Take a photo of a barcode or cover
1.37k reviews by:
ericarobyn
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
The Horror Collection: Ruby Edition is a killer collection of short stories that were each a blast to read and served up plenty of terror!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
I was so pumped to see that this title was the ruby edition. I assumed we’d see a lot of this color included, and these stories did not disappoint! There were red skies, red fire, red blood, red crabs, red berries, and more, all of which I pictured as a dark, ruby red!
Per usual, here are my thoughts on each tale!
Dedication
This collection is dedicated to two gentlemen that passed last year, author Guy N. Smith, and Kevin’s father, John Kennedy. What a beautiful dedication this was. I couldn’t wait to read their work inside this collection.
This collection is dedicated to two gentlemen that passed last year, author Guy N. Smith, and Kevin’s father, John Kennedy. What a beautiful dedication this was. I couldn’t wait to read their work inside this collection.
Preignition by Steve Stred – Five Stars
When a group of men board a small plane, they can’t wait to get back home to their lives. But while in the air, something happens below… something world changing. Phew, I am so grateful I read this after my work trip and that I won’t be boarding another plane any time soon! The dread I felt from the opening of this story was intense, and it only got worse and worse as I read on. This one made my stomach do so many flips while reading! Truly terrifying!
When a group of men board a small plane, they can’t wait to get back home to their lives. But while in the air, something happens below… something world changing. Phew, I am so grateful I read this after my work trip and that I won’t be boarding another plane any time soon! The dread I felt from the opening of this story was intense, and it only got worse and worse as I read on. This one made my stomach do so many flips while reading! Truly terrifying!
A Campfire Tale by Tom Deady – Five Stars
There’s a killer making their rounds through a campsite. When two women, Beth and Gabriela, park at their site, they are immediately approached by a man. This man invites them over for dinner that night. After the meal, he mentions the killer and the mood suddenly changes. I was so tense while reading this. What an awesome and unsettlingly suspenseful tale! The flirting with danger made me so nervous.
There’s a killer making their rounds through a campsite. When two women, Beth and Gabriela, park at their site, they are immediately approached by a man. This man invites them over for dinner that night. After the meal, he mentions the killer and the mood suddenly changes. I was so tense while reading this. What an awesome and unsettlingly suspenseful tale! The flirting with danger made me so nervous.
Tanglewood by Ronald Kelly – Five Stars
When a man tries to take a shortcut one day, he has an experience that leaves him shaken. While his marriage is falling apart, he can’t help but focus on what happened in the woods… What a trip this one was! It was so unsettling and I was nervous to see how it would all play out. I was rooting for the main character and I absolutely loved the ending!
When a man tries to take a shortcut one day, he has an experience that leaves him shaken. While his marriage is falling apart, he can’t help but focus on what happened in the woods… What a trip this one was! It was so unsettling and I was nervous to see how it would all play out. I was rooting for the main character and I absolutely loved the ending!
New Skulls for the Old Cemetery by Calvin Demmer – Four Stars
When three friends enter a cemetery, one of them, a boy named James, has an ulterior motive. When things don’t go as he planned, he storms off in a huff. What a total turd James was!
When three friends enter a cemetery, one of them, a boy named James, has an ulterior motive. When things don’t go as he planned, he storms off in a huff. What a total turd James was!
Larry’s Guest by Guy N. Smith – Four Stars
Larry has a space where he develops his film that he shares with another person who smuggles items and gives Larry a cut of the sales. One day, Larry is shocked to find a closed coffin in the space and runs back home. Unable to think of anything else, he goes back that night…. But this time the coffin is open. This one was fun! I was curious to see where it would go and it certainly didn’t disappoint!
Larry has a space where he develops his film that he shares with another person who smuggles items and gives Larry a cut of the sales. One day, Larry is shocked to find a closed coffin in the space and runs back home. Unable to think of anything else, he goes back that night…. But this time the coffin is open. This one was fun! I was curious to see where it would go and it certainly didn’t disappoint!
Where the Holly Ceases to Grow by Lex H Jones – Five Stars
When a young boy is wandering around the woods, he finds a strange place where the holly ends and a quiet space begins. He thinks he is alone there but then he realizes that was not the case… I loved where this story went! The initial friendship was so heartwarming. I really enjoyed what a good listener this being was and I also enjoyed what the being could offer.
When a young boy is wandering around the woods, he finds a strange place where the holly ends and a quiet space begins. He thinks he is alone there but then he realizes that was not the case… I loved where this story went! The initial friendship was so heartwarming. I really enjoyed what a good listener this being was and I also enjoyed what the being could offer.
Crabs by Kevin J. Kennedy – Five Stars
After a tsunami, a town is left rocked. While the waters have left, some of the sea life has not… and some of them are getting violent. This story was a blast!
After a tsunami, a town is left rocked. While the waters have left, some of the sea life has not… and some of them are getting violent. This story was a blast!
Dead Ends and Open Roads by Kyle M. Scott – Four Stars
When a toxic couple is on a trip, a gas attendant gives the wife advice to take a shortcut, promising that it’s a shortcut that is sure to set her free. But just what is this area and will it really solve her problem? My god I absolutely hated Dale with a fiery passion. Kyle did a great job with that character. This one was brutal and horrifying. And that ending was perfect!
When a toxic couple is on a trip, a gas attendant gives the wife advice to take a shortcut, promising that it’s a shortcut that is sure to set her free. But just what is this area and will it really solve her problem? My god I absolutely hated Dale with a fiery passion. Kyle did a great job with that character. This one was brutal and horrifying. And that ending was perfect!
Lifewatch by Christopher Motz – Five Stars
When a new smart watch comes on the market that can tell the wearer exactly when they will die… things go about as well as you’d think. People either try to extend their timeline by changing their ways, while others assume they are invincible. This story was so fun but terrifying. This is definitely one I could see happening for real, especially with that last scene.
When a new smart watch comes on the market that can tell the wearer exactly when they will die… things go about as well as you’d think. People either try to extend their timeline by changing their ways, while others assume they are invincible. This story was so fun but terrifying. This is definitely one I could see happening for real, especially with that last scene.
Family Ties by John Kennedy – Five Stars
A fun little poem with wonderful flow and pacing!
A fun little poem with wonderful flow and pacing!
My Final Thoughts on The Horror Collection: Ruby Edition
Like all of Kevin’s collections, I cannot recommend this one highly enough. Some of the tales truly terrified me while others made me chuckle or were more heartwarming. As always, this one has something for everyone and the mix is just wonderful as it will keep readers on their toes, not knowing what to expect next.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Murder
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
All Things Deadly by E.C. Hanson is an amazing collection of short tales all centered on events occurring in and around Salem, but there’s more than just location that ties them all together.
If you enjoy collections that will keep you on your toes as you just have no idea what to expect next, you don’t want to miss this one!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
Content Warnings:
A few of these tales tackle difficult subjects, a few of which I have noted below, but feel free to reach out to me if you have any concerns.
A few of these tales tackle difficult subjects, a few of which I have noted below, but feel free to reach out to me if you have any concerns.
The writing style that E.C. uses here was right up my alley. He’s wonderfully descriptive and makes you feel like you’re right there in the story itself. The tones he is able to set within each story, but also for the collection overall, is very impressive. His characters are all so intriguing; some you’ll love, some you’ll hate, and there are plenty that you just aren’t sure what to think of!
I really enjoyed that I never knew what to expect here, both within each story, and between tales! It made putting this collection down next to impossible.
There was just such a great mix of formats here. One moment I was reading a story that was eerie all the way through, and the next, a tale would start out calm and uplifting, but then in the very last few lines, it took a sudden turn that made me question what I just read to the point where I had to go back to reread immediately to see if I missed any clues! And let me tell you, the hints that were dropped in some tales that I did totally missed were awesome to see the second time around!
Another element that I loved was how timely some of the stories were with the current events they tackled, while others were more timeless.
Here are my quick thoughts on each tale:
The Frosts – An Introduction – 5/5
This intro featured a man named Adam Frost and his ticked off daughter, Sutton, as they were driving somewhere. This was short and sweet, but oooh was I intrigued! I couldn’t wait to see where this was going from here!
This intro featured a man named Adam Frost and his ticked off daughter, Sutton, as they were driving somewhere. This was short and sweet, but oooh was I intrigued! I couldn’t wait to see where this was going from here!
Drips – 5/5
I love a Halloween tale, so this one certainly had my attention. I was so excited for Billy to get some candy, as it was obvious he could really use a treat. But oh man, what a nightmare. This poor kid!
I love a Halloween tale, so this one certainly had my attention. I was so excited for Billy to get some candy, as it was obvious he could really use a treat. But oh man, what a nightmare. This poor kid!
Last Breaths – 5/5
Phew, this one was timely. I loved this character, Henry.
Phew, this one was timely. I loved this character, Henry.
Zukes – 4/5
Jason, who was forced to work at his stepfathers cinema, hates the job mainly due to the customers. I can’t say I blame him after seeing how people act at the movies. But I’m very thankful that I have never witnessed anything remotely close to what happens in this tale. Yikes!
Jason, who was forced to work at his stepfathers cinema, hates the job mainly due to the customers. I can’t say I blame him after seeing how people act at the movies. But I’m very thankful that I have never witnessed anything remotely close to what happens in this tale. Yikes!
The Five-Day Fisherman – 5/5
Content Warnings: Please feel free to reach out to me for specifics here!
Oh my god. I can’t even add any other notes here, you just need to read this one to feel the emotions. This one is so powerful.
Content Warnings: Please feel free to reach out to me for specifics here!
Oh my god. I can’t even add any other notes here, you just need to read this one to feel the emotions. This one is so powerful.
Adam Frost – 5/5
Another story about Adam and his daughter, Sutton. This time, Adam received a phone call with information that he can’t pass up. Oh gosh, I’m so nervous to see where this goes next.
Another story about Adam and his daughter, Sutton. This time, Adam received a phone call with information that he can’t pass up. Oh gosh, I’m so nervous to see where this goes next.
Regress – 4/5
When a man who has hit an amazing milestone in his sobriety is brushed aside by his girlfriend, he makes some pretty poor decisions. Phew, this one took quite a turn that I didn’t see coming!
When a man who has hit an amazing milestone in his sobriety is brushed aside by his girlfriend, he makes some pretty poor decisions. Phew, this one took quite a turn that I didn’t see coming!
Storage Facility – 5/5
There has always been something very creepy to me about storage units. This tale did not help that fear. What an ending!!
There has always been something very creepy to me about storage units. This tale did not help that fear. What an ending!!
Mister Shotgun – 5/5
Oofh. My heart.
Oofh. My heart.
Samsara – 4/5
When a woman trying to run from herself visits a shop while waiting to get into a brewery that hasn’t opened for the day yet, she’s haunted by something… I felt for this woman at first, then I was rooting for her husband!
When a woman trying to run from herself visits a shop while waiting to get into a brewery that hasn’t opened for the day yet, she’s haunted by something… I felt for this woman at first, then I was rooting for her husband!
Sutton Frost – 4/5
Ah, a tale that gives us some insight into the daughters mind! This poor girl. I hope we see her snap out of this funk soon.
Ah, a tale that gives us some insight into the daughters mind! This poor girl. I hope we see her snap out of this funk soon.
The Aged Man – 5/5
Oh this poor soul. My heart breaks for them.
Oh this poor soul. My heart breaks for them.
Freewrite Friday – 5/5
On her last day of work, this teacher does what she has never done before; she takes part in freewrite Friday. When she begins her tale, she tells her class that her story is either fiction or nonfiction, and that they can decide. I love how dark this one felt, even in the early stages, and it just got darker from there! That last line!!
On her last day of work, this teacher does what she has never done before; she takes part in freewrite Friday. When she begins her tale, she tells her class that her story is either fiction or nonfiction, and that they can decide. I love how dark this one felt, even in the early stages, and it just got darker from there! That last line!!
Red Couch – 5/5
This tale focuses on two middle-aged women who both have urgent matters that they need to resolve. When they cross paths, things get interesting. I am obsessed with this story and how it begins and ends with a very similar passage!
This tale focuses on two middle-aged women who both have urgent matters that they need to resolve. When they cross paths, things get interesting. I am obsessed with this story and how it begins and ends with a very similar passage!
Taunt That Witch – 5/5
When a girl long-boarding takes a tumble near the grave of a rumored witch, she doesn’t just fix the area and get out of there. Of course not. Instead, she taunts the witch and that goes about as well as you can imagine. This one made me cringe!
When a girl long-boarding takes a tumble near the grave of a rumored witch, she doesn’t just fix the area and get out of there. Of course not. Instead, she taunts the witch and that goes about as well as you can imagine. This one made me cringe!
Adam and Sutton – 5/5
And the plot thickens with these two!!
And the plot thickens with these two!!
Crunchy Bits – 4/5
Oh lord. Stories like this make me want to avoid candy shops forever. You just never know who is running the shop!
Oh lord. Stories like this make me want to avoid candy shops forever. You just never know who is running the shop!
Homage – 5/5
Content Warning: Dog death
When this woman decides to kill a dog, her interest in murder is sparked. She goes on to kill others as chosen by random. She seems to be covering her tracks, but she isn’t necessarily trying to. Will she get caught? I loved how dark and terrifying this one was! My gosh, some of her murders…. This one is going to haunt me.
Content Warning: Dog death
When this woman decides to kill a dog, her interest in murder is sparked. She goes on to kill others as chosen by random. She seems to be covering her tracks, but she isn’t necessarily trying to. Will she get caught? I loved how dark and terrifying this one was! My gosh, some of her murders…. This one is going to haunt me.
Stalker 101 – 5/5
When a man’s mother passed away suddenly, he realizes that he needs to make some major changes. To start, he makes a list of things he’s never done. When he starts taking action, I was so proud of him! I wanted him to turn his life around. But of course, with a title like Stalker 101, I should have known better!
When a man’s mother passed away suddenly, he realizes that he needs to make some major changes. To start, he makes a list of things he’s never done. When he starts taking action, I was so proud of him! I wanted him to turn his life around. But of course, with a title like Stalker 101, I should have known better!
Adam vs Sutton – 4/5
Ugh someone needs to tell Sutton the full story here! And quick! Her attitude is not getting anyone anywhere fast.
Ugh someone needs to tell Sutton the full story here! And quick! Her attitude is not getting anyone anywhere fast.
Revenge Tour – 5/5
When the virus was still new, our main character finds himself infected. But rather than listening to the doctor, he does the exact opposite. Phew, this one will make your blood boil. What a timely and horrific take that’s very realistic… it will break your heart.
When the virus was still new, our main character finds himself infected. But rather than listening to the doctor, he does the exact opposite. Phew, this one will make your blood boil. What a timely and horrific take that’s very realistic… it will break your heart.
Under Surveillance – 4/5
Content Warning: Cheating
This one is from the perspective of the cat, and what a good cat it is. With such loyalty to the man he calls the innocent one, this cat will do anything he can to show the innocent one what is really going on.
Content Warning: Cheating
This one is from the perspective of the cat, and what a good cat it is. With such loyalty to the man he calls the innocent one, this cat will do anything he can to show the innocent one what is really going on.
Pressure Cooker – 4/5
A bride getting ready to tie the knot isn’t the nervous but excited bride that she was hoping to be. Instead, she’s got some inner turmoil going. Wow… You need to experience this story. Good luck.
A bride getting ready to tie the knot isn’t the nervous but excited bride that she was hoping to be. Instead, she’s got some inner turmoil going. Wow… You need to experience this story. Good luck.
Rebecca Frost – 5/5
Phew! What a heartbreaking story. So much from the previous stories with these two makes total sense now. I love where this one went!
Phew! What a heartbreaking story. So much from the previous stories with these two makes total sense now. I love where this one went!
Epilogue – 5/5
What a conclusion!! The line that ties everything together! SO WELL DONE!
What a conclusion!! The line that ties everything together! SO WELL DONE!
My Favorite Passage from All Things Deadly
I had more quotes noted, but they were all spoilers! So please enjoy this one:
She was on the run from herself, and no one but her knew it.
My Final Thoughts About All Things Deadly
While I would put this collection solidly in the horror category, it’s a collection that is sure to provoke a variety of emotional responses. Some tales will make you feel uncomfortable, some will spook you, some will downright terrify you or disgust you, while others will make you smile, and some will make you laugh.
There’s truly something here for everyone!
I cannot recommend this one highly enough! I had a blast reading these tales and already can’t wait to revisit them again soon!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Child death, Infidelity, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicide, Dementia, Medical trauma, Stalking, Car accident, Murder
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Santa Muerte by Cynthia Pelayo is a gritty young adult mystery about how far people will go for what they believe in, even when death and violence is all around them, and both their nightmares and waking hours are haunted by spirits.
When Ariana Molina, referred to as Ari, finds out that her father is being held at a hospital after a car crash that left one person dead, she is immediately curious as to why he was in Chicago in the first place. She knows his job is very dangerous as he has been investigating the Mexican drug cartel for years, resulting in a broken marriage and having Ari sent off to the US to live under a fake name in order to protect her.
After following the latest news, both the stories reported by the media and the incidents that were swept under the rug, Ari has a bad gut feeling that she knows exactly why her father is here. Over time, as Ari presses her father for answers and does research on her own, she learns more the cartels and what has been going on behind the scenes. What she hypothesizes is terrifying. But is she on the right track?
I loved that we stayed with Ari and got to see her perspective throughout this story. Her frustration in not getting answers kept me totally hooked as I, too, wanted some more information. That is, I wanted more info until we actually started to learn more… Then I wanted things to slow down and work out without any additional harm.
Boy, was I way off in wishing for that!
I had to triple check the category of YA here to make sure I didn’t mis-read that. We all know how dark some YA can get, and this book certainly serves up a lot of darkness! As Ari is a young adult, don’t let that make you think she’s a silly teenager. This girl is so brave and strong. She isn’t afraid to push aside relationships in order to keep herself safe. She isn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with some of the most powerful people. And she is determined to make the bad guys pay, no matter what.
My Favorite Passages from Santa Muerte
Her father had always has fine lines around his eyes. It was as if he was born with worry. The deep wrinkles stretched across his forehead. The prominent laugh lines from his nostrils to the edges of his mouth were themselves ironic as this is a man who had forgotten to laugh a long time ago.
Time lingered in hospitals, floating up and swirling around and every now and again reappearing when some small action would activate the knowledge that time had indeed passed.
Living live with caution was exhausting. Her father had chosen this life. She was never given a choice.
My Final Thoughts on Santa Muerte
I had a blast reading this one! We already saw how powerful Ari can be so I cannot wait to see where the story goes in book two.
This is a must read for fans of gritty and gut-punching mysteries packed with horror and sprinkled with uplifting moments of compassion.
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Review up soon!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The Idiots’ Club by Tony Moyle is a tale of dares, revenge, and friendship. Centered around an unlikely group of friends that joined forces at university, this is a tale that will completely suck you in as you wait anxiously to see if they can complete the dares on time.
Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of this book from the author as part of his beta reading team. This did not affect my rating in any way. I also have my copy preordered!
When the story begins, our main character, Eric, is sitting in a police station being questioned while it looks like he has been seen better days…. And he sure has. This man is overtired, stressed, and mangled from tangoing with a lion. That’s right, a literal lion!
With video evidence of him and his buddies appearing to steal a lion, Eric tells Detective Inspector Whitehall that there is more to this scene than meets the eye. When she asks him to explain, he starts from the beginning, over twenty years ago.
From there, the story jumps back and forth from the scene at the police station to the past to learn more about this club and how they were formed originally, and then what drove them apart. Then we begin to jump between their history, the police station, and present day as the main storyline plays out.
I absolutely loved this format. Tony gives readers just enough information at each jump to keep the story flowing without too many questions. He is also able to pace it perfectly so you can’t put the book down as you’ll just want to see what happens next!
While I disliked many of the characters for most of the book, I certainly can’t say that they weren’t intriguing! I loved seeing their transformations over the course of the events. Like all coming of age tales, there is a lot of growth that happens here and it warmed my heart. After all, who says you can’t finally come of age in your 40’s?!
When I hit the final page, I wanted to stand up and clap. Per usual, Tony’s writing style is just brilliant. I don’t understand how he does it, but he thinks of EVERYTHING and never leaves us with any loose ends.
My Favorite Passages from The Idiots’ Club
Several lines of dried blood, which had oozed from a matted wound on his temple, chased each other down his cheek before disappearing under the collar of his ripped, once clean white shirt. His face was filthy and swollen, creating the illusion that he’d recently played a game of rugby against a team of angry rhinos, and lost heavily.
People who refused to compete in a race which had different starting lines and more dangerous obstacles in some lanes than in others.
He swiftly downed the contents and placed the glass back on its unorthodox coaster: a sea of paperwork. It was probably sprawled across an office desk, but a positive ID was impossible because none of it was visible.
Usually, her interviewees crumbled faster than a shortbread biscuit in a mug of warm tea – such was the strength of her interrogation skills. Criminals weren’t generally the sharpest tacks in the toolbox, and if they were, they’d probably be making good livings as accountants or computer programmers.
Legal documents were not notorious for their page-turning quality and were more often associated with their eye-closing quality.
“Wh…at?” gasped Micky, struggling to get the word out of his mouth.
“Sean wants us to steal a lion.”
After pulling a number of faces which Micky’s brain couldn’t fully decipher because they suggested a range of emotions from hysteria to genuine confusion, he finally spoke the only appropriate word he could find. “Why”
“Sean wants us to steal a lion.”
After pulling a number of faces which Micky’s brain couldn’t fully decipher because they suggested a range of emotions from hysteria to genuine confusion, he finally spoke the only appropriate word he could find. “Why”
“I date you” wasn’t a phrase bandied around willy-nilly if you were a member of The Idiots’ Club. It wasn’t used in jest or in anger. Once uttered, at least in Eric’s presence, there was no going back. Like the duels of old, when the gauntlet was thrown down, it became a test of honour and bravery.
My Final Thoughts on The Idiots’ Club
I had so much fun with this! The characters were a hoot, the storyline was perfectly organized to keep me antsy to learn more, and I just couldn’t wait to see how it would all end. I found myself easily losing track of time while reading this story because once I started reading, I was totally immersed.
For fans of reads that are filled with twists and turns and lots of laughs, this is one you need to pick up!
dark
emotional
medium-paced
The Demon in the Glass by Matt Wildasin is a wild and heartbreaking cosmic horror tale that is set up as a nightmare journal of one, Mr. Timothy Holtz.
When this story begins, we get a killer opening passage that really sets the tone for the rest of the book:
When this story begins, we get a killer opening passage that really sets the tone for the rest of the book:
There are things beyond the realms of reality that humans were never meant to see and, unfortunately, my eyes have witnessed such oddities.
From there, we are off, experiencing the nightmares of Timothy Holtz. The dream starts off nice, though a bit bizarre. But then it takes a turn. Each night that Tim returns to the nightmarish dream scape, it gets darker and darker. Soon, things from the nightmares are carrying over into his life between sleeps.
It’s clear Tim is on a path, but will this path lead him to redemption or something darker?
I really enjoyed this one, but phew, was it dark! It definitely reads as a fever dream, and there were many times where I paused and was like, what in the world is happening here? As the tale progresses, I started to see what was going on, but I could have never guessed how things would turn out.
And one more note before I wrap up here; Matt stated the following passage in his introduction. This is such a great reminder for everyone.
“Failure is a tool; a stepping stone for moving forward. You will experience it no matter what you strive for. But, even in those hard moments, do yourself a favor and keep on with it. All the best things in life are worth fighting for, after all.“
My Favorite Passage from The Demon in the Glass
There are things beyond the realms of reality that humans were never meant to see and, unfortunately, my eyes have witnessed such oddities.
My Final Thoughts on The Demon in the Glass
This is one that I highly recommend picking up and going in as dark as possible. I loved not knowing what was going to happen as each nightmare became more and more bizarre and dangerous.
This is a must-read for fans of cosmic horror and the bizarre with strong elements of family and quests for redemption.
I cannot wait to read more by Matt soon!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit
Moderate: Death, Miscarriage
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Slattery Falls by Brennan LaFaro is an eerie, tension-filled tale about three friends that have an interest in the paranormal. As the three break in to haunted places, their bond with one another gets stronger. But something else has its eye on them… and it’s about to make itself known.
This is a ghost story that you don’t want to miss!!
When Travis, a college student who is a bit sick of the day-to-day college life, goes to talk to the one non-drunk attendee at a party one night, he meets a man named Josh. Soon, the two become close friends that seek out thrills outside of getting drunk and watching tv in between classes.
And what was that thrill? Breaking into places that are rumored to be haunted!
On their first trip together, they see something unexplainable. Totally spooked, they don’t talk about it for months. Eventually, Travis realizes that he has been thinking about it daily ever since, and when he finally brings it up to Josh, they decide to visit another location. But this time, a third person tags along, Josh’s cousin, Elsie. And just like that, the duo becomes a trio and they travel all over New England to visit new locations, hoping they will see or hear spirits. It’s all fun and games until suddenly, it isn’t…
Have you ever finished a book and immediately started it over again? For the first time in my reading experience, that’s what happened here. I loved absolutely everything about it. When I hit the final page, I just didn’t want to step out of the story yet!
These characters — Travis, Josh, and Elsie — seemed so real! From their relationships and banter with one another to the way they were able to just understand what each other needed at any given time was wonderful. I loved seeing their relationships change over time as well.
I really enjoy Brennan’s writing style. I can hear a lot of his voice come through in it, especially in his dialogue. I also really liked that he added in references to horror related pop culture and sprinkled in some clever foreshadowing. There were some instances that were small, but really boosted the creep factor later on, while other bits of foreshadowing were more obvious as the narrator called it out.
Brennan’s work with pacing here was brilliant. It ebbed and flowed like the tide; slowing down as the tide receded, just to surge forward and crash along the shore with intensity. And just like the ocean, some waves were bigger than others.
In ghost stories, the slow build in tension is one of my favorite elements and Brennan knocks it out of the park here. There were so many scenes that were already a bit eerie to begin with — like walking down a hallway, opening a door, pulling back a shower curtain — and he just slowly adds more and more to it as the scene progresses.
In this build, Brennan is also able to cut the tension with just one line or one humorous event every now and then to keep readers on their toes. There’s one scene where the trio are in a home getting ready to see if they can communicate with any spirits, and lights from a passing car shines through a window and spooks two of the characters. This made me laugh as I would definitely have been one that got spooked. That scene momentarily lightened things up before we dove right back into the action.
And at that, I will leave the rest of the magic to you! I have noted a few of my favorite passages below, but this certainly wasn’t all of the things I highlighted. There were so many other amazing passages, but they strayed into spoiler-territory, so I have left them out.
My Favorite Passages:
When you’re about to investigate one of the most notoriously haunted houses on the east coast, there are certain expectations. One revolves around thunder and lightning—the dark and stormy night trope. Yet there we were, traveling to the Weeks House in the middle of a cool, quiet August day. No sound. No fury.
The shadows, which hadn’t grabbed my attention before, were creeping across the floor. I attempted to step around them because, at that moment, I convinced myself something lived in that darkness.
Near the pool was a swing set that had seen better days. If this were a movie, the swings would have moved on their own, filling the air with some hearty creaks. However, it was a stagnant, humid July night, and those swings didn’t any any stir in them.
It didn’t take long to search everywhere, including behind the shower curtain. Let me tell you, pulling that back nearly sparked an arrhythmia, and the honor was all mine. Thankfully, the result didn’t end up like the bathroom scene in The Shining.
“Stick together, don’t steal, ‘husky’ means we bail, and don’t talk about fight club. Does that do it?” I asked.
My Final Thoughts:
This is Brennan’s debut novel and you would never guess that was the case. Everything about this story is perfect. The storyline flows so well, the pacing is great, the characters seem like your real-life best friends, and the plot is killer!
Don’t wait. Bump this one to the top of your TBR right away and make sure to go preorder your copy if you’re seeing this before the launch date, July 20th 2021!
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
The Web of La Sanguinaire & Other Arachnid Horrors by Ronald Kelly is a collection of stories that will make your skin crawl while reading. Long after you close the book, you will jump every time you think you feel little legs moving across your skin, or see something move out of the corner of your eye…
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
As the first line of the introduction states, “Spiders! Why did it have to be spiders?” I am solidly in the camp of fear and loathing when it comes to how we all feel about spiders. The stories I could tell….
I’ll toss one in here- I grew up on an island in Maine that had what we called “up island spiders.” They are said to be related to the wolf spider, but who actually knows. They’re very large, like the size of dinner plates sometimes. You could easily think they were a Halloween decoration that was left out and you can hear them scuttle across your ceiling. And what’s up with the name? Well, I kid you not, these suckers only lived on the north end of the island. If you caught one and brought it south, it would die.
From the up island spiders to the yellow garden spiders, I had enough scares during childhood to settle my fears in for good. Now, even the smallest of spiders make me uneasy.
Here are my thoughts on each tale included in this creepy collection:
The Web of La Sanguinaire – 5/5
Upon first meeting this Mr. Price, a wealthy man with no tact and who clearly thinks he’s always the smartest in the room, I was ready to see something bad happen to him. As the two characters travel through the waters to find the specimen they are searching for, things get more and more unsettling. The foreshadowing in this one was perfect!
Upon first meeting this Mr. Price, a wealthy man with no tact and who clearly thinks he’s always the smartest in the room, I was ready to see something bad happen to him. As the two characters travel through the waters to find the specimen they are searching for, things get more and more unsettling. The foreshadowing in this one was perfect!
The Memory Eater – 4/5
When a man suddenly begins to lose memories, he thinks his worst nightmare has come true and that he has Alzheimer’s. But none of the tests indicate that that is what is going on. But then he realizes he has a welt on the back of his neck…
When a man suddenly begins to lose memories, he thinks his worst nightmare has come true and that he has Alzheimer’s. But none of the tests indicate that that is what is going on. But then he realizes he has a welt on the back of his neck…
The thought behind this tale is absolutely terrifying. My goodness, I was terrified to see how this one would end up.
My favorite passage from this tale:
He felt something pull at his thoughts, almost like a fisherman’s line tightening to reel in a stubborn catch, and, slowly, he took a couple of steps downward.
He felt something pull at his thoughts, almost like a fisherman’s line tightening to reel in a stubborn catch, and, slowly, he took a couple of steps downward.
Housewarming – 5/5
Oh my good lord. Brennan LaFaro warned me about this one when I mentioned I was reading this on a Dead Headspace recording… My skin was absolutely crawling.
Oh my good lord. Brennan LaFaro warned me about this one when I mentioned I was reading this on a Dead Headspace recording… My skin was absolutely crawling.
Housewarming had everything I love in stories that really terrifying me… a dark set up, a spooky house, loads of tension, a sudden burst of an “oh no” moment, and then straight out terror from there on. PHEW! I was squinting while reading this one, not really wanting to see what would happen next.
Atomic Arachnid Armageddon – 5/5
Thank you, thank you, thank you Ronald Kelly for a fun one after that last one! This story was still terrifying, don’t get me wrong, but I loved the more upbeat nature of it. These boys were a hoot! I loved that they carefully tossed their trash in the bin rather than leaving a horrible mess. I would love to see more shorts or a longer story about them!
Thank you, thank you, thank you Ronald Kelly for a fun one after that last one! This story was still terrifying, don’t get me wrong, but I loved the more upbeat nature of it. These boys were a hoot! I loved that they carefully tossed their trash in the bin rather than leaving a horrible mess. I would love to see more shorts or a longer story about them!
Cell Number Nine – 5/5
What an unsettling plot! The random acts of violence that occur and gets reported in the news for all to see absolutely terrifies me.
What an unsettling plot! The random acts of violence that occur and gets reported in the news for all to see absolutely terrifies me.
The Creeping Sands – 4/5
Something I never thought I’d be afraid of…. But here we are. Freaking sea spiders. Thank god I didn’t read this one in my hometown… I would have had to move.
Something I never thought I’d be afraid of…. But here we are. Freaking sea spiders. Thank god I didn’t read this one in my hometown… I would have had to move.
Hugs and Kisses – 3/5
While sweet, this one was still so unsettling! I have so many questions! Eep!!
While sweet, this one was still so unsettling! I have so many questions! Eep!!
Come See Spider Cave –
This one screamed horrible idea from the get-go… My goodness. If you see a run down tourist trap location that promotes a CAVE OF SPIDERS, keep driving!
This one screamed horrible idea from the get-go… My goodness. If you see a run down tourist trap location that promotes a CAVE OF SPIDERS, keep driving!
My Final Thoughts:
This was an absolute blast to read! While I wanted to scream during most of the situations these characters found themselves in, I certainly won’t be forgetting these stories anytime soon…
A must read for fans of horror who also fear spiders as it pushes you right in front of your fears and doesn’t shy away. If you love spiders, you’ll probably find a lot more joy in this one than I did! 😉
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Sacrament by Steve Stred is the third installment in the extreme horror trilogy, Father of Lies. This time, we follow the subject expert, Bianchi, who knew more about this case than he let on previously.
This is the third book in the trilogy that I had originally picked up as part of Rick’s Read Along. After getting through the first and second installments in the series, I just couldn’t walk away.
Content Warnings: MANY. Please see the related section below.
In this story, we see Bianchi running all over the place, trying to get information and do what he thinks is right. But can he do what needs to be done, or will he be sucked in just like the others?
This was a wild ride. I had such high hopes for Bianchi and his mission, but I should have known better.
My stomach was still churning at many of the situations that occurred here, and many totally caught me off guard!
Steve also tossed in some other elements here that made me do a double take! This one will certainly keep you on your toes while the tale comes to an end!
Make sure you read the Afterword as well! Steve’s notes on how he did research for this is INSANE. The dedication here is something that I don’t think many would have been able to hold up. Thanks for sharing this, Steve!
My Favorite Passages from Sacrament by Steve Stred
He stepped over a downed tree and saw a rocky path that appeared as though it was placed and not random. At first he was excited. Finding a path to walk on would be far easier than having to bushwack through the forest like he had been. But then he realized this path led somewhere, most likely to where Father would be waiting, which struck him with an unanticipated foreboding.
He shook his head, trying to rid his brain of the exhausted fog that gripped his grey matter.
My Final Thoughts on Sacrament
While this story was as quick as the last two, it really packed a punch! This was such a great conclusion to what had been started here.
This passage from Steve’s Afterword sums it up very nicely:
“The lengths people will go to for power and the lengths others will go to follow. It’s an insane world. But it always has been. More of it is just now coming out into the light.”
Fans of extreme horror that will make you sick to your stomach, this trilogy is a must read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Blood, Murder
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Communion by Steve Stred is the second installment in the extreme horror trilogy, Father of Lies. This time, we follow the detective, McKay, the man that was called in at the end of book one, as he learns more about this brutal case.
I also picked this one up as part of Rick’s Read Along. After getting through the first installment in the series, Ritual, I had to see what happened next.
Content Warnings: There are MANY for this trilogy. Please see the proper section here for more information.
I loved that this one picked up right where we left off. Following Detective McKay as he tries to work the case, we get to see the darkness surround him and tug him in different directions. While he works with expert, Bianchi, to try to figure out what is going on, he believes he’s getting close. Unfortunately, someone has their eye on him…and they’re not going to let him see this through.
Content Warnings: There are MANY for this trilogy. Please see the proper section here for more information.
I loved that this one picked up right where we left off. Following Detective McKay as he tries to work the case, we get to see the darkness surround him and tug him in different directions. While he works with expert, Bianchi, to try to figure out what is going on, he believes he’s getting close. Unfortunately, someone has their eye on him…and they’re not going to let him see this through.
This one was slightly less disturbing than the last as it was a bit lighter on some of the dark content. But don’t get me wrong, Steve doesn’t shy away here! There were plenty of scenes that made me twist my face up in disgust while reading.
One of my favorite elements that Steve uses in his work here with the dark elements is the call out to different senses. It makes the dark scenes that much more heinous.
I will say, I really enjoyed that the main storyline here was with the detective and the case! I always love a good police procedural, even if the cop is a total pig.
My Favorite Passages from Communion by Steve Stred
McKay had to step out of the shower twice to look at his face, only to return and let the water rinse away more blood.
Outside a new storm move in.
The sky was dark and angry.
The clouds opened and the rain drops began slamming to the ground.
People walking along the sidewalks took cover.
At first, they thought it was just rain, but the buzzing of locusts in the distance created a fear all on its own.
The sky was dark and angry.
The clouds opened and the rain drops began slamming to the ground.
People walking along the sidewalks took cover.
At first, they thought it was just rain, but the buzzing of locusts in the distance created a fear all on its own.
My Final Thoughts on Communion
Phew, what a story. This certainly has me on the edge of my seat! I’m so antsy to see what happens next, I’m going to dive right in to the third installment as soon as I finish my notes here.
Communion is another must-read for fans of extreme horror, but make sure you start with Ritual.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Murder