Set in London in 1990, this combination of horror and paranormal thriller centers on Ravenstone House for the Less Privileged, an early 1800s building with a dark past. Once a majestic home and then an orphanage until 1956, it was derelict for decades with a local reputation for being haunted. Its renovation into lavish, modern flats, attempts to bury its history but this rebirth disturbs more than just dust. As the new residents move in, unexplained phenomena -- cold drafts, whispers, shrieks, visions of ghosts, and inexplicable movement of furnishings, suggest the tortured souls of the children who perished there are not at peace. The spirits of the past, particularly two children, Finley and Heather, demand justice and the ability to move on to their rightful resting place. The narrative follows the residents as they unravel the house's dark secrets, leading to a series of chilling confrontations.
This is not a typical ghost story because of the strong character-driven intensity and involvement in the quest for justice for the orphans. There are no jump scare tropes here as the author uses the personalities and stories of the tenants who come to the aid of the children with steely resolve and clear consciences. Next door flat mates Quentin (Q), his fiancee Mary, and husband wife David and Christine, join an upstairs forensic investigator, Yukiko, in securing the names of any living evil perpetrators from the past. Finnegan handles the extremely dark subject matter of child abuse and sexual exploitation with a careful yet unflinching eye, ensuring the horrors are rooted in human depravity rather than cheaper supernatural theatrics. The conclusion, along with a few surprises, was remarkably fulfilling.
Definitely recommend this chilling story layered with social commentary on historical trauma and buried secrets.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Tags and genre - child abuse, sexual abuse, orphans, gentrification, revenge, justice, secrets
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