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nzlisam's reviews
1100 reviews
In Bloom by Paul Tremblay
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
Creature Feature is a collection of six Amazon-Original scary stories, each focusing on a different monster, penned by well-known authors in the horror and thriller genres. This is story 4/6.
In Bloom by Paul Tremblay – 1.5 Pumpkins 🎃.5
Jimmy relates a story to reporter Heidi of when he was 12 years old in 1983 and encountered a swamp-like monster.
This was my first experience with Paul Tremblay, so I have a question – does he always write so technical? Because I was struggling not to nod off. For example, when the description of the creature contained words like ‘amorphous flagella' I'm rolling my eyes as opposed to being terrified. And do characters in a short story really need so much irrelevant backstory? The ambiguous ending did arouse my curiosity, but it was tedious to get there.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Amazon, and Paul Tremblay for the e-ARC.
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It Waits in the Woods by Josh Malerman
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Creature Feature is a collection of six Amazon-Original scary stories, each focusing on a different monster, penned by well-known authors in the horror and thriller genres. This is story 3/6.
It Waits in the Woods by Josh Malerman – 2 Pumpkins 🎃🎃
Since the 1970’s there have been whispers of a faceless creature named Ospo, haunting Michigan's, Ucatanani National Forest, killing victims to steal their faces. Three years ago, Brenda's sister, Amanda went missing in said forest. And now that Brenda is 18, she intends to venture into the woods to capture video proof of the creature's existence.
It Waits in the Woods dragged on relentlessly for six and a half exhausting chapters. The ending was the highlight, resourceful and unexpected, although unbelievable. The monster itself was kind of cool – akin to a troll living under a bridge which has always freaked me out. Question: Do all Josh Malerman’s horror stories feature insufferable parents? I've concluded this author isn't for me. So much detail of Brenda traipsing through the woods reflecting on the trauma of her missing sister, and how her parents blame her, even though Brenda was only a young teen herself when Amanda went missing. And with little opportunity for dialogue, the story was all ‘tell’ which contributed to the slow pace.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Amazon, and Josh Malerman for the e-ARC.
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Ankle Snatcher by Grady Hendrix
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Creature Feature is a collection of six Amazon-Original scary stories, each focusing on a different monster, penned by well-known authors in the horror and thriller genres. This is story 2/6.
Ankle Snatcher by Grady Hendrix – 5 Pumpkins 🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
When Marcus Needham was six his father was arrested and sent to prison for killing his mother. But the night it happened his father told his young son that he didn’t do it, that the Ankle Snatcher had grabbed his mother because she’d gotten out of bed in the dead of night without turning on a light first. Always turn on the light before getting out of bed his father warned. And even though Marcus has always believed his father to be delusional, he has always turned on the lamp first, even as an adult, until the night his girlfriend stays over, and she gets up to use the bathroom in complete darkness…
Ankle Snatcher is the shortest of the Creature Feature stories but it certainly left its mark – but fortunately not a physical one on my ankle. Who wouldn’t be terrified of something lurking under the bed? Especially something that only exists after dark. Are you superstitious? Would you turn on the light before getting up in the middle of the night just in case? The ending the protagonist found himself in was quite the conundrum. This little gem creeped me out.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Amazon, and Grady Hendrix for the e-ARC.
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The September House by Carissa Orlando
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Every September Brings Chaos!
4.5.
From the moment Margaret stepped onto the expansive grounds of the sprawling one-hundred-and-fifty-year-old Victorian house she knew she was home. Her husband, Hal, was equally impressed by what a bargain it was, and they excitedly made plans to settle in and redecorate.
Their first few months living there were fine and dandy. Until September rolled around, and with it came the blood, starting on the third floor, dripping down the walls. Then came the moaning, followed by ghosts of former residents reappearing and disappearing. But the worst thing they discover about the house is the basement, there’s something truly terrifying down there. Something that, after four years of living there, has caused Margaret and Hal to board up the door.
My first horror read selection for the start of the spooky season was the right call. The September House was an inventive variation on the haunted house and ghost tropes, and the quality writing and imaginative plot immersed me in the story from the first chapter. As did the numerous shocking twists, red herrings, and phenomenal, strong ending. A surprisingly empowering, empathetic, poignant read.
Because of its comedic tone I would characterise it as medium horror although warnings for grisly scenes, gory descriptions, and serious issues. It did remind me somewhat of American Horror Story Season 1: Murder House, in that the ghosts interacted with and conversed with the living, and behaved as if they were still alive, but The September House wasn’t as black comedy nor as disturbing content wise as AHS.
A fun, enjoyable, addictive horror novel. I highly recommend reading The September House this October. I hope my next pick is also a creepy winner.
The Pram by Joe Hill
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Creature Feature is a collection of six Amazon-Original scary stories, each focusing on a different monster, penned by well-known authors in the horror and thriller genres. This is story 1/6.
The Pram by Joe Hill – 4.5 Pumpkins 🎃🎃🎃🎃.5
After suffering a miscarriage Marianne Halpeeny is a shadow of her former self, so her husband Willy decides a move from Brooklyn to a dilapidated farmhouse in Maine (where Marianne grew up) is exactly the fresh start she needs. One day, Willy strolls to the corner store, and when he buys too many groceries to carry home, the shopkeeper gives him an antique pram to transport his bags. But there is something strange and magical about this pram.
Joe Hill delved into the heartbreaking trauma of miscarriage, and how the emotions of the father are often overlooked. Willy's entire focus was on taking care of and being strong for his wife. When she fell apart, he couldn't afford to and bottling up his own feelings of grief and loss, meant Willy was more susceptible to the enticing nature of The Pram, when on the surface it seemed like Marianne was the one who was more in pain. It was a harrowing and tragic read and elevated the evilness to a whole new level. Like his father Stephen King, it seems Joe Hill favours the setting of Maine as well. Their writing styles are similar too, and The Pram reminded me of, The Shining, which I read last year.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Amazon, and Joe Hill for the e-ARC.
Available Now!
Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Will they give in to their darker urges?
Elmira, New York – It’s 1951 when we first meet the Larkin Family – Donald 31, Ava 32, and their six children, Myra 13, Fiona 11, Alec 10, Joan 7, Lexy 4 and Archie 2 months.
Every Sunday after church Myra has an entire hour to herself, a reprieve from taking care of her younger brothers and sisters. While reading in a corner booth at the local diner, a handsome, charming, young stranger approaches Myra. They chat for awhile until it’s time for her to leave. On her walk home it starts to rain. A car approaches. It’s the stranger again, and he offers her a ride.
Myra doesn’t know it at the time, but it’s her first of the Larkin family’s many chance meetings with various serial killers. Myra was spared that fateful day. The family down the street from her were not so fortunate.
Wolf at the Table was a literary fiction, character study, family saga, spanning six decades between 1951 and 2010 and every chapter marked a defining moment, significant point of change, in one of the family members life. Every scene usually involved a conversation between two people, usually a one-off encounter with a never seen again character, or a first meeting with someone who would go on to become significant to them, making this a dialogue heavy novel. It was also a lengthy novel, clocking in at 480 pages. I thought it zipped by, that every sentence served a purpose, but you know me I love my long books.
It was also an in-depth examination of what shapes a predator and that no one single thing is responsible – that it’s a combination of many factors, bad choices, and risky behaviours. In this instance, genetics, upbringing, personality, lack of empathy, experiences, trauma, drugs and alcohol, lack of direction, loneliness, and boredom all contributed to create a monster. While Wolf at the Table wasn’t overly graphic given the distressing subject matter it was a disturbing, uneasy, bleak, and emotional read that has left its mark on me.
The characters were certainly memorable, and even though pretty much everything they went through was outside my experience it was relatable and understandable for these characters given their circumstances. Although I personally did not find any of these people particularly likeable, since they tended to focus on the negative aspects in their lives, given the hand they were dealt, I was unsurprised by the path each sibling chose.
It may seem a little far-fetched just how many serial killers this family stumbled upon, but there was a naivety to all these characters that made them either blind to or attracted or fascinated by the danger. And even though every family member had an inkling that a wolf resided at their family dinner table they were never prepared to acknowledge it out loud – some were scared, others oblivious, and the two really in the know were unwilling to accept it, or deal with it, and consequently all buried their heads in the sand.
The novel was beautifully written with exceptional dialogue and top-notch metaphors. The insertion of pop cultural references, historical events, and actual real serial killers made every year this was set feel authentic and nostalgic.
I toggled between the e-book and the audio, and I now worship the narrator, Paul Sparks. Any time he was reading a serial killer’s dialogue gave me goose-pimples as well as had me marvelling over how incredibly talented he was. His voices for any teenage and child featured within its pages was also amazing, and his varied American and English accents were faultless.
Given how depressing it was Wolf at the Table will not be for everyone. Although you could characterise it as uplifting because it will make you feel better about your own life. In that case, I 100% recommend this novel to everyone.
The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A ‘Wedding at a Summer Camp’ Setting. Sign Me Up!
For three years Frank Szatowski has been estranged from his daughter Maggie. Until out of the blue he receives a phone call from her inviting him to her wedding at Osprey Cove, New Hampshire – a former summer camp turned retreat – owned by her future father-in-law, Errol Gardner. Frank readily accepts, is relieved to be back in contact with Maggie. But his first meeting with his daughter’s fiancée, Aidan, doesn’t go well, there’s just something off about him that Frank can’t quite put his finger on. And when Frank discovers that a year ago Aidan dated a girl who went missing it raises all kinds of red flags. Frank is determined to protect Maggie at all costs.
This author’s debut novel, Hidden Pictures, was a hit for me so I was thrilled to receive an early copy of The Last One at the Wedding. Both contained sinister, creepy, foreboding vibes, tense situations, and mystery elements, but this one was more family drama, and psychological thriller. Having Frank as the sole narrator completely worked as he’s drawn more and more into the Gardner family’s web of lies, yet at the same time we wonder whether he’s entirely trustworthy as we don’t know why he and Maggie fell out in the first place, only that it was big, that he blames himself, and wishes he had of done things differently.
Osprey Cove, a former summer camp surrounded by woods in the middle of nowhere, with the Gardner’s lakefront Lodge overlooking smaller cottages reminded me of a novel I loved earlier this year, The God of the Woods. Just like that one, the setting in this was intricately described, and I loved all the descriptions of the three-day wedding extravaganza, with its delicious food, lavish décor, and various activities.
It wasn’t quite a 5 star read as at times the characters made some dumb decisions, the plot was too convenient, and I also had to suspend my disbelief on several occasions. I also saw the biggest twist coming, but it was a great twist, and I liked how impactful it was and the consequences and fallout that resulted from it. This was surprisingly an emotional read, and I was happy with how everything wrapped up.
The Last One at the Wedding was an immersive read. I always looked forward to continuing and I stayed up late last night finishing it off. I highly recommend adding this one to your tbr for the 8th October 2024.
I’d like to thank Netgalley Uk, Little Brown Book Group UK, and Jason Rekulak for the e-ARC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Home Truths by Charity Norman
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Home Truths wasn’t my favourite by Charity Norman. The first half was thought-provoking, and a unique twist on the unravelling of a family due to grief, obsession, and addiction. But, apart from one decent twist, the last half was pretty predictable and repetitive, and I found myself doing the dreaded skimming.
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Lost Story was Inspiring and Imaginative, Wondrous and Beautiful. What a Heartfelt Story.
In May 2007, two 14-year-old boys, best friends Jeremy Cox and Ralph (Rafe) Howell, went missing from Red Crow State Forest in West Virginia. Later that same year they suddenly reappeared, as if from thin air, found by two hikers in a spot that had been searched dozens of times. Rafe had no memory of those lost six months. Jeremy recalled it all but was bound by a promise to keep it secret, even from Rafe. His doing so drove a wedge between the two boys, and soon after Jeremy’s family moved away.
Fifteen years later Jeremy works as an investigator locating missing girls. Rafe lives a reclusive life, in a cabin in the woods. Jeremy is approached by a young woman – Emilie Wendell. Adopted as a baby, Emilie has only recently discovered that her older, half-sister, Shannon, went missing from the same forest as Jeremy and Rafe, five years before they did. Shannon was thirteen at the time of her disappearance, and in her case, there was evidence that she was kidnapped and murdered, although her body was never found. Emilie enlists Jeremy’s help to locate her sister’s body for burial and closure. Jeremy reluctantly agrees, he hasn’t been near Red Crow State Forest since the day he and Rafe were found. Neither has Rafe, but desperate for answers regarding what happened to him all those years ago, he is convinced to go along. And that is just the beginning of what will be a life-changing, epic journey for all three.
The Lost Story was at its core a story of lost, and found, love. The focus was on relationships – lovers, family, friends, and animals. It was also an adventure story, fairytale, fantasy, coming of age, mystery, and magical realism. In The Lost Story the power of imagination and strength of belief in yourself and those closest to you meant you could face, and stand up to, any demon – internal or external. It contained serious topics, so trigger warnings for child abuse, family violence, homophobia, and abduction. This novel drew inspiration from C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series but for me The Lost Story had much more in common with Peter Pan and Alice and Wonderland.
The writing, dialogue, and characters were faultless. The word building was immersive and unique, and the various clues, foreshadowing, setups and payoffs impressed me to no end. My one tiny negative was that I never felt any of the characters were in any real danger, the villains were easily dispersed, but because it was a fairytale, and I’m all about the happily ever after, and because I loved these characters so much, I didn’t really care. There was a handy map at the beginning of the novel, and recipes throughout that I understand are also included as a pdf alongside the audiobook.
The Lost Story was an utter delight from the first word to the last. The releases this year overall have been of an exceptionally high standard, and this novel is another favourite that I’m sure will make my end of year top ten. I’m thrilled to bits that I have The Wishing Game by this author still to read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Homophobia