Lost Solace by Karl Drinkwater blog tour Rachels Random Resources

Today is my stop on the blog tour for "Lost Solace" by Karl Drinkwater, for my stop I have my review, this is a Rachel's Random resources tour.

About the author:

Karl Drinkwater is an author with a silly name and a thousand-mile stare. He writes dystopian space opera, dark suspense and diverse social fiction. If you want compelling stories and characters worth caring about, then you’re in the right place. Welcome!

Karl lives in Scotland and owns two kilts. He has degrees in librarianship, literature and classics, but also studied astronomy and philosophy. Dolly the cat helps him finish books by sleeping on his lap so he can’t leave the desk. When he isn’t writing he loves music, nature, games and vegan cake.

Go to karldrinkwater.uk to view all his books grouped by genre.

As well as crafting his own fictional worlds, Karl has supported other writers for years with his creative writing workshops, editorial services, articles on writing and publishing, and mentoring of new authors. He’s also judged writing competitions such as the international Bram Stoker Awards, which act as a snapshot of quality contemporary fiction.


Enter your email at karldrinkwater.substack.com to be notified about his new books. Fans mean a lot to him, and replies to the newsletter go straight to his inbox, where every email is read. There is also an option for paid subscribers to support his work: in exchange you receive additional posts and complimentary books.

Social Media Links – Newsletter (and Substack) https://karldrinkwater.substack.com/ Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5766025.Karl_Drinkwater

Purchase Links for Lost Solace, piccy from our Instagram

https://karldrinkwater.myshopify.com

https://books2read.com/karldrinkwater

Lost Solace by Karl Drinkwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 273

Publisher - Organic Apocalypse

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

Sometimes spaceships disappear with everyone on board – the Lost Ships. But sometimes they come back, strangely altered, derelict, and rumoured to be full of horrors.

Opal is on a mission. She’s been seeking something her whole life. Something she is willing to die for. And she thinks it might be on a Lost Ship.

Opal has stolen Clarissa, an experimental AI-controlled spaceship, from the military. Together they have tracked down a Lost Ship, in a lonely nebula far from colonised space.

The Lost Ship is falling into the gravity well of a neutron star, and will soon be truly lost … forever. Legends say the ships harbour death, but there’s no time for indecision.

Opal gears up to board it. She’s just one woman, entering an alien and lethal environment. But perhaps with the aid of Clarissa’s intelligence – and an armoured spacesuit – Opal may stand a chance.

Can she face her demons and survive?


My Review

Opal is a woman on a mission, she has stolen a ship and took off looking for one of the Lost Ships, many have gone missing and rumours of horror on those that come back altered, Opal is driven to find one specific ship. With an experimental artifical intelligence (AI) built in, that she calls Clarissa, Opal puts her very life at risk both from the military and what lies waiting in the Lost Ship.

Oooh think Event Horizon with a bit of "Mother" from the Alien movies and that was the overall feel when I first started this book. The AI is a brilliant character add as just one human in space would take a lot of work to make engaging. The story breaks down into a fair few parts, the journey to find the Lost Ship, the understanding and development of the AI as the story unfolds. The bad guys who are chasing her, what lies within the ship awaiting and everything that transpires after.

The action on the ship is creepy and you are left with questions, well I was and sought out the author to find out if there will be another visit to this story. Thankfully there will be as I hate being left with unanswered questions and we are going to get another two books woohoo!

Opal is a fantastic character, complex, a history we learn a bit more about as we read on, she is heroic, loyal, strong and long long overdue in fiction. I loved the AI too and the relationship that formed between the two, the balsy choices and bravery through frightening encounters and life and death situations.

Whilst the build up was slow in the very beginning it created a tense, claustrophic and eerie atmosphere, perfect for space and kept me flying through page after page. Where was it going, could I trust X,Y,Z or rather could Opal, her choices, was that right, what would happen! I love when a book keeps you on your toes and I think sci-fi is such a tough genre as fans can be hyper critical. I thought this was a great opening to new characters and definitely a foundation book, the origins are done now I can't wait for the meat of it all, the where, why, what are they, what is next! 4/5 for me this time, I have read this author before but not this particular genre from them, I very much look forward to the next installment and will be rooting on my fav character(s).


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The Haunting Season - short stories - multiple authors

The Haunting Season: Ghostly Tales for Long Winter Nights by Bridget Collins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 304

Publisher - Sphere

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Winter, with its unsettling blend of the cosy and the sinister, has long been a popular time for gathering by the bright flame of a candle, or the warm crackling of a fire, and swapping stories of ghosts and strange happenings.

Now eight bestselling, award-winning authors - master storytellers of the sinister and the macabre - bring this time-honoured tradition to vivid life in a spellbinding collection of new and original haunted tales.

From a bustling Covent Garden Christmas market to the frosty moors of Yorkshire, from a country estate with a dreadful secret, to a London mansion where a beautiful girl lies frozen in death, these are stories to make your hair stand on end, send shivers down your spine and to serve as your indispensable companion to the long nights of winter.

So curl up, light a candle, and fall under the spell of The Haunting Season . . .



My Review

I am the first to admit I am not a fan of short stories but the names of the authors featuring in this one definitely drew me in. Some stories are creepy/eerie, some ghostly, a few with animal harm which is always a no for me and one or two left me wondering what I had just read.

Perfect for the spooky season or if you just want a bit of a chill/creep. A few of the authors are more skilled in creating the gothic, chilling vibes than others.

I can't say any one story stood out for me but absolutely some were more enjoyable (if that is the right word) than others. Macabre, spooky, weird and just a mix bag of the auld creepiness. 3/5 for me this time, maybe dipping in and out instead of trying to read them so close together may well have made it more palliative for me. Still plenty of folk loved/enjoyed these so absolutely check out the book and see how you get on.

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Light as a Feather by Zoe Aarsen

Light as a Feather by Zoe Aarsen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 4 days

Pages - 385

Publisher -

Source - I think this was a competition win

Blurb

Riverdale meets Final Destination in this fast-paced and deliciously creepy novel about an innocent game that turns deadly at a high school sleepover.

It was supposed to be a game…

Junior year is shaping up to be the best of McKenna Brady’s life. After a transformative summer, McKenna is welcomed into the elite group of popular girls at Weeping Willow High, led by the gorgeous Olivia Richmond. For the first time in a long time, things are looking up.

But everything changes the night of Olivia’s Sweet Sixteen sleepover. Violet, the mysterious new girl in town, suggests the girls play a game during which Violet makes up elaborate, creepily specific stories about the violent ways the friends will die. Though it unsettles McKenna, it all seems harmless at the time.

Until a week later, when Olivia dies…exactly as Violet predicted.

As Violet rises to popularity and steps into the life Olivia left unfinished, McKenna becomes convinced Olivia’s death wasn’t just a coincidence, especially when a ghost haunting her bedroom keeps leaving clues that point to Violet. With the help of her cute neighbor, Trey, McKenna pledges to get to the bottom of Violet’s secrets and true intentions before it’s too late. Because it’s only a matter of time before more lives are lost.


My Review

So how many times when you were younger did you engage in games at a stay over? For us we used to play spirits, in this book it is almost like that but huge vibes from The Craft movie. The girls are a mixed bunch Olivia is the popular girl, money, location, beauty, McKenna has kind of just made it back into the fold and new girl who is quite quiet/reserved Violet has also just made it in. The game is simple, one lies on the ground, the others around, fingers underneath and someone, Violet, leads and tells them one by one in graphic detail a story about how they will die. Spooky and creepy but it is just a game right? Until one of the stories comes true, lots of questions, was it a coincidence, did Violet somehow know? Is the rest of the stories going to happen?

So this is absolutely young adult, teen with horror type vibes going through. So there is a lot of the angst and issues that are important to the youngsters, having a date for prom, getting judged for not, mean girl vibes within the popular clique and then the spooky story/game. McKenna has the cute guy next door neighbour but he is thought to be weird so much as McKenna does like him their friendship is under the radar.

The book is a little bit all over the place as we have McKenna liking the brother of cool girl Olivia, the secret friendship with mchottie next door. Then the turn of the supernatural now I loved that and you would absolutely be diving into where did she actually come from, whats her history, how did this happen, how can her story be so close to what happens. I did love that, some of the bitchy and teen behaviour/choices did annoy me but I think it reflects of the age group of those involved (for the most part to be fair).

I wasn't a huge lover of how we rounded up and I get that there are more books in the series so the need for it and I will most likely read them because I am nosey and want to know. Some bits riveting, some were just ok and I was annoyed at a few bits but the book kept me engaged a good bit. Apparently there is a tv show too so think I will have a nosey at that, absolutely going to rewatch the craft movie, 3.5/5 for me.

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The Apparition Phase by Will Maclean

The Apparition Phase by Will Maclean
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 416

Publisher - William Heinemann

Source - Review Copy

Blurb from Goodreads

An atmospheric and stunning literary debut, reminiscent of the gothic suspense of Shirley Jackson and the ghost stories of MR James

Tim and Abi have always been different from their peers. Precociously bright, they spend their evenings in their parents’ attic discussing the macabre and unexplained, zealously rereading books on folklore, hauntings and the supernatural. In particular, they are obsessed with photographs of ghostly apparitions and the mix of terror and delight they provoke in their otherwise boring and safe childhoods.

But when Tim and Abi decide to fake a photo of a ghost to frighten an unpopular school friend, they set in motion a deadly and terrifying chain of events that neither of them could have predicted, and are forced to confront the possibility that what began as a callous prank might well have taken on a malevolent life of its own.



My Review

We open with two teenagers obsessed with ghosts and all thing macabre, so the kids decide to make a ghost photo and it has long standing consequences. Abi and Tim are pretty happy being in each others company and are pretty different and weird. The photo marks the beginning of huge changes and the story takes place over years, Tim into adulthood with spooky and eerie happenings.

For me, the story could almost be three separate ones, the kids and their upbringing, the event that changes everything for Tim, the personal and emotive journey then a heavy focus with the supernatural, haunted "house" seances. Throughout them all we have some fabulous freaky spine tingling moments. I love how so much started with a "prank" mock up photo and the message of how dangerous it can be to tangle with the unknown.

I would LOVE this to be a movie - some of the scenes echoes the old school horror/ghosts movies, creepy creepy, Vincent Price type. I would have loved a more in-depth look at the later characters that turn up, the seances, the history. It may have been my fave section of the book, give me a creepy place with anything spooky and BAM I am hooked. For a debut, with the spooky creepy parts I loved, there are emotive, personal parts to it that was ok but I wanted more of the spook. I think some people will love the other aspects of the book, who doesn't like different themes throughout a book but I would have enjoyed more of the ghostlike creepy stuff. I did enjoy this and would like to see more from this author, 3/5 for me this time.

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Ghost Virus by Graham Masterton

Ghost Virus by Graham Masterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 400

Publisher - Head of Zeus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

'A TRUE MASTER OF HORROR' JAMES HERBERT.

The girl had been staring into her mirror all morning before she picked up the small bottle of sulphuric acid and poured it over her forehead.

Samira was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her. What could have brought her to this? DC Jerry Pardoe and DS Jamila Patel of Tooting Police suspect it's suicide. But then a meek husband kills his wife, and the headteacher of the local school throws her pupils out of a window. It's no longer a random outbreak of horrific crimes. It's a deadly virus. And it's spreading. Somehow, ordinary Londoners are being infected with an insatiable lust to murder. All of the killers were wearing second-hand clothes. Could these garments be possessed by some supernatural force?

The death count is multiplying. Now Jerry and Jamila must defeat the ghost virus, before they are all infected...

'One of the most original and frightening storytellers of our time' PETER JAMES.




My Review

The opening chapter is pretty shocking, self harm so brutal it has a police investigation looking into if someone else if responsible. It is just the beginning, folk behaving in horrific violent ways, murder, referring to a second self. Whatever it is, it is happening more often, the police are puzzled and as they start digging they can't quite believe what they are uncovering.

Supernatural, graphic, gruesome, horrific - certainly a new turn on horror with a mix of human brutality. It makes for an interesting read and I think as the story unravels folk will find it a bit marmite. I enjoyed i for what it was but didn't love it. I do enjoy the writers style and will absolutely read more of his stuff.

Perfect for a horror/October/Halloween type read, suspend reality and sink in for some seriously messed up behaviour, 3/5 for me this time.

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Lover unbound by J R Ward

Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 5 days

Pages - 528

Publisher - Signet

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

The ruthless and brilliant brother Vishous possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time-until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that does not include her...

My Review

This is book 5 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, you absolutely could get away with starting with this book. Each book tends to focus on one particular member of the brotherhood, this time it is Vishous. Vishous can see the future but after everything that has happened (in the past books) his visions have stopped, he is angry and a bit destructive. Whilst out smashing the Lessers he is mortally wounded and taken to a human hospital. When the staff operate on him they don't recognise him for what he is but do see the anomalies compares to mortals anatomy. The surgeon, Jane, who saves his must be with him until he is healed and taken against her will. It isn't long before she cannot deny she has feeling and could Vishous finally be moving on from his unspeakable feelings for his friend?

The book gives us a few insights into Vishous's past, why he is the way he is, his family history and how he came into The Brotherhood. As with all the books there is sex but in this one, I felt there was more and dare I say more graphic scenes? Vishous has always been into darker, kinkier scene, control, dominance and no feelings involved. He finds a partner who can withstand his darker urges and then they part, so finding someone he cares about is a whole new ballgame for him and we see a new side to him.

We also hear more about some of the duties expected of the Brotherhood for their cause and those involved. Some of it is a bit uncomfortable to read because, without giving spoilers, the whole breeder and obedient side of the chosen ones for the purpose. Wasn't loving it although Phury and Vishous were really good when it came down to it but the whole submissive thing was a wee bit eek for me. Really good next chapter in the story though, learning more about them, their duties and what is expected of them. Each book gives new insight, fresh ideas and we see more of the members get ready for their transition. Looking forward to book 6 (on my tbrm) to see who is the next focus character and where it takes us, 3.5/5 for me this time.

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The Other People by C J Tudor

The Other People by C.J. Tudor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1.5 days

Pages -

Publisher - Michael Joseph

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

She sleeps, a pale girl in a white room . . .

Three years ago, Gabe saw his daughter taken. In the back of a rusty old car, covered in bumper stickers. He was driving behind the car. He watched her disappear. But no one believes him. Most people believe that his daughter, and wife, are dead. For a while, people believed that Gabe was responsible.

Three years later and Gabe cannot give up hope. Even though he has given up everything else. His home, his job, his old life. He spends his days and nights travelling up and down the motorway, sleeping in his camper van in service stations, searching for the car that took her. Searching for his daughter.

Katie spends a lot of her life in service stations, working as a waitress. She often sees Gabriel, or 'the thin man' as she has nicknamed him. She knows his story. She feels for him, because Katie understands what it's like to lose a loved one. Nine years ago, her father was murdered. It broke her family apart. She hasn't seen her oldest sister since the day of the funeral; the day she did something terrible.

Fran and her daughter, Alice, put in a lot of miles on the motorway. Not searching. But running. Trying to keep one step ahead of the people that want to hurt them. Because Fran knows the truth. She knows what really happened to Gabe's daughter. She knows who is responsible. And she knows that if they ever find them, they're dead.


My Review

Gabe is late going home, it is just what happens with Gabe, he is sure he see's his wee girl in a car infront of him but he can't have because she is at home with her mum, isn't she? Three years have passed since that day, since life as he knew it changed forever. Gabe lost his wife and little girl, the police don't believe him so Gabe has been investigating/travelling the same routine/places trying to find a lead. Katie works in the service station where Gabe always goes, she has her own issues trying to make ends meet without looking into what haunts this man. And then there is Fran and Alice, on the run from whom we know not, just they are in grave danger. Add into that Alice keeps having these episodes that defy logic and Fran is struggling to keep them one step ahead from those who hunt them.

The chapters flip between the three stories, building up a picture of what all three go through and wondering what if any connection they have. We know bad things have happened but each story is being teased out chapter by chapter whilst weaving in and out of the others stories. Alice's has a touch of something spooky, with her passing out and who is the girl in the mirror?

There is a character that is helping Gabe, a friend? a mysterious figure who goes by the name The Samaritan, assisting Gabe in his quest. I so so want them to have their own book, so much so I reached out to the author. He is one of those characters who doesn't have huge parts in the book but when he does you want more.

As the book goes on it draws you in, the hairs on the back of your neck creeping up as "The Other People" become apparent and you realise just what is happening. A tense book that grabs you very quickly, drawing you in deeper and deeper desperate to find out where it is all going and how it will all end, 4/5 for me this time. I have read Tudor's previous books and look forward to her next offering.

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Will Haunt You by Brian Kirk Blog Tour

Today is my turn on the blog tour for "Will Haunt You" by author Brian Kirk, I am closing the tour. If you have missed the previous stops please check them out, we all offer different content.

Will Haunt You by Brian Kirk
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: FLAME TREE PRESS; New edition edition (14 Mar. 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1787581373
• ISBN-13: 978-1787581371

• Buy Link from Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Will-Haunt-Fiction-WithoutFrontiers/dp/1787581373/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1551890615&sr=1- 1&keywords=will+haunt+you




BLURB: You don’t read the book. It reads you. Rumors of a deadly book have been floating around the dark corners of the deep web. A disturbing tale about a mysterious figure who preys on those who read the book and subjects them to a world of personalized terror. Jesse Wheeler―former guitarist of the heavy metal group The Rising Dead―was quick to discount the ominous folklore associated with the book. It takes more than some urban legend to frighten him. Hell, reality is scary enough. Seven years ago his greatest responsibility was the nightly guitar solo. Then one night when Jesse was blackout drunk, he accidentally injured his son, leaving him permanently disabled. Dreams of being a rock star died when he destroyed his son's future. Now he cuts radio jingles and fights to stay clean. But Jesse is wrong. The legend is real―and tonight he will become the protagonist in an elaborate scheme specifically tailored to prey on his fears and resurrect the ghosts from his past. Jesse is not the only one in danger, however. By reading the book, you have volunteered to participate in the author’s deadly game, with every page drawing you closer to your own personalized nightmare. The real horror doesn’t begin until you reach the end. That’s when the evil comes for you.





ABOUT THE PUBLISHER: FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launching in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. http://www.flametreepublishing.com/





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Brian Kirk is an author of dark thrillers and psychological suspense. His debut novel, We Are Monsters, was released in July 2015 and was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award® for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. His short fiction has been published in many notable magazines and anthologies. Most recently, Gutted: Beautiful Horror Stories and Behold! Oddities, Curiosities and Undefinable Wonders, where his work appears alongside multiple New York Times bestselling authors, and received an honorable mention in Ellen Datlow’s Best Horror of the Year compilation. During the day, Brian works as a freelance marketing and creative consultant. His experience working on large, integrated advertising campaigns for international companies has helped him build an effective author platform, and makes him a strong marketing ally for his publishing partners. In addition, Brian has an eye for emerging media trends and an ability to integrate storytelling into new technologies and platforms. While he’s worked to make this bio sound as impressive as possible, he’s actually a rather humble guy who believes in hard work and big dreams. Feel free to connect with him through one of the following channels. Don’t worry, he only kills his characters.


Twitter : @Brian_Kirk
Website : http://www.briankirkblog.com/


For my stop I have my review for the book, enjoy.

Will Haunt You by Brian Kirk
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - In and out over 4 days

Pages - 288

Publisher - Flame Tree Press

Source - Review Copy

Blurb from Goodreads

You don't read the book. It reads you.

Rumors of a deadly book have been floating around the dark corners of the deep web. A disturbing tale about a mysterious figure who preys on those who read the book and subjects them to a world of personalized terror. Jesse Wheeler--former guitarist of the heavy metal group The Rising Dead--was quick to discount the ominous folklore associated with the book. It takes more than some urban legend to frighten him. Hell, reality is scary enough. Seven years ago his greatest responsibility was the nightly guitar solo. Then one night when Jesse was blackout drunk, he accidentally injured his son, leaving him permanently disabled. Dreams of being a rock star died when he destroyed his son's future. Now he cuts radio jingles and fights to stay clean. But Jesse is wrong.

The legend is real--and tonight he will become the protagonist in an elaborate scheme specifically tailored to prey on his fears and resurrect the ghosts from his past. Jesse is not the only one in danger, however.

By reading the book, you have volunteered to participate in the author's deadly game, with every page drawing you closer to your own personalized nightmare.

The real horror doesn't begin until you reach the end. That's when the evil comes for you.



My review

I need to point out this book has "a prequel" if you like but it is in website format, if I hadn't agree to the tour and read this I would have went out and bought it right away. Check it out before going any further, be warned though it will freak you out it is so well done! http://briankirkblog.com/obsideo-the-...

Jesse Wheeler is tee total and the lead guitarist in a old rock band reuniting for one night and then they all disappeared. Before it Jesse had read a book, the book you are now familiar with if you clicked the link above, if not check it out, seriously. This is what happened, this is the story and warning of the book he read, the story you are now reading, you have been warned.

So the concept for this book is pretty original, I read A LOT of horror and weird books and this was a first for me. Jesse is the main character and not very likable at times, he is tee total for a reason and as you read you will get some background on him, his son, his other half and why he is being tormented. It is without a doubt one of the most trippy, weird and at times freaky books I have came across. Jesse is the narrator and I got lost in some of what was happening, I think this was to add an authentic feel to what he is experiencing and taking the reader along with him.

The book gave me echos of the movie Cabin in the Woods as I felt like that when I watched that, not always knowing what was going on, weirded out, creeped out and having so many questions. Add in a flash feel of The Matrix combined with the very old school "invaders" type movies it is a whole bowl of unique weirdness that will have the hair on the back of your neck standing up. The dialogue is a bit spacey too but again I think that is to give the reader a chance to absorb exactly what Jesse is going through and he is warning the reader as you go the peril you are in by reading his story. I think this is going to be a marmite book, some folk are going to just get it and devour it whilst others may struggle to appreciate what the author has created. Certainly a new angle at spooky horror and I can't wait to hear what you guys thought of it, 3/5 for me this time. This was my first dance with this author, I will keep a wee eye out for his other creations.

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Thirteen Days by Sunset Beach by Ramsey Campbell Blog Tour

Today is my turn on the blog tour for Thirteen Days by Sunset Beach by Ramsey Campbell, please check out the other stops as we all offer different content.





How nice is the cover, I don't often notice covers but it was one of the first things that drew me to this book.





Thirteen Days by Sunset Beach by Ramsey Campbell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 288

Publisher - Flame Tree Press

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

It’s Ray’s and Sandra’s first family holiday in Greece, on the newly developed island of Vasilema. The family weren’t to know that the skies are cloudier above the island than anywhere else in Greece, and they’re mostly intrigued by the local eccentricities and customs—the lack of mirrors, the outsize beach umbrellas, the saint’s day celebrated with an odd nocturnal ritual. Only why are there islanders who seem to follow the family wherever they go? Why do Sandra and the teenage grandchildren have strangely similar dreams? “I was in this huge place with no light and I didn’t want to see. Something sounded... huge.” And has Sandra been granted a wish she didn’t even know she made? Before their holiday is over, some of the family may learn more than they can bear about the secret that keeps the island alive...


My Review

Ray and Sandra are heading to Greece for a family holiday, their children and grand children are joining them. It is their first visit and the place is a wee bit strange, thinking it is just their customs and ways they will get used to it. Things however get stranger, affecting members of the family more than others, the locals react bizarrely at times and Ray needs answers the more he gets drawn in.

Ok so this is my first dance with this author, anyone who has Stephen King's backing - you just know is going to be good. From the get go we pretty much know something is afoot but you aren't exactly sure what. The tingling at the base of your spine, the urge to put the light on a bit brighter as you go further into the story. This isn't an in your face horror, it is more a slow burning gothic type style with suspense and bone chilling tension building up. Subtle hints, creepiness, warning signs that as a reader I was urging the characters to pick up on.

There is a huge focus on family dynamics and the family relationship as a whole, I really hated the son in law, how he spoke to staff, locals and his family. Pompous I think is the word that comes to mind and he really irritated me but it makes for good characterisation. We see how the family interact and are with each other and to the locals. What they want to do with the holiday and what is important to them, the choices they make and how the locals engage with them.

The book has many dimensions, relationships, love, family, local history and a bit of legends. If you are looking for an in your face, monsters and jumping scare fest this isn't the book for you. However, if you want something that is like the old black and white movies, slow building tension, hints at what is looming, dark, atmospheric and engaging then this is your book. Nothing screams out at you, it is all so subtle for the most part which sometimes gives the reader the power to build the fear and terror themselves. I actually nearly missed my bus stop because I was enthralled within a specific scene again nothing was in your face but I was holding my breath at what I suspected was just around the corner.

All to often we get blood, guts and gore but sometimes we like to revisit the golden oldies were you don't see the monster but you know it is there, something is there. Jaws and Blairwitch had you the audience doing the work but gave you the tools to build the terror (Jaws to a point), this was what Campbell done here I think. I read a lot of books, horror, supernatural, spooky, monsters and all the other genres, this was something different for me. Creeped me out at parts, some of the family scenes enraged me again purely because one character grated on me so much. But overall I loved the feel of the book and what I feel the author did, I also enjoyed the story within the story. I would love Campbell to visit that again and make it a book in its own right. 3.5/5 for me this time, although it is my first dance with this author I know it won't be my last, I look forward to checking out more of his work.

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The Outsider by Stephen King

The Outsider by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 561

Publisher - Scribner

Source - WHSmith (special purple edition)

Blurb from Goodreads

An unspeakable crime. A confounding investigation. At a time when the King brand has never been stronger, he has delivered one of his most unsettling and compulsively readable stories.

An eleven-year-old boy’s violated corpse is found in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City’s most popular citizens. He is Terry Maitland, Little League coach, English teacher, husband, and father of two girls. Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland once coached, orders a quick and very public arrest. Maitland has an alibi, but Anderson and the district attorney soon add DNA evidence to go with the fingerprints and witnesses. Their case seems ironclad.

As the investigation expands and horrifying answers begin to emerge, King’s propulsive story kicks into high gear, generating strong tension and almost unbearable suspense. Terry Maitland seems like a nice guy, but is he wearing another face? When the answer comes, it will shock you as only Stephen King can.


My Review

Oh you guys I love Stephen King and it has been longer than I would have liked since I read him. Here we see ourselves visiting a small town, a small child's body is found, murdered, brutalised, violated, ruined. The little league coach is ID'd by locals and evidence is irrifutable that Terry Maitland is the killer. Friend, teacher, kids coach, everyone knows Terry, they know what he looks like, they haven't got it wrong but Terry maintains his innocence and can prove he wasn't there. Can one person be in two places at one time and if so, who is the other Terry?

Oooft this kicks off quickly, the find of the child is horrific and the details aren't spared for what he endured so this is your FYI. The rage is high and Terry is arrested in a very public manner, sure the cops have eye witnesses and evidence so they KNOW he did it. As the investigation unfolds and Terry maintains his innocence people are torn and split between what they saw, what they know and the man they have known and loved, trusted with their kids for so long.

This is a great tale, it has the spooky elements we have known and loved from King, also a character from a previous book(s) turns up which I hadn't read so I am hoping I haven't spoilered it for myself. Crime, investigation, public trial and then the spooky other, two men with one face? Or a sick killer who has fooled the people he has known and loved for years. I loved it, you are back and forward, you feel the angst for the characters, the questioning, the proof, the evidence, doing what is right, justice for the child.

The bits with the child thankfully aren't many as they are graphic, you get the old hairs on the back of your neck standing up. Outrage for some of the characters, rage at some antics and question but what if you were them. I love a book that does that and carrys you along, I have been a King fan since I was a kid - I grew up on King and feel in love with his writing from a very young age. I think this is one of those stories that you can't help but love, devouring each page because you have to know where is it going. At one point I gasped out loud, I couldn't believe what I had just read nor what it meant for the turn the story was going to take. An author that can do that to you is absolutely deserving of the title Master, he is brilliant, 4.5/5 for me this time. Also, there are a few editions of this book, red cover, blue, black and then WH Smith did an exclusive purple edition (check my instagram @always_reading) beautiful and purple is my fav colour so I had to buy that one. I cannot wait to read more of King, I have a handful left I haven't gotten to yet, the man has a way with words!

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The Bucktown Babies by Janine R Pastel

The Bucktown Babies by Janine R Pestel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - ebook ?

Publisher - Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Source - Review Copy

Blurb from Goodreads

In this gripping thriller, we see that demons are real and they like the souls of babies and unborn children alike. Father Gunter is a demon's worst nightmare. But even he will need help to destroy the demon that is killing the babies of Bucktown, a small farming community. Help does come, but from a very unlikely, and unexpected, source. Will it be enough to see the demon hunter through the final showdown with evil? If Father Gunter can find and kill the demon who is harming babies in Bucktown, he will be that much closer to finding the demon that took his sister from him. He knows she's not dead. She can't be.


My Review

Father Gunter is a man on a mission, ex priest now demon hunter, searching for his sister he is also keeping an eye out for where he is needed. Bucktown is having an unusual amount of child deaths and miscarriages, he knows he is needed and heads in to investigate. He finds assistance in an unlikely ally and sets out to stop the demon!

This is the first book in a series and absolutely sets the foundations for the next book(s) in the series. Father Gunters back story is offered in segments throughout the book in between the hunt for the demon. Some of the scenes are eerie and you can feel the tension building as Gunter tries to make sense of the deaths, identify what is going on and go after the demon.

There is action, intrigue, suspense and a few hair raising moments where we see the main character deal with evil and supernatural beings. I think the author has created a foundation for a fabulously dark world that really boils down to good and evil with all kinds of sideline issues. Family, personal, the solid beliefs of a (ex) priest with some of his faith now missing after a previous encounter with evil. It has a promising start and I really look forward to seeing what is next in store for Gunter but more so getting answers to my questions. I did enjoy a fair amount of this book but I was left with so many questions and some readers love being kept in suspense but I am a nosey riot and cannot wait to be in the know. 3.5 stars out for 5 for me this time, the author has previous published work that I will have a nosey at, however this was my first introduction to her work.

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Gothic night at Waterstones

So on a pretty cold October night we headed down to Waterstones for a wee gothic night. Three authors, one I had heard of, who hasn't heard of the fabulous Michael J Malone :D Anthony O'Neill and Charles McGarry.





Not my best photograph but some of these I had taken with my mobile. The books all had a wee reading from each author.


Anthony O'Neill read from Dr Jekyll and Mr Seek.





Charles McGarry read from his book "The Ghost of Helen Addison".





And Michael J Malone reading from his book "House of Spines".





All of our authors were interviewed by the lovely Sharon B from Chapter In My Life, if you aren't familiar with her blog please check it out.


There were drinks provided free of charge, wine, water and soft drinks, we partook in a wee orange juice, I was working the next evening and never have a tipple of any kind if on the next day.





For the event I wore my Christopher Lee Dracula T shirt I picked up when I was at Liverpool horrorcon & my wee chain I got from one of the stalls, do you recognise which movie she is from?








When I was leaving these fabulous bookmarks caught my eye, I didn't buy them that night but went back for them a few days later. Stainless steel British Writers, Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and William Shakespeare. You know I love a bookmark so couldn't resist.

Ash by James Herbert

Ash by James Herbert
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 10 days

Pages - 693

Publisher - MacMillan

Source - Bought online

Blurb from Goodreads


David Ash – detective of the paranormal – is sent to the mysterious Comraich Castle, secluded deep in the Scottish countryside, to investigate a strange, high-profile case: a man has been found crucified – in a room that was locked. The reports suggest that the cliff-top castle is being haunted . . .

Who – or what – is the reclusive hooded figure that Ash has seen from the window walking across the courtyard in the dead of night?
What are the strange, animal-like sounds that come from the surrounding woods?
And why are the castle’s inhabitants so reluctant to talk about what they have seen?

. . . what Ash eventually discovers is truly shocking.



My Review

This is a re read for me, I first read this in 2012 not realising it was a trilogy and I think it absolutely affected my enjoyment, despite both times getting a 3* rating. I would absolutely advise reading the first two books as it gives you better insight into Ash's character, the theme for the actual book and alerts you to it being all about the supernatural.

Ash is put forward to go to Comraich Castle to investigate a horrific crime and unexplained goings on, David has been very much a skeptic despite his job being an investigator of the supernatural. If you read the previous books you will appreciate why David has since had a change of heart and sets to investigate. However the Castle has a grim past, it is occupied by some of the most loathsome humans of our time and evil is drawn there. Restrictions are put upon Ash as they must protect their "elite" clients who "live" there. Names from the past history appear as characters and links and secrets of folk we mere everyday Joes think have passed appear in Comraich.

It is a weird tale with some dark and horrifying scenes that may turn the stomach of some readers, rape, cannibalism, incest, horror, death, ghosts and that is just touching on some of it. Supernatural goings on, claustrophobic scenes all with the hallmark of Herbert, if you are familiar with his past work you will be fine with this. Some of it is fantastical needing to suspend belief, as is with a lot of Herbert's writing. Despite being almost 700 pages I felt it could have been longer, the ending felt unfinished and for me, somewhat unsatisfactory although I know many love it just as it is. Always the signs an author has done their job when leaving the reader wanting more, for me though I need lots of closure and answers hence it just being 3/5.

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Q&A with author Tracey Sinclair

Happy October you guys, I LOVE Halloween and for the month of October I generally read all things spooky, scary, horror and or supernatural. So, it is perfect to have an author whose first book has pretty much all of that.






What is Dark Dates about, no spoilers obvs.

Dark Dates is set in a world where vampires live secretly but relatively peacefully alongside humans (most of the time, anyway!). The heroine Cassandra discovered this in her teens and, as she got to know that world more, decided to set up a dating agency matching humans and vampires for consensual feeding. But not everyone in the paranormal world approves of this détente between humans and vampires and her business attracts a lot of trouble.


what made you go for a story with vampires and other beings rather than just vamps?

The books originally started as a short story I wrote for a vampire-loving friend, but the idea was so fun I ran with it. I was also working in Smithfield, London at the time – an area rich with history – and thought it would be interesting to imagine what it was like to have lived through that period and now be in modern London. I’ve written in other genres, too – my book Bridesmaid Blues is a straightforward romcom set in my home town of Newcastle – but it was fun to work in this, as I’ve always been a fan.


How many books do you think we will see in the series?

I have no idea! I don’t have an arc mapped out, so I tend to just go along with what comes to me. Cassandra is a unique lady, will the reader (and Cassandra) learn more about her Sense as the books go on? Yes – her Sense is very nebulous and ill-defined in the first book because she only uses it for limited things, but she gets better at it as the books go on. Never to the point of it being a superpower or anything – I want her to remain recognisably human and vulnerable – but out of necessity she learns to use it more, so we get more insight into how it works.


Who is your favourite character and why?

I love all the central characters – Cass, Cain, Laclos, Medea and Katie – in different ways, and for different reasons. Laclos is the most fun to write , though, because he can be as outrageous as he wants to be.


If you could put a famous vampire into your story, who would you pick and why?

That is a fantastic question! I can imagine Laclos would have a lot of fun teasing serious, moody vamps like Angel or Lestat. Angel and Cain would probably get along…


What are you reading just now?

Right now, I’m reading a doorstep sized biography of the painter Edward Burne-Jones by Fiona MacCarthy called The Last Pre-Raphaelite, which is fascinating, alongside a much lighter read, The Diary of a Bookseller, by Shaun Bythell. I used to work in a bookshop – several bookshops, actually – so this is bringing back memories.


What is next for Tracey?

I have a few projects on the go right now, including the next Dark Dates book, so keep your eyes open!


Where can fans find you?

My website, Twitter and Facebook links below: I always love connecting with readers! www.darkdates.org @thriftygal www.facebook.com/darkdates


Anything else I missed you want to answer?

No – thank you for having me!


Tracey Sinclair is an author and freelance editor and writer. Her books include the romcom The Bridesmaid Blues and the Dark Dates/Cassandra Bick series, the latest of which, Angel Falls, is out now. All three novels in the Dark Dates series are on offer for 99p on Kindle throughout October.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Angel-Falls-Cassandra-Bick-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B01AMOGRBY
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridesmaid-Blues-Tracey-Sinclair-ebook/dp/B00M83Y3VO/



Thanks so much to Tracey for taking time out to chat to us and if that isn't treat enough, I am giving away my pre loved copy of Dark Dates. You can find my review HERE. As always, use the Rafflecopter below to enter, the more entries you complete the more times your name goes into the hat.





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Dark Dates by Tracey Sinclair

Dark Dates by Tracey Sinclair
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - dipped in over 3 days

Pages - 246

Publisher - Amazon media

Source - author

Blurb from Goodreads

All Cassandra Bick wants is to be left to get on with doing her job. But when you’re a Sensitive whose business is running a dating agency for vampires, life is never going to be straightforward – especially when there’s a supernatural war brewing in London, a sexy new bloodsucker in town and your mysterious, homicidal and vampire hating ex-lover chooses this moment to reappear in your life…

Witty, sharp and entertaining, Dark Dates is a heady mix of vampires, witches and werewolves – with the occasional angel thrown in – and introduces Cassandra Bick, a likeable heroine destined to join the ranks of fantasy’s feistiest females.



My Review

Cassandra makes a living from her dating agency, a dating agency like no other. Hooking up humans and vampires. The agency has come to the notice of someone, someone who wants Cassandra to stop. With threats on her life, attacks on the office and vampires being killed Cassandra should give up and stay safe but she won't be warned off. Her "bootie call" Cain, ex boyfriend and destroyer of "Others" no just vampires but other beings drops in and out of her life and usually when trouble is afoot. There is more than meets the eye to Cain and Cassandra is about to find out just how special and different the people in her life really are.

This is the first in a series, we meet Cassandra who is a Sensitive with a capital S, her sense helps her read Others and help her in some tricky situations. There is a lot to her Sense and I think as the series goes on we will learn more about it. I had to email the author as I had a fair few questions about it, I think along with the character learning about it the reader is too. It is a fresh and interesting approach as vampire stories have been around for such a long time so it is hard to make it original. We have vampires, a sassy Sensitive with a mouth on her, a fabulous witch side kick, a mysterious old boyfriend who Cassandra can't seem to keep out of her bed and violence and deaths all round.

There is bad language, sex, mystery, homosexuality, a lot of humour especially from Cassandra she is quirky, feisty, strong, independent and I did laugh out loud in parts. If work hadn't gotten in the way I could have read this in one sitting. There was more than a few actions I found myself frustrated with, especially how Cassandra responded to certain situations however I think that brings realism into it. How often has someone acted or said something in a situation and you just wanted to slap them or shout no why didn't you say X,Y,Z! A very promising start to a series and I look forward to more from Sinclair and seeing what is in store for Cassandra and crew, 4/5 for me this time. Thanks to the author for introducing to a new series and sending me a review copy.

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Keep Me Safe by Daniela Sacerdoti

Keep Me Safe by Daniela Sacerdoti
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 352

Publisher - Headline Review

Blurb from Goodreads


A lost girl shows a mother and her daughter their way home. Keep Me Safe is the much anticipated new novel from the author loved by over a million readers, Daniela Sacerdoti. Perfect for all fans of Nicholas Sparks and Cecelia Ahern. 'Beautifully written... I could almost hear the sea and the wind. A great book' Lesley Pearse

When Anna's partner walks away from their relationship, she is shattered. But it is her little girl Ava who takes it hardest of all. The six year old falls silent for three days. When she does speak, her words are troubling. Ava wants to go home. To a place called Seal. To her other mother.

Anna knows to unravel the mystery she must find Seal and take Ava there. She hopes this tiny island will unlock her daughter's memories. But could it also offer a new life... and unexpected love... for Anna too?


My Review

Anna wants to give her little girl the security and life she never had but when her partner leaves both her six year old Ava their world is turned upside down. Ava withdraws and seems to shut down for three days, when she comes out of it she is asking Anna for her mother. Anna is uneasy and confused, Ava talks about another family and home frequently getting upset. Eventually Anna takes Ava to this place in the hopes of settling the mystery and bringing her daughter some closure. The town is welcoming but Ava knows things, her memories of the place she has never visited are accurate and eerie. Bringing Ava to Seal will help Ava, some of the locals and maybe even bring some closure for Anna too?

This is a different wee book, atmospheric, hints of supernatural, a small close knit town, secrets, hurt, attraction and loss are only some of the themes covered. It is a busy wee book and some of the scenes set in Seal are so vivid you can hear the waves crashes and smell the thick sea air as the author draws you into Anna and Ava's world. A mother will do anything for her child and that is exactly what Anna sets out to do, no matter how outlandish the plan seems. There are a few questionable actions of some of the characters in the book and a few things I saw coming before they happened. Otherwise it is a lovely read with some splashes of sorrow and a few turns of fate to bring one broken family to another to find some answers and closure.

This is the first time I have read this author, I would certainly read more and would like to hear more about the other characters. The supernatural aspects would be great to have some more insight into and see how the characters develop, I will be looking out for book two which I believe is out next year. 3.5 stars for me this time, if you are looking for something with a bit of romance, mystery, intrigue, supernatural and family dramas I think you will greatly enjoy this one.

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IT by Stephen King

It by Stephen King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - dipped in and out over 6 days

Pages - 912

Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton

Blurb from Amazon

To the children, the town was their whole world. To the adults, knowing better, Derry Maine was just their home town: familiar, well-ordered for the most part. A good place to live.

It is the children who see - and feel - what makes the small town of Derry so horribly different. In the storm drains, in the sewers, IT lurks, taking on the shape of every nightmare, each one's deepest dread. Sometimes IT reaches up, seizing, tearing, killing . . .

Time passes and the children grow up, move away and forget. Until they are called back, once more to confront IT as IT stirs and coils in the sullen depths of their memories, reaching up again to make their past nightmares a terrible present reality.


My Review

This is a re read for me, I read it as a kid (yes I had no place reading such a book at a young age but it began my love of reading and horror), re read it seven years ago and again in prep for the new movie. There is a killer in Derry Main, supernatural and targeting kids, killing them in vicious and terrifying ways. With the killing of young Georgie it kicks starts something IT (the monster) could never have foreseen. Georgie's brother Bill and his friends go on a journey of terror and with a beautiful childlike innocence to confront IT and make a pact for the future, if IT comes back they will too.

The book is split over two timelines, back in the 50s when it all first happens and in the 80s (present day) where the group are now adults and called upon from their pact they made when kids. The killer takes the form of many, Pennywise the clown being one of the most that we readers and fans of the movie know best. But IT has many forms and has gone unchallenged for a long long time. Bill, Ben, Eddie, Bev, Stan, Mike & Ritchie are brought together in friendship and fear to form the Losers Club, they are uniting against the local thug and unknowingly IT. A tale that covers so so much, yes it is a horror and yes there are some claustrophobic gut churning moments of absolute terror but there is also so much more. Friendship, loyalty, innocence, love, racism, marriage, violence, abuse, supernatural and that is just scratching the surface. I loved this book as a kid although I was caught up in the horror side of it. As an adult the other themes really stand out, the racism is horrific and really strong through a huge portion of the book.

I only got to read this in snippets as I have had work and other things on, but I found myself sitting at 3am not realizing how many hours had passed as you just get absorbed into the story. I know some folk have mixed views on how the book turns and wraps up, I think because this was pretty much one of the first books I ever read it will always have that power for me. Clowns are particularly frightening for so many folk, I never had issues with them but Pennywise is indeed something else. I have this book in hardback and ebook and it is absolutely a keeper for me, master King has long been one of my favourite authors and I still have a few of his I haven't gotten to yet. 5/5 for me this time, absolutely not for the faint hearted of easily offended and it is a huge book at almost 1000 pages, if you like King or horror I think you will love this one!

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