MELANCHOLY DELUSIONS is now available!!

 Happy Release Day to my debut short story collection!

Yay. ☺️🎉

I'd like to thank Cemetery Gates Media for taking a chance on my first collection. Also for publishing and putting together such a lovely book. The end result is amazing! I'm SO excited and proud of this book.

Also, check out the beautiful cover, made by Luke Spooner/Carrion House, which captures the essence and melancholy vibes packed into these pages.

A dark gathering of 17 melancholy horror tales where mothers, lovers, friends and monsters intersect with disastrous and tragic consequences.

1. ALL MY PRETTIES

2. LOST IN TIME

3. GOLDSMITH’S ODDITY 

4. CLARA’S PHONE

5. SOMEWHERE TO BELONG

6. OTHER SIDE OF ME 

7. THE GIRLS DEVOURED BY THE WOODS 

8. SHORELINE

9. THE MAN IN THE RED SUIT 

10. OF YOU, THE END 

11. A PORTRAIT OF DEATH 

12. FADE INTO NIGHTMARE 

13. LADY OF THE HOUSE 

14. SLIPPING INTO 

15. ALLURE

16. STALKING THE SHADOWS 

17. FINDING SURVIVAL 

You can grab a copy right now:

Kindle | Paperback

 Bookshop.org

ADD TO GOODREADS

This collection includes stories that have been with me for many years. Some were previously published, others are new to the world, but all of them have been through several evolutions.

I really hope you'll give these tales a go.

Thanks for reading!

I have some awesome news!

The other day Horrorsmith Publishing made this fantastic announcement:

My haunted house ghost story novel will be published under Horrorsmith's Fear Forge imprint next year.

I'm SO excited and can't wait to share my creepy tale about a hellish house.

Here's a bit about THESE STAINED WALLS:

The walls within Helston House are alive, and they're very hungry.

 

Matilda Ashbrooke has been uprooted from her family home and forced to isolate with her eccentric grandfather during the pandemic. But the creepy Helston House has many secrets, starting with the stain on the bedroom wall that seems to be getting bigger every day...

I'm so happy to have signed a contract with Horrorsmith and can't wait to share more info as we get closer to release date.

Yay!! 😊

THE FOLLY by Gemma Armor

 

The Folly by Gemma Amor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was lucky enough to get an eARC copy of this novella and couldn't wait to get stuck into it.

After being convicted for the murder of his wife, Morgan's father spent six years in jail. Now that he's been released, she's determined to help him get back into the swing of life outside of prison. It starts with selling their tainted house and heading to the coast to stay in The Folly. A place in a lovely but harsh setting that hopefully helps heal past wounds. But strange things happen almost instantly, and Morgan has to face a reality she's been trying very hard to avoid...

Wow. What an intriguing novella!

I was hooked on this story straight away. Morgan's tragic situation dragged me in as quickly as the strength of her voice. It doesn't take long to realise that although she shares so much, she's obviously holding back certain details. And I couldn't stop reading.

When the weird and super creepy stuff hit, I was riveted. Totally hooked on the events that turned everything upside down. Suddenly, nothing seemed normal anymore, or remotely okay, and I shared Morgan's confusion and suspicion.

This is the kind of tale that grips the reader so tightly, it refuses to let go. I wanted to speed through, to get to the nitty-gritty of the mystery at the heart of everything. At the same time, I wanted to take my time because I didn't want it to end.

I think the pacing is as perfect as the ominous shadow that seems to follow Morgan and Owen. No matter what's happening, the dread is always there, dripping from every page.

Another beautiful thing about this novella is the location. This coastal structure Morgan and her father are staying in seems to have a life of its own, is as cruel as the ocean always ready to steal away careless souls. Not to mention how well the pandemic fits in with everything that's going on.

The Folly is an amazing story that delves deep into the effects of close familial ties after a horrifying tragedy. It's about how the past is never really gone, and shows that secrets have a way of festering. Until one day, everyone has to face their greatest fears.

I really loved everything about this tale, and the ending was unexpected. In the best way possible.

 

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LINGHUN by Ai Jiang

WELCOME HOME.

Follow Wenqi, Liam, and Mrs. in this modern gothic ghost story by Chinese-Canadian writer and immigrant, Ai Jiang. LINGHUN is set in the mysterious town of HOME, a place where the dead live again as spirits, conjured by the grief-sick population that refuses to let go.

I would like to thank the author for sending me a review copy of this very unique novella.

Wenqi's family have moved into HOME because her parents want to reconnect with the ghost of their dead son. But she doesn't want to be there and is constantly at odds with her obsessed mother. When she meets the mysterious Liam, she thinks they're forming a real friendship but he might have nefarious plans of his own...

Linghun is such a haunting and peculiar story that grabbed my attention instantly. Not only does it focus on the effect that loss has on people, but also introduces a very strange and wondrous place where families can move into certain houses in hopes of enticing the spirits of their dead partners, offspring or relatives to return.

The atmosphere in HOME is as surreal as it is dark. The mysterious vibes are creepy and the way this place works is intriguing. Not only are spirits encouraged to come home, but there are also humans called lingerers who live in frontyards and waste their lives away while waiting for a house. 

And auction days are absolutely terrifying. Yikes. 😳

I really enjoyed this disquieting tale about a young girl who has been forgotten and lives in the shadow of her dead brother. It's heartbreaking to see how her mother ignores and resents her, only focuses on the child she lost without sparing a thought for the one who's actually there.

Several other interesting characters, like Mrs. and Liam fill the pages of this novella. Both tie into Wenqui's story and in their own way, add an extra layer of sadness.

I think this is a great exploration of how life, death, grief, hope, and love shape our world. It's also a haunting and melancholy ghost story with just the right amount of horror.

Linghun is now available from Dark Matter INK.

HOW TO SELL A HAUNTED HOUSE by Grady Hendrix

 

How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reading a new Grady Hendrix book is something I always look forward to. 😊

Louise is a hardworking, overachiever who left her hometown years ago and never looked back. She's also a single mother who lives in San Francisco. When her parents die in a car accident, she's forced to return to her hometown to attend their funeral, sort through their belongings, deal with her brother, and sell the house. However, nothing goes according to plan because her childhood home is hiding as many secrets as her memory...

Wow. This story packs quite the punch and deals with a LOT. These characters are put through so much emotional, physical and mental trauma that I was exhausted by the time I reached The End.

As usual, I couldn't put this down, and reached the halfway point during my first sitting yesterday. Then finished the rest today because I HAD TO FIND OUT where this insane adventure of the puppet kind was going to lead. And boy, it didn't disappoint.

There's so much going on in this book, and just when you think things can't get more batshit crazy, Hendrix cranks it up. The sense of creeping dread hangs so heavy over that cursed house, that every moment Louise and Mark spent inside had me on the edge of my seat. The descriptions were extremely vivid, so I could feel those bleak and dusty rooms closing in, see Nancy's spooky artwork on the walls, and sensed all those claustrophobic dolls.

Not to mention the puppets. OMG. The puppets. 😫

Pupkin was absolutely fucking terrifying. All those family secrets were twisted af, and tied every surreal moment together.

I also enjoyed the interactions and relationship arc between the estranged siblings. This might be a horror tale at it's core about a house haunted/cursed by damaging family secrets and omitted lies, but it's also a sad story about loss and love. About how far someone is willing to go to protect the ones they love, and how they deal with the aftershocks while also trying to process grief.

Loved this disturbing book.



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THE TOLL HOUSE by Carly Reagon

 

A house with history. That's how the estate agent described the old toll house on the edge of the town. For Kelda it's the perfect rural home for her young son Dylan after a difficult few years.

But when Kelda finds a death mask concealed behind one of the walls, everything changes. Inexplicable things happen in the house, Kelda cannot shake the feeling of being watched and Dylan is plagued by nightmares, convinced he can see figures in his room. As Dylan's behaviour becomes increasingly challenging, Kelda seeks answers in the house's mysterious past. But she's running out of time. 

Because something has awoken.

And now it won't rest . . .

I love ghost stories and the synopsis for this one sounded very interesting.

Kelda and her son, Dylan, have moved into a new house. It's also a new town, a new job, and a new school. The pressure of all these changes makes things hard for both of them, but what's even worse is when strange things start to happen in the toll house...

Well, this turned out to be quite the haunting tale. In the real sense of the word because the dead definitely leave an impression, but also because of the complicated lives of the living.

Getting caught up in this tale was easy and happened quickly. I lost myself in Kelda's intense life instantly. She's a single working mother who bought an old house that needs a lot of repairs/updating. It also comes with a history she knows nothing about. Her boss is demanding. Her son befriends the local troublemaker. Her friend Nick comes with a few extra emotional attachments. The new guy she starts dating is a little awkward and is definitely hiding something. And that's before her estranged sister is introduced. 

Yikes! Kelda's life is messy and actually takes a few unexpected twists, turns and plenty of revelations.

Yeah, there's a lot of life stuff for her to work through and I gladly followed along as she struggled to balance everything out. But when the house starts acting strange and bizarre things start to happen, that's when the creeping dread crawled onto the page and kept me guessing.

The story is mainly in Kelda's POV, but there's also the POV of Joseph. He's the toll house keeper and lives there with his wife, in the 1860s. But his life is plagued with tragedy, and as the two timelines come together, the story falls into place when several shocking events from the past are unearthed.

The Toll House is as much a ghost story about the strength of the human spirit, as it is about the very real and familiar story of unconventional relationships. Kelda's perseverance in spite of her many struggles really grabbed me, and kept me glued to the story all the way to the very disturbing end.

Thank you Hachette Australia for sending me a copy of this awesome book.

The Toll House, February 2023, ISBN 9781408726440, Sphere

THE UNSUITABLE by Molly Pohlig

 

The Unsuitable by Molly Pohlig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've had my eye on this lovely book for a while, and I decided it was time to check it out.

Iseult Wince is a woman like no other. She loves to go for long walks, is used to being ignored by her father, and talks to her dead mother all the time. Her father told her that she's responsible for her mother's death because she died during childbirth, so she lives with this guilt every day and her mother's whispering voice doesn't help. Then she meets Jacob...

This is one odd and twisted little Victorian gothic tale. Iseult looks like she'll become a spinster at twenty-eight but is so preoccupied with the voice inside her head and the pleasure she finds in self-inflicted pain, that she barely notices. Her life is a lonely one lived mostly in her head and in her room.

But when her horrid excuse for a parent (hated her father) is fed up with trying to marry off the weird daughter he clearly doesn't care about, respect, or even tolerates, everything changes. It was so sad, to watch this poor woman go through life like a pincushion who gets verbally abused constantly, from outside and inside her head.

It's heartbreaking to see the constant barrage of disgust flung her way, because she's a bit different and is obviously suffering from mental illness, because of the callous treatment she experiences from everyone. 😥

No one understands her or seem to care, which is why I liked Jacob. The silver man actually seemed like a nice person and listened to everything she said.

The writing style was really cool. In between the third-person narrative in Iseult's POV, there's also the confused and aggressive thought exchange between mother and daughter. It's disorienting and so well done.

I REALLY enjoyed this melancholy tale and the secret, mixed with that ending, totally worked for me because it's messed up. And also very sad.

 

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THE SAD GHOST CLUB Volume 2 by Lize Meddings

 

Ever felt anxious or alone? Like you don't belong anywhere? Like you're almost... invisible? Find your kindred spirits at The Sad Ghost Club. (You are not alone. Shhh. Pass it on.)

When two strangers meet at a party and realise they both feel different from everyone else there, they start the The Sad Ghost Club - a secret society for the anxious and alone, a club for people who think they don't belong. 

But when a third ghost wants to join the club, things get a bit more complicated. Can the two ghosts overcome their insecurities and uncertainties in their new friendship, and find a way to welcome new members to the club?

At the beginning of this year I read a lovely book called, The Sad Ghost Club, about someone who was so lonely they were pretty much a ghost. And I just read the next installment in one sitting.

Sam and Socks met at a party neither would usually go to. They're so alike they decide to start a club for shy, lonely and anxious people just like them. So, they put up posters and hope someone will respond. But when someone does, new complications arise... 

Loved this! Like the first book, this is another lovely but very melancholy graphic novel. The story follows a new friendship between two lonely and very insecure people who find themselves falling into familiar cycles of anxiety and uncertainty almost instantly. The black and white illustrations enhance the essence of what's happening in every frame, on every page.

It was hard to watch Socks slide back into her insecurities and become exhausted by the effort getting to know anyone entails. It was nice to see Sam getting more confident and excited, but then lose himself in the prospect of more while almost forgetting what he just found. And it was nice meeting Rue, but sad to see her suffering too.

I really like how this series deals with these dark and consuming issues with so much care and attention. Magnifying the smallest of concerns to the point of exhaustion is how both Sam and Socks deal with life daily, hourly even. Learning to navigate these issues together makes them stronger and able to help others, even though it's a constant struggle. And I can definitely understand that.

The Sad Ghost Club, Volume 2 is a moving tale about what it feels like to be seen by someone after being invisible for so long. Sometimes, slipping back into unhealthy habits is a lot easier than daring to take the necessary steps to forge new friendships and this book captures all of those confused, erratic and fearful thoughts perfectly. 

Also, I still think that using ghosts to represent this state of mind is perfect. And the message was sweet too. 

Thank you so much, Hachette Australia for sending me a copy.

The Sad Ghost Club, Volume 2, January 2022, ISBN 9781444957549, Hodder Children's Books

I signed up!

 

Hey! 😃

It's that time of the year again... and you know what that means, right? I finally signed up for NaNoWriMo 2021. Yay!!

I planned to take part months ago, because it will be a nice break from all the revision I've been doing this year. But I realised yesterday that I hadn't actually set anything up on the website. 😅

This year, I had four possible ideas to choose from but it didn't take long to narrow it down. This WIP is actually two ideas blended into one. 

Here's the description I posted on the website:

It's time to tell a haunted house ghost story... 👻🏡

Not much there, but this single sentence pretty much nails exactly what I want to write. This is going to be a haunted house story. A ghost story. Another story featuring complicated, dysfunctional family relationships. It's also the first story I'm going to dare mention the dreaded pandemic. 😲

I'm excited about this new WIP because the characters are starting to speak and snippets keep swamping my brain. And when that happens, it means the excitement is bubbling.

So, it looks like I've got a week of NaNoPrep ahead of me... 😊

Are you taking part? If you are, this is me: https://nanowrimo.org/participants/yolandas

Have a great week!

June's Revision Begins...

Hey! How are you today? Long time no blog. 😁

I actually took a two week mental break and spent most of it reading, sorting my stationery and prepping for the next revision project. That's right! This week started with a public holiday, and then I got stuck into another first draft.

I'm really determined to stick to my 2021 Revision Plans.

The word count for Victoria started at 50,263. This is actually a story I wrote back in September 2019, so getting into the groove of this narrator's life took a few days. But once I got stuck into the middle of all the creepy weirdness, I enjoyed catching up with these characters and their bleak world.

This is actually a nightmarish gothic horror story featuring a house full of shadows. It's a haunted house tale. It feels like being stuck in a fever dream. And it's also got a touch of mythology. Plus deals with love, family and friendship. 

Here's my progress: 

• Tuesday: 47/134pgs (50,716w)
• Wednesday: 90/137pgs (52,116w)
• Thursday: 141pgs / 52,786w

It's great to be working on this novel again because it's one I really enjoyed writing. Going back to it after such a long stretch of time means there's a lot I don't remember, so it was full of surprises. It's also not as rough as I was expecting. Of course there were plenty of bits to cut, a nice chunk of additions, and plenty of dark imagery as well as emotion and consequence to be smoothed out.

My favourite thing about it is how bizarre everything feels. It's a bleak story full of hope. A claustrophobic story in search of freedom. I'm going to enjoy layering even more during the next draft. Just like I'm enjoying layering this blog post with so many descriptions.

Well, I'm going to rest my brain for the next three days and will hit the third draft on Monday. Really looking forward to it, but for now it's time to have a break. 😄

Have a great day!

THE SAD GHOST CLUB by Lize Meddings

 

Ever felt anxious or alone? Like you don't belong anywhere? Like you're almost... invisible? Find your kindred spirits at The Sad Ghost Club. (You are not alone. Shhh. Pass it on.) 

This is the story of one of those days - a day so bad you can barely get out of bed, when it's a struggle to leave the house, and when you do, you wish you hadn't. But even the worst of days can surprise you. When one sad ghost, alone at a crowded party, spies another sad ghost across the room, they decide to leave together. What happens next changes everything. 

 Because that night they start the The Sad Ghost Club - a secret society for the anxious and alone, a club for people who think they don't belong. 

As soon as I spotted this book in the Hachette catalogue, I knew I had to read it. Not just because the cover is adorable, but also because I found the concept intriguing. And somewhat familiar.

Sam desperately wants to finish his essay, but he stayed up too late and the cat won't leave him alone. Before he realises what he's doing, he's accepted a party invitation and that sets off a new bunch of racing thoughts. If only he'd just concentrated on his essay...

OMG. This is such a lovely graphic novel! Not only is the book beautiful and the illustrations lovely, but the story within these pages is very relatable. How many times have simple thoughts caused a landslide of anxiety within your mind? Until you feel like you're tumbling down a dark hole full of worries that never stop?

Let me take a breath because I know exactly what that feels like. Magnifying the smallest of concerns to the point of exhaustion is how Sam deals with his day. Until he finds he's not alone. And that there are others with even darker and more helpless problems.

That's when he decides it's time to reach out.

The Sad Ghost Club is a moving story anyone who's ever felt invisible will not only relate to, but really enjoy. I Iiked how unpredictable everything was, loved where it ended and thought using ghosts to represent this state of mind was perfect. The message was sweet too. We're never really alone, and there's always someone who'll see you no matter how little you think you matter.

Thank you Hachette Australia for sending me a copy! 

The Sad Ghost Club, January 2021, ISBN 9781444957358, Hodder Children's Books

THE TURN OF THE SCREW by Henry James

 

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a novella I read back in high school, so it's been a while. Still, I remember really enjoying it and I've been meaning to re-read it for ages. Also, The Haunting of Bly Manor is coming to Netflix this week so this was the perfect time to get stuck into it.

The new governess instantly loves her adorable young pupil, Flora. She doesn't even mind when one becomes two and she has to add Miles to the mix. It's the strangers she sees on the manor's grounds that start to unravel her...

I'm very happy to say that I enjoyed the hell out of this story today, as much as I did decades ago. It totally grabbed me and although at times it feels like there are chunks of narrative missing, it only adds to the building mystery. And it's not hard to fill in the gaps.

I get that some people might find the writing a little flowery or even jarring, but I liked it because it's perfect for the setting and time. I also think it adds to the confusion and doubt. Besides, classic writing is often like this and I find it (most of the time) charming.

The Governess is a character I would describe as honest. She takes her job seriously, is committed to the children and doesn't appear crazed. The ghostly occurrences are spooky and mysterious, told in a way that could be true spirit manifestations or psychological delusions. Even her accusations about the children could be wrong. Unless you read into what happens and what they actually say, or how they act. Miles sure sounds like a manipulative little creep to me.

At the same time, you also can't help feel sorry for these kids. I mean, their parents died and their uncle sends them away to his country home in Essex to be with strangers, when what they really needed was the compassion of a relative. Yeah, I've got opinions about that man. 😐

Anyway, this was still a great example of storytelling in a style that when the story is over, it's easy to believe the tale is about ghosts and creepy children, but could just as easily be about someone going through a psychological delusion because of isolation and suspicion.

Either way works, but I'm sticking with the ghost story. And I can't wait to see how the Netflix show takes this and turns it into an even creepier experience...

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THE WALLS AROUND US by Nova Ren Suma

The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another book I've had on my Paperwhite for quite a while and thought it was time to get stuck into it. The story is so strange and so interesting that before I realised it, I'd hit 20% and didn't want to stop.

Amber is in a correctional facility for girls under the age of eighteen. Violet is a gifted ballerina on her way to Juilliard. Ori is the one who connects these two via secrets, lies and violence...

Yikes! I didn't expect all of that! 😳

As soon as I started reading, I fell into the lyrical writing style because it's hypnotic and so beautiful it hooked me in to the point where I couldn't wait to find out more about these girls and their many (many) problems.

At the beginning, there's virtually no dialogue. Something that usually pushes me out of the story. But not here, because the thoughts and actions of these characters was so engaging.

It's also a very strange tale, because just when you get comfortable with each personal story all that familiarity gets pulled out from under you until you start asking yourself: what's really going on here? It's such a unique ghost story that slowly peels back the layers by thrusting a bunch of characters at you.

The more you read, the more the pieces fall into place and start revealing the very twisted puzzle beneath. These narrators aren't exactly reliable, which is why it takes a while for the reader to find their groove. And once you do, it's too late because you're already hooked.

I enjoyed the multiple POVs, but Violet is a special kind of menace. Talk about a sugary exterior concealing a rotten core. I can't say more about her because it would be too easy to slip into spoiler territory, but I can definitely say that I didn't like her. At all.

Asides from the lovely writing and the captivating way everything the unreliable narrators reveal unravels, I loved how the story turned out. I didn't expect that ending, but it made everything so worthwhile.

This is such an intriguing tale about friendship rotting through the years, obsessive ambition bordering on psychotic, innocence stolen away from girls via violence, and ultimate redemption.

I'm so glad I finally read this haunting book because I loved it.

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THE UNINVITED by Cat Winters

The Uninvited by Cat Winters

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoy reading a Cat Winters book. So far, I've read In the Shadow of Black Birds, The Cure for Dreaming, The Steep & Thorny Way, and loved all of them. She's a great storyteller who drags you into interesting stories featuring various historical characters and settings.

When Ivy Rowan wakes up after a really bad bout of the flu, she decides to leave the farm she's been hiding in. She can't put up with her father's violent ways anymore, and is determined to start her own life.

But Buchanan has become a dangerous place. People are getting sick, prejudices are running rampant, jazz music is putting a spell on people, and she's getting involved with the enemy. If only the ghosts would leave her alone...

Just like the books I mentioned above, this one hooked me in very quickly. Ivy's voice was strong, yet tentative, even juvenile at times. She might be in her twenties, but she's lived a sheltered life at the farm away from other people her age. While this didn't benefit her socially, it did equip her with abilities other women don't have. Like driving. And determination.

As Ivy spreads her wings in the unstable world of an ongoing war, she also finds herself caught in the middle of an awful flu pandemic. She helps by driving an ambulance at night trying to help patients. While her days are filled with Daniel. A man she feels sympathy for and others shun because he's German. Falling in love with him seems impossible, but I enjoyed watching their connection flourish.

Also, the characters in this book are so compelling. I especially like Ivy, of course. But Daniel was another favourite. As well as May. I especially liked her tragic story.

This is a dark, yet hopeful book that deals with an awful time in history. So many of the health concerns echo what we are going through right now. It's sad, but humans just don't bloody learn from history, do they? Because here we are, living through another pandemic. 😒

Anyway, I loved this haunting story of love lost and found. About finding a place in the world during so much sadness and pain. It's full of tension, and danger seems to shadow everything Ivy goes through. There are also plenty of secrets, awful behaviour by so-called patriots, and a wonderful introduction to the stirrings of the jazz age.

Many times, while reading this book I felt like I was in the middle of a feverish dream. There's an air of the unknown that hangs over the narrative. It's something that kept me stuck to the pages.

Oh! And there's an absolutely amazing and shocking reveal that totally took me off guard. OMG. Mind blown.

This is another awesome book!

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THE HEADLESS GHOST by RL Stine

The Headless Ghost by R.L. Stine

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Goosebumps I read today was another paperback in pretty scabby condition, but it was definitely very entertaining.

Duane and Stephanie love to haunt the streets of Wheeler Falls at night and scare the kids while they sleep. But more than that, they love going to the abandoned Hill House for the ghost tours.

All of that changes when they meet a mysterious boy called Seth...

Oooooooooh. This is a creepy haunted house story featuring two kids who love to scare each other as much as scaring others.

I really liked the Hill House ghost tours because this angle introduced a very cool story-with-a-story vibe that only added to the overall spooky feel of the book. The house itself is also very interesting because the rooms and hallways have tales of their own to tell.

Although Duane and Stephanie annoyed me at the beginning of the story with their immature behaviour while trying to out-fright each other, I loved how everything sort of shifts along the way enough for them to grow on me.

Oh, and the twist ending was very cool. Of course!

I'm a sucker for haunted house stories so I got a real kick out of this one. 👻

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GHOST MINE by Hunter Shea

Deep in a Wyoming mine, hell awaits. Nat Blackburn is given an offer he can't refuse by President Teddy Roosevelt. Tales of gold in the abandoned mining town of Hecla abound. The only problem - those who go seeking their fortune never return. Along with his constant companion, Teta, a hired gun with a thirst for adventure, Nat travels to a barren land where even animals dare not tread. Black-eyed children, strange lights and ferocious wild men venture from the deep, dark ghost mine...as well as a sinister force hungry for fresh souls.

When I picked up this Flame Tree Press ARC a few days ago, I was instantly hooked and didn't want to put it down. But really, I shouldn't be surprised because last year I absolutely LOVED Hunter Shea's book, Creature.

Anyway, let's talk about this one.

When President Roosevelt calls on his friend to solve a mystery of what happened to his men in the middle of nowhere, Nat agrees to take on the case. With his good friend Teta by his side, they board a train and leave New York.

Together, these tough guys travel halfway across the country to investigate what happened in Hecla, a mining town that's now become a ghost town. A place that feels wrong, turns out to be creepy as hell, and is hiding a very deep and dark secret inside the abandoned mines...

Wow. This is one awesome and totally addictive book! It was hard to put down because everything that happened was totally unexpected.

I also thought it was such a well-written book, full of sympathetic and interesting characters that I had a blast following across the rough terrain of a changing world. I really enjoyed how in this story, the Wild West was slowly being overshadowed by trains, automobiles and a changing landscape.

Not only is Nat's voice compelling and totally engrossing, but Teta (his name cracked me up every single time!) was also such a cool, kick-ass character. A sidekick with as much personality as the main character. Their past together provided an excellent background, and their strong friendship was even better. As for Selma, well, she's got enough spunk and attitude to match both of them. I really liked her.

I also didn't expect to like Matthias and Angus as much as I did. They added to the very dark mythology our trio find themselves drowning in.

I'm not kidding when I say I enjoyed the hell out of every moment I spent reading this fantastic book. Just like Dust Devils, I don't think I've ever had this much fun reading about cowboys. I think horror westerns really work for me. 🤠

Ghost Mine turned out to be an incredibly insane, super creepy and amazingly fun horror adventure with some really menacing creatures. The action kept coming almost as quickly as the weird. The supernatural mystery at the heart of the story is enough to keep anyone who dares start this book glued to the pages, and you'll never guess where it's going because it's so unpredictable.

There's a certain surreal and nightmarish atmosphere in this story that I thought was outstanding, and kept everything under an eerie blanket of WTF. There's SO MUCH thrown into this book and every single outlandish piece fits together to keep the story well-oiled and moving right along.

I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to anyone and everyone who enjoys a quirky, action-packed tale full of memorable characters you'll miss after finishing the last page.

Seriously, check it out!

Ghost Mine will be released in late May from Flame Tree Press.

THE HAUNTING OF HENDERSON CLOSE by Catherine Cavendish

Ghosts have always walked there. Now they’re not alone… 

In the depths of Edinburgh, an evil presence is released. Hannah and her colleagues are tour guides who lead their visitors along the spooky, derelict Henderson Close, thrilling them with tales of spectres and murder. For Hannah it is her dream job, but not for long. Who is the mysterious figure that disappears around a corner? What is happening in the old print shop? And who is the little girl with no face? The legends of Henderson Close are becoming all too real. The Auld De’il is out – and even the spirits are afraid.

I decided to start 2019 with a Flame Tree Press ARC. It also happens to be the first ladies of horror title I've read from this very cool publisher.

As soon as I started, I was hooked by this intriguing story.

Hannah has recently moved into a cosy apartment in Edinburgh. She's ready to start a new life and has managed to get herself a very curious job as a tour guide. In the confines of this underground tourist spot, she dresses up and shares some of the freaky, murderous stories associated with Henderson Close.

But seeing shadows, new construction, dealing with a disappearing workmate and trying not to get on her boss's bad side aren't the only issues Hannah needs to deal with. There's also the case of timeslips, ghosts and an evil presence.

At least she's made a good friend in George. And together, they might be able to solve the mystery of what's going on...

This was such a great book to start the year with! I love ghost stories of every kind, and this one was right up my alley. 

One of the best things about this story is how well the sense of location is portrayed. The vivid descriptions made me feel like I was right there. Not just in the modern day long-abandoned underground tourist attraction, but also in the actual filthy overpopulated streets.

The mystery of the woman who was trying to help the needy and instead met her violent demise intrigued me so much I didn't want to put the book down. But I did, because at the same time, I wanted to consume every word at a good pace.

Another great thing was the characters. Hannah is a hardworking woman looking for a new life and is unaware of the darkness shadowing her. Mairead is a young woman with a strange case of amnesia and a mystery of her own. George is a kind man who likes a drink or two after a hard day at work, and gets as swept up in the evil mess as his co-workers. I really enjoyed their shared scenes, and how their lives were intertwined.

There's a lot of stuff going on in this story, so many layers that tie together in some very clever ways extending through time. I thought the different POVs added to the overall narrative as well as the bits told in the past, slowly revealing the puzzle pieces. But not giving everything away until the right moment.

The Haunting of Henderson Close is an atmospheric and spooky ghost story with a great dose of history. It's also deliciously twisted, violent and dragged me through the claustrophic streets of historical Edinburgh until the unexpected conclusion. I really didn't expect things to turn out that way! 

Oh, and I love the cover. Not only is it really nice, but totally captures the feel of the story.

This also happens to be the first Catherine Cavendish book I've read, but I'm pretty sure it won't be my last.

The Haunting of Henderson Close will be released from Flame Tree Press in January.

SHUTTER by Courtney Alameda

Shutter by Courtney Alameda

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. This book is amazing. Seriously amazing.

I don't know why it's taken me so long to read it, but I'm glad I grabbed my Kobo the other day and finally got stuck into it.

Micheline Helsing is a direct descendant of Van Helsing. She's a tetrachromat, and captures spirits with her trusty camera. She's also part of a young crew and is always willing to take on any threat. And that's exactly how they all end up getting infected by a soulchain.

Now they're in a race against time to break the curse before it totally engulfs them. Unfortunately, the soulchain isn't the only thing she needs to worry about...

Most of this book read like an action-packed movie. It moves quickly, the worldbuilding is awesome, the problems are both otherworldly and real. And the horror doesn't hold back. It's just a great story that kept me glued to every single page.

I also thought the San Francisco setting was really fitting. And the characters are just SO good. Plus the Aussie character was so genuine. I mean, I liked Ryder for who he was and what he did, but the Aussie stuff was spot-on.

I'm so glad I finally read this fantastic and clever book!

View all my reviews

THE SIREN AND THE SPECTRE by Jonathan Janz

When David Caine, a celebrated skeptic of the supernatural, is invited by an old friend to spend a month in “the most haunted house in Virginia,” he believes the case will be like any other. But the Alexander House is different, plagued by shadows of the past. And David is haunted too, by the woman he loved, before she took life in sorrow.

I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy of this very awesome book from Flame Tree Press. And since the day I received it, I couldn't wait to get started.

I mean, look at that creepy, lovely cover.

David Caine is a writer. He's also a big skeptic of anything supernatural. He's stayed in some of the most known haunted places, and published books that debunk the ghostly legends.

When an old friend invites him to spend a month in “the most haunted house in Virginia”, he accepts. He's keen to do what he does best. But Alexander House isn't like all the other houses. From the very first night, weird things start to happen, his neighbours aren't the friendliest lot, and when some of the weirdness seems to tie back to his own past, David will find himself in a very strange position...

Wow. This book is certainly something. Something awesome, that is.

I was hooked from the beginning. Not just because I'm a sucker for haunted houses. Not just because I love stories featuring ghosts. But because I got caught up in the intoxicating atmosphere and the building tension. Plus David is one of those characters that really gets under your skin.

Even though the other characters were quick to point out his (many) faults and shitty habits, I found myself liking him more with every chapter. What others seemed to see didn't match the voice telling this super creepy story. David was smart, charming, and cares way too much about others to come across as the selfish person everyone paints him to be.

It soon becomes very obvious that he's not the careless man he used to be. Even choosing to avoid commitment doesn't make him a bad person. It's his choice. 

Yeah, I'm a David fan. :)

I also liked how no matter what he saw and felt, he still tried to convince himself there was another explanation that didn't involve the supernatural. Stubborn skeptic to the end. LOL.

But he's not the only interesting character. I was intrigued by the memory of Anna. Sheriff Harkless was sassy, strong as hell and very likeable. Ralph was a nice old man I didn't trust. Jessica was such a great character, too. She gave David a hard time and had ulterior motives that totally intrigued me. Oh, and Mike Jr. made me laugh.

Don't even get me started on the unsavoury people who inhabit this story. Let's just say that all the good stuff I mentioned above is balanced out by the shittier ones. I mean, I seriously despised the Shelbys.

The Siren and the Spectre is an excellent horror story with a lot of heart. There might be gross and depraved scenes all over the place, but underneath all of the vivid imagery and spooky location, there's a different kind of haunting going on. The kind of haunting that comes with painful memories and forgiveness.

I absolutely loved this suspenseful haunted house story packed with so much more.

After enjoying this one so much, I'm looking forward to checking out the other five ARCs. 😀

The Siren and the Specter is one of the books that will be released from Flame Tree Press in September.

EMBASSY OF THE DEAD by Will Mabbitt

Welcome to the Embassy of the Dead. Leave your life at the door. (Thanks.) 

When Jake opens a strange box containing a severed finger, he accidentally summons a grim reaper to drag him to the Eternal Void (yep, it's as fatal as it sounds) and now he's running for his life! But luckily Jake isn't alone - he can see and speak to ghosts. 

Jake and his deadly gang (well dead, at least) - Stiffkey the undertaker, hockey stick-wielding, Cora, and Zorro the ghost fox - have one mission: find the Embassy of the Dead and seek protection. But the Embassy has troubles of its own and may not be the safe haven Jake is hoping for . . .

After reading such a serious and brilliant book last week, I was looking forward to getting stuck into something lighter and fun, but still somewhat spooky. 

That's when this book caught my eye. I mean, look at the cover! It's very cool.

Jake is twelve and isn't very happy about his home life situation. His parents have split up and live in different places, but he wishes they were still together. At least he's got a school trip coming up, and will get to hang out with his friend Sab.

But when a strange man wearing a top hat appears in an alley and gives him a strange box, he takes it. First chance he gets, Jake opens it and finds a severed finger. Only, opening was the worst thing he could've done.

Now he has to team up with Stiffkey the undertaker, skip the school trip, and instead run from the Reaper determined to send him to the Eternal Void. Unless he can get to the Embassy of the Dead (very) soon, his life could be over. Well, that's if his parents don't find out what he's up to first...

OMG. This book was a LOT of fun. It was just what I needed. The perfect weekend read.

As soon as I started, I was totally hooked. Jake's morbid adventure is full of colourful characters, interesting worldbuilding, and danger at every turn. 

I liked Jake's POV and how he tries really hard to do the right thing, even if it's mostly to save his own skin. Stiffkey is such a cool mentor willing to help a live boy, even if it's because he's the one who got him into this mess. Cora is feisty and wants to be free, but finds more than she bargained for. And Zorro, well a ghost fox sounds super awesome to me.

Oh, and Penny was such an intriguing character. I enjoyed meeting her and only wish she'd stuck around longer. And Mawkins? Shudder.

Besides, I'm a sucker for stories featuring ghosts. Plus I liked how whether young, old or in-between, it's so easy to get lost in this tale as deeply as the characters did.

Yeah, there's a lot to love about this book. And another awesome feature are the illustrations. They're SO cool. Not to mention the cheeky crow at the beginning of each chapter, the amusing skull at the end, or the spider who randomly popped on to the pages.

Embassy of the Dead is an engrossing, fast-paced read with plenty of hilarious action. A road trip full of ghostly situations and awesome characters that kept me glued to the pages all the way through. It's also well written and spooky and so funny. I LOLd quite a bit.

Everything about this book made me smile, and caught my attention so much I couldn't put it down.

I'm definitely interested in finding out what happens next to Jake and Cora.

Embassy of the Dead, June 2018, ISBN 9781510104556, Orion Children's Books