A Serial Killer's Gruesome Tale

I've mentioned this book in a post when I finished reading it, but never blogged a review for one of the best horror stories I've read in the past few years!

Warning - Only read it if you don't mind getting into the details of one sadistic and twisted serial killer. The book is graphic but also reveals an original plot, as we follow two threads until they meet,  two sides that basically reveal the extremes of good vs. evil.

Mr. Midnight written by Author Allan Leverone 

This story is told from the dark side, a horrific thriller (in a good way) revealing the antagonist's perspective completely. Again - warning - nothing is held back.

It's a winner for horror readers, a tale filled with unexpected twists, some expected suspense, and not withholding any of the gore. Fans of Criminal Minds or the various CSI TV series will enjoy the look deep inside of the killer's psyche.

The paranormal ability shared by the protagonist and the killer is an interesting new perspective, as they both experience 'flickers'. There is not a doubt, he is a  monster, and as I read the story I felt real horror and fear for Caitlyn, the good protagonist turned victim. 

This book is a page turner for sure.

Here's part of the book's description:

 "Given up for adoption just hours after her birth, thirty-year-old Caitlyn Connelly has longed her entire life to uncover her family history. Subject to bizarre and inexplicable visions, Cait is desperate to learn whether her biological mother can provide any insight as to the origin of her unusual ability.
When a local investigator learns Cait was born in a Boston suburb, the Tampa lawyer wastes no time booking a flight to the East Coast. In Boston, with the city under siege by a killer known as "Mr. Midnight," Cait's visions intensify, morphing from merely annoying to graphic and terrifying.
Worse, Cait begins to realize she shares a strange psychic connection with the depraved sociopath; a connection that may just get her killed.
As Cait and the murderer are drawn inexorably toward a violent confrontation, unraveling a decades-old mystery might be the only thing that prevents her from becoming the next victim...of Mr. Midnight."

 The author, Allan Leverone, has penned a few other books in the supernatural/paranormal genre but by far this is the scariest. Leverone has also penned a suspense thriller and spy series starring the character Tracie Tanner, a cold-war time piece.
Look for all his other titles and follow this NY Times best seller's new works.

Keep reading - Keep writing!

Gripping Thriller With Heart: Short Review of A River Is Dark

A heartbreaking thriller book that you should read.

The River Is Dark (A Liam Dempsey Thriller Book 1) will keep you suspended in a web of doubt, have you questioning what is normal, and you might end up shedding a tear or two by the end.

The River Is Dark
- A Thriller - written by Joe Hart


A great book to read, the best plot I've read in awhile, and an excellent thriller. The writing is crisp and authentic.

The prologue takes the reader into the scene of a murder and instantly thrown into the story. A confused young boy is traumatized by his witness to the murder of his parents.

Then in chapter one, we meet the protagonist, the haunted Liam Dempsey, who travels to Tallston to find out about his brother's murder only to discover there have been other murders in the small city.

The mystic of the story mounts as we are introduced to an array of interesting characters, all with difficult situations, and some sad circumstances. This well-paced story will keep you turning pages. The more we learn about Liam, his problems and shortcomings, the more we appreciate his strengths. The most revered is his ability to love even after being rejected, perhaps that's why he is able to accept others around him who are far from perfect.

As I have said, this is not only a conspiracy thriller, it also is a heartbreaker. You'll jump in your seat and then later grab the tissues. This book evokes the reader's empathy, you will think. After reading this story you will reconsider the definitions of normal and beauty. You may even re-discover the meaning of true unconditional love.

I highly recommend this book.
Check out the other books by Joe Hart
Sign up to his mailing list at his website. http://www.joehartbooks.com/

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Book Review of Island of the Dolls - One Scary Tale

Island of the Dolls

by Jeremy Bates 

If you enjoy horror stories involving creepy places then you'll enjoy this tale and all the other stories written by Jeremy Bates. I am a fan of Bates, and all the books I've read by this author pull the reader into the suspense, drench you into the scene, and keep your heart pumping while emerging into the action that lurks around the next corner. In this story the protagonist is very human, vulnerable and in the end gains something. There is also another story thread that relates to the present story and the switching back and forth was smooth and placed in the appropriate moments on the timeline...





 The setting is the Island, a horrific place where childhood tragedy is glorified, as if that could ever help, and invokes the slanted surreal feeling to everything that happens at that place. The details are creepy. The pace of the action is intense (some fights, some sex) but the characters unfold slowly, peeling away layers of themselves the more you read on, until the deeper troubles and reality surfaces, and the reader will say, "yes, that makes sense". Something different in this story from other books written by Bates is the happy ending. But after the whirlwind of horrific cruelty that some of the characters had to endure, I think it is wise to give the guy a break.
I recommend all the Jeremy Bates books, especially this one. But be forewarned - you'll never look at a doll in the same way again.
Read more thriller and horror stories by award winning Jeremy Bates, a USA TODAY bestselling author of more than a dozen novels and novellas 



Find them here: Books by Jeremy Bates

Review of A True Gothic Tale

Within The Glass Darkly: Volume 1 of the Glass Darkly Gothic Vampire Series
written by William Gareth Evans

 

 

This book is truly written with Gothic flare but can pass muster for today's discerning horror thriller reader. The atmosphere is an extra character, and the plot is well paced and challenges the nerves.

 

It has been awhile since a book in the Gothic genre has entertained me so well. The story rings true, all the expectations of an old-fashioned horror tale are met. Unlike the old books, this story held nothing back. The macabre was presented to the adult reader in an honest manner while adhering to the conventions of a real Gothic horror. Great scenes and descriptions of churches and Paris streets, developed characters with love interests and secrets, and let's not forget the heroes and villains who jump off the page.

Don't read this book in the dark.

I first read the short story Carmilla by J.S. Le Fanu since the author did get inspiration from that short story and used the character General Spielsdorf, as his protagonist, and the Karnstein brother and sister as antagonists. The author, William Garrett Evans, breathed new life into these characters and submerged them into a twisting plot that kept a good pace. The horrors were over the top, just the way we like our Gothic fiction.

I will begin the second book in the series, compelled to see what develops for General Theodore Spielsdorf and his new associates introduced at the end of the first tale. It suggests an even deeper, mystery with much more to come . . .

 

I'm looking forward to reading book two.

 

More about the author:

William Gareth Evans is from Wales and trained as a professional actor, he has worked in theater and television. He has written, produced and directed touring shows with his own company, and now is an associate director of a successful London based management for professional performers. 'Within The Glass Darkly' is his first novel. As a writer/lyricist, he has been involved in many musical theater productions, including two previous shows that were broadcast on BBC and independent radio in the UK.

 

'Dracula' was his first collaborative musical theatre project this century. The professionally produced CD is available from the Dracula musical website http://www.dracula-uk.com/ and other online stores. The professionally directed video of "Within My World" from the musical has been continuously broadcast on the O-Music channel during 2009. It is also available to watch via the internet.

 

 

 

 

William's company co-produced a feature length horror movie by an established and award winning screenwriter/director which was released in 2010. William is currently working on another novel and has just written new material for the complete Dracula musical recording.

Book Review of Catacomb by Jeremy Bates

New Book - A Thriller Loaded with Suspense

What can be scarier than wandering the catacombs under Paris in darkness? You will discover how horrific it can be below the city. The story plunges you underground with the four explorers, as they journey through the catacombs, pursuing a quest inspired by a mysterious video Pascal had found during a previous trip below.


Pascal and Daniele are both experienced cataphiles—the colloquial term for underground urban explorers of the catacombs. They guide Rob and Will through some treacherous terrain and tight conditions. The setting is described fully, and you will feel as if you are there in the tunnels as well, inching through every fissure crack. You want suspense and horror—look no further. The surprise will be not only whom they meet below, but also the shadows they each carry within themselves. As they trek, the characters naturally unfold their own stories.

The bizarre and shocking encounters underground trigger their reveries and innermost thoughts. The reader has a front row seat and glimpses into the past of Will, the main protagonist, as he reveals his nightmare while trying to come to terms with his own ghosts. The author does this with a smooth and compassionate brush.

This brings us right back to their horrendous situation that they are dealing with. We travel beside them, sharing their troubles; the deeper into the tunnels and the story, the bigger the shock becomes. Twists and turns are found not only through the catacombs, but the with each action decision the characters opt as well.

No more details told. I do not want to give anything away. Nevertheless, I have to disclose that I never expected the end as it unfolded. Not a fairytale ending but it is very much acceptable. Well done—suspenseful to the end!

This is book two in the series "A World's Scariest Places". The first “Suicide Forest” was also a great suspense thriller. For both of these stories, the series name is not enough to prepare you for what you will experience as a reader. You will learn new things about our world, and survive through our worst fears as well.

I have read both books in the series so far, and both are intense. These books have become my favorites, a modern writer surpassing King and Koontz. Jeremy Bates not only delivers maximum suspense and horror, but you are right there with the characters. The style of writing is honest, vivid, compelling and never a dull moment.

There will be no skipping parts—and no putting this book down until it has finished. I recommend this book.