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Echoes of a Haunting
Echoes of a Haunting recounts the true story of a real "haunted" house although the author prefers the word "disturbed". Do not expect the "usual" tale filled with blood running down the walls, demons jumping out of closets, heads pivoting while spewing pea soup or seances with levitating mediums. Instead, the horror that lived in the House in the Country began slowly and quietly. It gradually built in intensity until living there became unbearable.
The author's family, normal by any criteria, began to earn an unfair reputation as "devil worshipers" and "kooks". Despite efforts by various psychics and clergymen to ease the pressure, the house eventually won. When emotional and psychic shocks turned to physical threats, it became impossible to stay. The book attempts, in diary form, to trace the trajectory of the "haunting".
The author's family, normal by any criteria, began to earn an unfair reputation as "devil worshipers" and "kooks". Despite efforts by various psychics and clergymen to ease the pressure, the house eventually won. When emotional and psychic shocks turned to physical threats, it became impossible to stay. The book attempts, in diary form, to trace the trajectory of the "haunting".
- GenresHorrorNonfiction
183 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 8, 2016
Very, Very Creepy! Another one of those "leave the lights" on book. I was pretty well glued to every page - this true haunting book is really scary. Leave the lights on and settle in to be spooked!
January 7, 2022
I liked this book! It was to the point but yet informative and creepy! I wish I could have read more happenings that went on but it was good nonetheless. This reads like a diary and I didn't mind one bit.
January 18, 2021
The book is fine. If you like paranormal/creepy stories, this might be worth picking up. I read it after seeing Stephanie Harlowe’s video on the Hinsdale House, and honestly, I liked that more.
Read
August 22, 2023This felt more like a memoir and I liked it!
May 16, 2013
ooooOOOoooo booga booga booga
February 7, 2015
I believe
This is one of the first "true" haunted stories I actually believe. I think the writer's skepticism and humor made it more believable.
This is one of the first "true" haunted stories I actually believe. I think the writer's skepticism and humor made it more believable.
October 13, 2020
*may contain spoilers by accident*
One word. Ugh.
For those who said this is a good book, I’d hate to see what a bad book is to you.
As a journalist and writer, there are some basic things you follow when writing a story. That is a very clear story, which this really doesn’t have. I’m barely a quarter of the way through, and I cannot keep track of anything because the storyline jumps so badly, its like a 4 yr old is telling the story. There is zero continuity, far too much building up of a feeling that we can’t get, because it’s one dimensionally written.
I have lived in haunted houses, had multiple paranormal experiences, and I can tell you I would outline my story with a background, family history, then get to the story. I would not start with a story, jump back to the beginning, then jump ahead to the end, then back again. This not only loses your reader, it makes them wonder what you were drinking when writing this book. It’s very obvious that there was no clear idea—just experiences that were likely jotted in a journal, and that’s what I’m reading. There is far too much narrative and zero action, things are poorly described (a crawl space but an attic? Which is it?) Poor grammar which should have been corrected by an editor, lacking punctuation, the list goes on.
At this rate, everything that has occurred in the story is explained by science. I have yet to hear of anything that merits paranormal experience. Does that mean the person did not experience them? No, not at all, but the way it’s told, it sure doesn’t. That’s because the writer is imposing their personal feelings into the story rather than relaying the information and painting a picture. Writing is about show and tell. This is tell only, and badly.
I’ve seen information written about this house online, in paranormal studies. Oddly enough, alleged evidence went missing/is reported to have never had any. Hmmmm. That’s not suspicious. Obviously there was bad energy on the land. That’s obvious. I had to find that out from a YouTube video! The author never sections her book about her family life first, the history of the house then their experiences! We start with them looking at the house, then go back to where she is today and where her kids are at, then back to when she got married...omg. I’m honestly surprised an publishing company printed this!
I may change my review when I am done, but right now I am beyond frustrated with the fact this story reads like a bowl of alphagetti—yes, gobble-de-goop.
One word. Ugh.
For those who said this is a good book, I’d hate to see what a bad book is to you.
As a journalist and writer, there are some basic things you follow when writing a story. That is a very clear story, which this really doesn’t have. I’m barely a quarter of the way through, and I cannot keep track of anything because the storyline jumps so badly, its like a 4 yr old is telling the story. There is zero continuity, far too much building up of a feeling that we can’t get, because it’s one dimensionally written.
I have lived in haunted houses, had multiple paranormal experiences, and I can tell you I would outline my story with a background, family history, then get to the story. I would not start with a story, jump back to the beginning, then jump ahead to the end, then back again. This not only loses your reader, it makes them wonder what you were drinking when writing this book. It’s very obvious that there was no clear idea—just experiences that were likely jotted in a journal, and that’s what I’m reading. There is far too much narrative and zero action, things are poorly described (a crawl space but an attic? Which is it?) Poor grammar which should have been corrected by an editor, lacking punctuation, the list goes on.
At this rate, everything that has occurred in the story is explained by science. I have yet to hear of anything that merits paranormal experience. Does that mean the person did not experience them? No, not at all, but the way it’s told, it sure doesn’t. That’s because the writer is imposing their personal feelings into the story rather than relaying the information and painting a picture. Writing is about show and tell. This is tell only, and badly.
I’ve seen information written about this house online, in paranormal studies. Oddly enough, alleged evidence went missing/is reported to have never had any. Hmmmm. That’s not suspicious. Obviously there was bad energy on the land. That’s obvious. I had to find that out from a YouTube video! The author never sections her book about her family life first, the history of the house then their experiences! We start with them looking at the house, then go back to where she is today and where her kids are at, then back to when she got married...omg. I’m honestly surprised an publishing company printed this!
I may change my review when I am done, but right now I am beyond frustrated with the fact this story reads like a bowl of alphagetti—yes, gobble-de-goop.
March 26, 2023
Barely 200 pages and now I’m obsessed with this house, but not necessarily the writing…I feel like, compared to other haunted stories and houses, this story is so well documented with historical facts and documents that it makes every account even more feasible.
We’re actually heading to this house to stay overnight tomorrow night and because of this book, and the heavily witnessed events that took place- I’m nervous 😟
We’re actually heading to this house to stay overnight tomorrow night and because of this book, and the heavily witnessed events that took place- I’m nervous 😟
February 19, 2019
Fun, quick read about a family that unsuspectingly buys a house in the country that is rife with spirits. Supposedly a true story, a quick google search pulls dozens of stories and videos to back it all up. This is not written by a skilled author but rather its a narrative explaining what she experienced. Entertaining and quick read.
October 16, 2024
A fascinating read! Clara is a brilliant story teller and I really enjoyed the way she recalled her experiences, especially as it is written through the eyes of a wife and mother. I like the way she reflected on how their time in the house affected her family and their feelings and thought processes through the whole thing.
March 24, 2020
Interesting story. I love first hand accounts from people. Hoping to tour this house sometime when visiting my dad who lives about 45 minutes away from the house.
May 13, 2021
Not scary and very boring.
June 8, 2025
Interesting read for sure
Very interesting read. Going to watch all the videos on YouTube now. And read the other books involving this house
Very interesting read. Going to watch all the videos on YouTube now. And read the other books involving this house
August 26, 2013
Not saying I'm giving it four stars because I completely believe all of it. I enjoyed her writing and the overall depiction of events, including descriptions of people involved, the scenery, and the diary format. I would read anything else the author writes because I like her writing style and personality. Good read, wished it were longer. Creepy stuff.
December 28, 2015
Pretty good
It was written differently than other true haunting stories i've read but i did enjoy this book. This family had some really scary things happen to them while living in this house. This haunting book is unique and quite interesting.
It was written differently than other true haunting stories i've read but i did enjoy this book. This family had some really scary things happen to them while living in this house. This haunting book is unique and quite interesting.
Read
January 6, 2016i do recomed this book for anyone that belives in ghosts or the supernautal that wants to read about a true haunting of a family thats been chased out of there home . this is a great read worth the time
April 21, 2023
My favourite book in the true haunting genre (not that I believe in it, it’s a fun setting). It’s different with original, interesting and creepy paranormal experiences. Creative writing with skepticism and humour in a diary format. Wanted to read it in one sitting as I didn’t want to put it down.
June 18, 2011
One of the better "true" haunted house stories I've read, and I've read many. This one creeped me out pretty good.
July 28, 2016
me gusta demasiado
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews