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Der kalte Hauch des Flieders
Der kalte Hauch des Flieders - bk15; Bechtermünz Verlag im Weltbild Verlag; Judith Hawkes; Paperback; 2000
510 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 15, 2016
Julian's House is unlike any haunted house novel I have ever read.
I can't remember what made me pick this book up, but it's out of print, so I definitely put some effort into finding it. It's been on my shelves for a few years now, forgotten in my TBR list, until I noticed it at the bottom of one of my shelves the other day and decided to go ahead and give it a read. I'm really glad I did.
I love ghost stories and haunted house stories, but I don't believe in ghosts. That may sound odd, but my lack of belief doesn't detract from the creepiness of such stories. The fact that the characters themselves believe is enough.
David and Sally Curtiss are married parapsychologists who discover a supposed haunted house in a small town in Massachusetts. After decades of paranormal activity being reported in the house, the couple rent it for the summer in order to live there and hopefully record proof of a haunting. Sally is also clairvoyant, but she has spent years learning to suppress her gift, and is a scientist, first and foremost. They have a happy marriage, even though David is impotent, and they share very little intimacy. Both of them have dedicated their lives to their careers, and they love each other despite their lack of a physical relationship.
I have read a lot of haunted house stories, and this one is unique. Hawkes approaches the story in a very scientific manner, giving the reader insight into the history of parapsychology, and offering all sorts of plausible reasons for the events in the house to be anything but paranormal. Despite the scientific approach, Julian's House is beautifully written and at times almost poetic. Hawkes is brilliantly descriptive, and as a reader you really feel as if you are in the house along with the characters. The novel is a slow burn of a story though, so don't expect a lot of fast paced action or even a satisfying resolution. This is really a story that is more about people and relationships than it is about ghosts.
I loved the characters in this book, the house and the little town, and I especially loved the slow way this novel unravels. If you are looking for a ghost story that is a little more literate and less big on scares, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
I can't remember what made me pick this book up, but it's out of print, so I definitely put some effort into finding it. It's been on my shelves for a few years now, forgotten in my TBR list, until I noticed it at the bottom of one of my shelves the other day and decided to go ahead and give it a read. I'm really glad I did.
I love ghost stories and haunted house stories, but I don't believe in ghosts. That may sound odd, but my lack of belief doesn't detract from the creepiness of such stories. The fact that the characters themselves believe is enough.
David and Sally Curtiss are married parapsychologists who discover a supposed haunted house in a small town in Massachusetts. After decades of paranormal activity being reported in the house, the couple rent it for the summer in order to live there and hopefully record proof of a haunting. Sally is also clairvoyant, but she has spent years learning to suppress her gift, and is a scientist, first and foremost. They have a happy marriage, even though David is impotent, and they share very little intimacy. Both of them have dedicated their lives to their careers, and they love each other despite their lack of a physical relationship.
I have read a lot of haunted house stories, and this one is unique. Hawkes approaches the story in a very scientific manner, giving the reader insight into the history of parapsychology, and offering all sorts of plausible reasons for the events in the house to be anything but paranormal. Despite the scientific approach, Julian's House is beautifully written and at times almost poetic. Hawkes is brilliantly descriptive, and as a reader you really feel as if you are in the house along with the characters. The novel is a slow burn of a story though, so don't expect a lot of fast paced action or even a satisfying resolution. This is really a story that is more about people and relationships than it is about ghosts.
I loved the characters in this book, the house and the little town, and I especially loved the slow way this novel unravels. If you are looking for a ghost story that is a little more literate and less big on scares, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
March 27, 2014
This book was well written, no doubt. A lot of detail, most of it unnecessary ..both characters I just wanted to smack, especially the woman. How the hell do you get into the paranormal as a profession when you have a psychic ability and refuse to actually use it?! She is whiny, and passive aggressive about everything. As far as the husband is concerned, he has issues and even though they're both supposedly "scientists" neither one gets mental help they obviously need. their marriage sucks, just like their personalities. Oh, and did I mention that the book has no closure at the end? Blah! I give it two stars for the writing and the evident research the author did on the paranormal.
August 18, 2015
"Julian's House" picks up the mantle of "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson and Richard Matheson's "Hell House," as a quietly atmospheric novel about a psychic investigation of the haunted house. Like those novels, the investigation reveals as much about the investigators as the problem they are trying to solve. In this case, Sally and David Curtiss, a young, recently married couple who have jumped at the chance to rent their very own haunted house as their first solo paranormal project, discover that it is hard to separate their personal and professional lives from the project. Deeply informed by the history of parapsychological research, the novel takes its time, absorbing the reader in the atmosphere of the house. As reviewers have stated, this is not a novel that contains frights and scares aplenty. As I said, it takes its time, and the ambiguity that permeates it--which is another frequent complaint by reviewers--is, to me, one of its most powerful qualities. I first read the book when it was reprinted in paperback; in the nearly 25 years since then, I have re-read it several times and given copies to friends as an example of a wonderful contemporary ghost story. Having just re-read it, in middle age, I feel that its probing of relationships resonates much more deeply with me now, than it did originally. The author published two more novels in the 1990s but seems to have quit writing. Those next novels, in my opinion, veered towards a formulaic romantic suspense/light horror/woman-in-danger formula that never equaled the sophistication of this debut. "Julian's House," to me, remains a classic.
February 8, 2017
Sally and David Curtiss knew that the old New England house that they had just moved into was rumored to be haunted. However, the newly wed couple of parapsychologists were not scared at all. They had bought the house willingly and planned on studying it in order to find any evidence of supernatural activity.
Sally and David have also planned to work on some recent problems in their marriage. Sally is a somewhat reluctant psychic, and David is secretly jealous of her abilities. He has never had any psychic experiences himself, but desperately wants to have such an experience.
All of the Curtiss' hi-tech equipment shows absolutely no sign of any supernatural activity, but David is still convinced that Sally senses something in the house. As the Curtiss' continue to research the the house's strange and mysterious history, they both begin to experience unusual dreams that reveal the Curtiss' hidden fears and desires.
I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. The horror built slowly but surely, and the book was very well-written in my opinion. I never actually figured out what form the haunting took. At times it seemed to me that it was primarily possession that was at work, and then it seemed that the house itself had developed a personality throughout the years that was an evil influence in itself.
If I did have one problem with the book, it was that I found that the ending slightly rushed and a little bit of a let down for me. Overall though, I give Julian's House by Judith Hawkes an A+! I will definitely be keeping this book to read again at some point.
Sally and David have also planned to work on some recent problems in their marriage. Sally is a somewhat reluctant psychic, and David is secretly jealous of her abilities. He has never had any psychic experiences himself, but desperately wants to have such an experience.
All of the Curtiss' hi-tech equipment shows absolutely no sign of any supernatural activity, but David is still convinced that Sally senses something in the house. As the Curtiss' continue to research the the house's strange and mysterious history, they both begin to experience unusual dreams that reveal the Curtiss' hidden fears and desires.
I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. The horror built slowly but surely, and the book was very well-written in my opinion. I never actually figured out what form the haunting took. At times it seemed to me that it was primarily possession that was at work, and then it seemed that the house itself had developed a personality throughout the years that was an evil influence in itself.
If I did have one problem with the book, it was that I found that the ending slightly rushed and a little bit of a let down for me. Overall though, I give Julian's House by Judith Hawkes an A+! I will definitely be keeping this book to read again at some point.
July 13, 2009
If I were judging solely on Hawkes' skill with language, this would be a four-star book, no question. But I picked it up wanting an old-fashioned, atmospheric ghost story, and I didn't get it. The story of the haunting (which was so mild as to be totally bland) was completely overwhelmed by the story of a failing marriage. Since I didn't like either of the couple well enough to care whether their marriage survived...well, let's just say that's why it lost a star.
April 11, 2010
This was a difficult book for me to rate - it wasn't bad, by any means, but it didn't really hold my interest until the last 50 pages or so.
Beyond that, I didn't find the characters to be particularly likable. The main characters are relatively newly-married, but their relationship has some serious problems; problems they don't really talk about (in fact, they seem to tacitly agree to ignore them), much less try to fix. David becomes pretty obsessed with the house early on, and his professionalism goes out the window all too quickly, as does his ability to notice how unsettled and upset the house makes his wife. Sally, for her part, spends quite a bit of time not telling David about what she experiences or how the house makes her feel. In short, there's a real lack of communication between them that becomes fairly repetitive and a bit boring (and frustrating) after a little while.
Then there's the house itself. It certainly has an interesting backstory, and reading the questionnaires that were filled out by some of the previous tenants was enjoyable. That said, aside from a couple of compelling sittings with a medium, and some of Sally's experiences, the book didn't offer much in the way of scares or action. It was much more about Hawkes creating an ever-building sense of impending doom, which she quite skillfully did. The problem is that the story just sort of plods along, with a lot of repeated experiences and little in the way of new developments.
Plus, a vast majority of the book is chock-full of the lectures - we learn quite a bit about psychology, parapsychology, physics, etc., and while some of that information is intriguing, for the most part, it only serves to slow the book down even more, particularly since this is another area in which there is a fair amount of repetition.
Another issue I had was with the fact that the story is told from three different third person POVs- first David's, then a secondary character's, and finally Sally's. I tend to not prefer when stories are told in that manner; for me, it makes stories seem a bit too disjointed for my tastes, and some things get lost in the shuffle (there are some loose threads that are never fully explained).
I know it sounds like I really didn't enjoy the book, but the last several chapters were actually very good - tightly plotted, with some disturbing events, and the reveal of pertinent information. Hawkes does offer up the question of whether or not certain things are really happening, or if they're merely all in Sally's and David's minds, which was certainly an intriguing point to ponder.
For me, what it boils down to is that the book was quite slow and repetitive, and had a disappointing lack of scares and chills. That said, it did offer a somewhat different take on haunted houses, so for anyone who enjoys reading books in that particular genre, I would say that this book is worth reading.
Beyond that, I didn't find the characters to be particularly likable. The main characters are relatively newly-married, but their relationship has some serious problems; problems they don't really talk about (in fact, they seem to tacitly agree to ignore them), much less try to fix. David becomes pretty obsessed with the house early on, and his professionalism goes out the window all too quickly, as does his ability to notice how unsettled and upset the house makes his wife. Sally, for her part, spends quite a bit of time not telling David about what she experiences or how the house makes her feel. In short, there's a real lack of communication between them that becomes fairly repetitive and a bit boring (and frustrating) after a little while.
Then there's the house itself. It certainly has an interesting backstory, and reading the questionnaires that were filled out by some of the previous tenants was enjoyable. That said, aside from a couple of compelling sittings with a medium, and some of Sally's experiences, the book didn't offer much in the way of scares or action. It was much more about Hawkes creating an ever-building sense of impending doom, which she quite skillfully did. The problem is that the story just sort of plods along, with a lot of repeated experiences and little in the way of new developments.
Plus, a vast majority of the book is chock-full of the lectures - we learn quite a bit about psychology, parapsychology, physics, etc., and while some of that information is intriguing, for the most part, it only serves to slow the book down even more, particularly since this is another area in which there is a fair amount of repetition.
Another issue I had was with the fact that the story is told from three different third person POVs- first David's, then a secondary character's, and finally Sally's. I tend to not prefer when stories are told in that manner; for me, it makes stories seem a bit too disjointed for my tastes, and some things get lost in the shuffle (there are some loose threads that are never fully explained).
I know it sounds like I really didn't enjoy the book, but the last several chapters were actually very good - tightly plotted, with some disturbing events, and the reveal of pertinent information. Hawkes does offer up the question of whether or not certain things are really happening, or if they're merely all in Sally's and David's minds, which was certainly an intriguing point to ponder.
For me, what it boils down to is that the book was quite slow and repetitive, and had a disappointing lack of scares and chills. That said, it did offer a somewhat different take on haunted houses, so for anyone who enjoys reading books in that particular genre, I would say that this book is worth reading.
January 22, 2008
Julian's House wasn't bad. It's a very subtle little haunted house tale where the occupants are seasoned investigators of the paranormal. There were a few genuinely creepy moments, and it's very obvious that Hawkes has done extensive research. How else can someone so eloquently describe
the dropping of one's barriers to admit the onslaught of a trance? Whups...better stop now before I ramble into spoiler country. I don't use the word eloquent loosely here either; Hawkes is a very rich writer, and the descriptions require savoring. I actually found she did lose me a couple of times which required some re-reading of sentences (something I HATE), but whether this was actually due to the writing or my very shallow concentration at the time (I was reading this during 9/11) remains to be seen.
Regardless, Julian's House is worth the read, especially for fans of Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House.
the dropping of one's barriers to admit the onslaught of a trance? Whups...better stop now before I ramble into spoiler country. I don't use the word eloquent loosely here either; Hawkes is a very rich writer, and the descriptions require savoring. I actually found she did lose me a couple of times which required some re-reading of sentences (something I HATE), but whether this was actually due to the writing or my very shallow concentration at the time (I was reading this during 9/11) remains to be seen.
Regardless, Julian's House is worth the read, especially for fans of Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House.
June 9, 2021
In 1989 when I pondered as to whether I should buy Julian's House, I saw a quotation from my favorite fellow Marylander author, Barbara Michaels "Kept me deliciously on edge...what a find!". That was high praise indeed. I have reread the book nearly every single summer since 1989 and each time there's always something new to me, something that now stands out. Hawke's descriptive narrative is richly detailed and draws me into the Julian's House. Her use of the natural elements light and dark, sunlight and night, the whispering of breezes within the house all the way upstairs to an open blind is perfect. The dialogue is excellent as well as the shift to the addition of Colin, the sweet elderly librarian and his beloved dog, Lucky.
Is the undercurrent of tension within the house caused by the paranormal or David and Sally, or both. There are so many elements I savor in reading the book as it unfolds page by page. The book is griping, scary and filled with danger.
Is the undercurrent of tension within the house caused by the paranormal or David and Sally, or both. There are so many elements I savor in reading the book as it unfolds page by page. The book is griping, scary and filled with danger.
December 24, 2008
A used book store find... highly recommended by Barbara Michaels on the front cover. :) So, I'm giving it a go...
I read this in two days and was riveted to the last word. It was resolved but still left mystery there. If you are into paranormal romance or gothic fiction, you will like this one. It was very much like one of Michaels' novels.
I read this in two days and was riveted to the last word. It was resolved but still left mystery there. If you are into paranormal romance or gothic fiction, you will like this one. It was very much like one of Michaels' novels.
November 7, 2015
Loved it! Terrific ghost story! Reminiscent of the wonderful book by Shirley Jackson, The Haunting of Hill House. Highly recommend Julian's House for anyone who is searching for a haunted house book.
January 20, 2021
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE DOG!?!?!
October 18, 2012
I just got through reading this book yesterday and was pretty disappointed in it. I thought it was building towards something great and it just didn't do anything. I felt like there was no middle or end. Just an ongoing problem that did not feel like it escalated or was solved. Worst book i ever read so far.
January 12, 2008
a really terrific ghost story
April 30, 2009
THIS is one of my annual reads.
A real spellbinder, and I always discover something new.
A real spellbinder, and I always discover something new.
July 10, 2012
One of my favorite haunted house novels. Interesting well developed characters.
April 24, 2016
Interesting haunted house story. Maybe the house is haunted maybe not? Be sure to take a good look at the writers photo on the book jacket.
September 25, 2020
Palpable atmospherics create a masterful literary visualization of superb set design, anchoring an old, supposedly haunted abode – Julian’s House – as a central character in its own right squarely at the heart of this ghost story, for it serves as witness to, as well as influencer of, troubled relationships within parallel universes spanning infinite time. Descriptive prose regarding the house relies heavily on chiaroscuro with an emphasis on light: its intensity, pattern, color, frequency, suffusion and shape, its interplay with cast shadows and deepening darkness, creating an increasingly pervasive sense of foreboding while signifying a paranormal pulse within. Parapsychology is utilized by the author as an imprimatur of scientific legitimacy, defining subsequent investigative parameters, pitting quantifiable realism against the largely unknowable and unpredictable supernatural.
A young couple, Sally and David Curtiss, novice ghost hunters trained in psychical research, move into the subtly Victorian style home as their first official case study of a haunting after it is deemed uninhabitable by a number of tenants due to scary, inexplicable occurrences. A younger version of famed American paranormal investigators, Lorraine and Ed Warren, they are armed with all the requisite electronic gizmos and gadgetry [as seen in movies such as “Insidious,” and “The Conjuring” (featuring the pseudo Warrens at work)] designed to search the house for the elusive energy force known as “psi” – the common denominator of all paranormal activity in upsetting natural laws. Sally is a closet clairvoyant, unsure of her ability and reluctant to use it; David, a jealous apostle denied, yet covetous of the sixth sense. As they strive to uncover the long-ago tragedy that continues to manifest in Julian’s House as a perpetual loop in time, past revelations mirror the widening rift in their troubled marriage compounded by sexual dysfunction. Infinity clouds the time continuum, with consciousness subsumed in the blurring of reality and imagination, intent and desire, as the house begins to hold its occupants in thrall.
Julian’s House closes the door too quickly on an ending that left me wanting more. It was as if that kinetic energy – the “psi” – was finally picking up speed during the remaining few chapters, jumping off the last page. My impression is that there are many false scares in this book, events that curiously have the reader close to the precipice only to be pulled back. The majority of ghostly encounters are spectral at best without substance. Of course, there are typical talismans, too: the music box with its tinny tunes, the old photographs and drawings, the postcards and letters. Secondary characters are foils for Sally and David, reflecting their marital incompatibility: Rosanna, the medium, and Colin, the crusty codger who manages the local library (the usual tired stereotype of the librarian as antiquarian gatekeeper of musty old books, this time male instead of female; but still a human being without a life). Colin’s arc, such as it is, summarily disappears along with his beloved dog towards the end of the narrative. Even the ghost of Julian at times feels eclipsed within his own haunting.
Readers are left to wonder if Sally and David’s actions are solely their own as they fall increasingly under the house’s bewitching spell. Sally, in true seer sense, can no longer distinguish David as separate from the house – a dangerous predicament for them both. I had trouble with Sally’s character, though, for despite her being stronger than her husband on every level: psychic power, intelligence, rationality and maturity, paradoxically she is weaker in accepting David’s reckless vulnerability that jeopardizes them both, his selfish endangerment by insisting that she be the conduit in contacting the resident spirit despite any cost to life and limb, his repeated refusals to acquiesce to her requests for them to leave the house for safety. A bit disturbing – what’s wrong with this woman? – especially as David’s regard is not up to the task in the love and affection department. He is an unworthy partner, the weak link turned unhealthy catalyst, his attitude towards Sally at times cavalier and insensitive, dismissive, as well as manipulative.
Readers can immerse themselves within Julian’s House and become mesmerized as they take the haunted tour of the many rooms, the immutable façade and redolent grounds, all with their nuanced flavor, enjoying the character of a grand old place steeped in past people’s lives. I must say that I was amazed by the numerous descriptions of the house curtains: how they reacted to various types of air currents, light gradations and shadowed hues – such an elemental scene, but revisited in this book in tiny variations, an example of the key role atmospherics play in weaving a spectral tapestry such as one will find in Julian’s House.
A young couple, Sally and David Curtiss, novice ghost hunters trained in psychical research, move into the subtly Victorian style home as their first official case study of a haunting after it is deemed uninhabitable by a number of tenants due to scary, inexplicable occurrences. A younger version of famed American paranormal investigators, Lorraine and Ed Warren, they are armed with all the requisite electronic gizmos and gadgetry [as seen in movies such as “Insidious,” and “The Conjuring” (featuring the pseudo Warrens at work)] designed to search the house for the elusive energy force known as “psi” – the common denominator of all paranormal activity in upsetting natural laws. Sally is a closet clairvoyant, unsure of her ability and reluctant to use it; David, a jealous apostle denied, yet covetous of the sixth sense. As they strive to uncover the long-ago tragedy that continues to manifest in Julian’s House as a perpetual loop in time, past revelations mirror the widening rift in their troubled marriage compounded by sexual dysfunction. Infinity clouds the time continuum, with consciousness subsumed in the blurring of reality and imagination, intent and desire, as the house begins to hold its occupants in thrall.
Julian’s House closes the door too quickly on an ending that left me wanting more. It was as if that kinetic energy – the “psi” – was finally picking up speed during the remaining few chapters, jumping off the last page. My impression is that there are many false scares in this book, events that curiously have the reader close to the precipice only to be pulled back. The majority of ghostly encounters are spectral at best without substance. Of course, there are typical talismans, too: the music box with its tinny tunes, the old photographs and drawings, the postcards and letters. Secondary characters are foils for Sally and David, reflecting their marital incompatibility: Rosanna, the medium, and Colin, the crusty codger who manages the local library (the usual tired stereotype of the librarian as antiquarian gatekeeper of musty old books, this time male instead of female; but still a human being without a life). Colin’s arc, such as it is, summarily disappears along with his beloved dog towards the end of the narrative. Even the ghost of Julian at times feels eclipsed within his own haunting.
Readers are left to wonder if Sally and David’s actions are solely their own as they fall increasingly under the house’s bewitching spell. Sally, in true seer sense, can no longer distinguish David as separate from the house – a dangerous predicament for them both. I had trouble with Sally’s character, though, for despite her being stronger than her husband on every level: psychic power, intelligence, rationality and maturity, paradoxically she is weaker in accepting David’s reckless vulnerability that jeopardizes them both, his selfish endangerment by insisting that she be the conduit in contacting the resident spirit despite any cost to life and limb, his repeated refusals to acquiesce to her requests for them to leave the house for safety. A bit disturbing – what’s wrong with this woman? – especially as David’s regard is not up to the task in the love and affection department. He is an unworthy partner, the weak link turned unhealthy catalyst, his attitude towards Sally at times cavalier and insensitive, dismissive, as well as manipulative.
Readers can immerse themselves within Julian’s House and become mesmerized as they take the haunted tour of the many rooms, the immutable façade and redolent grounds, all with their nuanced flavor, enjoying the character of a grand old place steeped in past people’s lives. I must say that I was amazed by the numerous descriptions of the house curtains: how they reacted to various types of air currents, light gradations and shadowed hues – such an elemental scene, but revisited in this book in tiny variations, an example of the key role atmospherics play in weaving a spectral tapestry such as one will find in Julian’s House.
May 29, 2017
Es ist eins dieser Bücher, bei welchem man die Meinung ständig ändert. Fängt ganz spannend an, wird dann durch zu viel Sachwissen etwas langweilig, dann nimmt das ganze eine unerwartete Richtung an... Und doch irgendwie hat man am Ende das Gefühl, dass es hätte besser sein können. Es scheint, als ob die Autorin es nicht bis zum Ende durchdacht hat und somit fällt es irgendwie flau aus. Aber, alles in allem lohnt es sich das Buch zu lesen, vor allem wenn man sich für Parapsychologie und das Unerklärliche interessiert.
May 21, 2020
Ein Ehepaar, David und Sally Curtis, bestehend aus einem ausgebildeten Parapsychologen und seiner telepathisch begabten Frau, will dem Geheimnis einer unheimlichen alten Villa in Neuengland auf den Grund kommen. Warum haben alle vorherigen Mieter das Haus schon nach wenigen Monaten verlassen? Was hat es mit den Lichterscheinungen auf sich? Stürzen so häufig Menschen von der Treppe, weil sie ungerade gebaut ist, oder steckt mehr dahinter? Ausgerüstet mit wissenschaftlichem Sachverstand und diversen Messgeräten für alles zwischen spontanen Temperaturschwankungen und elektromagnetischer Strahlung quartieren sie sich für einige Sommerwochen in der Villa ein. Zunächst geschieht nichts, erst, nachdem sie ein Medium hinzuziehen und einige Seancen durchführen, beginnt sich das Haus und seine Vergangenheit zu regen. Während sie sich zu Anfang noch mit Feuereifer in die Nachforschungen stürzen und einige Geheimnisse der Familie Gilfoy, die das Haus erbaute, aufdecken, beginnt sich in Sally der Verdacht zu regen, dass ihnen beiden der Auftrag über den Kopf wächst und sie der Macht, die das Haus auf sie ausübt, nichts entgegen zu setzen haben.
„Das Haus um sie herum war dunkel, eine räumliche Anordnung geometrischer Formen, schemenhaft, träumend, jede Linie und jeder Winkel gesättigt mit Vergangenheit wie mit einer Flüssigkeit, die bei der leisesten Berührung überfließen muss.“
Mit seinen knapp über 500 Seiten ist das Buch nichts für Menschen die auf der Suche nach schnellem heftigem Grusel und rascher Action sind. Die Handlung entfaltet sich sehr langsam und auch wenn ich die stimmungsvollen, atmosphärischen Beschreibungen größtenteils sehr genoss, hatte es doch auch einige Längen. Ich würde auf jeden Fall empfehlen, sich mehrere Stunden am Stück in diesem Wälzer zu versenken, denn ich habe gemerkt, dass ich mich bei kürzeren Lesesessions nicht auf die Geschichte einlassen konnte.
Ich habe erst selten Bücher gelesen, in der Spukhäusern mit einer solchen Professionalität begegnet wird. Schließlich befassen sich Sally und David beruflich mit der Parapsychologie, die im Roman als „Die Wissenschaft von Dingen, die es nicht geben kann, aber trotzdem gibt“ beschrieben wird. Statt also unvorbereitet mit unheimlichen Phänomenen konfrontiert zu werden, sind die beiden auf der Suche nach allem, das sich nicht mit gewöhnlicher Logik erklären lässt, und ihr wissenschaftliches Vorgehen mit diversen Sensoren und Aufnahmegeräten war sehr interessant zu lesen.
Zunächst scheint das Haus ein Spukhaus wie jedes andere zu sein. Aufregend für Sally und David ist nur, dass es das erste Mal für die beiden ist, wirklich Feldforschung zu betreiben, nachdem sie jahrelang in Laboren gearbeitet haben. Die anfängliche Freude wird schnell zu Resignation, als das Haus nicht für sie und ihre Geräte zu spuken scheint. Sie laden Rosanna, ein Medium ein, und in den darauffolgenden Seancen gibt es tatsächlich einige Ergebnisse: eine Präsenz scheint durch Rosanna Kontakt aufnehmen zu wollen, ein junger Mann, der sich „der Verlorene“ nennt. Mit diesem Anhaltspunkt versuchen Sally und David nun herauszufinden, wer jener Mann ist und warum er immer noch im Haus präsent ist.
Während es nun häufiger zu übernatürlichen Ereignissen kommt, scheint das Haus jedoch auch langsam die Überhand zu bekommen und seine Bewohner in ihren Handlungen zu beeinflussen. Sally zweifelt allmählich daran, ob sie noch Herrin ihrer Taten ist und hat und ist auch beunruhigt, dass David manchmal von etwas ergriffen ist, das nicht er selbst ist. Am liebsten würde sie den Aufenthalt abbrechen, doch David rationalisiert ihre Sorgen und erklärt sie für nichtig, er will auf keinen Fall aus der Villa ausziehen, bevor er das Geheimnis nicht gelöst. Doch haben die beiden es wirklich mit einem Problem zu tun, das man so einfach lösen kann? Liegt das in ihren Händen oder können sie nicht mehr tun, als die Lage zu sondieren und sich rechtzeitig in Sicherheit zu bringen?
Abgesehen von einer klassischen Geistergeschichte hat man es hier auch mit der Geschichte einer Ehe zu tun, die von Beginn auf wackeligen Beinen stand und die nun, von den Mächten des Hauses ergriffen, an ihre Grenzen getrieben wird. Ich muss gestehen, dass mir David ab und an den letzten Nerv raubte und ich das Buch wahrscheinlich ohne die angespannte Beziehung der Hauptfiguren mehr genossen hätte. Dennoch muss ich Judith Hawkes zu Gute halten, dass sie die leider meist frustrierenden Methoden der beiden, mit Konflikten umzugehen (oder sie einfach wegzuschweigen) sehr realitätsnah und überzeugend darstellt.
Für wen? Für wann?
Liebhaber*innen klassischer Geschichten von Geistern und Spukhäusern | Menschen, die sich für mehr oder weniger wissenschaftliche Herangehensweisen an Übernatürliches interessieren | Fans von dicken Büchen | Freund*innen ausschweifender Schreibstile | stundenlang mit heißem Kakao und Kerzen einen Herbstabend genießen
Ähnliche Bücher:
The Haunting of Hill House von Shirley Jackson | die Merrily-Watkins-Reihe von Phil Rickman | Bad Blood von Rhiannon Lassiter
Rosa: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Website
„Das Haus um sie herum war dunkel, eine räumliche Anordnung geometrischer Formen, schemenhaft, träumend, jede Linie und jeder Winkel gesättigt mit Vergangenheit wie mit einer Flüssigkeit, die bei der leisesten Berührung überfließen muss.“
Mit seinen knapp über 500 Seiten ist das Buch nichts für Menschen die auf der Suche nach schnellem heftigem Grusel und rascher Action sind. Die Handlung entfaltet sich sehr langsam und auch wenn ich die stimmungsvollen, atmosphärischen Beschreibungen größtenteils sehr genoss, hatte es doch auch einige Längen. Ich würde auf jeden Fall empfehlen, sich mehrere Stunden am Stück in diesem Wälzer zu versenken, denn ich habe gemerkt, dass ich mich bei kürzeren Lesesessions nicht auf die Geschichte einlassen konnte.
Ich habe erst selten Bücher gelesen, in der Spukhäusern mit einer solchen Professionalität begegnet wird. Schließlich befassen sich Sally und David beruflich mit der Parapsychologie, die im Roman als „Die Wissenschaft von Dingen, die es nicht geben kann, aber trotzdem gibt“ beschrieben wird. Statt also unvorbereitet mit unheimlichen Phänomenen konfrontiert zu werden, sind die beiden auf der Suche nach allem, das sich nicht mit gewöhnlicher Logik erklären lässt, und ihr wissenschaftliches Vorgehen mit diversen Sensoren und Aufnahmegeräten war sehr interessant zu lesen.
Zunächst scheint das Haus ein Spukhaus wie jedes andere zu sein. Aufregend für Sally und David ist nur, dass es das erste Mal für die beiden ist, wirklich Feldforschung zu betreiben, nachdem sie jahrelang in Laboren gearbeitet haben. Die anfängliche Freude wird schnell zu Resignation, als das Haus nicht für sie und ihre Geräte zu spuken scheint. Sie laden Rosanna, ein Medium ein, und in den darauffolgenden Seancen gibt es tatsächlich einige Ergebnisse: eine Präsenz scheint durch Rosanna Kontakt aufnehmen zu wollen, ein junger Mann, der sich „der Verlorene“ nennt. Mit diesem Anhaltspunkt versuchen Sally und David nun herauszufinden, wer jener Mann ist und warum er immer noch im Haus präsent ist.
Während es nun häufiger zu übernatürlichen Ereignissen kommt, scheint das Haus jedoch auch langsam die Überhand zu bekommen und seine Bewohner in ihren Handlungen zu beeinflussen. Sally zweifelt allmählich daran, ob sie noch Herrin ihrer Taten ist und hat und ist auch beunruhigt, dass David manchmal von etwas ergriffen ist, das nicht er selbst ist. Am liebsten würde sie den Aufenthalt abbrechen, doch David rationalisiert ihre Sorgen und erklärt sie für nichtig, er will auf keinen Fall aus der Villa ausziehen, bevor er das Geheimnis nicht gelöst. Doch haben die beiden es wirklich mit einem Problem zu tun, das man so einfach lösen kann? Liegt das in ihren Händen oder können sie nicht mehr tun, als die Lage zu sondieren und sich rechtzeitig in Sicherheit zu bringen?
Abgesehen von einer klassischen Geistergeschichte hat man es hier auch mit der Geschichte einer Ehe zu tun, die von Beginn auf wackeligen Beinen stand und die nun, von den Mächten des Hauses ergriffen, an ihre Grenzen getrieben wird. Ich muss gestehen, dass mir David ab und an den letzten Nerv raubte und ich das Buch wahrscheinlich ohne die angespannte Beziehung der Hauptfiguren mehr genossen hätte. Dennoch muss ich Judith Hawkes zu Gute halten, dass sie die leider meist frustrierenden Methoden der beiden, mit Konflikten umzugehen (oder sie einfach wegzuschweigen) sehr realitätsnah und überzeugend darstellt.
Für wen? Für wann?
Liebhaber*innen klassischer Geschichten von Geistern und Spukhäusern | Menschen, die sich für mehr oder weniger wissenschaftliche Herangehensweisen an Übernatürliches interessieren | Fans von dicken Büchen | Freund*innen ausschweifender Schreibstile | stundenlang mit heißem Kakao und Kerzen einen Herbstabend genießen
Ähnliche Bücher:
The Haunting of Hill House von Shirley Jackson | die Merrily-Watkins-Reihe von Phil Rickman | Bad Blood von Rhiannon Lassiter
Rosa: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Website
November 2, 2024
Perfect October read. And a hard book to put down. A married couple of parapsychologists move into a haunted new england house to study the supernatural events reported by past tenants. Let me just say - yes, the house is haunted. And the book is a page turner. If you have an interest in paranormal occurrences, hauntings, parapsychology - YOU HAVE TO READ THIS!
February 24, 2022
I found it quite smoothing, easy and cosy to read. I also really appreciate those 90s America vibes so much here <3
Otherwise, it's not really exciting or ... a telling book... the story remains on a surface. I couldn't get a hold of the characters, she was presenting..
Otherwise, it's not really exciting or ... a telling book... the story remains on a surface. I couldn't get a hold of the characters, she was presenting..
June 7, 2025
Excellent, old-fashioned type of haunted house story which would have rated higher, except it feels like a chunk of the story is missing, maybe edited out by the publishing company. I reread this one every Hallowee.
July 12, 2021
Really not my thing -- ghosts and mediums. Read about 1/4 of the book and stopped. DNF
August 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ die Geschichte an sich war eigentlich echt spannend und auch mal was anderes. Das Ende war jedoch sehr verwirrend und offen, wovon ich kein fan bin :/
March 6, 2017
A young married couple manage to rent a house purported to be haunted in which they intend to live and carry on paranormal research. This quickly begins to get out of hand once they bring aboard a medium in hopes of awakening the spirits. An interesting study of paranormal research and an entertaining bit of story telling.
November 4, 2016
Look at that cover – it is beautiful. Great job Cary Henrie and Michaela Sullivan.
OhMyGoodness, online – this book had all the qualitys of a great book …Old Victorian haunted house and a couple that believes … I just had to read it so I checked it out from the library.
I started this book with great anticipation … right after finishing “Burned”. The book started with David as the narrator and he was such a bore. He went on and on with scientific readings and blabberings that caused me to drift off to sleep.
Then finally I made it through and we began the second part with Colin narrating. The pace picked up and the story became more interesting so I stuck with it. With Colin narrating I got sorta close with the characters and felt his love for people. I felt his need with these people bringing life to him since he lived mostly in books. (Hmm, maybe I identified with him)
Then part 3 was Sallys turn to narrate and she gave the book some flare yet she drifted on the scientific blabbers that David did and again I found myself asleep before I could help it.
It took me too long to read this book, but I was hoping it would be like those bad tv shows you watch sometimes and toward the middle – end it would get better. It did remind me of the movie paranormal activity.
Then the ending come and was so disappointing I was embarrassed I stuck it out with this book. I feel like this past week with this book was wasted.
I feel tired and empty after this book. I don’t feel my life is any better or worse because of it. I didn’t enjoy it and do NOT recommend it.
Thank goodness this is a library book – I would be sad if I wasted money on it.
OhMyGoodness, online – this book had all the qualitys of a great book …Old Victorian haunted house and a couple that believes … I just had to read it so I checked it out from the library.
I started this book with great anticipation … right after finishing “Burned”. The book started with David as the narrator and he was such a bore. He went on and on with scientific readings and blabberings that caused me to drift off to sleep.
Then finally I made it through and we began the second part with Colin narrating. The pace picked up and the story became more interesting so I stuck with it. With Colin narrating I got sorta close with the characters and felt his love for people. I felt his need with these people bringing life to him since he lived mostly in books. (Hmm, maybe I identified with him)
Then part 3 was Sallys turn to narrate and she gave the book some flare yet she drifted on the scientific blabbers that David did and again I found myself asleep before I could help it.
It took me too long to read this book, but I was hoping it would be like those bad tv shows you watch sometimes and toward the middle – end it would get better. It did remind me of the movie paranormal activity.
Then the ending come and was so disappointing I was embarrassed I stuck it out with this book. I feel like this past week with this book was wasted.
I feel tired and empty after this book. I don’t feel my life is any better or worse because of it. I didn’t enjoy it and do NOT recommend it.
Thank goodness this is a library book – I would be sad if I wasted money on it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2008
I really liked this book, especially since it was about ghost hunters hunting for the paranormal than the occupants dealing with and being terrified of the haunted house. It appears that Hawkes did a lot of research on the field of parapsychology. I was fascinated by this.
The only gripe I have about the book was the interaction between Sally and David. Yes, I understand their marriage was a difficult one, but I would find myself telling Sally to give David a good kick in the pants! I understood that Sally loved him, but I didn’t feel as though she should have endangered herself over his problems and stubbornness.
The only gripe I have about the book was the interaction between Sally and David. Yes, I understand their marriage was a difficult one, but I would find myself telling Sally to give David a good kick in the pants! I understood that Sally loved him, but I didn’t feel as though she should have endangered herself over his problems and stubbornness.
October 1, 2015
ich bin wirklich froh, dass ich dieses Buch endlich beendet habe, an dem ich wirklich lange gelesen habe. Warum lange? = weil es anstrengend war dieser monotonen Story zu folgen. Oftmals bekam es sogar diesen Schulbuchcharakter, wenn man seitenlange Monologe auf wissenschaftsebene vorgelegt bekam.... Der Schreibstil war eigentlich ganz schön, wenn er nicht oftmals mit zu vielen Details bestückt gewesen wäre, die dazu führten, das man locker zwei, drei Seiten hinter sich hatte ohne das sich etwas tat. Die Geschichte war gut ausgebaut aber leider recht unspannend. Das Ende war ebenfalls sehr ... naja.
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