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String Them Up
Beware the Puppet Master!
When Barker Davis wanders into Hollow Hills one day, blood-soaked from head to toe, the town immediately blames the deranged toymaker living in the woods nearby. But arresting the toymaker leads to more questions than answers.
The bloodbath has just begun.
It’s up to Sinclair Redman to pull the right strings, to unravel the mystery of what’s really behind the carnage before the bodies pile much higher.
Fans of Anabelle and Chucky will revel in this fast-paced small town horror novel. Perfect for fans of Grady Hendrix, Josh Malerman, Jonathan Janz, and Todd Keisling’s Devil’s Creek.
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.
When Barker Davis wanders into Hollow Hills one day, blood-soaked from head to toe, the town immediately blames the deranged toymaker living in the woods nearby. But arresting the toymaker leads to more questions than answers.
The bloodbath has just begun.
It’s up to Sinclair Redman to pull the right strings, to unravel the mystery of what’s really behind the carnage before the bodies pile much higher.
Fans of Anabelle and Chucky will revel in this fast-paced small town horror novel. Perfect for fans of Grady Hendrix, Josh Malerman, Jonathan Janz, and Todd Keisling’s Devil’s Creek.
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.
- GenresHorrorParanormal
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2023
12 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
William Sterling
26 books32 followersWilliam Sterling is an independent novelist who hails from the darkest depths of Georgia.
He is especially into horror, fantasy, science fiction, and anywhere that he can find them overlapping.
Follow along and get updates on Instagram by following @Spooky_Sterling, or @spooky.sterling on Bluesky
He is especially into horror, fantasy, science fiction, and anywhere that he can find them overlapping.
Follow along and get updates on Instagram by following @Spooky_Sterling, or @spooky.sterling on Bluesky
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 26, 2025
This was a solid horror feature. Williams Sterling brings us into the little, unsuspecting town of Hollow Hills. Our lead, Sinclair, just moved there to escape a tragic event that changed his life. But what he found was far from his ideal scenario of just palling around with his best friend and local sheriff, Johnny. There are a ton of scary moments here and the author does a great job of using various creature avenues to elicit fear from the reader. When I say creature, I am referring to the mix of real world and unnatural types. The plot creates some fantastic lore and keeps its main character at the forefront throughout, heavily attaching you to his journey. And, while it uses a fairly common premise, the actual execution is quite unique. My main critiques focus around the development of certain aspects of the story (Not spoiling anything), i.e. Sinclair's feelings after certain other characters die, the actual event that took his family from him, and even some of the scarier plot points. On the latter point, it just became very unclear how Sinclair was having certain visions, how they related to everything with the antagonist, Rochester, and everything else going on in this troubled town. Nothing was written badly, but it all just left me a bit uncertain of how to link it all together. But, otherwise, this was a really well-done horror experience that should satisfy most fans of the genre...and peacocks. The finale with the peacocks was worth the price of admission alone.
September 15, 2023
4.5 stars, rounded up.
STRING THEM UP, by William Sterling, introduces us to a policeman--Sinclair Redford--who is moving to the small town of Hollow Hills to "start over". The tragic death of his wife and child left him empty, and he's hoping to get a new perspective when a friend--the current Sheriff of the town--offers him a job.
"Depression wasn't contagious, but it sure drove people away as if it was..."
It is immediately apparent that things are not quite as idyllic in Hollow Hills as the town would appear. You just don't want to ask any questions... Then there's the town's former toy maker, who now lives in a house in the woods, with dolls and puppets strung up from trees surrounding his home.
When a child comes from there, covered in blood, it's reason enough for the town to insist on the reclusive man being arrested.
Sinclair knows enough to see that the scenario is a bit too convenient for some...
I jumped into this book, and it didn't waste any time getting to the action. Sinclair showed all the emotions you'd expect from a grieving man, yet his police instincts remained intact enough for him to suspect hidden issues in this "perfect" town. The other characters, for the most part, felt a little generic to me as far as their roles went, but that honestly didn't detract much from the story. Once we "meet" the toymaker, things immediately change perspective, and more sinister, impossible things come to the forefront.
The writing was well done, the plot progressed forward at a perfect pace, and the mystery/action kept my attention the entire time. This was the first book I've read by the author, but I will certainly be looking forward to more from him.
Recommended!
STRING THEM UP, by William Sterling, introduces us to a policeman--Sinclair Redford--who is moving to the small town of Hollow Hills to "start over". The tragic death of his wife and child left him empty, and he's hoping to get a new perspective when a friend--the current Sheriff of the town--offers him a job.
"Depression wasn't contagious, but it sure drove people away as if it was..."
It is immediately apparent that things are not quite as idyllic in Hollow Hills as the town would appear. You just don't want to ask any questions... Then there's the town's former toy maker, who now lives in a house in the woods, with dolls and puppets strung up from trees surrounding his home.
When a child comes from there, covered in blood, it's reason enough for the town to insist on the reclusive man being arrested.
Sinclair knows enough to see that the scenario is a bit too convenient for some...
I jumped into this book, and it didn't waste any time getting to the action. Sinclair showed all the emotions you'd expect from a grieving man, yet his police instincts remained intact enough for him to suspect hidden issues in this "perfect" town. The other characters, for the most part, felt a little generic to me as far as their roles went, but that honestly didn't detract much from the story. Once we "meet" the toymaker, things immediately change perspective, and more sinister, impossible things come to the forefront.
The writing was well done, the plot progressed forward at a perfect pace, and the mystery/action kept my attention the entire time. This was the first book I've read by the author, but I will certainly be looking forward to more from him.
Recommended!
November 30, 2023
My first read from the author, and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
'String Them Up' is fast-paced and beautifully constructed. Fans of small-town horror and creepy dolls/mannequins are in for a great time here!
A perfect read for Halloween!
'String Them Up' is fast-paced and beautifully constructed. Fans of small-town horror and creepy dolls/mannequins are in for a great time here!
A perfect read for Halloween!
October 28, 2023
Don't you just love when you stumble upon a gem of a book?! I wanted something to read on my phone yesterday and found this buried among other titles. So I started it.
And finished it.
String Them Up by William Sterling is an absolute blast!! Dolls, mannequins, peacocks, meth labs... You name it, it's probably in this weirdly wonderful tale of grief and redemption.
So many visceral, gory deaths. So many quietly disturbing scenes. So. Many. Dolls. 😳
Crystal Lake Publishing are putting out some real gems. I also recently finished a collection they curated, Dead Letters: Episodes of Epistolary Horror. Highly recommend it too. A couple of so-so offerings, but mostly bangers!
Anyway, the point of this post. Go read String Them Up. It's so much fun. It's fast-paced and it's fairly short.
So. Many. Dolls.
And finished it.
String Them Up by William Sterling is an absolute blast!! Dolls, mannequins, peacocks, meth labs... You name it, it's probably in this weirdly wonderful tale of grief and redemption.
So many visceral, gory deaths. So many quietly disturbing scenes. So. Many. Dolls. 😳
Crystal Lake Publishing are putting out some real gems. I also recently finished a collection they curated, Dead Letters: Episodes of Epistolary Horror. Highly recommend it too. A couple of so-so offerings, but mostly bangers!
Anyway, the point of this post. Go read String Them Up. It's so much fun. It's fast-paced and it's fairly short.
So. Many. Dolls.
September 10, 2023
Dolls, puppets, mannequins, and even ventriloquist dummies are nightmare fuel. At least for me. So, of course, this book was definitely right up my alley.
This novel really crawls under your skin as the story progresses before going into full on killer doll massacre territory.
It's a fantastic story about a man who moves to a small town to try and escape the ghosts of his dead wife and son. He takes a job as a deputy under the wing of an old friend from years back.
But, starting from day one, he realizes that this town is... different. Shady characters, a wild family with a peacock farm, and a man who used to own a toy store in town are just some of the characters we'll meet.
It's at the Rochester house, an old secluded home set away in the woods, that the truly horrifying things begin to take shape. The man who owned the toy store lives there with literally hundreds upon hundreds of dolls, mannequins, and puppets. And, yes, it's every bit as creepy as it sounds!
When gruesome strange murders begin to take place and with this town full of secrets it doesn't want to reveal, our protagonist is going to learn that a small town life isn't all its supposed to be and could just be the death of him.
With a great supernatural twist, killer dolls, and an action packed ending that gets the andrenilne pumping, this is a book I completely loved and recommend!
I received an ARC of this book with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
This novel really crawls under your skin as the story progresses before going into full on killer doll massacre territory.
It's a fantastic story about a man who moves to a small town to try and escape the ghosts of his dead wife and son. He takes a job as a deputy under the wing of an old friend from years back.
But, starting from day one, he realizes that this town is... different. Shady characters, a wild family with a peacock farm, and a man who used to own a toy store in town are just some of the characters we'll meet.
It's at the Rochester house, an old secluded home set away in the woods, that the truly horrifying things begin to take shape. The man who owned the toy store lives there with literally hundreds upon hundreds of dolls, mannequins, and puppets. And, yes, it's every bit as creepy as it sounds!
When gruesome strange murders begin to take place and with this town full of secrets it doesn't want to reveal, our protagonist is going to learn that a small town life isn't all its supposed to be and could just be the death of him.
With a great supernatural twist, killer dolls, and an action packed ending that gets the andrenilne pumping, this is a book I completely loved and recommend!
I received an ARC of this book with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
September 24, 2023
Great story
This was a really fun horror mystery with a little gore and a whole lot of creepy puppets and dolls. The main character was really well written and you really feel for him and what he has went through and the grief he feels. I liked the pace of the story and the ending wrapped up nicely.
This was a really fun horror mystery with a little gore and a whole lot of creepy puppets and dolls. The main character was really well written and you really feel for him and what he has went through and the grief he feels. I liked the pace of the story and the ending wrapped up nicely.
February 1, 2024
“Heaven and hell had been inverted, the devil and his minions breaking through the blanket of lava which stretched across the sky, raining down to scorch the earth. As below, so it was above.”
A city detective moves to a small town in Georgia hoping to outrun his traumatic past. He’s not expecting Hollow Hills to be brimming with secrets however. Soon the streets will be running with blood as the secrets spill over.
I really liked the eerie plot and was biting my nails with some of the scenes (when Johnny and Sin were in the creepy house especially), there are A LOT of creepy dolls within these pages. There were also a number of interesting characters; Sinclair was my favourite, and I really sympathized with him and also hoped he could step up to help the good people in town.
The author kept Sinclair and Johnny realistic and I had to laugh at some of their genuine responses to the craziness that was happening. Oh and also this great inner monologue had me rolling:
“He could still help this town. He understood their unique brand of hurt. And he could help them rise back from it, stronger, better. Like a fucking peacock phoenix.”
If you enjoy police mystery thrillers, supernatural fiction, and horror stories (with peacocks in them), then this book needs to be on your TBR list.
A city detective moves to a small town in Georgia hoping to outrun his traumatic past. He’s not expecting Hollow Hills to be brimming with secrets however. Soon the streets will be running with blood as the secrets spill over.
I really liked the eerie plot and was biting my nails with some of the scenes (when Johnny and Sin were in the creepy house especially), there are A LOT of creepy dolls within these pages. There were also a number of interesting characters; Sinclair was my favourite, and I really sympathized with him and also hoped he could step up to help the good people in town.
The author kept Sinclair and Johnny realistic and I had to laugh at some of their genuine responses to the craziness that was happening. Oh and also this great inner monologue had me rolling:
“He could still help this town. He understood their unique brand of hurt. And he could help them rise back from it, stronger, better. Like a fucking peacock phoenix.”
If you enjoy police mystery thrillers, supernatural fiction, and horror stories (with peacocks in them), then this book needs to be on your TBR list.
October 20, 2023
I was lucky enough to read the ARC for String Them Up for Crystal Lake Publishing. It is a thrilling book that should be read by everyone seeking a perfect holiday read, Halloween that is!
September 25, 2023
Just when I thought I might know where this was going, another twist was thrown in. I love how this author always manages to keep me on my toes. In this book, we get the William Sterling signatures of quick witted characters, dialogue that gaslights the characters into gaslighting YOU that everything is fine, and creative, gruesome, grit-your-teeth kills.
It starts with a troubled main character who is just trying to survive despite everything the world is throwing at him, and quickly spirals into hell freezing over in a small town. The build of the main character from the beginning drew me in; not only to care about him and his journey, but root for him despite all the times I wanted to yell through the book at him for making questionable choices. This story had so many pieces to the puzzle I don't understand how it was managed to be packed into a 200 page book. It has the quaint town setting, a character fighting his own demons, every creepy doll-like thing you can imagine, a haunted house (?), political corruption, peacocks, and about a million other things I won't spoil for you.
I will happily read anything this author writes because it is always so imaginative and is fun (read: horrifying) to be on the ride he creates.
This book certainly did its job considering I had a nightmare after finishing it which involved being blockaded inside my home by puppets - Happy reading!!!
It starts with a troubled main character who is just trying to survive despite everything the world is throwing at him, and quickly spirals into hell freezing over in a small town. The build of the main character from the beginning drew me in; not only to care about him and his journey, but root for him despite all the times I wanted to yell through the book at him for making questionable choices. This story had so many pieces to the puzzle I don't understand how it was managed to be packed into a 200 page book. It has the quaint town setting, a character fighting his own demons, every creepy doll-like thing you can imagine, a haunted house (?), political corruption, peacocks, and about a million other things I won't spoil for you.
I will happily read anything this author writes because it is always so imaginative and is fun (read: horrifying) to be on the ride he creates.
This book certainly did its job considering I had a nightmare after finishing it which involved being blockaded inside my home by puppets - Happy reading!!!
February 19, 2024
3.5 rounded up to a 4.
An enjoyable, gore soaked story, that may have one of your phobias on high alert.
Well written, short chapters, good characters. If there was a slight on the tale, it would be decision making by the characters, and the story was a bit predictable. Still very enjoyable though.
An enjoyable, gore soaked story, that may have one of your phobias on high alert.
Well written, short chapters, good characters. If there was a slight on the tale, it would be decision making by the characters, and the story was a bit predictable. Still very enjoyable though.
February 22, 2024
Sinclair lost everything in Charlotte: his wife, his son, his job...everything. In an effort to put the trauma behind him, he moves to Hollow Hills to work in the sheriff's department with his former partner. But this small town is hiding a big secret, and Sinclair just might be in over his head when the dolls start coming alive.
String Them Up is one of the most solid horror books I've read. I've found mannequins to be deeply unsettling since the Autons (iykyk), and William did a fantastic job of bringing all that creep factor back to me. The addition of the peacocks brought something fresh to the story, and also added a layer of mild childhood trauma as a peacock terrified the life out of me at the zoo when I was a kid. Their role in this story was really unique and a fun way to introduce some levity and surprise to heavy parts of the book.
Sinclair's backstory was a little vague for me, and I'm still not 100% sure about the events of his past, but I really liked him as a character. His growth from a traumatized man running from his past to a man facing it head-on and doing what needed to be done was very well written. While I wasn't sure of him at the start, I was very much so in his corner by the end. And what a bittersweet ending, it was!
Crystal Lake Publishing is fast becoming an instant buy for me! I have yet to find a bad book that they've published. String Them Up is a great addition to an already impressive catalogue!
String Them Up is one of the most solid horror books I've read. I've found mannequins to be deeply unsettling since the Autons (iykyk), and William did a fantastic job of bringing all that creep factor back to me. The addition of the peacocks brought something fresh to the story, and also added a layer of mild childhood trauma as a peacock terrified the life out of me at the zoo when I was a kid. Their role in this story was really unique and a fun way to introduce some levity and surprise to heavy parts of the book.
Sinclair's backstory was a little vague for me, and I'm still not 100% sure about the events of his past, but I really liked him as a character. His growth from a traumatized man running from his past to a man facing it head-on and doing what needed to be done was very well written. While I wasn't sure of him at the start, I was very much so in his corner by the end. And what a bittersweet ending, it was!
Crystal Lake Publishing is fast becoming an instant buy for me! I have yet to find a bad book that they've published. String Them Up is a great addition to an already impressive catalogue!
November 7, 2023
Creepy dolls are one of my least favorite horror tropes but this book was fantastic. It helped that the dolls don’t really appear until the third act. What we get is a slow burn mystery filled with black magic dread building up to an explosive conclusion. As with all great books, the characters are what make this story resonate. I loved Sinclair and his journey kept me tearing through the pages to find out what would happen to him. Sterling does a stellar job at getting us inside Sinclair’s head so we really understand him and his anguish, as well as providing witty asides that we can all relate to. The themes all TIE TOGETHER (do I get bonus points for this pun?) nicely in a neat little bow and there are lines of poignant prose from this book that have profound things to say about the human condition and that’ll stick with me. This is Sterling at his best.
December 18, 2023
3.75* rounded up because it definitely deserves it. It's a fun & good story with a lil bit of good gore but not over-the-top IMO. Decent writing that was a bit odd at times (again IMO) but it didn't detract from the story for me, which is what matters more, especially for this book.
Overall, I really liked it. Highly recommend
PS: probably shouldn't have read this RIGHT before going to bed. Oh well
Overall, I really liked it. Highly recommend
PS: probably shouldn't have read this RIGHT before going to bed. Oh well
November 23, 2023
This was so good. A perfect length, concise, well plotted. Scary as crap for a while. I had to stop reading it at night because I was afraid I would have nightmares. That's exactly what I want in a horror novel. I would definitely read something else from this author.
Thank you to the publisher for this arc.
Thank you to the publisher for this arc.
January 10, 2024
Entertaining, quick read
A fun horror with some spooky moments, some cool birds, and a nice commentary on grief.
Not enough puppets or demon dolls for my liking.
A fun horror with some spooky moments, some cool birds, and a nice commentary on grief.
Not enough puppets or demon dolls for my liking.
September 16, 2024
“Depression wasn’t contagious, but it sure drove people away as if it was..”
HOLLOW HILLS presents itself as a perfect town, but appearances can be deceiving.
When a child is discovered on the road covered in blood, the idyllic image begins to unravel.
SINCLAIR, the new town deputy, is seeking a fresh start after a traumatic experience. While coping with grief in his own way, his instincts alert him to something amiss in the town.
STRING THEM UP weaves a tale of grief, portraying what one husband will do to reunite with his love and another husband's unique approach to handling grief, all while incorporating eerie puppets.
The narrative is skillfully crafted, maintaining a compelling pace. I was captivated from the first page, and just when I thought I had the story figured out, William Sterling surprised me with unexpected twists.
HOLLOW HILLS presents itself as a perfect town, but appearances can be deceiving.
When a child is discovered on the road covered in blood, the idyllic image begins to unravel.
SINCLAIR, the new town deputy, is seeking a fresh start after a traumatic experience. While coping with grief in his own way, his instincts alert him to something amiss in the town.
STRING THEM UP weaves a tale of grief, portraying what one husband will do to reunite with his love and another husband's unique approach to handling grief, all while incorporating eerie puppets.
The narrative is skillfully crafted, maintaining a compelling pace. I was captivated from the first page, and just when I thought I had the story figured out, William Sterling surprised me with unexpected twists.
September 1, 2024
Longlegs - Puppet Master - Dead Silence
William Sterling has yet again made a book that I couldn’t stop reading. I missed a lot of stuff yesterday because I couldn’t break away but none of them were peacocks.
William Sterling has yet again made a book that I couldn’t stop reading. I missed a lot of stuff yesterday because I couldn’t break away but none of them were peacocks.
November 2, 2023
“Behind windows there were flashes of skin, of plastic and porcelain as puppets chased the residents of Hollow Hills through their own homes.”
Evil dolls? Deranged toymaker? Small-town destruction? That sounds like the perfect read. Sign me up!
If you’re wondering, fellow horror fans, if this book is for you or whether it’s just another watered-down attempt at horror, rest assured, I’m here to tell you whether this will be worth your time and money. As a hard-core fan of horror myself, I’m not easily impressed by just any book claiming to be horror, as I generally have high expectations of books in this genre. If an author doesn’t manage to thrill me with shocking revelations and keeping me on the verge of a fear-induced near heart attack, I will let it be known (and probably not read any of their books again). But let’s get started.
At merely 174 pages (on my Kindle) this was an incredibly quick read, but also one I wished didn’t have to end so soon. The action in this story is intense and moves at a heart stopping pace and, be warned, the gore levels are high.
We follow Sinclair Redman who moves to a new town, Hollow Hills, to start his life over after the death of his wife and son. He is employed by his friend, Johnny, who is the town’s Sheriff. Meeting a few of the townsfolk and the sleazy mayor of Hollow Hills, Sinclair soon realizes something’s up. Johnny’s strange behavior and the creepy recluse living on the outskirts of town, exacerbates Sinclair’s suspicions, and as he becomes involved in the police investigation into the unexplained murders of certain locals, Sinclair – still dealing with his own demons - realizes he has to step in. When he makes a gruesome discovery in the basement of a certain house, things really start to get chilling, and the horror begins.
“…while the army of the plastic undead massacred everything that had a pulse.”
The very first thing I noted about this book is the writing. Sterling doesn’t mess around. He uses well-placed descriptions and solid imageries to immerse the reader into the workings of Hollow Hills and the lives of its residents. The very realistic dialogue contributes to character development and make these characters easily relatable. This is a story with good bones, and it helps that the author has a less-is-more writing style, while still providing readers with an immersive experience.
“A new smell joined the symphony of odors in the fire: the heavy, damp smell of life ripped away.”
Where I think the author can improve, is by creating a more realistic balance with his villain (or villains, as is the case in this book) being authentically villainous, while still retaining redeemable qualities, to leave the reader with morally mixed feelings (a good example being Jeffrey Dahmer).
Is this the best horror I’ve ever read? Nope. Is Sterling the best horror author I’ve ever encountered? Also, no. BUT. He has proven with “String Them Up” that he is an author with promise and has exhibited his potential with this novel. In “String Them Up” he doesn’t shy away from shoving the reader’s face into every nightmarish thing you can imagine.
Although Sterling doesn’t dig deep into the emotions of his characters, he also doesn’t forget that our MC has a broken heart, and cleverly manages to evoke empathy for this specific character from the reader.
This is an author I’ll be keeping an eye on. He is good at amping up the suspense and had me turning the pages at a frantic pace. So yes, fellow horror fans, this is worth your time and money. “String Them Up” is a spine-chilling tale of horror that will keep you up past your bedtime.
My review is my own honest and unbiased opinion.
Evil dolls? Deranged toymaker? Small-town destruction? That sounds like the perfect read. Sign me up!
If you’re wondering, fellow horror fans, if this book is for you or whether it’s just another watered-down attempt at horror, rest assured, I’m here to tell you whether this will be worth your time and money. As a hard-core fan of horror myself, I’m not easily impressed by just any book claiming to be horror, as I generally have high expectations of books in this genre. If an author doesn’t manage to thrill me with shocking revelations and keeping me on the verge of a fear-induced near heart attack, I will let it be known (and probably not read any of their books again). But let’s get started.
At merely 174 pages (on my Kindle) this was an incredibly quick read, but also one I wished didn’t have to end so soon. The action in this story is intense and moves at a heart stopping pace and, be warned, the gore levels are high.
We follow Sinclair Redman who moves to a new town, Hollow Hills, to start his life over after the death of his wife and son. He is employed by his friend, Johnny, who is the town’s Sheriff. Meeting a few of the townsfolk and the sleazy mayor of Hollow Hills, Sinclair soon realizes something’s up. Johnny’s strange behavior and the creepy recluse living on the outskirts of town, exacerbates Sinclair’s suspicions, and as he becomes involved in the police investigation into the unexplained murders of certain locals, Sinclair – still dealing with his own demons - realizes he has to step in. When he makes a gruesome discovery in the basement of a certain house, things really start to get chilling, and the horror begins.
“…while the army of the plastic undead massacred everything that had a pulse.”
The very first thing I noted about this book is the writing. Sterling doesn’t mess around. He uses well-placed descriptions and solid imageries to immerse the reader into the workings of Hollow Hills and the lives of its residents. The very realistic dialogue contributes to character development and make these characters easily relatable. This is a story with good bones, and it helps that the author has a less-is-more writing style, while still providing readers with an immersive experience.
“A new smell joined the symphony of odors in the fire: the heavy, damp smell of life ripped away.”
Where I think the author can improve, is by creating a more realistic balance with his villain (or villains, as is the case in this book) being authentically villainous, while still retaining redeemable qualities, to leave the reader with morally mixed feelings (a good example being Jeffrey Dahmer).
Is this the best horror I’ve ever read? Nope. Is Sterling the best horror author I’ve ever encountered? Also, no. BUT. He has proven with “String Them Up” that he is an author with promise and has exhibited his potential with this novel. In “String Them Up” he doesn’t shy away from shoving the reader’s face into every nightmarish thing you can imagine.
Although Sterling doesn’t dig deep into the emotions of his characters, he also doesn’t forget that our MC has a broken heart, and cleverly manages to evoke empathy for this specific character from the reader.
This is an author I’ll be keeping an eye on. He is good at amping up the suspense and had me turning the pages at a frantic pace. So yes, fellow horror fans, this is worth your time and money. “String Them Up” is a spine-chilling tale of horror that will keep you up past your bedtime.
My review is my own honest and unbiased opinion.
September 23, 2023
I was very privileged to receive an ARC of this book, from Crystal Lake Publishing, and read it very recently.
I found String Them Up to be a profoundly moving story. Elements of the paranormal are soon at the forefront of the plot, and there is a wonderful sense of atmosphere and tension building early in the tale.
As ever, no spoilers in this review, but I would really like to share my honest thoughts... The story is very well paced, I was immediately comfortable with, and drawn into the lives of, all the characters, and felt a familiarity with them. I just kept wanting to know what was going to happen next! I feel it's so important to a story, that you feel you need to know what happens to the characters. If a reader hadn't engaged with the characters, it's usually a sign of lack of depth in the writing - so I was delighted to be so involved with the characters, here!
I will break my own 'no spoilers ' rule very briefly with a slight word of caution - the main character has very recently suffered traumatic family bereavements, and this is explored in detail. So, it may not be a good time to read this story, if it's something fresh in the readers own life. However, I will add that there's a deep sense of healing that is explored through the whole story, and it is ultimately very uplifting - so, not at all a depressing read. This is so beautifully written, it's more a sensitive and careful exploration of how such tragedies may affect a person, and how healingcan be found.
The story began in an almost 'lull you into a false sense of security' fashion, but as I was thinking it was going to be a slow-burner, exciting elements were introduced and it took on a whole new energy. There are some truly memorable scenes, very interesting characters who come into the story, and the way things move towards the stunning conclusion is very satisfying.
I really enjoyed the book, it's extremely well written, lovely descriptive prose coupled with quirky, realistic dialogue and the thoughts of the main character are vividly portrayed. Moments of visceral horror complement the action with a well-paced and well thought out momentum. It's exactly the sort of story that you can't put down until you find out what's going to happen, and overall, a really great read.
I would definitely recommend String Them Up, and will certainly be looking forward to anything this talented Author will be bringing us, next! Thank you so much to Crystal Lake Publishing for this opportunity, and I am delighted to share my experience of reading this great book!
I found String Them Up to be a profoundly moving story. Elements of the paranormal are soon at the forefront of the plot, and there is a wonderful sense of atmosphere and tension building early in the tale.
As ever, no spoilers in this review, but I would really like to share my honest thoughts... The story is very well paced, I was immediately comfortable with, and drawn into the lives of, all the characters, and felt a familiarity with them. I just kept wanting to know what was going to happen next! I feel it's so important to a story, that you feel you need to know what happens to the characters. If a reader hadn't engaged with the characters, it's usually a sign of lack of depth in the writing - so I was delighted to be so involved with the characters, here!
I will break my own 'no spoilers ' rule very briefly with a slight word of caution - the main character has very recently suffered traumatic family bereavements, and this is explored in detail. So, it may not be a good time to read this story, if it's something fresh in the readers own life. However, I will add that there's a deep sense of healing that is explored through the whole story, and it is ultimately very uplifting - so, not at all a depressing read. This is so beautifully written, it's more a sensitive and careful exploration of how such tragedies may affect a person, and how healingcan be found.
The story began in an almost 'lull you into a false sense of security' fashion, but as I was thinking it was going to be a slow-burner, exciting elements were introduced and it took on a whole new energy. There are some truly memorable scenes, very interesting characters who come into the story, and the way things move towards the stunning conclusion is very satisfying.
I really enjoyed the book, it's extremely well written, lovely descriptive prose coupled with quirky, realistic dialogue and the thoughts of the main character are vividly portrayed. Moments of visceral horror complement the action with a well-paced and well thought out momentum. It's exactly the sort of story that you can't put down until you find out what's going to happen, and overall, a really great read.
I would definitely recommend String Them Up, and will certainly be looking forward to anything this talented Author will be bringing us, next! Thank you so much to Crystal Lake Publishing for this opportunity, and I am delighted to share my experience of reading this great book!
November 29, 2023
In the small town of Hollow Hills, a sense of dread hangs heavy in the air. Whispers of evil spread throughout the community, tales of inexplicable disappearances and strange occurrences. The seemingly idyllic facade of Hollow Hills belies the darkness that lurks beneath its surface. As the investigation into the blood-soaked arrival of Barker Davis unfolds, Sinclair Redman finds himself at the center of a web of deception and terror. As he delves deeper into the mysteries of Hollow Hills, Sinclair confronts a town on the brink of madness. The once peaceful community becomes a breeding ground for fear and paranoia, as suspicion falls upon the reclusive toymaker residing in the woods nearby. As Sinclair races against time to unravel the truth, he uncovers a series of interconnected horrors that threaten to tear Hollow Hills apart. In addition to the book's creep status, the inclusion of sinister dolls throughout the novel adds an extra layer of horror, causing those with even a tiny hint of pedophobia to stop reading. However, despite the gruesome nature of the book, Sterling also manages to weave in underlying themes of morality and personal growth. These themes are embodied through the development and struggles of the various characters throughout the story.
String Them Up is a solid horror story that kept me turning the page until the end. The characters were well-developed, and their interactions added an extra layer of tension to the already chilling storyline. Sterling's writing made me feel the fear and unease experienced by the characters, creating an authentic frightening experience that left a lasting impression. The small town of Hollow Hills felt like a character within itself, with its dark secrets and sinister atmosphere waiting to push the main characters to the edge. In the world of literature, hidden gems that captivate and provoke thought are a rare find. String Them Up is one of these books. I absolutely enjoyed reading it and highly recommend it to all the horror lovers out there.
String Them Up is a solid horror story that kept me turning the page until the end. The characters were well-developed, and their interactions added an extra layer of tension to the already chilling storyline. Sterling's writing made me feel the fear and unease experienced by the characters, creating an authentic frightening experience that left a lasting impression. The small town of Hollow Hills felt like a character within itself, with its dark secrets and sinister atmosphere waiting to push the main characters to the edge. In the world of literature, hidden gems that captivate and provoke thought are a rare find. String Them Up is one of these books. I absolutely enjoyed reading it and highly recommend it to all the horror lovers out there.
December 1, 2023
Actual rating: 3.5 stars, but since goodreads STILL won't let me do halvsies, I'll round up to four on account of the creepy dolls.
This one is a nice little horror story, nothing really outside the norm, but it IS fun. It's kind of like all those 80s horror films we grew up watching-they were fun, fast, and messy, and you didn't have to think too much. This book is pretty much the same. You can probably guess the mystery behind it, and make reasonable guesses where the plot will go next. That doesn't mean it isn't fun, it is. Some of the murders are rather gruesome and show some nasty originality, especially when it comes to fishhooks and line. Little things like that are enough to give most people the screaming meemies! Undoubtedly, the best part is the blasted dolls. When they aren't moving (or just barely moving) they are creepy enough, but when they start actually walking and eviscerating people, that's when the real fun kicks in. The big blowout at the end is good entertainment, and a nice way to wrap up a quick, fast-paced read. (I did feel bad for the toymaker, though-he was actually a likable character) This probably isn't one you will read multiple times, but it is certainly good enough for a one time through read. If you need one for a few nights of ugly entertainment with a decent freako factor, this one will do the trick.
This one is a nice little horror story, nothing really outside the norm, but it IS fun. It's kind of like all those 80s horror films we grew up watching-they were fun, fast, and messy, and you didn't have to think too much. This book is pretty much the same. You can probably guess the mystery behind it, and make reasonable guesses where the plot will go next. That doesn't mean it isn't fun, it is. Some of the murders are rather gruesome and show some nasty originality, especially when it comes to fishhooks and line. Little things like that are enough to give most people the screaming meemies! Undoubtedly, the best part is the blasted dolls. When they aren't moving (or just barely moving) they are creepy enough, but when they start actually walking and eviscerating people, that's when the real fun kicks in. The big blowout at the end is good entertainment, and a nice way to wrap up a quick, fast-paced read. (I did feel bad for the toymaker, though-he was actually a likable character) This probably isn't one you will read multiple times, but it is certainly good enough for a one time through read. If you need one for a few nights of ugly entertainment with a decent freako factor, this one will do the trick.
September 22, 2023
There’s something about puppets and spooky dolls, isn’t there? The eyes, perhaps; the uncanny valley lack of realism, the wood or ceramic made into a human form.
From Dr Who’s Autons to Chucky, mannequin-esque figures have haunted a lot of people. This book plays on that and has a great time.
From the first, I could imagine the Crypt Keeper sniggering and making bad doll puns (perhaps ‘Puppet on a String’ playing the introduction). This would make a great episode of such a show, but with more heart, to my delight.
The story goes much deeper than I anticipated, based on the cover and blurb. Themes of love and loss are key, as well as friendship and real (ie non-toxic) masculinity. We have a protagonist who feels, weeps and rages - and then tries to do the right thing. He’s a hero we can root for.
The baddies are as awful as any EC Comic. Drug-dealers, corrupt politicians, wife-beaters, they’re all here. You know they’ll all get their comeuppance.
The small town setting actually reminded me of Twin Peaks (it’s the logging mill, I suspect - plus the weird presence of a peacock farm). Surface smiles and an underbelly of evil. Black magic and, of course, evil puppets.
I’m not giving anything away. This may not be what you’re expecting, because the vibe is one of genuine care facing the craziest scenarios. It’s that humanity which made the book stand out for me.*
Pick up up - you might be pleasantly surprised.
*The above opinions are entirely my own and 100% accurate. The author definitely did not bribe me for this review with the threat of a cursed doll. Nope. Not at all…
From Dr Who’s Autons to Chucky, mannequin-esque figures have haunted a lot of people. This book plays on that and has a great time.
From the first, I could imagine the Crypt Keeper sniggering and making bad doll puns (perhaps ‘Puppet on a String’ playing the introduction). This would make a great episode of such a show, but with more heart, to my delight.
The story goes much deeper than I anticipated, based on the cover and blurb. Themes of love and loss are key, as well as friendship and real (ie non-toxic) masculinity. We have a protagonist who feels, weeps and rages - and then tries to do the right thing. He’s a hero we can root for.
The baddies are as awful as any EC Comic. Drug-dealers, corrupt politicians, wife-beaters, they’re all here. You know they’ll all get their comeuppance.
The small town setting actually reminded me of Twin Peaks (it’s the logging mill, I suspect - plus the weird presence of a peacock farm). Surface smiles and an underbelly of evil. Black magic and, of course, evil puppets.
I’m not giving anything away. This may not be what you’re expecting, because the vibe is one of genuine care facing the craziest scenarios. It’s that humanity which made the book stand out for me.*
Pick up up - you might be pleasantly surprised.
*The above opinions are entirely my own and 100% accurate. The author definitely did not bribe me for this review with the threat of a cursed doll. Nope. Not at all…
March 7, 2024
After experiencing a horrific and tragic loss, Sinclair moves to a small town for a fresh start, taking up the deputy badge under his friend and old boss Johnny. Mind crippled by nightmares of his loss, Sinclair pushes through the day-to-day trying to figure out how to move forward. Until tragedy and horror strikes the small town, where dolls and puppets are found strung up in odd places and Johnny and everyone in town is clearly not telling Sinclair everything. Can he wrap his mind around the unimaginable and unearth the town’s secrets to save it?
As a kid who grew up hate-loving the Goosebumps tale “A Scarecrow Walks at Midnight,” I have always been ESPECIALLY creeped out by anything that looks and acts like a human when it shouldn’t! Thus, String Me Up had me on board from the premise.
What I didn’t expect to find is characters so realistic they hopped off the page. I was able to put so much of myself into Sinclair, feeling what he felt. An expertly spun horror tale filled with feeling and depth? That’s a five-star read for me. I absolutely look forward to reading more from William Sterling!!
As a kid who grew up hate-loving the Goosebumps tale “A Scarecrow Walks at Midnight,” I have always been ESPECIALLY creeped out by anything that looks and acts like a human when it shouldn’t! Thus, String Me Up had me on board from the premise.
What I didn’t expect to find is characters so realistic they hopped off the page. I was able to put so much of myself into Sinclair, feeling what he felt. An expertly spun horror tale filled with feeling and depth? That’s a five-star read for me. I absolutely look forward to reading more from William Sterling!!
September 28, 2023
The storyline is what make this book for me. Cause if I am honest, the characters could have been anyone. I never fully embraced them. While, Sinclair is the main lead, what would have made me become endured to him would have been to have a little bit more of the backstory about his wife and child. It would have made me feel closer to him to feel the strong love that he had for them and why he was fighting so hard.
The creatures inhabiting the town of Hollow Hills are things of nightmares. You definitely would not want to encounter any of them up close; especially if you are a sinner. Beware as you will pay the price. This is a quick, scary read. One that you will want to add to your spooky Halloween reading list.
The creatures inhabiting the town of Hollow Hills are things of nightmares. You definitely would not want to encounter any of them up close; especially if you are a sinner. Beware as you will pay the price. This is a quick, scary read. One that you will want to add to your spooky Halloween reading list.
February 21, 2024
I want to thank the author for providing me with an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this one! It was great! This book featured a lot of super creepy elements, some violence, gore, puppets, and peacocks.
The story was fast-paced, and I was hooked after I was about 25% into the book. It was hard to put down after that.
The main character is going through it, dealing with loss and being in a new environment. I felt for the main character and pretty quickly got invested in his story.
This small-town horror story was original. Many times, I did not know what was going to happen, and what happened was completely unexpected. Well done!
I'm giving this a 4.5⭐️ rating rounded up to 5 where applicable. I would recommend this to anyone who thinks puppets are creepy, wants the unexpected to happen, and likes a small-town horror story.
I really liked this one! It was great! This book featured a lot of super creepy elements, some violence, gore, puppets, and peacocks.
The story was fast-paced, and I was hooked after I was about 25% into the book. It was hard to put down after that.
The main character is going through it, dealing with loss and being in a new environment. I felt for the main character and pretty quickly got invested in his story.
This small-town horror story was original. Many times, I did not know what was going to happen, and what happened was completely unexpected. Well done!
I'm giving this a 4.5⭐️ rating rounded up to 5 where applicable. I would recommend this to anyone who thinks puppets are creepy, wants the unexpected to happen, and likes a small-town horror story.
October 8, 2023
This was a fun, creepy, and terrifying read with nightmarish images and gory imagination. It explores themes of death, loss, tragedy, and grief, and the extreme lengths one would go to just to reclaim time with their lost loved ones again. Honestly, I don't know how anyone could experience a tragedy like Sinclair goes through and still come out in one piece or not want to simply give up on life, so I empathized greatly with Sinclair. The overall plot, especially the puppets, dolls, and mannequins, was genuinely disturbing. If you're a fan of horror or you're looking for a good scary read during the Halloween season, this is a great choice!
January 25, 2024
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Sinclair's family dies, he decides to take a job in another town where his buddy is a sherif and try to heal. But what he doesn't know is that the town has some hidden secrets. Secrets that can destroy everything around him. This was an amazing book. Beautifully written. An extremely fast-paced paced small town horror. I was hooked from the first page and didn't put it down.
"WE FEAR THE dark not for what it is, but because of what it hides from us. We fear it because there is potential in those shadows which we dread to ever face directly."
When Sinclair's family dies, he decides to take a job in another town where his buddy is a sherif and try to heal. But what he doesn't know is that the town has some hidden secrets. Secrets that can destroy everything around him. This was an amazing book. Beautifully written. An extremely fast-paced paced small town horror. I was hooked from the first page and didn't put it down.
"WE FEAR THE dark not for what it is, but because of what it hides from us. We fear it because there is potential in those shadows which we dread to ever face directly."
February 26, 2024
Creepy Puppets, Mannequins and Ghosts? This was a pretty enjoyable read, had me hooked from the beginning with the small town secrets and the MC dealing with the death (and ghosts) of his family. The story itself it’s really interesting and it didn’t waste any time going in with the creepiness but it started going downhill (for me) with the last chapters, it felt rushed and some questions weren’t answered, I just feel like the ending could’ve been better. (3.5⭐️ round it up to 4⭐️ because I did enjoy most of the story)
October 8, 2023
A nice, tight horror story. The narrative is gripping and thought out. The characters were good, although some of the secondary characters could have been fleshed out more, and the lack of a main female character was conspicuous. I liked the inclusion of peacocks, that natural creatures can be an effective counter to supernatural creatures. All in all, a good book.
March 9, 2024
String Them Up is well written and comically exciting. Kept my interest all the way through.
A deputy looking for a fresh start after tragically losing his wife and son brings him to a small town where the corruption is not just limited to the townsfolk that are still alive.
I dislike leaving spoilers, so you will just have to pick this one up and check out the creepiness for yourself.
A deputy looking for a fresh start after tragically losing his wife and son brings him to a small town where the corruption is not just limited to the townsfolk that are still alive.
I dislike leaving spoilers, so you will just have to pick this one up and check out the creepiness for yourself.
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