My Book Reviews

Category: Horror

This category contains any posts published in reference to books of Historical Fiction genre.

Little Miss Evil by Jim Ody

Little Miss Evil by Jim Ody

Release: October 22nd 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: SpellBound Books
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon UK, Amazon US

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There’s nowhere to run
But plenty of places to hide…

Tall Trees
An Idyllic Campsite, situated on a picturesque lake, and surrounded by woodland.

Three Groups Of Strangers:

All meet for the first time, each one of them with something to hide.

But someone knows all of their dark their secrets and now they want to play a game…

PLAYTIME JUST GOT DEADLY

About the Author:

Jim writes dark psychological/thrillers, Horror and YA books that have endings you won’t see coming, and favours stories packed with wit. He has written over a dozen novels and many more short-stories spanning many genres.

Jim has a very strange sense of humour and is often considered a little odd. When not writing he will be found playing the drums, watching football and eating chocolate. He lives with his long-suffering wife, three beautiful children and two indignant cats in Swindon, Wiltshire UK.

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon

Little Miss Evil Review:

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I love ghost stories, and Little Miss Evil was so deliciously evil. The author starts off the tale with a bang as Thomas and Connie face something horrible. Cut to Will and Fiona, who just moved in, and already Will sees a strange girl. Moreover, the author also introduces a parallel story where Jenny and her friends Nat and Meg are going to camp where they plan to have a wild time. The author then beautifully merges both these storylines so nicely, and it was an unforgettable ride.

The author has an impeccable talent for writing horror. I also enjoyed how we got the perspective from the diverse cast in each chapter, like Will, Jenny, Carl, Marshall, Roger, and Keith. We even get inserts of the story from the evil presence’s perspective.

Many moments gave me the creeps, like when Will sees the small girl at the beginning of the dead woman, when Marshall enters the woods, or when the treasure hunt starts. Initially, the first half of the story felt like the suspense/horror was surrounding Will. However, the book’s second half is exciting with thrills and chills as you don’t know what will happen to the cast.

Frankly, Jenny was my favorite because I loved how cautious she seemed compared to the others. But as the story progresses, you see her build confidence and treat Marshall correctly. For some reason, Marshall gave me the creeps for how he attached himself to Jenny. My second favorite was Will and Fiona.

The only minor criticism of the tale is that it sometimes felt like too many cast on canvas. For instance, I did not think Giles deserved a section, as it did not add value.

Nevertheless, “Little Miss Evil” is a great horror novel, and the ending gave me chills!

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Little Miss Evil by Jim Ody Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

October 26, 2021
The Horror Film Killer by Michael J. Bowler

The Horror Film Killer by Michael J. Bowler

Release:October 26, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Michael J. Bowler Publishing
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD

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What would you do if someone acted out—for real— the kill scenes from your student-made horror film?

That’s the dilemma facing high school seniors Cassie and Donovan. Best friends, aspiring filmmakers, and hopeful romantic partners, they set out to complete a feature-length horror film as a graduation project for their performing arts high school. Using actors and crew from among their classmates, they aim to finish the bulk of shooting over Spring Break. When several murders occur not far from their locations—each one recreating a specific “kill” scene from their script—they suddenly find themselves embroiled in a real-life horror movie neither of them bargained for.

Cassie’s police officer dad and his ex-girlfriend—a homicide detective Cassie once hoped would be her stepmom—allow the film shoot to continue because the killer has threatened to murder Donovan’s mother if they stop. Traps are set and arrests are made, but the killer—who might be a member of the cast or crew—is one step ahead of their every move.

Can Cassie and Donovan help the police unmask the psychopath before more people die?

About the Author:

Michael J. Bowler is an award-winning author who grew up in Northern California. He majored in English/Theatre at Santa Clara University, earned a master’s in film production from Loyola Marymount University, a teaching credential in English from LMU, and a master’s in Special Education from Cal State University Dominguez Hills. Michael taught high school in Hawthorne, California for many years, both in general education and students with disabilities. When Michael is not writing you can find him volunteering as a youth mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, volunteering within the juvenile justice system in Los Angeles, or caring for his newly adopted son. He is a passionate advocate for the fair treatment of children and teens in California, and hopes his books can show young people they are not alone in their struggles.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

The Horror Film Killer Review:

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Let me preface by saying that I grew up in the 90s and loved watching slasher films like “Scream” and “I know what you did Last Summer.” When I started reading the book, I immediately knew that I would enjoy it. The author takes moments from such movies and spins them into this very entertaining ‘whodunit’ read. Moreover, I adored how the author references the classics like “The Exorcist” and “Friday the 13th”.

Secondly, Cassie and Donovan stand out in the story, and I liked how the author portrayed their friendship (and potential romance). Cassie is a strong character and is not scared to get to the bottom of what is happening. Also, I liked the last cast of characters and felt each of them brought something new to the story. For instance, I enjoyed how techy savvy Baxter is using the drone footage. Similarly, you already suspect a few people like Robert and Mr. Warner, who are so creepy.

Thirdly, the author adds quite a lot of twists and turns and maintains the suspense. You see inserts of who someone is spying on the team and planning the murders, and these moments gave me goosebumps. One of the story’s highlights is when the mother gets involved and finds out that her life could also be in danger. On a side note, I also enjoyed how the author details film shootings and all the hard work behind the scenes. Also, in such a story, you need a shocking reveal, and the ending was one that I did not suspect at all.

Overall, “The Horror Film Killer ” is an entertaining book to pick up if you are a fan of teen horror or slasher movies.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a signed finished copy of THE HORROR FILM KILLER, US Only.

3 winners will win an eBook of THE HORROR FILM KILLER, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Horror Film Killer by Michael J. Bowler Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
Writer of Wrongs-Excerpt-10-18-2021
The Momma Spot-Excerpt-10-18-2021
Living in a Bookworld-Guest Post-10-19-2021
BookHounds YA-Guest Post-10-19-2021
@bookstagramofmine -Review-10-19-2021
Lily Luchesi’s Blog-Review-10-20-2021
Jazzy Book Reviews-Review-10-21-2021
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-10-21-2021
My Fictional Oasis-Review-10-22-2021
Wonder Struck -Review-10-22-2021

Week Two:
@moonlight_rendezvous -Review-10-25-2021
@more.books.yes.please-Review-10-25-2021
The Phantom Paragrapher-Review-10-26-2021
A Court of Coffee and Books-Review-10-26-2021
popthebutterfly reads-Review-10-27-2021
Simply Daniel Radcliffe-Review-10-27-2021
Lexijava_Bookish-Review-10-28-2021
@coffeebooksandmascara -Review-10-28-2021
Midnightbooklover-Review-10-29-2021
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-10-29-2021

October 22, 2021
Witch by Mark Brownless

Witch by Mark Brownless

Release: October 15th 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: SpellBound Books
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

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A new home. A new start. Burying the tragedy of the past.

Gabe and Tor Hooper relocate to rural West Wales to restart their lives following the tragedy of the past, buying a magnificent house on a lake.

But they awaken the witch – a vengeful ghost who haunts both their new home and their dreams, having sworn revenge on, anyone who is the ‘master’ of Lake House.

As the woman in white escalates her terrifying campaign, Gabe fights to save his family from the horrors she brings, her disciples around her and the temptation to change the past. Can anyone resist such a supernatural force and will Gabe choose between his heart or his head?

WITCH, the terrifying new horror novel from Mark Brownless, the author of The Shadow Man and The Hand of an Angel.

About the Author:

Mark Brownless lives and works in Carmarthen, West Wales, UK. He has been putting ideas on paper for some years now but only when the idea for THE HAND OF AN ANGEL came to him in the autumn of 2015 did he know he might be able to write a book. Also, Mark likes to write about ordinary people experiencing extraordinary circumstances. He is fascinated by unexplained phenomena, and enjoys merging thriller, science fiction and horror.

Mark’s new novel, The Shadow Man is a terrifying horror thriller imagining what would happen if you found out the memories of your childhood were untrue, and that something sinister was lurking behind the facade of your life. Could you face what had happened back then? Could you face The Shadow Man.

Mark is also fascinated by myths and legends such as those of Robin Hood and King Arthur. This has culminated in the release of his short story series, Locksley, a Robin Hood story.

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Witch Review:

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“Witch” is a creepy, atmospheric horror novel that will not disappoint fans of the genre.

When I started reading this book, I had NO idea how awesome it would be. The author sets the mood perfectly right from the first page as Gabe and Tor move to the Lake House and run into Idris and Carol. The author keeps the suspense consistent where something happened to Tor and Gabe in every chapter. Hitting something on the road, hearing shrieking from a painting, and witnessing the pipe incident are only a few of the many moments that unnerve them.

I loved both the main characters. The author portrays Gabe and Tor beautifully as they settle in the house. The presence of the spirit gave me the creeps, and I wondered how she would strike next. Moreover, the author adds layers to the characters, seeing the history of their loss and trying to move forward. The author also spends time detailing the other residents of Ty Llyn, like Idris, Mal, and Ellie. Frankly, I found Tor fascinating because she was vulnerable to the presence more than Gabe, and you didn’t know how it would affect her.

One of the highlights was when the author flashback to the past where we read about Morvith. As you continue reading, the stakes go up, and you realize how dangerous and sinister the Witch becomes. Moreover, you see the plot is not as straightforward as it appears, as you see conspiracies and secrets along the way. There are some shocking twists, especially to the end of the story, which I did not see coming at all! After reading the book, I still have goosebumps recollecting some parts of the tale.

Overall, “Witch” is the perfect horror novel to pick up and read during Halloween!

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Witch by Mark Brownless Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

October 21, 2021
Hellsleigh by D.C Brockwell

Hellsleigh by D.C Brockwell

Release: 8th Oct. 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: SpellBound Books
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Amazon UK, GoodReads, Amazon US ,

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They say if you listen carefully at night , you can still hear the screaming…

They recover Seven bodies from Hellsleigh , the most infamous asylum in the country , which has lay derelict for the last 30 years

24 Hours Earlier:

On the eve of its planned demolition famed parapsychologist and author, Brandon Fiske and
his team of paranormal investigators break into the abandoned hospital with a determination to find proof of its supernatural powers.

Local villager, Jason Hough who’s past has connection with Hellingly returns for one last visit along with a group of university students in search of a place to party.

Little do the two groups know, they are there on a very special anniversary for the hospital, an occasion the building remembers only too well….

Because once you enter Hellsleigh, it wont let you leave…

About the Author:

Duncan Brockwell is a full-time dental technician from West Sussex. Having completed his course at Lambeth College in 2018, he started writing in his spare time. He is an avid gardener and part-time mixologist. But he loves nothing more than relaxing at home with his wife, Beks and pure white rescue cat, Milly.

Since Duncan started writing in 2018, he has written thirteen novels, nine publications. Unlike a lot of authors, Duncan feels he is a hobby writer, toiling away on his purple couch in front of the TV in the evenings and weekends. He wants nothing more than for readers to enjoy his various offerings, ranging from romantic comedy (under pseudonym Katie Simpkins) to hardcore blood and guts horror and everything in between (Under either DC Brockwell or Duncan Brockwell).

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon UK

Hellsleigh Review:

“Hellsleigh” is a treat for horror fans who love asylums and hauntings, and the author wrote it perfectly!

The story starts with a bang right from the first chapter as Malcolm witnesses the gruesome death of two men. What follows is the events that preceded this bizarre event that surrounds a creepy place called Hellsleigh. I enjoyed how the author toggled the past and present timeline, giving us a sense of expectations. It was also interesting to see the background of Fiske and what happened to him. The author also nicely countdowns the events that transpire in each chapter and amps the suspense as the plot progresses.

The author also adds some romance between the characters, giving this story a friendly teen-horror vibe, like Suzy and Ryan, Georgina and Jason, and Monica and Brandon. Even the supporting characters like Elena, Kathy, and Klaus added nicely to the plot. Some of the memorable moments that stood out for me were when Melanie sees the two shadows surround her, when Dion finds himself in terrible pain, or when Elesha is bound.

Moreover, the story contains many characters, and I thought the author portrayed them nicely. Each one of them brings something new to the plot. Suzy was perhaps the most entertaining with her attitude. Similarly, Jason creeped me out for his fascination with Hellsleigh. The author amps up the suspense factor when the four decide to spend the night in Hellsleigh Hospital. The way the author describes the eerie wards and amps up the horror was terrific. I didn’t know who would survive and who wouldn’t. Moreover, Hellsleigh gave me the creeps. I got shivers as soon as Melanie saw the photos and their state of decay.

Overall, if you are a horror fan, you need to read “Hellsleigh.”

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Hellsleigh by D.C Brockwell Blog Tour ( Shoctober week 2) hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

October 16, 2021
Walking Among The Trees by Frank M. Oliva

Walking Among The Trees by Frank M. Oliva

Release: June 22nd 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Sage’s Tower Publishing
Source: Suzy approved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, TBD

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After notifying the bishop that a young girl possessed by an invisible demon must be exorcised immediately, Father Nathaniel Kerrigan is shocked when the bishop insists he perform the ritual. Panicked, Kerrigan calls on his old friend and trusted mentor, Monsignor Carmichael, to convince the bishop he should use another priest instead.

But when Kerrigan claims he wants out because he has no experience with the preternatural, Carmichael fears there is much more at stake than Kerrigan’s letting on. As Carmichael drags Kerrigan on a dark and painful journey through a secluded nature preserve, it soon becomes clear the real reason Kerrigan is so desperate to avoid the confrontation is that the demon inside the girl has a window into his hidden past.

About the Author:

Frank Michael Oliva is a practicing attorney and law professor from Long Island, New York. As a teenager, he worked as a receptionist at the rectory of his local parish and developed a close relationship with one of the priests, a former English teacher.

Their philosophical conversations about the nature of good and evil left a lasting impression on Frank and inspired him to write his first novel, Walking Among the Trees, nearly two decades later. When he isn’t busy working or writing, Frank can be found spending time with his wife and twin children, reading, or playing video games..

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Walking Among The Trees Review:

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“Walking Among the Trees” is a gripping, haunting, suspense thriller with a touch of horror that will unnerve you, and I enjoyed reading it!

The author makes the book atmospheric from the first page, and I got “Exorcist” vibes while reading this book. The standout of the tale is the main character, Nathan. I started getting creepy vibes as soon as Nathaniel Kerrigan met Monsignor Carmichael, who spoke about Marianna. Frankly, the scenes between Kerrigan and Carmichael were one of the main highlights of the tale. I loved reading about their conversations, which also included the settings of the roses and the crows.

Moreover, the author gave multiple layers to Kerrigan, and I was curious to read more about his past and what happened during the war. Speaking of the war, I also enjoyed how the author flashbacks the story between the past and present, where we learn more about Guzman and Campbell. Honestly, the story stands out because of Kerrigan’s growth and his fight to not fear the actions he must take, rather than the event itself.

Some of the memorable scenes in the book are when Kerrigan sees Marianna, when she starts bleeding, or when Kerrigan tries to help the young girl, but she lashes out at him. Similarly, There were even small details, like when they smell the scent of cigarettes, and infected bedsore, which gave me goosebumps because of how eerie it is.

Furthermore, I love stories where there is a surprising twist in the end. The author shocked me with a twist that I did not see coming, which made the story and the characters memorable.

Overall, if you are in the mood for a suspenseful horror tale that will psychologically disturb you, you should read “Walking Among the Trees.”

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Walking Among The Trees by Frank M. Oliva
Blog Tour hosted by Suzy approved Book Tours.

My Book And Plants-Oct. 10th
Coffee Books Dogs-Oct. 12th
Amy Lynn Lifestyle-Oct. 13th
Rajivs Reviews-Oct. 13th
Hooked by Books-Oct. 14th
Joannas Bookshelf-Oct. 18th
The Mary Reader-Oct. 25th
Subakka Bookstuff-Oct. 30th
We Break For Books-Nov. 2nd
David L Morgan-Nov. 11th
Lexi Java-Nov. 12th
Carol Doscher-Nov. 20th
Geaux Get Lit-Nov. 22nd
Reecas Pieces Books-Nov. 30th

October 14, 2021
Tranquil Heights by Megan Speece

Tranquil Heights by Megan Speece

Release: October 15, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Megan Speece
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Google Books, Apple, Kobo

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Katie Edgecomb is questioning everything she thought she knew.

She thought the family curse was fake, just a scary story her mom told her to keep her from misbehaving. The first-born daughters in each of the last three generations lost their lives on their twenty-fifth birthdays, a series of tragic accidents sending shock waves of grief through multiple generations.

It isn’t until Katie is faced with the real-time impacts of the curse that she starts to believe it may be more than a story and she sets out to discover the origins of the family’s fabled curse. Her only clue lies in an exclusive girls’ preparatory academy in Washington that was once an asylum. There, she must face heart-break, ugly truths, and events so terrifying that they threaten to sever her very ties to reality.

She has no choice.

Katie is pregnant, and she won’t let her child become another life claimed by the curse.

About the Author:

Megan is a thriller author, horror buff, and dog person. She is currently writing books and helping authors navigate self publishing. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband and two dogs, and can be found spending her weekends at the beach, exploring everything Washington has to offer, or settling in with a good horror movie.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Tranquil Heights Review:

What do you do when you find out that your child could die at the age of 25 from a family curse? Tranquil Heights turned out to be so much more than what I expected and were a thrilling read.

The plot intrigued me right from the beginning. Katie is pregnant with a child when she finds out that her sister Liz (who just turned 25) died. She finds out that this is due to a family curse and gets scared for her child. As Katie tries to find out the truth, a thrilling tale of witchcraft, paranormal sightings, and much more follow.

Moreover, I also enjoyed how the author toggled between the past and the present. Once I started reading about Wilhelmina’s life, I could not put the book down! Some scenes that spooked me were when Katie meets Augustina or when Wilhelmina gets unnerved by Beatrice. There are also some spooky jump scares which I thought added wonderfully, like the scene with Jason and the windowpane. Even Darla spooked me at certain times, and the White Woman shocked me. The author made the story so atmospheric and creepy that I was sometimes scared but could not put the book down.

It was also interesting to see how Katie’s relationship with Jason gets affected due to the curse. The nice thing about the book, in general, is how you become empathetic towards most of the characters at some point because you can relate to why they did what they did.

Overall, “Tranquil Heights” is a well-crafted spooky story, which I feel is a beautiful selection to pick up at this time of the year.

Spooktacular Giveaway

Print copy of Tranquil Heights

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Tranquil Heights by Megan Speece Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

1st October – Jazzy Book Reviews
4th October – Sapphyria’s Books
5 th October – JB’s Bookworms with Brandy Mulder
6th October – Bewitching Book Tours
7 th October –Westveil Publishing
8 th October –Serena Synn
11th October – Raji’s Reviews (Review)
12th October – Booklover-Sue
13th October –Gail’s Gory Details
14th October – Midnight Musings with Bertena
15th October – Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
18th October –The Book Junkie Reads
19th October – Supernatural Central
20 th October –Lisa’s World of Books
21st October – Booklikes
22nd October – A Bewitching Guide to Halloween
25th October – Fang-tastic Books
26th October – The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
27th October –Roxanne’s Realm
28 th October –The Pimpettes FB
29th October – Paranormalists

October 12, 2021
Little Deaths by Mia Ryder

Little Deaths : Bitesize filth to devour before bed by Mia Ryder

Release: 2 Oct. 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: SpellBound Books
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Amazon US, Amazon UK

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Demonically wicked and disturbingly sexy’ – Kay Jaybee

Bite size filth to devour before bed , Little Deaths is the first novella in the SEX.DIE.REPEAT series by Mia Ryder.

Jessica has had enough. She is young and beautiful with her own place and job, but she doesn’t want to be here anymore. When a mysterious agency contacts her, Jessica listens to their proposal and signs on the dotted line. Nick appears at Jessica’s door: he’s her every fantasy made flesh. He promises to make all her desires come true … but there’s one thing she has to give him in return: her eternal soul.

LITTLE DEATHS is a feminist tale of sex and longing, with a killer sting in the tale. Please note: this is a story for adults only, featuring sexual content and commentary on mental health, suicide and depictions of choking/strangulation.

About the Author:

Mia Ryder writes bitesize filth to devour before bed as part of the SEX. DIE. REPEAT series.

Contains sexual content, swearing, crime, religious iconography & commentary on relationships & mental illness. DO NOT follow if of a delicate disposition!!

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Little Deaths Review:

“Little Deaths” is a unique concept that reminded me of the tales from “The Twilight Zone” or “The Outer Limits” and turned out to be a deliciously evil book to read.

Everything about the story is so fresh. The concept was so intriguing to me right at the beginning as Jessica goes to the Agency where they run a business to help people end their lives. As soon as you read something like this, you know you have to find out what happens! Little does Jessica realize that she is making a deal with the devil. What follows is surprising twists and turns where you wonder what will happen to her.

Moreover, I liked Jessica in the lead and thought she was pretty clever. I enjoyed the scenes that she shares with Abe and wondered how one would outsmart the other. The author also manages to steam some pages with the passion that Nick and Jessica share. Considering its size, I thought the author delivered quite a lot in the tale, as there is never a dull moment.

However, as the story was concise, it would have been nice if the author added a few more details. For instance, I don’t think we got an explanation for why Jessica was sad in the first place or what made her changed her mind later on. I would have liked the character more had we known more about her.

Nevertheless, “Little Deaths” is an entertaining story, and I think it is a great choice to read for Halloween if you are a reluctant reader and like stories that that short yet creepy.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Little Deaths : Bitesize filth to devour before bed by Mia Ryder Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

October 7, 2021
The Nightmare by Fiona Hogan

The Nightmare by Fiona Hogan

Release:2 Oct. 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: SpellBound Books
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Amazon UK, Amazon

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A COLLECTION OF DELICIOUSLY DARK & TWISTED TALES TO GET YOU READY FOR HALLOWEEN

I set the table for you, come sit.

I hope you enjoy my humble fare, a selection of only the darkest of delights. But make sure and pull your chair in closer to the hearth for the night falls and the wind blows wild muffling the sound of approaching footsteps. Something comes, something creeps ever closer. A nightmare thing.

Enter a dark place between fact and fiction.

On a cold winter’s night whilst crossing the frost covered field to fetch water, a child hears a sound on the air, an infant’s cry. But no baby awaits her hurried progress.
A pensioner rapidly losing her memory exists in a twilight world where only a lost love can bridge the gap between past and present.

A young man at a boutique music festival discovers more than romance in the fading forest.

Something travels the cosmos, a creature of nightmare and terror. A veiled medium sits at a table in a Victorian parlour waiting.

Amongst the lamb, a wolf harvests souls in a bid for promotion.

THE NIGHTMARE – A selection of gothic and contemporary dark fiction from F.B. Hogan.

About the Author:

F.B. Hogan is a writer, blogger and poet living in the midlands of Ireland. She masquerades as a sensible adult and mother to five children and cat but lives and breathes purely for horror.

Fiona writes in a mix of genres and you can also find her collection of humorous and supernatural tales – The Lights Went Out and Other Stories on Amazon under the name Fiona Cooke. Her novella, a romantic comedy set in Kerry, Ireland – What Happened in Dingle, is also available to download on Amazon.

She scribbles random thoughts about nature, her work and anything that amuses her at her blog https://unusualfiction.wordpress.com/

Fiona has signed a two book contract and her first book, a collection of deliciously dark and twisted tales will be published in October, kicking off SpellBounds SHOctober Horror fest.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

The Nightmare Review:

The author begins the collection with “Always,” with a fascinating character Anna. I thought the author wrote her story well with a surprising climax.

“Down in the Darkness.” Poor Maggie Anne. This tale was creepy, especially when she heard the sound from the well.

Death comes calling – Tommy and Marian – where Thomas gets a surprise visit that changes his life.

You won’t feel a thing – This one was eerie because I’m not too fond of hospitals and syringes. Doctor Graham gave me the creeps in the tale.

The Game – I liked this story because of the main character Mark. While the story is disturbing, it made me realize like our lives are just a sequence of games and depend on how we play them.

Ventry – This one was probably the most atmospheric tale in the story about two people meeting together. The scenes where he stalks her, in the beginning, gave me chills.

Fin De Siecle: This was my favorite story in the series. The way the author described the creature and its actions were brilliant.

I’ve Got my Eye on You: Another one of my favorites. I love stories that twist and shock you, and all the three characters, Bradley and Ange and Joey, were creepy.

The Nightmare: The Thing in the Attic was the highlight of the tale. I only wish this had been longer.

Dragon: A short yet fun story about a girl who thinks she sees Dragons.

Untitled – this was the most extended story in the collection and filled with corpses, coffins, and creepy mansions, as a creature chases the main character.

Overall, “The Nightmare” is a perfect collection of spooky stories to read at this time of the year.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Nightmare SHO Oct Wk1 by Fiona Hogan Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

October 2, 2021
Only If You Dare: 13 Stories of Darkness and Doom

Only If You Dare: 13 Stories of Darkness and Doom by Josh Allen

Release: August 31st 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Holiday House
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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Thirteen chilling short stories to keep you up at night–but only if you dare.

You never know what’s out to get you. Though you might think you’re safe from monsters and menaces, everyday objects can turn against you, too. A mysterious microwave. A threatening board game. A snowman that refuses to melt. Even your own heartbeat has its secrets. Thu-thump. Thu-thump. When you stop to listen, each beat sounds more menacing than the last.

Master storyteller Josh Allen brings thirteen nightmare scenarios to life in this page-turning collection that’s perfect for budding horror junkies. In his wondrous world, danger waits behind every doorway . . . even in the most ordinary places.

Eerie illustrations by award-winning artist Sarah Coleman accompany the stories, packaged in a stunning hardcover edition complete with glow-in-the-dark jacket. Readers will sleep with one eye open!

About Josh Allen:

Josh Allen checks under his bed before switching off the light each night. During the day, he teaches creative writing and literature at Brigham Young University-Idaho. His debut book for young readers, Out to Get You, received two starred reviews and was a Junior Library Guild selection. He lives in Idaho with his family.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

About Sarah Coleman:

Sarah Coleman was an early pioneer of hand lettering and has illustrated covers for many renowned books, including the 50th anniversary edition of To Kill a Mockingbird and Newbery Honor-winner Wolf Hollow. Her design clients range from Coca Cola and Starbucks to The New York Times. She lives in the UK.

Website | Twitter | Instagram |Goodreads

Only If You Dare: 13 Stories of Darkness and Doom Review:

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I love how “Only If You Dare” has various oddities to hold your interest and scare you. I enjoyed reading most of the tales and found the collection to be impressive.

The Substitute – What a great start to the book! I loved Hazel, and Mr. Fernsby was disturbing as he picked on Ava.
The Perfect Girl – is a lovely story, and Celeste stands out as the strange girl, but the ending felt weird.
Lumpy, Lumpy – This story was more disgusting than eerie.
Hi, Jenny – I liked this one because it is something that could happen in reality. Also, buzz buzz is creepy!
Crazy Playz – I liked this story mainly cos of Jayson. He is hilarious.
The Snowman Who Wouldn’t Melt – The Snowman gave me the shivers and made me reminisce about an old Fear Street novel by RL Stine with the same name.

Scrabbled: The plot between Ramona and the Specter was the highlight of the tale. I also liked how the author incorporated a game of scrabble in it.
My Hand, Right There: The main character is creepy and unnerved me about his hand carving obsession
Wake up: Poor luna! This one gave me “IT” vibes because of the sinister jester and Luna’s recurring nightmare.
We all Scream for Ice Cream: This story was too short for me to get scared. While like I concept, the ending felt incomplete.
One of a Kind: This one was probably the most disturbing because of my fear of spiders.
One More Piece: Oh, spooky dolls! This one was an exciting tale.
The Heartbeat you Hear is a nice ending that will make you focus on your Heartbeat.

Overall, “Only If You Dare” is an exciting collection of spooky stories perfect for Halloween.

Giveaway:

3 winners will win a finished copy of ONLY IF YOU DARE: 13 STORIES OF DARKNESS AND DOOM, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Only If You Dare: 13 Stories of Darkness and Doom by Josh Allen Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
BookHounds YA-Excerpt-9-27-2021
Pick a good book-Excerpt-9-27-2021
YA Books Central-Excerpt-9-28-2021
The Pages In-Between -Review-9-28-2021
popthebutterfly reads-Review-9-29-2021
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-9-29-2021
Nerdophiles -Review-9-30-2021
@coffeebooksandmascara -Review-9-30-2021
Locks, Hooks and Books-Review-10-1-2021

Week Two:
Lifestyle of Me-Review-10-1-2021
FyreKatz Blog-Review-10-4-2021
two points of interest-Review-10-4-2021
The Bookwyrm’s Den-Review-10-5-2021
@bookisheclectic -Review-10-5-2021
Jazzy Book Reviews-Review-10-6-2021
hauntedbybooks-Review-10-6-2021
@jypsylynn -Review-10-7-2021
@amysbooknook8-IG Post-10-7-2021
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers -Review-10-8-2021
My Fictional Oasis-Review-10-8-2021

October 2, 2021
The Girls are Never Gone by Sarah Glenn Marsh

The Girls are Never Gone by Sarah Glenn Marsh

Release: September 7th, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: TBR and Beyond Tours
Find it at: Goodreads , Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Book Depository , IndieBound , Indigo

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The Conjuring meets Sadie when seventeen-year-old podcaster Dare takes an internship in a haunted house and finds herself in a life-or-death struggle against an evil spirit.

Dare Chase doesn’t believe in ghosts.

However, privately, she’s a supernatural skeptic. But publicly, she’s keeping her doubts to herself—because she’s the voice of Attachments, her brand-new paranormal investigation podcast, and she needs her ghost-loving listeners to tune in.

That’s what brings her to Arrington Estate. Thirty years ago, teenager Atheleen Bell drowned in Arrington’s lake, and legend says her spirit haunts the estate. Dare takes more interest in the suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. Circumstances that point to a living culprit, not the supernatural. Still, she vows to keep an open mind as she investigates, even if she’s pretty sure what she’ll find.

But Arrington is full of surprises. Good ones like Quinn, the cute daughter of the house’s new owner. And baffling ones like the threatening messages left scrawled in paint on Quinn’s walls, the ghastly face that appears behind Dare’s own in the mirror, and the unnatural current that nearly drowns their friend Holly in the lake. As Dare goes deeper into the mysteries of Arrington, she’ll have to rethink the boundaries of what is possible. Because if something is lurking in the lake…it might not be willing to let her go.

About the Author:

Sarah Glenn Marsh writes young adult novels and children’s picture books.She is also an avid fantasy reader from the day her dad handed her a copy of The Hobbit . And he promised it would change her life. Hence she’s been making up words and worlds ever since.

When she’s not writing, Sarah frequents the pottery studio, volunteers her time to sighthound rescue, and raises awareness about her autoimmune disease, Type 1 diabetes. She often enjoys pursuits of the nerd variety, from video games to tabletop adventures. She has always liked any animal or a doughnut she met

Besides, Sarah lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and their tiny zoo of four rescued sighthounds, two birds, and many fish. She is also the author of Fear the Drowning Deep, the Reign of the Fallen series, and several books for younger readers.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

The Girls are Never Gone Review:

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“The Girls Are Never Gone” is the perfect young adult paranormal horror to read if you are a fan of the genre.

This book was the bomb! As a fan of supernatural horror, I loved everything about the story. The author did a terrific job writing the haunted house story to make it stand apart from the usual stories you read in the genre. The book has the standard secret rooms and scary apparitions, but the story is much more. But, what’s beautiful about the story is how the author fits so much into it. The author seamlessly balances the horror with Dare’s character development and the standard YA elements like angst and romance. Some scenes honestly creeped me out, right from the omen of the pigeon in the beginning. Some memorable moments were the scenes with the storm and coyotes or what happens in the docks.

Besides, I loved how the author represented the character. Dare is a queer girl with type 1 diabetes, and I admired the author for portraying her situation realistically. We also have Waffles, the adorable service dog that helps Dare, and I loved everything about the two of them. Moreover, the author also adds a touch of romance as Dare finds herself having a crush on someone. The author shares a beautiful friendship with Quinn and Holly, and I loved the angle in which she investigates the hauntings for her podcast. There are many twists and turns to the tale about the events behind Atheleen and the Arrington Estate. Frankly, I enjoyed how the author progressed with the story and have become a fan after reading this book.

Overall, I loved everything about the story and feel it is perfect to read close to Halloween.

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Girls are Never Gone by Sarah Glenn Marsh Blog Tour hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours.

Book Tour Schedule:

September 6th
AndOnSheReads – Interview
Althea Is Reading – Review & Mood Board
Kerri McBookNerd – Review
Thin Bookish Girl -Review & Top 5 Reasons to Read The Girls are Never Gone

September 7th
The Character Study – Book Look & Top 5 Reasons to Read The Girls are Never Gone
Jessicareadstoomuch – Review
Always, Bookish Lovers – 15 Reactions While Reading The Girls are Never Gone
Robinlea BookBird – Review & Favourite Quotes

September 8th
teatimelit – Review
Phannie the ginger bookworm – Review, Playlist, & Favourite Quotes
The Book Dutchesses – Review
Theladywithbooks – Playlist & Top 5 Reasons to Read The Girls are Never Gone

September 9th
SubtleBookish – Interview & Top 5 Reasons to Read The Girls are Never Gone
Nine Bookish Lives – Review
The Candid Cover – Review & Favourite Quotes
Goddess of Books – Review

September 10th
Rania’s Rambling Reads – 15 Reactions While Reading The Girls are Never Gone
Book Lover’s Book Reviews – Review
uponthebooktower – Review & Mood Board
Popthebutterfly Reads – Review

September 11th
Stuck in Fiction – Top 5 Reasons to Read The Girls are Never Gone
leosthetics – Review & Favourite Quotes
Confessions of a YA Reader – Review
Sometimes Leelynn Reads – Review & Journal Spread

September 12th
Kait Plus Books – Interview
Jen Jen Reviews – Review
Paperbacks and Planners – Review & Mood Board
Rajiv’s Reviews – Review

September 14, 2021