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Take My Hand at Midnight: A Gothic Ghost Tale
A missing will. Mother's sinister new husband. Mysterious visitations at midnight. Any one of these events would be sufficient to cause a young lady of good breeding upset and worry, especially at Christmas, a time that should be full of joy and celebration. Katherine has her hands full as she attempts to navigate these treacherous waters with the help of her best friend, Jessamyn. Together, they will find themselves part of their very own ghost story and thrilling adventure. This short story is a sweet and loving tribute to Gothic novels and Victorian ghost tales that can be enjoyed at Christmastime or any time throughout the year.
43 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2019
4 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Helen Whistberry
31 books69 followersHelen Whistberry (they/she) is the pen name for an indie author and artist who began writing after retiring from a long career working in libraries. They have published numerous books as well as contributing horror and fantasy stories to anthologies. Helen’s writing often explores their own experiences with gender, asexuality, alienation, and autism. Their whimsical digital artwork focuses on the natural world. Helen also loves to read and review books by fellow indie and small press authors. You can find out more by visiting their website at https://www.helenwhistberry.com/ for a complete list of publications and links.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 5, 2020
What a pleasure to read this little gothic ghost story!
An intrepid heroine, a best friend who urges her on, her two loyal hounds and a wicked step-father. Her mother lays on her death bed... but wait! No spoilers. Although I'll tell you that the ending is comfortably predictable, just as it ought to be.
I loved the author's writing style and voice which perfectly fits this genre: very Ann Radcliffe. I shall definitely be seeking out more of Helen's work.
An intrepid heroine, a best friend who urges her on, her two loyal hounds and a wicked step-father. Her mother lays on her death bed... but wait! No spoilers. Although I'll tell you that the ending is comfortably predictable, just as it ought to be.
I loved the author's writing style and voice which perfectly fits this genre: very Ann Radcliffe. I shall definitely be seeking out more of Helen's work.
October 1, 2020
Great gothic ghost story
I really enjoyed this gothic tale. Katherine is a likable protagonist. I loved the dogs in the story (every story is improved with dogs in it), and I loved Katherine’s best friend and her brother.
The is also some spooky moments and Katherine and her family are in peril.
Overall, I highly recommend this story.
I really enjoyed this gothic tale. Katherine is a likable protagonist. I loved the dogs in the story (every story is improved with dogs in it), and I loved Katherine’s best friend and her brother.
The is also some spooky moments and Katherine and her family are in peril.
Overall, I highly recommend this story.
November 9, 2021
Loved it.
I'm trying to get my brain back to more regular reading and this short story was perfect for me. A wonderful ghost story that reminded me of Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The voice was perfect, the story simple, and in keeping with the times, and I will certainly be reading more of Helen's work.
I'm trying to get my brain back to more regular reading and this short story was perfect for me. A wonderful ghost story that reminded me of Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The voice was perfect, the story simple, and in keeping with the times, and I will certainly be reading more of Helen's work.
January 10, 2020
Well-written period novella.
I loved this book. I thought I had stepped back in time into a Jane Austen novel. Prim people, a ne’er-do-well bounder, and loyal dogs. If you liked Pride and Prejudice, Rebecca, Jane Eyre, or other books of that period, you’ll love this one.
I loved this book. I thought I had stepped back in time into a Jane Austen novel. Prim people, a ne’er-do-well bounder, and loyal dogs. If you liked Pride and Prejudice, Rebecca, Jane Eyre, or other books of that period, you’ll love this one.
December 22, 2019
Truly a gift!
Connor and Tara are my favorite! Of course I'll choose the puppers! This is a very lovely ghost story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Katherine and Jessamyn are fascinating and fun characters! I love the imagery with Katherine's memories and how she sees Mother. The wild conclusion to it is incredibly written. I highly recommend this book.
Connor and Tara are my favorite! Of course I'll choose the puppers! This is a very lovely ghost story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Katherine and Jessamyn are fascinating and fun characters! I love the imagery with Katherine's memories and how she sees Mother. The wild conclusion to it is incredibly written. I highly recommend this book.
January 8, 2020
Lovely ghost story
A perfect gothic tale with a young heroine who lost her father and a mother who foolishly chose a villainous second husband. Mr. Horrock is devious and our heroine must keep on her toes. I like that it wasn’t too violent. The ghostly part wasn’t too terrifying. This would be a nice selection for anyone YA on up who enjoy gothic reads.
A perfect gothic tale with a young heroine who lost her father and a mother who foolishly chose a villainous second husband. Mr. Horrock is devious and our heroine must keep on her toes. I like that it wasn’t too violent. The ghostly part wasn’t too terrifying. This would be a nice selection for anyone YA on up who enjoy gothic reads.
December 24, 2019
A charming story
The predictable turn of the story is part of the charm of a truly gothic tale. A sweet main character is flanked by loyal dogs, a best friend, and two ghosts. Two? Yes, a helpful brother and another, discovered at the end...
The predictable turn of the story is part of the charm of a truly gothic tale. A sweet main character is flanked by loyal dogs, a best friend, and two ghosts. Two? Yes, a helpful brother and another, discovered at the end...
December 27, 2019
A True Gift of a Ghost Story
A beautifully written Victorian style Christmas ghost story. Poignant and tragic, everything I could imagine of the era plus a lovely little human twist.
A beautifully written Victorian style Christmas ghost story. Poignant and tragic, everything I could imagine of the era plus a lovely little human twist.
March 30, 2023
A fast and enjoyable Read. I would like to read more by Helen whistler in the foreseeable future.
I enjoyed this book. I would like to read q by Helen whistler in the foreseeable future. Here characters were easy to understand.
I enjoyed this book. I would like to read q by Helen whistler in the foreseeable future. Here characters were easy to understand.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews