Base Spirits [Kindle Edition]

Ruth Barrett (Author)

Book Description

In 1605, Sir Walter Calverley’s murderous rampage leaves a family shattered. The killer suffers a torturous execution… but is it truly the end? A noble Yorkshire house stands forever tarnished by blood and possessed by anguished spirits.

Some crimes are so horrific, they reverberate through the centuries.

As an unhappy modern couple vacation in the guesthouse at Calverley Old Hall, playwright Clara, and her scholar husband, Scott, unwittingly awaken a dark history. Clara is trapped and forced back in time to bear witness to a family’s bloody saga. Overtaken by the malevolent echoes, Scott is pushed over the edge from possessive husband to wholly possessed…

‘Murder has took this chamber with full hands
And will ne’er out as long as the house stands.’
~A Yorkshire Tragedy, Act I, Sc. v

Inspired by a true-life drama in Shakespeare’s day, this is itself a play within a play: a supernatural thriller with a historical core.

Only one player can survive.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ruth Barrett studied English Literature at Trent University and the University of Leeds, Classical Acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA), and was mentored by two-time Booker prize winner Peter Carey through the Humber School for Writers. During her years as an actor, Ruth performed in a little-known play called 'A Yorkshire Tragedy' sometimes attributed to Shakespeare. The story of the murderous Yorkshire nobleman and his long-suffering wife proved fascinating well beyond the stage... the eerie Calverley Old Hall was explored, and a haunting idea for a novel emerged. Ruth has published numerous short works of quirky and creepy fiction in various anthologies. 'Base Spirits' is her first full-length book, and her suspenseful short story 'Family Secrets' is also available on Kindle. Look for more of Ruth's writing in the future through the Spirited Words Book Co.

Product Details

• File Size: 500 KB
• Print Length: 358 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1453643001
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Spirited Words Book Co.; 1 edition (September 2, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005L38G8E
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #323,645 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My first experience with this author... February 22, 2012

By Victoria Maggio

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I just read Base Spirits by Ruth Barrett. I had not read anything before by this author so I didn't really have any expectations other than what I had picked up from the reviews here on Amazon. My kindle, and some very generous authors putting their work up at reduced rates, has offered me the option of trying new authors and genres that I may not have tried otherwise. After reading Base Spirits I can only say, 'thank you so much' to Ruth Barrett for her generosity in sharing such a wonderful story and to serendipity for my coming across it as I did.

Rarely have I been transported so thoroughly to another place or time that I actually was surprised to recall that there was another part of the story waiting in that original place and time. Strong characters, vivid descriptions and historical detail join together to create a world where I could lose all thought of myself and dive headlong into the unknown and not want it to end. Having to stop reading was a jolt to my system and I couldn't wait to get back to the story and find out what happened to these lives I had become a part of. What evil awaits them in the darkness?

I recommend this book to those who don't normally try this genre but appreciate a well crafted tale, interesting and flawed characters, and a bit of mystery to round things out. I believe that you will enjoy what you find here. I know I certainly did!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not to be read when alone or at night!:) December 13, 2011

By carolyn

Format:Kindle Edition

This isn't a book to be read at night - so realistic, such a marvellously eerie setting and story - that it will keep you up and reading until the end! And then have you turning the lights on. Best to set aside a day and curl into a chair with a cup of tea and simply immerse yourself in this wonderful tale that twists and turns between reality and imagination. The author's love of Shakespearean times, her knowledge of history and her understanding of the human spirit resound in every word she writes. A superb read and a book I was very sorry to finish.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Could Not Put This Down! February 20, 2012

By Malina Roos

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Ruth Barrett takes a true story and expertly weaves in fiction and fantasy and creates a story so compelling you will be reading this into the wee hours of the night.

Very interesting and engaging story told from two time periods, one in 1604 and one in the present. Clara Ravenscroft is trying to write a play and accompanies her husband on a business trip to England thinking she will get some writing done while he presents his research on John Keats. While staying at renovated manor house in England, Clara learns of Phillipa Calverley, a London High Born woman who was in an arranged marriage in the early 1600's,to an abusive man, who ends up killing her children.

More About the Author

Ruth Barrett was born in Pointe Claire, Quebec, and now makes her home in Stratford, Ontario. Between then and now, she studied English Literature at Trent University and the University of Leeds, and classical acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). Ruth pursued an acting career in Toronto where her love of the stage saw her perform in everything from Shakespeare to sketch comedy, eventually settling into voice-over work. Transforming herself into a writer has provided a rewarding new way for her to explore character and spin tales. Ruth has published numerous short stories in various anthologies and periodicals, and she formed her own Spirited Words Book Co. in Summer 2011. 'Base Spirits' is her first novel. For a quick creepy read, try 'Family Secrets'-- the first of many Kindle short stories.