The Rotting Within - Matt Kurtz

BOOM bloggers, readers, authors, Grindhouse Press, and a special hello to you Matt Kurtz, the author of The Rotting Within. 

Before I put my finger to screen for this review, I was in my kitchen earlier, making one of my favourite GnT mixers: Sipsmith London Lemon Drizzle Gin mixed with a Fever-Tree Tonic Water.

Anyway, enough about my alcoholic consumption, and more about this terrifying novel: The Rotting Within. Firstly, Matt my sincere gratitude for giving me an electronic arc of your work, it truly was a pleasure...well a terror to read!

The Blurb

Fleeing an abusive boyfriend, Kenzie Moore and her two small children seek refuge at the Sunrise Bed & Breakfast, a secluded inn run by her estranged grandmother, Shirley. While there, Kenzie and her children promise to follow one simple rule: stay away from the third floor, where its bedrooms house a pair of reclusive old women. Though the inn seems an idyllic place to start anew, Kenzie quickly discovers something malevolent not only lives under its roof but moves within its walls.

When Shirley is called away and the kids are mysteriously stricken ill, a torrential storm further isolates the family and brings forth something out of the darkness, something whispering for Kenzie to "kill the children."

It all culminates in a terrifying game of cat and mouse, where Kenzie must battle both new and old demons while trying to prevent an unimaginable horror from taking place on the floors above.

The Review [No Spoilers]

I read the blurb, and it instantly drew me towards a dark cloud of dread. "A secluded Inn," I instantly thought of that house on the horizon in Jerusalems Lot. The fact that the inn is a place of refuge for a mum on the run with her two children, who then become "mysteriously I'll," I knew instantly that this was going to be a no holds barred book. 

It also got me thinking: What truly scares you?... Us? Is it the disfigured-faced man with the bladed glove plaguing your dreams? Perhaps a Xenomorph from another planet? Or maybe, that crazed psychopath running around an abandoned camp in a ski mask? For me, it's fear of the unexplained. Those moments in the dark that concoct dread with anxiety. That fight or flight trigger, the body automatically responds to in a life-threatening situation. As I feared...this book triggered not only my evolutionary mechanism of flight or fight but a third response...fright!

The start of the book is no fairy tale. We already know about a mum on the run leading to the Inn, and the creepy old lady named Shirley, who is the current proprietor of the Sunrise B&B. However, the start of the book goes way back, giving the reader notion of foul play from forces beyond our comprehension, and where we are introduced to the hotels ONLY occupants; Miss Mysterio and Miss Manning, who just so happen to appear out of nowhere...as if they just walked out from the woods surrounding the Inn. They then book rooms 3A and 3B on the third floor as they like their, " privacy." 

You learn that Kenzie is in fact Shirleys granddaughter, and is one of the reasons she reaches out to the Inn for refuge away from her abusive partner in the first place. Once Shirley gets acquainted with her never-before-seen granddaughter, is where things start to go from strange to malevolent. The hotel is their home, EXCEPT...the third floor...Try telling two curious children that.

Who are these two ladies that live on the third floor anyway? Does Shirley know them? How will their stay impact Kenzie and her two children? Will anything happen to them? Does Shirley have an agenda? I had so many questions racing through my mind and so had me glued to each page of this disturbing horror for answers.

Oh, just to add trepidation to injury, something lurks within the tree-line of the cold dark woods surrounding the hotel, and this is what freaked me out the most: A huge black spider-like thing that crawls like a crab with enormous hands, one of which has long quadruple-jointed fingers! So I ask you: Fight or Flight? Speaking of which, Kenzie, the mum who comes to the B&B, the dialogue between herself is outstanding. Matt puts you in Kenzie's shoes and forces you to act with her. Tremendous! Seriously I felt anxious for her, sorry for her, routed for her, and at one point I was like...Go on love! As a parent, how far would you go to save your children? 

The Rotting Within is an intensely dark horror, with a detailed eerie world build, specifically around the Inn, and woods (BookEnz judders) that contain an unsettling ambiance. The characters all have souls, some darker than others but I will leave that for you to decide. A great horror novel that will leave you guessing till the very end...I was way off! 

If I turned this book into a Gin & Tonic, this would be it's name and ingredients:

The RotNTonic

x4 Star book.

x1 Horror.

x5 Scare factor.

x4 Dark.

x1 Monster.

x5 Read again

The Rotting Within - Matt Kurtz is available to buy on Amazon HERE

The Rotting Within by Matt Kurtz

CURRENTLY REVIEWING IN FEAR! 

NECROPOLIS - BETHAN EVANS

"With twists and turns, this story will take you on a wild ride."

Words used by the author; Bethan Evans to describe her new novel: Necropolis. You know that feeling you get after you’ve been on a rollercoaster, and the first thing you do is shake off the adrenaline and are just j to share your experience of the ride with someone? Well, that’s exactly how I felt after reading my copy of Necropolis.
Bethan doesn’t disappoint, with this highly thought-out dystopian world, and not just a world builds; but a structured framework with underlying foundations!
We follow Wyn, a sixteen-year-old wanting to defy the current world order, where women, unfortunately, have been re-oppressed to more 'traditional' roles as men are now the predominant force. Wyn lives in a city named Suthchester (Suth = Slang for “so use to haters”..interesting choice Bethan😉) and is part of a family made up of “Brothers and Sisters.” Together they form The Old Collection. Instantly I felt held a deeper meaning, that they are merely a number and have been placed in a systemic forced society with undermined roles. A life where modern technology is prohibited; with essential and minimal belongings being the world that they now know.
This is all Wyn has ever known throughout her young life and wants to fight for the right to be classed as an equal in her society! To prove this, Wyn enlists in the army as a male cadet for The Southern Company as part of their National Service. This is where the story unfolds and takes you on a rollercoaster of excitement, emotion, and nail-biting exhilaration!
I am at heart, a horror reader, sinking my teeth into anything gory, psychological, and paranormal. So, when I had the opportunity to read Necropolis; a dystopian story following a young girl who joins the army in a male dominant oppressed world, and had nothing to do with horror, I was like “sure! I’m intrigued”. I was curious how this girl would manage to pull off such a bold move and at such a young age, where the unveiling of her true identity would be a risk to her very own existence!
Necropolis has everything from adventure to suspense! The world build is simply luxuriant which is ironic as it builds up a meagre society where everyone has a role to play in this astringent society! No wonder such a young girl who only knows of this inhibited life would want to fight for something more. Freedom! Especially since Wyn is aware of a life before hers, where equality once prospered.
I had so many questions drill into my head throughout each chapter, as I routed for Wyn. Such as: How will Wyn get into the Army? Will Wyn have help? What about on the inside? What about Wyn's training both physically and visually to pull off being a man!? If successfully enrolled, how would Wyn hide her femininity? What will Wyns call herself amongst the cadets? Finally, would Wyn succeed in her mission? See! So many questions all of which unravel in a dazzling plot and like the author describes “with twists and turns.”
Necropolis: A dystopian world that will leave you mesmerised and wanting more! The protagonist; Wyn, has the edge of Offred in Handmaid’s Tale, the fight of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, and the passion of Tris in The Divergent trilogy! I am thrilled to have read this before its release, as I am excited now for you to buy Necropolis and live the adventure with Wyn! It is no secret, but if you enjoy this book AND YOU WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK, then there will be a sequel!

Available to buy on Amazon 09/02/2021: Necropolis

DALE ROBERTSON - PROJECT FEAR: SEASON ONE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Included in this collection are 13 short horror stories for you to devour, some previously published but plenty brand new, so curl up and get comfy.

Ignore the creepy noises you hear.

Ignore the moving shadows you see.

It’s just your imagination…

…Right?

“Curl up and get comfy?” I was honoured to have been asked by this talented horror/paranormal writer to read an ARC of Project Fear: Season One and after reading it, I sure as Hell wasn’t comfy and boy did I curl up; mainly in the foetus position and rocking enigmatically!

This is probably the first official book that I have read which is a collection of short stories. I don’t know why, but I used to find myself put off with the idea of reading a book filled with short stories, as I want one big story to read with a beginning, middle and an end; rather than a collection of mini-stories. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact I am more of a movie person as opposed to watching a series? Anyway, you get the picture.

So, when I got a DM tweet from Dale offering me to read his work of short stories, I felt I would honour the kind gesture as a human and as a new blogger too. We all make decisions in life, some are good, some are bad, and we learn from those decisions leading to wisdom! Honestly, reading Project Fear wasn’t a good decision, it was a great decision (My Simon Cowell impression).

Project Fear, well I emphasise the title, it certainly did project fear..into me! Dale has written 13 well-executed dark stories in the form of episodes, which compiled together make a malicious and gripping season! Each episode isn’t for the faint of heart either! I am a father to a two-year-old and some of these stories were very close to the bone! Some were short and left you thinking WTF! Like a cliff-hanger but with a sharp serrated cliff edge! Others felt like a compelling story that caused dread to reflux from my stomach at each swipe of my tablet screen.

With the stories being short, I don’t want to give too much away but Project Fear is chilling with elements from everything dark to…well darker! My jaw was dislocated reading the “Chew Toy” episode and my favourite episode of all was “Bottom of The Garden.” Yes, the malice is hidden in the titles! The descriptive nature of Dales writing is what captivated me in the first place and made me scream out wanting more! I can officially say that I am now a short story fan and I owe that to Dale!

If you want a dark, paranormal, suspenseful read with utter shock factor featuring pain and that will make you want to sleep with the landing light on as an adult….what??, then this is the book for you! My other recent reads that are similar, come from Briana Morgan. If you like Bris work, then this will certainly equate to a night of terrors for you.

Available to purchase on Amazon in both Kindle and Paperback: Kindle or Paperback

Visit Dales website to get to know Dales Darkside: www.dalerobertson.co.uk

LAST ONE TO DIE - CYNTHIA MURPHY

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Good evening to you all dear friends. My name is BookEnz and welcome to the Victorian Street Museum!. .I know you were expecting Geoffrey this evening, and I’m sure that you have heard wondrous things about his tours, but unfortunately, good ol' Geoffrey is feeling, under the weather and so I will be your tour guide this evening…..don’t be SHYYY, please! Come closer…HUDDLE folks that’s iiit, like penguins during winter hahaha yesss. Seriously though folks I insist….it was only last week we lost two valued paying customers on this tour. Two young girls. One minute they were here, the next....gone! Stay close, for I am about to take you on a journey like no other, as we explore what was once a Victorian mill along this cobbled path screaming death. Follow me, please. Any sharp splintered bones you see lying around..just ignore.

Now, this room was said to belong to a wealthy young Jane Al.....you have all stopped?....AH!...I see. You are all curious about the curios in this cabinet!? I can also see you are all enthralled by what is believed to be a fortune-telling devi...Oh, I beg your pardon! You all seem to be gazing at the vividly attractive book behind it...let’s see now...Ah yes! Last One to Die by Cynthia Murphy!

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the thrill-seeking read you have been waiting for to kick start your 2021! A book set in present-day London in the first person. It's very random... I know, but a yet pertinent piece in this museum, as there are elements in this book that date baaack…..I’d say a good 200 years!

The story follows Niamh who…..What's that? Oh no, it's pronounced N-E-V-E young lad, not NI AM H!!! Yes, so NIAMH travels to London for a 6-week performing arts course and a taste of the city life. On arrival at her accommodation, she meets her new friend and coincidental course colleague, Sara. That very night, our protagonist, Niamh finds Sara bloodied up and murdered in her room. Niamh soon learns that this is going to be a life-threatening 6 weeks, as the attacks continue and with each victim resembling the protagonist. Is this a coincidence? Will Niamh be able to understand what is occurring? Will she be next? Who can she trust?

The characters Niamh interacts with, all have warmth and by the end of the book, personally felt like they were my friends. I trusted them, I loved them, I adored them, but should I have trusted all of them? Ladies and gentlemen, here is a fact for you. I learnt…..from the author…Cynthia Murphy, that the character Jess is based on one of her best friends. I know and WOW! What a harmonious gasp!... After reading this book, this particular character made me smile. I like to think that all of you have a friend like Jess, that you can turn to whatever happens in life and will always believe you, regardless of how supernatural the situation may be...  

So, where does the supernatural element come into play you all ask? Ha, well you need to buy this book and find out. I was fascinated by how elements of English folklore merged into the book, which was probably occurring during the Victorian era. You will find hints around this museum. Most likely why this book is ensconced in this cabinet. That is all I can say. If I tell you more, you may not live to hear another tale and we need Summer pounds!

From the vibrant front cover by Jamie Gregory to the very last page, Last One to Die is mind-blowingly good! The narrative is so comprehensive, you will benefit more from reading this book than looking on Google Map for your way around London! This enhances the atmosphere, crucial to this book! Last One to Die was my last read of 2020 and it didn’t disappoint. If you like a gripping book with an amusing but strong-spirited protagonist filled with suspense, end of chapter cliff-hangers, and a killer prowling the pages causing more than just paper cuts, then this is the book for you! The ending got me in the jugular! I didn’t expect the book to end the way it did, wow!

I warn you though. Be careful who you lend this book to folks, as this book comes at a price far greater than its worth! Your life! I insist you purchase it instead right here from our gift shop supporting local indies: Last One to Die - Cynthia Murphy

Follow me as we conclude our tour….What's that?.... There is something that stood behind me!? Ha, nonsense folks! You can’t fool this tour guide!....Okayy, ill bite as you’re all looking rather convincing in your conviction. I’m turning around…seeeee there is nothing ther….no..it, it can’t be…it’s not possible….Spring-heeled Ja………

THE DEAD HOUSE - DAWN KURTAGICH

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The events in this review take place in the same format as the book: 

 The Dead House. 

The review case is still fresh and occurs roughly between November 23rd and December 17th, when it is believed to be when the reviewer finished reading the book. The reviewer known as Bookenz is still missing and it looks like the individual may have dissociative identity disorder (DID). A Dr Lansing, who has been following this case with interest, informs us that the individual known as Enzo Falsone has two personalities: Enzo during the day and BookEnz at night. The following contains blogger entries from both personalities including CCTV footage from the individuals home security system. Parental guidance is advised when reading the following.

HOUSE SECURITY CAMERA FOOTAGE

MONDAY, 23^RD NOVEMBER 2020, 15:00

LIVING ROOM.

The camera is focussed on the centre of the living room where we see the occupant Enzo; who is opening a package, that appears to be a book. Enzo looks both happy and excited! The camera focuses on the book, which Enzos holding above his head in glee and it reads: The Dead House. 

BLOG ENTRY #1

ENZO FALSONE

Hey BookEnz! Thank you for the post-it note for me to read: The Dead House. I am so excited to read this book by Dawn Kurtagich. I have heard so many good things about it! It all started BookeEnz when I read my first YA horror called: Harrow Lake. A book by Kat Ellis which didn’t disappoint and has made me quite Jittery whilst on the subject. I spoke with Kat, BookEnz! I tweeted her after I read Harrow Lake to see what other books out there she thought I might like, you know something dark! My jaw almost dropped Benzo when she told8 me to read The Dead house as it’s a right head... "Fudge". 

Please BookEnz, leave me a post-it, so I know what happens at the parts you read!

I've lost count of what I have eaten but don’t forget to have:

1 Cadburys fudge bar

2 Minced Pies

1 packet of Walkers Crisps

             Have a great night BookEnz!

                              Enzo

 

That was the last entry from “Enzo Falsone” as such. It is still not clear what happened for him to review as BookEnz. Many paranormal sites are claiming that The Dead House possessed him, that he is stuck in his mind. Regardless of the rumours, the following entries and footage have just been released.

THURSDAY, 17th DECEMBER 2020,

GARAGE ATTIC

BLOG ENTRY #2

BookEnz [NO SPOILERS, EXPLICIT CONTENT]

Ta! “Enzyme!!!” Remember they called us you this at school. I remember tasting your tears when they upset you. HATE you calling me Benzo too! What’s that about?  ENZYME ENZYME! God! I need to be my person! But Enzo can he can’t help me. I knew if I got you to read The Dead House, that it would set me free to help you understand who I am.

The Dead House must be the most psychological, thrilling experience that I have EVER gotten from a book. Yes, a book! Pages that you read, pages that you turn to find out what happens next and where your imagination can take you to wondrous places. Now imagine that, but into the deepest darkest subconscious part of your mind; where there is no escape and a high probability that you won’t come back: This is The Dead House!

The format of this book is what initially renders you unconscious. I loved the imagination and work that not only went into the narrative but the characters too. The Dead House is a collection of evidence consisting of newspaper cuttings and journal entries from the two protagonists. The book also contains found footage elements and interviews; from psychiatrists helping Carly to detectives trying to solve what happened. It's mind-numbingly good! The story is then captured pre and post the deliberate “the Incident” which is the most captivating part of this book.

As the reader, you already know that there was a fire that occurred, at Elmbridge High School back in 2005. Three students were killed and most of the school’s occupants were injured in the fire too. One student is unaccounted for, ME!!!!! Carly Johnson. The book, which is predominantly journaled entries have been collated and the majority of which have been written by Kaitlyn Johnson, Carly’s alternate personality who only transpires at night. We learn from this that Carly has what is known in the medical world as Dissociative Identity Disorder. So, is Kaitlyn a by-product of trauma? The reader soon learns of a tragedy that’s befallen in Carly’s past, where both their her parents die and so the “live-in nuthouse” Claydon Youth Psychiatric Facility is where Carly has been situated ever since. The school has a partnership with Claydon to help rehabilitate young individuals such as Carly. We know that Kaitlyn doesn’t exist, but her entries into their diary become more vivid and dark as “the incident” starts to unfold. Is there something more than a disorder occurring here? Something more sinister perhaps?

The book will take you on a dark and windy blood stained brick road that will keep you in suspense and guessing throughout! As the days elapse and near the incident, so does the void of darkness that occurs to the point you will scream out “What the Fudge!!! fuck!”  Dawn Enzo, I love this book! There were times I was shocked at the vivid content and found myself again playing Detective Floyd Homes Columbo trying to figure out what was happening! Was there any malice occurring? Were any of Carly’s or even Kaitlyn’s friends a part of “the incident” that occurs? Reading The Head Dead House made me think: How far would you go to help the ones you truly love and care about! Regardless of how far fetched what was transpiring may seem.

I am a found footage film fan (mouthful), and so all the found footage clips in this were SPECTACULAR! They were some of the scariest elements of the book and fitted in nicely with the diary entries, which led to the ultimate reveal and jaw detachment moments!

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something original, dark, thrilling and realistic! It's so clever the way the female protagonist Kaitlyn makes you believe, personally speaking anyway, like she’s an actual sister to Carly! And that’s just the roof of the house! Go and buy this book to find out what happened inside it!!!!!!!.....”SSSSSsssssss”….. I have to go Enzo….its here! I can hea…….. 

That is the last official documented evidence from Enzo Falsone. Many paranormal investigators have been refused entry to the Falsone residence on the premise of an ongoing investigation. However, the following footage was found and has not been made public, until now.

Warning: Viewers digression is advised!

HOUSE SECURITY CAMERA FOOTAGE

THURSDAY, 17^TH DECEMBER 2020, MIDNIGHT

LIVING ROOM.

Enzo is seen holding The Dead House book directly in front of his face. The room is now  dark and so the camera turns to its night vision mode. On time-lapse, approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes goes by, where Enzo doesn’t move a muscle.  Suddenly, almost like an all you can eat challenge; Enzo violently rips out a page at a time of The Dead House and forces each page down his throat. There is no accompanying sound, but we see what looks like Enzo suffocating on the pages and now rolling around on the living room floor. Its presumed he can’t breathe. In his last gasps for breath you can see a lit candle has been knocked onto the floor causing a small blaze around Enzo. The smoke soon turns to fire, due to the 440 pages of The Dead House scattered everywhere. In a possessed state, Enzo manages to stand up facing the camera, now holding up a blank page, which appears to have a Haiku written in blood… it reads.

 

GO AND BUY THIS BOOK

I HAVE WARNED YOU ABOUT THIS

DO NOT LET IT WAKE

The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich

ENZO GETS TO READ DURING THE DAY. 

BOOKENZ GETS TO REVIEW AT NIGHT.

I left a note for BookEnz in the Message Book today. 'Dont write anything too dark BookEnz!!'

'Screw you Enzo, HAPPY READING!'

REVIEW COMING SOON 

LAST ONE TO DIE: CHAPTER ONE BY CYNTHIA MURPHY

South Yorkshire Metropolitan Police

Interview Transcript

Case number - 00666

Interviewing Officer - Detective Moran

Incident Type - Cliffhanger 

Victim name - Enzo Falsone

D.O.B: 12/03/84

DET. MORAN: (Dry grunt) So, it's currently 23:02 and I am here with Enzo Falsone, who is yet to inform us on what happened in Cynthia Murphy’s - Last One to Die: First chapter? For this tape, can you describe the events that took place, Mr Falsone?

 

ENZO FALSONE: Well...I was on, Twitter.... oh... it is dark (audible mumbling).....I can’t see! 

 

DET MORAN: Urgh!... PC BOWERS! Please turn on the interrogation lights so Mr Falsone can see. 

 

(Lights turn on)

 

ENZO FALSONE: AH! Much better thank you. As I was saying, I was on Twitter and I stumbled across this talented up and coming author: Cynthia Murphy. 

 

DET MORAN: Oookay. Erm, (grunts) please note for the tape, that Mr Falsone is looking rather excitable at this point and we are on standby to arrest...

 

(Audible gasp)

 

ENZO FALSONE: NO! Allow me to finish! Cynthia has a new book coming out in January 2021 and I had the privilege of reading the first chapter to review! The best part was having Cynthia’s permission of course! 

 

DET MORAN: Wait a second, are you telling me you have had communication with Cynthia!?

 

ENZO FALSONE: Why yes....we chatted online and that’s where I asked her!

 

DET MORAN: WAIT! Have you Motherfu(barely audible) seen her!? (Fist bangs on the table) TALK!!!! 

 

ENZO FALSONE: NO I have not! Although, IF LOOKS COULD KILL...SHE'D BE DEAD ALREADY! HAHAHAHAHAHA...HA....HA...

 

(Detective gives a mirthless laugh)

 

DET MORAN: I am giving you one more chance Mr Falsone, (inaudible mumble) tell me what you know so far about Last One to Die, the first chapter? Please! Note for the tape, Enzo is nodding his head in excitement and has a supercilious look in his eye!

 

ENZO FALSONE: Well, as a teaser we are presented with the first chapter, and it doesn’t disappoint. What struck oil for me, it is set in modern-day London. Now, I love a good story set in our Capital city! Being a horror enthusiast, as soon as I think of London, my mind immediately diverges to American Werewolf in London! So, you can imagine how excited I got reading this when a Ms Stevens one night after an argument with her boyfriend is walking alone near Millennium Bridge and is approached by someone. Or perhaps SOMETHING?

 

(ABRUPT INTERRUPTION BY DETECTIVE MORAN)

 

DET MORAN: Please note for the tape that I am reminding Mr Falsone to stick to the facts in this case, do you understand!?

 

ENZO FALSONE: (Explosion of verbal diarrhoea) BUT NEVE CAMPBELL GETS MENTIO!?  

 

DET MORAN: THE FACTS PLEASE!

 

ENZO FALSONE: (Audible sigh) Fine, I was just saying, some similarities would suggest foul play! Particularly where Ms Stevens describes being attacked causing "lacerations from her collar bone across to her right shoulder." Worst of all, she believes the perpetrator had metal nails!

 

DET MORAN: Metallll nails??.... (audible knuckle cracking). Anything else you would like to share with us at this time Mr Falsone?

 

ENZO FALSONE: Well from what I can gather, the main story is set in the 1st person. The protagonist being Niamh.

 

DET MORAN: Niamh?

 

ENZO FALSONE: Niamh! N-I-A-M-H! (Audible grinding of teeth). Anyway, Niamh arrives in London for a six-week drama course. As she checks into her accommodation, bumps into Sara who also is on her course. However, Sara pleads with Niamh to swap rooms, as Sara is on the 10th floor and scared of heights. Niamh agrees to swap and the two hit it off. (Audible sigh) It would have been a great friendship...

 

DET MORAN: (Audible stammering) What...what do you mean "would have?" 

 

ENZO FALSONE: Well, Detective Moran, this is where you must read the first captivating chapter of Last One to Die. It’s probably the reason which brought me into your custody. The scene is set with murder and suspense. I need to find out what happens to Niamh’s friend. What if Niamh was supposed to be the target? There is something supernatural going on in this book detective! It's chilling and yet gripping!! You need to read this first chapter! It stuck with me so much that I pre-ordered a copy as I NEED to help her Detective Moran! I need to help find out what is going on!

 

DET MORAN: And where do I find this... chapter, Mr Falsone?

 

ENZO FALSONE: Right here: LAST ONE TO DIE: CHAPTER ONE. The only way you are going to solve this case Detective Moran is by pre-ordering your copy. I encourage you to do so, or else..(audible shuffling of a chair).

DET MORAN: Or else what? Wait! Oh my god! For the tape, Mr Falsone's knuckles are bleeding, they are (inaudible sound)...NO!!! (Audible screams) NOOOO!! It cant be! Metal cla.... (Audible swipe)

(Tape abruptly ends) 

Available to preorder:

Waterstones  

WHSmiths

Blackwells

Foyles

Hive

BookDepository

Amazon

            Visit Cynthia on Twitter: @CynthiaMurphyYA

A Seed in a Soil of Sorrow by Keith Anthony Baird

 A Seed in a Soil of Sorrow by Keith Anthony Baird  

When the death cult calls ... what are you running from?

Message of thanks

It started with a tweet from the author: Keith Anthony Baird. This was a HUGE deal for me. I’ve just started my blog, as I find it therapeutic; talking about what I have read and how it made me feel etc. So, when Keith messaged me and asked if I would like to read his short story: A Seed in a Soil of Sorrow, I was like YES SIR! So outright Keith, a big gracious thank you! 

The BookEnz Review 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have always been curious about cults growing up. Not that I ever wanted to be a part of one or anything like that, but it was more the fascination into the human mind. The art of persuasion and the Psychology of conformity. 

The first cult I can remember was Heaven’s Gate, led by Marshal Applewhite. Think it was around 1996, Applewhite theorized that a comet passing called Hale-Bopp was an apparent vessel for their souls to board. The group’s members committed suicide, and this was due to one man’s convictions.

This stuck with me for some time growing up. The ideology of a leader and a group of devotees adapting to one mindset in the hope of one eventuality: solace.

This brings me to A Seed in a Soil of Sorrow. 

It's 1999, on the verge of the "new millennium" where we are introduced to Tobias (alias to the commune). He has searched a "hateful two decades" for salvation from his former life and finds The Viridian Chapter sect, a commune ran by its leader: Hans Lehmann.

Tobias soon learns during his early weeks at the commune that Hans is certifiable and narcissistic. One instance that captivated me, was his arrival to the Chapter. Tobias witnesses the horrific execution of two other Chapter members. That’s just day 1! Their crime? Possession of "outside reading material" as in, outside of Hans’s society. In a civilized society, this would be a crime against humanity.   

Will this be the utopia Tobias has been searching for? His life so far: “Womb to twenty-one had been a tinderbox of rejection”. Can he overcome certain visceral urges which otherwise will put him and others in danger? Will Tobias become a disciple or an evident lapdog to his leader? And will the Viridian Chapter unveil itself to be a more dystopian society? These were some of the questions I asked myself, but what I wanted to know the most was: Will Hans and Tobias’s personalities clash?

A Seed in a Soil of Sorrow is dark, powerful and chilling. I must admit, it contains some of the most graphic and disturbing sequences of events that I have read in a long time and it doesn’t disappoint. A Seed in a Soil of Sorrow will leave you mesmerised and that’s before you even get to the end: It's masterful.

 

Visit KAB's website: KAB's Homepage

 Follow Keith on Twitter: @kabauthor

Kindle Version available here: A Seed in a Soil of Sorrow

 

UNBOXED: A Play by BRIANA MORGAN

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Hey, ghosts and ghouls! Today, I have a special treat for you all, Briana Morgan’s play, UNBOXED!

The scene is set, well Act I is set where we meet Greg Zipper, a popular paranormal vlogger who is fixated with hitting 1 million subscribers! He’s nearly there, but it’s costing him his relationship with the love of his life, Alice. It appears that he is currently more connected with his vlog than the one he loves. However, Greg’s vlog is in turmoil, as a personal argument between him and Alice is recorded onto his vlog. Greg soon starts losing subscribers and decides to purchase a mystery box from the dark web to restore his losses and hit that 1 million mark! Greg soon learns it’s called the dark web for a reason when he unboxes something far more sinister that will change his life forever! 

Firstly, I wanted to share with you what possessed me to read this dark short play. 

I love films, mainly horror. Not the type where an inhuman being with a mask terrorises the victim throughout 6 films spanning two decades! No, I am more interested in the found footage genre. For me, the found footage film adds an element of realism for the viewer, which in turn makes them believe what they are seeing, is legitimate.

In 1999, I watched my first ever found footage film, The Blair Witch Project. I remember the way I felt after watching it, Scared! Even when I watch it now, it still disturbs me. Sometimes what we don’t see, frightens us the most.

Eight years later, that same dreaded feeling resurfaced, with the release of Paranormal Activity. PA for me has become the epitome of the found footage genre. The film focuses on a malevolent entity, that has leeched itself onto the films main character. The entities presence matures in the film when a video camera is bought to capture the phenomenon but instead makes it more malevolent.

This play could easily be the next on-screen found footage film. It reminded me of some of those wicked scenes from PA and left me more paranoid than the films. Ghosts and ghouls, I was scared reading Unboxed, and all I will say is this, Unboxed is not for the faint of heart but has a heartfelt ending.

Not only is this the first play that I have read as an adult, but it is the first time I have become acquainted with Briana’s work and it's excellent! Briana plays author, director and producer in one, to the point I felt like I was sat in the centre of the Belasco Theatre watching and made the whole experience real and eerie,e to say the least. 

Even though this is a short play, it captures a series of disturbing events that unbo..fold when Greg opens the box and unleashes something. The great thing about reading this compared to say watching PA, you don’t have to wait until night 15 before you get to that big scare! As soon as the box is opened, BOOM! There is a whole world of hurt coming Greg’s way, which affects his career and those that are closest to him. Will he manage to BOXer away what’s coming and regain more than just his subscribers!?

Links below: 

UNBOXED: THE PLAY available to buy on Amazon.co.uk  UNBOXED

Say hello to Briana on Twitter @brimorganbooks

Visit Brianas website Briana Morgan Link Tree

My next stop on the Briana "Boo" Morgan Tour is her latest work COMING SOON! Follow her for more details!

THE BIGWOOF CONSPIRACY BY DASHE ROBERTS

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

WELCOME TO STICKY PINES! Honestly, a place I want to live. Mysterious lights in the sky, sightings of bigfoot, whose face resembles a bulldog and yet mysteriously looks like a frog, and more conspiracy theories raised than the question, "are we truly alone in the universe?". Where do I sign!? 

The story begins where we meet 12-year-old Lucy Sladan, a UFO fanatic who clearly isn’t a believer in an early night for school. Instead, seeks the truth sneaking out into the woods to unravel the mystery of blue lights in the sky and locals disappearing, which Lucy feels are connected! Her adventure truly begins when she makes the biggest claim to fame discovering BIGFF...WOOF!? 

From this moment on, this book holds more adventure than Indiana Jones and even more mystery than the unexplained! 

I routed for Lucy throughout this book, who is as persistent as Hermione Granger when it comes to uncovering the truth! The characters all have warmth (one was cold) from a 13-year-old stranger turned friend of Lucys named Milo, the two Mrs Stricks and the man in the banana costume! There is no imagination left unturned when it comes to The Bigwoof Conspiracy. 

Dashe Roberts has totally rekindled my childhoods most favourite unsolved mystery, the Bigfoot....and to one day discover, what Pine tree sap tastes of!? I loved this book...Yes loved. A word I associate with family and this is what I gained by visiting this quaint little forgotten corner of the world called Sticky Pines! 

Even though this is an MG book, Dashe's debut novel is imperceptible in its genre, at times you’d think you were reading a YA horror. Mad Dashe entices the adult reader with dark and horrific scenes including Bigwoof metamorphosises, like those seen in American Werewolf in London, which will leave you fearing for Lucy's life. This was my excuse anyway for buying and reading this delightful adaptation of a Bigfoot mystery! 

Available to buy Amazon The Bigwoof Conspiracy

Published by Nosy Crow

My next stop on the Mad Dashe Sticky Pines Tour is... 

THE THING AT BLACK HOLE LAKE