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The Ghosts of Alice #2
The Girl in the Ivory Dress
Will a strange request help her move on from a haunted past?
After a fire tears through the country house where she works, Alice accepts a desperate invitation from an old friend whose guest house is being haunted by a ghastly apparition.
But Alice, with her mysterious ability to connect with ghosts, senses something even stranger going on at the isolated Peacehaven. Who is the spectral man roaming the house? Why is he terrifying the guests? And why does she keep dreaming about the ghosts of her past, the burning man and girl in the ivory dress?
As Alice digs deeper, she will uncover an insidious evil that might just overwhelm her…
The Girl in the Ivory Dress is the second standalone novel in The Ghosts of Alice series. The first is The Boy in the Burgundy Hood, an international bestseller on Amazon.
After a fire tears through the country house where she works, Alice accepts a desperate invitation from an old friend whose guest house is being haunted by a ghastly apparition.
But Alice, with her mysterious ability to connect with ghosts, senses something even stranger going on at the isolated Peacehaven. Who is the spectral man roaming the house? Why is he terrifying the guests? And why does she keep dreaming about the ghosts of her past, the burning man and girl in the ivory dress?
As Alice digs deeper, she will uncover an insidious evil that might just overwhelm her…
The Girl in the Ivory Dress is the second standalone novel in The Ghosts of Alice series. The first is The Boy in the Burgundy Hood, an international bestseller on Amazon.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2021
21 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Steve Griffin
18 books127 followersSteve Griffin is the author of eighteen books, best known for his atmospheric ghost stories and supernatural thrillers - including the bestselling Ghosts of Alice series and his spine-tingling Christmas tales. His latest festive chiller, The Old Man of the Black, follows a young man and an enigmatic woman who must survive a night of ghostly terror when a blizzard traps them in a remote Scottish mansion.
Steve’s other books include The Secret of the Tirthas, a fast-paced mystery adventure series for young adults. The City of Light, the first in the series, was praised by The Guardian as “entertaining and exciting.” He lives in the Surrey Hills with his wife and two sons and when he’s not writing he’s out hiking, going to indie gigs, or watching classic horror films.
Follow him on Amazon or @stevegriffin.author for new releases and behind-the-scenes updates.
Steve’s other books include The Secret of the Tirthas, a fast-paced mystery adventure series for young adults. The City of Light, the first in the series, was praised by The Guardian as “entertaining and exciting.” He lives in the Surrey Hills with his wife and two sons and when he’s not writing he’s out hiking, going to indie gigs, or watching classic horror films.
Follow him on Amazon or @stevegriffin.author for new releases and behind-the-scenes updates.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 15, 2023
Some ghosts are good but, some are not!
This was a thrilling tale as the ever helpful Alice continued to offer help to those in need, both living and dead. Mind you, some of the dead were actually homing in on her, and their intentions were not altruistic. Nothing is as it seems in this series. Alice, a somewhat socially naive young woman, can not only see ghosts but can interact with their very essence. Good if you are a spirit wanting to pass into the light but not so good if you get your kicks out of terrorising the living. An enjoyable tale with a lovely twist at the end.
This was a thrilling tale as the ever helpful Alice continued to offer help to those in need, both living and dead. Mind you, some of the dead were actually homing in on her, and their intentions were not altruistic. Nothing is as it seems in this series. Alice, a somewhat socially naive young woman, can not only see ghosts but can interact with their very essence. Good if you are a spirit wanting to pass into the light but not so good if you get your kicks out of terrorising the living. An enjoyable tale with a lovely twist at the end.
November 8, 2021
Sometimes you find those authors who inhabit the same mind space; Steve Griffin is one for me.
After reading The Boy In The Burgundy Hood earlier in the year I couldn't wait to read this, the next in the Ghosts of Alice series.
The Girl In The Ivory Dress follows Alice Deaton, a woman with a mysterious gift of not only seeing but sensing the feelings and emotions of ghosts. (For me, that is enough to read this.) After a freak fire starts at the Country House she works at and a near-miss accident, Alice finds herself with some time on her hands. Receiving an out-of-the-blue plea of help from a past friend, Alice reluctantly heads straight into a mystery that reveals more than she bargains for.
The story picks up a while after the first book, with references to past events. Although both stand-alone stories in their own right, I would suggest reading these in order, if nothing else but to treat yourself.
The author has a great way of pulling you into Alice's story like an old friend going along for the ride. The characters are diverse and intriguing.
I loved it, and truly hope we see Alice again soon.
After reading The Boy In The Burgundy Hood earlier in the year I couldn't wait to read this, the next in the Ghosts of Alice series.
The Girl In The Ivory Dress follows Alice Deaton, a woman with a mysterious gift of not only seeing but sensing the feelings and emotions of ghosts. (For me, that is enough to read this.) After a freak fire starts at the Country House she works at and a near-miss accident, Alice finds herself with some time on her hands. Receiving an out-of-the-blue plea of help from a past friend, Alice reluctantly heads straight into a mystery that reveals more than she bargains for.
The story picks up a while after the first book, with references to past events. Although both stand-alone stories in their own right, I would suggest reading these in order, if nothing else but to treat yourself.
The author has a great way of pulling you into Alice's story like an old friend going along for the ride. The characters are diverse and intriguing.
I loved it, and truly hope we see Alice again soon.
November 6, 2021
The Girl in the Ivory Dress is the sequel to The Boy in the Burgundy Hood and also features Alice Deaton, a girl with a remarkable connection with ghosts. I really enjoyed the Boy in the Burgundy Hood and I think this is even better. Beautiful description, Steve Griffin’s hallmark, atmospheric and cleverly plotted, it was a page-turning read from the dramatic opening scenes to the final satisfying resolution that nevertheless had a few surprises. It had a stellar cast of unforgettable characters, some of whom I hope to see in future books, and I enjoyed the marrying of the scientific investigation of Aitor, Alice’s Basque colleague, with Alice’s empathic intuition. An intelligent many-layered tale and I look forward to the next instalment of Alice’s story.
June 27, 2021
What a lovely, chilling, wonderfully frightening and satisfying ghost story this is! Mr. Griffin has done it again with The Girl in the Ivory Dress. This is the second book in which Alice Deaton stars. Alice has the gift of communicating with the dead in a most unique manor. She can see them, yes, but she can do so much more. Her first appearance was in Griffin’s, Boy with the Burgundy Hood, and I have been anticipating her return in this brand new release.
Here we find all the classic atmosphere and trappings that we love in a ghost story. But the author has placed his tale in a thoroughly modern setting on the beautiful Welsh Coast with a most fantastic paranormal plot. All the hauntings and reasons for these hauntings are not what you might think. You will be totally engaged in your own theories as you travel through these pages and I can assure you, you will be surprised at the answers.
Griffin creates both beautiful and spooky atmosphere, clever detours and brings in a few new and memorable characters, such as her adolescent best friend, Susannah, who turned against Alice in their teens, who Alice is now trying to help. Then there is the charming paranormal investigator, Aitor, who is a true friend to Alice. Even the ghosts have character and of course, histories! And I love the way Griffin paces a book. He can take it slow, with rich, informed and researched details, building the mood and tension, or speed it up and scare the living daylights out of you. If you love ghost stories, read this one! If you haven’t, this is a great beginning. I so hope to discover Alice Deaton again in another tale of hauntings.
July 9, 2021
Alice Deaton reluctantly agrees to help out an old schoolmate with an alleged haunting, but as her paranormal investigations get underway, it appears there’s a deeper mystery waiting to be uncovered in the seaside guest-house.
The Girl in the Ivory Dress, one of my most anticipated releases of 2021 after devouring The Boy in the Burgundy Hood, did not disappoint. I was instantly hooked by the ghostly sightings in Farthingbridge House, and when a fire rips through the building and Alice’s escape appears to be hijacked, Griffin’s skill at building that delicious sense of foreboding starts to build.
There are lots of reasons why this book is impossible to put down. Griffin’s skill at pacing the tension had me relaxing into the surroundings of easy, descriptive passages of the Welsh Coast and Susannah’s charming guest house one minute, then barely breathing the next as the ghosts slink out from hiding and Alice is facing the gruesome spectre of a hanged man. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, another plot twist comes along, leaving me flailing alongside Alice as she scrambles to unravel the mystery. I also love how Alice is no sassy, confident ghost hunter. Instead, she’s scared and unsure of her abilities, so when she does confront the ghosts, it’s therefore all the more terrifying. Her fears are the readers’ fears, and Griffin exploits those vulnerabilities to perfection.
I can’t finish without mentioning the arrival of a new character; Aitor, a Basque paranormal investigator full of charm with his laid-back ways. With Alice still navigating her ability to see the dead, he promises to be an intriguing mentor, so I hope there’s more to come with this series.
With Griffin, the scare is always just beneath the surface, waiting to catch you off guard before it pounces. You can play the ‘just one more chapter’ game as you read, but like me, you’re likely to read the book within two sittings. Just don’t read it alone, or in the dark. . . .
The Girl in the Ivory Dress, one of my most anticipated releases of 2021 after devouring The Boy in the Burgundy Hood, did not disappoint. I was instantly hooked by the ghostly sightings in Farthingbridge House, and when a fire rips through the building and Alice’s escape appears to be hijacked, Griffin’s skill at building that delicious sense of foreboding starts to build.
There are lots of reasons why this book is impossible to put down. Griffin’s skill at pacing the tension had me relaxing into the surroundings of easy, descriptive passages of the Welsh Coast and Susannah’s charming guest house one minute, then barely breathing the next as the ghosts slink out from hiding and Alice is facing the gruesome spectre of a hanged man. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, another plot twist comes along, leaving me flailing alongside Alice as she scrambles to unravel the mystery. I also love how Alice is no sassy, confident ghost hunter. Instead, she’s scared and unsure of her abilities, so when she does confront the ghosts, it’s therefore all the more terrifying. Her fears are the readers’ fears, and Griffin exploits those vulnerabilities to perfection.
I can’t finish without mentioning the arrival of a new character; Aitor, a Basque paranormal investigator full of charm with his laid-back ways. With Alice still navigating her ability to see the dead, he promises to be an intriguing mentor, so I hope there’s more to come with this series.
With Griffin, the scare is always just beneath the surface, waiting to catch you off guard before it pounces. You can play the ‘just one more chapter’ game as you read, but like me, you’re likely to read the book within two sittings. Just don’t read it alone, or in the dark. . . .
July 7, 2021
Here are my reading notes:
•A past mystery of Farthingbridge House takes form.
•A new mystery of Farthingbridge emerges.
•Coincidence? I don’t believe in them. So, pay attention!
•There’s way more than what meets the eye and brain on these pages.
•Short chapters. Some are less than a page long. Almost reads like scenes in a play.
•Eloise…What really happened to her? What’s her story
•More than just a ghost story.
•Gave me the creeps.
•Shadows on the wall came to life in my bedroom. Seriously! And I could have sworn…
•Italic passages are interspersed throughout giving the story an eerie and almost dreamlike ghostly feel. Shivers. It made me look around more than once.
•Masterfully crafted a blending of bits and pieces of descriptive poetry, local history and lilting prose to create a ghostly atmosphere that is both believable and haunting.
It is obvious that Griffin hit this one out of the haunted house with a solid 5 stars. I’m not drawn to this genre; not because I don’t like it; but because there’s a delicate balance between horror and reality that the author must maintain to create the perfect ghost story. Too much or too little of either makes nothing. That’s a high bar to hurdle and keep writing. Griffin has hit his stride hauntingly strong with The Girl in the Ivory Dress!
I hope I have not read the last of Alice Deaton and what about Aitor, the Basque? Be still my fluttering heart…
•A past mystery of Farthingbridge House takes form.
•A new mystery of Farthingbridge emerges.
•Coincidence? I don’t believe in them. So, pay attention!
•There’s way more than what meets the eye and brain on these pages.
•Short chapters. Some are less than a page long. Almost reads like scenes in a play.
•Eloise…What really happened to her? What’s her story
•More than just a ghost story.
•Gave me the creeps.
•Shadows on the wall came to life in my bedroom. Seriously! And I could have sworn…
•Italic passages are interspersed throughout giving the story an eerie and almost dreamlike ghostly feel. Shivers. It made me look around more than once.
•Masterfully crafted a blending of bits and pieces of descriptive poetry, local history and lilting prose to create a ghostly atmosphere that is both believable and haunting.
It is obvious that Griffin hit this one out of the haunted house with a solid 5 stars. I’m not drawn to this genre; not because I don’t like it; but because there’s a delicate balance between horror and reality that the author must maintain to create the perfect ghost story. Too much or too little of either makes nothing. That’s a high bar to hurdle and keep writing. Griffin has hit his stride hauntingly strong with The Girl in the Ivory Dress!
I hope I have not read the last of Alice Deaton and what about Aitor, the Basque? Be still my fluttering heart…
July 6, 2021
I know this author doesn’t like us to give the plot away so this is going to be difficult. Alice is back and due to a fire in her current job she finds herself with nothing to do so she accepts to go and try to sort a guest house owned by an ex friend (old friend?) that is being haunted by a frightful man ghost. So… here I was reading this book and thinking to myself that this is not so scary when, with about 30 pages to go I get punched in the gut by the excellent twist in the plot. Oh boy, Steve Griffin does it again! Not giving the story away, (there is soooo much more in this book) I recommend the reading of this tale. You are in for a big surprise!!! Can not wait to see what’s to come next!!! Great read!
June 29, 2021
So much to enjoy in this book. Primarily it's a superbly paced and inventive ghost/action adventure story. It's gripping and action packed right from the start until the fast paced conclusion. Every ghostly appearance made my spine tingle and the author is a master of atmosphere and suspense, leading us and his intrepid ghost hunters down several blind alleys. Look out for the seal!
Highly recommended just for that, but there is more to enjoy – finely crafted descriptions of the mayhem toddlers cause, a poet's eye for imagery (“clusters of leaves heaving in the summer breeze”), and a deep feel for the landscape and places of Britain. Ultimately, also, this is a meditation on how an unexamined past will continue to exert its control over us, and how evil exists, regardless of our desire to wish it away.
Highly recommended just for that, but there is more to enjoy – finely crafted descriptions of the mayhem toddlers cause, a poet's eye for imagery (“clusters of leaves heaving in the summer breeze”), and a deep feel for the landscape and places of Britain. Ultimately, also, this is a meditation on how an unexamined past will continue to exert its control over us, and how evil exists, regardless of our desire to wish it away.
October 8, 2021
Another great read in the Ghosts of Alice series. I’d kinda figured out what was going on midway through the book, however, I was not prepared for the big reveal! Absolutely brilliant!
The Girl in the Ivory Dress is another read that is easy to recommend. 5/5
The Girl in the Ivory Dress is another read that is easy to recommend. 5/5
July 28, 2021
Griffin draws you in with a frightening beginning, and keeps you looking for clues, and surprises you with twists and turns. Alice Deaton can connect with ghosts, so it's just natural for her to help someone with a haunting problem. Only, the evil in her old friend's house is more sinister than Alice has ever experienced. The interest in this story is figuring out the mystery of who is doing the haunting and why. Great Story!
January 7, 2022
Steve Griffin has done it again. As I have said before I'm not typically a reader of the paranormal genre but, having read The Boy in the Burgundy Hood, I came into this book with an idea of what might come. That being said, I was not expecting this!
Much like the previous Ghosts of Alice book there are small hints and bread crumbs given out along the way. All of these bits are expertly juggled and each time I thought I had it figured out, I was pleasantly surprised that I was incorrect. I really love it when an author can twist a story like that.
Griffin has a knack for painting a scene. Even in the picturesque setting of a guest house on the coast, he manages to evoke a feeling of dread as the story builds.
The Girl in the Ivory Dress is an excellent read and I recommend it anyone who enjoys the paranormal genre, mysteries, and horror.
I have to thank Steve for bringing me into this genre and expanding my reading pallet. I'm look forward to what may come next!
Much like the previous Ghosts of Alice book there are small hints and bread crumbs given out along the way. All of these bits are expertly juggled and each time I thought I had it figured out, I was pleasantly surprised that I was incorrect. I really love it when an author can twist a story like that.
Griffin has a knack for painting a scene. Even in the picturesque setting of a guest house on the coast, he manages to evoke a feeling of dread as the story builds.
The Girl in the Ivory Dress is an excellent read and I recommend it anyone who enjoys the paranormal genre, mysteries, and horror.
I have to thank Steve for bringing me into this genre and expanding my reading pallet. I'm look forward to what may come next!
November 14, 2024
This is the second in the Alice series and is as creepily sinister, if not more so, than the first book. Out of a job following a mysterious arson attack at the stately home Alice is working at, she is left adrift and unemployed so answers a cry for help from her old school bully. Ambivalent about her feelings for this woman, Alice is drawn by her description of a terrifying apparition that is haunting the guesthouse she runs with her husband.
But is everything as it seems? Deliciously dark with ghosties and ghoulies and things that very loudly go bump in the night, the plot races along at a heart-stopping pace and takes the reader on a wild and twisty ride to a shocking and unexpected climax. Along the way a new character is introduced, and I am hoping this Alice ally becomes a regular fixture in the series.
Wonderfully written and the perfect length, I am looking forward to more of Alice and her spooky adventures in paranormal land.
But is everything as it seems? Deliciously dark with ghosties and ghoulies and things that very loudly go bump in the night, the plot races along at a heart-stopping pace and takes the reader on a wild and twisty ride to a shocking and unexpected climax. Along the way a new character is introduced, and I am hoping this Alice ally becomes a regular fixture in the series.
Wonderfully written and the perfect length, I am looking forward to more of Alice and her spooky adventures in paranormal land.
October 21, 2025
If you’ve not read any of Steve Griffin’s ghost books yet, do jump in as soon as you can. Every one I have read has had me on the edge of my seat. Full of beautiful description that blends in perfectly with a fast-paced plot, they entertain from start to finish. The Ghosts of Alce series is a good one to get your teeth into and this last one I have read – The Girl in the Ivory Dress – is another cracker. Like the others, it can be read as a standalone.
We meet / catch up with Alice managing a country house – the perfect venue for hauntings. A catastrophic event forces her to reevaluate her life which is why she seriously considers a plea from help from an old schoolfriend who she fell out with years ago. But the ghosts of her past won’t leave her alone. Throw in a burning man and a girl in an ivory dress and you have all the elements to be both intrigued and scared out of your wits!
Loved it!
We meet / catch up with Alice managing a country house – the perfect venue for hauntings. A catastrophic event forces her to reevaluate her life which is why she seriously considers a plea from help from an old schoolfriend who she fell out with years ago. But the ghosts of her past won’t leave her alone. Throw in a burning man and a girl in an ivory dress and you have all the elements to be both intrigued and scared out of your wits!
Loved it!
November 7, 2025
A thoroughly absorbing read
It had been a while since enjoying the first of this series but, coming up to Halloween, I fancied another ghost story … so I dived in to this one. And I’m so glad I did, because The Girl in the Ivory Dress is another fabulous read.
We follow Alice as she escapes a fire at the country house where she works, and head towards a re-acquaintance with a best-friend-turned-adversary from her childhood … and, naturally, there are some paranormal presences causing distress along the way. Full of atmosphere, full of curiosity … it kept me absorbed from beginning to end.
It had been a while since enjoying the first of this series but, coming up to Halloween, I fancied another ghost story … so I dived in to this one. And I’m so glad I did, because The Girl in the Ivory Dress is another fabulous read.
We follow Alice as she escapes a fire at the country house where she works, and head towards a re-acquaintance with a best-friend-turned-adversary from her childhood … and, naturally, there are some paranormal presences causing distress along the way. Full of atmosphere, full of curiosity … it kept me absorbed from beginning to end.
July 18, 2021
After reading Steve Griffin’s first ghost story, The Boy in the Burgundy Hood, I was looking forward to reading this book, and I wasn’t disappointed. A superbly written ghost story with the right amount of creepiness. It certainly sent shivers through me, especially reading it before bed!
The characters were well developed and the story moved at a great pace.
This tale had an interesting twist to it.
I highly recommend it, especially if you like ghost stories. If you haven’t read one, why not start with The Girl in the Ivory Dress? It’s a standalone.
A definite 5 star read.
The characters were well developed and the story moved at a great pace.
This tale had an interesting twist to it.
I highly recommend it, especially if you like ghost stories. If you haven’t read one, why not start with The Girl in the Ivory Dress? It’s a standalone.
A definite 5 star read.
November 25, 2021
What a cracking read! The Girl in the Ivory Dress is the sequel to The Boy in the Burgundy Hood. It continues the story of Alice, but you don’t have to have read the first book to enjoy the second. I devoured it in one day. It’s brilliant! I absolutely loved it. There are two story lines running throughout the book, they intersect nicely and are brought together into a chilling conclusion. The pacing was wonderful, the descriptions were nicely done and the twists and turns are unexpected.
March 15, 2024
Finally!!
A author who can write a bloody great ghost story without adding in loads of ridiculously sloppy romance! Just a good damn book! Not cheesy, not riddled with wrong words and misspellings. Solidly crafted, well written, and writing women without them being damsels in distress. How refreshing! Can't wait to read everything he's written!
A author who can write a bloody great ghost story without adding in loads of ridiculously sloppy romance! Just a good damn book! Not cheesy, not riddled with wrong words and misspellings. Solidly crafted, well written, and writing women without them being damsels in distress. How refreshing! Can't wait to read everything he's written!
July 2, 2021
This is the best ghost story l had ever read in my whole entire life oh my goodness😱 scary and horrible😱 🕷🕷🕷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2021
This is an enjoyable ghost story with a powerful opening. Like The Boy in the Burgundy Hood, it plays around with your suspicions, and I never saw the final twist coming. Recommended.
April 28, 2023
This was tense and a fab ghost story. I did not see the finale coming and I was almost out of breath.
April 22, 2024
Interesting
I was surprised with the turn the story made. But I was pleasantly surprised with the introduction of Aitor. Anxious to read the third book in the series.
I was surprised with the turn the story made. But I was pleasantly surprised with the introduction of Aitor. Anxious to read the third book in the series.
July 10, 2021
Loved it
I really liked the first Ghost of Alice story - but this one was even better !! Alice is a modern heroine.
I really liked the first Ghost of Alice story - but this one was even better !! Alice is a modern heroine.
December 29, 2022
could not put it down
A great read which keeps you wondering up to a dramatic ending
Will be going straight onto the next one
A great read which keeps you wondering up to a dramatic ending
Will be going straight onto the next one
December 19, 2023
This is my first book by author Steve Griffin and I look forward to reading more of his ghostly tales. It is always satisfying as a reader when you connect with various “happenings” in a book and for me, it is especially satisfying when those “happenings” include a ghost.
Griffin’s writing is atmospheric and pulls you not only into the lives of the characters-both living & dead-but into the world they inhabit. I loved traveling along England’s coastline, through the streets of a small village and into the homes featured in the book. This book was the perfect escape.
I thought I had everything figured out as the story moved along, but Griffin decided to add a dash or two of twists that I wasn’t expecting. Well done!
Readers who love a ghost story with authentic touches of how the paranormal/supernatural crosses into the world of the living will enjoy this book.
Griffin’s writing is atmospheric and pulls you not only into the lives of the characters-both living & dead-but into the world they inhabit. I loved traveling along England’s coastline, through the streets of a small village and into the homes featured in the book. This book was the perfect escape.
I thought I had everything figured out as the story moved along, but Griffin decided to add a dash or two of twists that I wasn’t expecting. Well done!
Readers who love a ghost story with authentic touches of how the paranormal/supernatural crosses into the world of the living will enjoy this book.
July 13, 2024
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews