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The Ghosts of Crowford #4
The Portrait of Sister Elsa
The year is 1898, and celebrated painter Anthony Toyner is dying. Determined to complete one final masterpiece, he travels to Crowford, a coastal town with a dangerous reputation. Convinced that he'll find the inspiration for his last painting, Toyner never suspects that he's about to become embroiled in a battle for hundreds of souls.
Soon after arriving in Crowford, Toyner encounters a mysterious nun who is staying in the same public house. Sister Elsa Farr has a tendency to sneak out in the middle of the night, and one morning she returns with serious injuries. She refuses to say what happened or where she's been, but Toyner discovers that she's particularly interested in an abandoned church beyond the outskirts of town. Something deadly lurks in that church, something that one destroyed an entire village.
What really draws Sister Elsa back to the church night after night? Can Anthony Toyner discover what happened to the lost village before tragedy strikes again? And is his final painting, the centerpiece of an exhibition a century later, really cursed?
Soon after arriving in Crowford, Toyner encounters a mysterious nun who is staying in the same public house. Sister Elsa Farr has a tendency to sneak out in the middle of the night, and one morning she returns with serious injuries. She refuses to say what happened or where she's been, but Toyner discovers that she's particularly interested in an abandoned church beyond the outskirts of town. Something deadly lurks in that church, something that one destroyed an entire village.
What really draws Sister Elsa back to the church night after night? Can Anthony Toyner discover what happened to the lost village before tragedy strikes again? And is his final painting, the centerpiece of an exhibition a century later, really cursed?
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2021
200 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
664 books1,678 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 40 reviews
October 26, 2021
4.5 Stars - I love this book. Read on Kindle Unlimited, then bought Kindle & added paperback to my wishlist!! I hate being broke!!
Never judge a book by its cover….
Ha! I’m not helping. The book is really not what you’re thinking. I was looking for a creepy nun book, but found something a bit different that I love!! It’s got some creep to it for sure.
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
PS - The one thing I wished the editor checked was how at the end they started calling her Sister Eve. And I don’t remember reading anything that says they changed her name 🙄
Never judge a book by its cover….
Ha! I’m not helping. The book is really not what you’re thinking. I was looking for a creepy nun book, but found something a bit different that I love!! It’s got some creep to it for sure.
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
PS - The one thing I wished the editor checked was how at the end they started calling her Sister Eve. And I don’t remember reading anything that says they changed her name 🙄
January 28, 2021
Another good ghost story in the Crowford series, this time dealing with an artist's last painting.
The town of Crowford is ugly in many ways though mainly due to its inhabitants - but why?
This fast-paced tale explores those reasons. I must admit that Toyner was annoying while Elsa was intriguing. The American spelling was strange coming from an English writer, however, and there were a few typos and missing words, though I still liked the story.
Worth a look if you enjoy ghost stories.
The town of Crowford is ugly in many ways though mainly due to its inhabitants - but why?
This fast-paced tale explores those reasons. I must admit that Toyner was annoying while Elsa was intriguing. The American spelling was strange coming from an English writer, however, and there were a few typos and missing words, though I still liked the story.
Worth a look if you enjoy ghost stories.
February 7, 2021
Always a winne
I made great nearly all of her books. I absolutely love the stories and twists and turns. The one thing that is really frustrating in ALL her books is the constant themes of characters disbelief of ghosts. It's in every single ghost book of Amy cross novels. If only some of hervstorylines contained even one believer, instead of always going round and round of delusions, hallucinations etc.
I made great nearly all of her books. I absolutely love the stories and twists and turns. The one thing that is really frustrating in ALL her books is the constant themes of characters disbelief of ghosts. It's in every single ghost book of Amy cross novels. If only some of hervstorylines contained even one believer, instead of always going round and round of delusions, hallucinations etc.
August 5, 2023
Author Mistakes
It’s frustrating to read a story and have the author not remember the character names. Please have someone edit your work before putting it out for the world to read. It’s rather jarring to be immersed in a story and then seeing mistakes such as a wrong name for a character. It ruins the story telling.
It’s frustrating to read a story and have the author not remember the character names. Please have someone edit your work before putting it out for the world to read. It’s rather jarring to be immersed in a story and then seeing mistakes such as a wrong name for a character. It ruins the story telling.
February 2, 2021
Good Storyline, but...
I enjoyed the storyline, but the names of some of the characters were mistakenly switched throughout the book (i.e Elsa becomes Evie) and it was a bit distracting.
I enjoyed the storyline, but the names of some of the characters were mistakenly switched throughout the book (i.e Elsa becomes Evie) and it was a bit distracting.
August 18, 2025
"Portrait of Sister Elsa" was my first dive into The Ghosts of Crawford series
.
The story started off really promising — creepy abandoned church, dark secrets, a mysterious portrait... all the right ingredients for a spooky read!
But somewhere in the middle, it started to drag. The pacing slowed down quite a bit, and some scenes felt repetitive. It needed a tighter plot to keep that initial tension going.
Also — and this was a bit frustrating — the book really needs proofreading. The names of characters kept changing, which made things confusing and pulled me out of the story a few times.
That said, there were definitely some cool and creepy moments. The setting (Crawford Church) was atmospheric and unsettling, and I loved the whole idea of an ancient evil force being trapped inside a wooden artifact buried beneath the altar. When strange things start happening — whispers in the dark, shadows in the pews, and the portrait of Sister Elsa that seems to change — the tension ramps up.
The best part? The climax......
It was such a clever twist — the evil force, trapped in that cursed wooden relic, ends up being used as the frame for Sister Elsa's portrait. Since Elsa’s spirit is pure and protective, the dark force weakens when bound to something good. That final showdown between light and darkness was satisfying and gave the story a strong ending
If I’m being honest, the title Portrait of Sister Elsa doesn’t quite capture the full scope of the story. Something like... "Curse of Crawford Church" would’ve fit way better and hinted more at the haunting and the dark relic at the center of it all.
Overall, a decent horror read with a great setting, spooky moments, and a strong ending — but it definitely needs better editing and a tighter middle.
.
The story started off really promising — creepy abandoned church, dark secrets, a mysterious portrait... all the right ingredients for a spooky read!
But somewhere in the middle, it started to drag. The pacing slowed down quite a bit, and some scenes felt repetitive. It needed a tighter plot to keep that initial tension going.
Also — and this was a bit frustrating — the book really needs proofreading. The names of characters kept changing, which made things confusing and pulled me out of the story a few times.
That said, there were definitely some cool and creepy moments. The setting (Crawford Church) was atmospheric and unsettling, and I loved the whole idea of an ancient evil force being trapped inside a wooden artifact buried beneath the altar. When strange things start happening — whispers in the dark, shadows in the pews, and the portrait of Sister Elsa that seems to change — the tension ramps up.
The best part? The climax......
It was such a clever twist — the evil force, trapped in that cursed wooden relic, ends up being used as the frame for Sister Elsa's portrait. Since Elsa’s spirit is pure and protective, the dark force weakens when bound to something good. That final showdown between light and darkness was satisfying and gave the story a strong ending
If I’m being honest, the title Portrait of Sister Elsa doesn’t quite capture the full scope of the story. Something like... "Curse of Crawford Church" would’ve fit way better and hinted more at the haunting and the dark relic at the center of it all.
Overall, a decent horror read with a great setting, spooky moments, and a strong ending — but it definitely needs better editing and a tighter middle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2022
Really enjoyed this one!
“This is not what I painted,” he stammered, convinced that there had to be some kind of mistake. “I painted the town, I painted a scene of the streets near the beach and the naval yard, I...” His voice trailed off. Although he had certainly been in something of a daze for a few hours, he failed to understand how he could have been mistaken about the painting itself. Nevertheless, instead of a landscape showing the town of Crowford, he found that he had painted a portrait of Elsa, albeit one that took up only a small section at the heart of the canvas.
“This is not what I painted,” he stammered, convinced that there had to be some kind of mistake. “I painted the town, I painted a scene of the streets near the beach and the naval yard, I...” His voice trailed off. Although he had certainly been in something of a daze for a few hours, he failed to understand how he could have been mistaken about the painting itself. Nevertheless, instead of a landscape showing the town of Crowford, he found that he had painted a portrait of Elsa, albeit one that took up only a small section at the heart of the canvas.
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February 16, 2021Thank you
Once again Amy cross you have come to my e
Rescue I spent the whole horrible day with your book. We have had a huge ice storm in the place I live that has topic weather year round. The power was out and I spent the whole day in my bed trying to stay home and reading this book .tell you what you keep writing them and ill keep reading them sincerely Christine Dunne Harlingen Texas
Once again Amy cross you have come to my e
Rescue I spent the whole horrible day with your book. We have had a huge ice storm in the place I live that has topic weather year round. The power was out and I spent the whole day in my bed trying to stay home and reading this book .tell you what you keep writing them and ill keep reading them sincerely Christine Dunne Harlingen Texas
September 28, 2025
Enjoyable spooky book with interwoven timelines. I enjoyed the storyline and the scene setting of Crowford - it sounds an awful place.
This is an available on kindle unlimited which is a bonus. This is the first book I’ve read in this series, even though this is book 4 it can be read as a standalone. I’ll be reading some more from the series. 4.5 stars - I’ve deducted 1/2 a star due to some errors found in the Kindle text which can be off putting.
This is an available on kindle unlimited which is a bonus. This is the first book I’ve read in this series, even though this is book 4 it can be read as a standalone. I’ll be reading some more from the series. 4.5 stars - I’ve deducted 1/2 a star due to some errors found in the Kindle text which can be off putting.
January 21, 2021
Really,Really good. And what an ending!!!! If you like a good ghost story, you can't go far wrong by looking this author up!!
I would certainly recommend this book. The plot was good and the suspense was compelling. Without giving away the plot the central character was infuriating!!!!
I would certainly recommend this book. The plot was good and the suspense was compelling. Without giving away the plot the central character was infuriating!!!!
February 19, 2021
A spooky tale!
As ghost stories go, this was a good one. The plot was well constructed and the characters were given real depth. We were taken on a journey across the centuries as the story unfolded. Towards the end of the tale the real villain of the piece was unmasked and brought to book. However, was that really the end of Jonathan Crake?
As ghost stories go, this was a good one. The plot was well constructed and the characters were given real depth. We were taken on a journey across the centuries as the story unfolded. Towards the end of the tale the real villain of the piece was unmasked and brought to book. However, was that really the end of Jonathan Crake?
May 4, 2021
Amy Cross can scare you, keep you on the edge of your seat, and still throw in a laugh or two. I have enjoyed reading her books and find them to be the English version of American horror story. Definitely worth the read and while you do not have to read the books in order,you do get a better understanding of how the characters fit in together.
June 8, 2022
I'm really enjoying these ghostly Crowford series of books. Well Amy has done it again, kept me gripped to the very last page.
A very convoluted story, that helpfully jumps era's giving the reader assistance in understanding why that particular person or place became haunted, then whisking them back to the present, so all becomes clear.
A very convoluted story, that helpfully jumps era's giving the reader assistance in understanding why that particular person or place became haunted, then whisking them back to the present, so all becomes clear.
December 29, 2022
A 3.5 star read
A continuation of the fictional town of Crowford series, this book had the potential to be greater but didn't fully deliver. There are parts that needed further fleshing out, and parts that could have been less fleshy.
As such, this novel is a good addition to the series and helps you understand the why even more. On to the next one.
A continuation of the fictional town of Crowford series, this book had the potential to be greater but didn't fully deliver. There are parts that needed further fleshing out, and parts that could have been less fleshy.
As such, this novel is a good addition to the series and helps you understand the why even more. On to the next one.
July 1, 2023
This so far is my least favorite book in the series. I find the cover misleading since the nun was nice and not demonic. Sister Elsa got to do her job in the end and protect crake from breaking free. I like how the story came full circle however the cover I dislike and took one star away as its very misleading to what the book is actually about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2025
This is the first story I read about paranormal. This story held my interest from the beginning to the end. I can't say too much about this story because it will spoil it for other readers. All I can say is that a reader will not be disappointed if this is their first paranormal or a fan of paranormal stories. I am looking forward to reading another book by Amy Cross.
February 12, 2021
Fantastic
This has to be my Cross favorite. At first I didn't like the way she portrayed Crowford. But, the reasoning for that portrayal became clear. Cross left behind tiny breadcrumbs on her way to a wonderfully unique ending. Loved it!
This has to be my Cross favorite. At first I didn't like the way she portrayed Crowford. But, the reasoning for that portrayal became clear. Cross left behind tiny breadcrumbs on her way to a wonderfully unique ending. Loved it!
February 13, 2021
Good story glad I choose it.
This book is different from my normal reads, it's well written, easy to get into the plot, it's part of a series of book each one a story on its own, yet still linked in to the rest of the bppks
This book is different from my normal reads, it's well written, easy to get into the plot, it's part of a series of book each one a story on its own, yet still linked in to the rest of the bppks
March 18, 2021
Creepy!!
Another great book in the Crowford series!! 😊 you could really feel the energy and strength just reading the character Sister Elsa she was amazing and i really enjoyed this creepy but community strength novel 😊👍
Another great book in the Crowford series!! 😊 you could really feel the energy and strength just reading the character Sister Elsa she was amazing and i really enjoyed this creepy but community strength novel 😊👍
March 23, 2021
The author can’t keep details straight
Especially with names. In this one, she switches between Elsa and Eve. In previous ones, there was Charles/James and Johnny/James. And a geology/geography mix up. It’s really irritating and throws me out of the story.
Especially with names. In this one, she switches between Elsa and Eve. In previous ones, there was Charles/James and Johnny/James. And a geology/geography mix up. It’s really irritating and throws me out of the story.
May 19, 2021
Awesome and intriguing
The portrait of sister Elsa is an amazing book. It keeps you hooked from the first chapter until the end. Ours one of those books that you do not want to put down! I loved the details and the plotline. Fantastic.
The portrait of sister Elsa is an amazing book. It keeps you hooked from the first chapter until the end. Ours one of those books that you do not want to put down! I loved the details and the plotline. Fantastic.
February 20, 2023
Another excellent book by Amy Cross, I didn’t want to put my kindle down which isn’t good when you should be decorating.
She puts so much detail into her books, this one being very creepy & kept me on edge to the very end.
She puts so much detail into her books, this one being very creepy & kept me on edge to the very end.
March 23, 2023
Take my money.. please!
I feel ás drawn to this series as those drawn to the painting! Please.. keep them coming! Crowford has me as hooked as a shark that swallowed it whole- bait, line and sinker. I'm on to the next!
I feel ás drawn to this series as those drawn to the painting! Please.. keep them coming! Crowford has me as hooked as a shark that swallowed it whole- bait, line and sinker. I'm on to the next!
April 10, 2023
Perfect……A must read !!!!!
This book is just perfect. The storyline, and the characters that start the story and keep it moving until the last few sentences is outstanding. This is a must read !!!
This book is just perfect. The storyline, and the characters that start the story and keep it moving until the last few sentences is outstanding. This is a must read !!!
July 30, 2023
Oh!
This was an excellent ghost story! The characters are solid. I think I will have this in my mind for a while. It reminds me of bygone stories about ghosts that kept me up at night as a kid after hearing one.
This was an excellent ghost story! The characters are solid. I think I will have this in my mind for a while. It reminds me of bygone stories about ghosts that kept me up at night as a kid after hearing one.
August 10, 2025
Decent series but…
What was going on with the (lack of) editing in this one? There were so many typoes compared to previous Crowford books that it was distracting. The Crowford series is a nice light spooky read when I want something quick and easy.
What was going on with the (lack of) editing in this one? There were so many typoes compared to previous Crowford books that it was distracting. The Crowford series is a nice light spooky read when I want something quick and easy.
January 29, 2021
Very fast read! Creepy!
February 4, 2021
Interesting
So many hauntings happen in this book, and the plot twists are intense. Very interesting story covering several different periods of time.
So many hauntings happen in this book, and the plot twists are intense. Very interesting story covering several different periods of time.
February 4, 2021
Great story!
This so far is my favorite of the Crawford series. A famous painter comes to Crowford to paint his final painting. At the same time a nun also arrives.
This so far is my favorite of the Crawford series. A famous painter comes to Crowford to paint his final painting. At the same time a nun also arrives.
February 10, 2021
Another hit by Amy Cross! This one follows the authors usual story telling M.O, but it really doesn't click until the last few pages. Very good ending!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews