Skip to main content

Member Reviews

This book. Wow, Just, wow! The story completely drew me in from the first page. The author blends history, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural in such a rich, haunting way that I found it difficult to put down. The atmosphere of occupied France and the tragedy of Verdun are vividly described and done with great care, I felt like I was walking through the fog alongside Viane. It’s both heartbreaking and chilling, with high emotional stakes and characters that stay with you long after the last page. A beautifully written and unforgettable story that I will not forget. I can't stop thinking about it.

Was this review helpful?

The plot was interesting, the pacing at the beginning slow, but a good read. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book

Was this review helpful?

Andie Newton’s The Ghost House is an atmospheric triumph. Set in the haunting Zone Rouge of occupied France, Newton crafts a story that is as chilling as it is heartbreaking. The characters, especially Vianne and young Blaise, are beautifully drawn, their struggles poignant and real, their courage inspiring. Newton has an exquisite talent for blending historical authenticity with spine-tingling suspense, and in The Ghost House, she does it flawlessly. This is more than a ghost story; it’s a tale of resilience, love, and the shadows we carry. A must-read for fans of historical fiction, and a perfect read for spooky season!

Was this review helpful?

In her compelling novel, The Ghost House, Andie Newton weaves together the chilling atmosphere of a supernatural tale with the stark realities of historical fiction. Set in Occupied France in 1944, the book is a poignant and suspenseful story that explores the visible terrors of war alongside the invisible, and perhaps more ancient, horrors that haunt the living. For fans of atmospheric historical fiction and ghost stories, this novel is a powerful and memorable read.

The narrative centers on Vianne, a young woman struggling to protect her family’s crumbling chateau and her traumatized nephew, Blaise, after his mother is taken by the Nazis. The chateau, located near the ravaged battlefields of Verdun, holds a sinister history, and as strange guests arrive, Blaise claims to see eerie figures in the fog and hears whispers from the nearby forest. As the war encroaches, Vianne finds herself in a terrifying position, forced to confront the possibility that the brutality of the SS is not the only threat she faces.

Newton masterfully builds a sense of dread, blending the historical setting with a deeply unsettling supernatural presence. The lingering scars of the First World War, with its countless fallen soldiers, create a palpable sense of sorrow and unrest that permeates the very land. This historical backdrop serves as a brilliant foundation for the ghostly elements of the story, making the supernatural feel not just like a device for scares, but a natural extension of the immense human suffering that took place there.

The characters are a key strength of the novel. Vianne is a resilient and empathetic protagonist, and her fierce desire to protect her nephew is the emotional core of the story. The young Blaise, with his innocent yet terrifying connection to the ghostly figures, adds a layer of vulnerability and mystery. The slow-burn approach allows the tension to build steadily, keeping the reader on edge and constantly questioning what is real and what is a product of fear.

While the plot moves at a measured pace, it does so to serve the rich atmosphere and character development. The Ghost House is a book that demands patience, but rewards it with a truly immersive experience. It's a testament to the fact that some of the most haunting stories are those that are rooted in real-world tragedy. This is not just a ghost story, but a powerful commentary on the long-lasting impact of war and grief.

In conclusion, The Ghost House is a gripping and emotionally resonant novel that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a blend of historical suspense and supernatural horror. It's a beautifully written and genuinely unsettling story that stays with you long after the final page.

Was this review helpful?

This book!! I was sucked in on page 1 and couldn't stop until I finished--which is the way I read every Andie Newton book. I find myself still thinking about the characters, especially Vianne. She was incredible, taking on her nephew in times more stressful than I've ever experienced and attempting to protect him from the largest of evils. Even though I thought I knew how the book was going to go, there was one huge thing I didn't expect, and it was right under my nose! This book is creepy, spooky, and full of people trying to do the right thing, even when it's terrifying. I'd highly recommend this book and any by this author.

Was this review helpful?

"the Ghost House" takes place in 1944 France. Vianne lives in the old home that has been in her family for generations. She is taking care of her nephew Blaise since his mother has been taken prisoner. Money is very tight so she rents out the whole wing of the house to mysterious people who she hopes she can trust. but strange sounds are coming from that wing and her nephew thinks he can see ghostly things in the night They have a mistrust of the Germans because of the holocaust and in World War 2. so when they are aware of the renters having seance in the house. and possibles what they call "sorrowfuls' who can they trust during such a horrible time in history? I was hoping for more in this book but pretty good for the most part.

Was this review helpful?