Kevin and Natalie Hale's move to Emmettville seemed the perfect chance for a fresh start. New jobs, new opportunities and the chance to dust the troubles of the past from their boots. An idyllic small town greeted them, but setback after setback, followed by a terrible accident, throws their lives into a catastrophic tailspin, and acts as a force multiplier on Kevin's alcoholism. Natalie Hale finds herself wondering how and if, she will survive Emmettville. Warning: Contains strong language, violence and adult situations. Recommended for seasoned horror readers.
WOW! I certainly did not see that coming! Rusty Henrichsen drags the terrors of small town life from the shadows in this disturbing account of alcoholism, infidelity, and the descent into madness. This is definitely not a book for younger readers nor for the faint of heart. However, if you like plausibility and stories that hit home, this is the book for you! Can't wait for the next one!
I entered to win a copy of this book as a "first-reader" and when I read the description I was expecting sort of an Amityville Horror type deal... even the title sounded similar! However, I was in for a treat!
I wont re-hash the details of the book because I strongly encourage you to read it yourself, but I really liked how Rusty Henrichsen describes the characters in the story in such detail that you feel like you know them and can relate to them with each passing chapter. The story plot was creepy and at times uncomfortable but the reason for this is that it's so believable!! Horror/Thriller novels don't always have to be about the paranormal or written about a fantasy realm to make them scary... sometimes the happenings of everyday dysfunctional small-town life can be just as horrific!
WARNING: I wouldnt recommend this book for minors based on some of the scenes described and language used, but otherwise I would most definitely recommend it to someone looking for a quick and easy shockingly believable horrific tale of marriage, deceit and vengeance!
Kevin and Natalie decide to move to Emmettville, Idaho, after Kevin is offered a new job. The job falls through, but they decide to stay and take a chance. Things go from bad to worse and Kevin begins to escape with alcohol. What seems innocent at first, begins to quickly spin out of control. Events in their lives start to spiral down fast. He thinks he has hit bottom, but has no idea how much he has to lose.
The author gives a very accurate and intimate perspective on addiction. He gives a personal glimpse into the lives of very well thought out characters. Having grown up with an alcoholic father, I found this story fascinating. Although, it is a work of fiction, it was personally eye opening.
It takes us on a ride of secrets and destruction. I could not wait to see what was happening next in the twisted lives of seemingly normal people. It kept me guessing. I had to keep reading, until I finished. I enjoyed the writing and look forward to more.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. It was a good, fast read and I have already recommended it to a few people. I enjoyed the unique writing style and dialogue - a flip flop between thought, speech, and action in the same paragraph, which can be difficult.
The only issue I had with the book (aside from the author leaving reviews for himself) is the compression of time. Events which would take months in the real world happened in a matter of days. I understand that fiction is not meant to be reality, but it's hard to be swept up in the moment if it is so unrealistic and over the top. There were a few instances where I needed to go back to reread to make sure I hadn't missed a "2 months later" notation.
All in all a great read - so pleased I had the chance!
Wasn't what I was expecting. I thought it would be more of a horror story in terms of ghosts and ghouls, but it's more of a horror story in terms of a woman caught between a monstrous husband and the sexual predator of a monster she thought saved her from her husband only to realize her fate was to be the same by either hand. The book had many grammatical errors, and lacked something in the story; it seemed to just drag on and on about the husband's alcohol issues, then all of a sudden, the husband undergoes a dramatic personality change and the book speeds to its conclusion after he abruptly decides to kill his wife. Perhaps this just isn't my sort of horror story.
Wow this book is written very well. If you start this book you will not expect that this book will end the way it ends. i will not tell you how it starts and how it ends but I can tell you that I really liked it, and wanted to read further and further.
If you wanted to read a exiting book this is your book.
A short story (under 300 pages) about life, love, infidelity, and stupidity in small town USA. Some funny moments here and there, but most of all this book made me think of too many people I've known in real life unfortunately. Another reason I can't give this book a higher rating is simply because of the amount of times the Lords name is taken in vain. Too many to want to remember. It's a personal thing and simply something I can't stand. So an OK story full of sad people who abuse one another in small town USA. If that's your thing you may enjoy this read.
This book is a fast-paced and intense story about a couple's life in a small town and facing the hardships of alcoholism. The book is riddled with typos but this didn't detract much from the story