Horror Books

House of Dark Shadows is the first in the Dreamhouse Kings - a new series for young adults from Christian publisher Thomas Nelson. Young Alexander, Xander for short, and his family - the Kings, move from Pasadena to the small town of Pinedale when their father Edward accepts the position of principal at the Pinedale high school. The King family moves into an unsettling house with a dark history; a shadowed past that has made it a focal point for speculation and rumour amongst the townspeople of Pinedale.

It soon becomes apparent to the Kings that their move into the house has thrown them into a world where nothing is as it seems. Brothers Xander and David soon discover mysterious portals on a hidden third floor that seem to lead into the past. Unfortunately most of these portals lead into life-threatening scenarios - once entered into they require some effort to escape from.

The story moves at a brisk pace and readers soon find themselves contemplating the nature of the mysterious house and trying to unravel its mysteries. The chapters are short - 40 chapters to 283 pages of story, keeping the level of suspense high and the reader moving from one scene to the next. The entire story takes place in a very short time period, approximately one week. Once Liparulo has his hooks in the reader, he blazes through the story, bringing the action on at an unrelenting pace.

Aimed at teenagers, the writing style is easy to read and highly accessible. Though written for a young audience, adults who appreciate a suspenseful and unusual tale will also enjoy this series. An age appropriate discussion guide is also included to guide readers into further examination of the events and speculation about the mysteries of the house. While intense events are taking place all around them, the King family remains realistic. Sibling rivalry, teenage angst, self-absorption and day-to-day family squabbles are all presented realistically and woven into the dramatic storyline. Young readers are certain to empathize with these everyday occurrences and struggles that are intertwined with the highly unusual events the King family experiences.

Liparulo is well known for his work in the genre of thrillers, with several adult titles already published. While House of Dark Shadows is eerie and unsettling I didn't have any nightmares after reading it, and I'm not exceptionally brave. Most readers should be able to read this title without undue distress or horror depending upon their age and comfort levels.

While published by a Christian publisher and marketed to a Christian audience this title does not contain a strong faith message. Interviews with the author have indicated that when the series is viewed in its entirety readers will be able to see the message that Liparulo has written into the books, but that it will be subtle. The King family does include references such as to God, church, and creation, building a Christian worldview into the backdrop of the storyline. However, the plot does not focus on the characters' relationships with God, but rather the unusual events and struggles they encounter, as well as their changing family dynamics. Those without a Christian background will enjoy this work as much as Christian readers will.

With this first title the mystery has only begun. The cliffhanger ending leaves readers with a long list of questions and a minuscule list of answers. Thankfully readers can dive into the second book in the series, Watcher in the Woods, which has already been published. Unfortunately the third title, Gatekeepers, will not be available until January 2009.

I loved this book. I stumbled onto Ted Dekker a few months ago, and when I heard that Ted Dekker is working with Robert Liparulo, I had to read it.
And what a great story. A lot of suspense, and I couldn't put the book down.

Definitely a Recommend for every body to read.

Buy this book!

If you are a thriller reader, and are at all hesitant to pick up Bob's latest because it's in a young adult category, then trust me, it delivers for us adults! This review won't tell you about the story, all the other reviews do that. I want to focus on how the book reads.

I read almost every thriller writer in the genre, and Bob offers a unique world where violence, horror, suspense, mystery, and action are reduced to the most basic elements, then spun into a believable world - and all that without the industry's typical gratuitous languange, sex or overly descriptive violence. I would have my children read any of his books, but this series I'm holding on to for my nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. In House of Dark Shadows, Bob has delivered true supsense that caused me to read it in one afternoon (during the US Open no less). The opening scene will tell you this is no ordinary haunted house. While utilizing some familiar suspense tones (secret rooms, noises in the night, appearance of unknown forces), he does a great job blending them into a fast paced story that feels like it will come to conclusion. Then, it twists! That's primarily why I'll read the next book, but more importantly, I've become attached to this family, and want to know where they go next, and what historical setting they might experience.

As a reader, I've been allowed in this book to glimpse the family relationship and each of their unique personalities while at the same time using my own imagination to paint a picture of their history, and current importance to their world.

I hope this book sees the publishing success it deserves. By the way, It's design shows well on the bookshelf too. I look forward to the series continuing.

I didn't read this personally, but my 16 year old son read them in record time! The first book makes you want to read the second one immediately! The main drawback to this is the third book won't be out until January 2009. My son said he wants to read the third book when it comes out, but he will still continue to live without reading it immediately :) He really enjoyed both books and he doesn't think they're too scary, but when I read them, I may disagree!

I emailed Robert Liparulo and he responded to me personally. He seems like a very nice person and according to my son, an excellent author. I'm looking forward to reading his books!

Liparulo established himself as a major presence in the thriller market with "Comes a Horseman," followed by two other fine-tuned suspense novels. I had no doubt he could create the same chills for a younger audience, particularly since he draws from his own experience as a father.

I was not disappointed. "House of Dark Shadows" reads like a mix between a very tame Stephen King and a very mature Choose-Your-Own-Adventure book (you have to be much older than 16 to remember those!). When the King family--no relation to Stephen--relocates to a creepy old house in the woods, they have no idea what they are in for. Xander and Dave, the two brothers, take center stage as they stumble upon secrets and mysterious doorways in their new home. From unexplained footprints, to gladiators, to the jungle, Liparulo takes us along on a fast-paced adventure. He leaves us hanging, anxious for the next book, "Watcher in the Woods," and certain that there are plenty more escapades and dangers for the entire family to maneuver.

I haven't yet read a Liparulo book I didn't enjoy. He always gives a good story, memorable characters, and secrets lurking in every corner.

Oh, and "Gatekeepers" is book three? More good books to read!

Starting with Fire Sanctuary, through Fires of Nuala and Hidden Fires, all of which I love and still have, onto this series, which leaves poor Ally with quite a way to go, I have followed KEK. She moves ve---rrrr------rrrrr----y slowly. Her stuff is so good, but it is hard to get new stuff when none is being written. I noticed that she has a new chapbook out, but that will just whet our appetites for more. Is it publishing problems? I am getting tired of publishers not advertizing their authors, then dropping them for low sales, especially when it is my favorite authors. Obviously, KEK is one of them and I hope she comes out with sequels to this series and even Nuala. We are hungry for more!

i've been waiting patiently, but please please please take time off from massage and web design to write a sequel to night calls and kindred rites!!! alfreda is a fabulous heroine and i want to know what happens to her during her time with cory. does she go east to visit her townie cousins? do she and shaw get married? EEK! please please please...pretty please? in other words - for those who haven't read these two books, they rock the casbah!

I'VE HAD THIS BOOK SINCE IT WAS FIRST PUBLISHED, AND I'VE READ IT AT LEAST ELEVEN TIMES SINCE THEN, EVEN THOUGH I KNOW THE OUT COME, AND WHAT HAPPENS NEXT, IT STILL THRILLS ME, I THINK THE ART OF BEING A GOOD WRITTER IS THE ABILITY TO HOLD READERS ATTENTION NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES A BOOK HAS BEEN READ AND MAKE THEM BEG FOR MORE. I'M BEGGING PLEASE WRITE MORE.

This is a great follow-up to the first novel (Night Calls). The pace set in the first book doesn't slacken, the characters feel right, the story is gripping, and the writing is so smooth as to be nearly invisible, like you're floating along in the story rather than translating words on a page into mental images. I picked it up one evening before dinnertime, and neglected to eat dinner and stayed up past my bedtime in order to finish it. I can't wait for the next book.

I almost passed on this sequel to the earlier, excellent 'Night Calls.' The cheesy cover art (a Native American looking woman a la Harlequin) gives the impression that this novel contains fantasy of the lowest order. The strength of the first book persuaded me to continue with this next installment, and I'm glad I did.
The continuing development of Ally Sorenson in the Scandinavian/herbal/mystic arts of the 'Gift' picks up beautifully where 'Night Calls' left off. Allie personifies the best attributes of the American frontier - practicality, curiosity, and courage. The language of this novel softly blankets the reader in the feeling that Ally's world is a little off from ours, but never in a distracting way. The fantasy elements are organic to the character development, and neither feels forced. While it's not strictly necessary to understand the story, I strongly recommend reading 'Night Calls' first as an introduction to Ally's world; her growth into adulthood will be more meaningful.

I read this book when I was about 8 years old (I always read at a higher level) and this book had such an impact on me that I still remember it. The Locker was so horrifing and the characters were so real, I couldn't put it down and I read it multiple times. I'm now 23 years old and I'm ordering this book so I can enjoy the thrills again and again. A must have for any library.

i just finished reading this book, and just had 2 tell someone how good it was. it was a bit slow, but the ending was so good. u never see it coming! richie tankersly cusick is my favorite author, ive bought almost all her books, and im making it my goal 2 read them all by the end of the year. her books r so good, i recommend them to older ages though, maybe 12 at the least because it can be bloody @ sometimes. very very good book :)

oh my god, i'm 12 years old and this was one of my favorite books RTC wrote and it was GRADE A+ TYLER WAS SOOOO SWEET hahaha i wasn't really surprised at the ending though sorta... i did a book report on this book and got an A+ defenate reading book, read this book, you won't be mad

The Locker was great! It is the only one of her books that I've read that was written in first person. It makes you more invovled in the book and more involved with the characters. Cusick creates excellent, believeable characters.

This book is in one word amazing! I have always found richie the best author out there and this book explains to me again why. She is the only person who knows how to scare you like hell. She makes it seems so real that you feel like, you yourself are the main character and you are living the situation yourself and that is frightening. Especially the bit in the kitchen of Suellens house was so frightening I felt chills go down my spine, I was there I was in that kitchen and I felt the fear the main character felt. Richie has this incredible way of describing things, describing it so real that sometimes you've got to stop reading. This book was amazing!

Lovable book! Easy to read but makes you think of your own life, silly little things and big questions of meanings. Just loved it, and will read it thousand times more.

This is a beautiful book about overcoming the differences between us and learning to live together. The book is set in Moominvalley. The Moomintrolls are away when their very different friends come to visit. Moominmama and Moominpapa figure mainly as inspiration for the other characters as they learn to get along with each other.

I fear that this is sounding preachy. The genius of Ms. Jansson is that she never preaches. Read the book, you'll see what I mean - it's lovely!

Tove Jansson was a Swedish-speaking Finnish writer and illustrator who wrote many childrens books including the famous Moomin series. Here, the setting is Moominvalley which is basically the natural beauty and pristineness of Finland, populated by Moomins (who look like little hippos which stand upright and are fluffy) and a host of other weird and wonderful creatures. The action is mainly centred around the family with Moominpappa, Moominmamma and Moomintroll the kid. They set a tone for the whole series as Tove infused them and their whole universe with experiences of her own family which seem to have been a very bohemian, artistic, tolerant and warm lot. This makes the books great reading for kids from an early age as they invoke a wonderful sense of fun and silliness as well as acceptance and openmindedness.

One thing I remember from reading these as a kid is that the plot didn't really matter. In some books, it's hard to say exactly what happens. Rather, it is the atmosphere that I found the most important. In this book, the Moomins have gone away leading the other characters to miss them. Combined with the autumn feel in Moominvalley, the book has a melancholy feel and focuses on the side characters and their strengths and insecurities.

A great series overall, filled with imagination, surrealism, fun and warmth.

Well, this piece of Moomin anthology is a more serious one. I read it first when I was 10 in my home Poland, and did not like it much. It is not so full of joy, energy and adventures as the "Summer" or "Valley". Since that time though, I have read it at least 10 more times, love it, and highly recommend to all maturer Moomin-lovers.
It is a bit melancholic, played not in a G-major notation, rather e-minor, maybe even with a flat... November mists, wet forests, grey seas, you will remember it forever!

"November" is both intensely passionate and cold: it focuses on the empty spaces of the Moominfamily, and those who wanted the Moomins to fill the emptiness of their own souls.

The Moominfamily represents happiness, everything that is good about childhood, summers, or functional families: generous, nonjudgmental, forgiving, carefree. Their absence inspires horrific nostalgia (especially if you have read the previous books)-- and indeed the author follows the emotions of the characters as they struggle with their own emotions, personalities, and less-than-perfect relationships with each other. It sounds grueling, but the souls of these characters are described absolutely empathically, touching the heart of the reader like dream music. The story is about greyness, but the experience of reading it was one of the most colourful, memorable and healing experiences of childhood.

The plot idea of people becoming free from their dependence on happiness is utter genius-- it shows great hope for humanity that we finally have somebody expressing this idea more succinctly than our ancient texts. It's also extremely comforting when we're dealing with our own grieving or nostalgia, or with the tough issues of gaining inner freedom.

Tove's treatment in "November" of the concepts of emotion, memory, longing, love, freedom, purpose, relationships, joy, and death are brilliant, haunting, tender... a nourishing story when we find ourselves at an Ending and our inner landscape surprises us with its breadth.

Nightmare U.S.A. is an extremely informative and well written book. The author keeps it fun throughout by putting a sense of love into his work. I found, as I read through this hefty tome, a true feeling of 'being there' watching the films that are presented. I'm looking forward to the next installment. All in all, a wonderful read for those interested in the study of exploitation films.

So great a book I bought two one for my business partner and one for me!

I've written a longer, more extensive review for Film Threat, but I'm going to do another one here because I believe this book belongs on the shelves of every horror/exploitation fan, film buff and film journalist. Yes, it is expensive, but it's also a 500+ page oversized hardcover with color and black and white photos (many from filmmakers' personal collections), movie reviews and interviews (many with directors who have never spoken about their films publicly before). As I said in my previous review, this is probably the best film book of the decade.

If exploitation films are your cup of tea, you need this book. Period. At some point this should become some sort of mandatory college text book, as it is not only a history in filmmaking that is rarely covered by more "serious" journalists, it's also a crash course on filmmaking.

Once you read this incredible book, which will cause you arms to fall off if you try to do it in one sitting, you'll be thrilled to know it's only the first volume (the second one, according to the author, is scheduled for 2010). And you thought things couldn't get any better.

Simply put, you aren't a fan of exploitation/horror if you don't have this book in your library.

Price:
I've talked to many people that feel the price is a bit steep and I agree the book isn't cheap. It is however 500 pages filled with interviews, pictures (everywhere), and essays. Think Arnold Schwarzenegger's The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding : The Bible of Bodybuilding, Fully Updated and Revised size wise but about horror films. I mean the book is no joke and there could be an exploitation horror film made about a serial killer who uses this heavy book as his weapon, that's how big it is. I felt the price was well worth it as a horror fan and film lover in general.

For those of you who aren't the biggest readers:
Basically, all you have to do is read section I The Exploitation Independents which is the history of American independent exploitation films during 1970-85 and goes from page 11-48. After you start reading you'll want to keep going and after that it's basically a reference book with essays and reviews, so you could read up on a particular film. What I'd do is either read up on a film I found prior to watching it or after I watched it to learn more.

THE BOOK:
Stephen Thrower appears to know film even though he made a rule to not include reviews on classics, foreign, and studio made films, he still makes tons of compare and contrast references to classics and mentions great directors such as Bergman and Fellini. I highly recommend this book to horror and film fans, my friends in everyday life not so much but I think my horror Amazon friends will love it, specifically reviewer Clint Bronson. Clint has crazy knowledge on horror and from my readings of his reviews 1970s imparticular which, after much thought, is the best decade for horror hands down. Be sure to check out Clint's reviews as well.

Section I- As I mentioned details the history of the exploitation film from 1970-85
Here is how Thrower breaks down section I and the history, this was a great read.
The roots and the Godfather of gore H.G Lewis.
Romero and the Modern Horror Pantheon
Critical Responses to Exploitation Cinema
Drive in Massacres
42nd Street Monsters
Serial Killers
Psycho-Killer, Qu'est-ce que c'est?
Slashers- J'adore
When Blood Is Not Enough
Torture
R ape
It Came from the Stars/Swamp/Bushes/Caves
Things That Go Bump in the Night - One of my favorite avenues of horror being the ghost story. Thrower is honest in this area saying a bigger budget with good acting helps this area of horror.
Art of Perversity-Horror and Incoherence
Decline-Carpenter, Hooper, Romero, Craven
Hollywood Trash

Section II
Essays on Films and Filmmakers
This goes from 73-373 and like I said at this point it's a reference book. You can skip around read films that interest you and as you see others go back to the book and read up.

Section III
Reviews
118 Additional reviews. These are done in a shorter format then the essays above.

Section IV
Appendices and Index
Including an exploitation independent checklist Horror, 1970-85
A Bibliography
Index

I actually learned about this book in a non horror magazine Film Comment which gave it very high praise as well.

If anyone wants to know if a particular director or film they like is talked about in the book feel free to ask.

Being somewhat obsessed with the period and films covered in this mammoth tome I can unreservedly say that reading this was a religious experience for me. The amount of research gone into this project is extraordinary and the enthusiasm author Thrower has for forgotten gems like THE CANDY SNATCHERS, DEATH BED, BOARDING HOUSE and others is truly infectious. Not since Mike Weldon's original PSYCHOTRONIC came out in the early 80s have I been this giddy about a movie book.

Part 2 is announced in the back of the book which means the good times keep coming.

If you're looking for an action adventure thriller, suspense, mystery, horror or even romance, you'll find it in 108 pages of november rain.
A good story, told with energy and enthusiasm.
Definitely worth a read.

My interest in the Supernatural started since last 5-6 years and I have worked on removing negative energies around me. I have also seen the devil in the form of humans, as Satan, moves openly in the world today. It is there all over the world today. With my strong belief in GOD, I have fought evil in my own life and have come out victorious with the help of my devotion and prayers to the Lord. I also have an idea about some astrological facts of life. I often can feel the future as well.
The book explores the concept of fate, love and loss.It confirms my belief that it's better to accept fate and not try to change it.
I recommend this book to everyone who is interested supernaturals

November Rain uniquely explores the concept of fate, love and loss. It shows how a single incident may have a far reaching impact affecting many people over generations. Maybe it's better to stoically accept fate, love and loss instead.
A truly great read.I recomment this to everyone who believes in destiny.

Talk about November rain and you can't help but think of Guns'N' Rose's November Rain song. And you are not entirely wrong when you compare the vedio of the song with the book, as both deal with a similar theme- love and angst.By the time you reach the end, you might look back at life with fresh prespective...it's just that too many ellipses can be quite disturbing. So grab your copy and explore fate, love and loss.

The book has all the elements to click primarily with the younger audience. It abuses, it excites, it makes the "other" come alive.
The crisp writing of this supernatural love story keeps you glued to the end, more so because there is so much happneing on every page.
Highly recommended

Mr. James Grant managed something I do not frequently come across in books, movies, or other mass media.

Dude wrote a love story I actually bought. Hell, most people's "love" I don't actually buy. It's a lot of "well, I've been with you for x amount of time so that's love now, right?" or "OMGZ MENT 2 B!!!!!!!!1" both of which are idiotic. But Mr. Grant, being happily married and in what seems to be as true as love gets, has managed to capture what it is about that that actually works.

And then messes with everything. It was getting where I was like "Ocrap they're happy now. ARGH."

It was beautifully done and made me really care. And also as horribly messed up as I have come to expect from Mr. Grant. I approve wholeheartedly.

And that's just one of the scenes in this book that takes the reader by the throat.

James L. Grant has matured as a writer in strides five feet long since "Pedestrian Wolves" .

There is little to compare the two books. While P.W. was a booze soaked romp in boots through New Orleans, Lethe is a slow crawl up your spine with those same boots caked in dust and blood, and the plot structure of JLG's second novel is complex and concrete and indicative of an author coming into his own.

I recommend this book wholeheartedly.

I bought a copy for my Mom and she told me "James writes very well. Lethe had me scared witless and on the edge of my seat from almost the first page."

I agree. I meant to do that to her.

A side note...I grew up where James L. Grant did; the setting for Lethe, and he captured the creepy feeling of it more completely than i am comfortable with. He made me scared to ever go back.

I eagerly await this man's third novel. I rate this one 4 stars so that I can give his next piece five.

I have been a fan of Grant's work (which, I might add is in forms other than novels) for a good while. Even so, I really had no clue what to expect when I cracked this book open.

What I found was a novel I couldn't put down until the wee hours of the morning. Even at that point, I put the book down not because I was tired, but because I had finally finished it.

And what exactly did I find?

I found a story that is marvelously constructed, realistic (even with it's dark fantasy), and unexpected (in a good way!). I grew close to Grant's vibrant and powerfully-written characters. I laughed with them when they laughed and I cried at with them when they cried.

Plot twits and dramatic moments/situations/scenes are NOT cheesily executed. When something dramatic would happen, it would fit right in with the story. Instead of muttering to myself, "Where the hell did that come from?", I would find myself understanding how all the pieces of a puzzle were gradually coming together and I would want to continue.

The writing is mature (a pleasant surprise after reading so many "this-is-my-1st-or-2nd-novel" writers' sophomoric styles of syntax/verse). The book also moves at what I feel is just the right pace: not too fast and not too slow.

Essentially, Grant's entire book, from beginning to end, is amazing. This is one book you won't be able to put down, and it will leave you with an eerie feeling at the end that so many horror novels today fail to deliver.

Lethe keeps your head spinning from start to finish. Each time I thought I had figured out what the hell was going on, I turned the page and found out that I was wrong. Grant splices humor and horror together so neither gets old or lets you get comfortable. I'm generally a fairly slow reader, but this took me around 2 days to finish, because I really didn't want to put it down.

Why it took me this long to read this novel, I cannot say. I'd been meaning to pick it up since its release, and immediately after diving in I could honestly say I regret the wait.

Bringing us a highly intelligent and riveting novel that manages to skullpunch you with every visceral emotion that rampages through the protagonists, Grant will entrench you in a beautifully crafted love story right before yanking you out of it and beating everything you knew to that point with a rusted meat tenderizer. Then, he repeats the process.

I've never had a book rattle me so much as this one. After a night's sleep I'm still visibly shaken by Lethe's conclusion. I'm not sure if I want to buy Grant a beer or punch him in the sternum.

If you don't smoke, you might want to pick up the habit before reading this novel; you're going to need a cigarette when you're done. Trust me; it's worth it.

Grant, if you read these reviews, then congratulations. You made a grown man cry and thirst to do it all over again.

I have been looking for this book for 20 years! I also (like other reviewer's) picked it up at a grocery store one dull summer in 10th grade. I was completely lost in it...I cannot wait to read it again. Puts "Underworld" to shame!

Wow. This book stopped me and my friends right in our tracks back in 1980... there were like 6 of us who were horror aficionados in high school. We all read & exchanged Steven King, Clive Barker, Lumley, etc... then some of us started buying horror books indescriminately - at the grocery store checkouts, garage sales, etc. 'The Prey' was one of those... we came across it accidentally, but it immediately moved to the top of everyone's list who read it... we were even asking for it back for re-reads !!! (and i seldom re-read anything!). This re-read exchange went on for a few years and eventually our circle fell apart and I don't know who ended up with the original copy...i hadn't seen the book or even thought about it for maybe 10 years. then i thought about it, and realized what an impact this book had left on me, and went searchin. man was i psyched when i saw it was re-released !!! my new copy is en route and i cannot wait.
This is one of the greatest horror books ever written. everyone that i now who has read it would agree. As i type now - about 17 or so years after last reading the book for the 2nd time - I still have no doubt this is likely the best horror novel i have ever read.

Morivania, a young man from Austria, after having observed his father succumb to the powers of a mysterious man named Luther is out to avenge his father's death. Luther and his agents take on the form of wolves and follow Morivania, dog him, if you will, across Europe while he searches for the secret to destroy Luther. The wolf-beasts attack and devour unsuspecting victims while on Morivania's trail. (During my reading of this, I had to periodically check that my own black dog was still a big galoot and hadn't morphed into one of these frightening creatures!)

This book had the feel of a classic! The style and language literally transported me to the 1800's during the time of the French Revolution. Smith's first rate talent as a writer will keep you in bone-chilling suspense as Morivania enters ghastly catacombs and numerous dark wooded trails. There are plenty of moments which will make your hair stand on end and which develop into outright terrifying events!

The Prey is a magnificent novel that is sure to please fans of classic horror. I can't recommend it highly enough!

Morivania, a young man from Austria, after having observed his father succumb to the powers of a mysterious man named Luther is out to avenge his father's death. Luther and his agents take on the form of wolves and follow Morivania, dog him, if you will, across Europe while he searches for the secret to destroy Luther. The wolf-beasts attack and devour unsuspecting victims while on Morivania's trail. (During my reading of this, I had to periodically check that my own black dog was still a big galoot and hadn't morphed into one of these frightening creatures!)

This book had the feel of a classic! The style and language literally transported me to the 1800's during the time of the French Revolution. Smith's first rate talent as a writer will keep you in bone-chilling suspense as Morivania enters ghastly catacombs and numerous dark wooded trails. There are plenty of moments which will make your hair stand on end and which develop into outright terrifying events!

The Prey is a magnificent novel that is sure to please fans of classic horror. I can't recommend it highly enough!

I enjoyed reading this novel very much. The author has a great way with description, even though some of his characters are somewhat one dimensional (and by the end of the novel there are a lot of them). What really drives the story is the overwhelming pursuit of the main character by diabolic forces that are portrayed as so powerful, you have little hope for his survival. Mr. Smith has also embedded a number of unique plot devices within his story which I enjoyed very much.
However, the payoff after all of this great setup is very disappointing. I can't go into detail without spoiling the ending, so suffice it to say the end seems very rushed, almost as if the author hit his word limit and had to rap it up as quickly as he could.
After reading some of the other reviews (as you can see, many are just repeats of each other) it makes me wonder if we read the same book. The person who made the analogy of classic horror movies that used suspense instead of blood and guts is dead wrong in their assessment; this book contains enough violence and grue to keep the most jaded gore-hounds out there happy.
I'm giving it 3 stars for the first 11/12ths of the book which I thought was a good, pulpy read. If the ending matched the build up, I would have gone to 4 stars.

I just read book 2, Bayou Savage, "The Ghost Wars" and picked up and finished this first book becasue I love these characters. I throughly enjoyed both books!!!! My opinion is that if Jeff Foxworthy wrote a ghost fighting action hero series, they would read like these book. The Razor character is my favorite....

I can safely say this is one of the coolest books I've ever read. Russell takes guitar playing to a new level in this thriller about a "Guitar Ghost Hunter" who battles ghosts with an Old Fender Guitar, and the legend and circumstances surrounding his life and death. If you like science-fiction that won't take you 6 years to finish reading, you'll love this book. Perfect for readers of all ages, and musicians in particular.

Imagination! The author can hardly harness all of the ideas that flow through this work. So innovative and creative that one never knows exactly what's going to happen. Once you think you have it figured out...bingo! - another plot twist. A marvelous new, fresh take on the "200-year-old man" concept. Musicians will love this book!! It's a page burner!

What a cool idea to have a ghost slaying guitar! The futuristic setting and the flashbacks to the 20th and early 21st Centuries are right on. I found myself trying to be a part of the whole story. The Savages are such real characters. Bayou trying to please his father and Razor, the ghost ass kicker, always ready for the challenge. The song references brought back many great memories and the humor throughout the book had me reading with a smile on my face. Hopefully, there will be more of the Savage family coming!

I loved this book. An original story that was fun to read. My imagination soared to new heights, stretching my mind. Intellectually and spiritually stimulating.

Ex-demon succubus-turned-mortal, Jezebel (aka Jesse Harris), is relishing the perks of her new life. She's got a brand-spanking new soul, still dancing as an exotic dancer, and last, but definitely not least, her own personal White Knight, Paul Hamilton - the ubersexy love of her life.
After Jesse decided to give up on Hell and all of its luxury amenities - who can forget the Lake of Fire, roasting eyeballs over the campfires (tasty), and that wonderful aroma of sulfur and brimstone (ah, reminds me of home), all Jesse wants to do is live out her mortal life. Is that too much for one girl to ask? And what is it with all the demons accosting her in the bathroom? Sheesh, a girl can't even get a bit of privacy anymore.

But Hell is now under new management, and He is still smarting after Jesse turned her back on Hell. He's decided that Jesse needs to be made an example of and means to bring her back - no matter the cost! So now Jesse's caught between having to fight off her ex-demon lover who keeps trying to tempt her back into Hell (and hooboy, can he ever do some tempting)and trying to survive the murderous psycho demon, Lilith. But when the demon's all fail in luring Jesse back into the fold, they go after the one thing that really matters to her - Paul.

This second addition to the wonderful Hell on Earth series is an absolute score for Ms. Kessler! Her writing keeps you pinned to your seat with a book you're unable to put down. And while following Jesse through the mundane mortal life is entertaining enough, it's when she goes back to Hell that the real fun begins. It's a wonderful supernatural mixture of wit, romance, and some very hot (no pun intended) scenes. I can honestly say I loved this book and eagerly await the next in the series.
~Mippy Carlson
PNR Reviews

Kessler does it again, only better! If you liked HELL'S BELLES, you'll love THE ROAD TO HELL. And if you think Laurell K. Hamilton is sexy...she's got nothin' on Jackie Kessler.

Hang in there, folks--something tells me that Hell is just gonna get hotter.

Loved the first book, "Hell's Belles", and this sequel is just as magnificent as Book 1. Former succubus, Jesse, is just starting to settle into the mortal life when her friends from the Pit come a knocking for a reunion.

The story is very good but what really drives this tale is what made the first book such a sinful pleasure: the characters and the dialogue. Kessler has created a host of captivating characters and enriches them with scrumptious and witty banter that will make fans of "Buffy: TVS" or the "Juno" movie feel right at home. Plus, Jesse is a wonderful leading lady. There's no way you can resist the charms of that seducer with a soul.

Funny, sexy and exciting is "The Road To Hell". Jackie Kessler is a goddess and this book needs to be in your shopping cart right now.

I really enjoyed this sequel to Hell's Belles, now Human with a soul, Jesse goes to Hell to save her Lover, Paul. Lilith tricked him and stole his soul and sent him to Hell. But his soul is pure and he doesn't belong there and Jesse is out to rock Hell to get her boyfriend back - or lose her soul trying. This is a fast paced enjoyable book that will have you turning the pages at 2 in the morning.

I loved the first book and this one is even better! Ms. Kessler is a wonderful new talent with a delightful sixth sense of humor and a flair for the erotic.

Can't wait for the third book!