I’m always in the mood for a good story about a haunted house. Stirrings in the Black House by Ambrose Ibsen tells the story of Emil, who inherits his uncle’s house in Portland, Oregon. The uncle was a famous classical pianist and Emil shares the same passion for playing the piano. Emil gratefully collects his life in New England for a fresh start in Portland.

Emil finds the large house quite dusty and empty, except for his uncle’s magnificent grand piano. He meets a young woman, Kelly, at the local grocery store and they quickly become friends. Kelly sheds light on the history of the house and why the locals are dismissive of the property.

It doesn’t take long for things to go bump in the night; mysterious footsteps on the second floor, shadows outside, and piano music. Emil can’t decipher if the piano music is in his dreams or happening in real life.

While this short story contains some of the classical haunted house characteristics, the history of the house’s owners is rather unique and the conclusion of the story a bit surprising. I really enjoyed this audiobook that I acquired through my Audible membership. This is my first book by the author, Ambrose Ibsen, and I’d happily read more of his work. The narration by Joe Hempel brought the story to life in my ears.

I simply love the new orchid my husband and I acquired on a recent visit to Wilson’s Nurseries in Frankfort, Kentucky. We both adore the tiny little flowers the plant produces.

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