The House of Dies Drear

By: Virginia Hamilton

Narrated by: Lynne Thigpen

One hundred years ago, Dies Drear and two runaway slaves hiding in his house, an important station on the Underground Railroad, were murdered. Legend has it that the ghost of Mr. Drear still haunts the lonely old house. But Thomas Small’s father, a Civil War history professor, doesn’t believe the legends and buys the house. The house is fascinating, thinks Thomas, and it is filled with hidden doorways and secret passages that he can’t wait to explore. But funny things keep happening—frightening things that no one, not even Thomas’ father, can explain. Is someone playing a prank? Or is the ghost of Dies Drear trying to warn the Smalls of danger?

From Virginia Hamilton, the author of the Newbery Medal and National Book Award winning M.C. Higgins, the Great, comes a spellbinding mystery filled with edge-of-the-seat suspense. The House of Dies Drear wraps an important history lesson into a brilliantly imaginative story for all ages.

©1968 Virginia Hamilton (P)1995 Recorded Books, LLC

African American Gothic

While written for young people, the story, characters, dialogue and descriptive language, and the themes are so captivating and well written that they will entertain any imaginative adult. everything by this author is a joy, and the narrator is superb (with a beautiful singing voice as well!).

It's entertaining to see how the author appropriates the characteristics of traditional Gothic thrillers to create I guess what can be called an African American Gothic. I also recommend her short novel Bluish.

Narration is perfect

This book targets a younger audience, but I really enjoyed it myself. It's a cute story about an important time in our history, and the author does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life. What really makes this audiobook is the beautiful narration. The warm, rich voice drew me in, and kept the story interesting.

the details that came to life

loved it, captivating and something I was able to share reading with my grandchildren. Good read!💞

Excellent story & excellent narrator

Great to hear Lynne Thigpin! What a talent for how to read Hamilton, another talented artist. My students are engaged!

Long-standing Favorite still Favorite

This is an excellent story brought to life by a voice both engaging and soothing.