Write your own review!
Diane M. (Walden, NY)
haunting tale
I really enjoyed this book. It is a mixture between a horror story and a mystery. The atmosphere is almost Gothic, mixing history and current day atmosphere. The book grabs you from the start and doesn't let you go until the final page. Recommended for book clubs and everyone who loves suspense. Wonderful book.
Barbara L. (Novato, CA)
House of Echoes
Moody, atmospheric,tense... this begins to describe The House of Echoes. The Crofts is an old Gothic looking estate that the Tierney family of four decide to restore and open as an inn, in an attempt to build a new life for themselves, away from New York City and the hectic lifestyle that was theirs. I devoured this novel in one day, as the story of this rather flawed but loving family unfolds with much mystery and a certain sense of foreboding. Things are not as they appear in this remote village away from it all. A great read!
Dorinne D. (Wickenburg, AZ)
A Suspenseful Tale Worth Reading
This story is filled with tension from the very beginning. It grips you and holds you and makes you keep reading to see what is going to happen next. You feel sure there is some other-worldly presence lurking, but then you think it's a man possibly mentally ill and escaped from his sequestration. The story keeps you guessing right up to the ending, which was quite unexpected. I would recommend this book to all those readers who enjoy suspense and mystery. I thought the letters from 1777 made an interesting transition in connecting the location and events of that era with the modern day. story. As this is a debut
…more novel, I hope Mr. Duffy writes many more novels. He should have quite a good following. (less)This book is about a family that moves from the city to a small town to start a new life by converting a mansion that overlooks the town into an inn. However, they longer they are there the more terrorized they become by someone or something that is in the woods near their house. It's a town full of secrets that date back to the family's ancestors.
This book was hard for me to get into at first but once I did, I couldn't put it down. I kept wanting to find out what's in the woods and what secrets the townspeople don't want to talk about. This is a well written horror book that keeps the reader guessing until the
…more very end. I have to admit being disappointed with the ending but it was a good read. (less)House of Echoes was quite a page turning thriller about a somewhat dysfunctional family that moves to a small town to bring peace and order to their lives. This small town is definitely not as it seems from the surface, and their problems become much worse instead of better. I would have given the book 5 stars, but parts of the book felt recycled from other very popular books in this genre. There are, however, enough unique twists and turns in House of Echoes that set it apart and make for a great read!
Beverly S. (Chesterton, IN)
gothic twists and turns
This is a first time novel for Brendan Duffy. It is quite the thriller. A young family, Ben, Caroline, and their 2 young sons leave the big city life behind them as they purchase a historical mansion. The property sits between 2 mountains in upstate New York. Their plan is to renovate the property and open a bed and breakfast. The nearby villagers of Swannhaven seem quite welcoming at first, but quickly things will change. Can the local priest even be trusted, or will he also turn against the family?
I liked the author's writing style and this gothic horror novel was full of twists and turns. This book held my
…more interest until the very end. I will look forward to reading the next novel from Brendan Duffy. (less)
Suzanne G. (Tucson, AZ)
A good story--
This was another book that held my interest and definitely some angst. The innocent family gave me the feeling that something fearful might happen just around the corner. I had trouble putting it down; I needed to know what was going to happen. I wouldn't recommend House of Echoes to anyone not liking thrillers! For me, this book had the ultimate with its exciting plot.
Judy M. (East Haven, CT)
House Of Echoes
One thing I always enjoy is a good ghost, vampire, or supernatural story! House of Echoes did not disappoint.
I enjoyed the background , particularly the secretive nature of the community. Thought the tie between Caroline going through a hard time, to her doubting herself & the final realty of their situation was very nicely portrayed.
This book takes you on an enjoyable adventure through a families attempt to change their lives, which of course becomes a bigger change than anticipated. Charlie, the son of Ben & Caroline plays an important role throughout, and grows in wisdom & age during this novel.
…more There were a few parts, as so often happens, towards the end that I thought were predictable. I was pleasantly surprised that when I thought I had it figured out--there were a few twists left for me.
I was engaged throughout the book. It is light, enjoyable reading that will keep you guessing! (less)
