House of Elsinore: The Haunting of Hamlet

by Stephen Barnard

Genres: Ghost; Literary Fiction; Gothic

Synopsis

Shakespeare’s classic play reworked into a novel of suspense and ghostly terror.

In an unnamed realm, noble houses rule the surrounding lands from their seats of power. Yet all is not well in House Elsinore. The Dread Lord Amleth has died suddenly and been replaced by his brother, Claudius. There are fears that other houses may try to take advantage, making the watchmen on the castle walls more anxious than usual.

But it is not the forces from across the plains that are the immediate concern. The spirit of Lord Amleth walks abroad, fully armed and ready for war.

His son Hamlet – recalled from university for the funeral – is dismayed by the hasty marriage of his mother to his uncle. Done to strengthen the house, allegedly, but Hamlet cannot get past it. Unsatisfied and distraught, Hamlet learns about the ghostly sightings on the watch of the erstwhile lord and seeks out his father’s spirit for answers.

What he discovers will change his destiny, and that of everyone who lives within Elsinore’s walls. The stirring of this one spirit has awakened them all, in a castle that has a deep and murky history of villainy.

Incorporating characters and plot points from Shakespeare’s original, ‘House of Elsinore’ portrays a more sinister side to Hamlet’s promise to a murdered father and his quest for revenge. The novel also alters the expected course of known events as characters reveal their darker natures, so that a new, more terrifying tale unfolds.

Things are beyond rotten in Elsinore.

From the author of 'Something Close', 'The Deleted' and 'Dark Detours'.

Online praise for Stephen Barnard:

'An extremely clever and well written book that sucks you in and pulls you to the edge of your seat... deliciously unnerving and kept you flipping pages relentlessly.'

'Count on the unexpected and you won't be disappointed.'

'Great story and the suspense is fantastic. It holds your attention right to the very end. I couldn't put it down.'

'An engrossing and engaging read; excellent plot and believable, fallible characters.'

'Um, where has this book been all my life?'

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Release date: February 15, 2022

Print pages: 229