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Don't Look Inside
CURIOSITY KILLED THE READER
Lizzie finds a tattered old book and is intrigued by its creepy cover. Suddenly the words DON'T LOOK INSIDE scratch furiously into the leather, as if carved by an invisible hand. Lizzie jolts, terrified. She intends to heed the warning. No way in hell is she opening the book now.
But her curiosity gets the better of her. She feels compelled to look inside. Her hands move with a will of their own, opening the book. Her heart hammers in her chest as she reads the first line. No. She reels in horror. What have I done? She should have obeyed the warning. She never should have looked inside. But now it's too late, because the book is about to exact a hideous punishment...
Spike Black's Don't Look Inside is an unrelenting, fast-paced supernatural horror novel. Written in an arresting and irresistible style, it's a high concept, must-read ghost story that will haunt you long after its uncompromising and spectacular conclusion.
Lizzie finds a tattered old book and is intrigued by its creepy cover. Suddenly the words DON'T LOOK INSIDE scratch furiously into the leather, as if carved by an invisible hand. Lizzie jolts, terrified. She intends to heed the warning. No way in hell is she opening the book now.
But her curiosity gets the better of her. She feels compelled to look inside. Her hands move with a will of their own, opening the book. Her heart hammers in her chest as she reads the first line. No. She reels in horror. What have I done? She should have obeyed the warning. She never should have looked inside. But now it's too late, because the book is about to exact a hideous punishment...
Spike Black's Don't Look Inside is an unrelenting, fast-paced supernatural horror novel. Written in an arresting and irresistible style, it's a high concept, must-read ghost story that will haunt you long after its uncompromising and spectacular conclusion.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2015
255 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
October 13, 2015
On the face of it, this should have been a book I loved. A horror story which centres around a book, so ideal for bibliophiles and bookworms who also love the odd scary story. However, this was marred for me by an odd sense of dislocation; both in terms of the storyline and sense of place.
We begin with Lizzie, who is babysitting a little girl. Lizzie is obviously full of distaste for her young charge, despite her suggestions she wishes to start her life anew after some unnamed disaster. When she goes to read a bedtime story to young April, she chooses an old book that the family found in the attic – “Cat’s Curiosity” by Bertrand Powell. Scratched on the cover are the words, “Don’t Look Inside,” but, of course, Lizzie does…
Now, from everything Lizzie said, and the way she acted, I had assumed this book was set in the States. However, when Sergeant Della Kirby arrives to investigate the events that the book unleashed, we discover Della is from Boston and now working in the small town of Chalkstone in England. Della’s colleague, Sergeant Graham Andrews reacts oddly when he hears about the book and the two go in search of it, as it is discovered by various other people in the town. Still, half the time I was unsure whether I was in a fictional, small English town, or back in Boston with Della – English people don’t say, “Pipe down, lady!” and virtually every statement from an English character simply sounds American, so you get so sense of place at all.
This reads like a series of scenes, rather than a novel, as Della and Graham search for the book and Della gradually unearths the secrets behind the book. This is creepy, but ultimately it was a frustrating read for me. Yes, some of the characters who come across the book have terrible secrets, but others seem a little random and almost everyone either acts out of character or stereotypically. Librarians don’t shush children in libraries any more – and the language was completely wrong. Perhaps if the author had set this story in America it would have worked better for me, because I found the inappropriate slang, and odd sense of location, too jarring.
We begin with Lizzie, who is babysitting a little girl. Lizzie is obviously full of distaste for her young charge, despite her suggestions she wishes to start her life anew after some unnamed disaster. When she goes to read a bedtime story to young April, she chooses an old book that the family found in the attic – “Cat’s Curiosity” by Bertrand Powell. Scratched on the cover are the words, “Don’t Look Inside,” but, of course, Lizzie does…
Now, from everything Lizzie said, and the way she acted, I had assumed this book was set in the States. However, when Sergeant Della Kirby arrives to investigate the events that the book unleashed, we discover Della is from Boston and now working in the small town of Chalkstone in England. Della’s colleague, Sergeant Graham Andrews reacts oddly when he hears about the book and the two go in search of it, as it is discovered by various other people in the town. Still, half the time I was unsure whether I was in a fictional, small English town, or back in Boston with Della – English people don’t say, “Pipe down, lady!” and virtually every statement from an English character simply sounds American, so you get so sense of place at all.
This reads like a series of scenes, rather than a novel, as Della and Graham search for the book and Della gradually unearths the secrets behind the book. This is creepy, but ultimately it was a frustrating read for me. Yes, some of the characters who come across the book have terrible secrets, but others seem a little random and almost everyone either acts out of character or stereotypically. Librarians don’t shush children in libraries any more – and the language was completely wrong. Perhaps if the author had set this story in America it would have worked better for me, because I found the inappropriate slang, and odd sense of location, too jarring.
April 7, 2019
There's a newbie author who's been picking up some major steam lately in the publishing world. All his books so far have gotten a bunch of awards, some great reviews, and all that type of stuff that we all want but don't get. Not to mention the number of sales!
Anyways, that author's name is Spike Black and he's the author of Don't Look Inside, the book I'm reviewing today. He has five books right now released, and two of them at least have a few characteristics unlike any authors. I guess you'll just have to read on to see what I mean ;)
WHAT I LIKED:
Simplicity
This author's writing has a very simple, understandable style to it. He lets you imagine the settings for yourself, which is a good idea as it normally frightens you worse. Not only that, but the characters are mostly up to you. You can decide what they look like. This, too, is a great trait in a book!
The story itself is pretty simple, and there's a great twist at the end. You don't meet the main protagonist until Chapter 4 or 5, which also makes it seem like the story isn't about a 'good guy' -it's about the evil book. He even gave the book it's own title, which was...
Cat's Curiosity
Yep, that's the book name. Cat's Curiosity is a freaky, creepy little rhyming book. It's really fascinating, honestly. Maybe it's just because I haven't read much possessed-book-type stuff, but it was really fun and scary. I know there's lots of stories with possessed books (that's just what I'll call them) out there, so this might not really be your cup of tea in a book.
Nevertheless, this book made this book great. (Confusing, much? Good. Books about books are books all the same.)
Beginning
I loved the beginning of this book, because it involves two characters who basically are pointless in the grand scheme of things. You don't meet the protagonist until Chapter 4 or 5, like I said, and you don't meet the really important people until even later.
I just thought it was cool that the book starts out with what seems to be a big deal, and then it becomes relatively pointless in the end. It's like having two stories in one. Discount-Day, everybody!
WHAT I DISLIKED:
Ending
Just as the beginning was really interesting and made perfect sense, and the middle was really interesting and made perfect sense... well, the end wasn't.
By the time the book ended, I was confused. There were so many ghosts/confusions/crazies I was just lost. And that's not it! Apparently,
Setting
So at times, I was a bit confused about where stuff was happening, like place-wise. I knew there was a town in England, and that's where most of the stuff goes down. And we go to places like the library and then for some reason back to the police station. And then we're on a highway one time? I don't know. There's lots of stuff I still don't understand about the book. That's not always a bad thing, but I'm still gonna mark it down as a minus.
MY RATING: 8.5/10
This book was interesting, captivating, and had very unique writing, in a good way. There's lots to love about Spike Black's writing, and I'll be reading his book Leave This Place next!
Anyways, that author's name is Spike Black and he's the author of Don't Look Inside, the book I'm reviewing today. He has five books right now released, and two of them at least have a few characteristics unlike any authors. I guess you'll just have to read on to see what I mean ;)
WHAT I LIKED:
Simplicity
This author's writing has a very simple, understandable style to it. He lets you imagine the settings for yourself, which is a good idea as it normally frightens you worse. Not only that, but the characters are mostly up to you. You can decide what they look like. This, too, is a great trait in a book!
The story itself is pretty simple, and there's a great twist at the end. You don't meet the main protagonist until Chapter 4 or 5, which also makes it seem like the story isn't about a 'good guy' -it's about the evil book. He even gave the book it's own title, which was...
Cat's Curiosity
Yep, that's the book name. Cat's Curiosity is a freaky, creepy little rhyming book. It's really fascinating, honestly. Maybe it's just because I haven't read much possessed-book-type stuff, but it was really fun and scary. I know there's lots of stories with possessed books (that's just what I'll call them) out there, so this might not really be your cup of tea in a book.
Nevertheless, this book made this book great. (Confusing, much? Good. Books about books are books all the same.)
Beginning
I loved the beginning of this book, because it involves two characters who basically are pointless in the grand scheme of things. You don't meet the protagonist until Chapter 4 or 5, like I said, and you don't meet the really important people until even later.
I just thought it was cool that the book starts out with what seems to be a big deal, and then it becomes relatively pointless in the end. It's like having two stories in one. Discount-Day, everybody!
WHAT I DISLIKED:
Ending
Just as the beginning was really interesting and made perfect sense, and the middle was really interesting and made perfect sense... well, the end wasn't.
By the time the book ended, I was confused. There were so many ghosts/confusions/crazies I was just lost. And that's not it! Apparently,
Setting
So at times, I was a bit confused about where stuff was happening, like place-wise. I knew there was a town in England, and that's where most of the stuff goes down. And we go to places like the library and then for some reason back to the police station. And then we're on a highway one time? I don't know. There's lots of stuff I still don't understand about the book. That's not always a bad thing, but I'm still gonna mark it down as a minus.
MY RATING: 8.5/10
This book was interesting, captivating, and had very unique writing, in a good way. There's lots to love about Spike Black's writing, and I'll be reading his book Leave This Place next!
April 6, 2015
If you love horror, then this is the book for you. It was excellent.
June 10, 2015
5 Stars! A book about a book. Hell, yeah! When I read a couple of chapters, I thought, dang, this book is going to end way too soon! It didn't though. The story is a weaving of many tales tangled together til the end. Great horror story to read in one sitting. I could not put it down. If you like subtle horror that sneaks up on you & then grabs you by the throat, this is a great book for you!
Want to read
June 14, 2015They always do.
December 24, 2015
I really don't know how I feel about this... I expected to really enjoy it; however, it just didn't hit all the marks for me. It was a compelling story to begin with, but by the end I had to force myself to finish. It had just lost the umph and suspense, in my opinion. Similar to what another reviewer said, I wish the author would have gone into more detail about the town Chalkstone and why it was so "strange." It basically only hinted at it's weirdness, but we never get any real information as to who, what, why, etc. I feel like the story just wasn't complete, to say the least. It didn't flow, to me. Ugh, I really wanted to like this dammit.
July 18, 2017
A quick read, but featured bad writing, an uneven plot, and unlikable characters.
March 13, 2015
Don't look inside - of course you want to do it now. This book was seriously creepy. Very well written and the descriptions are so well written it makes you feel as if you're there. I was seriously on the edge of my seat with a racing heart.
The book starts with Lizzy babysitting April when she finds the mysterious book with the warning slashed into the cover - DON'T LOOK INSIDE. Despite her terror she of course, looks inside. And here the terror begins. Everyone has a dark past, everyone has a secret and this book knows what that secret is.
The reason I give it 4 stars is I didn't feel anything for any of the characters, they lacked any depth or qualities that make me want to root for them. Everything else, I really enjoyed. The ending was shocking and completely unexpected. A great read for anyone looking for a spooky thrill ride! Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book starts with Lizzy babysitting April when she finds the mysterious book with the warning slashed into the cover - DON'T LOOK INSIDE. Despite her terror she of course, looks inside. And here the terror begins. Everyone has a dark past, everyone has a secret and this book knows what that secret is.
The reason I give it 4 stars is I didn't feel anything for any of the characters, they lacked any depth or qualities that make me want to root for them. Everything else, I really enjoyed. The ending was shocking and completely unexpected. A great read for anyone looking for a spooky thrill ride! Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2015
OK... this sucked me in. Now I'm scared to look in any book! Found myself yelling at the characters to stop before.... well, you have to read to find out. It was a great horror book, to me anyway and I look forward to reading more of Mr. Black's tales. I'm a novice reader, but fast becoming a Horror geek.
April 6, 2015
I loved this book :) It was a short read. I wish it were longer :( If you like a little scary with an unexpected twist at the end :) This is definitely the book for you!!
June 15, 2015
Really good read
Well done Mr. Black. Creepy and deep. I am looking forward to the next book of yours I can get my hands on.
Well done Mr. Black. Creepy and deep. I am looking forward to the next book of yours I can get my hands on.
February 1, 2019
Hated it!!!! The writing is very juvenile.... I just could not get into it. I literally give every book a chance and it is nearly impossible for me to not read a book to the last page (call it a mild case of OCD), but this was a chore. The concept is excellent, but I just found that the way it was written was just not appealing to me. Perhaps someone younger or someone who just does not read as much as I do, could get into this. However, for me at least, it was a no-go.
March 19, 2017
Creepy and pretty compelling right up until the end. It's tough for me to feel satisfied with most endings, especially in horror, and this wasn't much different - but right up to the last chapter, I was really enjoying it. The ending wasn't *bad,* it just wasn't as interesting as the rest of the book.
May 4, 2016
Don't Look Inside. The title reflects what we have heard in so many numerous horror flicks, only to be so true. Well, in this book of the same name, it ends up being true for people in oh so the wrong way.
After seeing the cover for this book on Amazon, where I seem to discover a lot of my reading titles,
the title just seemed to stick out. Reading the synopsis, it grabbed me right away.
A book entitled "Cat's Curiosity", containing rhyming limericks about a young girl named Cat, and the dangerous mischief she got into.
But when the cover title disappearing and was replaced by a deep scratched into the leather cover saying: Don't Look Inside, it lead to nothing good for anyone that ignored the warning.
The book itself passes from hand to hand, as too police officers try to find the book and stop what is happening.
Its such a simple premise. An evil book. But it is much more than that. There is a presence as well that is part of the book, it goes hand and hand with it. There is a fairly limited cast of characters involved that make this a fast read. There are a few moments that slow down a little while Officer Graham enlightens his partner officer Della about the aspects of his life with his wife Miriam. he does take a while to relate the story, much inthe way that most English people do when they tell tales. You might feel yourself wanting to skip lines during it here and there, but don't because it is essential.
Overall, this is a creepy little book to read. It is horror for sure but not totally horrific. But it is creepy and that's a good thing.
After seeing the cover for this book on Amazon, where I seem to discover a lot of my reading titles,
the title just seemed to stick out. Reading the synopsis, it grabbed me right away.
A book entitled "Cat's Curiosity", containing rhyming limericks about a young girl named Cat, and the dangerous mischief she got into.
But when the cover title disappearing and was replaced by a deep scratched into the leather cover saying: Don't Look Inside, it lead to nothing good for anyone that ignored the warning.
The book itself passes from hand to hand, as too police officers try to find the book and stop what is happening.
Its such a simple premise. An evil book. But it is much more than that. There is a presence as well that is part of the book, it goes hand and hand with it. There is a fairly limited cast of characters involved that make this a fast read. There are a few moments that slow down a little while Officer Graham enlightens his partner officer Della about the aspects of his life with his wife Miriam. he does take a while to relate the story, much inthe way that most English people do when they tell tales. You might feel yourself wanting to skip lines during it here and there, but don't because it is essential.
Overall, this is a creepy little book to read. It is horror for sure but not totally horrific. But it is creepy and that's a good thing.
August 15, 2016
Don't Look Inside is a story about a haunted book that clearly warns anyone who comes across it to not look inside. Because if they do, their darkest secret will be revealed and they will not be safe from the avenging ghost that is connected to it.
Despite being a good read, there are a few things that bothered me, and that's why I can't give it more than 3 stars. One, the story takes place in a small English town called Chalkstone. But for some odd reason, all the characters talked and acted like Americans. It made the setting of the story confusing. I thought it was just me, but I read plenty of reviews where other readers pointed out the same thing. Two, the author hinted at the town being a magnet for supernatural occurrences, but never explained why. It's like, why set this story in this particular little town and not give any real reason for it? Three, the interactions between the characters didn't feel right. There was one scene, where the two main characters (a woman and a man) get into a brutal fist fight over the book (which I didn't understand), and then in the next scene they're all chummy with each other. That was just downright unbelievable.
I'm not going to list every little nuisance, because I did enjoy the story and I don't want to make it seem like I didn't. So with that said, Don't Look Inside is a short, entertaining read that reeled me in from the first chapter and kept my interest till the end. If you're a horror fan and want to read a quick book to past the time, this is definitely the book for you.
Despite being a good read, there are a few things that bothered me, and that's why I can't give it more than 3 stars. One, the story takes place in a small English town called Chalkstone. But for some odd reason, all the characters talked and acted like Americans. It made the setting of the story confusing. I thought it was just me, but I read plenty of reviews where other readers pointed out the same thing. Two, the author hinted at the town being a magnet for supernatural occurrences, but never explained why. It's like, why set this story in this particular little town and not give any real reason for it? Three, the interactions between the characters didn't feel right. There was one scene, where the two main characters (a woman and a man) get into a brutal fist fight over the book (which I didn't understand), and then in the next scene they're all chummy with each other. That was just downright unbelievable.
I'm not going to list every little nuisance, because I did enjoy the story and I don't want to make it seem like I didn't. So with that said, Don't Look Inside is a short, entertaining read that reeled me in from the first chapter and kept my interest till the end. If you're a horror fan and want to read a quick book to past the time, this is definitely the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2015
Overall I liked this book. It was fast paced and had some surprising twists. I definitely wanted to find out how the story would reach resolution. I thought the setting was interesting and the idea of the haunted book intriguing.
I wish the author would have explored the strangeness of the town of Chalkstone itself more instead of only hinting at it. And the same for the haunted custody desk area at the police station. It seemed as though there was a branching subplot there which ended up going nowhere. Is Chalkstone a ghost magnet and if so why? Is Chalkstone itself somehow responsible for the haunted state of the book? Such interesting questions I found myself asking.
The author is very good at suspense. I really liked the supernatural horror aspect. Was creepy but not over the top. The characters were mostly well-fleshed out. I was taken aback by one scene, however, when the main characters seemed to be in a life/death struggle against each other, it’s a huge fight (one even breaks the other’s nose) and then suddenly they are back at the police station locker room nonchalantly saying ok, goodnight, see ya later. It was not believable behavior. It felt like an awkward transition to get to the next part of the book.
Otherwise, the book was well done. I will certainly watch out for more books by this author and I will not hesitate to
LOOK
INSIDE
I wish the author would have explored the strangeness of the town of Chalkstone itself more instead of only hinting at it. And the same for the haunted custody desk area at the police station. It seemed as though there was a branching subplot there which ended up going nowhere. Is Chalkstone a ghost magnet and if so why? Is Chalkstone itself somehow responsible for the haunted state of the book? Such interesting questions I found myself asking.
The author is very good at suspense. I really liked the supernatural horror aspect. Was creepy but not over the top. The characters were mostly well-fleshed out. I was taken aback by one scene, however, when the main characters seemed to be in a life/death struggle against each other, it’s a huge fight (one even breaks the other’s nose) and then suddenly they are back at the police station locker room nonchalantly saying ok, goodnight, see ya later. It was not believable behavior. It felt like an awkward transition to get to the next part of the book.
Otherwise, the book was well done. I will certainly watch out for more books by this author and I will not hesitate to
LOOK
INSIDE
November 7, 2015
Picked by my book club I was intrigued to read this never having read this author before.
This tale begins with a babysitter reading to the girl she is looking after when suddenly the story becomes familiar to her, very familiar and the cover starts changing with the words 'Don't Look Inside" but of course she has and catastrophic events follow.
When police come to investigate the horrific incident one of the officers is most disturbed as he too has a very dark hidden secret in his past which relates to this book.
I did like the suspense and tension the book built and it made for a creepy tale. The twist was good but the story was disjointed with the sense of place and language confusing which made me give this book a three out of five.
This tale begins with a babysitter reading to the girl she is looking after when suddenly the story becomes familiar to her, very familiar and the cover starts changing with the words 'Don't Look Inside" but of course she has and catastrophic events follow.
When police come to investigate the horrific incident one of the officers is most disturbed as he too has a very dark hidden secret in his past which relates to this book.
I did like the suspense and tension the book built and it made for a creepy tale. The twist was good but the story was disjointed with the sense of place and language confusing which made me give this book a three out of five.
June 3, 2016
A murderous book is an interesting concept and this story is fast-paced and sometimes really spooky.
It is also sloppy, but if you read it fast enough you may find that does not matter.
It is also sloppy, but if you read it fast enough you may find that does not matter.
June 13, 2019
I don't scare easily on books, I have been a lover of horror books and most thrillers since I was a kid. My preteen daughter was in the room with me while I read a lot of this and she kept asking me if I was ok, or if the book was intense because she said I was moving around a lot. It was not "scary" but it was AWESOME! This is by far one of my favorites, Maybe because it is a book about a book. Either way I highly recommend this book!
April 6, 2015
A real page turner !!!
Well boys and girls this is one scary read centered around of all things ...a book.For us voracious readers of all things scary this one will stay with you long after you are done and you will be asking yourself..would I look inside?
Well boys and girls this is one scary read centered around of all things ...a book.For us voracious readers of all things scary this one will stay with you long after you are done and you will be asking yourself..would I look inside?
April 17, 2015
"Don't Look Inside" was a very good and engaging book. While it wasn't what I would call scary, it did keep my attention and made me want to read more by the author. There were really great twists and turns and the end is very shocking. This is definitely a strong 4 star read.
April 5, 2015
Be sure you have the time when you start this book because you won't want to put it down. Also Spike Black is on my short list of favorite Authors.
April 9, 2015
Twisty, turny, demented, horrific.... I liked it
May 19, 2015
Creepy delicious
As terrifying as the film The Babadook, with a much more sympathetic police presence. You have to look inside. This is artful horror by Spike Black.
As terrifying as the film The Babadook, with a much more sympathetic police presence. You have to look inside. This is artful horror by Spike Black.
June 1, 2015
Brilliant book! I love a story that not only never gives up pace but keeps me on my toes until the end. "Don't look inside" ticked all the boxes....and scared me witless. Enjoy. ;)
May 19, 2015
Spooky read
I liked the twists and turns. Look forward to reading more from Spike Black. Two thumbs up for Don't look inside.
I liked the twists and turns. Look forward to reading more from Spike Black. Two thumbs up for Don't look inside.
December 12, 2015
so many lose ends! it is as if reading multiple stories just happened to be put in the same book.
January 9, 2016
Creepy!
A really good, vivid, horror/mystery book. I'll be reading more Spike Black for sure. If you don't want chills, well, don't look inside.
A really good, vivid, horror/mystery book. I'll be reading more Spike Black for sure. If you don't want chills, well, don't look inside.
didn-t-finish
April 5, 2016You know I love crap horror novels, I really do,but this was too crap to finish :(
June 19, 2016
A really entertaining tail of a book which tells it's readers Don't Look Inside and curiosity being what it is a few do at their peril.
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