Very in depth

Enjoyed the whole story. The ghost aspect was interesting but for me the most intriguing part was the story of Marianne Foyster. I would like to find out more about her incredible life.

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Fascinating social & historical context

I wanted to read a book about Borley Rectory, and I can’t even remember why I chose this one now but I know I didn’t read many reviews or anything before choosing.
Anyway I was well rewarded - this book goes into real detail about the lives of people connected with Borley, and I found myself getting really interested in the paths their lives took. I think originally I wanted more info on the spooky stuff, and whilst this book does do this, it’s also a fascinating delve into the historical context. Have been looking for more stuff from the author since.

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The misleading review.

I kept waiting for a story to begin but all I heard was at this date this and at that they thought this, totally miss represented at a novel more a list of press cuttings .

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1 person found this helpful

An incredible historical account!

I'm not one for writing long reviews.
As someone who in my younger years had a more personal relationship with borley rectory (post fire, I'm not that old) and have always found it fascinating, I found this book incredible.
The history of not just the house but it's residents has been so well balanced and researched that I'll definitely be listening again to take in the parts I've missed.
You're still left at the end to make your own judgement, was borley rectory haunted? From personal experiences yes it was. Are there still paranormal goings-on to this day? Well.....when I was there last. Yes!

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Enlightening!

This was a very detailed history of Borley and the real story turns out to be more fantastical than a house full of ghosts! Really interesting and an amazing amount of information about all the people associated with the place.

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1 person found this helpful

dialogue

I found it interesting and absorbing , wonderful dialogue, exceeding expectations. the background stories helped with the understanding of the history

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Just like Price's work too long

The whole story is mostly engaging, detailed but it does go on for a long time. I kept listening for some grande finale and it didn't hit the mark.
However, I commend the intense effort and research this would have taken and the performance stood out and helped keep me on track

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Well researched

This is a very well researched book which is both informative and entertaining. Kudos to the narrator as well whose style of reading added to the enjoyment.

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A little slow at times, but otherwise fascinating.

Moving into Borley Rectory in 1928, Eric and Mabel Smith discovered a human skull in a cupboard. Subsequent events suggested the house might be haunted. Within a year, the family had moved out. Reverend Lionel Foyster and his young wife then moved in and became aware of what appeared to be poltergeist activity. Reported in the tabloid press, the house attracted the attention of ghost hunter Harry Price and the events that followed gave the house its reputation as the most haunted house in England.

The most exciting thing about a supposedly haunted house must be the possibility that it might actually be haunted. However, in this book, Sean O’Connor shows that the ghost stories were probably just that – stories. I’ve been aware of the tales surrounding Borley Rectory for many years and had always assumed that at least some of the sightings and phenomena must have some basis in fact. In this highly detailed and thoroughly researched account, Sean O’Connor reveals that while some events – such as the four sisters who allegedly saw a ghostly nun crossing the garden – could be put down to spooky shadows and youthful enthusiasm – other accounts, like the echoing footsteps in upper rooms of the house when no-one was actually upstairs, sound feasible. Some incidents, like flying pebbles and other objects were most likely the result of Harry Price’s slight-of-hand antics and his desire to promote his own reputation. As the Borley Report (published in 1956) pointed out, there was little evidence to back up Price’s claims and much to suggest several people played tricks on friends and visitors, keeping up the pretence of ‘spiritual’ activity for reasons best known to themselves.

What is most interesting about this book are the lives of the individuals who lived in the house and their various shenanigans and possible reasons for wanting everyone to believe it really was haunted. Though the pace of the book slows a little at times, it is nevertheless a fascinating account of what is most probably not the most haunted house in England.

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5 people found this helpful

Borley

I have been fasinated by this haunting for many years, and having visited Borley and read both of Price's books and a number of others. I found this book very informative, without taking one side or the other. It told the story from the many angles of the incombants, visitors and local residents, sheading new light and views that I had not heard before. And talks about the social aspect of the time as well. It was well read and well put over, without being too scientific and boring.

A good read for anyone interested in the study of the supernatural, fact or fiction.

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2 people found this helpful