Books 2014 - Frost Hollow Hall by Emma Carroll

[byslantedlight]

Winter 1881. In the middle of a frozen lake a girl is skating. She's not supposed to be here. No one is. Not since Kit Barrington drowned at Frost Hollow Hall ten years ago. But the dead don't scare Tilly Higgins. The ice is thin. It cracks. Suddenly she's under the water, drowning. Near death, a strange spirit appears to her, a boy so beautiful Tilly's sure he's an angel. But he's a ghost. A very troubled ghost. And he desperately needs her help...

I must be honest, I bought this more for the cover than anything else, although I did think it would fit the Readers Imbibing Peril challenge nicely - but I ended up thoroughly enjoying the story. It's a very real book, beautifully written - I could hear Tilly, and see and feel where she was at every moment, and completely see other people through her eyes too. The story isn't just a ghost story either, Tilly has her own story - people who encounter ghosts are, after all, ordinary people with other things going on in their lives too, and Tilly's was wonderfully created. I don't want to spoiler it at all, so I'm not going to say anything more, but my heart dropped moments before hers did, every time, and lightened just before hers did too - it was that well done. And having not expected it to be particularly frightening, I found myself putting it down rather than read it in bed in the house by myself the other night - it was quite shiversome!

Very, very recommended...

(Four books, any length, that you feel fit (the very broad definitions) of R.I.P. literature.)
Lord John and the Hand of Devils by Diana Gabaldon
The Bones of Avalon by Phil Rickman
The Magpie Lord by K.J. Charles
The Heresy of Doctor Dee by Phil Rickman
Frost Hollow Hall by Emma Carroll

Comments

[caffyolay.livejournal.com]

This one of those books (amongst many) that I've had on my radar for a while. Must check the library for it.

Off to Scotland on Monday... just in case you wonder where I am next week. *G* When I get back (Friday) we must try and arrange a visit.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I think you'd probably like this one, I think it's really nicely done.

Scotland in autumn - hope it's properly gorgeous for you! You must have wondered whether you'd be in an entirely new country when you went... *g*

A visit when you get back would be lovely actually - it'd be nice to see a friendly face and relax over some book-chat!

[caffyolay.livejournal.com]

I have a feeling I saw the book on Goodreads, mentioned it to my grand-daughter as well, she got it out of Exeter library and read it. I'm pretty sure she liked it a lot. I've promised myself a trip to the newly refurbished library in Exeter next month. I'll be like a kid in a sweet-shop. *g* I'm not sure if it's a sad thing or not that I get so excited about a trip to the library. Heehee.

I'm hoping Scotland will be gorgeous as it's our first visit. We're staying in Inverness and having a bit of a tour around - coastline, Highlands, visit to an old fandom friend etc. Should be good.

Excellent, then we shall arrange it as soon as I get back.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I love new libraries. I was all happy at joining Wells' little library, and am trying not to be sad at having to possibly abandon it without having borrowed a single book... but we'll see. New big city libraries are even more exciting, though - I hope it's wonderful! *g*

Scotland will be gorgeous since it's your first visit - have a brilliant time, and see you when you get back! *vbg*

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

Well, you've certainly made me keen to read this one! *g* It's been a long time since a book made me keep the lights on.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh good! Though I suppose everyone's definition of need-to-keep-the-lights-on is different... Hey, that reminds me - a cheerful thing for today, a new Doctor Who! (My sister always used to hide apparently, but I never did, I always loved it... though I did find the cybermats creepy... little slinky things... *shudders*)