Feed Your TBR - Cold Snap

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

October 15, 2024

SYNOPSIS: A grieving mother and son hope to survive Christmas in a remote mountain cabin, in this chilling novella of dread, isolation and sinister spirits lurking in the frozen woods. Perfect for fans of The Only Good Indians, The Shining and The Babadook.

Two weeks ago, Christine Sinclaire’shusband slipped off the roof while hanging Christmas lights and fell to his death on the front lawn. Desperate to escape her guilt and her grief, Christine packs up her fifteen-year-old son and the family cat and flees to the cabin they’d reserved deep in the remote Pennsylvania Wilds to wait out the holidays.

It isn’t long before Christine begins to hear strange noises coming from the forest. When she spots a horned figure watching from between frozen branches, Christine assumes it’s just a forest animal—a moose, maybe, since the property manager warned her about them, said they’d stomp a body so deep into the snow nobody’d find it ’til spring. But moose don’t walk upright like the shadowy figure does. They don’t call Christine’s name with her dead husband’s voice.

A haunting examination of the horrors of grief and the hunger of guilt, perfect for readers of Stephen King, Christina Henry, and Chuck Wendig.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT: Let's be honest, as if the comparison to The Shining and The Babadook wasn't enough, the cover sealed the deal!

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

2 Bloggers 1 Series - Harrison Investigations #1

 

So, I honestly believe that Stormi has pulled me into a Heather Graham rabbit hole!  We started reading the Krewe of Hunters series last year and she asked if I would be interested in going back and reading the Harrison Investigation series since it is where Krewe first originated and who am I to say no?  For the most part I have enjoyed the Graham novels I've read with her and I'm always up for some more backlist titles.  And spoiler alert - she even pulled me in to starting a Graham vampire series in February - look at us go!  So read on for my thoughts on the first in this new series and then hop over to Stormi's at Storm Reads for hers.

 

TITLE: Haunted (Harrison Investigations #1)

AUTHOR: Heather Graham

PUBLISHER: MIRA

PUBLISHING DATE: August 25, 2003

PAGES: 425   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: Sheriff Matt Stone doesn’t believe in ghosts. But there are those who are convinced his home, a historic Virginia estate that dates back to the Revolutionary War, is haunted. Pressured to get at the truth about some strange happenings at Melody House, he agrees to let Harrison Investigations explore the house. But he isn’t ready for beautiful, intriguing Darcy Tremayne. 

As a paranormal investigator, Darcy has learned to believe in the unbelievable. And she’s given Matt fair Sometimes people don’t like the skeletons she finds. She never dreamed that warning would apply to herself. For she’s about to discover that Melody House holds much more than a simple mystery from the distant past. What it holds is a very real and lethal danger, one that will cast her into a struggle against the worlds of both the living and the dead.

MY THOUGHTS: When I think that this book is over 21 years old, I'm kind of amazed.  It also makes me feel old, but we won't go there.  Nothing in it really comes across as dated though and although this isn't my favorite Graham novel by far, it is a strong start to what I know is a very length series.

When the book opens, we see Darcy as a high schooler and learn a bit of backstory on how she becomes involved with Adam Harrison, including becoming part of one of the first paranormal investigative teams.  Darcy is then sent to Melody House upon Adam's request to investigate an alleged haunting.  Adam was friends with the new owner, Matt Stone's, grandfather when he owns the home. With Darcy's help and the assistance from a cast of characters living on the Melody House property and running the historic establishment, Adam is set to learn if the location is really haunted or if there is even something more sinister going on.

One thing that's I consistently find interesting about Graham's novels is the blend of paranormal activity and human nefariousness.  Graham always provides a great mixture and since I love all thing spooky, even mildly such as with these novels, reading this series required very little thought as I was sure I would enjoy it.  However, I have to admit that so far, this is probably my least favorite Graham book and it all boils down to Matt Stone being a jerk.  Not only is he skeptical of Darcy and her abilities, but he is also pretty much downright mean and disrespectful to her.  And while you might expect some character growth along the way, Matt remained pretty stunted.  So, when the ending rolls around, and certain conclusions occur, I was scratching my head questioning a lot of people's choices and decisions.  

I will add that I enjoyed the mystery elements of the book and am pleased that we started from the beginning.  I hope we eventually learn more about Adam himself as I suspect he is a pretty interesting man with an intriguing backstory of his own.  If you enjoy paranormal tales which also focus quite heavily on romance, then this series might be something you enjoy.

MY RATING: 3 PAWS

Claustrophobia Anyone?

 

TITLE: The Devil Came Down the Mountain

AUTHOR: Christopher Bond

PUBLISHER: Horrorsmith Publishing

PUBLISHING DATE: January 30, 2024

PAGES: 195   

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: For almost a hundred years, locals have proclaimed a portion of the Uinta Mountains in Utah to be cursed. They call the area the Murmuring Caves, the site of the historic Yangguang Massacre, where distortions and reverberations beneath the earth's surface create something very akin to human voices. 

And if you listen long enough...you might just hear the dead... 

Josh Bridges, an experienced dark tourist, has finally convinced his three best friends to accompany him in search of the Murmuring Caves. But they only agreed because of the tragedy Josh just lived through, which seems to have broken him. They'd do anything for their friend...even descend into darkness. 

But when they call out for help, what answers them might not be safe. It might not even be alive.

MY THOUGHTS: Let me start by saying if you are claustrophobic in any significant way, this book will definitely have you feeling closed in and trapped.  But if you love horror and atmospheric reads, that's a good thing, right?

A personal tragedy prompts Josh to returned to his hometown ten years after graduating high school.  He is reunited with his three best friends and convinces them to join him on a trip to Utah to visit the Murmuring Caves, the site of the infamous Yangguang Massacre.  John loves to participate in "dark tourism," visiting locations where mass deaths and other tragedies have occurred.  His friends are hesitant, each for their own reasons, but they want to be supportive, so they agree to go.  What starts out as a cautious but fun trip turns into a fight for survival and leaves them questioning their own sanity.

This novel was so much fun and I'm glad I picked it up. Bond does a wonderful job at creating a foreboding atmosphere and weaves in an historical/urban legend aspect that totally captivates the reader. I also really enjoyed the friendship bond and find myself automatically drawn to the book featuring reuniting friendship groups.  This book had several twists and turns and at least one of the reveals completely blindsided me.  In addition, the ending is one that simply must be experienced for someone to fully feel the impact of what the author has created.  

I think this book benefited from being on the shorter side because it manages to keep the reader's interest without becoming repetitive or slow.  I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author and I highly recommend The Devil Came Down the Mountain to any horror lover.

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

Feed Your TBR - Red in Tooth and Claw

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

October 8, 2024

FROM GOODREADS: Faolan Kelly’s grandfather is dead. She’s alone in the world and suddenly homeless, all because the local powers that be don’t think a young man of sixteen is mature enough to take over his grandfather’s homestead…and that’s with them thinking Faolan is a young man. If she revealed that her grandfather had been disguising her for years, they would marry her off at the first opportunity.

The mayor finds a solution that serves everyone, but He hires a gunslinger to ship her off to the Settlement, a remote fort where social outcasts live under the leadership of His Benevolence Gideon Dillard. It's a place rife with mystery, kept afloat by suspicious wealth. Dillard's absolute command over his staff just doesn't seem right. And neither do the strange noises that keep Faolan up at night.

When Faolan finds the body of a Settlement boarder, mangled by something that can’t possibly be human, it’s clear something vicious is stalking the palisades. And as Settlement boarders continue to drop like flies, Faolan knows she must escape to evade the creature’s wrath.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  I'm not sure I'm 100% sure about this one but it is one I will probably grab from the library when it releases.  I am curious about what is mangling the settlers and that cover really seals the deal.  

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

Another Reason I Don't Snowboard

 

TITLE: The Shuddering

AUTHOR: Ania Ahlborn

PUBLISHER: 47 North

PUBLISHING DATE: June 18, 2013/span>

PAGES: 283   

SOURCE: Own/Purchased

FROM GOODREADS: They only come when it snows, and nobody ever gets away. 

A group of close friends gathers at a secluded cabin in the wintry mountains of Colorado for a final holiday hurrah. Instead, it may be their last stand. First a massive blizzard leaves them marooned. Then the more chilling realization: something is lurking in the woods, watching them, waiting... 

Now a weekend of family, friends, and fun has turned into a test of love and loyalty in the face of inhuman horrors. The only hope for those huddled inside is to fight—tooth and nail, bullet and blade—for their lives. Otherwise, they'll end up like the monsters' other victims: bright pools of blood on glittering snow, screams lost in the vast mountains.

MY THOUGHTS: I read this for a Facebook Horror book club I participate in each month, and I love it when books they chose are ones I've been meaning to get to for a while.  In this case, I had even already bought a copy, so it was the perfect excuse to pick it up.

Ryan and Jane are headed to the mountains to spend one last weekend in the family cabin (more like a mansion in the woods) before it is sold.  Jane brings her best friend and Ryan has invited his childhood pal who is bring along his newest girlfriend.  Of course, Jane and this friend have unsettled history which adds to the relationship drama and tension in the cabin in dramatic fashion. What was to be a time to reminisce and get in some good snowboarding turns into a fight for survival when the group starts being stalked by something in the woods.  What they initially peg as wolves or elk turn out to be much scarier as well as something not of this earth.

For the most part I really enjoyed this book.  Because of the winter, snowstorm-trapped setting, it was the perfect January read.  I enjoyed learning more of the characters backstory and loved the bond between Jane and her twin Ryan.  There were some stereotypical stupid moves such as trying to drive out an unclear road in a huge snowstorm and taking off in the woods alone but nothing I couldn't look past. There was also some sarcasm and humor.  The monsters were scary, and the pacing was good.  I am glad the book was on the shorter side because it allowed for things to be wrapped up when a longer book might have seemed to drag.  

My rating reflects my one big dislike of the book.  MINOR SPOLIER ALERT - the dog dies.  However, the death is off the page and not described in any gory detail and Oona goes out being the very best dog ever!  I did become very attached to her though and had to find a spoiler when I first encountered her because come on, dogs and horror do not mix well!

All of that being said, I'm glad I finally marked this off the TBR pile.  It's the second book I've read by the author and definitely want to check out more.  If you are looking for a winter survival tale, look no further.

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

Farm News - January 21, 2024

 

Major update - it's cold!  No surprise there huh?  I know people have it a lot worse than I do here, and I am in West Virginia, so I do expect winter but still.  I keep reminding myself that last year around the holidays we were in the -20 wind chill temps, and I survived.  But last year I was a year younger, and I also didn't have a puppy that needs to go out every 2 hours and who refuses to come back in when he should.  

I also celebrated my birthday this past week and took Friday off from work so I could have a celebratory three-day weekend.  Mr. Mike got me a giant birthday cookie, a boxer travel mug and some Dr. Pepper Strawberry Cream soda which is my favorite and becoming harder and harder to find.  He knows the way to my heart.  The pups love the snow though and when it wasn't too dangerous for them, we did allow them outside to play some.

I currently have three books I need to get finished by the end of January.  End of Watch is a buddy read with Stormi, I'm still reading Hunt on Dark Waters, which is good, but I just sat it down for other things, and The Devil Came Down the Mountain releases on the 30th.  I am on the Horrorsmith Publishing arc team and really want to get an honest review up for this one. I am also reading The Death of Prince Rogers Nelson: An Investigation but it's a non-fiction account of the 18-month police investigation into his death so I'm only reading it in spurts.  

I also was approved for arcs from some HIGHLY anticipated releases so it was good 2 weeks from Netgalley.  Thanks to them and all the publishers.  I will link the titles to Goodreads so you can check them out if you wish.

Legacy of Temptation: Larissa Ione

An Enchanting Case of Spirits: Melissa Holtz

Made for You: Jenna Satterthwaite

The Gathering: C.J. Tudor

Incidents Around the House: Josh Malerman

The Drowning House: Cherie Priest

And finally, I feel down the Apple TV rabbit hole with their 3-month free trial and am watching Servant.  Even Mr. Mike likes it.  We are currently on Episode 6 of Season 2.  The good thing is all four seasons have dropped and the series has ended so we can binge until our heart's content.

Hope everyone is staying warm and safe.  Have a great week!

A Book of Poetry? Who Am I?

 

TITLE: Pretty Boys are Poisonous: Poems

AUTHOR: Megan Fox

PUBLISHER: Gallery Books

PUBLISHING DATE: November 7, 2023/span>

PAGES: 176   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: Megan Fox showcases her wicked humor throughout a heartbreaking and dark collection of poetry. Over the course of more than seventy poems Fox chronicles all the ways in which we fit ourselves into the shape of the ones we love, even if it means losing ourselves in the process. 

“These poems were written in an attempt to excise the illness that had taken root in me because of my silence. I’ve spent my entire life keeping the secrets of men, my body aches from carrying the weight of their sins. My freedom lives in these pages, and I hope that my words can inspire others to take back their happiness and their identity by using their voice to illuminate what’s been buried, but not forgotten, in the darkness,” says Fox. 

Pretty Boys Are Poisonous marks the powerful debut from one of the most well-known women of our time. Turn the page, bite the apple, and sink your teeth into the most deliciously compelling and addictive books you’ll read all year.

MY THOUGHTS: So, I'm about as big of fan of poetry as I am of Megan Fox.  That's not to say I actively dislike either one, I just do not go out of my way to seek either one out either.  However, one of my challenges features a prompt for poetry and I saw this at my library and figured why not.  And boy am I glad I grabbed it.

This book is a collection of poetry by Fox which covers topics of relationships, physical and emotional abuse, feminism and miscarriage to name a few.  There are 77 poems and while a few of them didn't exactly hit the mark with me, so many of them did.  Some of my faves include the indoctrination of a hopeless romantic, in which Fox says "I used to think love was a poem/now I know love is a killing spree" and fatality which compares a relationship to a game of Mortal Combat and includes a line I'll never forget - "I start daydreaming of the look on your face when I tell you his d--k was so much bigger than yours."

So honestly, this book won't be for everyone.  There's profanity and snarkiness galore.  But there is also some rather beautiful black and white artwork by Audrey Kawasaki, a Japanese American artist from LA.  Overall, I would recommend if you have even the slightest suspicion that you might like this, then I say pick it up.  Maybe you'll stumble on a few lines that will stick with you as well.

MY RATING: 5 PAWS