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Timmy Quinn #1
The Turtle Boy
School is out and summer has begun. For eleven year old Timmy Quinn and his best friend Pete Marshall, the dreary town of Delaware Ohio becomes a place of magic, hidden treasure and discovery. But on the day they encounter a strange young boy sitting on the bank of Myers Pond a pond playground rumor says may hide turtles the size of Buicks everything changes. For it soon becomes apparent that dark secrets abound in the little community, secrets which come cupped in the hands of the dead, and in a heartbeat, Timmy and Petes summer of wonder becomes a season of terror, betrayal and murder.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
560 people are currently reading
3537 people want to read
About the author
Kealan Patrick Burke
194 books2,323 followersHailed by Booklist as “one of the most clever and original talents in contemporary horror,” Kealan Patrick Burke was born and raised in Ireland and emigrated to the United States a few weeks before 9/11.
Since then, he has written six novels, among them the popular southern gothic Kin, and over two hundred short stories and novellas, many of which are in various stages of development for film/TV.
A five-time nominee, Burke won the Bram Stoker Award in 2005 for his coming-of-age novella The Turtle Boy, the first book in the acclaimed Timmy Quinn series.
As editor, he helmed the anthologies Night Visions 12, Taverns of the Dead, and Quietly Now, a tribute anthology to one of Burke’s influences, the late Charles L. Grant.
More recently, he wrote the screenplays for Sour Candy (based on his novella), and the remake of the iconic horror film The Changeling (1980), for producer Joel B. Michaels.
He also adapted Sour Candy as a graphic novel for John Carpenter's Night Terrors.
His most recent release is Cottonmouth, a prequel to Kin. The Widows of Winding Gale, a maritime horror novel set in Ireland, is due for release in October as a signed limited edition from Earthling Publications.
Kealan is represented by Merrilee Heifetz at Writers House.
He lives in Ohio with a Scooby Doo lookalike rescue named Red.
Since then, he has written six novels, among them the popular southern gothic Kin, and over two hundred short stories and novellas, many of which are in various stages of development for film/TV.
A five-time nominee, Burke won the Bram Stoker Award in 2005 for his coming-of-age novella The Turtle Boy, the first book in the acclaimed Timmy Quinn series.
As editor, he helmed the anthologies Night Visions 12, Taverns of the Dead, and Quietly Now, a tribute anthology to one of Burke’s influences, the late Charles L. Grant.
More recently, he wrote the screenplays for Sour Candy (based on his novella), and the remake of the iconic horror film The Changeling (1980), for producer Joel B. Michaels.
He also adapted Sour Candy as a graphic novel for John Carpenter's Night Terrors.
His most recent release is Cottonmouth, a prequel to Kin. The Widows of Winding Gale, a maritime horror novel set in Ireland, is due for release in October as a signed limited edition from Earthling Publications.
Kealan is represented by Merrilee Heifetz at Writers House.
He lives in Ohio with a Scooby Doo lookalike rescue named Red.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 549 reviews
May 17, 2025
I truly believe that Kealan Patrick Burke is the master of the short horror novella. He always manages to make the story fully rounded, with perfect pacing, believable characters and some horrifying moments.
The Turtle Boy is a coming of age horror set during the summer vacation of two young boys - Timmy and Billy.
One day they go out to explore around a local pond and find a strange looking child. His appearance unnerves them and they found out he is known as ”The Turtle Boy”. Soon a young girl called Kim ends up being invited around to spend time with Timmy on the request of his parents, they worry about their child feeling alone as they know Billy is set to move away with his Father.
Kim has also heard the legend of The Turtle Boy and wants to also explore the lake with Timmy.
But, who is he and what exactly happened to him? 🐢💀
The story is seeped in mystery throughout and I think to be truly shocked it’s best to go in as blind as possible. I found this to be quite reminiscent of Stephen King’s earlier work and I am eager to pick up the second Timmy Quinn novella in the near feature.
The Turtle Boy is a coming of age horror set during the summer vacation of two young boys - Timmy and Billy.
One day they go out to explore around a local pond and find a strange looking child. His appearance unnerves them and they found out he is known as ”The Turtle Boy”. Soon a young girl called Kim ends up being invited around to spend time with Timmy on the request of his parents, they worry about their child feeling alone as they know Billy is set to move away with his Father.
Kim has also heard the legend of The Turtle Boy and wants to also explore the lake with Timmy.
But, who is he and what exactly happened to him? 🐢💀
The story is seeped in mystery throughout and I think to be truly shocked it’s best to go in as blind as possible. I found this to be quite reminiscent of Stephen King’s earlier work and I am eager to pick up the second Timmy Quinn novella in the near feature.
January 9, 2014
When Timmy Quinn and his best friend Pete meet a strange boy near a pond in the woods, their lives spiral out of control. What secrets does the Turtle Boy harbor?
This was another freebie from Freebooksy.
The Turtle Boy is a short story about eleven year-old Timmy Quinn and the odd kid he meets by a pond during one of those endless summers of youth. It's a coming of age tale that could have easily been written by Joe Lansdale or a young Stephen King.
It's a short story so there's not more I can reveal than that. However, I will say that the lesser known Chekov's Turtle rule is in full effect.
If you're a fan of coming of age tales, snapping turtles, creepy ass kids, and like free short stories, give this a read. I'm not ordinarily a fan of short stories but this one is the best I've read in a long time. Five out of five stars.
This was another freebie from Freebooksy.
The Turtle Boy is a short story about eleven year-old Timmy Quinn and the odd kid he meets by a pond during one of those endless summers of youth. It's a coming of age tale that could have easily been written by Joe Lansdale or a young Stephen King.
It's a short story so there's not more I can reveal than that. However, I will say that the lesser known Chekov's Turtle rule is in full effect.
If you're a fan of coming of age tales, snapping turtles, creepy ass kids, and like free short stories, give this a read. I'm not ordinarily a fan of short stories but this one is the best I've read in a long time. Five out of five stars.
November 2, 2018
I've mentioned it countless times but coming of age horror is a personal favorite. I believe I'll always be one to show special favor to authors who can do them well. I've read several of Burke's books now but had yet to experience a story from a young protagonist's perspective.
In Turtle Boy, Timmy Quinn is eleven years old. He has a best friend. School just got out and Burke does an amazing job capturing the feeling of those long summer days where the possibilities for adventure are wide open.
The dialog scenes between Timmy and his buddy, Pete were some of my favorite moments.
But as these tender stories go in the land of horror fiction, our season of innocence and childhood imagining are cut short by an unexpected visitor.
And what a treat!
The Turtle Boy is some of Kealan's best work in terms of descriptive language. I felt transported to the muddy banks of an abandoned pond where Timmy and Pete first run across the unusual child.
From there, I could feel the long shadows of mystery begin to creep over the sunny landscape of the story and my eyes were flying over the text, manically turning pages so I could find out where Mr. Burke's dark tale would finally end up. The consequence of loving coming of age horror is that there is always that point in which the young characters we have fallen in love with, are faced with unspeakable tragedy or overwhelming, perilous odds, seemingly NOT in their favor...of course I would never spoil a reader's discovery here so I'll only say that this story checked all the right horror boxes--emotional, gripping, haunting and satisfying. I hope Kealan graces us with another coming of age story--this one certainly proves he's quite adept at it.
In Turtle Boy, Timmy Quinn is eleven years old. He has a best friend. School just got out and Burke does an amazing job capturing the feeling of those long summer days where the possibilities for adventure are wide open.
The dialog scenes between Timmy and his buddy, Pete were some of my favorite moments.
But as these tender stories go in the land of horror fiction, our season of innocence and childhood imagining are cut short by an unexpected visitor.
And what a treat!
The Turtle Boy is some of Kealan's best work in terms of descriptive language. I felt transported to the muddy banks of an abandoned pond where Timmy and Pete first run across the unusual child.
From there, I could feel the long shadows of mystery begin to creep over the sunny landscape of the story and my eyes were flying over the text, manically turning pages so I could find out where Mr. Burke's dark tale would finally end up. The consequence of loving coming of age horror is that there is always that point in which the young characters we have fallen in love with, are faced with unspeakable tragedy or overwhelming, perilous odds, seemingly NOT in their favor...of course I would never spoil a reader's discovery here so I'll only say that this story checked all the right horror boxes--emotional, gripping, haunting and satisfying. I hope Kealan graces us with another coming of age story--this one certainly proves he's quite adept at it.
November 28, 2022
Such a quick read but definitely had the right amount of sadness and chills.
A coming of age novella that would easily ease its way into your heart without compromising reality. This is the kind of book that I wouldn’t mind reading alone during rainy days—especially on rainy days.
Also, this totally reminded me of a book I read when I was young but for the life of me, I couldn’t remember what it was, but the similarity is eerie and nostalgic at the same time.
I liked this one a little bit. Not really on edge into reading the next books in the series as I am not really a fan of the supernatural genre but Turtle Boy surely is something special.
A coming of age novella that would easily ease its way into your heart without compromising reality. This is the kind of book that I wouldn’t mind reading alone during rainy days—especially on rainy days.
Also, this totally reminded me of a book I read when I was young but for the life of me, I couldn’t remember what it was, but the similarity is eerie and nostalgic at the same time.
I liked this one a little bit. Not really on edge into reading the next books in the series as I am not really a fan of the supernatural genre but Turtle Boy surely is something special.
April 12, 2017
The Turtle Boy packed one hell of an emotional punch. As I read this story and the pieces started to fit together to reveal it's shocking truth I was just bowled over by Kealan Patrick Burke's very clever writing to get it to that point. A wordsmith. An author that stands out. I will never forget this book and cannot wait to read the books that follow on from this one.
School is out and summer has begun. For eleven year old Timmy Quinn and his best friend Pete Marshall, the dreary town of Delaware Ohio becomes a place of magic, hidden treasure and discovery. But on the day they encounter a strange young boy sitting on the bank of Myers Pond a pond playground rumor says may hide turtles the size of Buicks everything changes.
For it soon becomes apparent that dark secrets abound in the little community, secrets which come cupped in the hands of the dead, and in a heartbeat, Timmy and Petes summer of wonder becomes a season of terror, betrayal and murder.
When the book begins we are getting got know eleven year old Timmy, and the story has a sense of calm. Before long you realise something very different is happening in the plot and the unreal begins to mix with the very real until the lines are blurred. As you progress reading it and it starts to take a dark and sinister turn then it really does just feel so shocking. I expected something bad, but not that bad. The elements are pulled together to paint a powerful, emotional, distressing and different story that you will never forget.
I loved the flow of Burke's writing, his style is beautiful and atmospheric. I could place myself in the scenes with the characters, very much in 3D. There is not a wooden character or stagnant moment in this story anywhere. It's creative skill. You just have to read it to know what I mean. The novella mixes murder, magic, the innocence of youth and spilled blood.
5 haunting stars for The Turtle Boy, a book that seared deep in my heart and memory. Brilliant.
For more of my book reviews, plenty of awesome books to win, and author Q&A events come to: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
School is out and summer has begun. For eleven year old Timmy Quinn and his best friend Pete Marshall, the dreary town of Delaware Ohio becomes a place of magic, hidden treasure and discovery. But on the day they encounter a strange young boy sitting on the bank of Myers Pond a pond playground rumor says may hide turtles the size of Buicks everything changes.
For it soon becomes apparent that dark secrets abound in the little community, secrets which come cupped in the hands of the dead, and in a heartbeat, Timmy and Petes summer of wonder becomes a season of terror, betrayal and murder.
When the book begins we are getting got know eleven year old Timmy, and the story has a sense of calm. Before long you realise something very different is happening in the plot and the unreal begins to mix with the very real until the lines are blurred. As you progress reading it and it starts to take a dark and sinister turn then it really does just feel so shocking. I expected something bad, but not that bad. The elements are pulled together to paint a powerful, emotional, distressing and different story that you will never forget.
I loved the flow of Burke's writing, his style is beautiful and atmospheric. I could place myself in the scenes with the characters, very much in 3D. There is not a wooden character or stagnant moment in this story anywhere. It's creative skill. You just have to read it to know what I mean. The novella mixes murder, magic, the innocence of youth and spilled blood.
5 haunting stars for The Turtle Boy, a book that seared deep in my heart and memory. Brilliant.
For more of my book reviews, plenty of awesome books to win, and author Q&A events come to: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
March 14, 2025
“I’m feeding the turtles…” creepy!
While reading through one of the pond scenes, I could really visualize myself there with Timmy, witnessing the strange ghostly interactions. Like watching a movie. Well done!
While reading through one of the pond scenes, I could really visualize myself there with Timmy, witnessing the strange ghostly interactions. Like watching a movie. Well done!
October 17, 2014
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
3.5 Stars
Timmy and Pete are out of school and already dealing with the doldrums of summer. While putzing around trying to figure out what could be their next adventure, they head to the local pond . . . a place that has always been benign (if not downright boring) in the past. When they discover a young stranger “feeding the turtles” everything changes. Timmy and Pete are no longer allowed to play near the pond, or to hang out together at all. As the mystery of why the sudden change in attitude unravels, buried secrets from long ago come to the surface of Myers Pond . . .
Obviously I can’t say much about this one without spoiling the whole shebang (especially since it’s so short). What I can say is that I’m torn on how to rate/review it. On the one hand, I reeeaaaally dig coming of age tales and found Burke’s writing to be quality stuff, but I’m stumped at why this is a series. Although the ending can be considered a “cliffhanger,” the answer of the why and how and the who and the what are all clearly laid out through the story so the reader just has to take a second to piece the puzzle together. I’m not a fan of books in a series in general and I really can’t wrap my brain around why this would continue. Does book two answer the cliffhanger from book one? If so, that’s a completely unnecessary read. Is book two a totally different story that just has Timmy Quinn as a repeat character? Maybe . . . but I’m not interested enough to go find out (I'm telling you I HATE books in a series).
If you’re like me and decide to treat this as a standalone – know the “horror” isn’t really horror, but is actually a mystery/thriller and enjoy.
Oh, and for Jeff who fails to realize that Jeff Goldblum owns the internet. If you search “Turtle Boy/Goldblum” this image totally comes up:
SUCK IT! GOLDBLUM RULES AND YOU DROOL : )
3.5 Stars
Timmy and Pete are out of school and already dealing with the doldrums of summer. While putzing around trying to figure out what could be their next adventure, they head to the local pond . . . a place that has always been benign (if not downright boring) in the past. When they discover a young stranger “feeding the turtles” everything changes. Timmy and Pete are no longer allowed to play near the pond, or to hang out together at all. As the mystery of why the sudden change in attitude unravels, buried secrets from long ago come to the surface of Myers Pond . . .
Obviously I can’t say much about this one without spoiling the whole shebang (especially since it’s so short). What I can say is that I’m torn on how to rate/review it. On the one hand, I reeeaaaally dig coming of age tales and found Burke’s writing to be quality stuff, but I’m stumped at why this is a series. Although the ending can be considered a “cliffhanger,” the answer of the why and how and the who and the what are all clearly laid out through the story so the reader just has to take a second to piece the puzzle together. I’m not a fan of books in a series in general and I really can’t wrap my brain around why this would continue. Does book two answer the cliffhanger from book one? If so, that’s a completely unnecessary read. Is book two a totally different story that just has Timmy Quinn as a repeat character? Maybe . . . but I’m not interested enough to go find out (I'm telling you I HATE books in a series).
If you’re like me and decide to treat this as a standalone – know the “horror” isn’t really horror, but is actually a mystery/thriller and enjoy.
Oh, and for Jeff who fails to realize that Jeff Goldblum owns the internet. If you search “Turtle Boy/Goldblum” this image totally comes up:
SUCK IT! GOLDBLUM RULES AND YOU DROOL : )
January 5, 2022
Great horror story from author Kealan Patrick Burke. For just over 2 hours of running time, this was a fun and creepy listen.
Narrator Patrick Lawlor is always an excellent voice and delivers once again with 'The Turtle Boy'.
Narrator Patrick Lawlor is always an excellent voice and delivers once again with 'The Turtle Boy'.
November 11, 2018
This is the first instalment in the Timmy Quinn series.
I've read a lot of reviews that praise this author's exemplary and clever use of well-known devices, within the horror genre and decided to trial his writing with one of his shorter publications.
This is a brutal coming-of-age story that combined many of my favourite elements - creepy kids, creepy locations, and creepy storms. It was a given that I was going to love this, as it combined so many of the elements I love in a horror story. However, I found much of this decidedlynot terrifying. Elements of this where chilling and atmospheric, but at no point did I get the need to throw my book across the page or leave my reading for the daylight hours. Despite this, the story remained intriguing and I loved how unique the concept for this remained, despite being littered with some of the well-known elements of the genre.
The ending is where I truly appreciated all of the ardent praise Burke has so rightly-received. The story cleverly concluded in a fashion that had me both grinning with glee at having been deceived that this was anything other than extraordinary, and sick with suspense and desiring to get my hands on the next instalment, immediately.
I've read a lot of reviews that praise this author's exemplary and clever use of well-known devices, within the horror genre and decided to trial his writing with one of his shorter publications.
This is a brutal coming-of-age story that combined many of my favourite elements - creepy kids, creepy locations, and creepy storms. It was a given that I was going to love this, as it combined so many of the elements I love in a horror story. However, I found much of this decidedlynot terrifying. Elements of this where chilling and atmospheric, but at no point did I get the need to throw my book across the page or leave my reading for the daylight hours. Despite this, the story remained intriguing and I loved how unique the concept for this remained, despite being littered with some of the well-known elements of the genre.
The ending is where I truly appreciated all of the ardent praise Burke has so rightly-received. The story cleverly concluded in a fashion that had me both grinning with glee at having been deceived that this was anything other than extraordinary, and sick with suspense and desiring to get my hands on the next instalment, immediately.
March 11, 2014
The Turtle Boy is a short novella that is currently free from Amazon. It is the first book in a five book series and is a coming of age story that won Kealan Patrick Burke the 2004 Bram Stoker Award.
The Turtle Boy is set in 1979 in Delaware, Ohio and tells the tale of a young 11 year old boy named Timmy Quinn. While on summer vacation, Timmy and his best friend Pete Marshall stumble upon a very strange looking young boy, a boy they had not seen before, sitting on the bank of a local play hangout, Myers Pond. The encounter ends abruptly when Timmy and Pete discover that the boy may not be all that he appears to be. From that moment on, the seemingly innocent story of childhood turns into a chilling adventure that, I have to admit, took hold of my imagination and whet my appetite for wanting more.
The Turtle Boy is about being a child, where the world is as big as one's imagination, and that wonder is infectious. It's believing in magic, but also being forced into an awareness of the sharp edges of the world, as, sooner or later, are we all exposed to.
Going any further with this review would be doing this book a disservice given the brevity of Burke’s intriguing narrative. It’s a well-paced novella and once Burke has set up his stage, he’s off, dragging the increasingly unnerved reader along at an entertaining gallop, delivering chills with style and a haunting resonance.
The Turtle Boy is an interesting story that plays out well, with twists and turns leading to a shocking showdown and ultimate climax.
3.5*/5
An interview with the author on his inspiration for The Turtle Boy can be found here: http://theoctobercountry.wordpress.co...
The Turtle Boy is set in 1979 in Delaware, Ohio and tells the tale of a young 11 year old boy named Timmy Quinn. While on summer vacation, Timmy and his best friend Pete Marshall stumble upon a very strange looking young boy, a boy they had not seen before, sitting on the bank of a local play hangout, Myers Pond. The encounter ends abruptly when Timmy and Pete discover that the boy may not be all that he appears to be. From that moment on, the seemingly innocent story of childhood turns into a chilling adventure that, I have to admit, took hold of my imagination and whet my appetite for wanting more.
The Turtle Boy is about being a child, where the world is as big as one's imagination, and that wonder is infectious. It's believing in magic, but also being forced into an awareness of the sharp edges of the world, as, sooner or later, are we all exposed to.
Going any further with this review would be doing this book a disservice given the brevity of Burke’s intriguing narrative. It’s a well-paced novella and once Burke has set up his stage, he’s off, dragging the increasingly unnerved reader along at an entertaining gallop, delivering chills with style and a haunting resonance.
The Turtle Boy is an interesting story that plays out well, with twists and turns leading to a shocking showdown and ultimate climax.
3.5*/5
An interview with the author on his inspiration for The Turtle Boy can be found here: http://theoctobercountry.wordpress.co...
January 17, 2020
3.5 Stars
This was a very emotional, heartfelt horror novella. I am quickly becoming a fan of this author’s short fiction.
This was a very emotional, heartfelt horror novella. I am quickly becoming a fan of this author’s short fiction.
January 24, 2012
Schools out and it's summer that means ample time for kids to wonder where they should not. In this story some kids wander through mysterious territory near woods and a lake, they befriend an even more mysterious boy who has the strangest features. The story is of fathers, sons and buddies. This story has a theme of redemption. Kealan can really write a dark tale well, this is the first of his I have read he leaves you with a creepy and mysterious presence.
"The Turtle Boy had said: You don’t know who did it. When you do, remember what you saw and let it change you."
Review also here on my webpage.
"The Turtle Boy had said: You don’t know who did it. When you do, remember what you saw and let it change you."
Review also here on my webpage.
September 25, 2017
#ReadingIsResistance to boring, average horror stories.
THE TURTLE BOY gets a review at last.
Kealan Patrick Burke write this 4-star Bram Stoker Award-winning novella close on 15 years ago. His writing...award winning then...has only gotten better, and his series character Timmy Quinn is ready for his TV transition, so who here knows someone at Chiller TV or AMC?
THE TURTLE BOY gets a review at last.
Kealan Patrick Burke write this 4-star Bram Stoker Award-winning novella close on 15 years ago. His writing...award winning then...has only gotten better, and his series character Timmy Quinn is ready for his TV transition, so who here knows someone at Chiller TV or AMC?
July 13, 2025
I don’t write reviews.
And I guess I feel the same way I felt when I read this over a decade ago. The story was the appropriate length and had a strong enough lead to carry the plot. Very Odd Thomas, but I think it is a stronger story. It’s short enough not to drag and get stuffed out with extra monologuing or other repetitive crap. (Koontz knew he was going to make a franchise so he included information that (on purpose) wasn’t followed-up on in the first volume, to make you want to continue reading. Failed). This tale seems juvenile and genuine, the work of an earnest writer. I don’t love the trope that all men are always one step away from beating children to death though.
And I guess I feel the same way I felt when I read this over a decade ago. The story was the appropriate length and had a strong enough lead to carry the plot. Very Odd Thomas, but I think it is a stronger story. It’s short enough not to drag and get stuffed out with extra monologuing or other repetitive crap. (Koontz knew he was going to make a franchise so he included information that (on purpose) wasn’t followed-up on in the first volume, to make you want to continue reading. Failed). This tale seems juvenile and genuine, the work of an earnest writer. I don’t love the trope that all men are always one step away from beating children to death though.
March 1, 2021
Really enjoyed this one, more than Sour Candy, and will continue reading the series. The writing is good, although once again some of his attempts at poetic language and analogy didn’t always totally land for me, but it wasn’t as distracting as it was in the last one of his I read. Other than that, the story is very creepy, entertaining, creative and difficult to put down. I’m not sure what I was expecting going into it, but it was definitely different, in a good way. Looking forward to the next one!
August 13, 2018
4.75
TW: Homophobia, Guns, Murder, Suicide, Child Abuse, Drunken-ness
This hooked me from the very start and is at times delightfully creepy. I found it captured the wonder of childhood beautifully, with 11 year old Timmy being the main character. I absolutely loved the characters, especially Timmy's parents!
Timmy has a friend named Pete and Pete's father is a bully, something Timmy's parents call out. At times this short story even made me cry (and ultimately it ended up being heart-wrenching).
I found the writing beautiful and atmospheric.
Despite being short I found it touched on several things. The wonder of childhood, an adult being a bully, child abuse, how people think they are entitled to a traumatized child's story that ends up everywhere in the news, even to the point of when they don't get what the want making shit up. Sadly that happens in real life all too often. People don't stop and think of how anyone else feels, they are just desperate for that story!
TW: Fire-personal rant
It reminds me of after my house fire, I went to the hospital (even though I got lucky thanks to my neighbor saving me with a ladder, I had inhaled a bunch of smoke) and some news people ended up coming to the hospital begging for me to tell them what happened. I had a damn breathing mask on my face, had just lost EVERYTHING, my house and everything I owned and some pets, and almost my life, and you want cameras in my face at that moment so you can get your damn story?! FUCK YOU. Ahem....(also the hospital turned them away, thankfully) So yeah, I know people are like that all too well. Their story comes before anyone's trauma...*mumble-rages about people lacking all empathy*
back to the story
I didn't see the twist ending coming and it really fucked me up (in a good way). It's powerful when I thought about it. I can't stop thinking about the entire story.
I loved the writing, the atmosphere, the steady pace and plot, the characters and the messages. Ultimately I found this book a lot more than a short horror story. It was thought-provoking and heart-breaking. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to read more!
Blog | Youtube | Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram
TW: Homophobia, Guns, Murder, Suicide, Child Abuse, Drunken-ness
This hooked me from the very start and is at times delightfully creepy. I found it captured the wonder of childhood beautifully, with 11 year old Timmy being the main character. I absolutely loved the characters, especially Timmy's parents!
Timmy has a friend named Pete and Pete's father is a bully, something Timmy's parents call out. At times this short story even made me cry (and ultimately it ended up being heart-wrenching).
I found the writing beautiful and atmospheric.
Despite being short I found it touched on several things. The wonder of childhood, an adult being a bully, child abuse, how people think they are entitled to a traumatized child's story that ends up everywhere in the news, even to the point of when they don't get what the want making shit up. Sadly that happens in real life all too often. People don't stop and think of how anyone else feels, they are just desperate for that story!
TW: Fire-personal rant
It reminds me of after my house fire, I went to the hospital (even though I got lucky thanks to my neighbor saving me with a ladder, I had inhaled a bunch of smoke) and some news people ended up coming to the hospital begging for me to tell them what happened. I had a damn breathing mask on my face, had just lost EVERYTHING, my house and everything I owned and some pets, and almost my life, and you want cameras in my face at that moment so you can get your damn story?! FUCK YOU. Ahem....(also the hospital turned them away, thankfully) So yeah, I know people are like that all too well. Their story comes before anyone's trauma...*mumble-rages about people lacking all empathy*
back to the story
I didn't see the twist ending coming and it really fucked me up (in a good way). It's powerful when I thought about it. I can't stop thinking about the entire story.
I loved the writing, the atmosphere, the steady pace and plot, the characters and the messages. Ultimately I found this book a lot more than a short horror story. It was thought-provoking and heart-breaking. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to read more!
Blog | Youtube | Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram
August 26, 2014
This novella and I did not get on well. I had enormous trouble with the author's writing style. What seemed to be an attempt at the poetic and evocative just came across as awkward, stilted, clunky, and just plain odd. It was riddled with lines such as these:
"To their left, blank-faced white houses stood facing each other, their windows glaring eyes issuing silent challenges they would never have the animation to pursue. To the right, hedges reared high, the tangles of weeds and switch grass occasionally gathering at the base of gnarled trees upon whose palsied arms leaves hung as an apparent afterthought."
Sometimes it was verging on the comically ridiculous:
"He sat so close to the water they could almost hear gravity groaning from the strain of keeping him from falling in."
No, what was groaning was me after reading that line. Since when does gravity prevent you from falling into something? Perhaps the author was trying to say that gravity was straining from the unsuccessful attempt of pulling the child into the water. Whatever he meant to convey, it simply didn't work.
As to the story itself, it was not executed well: the story lacked cohesion, some of what occurs does not make sense, the characters were flat, there were a few contradictions, and the dialogue did not feel natural.
Overall, I thought this novella failed on every level. It was poorly done and poorly written.
Final Rating: 1.5 stars
"To their left, blank-faced white houses stood facing each other, their windows glaring eyes issuing silent challenges they would never have the animation to pursue. To the right, hedges reared high, the tangles of weeds and switch grass occasionally gathering at the base of gnarled trees upon whose palsied arms leaves hung as an apparent afterthought."
Sometimes it was verging on the comically ridiculous:
"He sat so close to the water they could almost hear gravity groaning from the strain of keeping him from falling in."
No, what was groaning was me after reading that line. Since when does gravity prevent you from falling into something? Perhaps the author was trying to say that gravity was straining from the unsuccessful attempt of pulling the child into the water. Whatever he meant to convey, it simply didn't work.
As to the story itself, it was not executed well: the story lacked cohesion, some of what occurs does not make sense, the characters were flat, there were a few contradictions, and the dialogue did not feel natural.
Overall, I thought this novella failed on every level. It was poorly done and poorly written.
Final Rating: 1.5 stars
February 14, 2017
3.5
As the first story in this series, it has everything it should to catch readers' attention: good story that flawlessly moves towards its peak, characters that act as people or children you might know, and something I pretty much hate with a passion - a cliffhanger. It even has likeable characters (some of them at least) even though that is just my personal preference.
Timmy Quinn is an eleven year old with an eleven year old's problems like where to play during the summer with his best friend Pete, where not to go because the parents forbid it or the hilarious panic when a girl takes his hand. That's until they meet a disturbing boy sitting where they usually play.
I don't think there is a secret in the story. The boy's parting words to Timmy pretty much reveal the truth, but how he gets there will be interesting to read. Besides, I think I might be in love with this man's writing.
As the first story in this series, it has everything it should to catch readers' attention: good story that flawlessly moves towards its peak, characters that act as people or children you might know, and something I pretty much hate with a passion - a cliffhanger. It even has likeable characters (some of them at least) even though that is just my personal preference.
Timmy Quinn is an eleven year old with an eleven year old's problems like where to play during the summer with his best friend Pete, where not to go because the parents forbid it or the hilarious panic when a girl takes his hand. That's until they meet a disturbing boy sitting where they usually play.
I don't think there is a secret in the story. The boy's parting words to Timmy pretty much reveal the truth, but how he gets there will be interesting to read. Besides, I think I might be in love with this man's writing.
February 14, 2018
The first in a series of novellas, The Turtle Boy introduces readers to Timmy Quinn as he is introduced to his ability to see the restless dead in need of retribution. A lazy summer morning turns sinister when pint-sized Timmy stumbles across the titular ghost fishing for snapping turtles with his severed stump. Soon Timmy is in over his head as foul crimes from the past emerge, profoundly changing the way Timmy views the adults closest around him. While it won a Bram Stoker Award in 2004, this fast-paced novella does not feature as polished a prose style as Burke will go on to show in Sour Candy and Blanky; but The Turtle Boy is still a likable story even if it feels familiar to the savvy horror reader.
December 10, 2021
A perfect, short COA story
This novella was a perfect read for people who don't like horror, but still want a little bit of a scare. It almost reminds me of the old nickelodeon show "Are you afraid of the dark" in it sense of pace and characterisation. I'm happy to see the story of Timmy, the main character, isn't over and I look forward to reading more.
This novella was a perfect read for people who don't like horror, but still want a little bit of a scare. It almost reminds me of the old nickelodeon show "Are you afraid of the dark" in it sense of pace and characterisation. I'm happy to see the story of Timmy, the main character, isn't over and I look forward to reading more.
June 21, 2024
What’s summer without some dread, decay and crushing sadness? This is the first in a series but it stands pretty well on its own.
September 19, 2020
Turtle Boy
By: Kealan Patrick Burke
Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor
Its a good paranormal mystery but it does have have child abuse mentioned. It is a fairly short book but has a lot packed into it. Suspense, good mystery, ghosts, and murder. Good narration!
By: Kealan Patrick Burke
Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor
Its a good paranormal mystery but it does have have child abuse mentioned. It is a fairly short book but has a lot packed into it. Suspense, good mystery, ghosts, and murder. Good narration!
November 15, 2022
Story 4/5
Narration 5/5
Narration 5/5
February 10, 2017
"Don't go wasting any more time and energy on ghosts and goblins. Nothing in the dark you can't see in the daylight. Remember that."
3.5, nearly 4 stars. The more I read by Burke, the more I like him.
For a short story / novella of under 100 pages, The Turtle Boy does a great job of developing suspense. It squished a whoooole lotta creepy into a very few pages. Plus character development, plot, and good dialogue? And I dreaming? *pinches self*
I will say nothing of the plot, other than to say that this is why when friends / family wanted me to go swimming in ponds and creeks growing up, I skedaddled. I don't do murky water. Never have, never will.
I was a little miffed when it just freaking ended!? It technically was wrapped up. Don't be afraid to pick this up due to that. The conclusion is solid enough that I feel like this can stand on its own, and it isn't dependent on the next book in a serial to prop it up. That, I wouldn't like.
I just wanted more damn it!!
It's currently ZERO DOLLARS on Amazon, so 1-click this bitch! Do it. Drink the kool-aid!
3.5, nearly 4 stars. The more I read by Burke, the more I like him.
For a short story / novella of under 100 pages, The Turtle Boy does a great job of developing suspense. It squished a whoooole lotta creepy into a very few pages. Plus character development, plot, and good dialogue? And I dreaming? *pinches self*
I will say nothing of the plot, other than to say that this is why when friends / family wanted me to go swimming in ponds and creeks growing up, I skedaddled. I don't do murky water. Never have, never will.
I was a little miffed when it just freaking ended!? It technically was wrapped up. Don't be afraid to pick this up due to that. The conclusion is solid enough that I feel like this can stand on its own, and it isn't dependent on the next book in a serial to prop it up. That, I wouldn't like.
I just wanted more damn it!!
It's currently ZERO DOLLARS on Amazon, so 1-click this bitch! Do it. Drink the kool-aid!
January 28, 2015
The beauty of this tale is in its telling. Burke uses language that, although unbefitting of an eleven year-old boy, is all class, skill and art. He uses t to convey a well-paced story with a rather predictable and standard plot that, despite this fact, is never boring and ends satisfyingly
I am not really sure how one particular character ties into the narrative and will be interested to see how she fits in to future installments (future for me, existing for everyone else).
If I haven't said it enough, this guy's made me a fan. So it goes without saying that I'll be reading more from him.
I am not really sure how one particular character ties into the narrative and will be interested to see how she fits in to future installments (future for me, existing for everyone else).
If I haven't said it enough, this guy's made me a fan. So it goes without saying that I'll be reading more from him.
March 12, 2014
The lazy days of summer have just begun and young Timmy and Petey are determined not to let the day go to waste. In lieu of anything better to do, they decide to check out a nearby pond reputed to be teeming with gigantic terrapins. Sitting at the edge of the pond is an odd looking boy dangling his pasty white foot in the water, claiming to be feeding the turtles. He has a disturbing smile that is crooked and just . . . wrong.
Author Kealan Patrick Burke has a definite way with words. I could almost hear the frogs croaking and the toads belching. A promising start to a series, but perfectly fine as a standalone story if you aren't someone who has to have tidy endings.
Author Kealan Patrick Burke has a definite way with words. I could almost hear the frogs croaking and the toads belching. A promising start to a series, but perfectly fine as a standalone story if you aren't someone who has to have tidy endings.
May 8, 2017
3 STARS
This story was the winner of The Bram Stoker Award.
It was well written and enjoyable for the most part, but the ending left me with a feeling of: “And…?”
Think I might be a bit harsh because I expected too much.
This story was the winner of The Bram Stoker Award.
It was well written and enjoyable for the most part, but the ending left me with a feeling of: “And…?”
Think I might be a bit harsh because I expected too much.
August 22, 2020
Excited to see where this goes!
Re-read 8/20 for a refresher (plus I received the new paperback edition). I most definitely enjoyed it even more the second time.
Full review to come soon!
Re-read 8/20 for a refresher (plus I received the new paperback edition). I most definitely enjoyed it even more the second time.
Full review to come soon!
December 23, 2022
Full disclosure here for this one – I’m reading the collected omnibus called ‘Stage Whispers’ which has all of the Timmy Quinn stories packaged together. I decided to do a review of each of the novellas within, as well, I’ll do an overall review of ‘Stage Whispers’ based on how it works collected together.
I knew I had this collection, but for some reason it completely stumped me about what it was called to start it. So, on a recent Tik Tok video Kealan had posted, I asked him what it was called, he kindly replied and I dove in later that day! I’ve read a BUNCH of Kealan’s work, and I always know I’m in for a few things each and every time – the first is an emotional journey. The second is a darkness that doesn’t necessarily define itself immediately. And the third is phenomenal prose by a master of the written word.
You’ll find all three aspects entrenched in ‘The Turtle Boy.’
What I liked: The story (which won the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in Long Fiction when it was released) follows young Timmy, who is trying to make the most of his free time with his friends. When him and another friend go out to the local pond, one having a lore passed from older kids to younger kids, they spot something and a chain of events begins.
When it comes to coming-of-age novellas, this one is pristine and filled with that magical sense of youth pushing the imagination in several directions. Did they actually see what they saw? Was the boy they met a real boy or something more malevolent?
Ultimately, Kealan forces the reader into a corner where we have to decide what we believe, which he then follows up with a really dark, bleak ending that fits the story – and – in the context of ‘Stage Whispers,’ sets up for further discovery in the sequel.
What I didn’t like: Now, this may be premature, because this was novella one, but I personally wished we would’ve learned a little bit more about the lore. Kealan does give us a ton of information and revelation with the ending, but there was still this aspect that I wanted to know more about.
Why you should buy this: If you’ve not read anything from Kealan before, this is a fantastic place to begin. A quick, emotional story that introduces us to both a great character but also a very intriguing ‘folklore’ tale that will lead you down a rabbit hole. As an individual novella, I highly recommend it – and as an opening chapter in this omnibus – a very interesting starting point.
I knew I had this collection, but for some reason it completely stumped me about what it was called to start it. So, on a recent Tik Tok video Kealan had posted, I asked him what it was called, he kindly replied and I dove in later that day! I’ve read a BUNCH of Kealan’s work, and I always know I’m in for a few things each and every time – the first is an emotional journey. The second is a darkness that doesn’t necessarily define itself immediately. And the third is phenomenal prose by a master of the written word.
You’ll find all three aspects entrenched in ‘The Turtle Boy.’
What I liked: The story (which won the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in Long Fiction when it was released) follows young Timmy, who is trying to make the most of his free time with his friends. When him and another friend go out to the local pond, one having a lore passed from older kids to younger kids, they spot something and a chain of events begins.
When it comes to coming-of-age novellas, this one is pristine and filled with that magical sense of youth pushing the imagination in several directions. Did they actually see what they saw? Was the boy they met a real boy or something more malevolent?
Ultimately, Kealan forces the reader into a corner where we have to decide what we believe, which he then follows up with a really dark, bleak ending that fits the story – and – in the context of ‘Stage Whispers,’ sets up for further discovery in the sequel.
What I didn’t like: Now, this may be premature, because this was novella one, but I personally wished we would’ve learned a little bit more about the lore. Kealan does give us a ton of information and revelation with the ending, but there was still this aspect that I wanted to know more about.
Why you should buy this: If you’ve not read anything from Kealan before, this is a fantastic place to begin. A quick, emotional story that introduces us to both a great character but also a very intriguing ‘folklore’ tale that will lead you down a rabbit hole. As an individual novella, I highly recommend it – and as an opening chapter in this omnibus – a very interesting starting point.
January 22, 2012
This was a fantastic read and definitely lived up to the hype I've seen here on GR. Burke writes very well, reminiscent of John Connolly, another Irish author and one of my favorites. The theme of revenge from beyond may be old but Burke breathes new life into it and makes you want to complete the story. It does end abruptly but it is only the first in a series of novellas (and an unreleased long novel) dealing with Timmy, so the ending is understandable. Creepy with elements of mystery to satisfy fans of multiple genres. I finished it in one day and have already begun reading the second story and plan on finishing the entire series. Highly recommended.
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