chilling | Notes on a Page

Happy Friday! I’m floating on air today because of a certain ‘site’ reason, but on top of this, we have another great review! Today I am reviewing The Pram by Betty Woodcock!

When Carrie buys a secondhand pram for her eagerly awaited grandchild, she doesn’t realise it is a trap, or expect to be terrorized by her own aborted baby seeking vengeance . . .
And so her nightmare begins . . .
She struggles to hide her revulsion of her scary grandchild, and her fear increases tenfold when it talks to her in her head. Then she begins to see ghosts and is convinced she is losing her mind, and tells no one of her escalating bizarre experiences. When the vindictive blasts of pain in her head coincide with her long-ago lover unexpectedly coming back into her life, she can’t resist asking his advice on how to deal with the weird baby; unfortunately this adds further complications to her problems.
She has to keep him and the malevolent baby apart, because neither know that he is the father.

To grab your copy, please visit here for Amazon US, or here for Amazon UK!

Good Points

This was such a clever ghost story. Not enough people do ghost stories now, I think because they are worried they will not be able to do an original twist on ghosts-whereas Betty Woodcock has done it. The blurb didn’t do this book justice, as the chilling twists and turns kept me riveted from the start. Her descriptions were vivid, and believable, as the author did not rush anything, and yet kept the pace bubbling at a steady rate. My heart ached for the main character, and the daughter’s character truly annoyed me, as she was so selfish! But this all points to the author’s talent for creating great characters. The more thrilling aspects of the novel made me shiver and even glance over my shoulder a few times, they were so well written. I think what made this book better, is that Carrie’s outer life seemed so normal, and it was such a contrast to the events unfolding around her-and indeed, inside her mind! This is a very well-crafted novel that flowed so well you didn’t even see events sneaking up on you. On a more sombre note, I also thought the author’s note to her son was very touching.

Bad Points

This was another of those wonderful books with no bad points I could see. However, I do think that cover does not do the story justice, and it might be nice to see something that really made it ‘pop’. This did not of course, pull me away from the story.

Overall

A fantastic read, and a ghost story to grab now! This novel was a chilling read through the mind and past fears of a woman, and it dipped into moral issues as well as personal issues for the characters, all blended together to create something altogether fearful and deliciously addictive all at once. Once you pick this book up, you will not want to put it down! Definitely a writer to watch.

I give this novel……5/5 stars!

The ultimate lucky break gives John Harris and his family the opportunity to fulfil their wildest dreams. But all dreams have a darker side, and John’s past is never far away, ready to reach through to cast its shadow.
One hundred years ago, their new home was the scene for strange events that cannot easily be explained.
As John feels his past draw ever nearer, he knows that he must face up to his deepest fears if he is to prevent history repeating itself.
And as the past and present collide, a force beyond his control or comprehension is looking for one, final battle.

*This review copy was given to me free of charge, no fees were charged for this review*

Good Points

Where do I start? I have fallen in love with this book, and Finian Black is officially one of my new favourite authors. There is no better tale than that of the haunted house and the forgotten memories that accompany it. One of the first things I loved about this book was that it built up slowly, really creating suspense. So many authors now rush into the story, due to readers complaining that there wasn’t enough action, but I prefer a slow build up, as it allows you to really sink in before you realise you’re stuck! I also loved how there was the tie-in of hag mythology and-Peter Pan! Which I feel is a wonderful move, as Peter Pan itself is such a dark story, and it was blended in perfectly. The characters were gripping, the descriptions were wonderful (especially the Edwardian parts, were the author has obviously done his homework), and the writing style was perfect, allowing the story to flow so well that it was drip-fed to you, pulling you along bit by bit. I also enjoyed all the twists and turns that were thrown into the story, keeping you guessing all the way, not to mention there were quite a few parts where I felt the hairs rising on the back of my neck!

Bad Points

None. Nope, not at all. And you know me, I will always find something, but I just couldn’t. The only possible bad point I can think of, which is fact not a bad point at all, is that if you don’t like a book to make you cry (without giving away where) don’t read it!

Overall

This is my new favourite ghost story, taking the place of my copy of ‘Rebecca’. The whole premise of this story appealed to me, with creative, clever writing, the effortless blending in of characters and fairy-tales, and the chilling storyline itself! I would recommend this to anyone who wanted a new kind of horror/ghost story, that is written in a style that wouldn’t look out of place amongst well-known Victorian ghost novels. (A very good thing.) I also thought the author’s acknowledgements at the end were very touching, and I can’t wait for the next novel to come out!

I give this book…..5/5 stars!