QOTD: Would you spend the night at a haunted hotel for $1M where people have died?
If you like:
✔️YA
✔️Teen horror & slasher movies
✔️ ghosts
✔️multiple POV’s
This was a fun popcorn teen slasher, with ghosts!
You know those horror films where you scream at the screen for the character not to go there or do that?! Like OMG, why are you so stupid?! You’re gonna get killed kinda movies? Yeah..that’s what this was like!
I alternated between the ebook & audiobook.
What I liked:
⁃ the audiobook had 3 narrators
⁃ LOVED the setting of Hearst Hotel! That plus all the ghosts were the highlight of the story for me.
⁃ I enjoyed Chase & Chrissy’s POV. The teenage dialogue & banter made me giggle. If you can get past that, this can be a really enjoyable read.
⁃ I also liked Chrissy’s psychic abilities. I thought that was really cool the way it was described in the story.
⁃ While I saw who the killer was a mile away, I liked that reveal 👏👏
What I didn’t like:
⁃ There were a few times where I got confused between Emmaline & Kiki. Sometimes it was hard to differentiate who was talking, which is why I switched to audio.
All in all, I had a good time with this one! It moved really quickly and kept me entertained.
If you know what to expect from teen horror, you’ll like this like I did.
Happy Bookstiversary to my friend Jonny & his novella: Reaper!! @jaunts&haunts
How do you fight a monster?
Halloween night, 1992. Promised the allowance he’s always dreamed of, Gregory has to babysit his little sister Imogen and hand out candy.
That was before the basement door opened on its own. Before the strange door appeared in the basement. Before Imogen was taken from him by that terrifying monster.
Now, Gregory has to scramble to put the pieces together before it’s too late. Where did the door come from? What was that creature? Can he save his sister, or is she already gone forever?
I shined my flashlight on the wooden steps leading below, doing my best to stay calm as a frigid chill raised goosebumps on my arms and legs. There’s nothing down here but your stupid little sister. Monsters don’t exist. You’re being a baby.
Ignoring my own thoughts, I forced myself to begin my descent. Each step on the rickety stairs gave a loud squeak that made my heart pound and skin tingle. My flashlight continued to guide me down the steps, but the further down I went, the more it seemed that the darkness was getting thicker. Was that even possible? It’s all in your head.
By the time I reached the bottom of the steps, my nerves were rattled. Imogen had better be down here, and she better be ready to go. I was done playing these stupid games.
An awful smell rose on my left. I turned my light to it. On top of an old wooden table was an ornate black lantern. Wisps of black smoke came off it, but no light. I gave a good sniff and instantly recoiled.
Who lit this terrible thing? This was ten times worse than the stinky candles Mom lit every year. I plugged my nose and gave the contents of the lantern another glance. Inside was a grey-looking candle with weird flecks of black stuff molded inside of it. My nose crinkled. Whatever it was, I didn’t care. I needed to find Immy.
I turned back around to the rest of the basement. “Immy? Immy!” I shouted. I thought I heard a scuffle up ahead, so I shined my light that way.
Numerous toys littered the floor and old furniture covered with large white sheets took up most of the space in the basement. Something about the odd shapes the unwanted stuff created creeped me out, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave. I stood still, listening in the darkness. Was that … breathing? It was faint, but what else did I have to go off of?
I maneuvered around a cluster of covered couches, wiping my sweaty palms on my pants as I ventured towards the back. Ahead of me were small rows of sheeted items, but one stood out to me, one particularly little-girl shaped.
I smirked. Nice try, Immy.
I crept up on my toes, and as soon as I was within arm’s reach, I yanked the white sheet away. “Aha!” It was a rusty standing birdcage. But I could’ve sworn … Damn it! I kicked the nearest couch and wandered aimlessly to vent off my frustration.
What could I do to draw Immy out? Talking to her wasn’t working; I’d already tried that. I could try the candy route, but the bucket was all the way upstairs and she could hide again by the time I got back. I supposed I could knock stuff around until she emerged, but then I’d have to clean it all up or Mom and Dad would kill me. I walked up to an uncovered desk and wiped my finger along the top, inspecting the layer of dust on my forefinger. Maybe I could scare her out.
Suddenly, something grabbed my ankle from under the desk. I shrieked and yanked my leg back as my heart pounded.
QOTD: Which is your most disappointing or overhyped read of the year?
Ugh..for me, it was this.
How bout I start with the positives shall we?
This was a fictional true crime story. I know!! Genius right?! Something I’ve never come across before.
It started off strong and read very much like a true crime book..until it started turning into what sounded and read more like a memoir. Enter chapter 1: The Town. Oh my god..it was soooo boring! 🤦🏻♀️ I even switched to the audiobook for help and had it playing at chipmunk speed at one point, but it really didn’t help in the end.
What didn’t work for me in this story were all the unnecessary and lengthy details..The history of the town..Everyone’s past..faaack. I don’t care..
But I was still invested in wanting to know who the boogeyman was, so I started skimming, then went straight to the end. And let me tell you, that was unfortunately, also very underwhelming and suuuper predictable. I already knew who it was after ‘The First Girl’. It was so obvious.
I actually threw my phone (which I was reading from)..On the bed, clipping my hubby in the process from being frustrated. Don’t worry..My phone is fine! Oh and so is my hubby 😆
So there you have it folks..my most disappointing read of 2021! 🙊🤦🏻♀️ Trust me. I wanted to love this one big time. I mean, look at the cover! And the title?!! So me! No? 😭
Have you read this one? What did you think?
In the summer of 1988, the mutilated bodies of several missing girls begin to turn up in a small Maryland town. The grisly evidence leads police to the terrifying assumption that a serial killer is on the loose in the quiet suburb. But soon a rumor begins to spread that the evil stalking local teens is not entirely human. Law enforcement, as well as members of the FBI, are certain that the killer is a living, breathing madman—and he’s playing games with them. For a once peaceful community trapped in the depths of paranoia and suspicion, it feels like a nightmare that will never end.
Recent college graduate Richard Chizmar returns to his hometown just as a curfew is enacted and a neighborhood watch is formed. Amid preparing for his wedding and embarking on a writing career, he soon finds himself thrust into a real-life horror story. Inspired by the terrifying events, Richard writes a personal account of the serial killer’s reign of terror, unaware that these events will continue to haunt him for years to come.
“But the journey always ends at the same destination: no one is left except the monster and the final girl.”
Genre: Thriller, Horror
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you enjoy:
⁃ thrillers & suspense
⁃ Slashers
I haven’t had the best luck with a couple of his previous novels, but finally!! A Grady Hendrix book I like..no, no. Correction. LOVED.
Grady’s love for horror, particularly the classic slasher films, shone throughout this book. As someone who’s a thriller junkie and loves slashers, this was the perfect story.
I’ve seen mixed thoughts on this one, and you’ll either love it (like me) or hate it! But if you’re expecting a horror story, it’s not scary!! The best is to go into this one tuning out everyone’s thoughts until you’ve read it for yourself, and not knowing anything but the title!
For me, this was a nice fast-paced, bingeable read that took me by surprise. My inner detective was in overdrive, and I had my suspicions of who it could be at the 40% mark, but it was a lot of fun guessing who the actual killer was and being wrong on a few occasions.
No spoilers here, but let’s talk about the ending. It lost just a bit of momentum in my opinion, and some readers may find it disappointing. But it didn’t change my overall feelings towards the story.
I loved how each chapter was numbered and titled, and ended with either an article or document.
If you’re looking to dip your toes into the genre and don’t want something that’ll give you nightmares, this is a good one to start with.
Remy is a tour guide for Carrow House, a notoriously haunted building. When she’s asked to host seven guests for a week-long stay to research Carrow’s phenomena, she hopes to finally experience some of the sightings that made the house famous.
At first, it’s everything they hoped for. Then a storm moves in, cutting off their contact with the outside world, and things quickly become twisted. Doors open on their own. Seances go disastrously wrong. Red liquid seeps from behind the wallpaper. Their spirit medium wanders through the house during the night, seemingly in a trance.
Then one of the guests dies under strange circumstances, and Remy is forced to consider the possibility that the ghost of the house’s original owner, a twisted serial killer, still walks the halls.
But by then it’s too late to escape.
This was my first Darcy Coates book that I read with my buddy Jonny @jaunts & haunts. For my full review, feel free to check me out on Instagram or Goodreads.
Here’s what we thought:
Jonny: Did you feel that, Gigi? It just got really cold in here. I hope there are some ghosts around! Hi, I’m Jonny, lover of all things ghoulish and garish.
Gigi: Hey Jonny!! I think I heard something! How do you feel about going inside Carrow House?
Jonny: Hmmm … you mean that dark and spooky house we’ll possibly meet our end in? Sure, sounds like fun! 😀
Gigi: 😂 So what what were your thoughts on The Carrow Haunt? Ever been on a ghost tour before?
Jonny: Overall I enjoyed it. There were some things that didn’t wow me or I thought could’ve been better, but I had a good time. What about you?
Yeah, actually! I’ve been on a number of ghost tours and even stayed overnight at one in Atchison, KS before (The McInteer Villa!). Around Halloween time I go crazy for chills and thrills in the real world.
Gigi:I agree! I thought it was a good story, but nothing mind blowing. It was actually really slow going for me. It started off really well.I’ve never been on a ghost tour, so I felt like I was part of the tour with Remy. But then it took a while before anything major happened. Are we keeping this spoiler free? Cause I was disappointed with the ending.. I think it’s so cool that you’ve been on a ghost tour! I really wanna check one out, but at the same time I’m kinda afraid to go in one. I believe in ghosts. 😬
Jonny: I couldn’t agree with you more! Was it a good story? Yes. A great one? Hmm, not quite. The pacing of the story wasn’t evenly paced to keep my attention. At the beginning like you said we follow along the tour group and that was insanely fun to me, but after that things peter off for a bit too long before anything of note occurs. Yes, the house is eerie, but there’s only so much your audience can take before they expect something to actually happen.
I feel that as long as we don’t give away direct details, then we’re being spoiler free, so go ahead! I also didn’t like the ending. It was a bit too positive for a horror story if you ask me. I’m not the biggest fan of happy endings, especially to the extent that Coates did. It kind of left a sour taste in my mouth. That or maybe I’ve been breathing too much ghosty air from the Carrow House!
Yeah, I love that stuff! I’ve been a huge believer since childhood. I like to think that in a group tour setting things are relatively safer, especially when you don’t wander off hehe. When I stayed the night at the McInteer I had 5+ friends with me, so we were a large-ish group, enough to make me not feel so uncomfortable. One of them slept in the basement! I thought they were mad. I slept in my own room, but I kept the dimmed lights on all night because there was definitely a presence in that house.
Gigi:Basement?!! That’s hardcore in a haunted house! I can’t do that..even in a non-haunted house! 😂 I’m a big fraidy cat, yet I like to be spooked. I know..makes no sense! Hahaha.
I’m with you on that ending! I like a happily ever after, but not when it comes to horror. I did however, enjoy the ghost hunting and seance though!
Let’s talk fave, or not-so likeable characters. Who did you like the most? The least?
I hated Marjorie! She annoyed me the most. Taj was cool! I actually kinda liked Bernard. Lol.
Jonny: Yeah, totally! I think my friend was trying to overcompensate and show they were brave. Honestly, I didn’t care, but just knew I wouldn’t sleep there or in the attic. The attic felt incredibly haunted to me. I like to think of myself as someone sensitive to spirits. I don’t really see much but my feels are usually on par. Haha, I understand where you’re coming from. I don’t like to be spooked, but I do at the same time.
Right. I didn’t see why Coates felt the need to keep things that way. It would’ve been easier in my opinion to keep it darker, though I get what she was going for.
Yes, those seances were great! They felt authentic to me, and kinda made me nervous as to what was going to happen each time. Well done.
Okay, but you’re not gonna like me, haha! I actually liked Marjorie the most. I withheld that in our little checkups on each other during the read, but I thought she was the most enigmatic. She had mystery surrounding her character and her abilities, and that was what drew me to her. Yes, she had a terrible attitude and was crotchety at times, but I can relate. Half the time I don’t want to deal with people in general.
I think Taj and Bernard were my next favorites after that. They were stable and I liked their personalities. April and her friend were kinda just okay in my opinion.
Gigi:😂 hahaha. That’s ok that you loved Majorie! I love having varying views. It’s keeps the conversation interesting! Yeah..April and Lucille were just meh to me. It didn’t matter which route Coates went with them for me.
I’m like you, where I feel certain things. I know when it’s an unwelcoming place. I’ve seen things in my lifetime, but we’ll save that conversation for another time 😉
I’m so glad we read this one together! If it weren’t for you, I don’t know if I would have made it to the end of the book to be honest. But I’m glad I did! I still wanna give her other books a try and have The Whispering Dead on my eshelf.
As always, you’re an awesome buddy to read with! Are we feelin another spooky book next? Or do we wanna try fantasy? Middle grade? Let me know!!
Jonny:Oh, for sure! Varying views are the best. I’m sure in real life Marjorie would’ve gotten on my nerves but with the story she took the spotlight for a decent portion of the book. Agreed on April and Lucille. They didn’t shine very much compared to the other characters.
Wow, kindred spirits! Well, I’m glad I’m not alone in the feels. I’ve seen some strange things myself, so we’ve definitely got plenty of interesting conversations ahead of us!
Awww, well I’m glad I could inspire you to keep going with this one. It’s certainly not perfect but Coates’s stories are always fun and entertaining. Oh yes, do tell me how that goes if you read it soon!
As are you, Gigi! *digital hugs*
Hmm, well we do have some spooky MG books from the list I made for suggestions last time, but we could also switch it up. I guess the world will just have to wait with baited breath, muahaha!
Gigi:😘😘
As always, I’m looking forward to our next adventure! So let me know when you wanna buddy read again! 💖
Jonny: Me too! Thanks for continuing to take these little journeys with me! I’ll be in touch very soon! 🙂
That’s all folks! Thanks for joining us! until next time..
“So yeah, I see dead people. As far as I can remember, I always have.”
“You get used to marvelous things. You take them for granted. You can try not to, but you do.”
After his last two releases being a complete disappointment for me, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this. I had been wanting to read it for months, but at the same time was hesitant. I even broke buying ban just to get my hands on it. Which by the way..totally worth it!!
For some, the ending will having you thinking WTF?!! And may possibly even ruin it for you. But for me, I can’t say I was surprised if we’re being honest. It had actually crossed my mind early on in the story.
The narrating was really what brought this book to life. It was kinda like A Christmas Story & The Wonder Years. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much, had it been written in third person.
The story is told by Jamie Conklin who can see ghosts (think the movie Sixth Sense), from the time he was a child until now.
I absolutely loved Jamie. There were times he made me laugh out loud. Liz, on the other hand..*shaking my head* I had a bad feeling about her from the start.
I have to say, this was one of the first stories I’ve read where I thought a character got what they deserved!
The son of a struggling single mother, Jamie Conklin just wants an ordinary childhood. But Jamie is no ordinary child. Born with an unnatural ability his mom urges him to keep secret, Jamie can see what no one else can see and learn what no one else can learn. But the cost of using this ability is higher than Jamie can imagine—as he discovers when an NYPD detective draws him into the pursuit of a killer who has threatened to strike from beyond the grave.
I’ve attempted to read this book twice now! It came highly recommended and many raved about it. But unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.
What didn’t work:
-the pacing was way too slow, which resulted in me skimming and is never a good sign.
-the storytelling was very monotone. This part was explained by a friend, which is why I gave it a second chance. But in the end, I just didn’t have the patience for it.
All the ideas were there and there are some really well-written reviews on Goodreads that summarize the story really nicely (which I enjoyed), but it wasn’t enough keep me invested. Sorry..I tried!
Just cause it wasn’t my cup of tea, doesn’t mean it won’t be for you.
Have you read this yet? Have you read anything else by this author?
Seamlessly blending classic horror and a dramatic narrative with sharp social commentary, The Only Good Indians follows four American Indian men after a disturbing event from their youth puts them in a desperate struggle for their lives. Tracked by an entity bent on revenge, these childhood friends are helpless as the culture and traditions they left behind catch up to them in a violent, vengeful way.
I walked into this one knowing it would be slow burn with low expectations, yet I still somehow managed to walk out disappointed. How does that even happen?!!
WARNING: I’m about to be a total buzz kill and point out all the things that didn’t work for me:
– In chapter 3, there was akward conversation between Noemi & Howard Doyle. I get what the author was trying to achieve, but it just felt completely left field for me.
– Detail overload! I felt like there was a lot of unnecessary details, from what Noemi was doing, to what she was eating and drinking during her stay at High Place.
– Setting. I was hoping that the 1950’s setting was going to have me on a high note, but even that was disappointing for me.
It felt very present day and like I was reading a YA novel.
–Horror/thrill factor. This will be different for everyone, but 1) it wasn’t scary or creepy for me, and 2) the suspense dragged on for waay too long.
– The Reveal. Don’t worry, I’m not gonna spoil it, but I thought it was stupid.
So is it worth reading?
There’s a story for everyone. I’d say..support your library on this one!
Have you read it? Did you enjoy it?
After receiving a frantic letter from her newlywed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find – her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region.
Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom.
Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness.
And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind.
– This is the place where death delights to help the living.
I had DNF’d this first time I tried to read it. And it wasn’t because it wasn’t good. At the time, IT was still fresh in my mind, and Maggie’s stuttering reminded me too much of Bill.
I’m so glad I gave this another go, cause it was a fucking wild ride!
I totally geeked out and loved all the nerdy references:
-the Superman earrings
-Wonder Woman shirt
-Horcrux tattoo
-The name of the nurse: Bilbo! Hello LOTR!!
-Tabitha (love that he named an FBI agent after his mom). In fact, this book was dedicated to her! How sweet is that?!!
I also loved the subtle nods to Dad’s work in this one.
My only tiff was that some parts dragged . I felt like 100 pages could easily have been shaved off. And the ending..while it was satisfying, I think it should have been played out differently for an even more dramatic effect.
Overall, a great read if you’re in the mood for horror and a different take on vampires.
I know most hated Charlie Manx & Bing, but I loved them cause they were so vile!
Have you read it? Seen the show?
I haven’t seen the show yet, but I’m going to this week and can’t wait!!
Victoria McQueen has a secret gift for finding things: a misplaced bracelet, a missing photograph, answers to unanswerable questions. On her Raleigh Tuff Burner bike, she makes her way to a rickety covered bridge that, within moments, takes her wherever she needs to go, whether it’s across Massachusetts or across the country.
Charles Talent Manx has a way with children. He likes to take them for rides in his 1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith with the NOS4A2 vanity plate. With his old car, he can slip right out of the everyday world, and onto the hidden roads that transport them to an astonishing – and terrifying – playground of amusements he calls “Christmasland.”
Then, one day, Vic goes looking for trouble—and finds Manx. That was a lifetime ago. Now Vic, the only kid to ever escape Manx’s unmitigated evil, is all grown up and desperate to forget. But Charlie Manx never stopped thinking about Victoria McQueen. He’s on the road again and he’s picked up a new passenger: Vic’s own son.
First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books where we share the first line or lines of a book we are currently reading or going to start soon.
NURSE THORNTON DROPPED INTO THE LONG-TERM-CARE WARD A little before eight with a hot bag of blood for Charlie Manx.
Are you into horror?
I’m currently buddy reading NOS4A2, which is actually a second go for me. I DNF’d it the first time and wanted to try it again.
Do you ever give books you weren’t feelin the first time around a second chance by reading it again?
What are you reading right now?
Victoria McQueen has a secret gift for finding things: a misplaced bracelet, a missing photograph, answers to unanswerable questions. On her Raleigh Tuff Burner bike, she makes her way to a rickety covered bridge that, within moments, takes her wherever she needs to go, whether it’s across Massachusetts or across the country.
Charles Talent Manx has a way with children. He likes to take them for rides in his 1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith with the NOS4A2 vanity plate. With his old car, he can slip right out of the everyday world, and onto the hidden roads that transport them to an astonishing – and terrifying – playground of amusements he calls “Christmasland.”
Then, one day, Vic goes looking for trouble—and finds Manx. That was a lifetime ago. Now Vic, the only kid to ever escape Manx’s unmitigated evil, is all grown up and desperate to forget. But Charlie Manx never stopped thinking about Victoria McQueen. He’s on the road again and he’s picked up a new passenger: Vic’s own son.
The Beachy Reader 