I enjoyed - listened to Premium narrated by Matt Godfrey, who I enjoy as a narrator.
Rotter House is a supposedly haunted house with a violent history.I enjoyed - listened to Premium narrated by Matt Godfrey, who I enjoy as a narrator.
Rotter House is a supposedly haunted house with a violent history. Our main character, Felix, decides to stay at the house for 13 days and nights to explore any signs of activity and his emotional experiences. Not a ghost believer but a writer of paranormal spots, his old pal joins him for the journey to work on mending their relationship and adding in dialogue support for the story's weight.
Other than a few creepy situations with dolls and a moment of ouija deja vu, the book isn't creepy, but any old creaking house ambience works well enough for this kind of story. Felix tells tales but not much happens paranormal - the bulk of the story is the interaction with the friend. Slower paced, with Godfrey's narration, I still really enjoyed the story....until that end.
The ending it started falling apart. I was confused on a few things and how that worked, but will avoid putting it here because of the spoilers. Let's just say the ending weakened the story quite a bit unfortunately.
The audiobook is still worth a listen if you're curious, especially if you're an Audible Premium Plus member. Wouldn't say it's worth a credit, though....more
I read this one on Audiobook form, which is well narrated by Matt Godfrey, although sometimes when he mixes Riler and the leading male of "The Trio", I read this one on Audiobook form, which is well narrated by Matt Godfrey, although sometimes when he mixes Riler and the leading male of "The Trio", sometimes the voices get a little 'fishy'. He is a great narrator and he led this story along smoothly.
Of course any shark novel reminds one of Jaws by necessity - and we get a few big ship versus nature battles - and he is a big cop who has come to a small town. There similarities end, however, as the story is rich with characterization of the flawed and traumatized Riker, the struggling and optimistic newbie Metzler, the well-meaning and father Chief Crawford, the politically twisted acting Mayor, and the heroic marine biologist Dr. Stafford and his partner, Nash. "The Trio" is a demented shark-hunting family that makes Quint appear like a heroic lead. Marine life is discussed more in detail with hideous practices of shark fin hunting, orca tagging and life, and I even learned a little about groupers.
While the reason these grew in enormous size and aggressive actions may seem cheesy on the surface, it bears some realistic weight. I don't want to reveal all here in the review as that reasoning and reveal is a fun part of the story to solve with the scientists as you swim along.
This is a highly recommended, fun story without any boring moments, strong character richness, a truly terrifying water-chomper, and solid pacing. Whether in audiobook or written form - it seems to be on Kindle Unlimited as well - check it out if you're a fan of water creature horror....more
I strangely read this after re-reading the Exorcist audio. Two exorcist type books in a row, what’s up with that?
Either way, I greatly enjoyed this onI strangely read this after re-reading the Exorcist audio. Two exorcist type books in a row, what’s up with that?
Either way, I greatly enjoyed this one! Haunted house type fare with demonic possession or interference has been done almost to death and is sometimes dull due to this, but between the quirky and flawed father, the mother with her own secrets, the relatable teenage daughter, it was enjoyable following their group through these horrors. Dad jokes aside!
Really, the character interaction was a big seller to me of this one. I enjoyed the realistic struggles on the fault of Nora and an interaction between she and Daniel near the ending with this. Not as much time is spent with “the Exorcist”, but between him and another character, the paper people were realistic enough and kept the story stronger during down moments.
And genuine creepiness sometimes! I was of course reading the opening with the contractor, which is the creepiest part of the story to me, with the creaking open doors that should remain closed and the lines through air ducts, closet doors….in my dark bedroom while reading in bed. Had the bedroom door open (cats come in and out), my closet door open, and my new computer chair casting their human looking giant shadow on the wall I’m facing by the closet. Took me too long to figure out what was causing that shadow at first. That likely definitely added to this old house creepy vibe.
And of course basements are automatically creepy. I have never been in one since I live in Florida, but they are associated in all sorts of movies, books, and thoughts with “yikes”. And wells. And abandoned crucifixes with broken chains. And that stair scene in middle of the night.
Oh, and camping…
Obviously I enjoyed the creepiness of this one, but I also dug some of the backstory uncovered. Only thing was their memory going haywire could be a bit annoying at times. I will say there are some comma grammatical issues in that they are under-used, but that’s better than the distraction of over-use.
The ending, too, worked. Nothing worse than a book falling apart like an old house because the ending makes the foundation fall out from under it. With characters so likeable, I didn’t want just doom and gloom and undying despair to be a jump-shock ending. Instead we get the isolated creepiness acknowledged from a main character (keeping it spoiler free here) that works to wrap up The Exorcist’s House.
I enjoy Crystal Lake as a small press publisher, and this is my first foray into this author’s work. Will check out more from him....more
Winthrop House begins a few weeks after the previous book concludes. This one takes off not long afterward, I won't spoil the first book by saying howWinthrop House begins a few weeks after the previous book concludes. This one takes off not long afterward, I won't spoil the first book by saying how, but it is a variety that instead of house hunters, you have three weary young road travelers who come across the house to camp in overnight. Same town, same monster, same house, but different dynamics. ' Instead of having secrets and horror slowly creep in and reveal, things start happening right away to these temporary guests, who spend much less time in the house, forced to come back when they know they shouldn't. The first had a Ouija, this one dishes out tarot cards.
Naomi, Ben, and Sam are the leads - each other them have a little of their past revealed, but the points of view remain between Naomi and Ben to carry the bulk of the story, with one chapter sneaking in later briefly for an outsider's perspective. The townsfolk chew on scenery as they react to the new of the exploring gang's destination, much like the first book with plenty of wide eyes, shocked gasps, and warnings. The characters work well for the type of story.
The first book had some stand-out creepy moments, especially the ending. This one does as well if read in a dark room like I did, but not the same oomph, maybe because the build-up has been established and there isn't as much time for subtlety.
Haunting stories are a dime a dozen but something stands out with some of Ibsen's books, especially this two book series. The Jackal Man is unique, and it's not a mere ghost or demon tormenting only for torment sake. While reading it, you're not sure who - if anyone - will survive and how that will carry out. I confess not getting the full breadth of the legend and superstitious details, but they try to expound slightly here on sacrifice in addition to what's covered in the first book, but it's a shorter romp and more direct/rushed in storyline.
Recommended reading, but definitely should read the first in the series first....more
"I thought it would stop. That I could take it with me in death. But I couldn't. It never stops. Never stops. Because death is not the end."
Third time"I thought it would stop. That I could take it with me in death. But I couldn't. It never stops. Never stops. Because death is not the end."
Third time's a charm. It's official; I'm now a bona-fide fan of the author. Three books I've greatly enjoyed, and each stands apart without blending. Not always an easy feat, especially if in a similar genre and trope (haunted spots). While I didn't dig this one quite as much as the other two I've read (in case you're curious, they are The Sick House and A House by the Sea), it's a fun little spook story that offers some different twists while keeping up the familiar for fans of the haunted stuff.
It's a novella size sampling that doesn't harbor nearly as much creepiness as some of his other works, but that's not to say it doesn't dish out its own goods. Enter the Ouija, creepy spirits without moving mouths, and a tiny mystery. The feeling of suffocation in the tiny apartment as it keeps growing darker is felt with the well-done writing style. Tension is tight, especially when she's caught (more than once!), and when she was attacking a window, I was especially tense. This would have been the scene where, if it were a movie, there would be high-strung orchestral music hammering on the audience's eardrums while they covered their eyes with their hands.
With horror I like to list how liberally it applies the blood splatter for those who are curious about gore level; there isn't much, if any, here. There doesn't need to be. It wouldn't fit into the vibe. This one is pure psychological tension all the way. It has what it needs: some creepy pauses, tense moments, characters dropped into volatile situations, a small mystery to keep it intriguing, an ending that closes the last page with a slam. Well done.
Oh, and don't use Ouija boards. This book tells you another reason why.
'The first to speak in court sounds right, until the cross-examination begins,' Proverbs, 18:17.
Ah, the joy of parenthood – and the darkness of it…
Adm'The first to speak in court sounds right, until the cross-examination begins,' Proverbs, 18:17.
Ah, the joy of parenthood – and the darkness of it…
Admission: I wasn’t sure before going in if this one would do it for me or not. Burned out by so many witchcraft stories being cheese-coated regurgitation, the Midwives is a refreshing change of pace that did not suffer from the same curse. Its fate instead was complex and eventually riveting; I ended up reading it in two sittings.
Witchcraft plays its role in the story, but with enough polish to stand out and flourish. Toss in a serial killer who livens up the story – especially when combined with a humorous town pariah – excellent results. Compelling characterization is where The Midwives excels past the mark, especially having Martin be the flawed man he is. Sheila is a worthy tag-along who brings feminism in to a storyline where the small town is dominated by these women who still embrace somewhat antiquated views on womanhood.
Ruby as the mother is particularly fascinating with her manic moods and the mysteries of her pursuits. Even the town itself, aptly named Barrow’s Bay, becomes a small character on its own. The remote, island type towns suits the ambience of a creepy horror story.
It’s not a first person, so we get to hop around in a few heads, but Martin leads the majority of the tale, as he should. He’s not the only focus, but he is the shining example of the opposite end of the point of faith.
A disconsolate landscape of human misery, horrible things happen – truly. Faith is mentioned as a manipulative weapon to allow much of this darkness to come to pass and hold the town in its grip; blind faith and behind-the-scenes manipulation. By a saving grace, faith becomes a symbol of hope for transformation for more than one character. The story may open with a long-standing tradition grounded in horrible origins, but it ends by showing that you can continue to evolve past your roots.
Having faith in who you can be, not just who you are, or origins of who you once were.
Violence and gore aren’t shied away from, particularly in the prologue that almost did border on cheesy, but everything happens for a reason – and some of these reasons may eventually surprise you with subtle magic. It’s brutal, but it gets your attention and makes a lasting impression. Five stars, and I don’t give those lightly to horror novels any more.
A horror story absolute, it remains true to the fairy-tale lore for witch tales of old. These aren’t women in gingerbread houses molding traps to snare wandering children, but they’re not far off from it either. If you want a modern day, twisted fairy-tale type of story that is both dark and gripping – this is the one. ...more
I’ve heard of this author but never had the pleasure of reading him until now. It turns out he truly is creepy as others have said, as I found – to soI’ve heard of this author but never had the pleasure of reading him until now. It turns out he truly is creepy as others have said, as I found – to some surprise – as the story unfolded. At first I wasn’t as impressed; the writing style was fine and easy to relate to, characters sound, but it just wasn’t grabbing my interest much until around the middle.
Haunted houses have tropes, clichés, patterns we come to expect when digging in to these tales, which may be one reason I wasn’t as into it. This one dealt the steady hand of things readers expect: a friend who has a psychic lean, so-called expert investigators, trying to communicate with the dead, researching the local legend and history of the house, feelings of chill, drawings, dreams, night disturbances. The story starts taking it further, though, since this isn’t any ordinary spook or demon. There’s more than one thing involved with this house and I wasn’t sure of the true enemy, or if both were the true enemies. There’s a twist with the ending as well that cements this as truly chilling and makes it stand out.
Jack isn’t that nice of a character, really, but I like flawed mains. Him being a writer is a perk since I like writer leads. The ghost hunter is especially amusing for various reasons. This house has a dark history and, like many haunted location stories, becomes a character in its own right. Being set on the sea and having to do with the water makes it even more chilling.
Not all questions are answered, and I don’t fully get everything. Some of it’s open-ended. I like answers, so that was slightly frustrating, but not enough to dislike the story. A perk is the villain was unusual in its way, which makes the story different than many of a similar vein.
I was reading this in bed with the lights off by the light of my Oasis 3. My cat was on the blanket and my bedroom door was left over, looking into the dark hallway, as I generally do so the cat can go in and out at will. I’ll admit when the book ended that I genuinely got freaked out. I felt like a 10 year old as it reminded me of creepy stuff I went through as a teenager with the Ouija board. I then had to get up to go to the bathroom – yep, that wasn’t fun. I swear that door moved a bit…
I look forward to reading more from this author. ...more
“She hopped out of the way, nearly run over by a massive clown riding a tiny bicycle. No, not a clown, that clown. The town’s clown. The one who stare“She hopped out of the way, nearly run over by a massive clown riding a tiny bicycle. No, not a clown, that clown. The town’s clown. The one who stared all night into her bedroom window, peering from the side of the burned-down Baypen factory. Pervo? Mervo? Frenco? Yes, Frendo. That was it.”
Quinn and distraught father find out the hard way that leaving behind something miserable may put you in the path of something far worse. Things are just about to unfold and get downright nasty right when they’re unloading that last packing box.
Tension is felt starting day one as Quinn meets a surly group of teens who spend as much time sneering at local adults as the adults spend sneering back in their direction. Conceptionally it kind of reminds me of a reverse Children of the corn.
Small towns hold some of the best potentials of plot for horror filled tales such as this one. The town becomes a character in itself as it dishes out the history of Frendo the clown as the official pet mascot. We even get a town fair that’s the event of the year to start the party off hardy.
Characters are layered well considering this is a form of slasher fare; they aren’t just token red-shirts waited to get killed off without eliciting any emotion on behalf of the reader. That isn’t to say all characters are likeable – but they are realistic enough. Quinn as the main character is worthy of the role, although she gets annoying at times, especially when she starts on her anti-gun tirade (this changes later.)
An example – “Quinn shook her head. If it gave Janet a bit more comfort, thinking she had a loaded gun and could defend herself, then maybe that revenge fantasy could keep the girl awake and alive. The answer certainly couldn’t be leaving her with a loaded handgun.”
Really, Quinn, why not? There’s only a demented killer on the loose, and you’re thinking it’s not wise to leave a frightened and wounded girl alone with a gun that would actually protect her? Egads.
Not smart, Quinn, not smart.
Character annoyances aside - and truthfully there really aren’t many of them - the writing style flows well to suit the story. Slashers aren’t the most complex of plots, but this one serves up a suitable motive and a cult-sized mentality that keeps the story interesting enough to be something other than simple hack-and-slash entertainment.
Violence-wise, there’s plenty to be had after enough character development and build-up. Don’t let the YA genre tag throw you off that expectation. Decapitations, crossbows, fire, chainsaws, guns, weapons you’d find around a farm or with everyday country folk looking to throw down and have a good time around the party barn. Blood isn’t let out in a geyser rush for the sake of cheapened shock value, but without at least a tad, we’d feel cheated. The author delivers. Killer clowns and cornfields need tools, right?
I’ve seen some readers mention this has a cinematic feel that would translate well to the TV screen. They’re right. The writing works and doesn’t come across as a dry screenplay style, but the story is something you find in a teen-aimed, slasher-style scare flick.
Hobbies of YouTube video upload, social media reputations, and even Yelp shout-outs keep this one dated to the modern age.
Well-written and downright fun, this one earns its rep. Clown in a Cornfield is a good time to be had for fans of horror, even if slasher-type, or even YA, isn’t your usual favorite. ...more
“Under the last full moon of February, rousing from the latest of his nightmares, he heard something that commanded every hair on hRATING: 2 1/2 stars
“Under the last full moon of February, rousing from the latest of his nightmares, he heard something that commanded every hair on his body to rise—a single howl rang out through the darkness.”
My teenage-hood was filled reading horror books. It used to be by far my favorite genre, but as I grew older I branched out to include other books, making horror not even the most commonly read genre for me yearly anymore. That’s not to say I don’t still appreciate and genuinely love the genre – I do – but I’ve found as I get older that I grow pickier. Not just with books, but with horror movies, another thing I indulged in almost non-stop.
Blood and Rain has a stellar reputation as an “IT” werewolf book. It’s recommended on most horror lists and most of the friends I have online who read horror wholeheartedly recommend it. If you dig werewolf stories where the furred villain is a monster through and through, if old-fashioned monster type stories are your bag, you’ll probably enjoy this more than I did.
The plot isn’t bad for this type of story - fits a werewolf tormenting a tiny town quite well; blood-splattered pages don’t hold back the violence, body count number, drawn-out deaths, gore level, and these monsters even have a rape mentality. If you like your werewolf violent and pure-bred, Blood and Rain may be a better for you than it was for me. The simplicity of the characters, storyline, villains, and writing are not what push my horror buttons anymore. As I said, I’m pickier now when it comes to this stuff. There are also some grammar errors that didn’t bring it down a star, but it was noticeable.
I prefer villains who have layers in that they’re conflicted, or we see a steady progression to the darker path. This opened where the big-bad was already fully bad, with a backstory already over and explained, telling instead of showing. There is not any remorse with these creatures.
Likewise, the good characters are a bit one-dimensional themselves. Joe as the town sheriff who has battled this particular monster before isn’t that interesting. He’s fine, but most of the good guys sort of blend together, and there is an over-abundance of head hopping. I don’t need to switch between Mel from the diner, each deputy, the villains, the teenagers, the sheriff, and various people so much to get the same effect. Let me stay in the head of someone long enough to actually care more or invest myself into the story before jumping.
I grew confused with some of the town’s history. It’s explained there was a rash of werewolf attacks in 1997, but the relationships characters hold with some of the deceased is a little foggy. Having the backstory connection makes sense to add another layer to the story, but I had a hard time knowing who was truly affected other than Ted’s connection to a brother. Also, it was pretty clear immediately who the villain would be and I’m surprised Joe didn’t figure it out.
One’s thing for sure, no one is safe here – even the best of the characters get munched on. Action isn't an issue, it's almost on superspeed.
An excellent follow-up to the novella, it was hard to put down. I would have rated it higher, but I didn't like the last chapter at all and it bugged An excellent follow-up to the novella, it was hard to put down. I would have rated it higher, but I didn't like the last chapter at all and it bugged me. Despite being a horror novel, there are just ways evil shouldn't win, and I have a soft spot for the priests Sutherland and Patterson. I'll have to doublecheck the spelling of both names (awful memory). Very different than the first book and in some ways better. Full review to come....more
Let's get the rotten parts out of the way first - the story has flaws. Painful to admit, but it's long-winded and rambling, too much focus and writingLet's get the rotten parts out of the way first - the story has flaws. Painful to admit, but it's long-winded and rambling, too much focus and writing concentrates on irrelevant scenes and parts and character trails, drawing out the wrong things. Sometimes it's for clarity, at times for snuck-in humor, but just maybe it was either because the author was writing without pre-planning or trying to pad. Irregardless, pacing is inconsistent besides the strong beginning and unforgettable ending, so sometimes the attention wilts.
But really who cares, because this is the epic 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'.
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Where else do you get the inventions of wicked trails in foggy forests with undead Pumpkinheaded legends on top of black, hell-driven steeds? Small town with a small-minded but lovable schoolmarm with a name as cool as Ichabod Crane. Yes that may be an insult of a name now if invented in these modern times, but associated with the story and our memories it's now considered a groovy name.
I like the additions to the story that have come over through the years in cinema form -- I'm actually a fan of the Johnny Depp comedy version, even if reviews were mixed on the Burton production. I think it's my favorite version, but all that aside, the book is beautifully written in a flowing style and humorous with character description.
I'm not an Audiobook fan, but this one worked well with the voice of the actor from the show, Sleepy Hollow, Tom Mison. His voice suited the story perfectly, and I enjoyed the music at the beginning and conclusion.
A unique story told mainly through three characters -- young James, a teenage boy who has been separated from his friends, father, girl interest and tA unique story told mainly through three characters -- young James, a teenage boy who has been separated from his friends, father, girl interest and town due his mother's remarriage; Alison, a sweet young woman who has sympathy for a depressed man she also happens to be in love with; the father, a depressed man. The ending is brutal in the grief department, and the author doesn't hold back with violence, gruesome stuff when it happens, or bizarre sexual content. At first the story seems almost simple with the demon presence but it gets more brownie points for layers at the end. I liked the religious stuff that wrapped up the story with the young group. There was a very large amount of time spent on the friends hanging out and James getting with a girl he's had a crush on, and while interesting in degrees, sometimes the pacing was slowed down. The author was clearly going for full fleshed out characters in a horror novel, not believing in mere red shirts written in for easy disposal. Full review to come....more
“The trouble with discovery is that is goes two ways. For you to find something, that thing must also find you.”
This is horror that takes itself serio“The trouble with discovery is that is goes two ways. For you to find something, that thing must also find you.”
This is horror that takes itself seriously and isn’t cheesy considering it’s about killer mermaid creatures out on the great white blue, but like a cheesy horror book or movie with throw-away red shirt characters and people who have no common sense, this book had to throw in a few for good measure too.
It may not even be what the author intended originally, but with these two brilliant women I have to wonder:
Woman one: “The Captain told everyone to stay locked securely in their rooms because of the killer mermaids.” Woman two: “Definitely. But I’m still going to prop this door open so we can let some fresh air in.” Woman one: “Okay, but what about the monster mermaids? They’ve already brutally killed a few people, and we don’t have any weapons at all.” Woman two: “True, but they won’t bother us.” Woman one: “Okay. Should we make some weapons or something while we wait with the door open?” Woman two: “Nah, how about drinking some of this brandy and getting drunk?” Woman one: “Oh, okay, that sounds more fun.”
A few minutes later…. Mermaid: *Munching*
There are a lot of characters in the book, but thankfully the author didn’t go overboard *coughs* in shifting points of view. We get into the heads of several main characters who have different personal stakes invested. The main lure at first is Tori, whose sister was the unfortunate reporter who got too close and personal with the mermaids in the prequel novella. She’s been obsessed with finding the beings who destroyed her sister, making revenge her number one goal for half of the book…until she gets on the boat. Then, you know, she kind of starts changing her mind because these mermaids are actually intelligent. There’s no point having revenge on intelligent creatures after all, even if they seem to be mean as hell, but…
Jill Toth is also a worthy head to be in for the first part of the book where she bemoans her guilt in getting everyone killed in the first book. I don’t fully get her reasoning, but you know how guilt makes little sense most of the time, so whatever. I will say the character became less enjoyable after floating on the boat awhile because she becomes downright repetitive. She makes a point to keep thinking how we left the sea and the sea isn’t forgiving. Um, okay. Or how we left the sea but the sea won’t let us return to it. Um, okay again.
Determined from the start they their voyage is doomed and they stand no chance against the vicious critters, instead of at least trying something, she just sits there and waits and projects doom like Crazy Ralph from the Friday the 13th series.
Random Person: “Hey scientist Toth, since you’re smart and the mermaid expert, how about we try to think of a plan?” Toth: “It’s pointless. We are in their space and they belong here, we do not.” Random Person: “Yeah, but….how about we make some kind of weapons and arm more people on board?” Dr Toth: “This is their world, not ours. The sea is not forgiving.” Random Person: “Hey, they are smarter than we thought, but how about we start thinking too and lay some creative booby traps? The ship is filled with smart scientists, after all.”
::crickets::
If you think I’m exaggerating with how weird and senseless this expert gets, here’s an actual scene from the novel:
Troy stopped when she saw Jillian, her eyes going wide. “Dr. Toth!” she said. “What are you doing out here? It’s not safe?”
“No, it’s not. I’m on my way to the lab. I have some blood samples for analysis.”
Yeah, because that makes sense. Wouldn’t it make more sense to survive first and then analyze the samples later? If you die first and then analyze, no one will know so…. Oh, nevermind.
Then you throw in Theo, the corporate climber who used to fight for the rights of animals and aquatic life until he was almost paralyzed helping Orcas.
Random Person: “You’re sending three dolphins into the water with the mermaids?? Won’t they be brutally killed?” Theo: “They were given a choice of their freedom, and if they die it’s in the name of Science.” Random Person: “Um….Okay, whatever. But why send them at all when we know the mermaids will kill them?” Theo: “The mermaids will not kill them because dolphins are too smart.” Random Person: “Um….but we don’t know how smart the mermaids are yet.” Theo: “They cannot be as smart as dolphins.” Random Person: “But….” Theo: “And dolphins are really fast. They’ll be fine.” Random Person: “But we have no idea how fast the mermaids are!” Theo: “They are not as fast as dolphins.”
Yeah, RIP Poor dolphins. You get stupid decisions like this. Damn the humans.
Speaking of damning the humans, there’s this big game hunter couple salivating at the chance to kill mermaids. Sure we hate them and their morals, but at least they’re bad-ass some of the time and don’t just sit there without weapons or much effort.
Luis, however, is awesome. From his sarcastic wit and actual common sense, he was a favorite. As were the dolphins. 0_0
That said, it’s still an interesting book, although it drags on a bit too long. The prequel was good but this was better. I think the prequel was a bit creepier but this one was more complex and fleshed out. I especially liked the bond with the captive and the sign-language.
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*
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