Tag: Occult Fiction

Blood Ties and Haunting Secrets: The Chilling World of ‘Listen to Your Sister’

‘Listen to Your Sister’ by Neena Viel. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Neena Viel is a horror writer who lives in a cabin in the Washingtonian woods with her husband and the best dog on the planet. Her passion for philanthropy (almost) rivals her love for ghost stories. For fans of Jordan Peele’s films, Stranger Things, and The Other Black Girl, “Listen To Your Sister”is a laugh-out-loud, deeply terrifying, and big-hearted speculative horror novel from electrifying debut talent Neena Viel. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

“Listen To Your Sister” – Twenty-five year old Calla Williams is struggling since becoming guardian to her brother, Jamie. Calla is overwhelmed and tired of being the one who makes sacrifices to keep the family together. Jamie, full of good-natured sixteen-year-old recklessness, is usually off fighting for what matters to him or getting into mischief, often at the same time. Dre, their brother, promised he would help raise Jamie–but now the ink is dry on the paperwork and in classic middle-child fashion, he’s off doing his own thing. And through it all, The Nightmare never stops haunting Calla: recurring images of her brothers dying that she is powerless to stop.

When Jamie’s actions at a protest spiral out of control, the siblings must go on the run. Taking refuge in a remote cabin that looks like it belongs on a slasher movie poster rather than an AirBNB, the siblings now face a new threat where their lives–and reality–hang in the balance. Their sister always warned them about her nightmares. They really should have listened.

“A knockout debut.” -Ashley Winstead

“Incredibly original and seriously scary.” – Nick Medina

“A brilliant fever-dream of a novel that effortlessly dances between horror, literary, and family saga—sure to appeal to fans of Grady Hendrix, Tananarive Due, Mona Awad, and Stephen King.” – Maria Dong

‘Memorials:’ The Haunting Must-Read New Horror Novel by Richard Chizmar

‘Memorials’ is the new horror novel by Richard Chizmar. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Horror novels captivate readers by tapping into deep-seated fears and the unknown, offering a thrilling escape from reality. They engage the imagination, inviting readers to confront the darker aspects of human nature, often exploring themes of mortality, isolation, and the supernatural. The suspenseful plots, eerie atmospheres, and unexpected twists keep readers on edge, fostering a sense of catharsis through the release of tension. They provide a safe space for exploring fear, allowing readers to experience adrenaline-pumping emotions without real danger. This blend of psychological intrigue and visceral excitement is what makes horror fiction so irresistibly compelling.

I love horror novels and have been reading them since elementary school. There’s a new horror novel out by Richard Chizmar, “Memorials,” that has been getting rave reviews, especially from Stephen King.

“Scary and hard to put down. You might be advised not to read it at night.”
—Stephen King

Richard Chizmar is the coauthor (with Stephen King) of the New York Times bestselling novella Gwendy’s Button Box and “Gwendy’s Final Task,” and the solo novella Gwendy’s Magic Feather. Recent books include the New York Times bestsellers “Becoming the Boogeyman” and “Chasing the Boogeyman,” “The Girl on the Porch,” “The Long Way Home,” his fourth short story collection, and Widow’s Point, a chilling tale about a haunted lighthouse co-written with his son Billy Chizmar, which was recently made into a feature film. His short fiction has appeared in dozens of publications, including Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and The Year’s 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories. He has won two World Fantasy awards, four International Horror Guild awards, and the HWA’s Board of Trustees award. Chizmar’s work has been translated into more than fifteen languages throughout the world, and he has appeared at numerous conferences as a writing instructor, speaker, panelist, and guest of honor.

“Memorials” – 1983: Three students from a small college embark on a week-long road trip to film a documentary on roadside memorials for their American Studies class. The project starts out as a fun adventure with long stretches of empty road and nightly campfires where they begin to open up with one another.

But as they venture deeper into the Appalachian backwoods, the atmosphere begins to darken. They notice more and more of the memorials feature a strange, unsettling symbol hinting at a sinister secret. Paranoia sets in when it appears they are being followed. Their vehicle is tampered with overnight and some of the locals appear to be anything but welcoming. Before long, the students can’t help but wonder if these roadside deaths were really random accidents…or is something terrifying at work here?

Marty Roppelt’s ‘Mortal Foe’: A Rollercoaster Ride Through the Shadows

‘Mortal Foe’ by Marty Roppelt. Photo: Amazon

Marty Roppelt was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and enjoys writing in the paranormal and horror genre. He has written a series of short Christmas stories to raise money for St. Herman’s House, a homeless shelter in Cleveland. In his first novel “Mortal Foe,” a picture is worth a thousand words, but what if that image can only be seen through the lens of one special camera? (Amazon, 2024)

“Mortal Foe” – Buddy Cullen dreams of his grandfather’s death just before it happened. After his death, he inherits his grandfather’s antique camera which captures an image that haunts him and seeks his death. Can Buddy survive the curse that he sarcastically dubs “Popcorn”—a curse that no one wants to believe exists and stalks the city of Cleveland, beginning with its baseball team—a mortal foe?

Review:
The story is set in Cleveland, Ohio and begins with Buddy Cullen, a journalism professor, waking up from a nightmare about his grandfather Jimmy Cullen. In it, he sees his grandfather, who’s a photographer, and within the nightmare, he has an out of body experience and becomes Jimmy and experiences his last night alive. Buddy and his girlfriend Kelly attend Jimmy’s wake at O’Leary’s, his father’s Irish pub. There, he takes a picture of Jimmy’s friends with his old camera. This picture, and others that Jimmy took throughout his life, will haunt Buddy and he believes they are linked to the curse of the Cleveland Indians. Together with RJ, his best friend, and Erika, RJ’s sister, they investigate these pictures which inevitably opens hell on earth for Buddy and will endanger his loved ones in ways he never saw coming.

“Mortal Foe” is a gripping thriller that deals with the complexities of family and the human condition. Roppelt masterfully creates a narrative filled with suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn. The characters are well developed and their relationship with each other moves the story along at a steady pace. Buddy is a flawed but compelling character, struggling with his own moral dilemmas while chasing down a formidable antagonist. From the beginning, with Buddy awakening from a nightmare: “Don’t show the darkness any fear,” readers are immerse in his world, where menacing shadows lurk everywhere.

There is heavy sports talk since the narrative centers around baseball, specifically the Cleveland Indians, but you don’t have to know the sport well to get caught up on the story, which intensifies after Chapter 11 when Buddy starts seeing all sorts of creepy and scary images. The language is vivid and descriptive: “Mannion wears the profound loss of a close friend like a floor-length, black overcoat” and brings the story to life.

Overall, “Mortal Foe” is a must-read notable addition to the thriller genre, showcasing Roppelt’s talent for creating an engaging and thought-provoking story. By exploring the themes of death, faith, family, friendship, and good vs evil, it is a treat for baseball and supernatural fans alike. The author’s attention to detail and ability to build tension is evident throughout the book, making it a page-turner that’s hard to put down. It’s recommended for fans of suspenseful, character-driven narratives. 

“The shadow approaches my bed. The odors intensify with each step, both the reeking of too many roses and the stench of corruption. Decay. Death.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

‘The Watchers’: Adapting A.M. Shine’s Epic Tale for Film

The movie adaptation of ‘The Watchers’ is in theaters now. Photo: Amazon

Book to movie adaptations bring beloved characters and intricate plots to life, yet often spark debates among fans about the faithfulness to the source material. Directors face the challenge of condensing rich narratives into a cinematic format, risking either losing nuance or gaining new perspectives. Successful adaptations capture the essence of the book while leveraging the unique power of film to enhance emotion and spectacle. These adaptations continue to captivate audiences worldwide. The most current one is “The Watchers” by A.M. Shine; the movie adaptation, produced by M. Night Shyamalan and starring Dakota Fanning, is currently out in movie theaters nationwide. 

A.M. Shine writes in the Gothic horror tradition. Born in Galway, Ireland, he received his Master’s Degree in History there before sharpening his quill and pursuing all things literary and macabre. His stories have won the Word Hut and Bookers Corner prizes and he is a member of the Irish Writers Centre. His debut novel, “The Watchers,” has received critical acclaim. It is a horror adventure set in the remote and sinister forests of Ireland. (Amazon, 2024)

“The Watchers” – You can’t see them. But they can see you.

This forest isn’t charted on any map. Every car breaks down at its treeline. Mina’s is no different. Left stranded, she is forced into the dark woodland only to find a woman shouting, urging Mina to run to a concrete bunker. As the door slams behind her, the building is besieged by screams.

Mina finds herself in a room with a wall of glass, and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground. These creatures emerge to observe their captive humans and terrible things happen to anyone who doesn’t reach the bunker in time.

Afraid and trapped among strangers, Mina is desperate for answers. Who are the Watchers, and why are they keeping the humans imprisoned, keen to watch their every move?

New book release: ‘Shadows Of The Stanton House’ by Philip J. Jones

‘Shadows Of The Stanton House’ is the new novel by Philip J. Jones. Photo: Amazon

If you’re a fan of ghost stories, any time is a good time to curl up with a ghost thriller. But with spooky season upon us, now is the perfect time to dig into a good old fashion ghost story, especially if it is set in a spooky old building, like a convent. This new book release is just that. “Shadows Of The Stanton House” by Philip J. Jones has the feel of a good old fashion mystery and suspense work of literature. So get ready for a journey through dimly lit corridors of passion and mystery with “Shadows Of The Stanton House,” where every shadow tells a story, and every story is a secret waiting to be unveiled. Don’t wait! Get your copy today on Amazon and dive right in. It’s only a ghost story…..

Philip J. Jones’ journey began on a goat farm, where the rhythmic melodies of nature and the humbling responsibility of caring for animals taught him the beauty of simplicity. From those pastures, he found his way to an old, repurposed convent, which had blossomed into a thriving arts commune. Living there during his formative years, he was surrounded by a mosaic of creativity and passionate souls that deeply influenced his artistic inclinations. Throughout his journeys, both geographical and personal, he has come to understand that his true passion lies in the combination of the arts, nature, and culture. For him, the creative process is not just about creating something from nothing—it is a profound dance of experiences, memories, and the rich cultural contexts that have shaped him. He strives to channel these inspirations into his work, hoping to raise the same sense of wonder and connection in his readers that he has been fortunate to feel throughout his life. His biggest aim is to bridge worlds and touch souls. In his new book “Shadows Of The Stanton House,” an aging convent turned artists’ sanctuary whispers with echoes of the past and is the setting for a tale of love, art, and spectral mystery. (Amazon, 2023)

“Shadows Of The Stanton House” – For centuries, the Stanton House Convent has been a vessel of inspiration and mystique, offering refuge to artists seeking solace and muse. However, shadows cast by ancient spirits lurking within its venerable walls dance randomly with the lives of the current residents. Sarah, a pragmatic mystic, finds her powers challenged by the spectral forces while engaging in a desperate ballet to shield her companions. Unfolding alongside her is the journey of Alex, a filmmaker teetering on the ethical tightrope between exploitative sensationalism and the authentic human stories dwelling in the convent’s heart.

As these stories interweave, enter Emily, an artist with a soul as sensitive as her brush, caught in a turbulent whirlwind of love and supernatural intrigue. With each page, “Shadows Of The Stanton House” unveils the fragile tapestry of their lives, shimmering under the influence of love, art, and the binding haunting that ties them inexorably together.

In the unfolding canvas, relationships ebb and flow, reflecting the tumultuous energies at play. The characters find themselves at a crossroad, tethered between the earthly and the supernatural, passion and betrayal, with the Stanton House watching silently, bearing witness to their joys and sorrows.

So step into the shadows, where love is as unpredictable and potent as the spirits ensnaring the Stanton House. Engage with the unforgettable ensemble as they navigate through a maze of artistry and otherworldliness, where the end of one story is but the whisper of another, lingering long after the final page is turned.

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New book release: ‘Shadowland’ by P.L. Hampton

‘Shadowland’ will be released September 5, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

P.L. Hampton, an emerging dark fiction author, draws readers into a world of ancient artifacts, family, and the hidden shadows of the past. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Hampton is a college professor and is pursuing his JD. He balances his academic pursuits with his passion for writing. Hampton spent nearly twelve years working in the finance industry, gaining experiences that shaped his rich, layered narratives. He resides in San Diego with his wife, Tonya, where he explores the fascinating intersection of history and horror. Prepare to delve into the realms of terror and intrigue in the genre-blending book “Shadowland,” P.L. Hampton’s upcoming new book. This thought-provoking page turner is set to release on September 5, 2023, from Running Wild’s RIZE press. It is available for pre-order in e-book and paperback formats from RIZE publishing on Amazon. (Black Château, 2023)

“Shadowland” – When Aaron Langford receives a Yoruba Divination Board as a housewarming gift, he does not realize that it will open the door to a supernatural realm, one that takes both his children, sending Aaron on a journey to find them in the Shadowland. Hampton blends historical facts and fiction, inviting readers to ponder the origins of the Yoruba Divination Board, also known as a Talking Board, while immersing them in the Langford family’s journey.  

Having himself acquired such an artifact—and raised by a mother who sees spirits—Hampton delivers an authentic experience. “My novel not only incorporates African and Black themes into the story but also brings the dynamics of family and love. In the end, ‘Shadowland’ is about a father’s love for his children and his family,” says Hampton. 

In “Shadowland,” Hampton explores the rich past and present tapestry of African American culture, merging it with the macabre and the uncanny, all while paying homage to the resilience and depth of a society steeped in history. 

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