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Faces in a Window
Every school has a secret.
After two beloved teachers pass away at St. Stephen’s Middle School, it’s up to Ian Evans & Michelle Thompson to fill their shoes.
But their eager anticipation soon turns to terror.
They are plagued with unexplainable nightmares and horrific Students who aren’t really there; the school catching fire; scenes of their own deaths playing out before them.
Uncovering what it all means could cost them their jobs, or their lives. With each other’s determination to find the truth of the school’s past, and with the help of an old janitor, Ian and Michelle must risk it all to save more than just their souls.
After two beloved teachers pass away at St. Stephen’s Middle School, it’s up to Ian Evans & Michelle Thompson to fill their shoes.
But their eager anticipation soon turns to terror.
They are plagued with unexplainable nightmares and horrific Students who aren’t really there; the school catching fire; scenes of their own deaths playing out before them.
Uncovering what it all means could cost them their jobs, or their lives. With each other’s determination to find the truth of the school’s past, and with the help of an old janitor, Ian and Michelle must risk it all to save more than just their souls.
- GenresFiction
250 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2022
3 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Oliver C. Seneca
6 books16 followersOliver C. Seneca was born and raised in the suburbs of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His first foray into storytelling came in high school when he was accepted to the Capital Area School for the Arts, where he focused on filmmaking.
Oliver is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University. His novels, When the Sky Goes Dark and Faces in a Window, were published by Sunbury Press. In 2024, he released his first young adult novel, Shaded Grove, with Stag Beetle Books.
Oliver is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University. His novels, When the Sky Goes Dark and Faces in a Window, were published by Sunbury Press. In 2024, he released his first young adult novel, Shaded Grove, with Stag Beetle Books.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 22, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4.
This was a slow burner with lots of potential and I was hooked from the beginning. Seneca really managed to develop the intrigue and mystery with their writing and I was constantly trying to figure out what was going on.
There were instances in the novel that were downright terrifying, creepy dead kids and a ghostly nun (need I say anymore), and the hush hush nature of past events in the school just continued to pique my interest. However, where the novel fell flat for me was that it was much too long and a lot of the chapter events felt repetitive and unnecessary and I feel like the pace of the novel really took away from the impact of the story on a whole.
The ending was also a little cliche so after putting in the hours to get through it I felt a little cheated and almost as though Seneca went for the easy option to finish their novel neatly with a bow on top.
Nevertheless it was an enjoyable and at times atmospheric read, just with some areas for improvement.
This was a slow burner with lots of potential and I was hooked from the beginning. Seneca really managed to develop the intrigue and mystery with their writing and I was constantly trying to figure out what was going on.
There were instances in the novel that were downright terrifying, creepy dead kids and a ghostly nun (need I say anymore), and the hush hush nature of past events in the school just continued to pique my interest. However, where the novel fell flat for me was that it was much too long and a lot of the chapter events felt repetitive and unnecessary and I feel like the pace of the novel really took away from the impact of the story on a whole.
The ending was also a little cliche so after putting in the hours to get through it I felt a little cheated and almost as though Seneca went for the easy option to finish their novel neatly with a bow on top.
Nevertheless it was an enjoyable and at times atmospheric read, just with some areas for improvement.
April 3, 2022
I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Years ago, a school fire devastated a small community (except for the fact that no one talks about it). The school is then cursed (for some reason) along with all the teachers (for some reason). No teacher can quit lest they become victims to the curse.
Honestly, I didn’t like this at all. I felt like there was little to no plot. The dialogue, which made up the majority of the book, was robotic and unnatural. There was no chemistry between the male and female leads. I didn’t feel like the curse made any sense and the ending just left so much to be desired.
Years ago, a school fire devastated a small community (except for the fact that no one talks about it). The school is then cursed (for some reason) along with all the teachers (for some reason). No teacher can quit lest they become victims to the curse.
Honestly, I didn’t like this at all. I felt like there was little to no plot. The dialogue, which made up the majority of the book, was robotic and unnatural. There was no chemistry between the male and female leads. I didn’t feel like the curse made any sense and the ending just left so much to be desired.
March 26, 2022
To start with, know that this novel includes detailed Horror, child tragedy, school fire, fatalities. If you are sensitive on these topics, please note in advance.
An engrossing and horrifying readers' hook sets up a fascinating, convoluted, Horror mystery which turns its two Feckless Hero protagonists--one female, one Male--who are set into a seemingly pleasant career situation, only to discover what is seen is not fact but illusion. The truth is literally horrifying and tragic.
I couldn't stop reading despite the many jump scares and the tragic events plus the sensorily detailed horrors. Author Oliver C. Seneca delivers an intriguing spin on "Implacability" in Horror. Be thankful, reader, you are not included. Remember: this is just a story. Repeat: just a story.
An engrossing and horrifying readers' hook sets up a fascinating, convoluted, Horror mystery which turns its two Feckless Hero protagonists--one female, one Male--who are set into a seemingly pleasant career situation, only to discover what is seen is not fact but illusion. The truth is literally horrifying and tragic.
I couldn't stop reading despite the many jump scares and the tragic events plus the sensorily detailed horrors. Author Oliver C. Seneca delivers an intriguing spin on "Implacability" in Horror. Be thankful, reader, you are not included. Remember: this is just a story. Repeat: just a story.
June 28, 2022
Imagine a school where a decades-long curse means that every teacher who signs on must stay at the school until they die. If they try to retire or just skip town, some horrible death befalls them. This is the curse of St. Stephen's.
Enter two new teachers, Ian and Michelle, who are there to replace two older teachers who tried to cut and run. Of course no one tells the new teachers that signing on will curse them for all eternity...until after they've already signed. The background of this curse is that in the 1950s, a fire swept through the school. Twenty kids died in the flames when their teacher, Sister Harriet, failed to lead them to safety. Now, the charred ghosts of the children (and the nun) terrorize new teachers at the school with horrific dreams and visions until the agree to stay forever.
There are some creepy scenes here but the book almost felt like it kept itself to a middle-grade or YA level of scares. It's definitely a lighter tale of horror. I liked the story but there were some things which bothered me. The writing itself felt awkward at times. We don't ever really get any explanation for why the ghost children are sticking around or why Sister Harriet appears so evil. We do get some classic tropes which, depending on the reader, may be pros or cons: an older janitor who knows the secret of the long-ago fire, a trip to an outdated library to dig up more obscure information, a romantic subplot between the two new teachers which is almost childish in its sweetness.
I liked this story. I think the premise was great though the execution could use some work. All in all, not a bad way to spend a few summer afternoons, though hardcore horror fans will find the story a bit tame, and mystery lovers will bemoan the lack of any real explanation for the ghostly occurrences.
Enter two new teachers, Ian and Michelle, who are there to replace two older teachers who tried to cut and run. Of course no one tells the new teachers that signing on will curse them for all eternity...until after they've already signed. The background of this curse is that in the 1950s, a fire swept through the school. Twenty kids died in the flames when their teacher, Sister Harriet, failed to lead them to safety. Now, the charred ghosts of the children (and the nun) terrorize new teachers at the school with horrific dreams and visions until the agree to stay forever.
There are some creepy scenes here but the book almost felt like it kept itself to a middle-grade or YA level of scares. It's definitely a lighter tale of horror. I liked the story but there were some things which bothered me. The writing itself felt awkward at times. We don't ever really get any explanation for why the ghost children are sticking around or why Sister Harriet appears so evil. We do get some classic tropes which, depending on the reader, may be pros or cons: an older janitor who knows the secret of the long-ago fire, a trip to an outdated library to dig up more obscure information, a romantic subplot between the two new teachers which is almost childish in its sweetness.
I liked this story. I think the premise was great though the execution could use some work. All in all, not a bad way to spend a few summer afternoons, though hardcore horror fans will find the story a bit tame, and mystery lovers will bemoan the lack of any real explanation for the ghostly occurrences.
March 26, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.
I'm not sure about this one. I was interested throughout but I just felt like it fell flat for me. The concept was good as well as creepy to a degree but the entire book just felt like I was reading the same pages over and over again. I wasn't thrilled with the explanation, story and climax. I'll give this two stars for the concept.
I'm not sure about this one. I was interested throughout but I just felt like it fell flat for me. The concept was good as well as creepy to a degree but the entire book just felt like I was reading the same pages over and over again. I wasn't thrilled with the explanation, story and climax. I'll give this two stars for the concept.
April 3, 2022
|E-ARC provided by NetGalley. Thank you.|
The best way to describe the writing, the characters, plot, motive, and ending is this: outdated.
There was simply no cogent reason behind the hauntings. The characters fell flat. Nothing about this was horrific, let alone engaging.
It didn't really offer what the synopsis promised. Unfortunately, it was a disappointing read.
The best way to describe the writing, the characters, plot, motive, and ending is this: outdated.
There was simply no cogent reason behind the hauntings. The characters fell flat. Nothing about this was horrific, let alone engaging.
It didn't really offer what the synopsis promised. Unfortunately, it was a disappointing read.
March 29, 2022
A Creepy Story of the Unknown
Faces in a Window is a slow-burn novel that at its heart is a story of love, loss, and justice. Oliver Seneca delivers an eerie story that delves into the fear of the unknown and it’s the characters that shine. They live and breathe between the pages. Faces in a Window is a frightening throwback to the novels of my youth. Oliver takes you on a journey and you’ll never want to leave the world he’s created.
Oliver has the confidence to allow the story to take its time. He plants a seed and shows the reader the vulnerability of each character until you not only root for them but worry about every brush with danger they encounter.
Faces in a Window is a slow-burn novel that at its heart is a story of love, loss, and justice. Oliver Seneca delivers an eerie story that delves into the fear of the unknown and it’s the characters that shine. They live and breathe between the pages. Faces in a Window is a frightening throwback to the novels of my youth. Oliver takes you on a journey and you’ll never want to leave the world he’s created.
Oliver has the confidence to allow the story to take its time. He plants a seed and shows the reader the vulnerability of each character until you not only root for them but worry about every brush with danger they encounter.
May 21, 2025
The visions can’t be unseen, and the story can’t be untold.
2 2/3 stars. Well, I've definitely never started a review this way… but Oliver Seneca's "Faces in a Window" might be the perfect 'horror' book for your kids to take with them this summer to Lutheran Bible Camp. No, I wouldn't go so far as to recommend it for the Catholic community - yes, the whole thing about cover-ups and nasty, evil nuns (though we never learn actually why she was considered either) is presented - but yeah, otherwise, let the kids take this one to read to their bunkmates after lights out. Not that it really qualifies in my mind as the kind of spooky story that would win any brownie points - it's creepy at best and not all that scary - but still, those of you that shy away from blood or an abundance of death or really anything that might keep you up at night would probably love this.
There is no retirement here. There is only one thing, and that’s death.
I mean, to be honest, I'm not really sure if I would actually qualify this overall as 'pure' horror. Is there such a thing as 'cozy horror'? I've read cozy fantasy and cozy mystery books before, with even the occasional romantasy thrown in for good measure, but 'Faces' has bits and pieces of all these but thrown in in chunks. There are obviously bits where we find out about 'The Curse' - not the why's mind you, just the reprecussions of same - and sure, some of the scenes of nightmares and night terrors (the Interweb insists the distinction has to do with REM and the timing of each) are somewhat troubling. But this book also includes vast swathes of talking, mild flirting, and even large amounts of truly quality family time. No sex because that would be sinful but still we do learn quite a lot about our main two protagonists, their hopes and dreams, along with extensive details about their siblings, distant relatives, upbringings, etc. Not really what you might call 'The Stephen King Approach to Horror', no.
They never left and never will leave. They can’t leave.
Basically then, it kind of leaves the entire affair feeling somewhat flat. We know that a horrible tragedy befell the school and eventually we learn about the small town's efforts (read: via 'generous donations' from The Church) to cover up the entire affair. Again though, the only truly demonic, haunting character in the book, Sister Harriet, is consistently described as a lurking, dark entity who apparently prevented the victims from escaping their fiery demise. Why, you ask? Well, we're never told why. She haunts, the kids haunt, the nun appears disheveled but otherwise intact, whereas the kids' heads tend to disintegrate and fall off pretty much all the time. Great. And we can understand why maybe the spirits of the children remain - they seek protection and someone to care for them, even save them - but again, what's up with Sister Von Screamy? 'The reviewer shrugged and moved on from this point…'
The nun was alone, glaring with cold, lifeless eyes that had a strange shine to them.
And look, I am as glad as the next person that the young folks, Ian and Michelle got along so well. What I really didn't want to read was - again - the whole 'gosh, I'm so nervous, will they want to hold my hand?' sections, including just the oddest scene in a Starbucks I could imagine. More than once I wanted to shout DO SOMETHING! instead of just discussing it over and over again. So yes, the book has more than just a bit of repetition to it as we spin our wheels something fierce as the year progresses. And if you take into account that every adult in the school is in fact 'haunted' and/or 'cursed', well, you begin to wonder why no one except for brave Baptist Janitor Rick - who also for some odd reason went to Mass on Sundays - was willing to address the issue at all. Like, at all at all. I mean, did no one just ever not want to stand up and say 'well, I'm old as hell, yes, but at least I haven't been thrown through the windshield of a car yet!'?
She won’t let us out. She’s going to kill us. You have to help us. Please.
So not what I'd call a story that gave me the kind of feeling I tend to look for in books that advertise themselves as 'horror'. Yes, better than the DNF that I electronically threw away a few days ago but still very much lacking for the chosen topic. The book also suffers in that there are more than a few tense disagreements and punctuation errors scattered throughout, but overall, I wouldn't call it poorly executed. It's just not all that good of a story. Which wasn't helped at all by the ending being, well, rather weak and soppy. That really didn't help this experience at all!
No, no. You can’t do this to me! I thought I was done. I thought it was over.
Bottom line is I'm willing to accept that there has been a curse put on a place and a selection of people. However, sorry to be so cynical but that does not mean that every time one of them falls down and skins their knee that they can jump up and scream 'the curse! It's not over! Ahhh!' Really, the whole thing just came across as really, really lame. And with that, instead of 'cozy horror', I'll probably remember this more as 'Hallmark Horror' and leave it at that. Now to find something that actually makes me grimace a little. Hm, what can I cook for lunch…?
2 2/3 stars. Well, I've definitely never started a review this way… but Oliver Seneca's "Faces in a Window" might be the perfect 'horror' book for your kids to take with them this summer to Lutheran Bible Camp. No, I wouldn't go so far as to recommend it for the Catholic community - yes, the whole thing about cover-ups and nasty, evil nuns (though we never learn actually why she was considered either) is presented - but yeah, otherwise, let the kids take this one to read to their bunkmates after lights out. Not that it really qualifies in my mind as the kind of spooky story that would win any brownie points - it's creepy at best and not all that scary - but still, those of you that shy away from blood or an abundance of death or really anything that might keep you up at night would probably love this.
There is no retirement here. There is only one thing, and that’s death.
I mean, to be honest, I'm not really sure if I would actually qualify this overall as 'pure' horror. Is there such a thing as 'cozy horror'? I've read cozy fantasy and cozy mystery books before, with even the occasional romantasy thrown in for good measure, but 'Faces' has bits and pieces of all these but thrown in in chunks. There are obviously bits where we find out about 'The Curse' - not the why's mind you, just the reprecussions of same - and sure, some of the scenes of nightmares and night terrors (the Interweb insists the distinction has to do with REM and the timing of each) are somewhat troubling. But this book also includes vast swathes of talking, mild flirting, and even large amounts of truly quality family time. No sex because that would be sinful but still we do learn quite a lot about our main two protagonists, their hopes and dreams, along with extensive details about their siblings, distant relatives, upbringings, etc. Not really what you might call 'The Stephen King Approach to Horror', no.
They never left and never will leave. They can’t leave.
Basically then, it kind of leaves the entire affair feeling somewhat flat. We know that a horrible tragedy befell the school and eventually we learn about the small town's efforts (read: via 'generous donations' from The Church) to cover up the entire affair. Again though, the only truly demonic, haunting character in the book, Sister Harriet, is consistently described as a lurking, dark entity who apparently prevented the victims from escaping their fiery demise. Why, you ask? Well, we're never told why. She haunts, the kids haunt, the nun appears disheveled but otherwise intact, whereas the kids' heads tend to disintegrate and fall off pretty much all the time. Great. And we can understand why maybe the spirits of the children remain - they seek protection and someone to care for them, even save them - but again, what's up with Sister Von Screamy? 'The reviewer shrugged and moved on from this point…'
The nun was alone, glaring with cold, lifeless eyes that had a strange shine to them.
And look, I am as glad as the next person that the young folks, Ian and Michelle got along so well. What I really didn't want to read was - again - the whole 'gosh, I'm so nervous, will they want to hold my hand?' sections, including just the oddest scene in a Starbucks I could imagine. More than once I wanted to shout DO SOMETHING! instead of just discussing it over and over again. So yes, the book has more than just a bit of repetition to it as we spin our wheels something fierce as the year progresses. And if you take into account that every adult in the school is in fact 'haunted' and/or 'cursed', well, you begin to wonder why no one except for brave Baptist Janitor Rick - who also for some odd reason went to Mass on Sundays - was willing to address the issue at all. Like, at all at all. I mean, did no one just ever not want to stand up and say 'well, I'm old as hell, yes, but at least I haven't been thrown through the windshield of a car yet!'?
She won’t let us out. She’s going to kill us. You have to help us. Please.
So not what I'd call a story that gave me the kind of feeling I tend to look for in books that advertise themselves as 'horror'. Yes, better than the DNF that I electronically threw away a few days ago but still very much lacking for the chosen topic. The book also suffers in that there are more than a few tense disagreements and punctuation errors scattered throughout, but overall, I wouldn't call it poorly executed. It's just not all that good of a story. Which wasn't helped at all by the ending being, well, rather weak and soppy. That really didn't help this experience at all!
No, no. You can’t do this to me! I thought I was done. I thought it was over.
Bottom line is I'm willing to accept that there has been a curse put on a place and a selection of people. However, sorry to be so cynical but that does not mean that every time one of them falls down and skins their knee that they can jump up and scream 'the curse! It's not over! Ahhh!' Really, the whole thing just came across as really, really lame. And with that, instead of 'cozy horror', I'll probably remember this more as 'Hallmark Horror' and leave it at that. Now to find something that actually makes me grimace a little. Hm, what can I cook for lunch…?
September 19, 2022
Check out this review and more on my blog, Maya’s Reviews.
Listen to this review and more on my podcast, Maya's Reviews.
---
// Content Warnings: death, violence, death of children //
To check content warnings for all of the books you read, go to the Trigger Warning Database.
---
// Quick Statistics //
Overall: 3.5/5 Stars
Characters: 2/5 Stars
Writing: 4/5 Stars
Setting: 4/5 Stars
Plot: 3.5/5 Stars
Memorability: 3/5 Stars
---
// Quick Review //
Oliver Seneca presents an intriguing yet creepy story in Faces in a Window, where his characters must endure the cursed nature of St. Stephen’s Middle School. Along the way, they are met with horrors that will haunt your nightmares.
---
// Other Information //
Publisher: Hellbender Books
Page Count: 295 pages
Release Date: March 27, 2022
Series: None
Tags: Fiction, Young adult, Adult, Thriller, Science fiction, Horror, Supernatural, Apocalyptic, Post-apocalyptic
---
// Book Description (from Amazon) //
Every school has a secret.
After two beloved teachers pass away at St. Stephen’s Middle School, it’s up to Ian Evans & Michelle Thompson to fill their shoes.
But their eager anticipation soon turns to terror.
They are plagued with unexplainable nightmares and horrific visions: Students who aren’t really there; the school catching fire; scenes of their own deaths playing out before them.
Uncovering what it all means could cost them their jobs, or their lives. With each other’s determination to find the truth of the school’s past, and with the help of an old janitor, Ian and Michelle must risk it all to save more than just their souls.
---
// Review //
Faces in a Window starts off with a gripping scene, one that kept me reading and interested in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed how the reader was thrust into chaos by just starting to read the novel, it made for an entertaining beginning.
Throughout the novel, Seneca manages to keep tensions high, even in the most harmless of situations. I was constantly aching to know what would happen next and what terrors were just a page away.
While the novel is a tad cliche, I did enjoy the story. I was interested in the history of St. Stephen’s Middle School, where the novel takes place. However, I did feel that the pacing threw off the excellent plot and made the book feel very repetitive.
The story is split between Ian Evans and Michelle Thompson. I really wanted to care about their characters, but the lack of depth to them made me not attached to them. Similarly, I did not care about their relationship at all. The interactions between characters felt very unrealistic, and they lacked chemistry. From the moment Ian and Michelle met, I could tell they were going to be love interests for each other. Unfortunately, I felt like their romance happened far too early on in the novel for it to feel real, organic, and compelling.
Where Faces in a Window really excels is its setting. St. Stephen’s Middle School and its haunted nature was intriguing and kept me reading to find out what its history was.
The novel has a really classic horror movie feel to it, due to the inclusion of many tropes. I liked the nostalgic feeling this had, despite it being a newer novel. While some might call it outdated horror, I definitely enjoyed the older feeling it had.
Overall, Faces in a Window was promising but didn’t necessarily live up to expectations. It had some great aspects and potential, but its characters really fell flat, pulling me out of the story. The novel is perfect to read when you want some thrilling scares but don’t want to be deeply unsettled or disturbed.
---
FOLLOW ME: Twitter || Tumblr || BookBub || BookSiren || Anchor || YouTube || Spotify || Google Podcasts || Apple Podcasts
Listen to this review and more on my podcast, Maya's Reviews.
---
// Content Warnings: death, violence, death of children //
To check content warnings for all of the books you read, go to the Trigger Warning Database.
---
// Quick Statistics //
Overall: 3.5/5 Stars
Characters: 2/5 Stars
Writing: 4/5 Stars
Setting: 4/5 Stars
Plot: 3.5/5 Stars
Memorability: 3/5 Stars
---
// Quick Review //
Oliver Seneca presents an intriguing yet creepy story in Faces in a Window, where his characters must endure the cursed nature of St. Stephen’s Middle School. Along the way, they are met with horrors that will haunt your nightmares.
---
// Other Information //
Publisher: Hellbender Books
Page Count: 295 pages
Release Date: March 27, 2022
Series: None
Tags: Fiction, Young adult, Adult, Thriller, Science fiction, Horror, Supernatural, Apocalyptic, Post-apocalyptic
---
// Book Description (from Amazon) //
Every school has a secret.
After two beloved teachers pass away at St. Stephen’s Middle School, it’s up to Ian Evans & Michelle Thompson to fill their shoes.
But their eager anticipation soon turns to terror.
They are plagued with unexplainable nightmares and horrific visions: Students who aren’t really there; the school catching fire; scenes of their own deaths playing out before them.
Uncovering what it all means could cost them their jobs, or their lives. With each other’s determination to find the truth of the school’s past, and with the help of an old janitor, Ian and Michelle must risk it all to save more than just their souls.
---
// Review //
Faces in a Window starts off with a gripping scene, one that kept me reading and interested in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed how the reader was thrust into chaos by just starting to read the novel, it made for an entertaining beginning.
Throughout the novel, Seneca manages to keep tensions high, even in the most harmless of situations. I was constantly aching to know what would happen next and what terrors were just a page away.
While the novel is a tad cliche, I did enjoy the story. I was interested in the history of St. Stephen’s Middle School, where the novel takes place. However, I did feel that the pacing threw off the excellent plot and made the book feel very repetitive.
The story is split between Ian Evans and Michelle Thompson. I really wanted to care about their characters, but the lack of depth to them made me not attached to them. Similarly, I did not care about their relationship at all. The interactions between characters felt very unrealistic, and they lacked chemistry. From the moment Ian and Michelle met, I could tell they were going to be love interests for each other. Unfortunately, I felt like their romance happened far too early on in the novel for it to feel real, organic, and compelling.
Where Faces in a Window really excels is its setting. St. Stephen’s Middle School and its haunted nature was intriguing and kept me reading to find out what its history was.
The novel has a really classic horror movie feel to it, due to the inclusion of many tropes. I liked the nostalgic feeling this had, despite it being a newer novel. While some might call it outdated horror, I definitely enjoyed the older feeling it had.
Overall, Faces in a Window was promising but didn’t necessarily live up to expectations. It had some great aspects and potential, but its characters really fell flat, pulling me out of the story. The novel is perfect to read when you want some thrilling scares but don’t want to be deeply unsettled or disturbed.
---
FOLLOW ME: Twitter || Tumblr || BookBub || BookSiren || Anchor || YouTube || Spotify || Google Podcasts || Apple Podcasts
May 20, 2022
I was provided a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I think if you are new to the horror or supernatural genre this would be a good place to start. This follows our two main characters, Ian and Michelle, who are starting their first year teaching at St. Stephens Catholic middle school. As soon as they start, they both begin having visions and nightmares about a terrible tragedy that took place years before they arrived. Soon those nightmares come to life with they start seeing the ghosts of children around the school and they have to find out what really happened all those years ago.....
I think this book had a really good start and it instantly grabbed my attention. I do think after that it slow down for a few chapters but it did pick back up. I personally don't think this book was scary, but I definitely think there were a couple of unsettling scenes. I enjoyed finding out about the school and I really liked the character of Michelle because there was a point in this book where I felt like all of her reactions were exactly how I would react and I could definitely relate. So all in all I thought this a was quick and creepy read.
I think if you are new to the horror or supernatural genre this would be a good place to start. This follows our two main characters, Ian and Michelle, who are starting their first year teaching at St. Stephens Catholic middle school. As soon as they start, they both begin having visions and nightmares about a terrible tragedy that took place years before they arrived. Soon those nightmares come to life with they start seeing the ghosts of children around the school and they have to find out what really happened all those years ago.....
I think this book had a really good start and it instantly grabbed my attention. I do think after that it slow down for a few chapters but it did pick back up. I personally don't think this book was scary, but I definitely think there were a couple of unsettling scenes. I enjoyed finding out about the school and I really liked the character of Michelle because there was a point in this book where I felt like all of her reactions were exactly how I would react and I could definitely relate. So all in all I thought this a was quick and creepy read.
April 4, 2022
Ian and Michelle are new teachers at St Stephen’s middle school looking forward to their bright prospective careers. Strangely they are the youngest on the faculty by far. With the senior members of the team overly complimentary to Michelle and Ian. When creepy visions start haunting them they soon realise things are not as great as they first seemed. This school has some very spooky secrets and history may be about to repeat itself!
Sadly I really didn’t enjoy this book. It had so much potential but I felt the story fell flat almost immediately. The constant repetition of the charred school children appearing was too much, and lacked any sense of horror. There was no elements of suspense and no spooky scenes ever escalated. I felt Michelle and Ian were uninteresting as main characters and their relationship was unintentionally awkward.
The ending was disappointing and did not explain anything worth knowing. Very unfortunate for me as I love a good twist and this book fell short.
Sadly I really didn’t enjoy this book. It had so much potential but I felt the story fell flat almost immediately. The constant repetition of the charred school children appearing was too much, and lacked any sense of horror. There was no elements of suspense and no spooky scenes ever escalated. I felt Michelle and Ian were uninteresting as main characters and their relationship was unintentionally awkward.
The ending was disappointing and did not explain anything worth knowing. Very unfortunate for me as I love a good twist and this book fell short.
April 4, 2022
Faces in a window by Olive C Seneca.
After two beloved teachers pass away at St. Stephen’s Middle School, it’s up to Ian Evans & Michelle Thompson to fill their shoes.
But their eager anticipation soon turns to terror.
They are plagued with unexplainable nightmares and horrific visions: Students who aren’t really there; the school catching fire; scenes of their own deaths playing out before them.
Uncovering what it all means could cost them their jobs, or their lives. With each other’s determination to find the truth of the school’s past, and with the help of an old janitor, Ian and Michelle must risk it all to save more than just their souls.
A really enjoyable read. Twisty and tense. Loved it. 5*.
After two beloved teachers pass away at St. Stephen’s Middle School, it’s up to Ian Evans & Michelle Thompson to fill their shoes.
But their eager anticipation soon turns to terror.
They are plagued with unexplainable nightmares and horrific visions: Students who aren’t really there; the school catching fire; scenes of their own deaths playing out before them.
Uncovering what it all means could cost them their jobs, or their lives. With each other’s determination to find the truth of the school’s past, and with the help of an old janitor, Ian and Michelle must risk it all to save more than just their souls.
A really enjoyable read. Twisty and tense. Loved it. 5*.
May 9, 2022
I was sent this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Set in a school we follow two new teachers as they both take on their first teaching roles, though things are not as it seems.
I enjoyed the horror element to this book, it was well written with great imagery that added to the atmosphere. The surrell quality of the dreams added to the uneasiness and kept me intrigued.
The downside was that there were some very mundane elements, mainly the two main characters interactions. It was alot of small talk and while this depicts everyday life very well, it didnt keep my attention.
Overall I liked this book.
Set in a school we follow two new teachers as they both take on their first teaching roles, though things are not as it seems.
I enjoyed the horror element to this book, it was well written with great imagery that added to the atmosphere. The surrell quality of the dreams added to the uneasiness and kept me intrigued.
The downside was that there were some very mundane elements, mainly the two main characters interactions. It was alot of small talk and while this depicts everyday life very well, it didnt keep my attention.
Overall I liked this book.
April 6, 2023
This book is filled with dark imagery; spirits of dead children and all too realistic nightmares. I really enjoyed the plot and the idea that these teachers took a job and could never leave it. I wish there had been more horror stories about previous teachers that had tried to quit, especially young ones. I didn't feel a strong connection to the main characters. However, it's definitely a fun read :)
March 30, 2022
This was a quick and creepy read. I liked the writing style and the pacing started slow at first with it increasing as tension increased. The story was easy to follow and had me on the edge of my seat without being too scary and the charcaters helped add something to the dark and chilling atmosphere. An enjoyable read.
April 7, 2022
Faces in a Window by Oliver Seneca is a horrifying and tragic story about 2 new teachers at a Catholic school who start to see ghosts. This eerie story details a past fire at the school and how the town tried to cover it up. A very surprising ending left me in shock. Great book, it held my interest all the way through.
May 2, 2022
Entertaining and a nice, quick read!
The moments of horror provided some strong imagery and I really enjoyed the plot as a whole. The dialogue was a little clunky, but honestly who cares when the book is as entertaining as this.
The moments of horror provided some strong imagery and I really enjoyed the plot as a whole. The dialogue was a little clunky, but honestly who cares when the book is as entertaining as this.
April 29, 2023
This spooky mystery drags you in only to find out you can’t ever leave! 😳 when two new teachers start at a new school they didn’t know what they signed up for. I loved getting to know Michelle and Ian as they navigate through fire filled nightmares, trying to solve a 58 year old cover up, all so they can get out alive. Faces in a Window keeps you on your toes with creepy children, ancient teachers and a town cover up. This was another great read from Oliver and had great twists you don’t see coming! I highly suggest you pick up a copy now!
May 4, 2022
I loved the concept of this book, creepy school with an erased history and new teachers being exposed to paranormal experiences.
The characters were a bit boring and the story was slow to the point that even after 50% the two new school teachers hadn't made each other aware that they were seeing creepy things.
I recently read a similar book so maybe that has hindered my opinion on this book but it just didn't grab my attention and I struggled to finish it.
I recieved an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were a bit boring and the story was slow to the point that even after 50% the two new school teachers hadn't made each other aware that they were seeing creepy things.
I recently read a similar book so maybe that has hindered my opinion on this book but it just didn't grab my attention and I struggled to finish it.
I recieved an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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