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The Sanheim Chronicles #1
A Soul to Steal
A serial killer on the loose, two reporters in his sights, and a legendary ghost haunting the town...
How far would you go to catch a serial killer? For two local reporters, the cost may be their souls.
Lord Halloween, a vicious murderer who targeted Loudoun County, Va., twelve years ago, has returned. Quinn and Kate, two community journalists, race to uncover his identity before a promised bloodbath on Halloween. But to stop him, they may unleash a far darker threat--and pay an unimaginable price.
A Soul to Steal has been featured on USA Today and praised by book bloggers and readers alike for its thrilling combination of mystery, suspense and the supernatural. Hailed as an addictive
page-turner with a "fantastic" ending, this Kindle bestseller is the perfect novel for Halloween.
A Soul to Steal is the first novel in The Sanheim Chronicles. The sequel, Band of Demons, will be published on Oct. 2, 2012.
How far would you go to catch a serial killer? For two local reporters, the cost may be their souls.
Lord Halloween, a vicious murderer who targeted Loudoun County, Va., twelve years ago, has returned. Quinn and Kate, two community journalists, race to uncover his identity before a promised bloodbath on Halloween. But to stop him, they may unleash a far darker threat--and pay an unimaginable price.
A Soul to Steal has been featured on USA Today and praised by book bloggers and readers alike for its thrilling combination of mystery, suspense and the supernatural. Hailed as an addictive
page-turner with a "fantastic" ending, this Kindle bestseller is the perfect novel for Halloween.
A Soul to Steal is the first novel in The Sanheim Chronicles. The sequel, Band of Demons, will be published on Oct. 2, 2012.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2011
159 people are currently reading
1419 people want to read
About the author
Rob Blackwell
15 books114 followersRob is an award-winning journalist with 17 years' experience, and the author of The Sanheim Chronicles and The Soren Chase novels, two series that combine urban fantasy, mystery and suspense.
His first novel, A Soul to Steal, was featured on USA Today and praised by book bloggers and readers alike for its great plot and "fantastic ending." Many of his other books have been Kindle bestsellers.
As a journalist, Rob has won several Virginia Press Association awards and has been the co-winner of two Jesse H. Neal awards for business journalism. In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Tim White Award for Editorial Integrity, which recognizes a journalist “whose work demonstrates extraordinary courage, integrity and passion.”
He has appeared several times on various media outlets, including NPR, BBC, Fox Business, CNBC and C-Span.
Rob lives in Virginia with his wife and two children.
His first novel, A Soul to Steal, was featured on USA Today and praised by book bloggers and readers alike for its great plot and "fantastic ending." Many of his other books have been Kindle bestsellers.
As a journalist, Rob has won several Virginia Press Association awards and has been the co-winner of two Jesse H. Neal awards for business journalism. In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Tim White Award for Editorial Integrity, which recognizes a journalist “whose work demonstrates extraordinary courage, integrity and passion.”
He has appeared several times on various media outlets, including NPR, BBC, Fox Business, CNBC and C-Span.
Rob lives in Virginia with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
September 28, 2017
I read this for the Modern Masters of Horror square for Halloween Bingo
Today is the first day of October. By the end of it, five women, five men and five children will be rotting in the ground. You cannot stop me, just as you cannot stop change. I am night. I am cold. I am flesh rendered and torn. I am steel. I am the harbinger of fail: I am death. You can call me Lord Halloween.
Borrowing heavily from the Headless Horseman legend and adding some Jack the Ripper and Freddy Kruger elements, this definitely had a nice Halloween feel to it. Our heroine Kate finds herself having dreams where she is being chased by a headless horseman and her mother is trying to warn and help her. When Kate was little her mother was murdered by Lord Halloween and he always told her he would come back for her. Unable to ignore her dreams Kate goes back to her hometown to try and solve the Lord Halloween mystery.
Quinn works at the local paper and immediately is drawn to the new reporter Kate. He's also been having dreams about a headless horseman chasing him. Coincidence? I think not! What follows is a murder mystery involving a Lord Halloween who writes letters to reporters describing his murders and wanting them printed so he can get the respect he thinks he deserves for everyone celebrating his holiday. There is also a paranormal mystery with the headless horseman chasing Quinn and Kate in their dreams and real life. There is a sizable cast of characters that work to keep you guessing as to who the murderer/s is/are and how Kate and Quinn tie in to it all.
I think adding the paranormal aspect overly complicated matters and gave the story a looser feeling; I couldn't follow along with it. The graphic and at times creepy letters from Lord Halloween were adequate enough to provide some spook factor. This looks to be a continuing series and I imagine the paranormal storyline and connection Quinn and Kate have will be continued on and maybe flushed out a bit better.
The writing was overall good but like I said, the murder and paranormal plot lines had a tendency to get a bit loose. A great October read though to get you in the Halloween mood.
We are night. We are October. We are flesh rendered and torn. We are the rider that was promised long ago, the harbinger of fall: We are death, riding on a black horse. You can call us the Prince of Sanheim.
Today is the first day of October. By the end of it, five women, five men and five children will be rotting in the ground. You cannot stop me, just as you cannot stop change. I am night. I am cold. I am flesh rendered and torn. I am steel. I am the harbinger of fail: I am death. You can call me Lord Halloween.
Borrowing heavily from the Headless Horseman legend and adding some Jack the Ripper and Freddy Kruger elements, this definitely had a nice Halloween feel to it. Our heroine Kate finds herself having dreams where she is being chased by a headless horseman and her mother is trying to warn and help her. When Kate was little her mother was murdered by Lord Halloween and he always told her he would come back for her. Unable to ignore her dreams Kate goes back to her hometown to try and solve the Lord Halloween mystery.
Quinn works at the local paper and immediately is drawn to the new reporter Kate. He's also been having dreams about a headless horseman chasing him. Coincidence? I think not! What follows is a murder mystery involving a Lord Halloween who writes letters to reporters describing his murders and wanting them printed so he can get the respect he thinks he deserves for everyone celebrating his holiday. There is also a paranormal mystery with the headless horseman chasing Quinn and Kate in their dreams and real life. There is a sizable cast of characters that work to keep you guessing as to who the murderer/s is/are and how Kate and Quinn tie in to it all.
I think adding the paranormal aspect overly complicated matters and gave the story a looser feeling; I couldn't follow along with it. The graphic and at times creepy letters from Lord Halloween were adequate enough to provide some spook factor. This looks to be a continuing series and I imagine the paranormal storyline and connection Quinn and Kate have will be continued on and maybe flushed out a bit better.
The writing was overall good but like I said, the murder and paranormal plot lines had a tendency to get a bit loose. A great October read though to get you in the Halloween mood.
We are night. We are October. We are flesh rendered and torn. We are the rider that was promised long ago, the harbinger of fall: We are death, riding on a black horse. You can call us the Prince of Sanheim.
May 27, 2014
Once a long time ago a village, in what is now known as Ireland, came under attack by a neighboring village. They killed most of the young men, and kidnapping most of young women as slaves. So the village elders got together and made a deal with the Celtic god of the underworld, Sanheim. They agreed to sacrifice a young man and woman, they tied the couple to a tree and left them for Sanheim. The next day the couple came back to the village, while they looked the same, they had definitely been changed from their experience. The couple then went to the neighboring village, killed everyone, and brought the kidnapped women back home. As legend has it, if the right two people, a man and woman, can face the trials of Sanheim and pass they will be blessed with powers not of this world.
This is the legend that underlines this book, which is pretty cool too because it is based off of different Celtic folklore.(I linked a webpage at the bottom where I found some info on Sanheim, it was pretty interesting.)
The book follows two newspaper reporters hunting a serial killer who is making a reemergence after a 12 year hiatus. It is told in a 3rd person format from many different POV's, but mainly it follows either Quinn and Kate, the hero and heroine. Quinn works as beat reporter for a failing local newspaper. He is, also having nightmares in which he is running away from a shadowy horseman, and the nightmares only occur during the month of October.
Kate, in my opinion, is the more interesting character, she has more depth and background. I can't get into it too much without giving away the story, but she is coming back to her childhood home after having moved away under suspicious circumstances. She is also a reporter, and has just started working for the same paper as Quinn. Quinn first sees her in a coffee shop and is instantly drawn to her, while Kate's attraction to Quinn takes a little more time to unfold, even though she feels that there's some sort of connection between them.
On a whole I really enjoyed this book, it follows the same basic rules as any good serial killer mystery, but then throws some paranormal in just to make it fun. As with most books the serial killer is made out to be invincible and is always one step ahead of the heroes, all the while taunting them with little notes he leaves behind. The only problem I had with this book was how the killer seemed too invincible. I felt the killer was able to get into places unseen and unheard that would not be humanly possible if it weren't written in a book.
Even with that little problem I still really liked the book. With many thrilling suspenseful scenes, a few touching heartfelt scenes, and even a little comedy relief you really can't go wrong if your a fan of either the paranormal or thriller genres.
This is the legend that underlines this book, which is pretty cool too because it is based off of different Celtic folklore.(I linked a webpage at the bottom where I found some info on Sanheim, it was pretty interesting.)
The book follows two newspaper reporters hunting a serial killer who is making a reemergence after a 12 year hiatus. It is told in a 3rd person format from many different POV's, but mainly it follows either Quinn and Kate, the hero and heroine. Quinn works as beat reporter for a failing local newspaper. He is, also having nightmares in which he is running away from a shadowy horseman, and the nightmares only occur during the month of October.
Kate, in my opinion, is the more interesting character, she has more depth and background. I can't get into it too much without giving away the story, but she is coming back to her childhood home after having moved away under suspicious circumstances. She is also a reporter, and has just started working for the same paper as Quinn. Quinn first sees her in a coffee shop and is instantly drawn to her, while Kate's attraction to Quinn takes a little more time to unfold, even though she feels that there's some sort of connection between them.
On a whole I really enjoyed this book, it follows the same basic rules as any good serial killer mystery, but then throws some paranormal in just to make it fun. As with most books the serial killer is made out to be invincible and is always one step ahead of the heroes, all the while taunting them with little notes he leaves behind. The only problem I had with this book was how the killer seemed too invincible. I felt the killer was able to get into places unseen and unheard that would not be humanly possible if it weren't written in a book.
Even with that little problem I still really liked the book. With many thrilling suspenseful scenes, a few touching heartfelt scenes, and even a little comedy relief you really can't go wrong if your a fan of either the paranormal or thriller genres.
October 18, 2011
Looking for a little spookiness to spice up your night, just in time for Halloween? Well I've found it. This is a book that had me afraid to walk my dogs one night. I've read numerous murder mysteries in my 20+ years of reading, but for some reason this one spooked me. It could be the time of year, the fact that it's getting darker early, the wind in the trees or just the book. I was, and still kind of am, spooked!
A Soul to Steal starts off a little slow, and even slightly confusing. The author not only introduces three characters in rapid succession, but also adds in police files, letters from the murder and newspaper articles. Do not get confused or lose hope. I promise you that right around 20%, according to my Kindle, the book starts to make sense and picks up speed. There is less "article" interaction and more character action. You start to understand the back story to the characters and look forward to what is coming.
The book is about two main characters, Quinn and Katrina, or Kate for short, and how their lives are twisted into Loudoun County. The murderer is aptly named Lord Halloween, since the book takes place during the month of October. Lord Halloween was a serial killer who's actions shook up the town twelve years ago, a series of events from which the town and it's occupants has never recovered. Flash forward to the present and Lord Halloween has once again returned to wreck havoc once again.
Loudoun County no longer celebrates Halloween due to the murders twelve years before, but that doesn't stop the Headless Horseman from galloping into town. Nope, no kidding, just a twist of magic to the story line. I told you, there's enough spice to keep you on your toes! Add in the love story of Quinn and Kate, their sad history and a quirky group of friends and you've got the story to a Soul to Steal. There is, of course, much more to the story line but if I told you it all why would you buy it?
In closing, if you start the book and feel the need to put it down, trust me when I tell you to push through and it will all become clear. The plot will grab you like a hand from the grave and pull you down into the storyline. If you happen to be home alone and afraid to walk your dogs around midnight, I don't blame you! Enjoy your evening {insert scary cackle}!
A room without books is like a body without a soul. -Cicero
October 24, 2011
I'm not one to read much in the way of thriller-suspense novels, so I'm no expert in the genre. But, I do know a good story when I read it, and this is definitely great. Whether or not the 'whodunnit' aspect is all that clever—I don't know, because I have nothing to compare it to. But, I think it's awesome because I was wrong about who the killer is, and when you guess, then realize you're wrong by the end, you must have read an effective mystery.
We follow around quite a few different characters, but most of the time, we're inside the heads of Quinn and Kate, the main characters. They are reporters for a small town newspaper called The Loudoun Chronicle, in Virginia. Kate moves there for very personal reasons because she's connected to the serial killer that terrorized the town twelve years earlier.
But, that killer has started to kill in Loudoun again, and as the story progresses, everybody's trying to find him, and this guy's downright terrifying! He keeps on succeeding and a lot people, despite being super careful, still get picked off by him. He is as sick as you'll ever find because he uses the newspaper to publicize his crimes, and to get the people of the town to tremble in fear every October so he can get off on it.
For some reason, he takes a twelve year hiatus and then starts killing again in October of 2006. It's definitely a thrilling ride as you try to figure out who he is and why he's killing people. But, there's this very original and creative aspect to the story that I loved in how it all connected to Washington Irving's “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” I won't spoil how it's connected, but it intersects with this story in a really neat way, and sort of parallels Irving's classic spooky read.
I think any adult reader would love this, especially during this time of year. Because the events take place only during October, it's the perfect Halloween read. It's not scary in the horror kind of way since there's not much gore. Lots of murder and mayhem, but we don't see every detail of every kill. That made it easy for me to read and enjoy. From what I understand, this is the first book in a trilogy, so there's more to come in future Halloweens.
I received this book for review from the author for my honest opinion.
My score: 4.5 stars out of 5.
We follow around quite a few different characters, but most of the time, we're inside the heads of Quinn and Kate, the main characters. They are reporters for a small town newspaper called The Loudoun Chronicle, in Virginia. Kate moves there for very personal reasons because she's connected to the serial killer that terrorized the town twelve years earlier.
But, that killer has started to kill in Loudoun again, and as the story progresses, everybody's trying to find him, and this guy's downright terrifying! He keeps on succeeding and a lot people, despite being super careful, still get picked off by him. He is as sick as you'll ever find because he uses the newspaper to publicize his crimes, and to get the people of the town to tremble in fear every October so he can get off on it.
For some reason, he takes a twelve year hiatus and then starts killing again in October of 2006. It's definitely a thrilling ride as you try to figure out who he is and why he's killing people. But, there's this very original and creative aspect to the story that I loved in how it all connected to Washington Irving's “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” I won't spoil how it's connected, but it intersects with this story in a really neat way, and sort of parallels Irving's classic spooky read.
I think any adult reader would love this, especially during this time of year. Because the events take place only during October, it's the perfect Halloween read. It's not scary in the horror kind of way since there's not much gore. Lots of murder and mayhem, but we don't see every detail of every kill. That made it easy for me to read and enjoy. From what I understand, this is the first book in a trilogy, so there's more to come in future Halloweens.
I received this book for review from the author for my honest opinion.
My score: 4.5 stars out of 5.
September 30, 2011
This is a very creepy read. Blackwell has woven a Celtic myth, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and a serial killer’s rampage into a great novel. The who done it factor was great. I never guessed it. I had quite a few suspects in mind but never the one that was responsible for the murders. I liked that not only was my attention constantly on who is the serial killer and they why’s behind that aspect, I was constantly trying to figure out what role the Headless Horseman, the Prince of Sanheim, and Quinn and Kate’s dreams had in the grand scheme of things. Whoa, when everything came together and all the pieces finally fell into to place I was completely shocked. I like to read a book where I am completely taken by surprise.
Kate and Quinn are both reporters for the Loudoun Chronicle. The newspaper’s publisher and editor and the local police are trying to deny to the local population that there is even the possibility of a serial killer. The bodies keep turning up. The serial killers signature post it notes keeps popping up at crime scenes. This is all happening during the month of October and the psychopath refers to himself as Lord Halloween. The days until Halloween are dwindling down and no one seems to know who the killer is. Quinn and Kate’s personal demons are depriving them of sleep with the relentless dreams. They both know that they are targets on the serial killers list. This was a fast paced page turner. There was so much going on I had a difficult time putting this book down. I was so curious to how all the events and the players would fall into place.
The ending was fantastic. The way the killer’s own habit affected what happened to him in the end was such sweet justice. The authors note at the end of the novel states that this is first in Kate and Quinn’s trilogy. I am looking forward to where Blackwell will take these two. A Soul to Steal also had a very unexpected bit of romance to it. I was expecting the mystery and the suspense in this horror, but never a romantic aspect.
Kate and Quinn are both reporters for the Loudoun Chronicle. The newspaper’s publisher and editor and the local police are trying to deny to the local population that there is even the possibility of a serial killer. The bodies keep turning up. The serial killers signature post it notes keeps popping up at crime scenes. This is all happening during the month of October and the psychopath refers to himself as Lord Halloween. The days until Halloween are dwindling down and no one seems to know who the killer is. Quinn and Kate’s personal demons are depriving them of sleep with the relentless dreams. They both know that they are targets on the serial killers list. This was a fast paced page turner. There was so much going on I had a difficult time putting this book down. I was so curious to how all the events and the players would fall into place.
The ending was fantastic. The way the killer’s own habit affected what happened to him in the end was such sweet justice. The authors note at the end of the novel states that this is first in Kate and Quinn’s trilogy. I am looking forward to where Blackwell will take these two. A Soul to Steal also had a very unexpected bit of romance to it. I was expecting the mystery and the suspense in this horror, but never a romantic aspect.
January 4, 2014
Rob Blackwell has created a world, in A Soul To Steal, which contains characters, places and mythology that are as fascinating as they are unforgettable. The book is well written, and the plot well structured and perfectly paced. I read effortlessly and looked forward to each chapter.
Blackwell made good use of both settings, specifically, Virginia, and the world of journalism. These two aspects of the story were well woven into the plot, which was driven by two main characters, Quinn and Kate. Readers will recognize that Quinn and Kate have a connection from the very start, but Blackwell doesn't let on too quickly, and the reader waits eagerly for the pieces to fall into place. As a result, these two journalists spend much of the book `finding' each other and discovering that there is more to their relationship than working in the local newsroom. I was totally invested in both characters, and surprised by the power of their relationship. Blackwell has created not just a paranormal thriller, but a character study in which we can delve into what fear will do to two people when they are unsure of each other's motives.
As I read, I spent a lot of time attempting fruitlessly to ferret out the evildoer. I must admit that I believed Janus was Lord Halloween simply because of his name; Janus being the two faced Roman God of doorways and passages. But Blackwell had more surprises and twists for me as the plot moved forward. With the Headless Horseman myth infused within the plot as well, this thriller comes alive at every turn of the page, and gallops headlong, keeping the reader/rider astride to the last word.
Kudos to Rob Blackwell, you're sure to have a team of followers for the next installment of the Sanheim Chronicals.
J.E. Rogers, Author
The Sword of Demelza, a middle grade fantasy where endangered animal heroes roam the pages!
Blackwell made good use of both settings, specifically, Virginia, and the world of journalism. These two aspects of the story were well woven into the plot, which was driven by two main characters, Quinn and Kate. Readers will recognize that Quinn and Kate have a connection from the very start, but Blackwell doesn't let on too quickly, and the reader waits eagerly for the pieces to fall into place. As a result, these two journalists spend much of the book `finding' each other and discovering that there is more to their relationship than working in the local newsroom. I was totally invested in both characters, and surprised by the power of their relationship. Blackwell has created not just a paranormal thriller, but a character study in which we can delve into what fear will do to two people when they are unsure of each other's motives.
As I read, I spent a lot of time attempting fruitlessly to ferret out the evildoer. I must admit that I believed Janus was Lord Halloween simply because of his name; Janus being the two faced Roman God of doorways and passages. But Blackwell had more surprises and twists for me as the plot moved forward. With the Headless Horseman myth infused within the plot as well, this thriller comes alive at every turn of the page, and gallops headlong, keeping the reader/rider astride to the last word.
Kudos to Rob Blackwell, you're sure to have a team of followers for the next installment of the Sanheim Chronicals.
J.E. Rogers, Author
The Sword of Demelza, a middle grade fantasy where endangered animal heroes roam the pages!
July 15, 2012
BEC'S REVIEW
Now bear in mind that while I like a good crime book, it is not one of my favourite genres. And yet I am always intrigued by supernatural elements in a story. So a crime book with supernatural elements, like this one, is one that I am more likely to pick up than an ordinary crime book. This synopsis of this book had me eager to read it and it did not let me down at all. In fact I find little to fault in this book in my struggle to put it down each night and not stay up in order to read ‘just one more chapter’.
The supernatural themes of this book are not overly heavy, but they do add to and expand the story and have more to do with our protagonists than the serial killer you’re trying to identify. Like a lot of crime books this is a classic ‘whodunit’, where the protagonist and the reader are trying to work out who the murderer is before it’s too late. It comes complete with red herrings and potential suspects, and a twist that I was not suspecting. Let’s just say that all my guesses for the killer were all wrong, and I did not see the true one coming until the main character identified them for me.
This book is self published. I say that not to warn or to put anyone off but just as a mere fact because reading the book itself does not give this fact away. It has the polish that you would find in a professionally published book, and I believe it has the potential to stand up against some of those books. Overall it’s a great read and one you’ll struggle to believe hasn’t been picked up by a publishing house, such is the quality of editing and plot.
Now bear in mind that while I like a good crime book, it is not one of my favourite genres. And yet I am always intrigued by supernatural elements in a story. So a crime book with supernatural elements, like this one, is one that I am more likely to pick up than an ordinary crime book. This synopsis of this book had me eager to read it and it did not let me down at all. In fact I find little to fault in this book in my struggle to put it down each night and not stay up in order to read ‘just one more chapter’.
The supernatural themes of this book are not overly heavy, but they do add to and expand the story and have more to do with our protagonists than the serial killer you’re trying to identify. Like a lot of crime books this is a classic ‘whodunit’, where the protagonist and the reader are trying to work out who the murderer is before it’s too late. It comes complete with red herrings and potential suspects, and a twist that I was not suspecting. Let’s just say that all my guesses for the killer were all wrong, and I did not see the true one coming until the main character identified them for me.
This book is self published. I say that not to warn or to put anyone off but just as a mere fact because reading the book itself does not give this fact away. It has the polish that you would find in a professionally published book, and I believe it has the potential to stand up against some of those books. Overall it’s a great read and one you’ll struggle to believe hasn’t been picked up by a publishing house, such is the quality of editing and plot.
October 24, 2011
Don’t make my mistake and read this alone after night fall. I got freaked out at every little noise I heard. Not that that made me stop reading, I couldn’t stop reading even when I got scared; I had to find out what was going to happen next. Mr. Blackwell had me on the edge of my seat throughout all of A Soul to Steal.
A Soul to Steal is about two journalists trying their best to hunt down a serial killer. I quickly became invested in the characters Quinn and Kate. Alone Quinn and Kate both have good careers and lives, but right from the start I know I want them to be together and I see that only if they stand as a team do they hold any hope against this serial killer. Kate has a secret from her past for wanting this monster dead that drives her to the point of not trusting others. It is crazy intense watching all this unfold and not being sure of who the killer is until the end.
It was hard for me to believe that A Soul to Steal is Rob Blackwell’s first novel. I loved how he took just a little bit of the Headless Horseman story and interwove it with his own to make this unique thriller. I think anyone could enjoy this book and it is perfect for this time of year. A Soul to Steal had me smiling one minute and scared of my own shadow the next. And let me tell you this I don’t know how long it will be before I will be able to open my front door to someone I don’t know again…what if they it's serial killer?
Happy Reading,
Rebecca
www.bendingthespine.blogspot.com
A Soul to Steal is about two journalists trying their best to hunt down a serial killer. I quickly became invested in the characters Quinn and Kate. Alone Quinn and Kate both have good careers and lives, but right from the start I know I want them to be together and I see that only if they stand as a team do they hold any hope against this serial killer. Kate has a secret from her past for wanting this monster dead that drives her to the point of not trusting others. It is crazy intense watching all this unfold and not being sure of who the killer is until the end.
It was hard for me to believe that A Soul to Steal is Rob Blackwell’s first novel. I loved how he took just a little bit of the Headless Horseman story and interwove it with his own to make this unique thriller. I think anyone could enjoy this book and it is perfect for this time of year. A Soul to Steal had me smiling one minute and scared of my own shadow the next. And let me tell you this I don’t know how long it will be before I will be able to open my front door to someone I don’t know again…what if they it's serial killer?
Happy Reading,
Rebecca
www.bendingthespine.blogspot.com
August 15, 2012
Sleepy Hollow comes south to the Potomac Valley. I'm not usually a big reader of the crime thriller, although I did read Red Dragon and liked it. The suspense and mystery, barring a couple of points, were very credible and involving, and I chewed through this story needing to find out what happened next, constantly poking at what I knew and what I thought I knew in hopes that it would fall into some semblance of order. The characters were intriguing, which occasionally surprised me when I was reminded how little I actually knew about most of them, and any time you can paint your crime thriller with the trappings of legend then that's going to be good for me. Jack the Ripper, meet Joseph Campbell--it's time for the hero's journey. Also a big winner for me is when your female lead has more to do than be in danger and get rescued--she's the one packing heat. And I felt very foolish because the twist at the end caught me--it was right there from the beginning, and I got distracted by the thrilling chases.
Looking forward to Book 2, Mr. Blackwell.
Looking forward to Book 2, Mr. Blackwell.
March 16, 2012
To describe "A Soul to Steal" as a "page turner" would be an understatement and a serious injustice in describing Blackwell's work. A modern thriller for those of us who have grown tired of the 'same old same old' in today's fiction, Blackwell weaves a tale that will grab you on page one and not quite let you go even after you've put the book down and know the ending.
You'll find yourself rooting for the main characters, feeling your skin crawl as they weave through the maze of who the killer might be, and not quite wanting to go into your dark house or be on an empty road after sunset for fear of what might lurk there. Blackwell has created one hell of a story and I can't wait to see what comes next! I DEFINITELY recommend this book to ANYONE who calls themselves a thriller fiction lover.
You'll find yourself rooting for the main characters, feeling your skin crawl as they weave through the maze of who the killer might be, and not quite wanting to go into your dark house or be on an empty road after sunset for fear of what might lurk there. Blackwell has created one hell of a story and I can't wait to see what comes next! I DEFINITELY recommend this book to ANYONE who calls themselves a thriller fiction lover.
November 12, 2012
With Halloween just around the corner, everyone needs a good scare and I have just the book for you. Rob Blackwell introduces us to Lord Halloween, a serial killer in A Soul to Steal, who terrifies a small Virginia town. So much so, that Halloween is cancelled for several years. Now, he plans his return and the entire town is his target.
This book kept me up at night. I had to stop reading before 8:00 so I wouldn't have nightmares. As the book progressed, Blackwell threw in a few twists and turns. By the end, I was holding my breath, waiting for that last page.
No, it wasn't perfect (but what is?) and there were some things that I felt could've been explained a little better or with a little more detail, but overall a really fun and scary read.
Perfect for this time of year!
This book kept me up at night. I had to stop reading before 8:00 so I wouldn't have nightmares. As the book progressed, Blackwell threw in a few twists and turns. By the end, I was holding my breath, waiting for that last page.
No, it wasn't perfect (but what is?) and there were some things that I felt could've been explained a little better or with a little more detail, but overall a really fun and scary read.
Perfect for this time of year!
January 19, 2013
This was an excellent read, a bit of everything I like, there was the serial killer and a bit of supernatural and a lot of killings :)
It was really well written and I didn't guess who did it so that was a nice bonus :)
An original storyline and all round good read :)
It was really well written and I didn't guess who did it so that was a nice bonus :)
An original storyline and all round good read :)
January 8, 2023
If you like The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, read this book. Absolutely thrilling! I'm not big on murder mystery books, but this had a hint of the supernatural which really made it a fantastic read.
October 4, 2014
Fantastic book. Listened to it in two days (not a mean feat with 3 kids!)
Highly recommended. Ive already purchased the rest of the series.
Highly recommended. Ive already purchased the rest of the series.
October 22, 2020
So, overall, this was an okay story. The characters of Quinn and Kate (and Janus) are engaging. But if you can't spend two seconds doing research to learn that the word is Samhain, NOT Sanheim (and it is PRONOUNCED "Sowin", so the weak attempt to say that it's a variation in spelling at one point in the novel is pointless), I'm going to give you one star.
October 21, 2011
ZOIKS!!
Scooby-Doo!! Where are you?!!
No, really... Fire up the Mystery Machine, Gang. There's a villain on the loose and his name is Lord Halloween.
Lord Halloween?
Jinkeys!!
That sounds uber spooky.....
Yeah... for a kid.
And this is why I think this book should have been a kid's book.
The Break-down
Quinn is a mild mannered news reporter (that is not Superman) who works for 'Loundon Chronicle' in Virginia. A weekly paper that is getting stomped on by the Washington Post. One that covers local stuff like "Biggest Pumpkin" and you know... Too much Dog Poo in the park. Stuff like that.
He's been having dreams of people dying and horse clippity clops but he can't figure out why. Must just be nightmares.
One day he's in a STARBUCKS to get some mocha Joe stuff and he spots this hot chick. Her name is Kate and she is like "angel music" to his eyes. Ahhhhh!! (not the screamy kind... the baby fat angel kind.)
Kate just moved to town from Ohio. I don't blame her. Who would want to stay in Ohio? Remember that car commercial where this couple has a globe and they spin it to see where to drive to and it lands on Ohio and they say "Quick! Spin it again!". HAHAS! That's probably what she was thinking... or was she? Cryptic *muhahaha!
So, Quinn gives Kate some goo goo eyes which totally freaks her out so she makes like a tree and leaves but they meet up again because da da da DAAAA!! she's the new reporter at the 'LOUNDON CHRONICLE".
Oh yeah... Kate has weird dreams too... Aren't they just made for each other?
Now, Loundon is a sleep town... or at least it has been. Twelve years ago the town was really shook up by a bunch of MURDERS. Gruesome, awesome, icky, stick MURDERS!! All done by this dude who dubs himself, LORD HALLOWEEN.
And guess what?
The murders are back in town!!
Is it Lord Halloween? Or just a copy cat?
Quinn and Kate find them selves sucked into the story and just like Daffnie and Fred, they are on the case.
Greta's Thoughts
Now kids... Really... This was kinda a cornball story if you ask me. It's a good plot but I'm not sure it was ADULT enough. Sure, there were Cuss words and some R rated stuff but ahhs.... Really? This would have been so much cooler if it was done for kids.
Think about it.... Quinn could work at the school paper and Kate is the new kid and town and signs up for it. Then maybe Quinn's dad is a reporter for the big paper and they start getting involved in the story that Dad is working on.
I think it would have worked so much better if that approach was taken. I mean... kids LOVE cornball!! This could have been a most awesome GOOSEBUMPS story but instead the author made it a little too blah with F-bombs and I love yous. Oh yeah... and a dude named LORD HALLOWEEN.
Sure, it's cool... but it would have been cooler for 11 year olds.
So, I give it a B for effort but I would have given it an A+ if a different approach was taken.
Scooby-Doo!! Where are you?!!
No, really... Fire up the Mystery Machine, Gang. There's a villain on the loose and his name is Lord Halloween.
Lord Halloween?
Jinkeys!!
That sounds uber spooky.....
Yeah... for a kid.
And this is why I think this book should have been a kid's book.
The Break-down
Quinn is a mild mannered news reporter (that is not Superman) who works for 'Loundon Chronicle' in Virginia. A weekly paper that is getting stomped on by the Washington Post. One that covers local stuff like "Biggest Pumpkin" and you know... Too much Dog Poo in the park. Stuff like that.
He's been having dreams of people dying and horse clippity clops but he can't figure out why. Must just be nightmares.
One day he's in a STARBUCKS to get some mocha Joe stuff and he spots this hot chick. Her name is Kate and she is like "angel music" to his eyes. Ahhhhh!! (not the screamy kind... the baby fat angel kind.)
Kate just moved to town from Ohio. I don't blame her. Who would want to stay in Ohio? Remember that car commercial where this couple has a globe and they spin it to see where to drive to and it lands on Ohio and they say "Quick! Spin it again!". HAHAS! That's probably what she was thinking... or was she? Cryptic *muhahaha!
So, Quinn gives Kate some goo goo eyes which totally freaks her out so she makes like a tree and leaves but they meet up again because da da da DAAAA!! she's the new reporter at the 'LOUNDON CHRONICLE".
Oh yeah... Kate has weird dreams too... Aren't they just made for each other?
Now, Loundon is a sleep town... or at least it has been. Twelve years ago the town was really shook up by a bunch of MURDERS. Gruesome, awesome, icky, stick MURDERS!! All done by this dude who dubs himself, LORD HALLOWEEN.
And guess what?
The murders are back in town!!
Is it Lord Halloween? Or just a copy cat?
Quinn and Kate find them selves sucked into the story and just like Daffnie and Fred, they are on the case.
Greta's Thoughts
Now kids... Really... This was kinda a cornball story if you ask me. It's a good plot but I'm not sure it was ADULT enough. Sure, there were Cuss words and some R rated stuff but ahhs.... Really? This would have been so much cooler if it was done for kids.
Think about it.... Quinn could work at the school paper and Kate is the new kid and town and signs up for it. Then maybe Quinn's dad is a reporter for the big paper and they start getting involved in the story that Dad is working on.
I think it would have worked so much better if that approach was taken. I mean... kids LOVE cornball!! This could have been a most awesome GOOSEBUMPS story but instead the author made it a little too blah with F-bombs and I love yous. Oh yeah... and a dude named LORD HALLOWEEN.
Sure, it's cool... but it would have been cooler for 11 year olds.
So, I give it a B for effort but I would have given it an A+ if a different approach was taken.
September 3, 2012
My first book for this year's R.I.P. challenge is one I've had sitting on my Kindle for a couple of weeks - I'm glad that it fit R.I.P., other wise I might not have read it. I tend to accumulate free Kindle books and then become convinced that they were probably free because they're awful and then I never give them a try. Anyway, A Soul to Steal by Rob Blackwell doesn't fit that view at all, so I'm glad that R.I.P. "forced" me to read it ;)
Description from amazon:
You Are What You Fear
A serial killer on the loose, two reporters in his sights, and a legendary ghost haunting the town...
Something is stalking the citizens of Loudoun County, Va.
Is it the return of the notorious serial killer known as Lord Halloween? Or is it something worse--a figure that can cloak itself as your worst nightmare?
Kate and Quinn, two community journalists, rush to uncover the truth before a promised bloodbath on Halloween night.
The debut novel from award-winning journalist Rob Blackwell, A Soul to Steal balances mystery, suspense, romance, action and the paranormal, building to a gripping and unforgettable conclusion.
Fans of Stephen King, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Stephenie Meyer and Jim Butcher will find A Soul to Steal an addictive page-turner.
A Soul to Steal is the first book in an amazing new trilogy, The Sanheim Chronicles.
Ok, I don't think that the "fans of.." section fits at all as I don't think this really had much in common with ANY of those. That said, it was still a pretty good read - definitely better than I expected...and scarier. I'm kind of terrified of the Headless Horseman to begin with, and there was one scene in there that I read right before bed and...ack. Bad idea.
Blackwell's writing is good - he could use some more polish, and longer sentences (which is often my complaint with these indie authors - we're not idiots! Your sentences can have more than 6 words and we'll understand, I promise!) but he definitely has talent and knows how to plot out a good story.
I'll likely look for the next in the series, which should b out this fall if it isn't already.
Description from amazon:
You Are What You Fear
A serial killer on the loose, two reporters in his sights, and a legendary ghost haunting the town...
Something is stalking the citizens of Loudoun County, Va.
Is it the return of the notorious serial killer known as Lord Halloween? Or is it something worse--a figure that can cloak itself as your worst nightmare?
Kate and Quinn, two community journalists, rush to uncover the truth before a promised bloodbath on Halloween night.
The debut novel from award-winning journalist Rob Blackwell, A Soul to Steal balances mystery, suspense, romance, action and the paranormal, building to a gripping and unforgettable conclusion.
Fans of Stephen King, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Stephenie Meyer and Jim Butcher will find A Soul to Steal an addictive page-turner.
A Soul to Steal is the first book in an amazing new trilogy, The Sanheim Chronicles.
Ok, I don't think that the "fans of.." section fits at all as I don't think this really had much in common with ANY of those. That said, it was still a pretty good read - definitely better than I expected...and scarier. I'm kind of terrified of the Headless Horseman to begin with, and there was one scene in there that I read right before bed and...ack. Bad idea.
Blackwell's writing is good - he could use some more polish, and longer sentences (which is often my complaint with these indie authors - we're not idiots! Your sentences can have more than 6 words and we'll understand, I promise!) but he definitely has talent and knows how to plot out a good story.
I'll likely look for the next in the series, which should b out this fall if it isn't already.
October 16, 2011
****I was given a copy of this book for my honest review****
If anyone has been following me and my reviews you would know that this book is up my ally! I can see why some people would have scary dreams while reading this book. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the Celtic Legend all fit rather nicely together. I liked how Rob put the pieces together. I have to say I thought of the wrong person over and over again as I was reading the book. At one time I told my husband I knew who it was and then 5 mins later I was saying that it was wrong. My husband had joy in laughing at me while I tried to put the pieces together. When I finally said "OH MY GOD! It's that person! I never would of guessed." Both my kids and husband had a nice laugh about it for a good 5-10 mins! He has an amazing way of writing and keeping you guessing. These are my favorite type of books!
Reading about Kate and Quinn was excellent. The way Rob wrote their stories and how he plotted out how they would be romantically involved was great. The build up was great. I have to say I was saddened by some of the characters that died because of the serial killer. I felt that one of the people who died shouldn't of died, they were so valiant in their efforts of staying alive, but I do understand why they died and it would the same way were the crime happening in real life.
The twists and turns within the novel keep you guessing till the very end. There came a point in my reading that I just wanted to left alone to be able to read and find out the ending. My doctor and his nurses were upset a bit that I would refuse to close my Kindle and talk to them. My husband would try to have a conversation to or from the doctor's appt and I would hush him. I just love these types of books!
One other fun thing: It is going to be a series! I am anxiously awaiting the next book. Rob could you please tell us when your new book will be out? I would love to even preorder it if I have to!
I feel so VERY lucky he chose me to read his first book!
If anyone has been following me and my reviews you would know that this book is up my ally! I can see why some people would have scary dreams while reading this book. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the Celtic Legend all fit rather nicely together. I liked how Rob put the pieces together. I have to say I thought of the wrong person over and over again as I was reading the book. At one time I told my husband I knew who it was and then 5 mins later I was saying that it was wrong. My husband had joy in laughing at me while I tried to put the pieces together. When I finally said "OH MY GOD! It's that person! I never would of guessed." Both my kids and husband had a nice laugh about it for a good 5-10 mins! He has an amazing way of writing and keeping you guessing. These are my favorite type of books!
Reading about Kate and Quinn was excellent. The way Rob wrote their stories and how he plotted out how they would be romantically involved was great. The build up was great. I have to say I was saddened by some of the characters that died because of the serial killer. I felt that one of the people who died shouldn't of died, they were so valiant in their efforts of staying alive, but I do understand why they died and it would the same way were the crime happening in real life.
The twists and turns within the novel keep you guessing till the very end. There came a point in my reading that I just wanted to left alone to be able to read and find out the ending. My doctor and his nurses were upset a bit that I would refuse to close my Kindle and talk to them. My husband would try to have a conversation to or from the doctor's appt and I would hush him. I just love these types of books!
One other fun thing: It is going to be a series! I am anxiously awaiting the next book. Rob could you please tell us when your new book will be out? I would love to even preorder it if I have to!
I feel so VERY lucky he chose me to read his first book!
May 9, 2012
Is fear the most powerful emotion we experience? And if so, do our fears shape us or is it the way we respond to fear that forms and molds our character? Blackwell explores the place of fear in our emotional and psychological arsenal via a supernatural thriller that doubles as a murder mystery. Quinn and Kate are searching for 'Lord Halloween' a serial killer who has long been believed captured and executed. But now 12 years later he is back and killing again. Kate and Quinn are investigative reporters searching for clues to the killer's identity. But they are not only drawn to each other, they each have a secret to keep and deep within there is an overarching supernatural attraction as well.
Blackwell weaves a tale that includes a murder mystery, elements of Irving's "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and the ancient rites and beliefs of Samhein. His writing draws the reader into tuinhe story with well developed characters and realistic conflicts and interaction. The narrative moves well revealing enough to draw the reader on, but keeping the mystery intact. With all the separate plot lines the reader finds himself wondering how he will bring them together, but he does amazingly well at tying up all the plots. The book is the first in a proposed trilogy and while the story is complete in itself, there is a thread of plot to carry the reader to the next book.
As Quinn and Kate confront 'Lord Halloween' they must also confront the mystery of Samhein and their supernatural relationship that drives their physical attraction. They must also face their fears, exploring the idea of the way fear impacts our character development. The book offers thrills, mystery and a deeper exploration of the human psyche. This reader is looking forward to book two.
Blackwell weaves a tale that includes a murder mystery, elements of Irving's "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and the ancient rites and beliefs of Samhein. His writing draws the reader into tuinhe story with well developed characters and realistic conflicts and interaction. The narrative moves well revealing enough to draw the reader on, but keeping the mystery intact. With all the separate plot lines the reader finds himself wondering how he will bring them together, but he does amazingly well at tying up all the plots. The book is the first in a proposed trilogy and while the story is complete in itself, there is a thread of plot to carry the reader to the next book.
As Quinn and Kate confront 'Lord Halloween' they must also confront the mystery of Samhein and their supernatural relationship that drives their physical attraction. They must also face their fears, exploring the idea of the way fear impacts our character development. The book offers thrills, mystery and a deeper exploration of the human psyche. This reader is looking forward to book two.
October 23, 2011
4.5./5
At some point I was reading this book very late at night in my kitchen, and I got really spooked, started imagining noises and movements and decided I'd better call it a night... The moral of the story - don't read it late at night unless you want to get spooked.
It's such a great mix of thriller where two journalists Quinn and Kate investigate a serial killer in their small town and get targeted by him; and paranormal horror story where aforementioned journalists have to deal not only with the killer, but with the legend of Sleepy Hollow and a fascinating Celtic myth about Princes of Sanheim....
Loved the story! And there is a lot to it too. Serial killer's creepy letters to a journalist from 12 years ago when he went on his first killing spree... Quinn's nightmares of headless rider... Kate's past... Spooky Tarot reading... I was shivering with delight.
It was also interesting to explore how debilitating fear can be and how people react to it with fight or flight, how fear freezes you to the spot when you know you have to hurry and get away from the killer.
I'm vague on purpose, peeps. I don't want to give you any spoilers. I just want you to read this book. It's really really good. I couldn't guess the identity of the killer until the very end, and I bet you wouldn't be able too :)
At some point I was reading this book very late at night in my kitchen, and I got really spooked, started imagining noises and movements and decided I'd better call it a night... The moral of the story - don't read it late at night unless you want to get spooked.
It's such a great mix of thriller where two journalists Quinn and Kate investigate a serial killer in their small town and get targeted by him; and paranormal horror story where aforementioned journalists have to deal not only with the killer, but with the legend of Sleepy Hollow and a fascinating Celtic myth about Princes of Sanheim....
Loved the story! And there is a lot to it too. Serial killer's creepy letters to a journalist from 12 years ago when he went on his first killing spree... Quinn's nightmares of headless rider... Kate's past... Spooky Tarot reading... I was shivering with delight.
It was also interesting to explore how debilitating fear can be and how people react to it with fight or flight, how fear freezes you to the spot when you know you have to hurry and get away from the killer.
I'm vague on purpose, peeps. I don't want to give you any spoilers. I just want you to read this book. It's really really good. I couldn't guess the identity of the killer until the very end, and I bet you wouldn't be able too :)
Read
December 31, 2015I am not giving this a star rating because I only read this because my hubby really liked it and wanted me to read it too and this is a genre that I have issues with. I am not a serial killer /suspense fan and on my first attempt I ditched this after a scene that has the killer springing a trap for one of his victims and taunting her with what he's going to do to her. I did pick it up and finish because the hubby said I just needed to get past the initial killings.
I never ended up enthralled by this but I did really like the leads - especially Quinn who is just a really nice normal guy haunted by nightmares and really in need of a girlfriend. The murder mystery is done well and there a a couple of red herrings so I didn't figure out the identity before the reveal. The story itself was a bit odd because there is supernatural element, but it isn't until late in the story that we see how it fits in. There was a near miss at totally ticking me off with one of the later victims, but it didn't go 'there' so I ended up sad not mad.
Overall, I guess this was okay because even though the characters carry forward into the next book, I don't 'need' to read it. My hubby obviously disagrees- he read the first two through Kindle Unlimited and shelled out $$ for the third book.
I never ended up enthralled by this but I did really like the leads - especially Quinn who is just a really nice normal guy haunted by nightmares and really in need of a girlfriend. The murder mystery is done well and there a a couple of red herrings so I didn't figure out the identity before the reveal. The story itself was a bit odd because there is supernatural element, but it isn't until late in the story that we see how it fits in. There was a near miss at totally ticking me off with one of the later victims, but it didn't go 'there' so I ended up sad not mad.
Overall, I guess this was okay because even though the characters carry forward into the next book, I don't 'need' to read it. My hubby obviously disagrees- he read the first two through Kindle Unlimited and shelled out $$ for the third book.
July 12, 2013
Excellent book. I have to say at first the stuff about the Headless Horseman threw me a bit but as the story unfolded it began making more sense.
In the beginning of the book I was wondering how the Horseman tied into the Lord Halloween mystery but I as kept reading the book I was able to see how it all tied together and with the entire Prince of Sanheim mythology in the book.
The characters were extremely well written; you could see each character that was used in your mind's eye and felt like you were part of their experiences- good and bad ones.
The way they kept you guessing throughout the book of the Lord Halloween's true identity was absolutely brilliant; I had my mind set on a couple of characters that it could possibly be but when they unveiled who it was; which I won't reveal here because I hate having such things spoiled; I was like "woah, I never thought of that person!".
In the beginning of the book I was wondering how the Horseman tied into the Lord Halloween mystery but I as kept reading the book I was able to see how it all tied together and with the entire Prince of Sanheim mythology in the book.
The characters were extremely well written; you could see each character that was used in your mind's eye and felt like you were part of their experiences- good and bad ones.
The way they kept you guessing throughout the book of the Lord Halloween's true identity was absolutely brilliant; I had my mind set on a couple of characters that it could possibly be but when they unveiled who it was; which I won't reveal here because I hate having such things spoiled; I was like "woah, I never thought of that person!".
February 1, 2013
This book is terrific; it takes some patience in the initial chapters as there is strong character development upfront, but this is worth your time as the book goes on. I became very engaged from the beginning, but by the mid-section, could not put the book down (albeit a Kindle).
Being that this is the first of a trilogy, I have great expectations for the balance of this series, and have already begun the second book, Band of Demons.
One of the strengths of this book is that although this is a supposed Fantasy novel, it reads as historical representation and brings you into its world as a believer. There are not too many books in this genre that do this as well. The amount of detail is strong and visual, which helps make this story so believable and intriguing. Thank you to the author for such a great story.
Being that this is the first of a trilogy, I have great expectations for the balance of this series, and have already begun the second book, Band of Demons.
One of the strengths of this book is that although this is a supposed Fantasy novel, it reads as historical representation and brings you into its world as a believer. There are not too many books in this genre that do this as well. The amount of detail is strong and visual, which helps make this story so believable and intriguing. Thank you to the author for such a great story.
September 24, 2011
I genuinely liked this story. I love Fall and all things Halloween, so this was the perfect story to start the season. Blackwell does Halloween legends justice in his debut novel. The story is multi-layered, using Halloween legends mixed with a good old twisted psychopathic thriller. The clues were there along the way, but I wasn't even close to guessing who the real psychopath was. I love that in a book, I want to keep guessing and turning the pages rushing to the end. I don't scare easily, but I can see where this story might cause a few people to sleep with the lights on. And I am thrilled that this appears to be the first in a trilogy about Kate and Quinn, I can't wait to see what happens to them next.
February 19, 2013
A romantic thriller set in USA but with links to Celtic ancient myths. I'm drawn to stories that touch on Ireland although I live in England I've not yet got to Ireland. This thriller is wrapped up with a small town newspaper and a killer who calls himself "Lord Halloween" who demands the attention of the county especially in October. A man who can't stop himself from killing spreads fear before him, can two young reporters discover who he is before it's too late? Not always a good book for me to read just before I try to go to sleep! And the trouble with reading it on kindle is that it's harder to skip to the end to check out the last page!Especially when I forgot to make a note of where I was before I went in search of some peace!
March 2, 2013
I really liked this book. As someone who has lived in Northern Virginia for years, I couldn't help but grin each time someplace I knew about was mentioned. The new myth around the Headless Horsemen, the thrill of the serial killer Lord Halloween, and the story around Quinn and Kate really drew me in. There were parts that I felt moved to slow, but I think every book has that. I didn't find it scary because books don't scare me. However, I did find it interesting. There were some twists I didn't see coming, and some I did. I think this is a great first installment to a series and will keep my eye out for the other books.
October 31, 2013
Happy Halloween :/
This is going to be a quick review ! Only because I'm dying to get to the seconded book! This story is a page turner ! I simply could not get enough! Rob Blackwell writes amazingly! I read this at night and I kept looking out the window and had all my lights on ! It just freaked me out! It had So much action and mystery, paranormal and romance with some serious killing going on ! Lol You think you know something then BAM the author takes you in a different direction ! You can keep guessing and you probably still won't get it right! This is a perfect read especially durning the Halloween season!!!
This is going to be a quick review ! Only because I'm dying to get to the seconded book! This story is a page turner ! I simply could not get enough! Rob Blackwell writes amazingly! I read this at night and I kept looking out the window and had all my lights on ! It just freaked me out! It had So much action and mystery, paranormal and romance with some serious killing going on ! Lol You think you know something then BAM the author takes you in a different direction ! You can keep guessing and you probably still won't get it right! This is a perfect read especially durning the Halloween season!!!
December 7, 2011
I received this book from the author, whom I met through Bee's Knees Reviews (http://beeskneesreviews.blogspot.com/). First off I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was a great rendition of the traditional "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and was a great book to read around the Halloween time. I was completely hooked on the book and was able to read it very easily. I'm super impressed with the writing style of the author and can't wait for him to publish more stories :) This is definitely a must read for those that are addicted to twists of classic "fairytales."
May 21, 2015
Everything you could ask for in a thriller mystery. The book is fast paced, easy to read, and well written. The author does a fantastic job of creating a very formidable villain and two likable protagonists. The first three-fourths of the book were especially impressive. Up until that point, I was in love with just about everything with this book. Then, it took a turn into fantasy land, and it lost me. While I suppose the story ultimately made sense, I didn't care for the ending. It seemed forced and too cliche. Still a great read.
Want to read
October 1, 2011Amy - If you like detective novels, please consider buying and reading my college friend Rob Blackwell's first published novel - A Soul to Steal. It's available in electronic form (Kindle/e-book) but will be in hard copy soon. Let me know if you like it - better still, write a short review on Amazon.com!
Check out some awesome reviews here: http://www.amazon.com/A-Soul-To-Steal...
Check out some awesome reviews here: http://www.amazon.com/A-Soul-To-Steal...
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