The House Next Door: A Ghost Story

THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR: A Ghost Story, by Darcy Coates, was just the kind of ghost story I love to read. Helen Marwick isn't your "romantic-style" ghost here, she's a malevolent entity that causes new homeowners to leave, screaming, in the middle of the night--never to return, even for their belongings.Jo has witnessed several past owners from her own home, next door.". . . A fascination has slowly built over the four years I've lived beside the house."Most of the neighbors ignore the Marwick residence, going out of their way to avoid it. Even when tenantless and "dormant" the house oozes a dangerous aura that infiltrates the thoughts of those in close proximity.When a young, desperate looking woman named Anna moves in, something stirs Jo into action. Whether it be curiosity or simply one lost soul needing another, she decides to break down the boundaries and greet her new neighbor.". . . I didn't have much experience welcoming neighbors, but I was pretty sure telling them their house was haunted was the sort of thing people weren't supposed to do."Darcy Coates puts a heavy emphasis on the atmosphere in this novel. Everything seems almost "weighted down" by the malice that emanates from the house, reaching out and touching all that it can. Even the weather conditions mimic human emotions as the apprehension and fear continue to increase.Anna, who has left a violent relationship, has no alternative but to stay.". . . Sometimes you have to make sacrifices for good things."As the story unfolds, we learn more about Jo's own tragic past, as well as that of Anna, and the horrifying night that Helen Mavwick had died. There were several secrets and "twists" to the story near the end that added an entirely new level to an already gripping tale.This is only the second book I've read by author Darcy Coates, and already I'm looking forward to more.Recommended!

This is my favorite Darcy Coates book so far, and I have read all of them but 2. It is unusual to have a haunting that is not happening in the main characters house and she does an excellent job. I did have some small nit picky issues with some of the writing towards the end of the book(***slight spoiler***for example the main character states that it wasn't possible for a certain someone to hang himself and therefore the police would think she did it. Why was he incapable? People hang themselves all the time! and why hadn't she called the police in the first place while he was still alive and harassing her and Anna?) however, the rest was well enough written that I didn't worry overly much about the little things that made me scoff or roll my eyes. I definitely look forward to more books by this author. Keep 'em coming!

I've been wanting to read a book by Darcy Coates for ages, because she writes about mysterious haunted houses and those are exactly the kind of books I love to read. I don't have a kindle and don't want one. I much prefer reading a book in print and being able to display and treasure the book in my bookcase when I'm done. I finally decided to purchase a book, just randomly chose this one and I'm so glad I did. This was a true haunted house story with the traditional details you would expect to read about such as billowing curtains, a piano that plays by itself, shadows on the wall, footsteps, chains clanging, etc. I like the way the novel was written, not overly detailed, just the right amount with casual conversation that didn't go on and on. I also like the suspense throughout and how the story just makes you want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. I can't say that the book spooked me out, there were a few scenes that were creepy, such as the appearance of the ghost Helen, but overall it was an enjoyable read.I'm definitely a fan of Darcy Coates and can't wait to read another one of her haunted house books. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy haunted house stories, paranormal, mystery, and suspense books.

I bought this on receiving a communication from my subscription to DC's site for updates and this book was at a reduced price and was well worth every penny. It wasn't the usual run of the mill haunted book that lesser able authors churn out but an absolutely absorbing thriller as can be expected from Darcy. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a riveting read.

I love Darcy Coates. She has exhibited utter brilliance in her tales of the supernatural. This book is atmospheric really ideally suited to the winter nights when the wind howls. Hi has lived next door to the Marwick house for a long time and she suspects it is haunted. When Anna moves in and they become friends Jo finally learns it's secrets first hand. A really great ghost story just like the other great stories by this author.

Excellent Darcy coats book.This book has you gripped from the start.Really spooky, a sad tail of mistreatment that makes a very powerful scary ghost .Highly recommended if you enjoy a good haunted house book.

Gripping thriller, great ghost story and with some great twist s and turns, don't read it in the dark, I didn't lol

I'm hooked on this author, slowly reading my way through her books and they are all highly entertaining, spooky, clever, and very atmospheric...