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The Devil's Serenade Kindle Edition

3.8 out of 5 stars 76 ratings

Maddie had forgotten that cursed summer. Now she's about to remember…

When Maddie Chambers inherits her Aunt Charlotte’s gothic mansion, old memories stir of the long-forgotten summer she turned sixteen. She has barely moved in before a series of bizarre events drives her to question her sanity.

The strains of her aunt’s favorite song echo through the house, the roots of a faraway willow creep through the cellar, a child who cannot exist skips from room to room, and Maddie discovers Charlotte kept many deadly secrets.

Gradually, the barriers in her mind fall away, and Maddie begins to recall that summer when she looked into the face of evil. Now, the long dead builder of the house has unfinished business and an ancient demon is hungry. Soon it is not only Maddie’s life that is in danger, but her soul itself, as the ghosts of her past shed their cover of darkness.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Catherine's writing is intelligent and brings an elegance back tohorror that has been missing for years. The Devil's Serenade is a truetestament to her body of work." - Beneath The Underground

"An excellent, back-to-the-basics haunted house story - a Gothic horror whichdoesn't get too mired in on itself. The Devil's Serenade builds a sense ofdread, with genuine scares, right up to the climax." --
Daniel G. Keohane,Bram Stoker nominated author of Solomon's Grave

I absolutely love Cat's books. Hers are very different from what you may beused to. If you've never read one of her books before, I highly recommend youstart here" -
Cat After Dark

"The denouement scared me pale. Read with the lights on...and ignore thosenoises upstairs." -
Mallory Heart Reviews

"This is a haunted house tale as full of memories and regrets as it isdemons and spirits. More importantly, it's a story where the house itself ispart of the story." -
Beauty in Ruins

"I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good creepystory." - FangFreakin-tastic Reviews

"Ms Cavendish weaves a mysterious and spine tingling tale." -
Justa Little R&R

"Fans of gothic horror are sure to eat this book up" - Examiner.com

"There's plenty of twists, turns, and doubt... horror andghost-loving fans will really like to sink into this one."- The Reader'sHollow

"Great, classic horror. Keeps you turning the pagesfaster!" - Maddie's Book Reviews

"The Devil's Serenade is a great, new haunted house tale that is packedwith tension and has a few fantastic surprises along the way." - 2 BookLovers' Reviews

"A great book to curl upwith on a stormy night." - Horror Maiden's Book Reviews

"This is definitely a must read. It was hella scary. Icouldn't get enough" - Mello and June's Book Reviews

"Dark and strange... The Devil's Serenade will keep you on your toesand leaving the light on to keep away the shadows." - Bibliophilic BookBlog

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01N5RWHWT
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crossroad Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 20, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 210 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.8 out of 5 stars 76 ratings

About the author

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Catherine Cavendish
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Hello, my name's Catherine Cavendish and I write suspense novels, novellas and short stories of the ghostly, haunted, creepy kind that include supernatural, paranormal, Gothic and other, related themes.

THE STONES OF LANDANE is out now from Flame Tree Press - When Jonathan agrees to accompany his girlfriend, Nadia, on a trip to Landane, he imagines a short relaxing break in the countryside, but he quickly discovers that Nadia isn’t just drawn to the ancient Neolithic stone circle, she is obsessed by the megaliths. One in particular holds a fascination for her. Within hours, her personality begins to change, and it isn’t long before Jonathan starts to fear for her sanity. All too soon he realizes, it isn't only Nadia who is in danger

My other novels from Flame Tree Press are:

THOSE WHO DWELL IN MORDENHYRST HALL - Evil runs deep at Mordenhyrst Hall… When Grace first sets eyes on the imposing Gothic house, she is struck with an overwhelming sense that something doesn’t want her there. Her fiancé’s sister heads a coterie of Bright Young Things whose frivolous lives hide a sinister intent. Simon, Grace’s fiancé, is not the man she fell in love with, and the local villagers eye her with suspicion that borders on malevolence.

Her friend, Coralie, possesses the ability to communicate with powerful spirits. She convinces Grace of her own paranormal gifts – gifts Grace will need to draw deeply on as the secrets of Mordenhyrst Hall begin to unravel.

THE AFTER-DEATH OF CAROLINE RAND - Alli is caught between fantasy and reality, past and present, in the life of a famous singer from the 1960s and soon learns that evil infests the once-holy building she called home. Before long, Alli's fate will be sealed, and she will learn about her role in the after-death of Caroline Rand. It begins with a chilling greeting: "Welcome to The Columbine, Miss Sinclair. You are expected."

DARK OBSERVATION - is published by Flame Tree Press. In the dark days of war-torn London, Violet has more to fear than bombs. From deep within the Earth, demonic forces are rising.

IN DARKNESS, SHADOWS BREATHE. Carol and Nessa are strangers with one thing in common, they are in the hands of an entity that knows no boundaries and crosses dimensions - bending and twisting time itself - where danger waits in every shadow

THE GARDEN OF BEWITCHMENT. Historical haunted Gothic horror set in the wilds of the Yorkshire moors - pure Bronte country - with a Bronte theme.

And - THE HAUNTING OF HENDERSON CLOSE. Ghostly horror set in Edinburgh's Old Town.

THE CROW WITCH AND OTHER CONJURINGS is my first short fiction collection and is out now from Weird House Press.

My novellas THE DARKEST VEIL, COLD REVENGE, MISS ABIGAIL'S ROOM, THE DEMONS OF CAMBIAN STREET, DARK AVENGING ANGEL, LINDEN MANOR, THE DEVIL INSIDE HER and THE SECOND WIFE are published by Crossroad Press.

My novels THE DEVIL'S SERENADE and SAVING GRACE DEVINE have also been released in new editions by Crossroad Press, as has my novel of the Lancashire Witches - THE PENDLE CURSE.

I live with a long-suffering husband and a delightful black cat who has never forgotten that her species used to be worshipped in ancient Egypt. She sees no reason why that practice should not continue. Who am I to argue?

When not slaving over a hot computer, I enjoy wandering around Neolithic stone circles and visiting old haunted houses.

Customer reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
76 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's pace engaging, with one mentioning how the two storylines merge into one. Moreover, the writing style receives positive feedback, with one customer noting it's a good quick read for summer days.

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10 customers mention "Pace"8 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the book's fast-paced narrative, with one customer noting how two storylines merge into one.

"...There is plenty of ghostly atmosphere throughout the book as when the activity of the haunting picks up within the story with the main character,..." Read more

"Parts of this were good. Plenty of spooky things happened. Some parts were not as good. It has a good Gothic atmosphere of a haunted house." Read more

"This is a good story that is very well written. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars is because of the ending...." Read more

"...I enjoyed how the story developed, and the writing style was a pleasure to read. If you're in the mood for a good haunted story, give it a try...." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing style"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style of the book, with one mentioning it's a good quick read for summer days.

"This is a good story that is very well written. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars is because of the ending...." Read more

"...I enjoyed how the story developed, and the writing style was a pleasure to read. If you're in the mood for a good haunted story, give it a try...." Read more

"...Two story lines merge into one! A good quick read for summer days or winters nights by the fire. I enjoyed the twists and turns!" Read more

"...Loved her writing style. Characters were intelligent & likable. Her sense of history was quite accurate. Recommended!" Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great read.

"Parts of this were good. Plenty of spooky things happened. Some parts were not as good. It has a good Gothic atmosphere of a haunted house." Read more

"You won't put this down, great read. Pulls you in and won't put it down at all. You just want to read it to the end." Read more

"Very good book." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2021
    Wow! This was a spooky atmospheric story!

    A small backstory:

    Maddie Chambers inherits a mansion from her Aunt Charlotte who she hasn't seen since she was a teenager. The mansion dubbed "Hargest House" is known around town for having a dark and disturbing past from a previous owner, Nathaniel Hargest as some believe that he was dabbling in the dark arts and was possibly involved in satanic rituals.

    Maddie moves into the mansion and not too long after she is there she starts experiencing paranormal activity. A favorite song that her aunt loved, "Serenade in Blue" by Glenn Miller, plays throughout the house, but when Maddie goes to check it out then it stops. Maddie hears the sound of laughing children, whispers through the air, furniture slamming around above her head, feels cold drafts throughout the house, but what she finds in the cellar is the most disturbing thing of all!

    What is haunting the mansion? What does Maddie discover in the cellar? Was the house really used for satanic rituals? No spoilers here as you will just need to read the book!

    Thoughts:

    This was an excellent gothic haunting/mystery that just pulled me right into the story from the first chapter. When I sit down to read books by this author, I always know that something is going to spook me and give me shivers which is exactly what this book did!

    There is plenty of ghostly atmosphere throughout the book as when the activity of the haunting picks up within the story with the main character, Maddie the book just takes off!

    There is quite a bit of mystery surrounding the mansion along with demonic activity that is laced throughout the storyline along with some twists and turns that kept me on my toes driving the scare factor up a few notches making me read late into the night! There is a major twist near the end of the book that blew me away as I wasn't expecting it! Giving this book five "Demon Dark Arts" stars!
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2020
    Parts of this were good. Plenty of spooky things happened. Some parts were not as good. It has a good Gothic atmosphere of a haunted house.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2017
    This is a good story that is very well written. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars is because of the ending. Placing her in the tree was the same as just killing her. She lived no more in the tree.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2016
    I was in the mood for an atmospheric haunted house book, and The Devil's Serenade gave me what I wanted. Maddie is a likable woman who inherited a big old house that holds haunted secrets on every floor. The house gives her plenty to cope with, but she's also trying to gain acceptance in a town where her family has a strong, negative reputation. I enjoyed how the story developed, and the writing style was a pleasure to read. If you're in the mood for a good haunted story, give it a try. You'll never look at tree roots the same way again.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2016
    Maddie inherits a gothic mansion from her aunt Charlotte. She is puzzled and surprised by this gift but determined to make full use of the unexpected inheritance. She has decided for the present to reside there.

    A series of unusual occurrences and events is somewhat concerning; what is the significance of the willow tree in the basement? what are the shady figures and apparitions that live within the confines of the house, in particular an elderly gentleman in a cloak. We learn that Maddie had a lonely childhood and to compensate for this she has created an imaginary circle of friends who appear to her throughout the story.

    The reader is introduced to Shona and her amateur theatrical associates who make good use of the abundant house resources for rehearsal, and young Charlie Evans the friendly plumber who appears to be a resource of inspiration and help to an increasingly frightened and confused Maddie. Is there something unexplained and frightening within the characters of Shona and Charlie that the reader should be cautious and concerned about? As the story proceeds the issues are dealt with in a very effective manner.

    For a haunted house story to be successful the most important element is the pace of the story telling. At the centre of this novel is the imposing and gothic presence of Hargest House. Maddie is frightened by ghostly figures and the willow in the basement, and her state of mind is deteriorating the longer she remains in residence.

    The slow unveiling of the house and characters almost leads the reader into a false sense of security and is subtly done by the author creating a beautiful foundation to showcase the evil when it occurs in the latter part of the story.

    So an enjoyable gothic horror tale expertly paced with enough hidden surprises to entertain and engage the reader's interest until the end. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2017
    Good haunting story of house with evil and good. Two story lines merge into one! A good quick read for summer days or winters nights by the fire. I enjoyed the twists and turns!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2017
    ... Had to find out what happened next! This is the first haunted gothic by Catherine Cavendish I've read & it won't be the last. Loved her writing style. Characters were intelligent & likable. Her sense of history was quite accurate. Recommended!

Top reviews from other countries

  • JS
    3.0 out of 5 stars Too dark and a bit naive to my taste
    Reviewed in Canada on December 17, 2017
    I didn't read enough reviews I guess. Thought it to be of some psychological depth. It is not though. Turned out to be a teenager book about supernatural powers of good or evil where evil seems to win at the end. An okey read though. Nicely written. The start is intriguing page turned. Feelings and emotions are very well described.
  • Sue Roebuck
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great Samhain Horror novel
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 1, 2016
    Reading a new book by Catherine Cavendish is always exciting because, to me, it's like getting into a cosy jumper that I love and feel comfortable in. That's what Ms. Cavendish's writing is like. I know exactly how easy she'll be to read, how descriptive, how brilliant the setting. And I know I'll be scared out of my wits (forget the jumper now).

    Ms Cavendish is a bit of an aficionado of haunted houses (I think she even lives in one) so she's writing about what she knows in The Devil's Serenade.

    Maddie Chambers has inherited a gothic mansion that she spent much of her childhood in with a spinster aunt. Curious happenings went on then but they pale in comparison to now: there are a series of ghostly children skipping about, supernatural beings haunt the attic and scare workmen witless, and a shadowy figure in a cloak lurks in dark places. But what really sent chills down my spine were the all-too alive roots of a tree that wriggled, throbbed and scratched if anyone picked one up and which were growing at a rate in the basement...and there's no tree on the outside where they could have come from.

    Tension is built up in a delicious way, a cast of believable characters make their appearance (for example Shona and her amateur dramatics friends and Charlie the plumber) leaving the reader wondering if he or she has anything to do with the evil that lurks in Hargest House. Nothing concrete is revealed until the twist at the very satisfying end. This is definitely a book to read while the lights are on.
  • Warbz63
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 17, 2017
    Ideal for a quick read before going to sleep. This author has a writing style that's both easy and a pleasure to read. Chapter lengths just right for me, no matter how late it was, I could manage a chapter or two! The plot was intriguing, and it made the book a real page turner, I'll definitely be checking out more of this lady's work.
  • thisgirl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner from Catherine Cavendish
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 7, 2016
    Can the spirits of the light save you from dark forces? Ii Catherine Cavendish’s world? You’d have more chance as a snowball surviving in hell. Maddie has forgotten that cursed summer spent at her aunt’s scary house in Priory St Michael—the one she’s now inherited-- but she’s about to have her memory jolted in a big way. You might even say when it comes to inheritances, she’d have been better pretending she was someone else. After all, pretending is nothing new to her. As an only child she invented a whole family. To see that they now ‘exist’ is but one of many surprises in this fast paced, tensely intriguing tale. Then there’s Aunt Charlotte. I don’t want to give spoilers. Let’s just say she may be dead-she is dead—but there’s a nice twist to her story and the kind of woman she really was. Both these characters are interesting for different reasons. Catherine Cavendish has done a great job of giving us women, ever so slightly removed from society, a little eccentric but always likeable. This is a another great book from an author on a roll. I have no hesitation about awarding five stars and I can’t wait for her next.

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