The Haunting of Hern Hall by G R Pidgeon

 

John Elliot a former chaplain in WWI returns to Hern Hall to keep a promise to a dead comrade and hand over a parcel to his sister. He finds a very sad family Lord Chiddingstone trying to keep it together, his Lady who lives in a very tragic past and Lucy the blind daughter. All are troubled people overshadowed by an accident where the youngest son died in an accident. The mother blames the elder boy for the accident and ignores the existence of everyone else. A spiritualist lives on the premises, promising Lady C that the spirit of her son will appear to her. 

When John arrives, he is like a breath of fresh air to both Lord C and Lucy but the spiritualist and Lady C seem antagonistic. Unraveling the secrets of years past and the “curse” that is supposed to affect the family was what John wanted to uncover, mainly to set Lucy free whom he is falling in love with.

Very atmospheric with threads of magic, the afterlife and what we do not know about death the story was spooky but held the readers interest throughout. It was not fast paced but followed a gentle rhythm.

Sent by Bloodhound Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.