The Haunting of Lamb House — Joan Aiken

Three interlocking ghost stories that, together, span two centuries.

In a gracious Georgian house in Mermaid Street, Rye, can be sensed a disturbed alien presence, a restless spirit that seems to be pleading for some service to be performed. In 1784, Toby Lamb, Mayor of Rye, writes down the events that led to the death of his beloved sister Alice. Having completed his tale, he conceals it in a secret closet within his study, once Alice's bedroom. A century later, it is found again, and deciphered by Henry James, then living in the house. The author finds himself increasingly influenced by the house, so much so that he is forced to leave. The house is eventually let to E. F. Benson and his brother Arthur, who feel welcomed by it, not knowing of its unhappy past...until they disturb its dark side by holding a seance.