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Stirrings in the Black House

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Stirrings in the Black House

By: Ambrose Ibsen
Narrated by: Joe Hempel
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About this listen

Fear is a place.

When struggling concert pianist Emil inherits a house from his late uncle, he thinks all of his problems are solved. Absconding to the mysterious Weatherby House in the suburbs of Portland where his famous uncle composed many classical masterpieces, Emil finds the place completely empty, save for one thing: his uncle's grand piano.

But Weatherby House is not the ideal getaway it appears at first glance. It has a dark past and is shunned by the locals. As the days pass, strange things occur on the property, leaving Emil to wonder if he isn't losing his mind.

Unplaceable footsteps resound in the upstairs; dark figures peer into the windows at night despite the empty acreage that surrounds the old house, and that blasted piano can't seem to keep quiet, loosing music at turns beautiful and terrifying even as no one sits before it.

In time, Emil discovers that there's something else living in Weatherby House.

And it refuses to let him leave.

©2017 Ambrose Ibsen (P)2017 Ambrose Ibsen Ghosts Horror Suspense Thriller & Suspense Scary Haunted Piano Exciting

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Emil loves playing the piano, but after a breakdown at one of his recitals, he doesn't have much options. He is living with his parents and is broke. Until one day he learns that his Uncle Gustav, a famous musician and composer, left him a house. What's odd is that Emil hasn't talked nor seen his Uncle in years. The last time was when Gustav attended one of Emil's recitals and told Emil he wasn't any good. So why would his Uncle leave him a house? As Emil settles into the house he learns some disturbing things about it and things aren't what they seem!!

I have quickly become a fan of Ambrose Ibsen because of how he can transport you into his stories. That isn't really a good thing though, because his stories are so incredibly creepy!!! I actually had to stop listening to this till the morning because it gave me the chills. Learning about the house and everything that happened just made it worse. It was so so scary and I just wanted Emil to leave! I know I wouldn't stay in any house where mysterious noises were happening. I'd skedaddle and get someone else to investigate!!

The author is also really good at making you connect with his characters. I felt for Emil. He is down on his luck but determined to make a better life for himself. He just wants to play music again and even starts hearing a certain song in his dreams. I was rooting for him the whole way through. I also liked Kelly, the girl he meets when he gets to the new town.

In all, this was a great little ghost story. Well written and developed and one that had me shivering, it's a must read. Can't wait to see what the author gives us next!!

Joe Hempel is also quickly becoming a favourite narrator of mine. He has such an easy voice to listen to that he makes it effortless. Plus he has an incredible array of tones and voices that it's like a full cast recording. Brilliant narration!!!

I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.

Creepy!!

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this book was great, made even better by Joe Hempel. I enjoyed his voice do much that I have bought a few books people on his voice. Hope they are good.
great short story, enjoyed, nice and easy to listen too.

fantastic narrator.

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Fledgling pianist Emil can't figure out why the uncle who never had anything kind to say to him in life, would leave him a fabulous old house. But when he moves into it, strange things begin to happen, but Emil has never played so well in his life and cant' help but be drawn to the piano. Hounded by whispers, he begins to wonder if he's losing his mind, but he'll soon find out what those whispers are all about. Riveting story-line, intriguing characters, and a well-laid plot make this an awesome story. The narrator did a great job. Ghost lovers, you'll want to listen to this one.

Scary story

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Another excellent read from Ibsen. This atmospheric book may be short but it packs a punch!

Fantastic!

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I don't want to give away too much with this review, but suffice it to say - much like another reviewer - I felt that the ending could've been better. I thought the rest of the story was great and really nicely creepy but then it suddenly went a bit bonkers and a little too all over the place for me which ended up with my listening to the end and wondering what I'd actually just listened to.

As someone who's been through the ups and downs of the music biz and the snootiness that accompanies a lot of musicians' attitudes, the lead's character made me chuckle on occasion as it was so accurate. The way the author wrote about dealing with addiction was also so well done that I really felt for the main character - been there, done that.

All in all a very good, creepy house story but just let down a little by the seemingly rushed ending in my view. Joe Hempel's a great narrator though and I'll definitely listen to anything else he does gladly.

Great narrator, ending a bit flat

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Firstly, Joe Hempel is an incredible narrator. If his name is on it, I'll gladly give it a listen.

*Possibly spoilers*

The book started great, and had an incredible premise. It had a lot of potential and the first 2 acts were so immersive. Emile's struggle with his addiction, being alone in a new town, fearing for his mental health. It was so good, I loved his and Kelly's dynamic. I enjoyed that he had flaws (very snobby about classic music), and that he did foolish things that were realistic.

However, the third act fell so flat for me. It was such a bummer that it didn't resonate with me. It felt like a rehash of the second act spookiness but with a finale. I feel like it could have been longer, maybe more people involved (the resurrected cult?), just more eerie. Make me feel something for Emile's end. I felt more strongly for Kelly in the end.

Ultimately it was good and I would recommend it to horror fans, but the ending really dropped off for me.

Great premise, even better narrator.

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