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Death Cult
"This is a down 'n dirty, gritty, bloody horror novella which screams old school horror movie vibes and oozes a delightfully gory narrative." —Horror Reads
"I had 'holy shit' moments, moments of my jaw dropping, and with the level of excitement through brutality and vividly portrayed scenes I expect to experience, I felt pleasantly squeamish." —Beard of Darkness Book Reviews
Having just graduated from college, Jason and Eddie are ready to let loose and embark on a cross-country road trip. After some killer partying at a rock music festival in Nevada, they head out into the desert with girls and adventure on their minds. Their situation takes a dark turn, however, when they lose direction and find themselves at the entrance of a ghost town in the bowels of the sprawling desert. The residents turn out to be . . . a little off.
Meanwhile, Carrie has just found herself in the depths of a murky lair. Quick reflexes aid in her concealment, but she soon discovers the utter horrors that lurk within the dark recesses. Survival ultimately depends on her strength and cunning.
Tensions escalate as Jason, Eddie, and Carrie come to grips with their new chilling realities. All the while, a dark evil begins to reveal itself. For within this stretch of desolate landscape exists a cannibal death cult, and they have an insatiable lust for blood.
It’s kill or be killed—and as the bloodshed intensifies, so does the fierce will to live.
Death Cult is splatterpunk: There are graphic scenes of gore and violence.
"I had 'holy shit' moments, moments of my jaw dropping, and with the level of excitement through brutality and vividly portrayed scenes I expect to experience, I felt pleasantly squeamish." —Beard of Darkness Book Reviews
Having just graduated from college, Jason and Eddie are ready to let loose and embark on a cross-country road trip. After some killer partying at a rock music festival in Nevada, they head out into the desert with girls and adventure on their minds. Their situation takes a dark turn, however, when they lose direction and find themselves at the entrance of a ghost town in the bowels of the sprawling desert. The residents turn out to be . . . a little off.
Meanwhile, Carrie has just found herself in the depths of a murky lair. Quick reflexes aid in her concealment, but she soon discovers the utter horrors that lurk within the dark recesses. Survival ultimately depends on her strength and cunning.
Tensions escalate as Jason, Eddie, and Carrie come to grips with their new chilling realities. All the while, a dark evil begins to reveal itself. For within this stretch of desolate landscape exists a cannibal death cult, and they have an insatiable lust for blood.
It’s kill or be killed—and as the bloodshed intensifies, so does the fierce will to live.
Death Cult is splatterpunk: There are graphic scenes of gore and violence.
- GenresHorror
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2024
About the author
Janelle Schiecke
2 books60 followersJanelle Schiecke has always had a love for grammar and storytelling.
She enjoys writing novellas, and has written two so far: Ghost Room and Death Cult.
It's exciting to create characters and worlds, and she enjoys focusing on spooky. She has always been a fan of Stephen King - his books introduced her to the power of captivating and spine-chilling stories.
When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and also catching up on the latest streaming series and movies.
Currently, she is writing her next horror novella which she plans to release in 2025.
You can also follow Janelle on her social media accounts below:
Twitter/X: https://x.com/J_Schiecke
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janelle.sch...
She enjoys writing novellas, and has written two so far: Ghost Room and Death Cult.
It's exciting to create characters and worlds, and she enjoys focusing on spooky. She has always been a fan of Stephen King - his books introduced her to the power of captivating and spine-chilling stories.
When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and also catching up on the latest streaming series and movies.
Currently, she is writing her next horror novella which she plans to release in 2025.
You can also follow Janelle on her social media accounts below:
Twitter/X: https://x.com/J_Schiecke
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janelle.sch...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 15, 2024
A fast paced action packed Splatterpunk thrill ride. from Author Janelle Schiecke
July 15, 2024
Oh yeah! This is a down 'n dirty, gritty, bloody horror novella which screams old school horror movie vibes and oozes a delightfully gory narrative.
Two fresh out of college friends in the eighties decide to take a road trip before entering the rest of their lives. They get stranded in a small, extremely creepy town in the middle of the Nevada desert. There, they'll meet the locals and another young woman who is also passing through and also has car troubles...
This novella pulls no punches as this aptly named Death Cult sacrifices victims to a demonic entity in torturously gruesome ways. The author delivers these scenes with a relish and doesn't hold back.
As our trio of outsiders are put right in the hands of these cultists, it becomes nothing but survival and escape. But can they actually survive the horrors they find as they're trapped underground?
This was a lot of fun to read and the kills will make you shudder. It's told with a fantastic throwback vibe which keeps you reading until the very end and, despite the terrifying story, brought a smile to my face at how good this kind of in your face narrative can be. It's a really good story with a whole lotta' blood along the way. Of course, I highly recommend it.
Thank you to the author for the copy. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Two fresh out of college friends in the eighties decide to take a road trip before entering the rest of their lives. They get stranded in a small, extremely creepy town in the middle of the Nevada desert. There, they'll meet the locals and another young woman who is also passing through and also has car troubles...
This novella pulls no punches as this aptly named Death Cult sacrifices victims to a demonic entity in torturously gruesome ways. The author delivers these scenes with a relish and doesn't hold back.
As our trio of outsiders are put right in the hands of these cultists, it becomes nothing but survival and escape. But can they actually survive the horrors they find as they're trapped underground?
This was a lot of fun to read and the kills will make you shudder. It's told with a fantastic throwback vibe which keeps you reading until the very end and, despite the terrifying story, brought a smile to my face at how good this kind of in your face narrative can be. It's a really good story with a whole lotta' blood along the way. Of course, I highly recommend it.
Thank you to the author for the copy. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
July 16, 2024
When I pick up a horror book, I expect to have moments like that in which I experienced when reading “Death Cult”! The story is one that pulled me in, and I am an epic fantasy freak that is obsessed with story, so instantly I knew I’d be along for this ride. I had “holy shit” moments, moments of my jaw dropping, and with the level of excitement through brutality and vividly portrayed scenes I expect to experience, I felt pleasantly squeamish. I have fond a new author to savor each and every one of her books to come and published currently. Pick THIS UP NOW!
September 18, 2024
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
It's the 1980's and some aimless youths have got themselves lost in the Nevada desert, when they see a motel. They stop. Big mistake. The motel is seedy. Their car won't start. There's rumors of a death cult just outside of town.
Connect the dots. It's sort of like an 80's horror movie, but not as titillating.
It's the 1980's and some aimless youths have got themselves lost in the Nevada desert, when they see a motel. They stop. Big mistake. The motel is seedy. Their car won't start. There's rumors of a death cult just outside of town.
Connect the dots. It's sort of like an 80's horror movie, but not as titillating.
July 14, 2024
An excellent piece of horror, gore and bloodlust dashed with some sultry entrées that will delight fans of the slasher genre!
The dialogues are vivid and emotive, which flow splendidly over the background of an obscure, well-crafted storyline.
Author J. Schiecke excels at the art of show vs. tell narrative: don't just tell your readers the characters are terrified, show them!
DC is the culmination of some long-time harbored gruesome notes that have been splashed over the pages of this novella for the author's —and your— enjoyment.
On a personal note, if Mrs. Janelle ever invites you to a BBQ, lie! Say it's laundry day.
More of this, please!
The dialogues are vivid and emotive, which flow splendidly over the background of an obscure, well-crafted storyline.
Author J. Schiecke excels at the art of show vs. tell narrative: don't just tell your readers the characters are terrified, show them!
DC is the culmination of some long-time harbored gruesome notes that have been splashed over the pages of this novella for the author's —and your— enjoyment.
On a personal note, if Mrs. Janelle ever invites you to a BBQ, lie! Say it's laundry day.
More of this, please!
October 3, 2024
I won this Title in a Goodreads Giveaway. I liked this novella a lot. Its a quick read. It's a horror story, it's in the form of horror flicks from the 80's. It's about a town that people drive through and go missing. Sorta like a ghost town in the Bermuda triangle. The main story is about a Death Cult in the town. There is so much more to this Novella than just that. It's like 3 stories in one. I loved it. I would have gave it 5 stars, it was so good it just needed to be longer. If you like horror stories I highly suggest you read this one.
July 10, 2024
Evil Dead meets The Hills Have Eyes
This read was short and sweet. The writing was swell. The depictions of gory scenes and the detail of each moment transported you next to the characters. As a fan of horror movies, who’s begun to delve into horror novels, this is a great starter.
I love the way the author began telling the story from two perspectives. It bridges the gap between the normal life on the outside (Jason, Eddie) and the freakish horrors of the inside (Carrie).
There’s also this sense of foreboding. In the middle of nowhere, there’s a motel, a diner, and a small town. It’s hard to know who to trust as you follow the journey of Jason and Eddie.
While I’ve concluded this read with a lot of questions, I think that’s okay. After all, it’s a novella. I can’t expect the author to do every character’s backstory and the origins of the death cult in under 100 pages.
I’m looking forward to the next short story. This one was a blast!
This read was short and sweet. The writing was swell. The depictions of gory scenes and the detail of each moment transported you next to the characters. As a fan of horror movies, who’s begun to delve into horror novels, this is a great starter.
I love the way the author began telling the story from two perspectives. It bridges the gap between the normal life on the outside (Jason, Eddie) and the freakish horrors of the inside (Carrie).
There’s also this sense of foreboding. In the middle of nowhere, there’s a motel, a diner, and a small town. It’s hard to know who to trust as you follow the journey of Jason and Eddie.
While I’ve concluded this read with a lot of questions, I think that’s okay. After all, it’s a novella. I can’t expect the author to do every character’s backstory and the origins of the death cult in under 100 pages.
I’m looking forward to the next short story. This one was a blast!
July 25, 2024
This is the first book that I have read by Janelle Schiecke and I hope she keeps writing more! I am a huge horror fan I was sucked into this Bermuda Triangle like atmosphere!. Death Cult is destined to be a classic! It was a nice suprise to find it was comparable to horror classics like "The Hills Have Eyes" and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre".
I loved the broad range of characters and their crazy quirks! Death Cult is a must read for all classic horror fans!
I loved the broad range of characters and their crazy quirks! Death Cult is a must read for all classic horror fans!
July 28, 2024
Reading Death Cult was like sitting in a darkened theater in the 1980s, watching unspeakable things happen to unsuspecting young people. Like a great slasher film, Death Cult is long on gore and short on plot. And it never answers the question, why. However, the action is so well-paced, the characters endearing enough that you’ll get to the end before you even notice. Perhaps the “why” can be answered in a prequel?
August 5, 2024
I enjoyed this book. The town is creepy, and secrets stay in the town. The ending is the best part. I would recommend this book.
July 10, 2024
ARC Review ✨️
☆Gruesomely Good☆
This story was short and full of gore. I'm a huge horror fan, so this was perfect! With the story being told from two perspectives, it really amped up the suspense and the horror effect. This is an author I'm definitely going to be keeping an eye out for!
☆Gruesomely Good☆
This story was short and full of gore. I'm a huge horror fan, so this was perfect! With the story being told from two perspectives, it really amped up the suspense and the horror effect. This is an author I'm definitely going to be keeping an eye out for!
July 11, 2024
BRUTAL
September 19, 2024
My first foray into the world of Janelle Schiecke but won't be the last! The author does a great job immersing the reader into the environment, and it was easy to imagine tagging alongside Jason and Eddie as they roam about the small isolated town in the middle of the desert.
Janelle is able to introduce multiple characters experiencing different events at different points of the story, and then intertwine these characters perfectly.
Great read, and I look forward to reading more from Janelle Schiecke!
Janelle is able to introduce multiple characters experiencing different events at different points of the story, and then intertwine these characters perfectly.
Great read, and I look forward to reading more from Janelle Schiecke!
September 15, 2024
Death Cult was gory to say the least. Bloody, gritty, and gruesome. The writer depicted the pain and brutal torture of each character in such detail it was like watching a horror movie. A dark twisted horror movie. This book was a quick read only taking me under an hour to finish. Page turning and unsettling. Definitely a stomach churning story.
July 17, 2024
Super fun novella of murder and mayhem!
September 30, 2024
Fun!
Very readable, page turner for sure! Went through this all in one sitting and I had a great time! Highly recommend to horror fans and adventure seekers!
Very readable, page turner for sure! Went through this all in one sitting and I had a great time! Highly recommend to horror fans and adventure seekers!
June 29, 2024
Death Cult is a splatterpunk novel that gripped my attention from the very first page, this was my first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style of this book. This is such a phenomenal read but it is certainly not for the faint of heart, please bear this in mind before picking up this book. I was absolutely hooked from start to finish and I could not put this down. If you are a fan of horror and more specifically extreme horror / splatterpunk, I would highly recommend checking this out.
August 6, 2024
The mysterious ghost town uncertainty of Wayward Pines calls on the gruesome gore--in spades--of Saw, to bring the darkest sense of unknown dread to Death Cult, the latest offering from Janelle Schiecke. I'm happy to award this tale 3 stars.
Harkening back to popularity of the genre that drew millions to the movie theaters back in the 1980's, the author introduces us to Eddie and Jason, two party-minded young men on a no-boundaries road trip in search of a grand adventure and, if luck is with them, grander women. Their journey is sculpted with the encounters and experiences of strangers that they run into along the way, and when their travels are foiled with a wrong turn, the road that they are on takes them straight into a mysterious town, a hell that neither of them could have possibly imagined.
Unbeknownst to them, salvation may await them in the spirit and determination of Carrie, a young woman who already finds herself trapped in the ghastly inescapable prison that is the town, one from which there is seemingly no escape. Her battle for survival may require the young men to call upon a courage that neither of them thought they'd ever have to summon.
If you are a fan of the author's work after having read Ghost Room, this tale brings a different sound to her writing voice without losing the nuances that single it out as the one you're used to. Be advised, though, that her bravery as a writer has exposed a different darkness you may not be prepared for, and that you will find yourself reaching for her next story to satisfy a need for the types of scares that you experienced at the hands of those horror films from long ago.
Harkening back to popularity of the genre that drew millions to the movie theaters back in the 1980's, the author introduces us to Eddie and Jason, two party-minded young men on a no-boundaries road trip in search of a grand adventure and, if luck is with them, grander women. Their journey is sculpted with the encounters and experiences of strangers that they run into along the way, and when their travels are foiled with a wrong turn, the road that they are on takes them straight into a mysterious town, a hell that neither of them could have possibly imagined.
Unbeknownst to them, salvation may await them in the spirit and determination of Carrie, a young woman who already finds herself trapped in the ghastly inescapable prison that is the town, one from which there is seemingly no escape. Her battle for survival may require the young men to call upon a courage that neither of them thought they'd ever have to summon.
If you are a fan of the author's work after having read Ghost Room, this tale brings a different sound to her writing voice without losing the nuances that single it out as the one you're used to. Be advised, though, that her bravery as a writer has exposed a different darkness you may not be prepared for, and that you will find yourself reaching for her next story to satisfy a need for the types of scares that you experienced at the hands of those horror films from long ago.
July 18, 2024
‘They like to call it the Bermuda Triangle of the desert. Once you’re in, slim chance you’re getting out…’
Janelle Schiecke has put together a horror story with the feel and vibes of a late night film you’d catch on the fly and be completely engrossed or for those who remember; the type of movie you’d take a chance on and rent from Blockbuster without regret because I really enjoyed this ride. Two buddies on a road trip take a wrong turn and find themselves on the path of mystery that unfolds into page turning descriptive gore.
There’s plenty of homage to horror throughout and for those who enjoyed the likes of ‘Hostel’ and ‘Saw’ for all of it’s graphic brutality to the themes of cult favourites like ‘The Hills Have Eyes’ and even ‘The Wicker Man’ as these two fellas face a remote desert town where everyone is not what they first seem. This is where the description and build towards the wider story works really well and kept me reading.
From their initial stay at a grimy motel to conveniently having their car break down, something is guiding them towards a potential brutal end. There’s even a big bad that adds to the mystery surrounding the setting that just works for this type of tale. For anyone who enjoys horror oozing with mystery and quite a lot of bloodshed along with a little humour – this is the one for you!
Janelle Schiecke has put together a horror story with the feel and vibes of a late night film you’d catch on the fly and be completely engrossed or for those who remember; the type of movie you’d take a chance on and rent from Blockbuster without regret because I really enjoyed this ride. Two buddies on a road trip take a wrong turn and find themselves on the path of mystery that unfolds into page turning descriptive gore.
There’s plenty of homage to horror throughout and for those who enjoyed the likes of ‘Hostel’ and ‘Saw’ for all of it’s graphic brutality to the themes of cult favourites like ‘The Hills Have Eyes’ and even ‘The Wicker Man’ as these two fellas face a remote desert town where everyone is not what they first seem. This is where the description and build towards the wider story works really well and kept me reading.
From their initial stay at a grimy motel to conveniently having their car break down, something is guiding them towards a potential brutal end. There’s even a big bad that adds to the mystery surrounding the setting that just works for this type of tale. For anyone who enjoys horror oozing with mystery and quite a lot of bloodshed along with a little humour – this is the one for you!
August 7, 2024
An homage to 1980s horror films. There are bits, vibes, concepts of many films from that era crafted into this tale. The author didn't copy any one concept, but blended them together.
A couple young men set out on a cross-country journey that leads them into a near-ghost town.
The town and the people in it provide very nice foreboding.
The two guys venture further into the desert and fall into a bizarre, dark situation.
My favorite character, Carrie, finds herself in the same situation. I love this type of character, scared as hell, and yet, courageous.
As the title implies, there's a bunch of bad guys in the story, including one ominous, rather gruesome leader.
As this is a novella, there isn't ample room to flesh-out the characters as well as I would have liked, and there were a few things that didn't work for me in the storyline. In only her second book, Janelle shows that she has the chops to be a great horror writer.
If you enjoy a quick, scary read, I recommend this fun little tale!
A couple young men set out on a cross-country journey that leads them into a near-ghost town.
The town and the people in it provide very nice foreboding.
The two guys venture further into the desert and fall into a bizarre, dark situation.
My favorite character, Carrie, finds herself in the same situation. I love this type of character, scared as hell, and yet, courageous.
As the title implies, there's a bunch of bad guys in the story, including one ominous, rather gruesome leader.
As this is a novella, there isn't ample room to flesh-out the characters as well as I would have liked, and there were a few things that didn't work for me in the storyline. In only her second book, Janelle shows that she has the chops to be a great horror writer.
If you enjoy a quick, scary read, I recommend this fun little tale!
June 30, 2024
As a fan of horror and occult history, I was sucked into this Bermuda Triangle inspired desert town. With the format of a novella, you get the feeling of a much wider range of storytelling. Reading like a longer tale from the horror anthology "Southbound". While the main characters navigate their way through the desert town, you get the feeling of dread comparable to horror classics like "The Hills Have Eyes" and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre". With the range of mysterious townsfolk creating a sense of foreboding on the main characters, this novella will get you wanting more and more backstory to what is going on in the town and what will happen with our characters.
July 9, 2024
Janelle deserves the saw of death trophy for this blood lust, if there were such a thing. Gory, gruesome, great writing, which keeps you in suspense until the last chapter. A quick read. It will leave you craving more meat. Actually no, it may turn you vegetarian. I'd give two thumbs up, but I am afraid they might get cut off. I can't say too much, except don't read on a full stomach. Five stabs, I mean stars.
July 21, 2024
In the afterword the author mentions her love of 80's horror movies, and it shows, this could easily be the book adaptation of an 80's horror movie.
Well written, fast paced when it needs to be, and while some of the violence is pretty graphic, it doesn't feel over the top or there simply to shock and disgust.
It would be interesting to find out more about the cult, but you don't need to know their history to know somethings messed up.
Well written, fast paced when it needs to be, and while some of the violence is pretty graphic, it doesn't feel over the top or there simply to shock and disgust.
It would be interesting to find out more about the cult, but you don't need to know their history to know somethings messed up.
July 23, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was chilling and atmospheric, the story itself stuck with me longer than I expected. I'll be rereading it many more times and enjoying it more than once!
Definite recommendation 🌟
Definite recommendation 🌟
August 13, 2024
A wonderfully bloody story rich with atmosphere and rife with dread as you anticipate what is going to happen to the characters. Janelle promised a gory show, and she delivered. It was so wonderful that I had to read it twice.
June 16, 2024
I’ve never had to cover my eyes while reading before! Death Cult" by Janelle Schiecke is a twisted and gory masterpiece of horror fiction. From the very first page, Schiecke's writing pulls you into a world of darkness and suspense that you won't want to escape from. The characters are hauntingly real, the plot is twisted and unpredictable, and the atmosphere is so eerie that it will send shivers down your spine. If you're a fan of horror novels that keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you questioning everything you thought you knew, "Death Cult" is a must-read.
May 31, 2024
A very well-written story involving two young men and a few other strangers who get sucked into “The Bermuda Triangle of the Desert” in 1984. I liked it a lot. It kept my attention from the start when Jason and Eddie traveled through a small town in Nevada on a road trip. Of course, there was mention of a fox-body Mustang, which was cool. They spent the night in a creepy motel, which an even weirder employee managed. Then things kept getting stranger and stranger for them (e.g., an odd diner, a strange old man with concrete block feet, mysterious car troubles, a mysterious auto shop, a building without windows, and the fortune teller in the middle of nowhere.) The story had plenty of graphic gore to keep horror and even extreme horror fans happy, but it wasn’t an overdone gorefest.
I’d share more, but I don’t like giving spoilers. You’ll just have to read it to find out for yourself.
Overall, it is a very enjoyable quick read that keeps your attention and provides plenty of suspense. If you have a weak stomach, you might even throw up in your mouth a little.
The writing was very clean and seemed to be error-free. Something you can always expect from Janelle Schiecke.
I’d share more, but I don’t like giving spoilers. You’ll just have to read it to find out for yourself.
Overall, it is a very enjoyable quick read that keeps your attention and provides plenty of suspense. If you have a weak stomach, you might even throw up in your mouth a little.
The writing was very clean and seemed to be error-free. Something you can always expect from Janelle Schiecke.
June 1, 2024
I was fortunate to receive an ARC for this book. This is definitely an author to watch.
This story revolves around 2 young men aimlessly traveling until they need to crash for a night, then the story takes off.
The prose is beautifully written without being overdone, and the story is told wonderfully. I even feel like this could have been turned into a full-length novel, with some more meat added to the story (yes, maybe pun intended?) The characters are built well. However, I would have liked to see more of Carrie and even learn more about our two MMCs.
4.25 stars.
This story revolves around 2 young men aimlessly traveling until they need to crash for a night, then the story takes off.
The prose is beautifully written without being overdone, and the story is told wonderfully. I even feel like this could have been turned into a full-length novel, with some more meat added to the story (yes, maybe pun intended?) The characters are built well. However, I would have liked to see more of Carrie and even learn more about our two MMCs.
4.25 stars.
July 9, 2024
A splatterhouse must
June 24, 2024
The story is well-crafted, gruesome, and funny. I enjoyed the uncertainty of not knowing who the main character is until the end. It's worth checking out.
If you don't, there's a table saw I'd like to introduce you to. Insert evil laugh.
June 24, 2024
The story is well-crafted, gruesome, and funny. I enjoyed the uncertainty of not knowing who the main character is until the end. It's worth checking out.
If you don't, there's a table saw I'd like to introduce you to. Insert evil laugh.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews