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As the Moon Fell Down
Photographer Ellie Spaulding conned her way into the perfect setting to complete her upcoming gallery show; a secluded farmhouse in rural Virginia. There were only two rules to follow. She soon learns the house is keeping secrets and those dwelling within it have been waiting for someone to expose them. Once again, L.B. Stimson has created a terrifying ghostly tale inspired by her own haunting experiences. Readers will find themselves immersed in the lives of both the living and the dead as the veil is broken, worlds collide, and secrets are revealed.
182 pages, Paperback
Published July 8, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this audio. Its a perfect Halloween, wintery listen, that fans of ghost stories or horror will love.
The narrator is fantastic, perfectly epitomising the eerie, creepy atmosphere through the book, and really easy to listen to and concentrate on.
I liked the characters, although couldn't really relate to the protagonist fully, but I liked their involvement in the story.
My first Stimson book and I'd certainly listen to another, particularly with this narrator.
The narrator is fantastic, perfectly epitomising the eerie, creepy atmosphere through the book, and really easy to listen to and concentrate on.
I liked the characters, although couldn't really relate to the protagonist fully, but I liked their involvement in the story.
My first Stimson book and I'd certainly listen to another, particularly with this narrator.
September 27, 2022
I began the kindle version of this over the summer but just had so little reading time. I started the audio book a few days ago and could not stop listening! Jennifer March is a great narrator. This is my favorite 😻 book of LB’s so far. I finished today while running after-school errands and was so pleased with this plot and the twist.
4.5 stars ⭐️ rounded up
I highly recommend it!
Going in my fall retro chapter chicks reading 📖 challenge. Paranormal, 🏚 haunted house, ghost 👻 story, true crime.
4.5 stars ⭐️ rounded up
I highly recommend it!
Going in my fall retro chapter chicks reading 📖 challenge. Paranormal, 🏚 haunted house, ghost 👻 story, true crime.
September 1, 2022
I always enjoy Stimson's imagery. She makes me feel like I'm a fly on the wall watching events and feeling as if I am right there.
This story got very creepy very quickly and had me feeling such unease and discomfort, as if I were there with Ellie trying to make sense of mysterious things. I always love how Stimson ups the ante on the chills and thrills of gothic horror and ghost stories. This one was no exception and just continued to frighten me with each turn of the page. The way things came to a head and also the ending fell right into place with perfection. Another fabulous read!
This story got very creepy very quickly and had me feeling such unease and discomfort, as if I were there with Ellie trying to make sense of mysterious things. I always love how Stimson ups the ante on the chills and thrills of gothic horror and ghost stories. This one was no exception and just continued to frighten me with each turn of the page. The way things came to a head and also the ending fell right into place with perfection. Another fabulous read!
October 30, 2022
A gothic ghost story exploring what lurks behind the lens.
Ellie Spaulding has found the perfect property to be the subject of her next photography project. She takes an opportunity to stay at the abandoned house, on agreement to some bizarre rules she thinks little of initially.
But after only a short time at the house, Ellie finds herself experiencing strange phenomena, while drawn to the locked door she has been forbidden to pass through. While she sleeps, someone or something watches her.
As Ellie comes to accept she may not be alone in the house, she is determined to uncover its secrets. Obsession flares and threatens to engulf her, something she may be unable to come back from.
'As the Moon Fell Down' is the fifth of L.B. Stimson’s books I’ve read and it’s my favourite so far. It has everything that I love about the best types of ghost stories – gothic atmosphere, haunting prose, mystery and paranormal activities; seeped in secrets with the implication of possible moral and/or legal crimes, featuring suspicious characters and a heroine at its heart with her own troubles and struggles, one with a strength and determination.
Ellie is a fantastic central character – a photographer who finds herself drawn to isolated locations with a history, which she weaves into a visual narrative for her exhibitions. In classic gothic style, the huge house itself almost takes on a character of its own, what lurks within it a threat Ellie’s sanity and ultimately her life.
The story begins as a slow burn, introducing us to Ellie and the house, drawing us in to the unsettling experiences that begin to haunt her the longer she remains confined within. As the creepy escalates to the dangerous, the pace ramps up and hurtles into the dramatic final chapters, the revelations unspooling and long years of silence unearthed.
Oozing atmosphere and foreboding, ‘As the Moon Fell Down’ is a superb gothic horror ghost story and a satisfying read for these autumnal nights.
Ellie Spaulding has found the perfect property to be the subject of her next photography project. She takes an opportunity to stay at the abandoned house, on agreement to some bizarre rules she thinks little of initially.
But after only a short time at the house, Ellie finds herself experiencing strange phenomena, while drawn to the locked door she has been forbidden to pass through. While she sleeps, someone or something watches her.
As Ellie comes to accept she may not be alone in the house, she is determined to uncover its secrets. Obsession flares and threatens to engulf her, something she may be unable to come back from.
'As the Moon Fell Down' is the fifth of L.B. Stimson’s books I’ve read and it’s my favourite so far. It has everything that I love about the best types of ghost stories – gothic atmosphere, haunting prose, mystery and paranormal activities; seeped in secrets with the implication of possible moral and/or legal crimes, featuring suspicious characters and a heroine at its heart with her own troubles and struggles, one with a strength and determination.
Ellie is a fantastic central character – a photographer who finds herself drawn to isolated locations with a history, which she weaves into a visual narrative for her exhibitions. In classic gothic style, the huge house itself almost takes on a character of its own, what lurks within it a threat Ellie’s sanity and ultimately her life.
The story begins as a slow burn, introducing us to Ellie and the house, drawing us in to the unsettling experiences that begin to haunt her the longer she remains confined within. As the creepy escalates to the dangerous, the pace ramps up and hurtles into the dramatic final chapters, the revelations unspooling and long years of silence unearthed.
Oozing atmosphere and foreboding, ‘As the Moon Fell Down’ is a superb gothic horror ghost story and a satisfying read for these autumnal nights.
July 13, 2022
LB Stimson has concocted a most satisfying haunted house story introducing us to Ellie, a photographer, who has arrived at the old Pritchard House to take photographs for an upcoming exhibition. She plans to stay two or three weeks, but there are just a few things she must heed: do not go to the third floor, do not bring personal furniture, and do not snoop through the owner’s personal property. As strange things begin to happen, Ellie’s curiosity leads her to question these warnings, and the people involved with the house. When a series of pictures reveals something unexpected, the true history of the property begins to unravel, and nothing is as it seems.
The atmosphere Stimson develops to accompany the setting of this story is meticulously crafted. It is as if she has her own experiences to pull from when writing. Clearly, a lot of research has gone into this book as the details of the architecture are richly crafted, the characters are fully developed and interesting, and there is a believable and intricate backstory to the history of the land.
This book is exquisitely written and conjures up clear images of what transpires in and around the house. Twists and turns will keep the reader guessing until the end…even when you think you have it figured out, another surprise is around the next page. I highly recommend this read!
The atmosphere Stimson develops to accompany the setting of this story is meticulously crafted. It is as if she has her own experiences to pull from when writing. Clearly, a lot of research has gone into this book as the details of the architecture are richly crafted, the characters are fully developed and interesting, and there is a believable and intricate backstory to the history of the land.
This book is exquisitely written and conjures up clear images of what transpires in and around the house. Twists and turns will keep the reader guessing until the end…even when you think you have it figured out, another surprise is around the next page. I highly recommend this read!
July 17, 2022
After previously reading a few books by LB Stimson I had high expectations for her new novel, As The Moon Fell Down, and as with her previous books, it delivered on every hope and expectation.
I was drawn instantly to the desolation of the secluded farmhouse where Ellie Spaulding is staying but has been told there are two rules which she must follow whilst she is there. The air of tension and an underlying feeling of dread permeate each page as Ellie tries to discover why she has to follow the rules. The writing is very atmospheric and brings to mind that feeling of something is just out of sight but you know something is there. Imagine you’ve seen something out of the corner of your eye but when you turn it’s not there and you’re left wondering if it was just your imagination. There were a few twists and in the last few chapters the pace really picked up, leaving me quickly turning the pages.
L B Stimson’s wonderful writing shows that for me, she is the queen of atmospheric ghost stories and her books never fail to enthrall me.
I was drawn instantly to the desolation of the secluded farmhouse where Ellie Spaulding is staying but has been told there are two rules which she must follow whilst she is there. The air of tension and an underlying feeling of dread permeate each page as Ellie tries to discover why she has to follow the rules. The writing is very atmospheric and brings to mind that feeling of something is just out of sight but you know something is there. Imagine you’ve seen something out of the corner of your eye but when you turn it’s not there and you’re left wondering if it was just your imagination. There were a few twists and in the last few chapters the pace really picked up, leaving me quickly turning the pages.
L B Stimson’s wonderful writing shows that for me, she is the queen of atmospheric ghost stories and her books never fail to enthrall me.
November 8, 2022
I loved this chilling and spooky tale and found it perfect for this time of year. As the Moon Fell Down is a novella and is perfect to listen to/read over the darker, cosier nights. I did a combination of the book and the audio and enjoyed both of them equally.
I love how the house itself felt like a character. From the minute Ellie first pulls up, there’s an presence and atmosphere that feels a little sinister and off. The atmospheric tension is built brilliantly through the hint of things that may be and are to come.
I must admit, if someone let me loose on a house but gave me two rules to follow – I’m not sure I’d be able to manage to follow them. I loved following Ellie’s journey to discovering the secrets of the house and couldn’t stop reading until I had discovered every last one.
The narrations is fabulous and really brings the story to life. It’s calm and quiet which adds an additional layer of atmosphere to the story and an air of mystery and eeriness.
This is the perfect novella/short audio to listen to on a dark gloomy night but beware – I found myself totally immersed in it and on the edge of my seat waiting for the next surprise. Recommended if you like ghost/haunting stories.
I love how the house itself felt like a character. From the minute Ellie first pulls up, there’s an presence and atmosphere that feels a little sinister and off. The atmospheric tension is built brilliantly through the hint of things that may be and are to come.
I must admit, if someone let me loose on a house but gave me two rules to follow – I’m not sure I’d be able to manage to follow them. I loved following Ellie’s journey to discovering the secrets of the house and couldn’t stop reading until I had discovered every last one.
The narrations is fabulous and really brings the story to life. It’s calm and quiet which adds an additional layer of atmosphere to the story and an air of mystery and eeriness.
This is the perfect novella/short audio to listen to on a dark gloomy night but beware – I found myself totally immersed in it and on the edge of my seat waiting for the next surprise. Recommended if you like ghost/haunting stories.
March 18, 2023
I've been a reader of Stimson's books for several years now, and each one is better than the last. This book is a captivating and creepy story that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.
Stimson's writing style is poetic and beautifully descriptive, creating a vivid world that is both haunting and enchanting. The characters are richly drawn. The main character, Ellie Spaulding, is particularly well-developed, and her experiences in the Virginia farmhouse feel especially realistic.
The story itself is full of mystery, adventure, and a touch of romance. As Ellie takes on housesitting, her stay is precluded by two rules. But Ellie has her own reasons for being in the house, and the longer she stays, the more unsettling the atmosphere becomes. Finally, Ellie faces years of secrets as they unravel, threatening to pull her into the ultimate danger.
As the Moon Fell Down is a beautifully written, engaging, and chilling read I would highly recommend to anyone who loves gothic suspense. L.B. Stimson has created a truly haunting novel that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.
Stimson's writing style is poetic and beautifully descriptive, creating a vivid world that is both haunting and enchanting. The characters are richly drawn. The main character, Ellie Spaulding, is particularly well-developed, and her experiences in the Virginia farmhouse feel especially realistic.
The story itself is full of mystery, adventure, and a touch of romance. As Ellie takes on housesitting, her stay is precluded by two rules. But Ellie has her own reasons for being in the house, and the longer she stays, the more unsettling the atmosphere becomes. Finally, Ellie faces years of secrets as they unravel, threatening to pull her into the ultimate danger.
As the Moon Fell Down is a beautifully written, engaging, and chilling read I would highly recommend to anyone who loves gothic suspense. L.B. Stimson has created a truly haunting novel that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.
July 3, 2022
Ellie has found the perfect farmhouse which is a great setting for her to finish her pictures for her gallery, she is looking after the house so why not it's creepy dark and ideal ticks all the right boxes right. She has two rules to follow but does she? You wouldn't get me staying there!!
The house is hiding its own secrets that Ellie is unaware of between the living and the dead. The author does a brilliant job of building up tension and creepiness which made me feel unnerved which is great because that's why I'm reading this terrifying ghostly tale it's got it all.
All the secrets will be revealed which shocked me, absolutely loved this story gripped me and wouldn't let go till the very last page, always look forward to reading more by this author.
This book is inspired by the author's own haunting experiences too!!
The house is hiding its own secrets that Ellie is unaware of between the living and the dead. The author does a brilliant job of building up tension and creepiness which made me feel unnerved which is great because that's why I'm reading this terrifying ghostly tale it's got it all.
All the secrets will be revealed which shocked me, absolutely loved this story gripped me and wouldn't let go till the very last page, always look forward to reading more by this author.
This book is inspired by the author's own haunting experiences too!!
October 25, 2022
This was my first L.B. Stimson book (though I have just finished The Haunting of Noyo Bay since reading this) and it didn’t disappoint. I love a haunted house mystery – the spookier and scarier the better – and As The Moon Fell Down is certainly spooky and scary.
It’s very short at 166 pages, but that’s all the time it needs to build up the suspense with no ‘padding’, just Ellie and her camera, alone in a haunted house. We know Ellie has had a similar experience previously and she likes her photo exhibitions to have depth and a background story.
So basically, Ellie sees an advert for a house-sitter to look after an empty house in rural Virginia. In fact it’s in the middle of nowhere. She thinks it’s the perfect opportunity to take her shots and leave. She doesn’t tell the realtor Sue Christie what her plans are though. She can just move on when the time comes.
Only one other person knows where she is and that’s Jolly Brown, from Brown’s Towing Service, who is contracted to plow the driveway to the road. He’s also responsible for mowing and will stop by the property from time to time at the realtor’s request. He never goes up to the house though and rarely speaks, even to pass the time of day.
As far as the house is concerned there are only two rules to follow. Don’t bring your own personal items with you (apart from clothes, toiletries and food of course) or furniture, and most importantly don’t go up to the third floor. No! No! Don’t go up there Ellie! Like in every good horror film, you can guess what she is going to do.
I have to say that I think Ellie is very brave. I wouldn’t spend one night there alone, with no WiFi or any real contact with the outside world. And that’s before things start happening.
PS I love that Sue Christie has at one point, picked up a book called A Pale Shade Of Winter which she thinks ‘sounded interesting’. It is, of course, a book written by L.B. Stimson herself.
Many thanks to @zooloo2008 for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
It’s very short at 166 pages, but that’s all the time it needs to build up the suspense with no ‘padding’, just Ellie and her camera, alone in a haunted house. We know Ellie has had a similar experience previously and she likes her photo exhibitions to have depth and a background story.
So basically, Ellie sees an advert for a house-sitter to look after an empty house in rural Virginia. In fact it’s in the middle of nowhere. She thinks it’s the perfect opportunity to take her shots and leave. She doesn’t tell the realtor Sue Christie what her plans are though. She can just move on when the time comes.
Only one other person knows where she is and that’s Jolly Brown, from Brown’s Towing Service, who is contracted to plow the driveway to the road. He’s also responsible for mowing and will stop by the property from time to time at the realtor’s request. He never goes up to the house though and rarely speaks, even to pass the time of day.
As far as the house is concerned there are only two rules to follow. Don’t bring your own personal items with you (apart from clothes, toiletries and food of course) or furniture, and most importantly don’t go up to the third floor. No! No! Don’t go up there Ellie! Like in every good horror film, you can guess what she is going to do.
I have to say that I think Ellie is very brave. I wouldn’t spend one night there alone, with no WiFi or any real contact with the outside world. And that’s before things start happening.
PS I love that Sue Christie has at one point, picked up a book called A Pale Shade Of Winter which she thinks ‘sounded interesting’. It is, of course, a book written by L.B. Stimson herself.
Many thanks to @zooloo2008 for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
November 12, 2022
As The Moon Fell Down by L.B Stimson.
In the spring of 1982, photographer Ellie Spaulding conned her way into the perfect setting to complete her upcoming gallery show; a secluded farmhouse in rural Virginia.
There were only two rules to follow. She soon learns the house is keeping secrets and those dwelling within it have been waiting for someone to expose them.
I really enjoyed this book. Eerie. 5*.
In the spring of 1982, photographer Ellie Spaulding conned her way into the perfect setting to complete her upcoming gallery show; a secluded farmhouse in rural Virginia.
There were only two rules to follow. She soon learns the house is keeping secrets and those dwelling within it have been waiting for someone to expose them.
I really enjoyed this book. Eerie. 5*.
November 22, 2022
I was very lucky with the selection of how I wanted the book. I opted for a audio book.
Oh my gosh, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I don’t listen to many audiobooks, but I’m glad I did with this one as it was a ghostly tale.
I was not disappointed at all, it was very spooky, mysterious and atmospheric.
I really enjoyed the narrator, she read the story very well, she lured me in at the right places.
It is a brilliant book and it definitely spooked me.
Oh my gosh, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I don’t listen to many audiobooks, but I’m glad I did with this one as it was a ghostly tale.
I was not disappointed at all, it was very spooky, mysterious and atmospheric.
I really enjoyed the narrator, she read the story very well, she lured me in at the right places.
It is a brilliant book and it definitely spooked me.
January 9, 2023
This was an enjoyable, creepy tale. Ellie Spaulding is a photographer looking for the perfect setting for her next set of photos for a gallery show. The old Victorian style house in need of a caretaker seems like just the right place to do her work.
However, when she meets with the realtor, she gets the feeling that something is off about the whole situation. There are some strange rules to her stay, including never opening the door to the third floor. As Ellie spends more time in the house, she begins to get the feeling that she is not alone.
The author has done a good job in creating a creepy atmosphere. The narrator did a fantastic job and her performance really enhanced the tension of the story. If you enjoy gothic type ghostly tales, you will enjoy this one.
However, when she meets with the realtor, she gets the feeling that something is off about the whole situation. There are some strange rules to her stay, including never opening the door to the third floor. As Ellie spends more time in the house, she begins to get the feeling that she is not alone.
The author has done a good job in creating a creepy atmosphere. The narrator did a fantastic job and her performance really enhanced the tension of the story. If you enjoy gothic type ghostly tales, you will enjoy this one.
October 14, 2022
It's all right, but I found the pacing really choppy. Some of it was quite slow and then the last 20 pages revealed everything all at once so it felt rushed. I think some things would have better done had there been more build up and clues rather than an info dump.
Learning about photography was cool, but honestly, that shouldn't have taken up as much story as it did, especially given that it's less than 170 pages long.
Learning about photography was cool, but honestly, that shouldn't have taken up as much story as it did, especially given that it's less than 170 pages long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2022
I received a complimentary audiobook of this title, however the review is all my own.
Felt a wee predictable and YA for me, but was very entertaining nonetheless. I liked it. The narrator did a great job with pacing and tone which made for a good & quick audiobook when you’re puddling about doing chores.
Felt a wee predictable and YA for me, but was very entertaining nonetheless. I liked it. The narrator did a great job with pacing and tone which made for a good & quick audiobook when you’re puddling about doing chores.
June 5, 2023
Thank You L.B Stimson and narrator Jennifer March
A Creepy Cozy Southern Gothic Novella about a Victorian style House with Dark Secrets.
I really enjoyed this book. I read it straight thru. Lovers of Southern Gothic will really enjoy finding out the secrets that live on the third floor.
A Creepy Cozy Southern Gothic Novella about a Victorian style House with Dark Secrets.
I really enjoyed this book. I read it straight thru. Lovers of Southern Gothic will really enjoy finding out the secrets that live on the third floor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2024
The buildup of the ghost story was all right. The curveball in the last quarter Just didn't really connect. It also left a lot of unanswered questions. Like who is the ghost? I will say I did give it a three because it was interesting. And honestly I couldn't not read the curveball.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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