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Shoe Marks
In 1899, Maggie Horton was the epitome of what every young woman wanted to be— married with children. She led a charmed life on her homestead in Ellensville, Texas, alongside a husband who worshipped the ground she walked on and a former lover who still desired her.One unsuspecting day, her jealous husband swiftly ended her life. However, there was one thing she left behind that would stand the test of time—her shoe marks. After forty-five years, they still remain in the house she once lived in as well as her undying spirit that searches for acceptance and love from a family who will stay for the long haul. Inspired by actual events, Shoe Marks is sure to put any reader on the edge of their seat.
282 pages
First published July 21, 2011
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
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June 12, 2014I could not put down!!!
Had me page flipping from the first chapter! I finished in this book in about 5 hours. I enjoyed every page!
Had me page flipping from the first chapter! I finished in this book in about 5 hours. I enjoyed every page!
August 3, 2014
Shoe Marks - Karen Vance Hammond
In August of 1899 Maggie Horton was a young wife and mother to her son. She was happy and ready to start her life with the man she loved or though she thought. Maggie went to the barn to milk her cows when she had noticed her former beau sleeping in the barn. In a fit of rage she tripped and Mr. Smith had caught her before she had fallen. Not knowing that her husband was there and he assumed something else was going on. He beat Maggie in a fit of jealous rage and killed her. Had her buried and told those that knew them that she had died of from the heat of the drought. His young son he gave to neighbors to take care of and he left the farm never to be seen again.
The Horton House as it became to be known to the locals always had new families move in but shortly they would be moving out. No one ever lasted too long in that house.
The Stone family had newly arrived to the old Horton House from Georgia. Mr. Stone had recently retired from the army serving after twenty-two years. They decided to settle down at the old Horton House. Not long after they moved in they started to hear footsteps, doors slamming shut, objects flying through the air. They would see the form of Maggie's outline when they were alone.
They had refused to leave the home that they had bought. The family started to look into the history of the house. They brought in paranormal experts to help them with their problem. The spirit of Maggie had a message to tell. She wanted them to know the mystery behind her death, and of the child that was lost to her, or was he.
This novel was very engaging!! Could not put it down!!
In August of 1899 Maggie Horton was a young wife and mother to her son. She was happy and ready to start her life with the man she loved or though she thought. Maggie went to the barn to milk her cows when she had noticed her former beau sleeping in the barn. In a fit of rage she tripped and Mr. Smith had caught her before she had fallen. Not knowing that her husband was there and he assumed something else was going on. He beat Maggie in a fit of jealous rage and killed her. Had her buried and told those that knew them that she had died of from the heat of the drought. His young son he gave to neighbors to take care of and he left the farm never to be seen again.
The Horton House as it became to be known to the locals always had new families move in but shortly they would be moving out. No one ever lasted too long in that house.
The Stone family had newly arrived to the old Horton House from Georgia. Mr. Stone had recently retired from the army serving after twenty-two years. They decided to settle down at the old Horton House. Not long after they moved in they started to hear footsteps, doors slamming shut, objects flying through the air. They would see the form of Maggie's outline when they were alone.
They had refused to leave the home that they had bought. The family started to look into the history of the house. They brought in paranormal experts to help them with their problem. The spirit of Maggie had a message to tell. She wanted them to know the mystery behind her death, and of the child that was lost to her, or was he.
This novel was very engaging!! Could not put it down!!
July 23, 2012
Shoe Marks by Karen Vance Hammond is a full-length paranormal experience, a haunting ghost tale that won't let go. I normally don't read this type of book, but I have always liked old homes and as a kid enjoyed ghost stories, so when I saw it was based on a real event, I decided to try it, and I don't regret reading it. It's an easy read with Maggie as the main ghost. She was murdered, so she remains in her home even after years have passed. You're pulled into the story easily, and come to care about the main characters. There's a surprise twist at the end, and I loved it. If you enjoy ghost and haunted house stories, don't miss this one. Shoe marks spew blood. A rocking chair rocks by itself, and a door open and closes without any help. These are a few small things that happen. When the new owner, Jeremy and is wife are blamed for murder, how will they defend themselves against a ghost? They've spent their savings to pay cash for this home, what they believed to be a historical landmark. Will they ever find peace in it? Just try to sleep tight and don't let the ghosts bite. You won't want to put the book down until you find out what happens.
July 4, 2012
I don't usually read paranormal books, although I love the paranormal. I would have never thought it possible that I could get so hooked from the first pages like I did. It was terrifying to read at times and had me biting my nails. Karen Vance Hammond has a great voice that carried throughout, her attention to detail impressive. I had no idea about rations during the war or that you could actually go to a store with very little on the shelves, surreal. As events began to happen to the family with the ghost "Maggie," I was screaming get out of the house! Shoe marks filling and spewing blood! Unbelievably terrifying! The realtor kept the dirty little secret of the Horton house from the family - and having paid in cash for the house, the family had no options or anywhere to go. It was a real page turner that had me by the throat with a surprise ending I just didn't see coming. Great job, Karen Vance Hammond; I can't wait to see what you write next!
August 4, 2012
I read romances. I write romances. I do not read ghost stories. However, I made an exception for SHOE MARKS by Karen Vance Hammond. From page one, the story gripped me and held my attention. I finished it in two sittings, unable to pull myself away from the characters, needing to know what what going to happen to them, and even to Maggie - the ghost. The story was well-written and the characters compelling. I will tell you that I was, at times, quite frightened by the events in the story, the thought that it was "based on true events" nagging at the corners of my mind. I could never have predicted the ending! SHOE MARKS will have your heart racing from the first to last page. I highly recommend this book!
August 27, 2012
Karen Vance Hammond’s spooky tale of a family who buys a haunted house, and live to regret it, is told in a page-turning fashion that never fails to engage and hold the reader.
Following the story of Maggie Horton’s ghost and the family who have moved into her house, Shoe Marks takes a unique look at both sides of the ghost story. Based on a true story, Karen has woven a tale of murder, intrigue and horror reminiscent of The Amityville Horror, where ghostly happenings shake the very foundation of a young family’s beliefs on what is possible, and what is reality. As an author who has battled dyslexia her entire life, Karen has done an outstanding job of weaving fact and fiction. Congratulations Karen.
Following the story of Maggie Horton’s ghost and the family who have moved into her house, Shoe Marks takes a unique look at both sides of the ghost story. Based on a true story, Karen has woven a tale of murder, intrigue and horror reminiscent of The Amityville Horror, where ghostly happenings shake the very foundation of a young family’s beliefs on what is possible, and what is reality. As an author who has battled dyslexia her entire life, Karen has done an outstanding job of weaving fact and fiction. Congratulations Karen.
January 5, 2015
Let the buyer beware! A great paranormal read! Based on a true story about the ghost who haunts the Horton House in Texas after her brutal murder, this story follows a family who meets their worst nightmare when they discover their ‘dream home’ is haunted by the ghost of Maggie Horton. Eerie and thoroughly appealing as a ‘true ghost story’ book, I found myself feeling immense sympathy for Maggie and all those she haunted. I felt vast satisfaction at the end of the book and was thrilled to see that everyone found closure, including the tormented Maggie. If you enjoy paranormal books with historical settings, this is an absorbing read!
July 23, 2012
I absolutely love a great haunted house type story! And the fact that this is based on true events is even better. You will feel for this family, & what they go through. It is an easy read, & you won't want to put it down. I would love to see this made into a movie. Looking forward to more from this author!
September 13, 2012
A page turner for sure. I live in a small town in TX and have little farm houses all around me so this was like looking into the history of one of my neighboring homes. Ghosts stories abound here and Karen has made hers come alive. The whole thing felt real to me. What a fun read. I usually do romance but this was a nice diversion. Bravo Karen!
October 8, 2012
Loved this book. The author outdid herself on her first published book. Knowing that it was based on a true story really brings the reader close to the characters, living and spirit. I couldn't wait to find out how it ended!
February 28, 2014
Can't say I loved this book. After reading so many 5 star reviews I was quite happy to read it. I have to say I was somewhat disappointed. The writing was frequently repetitive throughout the book and I had a hard time really liking the characters. Happy to have it in my "Completed" pile now.
November 2, 2012
This is an awesome book and its just so... Chilling
February 2, 2015
very enjoyable. Read it, enjoy and pass it on. This book was inspired by true events
April 20, 2015
This book was amazing! I didn't see it coming at the end! This is definitely a must read!!!!
March 13, 2024
Punk poetry, would like to see the author perform them live.
February 5, 2012
"Grabs your mind by its throat within the first few paragraphs and never turns loose. An outstanding read. Karen Vance Hammond's Shoe Marks captured me. I couldn't put this one down. It is a must!"
~Kevin Smith, host of The Kevin Smith Show
"Karen Vance Hammond's novel Shoe Marks, floored me! I highly recommend it. It is absolutely fantastic."
~Bob Kelly, Paranormal TV Network. Fort Myers, Florida.
"As a radio host of 'Paranormally Speaking' and paranormal writer, Karen Vance Hammond's Shoe Marks is nothing but pure good. Read it, enjoy and pass it on."
~Neal Parks, CEO of The Parks Paranormal Society, Chillicothe, Ohio.
"A small Texas town, an old farmhouse, and violent murders create the perfect ghost setting in Shoe Marks by Karen Vance Hammond. Though it is fiction, the book is inspired by true events and intriguing characters move the reader through this disquieting ghost tale. If you read Shoe Marks late at night, you might want to leave a light on."
~ Dana Davis, award-winning and bestselling author and paranormal investigator
"Tired of the same old paranormal read? Fortunately, Karen Vance Hammond brings us a breath of fresh air with "Shoe Marks". Karen truly has a talent for enveloping her readers into the story, which surrounds Maggie Horton, a housewife who lived during the late 1800's in Texas. The book reads like a modern day fictional novel, only this story is based on true events. Coming from a paranormal investigator of over 6 years, let me be the first to tell you that this is a must read!"
~ Brad Duplechien (Founder of Louisiana Spirits and a Sy-Fi channel Ghost Hunters T.A.P.S. Assistant)
~Kevin Smith, host of The Kevin Smith Show
"Karen Vance Hammond's novel Shoe Marks, floored me! I highly recommend it. It is absolutely fantastic."
~Bob Kelly, Paranormal TV Network. Fort Myers, Florida.
"As a radio host of 'Paranormally Speaking' and paranormal writer, Karen Vance Hammond's Shoe Marks is nothing but pure good. Read it, enjoy and pass it on."
~Neal Parks, CEO of The Parks Paranormal Society, Chillicothe, Ohio.
"A small Texas town, an old farmhouse, and violent murders create the perfect ghost setting in Shoe Marks by Karen Vance Hammond. Though it is fiction, the book is inspired by true events and intriguing characters move the reader through this disquieting ghost tale. If you read Shoe Marks late at night, you might want to leave a light on."
~ Dana Davis, award-winning and bestselling author and paranormal investigator
"Tired of the same old paranormal read? Fortunately, Karen Vance Hammond brings us a breath of fresh air with "Shoe Marks". Karen truly has a talent for enveloping her readers into the story, which surrounds Maggie Horton, a housewife who lived during the late 1800's in Texas. The book reads like a modern day fictional novel, only this story is based on true events. Coming from a paranormal investigator of over 6 years, let me be the first to tell you that this is a must read!"
~ Brad Duplechien (Founder of Louisiana Spirits and a Sy-Fi channel Ghost Hunters T.A.P.S. Assistant)
November 22, 2012
This is what you would call an old fashioned ghost story. We start out in 1899. Maggie Horton is a young bride and new mother. Her husband murders her in a fit of jealousy,then abandons their newborn son to their neighbors before fleeing.
Years later and Horton House, as it's become known in the area, is sold to Major Jeremy Stone who moves in with his wife Laura and their young children Meredith and Robert. Laura is pregnant with their 3rd child as they take residence at Horton House where they hope to build a future together. A veteran from World War II, Jeremy is looking to have a quiet life, where he can make up for lost time with his children.
As you can imagine, the ghost of Maggie has other plans.
Of course, right from the start, you can't help but sympathize with Maggie. You know why she hasn't moved on, but it's not nearly as clear to the Stone family.
And just as you think things are about the get easier, they take a turn for the worst.
The kicker about Shoe Marks is that it's based on true events.
Karen Vance Hammond does a wonderful job of painting a haunted picture of a family who has invested everything into a home where the original owner has yet to move out. Definitely worth your time.
Years later and Horton House, as it's become known in the area, is sold to Major Jeremy Stone who moves in with his wife Laura and their young children Meredith and Robert. Laura is pregnant with their 3rd child as they take residence at Horton House where they hope to build a future together. A veteran from World War II, Jeremy is looking to have a quiet life, where he can make up for lost time with his children.
As you can imagine, the ghost of Maggie has other plans.
Of course, right from the start, you can't help but sympathize with Maggie. You know why she hasn't moved on, but it's not nearly as clear to the Stone family.
And just as you think things are about the get easier, they take a turn for the worst.
The kicker about Shoe Marks is that it's based on true events.
Karen Vance Hammond does a wonderful job of painting a haunted picture of a family who has invested everything into a home where the original owner has yet to move out. Definitely worth your time.
October 6, 2014
Karen Vance Hammond’s novel Shoe Marks is a dynamic, thrilling, page-turning paranormal story. It will keep you on your toes as she follows one family through the first months in the home of their dreams, at least until Maggie Horton’s ghost begins to taunt and scare them nearly to death.
This book based upon true events has all the elements that a truly great book should have. Ms. Hammond has rounded out her characters with life, complete with their back stories. It contains love, death, joy of a new baby, war, jealousy, and yes murder.
Since first reading this book, I have recommended it to everyone I have met. It is a thrilling and well written piece of literature that I can’t recommend enough.
Kudos to Ms. Hammond, this is one reader you have hooked and I can’t wait to read another of your books.
This book based upon true events has all the elements that a truly great book should have. Ms. Hammond has rounded out her characters with life, complete with their back stories. It contains love, death, joy of a new baby, war, jealousy, and yes murder.
Since first reading this book, I have recommended it to everyone I have met. It is a thrilling and well written piece of literature that I can’t recommend enough.
Kudos to Ms. Hammond, this is one reader you have hooked and I can’t wait to read another of your books.
January 21, 2015
Violent and disgusting opening. I couldn't get through the first chapter. Doubtless those who did will tell me it gets better. It certainly would take quite an effort to get worse.
Maybe it's just me, but when a man spits in his wife's face and slaps her in the first few pages, I am not interested.
Maybe it's just me, but when a man spits in his wife's face and slaps her in the first few pages, I am not interested.
February 17, 2014
This book grabs you and takes you on a ride. It's one of the best books I've ever read!!! I loved it!!! So I read it twice, once wasn't enough.
January 20, 2013
Excellent read! Keeps your interest throughout and leaves you wanting more! Great job!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews