Jack and Dee along with their two children Naomi and Cole are running for their lives. Something is causing people to wantonly murder, torture and burJack and Dee along with their two children Naomi and Cole are running for their lives. Something is causing people to wantonly murder, torture and burn down everyone and everything in sight. 7-year-old Cole tells his father he knows why this is happening: a strange aurora seen over the lower 48 states of the US seems to have infected those who viewed it with demonic blood lust. The family's treacherous journey will send them from their home in Albuquerque in a desperate quest to reach Canada where it is rumored there is a safe haven. The horrors they see along the way are beyond belief as they face dangerous situations, near starvation and injuries. At one point Jack is separated from his family when he is captured by infected militants. Dee and the children, not knowing if Jack is alive or dead, stridently head north hoping to find both Jack and safety.
This book is pure, unrelenting horror which at times was almost too much to take in. On the other hand it is very exciting and I couldn't stop reading it until I reached the last page. This family is amazingly resilient and I wanted them to reach safe haven at all costs....more
Quincy is a member of a club she never aspired to belong to: the Final Girls. She was the only survivor of a mass murder during a stay with her friendQuincy is a member of a club she never aspired to belong to: the Final Girls. She was the only survivor of a mass murder during a stay with her friends at Pine Cottage. Two other women are also in the club: Lisa, the sole survivor of a killing spree at her sorority house and Samantha, who lived after a crazed man slaughtered people at the motel where Sam worked. It was 10 years ago that Quincy faced 'Him' during a night of horror and she has done her best to move on. She has a lovely apartment in NYC, a live-in boyfriend who is certainly close to proposing, and a popular food blog. Quincy cannot remember anything about the horrible night except for Coop, the policeman who saved her life and is still a trusted friend. When Quincy hears that Lisa has killed herself she is heartbroken that one of the survivors is gone. Then Samantha shows up on Quincy's doorstep eager to probe Quincy's memories and bond over their shared experiences. Something does not ring true with Sam and Quincy is determined to uncover Sam's motive.
This was definitely a book that I couldn't put down as the story raced to the finish with an interesting plot twist I sure didn't see coming. I don't feel particularly comfortable with the reveal but, hey, I've never tried to write a book so it's just my opinion....more
The killer, who narrates the story, readily admits he has no problems with his rooming house neighbor. They have not had an argument, a simple disagreThe killer, who narrates the story, readily admits he has no problems with his rooming house neighbor. They have not had an argument, a simple disagreement or any issues whatsoever. The killer is obsessed with the other man's evil eye which sounds to me as a fully formed cataract. Whenever the killer sees this eye his thoughts turn to murder. Nightly he sneaks into his neighbor's room hoping to see the moonlight gleam on the offending orb but the man is always asleep. Until one night he awakens with the intrusion. The killer quickly dispatches the offending neighbor and hides him under the floorboards. But what is that thumping sound? It sounds like a heartbeat.
I have read this story numerous times over the years and I remember being infatuated with Poe's work when I was a teenager. This is a nice little tale of horror....more
If the undead should ever threaten our world there is nothing better to possess than this comprehensive guide for surviving a zombie attack. Every posIf the undead should ever threaten our world there is nothing better to possess than this comprehensive guide for surviving a zombie attack. Every possibility is discussed from weapons, shelter, how to efficiently dispatch a zombie, best modes of transportation and what to pack to ensure your survival. There is a guide for what type of terrain is best suited to shelter, unsurprisingly being the tundra or desert, but these are limited in food and water. Best transportation? Bicycle. A bike is quiet and fairly easy to maintain although not easily adapted to carry a large load of supplies. There is a lengthy chapter detailing reported attacks from as early as 60,000 BC which are particularly horrific. This author also wrote "World War Z" so I would grant that he is an authority on all things zombie. It was an interesting read....more
Roza Vallo is a much heralded author of horror/feminist novels and her month-long writing retreat in her Blackbriar mansion is a coveted assignment foRoza Vallo is a much heralded author of horror/feminist novels and her month-long writing retreat in her Blackbriar mansion is a coveted assignment for new authors. The latest group of attendees include Alex, Wren, Poppy, Keira and Taylor. Their gratitude to Roza quickly becomes puzzlement when they learn they each must produce a complete novel by the end of the 30 days. The women are told it is a contest and the winner will receive a one million dollar publishing contract. As the snow piles up outside the secluded mansion the women set to work on their laptops. There are no distractions as cell phone coverage is non-existent, the snow is too deep to drive a vehicle, and even the antiquated landline does not work. Roza's behavior begins to fray at the edges as she becomes more erratic every day. One of the 5 women decides to investigate the mansion, hoping to find a way to communicate with someone outside of Blackbriar, but somehow disappears into the large drifts of snow. Now the rest of the group realize that there is something sinister going on and when they finally realize the truth, they doubt they will ever leave Roza's fortress alive.
I do enjoy a good mystery/horror story but something about this one just didn't work for me. There are descriptive sexual situations and bloody violence throughout. I guess it's the whole premise of the book that seems over-the-top, but that is just my opinion.
Daniel and Laura had decided to take a long tour through Europe before settling down and starting a family. Their trip had gone exceedingly well untilDaniel and Laura had decided to take a long tour through Europe before settling down and starting a family. Their trip had gone exceedingly well until boarding a train traveling through Romania. As they slept, someone robbed them of their passports, money and tickets. When the conductor came around to collect tickets Daniel and Laura were put off the train at the next station. A young woman named Alina who had tried to defend them was similarly treated. The station proved to be abandoned so the three decided to walk along the tracks to the next town. Alina wandered into the surrounding woods and disappeared. The young couple went in search of her and happened upon an old house in the middle of the forest. When they heard screaming from inside they rushed in to find a scene so horrific that they fled for their lives. It would be months before either of them could tell anyone about what they had seen.
Back in England Daniel and Laura felt they were being watched. Laura suffered a close call at the subway station when she nearly fell in front of a train. Or was she pushed? Daniel's apartment was broken into and ransacked. When Daniel finally told a friend about the house in Romania the friend was murdered that same night. His therapist and her husband died in a questionable house fire. Obviously, something or someone had followed them home from Romania and were determined to keep the young couple from telling anyone what they had seen.
This was a very dark story, nearly a horror story I would say. Daniel and Laura are likeable enough and they certainly had a terrible secret to keep....more
With the promise of a new life, five-year-old Sean Crenshaw and his mother settled in the small town of Danvers, Virginia, in 1982. Given a scholarshiWith the promise of a new life, five-year-old Sean Crenshaw and his mother settled in the small town of Danvers, Virginia, in 1982. Given a scholarship at the private Danvers School, Sean began kindergarten with high hopes. When a child at the school complained about a teacher hurting him the entire town erupted into immediate panic. Children were questioned incessantly about Mr. Woodhouse and their tales became wilder and damning. Sean's mother, never the most stable of characters, insisted that Sean tell her the truth. Only wanting to please his mother he lied and told outlandish tales of disturbing proportions. Woodhouse and 5 other teachers were investigated and found guilty of satanic practices with children.
In 2013 Richard has just married Tamara and hopes to adopt her 5-year-old son, Elijah. Both Richard and Tamara are teachers at the Danvers School, Richard being the very popular art teacher. He is excited about his future with his beautiful family because Richard has no past. There are vague memories of a troubled past that he keeps tamped down deep inside. Elijah's friend Sandy suddenly makes accusations against Richard saying that he was the cause of bruises on her leg. Elijah himself has bruises on his arm but refuses to say what happened. Suddenly Richard finds himself in the frightening position Mr. Woodhouse was in years ago. Accused of unspeakable crimes, Richard knows that something from the past has come to remind him of the tragedy he caused as a child.
This actually was a really well written and well-plotted book. Normally I wouldn't have any problem rating it 4 stars but the subject matter was very difficult. I would certainly read another book by this author....more
There is a group of women known as the 'final girls': think of every slasher movie you've ever seen and the one girl who escaped and usually killed thThere is a group of women known as the 'final girls': think of every slasher movie you've ever seen and the one girl who escaped and usually killed the slasher = final girl. Six of these women have been meeting with a therapist for years hoping to get their lives back. Lynette Tarkington is the narrator of the story. It has been more than two decades since her entire family was attacked and even though she did not kill the murderer, she is still considered a 'final'. Lynette has spent years now living in an apartment she has adapted with a steel mesh cage, always keeping shoes on her feet in case she needs to flee, carrying multiple weapons concealed on her body and leaving her home as infrequently as possible. Her outings to the support group entail multiple modes of transportation and dozens of circuitous routes - just in case. At the latest group session the women learn that one of their 'sisters' will not be joining them; ever. Apparently someone is systematically attempting to pick off the final girls. After all, there is big money to be made in book and movie deals and it seems to be a great idea to revictimize the 'finals'. Years of infighting with these women might seem to thwart any way to keep themselves and each other safe but one thing they have all learned: how to outwit a slasher.
What an interesting premise for a book. I can't say that all of the ladies are particularly likeable but they all have inner strength and a deep sense of camaraderie. Their backstories are quite horrific so be warned....more
Jamie Conklin has always had a special talent although it is not one that he particularly wants. Jamie sees dead people. He not only sees them but canJamie Conklin has always had a special talent although it is not one that he particularly wants. Jamie sees dead people. He not only sees them but can carry on conversations with them but their voices and appearance begins to fade after a day or two. For some reason ghosts are required to tell the truth and Jamie soon learns that he can find out valuable information especially in the case of murder. This fact puts Jamie in extreme danger when an unsavory police detective realizes how she can use Jamie to her advantage.
I enjoyed this fairly short story (at least by King's standards) about good vs. evil. Jamie is one smart young man and one the reader roots for all along the way. The rest of the characters are interesting: his mother is nearly overwhelmed with pressure to provide for her son, care for her institutionalized brother and revive her publishing career; the female police detective starts out fairly nice but soon falls down a dark hole of greed; an elderly neighbor who advises Jamie when Jamie has no where else to turn. All in all it's a good story....more
Teen aged Bettina "Tina" Scott lives with her mother in the small village of Runagate. Several years ago both of her older brothers and her father disTeen aged Bettina "Tina" Scott lives with her mother in the small village of Runagate. Several years ago both of her older brothers and her father disappeared; whether they left willingly or for some other reason is unclear. Tina and two acquaintances believe that the two brothers are alive and have been trying to contact Tina. The three set out to find them and during the long drive they tell various fairy tales about Runagate and surrounding villages. Tina's mother is unaware that her daughter has gone on this quest and would certainly have put a stop to it as mother is quite a strange creature herself. Controlling and seemingly unaffected by the absence of her sons and husband she spends her days napping or reminding Tina to be a lady and keep her distance from everyone else.
I wish I had liked this book more but the fault lies entirely with me. Fantasy is probably my least favorite genre and this story fits securely in that realm. I had hoped for more of a horror story and some of it certainly is. The author writes beautifully lyric phrases and her words paint pictures both lovely and grotesque. I just didn't understand how the fairy tales all came together and what the final result of the story meant....more
Young socialite Noemi Toboada has been asked by her father to take on a much different role than what she is used to. Instead of attending parties, daYoung socialite Noemi Toboada has been asked by her father to take on a much different role than what she is used to. Instead of attending parties, dating eligible bachelors and shopping for the latest fashions, Noemi is to travel to High Place, a secluded old mansion in the Mexican countryside. There she is to attend to her cousin Catalina who has sent an urgent and disturbing letter to Noemi's father. Something is not quite right at High Place and Noemi will need to find out what Catalina's problem is.
Noemi's first impression of High Place is not flattering. It is quite old, run-down with mildew speckling the walls and ceilings. Catalina seems to be extremely lethargic, heavily medicated and constantly under the watchful eye of her husbands relatives the Doyles. Noemi becomes friendly with the youngest son, Francis, but the patriarch Howard is chillingly strange. After only a few days at High Place, Noemi begins to see visions of Howard's dead wives, to hear odd noises and to believe the mildew itself is crawling on the wallpaper. Noemi knows she needs to leave and take Catalina with her. Unfortunately the Doyle family and High Place itself have other plans for Noemi.
The story had a good Gothic vibe to it and was satisfyingly creepy. The reveal was a bit strange but I imagine that could be said of any horror tale....more
The small town of Fell lies in upstate New York and a roadside motel called the Sun Down is the focus of this creepy, suspenseful story. In 1981 Viv DThe small town of Fell lies in upstate New York and a roadside motel called the Sun Down is the focus of this creepy, suspenseful story. In 1981 Viv Delaney has left home to make her mark in New York City as an actress. Along the route she stops at the Sun Down and impulsively agrees to take the job as the night clerk to earn money for her travels. It soon becomes clear to Viv that there is definitely something wrong at the motel. At times every door in the building pop open one after another; the lights go out without warning; Viv smells cigarette smoke when there is no one nearby; and there seem to be strange people inhabiting the building. The town of Fell itself is a rather strange and eerie place as several women have gone missing over the years and their bodies found brutally murdered. Viv herself will seem to vanish into thin air.
Thirty-five years later Carly Kirk, the niece of Viv, has decided she wants to learn the truth of her aunt's disappearance. She willingly takes on the same night shift job Viv once held as she tries to find clues to the murders. Carly feels they are all connected and that one man committed them all. As she gets closer to the truth several ghosts try to help Carly find the answers while the living people don't seem to want to help her at all.
The audio of this book was quite well done with several different performers. It is definitely a creepy tale with two very brave women determined to solve numerous crimes. I enjoyed it....more
Ten-year-old orphan Lewis Barnavelt has come to live with his Uncle Jonathan, a man Lewis has never met. Jonathan's friendly demeanor, his gloriously Ten-year-old orphan Lewis Barnavelt has come to live with his Uncle Jonathan, a man Lewis has never met. Jonathan's friendly demeanor, his gloriously huge old house and a kindly neighbor named Mrs. Zimmerman help allay Lewis's fears of his new life. Learning that Uncle Jonathan is a wizard and Mrs. Zimmerman a witch only helps to make Lewis more enthusiastic. Lewis is a bit taken aback by some of Jonathan's strange behavior; Jonathan seems to be listening to the walls and is nearly mesmerized by the ticking and gonging of clocks.
Never a popular child, Lewis was a bit on the pudgy side and was terrible at sports. Tarby, a new friend at school, takes Lewis under his wing and helps him with baseball skills. The two become inseparable friends as Tarby is healing from a broken arm. Once the cast comes off, Lewis knows that Tarby will go back to his other friends. Hoping to keep Tarby's friendship, Lewis decides to do a bit of magic himself. On Halloween night he and Tarby inadvertently awaken the spirit of Selenna Izard, the former owner of Jonathan's home and an evil witch. She and her husband had placed a doomsday clock in the walls of Jonathan's house and it will destroy the world when it runs down. Uh oh.
This was a fun story about a meek little boy who learns he has hidden depths to himself. I think if I had read this as a child it might have frightened me a bit, but there is also a lot of silly humor in the story....more
This book is a great revisit to King's short story format. Four stories are included and all are completely different. My favorite is the first one: "This book is a great revisit to King's short story format. Four stories are included and all are completely different. My favorite is the first one: "Mr. Harrigan's Phone". A young boy named Craig is hired by his elderly neighbor, Mr. Harrigan, to read to him several afternoons a week. Mr. Harrigan's eyesight is poor but his mind is sharp. The two bond over many books and Mr. Harrigan tells Craig of his past life as a business magnate. Craig gets the idea to gift the older gentleman with a phone, at the time the IPhone 1. Harrigan is fascinated with the instantaneous feed from the NY Stock Exchange, the news outlets and internet searches. When the elderly man passes away, Craig slips the phone into the casket. Knowing Stephen King, it's not difficult to imagine where the story goes.
The second story, "The Life of Chuck", is an interesting study of the worlds we all possess inside our own brains. What if we are all only part of another's imagination and once they are gone, are we?
Story #3 brings back Holly, a character from "The Outsiders". This entry is titled "If It Bleeds", the old saying about news as in 'if it bleeds it leads'. Holly is convinced she is dealing with another outsider as she watches a news reporter at the scene of a horrific explosion at a middle school. The bomb was delivered by a uniformed man and Holly is convinced the two men are one and the same. Proving her theory puts herself and her friends in imminent danger from a ruthless being who feeds on the pain and suffering of others.
The last story, "Rat", concerns one of King's seemingly favorite character-type: a writer. Drew Larson is convinced he finally has all of the story line for that elusive novel he has dreamed of writing. Short stories? No problem. But, that full length novel has slipped through his fingers for years. Retiring to an old family cabin deep in the Maine woods, Drew finds that the words flow freely almost, as he calls it, like 'taking dictation'. A debilitating cold/flu and a vicious 'Norther' storm find Drew nearly catatonic for several days and hallucinating a large rat with a lot to say. Dealings with the rodent may end up having deadly consequences.
I enjoyed this book immensely and it's an interesting visit into the fertile mind of one of the greatest horror story writers of today. Recommended....more
Seventeen-year-old Carrie White has always been the object of her schoolmates bullying. She lives with her mother, an overly religious woman, who ofteSeventeen-year-old Carrie White has always been the object of her schoolmates bullying. She lives with her mother, an overly religious woman, who often locks Carrie in closets telling her to pray to overcome her sinful ways. Her life is miserable at school and at home. A devastatingly embarrassing incident in the girl's locker room at the high school shows Carrie just how hated and loathed she is by the others. Only one girl, Sue Snell, feels remorse for Carrie's treatment and vows that she will make it up to her. As the senior prom approaches, Sue convinces her boyfriend Tommy to take Carrie to the dance. Of course Carrie is amazed at the invitation but agrees to the date. Behind the scenes, popular Chris and her boyfriend Billy decided to make sure Carrie has a prom she will never forget, but not in a good way. It's just too bad that Chris and Billy don't realize that Carrie has a special gift; telekinesis. When Carrie gets mad, Carrie gets even.
What an awesome audio book this is, read by Sissy Spacek. I read the book many years ago and have seen the movie but this is an exceptional format. There is a foreward read by King in which he tells how he threw the beginnings of the manuscript into the trash feeling that it wasn't worth finishing. His wife, Tabitha, retrieved it and convinced him to continue. Thank you Tabitha!...more
I have known for a long time that Stephen King shares my deepest fear; fear of flying. He has faced his in a most unusual way with this anthology by cI have known for a long time that Stephen King shares my deepest fear; fear of flying. He has faced his in a most unusual way with this anthology by compiling a set of short stories that deals with many things that can go horribly wrong while you are several miles up in the air. The authors are widely varied from King himself, his son Joe Hill, Roald Dahl and Ray Bradbury to name a few. The stories range from realistic circumstances to pure science fiction. I particularly enjoyed the tale of an ancient Chinese emperor who, when informed of a man dressed in a suit with wings was soaring through the air, decided to nip that practice in the bud before those who could fly decided it would be advantageous to begin dropping things on those below. The story of a flight trying to land while WWIII had broken out below; where exactly were they going to go? Zombies on a plane; yes, we've got some of those too. The audio was particularly well done as it was performed by multiple artists. Not a bad read for this time of year....more
In Chicago, Police Detective Tom Mankowski finds himself up against the most violent and cunning murderer he has ever dealt with. The killer known as In Chicago, Police Detective Tom Mankowski finds himself up against the most violent and cunning murderer he has ever dealt with. The killer known as "The Snipper" is not only a wily suspect but also a computer wizard who is not stopped by any known firewall, malware program or the most sophisticated computer expert. The Snipper accesses the webcams on his victims devices and can watch everything they do. His agenda: punish sinners especially those named Kendal. The murder scenes are bloody and grotesque nearly too much for Tom and the police force. He is determined to track down the fiend even as his girlfriend Joan, the love of his life, pleads with him to quit his job. As the Snipper realizes that Tom is closing in it seems the best thing to do is get to Joan.
I have read quite a few Kilborn books over the years and I should not be surprised at the violence and horror. For some reason this one really made me squeamish possibly because it shows just how vulnerable we all can be with those all-seeing webcams....more
Much admired youth baseball coach Terry Maitland has been accused of a heinous crime against a young boy in the community. The crime is so despicable Much admired youth baseball coach Terry Maitland has been accused of a heinous crime against a young boy in the community. The crime is so despicable that Detective Ralph Anderson wants to shame Maitland publicly; he allows 2 policemen to arrest Terry during his little league team's baseball game and in front of nearly 2000 spectators. Terry is stunned and pleads his innocence but the police have his fingerprints and DNA at the crime scene. It seems like an open and shut case until video footage of Terry attending an English teacher's conference and lecture 70 miles away at the time of the murder comes to light. How could one man be in two places at the same time. Eyewitnesses place Terry, covered in blood, near the child's body but Terry's colleagues swear he was with them in another city. After another tragic incident, Detective Anderson is forced to face the fact that Terry just might be innocent. His investigative trail will lead him into a dark terror he never could have imagined.
This was quite a thrill ride from start to finish and King can sure tell a wicked horror story. The crime is very difficult to read about so be forewarned if you choose to read this one. As usual I felt the book was at least 200 pages longer than it needed to be (560 pages, really?) but it was a good story....more
A grisly murder in Chicago brings Detective Tom Mankowski into a staggering nightmare. The victim has a number tattoo on the bottom of his foot; Tom hA grisly murder in Chicago brings Detective Tom Mankowski into a staggering nightmare. The victim has a number tattoo on the bottom of his foot; Tom has one too. Tom never knew why he was marked in such a way but he does know that he is adopted and that his adoptive parents were given a substantial amount of money to care for him. Now Tom realizes that there are probably more people with similar tattoos and that someone is trying to kill them. Tom and his police partner Roy will soon meet up with the others. Some are fine upstanding citizens and some are violent sociopaths. What is the story behind the tattoos and who wants the marked people dead?
Konrath has quite the imagination, I must say. The truth of the tattoos is an intriguing story with some very far-fetched science involved. There is surprisingly quite a bit of humor in this horror story and a lot of non-stop action....more