I became absorbed in The Residence. It’s the second book I’ve read by Canadian author, Andrew Pyper. This could be classified as supernatural or Gothic horror. What I enjoyed the most is that it is also historical fiction, inspired by true events.
It comes from a story I never heard of before. The story about Franklin Pierce, the president of the United States in 1853. He is traveling by train to Washington with his wife, Jane and son, Bennie. When a horrible accident takes place, unfortunately, Bennie dies.
.
There has already been enormous loss for the Pierce's and the grief of the loss of Bennie overcomes the First Lady and the President is trying his best to grieve for his son but also run the country. The first Lady hides herself away on the second floor of the white house, writing letters to Bennie, pleading for him to return and she believes that he does.
This is not a gory, bloody, or gruesome horror story. This is a haunting, ghost and horror story that revolves around fears of death and how our minds try to deal with horrendous grief. There are noises and sightings of several ghosts, including the slaves that built the White House and there is a grief room.
The haunting ghosts try to cause the greatest pain for both the First Lady and President by flinging truths to them. Will they fight back? Will they succumb to the paranormal activity? What is this intrusion of the spirit that Jane speaks of?
This book is so well written and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read it. Loved the nod to Nathaniel Hawthorne and the link to Abe Lincoln's son.
Bookworm Rating: 🐛🐛🐛🐛
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for an e-copy of this book for an honest review.
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