The Haunting of Cravenhill Manor
The Haunting of Cravenhill Manor
By Vincent Valentean
The Sexton’s musings (spoilers are likely):
I have to admit, the authors of this series love their characters to inherit the haunted houses. I will say that Valentean, while this one and the last one involve inheritance of the house there is a different feel to it than the other authors. They of course all have their own style but his structuring is different. The characters are more complex. So when reading his books, even if they start like the others in the series, don’t think that they are going to remain that way throughout (especially the ones that involve Michael Merlyn).
Michael is a supporting character in this one BUT, as always, once he is there he is larger than life. I liked the way in which he got called into this one. His reputation proceeds him even in the spirit world. I know that I have said this before and this probably won’t be the last time but he really is a great character. The more stories you read with him the more dimensions are added. He actually allowed someone else to take on a dangerous heavy burden in this one. Took some convincing but he actually backed down and let someone else take the risk. Which is something the old Michael never would have let happen.
Grace has her frustration inducing moments but nothing overly angering. I do think that she should have reacted to what her children were telling her a bit sooner however there would not have been much of a book is she had not let it get bad before calling in help. However I will say that she was not in disbelief all that time. She knew there were supernatural forces at work she just didn’t realize how dangerous they could be and simply did not want to frighten her children by agreeing with them that the house was haunted.
Brining in Emily was an interesting twist. In some of the previous books Michael talks about how there are different levels of ability when it comes to mediums. Emily is simply able to sense supernatural entities but needs other tools to actually communicate with them. Where Michael can actually see them and communicate directly. The relationship between her and Michael is interesting as well. I’m only going to say this, Emily dug that hole and now she has to lay in it. You’ll have to read the book to find out what this means.
Closing thoughts:
Another decent addition to the Michael Merlyn saga. I count these as part of his story even though he is really a supporting character. The story moves quickly and is an easy, entertaining read.
