I’ll be sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to
get those scares on for the 31st!
And welcome to my Monday Minis Reviews where I share shorter reviews of books I’ve read.
This may be a short story, but it had some strong creep factors.
Don’t Ask About The Guy In The Basement
by Jason Ingolfsland
Genre: Horror
My Review
This is a very short story. Comes in at around 25 pages.
In those 25 pages, the author sucked me in and spit me out. A bit creeped out. And with a new appreciation for doing research, lots of it, before buying a new home.
A couple looking for their dream home can’t believe they actually found it. The only hitch, someone lives in the basement. He has a years lease. You can’t ask about him. Can’t go down there. Would you pass up your dream home for a measly 365 day mysterious guest?
They should have. Nough said about that.
Reminiscent of episodes you’d see on The Twilight Zone or Tales From The Darkside, this was creepy fun. It had a twisted ending that caught me by surprise. Probably should have seen it coming but the author did a good job of not giving me a clue.
If you’re a fan of twisted plots and short reads, give this one a go.
3 Stars
~~~~~
Synopsis
They found the perfect house. It was everything they wanted and more until their realtor told them about a man who lives in the basement. If they wanted to buy it, he’s part of the deal and he doesn’t want to be disturbed. They have to make the decision. Do they buy the house and live in it with a stranger living underneath or give up on their dream home? Their choice will thrust them into a situation way more than they bargained for.
Scientists attempted to find a cure for addiction. They failed.
Dr. Everett Berning, a leading researcher into the causes of addiction in
the brain, spent ten years of his life dedicated to one thing:
finding the cure. Recruited after a strange encounter with the
enigmatic Dr. Roberta Flint, Director of Research on Code Name:
Rememdium, Dr. Berning is sent to work in a secret lab as part of the
research team.
When the moment the scientists waited on for years arrives, Dr. Flint
and her team are ecstatic.
Unfortunately,
not everyone in the world feels the same way.
Benito San Nicholas isn’t ready to give up his lucrative business. When the
news of a cure arrives on his doorstep from a crooked informant,
Benito enlists the help of other drug lords from around the world to
stop the cure from hitting the streets and destroying their
livelihoods.
What happens next ends up uniting the globe–just not the way society
ever intended or hoped.
.
.
“Tainted Cure is a huge success on different levels. First, the story is
original, well thought-out, and brilliantly accomplished. It’s not
unusual to read books with dangerous products falling into the wrong
hands, but what happens when a good product falls into the wrong
hands? The characters are lovely and engaging, and readers will feel
inclined to connect with Dr. Everett Berning and the enigmatic
Roberta Flint. Benito is the epitome of evil, a greedy character that
readers will hate. Third, the pace is fast and there are so many
surprises and twists to keep readers turning the pages. Ashley
Fontainne has crafted an intriguing story that starts with a bang and
ends on a very high note. You can’t help but fall for this author’s
beautiful prose, her complex characters, and the oh-so-entertaining
read.” – Romuald Dzemo for Readers’ Favorite
DR. EVERETT BERNING achieved his life’s work by discovering a cure for
drug addiction. Unfortunately, the formula was stolen and fell into
the hands of the enemy.
DRUG LORDS from around the world unknowingly released the altered, deadly
formula into their supply, affecting millions across the
globe.
WITHIN FORTY-EIGHT HOURS, the entire planet is thrown into chaos as the
disease spreads.
REGINA PARKER, Chief of Police of the tiny town of Rockport, Arkansas, isn’t
willing to let the military kill thousands of innocent people in a
rush to contain the outbreak. She leads a small contingent of
survivors on a dangerous quest to keep her town safe from the
soldiers and the dead.
WILL DR. BERNING be able to isolate the contagion and find a way to
reverse it, or is it too late to save humanity from the tainted cure?
How far will Chief Parker go to save the lives of others as the world
collapses around them?
Everything they know is gone. The old world obliterated in less than forty-eight
hours. They soon discover they aren’t alone, and other dangers
besides the undead lurk in the forests. The new law of the land: kill
or be killed
Dr. Everett Berning and his team seek refuge in the underground lab in
the Ozark Mountains. The first week after the collapse of
civilization, those who made it out alive struggle against the odds
to survive.
Only a handful escaped the devastation in their hometown of Malvern,
Arkansas, and they grapple with the new reality. Tired, frightened,
and mourning the loss of loved ones, they attempt to regroup and cope
with the life-altering changes.
When one suffers a debilitating injury, they are thrust into a tenuous
relationship with Dr. Berning’s group. Other survivors battle the
odds as they flee treacherous cities destroyed by the government and
crawling with reanimated corpses.
Unfortunately, they all are about to discover the roaming dead aren’t the only
threat they face. As the world plummets into darkness, things will
never be the same. Ever.
Award-winning and International bestselling author Ashley Fontainne enjoys stories
that immerse the reader deep into the human psyche and the monsters
lurking within each of us. She writes in numerous genres including
mystery, suspense, horror, sci-fi and sometimes poetry.
Ashley lives in Arkansas with her husband and is the proud mother of
I’ll be sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to
get those scares on for the 31st!
I’ve got a whole bunch of scary goodies to share today. What do you think of that cover. It’s the one for the eBook on Amazon. The one at the bottom of the post is the one shown on Goodreads. Which do you like best?
Tales Of Horror On Halloween Night
An Anthology compiled by Samie Sands.
Genre: Horror
My Review
I’m huge on short stories and collections. Especially in the horror genre. I read these over several days. There are 32 stories and a bonus dystopian one called Ground Zero.
Since these are short stories, it’s hard to talk about them without spoiling things. And there are so many, I can’t pick just a couple as favorites. Some stood out more than others. There was suspense, thrills, and lots of horror in several genres. Even some poetry.
And while I was familiar with some of these authors, there were a bunch of new ones. After trying these quick bites, I’ll be checking them out to see what else they have to offer. That’s the great thing about collections like this.
Tis the season for scares….for me that’s year round, and I recommend you grab this collection.
4 Stars
~~~~~
Synopsis
Spooky stories written by some of the most horrifying authors around:
Rob Shepherd, Victoria Pagac, Rick Eddy, Linda Jenkinson, Kyle Flak, R.M. Gibson, Brandon Swarrow, Justin Coke, Kevin S. Hall, Dean Kuch, Dave J. Suscheck, Jr., Samie Sands, Georgina Price, Nicholas Boving, K.C. Finn, Anthony Pugliese, James Harper, Andy Lockwood, Amy S. Pacini, James Bryant, Cecilia H. Doldan, and Manus Tor.
There’s creepy poetry, terrifying stories and apocalyptic and dystopian worlds like you wouldn’t believe!
I got my internet fixed……just in time for Hurricane Nate. Yep, got one coming right into me neighborhood tonight. I haven’t been through one in a long time. The last was Ivan. I believe that was in 2004. It’s a Category 1, but packing lots of wind and rain. I’ll admit, I’m scared. I have Pecan trees all around my house, and with their shallow root systems, they easily blow over. I’m crossing fingers, toes, eyes, well, everything I can that it doesn’t get too bad.
That’s why I posted this on Saturday instead of Sunday. Just in case the power goes out. It’s 7 p.m. and the rain is pouring and the wind is picking up. Signing off for now so I can track the weather on Facebook.
I may not be able to visit your posts but I do thank you for stopping by mine!
*****
My new books this week.
*****
I usually share a bunch of free books on my post but with the hurricane coming in Saturday night, I figured I’d lose power at some time and wouldn’t be able to check to make sure the books were still free before posting. I’ll be back to sharing some next week.
I do have some books on my free books page. Just be sure to check the price before clicking. You find find the link at the bottom of my post.
*****
Books I reviewed this week. Click on the covers to read my reviews.
I’ll be sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to
get those scares on for the 31st!
And welcome to my Saturday Screams where I share books that, well, make you scream!
Loch Ness Revenge
by Hunter Shea
Genre: Horror
My Review
I’ve watched a lot of movies and read a lot of books about the Loch Ness Monster and couldn’t wait to see how Hunter spun this legend.
Your thrown right into the thick of things from the first chapter. Poor twins, Austin and Natalie, witness the horrific attack and death of their parents by a creature risen from the depths of Loch Ness. Some twenty years later the twins set out to destroy the creature. Little do they know it’s not just one beast that swims the depths, waiting for hapless victims to feed upon. The legend is real. It wants revenge. And it has the numbers to tip the scale in its favor.
I love the water. I love the smell, the sound of the waves lapping at the shore, the feel of weightlessness while swimming. What I don’t love is what lives in it. The slimy weeds that brush against your body. The darting shadows that you can’t quite make out. The things that shift under the sand when you step on it. It all creeps me out. And that was before I watched Jaws. I no longer swim in the ocean or lakes. I have a pool.
This story has tons of atmosphere and great visual writing. I’ve never been to the Loch, but I could easily see it. And I could imagine the ripples on it’s surface as something large swims below.
And as per the norm, the author doesn’t spare any of his characters. This worried me since I became quite fond of a few of them, so don’t get too attached. It is a monster story after all. Many will become bloody bits of chum.
I knew Hunter would give us a Nessie like no other. I’d love to see this as a movie. To see what the author describes.
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time before you starting reading this book. Hunter wastes little time getting to the meat of his story. It’s all out mayhem once it begins and a bumpy ride to the end.
4 Stars
~~~~~
Synopsis
Deep in the murky waters of Loch Ness, the creature known as Nessie has returned. Twins Natalie and Austin McQueen watched in horror as their parents were devoured by the world’s most infamous lake monster. Two decades later, it’s their turn to hunt the legend. But what lurks in the Loch is not what they expected. Nessie is devouring everything in and around the Loch, and it’s not alone. Hell has come to the Scottish Highlands. In a fierce battle between man and monster, the world may never be the same.
I’ll be sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to
get those scares on for the 31st!
Welcome to Freakin Fridays, where I share my reviews of books that scare you, thrill you, and get those endorphins pumping.
I’ve got a creepy crawly one to share today.
~~~~~
Skitter
The Hatching #2
by Ezekiel Boone
Genre: Horror
My Review
I really enjoyed The Hatching so it was a no brainer to continue with the series.
Everyone breathes a sigh of relief. The spiders have died. Could it be over? Is it time to rebuild and get back to life as they know it? Not so fast.
Scientists and experts have been studying the spiders and the egg sacs discovered hidden across the planet. They find some horrifying indications that the worst is yet to come. When it all starts falling apart again it’s every man for themselves as countries are devastated and drastic measures are taken to contain the threat.
I was super excited for this book. I met some great characters that survived the first book and wanted to know what would happen to them. One group in particular, hiding in a luxury fall out shelter, were among my favorites. I could almost see them and had to laugh at some of things they said and did. And they had a dog too. Always love the furry companions. And worrying if it would be eaten by spiders sure added to my worries about the stories outcome.
Even though the book had me jumping from one place to the next and one scenario to the next, it wasn’t hard to follow and I enjoyed the scientific parts. The only thing lacking was spiders. I wish there were more attacks. Sure, there were some, but I missed the endless hordes of spiders creeping and crawling, unstoppable and hungry.
I didn’t realize the series didn’t end with Skitter. There’s an ending of sorts but lots more to be told. I’ll be waiting for what comes next.
4 Stars
~~~~~
Synopsis
Tens of millions of people around the world are dead. Half of China is a nuclear wasteland. Mysterious flesh-eating spiders are marching through Los Angeles, Oslo, Delhi, Rio de Janeiro, and countless other cities. According to scientist Melanie Guyer, however, the spider situation seems to be looking up. Yet in Japan, a giant, truck-sized, glowing egg sack gives a shocking preview of what is to come, even as survivors in Los Angeles panic and break the quarantine zone. Out in the desert, survivalists Gordo and Shotgun are trying to invent a spider super weapon, but it’s not clear if it’s too late, because President Stephanie Pilgrim has been forced to enact the plan of last resort: The Spanish Protocol. America, you are on your own.
I’ll be sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to
get those scares on for the 31st!
I’m sharing more from Hunter Shea. Is one of my go to authors for bloody carnage and fun.
Just Add Water
Mail Order Massacre #1
by Hunter Shea
Genre: Horror
My Review
I’m sure many of you bought them. Those sea monkeys advertised in comic books. I did. And so did a couple of boys.They clip out the order form, fill it out, insert their dollar bill and send it off. When the order arrives and their freeze dried pets don’t hatch and start to stink, they dump them in the sewer.
Yep, you guessed it. Time passes. The creatures hatch. They grow. They crawl out of the sewers. Horrific in ways unimaginable. And then they feed. There goes the neighborhood.
I can always count on Hunter to make me laugh and squirm at the same time. It’s bloody good fun on the level of B- movies. It doesn’t have to be spectacular writing. The author doesn’t have to have his ducks all in a row. He just lets it rip and rip and rip.
If you haven’t tried any of Hunter’s books before, this would be a perfect first read. Not too short or too long and packed full of action.
4 Stars
~~~~~
Synopsis
GROW AMAZING LIVE SEA SERPENTS!
It’s fun! It’s easy! They only cost a measly dollar. Just clip out the ad in your comic book. Then ask Mom to mail it in. A few weeks later, receive a packet of instant Sea Serpent dust. Then:
Just add water . . . and watch them grow!
WHAT COULD GO WRONG?
Just ask David and Patrick. Their “instant pets” are instant duds. They don’t hatch, they don’t grow, they don’t do anything. So they dump them into the sewer where Dad pours toxic chemicals . . .
WAIT UNTIL FEEDING TIME.
It’s been years since David and Patrick thought about those Sea Serpents. But now, small animals are disappearing in the neighborhood. Strange slimy creatures are rising from the sewers. And once the screaming starts, David and Patrick realize that their childhood pets really did come to life. With a vengeance. They’re enormous . . . and have a ravenous hunger for human flesh . . .
I remember those silly ads in the back of comic books. I actually bought those sea monkeys. And if I’d come across an ad about X-ray vision glasses, I’d probably have bought those too. When Martin Blackstone tries on his son’s silly glasses he doesn’t expect anything to really happen. Imagine his surprise when they work. He can see under peoples clothes, and more. And the more he dons the glasses the more he sees. Until he sees too much. And the glasses won’t come off.
Who says you have to like the main character to enjoy a book? I’ve read many a good story where I didn’t and had fun seeing how bad things could get for them. Martin isn’t really likeable to begin with. You’ll come to loathe him when the changes begin. When the glasses he scoffed at turn him into something terrible. It made me wonder if Martin might have shown his hidden ugliness in some other way if he’d never put on those glasses. All that evil couldn’t come from out of the blue could it? It had to be there, under the surface, waiting for a chance to come out and play, right?
This is such a fun series. I really enjoyed Just Add Water, the first in Hunter’s Mail Order Massacre series.
While this one didn’t wow me as much as the first book, it was still worth the read. The author gave me the gory fun I’d come to expect.
3 Stars
~~~~~
Synopsis
OPEN YOUR EYES WITH “X-RAY” VISION!
Put on a pair of “X-Ray” glasses and things will never look the same! These almost magical specs will make you the hit of the party! Astonishing three-dimensional X-Ray visions of what your friends—and girls—look like under their clothes! And all for just $1.
THE MORE YOU WEAR THEM . . .
Martin Blackstone punishes his son for wasting his allowance on a pair of flimsy cardboard sunglasses X-ray vision . . . yeah, right. Martin tries them on just for the hell of it—and all they do is give him a headache . . .
. . . THE DEEPER YOU’LL SEE.
Until he sees things he can’t possibly be seeing. Glimpses of things on the other side of a wall or beneath someone’s clothing. He wants to believe it’s just his overactive imagination but the “X-Ray” specs actually work. Then the fun novelty becomes a waking nightmare when the glasses burn into his face and he starts seeing horrifying apocalyptic visions no mortal man was ever meant to see. Images that alter his very personality—from a husband and father to a bloodthirsty homicidal maniac . . .
Can a psychologist, still grieving the loss of her husband, save a traumatized war veteran who is planning his own death? Stories Untold explores the devastation of loss, the struggle to find meaning in life, and the enduring power of love that transcends boundaries between past and future.
They’re both strong and fearless, determined, relentless.
He’s a decorated war veteran and he wants to die.
She’s a prominent psychologist and she won’t give up on him.
When a suicidal client seeks her help, Dr. Angela Blackwell cannot turn him away, despite the fact that he isn’t seeking the kind of help she normally provides her clients. The man, who won’t fully identify himself, wants the distinguished psychologist to stand witness after his planned death in six months’ time, ensuring his wife will not be charged as an accessory or be hindered from collecting the death benefit he carefully provisioned for her. He calls himself DJ and won’t willingly share anything about his past.
As Dr. Blackwell is struggling to reconstruct her own life after the loss of her husband, she recognizes his unusual request as a subconscious cry for help and embarks on a relentless effort to guide the reluctant stranger in uncovering the trauma that has permanently altered the course of his existence. Playing a deck of cards stacked high against her and rushing against time, she has no other option but to intervene, pushing the ethical boundaries of the doctor-client relationship and refusing to give up.
An astonishing, vibrant story of human strength and frailty, of love lost and love found, the Stories Untold saga will captivate as few stories ever do, with unexpected twists and turns, leaving a lasting memory ingrained into the essence of the reader’s being.
Bestselling author Leslie Wolfe is passionate about writing fiction, despite spending a significant number of years climbing the corporate ladder. Leaving the coveted world of boardrooms for the blissful peace of the Florida-based “Wolves’ den,” Leslie answers one true calling: writing.
Leslie’s novels break the mold of traditional thrillers. Fascinated by technology and psychology, Leslie brings extensive background and research in these fields that empower and add texture to a signature, multi-dimensional, engaging writing style.
Leslie released the first novel, Executive, in October 2011. It was very well received, including inquiries from Hollywood. Since then, Leslie published numerous novels and enjoyed growing success and recognition in the marketplace. Among Leslie’s most notable works, The Watson Girl (2017) was recognized for offering a unique insight into the mind of a serial killer and a rarely seen first person account of his actions, in a dramatic and intense procedural thriller.
A complete list of Leslie’s titles is available HERE.
Leslie enjoys engaging with readers every day and would love to hear from you.
Become an insider: gain early access to previews of Leslie’s new novels:
I’ll be sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to
get those scares on for the 31st!
and
Welcome to The Kid’s Korner.
I decided to do this feature as I have so many great children’s books to share. From picture books, to books for beginning readers, to middle graders, I have plenty of fun ones.
Today I’m sharing a scary good adventure.
Monster Manor
by Anita Valle
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
My Review
Mo and his mother are soon to be homeless until a mysterious invitation is slipped under their door. They arrive at Monster Apartments. and the offer seems too good to be true. Soon they understand why.
Mo is a twelve year old boy. He’s also the school bully. Nicknamed Monster by the other kids he takes pride in being just that. But what if there are real monsters? Ones bigger, meaner and more dangerous than Mo?
What a fun story. I didn’t care much for Mo at first. He wasn’t in a big hurry to change. Even after meeting some real monsters that are his new neighbors. But there’s one monster that’s meaner and nastier than Mo and he’s coming for him. Things got interesting when Mo tried to bully one particular monster. The consequences weren’t good.
Soon after that, Mo started to win me over. He started to see what he was, desired to change in spite of himself, and was actually quite clever and funny.
There are some cool monsters. Big ones and small ones. Dragons, cyclops, fairies and more. And one very bad one. If I had to pick a favorite, I’d choose the fairies. They are like tiny party gals. They like sparkly clothes and loud music, throwing parties every night.
Middle grade readers will have fun with this story. Plus, there’s an important message about bullying. No matter what motivates the actions, there’s always room for change. If you build it….friends will come.
4 Stars
~~~~~
Synopsis
The kids at school call him “Monster”. Twelve-year-old Mo is the school bully – and darn proud of it. That’s before he finds himself homeless and forced to move to the only place available: a building called Monster Apartments.
At first it’s all cool. Giant apartment, creepy forest scenery, nice girl across the
street. Then Mo meets the tenants and the shock hits harder than a drunken landlord: real monsters, every one. Cyclops, dragon, fairies, werewolf – and a Minotaur maniac with a taste for tormenting Mo.
Before you can spit, Mo goes from bully to bullied. The Minotaur knocks out everything Mo’s got – his confidence, his safety, his friendship with the new girl. Like it or not, Mo’s got to face it that two monsters have to be stopped here: the bully in the building, and the bully that he is.
Monster Apartments is a coming-of-age novel in which the bully learns firsthand just how “monstrous” his bullying really is. Add a cast of unconventional monsters (such as the agoraphobic dragon and the cyclops with his own medical practice) and Monster Apartments is a fun tale for middle-grade readers. Recommended for ages 9-12
A fatal car crash. The sole survivor. And the dark hooded stranger that
wants her dead.
When a terrible accident—not accident—stole
my parents’ lives, my whole perfect life changed. My memories are
hazy, and there are scars on my wrists. I’ve been locked away for
my own protection…until I prove my sanity, until I lie.There
was no hooded figure on the road that day, no one standing over me as
I lay paralyzed watching my parents burn.
I am Cassidy Lockheart…20-year-old orphan.
Determined to free my caged mind, I find myself far away on an unexpected trip
to help return my forgotten past. The snow was part of my life
before, but now it’s like a blank slate, until an avalanche changes
everything. But I’m not alone. These other ‘lucky’ trip winners
may not be the strangers they pretend to be. And my hooded attacker…I
see him everywhere.
Is this real? Or delusion caused by head trauma?
Either way, I’m being watched. I can sense it. I can feelit.
Someone is after me; maybe they’re after us all. The avalanche was
no accident. It was staged to deliver us to this abandoned place. A
place where the walls whisper dark secrets of a sinister past…a
past no one can escape. Trapped, this snow won’t let up…it won’t
let us leave. My lost memories hold clues, but they’re buried so
deep, polluted and twisted in my every waking nightmare. What is
real? I don’t have the answers. But I need them. Time is ticking
and if I don’t figure this all out soon it will be too late.
The past is coming for us all…and it wants blood.
Warning
– This book contains some graphic scenes that are only for an adult
audience.
Psychological Thriller / Horror
“Think of the tension of Silence of the Lambs combined with the horror of
Carrie and you have Nerve Damage. This is a psychological thriller
that won’t let you put it down, yet you are almost too scared to turn the page!”
Diane Richmond (devoted bookworm) ★★★★★
This chilling tale from J.L. Myers is a suspenseful and twisted addition
to other great psychological thrillers from the likes of Sarah A.
Denzil, K.L. Slater, and Dot Hutchison.
Jessica L Myers’ vivid imagination and quiet demeanor as a child led her to
the imaginary worlds of books. Even at a young age, her love for the
supernatural was prevalent, with her first loved books being R.L.
Stine’s Goosebumps series. Following that she took an interest in
other non-fantasy fiction, including Virginia C. Andrews series
Flowers in the Attic.
In her teen years, Jessica spent many school hours writing poetry and
dark short stories and took up sketching some of the terrifying
things that came from the graphic night terrors she’d grown up with.
As an adult and after meeting the love of her life, Jessica got married
and started a small construction business with her husband. With the
birth of her son, Jessica suffered PPD and found escape in her books
and their fantasy landscapes. It was at this time that her need to
write flourished. In 2009 the decision was made and the first words
to her New Adult Paranormal Romance novel What Lies Inside were
written.
When Jessica isn’t immersed in writing about extraordinary characters
with dangerous abilities and deadly obstacles to overcome, she likes
to spend time with her two kids and husband, curl up with a good
book, or watch anything and everything supernatural.
![Tales Of Horror On Halloween Night by [Sands, Samie, Hall, Kevin, Suscheck Jr., Dave, Price, Georgina, Boving, Nicholas, Finn, K, Pugliese, Anthony, Harper, James, Lockwood, Andy, Pacini, Amy]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51VD9XerX7L._SY346_.jpg)
