2024

The Deep Dark Descending, by Allen Askens

​I love stories that begin at the end.

Max Rupert is a broken man, mourning his wife's death and looking for answers when he and his partner begin an investigation into a body found in a burned-up minivan, and suddenly the pieces begin to fall into place. The author methodically takes you through the events that brought you to where you started on page one: a man holding an axe while standing over another man. Who is the man Max must ultimately kill? Will he be able to do it?

This book came highly recommended by one of my friends and it did not disappoint. Don't be discouraged by it being #4 in a series--I had no idea when I began reading it and it didn't matter. If you're looking for a good mystery with interesting characters, check this one out. My Mom liked it so much, she bought the rest of the books in the series!

The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson

​I find myself exploring different authors this year; spreading my wings beyond Stephen King and Deane Koontz. Hence, I borrowed this Shirley Jackson novel. It was never revealed what year this tale takes place although it’s definitely before 1959 since that’s the year the author died. It felt like the ‘40s or ‘50s. The author takes a good bit of time setting up the main characters and the surroundings, which moves a bit slowly at times while still being interesting. Her description of the house gives a clear, creepy feel, and I anticipated a good scare, which didn’t build up to what I’d hoped, although the story did pick up speed in the last third. I’m interested in checking out the TV series!

Heart-Shaped Box, by Joe Hill

​This was my first Joe Hill novel and I was quite excited to see what sort of writer Stephen King’s son would turn out to be. I guess I expected their style to be similar—they were not. The author sets up this grave tale very nicely with aging rocker Judas Coyne purchasing a dead man’s suit to add to his morbid collection, only to find out later that it was always meant to be his. But as the author sends the reader on a road trip filled with flashbacks, the antagonist fades into the background and is nearly forgotten altogether. If you enjoy happy endings, this story has that too, although I’m not sure Jude deserves one.

Deep Into the Dark, by P.J. Tracy

​This was my first PJ Tracy novel—I received a free copy in a AARP girlfriend box! 

A “monster” is terrorizing LA, and the police are coming up empty on suspects. Until an unsuspecting bar back and a has-been musician get mixed up in the investigation. The story has a mystery within a mystery which I love. The characters are multidimensional and relatable. Overall, this was a fun read. I wasn’t thrilled with who the “monster” was revealed to be and how that was wrapped up…it felt like an afterthought. But I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

Becoming the Boogeyman, by Richard Chizmar

​The Boogeyman is Back!

Set 30 years after Chasing the Boogeyman, life had moved on for the people of Edgewood until someone decided to finish what Josh Gallagher started. And once again, the author is right in the middle of it. Except this time, the stakes are much higher. He's married with kids, has a successful writing career, and has high-profile friends. How far will he be willing to go to help the police catch the killer? Will he become the next victim?

This follow-up to the first novel was fast past and exciting right from the beginning. The author brings realism to the story by once again immersing us in real places and events all over Harford County, Maryland. And Richard Chizmar (the character in the novel) is flawed and vulnerable which we all can relate to.

The author left some unanswered questions which I'm looking forward to being answered in the next installment. I can't wait to see what the boogeyman is up to next!

2023

The Mask, by Dean Koontz

In 1981, there was nothing more terrifying than finding out that your landline phone line has been cut right when you need to call for help. Today, that’s the equivalent of letting your cell phone battery die.

Anyway, I’ve had this book for years and finally got around to reading it. The book begins with a tragic accident that sets the tone for the rest of story: who is Jane Doe? Having it set it the 80’s just lends to that feeling of helplessness—for everyone involved. But once they uncover who is behind the mask, who is really in danger? The girl trying to reclaim her identity or the woman intent on helping her? 
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My only complaint is the way the story ended. I almost wonder if I’m missing the final chapter, I mean, it doesn’t say “The End” on the last page. If anyone else read this book (maybe you have it on your shelf and can refresh your memory about the ending), I’d love to know your thoughts. 

Elevation, by Stephen King

​This was a short, feel-good story about acceptance (not just of yourself and what you can and cannot change, but also of others and of what comes next) and how that acceptance may lead to peace, both internal and in general. It really did make me feel good about the world and what's possible if only we are open to one another. Well done, Mr. King. "Good discussion."

How to Sell a Haunted House, by Grady Hendrix

What a wild ride!

Louise hadn’t been home in a long time but when her estranged brother called to tell her their parents had died in a car accident, she was on her way…back to South Carolina. And from the moment she stepped into her parents’ house, everything felt off. The evidence is all around: the hammer, the boarded-up attic access, the TV still on, the puppets…So. Many. Puppets. Something happened. Something went terribly wrong.

The author does a phenomenal job of immersing the reader into the Joyner family dynamic. The tension between siblings Mark and Louise is thick as east coast humidity. But why? What happened to them? Every family has secrets, but none quite like this one.​

Hallowe'en Party, by Agathe Christie

​Hercule Poirot is one of my favorite literary characters for all his charm and quirks. And in this book, he did not disappoint, fiddling with his mustache and complaining about his tight-fitting yet stylish shoes. 

The mystery was laid out nicely and it was interesting the way Poirot was brought into the story. I found some parts in the middle a bit slow but as his interviews picked up in pace, so did the story. I was pleasantly surprised to have solved one-half of the mystery on my own but it wasn't based in fact--pure gut instinct. In all a fun read.

It will be interesting to watch the movie and see just how different the two are.

Claws, by Lance W. Reedinger

​You know I can't resist stories that take place in Maryland, so when I found out about a horror novel featuring a werecrab (yes, that's what I said), I had to check it out. It's a lot like a sci-fi channel "B" movie--think Sharknado. It definitely entertains. If you're even a little curious, check it out. And if you like to feast on crabs, you're gonna need a bigger pot for this one!

The Gwendy Trilogy, by Stephen King & Richard Chizmar

Gwendy's Button Box was a spectacular page-turner! A fast-paced, intriguing tale that has left me eager to pick up the next installment. I can’t wait to see what awaits dear Gwendy…

Gwendy's Magic Feather was not an action-packed tale, yet I found myself hanging on every word. Given what the authors already told us in the first book there was no telling what was in store for Gwendy as each page turned. 

Gwendy's Final Task took an unexpected but thrilling turn. The origin of the button box unfolded in a series of flashbacks while we had a glimpse into a possible future. 

What a fun series! Can't wait to see what these authors come up with next.

Lazarus City, by Melisa Peterson Lewis

What’s in between the living and the dead?

Married couple, Shelby and Dean, become separated as the Lazarus virus overtakes Baltimore City, turning the infected into flesh-eating monsters. But as the walls go up, we learn the virus doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. And as weeks turn into months, some begin working on a cure while others begin plotting their escape from Lazarus City.

The first book in a four-part series sets up how the survivors form communities and begin working together. Shelby is so relatable in that she makes so many mistakes just trying to survive and find her place in this new world while still holding on to her past. The moment she takes a life for the first time, you’re right there with her, experiencing the agony of what she had to do.

The author has created a fresh take on the zombie apocalypse by narrowing the spread to Baltimore. How long before the rest of the world moves on?​

The House at the End of the World, by Dean Koontz


​A love story about the agony of loss, the splendor of a second chance, and the hell in between.

The author goes into great detail describing the solitude the main character, Katie, has chosen to live in. But the reason … Well, that takes time and comes in bits and pieces. But right away we know there's something threatening the sanctuary she's built. And she means to protect it.

The mystery of the island of Ringrock is about to reveal itself. Escaping it won't be easy. Staying hidden from those that want to silence her may be impossible. But if she can do it, she will finally keep her promise. And that's all that matters.

Fairy Tale, by Stephen King

What a fantastically fun adventure!

Fairy Tale was a glorious visit to all the bedtime stories I enjoyed as a child, that stirred (and still stir) my imagination.

Riding home on his bicycle, Charlie Reade, star high school athlete, hears faint cries for help coming from the other side of a fence. And from the moment he decides to help, his life is changed forever.

At its heart, this is a story about a boy and his dog. But it’s also more than that. It’s a story about love, loss, tragedy, growing up, and believing in the impossible.
And when Charlie is faced with the unimaginable challenge of saving the world—not his world, not our world—he must choose. Believe in himself; believe he is who his new friends say he is. Or take only what he came for.
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If cowards only give gifts, what do heroes do?

Chasing the Boogeyman, by Richard Chizmar

​This work of fiction is written like a true crime novel and came off so believable at times I actually found myself anxious to look up the details of the murders on Google—And I actually lived in Edgewood in 1988! This is what drew me to the book in the first place and the author didn’t disappoint.
 
Richard Chizmar captured my hometown beautifully and with amazing detail, writing about the Italian restaurant I frequented with a high school boyfriend, the old Hanson house that sat atop our favorite winter sledding hill, the Burger King where I worked for several years, and so much more.
 
The mystery of the Boogeyman faded into the background at times—as so many unsolved murders do—while we got to know our protagonists which added to the realism. It reminded me of the reason I, and so many others, loved The Walking Dead so much—it wasn’t because of the zombies; it was because of the stories around the survivors … And in the case of Chasing the Boogeyman, the victims.
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Each girl was brought to life with the smallest details so that you cared about them and felt their loss every bit as much as the neighbors, friends, and family members.

And if the author is able to fool someone that was actually ‘there’ into believing this really happened, I guarantee you’ll be tempted to look up The Boogeyman of Edgewood, MD, too.

2022

The Illusion of Murder, by Diane Henson

Who can you trust?

Sisters clash in this sci-fi mystery: one accused of murder; the other tasked with bringing her home to face justice. But what if it’s all an illusion?

The author does a fantastic job immersing you in her world with beautiful detail. From technologically advanced weapons and travel to indigenous wildlife intent on killing. This intricately woven novel comes with enough subplots to keep you on your feet while the multiple deceptions and conflicting loyalties threaten to throw you off balance.
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Nothing is what it seems as the hunters become the hunted. In the end, their walls must come down if they want to make it out alive. You can find The Illusion of Murder in eBook, Softcover, and Hardcover formats. Enjoy!

The Haunting of Susurrous Pines, by Jennifer Warmuth

Don’t read alone!

Following a car accident, paranormal sleuths Jillian and James find themselves in the mysterious semi-abandoned town of Susurrous Pines—a town with a dark past and a connection to Edin House.

After a few frightening encounters with the locals, they call in the rest of the team and begin an investigation starting in the attic of The Chateau. As the integrals use their gifts to dig deeper, they stumble upon an evil more sinister than they were prepared for. And for one member of the team, this haunting will be the last.
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Much creepier than the first book, this darker second installment of the Integral Elements of Circumstance can be read as a standalone book as the author sprinkled in enough details for new readers—enough to entice you to read the first book. Cuddle up with your furry friend and enjoy! You can find “The Haunting of Susurrous Pines” in eBook and softcover formats.

In Her Head, by J.L. E


​​​I love mysteries that lead me in one direction only to then pull me somewhere else, and this novelette had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing.

There’s no mention of the year but some of the author’s tiny details gave me an ‘80’s vibe even though they had cell phones—and I’m always a sucker for the ‘80’s! If you’re looking for a quick read to add volume to your 2022 reading list, this one was fun.

​Follow Jade as she searches for her missing twin brother, Jax, and tries to avoid becoming the next victim.

The Memories in Blood, by Guy Cross

There’s a difference between magic and magick, as you’ll come to learn. One involves simple tricks and spells … the other is much more terrifying. And the characters in this twisted tale of horror and the supernatural are vulnerable enough to fall prey to someone with the right skills.

"The Memories in Blood" has many layers with complex, damaged protagonists coming at you from all directions until they converge to a satisfying yet unexpected ending.

There is an underlying plot that’s hard to digest and while thankfully it isn’t fully explored, it does remain a driving force that advances the story. If you read the book preview, you’ll know if this is a trigger for you.

The author does a fantastic job keeping the reader focused on the paranormal, using vivid details that activates all the senses, sufficiently raising the hair on the back of your neck.

The Longest Rope Has an End, by C. and R. Gale

Four lives collide in this crime thriller about the dangers of substance abuse, where it may lead, and how it affects the people around the addict. From the innocent stranger trying to help someone in trouble to the cunning bottom-feeder looking for his ticket out of his miserable life and the one in between, sworn to protect and serve. They’re all brought together by a girl in over her head.

Marilyn and Cali meet under unusual circumstances, forming a bond that quickly becomes inconvenient and dangerous. When things go too far, is there anything Marylin can do to help the lost girl that won her heart … or will it be too late?

This book has all the feels of Baltimore, good and bad: the wonderful aroma of steamed crabs, Old Bay, and ice-cold Natty Bo; the sweltering, sticky humidity of Maryland summers and ballgames at The Yard; and the violent, inner-city where tragedy lurks in the darkness of abandoned row homes.

The characters in the book are real, damaged human beings. Some working towards a better life, proud of what they’ve survived and accomplished. Others, not so much. But the authors took their time adding clever details from their past so that you understand who these individuals are and really become invested in what happens next.

I really enjoyed this book. It was exciting, terrifying, and heartbreaking at times with a surprising reveal I didn’t see coming. 

When Angels Fear, by P.J. Mordant

In the midst of an abusive relationship, Emma needs to escape … needs a quiet place to regroup. She gets away as far as her limited funds will take her to the village of Flammark. Surely he won’t find her there …

The author slowly and methodically allows the reader to comfortably settle into Flammark. Introducing colorful characters to tell the town’s mysterious history. Welcoming the reader into cozy cafés and pubs, or to gather inside charming homes and warm hearths. While bit by bit, an ominous, dark cloud gradually rolls into view. Perhaps Flammark has been waiting for Emma …

The inevitable show-down looms almost from the very beginning but when it finally comes, it nearly sneaks up on you. Very enjoyable read.

Charm City Killer, by Josh Petroski

​I was drawn to this book because it takes place in Baltimore, where I was born. The added nostalgia of a time before our dependence on the internet and cell phones was a bonus I couldn't resist! The only thing that could have made it better was if it took place in the '80s, my favorite decade.

The premise of the story immediately reminded me of the movie Falling Down starring Michael Douglas as an unemployed engineer taking his frustrations out on anyone that stands in his way. But just when I thought I knew where this book was heading, it took me on an unexpected detour.

Moe Steadman is a repulsive human being, unable to find inner beauty. Having been chewed up and spat out by life, conditioned to be a loser, beauty is objectified in the form of granite countertops, hardwood floors, valuable coins, and people. But as a glimmer of hope appears, it all unravels leading to a painful, self-inflicted transformation. And when the chrysalis breaks apart, a butterfly emerges and Moe learns what true beauty really is.

Josh Petroski writes like a magician would: throwing you off the scent with cleverly placed misdirection in the form of flashbacks, hallucinations, and alcohol-induced benders. And like all good illusionists, Josh doesn’t show his cards until the very end.

The Integral Elements of Circumstance, by Jennifer Warmuth

This is not your typical ghost story.

As I began reading The Integral Elements of Circumstance, it felt familiar enough: girl alone in a spooky house; girl sees and hears things; girl runs away like a bat out of hell. But then Jennifer starts dropping subtle (or not so subtle) hints that everything is not what it seems.

As a teenager, Jillian had an unsettling experience at the Edin House, and ever since she has devoured information about the paranormal. After college, and in hopes of proving evil spirits don’t exist, she joins up with a group of similarly haunted twenty-somethings, each with their own demons. Strange events land her in the arms of her longtime best friend, James, and suddenly their friendship evolves into something more. And as James joins the team, the investigations inevitably lead to more questions for the new couple. But to uncover their past and realize their true purpose, they must go back to where it all began – back to Edin House!

This chilling tale of a battle between good and evil will have you on the edge of your seat! Jennifer does a great job building suspense with shadowy figures and sounds going bump in the night. Really enjoyed it!

Preternatural, by Peter Topside

This is an interesting take on the same old vampire story.

The quaint town of Meadowsville is under the spell of an urban legend that, while stimulating the economy, may also be contributing to their ultimate downfall. There is no shortage of emotional, psychological, and physical trauma in this tale — and I'm not just talking about the eccentric blood-sucker. But perhaps that's the price for striking a deal with the devil.