The Secret of Crickley Hall

By: James Herbert

Narrated by: David Rintoul

Length: 18 hrs

Publisher's summary

There is an old, empty house in Devil's Cleave, a deep gorge that leads from the high moors down to the harbour village of Hollow Bay. The house is Crickley Hall and it's large and grim, somehow foreboding. It's rumoured to be haunted. It's thought to hold a secret. Despite some reservations, the Caleighs move in, searching for respite in this beautiful part of North Devon, seeking peace and perhaps to come to terms with what's happened to them as a family.

But all is not well with the house. They hear unaccountable noises. A cellar door they shut every night is always open again in the morning. They see things that cannot be real. The house is the last place the Caleighs should have come to, for the terror that unfolds is beyond belief. Soon they will discover the secret horror of Crickley Hall....

©2006 James Herbert (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

A Truly Great Ghost Story

If you could sum up The Secret of Crickley Hall in three words, what would they be?

Hauntingly horrific heartache.

What did you like best about this story?

Even though this story is clearly a supernatural story, it's core is very, very human. The love of the family for each other and their shared grief and struggle over their loss is so endearing. On that same note the stories of the orphans is heartbreaking but also endearing, you feel for these people and you WANT them to be ok, to be at peace. Ultimately it comes down to people relying on each other and their faith to be strong in impossible situations.

What about David Rintoul’s performance did you like?

David Rintoul is fantastic. His performance from Percy to the children, to the young women was incredible. It never felt silly, but was very sincere and very well done.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

They will not be forgotten.

5 Star Performance!!

David Rintoul made this audiobook an absolute EXPERIENCE! His performance made me glad that I chose the audiobook version over reading it myself, I could have never read it the way he did! Hands down, the best narration I have yet to hear! Thank you, Mr. Rintoul!

The Secret of Crickley Hall was a true ghost story, with actual ghosts and spooky happenings. A perfect October listen!

The author is very detailed, and this story is long, but those are things that I love about a story, so for me it was great! The reason I gave the story 4 Stars, it did start to lose my attention towards the end, after having me so captivated from the beginning I was disappointed to have felt that way at all. But I would absolutely recommend this book, especially in audio version! If you love a good ghost story, you have found one right here!

On a cold and rainy night.....

Would you consider the audio edition of The Secret of Crickley Hall to be better than the print version?

I never read the print version but the narration was wonderful and for me, brought the story alive.

Would you be willing to try another book from James Herbert? Why or why not?

Yes, I love James Herbert. This was the first time listening to an audio book by him.

Which scene was your favorite?

I enjoyed the scene where Lily the psychic was there with the children watching everything that was going on as if she were there. It was a bit graphic and disturbing but really puts things in perspective.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Laugh if you want but it was when the dog came home. I don't want to go into any detail and spoil the story.

Any additional comments?

While this was not an excellent read it was an enjoyable one. It was not so much a spooky ghost story for me as it was feeling like I was part of the family and getting to know the characters. It was a nice escape read.

Great storyline and listen. Would recommend.

Great storyline and listen. Would recommend to anyone that enjoys paranormal suspense in the story.

There really isn’t a secret....

After the first chapters you can predict the middle and end....there is absolutely no secret. It should be called The Blatantly Foreshadowed Secret of Crickley Hall. Sigh.....

The narrator did a good job, though.

Would not recommend

Raising and lowering your voice to emphasize words is great, but this narrator does it so extremely that even on full volume sometimes I can barely understand him. Then out of no where he's yelling again. It's very frustrating.

The story was fine up until the last few chapters. It got really boring and predictable at what was supposed to be the climax of the story.

ZZZZZ......

Would you try another book from James Herbert and/or David Rintoul?

I've read and enjoyed others, so maybe.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Probably a John Connolly mystery.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of David Rintoul?

He was ok.

What character would you cut from The Secret of Crickley Hall?

Oh, that is funny. The whole thing needs an editor to pare it down by half. It never seemed to end.

Any additional comments?

I love a good ghost story. Sadly, this isn't one. The characters are stupid waaaay past the point of disbelief. I felt smothered with foreshadowing that never really came to much. The only mystery here is why this story went on so long.

Really enjoyed this book! mystery,@suspense

Where does The Secret of Crickley Hall rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Well I couldnt stop listening till the end and thats a good book to me. Once I got over the annoying fathers attitude , but he came right after a while .There's alot of inner mind thinking by the characters which actually helps the story at first i thought it would hinder the flow of the book. A true ghost story with a good ending.

Horrendous crime

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I was enjoying this story until it got to the underlying story involving children. Then it became unbearable. I like this author, and I love horror stories, but this one just made me sick at heart.

Swish Thwack!! No Secret about Cricley Hall

A tedious tale of predictable events& cliched people...I mean are there no other abusers of women&children left in the world besides Christians?? ...perverse musicians
that travel to Bankock maybe, or creepy senators who support NAMBLA???...Dictators&dictator wanna-bees??...zealots from that other religion of peace??...what about good old fashioned Satanists?? And why does some creepy little man only brave enough to abuse children die and suddenly become infused with superpowers? In life the Captain of the Chess club could mop the floor wh him...I ask you?