The year is 1997, and Crossley Manor finally has new owners. Having stood undisturbed for many years, the grand old house is about to be dragged into the modern age. But does a dark secret lurk in the empty rooms?
Rachel Reed has a plan. She's not only going to turn Crossley Manor into a luxury hotel, she's also going to launch a series of ghost hunts. The house has a long history, and many locals tell tales of ghostly happenings on the estate. Rachel sees no harm in trying to exploit this history in an attempt to lure visitors down from London. Despite opposition from some of the locals, she's determined to bring the house's past to life.
Soon, however, Rachel discovers that not all the ghosts of Crossley Manor are keen to be used in this way. There's a reason why the Crossley family faded into oblivion, and three hundred years have done nothing to calm one woman's desire for revenge. Can Rachel discover the truth about the ghosts and their fear of one particular room? Or is the secret of Crossley Manor about to claim more victims?
Amy 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.
This was a decent story, but not as good as the previous 8 Ghosts of Crowford books, all of which I adored.
I'm going to address a couple of previous review comments. One - ghosts that have been around for centuries, according to those who know, are less sentient than they were when they first died. The ghosts couldn't really be on the spectrum for autism. Second, we do learn who the other ghosts were at the end. They were all killed by Annabelle, the ghost of the young woman murdered in the yard.
I rate almost all Amy Cross's books 5, but this was only a 4 for me because I didn't care much for the two main people. They were superficial and driven by money only, not because they loved the home. I think the story would have been better if we'd cared about the new owners in the first place. My favorite character was the local woman (Vera?). She was spunky, smart, and the most human of all the characters (no pun intended).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was another good read in the Crowford series. This time, it’s about a couple who buy Crossley Manor, supposedly a haunted house dating back centuries and Rachel has a plan – luxury hotel with ghost tours. Not really believing in ghosts, she has a few tricks up her sleeve to entice guests...
There is opposition from the village but the couple are determined to make it happen by bringing the past to life.
I do enjoy this author’s stories, the writing is fast-paced while the tales, though fiction, have a sense of reality. Many of the characters are fools in her stories, but that makes for a great story. There is always a mystery, there are always twists and turns and there is certainly an eerie sense of place. Book nine of the series is no exception.
Not wanting to give spoilers, I will just say that this is an engaging ghost story.
If you ever feel you would like to go on a 'ghost hunt' then I firmly advise you to think twice if not thrice, about going to Crossley Manor. The ghosts there do not seem to understand the meaning of a ghost hunt, that they themselves are to be hunted by the likes of you and me, not that they should be doing the hunting. To be physically 'thrown' out of your own residence, came as quite a shock to the young couple who had bought the Manor hoping to make it into a lucrative business. The locked bedroom door had to be opened, but when it is, will they wish they hadn't?
For me, at least, this was the weakest of the Crowford series. The story appeared rushed and ill thought out, a pity as the idea could have been really good. Many of the ghosts appeared to be on the autistic spectrum, a situation that did nothing but elevate a sense of real confusion. More cartoon characters than frightening spirits from beyond the grave.
This is a typically fine Cross story - until the last few pages. What is a spooky ghost story evolves into a slapstick comedy. Read but be prepared for a tinge of disappointment.
Really enjoyed this one, the reason for three stars, would of liked to read more about the ghost back story. What was the story behind the women in the dinning room, or the man upstairs. still a good scary read.
Not sure how Amy Cross does this. Nine quite different books now, all linked by Crowford. Great storyline, solid characters and twists and turns to keep you guessing. Roll on number 10.
Wow, very impressed. Nine books...all tied together, yet all very attention grabbing. Quite impressive. Now I must read more of her writings, but please continue the Crowford series. It's fascinating and still has more storyline left to explore.
I'm getting ready to read the 10th book in this series, and I'm looking forward to it. All of the books 1through 9 are really good. I will say that so far they are all stand-alone stories, I just like reading them in sequence.
This is a story you have to read until the end. It is different than most ghost stories. Any age can read it and enjoy or maybe he visited by a few nightmares
A pretty ordinary haunting in which a woman's ghost wanted to be reunited with her love from 300 years before. And she was extremely violent to be able to accomplish it.