A tramp," was the reply. "He went there for the sake of half-a-crown, and they found him next morning hanging from the balusters, dead." An edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting read. I loved it. -- KATE HAMER author of THE GIRL IN THE RED COAT You've got an unwholesome mind," said White, as they walked on. "This place is quite creepy enough without you remembering that. Now let's find a comfortable room and have a little nip of whisky apiece and a pipe. How will this do?"

The Toll House by Carly Reagon | Hachette UK

He tugged violently at the bell-handle, and the rusty jangling of a bell sounded from a distant kitchen. He rang again. Oh, I do love those books that are perfect for October. You know the ones. The ones that match the darker nights, the ones to curl up in front of a blazing fire with a hot cup of tea by your side. The ones that make you pull the curtains to keep the outside from coming in. But perhaps, in this instance, you should be more concerned about what already lurks within. Some houses like to keep hold of their secrets, to retain the past and replay the bad things that happened there. This occurs when Kelda moves into the old Toll House with her son. Signs are not good right from the very first chapter of this book, and it will have you looking over your shoulder, wondering what that creak on the stair really was. No doubt just the cat. But no, here she is, sitting by your side! Yikes. Should I go and investigate? A beautifully written tale of hauntings, grief, and the stories folded in old houses. Carly Reagon is one to watch. -- C.J. COOKE, author of THE LIGHTHOUSE WITCHESIf you like a good ghost story put this chilling thriller to the very top of your reading list’ Sarah Pearse author of THE SANATORIUM

The Toll House by Carly Reagon - The Book Trail The Toll House by Carly Reagon - The Book Trail

From a writing perspective, I liked that everything was wrapped up satisfactorily. There was no ambiguity and no loose threads that leave you wondering. The duel timeline worked well and slowly revealed the secrets and truth of The Toll House. From a reader's perspective, this book has pace and provides all the chills. It follows a fairly well-trodden path, but it doesn't matter because it's well done and a debut to be proud of. I really felt for Kelda, not just because of what was happening in the house but because of her own past. I won’t go into too many details but lets just say her history is much more complicated and you understand why she is so protective of Dylan and is estranged with her family. The lodge was almost hidden by over-grown shrubs and the drive was choked with rank growths. Meagle leading, they pushed through it until the dark pile of the house loomed above them.But when Kelda finds a death mask concealed behind one of the walls, everything changes. Inexplicable things happen in the house, Kelda cannot shake the feeling of being watched and Dylan is plagued by nightmares, convinced he can see figures in his room. As Dylan's behaviour becomes increasingly challenging, Kelda seeks answers in the house's mysterious past. But she's running out of time. Suppose we all go?" said Meagle. "Start after supper, and get there about eleven? We have been walking for ten days now without an adventure--except Barnes's discovery that ditch-water smells longest. It will be a novelty, at any rate, and, if we break the spell by all surviving, the grateful owner ought to come down handsome." Meagle shook his head, and they stood for some time in uneasy silence. "May as well shut the door," said Barnes at last.