bunnieslikediamonds's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the beginning and the end, but all that waffling in the middle was a little pointless.
relliem08's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2023 - A book set in the decade you were born: 1980s
I thought this was going to be something completely different than the book I read. So, there's that disappointment. It was a gothic novel in the literal sense of the word, and that's where the two stars come in. It was a gothic novel.
I thought this was going to be something completely different than the book I read. So, there's that disappointment. It was a gothic novel in the literal sense of the word, and that's where the two stars come in. It was a gothic novel.
quietjenn's review against another edition
3.0
I found the ending a little abrupt, but was pretty on board for 95% of the book, so.
lberestecki's review against another edition
3.0
It took me a while to get into this book, but once I was about a third of the way into the story I got invested for a while. But then there were just so many theories being thrown around that I got un-invested again. I also though the ending was weird and not terribly satisfying. I might have liked the book better if I had liked any of the characters, but I basically disliked all of them. Some of that probably had to do with how the atmosphere of the house was affecting them, but it's tough for me to enjoy a book when I don't really care about the characters.
paperbackstash's review against another edition
4.0
There are some authors who have a special something that’s hard to put your finger on, an indefinable quality that’s impossible to deny yet just as difficult to describe. Barbara Michaels is one of those authors, not necessarily a horror writer, but one who possesses instead a more gothic style that’s rich with mystery, legend, and history. I have read most of her books, and am ashamed to say I haven’t reviewed one until now. Turning over a new leaf, I figured I’d start with my more recent re-read there’s something about Michaels that is easily re-readable Someone in the House.
As is characteristic with almost all her books under this pen name (she writes under three), Someone in the House centers around an old house. Anne, an average looking, young school teacher, accompanies her friend Kevin to his parent’s new house, a place bought from lottery winnings Grayhaven Manor. The elderly couple is on vacation for the summer and need someone to watch the place for them. The two figure this peace and quiet would be the perfect opportunity to work on their co-authored textbook together, but of course work never really gets done. Once they arrive at the beautiful, English Gothic mansion, strange things ensue quickly. Aunt Bea comes to stay with the young couple after a recent divorce, and with her new boyfriend Roger, all four of them veer off into different paths surrounding the mysteries of the old house.
First it’s noticed that Kevin seems to have a ‘night time guest’, someone he’s sleeping with but that’s never seen. They can tell by, err, noises coming from the room, unmistakable indications of what act they’re involved in. Strange thing is, he never has a memory of it the next morning. The other three, unbeknownst to Kevin, begin to investigate the history of the house, and what they find is as chilling as it is strange. The plot plays the revolving door game throughout, keeping things interesting, all the while drenched in Michaels’ trademark lethargic, relaxed pacing. All her books are on the slower side, but this makes them more interesting, and she somehow manages to slip into your head almost instantly. It’s impossible to put the book down, yet it’s definitely not action thrillers most people are used to.
On the gore and horror side, there’s not much here. Nothing gruesome, and not much overtly frightening. Instead, it’s bleak and gothic, mysterious and captivating. Don’t go into this one expecting too many frightening moments, because there aren’t any and the book doesn’t apologize for it. The characters are richly written, with their own quirks, personalities, and sense of humors. I cared what happened to each when they experienced trials, my heart ached with them, and when they succeeded and met victory, I cheered them on. Anne especially was great, as she wasn’t the typical main character/heroine you’d expect. She’s as human as all of us, with weaknesses that fit into the plot nicely, but then surprised me by opposing them.
You can never tell what would happen next a sense of suspense does exist. The pacing, while slow, is even and never bores. The atmosphere is sunny and at the same time bleak and psychologically strong. In the end, the reader can be left with a bitter feeling from the events, something that made me feel a little empty (this was the intended purpose, though), and it made me think long after the last page was closed, what every good book should seek to accomplish. On the downside, it could have been a little more interesting in parts, especially compared to her other works, and Kevin wasn’t focused on much until the middle toward the end, something I feel harmed the book slightly.
Barbara Michaels really is an amazing writer. This isn’t her best book out there, but it’s a great one and a good place to start for an introduction to the author. If you enjoy mysteries with your horror, haunted houses, or gothic style writing, this one’s right up your alley, because no one does it as good as Michaels.
As is characteristic with almost all her books under this pen name (she writes under three), Someone in the House centers around an old house. Anne, an average looking, young school teacher, accompanies her friend Kevin to his parent’s new house, a place bought from lottery winnings Grayhaven Manor. The elderly couple is on vacation for the summer and need someone to watch the place for them. The two figure this peace and quiet would be the perfect opportunity to work on their co-authored textbook together, but of course work never really gets done. Once they arrive at the beautiful, English Gothic mansion, strange things ensue quickly. Aunt Bea comes to stay with the young couple after a recent divorce, and with her new boyfriend Roger, all four of them veer off into different paths surrounding the mysteries of the old house.
First it’s noticed that Kevin seems to have a ‘night time guest’, someone he’s sleeping with but that’s never seen. They can tell by, err, noises coming from the room, unmistakable indications of what act they’re involved in. Strange thing is, he never has a memory of it the next morning. The other three, unbeknownst to Kevin, begin to investigate the history of the house, and what they find is as chilling as it is strange. The plot plays the revolving door game throughout, keeping things interesting, all the while drenched in Michaels’ trademark lethargic, relaxed pacing. All her books are on the slower side, but this makes them more interesting, and she somehow manages to slip into your head almost instantly. It’s impossible to put the book down, yet it’s definitely not action thrillers most people are used to.
On the gore and horror side, there’s not much here. Nothing gruesome, and not much overtly frightening. Instead, it’s bleak and gothic, mysterious and captivating. Don’t go into this one expecting too many frightening moments, because there aren’t any and the book doesn’t apologize for it. The characters are richly written, with their own quirks, personalities, and sense of humors. I cared what happened to each when they experienced trials, my heart ached with them, and when they succeeded and met victory, I cheered them on. Anne especially was great, as she wasn’t the typical main character/heroine you’d expect. She’s as human as all of us, with weaknesses that fit into the plot nicely, but then surprised me by opposing them.
You can never tell what would happen next a sense of suspense does exist. The pacing, while slow, is even and never bores. The atmosphere is sunny and at the same time bleak and psychologically strong. In the end, the reader can be left with a bitter feeling from the events, something that made me feel a little empty (this was the intended purpose, though), and it made me think long after the last page was closed, what every good book should seek to accomplish. On the downside, it could have been a little more interesting in parts, especially compared to her other works, and Kevin wasn’t focused on much until the middle toward the end, something I feel harmed the book slightly.
Barbara Michaels really is an amazing writer. This isn’t her best book out there, but it’s a great one and a good place to start for an introduction to the author. If you enjoy mysteries with your horror, haunted houses, or gothic style writing, this one’s right up your alley, because no one does it as good as Michaels.
crafalsk264's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Greyhaven is a fortified manor house that may date back as far as William the Conqueror. It was moved from England to rural Pennsylvania brick by brick during the 1920s. Recently bought by a wealthy, elderly couple, the house is almost the same now as it was in England. Their son, Kevin, will be house sitting for the summer while his parents are touring Europe. His original plan for the summer was to work with a colleague, Anne, to complete a draft of a textbook. Since her plans to go with her boyfriend while he works on a summer project fall through, Anne decides to go along with Kevin so they can work on their book and enjoy a summer vacation. Within days of moving in, it becomes apparent to Anne that there is something or someone in the house. Kevin seems especially susceptible to its influence. Kevin’s recently divorced Aunt Bea also comes and plans to stay for the summer. With the local priest and a retired military officer, they form a psychic search party to see if they can uncover and deal with whatever is hiding in the house.
There are a number of attempts to deal with the entity and a romance develops between Kevin and Anne. I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the tart snarkiness of Anne and the relationship between her and Aunt Bea. I was disappointed that there was never a real answer as to what was actually in the house or if the resolution was actually successful. The ending of the story was also not satisfactory and left me wanting something different.
crownoflaurel's review against another edition
2.0
I think I knew this earlier, but I'm just not much of a fan for classic horror/gothic/thrillers. It's not the paranormal/scary parts -- it's when the characters do/are nothing but afraid & reactive. Tiresome.
rainnbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Hmm..Not sure if itz coz am at my lowest, somehow the ending left me feeling bereft.Like an ache! Loved the gothic setting so much that I wish i had someone in the family with a historical house like that, minus the ghosts of course. The story like other books by Barbara Michaels' is purely an enthralling read and Anne is a kickass heroine.
duffgt06's review against another edition
3.0
Just enough supernatural for me to handle. Light elements and nothing terror inducing. The plot was interesting and I was a bit surprised by where the ending landed. Fun, quick read.