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Fourteen Days
Workaholic developer Richard Gardener is laid up at home for two week’s mandatory leave—doctor’s orders. No stress. No computers. Just fourteen days of complete rest. Bliss for most, but hell for Richard… in more ways than one.
There’s a darkness that lives inside Richard’s home; a presence he never knew existed because he was seldom there alone. Did he just imagine those footsteps? The smoke alarm shrieking? The woman in his kitchen?
His wife thinks he’s just suffering from work withdrawal, but as the days crawl by in his solitary confinement, the terror seeping through the walls continues to escalate—threatening his health, his marriage, and his sanity.
When the inconceivable can no longer be denied, Richard is forced to come to terms with what is happening. Can he find a way to banish the darkness before he becomes an exile in his own home?
“Steven Jenkins weaves such masterful shades of weirdness between the workaholic programmer’s inner psyche and the supernatural elements he encounters that the reader is equally unsure if they are real—or just products of his overworked brain. I did not want to put the book down until the mystery was solved.” — Val Muller, author, The Scarred Letter
There’s a darkness that lives inside Richard’s home; a presence he never knew existed because he was seldom there alone. Did he just imagine those footsteps? The smoke alarm shrieking? The woman in his kitchen?
His wife thinks he’s just suffering from work withdrawal, but as the days crawl by in his solitary confinement, the terror seeping through the walls continues to escalate—threatening his health, his marriage, and his sanity.
When the inconceivable can no longer be denied, Richard is forced to come to terms with what is happening. Can he find a way to banish the darkness before he becomes an exile in his own home?
“Steven Jenkins weaves such masterful shades of weirdness between the workaholic programmer’s inner psyche and the supernatural elements he encounters that the reader is equally unsure if they are real—or just products of his overworked brain. I did not want to put the book down until the mystery was solved.” — Val Muller, author, The Scarred Letter
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2014
16 people are currently reading
1449 people want to read
About the author
Steven Jenkins
34 books197 followersBorn in the small Welsh town of Llanelli, Steven began writing stories at the age of eight. His inspiration came from his love for ‘80s horror movies, and novels by Stephen King and the late Richard Matheson.
During Steven’s teenage years, as well as being a black-belt kickboxer, he became a great lover of writing dark and twisted poems – six of which gained him publications with Poetry Now, Brownstone Books, and Strong Words.
Over the next few years, and after becoming a father and a husband, Steven's passion drove him towards writing short stories, gaining him further publication with Dark Moon Digest: an American horror magazine. His terrifying tales of the afterlife and zombies gained him positive reviews, particularly his story, Burning Ambition, which also came runner up in a Five-stop-story contest.
Finally, in 2013, after years of hard work (and countless rejection letters), Steven got his debut novel, Fourteen Days, published by Barking Rain Press.
During Steven’s teenage years, as well as being a black-belt kickboxer, he became a great lover of writing dark and twisted poems – six of which gained him publications with Poetry Now, Brownstone Books, and Strong Words.
Over the next few years, and after becoming a father and a husband, Steven's passion drove him towards writing short stories, gaining him further publication with Dark Moon Digest: an American horror magazine. His terrifying tales of the afterlife and zombies gained him positive reviews, particularly his story, Burning Ambition, which also came runner up in a Five-stop-story contest.
Finally, in 2013, after years of hard work (and countless rejection letters), Steven got his debut novel, Fourteen Days, published by Barking Rain Press.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 8, 2014
I enjoyed this story of a haunted house. Poor Richard, the main character and the only one seeing the ghost has gone through many circles of denial and acceptance of what he was seeing was true or not.
The story was pretry simple but I like how detailed his inside torment has been showen through these 14 days.
I'm glad the ending was sort of happy and that Nicky finally believes him lol
Thanks to the author for giving me a chance to read his work in return for my review.
I'll be happy to check out some of his other work as well.
The story was pretry simple but I like how detailed his inside torment has been showen through these 14 days.
I'm glad the ending was sort of happy and that Nicky finally believes him lol
Thanks to the author for giving me a chance to read his work in return for my review.
I'll be happy to check out some of his other work as well.
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September 26, 2022If I do say so myself. Although I may be slightly biased....
June 8, 2015
Reading Steven Jenkins’s new book, “Fourteen Days”, I’ve realized something curious.
The concept of this book is that a workaholic man is forced to stay at home for two weeks and the ensuing boredom drives him crazy. To get this across to the reader, the author is required to show the boredom, the meaningless tasks the hero employs to fill time, and the repetition. In other words, to make the reader feel the boredom, the story must be made boring.
Yet Jenkins manages to show his hero’s boredom without making the reader bored. Well, maybe a few paragraphs, right at the beginning. It’s a small sacrifice for the reader and necessary to show the hero’s gradual awareness that things are not as mundane, empty, and boring as he supposes.
Left alone in his house, the hero, Richard, becomes aware of a presence in his house slowly. A noise here, missing keys there, until finally he’s convinced the place is haunted. It’s all because he’s able—indeed, forced—to spend significant quiet time in the house. Problem is, no one else sees the ghost!
But “Fourteen Days” is not only a ghost story, it’s a story about a man trapped in a life consisting only of his work. Whether it’s the job or a hobby or sex or eating, it’s all too easy to let one aspect of life take over all the others. For Richard, breaking that hold has a life-altering result.
And what can he do when the person he loves most in the world, his wife, refuses to believe him? Unable to convince her of what’s going on, Richard begins to investigate the mystery. This leads to a suspenseful and satisfying conclusion.
I found Richard a likable enough character, certainly one who realizes he’s made mistakes in his life and wants to change. When his investigation becomes a crusade, he does the right thing. But his wife, an otherwise loving and long-suffering woman, is anything but supportive when he tells her about his ghost. When he reaches the pits of despair and turns to her for support, she laughs at him. I would file for divorce.
“Fourteen Days” is recommended.
The concept of this book is that a workaholic man is forced to stay at home for two weeks and the ensuing boredom drives him crazy. To get this across to the reader, the author is required to show the boredom, the meaningless tasks the hero employs to fill time, and the repetition. In other words, to make the reader feel the boredom, the story must be made boring.
Yet Jenkins manages to show his hero’s boredom without making the reader bored. Well, maybe a few paragraphs, right at the beginning. It’s a small sacrifice for the reader and necessary to show the hero’s gradual awareness that things are not as mundane, empty, and boring as he supposes.
Left alone in his house, the hero, Richard, becomes aware of a presence in his house slowly. A noise here, missing keys there, until finally he’s convinced the place is haunted. It’s all because he’s able—indeed, forced—to spend significant quiet time in the house. Problem is, no one else sees the ghost!
But “Fourteen Days” is not only a ghost story, it’s a story about a man trapped in a life consisting only of his work. Whether it’s the job or a hobby or sex or eating, it’s all too easy to let one aspect of life take over all the others. For Richard, breaking that hold has a life-altering result.
And what can he do when the person he loves most in the world, his wife, refuses to believe him? Unable to convince her of what’s going on, Richard begins to investigate the mystery. This leads to a suspenseful and satisfying conclusion.
I found Richard a likable enough character, certainly one who realizes he’s made mistakes in his life and wants to change. When his investigation becomes a crusade, he does the right thing. But his wife, an otherwise loving and long-suffering woman, is anything but supportive when he tells her about his ghost. When he reaches the pits of despair and turns to her for support, she laughs at him. I would file for divorce.
“Fourteen Days” is recommended.
August 14, 2014
Fourteen Days By: Steven Jenkins July 2014
Horror/ Thriller Reviewed by: tk
Richard Gardener has been burning the candle at both ends. Over worked, and over stressed causes Rich to collapse at work. While taking a much needed rest at home, 2 weeks in fact, Rich will experience more stress than he bargained for. Nicky, his wife thinks poor Richard needs this time off even more as he relates some strange, and unusual experiences he has had with the paranormal. Nicky just does't believe him.
Richard strikes out on his own in this thrilling mystery to find what these events are trying to tell him. Is he crazy ,or is he seeing a ghost, if so what does it want from him.
An amazing read. If you looking for quick thriller, this story will not disappoint.
Steven Jenkins is a somewhat new up, and coming writer for the horror genre. I found the first few pages to be a little daunting, however the pace and flow improved, and I drove into complete entertainment, and an amazing conclusion. A joy to read. 4/5
A special thanks to Steven for providing a copy for you book. A true honor.
Horror/ Thriller Reviewed by: tk
Richard Gardener has been burning the candle at both ends. Over worked, and over stressed causes Rich to collapse at work. While taking a much needed rest at home, 2 weeks in fact, Rich will experience more stress than he bargained for. Nicky, his wife thinks poor Richard needs this time off even more as he relates some strange, and unusual experiences he has had with the paranormal. Nicky just does't believe him.
Richard strikes out on his own in this thrilling mystery to find what these events are trying to tell him. Is he crazy ,or is he seeing a ghost, if so what does it want from him.
An amazing read. If you looking for quick thriller, this story will not disappoint.
Steven Jenkins is a somewhat new up, and coming writer for the horror genre. I found the first few pages to be a little daunting, however the pace and flow improved, and I drove into complete entertainment, and an amazing conclusion. A joy to read. 4/5
A special thanks to Steven for providing a copy for you book. A true honor.
January 2, 2015
Richard Gardener is a workaholic who is under doctor's orders to take two weeks off to recover from work-related stress. During his time home alone, he is visited by a stranger "from the other side".
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Two weeks. Fourteen days. Fourteen chapters. I was prepared to rate this book 3 stars as I found the first three-quarters quite flat. To keep reader interest, I felt perhaps more could have been done to aid the reader feel Richard's emotions: the frustration of a workaholic who isn't allowed to work, the terror of the unwanted "visits", and the maritial difficulties that ensue. However, a fantastic conclusion managed to change my overall enjoyment of the story.
In all, the story was written in plain, straightforward language which I enjoyed. The development of the main character and his wife were thorough. Despite wishing the writing would've conveyed more of the main character's emotions, I enjoyed reading this and recommend it to anyone who likes a good ghost story.
Many thanks to the author for allowing me the opportunity to read and review his work.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Two weeks. Fourteen days. Fourteen chapters. I was prepared to rate this book 3 stars as I found the first three-quarters quite flat. To keep reader interest, I felt perhaps more could have been done to aid the reader feel Richard's emotions: the frustration of a workaholic who isn't allowed to work, the terror of the unwanted "visits", and the maritial difficulties that ensue. However, a fantastic conclusion managed to change my overall enjoyment of the story.
In all, the story was written in plain, straightforward language which I enjoyed. The development of the main character and his wife were thorough. Despite wishing the writing would've conveyed more of the main character's emotions, I enjoyed reading this and recommend it to anyone who likes a good ghost story.
Many thanks to the author for allowing me the opportunity to read and review his work.
October 24, 2014
SPOILERS Below:
I did enjoy this book,it's an easy but creepy read. My reason for 3 instead of 4 stars is because of a couple of things in the story that just weren't believable enough for me. Firstly when searching for Christina Long online nothing comes up, I mean really? A pregnant midwife goes missing in 2012 and there was nothing on the news,in newspapers or on social media about her? Secondly the ending in the farmhouse, Richard spends a lot of time scared in his house (& rightly so) but is suddenly brave enough to go to a farmhouse alone looking for an unhinged, dangerous man, in the middle of nowhere and he's told no one where he is.
I don't want this to come across as too negative as apart from this I loved the book and at no stage felt like giving up on it.
I did enjoy this book,it's an easy but creepy read. My reason for 3 instead of 4 stars is because of a couple of things in the story that just weren't believable enough for me. Firstly when searching for Christina Long online nothing comes up, I mean really? A pregnant midwife goes missing in 2012 and there was nothing on the news,in newspapers or on social media about her? Secondly the ending in the farmhouse, Richard spends a lot of time scared in his house (& rightly so) but is suddenly brave enough to go to a farmhouse alone looking for an unhinged, dangerous man, in the middle of nowhere and he's told no one where he is.
I don't want this to come across as too negative as apart from this I loved the book and at no stage felt like giving up on it.
August 12, 2014
fourteen days, fourteen chapters, each one building the suspense to a thrilling conclusion!! I read this in a weekend,couldn't put it down,well written!!! Steven Jenkins builds the story excellently and makes it totally believable, its left me wanting more from this author!!
August 19, 2014
A pretty good story. It's better than I thought it would be. The plot line is a little cliched, but still enjoyable. The characters are likeable and have good development. I recommend checking it out and recommend to anyone who wants a something quick to read.
October 8, 2020
What a book! I couldn't wait to find out what happened on each of the Fourteen Days.
Do you believe in ghosts? Could your mind be changed?
The home owner in this book had a fainting spell at work wherein he hit his head when he fell. As a result, he was given two weeks off work in order to recover.
All of a sudden a ghost appears on the kitchen chair and scares the hell out of the house owner. From what follows, he questions his sanity, puts up with various interferences by the ghost, and tries to convince his wife that he actually sees the ghost and is not losing his mind.
We are taken through his fourteen days of hell, and I loved reading every minute of this book. Definitely a five-star rating.
Do you believe in ghosts? Could your mind be changed?
The home owner in this book had a fainting spell at work wherein he hit his head when he fell. As a result, he was given two weeks off work in order to recover.
All of a sudden a ghost appears on the kitchen chair and scares the hell out of the house owner. From what follows, he questions his sanity, puts up with various interferences by the ghost, and tries to convince his wife that he actually sees the ghost and is not losing his mind.
We are taken through his fourteen days of hell, and I loved reading every minute of this book. Definitely a five-star rating.
November 27, 2015
This book was slightly disappointing, I am actually quite surprised that it managed to gain quite high ratings and reviews on here. When I first read the description on Goodreads I was so intrigued by it and so excited to read it, but now that I've actually read the book, it was something completely different to what I first imagined. My rating is actually a 2.5, but there's no option to rate it that, so I'm sticking with 2 stars.
I thought there would be many more jump scares and actual "haunting" than what there was. The only thing that happened was fire alarms being set off, the TV got turned on full volume, the fridge and freezer were left open and she appeared twice. None of it was at all scary really. The author managed to build up all this tension but every time you expected to see her or expected something to happen, it was all for nothing and your adrenaline would just dissolve.
I find it a little difficult to believe that the story of a pregnant midwife who goes missing wouldn't be in the local newspapers, internet articles or on the TV. Somehow her disappearance managed to evade all media outlets, but one lone little poster tucked underneath a few ads on a supermarket bulletin board managed to survive. Although all of this was pretty far from believable, I did enjoy Richards investigation to find out more about Christina. His investigation piqued my interest in her history and how/why she died; I found myself trying to come up with theories of what happened to her. This type of mystery is normally what draws me to these types of books, and this small part of the story is one of the only things that didn't disappoint me.
Ok, I wanna talk about Nicky for a second; I mean what the hell. She's like the most infuriating wife in the whole world! I understand that she's closed minded and logical but why does she have to argue with Richard every time he brings up the possibility of a spirit in their house? If she knows he's been flirting with the idea of a spirit haunting their house for the past week or so, and if she knows he's scared shitless of "Christina"; why does she bother asking him whats wrong and then gets pissed off twice as much when he starts expressing himself? YOU WANTED TO KNOW NICKY! JEEZ. I don't know if it's because I'm a little more open minded about spirits and the afterlife, but if that was me I would be comforting my husband and trying to understand him instead of being a bitch and making fun of his distress.
The ending truly baffled me. This man whose been afraid to live alone in his own home during the day, manages to pluck up the courage to drive cross country to a deserted farm house in the middle of no where to snatch back the baby of a dead midwife. Not only is he willingly driving to the middle of nowhere and doesn't tell anyone where he's going, he does all this knowing that the man who he is seeking out is mentally disturbed and capable of doing unforgivable acts.
After the spot of bother he manages to get himself into, he leaves with the baby and hears Peter commit suicide by shooting himself. How does Richard even explain this to the police and to Nicky? Without him to confess to the police how will they know for sure that Richard is telling the truth? And how will Richard explain to the police how he knew what happened? I'm pretty sure "I had a dream of what happened" just isn't going to cut it. Of course, the book doesn't actually go into any of this. I'm not surprised because there isn't really a logical reason for Richard knowing any of this. The story just skips to Carl paying Richard and Nicky a visit with Dean.
So, after everything that Richard had been through, and everything Nicky had put up with; it's almost as if he didn't even tell her what happened. She just accepts what has occurred and there are no more conversations about Christina, where is the fallout? Where are all the questions and arguments now? It just seems odd after everything that happened, things would go back to normal without any explanation. I felt like things could have been wrapped up a little better.
I know it seems like the majority of my review is spent pointing out everything I didn't like about the novel and everything I found unbelievable about it, but there were a few things I liked. One of them being Richard's realization that he is a workaholic and doesn't spend enough time with Nicky. It was nice to see him spending more time with her and vowing to change for her.
All in all I'd have to say that this book wasn't the worst book out there. It felt pretty amateurish and it left me a little disappointed, considering the concept of this story is pretty cool. It kept me entertained for the 6 hours it took me to read it so that's definitely a plus. But I wouldn't really recommend it to a hardcore paranormal fan, because it just wasn't intense enough for my liking. I'd describe it as more of a subtle paranormal novel. But, hey, that's just my opinion, there are plenty people out there who really love this book so don't let it discourage you from reading it :)
I thought there would be many more jump scares and actual "haunting" than what there was. The only thing that happened was fire alarms being set off, the TV got turned on full volume, the fridge and freezer were left open and she appeared twice. None of it was at all scary really. The author managed to build up all this tension but every time you expected to see her or expected something to happen, it was all for nothing and your adrenaline would just dissolve.
I find it a little difficult to believe that the story of a pregnant midwife who goes missing wouldn't be in the local newspapers, internet articles or on the TV. Somehow her disappearance managed to evade all media outlets, but one lone little poster tucked underneath a few ads on a supermarket bulletin board managed to survive. Although all of this was pretty far from believable, I did enjoy Richards investigation to find out more about Christina. His investigation piqued my interest in her history and how/why she died; I found myself trying to come up with theories of what happened to her. This type of mystery is normally what draws me to these types of books, and this small part of the story is one of the only things that didn't disappoint me.
Ok, I wanna talk about Nicky for a second; I mean what the hell. She's like the most infuriating wife in the whole world! I understand that she's closed minded and logical but why does she have to argue with Richard every time he brings up the possibility of a spirit in their house? If she knows he's been flirting with the idea of a spirit haunting their house for the past week or so, and if she knows he's scared shitless of "Christina"; why does she bother asking him whats wrong and then gets pissed off twice as much when he starts expressing himself? YOU WANTED TO KNOW NICKY! JEEZ. I don't know if it's because I'm a little more open minded about spirits and the afterlife, but if that was me I would be comforting my husband and trying to understand him instead of being a bitch and making fun of his distress.
The ending truly baffled me. This man whose been afraid to live alone in his own home during the day, manages to pluck up the courage to drive cross country to a deserted farm house in the middle of no where to snatch back the baby of a dead midwife. Not only is he willingly driving to the middle of nowhere and doesn't tell anyone where he's going, he does all this knowing that the man who he is seeking out is mentally disturbed and capable of doing unforgivable acts.
After the spot of bother he manages to get himself into, he leaves with the baby and hears Peter commit suicide by shooting himself. How does Richard even explain this to the police and to Nicky? Without him to confess to the police how will they know for sure that Richard is telling the truth? And how will Richard explain to the police how he knew what happened? I'm pretty sure "I had a dream of what happened" just isn't going to cut it. Of course, the book doesn't actually go into any of this. I'm not surprised because there isn't really a logical reason for Richard knowing any of this. The story just skips to Carl paying Richard and Nicky a visit with Dean.
So, after everything that Richard had been through, and everything Nicky had put up with; it's almost as if he didn't even tell her what happened. She just accepts what has occurred and there are no more conversations about Christina, where is the fallout? Where are all the questions and arguments now? It just seems odd after everything that happened, things would go back to normal without any explanation. I felt like things could have been wrapped up a little better.
I know it seems like the majority of my review is spent pointing out everything I didn't like about the novel and everything I found unbelievable about it, but there were a few things I liked. One of them being Richard's realization that he is a workaholic and doesn't spend enough time with Nicky. It was nice to see him spending more time with her and vowing to change for her.
All in all I'd have to say that this book wasn't the worst book out there. It felt pretty amateurish and it left me a little disappointed, considering the concept of this story is pretty cool. It kept me entertained for the 6 hours it took me to read it so that's definitely a plus. But I wouldn't really recommend it to a hardcore paranormal fan, because it just wasn't intense enough for my liking. I'd describe it as more of a subtle paranormal novel. But, hey, that's just my opinion, there are plenty people out there who really love this book so don't let it discourage you from reading it :)
January 10, 2022
Good!
Even if I'm really not into ghost stories (usually too cliché for me, as mostly everything has already been said about it), that was a fun read. And I love the fact that, contrarily to those said clichés, it is not the wife that pass for crazy in that one!
Even if I'm really not into ghost stories (usually too cliché for me, as mostly everything has already been said about it), that was a fun read. And I love the fact that, contrarily to those said clichés, it is not the wife that pass for crazy in that one!
September 8, 2024
It's a great paranormal novel that takes us through the fourteen days. Enjoy!
October 18, 2014
This book reads as a very classic ghost story, and I loved that. Shadows darting in front of the shower curtain, phantom noises like a door opening, TV turning on and off by itself, odd dreams… All are present in this very scary tale. I loved how the author was able to portray a man caught in very supernatural events and how it affected him mentally and in his life, like his marital relationship. I connected with Richard fairly well. He seems like a very straightforward guy who’s a bit of a workaholic. When he’s faced with all this ghost stuff, he blundered through just like I would have, I think. I liked that connection.
I enjoyed the story itself. The mystery aspects and how Richard dealt with all the unexpected events kept me reading. The whole back story of Christina, how she died, and her story overall really hooked me and touched my heart. I loved how ultimately her story and Richard’s came together in the end very seamlessly.
The one thing I didn't enjoy as much was how much emphasis was put on Richard’s and Nicky’s rocky relationship over the ghost stuff. It just seemed like the author included too much of Nicky’s disbelieving attitude and Richard’s reaction to it. In the beginning, I could see it if only to establish that yes, Nicky is a skeptic and to show how a person being haunted would affect their non-believing family members and the relationships with them. Yet, the author re-plays the unbelieving spouse scene again and again and again… All the way up to the very end… It just seems like I was being hit over the head with a two by four of skeptic Nicky and I got a headache from it.
This is a pretty solid ghost story and mystery. Richard’s a likable lead. I enjoyed seeing his reactions to the supernatural; they seemed very much like how I would have reacted. Yet, the back and forth between him and Nicky left me bored and frustrated. If less emphasis would have been put on this aspect of the book, I’d probably have enjoyed it more. But in the end, this a good haunted house story. Definitely check it out if you’re in the mood for a good Halloween read.
I enjoyed the story itself. The mystery aspects and how Richard dealt with all the unexpected events kept me reading. The whole back story of Christina, how she died, and her story overall really hooked me and touched my heart. I loved how ultimately her story and Richard’s came together in the end very seamlessly.
The one thing I didn't enjoy as much was how much emphasis was put on Richard’s and Nicky’s rocky relationship over the ghost stuff. It just seemed like the author included too much of Nicky’s disbelieving attitude and Richard’s reaction to it. In the beginning, I could see it if only to establish that yes, Nicky is a skeptic and to show how a person being haunted would affect their non-believing family members and the relationships with them. Yet, the author re-plays the unbelieving spouse scene again and again and again… All the way up to the very end… It just seems like I was being hit over the head with a two by four of skeptic Nicky and I got a headache from it.
This is a pretty solid ghost story and mystery. Richard’s a likable lead. I enjoyed seeing his reactions to the supernatural; they seemed very much like how I would have reacted. Yet, the back and forth between him and Nicky left me bored and frustrated. If less emphasis would have been put on this aspect of the book, I’d probably have enjoyed it more. But in the end, this a good haunted house story. Definitely check it out if you’re in the mood for a good Halloween read.
February 13, 2015
Loved this book!
This was a brilliant short story which kept me gripped till the end. The writing style is good and the flow of the book is done well too.
Steven Jenkins has done a particulaly good job of portraying the first few chapters where our leading protagonist Richard, is bored out of his skull on sick leave - yet Jenkins has written this in such a way that you really believe its a boring life, but the storyline is still there enticing you in. Very well done!
I love the pace of this book and really liked that I got through it quite quickly. it was a nice book to read if you need a break from reading hard going or long winded books.
So why haven't I given it 5 stars?! My only reservation is that the storyline was a bit predictable in parts and near the end there was a 'convenient' moment that I think should not have happened in order to make us sweat a bit more.
However, I did really enjoy this scary book. Just enough scare to make it believable, and I certainly walked into my room with the light on this week!!
Happy reading all
This was a brilliant short story which kept me gripped till the end. The writing style is good and the flow of the book is done well too.
Steven Jenkins has done a particulaly good job of portraying the first few chapters where our leading protagonist Richard, is bored out of his skull on sick leave - yet Jenkins has written this in such a way that you really believe its a boring life, but the storyline is still there enticing you in. Very well done!
I love the pace of this book and really liked that I got through it quite quickly. it was a nice book to read if you need a break from reading hard going or long winded books.
So why haven't I given it 5 stars?! My only reservation is that the storyline was a bit predictable in parts and near the end there was a 'convenient' moment that I think should not have happened in order to make us sweat a bit more.
However, I did really enjoy this scary book. Just enough scare to make it believable, and I certainly walked into my room with the light on this week!!
Happy reading all
March 9, 2016
This was another thrilling read by Steven Jenkins. The entire story takes places over the course of two weeks and is set predominantly in the apartment that Richard, the main character, shares with his wife. Richard is an extreme workaholic who puts his job above everything else. Due to circumstances beyond his control he is suddenly forced to take time off work, which is supposed to allow him some much needed rest and relaxation. However, the next two weeks are anything but restful. As he spends the days alone in his apartment, he struggles to maintain stability as he questions what is real and what is imaginary. The psychological torment that he soon experiences, seemingly from the realm of the supernatural, begins to unravel him to the core. How can this man, a complete sceptic of anything paranormal, maintain his sanity when those closest to him won’t even believe him?
January 3, 2020
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. I really do not want to give a bad review especially as the author has provided me with a copy but i want to be honest.
I was super excited to read this and even though it started off a bit slow i thought the tension would really build up and i wouldn't be able to put the book down. Unfortunately I was as bored as Richard was and all i wanted to do was read another book but as i was given a free copy of this, i thought i would at least finish it.
I found myself zoning out and not even paying much attention to what i was reading. I'm just happy the ending was interesting and different so for that i gave it an extra star. I was just expecting a lot more to happen than just a woman sitting on a chair and setting off smoke alarms.
I was super excited to read this and even though it started off a bit slow i thought the tension would really build up and i wouldn't be able to put the book down. Unfortunately I was as bored as Richard was and all i wanted to do was read another book but as i was given a free copy of this, i thought i would at least finish it.
I found myself zoning out and not even paying much attention to what i was reading. I'm just happy the ending was interesting and different so for that i gave it an extra star. I was just expecting a lot more to happen than just a woman sitting on a chair and setting off smoke alarms.
January 2, 2015
This is a risky novel for a lot of reasons. By documenting the minutae of Richard’s hideous boredom Jenkins could have turned off a lot of readers. But he makes it work as a gripping psychological thriller. As Richard’s perception of the house becomes more wracked with fear, and the apparitions become more inexplicable, the novel’s momentum belies the snail’s pace of the narrative. That slow build of tension and fear is what makes horror such a joy to delve into.
Full review here: http://leatherboundpounds.wordpress.c...
Full review here: http://leatherboundpounds.wordpress.c...
January 3, 2015
This was a pretty decent ghost story. I liked it. It picked me up and took me along for a ride. The story flowed well, and I like that it had an actual ending. Too many stories these days do not have real endings. I guess that is so they can come back with a series. I hate that! I read this book in one evening. It is not very long and a quick and easy read.
October 12, 2015
Loved this book!!!
Great, intriguing prologue, followed by a very realistic look on real people, dealing with the stresses of being faced with a paranormal event.
Some of the reviews I've read have said that it's too slow. I completely disagree. It needs to have time to build up the tension.
If you like The Woman in Black, A Stir of Echoes, then you'll love this!!!!
Great, intriguing prologue, followed by a very realistic look on real people, dealing with the stresses of being faced with a paranormal event.
Some of the reviews I've read have said that it's too slow. I completely disagree. It needs to have time to build up the tension.
If you like The Woman in Black, A Stir of Echoes, then you'll love this!!!!
August 6, 2017
I thought this would be a creepy horror story but I didn't find it especially frightening. It was a very short read and I enjoyed it, though it was clear from her very first words what she was seeking.
I do recommend this book, it has some horror and some mystery and suspense with a character struggling to adjust his reality and beliefs.
I do recommend this book, it has some horror and some mystery and suspense with a character struggling to adjust his reality and beliefs.
November 7, 2014
I'm going to admit that I'm not into paranormal or ghost stories and I bought this book thinking it was a mystery. That said, it was very well written and the pacing of the story was excellent. Just not my preferred genre.
February 8, 2015
Really enjoyed the second book from Steven, well written, fast paced, great chilling storyline and full of action!
Recommended my partner read it and he loves his historical books, after completing it he also enjoyed it!
Recommended my partner read it and he loves his historical books, after completing it he also enjoyed it!
February 9, 2015
Great story, spine tingling and very creepy with a great twist at the end. The characters were engaging and you could really appreciate how the main character felt and the disbelief at what is happening to him. Thoroughly enjoyed.
September 15, 2014
I really liked this story, it's a story about spooky happenings to an everyday guy without giving to much away steven really sets the tone to what is a really spooky modern day tale.
August 13, 2015
Quick read. Scary but could have been scarier! Some of it was too unbelievable to creep me out (if that makes any sense at all lol)
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