Book Review

The Haunting of Henderson Close by Catherine Cavendish

Ghosts have always walked there. Now they’re not alone…

In the depths of Edinburgh, an evil presence is released.

Hannah and her colleagues are tour guides who lead their visitors along the spooky, derelict Henderson Close, thrilling them with tales of spectres and murder. For Hannah it is her dream job, but not for long. Who is the mysterious figure that disappears around a corner? What is happening in the old print shop? And who is the little girl with no face?

The legends of Henderson Close are becoming all too real. The Auld De’il is out – and even the spirits are afraid.

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My Thoughts

Here’s a murder mystery with a paranormal edge. I love that this book is based on an actual place with authentic history. Cavendish breathes life into a cast of characters who must literally battle this spooky landscape, both in the past as well as the present. The setting is rich in sensory detail and will send chills up your spine as you whiff the air and step down the dark, ghost-ridden walkways. Oh, and don’t mind the demon creature lurking around…

Cavendish takes a job many of us would kill to have (sorry, not sorry) as a haunted tour guide and makes it a total nightmare. What if the ghosts were not only real, but the location sent you back in time without your consent? Friends and family would be befuddled, not knowing if you were ever coming back. Not to mention how disoriented you’d be to boot. That’s some scary stuff right there. And it happens to more than one person in the story!

The alternating of time periods is well-paced and engaging. In fact, Cavendish’s writing style and dialogue make for an effortless read. It all flows together, building suspense until the final reveal. There’s a lot to keep track of toward the end, so you best beware. I had to slow down in parts in order to get my bearings. One thing I did wish as I turned the pages was for more visceral descriptions when it came to the horror. Cavendish really makes those sections come alive on the page, making me want even more peppered in.

If you are a fan of this author, or you are test driving her work for the first time, you won’t be disappointed. With each book release, she demonstrates her knack for tackling anything supernatural.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available on Amazon!