My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This House is Haunted by John Boyne is a 2013 release, published by Doubleday.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
When Eliza's father passes away, she needs to get away from the city and start fresh. This impulsive decisions leads her to accept a governess position in the country. Upon arrival at the crumbling home, Eliza is shocked to discover the two children are not being supervised. Their parents are not there and the only other adults are a care keeper and a woman that appears to be a cook or maid, and who will go to great lengths to avoid Eliza.
From the very beginning, Eliza feels a presence around her. From the moment she stepped off the train she has been a victim of phantom hands and attacks. Isabella is much too articulate and mature for her age, and her younger brother, Eustace is a very quiet, troubled child.
Eliza implored the solicitor that handles the finances , to tell her about the house, the children's parents and what situation she has agreed to. The story he tells is of an incredible scandal. It appears that over the past year, six other governesses have come and gone, in one way or another.
Eliza is in the for the fight of her life as she tries to save the children and herself from a vengeful spirit. She also get a little help from an unlikely source.
This is not a bad supernatural/ghost story. There is atmosphere, and a sinister feeling throughout. However, the story gets bogged down by too much dialog. All the same, there are a few spine tingling moments. The outcome, unfortunately is predictable.
This isn't a very long book, and it would still be a good read for those in the mood for a ghost story.
Overall this one is a C+
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