Another good book in the series overall, but it did have annoyances. Before my complaints, I'll go over the positive parts - Jordan's still into VictoAnother good book in the series overall, but it did have annoyances. Before my complaints, I'll go over the positive parts - Jordan's still into Victor to the point to where I realize it's a type of psychological kink thing, the humor is as funny as ever in Vic's internal monologue, there's a plot that's creatively invented (villain mixed with supernatural in a bizarre way....).
The instant messenger thing was especially hilarious.
On the negative side, there's a few things that don't make sense. I get that Vic is freaked out about his existence seeming hidden, but I don't get why he's looking to blame others who know about it for not bringing it to him. As they told him, they figured he already knew. I would in their shoes. It's not like they are part of a massive conspiracy against him. And he should have known and done a little research himself, it's his fault he was in the dark about it.
Second, it was totally unacceptable, ridiculous and childish that he would be inclined to storm to a retirement home where his boyfriend is investigating a vicious rape of an elderly woman to confront him there about cheating. Really, it can wait, no matter how enraged you are. There's such a thing as decency, and that was just stupid.
He's too attracted to Crash since he's supposed to be in love with Jacob, even if he is staying faithful. The only way I could consider this okay is if the author is leading up to a three way. Between Vic and Jacob, bedroom play is still steamy but growing a little repetitive and too frequent.
The end of the book is a minor cliffhanger, too - but it's not so brutal it left me upset. I'm curious about how that will lead in the next book, which is thankfully a decent length novel compared to the others.
Merged review:
Another good book in the series overall, but it did have annoyances. Before my complaints, I'll go over the positive parts - Jordan's still into Victor to the point to where I realize it's a type of psychological kink thing, the humor is as funny as ever in Vic's internal monologue, there's a plot that's creatively invented (villain mixed with supernatural in a bizarre way....).
The instant messenger thing was especially hilarious.
On the negative side, there's a few things that don't make sense. I get that Vic is freaked out about his existence seeming hidden, but I don't get why he's looking to blame others who know about it for not bringing it to him. As they told him, they figured he already knew. I would in their shoes. It's not like they are part of a massive conspiracy against him. And he should have known and done a little research himself, it's his fault he was in the dark about it.
Second, it was totally unacceptable, ridiculous and childish that he would be inclined to storm to a retirement home where his boyfriend is investigating a vicious rape of an elderly woman to confront him there about cheating. Really, it can wait, no matter how enraged you are. There's such a thing as decency, and that was just stupid.
He's too attracted to Crash since he's supposed to be in love with Jacob, even if he is staying faithful. The only way I could consider this okay is if the author is leading up to a three way. Between Vic and Jacob, bedroom play is still steamy but growing a little repetitive and too frequent.
The end of the book is a minor cliffhanger, too - but it's not so brutal it left me upset. I'm curious about how that will lead in the next book, which is thankfully a decent length novel compared to the others....more
There’s always an automatic, free-pass-given brownie point bonus when the protagonist is a book lover, because – seriously - as a reader, reading stor There’s always an automatic, free-pass-given brownie point bonus when the protagonist is a book lover, because – seriously - as a reader, reading stories about characters who obsess with books makes sense – especially when they have to use books in the adventure at hand.
The Camelot Shadow focuses on Lord Alfred Fitzwilliam, a man who not only loves reading, but who loves collecting valuable tomes (he blows me out of the running with that since I only indulge in cheap books.) The story is a historical Arthurian fantasy adventure type, something I have little experience with. It seems everyone in the world but me knows about King Arthur and tales surrounding, to the point where there is even a fantasy sub-division named about him.
Even though I know little about it, I found the subject interesting as it unraveled; it wasn’t too out there for me to grasp. There are a few hints and jabs in the wrong directions to leave the reader a few surprises, and the historical feel is one that slowly twists and reveals as you go through the motions with the main character. It’s multiple POV, yet thankfully the shift changes only when needed, staying mainly in Lord Alfred’s head.
Alfred was likeable – he was older, enjoyed keeping to himself, a sympathetic friend, intellectual type who remained humble. His best friend was a favorite of mine, the bookseller who had more up his sleeve than he was showing. The villain was creepy, unusual, and made even more interesting because of the other semi-villains he surrounded himself with. And Trusty John was just awesome, really, that’s all there is to say about him.
What made the book so enjoyable wasn’t so much the day old power-struggle of good and evil, but the political machinations that kept popping up in both the good and bad circles. Some people change face later, some hesitate, some follow because they’re misled, and others stay so loyal throughout that they fit the definition of fanaticism.
It’s a slower novel, which works since the plot is directed by scholarly types. Instead of getting an excitable, energetic adventurer, we get a man who can’t resist the lure of this mystery and the potential hope it holds for his wife. I loved Sean Gibson’s writing style - I think it fit the historical time period and this sort of adventure ideally.
The Camelot Shadow has layers of intrigue, some epic battles, intelligent twists, and characters who stand out and stand up. Recommended.
Merged review:
There’s always an automatic, free-pass-given brownie point bonus when the protagonist is a book lover, because – seriously - as a reader, reading stories about characters who obsess with books makes sense – especially when they have to use books in the adventure at hand.
The Camelot Shadow focuses on Lord Alfred Fitzwilliam, a man who not only loves reading, but who loves collecting valuable tomes (he blows me out of the running with that since I only indulge in cheap books.) The story is a historical Arthurian fantasy adventure type, something I have little experience with. It seems everyone in the world but me knows about King Arthur and tales surrounding, to the point where there is even a fantasy sub-division named about him.
Even though I know little about it, I found the subject interesting as it unraveled; it wasn’t too out there for me to grasp. There are a few hints and jabs in the wrong directions to leave the reader a few surprises, and the historical feel is one that slowly twists and reveals as you go through the motions with the main character. It’s multiple POV, yet thankfully the shift changes only when needed, staying mainly in Lord Alfred’s head.
Alfred was likeable – he was older, enjoyed keeping to himself, a sympathetic friend, intellectual type who remained humble. His best friend was a favorite of mine, the bookseller who had more up his sleeve than he was showing. The villain was creepy, unusual, and made even more interesting because of the other semi-villains he surrounded himself with. And Trusty John was just awesome, really, that’s all there is to say about him.
What made the book so enjoyable wasn’t so much the day old power-struggle of good and evil, but the political machinations that kept popping up in both the good and bad circles. Some people change face later, some hesitate, some follow because they’re misled, and others stay so loyal throughout that they fit the definition of fanaticism.
It’s a slower novel, which works since the plot is directed by scholarly types. Instead of getting an excitable, energetic adventurer, we get a man who can’t resist the lure of this mystery and the potential hope it holds for his wife. I loved Sean Gibson’s writing style - I think it fit the historical time period and this sort of adventure ideally.
The Camelot Shadow has layers of intrigue, some epic battles, intelligent twists, and characters who stand out and stand up. Recommended....more
After his family was conned, Henry is determined to make headway into the paranormal world with scientific inventions and logic/sense. He's paired witAfter his family was conned, Henry is determined to make headway into the paranormal world with scientific inventions and logic/sense. He's paired with a relative who is 'colored', a controversy of the time when he fights for her equality. On the other end of the coin is another paranormal duo with their own baggage - Vincent Night is an Indian and used to controversy of his own, but he's also extremely gifted with spiritual abilities and ghost hunting. His companion has her own hidden story. Both are on the verge of bankrupcy, so when both teams are invited by an eccentric wealthy man to compete in a house to prove whether the talent versus science will win, all hell breaks loose.
The plot for this one was more than worthy. Convincing motivations and warring pairs who complement and work off each other. The mansion with its mysteries was an isolated, haunting setting that delivered the goods for creepy, ghost adventures. The overlying mystery of which ghost is who and what the ghost is up to is daunting and well-done. The finale at the end is a strong battle to the finish since the author gave plenty of steel behind a certain ghost.
There's intriguing world-building with the spirits, hauntings, and a strong balance of different types of mediums with different abilities. Jordan Hawk writes well with loveable characters, unique twists, and easily flowing dialogue. I love she included racial issues of the times on both teams, which complemented how unique the pairs stood out from society. I was annoyed with a character revealing a big secret/misunderstanding, but that worked well in the end.
I loved Henry, even if he is bumbling, stumbling and standoffish. His stubbornness can get on the nerves but he has redeeming qualities. Vincent as the handsome and flirting medium was an epic romantic interest. There's not heavy steam but I totally felt the chemistry to be legit between the two and was rooting for them all the way. Both had baggage but fortunately the author avoided angst and doom/gloom.
The only bad thing is I wanted more. A fun, rewarding book with humor, genuine tension and creative paranormal world-building, I highly recommend this one for m/m historical fans.
Merged review:
After his family was conned, Henry is determined to make headway into the paranormal world with scientific inventions and logic/sense. He's paired with a relative who is 'colored', a controversy of the time when he fights for her equality. On the other end of the coin is another paranormal duo with their own baggage - Vincent Night is an Indian and used to controversy of his own, but he's also extremely gifted with spiritual abilities and ghost hunting. His companion has her own hidden story. Both are on the verge of bankrupcy, so when both teams are invited by an eccentric wealthy man to compete in a house to prove whether the talent versus science will win, all hell breaks loose.
The plot for this one was more than worthy. Convincing motivations and warring pairs who complement and work off each other. The mansion with its mysteries was an isolated, haunting setting that delivered the goods for creepy, ghost adventures. The overlying mystery of which ghost is who and what the ghost is up to is daunting and well-done. The finale at the end is a strong battle to the finish since the author gave plenty of steel behind a certain ghost.
There's intriguing world-building with the spirits, hauntings, and a strong balance of different types of mediums with different abilities. Jordan Hawk writes well with loveable characters, unique twists, and easily flowing dialogue. I love she included racial issues of the times on both teams, which complemented how unique the pairs stood out from society. I was annoyed with a character revealing a big secret/misunderstanding, but that worked well in the end.
I loved Henry, even if he is bumbling, stumbling and standoffish. His stubbornness can get on the nerves but he has redeeming qualities. Vincent as the handsome and flirting medium was an epic romantic interest. There's not heavy steam but I totally felt the chemistry to be legit between the two and was rooting for them all the way. Both had baggage but fortunately the author avoided angst and doom/gloom.
The only bad thing is I wanted more. A fun, rewarding book with humor, genuine tension and creative paranormal world-building, I highly recommend this one for m/m historical fans....more
The author's theme of going back and forth in time period continues as a style for this series.
In the first book, the present day was led by Felix, thThe author's theme of going back and forth in time period continues as a style for this series.
In the first book, the present day was led by Felix, the past by his friend who he is always ever eager to recover, hence this series driving goal in the first place. It worked well in the first, not the second, but the third it again makes sense. The former timeline shows the troubled buddy lead in this one, a haunted girl who never stood a chance and who has now paved her future in vengeance (rightfully so). She is with Felix the majority of the book, so it's a good thing she's interesting. Copen did the manic and unstable mood shifts and paranoia well. A villain you both root for, and feel sorry for, and at the same time realize isn't fully a villain.
There are some major tie-ups of another major character who has bit hit and miss with what I think of him, and another major plot line tied up at the end of the third, waiting to see what happens next with all of that in the fourth.
The series has stayed steady and strong. It doesn't jump the shark or change enough to make it feel different, but each story has such a different setting and side plot points that it also keeps it fresh. Always heavy with the violence and not shying away from gritty, grisly, bloody details either. The body count is higher in this one than others other than one scene in the first. Felix continues to jump from determination to run-down sadness, and you can see a difference in him in giving up from the first book where he was determined, the second where it was over, and now the third again with his confusion and exhaustion.
Book 1, 2, and 4 are available on Kindle Unlimited. This one is available by purchase for a small price, which I did....more
Usually a newly published Lanyon doesn't sneak by me long, but this one came as a random surprise when I was browsing. The output has been slower sincUsually a newly published Lanyon doesn't sneak by me long, but this one came as a random surprise when I was browsing. The output has been slower since pandemic struggles and for a host of other life reasons for the author. I'm waiting for a few more sequels of series I follow, but it's nice to grab the random standalone.
The story opens in Maine with Andrew, the returning relative of an attacked and truly precious elderly uncle, investigating what happened to his relative, helping keep his antique store up and running (kind-of), dealing with an abusive ex, and reuniting with an old flame who left town mysteriously when they were teenagers. Plenty to keep the story's pages occupied with a storyline, but the author also added in the son and icky wife of the uncle for some other emotional tensions and frustrations.
I haven't read many books about abused men in LGBT relationships, so that was different and I believe Lanyon handled it well, especially with the acknowledged limitations of the legal system. I'm glad the small town wasn't prejudice as - while that's often the case - it's also used at times as a stereotype, so it was nice here to see Andrew accepted for who he was without fuss. You do get the anxiety on being an abused male, and again I think the author handled this well so did like this part of the story.
The reunited flame, Quinn, veers off into some pretty unrealistic and oddball leanings sometimes, but it was fine. I didn't feel like I got to know him other than him being almost perfect for every situation, but since this isn't the typical series book I read by her, obviously she can't do too much of a slower build-up of realistic emotions. As usual, I dig her relationship bonding, being a mixture of sweetness and steam to accompany the story instead of drown it out completely. Or, should I say, snow it in? Ha, ha.... No, guess not.
Mystery was a bit all over the place but well done. There's some typical humorous moments where the author enjoys writing some cursed main characters. I'm happy she kept this one single POV as that's my preference. It's hard to go wrong for me with most of Lanyon's stuff, this one was an enjoyable addition and a surprise.
Good - another one with Charles and Leah traveling. We get a lot of Tag as he "tags" a long, which is a joy. A little more is explored with Charles maGood - another one with Charles and Leah traveling. We get a lot of Tag as he "tags" a long, which is a joy. A little more is explored with Charles magic. The villain in this one is quite interesting and the mystery is interesting - we get a small role with the FBI we have met and liked previously, but have the tables turned here? Bran makes some appearances and Leah shows more of her sides. Black witches galore in their way again. This one seems to catch up more with the Mercy Thompson timeline at the end with a certain event that coincides with the recent Mercy book. The end is a bit too hokey and convenient in a few ways with something with Samuel....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
These are like little soap opera books - over the top silly. Still, fun. Lilly dropped some of the overdone feminism annoyance in this one, but now shThese are like little soap opera books - over the top silly. Still, fun. Lilly dropped some of the overdone feminism annoyance in this one, but now she gets unrealistic with the dropping of clothes randomly. We finally get some progress with her and Ambrose - repetitively, but it fades to black at key moments where I still wonder at times when the big thing was done. From what I understand it's a circular cycle that when they return to London it resets itself, which is frustrating. There were several funny moments -- the suitor who was flowery and suddenly cut off; Kahem (sp?) with his eyes closed and his frustration - always funny; and the uncle bargaining at the end. I liked the pitstop in the Indian village. The Sir!, Yes, Sir! is getting a little annoying as well. The first part of this book is in town where Ambrose's family members start making visits and demands, which sets up the next book....more
I still love this series, but every series will have its weaker stories, and this is one of them. I want to point out it's not a case of a series 2.5
I still love this series, but every series will have its weaker stories, and this is one of them. I want to point out it's not a case of a series dragging on too long either, for the previous two books were top-notch and I'm still loving the psychic element and side characters. The plot for this one will feel familiar if you've read this in order - while author did clever twists that makes it seem like an impossible situation, like book 12 where Candice was assumed guilty by all but Abby and it looks oh-so-badly for her, this one involves another friend close to home (Dave). This takes away a strong element of mystery because I doubted the author would have a character who has been around so long, since early book 1, turn into a completely new person - but you never know.
Most of the book focuses on the side business Dutch has, this time involving Brice as a new partner. Milo is out fully now through word of retirement. No, we still don't see him or talk to him on the page - he's been missing for several books and is another well-liked character of mine who dwindled away. While Dave is said to still be a big part of their lives, you rarely see him in any of these books anymore either. If you do, it's incredibly brief. The same is said for the sister, Cat. You may as well forget she exists as she hasn't been around in any of the last few books, not even a phone call this one.
It seems that the larger Abby's world grows, the more she has to travel and the more teams and departments she helps out, the smaller her world grows. Only Brice and Candice and Dutch mainly stick around consistently later in the series, which is a bit of a shame.
This was another where I didn't find Abby's ability particularly impressive. The book starts with her again talking about how she's super healthy now and has completely changed her diet and exercises regularly - we get a lot of those scenes where she exercises with Candice and finds places for special foods. She mentions that since eating healthier and changing her lifestyle goals, that her psychic intuitive ability has strengthened a lot with accuracy, ease, etc. However, in this same book she only senses very murky basics and her power basically takes a back seat for the majority of the story for this main plot.
She also has a few scenes where she keeps showing off her new figure in various ways or having it mentioned - and Dutch's in several situations - and Candices. :/
I didn't hate the book, really, but it was weaker in many ways compared to previous entries. Still love the series overall as one of the best mystery series. Abby kept making me cringe with her over the top temper that makes her seem a little less bright. The continuation of bending the rules on the side of police is a little disturbing. Last book was planted evidence for the "greater good" because Abby intuitively knows, and this book she gets angry at Brice (again, unreasonably) because for her friend she wants to lie to the local police illegally as well, but is talked down from it in case they get caught. I also am getting tired of the women getting so upset at the men being protective because of their feminism overreach --- yes, they're tough women, but there's nothing wrong with protective husbands who love their wives and think they've just been shot or tackled by violent criminals. ...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
There is not actually a "devil" but the word can be used interachangeably with the human heart and4.5
I very much enjoyed this reprint from Valancourt.
There is not actually a "devil" but the word can be used interachangeably with the human heart and monstrosities we commit to each other, shown in backstory, revelations at the end, and the dry-rot atmosphere of the house (especially that bed scene!)
It has a genuine subtle creepiness and a back-history explained in good detail with the ending reveal being suitable grim. You also get the secluded, isolated snow storm with the trapped feeling. Sadly, no one becomes paranoid with each other, but realistically they are not housed together long enough for that to happen.
Valancourt specializes in "the rediscovery of rare, neglected, and out-of-print fiction," in particular gay titles and Gothic and horror novels from the 18th century to the 1980s. Not all my borrows and buys have been gems, but this is one of them. Most of their books have a lengthy introduction which I actually enjoy, mainly started due to the popular "Paperbacks from Hell", in which they have reprinted many from that book. In this case the author was a renowed scholar who got into the supernatural later in life, and this was his final of six books.
I plan to read several of the publisher's books this year, and so far this may be my favorite that I've tried. It's short and an easy read but has enough ambience to carry it through.
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*
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