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Berkley Street #1
Berkley Street
Shane Ryan returns to Nashua and the childhood memories that drove him to join the Marines. After a prolonged legal battle with his aunt and uncle, Shane has possession of the family home where his parents disappeared over 20 years ago. The house, a monstrous castle filled with ghosts and secrets, is more alive than its inhabitants.
When his aunt and uncle come to town, then vanish, Shane's life takes a turn for the worse. Detective Marie Lafontaine immediately labels Shane as the prime suspect. And in a race against time, Shane desperately searches for clues about his parents.
But there's something lurking beyond the walls and beneath the surface. Something sinister that has haunted him ever since he saw its face in the pond behind the house. And it isn’t happy that Shane is back.
It isn’t happy at all.
When his aunt and uncle come to town, then vanish, Shane's life takes a turn for the worse. Detective Marie Lafontaine immediately labels Shane as the prime suspect. And in a race against time, Shane desperately searches for clues about his parents.
But there's something lurking beyond the walls and beneath the surface. Something sinister that has haunted him ever since he saw its face in the pond behind the house. And it isn’t happy that Shane is back.
It isn’t happy at all.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2016
About the author
Ron Ripley
221 books465 followersRon Ripley is a husband and father surviving in New England, a place which seems to be getting colder every day. He grew up across from a disturbingly large cemetery where he managed to scare himself every night before going to bed. Mostly because of the red lights that people put in front of the headstones. Those things are just plain creepy to a kid.
Ron enjoys writing horror, military history and driving through the small towns of New England with his family, collecting books and giving impromptu lectures on military history to his family, who enjoy ignoring him during those dreadful times.
Ron enjoys writing horror, military history and driving through the small towns of New England with his family, collecting books and giving impromptu lectures on military history to his family, who enjoy ignoring him during those dreadful times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 511 reviews
May 26, 2017
BERKLEY STREET is the first novel in the Berkley Street series, by author Ron Ripley. In the house at number 125 Berkley Street, the author has created a most unique and terrifying environment positively riddled with ghosts of different backgrounds and temperaments. Shane Ryan and his parents, Hank and Fiona, buy the house after it had belonged to the Andersons. It doesn't take long for young Shane and his family to find out what the rest of the neighborhood already suspected--that their house is indeed, very much, haunted to the maximum capacity.
"Everything's impossible until it isn't . . . "
Ron Ripley has created a morbid "fun house" of sorts, filled with macabre spirits, hidden passages, and a house that likes to conveniently change its shape and form impossibly, from the inside.
". . . you can disappear into the walls. Places and rooms which shouldn't exist, but they do anyway."
Twenty years after the disappearance of his parents, a series of events leads Shane to move back to the house at 125 Berkley Street. On his first day, he meets a neighbor and former Marine, Gerald Beck--a man who has always believed the rumors of Shane's house to be truth.
". . . there are things which the Good Lord does not rein in. And some of those things are in the root cellar."
Along with the unique atmosphere of this house, Ripley brings us characters--both living and dead--that you'll come to care about as if they were real people. Each death that occurs there has it's own special kind of torture, and each spirit trapped there retains their individual personalities. Some, like Carl, are simply grateful to be remembered: ". . . My Oubliette . . . My little place of forgetting. I shall forget he existed, and so shall the world . . . ". Others, like the Lady of the Lake , are still as twisted and sadistic in death as they were in life--more than capable of causing the painful deaths of so many others.
". . . when he fell asleep, he died. They call it dry drowning. A little water in the lungs is enough to kill . . . "
Shane is aware of the danger he faces in returning, but his character is so convincingly portrayed that the reader can easily accept that his homecoming was inevitable.
I found Berkley Street to be a unique and compelling supernatural horror novel. This was the first book that I'd read by Ron Ripley, and I've already purchased another.
Recommended!
"Everything's impossible until it isn't . . . "
Ron Ripley has created a morbid "fun house" of sorts, filled with macabre spirits, hidden passages, and a house that likes to conveniently change its shape and form impossibly, from the inside.
". . . you can disappear into the walls. Places and rooms which shouldn't exist, but they do anyway."
Twenty years after the disappearance of his parents, a series of events leads Shane to move back to the house at 125 Berkley Street. On his first day, he meets a neighbor and former Marine, Gerald Beck--a man who has always believed the rumors of Shane's house to be truth.
". . . there are things which the Good Lord does not rein in. And some of those things are in the root cellar."
Along with the unique atmosphere of this house, Ripley brings us characters--both living and dead--that you'll come to care about as if they were real people. Each death that occurs there has it's own special kind of torture, and each spirit trapped there retains their individual personalities. Some, like Carl, are simply grateful to be remembered: ". . . My Oubliette . . . My little place of forgetting. I shall forget he existed, and so shall the world . . . ". Others, like the Lady of the Lake , are still as twisted and sadistic in death as they were in life--more than capable of causing the painful deaths of so many others.
". . . when he fell asleep, he died. They call it dry drowning. A little water in the lungs is enough to kill . . . "
Shane is aware of the danger he faces in returning, but his character is so convincingly portrayed that the reader can easily accept that his homecoming was inevitable.
I found Berkley Street to be a unique and compelling supernatural horror novel. This was the first book that I'd read by Ron Ripley, and I've already purchased another.
Recommended!
August 24, 2023
Usually supernatural, haunted house, horror stories are slow burn, high exposition snooze-fests. They are my least enjoyable horror reads because they are generally wall-to-wall clichéd tropes. You've read one haunted house story; you've read them all.
Yet, every once in a while you get some originality, something more akin to The Shining as opposed to The Haunting of Hill House. Both are good, but one is a creep while the other is in your face, grab you by the throat, until you poop your pants. I would rather read the latter. Too many of them are the former.
In Berkley Street, Ron Ripley writes about the Anderson House which has claimed numerous lives. Through a series of flashbacks and flashforwards, the reader is told how the house came about and how the current resident fares. Needless to say, I will not spoil that tale but it really is quite a unique tale worthy of time and attention. This is the first Ron Ripley book I have read, and this inspires me to keep my eyes open for more.
Yet, every once in a while you get some originality, something more akin to The Shining as opposed to The Haunting of Hill House. Both are good, but one is a creep while the other is in your face, grab you by the throat, until you poop your pants. I would rather read the latter. Too many of them are the former.
In Berkley Street, Ron Ripley writes about the Anderson House which has claimed numerous lives. Through a series of flashbacks and flashforwards, the reader is told how the house came about and how the current resident fares. Needless to say, I will not spoil that tale but it really is quite a unique tale worthy of time and attention. This is the first Ron Ripley book I have read, and this inspires me to keep my eyes open for more.
June 10, 2019
Charles van Buren
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
3.0 out of 5 stars
In your face horror
May 18, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Verified Purchase
Review of the Kindle edition
Publication date: April 22, 2016
Publisher: ScareStreet.com
Language: English
ASIN: B01E33CSGI
Well if you like the kind of horror story which instead of sneaking up on you and yelling boo, walks right up to you waving a club and proceeds to bludgeon you over the head then this is for you. I prefer sneaking.
The surprises and mysteries in this novel are not whether there are real things which go bump in the night or even what things are making all that racket. The questions are who they are going to get and how they are going to get them which, surprisingly, is suspenseful the way Mr. Ripley writes it. The questions which always arise in any story are who, what, when, where, why and how. Some of the how is weak and the why is almost completely ignored. I noticed that this is the first book in a series so these questions may be answered in subsequent volumes.
This is a short, simple book, quick and easy to read, but the ending is pretty feeble. The grammar is ok but there is a decided problem with the usage of bring and take. Also, the actions of the people living in the house are very strange. As I write this, the book is available free from Amazon. The writing and style are so easy and simple that I may try reading this to our 11 year old, perhaps censoring a little as I read.
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
3.0 out of 5 stars
In your face horror
May 18, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Verified Purchase
Review of the Kindle edition
Publication date: April 22, 2016
Publisher: ScareStreet.com
Language: English
ASIN: B01E33CSGI
Well if you like the kind of horror story which instead of sneaking up on you and yelling boo, walks right up to you waving a club and proceeds to bludgeon you over the head then this is for you. I prefer sneaking.
The surprises and mysteries in this novel are not whether there are real things which go bump in the night or even what things are making all that racket. The questions are who they are going to get and how they are going to get them which, surprisingly, is suspenseful the way Mr. Ripley writes it. The questions which always arise in any story are who, what, when, where, why and how. Some of the how is weak and the why is almost completely ignored. I noticed that this is the first book in a series so these questions may be answered in subsequent volumes.
This is a short, simple book, quick and easy to read, but the ending is pretty feeble. The grammar is ok but there is a decided problem with the usage of bring and take. Also, the actions of the people living in the house are very strange. As I write this, the book is available free from Amazon. The writing and style are so easy and simple that I may try reading this to our 11 year old, perhaps censoring a little as I read.
May 17, 2017
Something is wrong with the old Andersen house. Really, really, wrong. Shane Ryan grew up there. Now he has returned to his childhood home, 20 years after the disappearance of his parents, to find out exactly what happened all those years ago. He might not like what he finds. Many secrets and ghosts from the past will need to be brought to light in order to unravel the mystery.
If you are looking for a slow burn haunted house tale, then Berkley Street is not your huckleberry. There is zero pussyfooting around with this one. The spirits are restless and they are in your face from the beginning. I dug that about this one. The characters, both alive and spirit, were well drawn and the story moves quickly with several genuinely creepy moments.
The audio for BS was very well done. I wasn’t too sure about the narrator at first, but once I got used to the cadence and tone, it fit the story and I ended up liking it very much. Listening versus reading is sometimes a difficult thing, but no matter the format of this one, I believe that I would have enjoyed it equally. 3.5+ Stars
"I received a complimentary audiobook edition of this title from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review and this was it."
If you are looking for a slow burn haunted house tale, then Berkley Street is not your huckleberry. There is zero pussyfooting around with this one. The spirits are restless and they are in your face from the beginning. I dug that about this one. The characters, both alive and spirit, were well drawn and the story moves quickly with several genuinely creepy moments.
The audio for BS was very well done. I wasn’t too sure about the narrator at first, but once I got used to the cadence and tone, it fit the story and I ended up liking it very much. Listening versus reading is sometimes a difficult thing, but no matter the format of this one, I believe that I would have enjoyed it equally. 3.5+ Stars
"I received a complimentary audiobook edition of this title from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review and this was it."
May 21, 2017
I have been hitting a stream of really good horror lately, and believe me, that is harder to find than it should be. This was a haunted house story on steroids, with a compelling protagonist, a variety of spirits to get to know, and strong supporting characters. It felt like an interesting mix of Alice in Wonderland and Rose Red (the miniseries). But although there were hints of this and reminders of that, which was very much its own story, and confident in what it was and where it was going. It's a short read, as evidenced by the fact that I started and finished the same day, but an enjoyable one, and I'll be looking for the rest of the series.
October 25, 2017
Great little creepy read!
At last, I've found a decent new horror writer AND this is one is the first in a series!! Great stuff ;)
At last, I've found a decent new horror writer AND this is one is the first in a series!! Great stuff ;)
July 11, 2018
A great start to a series that I am looking forward to reading more of. Good mystery with a tormented main character. Always a fun time when it’s a buddy read with my traveling sister Mary Beth.
November 21, 2020
Berkley Street is a haunted house horror novel. Now, it is known that I love all sub-genres of horror, ranging from slasher to suspense but I did struggle to categorize this into one sub-category. It really is genre-bending fiction. Be prepared to open the first page and get bludgeoned with the brutality of the characters and the intestinal fortitude of our protagonist, Shane Ryan. The house has a mind of its own – it simply takes care of itself. If you haven’t been invited, then be prepared to meet a grizzly end!
Each ghost has a story to tell none of it pleasant but all of it gruesome.
I often found myself scratching my head in confusion. Let me clarify. It is a ghost story so already the realms of the possible are blurred. That isn’t really an issue to me, it’s not why I read haunted house stories. The issue that caused me the most confusion was how the ghosts would kill people in relation to their behaviour to Shane. His interactions with the ghosts were mostly positive and quite often friendly. The two just didn’t add up for me. Oh and another point – why the hell would you fight for a house that quite clearly scares the crap out of you!
The house on Berkley Streets back story is interesting. I particularly enjoyed reliving Shane’s childhood experiences with the house and its occupants. Shane befriends most of the ghosts apart from the dark ones in the basement and the little girl that lives in the lake. The little girl has everyone trapped in a reign of horror. She is responsible for most of the deaths. Shane begs his parents to believe him about their house guests. They are hesitant until an incident changes their minds. Okay, so for the killer blow – they never move out?! Oh, and the double-barrelled shot is that on occasion they are happy to leave their child alone in 125 Berkley Street.
Berkley Street is a horror novella that is told in dual timelines, Shanes childhood and the present day. Shane is back home after spending around twenty years in the US Marines. His aunt and uncle pursued having his parents declared dead too early and wanted the family home. A lengthy court battle has resulted in Shane regaining his home, if only to find out what happened to his parents. It’s a decent story and I will read more in time.
Each ghost has a story to tell none of it pleasant but all of it gruesome.
I often found myself scratching my head in confusion. Let me clarify. It is a ghost story so already the realms of the possible are blurred. That isn’t really an issue to me, it’s not why I read haunted house stories. The issue that caused me the most confusion was how the ghosts would kill people in relation to their behaviour to Shane. His interactions with the ghosts were mostly positive and quite often friendly. The two just didn’t add up for me. Oh and another point – why the hell would you fight for a house that quite clearly scares the crap out of you!
The house on Berkley Streets back story is interesting. I particularly enjoyed reliving Shane’s childhood experiences with the house and its occupants. Shane befriends most of the ghosts apart from the dark ones in the basement and the little girl that lives in the lake. The little girl has everyone trapped in a reign of horror. She is responsible for most of the deaths. Shane begs his parents to believe him about their house guests. They are hesitant until an incident changes their minds. Okay, so for the killer blow – they never move out?! Oh, and the double-barrelled shot is that on occasion they are happy to leave their child alone in 125 Berkley Street.
Berkley Street is a horror novella that is told in dual timelines, Shanes childhood and the present day. Shane is back home after spending around twenty years in the US Marines. His aunt and uncle pursued having his parents declared dead too early and wanted the family home. A lengthy court battle has resulted in Shane regaining his home, if only to find out what happened to his parents. It’s a decent story and I will read more in time.
September 16, 2017
This haunted house story is more slasher flick than suspense - the ghosts that haunt Berkley Street are physical and violent, capable of killing anyone who trespasses on the house grounds.
The story requires a lot of suspension of disbelief, not so much about murderous ghosts, but about the way people living in a house that regularly kills people behave. Maybe it's just me, but after the second or third time ghosts in my house killed a visitor, a handyman, or just some random trespasser, while telling me I'm next, I think I'd move.
However, the ghosts take a liking to Shane Ryan, whose parents move in when he's just seven. Not that this stops them from scaring the shit out of him, and not all the ghosts like him - in particular, the evil little girl in the pond out back, who seems to hold the other ghosts under a reign of terror. But even after Shane's parents become convinced that he's not seeing things and there really are ghosts, they don't move out. They are even willing to leave him alone in the house. Even after more than one person has died there.
Like I said, that part was harder to swallow than ghosts.
Berkley Street jumps back and forth between Shaney's childhood, his adulthood when he comes back to the house after spending twenty years in the Marines to find out what happened to his parents (after he leaves home, his parents stay in the freaky murderous haunted house, and surprise, surprise, eventually it gets them), and even earlier, to show us how some of the house's residents became ghosts.
As a horror novel, this was a decent one, involving a protagonist who has to come back to the source of his childhood trauma to confront the Big Bad. I was just a bit nonplussed at how quickly everyone is like "Oh yeah, the house is haunted and the ghosts can grab you and kill you, so stay away from that place, except for when you have to go inside for some reason."
Ron Ripley is no Stephen King, but he keeps the story going, usually by killing someone whenever things start to drag. This is the first in a series, and I guess I might read more when I'm in the mood.
The story requires a lot of suspension of disbelief, not so much about murderous ghosts, but about the way people living in a house that regularly kills people behave. Maybe it's just me, but after the second or third time ghosts in my house killed a visitor, a handyman, or just some random trespasser, while telling me I'm next, I think I'd move.
However, the ghosts take a liking to Shane Ryan, whose parents move in when he's just seven. Not that this stops them from scaring the shit out of him, and not all the ghosts like him - in particular, the evil little girl in the pond out back, who seems to hold the other ghosts under a reign of terror. But even after Shane's parents become convinced that he's not seeing things and there really are ghosts, they don't move out. They are even willing to leave him alone in the house. Even after more than one person has died there.
Like I said, that part was harder to swallow than ghosts.
Berkley Street jumps back and forth between Shaney's childhood, his adulthood when he comes back to the house after spending twenty years in the Marines to find out what happened to his parents (after he leaves home, his parents stay in the freaky murderous haunted house, and surprise, surprise, eventually it gets them), and even earlier, to show us how some of the house's residents became ghosts.
As a horror novel, this was a decent one, involving a protagonist who has to come back to the source of his childhood trauma to confront the Big Bad. I was just a bit nonplussed at how quickly everyone is like "Oh yeah, the house is haunted and the ghosts can grab you and kill you, so stay away from that place, except for when you have to go inside for some reason."
Ron Ripley is no Stephen King, but he keeps the story going, usually by killing someone whenever things start to drag. This is the first in a series, and I guess I might read more when I'm in the mood.
January 1, 2020
I loved the story about the house and about how Shane adapted. It made him as a little boy and then as a teenager and eventual adult a lot easier to identify with even extraordinary as some of his abilities were.
After a while, 125 Berkley St. started to feel more like home even with all of its quirks. If you read the first book to the end it all works out to an interesting solution with more mystery left to solve and plenty of surprises on the horizon.
I have read one of this author’s series before and loved it as well.
After a while, 125 Berkley St. started to feel more like home even with all of its quirks. If you read the first book to the end it all works out to an interesting solution with more mystery left to solve and plenty of surprises on the horizon.
I have read one of this author’s series before and loved it as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2020
This story started like many haunted house stories, with someone moving into a new (to them) property. Somehow they always manage to be able to afford large houses or even mansions, which of course come with some history.
The main character is the son, Shane, who can see and hear resident ghosts. The story flips back and forth in time frequently, showing Shane as a child, then returning to the house as a legal adult who has been away in the military. The ghosts immediately welcome him home.
The writing is good and I got caught up in the story pretty quickly. What's different about this one from other haunted house stories is Shane's relationships with the ghosts, some friendly, some definitely not. Some of the ghosts themselves are afraid of the girl in the pond.
It was a good read and among my top 5 haunted house stories now. There's a series of nine books and as it happens, I already have the second book, so I'll see after I read that one whether I want to keep going. This one was definitely well worth my time.
The main character is the son, Shane, who can see and hear resident ghosts. The story flips back and forth in time frequently, showing Shane as a child, then returning to the house as a legal adult who has been away in the military. The ghosts immediately welcome him home.
The writing is good and I got caught up in the story pretty quickly. What's different about this one from other haunted house stories is Shane's relationships with the ghosts, some friendly, some definitely not. Some of the ghosts themselves are afraid of the girl in the pond.
It was a good read and among my top 5 haunted house stories now. There's a series of nine books and as it happens, I already have the second book, so I'll see after I read that one whether I want to keep going. This one was definitely well worth my time.
October 19, 2016
WOW! This book was exactly what I want in a horror novel. First, it reels you in instantly, hence the reason I finished it in a few hours. It made me turn on the lights! The plot was perfect. Sometimes they are so twisty that they never answer my questions. I despise a book that has no real ending or resolution (irregardless of sequels),
Characters were great. Shane as a child... man he was brave, smart, precocious, and awesome to read. I really wanted to see him have some resolution. I am 5 minutes out of the book and I am going to buy the next instalment.
So to recap, I want scary, riveting, and an ending that doesn't leave me feeling confused and annoyed. You should read this, on Halloween night, or just when you're alone.
Characters were great. Shane as a child... man he was brave, smart, precocious, and awesome to read. I really wanted to see him have some resolution. I am 5 minutes out of the book and I am going to buy the next instalment.
So to recap, I want scary, riveting, and an ending that doesn't leave me feeling confused and annoyed. You should read this, on Halloween night, or just when you're alone.
April 23, 2016
Review: BERKLEY STREET by Ron Ripley
I don't know what author Ron Ripley's nightmares are like, but he certainly knows how to bring on the scares, in every single story. BERKLEY STREET is frightening, very much, and I finished unsure which scared me more: the haunts, or the humans [shudder]. BERKLEY STREET is part of the MOVING IN series. Do read this, but not at night and not alone.
I don't know what author Ron Ripley's nightmares are like, but he certainly knows how to bring on the scares, in every single story. BERKLEY STREET is frightening, very much, and I finished unsure which scared me more: the haunts, or the humans [shudder]. BERKLEY STREET is part of the MOVING IN series. Do read this, but not at night and not alone.
August 17, 2018
This is definitely a ghost story! A story which flits seamlessly from past go present, with an eclectic array of both living and dead characters. At times the story was scary and there were moments I felt sorry for the poor souls trapped in the house. There’s nothing gratuitous or gory, just a nice level of fear of things that go bump in the night. Loved it. And will happily read the sequel.
May 24, 2016
Rate the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I have all of Mr. Ripley's books. He is a great writer. I hope to read the rest of his stories.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I have all of Mr. Ripley's books. He is a great writer. I hope to read the rest of his stories.
March 27, 2020
Now guys, if you want something to give you chills but not a creepy chill, this book is puurrfect!! When we usually see horror movies, they mostly base on how a ghost hunter or someone experienced in that field tries to uncover a secret or ghost haunting a completely unrelated family or people. But this book shook me to the core because the male protagonist , Shane was desperate to know about his parents, terrified of the activities in his home, and the entire book was written in his pov from the time he was eight to the present. It made me want to just get him out of the house. Both the boy and the adult.
The plot , for me was amazing . Initially though, when I read the words, " The house killed them" at the beginning, I thought this was going to be some totally unrealistic monster house kind of story with a possessed house growing hands and legs( ignore my wild imagination.😬) . But this was totally nothing like that. I loved how the author kept us in the dark until the very last bonus chapter, after reading which a little, and I mean VERY little clarity was given. Still ended up being mysterious. If you want a book hangover, Go on and read this!!
Now about the characters, Shane was amazing.., yet so realistic . He was not the brave guy or that hero with the ability to make everything okay. No. He was portrayed as a normal person with the basic fears and basic qualities and basic emotions, probably why all of it made me believe it's real. You'll automatically feel empathetic for the guy. I assure you of that.
About Detective Marie, though she was the female protagonist of the story, I couldn't find much action from her. I would've liked her pov once about how she was affected by all that was happening in Shane's house. Also I was surprised how soon she dropped the case of his uncle and aunt's disappearence.
Now about the ghosts . Before you guys go on to berating me for giving you spoilers,.let me te you something.: In this story, Ghosts are NOT the spoiler. You have much much more that's awaiting you. Plus, the ghosts are present in the book right from the first chapter. Ok so the ghosts, I found some good , some funny , and some terrifying. And that's all I'm gonna say about them. 🤐
Overall , I thought the book was too serious and very little humour, as expected. The way of writing was dark and so mysterious. In a good way. And at the end of reading this book be prepared to be left hanging with a ton of questions you've not yet found the answer to.
Recommendation: Yes ,I would totally recommend to those who read horror , mystery and thriller books.
.
P.S. I jumped every time something or someone moved around me while I was reading the book. I literally cursed my mom for turning of the light in my room when I was going to sleep. So formulate what you can from that👆.
The plot , for me was amazing . Initially though, when I read the words, " The house killed them" at the beginning, I thought this was going to be some totally unrealistic monster house kind of story with a possessed house growing hands and legs( ignore my wild imagination.😬) . But this was totally nothing like that. I loved how the author kept us in the dark until the very last bonus chapter, after reading which a little, and I mean VERY little clarity was given. Still ended up being mysterious. If you want a book hangover, Go on and read this!!
Now about the characters, Shane was amazing.., yet so realistic . He was not the brave guy or that hero with the ability to make everything okay. No. He was portrayed as a normal person with the basic fears and basic qualities and basic emotions, probably why all of it made me believe it's real. You'll automatically feel empathetic for the guy. I assure you of that.
About Detective Marie, though she was the female protagonist of the story, I couldn't find much action from her. I would've liked her pov once about how she was affected by all that was happening in Shane's house. Also I was surprised how soon she dropped the case of his uncle and aunt's disappearence.
Now about the ghosts . Before you guys go on to berating me for giving you spoilers,.let me te you something.: In this story, Ghosts are NOT the spoiler. You have much much more that's awaiting you. Plus, the ghosts are present in the book right from the first chapter. Ok so the ghosts, I found some good , some funny , and some terrifying. And that's all I'm gonna say about them. 🤐
Overall , I thought the book was too serious and very little humour, as expected. The way of writing was dark and so mysterious. In a good way. And at the end of reading this book be prepared to be left hanging with a ton of questions you've not yet found the answer to.
Recommendation: Yes ,I would totally recommend to those who read horror , mystery and thriller books.
.
P.S. I jumped every time something or someone moved around me while I was reading the book. I literally cursed my mom for turning of the light in my room when I was going to sleep. So formulate what you can from that👆.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2023
2.5 stars. This was fine but nothing too special to me. I probably won’t remember it pretty soon.
June 5, 2017
Shane Ryan is returning to his home town of Nashua, New Hampshire. As a young boy, strange things were happening at his home. When Shane was old enough, he joined the Marines to get away from his home on Berkley Street. There had been a long legal battle, between Shane's and his aunt and uncle, over who should get possession of the house. Shane won the legal battle and the house was his. Shane's parents disappeared twenty years ago and there bodies were never found. Shane, remembers as a child, trying to tell his parents, that there were ghosts in the house but of course, they did not believe him. Shane's aunt and uncle came to town to spy on him. Mysteriously they vanished into thin air. Their car was found abandon, and park not far from Shane's house. Detective LaFontaine, made Shane a prime suspect, in the disappearance of his aunt and uncle. One day while Shane was taking a walk, he meet a man named Gerald Beck. Gerald, was an old timer, who had lived most of his life in Nashua. Gerald told Shane, that he always believed that the house on Berkley Street was haunted. Some of the ghosts who haunt the house, do not want Shane to return. Can Shane defeat the evil spirits, and drive them from his house for good? This was the first book that I had read by Ron Ripley. Ripley, did a very nice job of developing the main characters in the story and setting up a haunted house, with plenty of ghosts, hidden passages and much more. Some of the ghosts were friendly and some of them were not so friendly. This was a fast paced read that I enjoyed very much. This is the first book in the Berkley Street series. I plan on checking out other titles by this author. I recommend this book.
October 29, 2020
“You need to tell me how you’re doing this...” Christopher said, his voice getting higher. “There’s no such thing as ghosts!”
All of the windows darkened, as though someone had painted each pane black.
“There are,” Shane said softly. “And there are a lot here.”
“How many?” Matthew whispered.
“At least six, maybe more,” Shane answered. “And yes, they can hurt you.”
Shane Ryan hasn't been home since he left for boot camp twenty years ago. Shortly after that his parents disappeared. But he knows they're still at home. He just doesn't know if they're alive or dead.
This is a great haunted house story/mystery that reminded me of The Haunting of Hill House and Peter Straub's Ghost Story. But there's not just one ghost haunting this old house. There's many, too many to count, and they began introducing themselves to Shane the first night he spent there as a small boy. Fortunately, not all of them are evil, but that doesn't make them any less frightening.
I started reading this the other day when I went to donate blood, and could hardly put it down. It's not a long story (and there's some bonus chapters at the end that explain a little more, plus a few chapters of the next book), but a great creepy/spooky story for Halloween. Very well-written and clean (only a couple of mild profanities) and scary enough without being over-the-top. I'll definitely look for more in the series.
All of the windows darkened, as though someone had painted each pane black.
“There are,” Shane said softly. “And there are a lot here.”
“How many?” Matthew whispered.
“At least six, maybe more,” Shane answered. “And yes, they can hurt you.”
Shane Ryan hasn't been home since he left for boot camp twenty years ago. Shortly after that his parents disappeared. But he knows they're still at home. He just doesn't know if they're alive or dead.
This is a great haunted house story/mystery that reminded me of The Haunting of Hill House and Peter Straub's Ghost Story. But there's not just one ghost haunting this old house. There's many, too many to count, and they began introducing themselves to Shane the first night he spent there as a small boy. Fortunately, not all of them are evil, but that doesn't make them any less frightening.
I started reading this the other day when I went to donate blood, and could hardly put it down. It's not a long story (and there's some bonus chapters at the end that explain a little more, plus a few chapters of the next book), but a great creepy/spooky story for Halloween. Very well-written and clean (only a couple of mild profanities) and scary enough without being over-the-top. I'll definitely look for more in the series.
December 31, 2016
Oh god, this book gave me chills!! I couldn't read it at night as the very first night I did, I ended up with vivid dreams and was jumping at every noise!!
Shane has finally moved back into the house of his childhood, not that he wanted to but necessity to find his parents made him. You see, the house is haunted and Shane had never intended on coming back, but the house didn't want him to stay away and so made his parents disappear! Can he find the answers before it's too late, or will the house swallow him whole too?
Poor Shane. What a childhood he had!! The story is told in flashbacks to his youth and to the present, so we see the whole picture slowly unravel! I have to say that when I was a kid, I wouldn't have been so brave as Shane and would have run screaming and crying and never return to that hell hole!!
Character wise, I loved Shane. He is resigned to the fact that he will have to explore the house in order to get answers, but worst of all is that he will have to enter the dreaded cellar, where the darkest spirits lay!! Despite him being so scared, I admired his willingness to do what was needed to get the answers.
I also loved the detective who comes to investigate Shane in the disappearance of his aunt and uncle. She saw some weird stuff but wanted to help Shane solve the mystery. I also loved seeing their friendship grow!! (Hopefully becoming more ;))
Anyway, this book was incredibly creepy but totally captivating! It gave me chills, had me hiding behind my pillow and checking every noise I heard in my house! It would make a brilliant TV episode! This narrator definitely knows how to scare his readers and I can't wait to read more from him!
Thom Bowers was impressive in this. He knew when to amp up the tension and when to bring the story to the next gear. My heart was racing at times listening to it!! Thoroughly enjoyed his narration and this story. Can't wait for the next.
*I received this as a gift but voluntarily reviewed it. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.*
Shane has finally moved back into the house of his childhood, not that he wanted to but necessity to find his parents made him. You see, the house is haunted and Shane had never intended on coming back, but the house didn't want him to stay away and so made his parents disappear! Can he find the answers before it's too late, or will the house swallow him whole too?
Poor Shane. What a childhood he had!! The story is told in flashbacks to his youth and to the present, so we see the whole picture slowly unravel! I have to say that when I was a kid, I wouldn't have been so brave as Shane and would have run screaming and crying and never return to that hell hole!!
Character wise, I loved Shane. He is resigned to the fact that he will have to explore the house in order to get answers, but worst of all is that he will have to enter the dreaded cellar, where the darkest spirits lay!! Despite him being so scared, I admired his willingness to do what was needed to get the answers.
I also loved the detective who comes to investigate Shane in the disappearance of his aunt and uncle. She saw some weird stuff but wanted to help Shane solve the mystery. I also loved seeing their friendship grow!! (Hopefully becoming more ;))
Anyway, this book was incredibly creepy but totally captivating! It gave me chills, had me hiding behind my pillow and checking every noise I heard in my house! It would make a brilliant TV episode! This narrator definitely knows how to scare his readers and I can't wait to read more from him!
Thom Bowers was impressive in this. He knew when to amp up the tension and when to bring the story to the next gear. My heart was racing at times listening to it!! Thoroughly enjoyed his narration and this story. Can't wait for the next.
*I received this as a gift but voluntarily reviewed it. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.*
September 24, 2018
Not Too Shabby, Except for a Few Minor Complaints
The book was slow to start in some ways and rushed in other ways.
The beginning and end didn't hold my willing suspension. The middle was fantastic though. There were parts that were definitely creepy. Character development for the living and dead characters were really awesome! The world building for the house was amazing!
Sometimes the plot points (especially in the beginning and end) didn't really have build up. It was just kinda there in your face, and you as the reader are like, "okay.... where did this come from?" The end is a little nebulous concerning some of the dead characters which was disappointing.
All in all though, I did enjoy this author's story telling style, and I'll be purchasing book two in the series with the hope that the details I felt needed cleaning up, will hopefully have improved.
The book was slow to start in some ways and rushed in other ways.
The beginning and end didn't hold my willing suspension. The middle was fantastic though. There were parts that were definitely creepy. Character development for the living and dead characters were really awesome! The world building for the house was amazing!
Sometimes the plot points (especially in the beginning and end) didn't really have build up. It was just kinda there in your face, and you as the reader are like, "okay.... where did this come from?" The end is a little nebulous concerning some of the dead characters which was disappointing.
All in all though, I did enjoy this author's story telling style, and I'll be purchasing book two in the series with the hope that the details I felt needed cleaning up, will hopefully have improved.
November 20, 2017
I read it, did I like it? Meh. I’m not sure why I didn’t particularly like it. Not suspenseful enough? Boring dull ghosts, going back and forth in time, lack of character development for Shane and the rest of the cast. Rushed ending? Predictable. Meh.
September 24, 2018
This was a really good start to the series.
Ghost stories are very easy to get wrong. This one started strong and finished strong. If it had a been a one-off or stand alone book then I would not have enjoyed it as much, but there is so much more to tell and I can’t wait to get into the next book. There were additional scenes after the book ended which really helped set the backdrop for what came before. I love how the main characters are building. There were brutal parts, but it was not overwhelmingly bloody. Some will find the idea and mechanics of this story scary and disturbing, but I loved it. The dialog wasn’t sappy or contrived, it seemed well developed and appropriate to the story. I didn’t appreciate the narration at first, but as the story developed and more characters were introduced I came to appreciate the cadence and almost careful approach Thom Bowers used.
Ghost stories are very easy to get wrong. This one started strong and finished strong. If it had a been a one-off or stand alone book then I would not have enjoyed it as much, but there is so much more to tell and I can’t wait to get into the next book. There were additional scenes after the book ended which really helped set the backdrop for what came before. I love how the main characters are building. There were brutal parts, but it was not overwhelmingly bloody. Some will find the idea and mechanics of this story scary and disturbing, but I loved it. The dialog wasn’t sappy or contrived, it seemed well developed and appropriate to the story. I didn’t appreciate the narration at first, but as the story developed and more characters were introduced I came to appreciate the cadence and almost careful approach Thom Bowers used.
January 25, 2023
Welcome to Berkley Street, 125 to be exact, where the house holds more ghosts than is normal. Be careful when you turn a corner. You may end up in a different part of the house than where you intended to go - as the house has a mind of its own.
In the darkness lurks a ghost, one more sinister than the others, and is determined to kill Shane Ryan.
Great read! This one has a lot of backstory that I feel is going to be important as the series moves forward. I enjoyed meeting some of the resident ghosts, and their stories as well.
In the darkness lurks a ghost, one more sinister than the others, and is determined to kill Shane Ryan.
Great read! This one has a lot of backstory that I feel is going to be important as the series moves forward. I enjoyed meeting some of the resident ghosts, and their stories as well.
August 17, 2018
Berkley Street (Berkley Street Series # 1)🍒🍒🍒🍒
By Ron Ripley
Creepy and odd would describe the house Shane Ryan grew up in....he returns 20 years later when his parents dusappear.
Restless spirits....servant passages....doors that appear and disappear.....secret rooms....this house has a history all its own.
Just don't got near the lake....
"Everything is impossible until it isn't."
Recommended!
By Ron Ripley
Creepy and odd would describe the house Shane Ryan grew up in....he returns 20 years later when his parents dusappear.
Restless spirits....servant passages....doors that appear and disappear.....secret rooms....this house has a history all its own.
Just don't got near the lake....
"Everything is impossible until it isn't."
Recommended!
October 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this horror. It was a quick read and it could have been longer!
I didn't find it overtly scary, but it was well written and the atmosphere was eerie and creepy. I liked the plot too.
It's part of a series and I think I'll read more of them.
I didn't find it overtly scary, but it was well written and the atmosphere was eerie and creepy. I liked the plot too.
It's part of a series and I think I'll read more of them.
October 1, 2018
Loved it!
This is one helluva read! Pure and simple. So many great characterizations! This riveting tale kept me completely enthralled through out! Twists and turns you don't expect suddenly lurch out to grab you! And the portrayal of the ghosts is just amazing! I found myself endeared to several, even having a bit of pity for the root cellar inhabitants! The one girl is quite creepy and horrific to imagine! I am very much looking forward to continuing this series! Bravo 👏 Mr.Ripley! It shall not be easy to beat the first installment, or even keep pace! But I believe you will be up to the task!
This is one helluva read! Pure and simple. So many great characterizations! This riveting tale kept me completely enthralled through out! Twists and turns you don't expect suddenly lurch out to grab you! And the portrayal of the ghosts is just amazing! I found myself endeared to several, even having a bit of pity for the root cellar inhabitants! The one girl is quite creepy and horrific to imagine! I am very much looking forward to continuing this series! Bravo 👏 Mr.Ripley! It shall not be easy to beat the first installment, or even keep pace! But I believe you will be up to the task!
November 10, 2017
How did I not know about this author?
This was an extremely entertaining read. Most writers build up to an event gradually, not so with Ron Ripley! Uncompromising right from the start and stays true to form to the very end. A fantastic blend of haunting, paranormal events that at times are pretty gruesome. Definitely for fans of ghosts, poltergeists and possessions, this is one haunted house you won't want to go anywhere near. I look forward to reading the rest of the works by this author. Sherman's Library trilogy was good - this is outstanding.
This was an extremely entertaining read. Most writers build up to an event gradually, not so with Ron Ripley! Uncompromising right from the start and stays true to form to the very end. A fantastic blend of haunting, paranormal events that at times are pretty gruesome. Definitely for fans of ghosts, poltergeists and possessions, this is one haunted house you won't want to go anywhere near. I look forward to reading the rest of the works by this author. Sherman's Library trilogy was good - this is outstanding.
May 21, 2016
Good Story
Really a page turner. I did not expect to immediately get caught up in the story but I was. I loved how most of the ghosts back stories were told. My only disappointment was the ending. I guess I wanted a happy ending but rarely are their "happy ever after" in ghost stories.
Really a page turner. I did not expect to immediately get caught up in the story but I was. I loved how most of the ghosts back stories were told. My only disappointment was the ending. I guess I wanted a happy ending but rarely are their "happy ever after" in ghost stories.
May 17, 2017
I wasn't scared, but I was intrigued. It's definitely a creepy story. The ending was rather abrupt and nothing was resolved about . However, I think I'm willing to overlook that and see where the series goes because I like a good ghost story.
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