One night, while searching in the woods for food, Frankenstein’s monster discovers a leather suitcase containing three books: The Sorrows of Young Werther, Plutarch’s Lives, and Paradise Lost. Goethe is a source of “astonishment” but also alienation; the monster can sympathize with the characters, but only to a point—their lives are so unlike his own. […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/02/09/misreading-the-cues-sold-a-story-emily-hanford/
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix delivered a creepy tale with dolls as siblings try to prepare their parents’ home for sale after they died unexpectedly. A twisty, atmospheric tale that will have you keeping the lights on.
How to Sell a Haunted House
by Grady Hendrix
Genres: Horror
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
When Louise finds out her parents have died, she dreads going home. She doesn’t want to leave her daughter with her ex and fly to Charleston. She doesn’t want to deal with her family home, stuffed to the rafters with the remnants of her father’s academic career and her mother’s lifelong obsession with puppets and dolls. She doesn’t want to learn how to live without the two people who knew and loved her best in the world.
Mostly, she doesn’t want to deal with her brother, Mark, who never left their hometown, gets fired from one job after another, and resents her success. But she’ll need his help to get the house ready for sale because it’ll take more than some new paint on the walls and clearing out a lifetime of memories to get this place on the market.
Some houses don’t want to be sold, and their home has other plans for both of them…
{
“@context”:”https://schema.org”,
“@type”:”Review”,
“datePublished”: “2023-01-17T05:00:00+00:00”,
“description”: “How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix delivered a creepy tale with dolls as siblings try to prepare their parents’ home for sale after they died unexpectedly. A twisty, atmospheric tale th”,
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Caffeinated Reviewer” },
“url”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/01/how-to-sell-a-haunted-house-by-grady-hendrix.html”,
“itemReviewed”: {
“@type”: “Book”,
“name”: “How to Sell a Haunted House”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Grady Hendrix”,
“sameAs”: “http://www.gradyhendrix.com/” },
“isbn”: “” },
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kimberly”,
“sameAs”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/” },
“reviewRating”: {
“@type”: “Rating”,
“ratingValue”: 4,
“bestRating”: “5”
}
}
Creepy dolls whose eyes follow you across the room
a twisted backstory about a childhood girl and her favorite toy
Evil entities and shocking twists
imaginary pets
chase scenes involving axes
I listened to The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires and was curious to try this author again. How to Sell a Haunted House was a twisty, atmospheric tale with suspense, gore and fear filled moments.
The story involves Louise, a divorced mother of a five-year-old who gets the news from her estranged brother Mark, that her parents have died. She really doesn’t want to go home and leave her daughter with her ex, but she flies home to help Mark bury their parents and clean out their home. The home is filled with her mother’s dolls and puppets. When they arrive in the home, things don’t feel right and the attic hatch is nailed shut.
The story that unfolds shares some strange moments in their childhood as things in the home seem to move around. The story took on some dark tones and the more they tried to clean out the home, the more things escalated.
The pacing was well done as the buildup and suspense grew. By the time we knew what was going on, Hendrix threw another twist into the tale and plenty of horrific moments. You’ll never look at puppets or dolls the same. LOL I would love to talk more about some details and events, but don’t want to spoil it for you. Let me just leave you with this; if you are a fan of some of the darker Goosebumps episodes, you’ll love How to Sell A Haunted House.
Amazon | Audible
Grady Hendrix is the author of the novels Horrorstör, about a haunted IKEA, and My Best Friend’s Exorcism, which is like Beaches meets The Exorcist, only it’s set in the Eighties. He’s also the author of We Sold Our Souls, The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, and Final Girl Support Group. He’s also the jerk behind the Stoker award-winning Paperbacks from Hell, a history of the 70’s and 80’s horror paperback boom, which contains more information about Nazi leprechauns, killer babies, and evil cats than you probably need. And he’s the screenwriter behind Mohawk, which is probably the only horror movie about the War of 1812 and Satanic Panic.
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
Source
Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/01/how-to-sell-a-haunted-house-by-grady-hendrix.html
Who would have ever thought a pure and wholesome love would awaken something so vile and hideous? Milton Fisk was a kind, plain librarian at the library down the street who’s had a crush on his best friend’s sister, Debra, for years. All he ever wanted was to live by Debra’s side, doing the most mundane things and loving her forever. But things changed when one day, he stumbled upon an incredible power that he knew not the origin of. After that, everything seems to be going fine until one bad decision after another, greed and rejection later. Suddenly the plain librarian down the street was no more. Now he wants to make the world forget about the powerful man from Nazarene and put into action his plan for a new world. He’s willing to go to any length to accomplish his goals, whatever it takes.
Miracle Man by Ken Stark is a dark fantasy horror novel revolving around a man who came to wield such incredible power the world had only read about in books. Milton Fisk, his longtime sweetheart, Debra, and his best friend, Frank, were unsure what to do about this great power. Until Frank came up with a brilliant idea to utilize this newfound power to earn them a fortune. Milton’s love and devotion for Debra kept him on the right track, not losing sight of his true self amidst attention and money. However, one bad conversation later and Milton slowly began to slip away.
Author Ken Stark has written a gut-wrenching horror fiction story. Miracle Man had me on a roller coaster of emotions. At first, it was all roses and sunshine, and then the light switched, and everything became darker, appalling…yet intriguing. The character development of Milton, now Elijah Zion, is intense and mindblowing. Readers can follow the protagonist’s vile thought process and still be shocked and horrified. The change and progression in this character will keep readers on edge and glued to the pages as his devious plot unfolds and mere humans are left to try and stop him.
Miracle Man is a gripping horror novel that takes readers into a spiritual battle that will alter human existence. Ken Stark has written characters that readers will love and hate, but one thing is for sure, they will not forget them. This work of art was unapologetically flawless. Therefore, I recommend this book to dark fantasy and horror-loving readers. The author holds nothing back, and the book contains graphic sexual violence and gory scenes that are intended for mature readers.
Pages: 324 | ASIN : B0B9YTYX35
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/17/miracle-man/
A doctor who happens to also be a necromancer named Emilio finds himself in the presence of his queen, but she is no longer alive. Queen Marisol has been murdered. Her spirit finds its way to Emilio, so she can finally be at peace. First, however, the truth must come out to those nearest to her as someone, or something, is impersonating her.
Raise the Dead by Tony Fuentes and C. S. Kading takes readers on an adventure that Emilio is unsure of, but he is willing to do anything to help his queen. The pair encounter skeptics of his work, shades, and other undead creatures as they search for a way to help Queen Marisol uncover the truth and share it with those nearest to her. However, during this time, unexpected feelings are growing between Emilio and Marisol.
The authors have created a unique, riveting dark fantasy novel with a slow-burn romance. The chemistry between the two main characters is subtle and sets readers up for a more extended storyline beyond this one novel. I found myself anxious to get to the moment when they would finally be together. The slow pace works with the story, as there is more at stake than love. The narrative and plotline flow smoothly, giving readers a complete picture of what is happening. Bringing the truth into the light comes off as the story’s focus and romance complement it perfectly.
Raise the Dead is a gripping dark fantasy and paranormal romance novel that takes readers into the world of necromancers. With richly developed characters, magic and adventure, there is something for readers of all fantasy to enjoy. This novel has a lot of potentials to be a fantastic series. I look forward to seeing how Tony Fuentes and C. S. Kading develop this budding romance.
Pages: 243 | ASIN : B0BKJP16PX
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/17/raise-the-dead/
Joseph Mather’s Red Sinai is a riveting and unforgettable spy thriller. From the very first page, readers are thrown into a high-stakes situation, and then transported back 23-hours to watch intelligence officer Captain Freya Coraline Mathew’s story unfold. This is a great way to capture readers attention right from the beginning, and I was certainly hooked. Fan-favorites from the first book, The Silver Prince, return, this time with a keen interest in northern Africa. In this fast-paced thriller, the United States and United Kingdom join forces to safeguard international protocols from a rogue campaign aiming to destroy Egypt and NATO. Working alongside Richard Armitage as the head of MI6’s Egypt desk, Freya Mathews investigates religious histories within the country’s development to save millions of people from a flood – only one of many threats they face in less than 24 hours.
With cliffhangers, plot twists, and shocking character deaths, Red Sinai is a relentlessly entreating espionage thriller. Readers are taken to some exotic location and many scenes were “picture-perfect” and serve the plot well. Freya has to pick apart clues to her case, and answers come from all directions.
Rather than facing day-to-day obstacles which would have slowed down the team’s operations, everything was accomplished speedily and efficiently. Considering the deep complexities and thematic nature of this book, I was surprised to find a plot that was easy to follow, and one that makes for an encapsulating read. Without having to focus on the context of modern-day London or other niche problems often found in political fiction, readers can focus solely on the characters and their perilous journey. My heart was warmed to see the collective strength and community in Mather’s Red Sinai, epitomizing the heroine spy for all thriller books on the market.
Red Sinai is an exciting crime novel that keeps one thing in mind all throughout the story; entertaining the reader. If you have no more Robert Ludlum books to read, then this should be the next book you pick up.
Pages: 237 | ASIN: B0BS1VN6CX
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/17/red-sinai/
Katya by Kathryn Mattingly centers around the life of an artist who appears to have an idyllic life on a small vineyard and farm, though there are layers of unhappiness and regret. The story follows Katya, the people in and around her life, and how she navigates through heartbreak and disappointment. As she strives to find joy, unexpected circumstances send her into a number of challenges. During this experience, she encounters another world, where she’s faced with what her life could’ve become. In this alternate dream world, Katya discovers what she could have had but must also face the realities of her existence and whether she can resolve them or return to another timeline of her life.
The author grabbed my attention from the beginning with an well-paced story, engaging narration and intriguing characters. Each chapter delves into different perspectives, situations, and scenarios that readers will find relatable as they are thoughtful explorations of the human experience. This is a thought-provoking book with great plot twists and unexpected events that keep readers turning from one page to the next. I enjoyed the interesting and sharp descriptions of the characters, their personalities, and their dilemmas.
If you are looking for a book that weaves elements of fantasy into a dramatic romance, you will enjoy this incredible romantic thriller. It’s a provocative tale about how we must face the consequences of our life decisions and what could have resulted if another path or journey was taken. I really found Katya’s journey enjoyable as she tries to find another way to consolidate what she truly wants with her dreams.
Katya is a gripping novel that follows an artist’s delicate but intriguing life and her quest to find true love and happiness. It’s an excellent read that readers will have a hard time putting down, and I strongly recommend it.
Pages: 325 | ASIN: B0BMZF5HBH
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/17/katya/
Christian Keener Cagle was a born athlete. Nicknamed “Red,” Cagle was destined for greatness. From a rural upbringing in Louisiana to college at West Point, Cagle excelled at any sport he tried. His competitive nature followed him throughout his short but fascinating life.
Red Cagle: West Point’s Three-Time All-American, by Cathy C. Post, is a riveting biographical account of an extraordinary athlete. Cagle never set out to be a nationally known athlete. He grew up as a true cowboy on his family’s ranch in Louisiana. He loved the sport of football like he did all other sports. He was a natural, despite his relatively small stature for a football player. He was lightning-fast, and colleges picked up on his prowess. Southwestern Louisiana Institute and the prestigious West Point vied for his attention and won. The National Football League came knocking, and Cagle answered. He gained an extraordinary level of fame while representing his chosen schools and then the NFL, but it did come at a price. Should he stay true to his sweetheart, Marion? Should he break a code of honor? What about all his fans flocking to arenas to witness his amazing athleticism? How can one person keep everyone happy?
Author Cathy C. Post is a master at drawing in the reader with her smart inclusion of details and the way in which she is able to give readers a look at the inner workings of West Point. This compelling biography will appeal to readers that have a love of football because of her play-by-play recounting of Cagle’s football games in which he participated. The games offer so much: danger, camaraderie, and fierce competition, and readers are able to understand and appreciate this due to the authors fantastic writing. Post puts the reader right in the middle of it all. The author also provides an interesting look at the history of football such as when President Theodore Roosevelt “slammed down the hammer”. He vowed to abolish the game unless “major changes were put in place.” This insistence from President Roosevelt led to the creation of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). It’s things like this that make this book enlightening as well as entertaining.
Fans of sports biographies will delight in the details of a young hero out of the South in the 1920s playing “America’s game.” Readers of all kinds will enjoy Red Cagle: West Point’s Three-Time All-American because of Cathy C. Post’s engaging storytelling.
Pages: 208 | ISBN: 1455625159
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/01/17/red-cagle-west-points-three-time-all-american/