COLD SNAP is an atmospheric novella about a grieving widow who takes her teenage son to a remote cabin over Christmas. She's carrying a lot guilt overCOLD SNAP is an atmospheric novella about a grieving widow who takes her teenage son to a remote cabin over Christmas. She's carrying a lot guilt over the circumstances of her husband's death two weeks prior, and feels that going through with the family getaway he planned would be best.
I've seen mixed reviews for this book, and I can understand where some of the harsher ones are coming from. There is a lot of repetition of certain words and phrases that got old, and some scenes with animals are quite gruesome. Not a fan.
That said, I feel like the book did a good job portraying someone slowly going mad from grief and guilt. The descriptions of the snowy, creepy woods and isolated cabin were excellent, and added a sense of dread to the story. I also thought that the strained relationship and interactions between mother and son were spot on given their situation.
The ending is ambiguous and left up to the reader's interpretation, I guess? Kind of weird, but leaves you with something to think about. It's a quick read, about 128 pages....more
Some creepy moments in the beginning hooked me, but unfortunately I lost interest along the way with the repetitiveness. I just felt like the story waSome creepy moments in the beginning hooked me, but unfortunately I lost interest along the way with the repetitiveness. I just felt like the story was lacking. Not really scary, and the ending was meh. I didn't mind the 8-year old girl's POV, though she seemed younger than her age. ...more
I enjoyed this slow burn southern gothic geared toward middle grade readers. It embraces themes of loss, grief, and family traditions, all within a crI enjoyed this slow burn southern gothic geared toward middle grade readers. It embraces themes of loss, grief, and family traditions, all within a creepy ancestral home called Dogwood House. There were scary moments, but at an appropriate level for tweens. ...more
4.5 Stars — Elementals?!? New fear unlocked. This Southern Gothic Horror classic was first published by Avon Books in 1981. I saw that it’s by the sam4.5 Stars — Elementals?!? New fear unlocked. This Southern Gothic Horror classic was first published by Avon Books in 1981. I saw that it’s by the same author who wrote the screenplays for Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas, so I was intrigued.
I wasn’t going to write a review, because I think there’s so much going on underneath the surface, and so much symbolism, that I’d need to read it again to fully digest everything. Then I decided to throw out a few thoughts anyway. I originally listened to this on audiobook, and R.C. Bray did a fantastic job with the narration and capturing the essence of so many characters.
I love a good Southern family drama, then mix in some horror and I’m hooked. In THE ELEMENTALS, there are two old families from Mobile, Alabama, connected through marriage, the McCrays and the Savages. At a place called Beldame on the Gulf, there are three Victorian summer houses — one owned by the McCrays, one owned by the Savages, and no one was sure who owned the third.
That third house was slowly being engulfed in sand, and though it appeared empty, it wasn’t. There was evil afoot, the families KNEW IT, but they still returned for holidays. The death of the Savage matriarch ignites a series of horrific events during another sweltering summer in Beldame.
I was completely absorbed in this creepy, atmospheric book. Much of it was a simmering slow-burn, as we get to know the bizarre characters and their complicated relationships, and the dark history of Beldame. Did I mention that they’re cut off from the mainland during high tide? There’s no way you could get me back there, knowing what they know, and ooh, they’re about to know more. Character-driven horror is the best.
I’m very impressed with Michael McDowell’s writing. Sadly, he’s no longer with us, but I plan on reading more of the work he left behind....more
2.5 Stars — I read this in December, and it was...ok? THE DARKEST NIGHT is a winter/holiday-themed collection of horror stories. Out of the 22 short s2.5 Stars — I read this in December, and it was...ok? THE DARKEST NIGHT is a winter/holiday-themed collection of horror stories. Out of the 22 short stories, I really liked five of them, and another four were ok.
My two favorites were "Wintry Blue" by Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon, and "Thaw" by Rachel Harrison (Yikes, I'm done with snowmen now!).
Honorable mentions go to "Mr. Butler" by Clay McLeod Chapman, "Carol of the Hells" by Kelsea Vu, and "Eggnog" by Kristi DeMeester. Unfortunately, many of the stories were too gross for me, or just weird.
What are your thoughts on short stories? I'm enjoying them more than I used to. A couple of creepy collections I'd recommend are "The Winter Spirits: Ghostly Tales for Frosty Nights" and "The Haunting Season: Ghostly Tales for Long Winter Nights."...more
3.5 Stars — A young couple move into an old fixer upper in the remote Pacific Northwest woods. All is well until a former resident shows up at the doo3.5 Stars — A young couple move into an old fixer upper in the remote Pacific Northwest woods. All is well until a former resident shows up at the door with his family in tow, wanting to come in and take a look around. What happens when they won't leave? The premise of this horror story is intriguing, and the first half of the book had me sleeping with a nightlight on. So creepy!
I'm conflicted over the ending though. I understand what the author was getting at, but there were too many loose ends and unanswered questions to be really satisfying. Moral of the story: Don't be a people pleaser.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for a digital review copy. Opinions are my own....more
Wow, this book was wild! Margaret and Hal are finally able to afford their dream home, a lovely Victorian purchased for a steal, but there’s a catch —Wow, this book was wild! Margaret and Hal are finally able to afford their dream home, a lovely Victorian purchased for a steal, but there’s a catch — it’s haunted. Even with a malevolent presence stirring up trouble, especially during the month of September, Margaret refuses to move out. After a few Septembers, Hal has had enough and leaves. Then their daughter Katherine (unaware of the hauntings) arrives looking for her dad, and oh, dear!
This was an entertaining yet disturbing horror novel that managed to pull the rug out from under me. I was truly invested in the plight of these characters and their complicated relationships, particularly the mother and daughter. Secrets are gradually revealed, and puzzle pieces click into place, or so it seems! At one point I did feel like things were getting repetitive, and I wanted to give the plot a push forward. Overall, though, I enjoyed this darkly humorous and unsettling gothic horror debut.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Excerpt from THE SEPTEMBER HOUSE on my blog HERE....more
A young Cree woman returns home to face her terrifying dreams and find out what's behind them. I was expecting a horror story, but BAD CREE turned outA young Cree woman returns home to face her terrifying dreams and find out what's behind them. I was expecting a horror story, but BAD CREE turned out to be more a coming-of-age tale about processing grief and guilt. The book's pacing was slow, and it lacked a strong plot, but I did like the Cree folklore and the strong family relationships presented. I enjoyed the supernatural elements, but was hoping for more horror or suspense....more
(4.5 Stars) THE GHOST OF DROWNED MEADOW is a fast-paced middle grade story about a new girl's struggle with making friends and fitting in after moving(4.5 Stars) THE GHOST OF DROWNED MEADOW is a fast-paced middle grade story about a new girl's struggle with making friends and fitting in after moving to Long Island, and her dealing with a ghost boy trying to find his way home, which happens to be her new house. The historical aspects were eye-opening as I wasn't familiar with Nazi indoctrination camps for children in the USA. Creepy moments, but not too scary. Enjoyed! Purchased from our school's Scholastic Book Fair....more
2.75 Stars — ROAD OF BONES is a paranormal horror/thriller set during winter along the Kolyma Highway in Siberia. Until this book popped up on my rada2.75 Stars — ROAD OF BONES is a paranormal horror/thriller set during winter along the Kolyma Highway in Siberia. Until this book popped up on my radar, I had never heard of this road or its cruel, gruesome history. Possibly up to a million gulag prisoners died building this highway and their bodies were buried underneath, victims of Stalin’s cruelty.
A documentarian and his cameraman head out on this desolate highway looking for ghost stories on their way to Akhust, the coldest town on Earth. Once they get there, they find the town has been abandoned except for one little girl, and a pack of murderous wolves, that are now after them.
I have mixed feelings about this book, and I think it’s because I was expecting something different based on the synopsis. There was a fast-paced “chase” element, interesting Siberian folklore, and a few creepy moments. But where were the ghosts? Unfortunately the “road of bones” and its tragic history were lost in the chase, except for a couple of odd disjointed parts.
ROAD OF BONES is heavy on the folktale, without a lot of whys, but I was enthralled with the descriptions of the bitter cold! (Again, where were the ghosts?) Borrowed from the library....more
4.5 Stars — I loved every creepy and unsettling moment of this book! BENEATH THE STAIRS is a haunting slow-burn, character-driven debut with a lot to 4.5 Stars — I loved every creepy and unsettling moment of this book! BENEATH THE STAIRS is a haunting slow-burn, character-driven debut with a lot to unpack. Is there a way to break free from childhood trauma and years of guilt and regret?
In upstate New York, the small town of Sumner's Mills has fallen on hard times. Storefronts are boarded, and the old factory walls are crumbling, but one building stands firm — the abandoned Octagon House deep in the woods. When a couple of young teen girls venture into its basement, their lives are changed forever by what they see. Twenty years later, the house calls them back with tragic consequences.
There were moments in this book when I was truly scared! The story takes place over multiple timelines where the disturbing history of the Octagon House is revealed. I was completely immersed in the story and the lives of the flawed characters. That creepy house wouldn't let me rest until I knew its secrets! I'm excited to read more of this author's work in the future. Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ♥...more
One-Sentence Summary: After his wife Allison is killed, Aaron Decker gradually uncovers her dark, hidden life with some otherworldly assistance.
My ThoOne-Sentence Summary: After his wife Allison is killed, Aaron Decker gradually uncovers her dark, hidden life with some otherworldly assistance.
My Thoughts: COME WITH ME was so well-written, with haunting (literally & figuratively) subject matter. Lots of creepy moments that gave me chills! Aaron’s wife is killed in a random act of violence, and as he’s mourning her loss, he finds clues to a dark past she was hiding. Was he married to a stranger?
The story is written in second person, with Aaron talking directly to deceased Allison (as the “you”) which made it so much more personal and tragic. I was just the tiniest bit disappointed with the twist at the end. I really thought the author was going in a different direction with whodunit. Overall — eerie & disturbing, a story that will stick with you for a long time. [4/5]...more
I've seen THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR on so many "Best of Horror" lists, and now I know why. It's an enthralling blend of Southern gothic fiction and quiet hoI've seen THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR on so many "Best of Horror" lists, and now I know why. It's an enthralling blend of Southern gothic fiction and quiet horror. The creepy, slow-build kind that makes you question what's really going on, something sinister or is your mind playing tricks?
This book was originally published in the 1970s and is set during that time. Colquitt and her husband Walter live in an upscale Atlanta neighborhood. There's a lot of tennis at the club, parties with the neighbors, and day drinking for these folks. Don't get me wrong! I liked Colquitt and Walter.
For many years an empty wooded "unbuildable" lot sat next to their house, and that's how they liked it. Then one day, a talented young architect finds a way to build newlyweds their modern dream home on that lot. Neighbors don't like it, but what can you do? They welcome the couple into the fold, then have to stand back helplessly while their dream home becomes a nightmare. And this happens over and over, tragedy finding each family that moves in.
In the moonlight the ice-sheathed trees tossed and tinkled like great crystal hands fingering the sky, weaving and reweaving an incantation over the sweetly sleeping shape of the house next door.
I greatly enjoyed the author's haunting, beautiful writing and her flawed & memorable characters. I especially loved trying to figure out that malevolent house and its terrible influence on the occupants & neighbors. This is the first book by Siddons I've read, and I understand her other books are more contemporary Southern fiction — probably wonderful, but I so wish she had written more horror like THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR. Fantastic! ...more
SCRITCH SCRATCH is a fantastic and spooky middle grade book that blends Chicago history, an intriguing ghostly mystery, and a story of friendship. ClaSCRITCH SCRATCH is a fantastic and spooky middle grade book that blends Chicago history, an intriguing ghostly mystery, and a story of friendship. Claire's 7th-grade year has been a challenge, with her dad's ghost tour business being super embarrassing, and a new girl moving in to steal her best friend.
Claire is a scientist and doesn't believe any of that paranormal nonsense her dad is pushing, until one night she's forced to help him on his ghost tour, and a very troubled spirit follows her home. Claire must overcome her fear of new situations and new people, while using her tried and true scientific method to solve the mystery of the ghost boy.
"Look for the story history doesn't tell, because that might be the one that matters."
As the parent of a middle grader, I feel like SCRITCH SCRATCH had just the right amount scariness for this age group, and the Chicago history woven into the story was fascinating. I ended up researching all of the places and events mentioned for even more details and pictures. I had heard the legend of Resurrection Mary, but the rest were new to me. Some were truly heartbreaking.
I loved the message of friendship and the rewards of opening your heart to new people. Claire's relationship with her older brother Sam was wonderful too. SCRITCH SCRATCH is the perfect spooky read for Halloween or any time you're in the mood for a chilling ghost story. Highly recommended!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through the Early Reads program from Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review....more
A Dark Corners short story from Amazon. Yikes. This was a horrifying and gruesome Halloween tidbit. Find out what a group of mean girls from 1982 and A Dark Corners short story from Amazon. Yikes. This was a horrifying and gruesome Halloween tidbit. Find out what a group of mean girls from 1982 and 30+ years of guilt will do! Enjoyable, yet disturbing, psychological suspense. ...more
A Dark Corners short story from Amazon. Lots of creepy goodness packed into less than 50 pages! A woman running from an abusive ex and the police takeA Dark Corners short story from Amazon. Lots of creepy goodness packed into less than 50 pages! A woman running from an abusive ex and the police takes refuge in a roadside motel on a isolated stretch of highway. Even though Eve is the only guest, she keeps hearing weird and disturbing noises at night coming from the room next door. Is she brave enough to find out what's happening on the other side of the wall? Highly recommended to fans of spooky motel stories....more
THE DROWNING KIND is a wonderfully creepy book! In Brandenburg, Vermont, and surrounding areas, the legend is that a dark p☆ Don't go near the water ☆
THE DROWNING KIND is a wonderfully creepy book! In Brandenburg, Vermont, and surrounding areas, the legend is that a dark pool of water fed by a natural spring has the power to grant wishes — but when it gives, it also takes something away.
The murky water connects the two storylines in this book: Ethel in 1929, desperately wishing for a child of her own, and Jax in present day, returning to her deceased grandmother's home after her sister Lexie drowns in the pool. In her last weeks, Lexie uncovered clues to the history of pool, but will Jax be able to decipher her sister's notes and discover what's really at the bottom?
This was an eerie, atmospheric story with a vivid sense of place. The pool itself felt alive and so menacing! The ending was quite a shocker. It's one that I had to reread just to make sure I understood what happened. I was left with some lingering questions, but overall I enjoyed it. I connected most with Ethel's story and my heart went out to her. Recommended to fans of haunting, slow-burn paranormal suspense.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review....more
3.5 Stars — Overall, I enjoyed this eerie YA tale of a troubled teen dealing with the grief of losing her father. Jane and her mom end up back in thei3.5 Stars — Overall, I enjoyed this eerie YA tale of a troubled teen dealing with the grief of losing her father. Jane and her mom end up back in their creepy ancestral home in Maine where family ghosts and generational trauma add to Jane's mental anguish.
I'm torn over the ending though —
As a straight up horror novel, the ending was fitting, BUT I wanted something more... Maybe more character growth from Jane?
How amazing is that book cover? ❤ Purchased for my library....more
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book. THE NESTING is a Gothic mystery with Nordic folklore woven into the Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book. THE NESTING is a Gothic mystery with Nordic folklore woven into the story, which sounds like something I'd love, but unfortunately it didn't work for me. The main character Lexi ends up as a nanny in Norway under false pretenses, with the false pretenses part being a weak plotline.
Was there a solid plot? Was this horror or mystery? I'm not sure about either question. The mother of the two girls Lexi is caring for died by suicide just months earlier. The father is building a home on a cliff in her honor. Weird occurrences start happening in the house, and Lexi finds the deceased woman's secret diary. What really happened to her?
There's also an environmental impact element to what's happening on the cliff, which I actually enjoyed, it's just the rest didn't make much sense. For me THE NESTING was drawn out and lacked real focus. ...more
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