Quick Take

From the outside, it looks like an ordinary American home, but since its construction in 1956, people have vanished as soon as they go upstairs, the only clues the things they leave behind: a wedding ring, a phone...an eye.In its sixty-year history, a record number of strange events have been attributed to the house, from the neighbors waking up to find themselves standing in the yard outside, to the grieving man who vanished before a police officer's eyes. The animals gathering in the yard as if summoned. The people who speak in reverse. The lights and sounds. The music. The grass dying overnight...and the ten-foot clown on the second floor.And as long as there are mysteries, people will be compelled to solve them.Here, then, is the most comprehensive account of the Abigail House phenomenon, the result of sixty years of eyewitness accounts, news reports, scientific research, and parapsychological investigations, all in an attempt to decode the enduring mystery that is......THE HOUSE ON ABIGAIL LANE.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The House on Abigail Lane

Introduction

"The House on Abigail Lane" by Kealan Patrick Burke is a fascinating and intriguing novella that delves into the mysterious and eerie events surrounding a haunted house. With its captivating blend of factual accounts, news reports, scientific research, and parapsychological investigations, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the Abigail House phenomenon. From strange disappearances to inexplicable occurrences, Burke takes readers on a journey through the history of this enigmatic property, keeping them engaged and entertained from start to finish.

About Kealan Patrick Burke

Kealan Patrick Burke, the author of "The House on Abigail Lane," was born and raised in a small harbor town in the south of Ireland. Burke's passion for horror writing was ignited at a young age, thanks to his surroundings and a family full of storytellers. Over the years, he has written five novels, over a hundred short stories, six collections, and edited four acclaimed anthologies. Burke's diverse experience, including working as a waiter, drama teacher, fraud investigator, and book cover designer, has contributed to his unique writing style and ability to captivate readers with his stories.

Analysis of Views

Compelling Premise: Readers appreciate the novella's unique premise, which revolves around the mysterious disappearances that occur within the house. The compelling nature of this premise keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth behind the events.
Creepy and Unique: Many readers find the book's approach to the haunted house genre refreshing and creepy. Burke's use of historical evidence and factual accounts adds an air of authenticity to the story, making it feel like a real-life account of a haunted house.
Cold Academic Tone: Some readers appreciate the book's academic tone, which adds to the eerie atmosphere. The impersonal style of presenting the events allows for a more immersive reading experience, as if one is reading a documentary or research paper.
Intricate Storytelling: Burke's ability to weave American history into the house's legacy is praised by readers. The way he moves the horror elements along with the historical context creates different lenses through which to study the house in each era, adding depth and complexity to the story.
Subtle Horror Elements: Readers appreciate the subtlety of the horror elements in the book. Instead of relying on ghosts or monsters, Burke focuses on small occurrences that build tension and suspense. This approach allows for a more gradual and unsettling experience for readers.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Storytelling: Kealan Patrick Burke's storytelling skills shine through in "The House on Abigail Lane." His ability to create a compelling premise and build tension throughout the novella keeps readers engaged and invested in the story.
Unique Approach to Haunted House Genre: Burke's approach to the haunted house genre sets this book apart from others in the genre. By incorporating historical evidence and factual accounts, he adds an element of authenticity that makes the story feel realistic and intriguing.
Cold Academic Tone: The cold academic tone of the book adds an eerie atmosphere that enhances the overall reading experience. It creates a sense of detachment from the events, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the mystery without being overwhelmed by emotions.
Intricate Storytelling and Historical Context: Burke's ability to weave American history into the house's legacy adds depth and complexity to the story. This approach allows readers to explore different eras through the lens of the haunted house phenomenon, making "The House on Abigail Lane" a unique and engaging read.

Conclusion

"The House on Abigail Lane" by Kealan Patrick Burke is a captivating novella that delves into the mysterious events surrounding a haunted house. With its compelling premise, unique approach to the haunted house genre, cold academic tone, intricate storytelling, and historical context, this book offers readers an immersive reading experience that keeps them engaged from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of horror or simply looking for a captivating mystery to solve, "The House on Abigail Lane" is definitely worth adding to your reading list.