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The Soul Auction
“I saw a woman on the beach. I watched her face a demon.”
Thirty years after her mother's death, Alice Ashcroft is drawn back to the coastal English town of Curridge. Somebody in Curridge has been reviewing Alice's novels online, and in those reviews there have been tantalizing hints at a hidden truth. A truth that seems to be linked to her dead mother.
“Thirty years ago, there was a soul auction.”
Once she reaches Curridge, Alice finds strange things happening all around her. Something attacks her car. A figure watches her on the beach at night. And when she tries to find the person who has been reviewing her books, she makes a horrific discovery.
What really happened to Alice's mother thirty years ago? Who was she talking to, just moments before dropping dead on the beach? What caused a huge rockfall that nearly tore a nearby cliff-face in half? And what sinister presence is lurking in the grounds of the local church?
THE SOUL AUCTION is the story of a woman's search to discover the truth about her mother's death, and of an evil force that once came to visit a sleepy English town.
Thirty years after her mother's death, Alice Ashcroft is drawn back to the coastal English town of Curridge. Somebody in Curridge has been reviewing Alice's novels online, and in those reviews there have been tantalizing hints at a hidden truth. A truth that seems to be linked to her dead mother.
“Thirty years ago, there was a soul auction.”
Once she reaches Curridge, Alice finds strange things happening all around her. Something attacks her car. A figure watches her on the beach at night. And when she tries to find the person who has been reviewing her books, she makes a horrific discovery.
What really happened to Alice's mother thirty years ago? Who was she talking to, just moments before dropping dead on the beach? What caused a huge rockfall that nearly tore a nearby cliff-face in half? And what sinister presence is lurking in the grounds of the local church?
THE SOUL AUCTION is the story of a woman's search to discover the truth about her mother's death, and of an evil force that once came to visit a sleepy English town.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2017
383 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
671 books1,700 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 42 reviews
October 5, 2022
Well worth the effort
I really did consider abandoning this book after reaching the half way point. I thought it was laborious and, quite frankly, boring. However, the second half of the tale was a revelation. It moved along at a fast pace, racking up the tension and building to a stonking finale. Another masterpiece from Amy Cross.
I really did consider abandoning this book after reaching the half way point. I thought it was laborious and, quite frankly, boring. However, the second half of the tale was a revelation. It moved along at a fast pace, racking up the tension and building to a stonking finale. Another masterpiece from Amy Cross.
July 15, 2017
I'm giving it 5 stars even though I shouldn't. I don't know what's going on lately with Amy Cross but she needs a better editor. I found a lot of spelling errors/words missing letters. The story was very good though.
March 9, 2018
What immediately struck me as unreal (therefore I didn't like that) in this book was that Alice's latest novel had gotten a lot decrepit reviews -ALL of them 1/2 starts-, and ONLY one positive review (5 stars). I get it, that happened because that review grabbed her attention and put the plot in motion, but I think it was a weak start.
The reviewer talked of the other world and soul auctions as if she knew a lot about it, so Alice decides to visit her. She goes to a small town called Curridge where her mother died thirty years ago, and soon she realizes something is off about her death.
I really liked the premise and I thought it was original, but the story was a bit underdeveloped, pretty slow and it didn't have that punch that makes me say "Hell, this was thrilling!".
The characters were flat and it seemed that they only had a single goal in their mind, as if nothing else mattered, and sometimes I didn't exactly understand why did they did certain things. Some of them felt disjointed, and yet, The Soul Auction grabbed me! It was so compelling.
The story did have two plot twists close to the end, but one was predictable, and the ending felt slightly rushed and too easy.
The reviewer talked of the other world and soul auctions as if she knew a lot about it, so Alice decides to visit her. She goes to a small town called Curridge where her mother died thirty years ago, and soon she realizes something is off about her death.
I really liked the premise and I thought it was original, but the story was a bit underdeveloped, pretty slow and it didn't have that punch that makes me say "Hell, this was thrilling!".
The characters were flat and it seemed that they only had a single goal in their mind, as if nothing else mattered, and sometimes I didn't exactly understand why did they did certain things. Some of them felt disjointed, and yet, The Soul Auction grabbed me! It was so compelling.
The story did have two plot twists close to the end, but one was predictable, and the ending felt slightly rushed and too easy.
July 22, 2018
Enjoyable. Interesting concept. Kept my interest the whole book through.
August 3, 2019
I'm giving this book 4* because of the few typos and errors. But what can I say, Amy Cross is an extreme writer. I reckon she has about 400 books published, and I'm planning on reading each one of them.
November 15, 2019
I try to read an Amy Cross novel each month. It's quite easy to keep up because she is very generous with ebooks. You can (ALWAYS) find free ebooks from her on Amazon. I really appreciate that.
She is excellent at revealing details of the past piece by piece as her stories move forward to meet the present. I find that it gives the reader a great blend of both the past and present times.
With this particular book I was left wanting so much more. I think the subject of a soul auction is incredibly intriguing and original. Unfortunately I really was left wanting more information and details or lore of the subject this novel was named for. There were also some very unique events associated with this soul auction that I also wanted more details and descriptions of.
Although this one was a decent tale, I know that she can do so much better, because I've read her at her best!
I really like Amy Cross I know that at her best she is a truly fantastic horror author. I will absolutely continue to read her novels.
She is excellent at revealing details of the past piece by piece as her stories move forward to meet the present. I find that it gives the reader a great blend of both the past and present times.
With this particular book I was left wanting so much more. I think the subject of a soul auction is incredibly intriguing and original. Unfortunately I really was left wanting more information and details or lore of the subject this novel was named for. There were also some very unique events associated with this soul auction that I also wanted more details and descriptions of.
Although this one was a decent tale, I know that she can do so much better, because I've read her at her best!
I really like Amy Cross I know that at her best she is a truly fantastic horror author. I will absolutely continue to read her novels.
November 1, 2017
They say "write what you know" and this is what Amy Cross does as this book opens with author Alice reading the largely negative reviews of her latest book. This is something other authors and readers who have eagerly awaited feedback of any kind can relate to and immediately made Alice an authentic, believable character with her own insecurities.
I liked the parallel plots with Alice and Kate in the modern day and their Mother 30 years ago. This kept the plot moving forward towards a revelation, that when it came wasn't surprising. To be honest, I found The Soul Auction quite boring and not overly spooky. I have read other books by Amy Cross and The Soul Auction was quite tame in comparison. There were also some inconsistencies, for example at one point Kate calls Alice Brad's wife, but later he is only her boyfriend; these could have been resolved with a final edit and read through.
Overall, disappointing but a quick read that didn't require too much concentration.
I liked the parallel plots with Alice and Kate in the modern day and their Mother 30 years ago. This kept the plot moving forward towards a revelation, that when it came wasn't surprising. To be honest, I found The Soul Auction quite boring and not overly spooky. I have read other books by Amy Cross and The Soul Auction was quite tame in comparison. There were also some inconsistencies, for example at one point Kate calls Alice Brad's wife, but later he is only her boyfriend; these could have been resolved with a final edit and read through.
Overall, disappointing but a quick read that didn't require too much concentration.
December 31, 2017
Once again a brilliant idea for a storyline and I could see this being easily turned into a small series or trilogy if done with care but once again Amy Cross falls just short of really, really good writing with careless editing and a rushed ending. There were parts of the story that were so interesting and could have been developed so much more and given more detail and explanation in place of the rather slow paced first few chapters which contained scenes that really added nothing to the story.
I really like this writer and will continue to read her other books because her subjects always interest me but I can't help but feel she is eager to get the next book out rather than taking her time to perfect her work.
I really like this writer and will continue to read her other books because her subjects always interest me but I can't help but feel she is eager to get the next book out rather than taking her time to perfect her work.
March 8, 2018
The subject of this story is intriguing - souls for auction - although, that became a background thread rather than the main focus, which is the lives of Alice, Kate and Lizzie, therefore more believable.
It's told from two points of view in first person, thirty years apart...a favourite way this author uses to tell a story. This works well for character development and for building suspense.
I don't give spoilers so can only say that this is a good paranormal horror that's realistic because of the modern everyday setting. It could benefit from a thorough edit and proofread but I still liked the writing style.
Psychologically interesting and cleverly done.
It's told from two points of view in first person, thirty years apart...a favourite way this author uses to tell a story. This works well for character development and for building suspense.
I don't give spoilers so can only say that this is a good paranormal horror that's realistic because of the modern everyday setting. It could benefit from a thorough edit and proofread but I still liked the writing style.
Psychologically interesting and cleverly done.
October 15, 2022
Thirty years ago, Alice Ashcroft's mother Lizzie dropped dead on a remote English beach. Now Alice is traveling to that same beach, determined to uncover the truth.
When she arrives in the small village of Curridge, Alice immediately realizes that something's not right. A mysterious figure is watching her on the beach, and a woman in one of the nearby cottages seems to have taken a very personal interest in her career. Meanwhile, a sinister presence is lurking in the grounds of the local church.
By the time she discovers the truth, Alice might be too late to stop history repeating itself. Her mother fell victim to an occult event known as a soul auction, and Alice is next on the list.
When she arrives in the small village of Curridge, Alice immediately realizes that something's not right. A mysterious figure is watching her on the beach, and a woman in one of the nearby cottages seems to have taken a very personal interest in her career. Meanwhile, a sinister presence is lurking in the grounds of the local church.
By the time she discovers the truth, Alice might be too late to stop history repeating itself. Her mother fell victim to an occult event known as a soul auction, and Alice is next on the list.
December 28, 2019
BE SMART AND BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍 I AM EARNEST, THIS BOOK IS WORTH EVERY PENNY!😍o
I ADMIT I AM A VERY HARD PERSON TO PLEASE, WHEN IT COMES TO CERTAIN TYPES OF ITEMS THAT I WOULD SPEND TIME AND/OR MONEY ON! I AM DISABLED, OLD, VERY POOR HEALTH, MY CAREGIVER SON AND I LIVE ON M MY LOW INCOME! I LOVE TO READ AND BEING THAT I AM OF POOR HEALTH,I AM VERY PICKY OF ANY BOOK THAT MY SON GETS ME! THIS AUTHOR AND T THIS STORY ARE OUTSTANDING! SO, IF YOU WANT TO READ A REMARKABLE BOOK! HERE IT IS!😍GO BUY THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW!😍
I ADMIT I AM A VERY HARD PERSON TO PLEASE, WHEN IT COMES TO CERTAIN TYPES OF ITEMS THAT I WOULD SPEND TIME AND/OR MONEY ON! I AM DISABLED, OLD, VERY POOR HEALTH, MY CAREGIVER SON AND I LIVE ON M MY LOW INCOME! I LOVE TO READ AND BEING THAT I AM OF POOR HEALTH,I AM VERY PICKY OF ANY BOOK THAT MY SON GETS ME! THIS AUTHOR AND T THIS STORY ARE OUTSTANDING! SO, IF YOU WANT TO READ A REMARKABLE BOOK! HERE IT IS!😍GO BUY THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW!😍
November 27, 2017
So the nuts and bolts of the book are that a single mom of 2 young girls loses a stuffed bear in a coastal town. Most of the story revolves around this lost toy and the mom that: in her attempts to locate the bear, seems to be losing her mind. While not a S. King "BOO!" kind of book, it is a well written "boo" story. Nothing jumps out and the sinister ghosty is so mild that a young person could read it without losing sleep.
February 16, 2018
Soul Auction
Not what was expected. Who is to say that this really doesn't happen? Is it something I've ever encountered? No but it does seem that those with tragedy in their family does attract those just like them. And the amount of tragedy just seems unbelievably unfair. It does seem plausible that the sorrow from each misery would just keep adding up. Glad I read it. Thank you
Not what was expected. Who is to say that this really doesn't happen? Is it something I've ever encountered? No but it does seem that those with tragedy in their family does attract those just like them. And the amount of tragedy just seems unbelievably unfair. It does seem plausible that the sorrow from each misery would just keep adding up. Glad I read it. Thank you
July 11, 2017
This one's a Keeper!
I came across this book by accident and I am so pleased that I did! As an avid horror reader, this story captivated me! I enjoyed the characters and the story was really different. This book could easily be a series which would be great! I highly recommended this book and author. I'm looking forward to another one of Amy Cross unique stories! Enjoy!!
I came across this book by accident and I am so pleased that I did! As an avid horror reader, this story captivated me! I enjoyed the characters and the story was really different. This book could easily be a series which would be great! I highly recommended this book and author. I'm looking forward to another one of Amy Cross unique stories! Enjoy!!
July 27, 2017
Not my favorite from Amy Cross
Weak characters and storyline. I kept thinking that maybe this was the book that she was running from. Parts felt rushed. I'm not ready to give up on this author yet, because I know that she can write better books than this. Luckily I read a few of her good ones, before reading this weak one.
Weak characters and storyline. I kept thinking that maybe this was the book that she was running from. Parts felt rushed. I'm not ready to give up on this author yet, because I know that she can write better books than this. Luckily I read a few of her good ones, before reading this weak one.
July 29, 2017
A Waste
I didn't care for this book. The book was way too long for the plot(which wasn't very good). The character of Kate was very undeveloped and the main characters of the mom and Alice were not very likable. The ending was predictable and after reading it I felt like I'd wasted my time.
I didn't care for this book. The book was way too long for the plot(which wasn't very good). The character of Kate was very undeveloped and the main characters of the mom and Alice were not very likable. The ending was predictable and after reading it I felt like I'd wasted my time.
August 25, 2017
The Soul Auction
A good read. I will remember this story when writing a book review. Some editing errors. I believe that the story would have been even better with more character development. The characters that matter in the premise of the story fell a bit flat. Still a good read.
A good read. I will remember this story when writing a book review. Some editing errors. I believe that the story would have been even better with more character development. The characters that matter in the premise of the story fell a bit flat. Still a good read.
October 24, 2017
Slow to get started
This is a decent story, it just took more than 1/2 the novel to get the story going. There are some annoying character traits; it seems nobody can complete a sentence. Over 30 times a character's voice "trails off". I started to get annoyed by this phrase as it appears far too often.
This is a decent story, it just took more than 1/2 the novel to get the story going. There are some annoying character traits; it seems nobody can complete a sentence. Over 30 times a character's voice "trails off". I started to get annoyed by this phrase as it appears far too often.
August 23, 2017
Another amazing paranormal thrill ride
Amy Cross has once again written a paranormal page turner it grabs you from the start and doesn't let you go. Takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride vivid characters amazing plot with an ending you never see coming Highly recommend
Amy Cross has once again written a paranormal page turner it grabs you from the start and doesn't let you go. Takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride vivid characters amazing plot with an ending you never see coming Highly recommend
August 29, 2017
Suspenseful!
The suspense doesn't let up from page one. Ms. Cross has done it again! She's quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This book has believable characters and twists you won't see coming.
The suspense doesn't let up from page one. Ms. Cross has done it again! She's quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This book has believable characters and twists you won't see coming.
November 5, 2017
Very entertaining
I haven't read Amy Cross before, but I like her work. There are a lot of twists and turns. I would have given 5 stars, but there were mistakes that take a bit away from enjoying the story completely. I plan on reading her again though.
I haven't read Amy Cross before, but I like her work. There are a lot of twists and turns. I would have given 5 stars, but there were mistakes that take a bit away from enjoying the story completely. I plan on reading her again though.
November 7, 2017
Lack of editing makes this book weak
Why do Ms Cross' books always need editing? I found this book boring and rambling on about the same things.
Please have your books edited again and again if necessary.
Why do Ms Cross' books always need editing? I found this book boring and rambling on about the same things.
Please have your books edited again and again if necessary.
January 15, 2018
Love Amy Cross's books💖
After reading Stephen recently which was brilliant I opted for The Soul Auction. Another great read. Any has a great imagination and all her books are horror personified. She tells a great story. My favourite horror author. Nice work Amy📕😃
After reading Stephen recently which was brilliant I opted for The Soul Auction. Another great read. Any has a great imagination and all her books are horror personified. She tells a great story. My favourite horror author. Nice work Amy📕😃
October 20, 2018
Good old Any Cross
I chose 5 stars because her books are always good. Some scare me and others like this are Just a quick read story with a twist. This was both rolled into one. If you haven't read Any before do it now. Well worth the time!
I chose 5 stars because her books are always good. Some scare me and others like this are Just a quick read story with a twist. This was both rolled into one. If you haven't read Any before do it now. Well worth the time!
February 13, 2021
We can only Imagine.
Demons purchase souls at an auction. Some are tortured and some for fast. Would you know it a demon owned your soul. Will you be able to feel if you were the property of a demon. Read this amazingly written story. Another great 👍 story by Amy Cross
Demons purchase souls at an auction. Some are tortured and some for fast. Would you know it a demon owned your soul. Will you be able to feel if you were the property of a demon. Read this amazingly written story. Another great 👍 story by Amy Cross
March 11, 2022
Fantastic
I have so much admiration for the way Any Cross writes. This book seriously had my heart in my throat for the last 5 chapters. The twists and turns and then the final ending, I definitely didn't see coming
I have so much admiration for the way Any Cross writes. This book seriously had my heart in my throat for the last 5 chapters. The twists and turns and then the final ending, I definitely didn't see coming
July 16, 2017
I like this author and the story is very good. Will definalty continue to read her books and this one was free.
July 30, 2017
Just pulls you in
You're unable to stop turning pages wanting to know more. Time will pass you by quickly when you have yet another terrific Amy Cross novel!
You're unable to stop turning pages wanting to know more. Time will pass you by quickly when you have yet another terrific Amy Cross novel!
August 28, 2017
Amy Cross delivered the most accurate description of a soul auction.
September 20, 2017
Another good read
Another good read. Best of hers I've read so far. Editor still has a lot of mistakes in the type and grammar but the story is good.
Another good read. Best of hers I've read so far. Editor still has a lot of mistakes in the type and grammar but the story is good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews