Category Archives: Horror

#Review #Horror – Cows by Matthew Stokoe

One of the most outrageous, original and insightful books ever written on the subject of alienation and societal decay, Cows is a violent, blood soaked nightmare – a scatological tale of love, self-empowerment and probably the most extreme novel you’ll ever read. Hailed around the world as a cult classic, Matthew Stokoe’s novel set the bar for gritty urban horror.

Mother’s corpse in pieces, dead dog on the roof, girlfriend in a coma, baby nailed to the wall, and a hundred tons of homicidal beef stampeding through the subway system. And Steven thought the slaughterhouse was bad . . .

“If you enjoy the sensation of your jaw dropping to the floor in a combination of stupefaction, hilarity, and shock, Cows is your book. Matthew Stokoe has written a novel like no other I’ve ever read–appalling, funny, and possessed of a sense of outre violence that makes Joris-Karl Huysmans read like Louisa May Alcott.”
–Scott Phillips, author of The Ice Harvest

“Underground literary shock-rocker Stokoe (Empty Mile, 2010, etc.) slaps his readers in the face with this bloody, truly disgusting diatribe against normalcy. On the bright side, there’s absolutely no pretense about what the book is aiming for…”
–Kirkus Review

I have no idea how I’m going to review this book. I don’t even know how to rate it. This will be a book that I’ll think about for a long time. So for that alone, I’ll rate it 5 stars.

Warning: This book is NOT for the faint of heart and if you have a weak stomach, I suggest not reading this.

So I’m new to the horror genre and this year, I’ve found myself reading extreme horror. As a horror movie fan, I figured I’d give horror books a shot and I haven’t been disappointed yet.

Cows by Matthew Stokoe has left my head reeling. I really have no words to describe what I just read but here goes nothing.

This book is highly graphic. Definitely the most graphic book I’ve ever read. So for that alone, I’m giving it a high rating. This was like a train wreck that you can’t look away from. I had to know how it was going to end, so I forced myself to get through the graphic and nauseating scenes.

The writing was so descriptive, I could see the scenes play out in my mind. Lots of reviewers said that the writing was awful, maybe it’s because I’m new to this genre, but I thought the writing was some of the best I’ve ever read. But art is subjective, that’s what makes it exciting.

I am left feeling a little confused but at the same time, I don’t mind that so much. I think maybe the author wrote it that way, so we could all come up with our own theories regarding Stephen and his…um…issues.

After reading this book, a part of me never wants to eat beef ever again.

Available in Kindle Unlimited – https://amzn.to/3RUq4wp

#Review #Horror #Novella – The Pram (Creature Feature Collection) by Joe Hill

A husband’s obsessive desire for a child leads to an unexpected manifestation of his yearning in a nightmarish short story about fatherhood dreams by New York Times bestselling author Joe Hill.

Willy and Marianne’s farmhouse in Maine has acres of meadow and fresh air, and a lonesome bridle path in the forest along which Willy daydreams and ambles. When he’s loaned a decrepit old baby stroller to cart his groceries home, the rickety squeak of the wheels comforts him. So do the sweet coos of a baby Willy knows can’t be real. Can it? In this twisted thicket, wishes come true—with a price.

Joe Hill’s The Pram is part of Creature Feature, a collection of devilishly creepy stories that tingle the spine and twist the mind. They can be read or listened to in one petrifying sitting.

I will be honest and say that I was left feeling a little confused by this story, so I’m not too sure how to review but here goes nothing.

I’m giving this book 5 stars based on the fact that I enjoyed the writing and the description of the scenes helped me immerse myself into the story. So kudos to the author for that!

I also enjoyed that this was a different spin on fertility issues. Usually you see it from the woman’s perspective bit this was from the man’s and I liked that. It definitely made me curious if a lot of men felt the same way. 

I knew instantly that of course there would be an issue with the pram. Willy is given it to cart groceries home and ends up bonding with said pram and the happenings surrounding it.

This novella wasn’t as creepy as I hoped. Maybe I should have read it late at night with the lights off. Or I’m desensitized. But I enjoyed it none the less. This review is a little wishy washy, so check the book out for yourself. You may just enjoy it!

Available in Kindle Unlimited – https://amzn.to/48Wd0hd

#Review #Horror #Novella – Woom by Duncan Ralston

“Trust me when I say, this is messed up.” – MATT SHAW, author of Sick B*stards.

“I believe pain lingers,” Angel said. “Do I believe in spirits? In the supernatural? Probably not.”

The Lonely Motel holds many dark secrets… and Room 6 just might possess the worst of them all.

Angel knows all about pain. His mother died in this room. He’s researched its history. Today he’s come back to end it, no matter the cost, once and for all.

Shyla, a plus-sized escort, thinks the stories Angel tells her can’t be true. Secrets so vile, you won’t want to let them inside you.

But the Lonely Motel doesn’t forget. It doesn’t forgive. And it always claims its victim.

“This book is a wet dream of abnormal sexual psychology.” – Mort Stone, My Indie Muse

WARNING: Don’t buy this book if you have a weak stomach, if you’re easily disturbed, or if you’re looking for a light horror read. THIS IS NOT THAT BOOK. Seriously. You’ve been warned.

(For signed copies, please visit my website.)

We meet Angel and who hires Shyla, a prostitute, to come to the motel he’s staying at. The motel is called “The Lonely Motel”, so I wouldn’t even go to that if I was Shyla but what do I know. Add to the fact that when she enters the room, she’s instantly grossed out by the look and smell and even the feeling. That’s a red flag right there. Angel begins by asking her some weird questions and then he starts telling her a story about Johnny and Jenny. That’s when this little story gets really…um…strange, messed up, gross and just…icky.

This book is extreme horror and definitely not for the faint of heart. It continues with Angel telling Shyla more stories, each one horrible in their own sick and depraved ways.

By the time I got to the last chapter, I couldn’t read fast enough. I read it with wide eyes and anxiety. Let’s just say, it made parts of me hurt.

I also feel kind of wrong for saying this but I really enjoyed this story. Not sure what that says about me. As a horror loving fan, this one definitely did its job.

This will also be a little story that I will be thinking about for a while.

Available in Kindle Unlimited – https://amzn.to/4aDGaTL

#Review #Novella #Horror – A Brush With The Devil by Yolanda Olson

All I wanted was a night out alone to try and feel normal again.

Instead, I spent most of my time drowning my sorrows in whiskey and listening to every song that Blondie has ever produced.

I left before the liquor got the best of me, but not before putting the jukebox out of commission, and the self-appointed DJ wasn’t impressed.

I tried to get away, but he followed.

When I decided to confront my newfound demon, I found myself face-to-face with one of the most beautiful men I had ever laid eyes on. But there’s a saying about the Devil appearing as everything you ever wanted, and it’s true.

Because to me, for that one moment, he was everything I needed.

I didn’t want him to come home with me, yet he refused to leave.

He wanted to have some fun.

I was going to be his new game and he was going to play with me until he was bored and went on his merry way again.

See, he doesn’t know that I’m a monster too.

He only sees the outside and not the in.

One night with the devil is what I’ve got and I’ll show him that not everything that’s as equally beautiful as he is, is made of innocence and grace.

He wants to play … and now?

So do I.

A Brush with the Devil brings together Gray Talbot from Death Blooms and Lakyn Meyer from the Malediction Saga for one night of hell that you won’t soon forget.

I completely forgot who this book was about. After reading Death Blooms, which I really loved by the way, I wanted to read more about Gray. Yolanda said she was writing this little story but clearly, I am not on the ball.

As you can see in the blurb, this book is about Gray from Death Blooms and Lakyn from the Malediction series. I haven’t read about Lakyn yet but now I really need to.

This story is about Gray and Lakyn meeting and unfortunately for Gray, Lakyn comes on a little strong. But they’re both entranced by each other. What could happen when 2 evil people meet? Nothing. Nothing at all. 😉

Lakyn ends up going home with Gray, much to Gray’s dismay, but something about him is unnerving to Lakyn and rightfully so. Have you read Death Blooms? 100% suggest doing so if you haven’t already.

Lakyn causes problems for Gray. Gray has issues trying to deal with him and his little friends. It’s a mess all around but one I rather enjoyed reading!

Now I need to read more and find out why Lakyn is the way he is.

Available in Kindle Unlimited – https://amzn.to/48BSaU1

#Review – The Asylum Confessions (The Asylum Confessions Files, #1) by Jack Steen

They arrive alive. They always leave dead.
But first, they give me their confessions.

My name is Jack Steen, and for those who arrive on my ‘death’ ward at the Asylum, I’m the last face many will see before they die. I am the night nurse at an Asylum for the Criminally Insane, and most of my patients know me as their Angel of Death. I know them as mass murderers, rapists, and serial killers – among other things.

Here’s what happens: they come on my floor, they give me their deathbed confession, and I help to make their death less painful. There’s a catch, though: I want the real story, the one they haven’t told anyone else.

The majority of these killers are expert manipulators. They could be playing their final game with me by messing with my head.
Now, maybe they’re messing with yours too.

Inside this book are 4 DeathBed Confessions:

  • Patient 1024 has an interesting ‘appetite’.
  • Patient 974 is the Ken to his Barbie, and he would do anything to keep her happy.
  • Patient 871 is a Nanny, but not one you want watching your kids.
  • Patient 1203 is the sweetest, broken soul you’ll ever meet but her confession is a hard read.

WARNING: There is swearing in this book. And some stories might be a trigger for something you have a hard time handling.

But, these are the confessions of serial killers, mass murderers and such.

Wow. Okay…um…

So I was looking for something quick to read to up my books read for my Goodreads challenge and I came across this series on Amazon. I was in the mood for horror. Figured it would be a good genre to read, seeing as it was October when I was searching for horror reads.

I ended up coming across this series and devoured the first book.

I guess the author is a night nurse at an asylum but some people are saying that that isn’t true. The author said that these books are about the confessions his patients give him before they pass. Again, not sure if that’s true or not. So it kind of messes with your head. I know it did mine.

There are four parts to this book. Each part about a different patient. They’re in the asylum for the criminally insane, so they’re all bad people, right? That I really can’t answer. The one I felt awful for. Another, I was disgusted. One just made me feel like “oh that’s been done before and isn’t anything new” and the last one? Are they a good person or not?

I think I had more questions than answers by the time I was done this book but I instantly one-clicked the next book in the series.

Please be warned though: There ARE triggers. But this is a horror book, so triggers kind of come with the territory. If you decide to grab this book, please read with caution.

I truly have no words for what I just read but of course, I’ll read the rest of the series because I want to know more. Oh and I wonder if the author is truly who he says he is, maybe he writes these books as a way to cope with what he’s dealt with for years. But I also wonder, if he is who he says he is, if he is a good guy or not…

#Review #Haunting – Maroon by William Joseph


Don’t Play With Dead Things.
When young Charlotte Hempstead goes to visit her Aunt Victoria who she has not seen in many years, she realizes that her Aunt has not aged one bit. She soon discovers her Aunt’s mansion has many other dark secrets, and that her Aunt may not ultimately be all or who she thinks she is.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Sooooo creepy! Charlotte goes to visit Aunt Victoria who lives alone in a large, but old, mansion. Charlotte is welcomed with open arms and really takes a liking to Aunt Victoria. However, it doesn’t take long to realize there are secrets here…many dark secrets. The more Charlotte starts to question and investigate, the more she realizes the danger she is in. The worldbuilding and character building does take some time in this one but hold on for a wild ride because once the crazy cranks up you won’t be able to put it down. The terrifying twists throughout the story will keep you engaged until the very end!

Author Logo

William Joseph is an exciting Horror, Paranormal, and Psychological Thriller writer from New Jersey, USA. He loves to draw the reader into believable worlds, creating everyday characters the readers can relate and connect with, and then forcing them to face their deepest and darkest fears. William Joseph’s writing has been detailed as twisted, dark, terrifying, raw, and emotional.

#Review – A Ship of Bones and Teeth by Karina Halle


A standalone adult dark fantasy pirate romance re-telling of The Little Mermaid from the New York Times Bestselling Author of River of Shadows and Blood Orange.

Princess Maren is a woman with a secret.

Ten years ago she sold her soul to the sea witch Edonia, giving up a life underwater in exchange for the love of Prince Aerik on land. But after a decade of abuse and misery inflicted by the cruel prince, Maren wants nothing more than to leave him and her royal role behind and find Edonia to reverse the spell.

An opportunity for escape presents itself when the prince and princess are traveling overseas and are taken hostage by a band of notorious pirates, led by the fearsome Captain Ramsay “Bones” Battista. Maren has heard the sordid stories about the infamous pirate–not only is his ship supposedly haunted and crewed by the damned, but that no prisoners ever survive.

Fortunately for Maren, she learns that the captain also has a score to settle with the sea witch. With any luck, Maren may be able to get her old life back, even if it’s being held in the captain’s wicked hands.

But Ramsay gets more than he bargained for when he learns who–and what–Maren is, and that her appetite for revenge, freedom, and bloodlust rivals his.

Meanwhile Maren finds herself falling for the pirate’s dark nature, even as she discovers that Ramsay has a secret more deadly than her own.

When it comes to the high seas, not all monsters lurk beneath the surface.

Content Warning: Though this is a fantasy, it is also a dark romance with potential triggers. A full list can be found inside the book or on the pinned cover reveal post on IG (authorhalle)

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Wickedly devilish! Being caught between the devil you know and the devil you don’t, can be a terrifying place. Especially when you exist in a space between worlds with nowhere to belong to.

I needed this story! It is a standalone adult dark fantasy pirate romance re-telling of The Little Mermaid, but I have to say that A Ship of Bones and Teeth is SO. MUCH. BETTER! I mean, Syrens and Pirates? Sign me up!

Be prepared when you open this book because it will consume you. For days, all I could think about were Maren and Bones. What was going to happen next? How would they overcome? Will they really turn on each other? Who else will die? And let’s not forget… OMG, how hawt was that?

Maren and Bones are completely different people, but once together, they are intensely drawn together. It’s one of those intense feelings that actually scares you. However, these two really helped each other throughout the story without really realizing it. This has a bit of everything from friendships, sex, kinks, feuds, betrayal, beauty, death, abuse…you name it, it has it! It will even make you smile and laugh!

There are a tremendous number of twists and turns in this retelling, unlike any other I have read. There is nothing that I can say that will prepare you for the consuming obsessive monster you will become until you reach the end of the story. An absolute must read!

Remember: “There are no mistakes. Just choices that took us on a different path.”

Author Logo

Karina Halle is a screenwriter, a former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author of River of Shadows, The Royals Next Door, and Black Sunshine, as well as 70 other wild and romantic reads, ranging from light & sexy rom coms to horror/paranormal romance and dark fantasy. Needless to say, whatever genre you’re into, she’s probably written a romance for it. When she’s not traveling, she and her husband split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles. She seems a bit boring in her bio but I assure you she’s a big ol’ goof in real life. For more information, visit www.authorkarinahalle.com.

#REVIEW – No One Rides For Free (An Extreme Novella) by Judith Sonnet

Jodi was driving her children to college when The Man got in their car.
Uninvited, unwanted, and unhinged…
The Man has no name, but he does have a gun… a knife… and a bag of “toys”.
What starts as a forced ride into the desert escalates into a disturbing series of crimes and assaults.
Jodi and her children will soon pray for death.

WARNING: This novella is incredibly disturbing. It features graphic scenes of sexual violence, torture, and gore. It is not intended for easily offended readers. The print edition of this book includes an exclusive short story, which is not availble on ebook. It is also gross and disturbing.

Ok…um…WTF did I just read?? You know the book is going to be crazy when there’s a warning half way through. Especially when the end of said warning says “It’s just a book” over and over again. But seriously…wow. So I’ve watched a lot of horror movies. And I’m not talking horror movies like Scream or Halloween (I love those movies of course). I’m talking movies that have been banned or make you feel like you’re an awful person just by watching. So I’ve seen some stuff. But I swear nothing compares to reading horror. What I see in my head while reading and what you see in your head while reading, are two completely different things and that’s what I love about it. That’s what I love about reading in general but there’s just something so deeply disturbing with reading a horror novel that just hits me differently. And this extreme novella was no different.

First I’m going to start by saying IF YOU HAVE TRIGGERS – PLEASE READ WITH CAUTION. And please please PLEASE read the warnings.

So in this short but intense story, you get Jodi who is driving her two kids to college. They stop at a gas station where they meet The Man and his bag of toys. The things that happen…I seriously can’t even put into words. The author did her job. I felt dirty, disgusted, like I needed a shower and just plain gross. I have a strong stomach but there were parts of this that made me feel nauseous. I really have no words. At all. Even though the content of this book was horrible to say the least, I gave it a high rating because the author succeeded in making me feel things that I’m sure she set out to do. So kudos to her.

#Review – Carnival of Terror by William Joseph

Carnival of Terror by [William Joseph]

Welcome to the most spectacular, heart racing, entertaining, and deadliest show you’ll ever see.Ever want to see what happens after you leave the circus and the show is over? Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes? Have you ever wanted to see the darkest side of human nature? Then step right up, enter, and be prepared to have your breath taken away, literally.Victor, Jug, the Fortune Teller, Shilo, and Olivia. A horrifying, graphic, and pulse-pounding five-part novel from five different points of view in one interconnecting story surrounding one circus.Welcome to the Carnival of Terror.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

This is a truly twisted read! Who knew one circus would have so many levels of WTF… This is the stuff that nightmares are made of. Being able to experience the story from so many points of view was the right touch. The first experience is from a couple who visits the circus and ends up staying for dinner, to be dinner for the circus. Experiencing it from the ringmaster’s perspective, along with his heir, just reminds you how insane people can be. But also seeing it from the fortune teller and a relative of the circus really brings things full circle. I honestly can’t tell you how many times I cringed, winced, and uttered W…T…F…. No matter how much I wanted to look away, I just couldn’t. I HAD TO GET TO THE END!

Author Logo

William Joseph is an exciting Horror, Paranormal, and Psychological Thriller writer from New Jersey, USA. He loves to draw the reader into believable worlds, creating everyday characters the readers can relate and connect with, and then forcing them to face their deepest and darkest fears. William Joseph’s writing has been detailed as twisted, dark, terrifying, raw, and emotional.

#Dark #ParkOfASeries #TriggerWarnings #Audio #Horror – Satan’s Affair, Cat and Mouse Duet #0.5 by H.D. Carlton

Every Halloween, Satan’s Affair will come to you. We travel the country, offering terrifying haunted houses, thrilling rides and the tastiest food.

And with every passing town, I cleanse this world, one execution at a time.

I hide within the walls, casting my judgement for those that reek of evil, singing lullabies to their rotting souls. Once you’ve been chosen, there’s no escaping my henchmen—they cater to my every desire.

You can run and you can hide, but it only excites me.

Come. Take a walk through my dollhouse, where your screams will blend and your cute little pleas will go unanswered.

But I can’t promise it’ll be over quickly…

Trigger Warning: This is a dark read that contains graphic violence, sex, and triggering situations.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this audio book.

I was super excited for this novella.  I know you are supposed to read it first but for me, I read it after the original duet.  For me, it makes more sense.

This book was a great look at Sibby.  We learn about her family and why she is the way she is. We also see her meeting the characters from the main duet.

I do think this could have been part of the Sibby duet but maybe she wasn’t sure  about a Sibby book series??  Anyway, it was a good read if you love Sibby like I loved her.

H. D. Carlton is an International and USA Today Bestselling author. She lives in Ohio with her partner, two dogs, and cat. When she’s not bathing in the tears of her readers, she’s watching paranormal shows and wishing she was a mermaid. Her favorite characters are of the morally gray variety and believes that everyone should check their sanity at the door before diving into her stories.