karlakayjenniges's reviews
780 reviews

Research Randy and The Mystery of Grandma's Half-Eaten Pie of Despair by Tom Lucas

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

"When you look in the mirror...

Whom do you see? Not WHAT, mind you. WHOM. This visage before you, that which you consider to be your identity, what is its value to you? Are you content?"

"For all of humankind is but a trifle. An experiment only meant to amuse those far beyond our comprehension, those whose visage goes beyond our very ability to perceive."

Randy and Charlie have recently moved to Effingmouth, where everything is strange and unusual. Randy and Charlie are not only trying to fit in, they are finding many mysteries to solve. As each mystery unfolds before them, they become more bizarre and dangerous to their existence. There is something sinister lurking in the dark, waiting patiently to reveal itself. He has awoken and "HE SLEEPS NO MORE!"

The author's writing style brought to mind the way Daniel Handler writes as Lemony Snicket, immersing himself into the story, interacting with the characters. Very creative and adventurous. Mysteries and mayhem truly abound throughout as the kids work to unveil the truths of the strange happenings that surround the town. The adventure evolves as the author has you turning pages to read how Randy solved each mystery or not, immersing the reader into those, as well. There are really great illustrations that add to the overall uniqueness. A really fun nod to Lovecraft and the Cthulhu mythos. 

When I first started reading this, I felt it would be a great book for middle grade kids, but further into it, I changed my mindset and really feel it does fit more to the young adult and adult audience. Fans of Lovecraft and mystery will surely appreciate and enjoy reading this. 

A truly rollicking adventure!

Thank you Mar at TBM Horror and Tom Lucas for sending this one my way, appreciated!

Sisters of the Crimson Vine by P.L. McMillan

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

“Old wounds heal and the scars remain to remind us,” she said. “It’s important to remember and appreciate each and every day.”

John Ainsworth is an auditor traveling to a convent. On the way there, he has a car accident and becomes debilitated. The sisters are welcoming and take care of him but there are many occurrences that have him confused and questioning. There are seemingly many secrets and an underlying strangeness that surrounds the sisters and the convent. As the secrets are revealed, Mr. Ainsworth must make a difficult decision that will affect a life and all the lives of the sisters. 

In the vein of cosmic horror and folklore, this is an atmospheric novella where the unknown is dark and menacing. The sisters are the heart of the story as they are shown to be strong in their convictions and powerful in their commitments to each other, the convent, and the preservation of the land. They hold strong in their yearly sacrifice that is paramount to their survival. They follow the ways of the old and timeless. They are the "Sisters of the Crimson Vine."

Grim and foreboding. Isolating and unnerving. The dread is queitly built that leads to some shocking and horrifying details. It's ominous, uncanny, and has an evocative quality within the storytelling. 

“Year after year, the grapes are nourished in the soil that our sisters died on. Their blood fed the earth and, in turn, the earth feeds us,” Agatha said.

Pentagrams by J.D. Allen

dark emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

"Evil feeds on the suffering and despair of the human spirit in torment."

Jango Death, a product of his upbringing, he longs for the acceptance and presence of the evil one. 

Detective Harwood, a good man working relentlessly to try to solve the murders that are occurring. Young, homeless girls with carvings of a Pentagram, showing the work of evil that stalks among them.

Little Heaven, a homeless 10 year old who loves her mama, both trying to survive the streets. When her mama dies, she is left alone, at which time her battle begins against not only the evils of the world, but an evil from the depths of beyond. 

Father Cherato, a man of faith struggling to stay strong in his beliefs. 

As their lives intertwine, they come to know their purpose in life. 

The battle has begun! Will good overcome evil and will faith and balance be restored?

"Help me return to your light."

In the beginning we are introduced to the main antagonist, a glimpse into his past life. We learn how difficult and unpleasant his upbringing was and the darkness that settles within him as he chooses the path of evil.

The character development was very well written as we are given a good understanding of each of their inner struggles, their strengths, and a foundation of things to be revealed as the story unfolds. 

We enter into a world of dark city streets where the homeless dwell and the evil feeds. Where the main protagonist begins her journey of survival. She is a child of angelic qualities, an endearing character, and one whom is easy to want to protect. Her strength and love leads her as she follows the path she she has been given. She is "Heaven".

As it states on the cover, this is a novel of demonic possession. It is also religious horror and a battle between good and evil. Not one overshadows the other as there is a well written balance.

I personally enjoy possession horror/religious horror, so I really enjoyed reading this. 

A recommended read, but be prepared to walk beside Heaven because she will capture your heart and you will be rooting for her until the end. 

Purgatory by A. Lopez Jr.

dark medium-paced

5.0

"For those who believe, proof is not needed."

"Is death the beginning, the end, or does it take us to a place somewhere in between?"

These 13 Tales of the Macabre are all uniquely written and entertaining. The authors voice clearly shines through his writing craft. 

Take a drive on Evergreen Road and find out what may just be waiting their as the darkness descends. 

Go on a Road Trip that involves a dreadful mission to transport a deceased family member to a mortuary. Old, dark, and something sinister waiting within. 

Meet a curmudgeonly old man in Mind Games as he journeys through his daily life. People, everywhere there are people, getting on his last nerves. Until, there is something that is just a little bit different. Something very unexpected that changes everything.

Tic Toc, time is ticking by, life is hanging on the edge of disaster and the reaper is waiting in the shadows. Is it all just a nightmare or a reality?

Weekend Visit., we all have them. Trips to spend time with family or friends. We often look forward to them, keeping in mind that we never know what to expect. A good time is expected. Relaxation wanted. Just watch out for the odd family member and the strange occurrences that are happening in the backyard.

Floor Four, the beginning introduction to "The Mangler". He will haunt your dreams!

Purgatory,  utterly claustrophobic! Deep within where there is no light, no air, and no chance of escaping. I cannot breathe!!

Try to take a ride in the 2009 Cadillac DTS Sedan, once owned by Mildred Clarice Stone, her Prized Possession, now bequethed to one David R. Slater. Once you enter you may be surprised at what occurs within, especially in the back seat. 

Do not, I repeat, do not open The Crate. Walk right on by and ignore it. Stop being so curious of what lies within. What lurks inside is not where you want to go. Resist the temptation, repent or there may be no escape.

When visiting a haunted house, one must always be prepared and tread carefully. Once the spirits have been disturbed there is no turning back from what has been unleashed. So enter if you dare into the dark corridors of Ritter House.

Kids will be kids and will not always make the best decisions, right or wrong. No matter what, all decisions have an outcome whether good or bad. And...sometimes what once was believed to be delightful may just be something entirely different. So my little lovelies, be good, or you may be visited by Santa Claws.

Everyone should always be wary of Strangers. One never knows what their intentions may be or if they are something more than what they appear to be. One must never tempt fate. Someone may be following you, and that someone may just be from another world.

Don't Bug Me. Stay away from me. You don't belong here. You're driving me mad and I can't get you out. No one believes me, why won't they listen? I have to get you out. "This is going to hurt." 

"Death is something no one gets used to, and unfortunately, death will find us all when it's time."

With all short story collections, there are always going to be some that resonate with the reader more than others. I have learned to often look deeper and find that one special something that lies within each story. By the title alone, it is clear of the themes that all of these stories are centered on. No doubt that death and what lies beyond is something that crosses our minds at some point. It is easier to let it go and not dwell on it. These 13 tales provided my horror loving heart an escape into the fearful dark places and realms of purgatory. 

I very much enjoyed reading this collection! Recommended, but it's up to you to decide.

Empire's Daughter by Marian L. Thorpe

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

"Women of Tirvan," she began, "we are once again a village of women. Four months ago, our lives consisted of farming and fishing, and our thoughts and our skills were given to these pursuits. We are something more now: a military unit, trained to fight. And we have paid a price, both personal and collective.”

Separated by the Empire's rule of the Partition Agreement, the world that these men and women live in is one of steadfast devotion to their villages. The men live as a separate entity among the military for the empire starting at a very young age. The women live as one in their villages, farming and fishing, and providing for the military men as needed. It is an agreement that is well respected and most everyone lives in contentment. 

When the empire and the villages are threatened, they all must come together to fight for the safety of their lives. This will change their way of living and will also bring change to how the Emporer will continue to rule the lands. 

The world building and customs the author developed are maticulously explained in detail, setting a clear visual of the lands in which we are immersed into a unique lifestyle. The characters are well developed with strong personalities. I especially felt the women were strong protagonists as they lived in unity and took well care of each other. When asked to step into their new roles, accept for a select few, they accept it knowing they must protect their villages with a possible new hope for the future. Their voices are heard and not just set aside by the men even though they have lived separately for hundreds of years. 

There are also themes of love and heartbreak as some choose to seperate and bind themselves to the old ways of living. 

The story ends strong as it opens up a continuation into the next book in the series. 

Quite complex but very effective in developing a journey into the lives of these men and women of the Empire.

“But we cannot shape the circumstances to fit our lives only our lives to fit the circumstances. What defines us, as men and women, is how we respond to those circumstances.”

"The swallows gather, summer passes, The grapes hang dark and sweet; Heavy are the vines, Heavy is my heart, Endless is the road beneath my feet. The sun is setting, the moon is rising, The night is long and sweet; I am gone at dawn. I am gone at day, Endless is the road beneath my feet. The cold is deeper, the winters longer, Summer is short but sweet; I will remember, I'll not forget you, Endless is the road beneath my feet."

*Alternative History

*Historical Fantasy

Before the Devil Knows You're Here by Autumn Krause

dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

"Sowing seeds of sin, he grows apples of ash."

1836 Wisconson, Deep in the Wilderness

Young Catalina and her little brother, Jose Luis, live with their Pa, deep in the forest in a dalapidated cabin. They live a humble and simple little life, but Pa warns them to always be aware. Considered to be a dangerous creature, the Man of Sap, that roams the forest realms, plants his apple seeds, growing trees across the lands. But there is something different about these apples and the trees they grow upon. The trees whisper to the souls of anyone nearby to come and eat upon its glorious fruit. 

This whole story weaves together a tale of family bonds, lost love, and the battle of good versus evil. Temptations abound when wants are desired more than ones needs. 

Told through two points of view, we are given the story of the Man of Sap, his tale is treachorous and heartbreaking. His character had me feeling so many emotions. The story through the eyes of Catalina brings to life the bonds of family, devotion, and new love. 

The atmospheric setting is detailed, providing a sense of the dark and foreboding that lingers within the forest realm, as the creature roams. Planting, watching, and waiting. 

The prose was captivating and has a beautiful quality that lingers long after reading. Sometimes needing to read it again, to get lost in the world of words.

"Life was cruel, certainly. It was filled with bright, ravaging horrors that stun you like a sun flare and secret, quiet wounds that fold against your ribs. It took loved ones from your arms so you breathed hurt like air. But it was also full of mysteries. And there was room in mysteries. Room for things to be different. For them, despite the pain, to be all right."

"Te amo más que nada."

Haunting and mesmerizing, I would recommend this gothic, dark folklore to any fan of the genre. Be prepared to let it take you away to a new world. 

(Grab an apple for a snack, thank me later.)

• Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy 
• Young Adult Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore
• Young Adult Fiction / Historical / United States / 19th Century

★ "Mesmerizingly told through the eyes of both Catalina and the monster, the book invites readers to travel with characters who are reckoning with greed, fear, and love as they consider what makes a monster—and whether monsters can be redeemed. Highly imaginative and powerfully affecting."—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review 

Mind Descending by Timothy Friesenhahn

dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"Feeling his right pocket he thought 'A woman and a boy.' For the boy he loved so dearly was just a boy, in society's eyes. But, in reality, he too was just a boy. A very troubled boy, but one, nonetheless. Life had been hard on him."

Dane is just a boy. A boy struggling with his emotions, his identity, and the death of the ones he loves. His journey is filled with hidden secrets, heartbreak, and fear. He is filled with self-hatred and suffers trauma that delves him into those dark places of the mind.

Although Dane is the main character , the other characters are interconnected in Dane's life. His mother, his stepfather, his neighbor Mr. Briggs and the one he loves. They are all struggling with their own demons. Illness, depression, loss of life, and sexuality.

There is also a story within where we are taken to meet the Ferryman. Where second chances are offered and a new look into humanity is presented.

As the lives are introduced and each unfolding occurs, we are given a heartbreaking story of pain, love, and redemption. And in the end there is found peace.

"True love has no boundaries. True love doesn't bear the weight of time."

Hard hitting and heartbreaking, what Tim has written is truly dark, emotional and easily a connection to real life. The inner demons that many struggle to face or confront and keep hidden in the deep recesses of the heart and soul. Those that often cause pain and suffering and causes the mind to descend into the darkest places. But he reminds us that there is love, there is redemption, there is peace and hope. There is light in the darkness and it shines!

A warning from the author: Respectively: 
This book contains content not suitable for readers under 18. This book contains triggers. Please be advised that this book contains extreme horror content. Reader discretion is advised.

I'll Tell You My Secrets by A. Lopez Jr.

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Do you like possession stories?

How about possession stories based on true events?

Haunting and heartbreaking, "I'll Tell You My Secrets" by A. Lopez, Jr is a book that will give you spine tingling shivers, have you looking around corners, asking what that noise was, and unsettle you in the best possible way!

ME: "This book brutally ripped out my heart and tore it to shreds, then stomped it into the ground as I drowned in a sea of my tears and basked in eternal sorrow."

Also ME: HERE READ IT!!

"We live inside her in the darkest of places. This is where souls go to die.”

Camila's stories are honestly not easy to read as her life was one of confusion and fear, it is only natural to feel her fear along with her as her stories unfold. To be one so young and to witness such disturbances in her family along with recieving the sight, she grew up in much turmoil. Her father and mother keeping their secrets from her, thinking that it would protect her, only made it much more difficult for her. Feeling isolated and alone, not knowing what she could do to gain some understanding.

All the darkness she endured lasted throughout her whole childhood and into her adult life. Always being haunted by an evil and sinister presence. Never truly finding a way to escape it. Her mother called it a "curse" and Camila is trying everything to lay it to rest in the hopes that it will not pass on to her daughter and to finally be free.

Junior sat beside her through her journey of telling her story, giving us insights to their meetings as he recorded and wrote her memoir. It truly took strength to do so, as this is a path through lingering and unrelenting darkness. Utterly chilling darkness! There is no doubt that this would affect anyone. It had an affect on me and I was just the reader! My heart truly broke and it is still lingering. It is not a story I will ever forget as it is seated into my heart and soul.

I fell in love with Junior's writing a few years ago after reading "Night Dreams: The Complete Series". 

I will say it again.....This. Book. Broke. My. Heart!!

Any fan of horror and possession stories, I highly recommend reading this one. This is one that is on my top 10 of 2023.

"As an authentic story based on true events, I’ll Tell You My Secrets is a gripping autobiography that transports you into a world where demons are real and one girl’s soul hangs in the balance. As a must-read for anyone who believes in the paranormal, this book will challenge everything you thought you knew about religion and science."

Some things can’t be changed. Some things don’t want to be changed.

The Gentleman's Choice by Blake Rudman

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

"The vibrator looked much smaller than it did on the show, but for Tracy Hickersley, that wasn’t the most important thing at all."

"...every single one a man, all middle-aged or older; she’d guessed most of them to be married—made their way to what was purported to be a whole different, unpleasantly grubby world of glory holes and anonymous mutual relief."

The Gentleman's Choice, an underground streaming dating show. 5 nights with the star of the show, where the sex flows freely, and the contestants want to be voted in to achieve that last night with the star. 

The creator of the show is always looking for ways to up the ratings and gain more viewers, he incorporates what he believes the viewers want to see. He makes it spicey, but the man is also very dicey. He does not really care about the contestants, he only wants the viewers and the money. When the contestant's start showing up brutally murdered, he also sees this as an advantage. More controversy, more viewers, more money, that is his ultimate goal.

Cole is the star of the show, he is hot, sexy, and the women want to be the pick for the last night with him. As much as Cole loves being with the women, he is not truly happy, he has dreams for something bigger but is unable to achieve it. He also wants to find love and everytime he gives his heart away that also seems to fail. When he and a contestant are drugged and kidnapped, their lives hang in the balance. They must fight to survive or become the victims of the murderer. 

The premise is so unique and creative. The detailed descriptions throughout awakens the senses of the mind, delving into a spicey and very dark atmosphere. The characters are well developed along with some of them being likable and others detestable, irksome characters. The underbelly of society is a very dark, seedy place, and this story depicts it very well. It also being a noir thriller adds the element of excitement and an adrenaline rush. Dark secrets revealed along the way that adds to the mystery of the characters. 

Edgy and suspenseful with intense body horror, graphic scenes of gore, and a thrilling build up to the satisfying climax.

Boys In the Valley by Philip Fracassi

dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

"All of life is a great gift," he says. "Not because of what it gives us, but because of what it allows us to give others."

Harris Valley, Pennsylvania, 1898

We are introduced to Peter as a nine year old boy. A time when he lives through a childs worst nightmare. 

St. Vincent's Orpahanage, Deleware County, Pennsylvania, 1905

Peter is now 16 years old and has been living in an orphanage with many other young boys. They are being cared for and raised by the priests who run the orphanage. Their life is hard as there is lack of care and food. They must follow the order of rules or they will suffer harsh and brutal punishment. 

As winter is approaching with a harsh winter storm, some unexpected visitors arrive late in the night, one of which whom is wounded and upon death. As the priests fight to save not only his life but his soul, his death was imminent and it causes an ancient evil to be unleashed. It now becomes a fight for survival and a fight for their souls. 

Peter is the MC and his character is phenomenal. A young boy struggling with the decision between priesthood or following his heart for young love. He is a protector of all the other young boys and a true friend to all. The boys easily worm their way into ones heart as they struggle through their daily life and when it all starts to fall apart, it becomes so heartbreaking. The boys are very fragile and impressionable and many are affected by the evil. Will they lose their souls?

The beautiful prose is captivating, the characters engrossing, and the atmosphere foreboding and chilling.  From the begining there is a sense of dread and it builds throughout with disturbing moments that unsettle the mind and shreds at the heart. The ending broke me as my tears flowed. 

Darkly macabre, absolutely ingenious!