Haven Review Spotlight

Before we bid our final goodbyes to the Halloween season, join us one last time for the book tour for Haven by Mia Dalia in concert with Black Tide Book Tours. 

Prepare to embark on a family vacation with the Baker family as they go to their aunt Gussie's home for a month. As you learn the dynamics of this family, and the history of the previous owner...something sinister will begin to unveil itself. 

Haven is a horror novel by Mia Dalia. This particular horror story is a slow developer but just wait for it. This novel will lure you in with chapters that shift through the family, but the gradual build will bring you something unexpected. So exercise patience, because it will be worth the wait. Just because it's a house...doesn't make it home. 

The Baker family is headed towards Aunt Augusta's old house. After her passing, it was allotted to the living family members to use it as a vacation home shared amongst them all. Well, Jenna Baker has secured the month for her family of four to go and stay there. This is in the hopes that maybe the family can reconnect. Will that be possible? Well, you'll question it for yourself as you read this book. 

As Haven continues to unfold author Dalia alternates each chapter between each member of the family. Told from the third person POV each chapter focuses on that specific family member. In that sense readers are able to get to know them individually and better understand the dynamics. 

Jeff is the father, but he's far from engaged in his children's lives. You'd have to wonder why. Author Dalia reveals that he's disappointed in himself concerning it, but yet, he chooses to do nothing just the same. Jeff will often reflect on how things came to be, but the trend remains...he has chosen to do nothing to change it. 

Jenna, is the wife. Author Dalia portrays her as fastidiously dedicated to her appearance. Jenna watches what she eats, how much she eats, and exercises to keep her lithe form. Jenna appreciates the jealousy and envy that she evokes from other women her age. Unknown to her, her daughter has picked up on this "focus" on her physical appearance...but in a different way. 

Jessie, is the oldest of the two children. As readers delve deeper into her chapters they'll find just how "obsessed" she is with her physical appearance and social media. She wants so desperately to be a social influencer, but seeing as she's more of a "follower" in her behavior...she falls short every time. Her follower count? Not high enough. The attention she so doggedly seeks? Not enough. She wants more. Craves more. But this house? This house is going to bring out a change in her...that will be unexpected. 

JJ is the youngest of the family and named after his father. However, JJ is the one who stands out the most. A teen like his sister, he has taken the opposite approach to food and exercise than that of his mother and sister. JJ is the one more likely to be bullied in school because of his size and appearance. Compound that with his refusal to participate in personal hygiene and it paints a picture of a boy with limited friends and limited contact with most people. 

Then there is Ava. Ava isn't one of the family of four. No, Ava is...Augusta. The chapters on Ava paint a picture of who she was (or is) and her life. Author Dalia provides readers with context on how Ava became the person that she was. The youngest in her family, she wanted a different path than what her family wanted. So, when the opportunity comes...she takes it. 

Haven is a slow building psychological horror story. The story moves at a steady pace as it alternates between the family members and with each of Ava's chapters reveals her past and her life's story. Little by little author Dalia shows the gradual shift between the family members. It's a subtle thing that none of them really notice at first.

As the story goes however, the cracks begin to show. Something in the house is poking them. Provoking their darkest thoughts and feelings to come to the surface. Some of the revelations through Ava's chapters point to the tragedies that Ava suffered throughout her life. Most if not all of it at the hands of her own family. It's absolutely shocking and even heartbreaking. 

As Haven draws to a close, the story takes on a darker element, but also shifts to drawing to a close focusing on Ava's chapters. Since the primary location is Haven (the house) anything that doesn't happen there isn't focused on. Until a new character comes along and shares some shocking news. 

One thing is for sure...this book will leave you puzzled, but also push you into a sense of disbelief. Haven closes on some shocking revelations and leaves you the question...will what happened to the last family happen to this one?

Readers looking for a thrilling fast-paced horror story won't find that within Haven's pages. However, readers looking for a horror novel that plays on the psychological aspect with hints of the supernatural will absolutely find this story intriguing up to the final page. 

Haven

by Mia Dalia

October 29 - November 04

                                

 New Release! Publication date: 10/29/2024

CamCat Books

What if revenge ripples and echoes through time?

You can’t choose your family or your destiny or your legacy. But once upon a time, a woman named Ava St. James had tried to build happiness upon the remains of her broken heart. For better or worse. Decades later, the Bakers are headed for a perfect family vacation. A full month at a house by the lake; the house passed down from a mysterious aunt no one ever talks about. Love and good intentions aside, what begins like a relaxing vacation turns into a nightmare as each of the Bakers’ nerves slowly but steadily begin to wear away at the edges. Is it their fraught family dynamics or is something more sinister at work?

The house has welcomed them, but will it ever let them leave?

About the author

Mia Dalia is the internationally published author of Estate Sale and Haven (CamCat Books Fall 2024), and many other novellas and novelettes. Her short fiction has been published online by Night Terror Novels, 50-Word Stories, Flash Fiction Magazine, Pyre Magazine, Tales from the Moonlit Path, among others, and in print anthologies by Sunbury Press, Nightshade Press, HellBound Press, Black Ink Fiction, and many others. She is a lifelong reader, and a longtime reviewer of all things fantastic, thrilling, scary, and strange.

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Hell's Beginning Review Spotlight

 

Welcome to my stop on Black Tide's Book Tour for Hell's Beginning by John T.M. Herres. Hell's Beginning is one of those spine chillers that will have you biting your tongue the next time you think about trying to get in the last word. You just never know...that person could be a killer you just barely escaped. 

 Hell’s Beginnings by John T.M. Herres is an 80s slasher film that meets the modern era with a supernatural twist. We hope you’re not squeamish because this book? Yeah, it’s bloody. You’re going to love it.

Hell’s Beginnings is a stand-alone horror novel by author John T.M. Herres. This book lures readers of horror in with a cover that is sure to pique many an interest. You’ll first notice an individual standing in the rain. He’s wearing a gray hoodie with the hood pulled to hide his face. His hands appear empty, but that doesn’t mean that you should underestimate this guy by any means. This character appears innocuous enough, but what lies deep within him makes him more than a force to be reckoned with.

Hell’s Beginning starts off in a rather dramatic fashion. Someone has already been taken captive, and she’s found herself in a bad way. You’re going to be thinking “Well, do we get to find out how she got to be in the predicament she’s in?” The answer? Of course, you will! What you’ll learn? That maybe...just maybe...she should have kept her mouth shut. But...alas, pride is a terrible sin...and this case? It seals her fate in the worst way possible.

Hell’s Beginning doesn’t take long to throw a lot of gore and horror in your face. You’re going to be taken along for the ride as this mysterious main character abducts Sharon and hauls her off to force her to experience unthinkable terrors. Of course, it wouldn’t be much of a story if we didn’t get some backstory on Sharon as well.

The first half of the story focuses heavily on this mysterious bad guy who is out to have his pound of flesh. You get the sense that there is a true darkness about him, but author Herres does an excellent job of keeping the true depths hidden in shadows. It’s not until later on in the story that you’re going to get a glimpse.

Readers who enjoy gorey horror are going to devour this book. The first half especially is heavy on the gore factor. The first half of Hell’s Beginning reads much like one would expect an 80s or even 90s slasher horror movie to play out.

In Hell’s Beginning, you’re getting the woman who unwittingly provokes a killer. You wonder exactly how it is all going to play out for her. Is it going to be a long drawn-out torture session? Or does author Herres have something more insidious in store for us readers? And Sharon, too, of course. Well, one thing is for sure and that is that heads are going to roll.

Hell’s Beginning brings the horror in spades as the chapters transition between the killer (still shrouded in mystery) and other characters who will soon find themselves trapped in his orbit. The killer in Hell’s Beginning is literally an equal-opportunity killer. Author Herres throws all the fresh meat into the grinder and turns a few chapters in this book into a literal free-for-all.

To be fair and honest with you, there is some content in this book that even we were taken aback by. Why and what was it? Well, it wasn’t the gore or the violence. No, it was when a young underage girl gets drawn into the mix and appears to be heading toward a sexual situation with a much older guy. Those particular scenes were flirting with disaster by dancing the line, but author Herres keeps things relatively above board...barely.

Are there other sexual situations in this book? Yes, but they all happen off-page. You’re given a hint that something is about to transpire, but you’ll have to use your imagination for those scenes.

Just when you think that Hell’s Beginning is going to be just a full-blown slasher story, author Herres says “Sit tight. There’s more.”

We know what you’re thinking...more? What more could there be? The body count is mounting, the final two are here. Where can the story go from here? Well, wait for it. Hell’s Beginning is going to take a twist that you’re not going to see coming, but it is absolutely going to glue you to the pages.

Hell’s Beginning starts out slasher style, but it morphs into something more that helps to better explain why the killer is an “equal opportunist” when it comes to those encroaching on his temporary lair.

The pace of Hell’s Beginning, even from the beginning, is pretty good. It moves at a decent pace and will keep readers engaged to find out who’s going to make it and who won’t. But when the big reveal comes along the storyline really begins to pick up the pace. It transitions into a race against the clock in more ways than one.

Also, author Herres begins to weave in more of a supernatural twist to help guide the characters in this story, because without that guidance? Well, things could have gotten a lot worse. For sure Hell’s Beginning is packed with twists, turns, surprises, and drama that you won’t see coming.

Pros:

• Engaging storyline
• Twisted
• Slasher movie vibes
• Interesting characters

Cons:

• The sexual angle with the underage girl

4.5 out of 5 stars

Black Tide Book Tours

August 6-9

SPINE-CHILLING ABDUCTION HORROR AT ITS VERY FINEST!

When a stranger arrives in Charity Falls, Utah, he has one intent: get a drink and some rest before hitting the road again. An altercation with a lush brings back dark memories, and the woman's final taunt tips him over the edge. He abducts and drags her off to an abandoned farm.

There, he introduces her to pain and suffering, on a journey into her darkest nightmares, and his bloodthirsty fantasy. However, the farm isn't as secluded as he had hoped, and he is forced to deal with several others who have wandered too close to his lair.

When just two innocents remain, only a battle of survival will decide who will walk away.But, the killer strikes again, and only one who has been close to the horrors will know what must be done. Someone must put an end to the reign of terror that has begun.

Universal link for the book on Amazon

About the Author

John T. M. Herres was born May 26, 1965, to a military family.

His father served in the Air Force, and the family moved around a great deal during John's younger years – which meant a constant change of circumstances.

John tries to use these experiences to add richness and realism to his writing.

Influenced by such authors as Robert E. Howard, Stephen King, Dean R. Koontz, and James Patterson, his genre of choice became action/fantasy-adventure populated by barbarians inspired by Conan, et al, set in rich, exotic landscapes, though he dabbles in other genres.

John's writing has emerged and matured into works with three-dimensional characters, action sequences that read like a movie scene with great visuals for the reader, and plot lines that pull the reader deep into both the action and the psyche of his heroes.

John has written several poems and is dabbling with a sci-fi story, as well as some short stories in the horror genre.

Having lived in the Great state of Texas a majority of his life, he currently resides in Mississippi. His works-in-progress include "Tales of The Barbarian" and "Challenge of The Velah" which he is hoping to have published at some point.

Recently, a few of his writings have been accepted for publication by J Ellington Ashton and HellBound Books.

He also has self-published a poetry book through Xlibris (warning), available on Amazon and other online retailers. On his Amazon Author page one will find links to several Anthologies that include some of his short stories.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=John-T.-M.-Herres

Publisher's Social Media

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The Street Between the Pines Review Spotlight

 My fellow readers of horror. We are here today to present you quite a treat in connection with Black Tide Book Tours. When it’s Black Tide you just know that it’s going to be good. Welcome to the book tour for, The Street Between the Pines.  

 The Street Between the Pines is that book that will have your jaw on the floor, your eyes bugging out of your head, and your mind absolutely blown. Yes, The Street Between the Pines is that good.

The Street Between the Pines by J.J. Alo is a mind-blowingly good horror thriller that will keep you glued to the pages until the very end of this book. Brace yourself for a wild ride of thrills, danger, destruction, and more than one close call with death. Well, for Curtis at least. Not everyone in this story will be so fortunate.

The Street Between the Pines quickly grabs your attention with its cryptic cover decked out in night vision colors of green, white, and black. The first thing that is going to catch your eye is the image of a bat-faced creature. It appears to be looming over everything as it sits between two towering pine trees. Waiting for unsuspecting prey to come it’s way to be mercilessly devoured. Their last moments were filled with terror.

As your eyes travel downward through the trees you’ll next notice vehicles parked on either side of the road. Are these vehicles abandoned? Or are they simply parked there waiting for their owners? Some of whom may never return to drive them again. Perched on one vehicle on the left-hand side of the cover you’ll notice a cat. While walking the road you’ll see a man holding a shotgun. 

Grab your copy today: Amazon || GoodReads ||
BookBub ||  Barnes & Noble ||
Amazon AU || Amazon UK

Who is this man you ask? Well, you’ll have gained a clue from the blurb, but that’s just a single clue as to what awaits you deep inside these pages.

The Street Between the Pines is a thrilling horror novel packed with suspense, drama, and tons of twists. Your mind is going to want to go off in one direction concerning what begins to unfold from the prologue, but just be patient. The truth will be revealed and when it is...it will blow your mind!

The Street Between the Pines starts out innocently enough. An elderly man, Frank, is at home, waiting for his wife to return. The news is reporting a storm heading up to Connecticut and the Northeast. Frank is watching the game and has no idea that danger is making its way closer to his house. Strange things begin to take place. Little by little author Alo lures you in with each turn of the page. The anticipation builds and just when this wave is about to crest and break...BAM! Author Alo shifts the story to who will be the main focus of this story – Curtis.

You’re probably going to splutter a bit because you’re going to want to know what happens next, but you’re going to have to wait. It’s coming. Don’t worry. LOL! While The Street Between the Pines focuses mostly on Curtis, author Alo deviates here and there to other characters in the story. We’ll get to see some of the neighbors as they discover strange happenings in their neighborhood.

Stray cats aren’t an unusual phenomenon, but they become one when their numbers mysteriously increase. They’re seen leaving the scene of a crime. They are found lounging out in the middle of the road. Curtis even takes a moment to help one that gets injured during an explosion. Will this good deed come back to reward him at a later time? Guess you’ll have to discover that answer for yourself.

As you read this novel you’ll learn quite a bit about Curtis. Due to some past mistakes, life has gotten to be pretty hard for him. Not just him though, his wife and child as well. Money is tight, the job is demanding, he’s rarely home, and now they’ve been getting letters about “imminent domain.” Talk about a pressure cooker in a situation. Any more and things will probably explode…

Tenebrion Review Spotlight

Welcome one and all to the book tour for Tenebrion! Love a good horror story with gore, demons, and some seriously twisted elements? Then this is the book for you! Keep reading.

It's that time of year again. It's time for the annual Terrorfest competition, and everyone is piling up into the theater to see what the contestants thought up to try and win this year's contest. Some are excited, some are bored, and some are just ready for it all to be over with. But something dark overshadows this year's contest.

Death...

One of the teams didn't make it. Their final moments? Captured on film. It's evidence in an investigation, but that's not going to stop one of the hosts for Terrorfest from showing what he found on the film that he got. Horror is about to be unleashed...

Tenebrion is a horror novel by James H. Longmore. This story details a group of indie filmmakers looking to create a short film that could be their big breakout moment. Or are they? Could it be that someone in the group has something more in mind? 

Tenebrion has a slow start. This book is slow getting going, but once it gains steam and momentum you can expect a novel that will keep you glued to the pages to find out how not just how it all goes down, but what will happen to the characters you meet at the beginning. 

Page by page Tenebrion unfolds as the characters in this book go to an old abandoned school. This is a place of terrible tragedy. It's almost like a magnet for death and destruction. Countless lives have been lost and so, for Dave Priestley this is the place to come to for his epic film idea. 

Tenebrion goes for Blair Witch but in book form. You're getting the set up and the calm before the storm. But all is not as it seems. Author Longmore gives readers little glimpses into another's mind. This creature is plotting the mayhem that will befall these innocent lives. But first it will break them and break them down. 

The title ties into the story rather quickly which is really nice, and then it is tied even tighter to the storyline in multiple places to re-emphasize just who and what this story is about. It's absolutely fantastic. 

While this book has a slow start and takes time to find it's stride, it is a true page-turner. The author works just hard enough to keep your interest piqued. Once you're hooked though? Good luck putting this book down. You're going to be eagerly page-turning to find out what fresh horror awaits these characters. What will they be made to endure before the bloody end?

Tenebrion showcases how this author allowed his imagination to run absolutely wild. You think that you know where this story is going and then you get a surprise element or twist thrown at you. One thing is for sure and that is you're not going to be bored reading this book. 

You will be eagerly looking for more by this author and devouring everything in your path. Tenebrion is darkly delicious and a must read for readers who enjoy a tasty horror novel that will be sure to worm it's way deep into your mind. 

We dare you to read it in the dark...before you go to bed... 

Sweet dreams...if you do. LOL

5 out of 5 stars

Black Tide Book Tours

July 2-5

"The Devil is in the detail..."

Amateur filmmakers inadvertently invoke a demon when they break into an abandoned school to perform and film an authentic Black Mass for their entry into a short movie competition.

Dave Priestley and his crew film in Watsonville elementary school – the site of a horrific tragedy nine years before.

Tenebrion – the malevolent demon of darkness – makes preparations of its own within the dark recesses of Hell. The demon requires a specific set of circumstances and sacrifices to rend a fissure between the worlds and set free its brethren; it has manipulated humans for centuries to put things into place, and the moviemakers are the unfortunate, final pieces of its nefarious puzzle.

Priestley, ever the stickler for authenticity and detail, accidentally sets free the denizen of Hell.

While Priestley and his skeptical friends attempt to return Tenebrion to the pit of Hades, it hunts them all down – one by one – for inclusion in its hellish gateway.

Universal link for the book on Amazon

About the Author

James hails originally from Yorkshire, England having relocated with his family to Houston, Texas in 2010. He was honored to become a US citizen in 2022. He has an honors degree in Zoology and a background in sales, marketing, and business. James is an Affiliate Member of the Horror Writers Association.

An accomplished, published author (and publisher in his role as co-founder partner in HellBound Books Publishing LLC), and ghostwriter of popular fiction, James writes across an incredibly wide range of genres and subjects in novel, shorts story, and screenplay formats. To date, he has four novels, five novellas, and a whole slew of short stories published by various publishers (many can be found in his first collection, Blood and Kisses). He also runs and co-hosts the popular ppodcast/radio show (The New Panic Room), which is used to promote HellBound Books and indie authors, artists, audiobook narrators, and publishers of all genres.

James has been working full time as a freelance ghostwriter (and editor) for over a decade. He is quite the chameleon when it comes to writing: James is able to adapt to a wide range of styles and genres, is incredibly thorough in his research (he's renowned for his details, which bring stories leaping from the page!), extensive vocabulary, and he always keeps the client's "voice" when ghostwriting. Clients love him - especially with that Northern British accent (as an ex-pat, James is most proficient at writing in both UK and US styles – he also has clients in Australia who love his style!) and enthusiasm for every writing project he takes on.

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Publisher's Social Media

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Satan Rides Your Daughter Review Spotlight

Black Tide Book Tours and HellBound Books are back with a new anthology fellow horror lovers! Are you ready for something fresh, disturbing, and sure to be riveting? Well, then dive into Satan Rides Your Daughter! 

Welcome to the book tour! We hope you enjoy your stay. 

Satan Rides Your Daughter is a dynamic collection of hellish stories that depict scenes that, in some cases, will be hard pressed to be removed from your brain. From stories about a strange wicker basket that a boy's father brings back from the war overseas, to an "innocuous" looking goat statue that sits in a garden...that must NEVER be moved, to a "Groundhog Day" style story of a Mad Max style road race/battle.

Let's cut to the chase shall we? There's sure to be a story in here for everyone. Each story is unique, and while not all will be someone's cup of blood, there will be sure to be one that draws you in and pushes you to learn more about the particular author who wrote that story. 

Satan Rides Your Daughter is an interesting collection of horror stories. The first one that we read centered around a young boy. His father has returned from the war (recent times) and you immediately get the sense that the war broke this man. I mean, he comes home, strips it off at his "Welcome Home" party and immediately burns it in front of everyone. Yep, cue jaw-drop moment for us for sure! 

Talk about...wow! But what is curious are the items that he brought back with him. A wicker basket, a pipe, and a couple other strange items. You can't help but wonder...is there something special about them? Well, the focus of the story will shift to the basket. So make sure you pay attention. You can bet that the boy, the main character of this story, will. 

One of my favorite aspects of this story, is how the author draws me in. The basket seems innocuous enough, but the child...he senses what we do not. He senses the evil emanating from that basket and it when it becomes too much? He leaves the room. But fate is a fical thing and it won't be long before the boy hits a snag...that should end his life. 

Warren, the boy, ends up with a close encounter that leaves him in-debted. What is going to happen from there? Well, you'll jus have to read to find out! LOL! 

The Pit and the Basket is an interesting story for sure, and for us, one of the standouts for this anthology. Our only poke of dissent towards it is some of the actions that Warren takes later on. He strikes a deal, but then we don't really get to find out the aftermath. He must become a murderer, but one particular murder is hinted at being particularly gruesome. We wanted details. Unfortunately, all we get is a reaction from a side character, and nothing more. It's rather disappointing. 

Another story that really stuck out for us, is The Goat. No, not the Greatest of All Times. No, it's actually about a goat. Sorta. Curious? Good. LOL! When we first started reading this story, we really didn't know what to make of it. 

It starts off sounding like the typical, "child left home, doesn't want to return because of....insert whatever reason they chalk up." Well, that's part of the story, but wait for it, because there's more. 

For us, the backstory that comes is truly fascinating. It is definitely going to give some "Drag Me to Hell" vibes and we loved it! Of course, if you're hoping to know EVERYTHING that happens with the character in this story? Well, you're going to be left waiting. Okay, more like the author will encourage you to use your imagination and conjure up what you believe happens next. 

Some of the stories moving forward are hit and miss for us. Some just don't draw us in, others the pacing leaves something to be desired. But the deeper you in...it's like that's where the meat shows up. The good stuff people! Brace yourself to be sucked in and then to be the one sucking these stories dry as you devour them whole and dig deeper to find the marrow...(as in learn more about the authors who wrote them). 

There are some deliciously hellish stories to be found in this anthology, so if you're a fan of horror be sure to grab this collection and dive in! 

4 out of 5 stars

Thanks to BlackTide Book Tours and HellBound books for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next! 

Black Tide Book Tours

June 4-7

In our spine-chilling homage to the late, great Dennis Wheatley and the inimitable Hammer Horror films spawned from his works, HellBound Books presents twenty superlatively satanic stories guaranteed to have you fearing for your very soul?

A whole host of Hell's denizens skulk within these pages, waiting with growing impatience for brave of heart - or the relentlessly foolhardy - to make their otherworldly acquaintance, so please, do venture inside.If you dare?

Featuring hellish tales from: L. G. Merrick, Henry Myllylä, Alan Derosby, A.K. McCarthy, Brian James Lewis, C. C. Parker, Chisto Healy, Leo J. Winters, R.C. Mulhare, Henry Myllylä, J.B. Toner, Glen Damien Campbell, Nathan Blake, Gerald Dean Rice, Ricki Whatley, Carlton Herzog, Len M. Ruth, Vivian Kasley, Carson Demmans, Mark Towse, and Alexander Marais

Universal link for the book on Amazon

About the Publisher

HellBound Books are the veritable tour de force in the independent publishing world — for eight years and counting, they have published novels, novellas, and bestselling anthologies of exemplary horror, bizarro, and all things dark — the type of tales from exciting new authors guaranteed to keep you wide awake in the small hours and checking the inky-black, coagulating shadows beneath your bed just one last time…
They are incredibly proud to be champions of the newest, brightest upcoming authors as well as home to more established writers. Their objective is to bring to you — wonderful readers — the very best in the dark genres. They are proud to say all HellBound books titles are available in traditional-sized paperback and ebook, along with a few very special hard cover books, too.

https://hellboundbookspublishing.com/
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Dirty Spirits Review Spotlight

"The Fall of the House of Usher meets Evil Dead 2. Experience an offbeat occult ghost story from the twisted mind of Sawney Hatton." With that...welcome to the book tour for Dirty Spirits by Sawney Halton in association with Black Tide Book Tours.

 Looking for a twisted paranormal packed horror story? Well, here’s some good news...Sawney Hatton has a book that will draw you in and have you page-turning to find out how it all ends. Dirty Spirits is a book that is not to be missed for fans of novels that are twisted and more than a little bit of horrific.

Dirty Spirits is a standalone horror novel with paranormal elements written by Sawney Hatton. This author moves to draw readers in with a cover that really makes you stop and take a second look. What do you see? What makes you pause and do a double take? The sight of a head coming out of a woman’s torso? The fact that she’s holding a bottle of whiskey and pouring it into his mouth? Or is it the cut that mars her flesh and where the head appears to be erupting from? Regardless of what makes you pause, it’ll be enough to tempt you to pick this book up and see where the storyline leads you.

Dirty Spirits is a story that is heavily focused on drug addiction and alcoholism. Two of the characters – Liam and Michelle, have struggled for years with these two particular substance abuse demons. It destroyed their careers and relationships with other people. But one day, push came to shove and Michelle made a decision for herself. But at what cost?

Dirty Spirits starts off by depicting a news story about an ancestor of Liam’s who passed away by fire on his ship. He was called a “professed necromancer.” Typically that means that people feared him and would have eventually taken steps to see his demise. This is just the beginning of this story, and promises much more to come.

Author Hatton paints a story where Michelle breaks away from her toxic relationship with Liam. Things weren’t always bad, but one day...things escalated from bad to worse and things just kept going downhill. Ultimately, if she hadn’t made a choice, she would have inevitably followed him down a very dark path. But because she chose differently, her path took a different course than Liam’s.

Dirty Spirits runs the race of happening in “present” time for the main line of the story. But author Hatton also takes time to send readers back in time to when Liam and Michelle met and how their lives intermingled. Author Hatton shows readers that Michelle and Liam met at rehab. They both got clean together, they established a romance, and things looked good. But then it begs the question...what happened? Where did things go wrong? Well, hold on to your butts because that particular element? It’s coming. Boy is it coming! Prepare for some seriously interesting elements that even YOU, the reader, won’t see coming. Who would?! Honestly...only author Hatton, and that makes this a delicious twisted element to behold.

Michelle is a troubled soul. That much is apparent, but you get to see that she has people who care about her – Doug, and her father are two such characters. Yes, Liam loved her, but in his own way. You’ll see that Liam, after a particular scene in this book, became Michelle’s enabler. He encouraged and pushed her to surrender to the vices that originally plagued them both and ultimately led to his untimely death.

But while Liam may be dead...that doesn’t mean that he’s gone. Nooo...Liam still lingers, and he has no intent to let Michelle go. In his mind, she belongs to him, and he means to have her. Do her feelings matter? Not a bit. Liam and his family have plans put in place and they are determined to make sure that Michelle helps them fulfill each and every one of them regardless of her feelings. These people will manipulate her any way they can to make sure that Liam has her...even in the afterlife.

Dirty Spirits has a slightly rocky beginning of where it seems like the story is trying to find it’s footing. The story shifts back and forth in the narrative from being present day to the past at random moments. Once you gain your footing with this story, it’s going to engage you and pull you to delve deeper. You’ll be compelled to learn more about Michelle’s and Liam’s toxic relationship. You’ll see how it evolves and ultimately devolves. Hate to say it, but you can thank Liam’s parents. Yeah, we said what we said – sorry not sorry. LOL!

One thing that can be safely said about Dirty Spirits is that there are going to be a lot of elements and scenes that you’re simply not going to see coming. Author Hatton is going to make sure you keep coming back for more when it comes to this book. You’re going to want to know what happens next. What is going to happen to Doug? What is going to happen to Michelle? Are either one of them going to survive the drama, the danger and ultimately the fall out of what takes place in this book? You’re going to want to know – does the image on the cover become depicted in the story itself? Want a spoiler? Well, whether you do or not...we’re not giving you one. LOL! Not this time anyways.

As stated in the trigger warnings there is a lot of focus on alcoholism in this book. It is a primary point of the storyline and isn’t overdone. Author Hatton creates characters who are struggling with real issues and their struggles make them seem all the more realistic. Is there sex in this book? Yes, there is. Technically it can be classified as R-rated, but it’s far from being graphic in anyway. There aren’t heavy details, it’s just enough for you to know that either characters are having sex or there is something sexual in nature taking place.

As a standalone novel, Dirty Spirits has an interesting ending. The final chapters work to ramp up the drama and take the story in an unexpected direction. Author Hatton takes two particular characters and lets them have some unexpected breakout moments that lend them toward the light of...dare we say...hero? Shocking, right? But it’s definitely unexpected and does the job of keeping you on your toes.

Dirty Spirits is an interesting novel that will grip you and intrigue you to the very end.

Pros:

• Gripping storyline
• Realistic characters
• Twists
• Page-turner
• Nice amount of horror

Cons:

• Rocky beginning

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Sawney Hatton, and Black Tide Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next!

Dirty Spirits

by Sawney Hatton

 The Fall of the House of Usher meets Evil Dead 2. Experience an offbeat occult ghost story from the twisted mind of Sawney Hatton.

They say you can’t choose who you fall in love with, and Doug believed it.

He didn’t expect to fall in love with an addict. Once he did, he knew the relationship would be challenging. He knew sometimes it would blow chunks and rain shit. He expected it. He prepared for it. But there are some things you can never imagine happening, crazy stuff you can never prepare for no matter how hard you try. All Doug can do now is hang on and hope the love of his life isn’t dragged back into hell by her ex-fiancé who can’t move on.

Because while Liam Fowlington may be dead… he’s far from departed.

Trigger warnings:
Drug & alcohol addiction plays a large part in the story. R-rated sex and violence.

About the Author

Sawney Hatton is an author, editor, and screenwriter who has long loved taking trips to the dark side.

Weaned on a steady diet of paranormal horror and creature features, he quickly developed an appetite for all things macabre and monstrous. With early literary influences as tonally disparate as Stephen King’s Pet Sematary, Evelyn Waugh’s The Loved One, and Marquis de Sade’s The 120 Days of Sodom, he enjoys fusing the sinister with the satirical, the abominable with the absurd.

Other incarnations (reincarnations?) of Sawney have produced marketing videos, attended all-night film fests, and played the banjo and sousaphone (not at the same time).

As of this writing he is still very much alive.

https://www.sawneyhatton.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sawney.hatton
https://www.instagram.com/sawneyhatton

  

 

Book of Monster Stories Review Spotlight

Hello readers. 

Looking for something dark? 

Something twisted? 

Something that will have the hair on the back of your neck standing on end? 

Something that will have you looking over your shoulder? 

Then HellBound Books and Black Tide Book Tours has got a treat for you...Book Of Monsters is sure to leave you delightfully unhinged. Enjoy! 

Book of Monster Stories is an anthology of short horror stories that will take a nice little trip through your brain. You'll be taking a second look at that cricket before you think about crushing it. That strange goop you see floating in your pool? Is it really just something strange that fell in? Or is it something more? The darkness between the trees...are they just shadows? Or is there a creature that only you can see?

Remember the rules...if you don't acknowledge it...it's not really there and it can't get you. Or can it?

Book of Monster Stories brings you a collection of horror stories that will grip you and threaten to devour you whole. Each story will bring you a whole new horrific creation from these various authors' twisted minds. Some are truly twisted, while others are more for the mild readers who like sleeping at night. Haha! 

But for readers who enjoy things that are...the creepier the better? There are some in here just for you as well. The stories vary which will keep readers on their toes. You just never know what you're going to get as each author brings some new delightfully twisted treat to the table. 

Not every story is going to be a creep-tastic gore fest. There will be some that honestly...will just leave you with your jaw on the floor. There will be a few here and there that leave you with more questions at the close of the story. We have to guess that this is by design because it allows readers to come to their own conclusions as to where things go from there concerning the characters.

One story that stuck with us in particular is the story with the "tulpas." This particular story feels complete from beginning to end. It draws you in with an intriguing storyline, and gives you a satisfying storyline that culminates in the most interesting way. But don't think that's the only story that stuck with us. 

Nope! There's a few others that stood out. Granted, because of our sheer horror and hurt because of the harming of precious felines. LOL! Sorry, not sorry but we're cat people here. You best believe that one may or may not have us looking at a particular insect in a different way. THAT's for sure! But even we have to admit...that story was dark, twisted, and brought a nice amount of creep factor. LOL!

The stories that give you a glimpse at what happens next at the end were typically the ones we enjoyed the most, but each story was deliciously unique and utterly twisted. Little gems of horror can be found throughout this anthology and we're sure that more than one author will soon have new readers trailing after their dark crumbs of horror begging for more. 

5 out of 5 stars

Thank yo to the authors, HellBound Books and Black Tide Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next! 

The Horror Zine's Book of Monster Stories

by HellBound Books Publishing

Black Tide Book Tours

March 5-8

With an Introduction by Shirley Jackson Award-winner Gemma Files, this outstanding anthology of all things monstrous includes spine-chilling stories from Bentley Little, Simon Clark, Elizabeth Massie, Tim Waggoner, Sumiko Saulson, plus some of the best emerging horror writers working today.

“This anthology gives us a chilling glimpse at the dark and dangerous things prowling in the minds of some of today’s best horror writers.” – JG Faherty, author of Ragman and Songs in the Key of Death

“Throughout the pages are creepy tales by up-and-comers who you may have read, plus writers brand new to a horror reader’s discerning eye. Embark on a journey to the realm where monsters—familiar or unique—dwell. Highly recommended to horror aficionados obsessed with eldritch fiction—this one’s for you!” – Nancy Kilpatrick, author of Thrones of Blood Series and the Darker Passions series

Universal link for the book on Amazon

About the Author

HellBound books are the veritable tour de force in the independent publishing world — for eight years and counting, they have published novels, novellas, and bestselling anthologies of exemplary horror, bizarro, and all things dark — the type of tales from exciting new authors guaranteed to keep you wide awake in the small hours and checking the inky-black, coagulating shadows beneath your bed just one last time...
They are incredibly proud to be champions of the newest, brightest upcoming authors as well as home to more established writers. Their objective is to bring to you — wonderful readers — the very best in the dark genres. They are proud to say all HellBound books titles are available in traditional-sized paperback and ebook, along with a few very special hard cover books, too.

https://hellboundbookspublishing.com/
https://twitter.com/HellBoundBooks
https://www.instagram.com/hellboundbooks

 

Playground of the Dead Review Spotlight

Are you a devourer of horror? Looking for something new and twisted? Well, author Stone Wallace has a dark and twisted treat for you! Welcome to the book tour for Playground of the Dead. 

Beware. Your darkest secrets are coming back to haunt you...and there is no way out.  

Horror has come to town and it has no intention of leaving...ever.

Playground of the Dead is a gripping horror novel by Stone Wallace and readers who enjoy Stephen King's novels aren't going to want to miss out on this book. 

Playground of the Dead starts off in a local far from Clear Vista, CA. Author Wallace drops readers first in a coastal town of Massachusetts. Why there? Well, it's to set the stage for what is to come later on in the story. Shhhh. Just be patient. All will be revealed in due time. 

Playground of the Dead shifts to another time and place. With the shifting to Clear Vista we're now in the 1980s. It's a beautiful town set in picturesque California. A small town where everyone knows everyone, and life seems quaint and beautiful. But beneath the surface? Something ugly festers. Secrets that will refuse to remain secrets for much longer. 

Now, reader, if you are expecting Playground of the Dead to hit you fast and furious with the horrors that it promises...well, you're going to be a touch disappointed. But don't get too disappointed! Just settle in, enjoy the story, because the horror? It's coming. It's coming and when it's here...there will be no escaping the horrors that will unfold. 

Throughout the years tragedy has struck frequently in Clear Vista. The tragedies have almost always taken the lives of the residents' children. Why is this? Well, that is a mystery that may or may not ever be answered the deeper you delve into this story. But everything kicks off with...you guessed it...the death of not just one child, but two. Sisters. Both girls mysteriously disappear only to turn up dead. What happened to them? Who killed them? And why?

Well, the heat is now on Police Chief Braden Powell. The townspeople want answers. Two little girls, and it appears that a killer walks among them. But the investigation? Well, the investigation has hit a brickwall. No one saw the abduction happen. The people who saw a transient amongst the community can't agree on his appearance, and therefore...there are no clear cut answers. 

While the town demands answers something sinister begins to take shape. It begins out in the cemetery where the children are buried. A mysterious shrouded figure seen by the old grounds keeper. Who is this mysterious person? What are they doing near one of the graves? Prepare for your interest to be piqued in this particular moment. You're going to expect something more to happen, but it doesn't. It's okay. The author has something more in store for us readers. 

As Playground of the Dead continues, around 43% of the book is when things begin to get really interesting. Strange deaths start happening. Go ahead and start scooting forward in your chair because the author is setting the stage for some sinister happenings to come. 

While we know what is happening, and the victims of the moment, Chief Powell has no clue. Neither do his other officers, and the people of Clear Vista? They're becoming more and more afraid with each death that occurs, especially after the tragic death of the two little girls still being unsolved. But few are buying that no one has any answers are present. 

The deeper Playground of the Dead goes the more twisted the situations become. Some deaths can be viewed as poetic justice. Others...dark and twisted and maybe even simply collateral damage. Or are they? It would seem that none will be spared in this twisted sense of judgement. 

The ending of this book...wow. Just wow. Twisted, dark, and absolutely macabre. Readers who enjoy twisted endings...this book is absolutely for you. We just hope you don't mind being left with some questions. Yeah, we wanted to see what one particular character is subjected to, but you have to leave something to the imagination. Right? LOL! 

Playground of the Dead is going to give you chills in those final moments and have the hair raising on the back of your neck. Beware what secrets you harbor deep inside. You just never know when they will come back to haunt you...and reap their twisted vengeance. 

Pros: 

• Dark
• Twisted
• Deliciously horrific
• Page-turner
• Delightful

Cons:

• Slow start

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Stone Wallace, and BlackTide Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next! 

PLAYGROUND OF THE DEAD

by Stone Wallace

Black Tide Book Tours

HellBound Books Publishing

February 27 - March 01

Playground of the Dead is a macabre tale set in a seaside California community of Clear Vista.

There have been a number of unexplained deaths of its citizens - all related to tragic incidents involving the town's children.

The police chief, Braden Powell, a man dealing with his own troubled, tragic history, has been investigating the mysterious occurrences with frustratingly minimal success.

He gradually comes to realize that there may be a sinister, supernatural connection too terrifying to comprehend.

Universal link for the book on Amazon

About the Author

Stone Wallace has worked as a professional writer for over 40 years. He has published 20 books (novels and non-fiction), short stories, scripts/screenplays, and written numerous articles for various North American publications. He has conducted celebrity interviews with such legendary performers as Anthony Quinn, Coleen Gray, Lloyd Nolan, Robert Stack, and 50s horror director Herbert L. Strock (I Was a Teenage Frankenstein, Blood of Dracula, How to Make a Monster). He attended Red River College, The National Institute of Broadcasting and Robertson Broadcast Academy.

Stone has held a lifelong fascination with the paranormal and the macabre, his early interest stimulated by the tales of Poe, Lovecraft, and M.R. James. Later he discovered contemporary masters such as Robert Bloch, Ray Bradbury, and Richard Matheson. And then came his discovery of Stephen King and James Herbert, and that was when Wallace determined that writing horror fiction was what he wanted to do. After graduating college, he wrote his first supernatural novel, which became a national bestseller and earned him the title "The Stephen King of Manitoba".

Stone is also a fan of crime, gangster and noir films and is the author of DUSTBOWL DESPERADOS: GANGSTERS OF THE DIRTY 30s and GEORGE RAFT: THE MAN WHO WOULD BE BOGART.

His Western novels have brought him critical acclaim, with his second book MONTANA DAWN being recognized by Booklist as one of the “Ten Best Westerns of the Decade”.

PLAYGROUND OF THE DEAD is Stone's first book for HellBound Books. He also has contributed stories to the anthologies GRAVEYARD OF BLOOD and HAPPY HELLIDAYS. Future novels for HellBound Books include the supernatural chillers WENDIGO! and CHILD OF ADAMM, along with the noir thriller WAKING IN HELL WITH A HANGOVER.

Writing as Mason Burgess, Stone has been hailed as the "Stephen King of Manitoba":

https://www.stonewallace.net