything to Maddie, her money and the big imposing Hargest House.
The house has been left unattended for a while and Maddie decides to get help from the local handyman, Charlie.
Maddie's not even barely settled in when strange vision and sounds become the norm of her daily life at Hargest House.
"The roots of a faraway willow shouldn’t reach into the cellar..."
Maddie finds comfort in the Willow tree outside the house. It makes her feel safe from evil lurking in the house. It shows her secrets and tells her stories. But can she be sure of the Willow's intentions, is there lurking something sinister or mysterious inside its roots?
Quote from The Devil's Serenade
"How could this man - so capable of extreme violence against her - show such gentleness? BUT, she reminded herself, even Hitler loved his dogs."
- Charlotte
"My first novel by Catherine Cavendish and I'm sure to say that I will be reading more of her work in the future. Brilliantly surprised."
Love the cover & title! Great, classic horror.
Keeps you turning the pages faster!
Thank you for reading my review.
March 22, 2016
Maddie learns she inherits her aunt's house and her fortune, even though she hasn't seen her since she was 16. She spent many summers with her aunt at the house growing up and they were very happy and fun times, but that last summer she has no memory of. Once she gets to the house she decides to make repairs and make her home there. But things start to happen and she discovers more secrets than she ever knew possible. The town is scared of her home and she learns they think her aunt and the man she worked for were into devil worship and sacrifice. Maddie just can't believe that about the aunt she knew growing up. As time goes on she starts seeing things that just don't make sense and gradually her memory of that last summer comes back.
Ms. Cavendish did a nice job with this story. I certainly wasn't expecting some of the twists the story took. As a lover of horror novels and spooky, scary stories it didn't creep me out or keep me up with the lights on but it interested me very much to get to the bottom of the story and figure out just what the heck was going on.
Thank you to the publisher Samhain and NetGalley for giving me an advanced ecopy in exchange for an honest review.
Ms. Cavendish did a nice job with this story. I certainly wasn't expecting some of the twists the story took. As a lover of horror novels and spooky, scary stories it didn't creep me out or keep me up with the lights on but it interested me very much to get to the bottom of the story and figure out just what the heck was going on.
Thank you to the publisher Samhain and NetGalley for giving me an advanced ecopy in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2016
Ms. Cavendish's distinctive style of horror tales never disappoints and The Devil's Serenade is one of her best. In her newest novel, Cavendish combines old-fashioned, gothic plotting and setting with a newer kind of thrills, shocks and scares. And there are plenty to be had here. Between the covers, you'll find demons, ghosts, a haunted house, satanists, spirits (good and bad), a supernatural tree and murder. The plot revolves around Maddie who inherits her late aunt's creepy house...and everything that goes along with it. It's the home where Maddie spent many of her childhood summers; too bad she's having a problem remembering her last visit. But sometimes a faulty memory is a good defense mechanism. I'd recommend this book for any horror fan, whether you be of the old-school Shirley Jackson/The Haunting school, or are just in it for the scares. Cavendish delivers big-time on both counts.
May 8, 2016
Maddie Chambers hasn’t had a lot going for her in her life. Her parents spent all their time and money on themselves, her husband left her for her friend, and talking friends, even hers were mainly imaginary. Now that she’s inherited her aunt’s fortune and house in Priory St. Michael, certain things are surely about to change—just perhaps not as Maddie would like. Firstly there’s the tree, the one with roots in her cellar, there’s all kinds of things going bump in the night, and, did I mention imaginary friends? Hers are back in a big way. But they’re not the only things. Evil forces are at work here where past meets present. The result is a tense, gripping read that’s hard to put down and enough twists and turns to make sure you won’t. Another sure fire winner from Catherine Cavendish. A classic tale in the finest gothic tradition.
April 25, 2016
I received a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review. This is in no way reflected in my opinion of this book.
The Devil's Serenade is a fun and spooky haunted house story. It has a gothic feel to it complete with a creaky old manor house that hides a terrifying history, clannish villagers, and mysterious ghostly visions. It has some genuinely creepy moments paired with a palpable sense of creeping dread that made me want to yell at Maddie to get out of there already. Maddie is a fantastic character. Older than your average heroines, with flaws and real life problems, make her realistic and engaging. A great book to curl up with on a stormy night. I recommend this delightful 4 star read.
The Devil's Serenade is a fun and spooky haunted house story. It has a gothic feel to it complete with a creaky old manor house that hides a terrifying history, clannish villagers, and mysterious ghostly visions. It has some genuinely creepy moments paired with a palpable sense of creeping dread that made me want to yell at Maddie to get out of there already. Maddie is a fantastic character. Older than your average heroines, with flaws and real life problems, make her realistic and engaging. A great book to curl up with on a stormy night. I recommend this delightful 4 star read.
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