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Passing the Torch
Deep in the Arizona desert live a girl and her dad, burying secrets—and bodies.
Mesa Kingston's first memory of burying a corpse was at eight years old. Back then it had been the carcass of a large lizard her dad found that they buried in the backyard of their isolated cottage. At age fourteen, the body of a young lady accompanied the reptile's remains, and ever since, an accumulation of female bodies began to grow. Now, the only way Mesa can stop the haunting screams of the dead is by drowning them out with flames. Or is there more to the blaze than even she can perceive?
Mesa Kingston's first memory of burying a corpse was at eight years old. Back then it had been the carcass of a large lizard her dad found that they buried in the backyard of their isolated cottage. At age fourteen, the body of a young lady accompanied the reptile's remains, and ever since, an accumulation of female bodies began to grow. Now, the only way Mesa can stop the haunting screams of the dead is by drowning them out with flames. Or is there more to the blaze than even she can perceive?
- GenresNovella
66 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2015
335 people want to read
About the author
L.L. Sanders
4 books27 followersThe L.L. stands for Leslie Lee. I write erotic romance and post-apocalyptic/dystopian fiction under Leslie Lee Sanders.
But horror and thriller fiction is what I grew up on, what’s inspires me, and what began my pursuit to authorship. I’ve written many short scary stories since the 6th grade. Now they’re much more mature in general, thanks to the wide range of emotion and experience I’ve encountered over the years.
I’m a huge fan of horror and psychological thrillers in every fashion including movies, books, art, campfire tales, and so on. Some of my favorites stories are those that twist at the end or are ambiguous with deep societal or morality themes. This includes dystopias like Hugh Howey’s Wool, psychological thrillers like Shutter Island, and popular and classic horror/romances like V.C. Andrews’s Flowers in the Attic, my favorite.
All my ideas start with a twist, which is exactly how most of my stories end.
WWW.LLSANDERS.COM
leslie@leslieleesanders.com
Twitter: @LeslieLSanders
Facebook: www.facebook.com/llsanders
But horror and thriller fiction is what I grew up on, what’s inspires me, and what began my pursuit to authorship. I’ve written many short scary stories since the 6th grade. Now they’re much more mature in general, thanks to the wide range of emotion and experience I’ve encountered over the years.
I’m a huge fan of horror and psychological thrillers in every fashion including movies, books, art, campfire tales, and so on. Some of my favorites stories are those that twist at the end or are ambiguous with deep societal or morality themes. This includes dystopias like Hugh Howey’s Wool, psychological thrillers like Shutter Island, and popular and classic horror/romances like V.C. Andrews’s Flowers in the Attic, my favorite.
All my ideas start with a twist, which is exactly how most of my stories end.
WWW.LLSANDERS.COM
leslie@leslieleesanders.com
Twitter: @LeslieLSanders
Facebook: www.facebook.com/llsanders
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 3, 2016
Mesa was raised by a single father. Every year they would make a trip to an old family cabin for some father-daughter time.
The book starts with Mesa’s memories beginning at age 8 and continuing to age 18. Her memories that she finally shares with the police are that her father murdered many women and they are all buried behind the cabin. Mesa goes on to say that their voices must be silenced and they will only be silent once Mesa is punished for knowing what her father did.
This is a novella, although I would call it more a short story. It’s very hard to develop a character within such a short time, but the author has done a bang-up job. It was a suspenseful, apprehensive, tension filled trip through Mesa’s growing up years. The ending will take your breath away.
*Warning* This book contains rape situations that may not be appropriate for survivors or those who have been in this type of situation.
Many thanks to the author / LLS Books / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
The book starts with Mesa’s memories beginning at age 8 and continuing to age 18. Her memories that she finally shares with the police are that her father murdered many women and they are all buried behind the cabin. Mesa goes on to say that their voices must be silenced and they will only be silent once Mesa is punished for knowing what her father did.
This is a novella, although I would call it more a short story. It’s very hard to develop a character within such a short time, but the author has done a bang-up job. It was a suspenseful, apprehensive, tension filled trip through Mesa’s growing up years. The ending will take your breath away.
*Warning* This book contains rape situations that may not be appropriate for survivors or those who have been in this type of situation.
Many thanks to the author / LLS Books / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
July 6, 2016
Mesa is eighteen years old and is haunted by the screaming voices in her head and the burden of the secrets that she shares with her father.They only have each other because Mesa`s mother left when she was Five and one of the things that they both love doing is escaping the city and normal every day life and going to the old run down family shack deep in the Arizona desert for some quality time together.
The story opens with eighteen year old Mesa setting fire to the shack,when the police arrive and ask if she needs anything she tells the stunned officer that she needs to fix things because she is a murderer.She is taken to the police station and it is there that her amazing story unfolds.
The story flips back and forth between the past when Mesa was 8,12,14,16 and 18 and the present when Mesa is telling the stunned officers that she and her father have murdered and buried up to fifty women in the back yard behind the shack.
It is only a short story which made it hard to build up any connection with Mesa but the author has done a very good job of building up the tension and suspense and keeping the reader interested in the story.I was very disappointed when I finished the book,I would have liked to know what happened to Mesa after the shocking ending.
It is a very good short mystery but there are some scenes that although they are not too graphic or described in a lot of detail might upset some readers.I did enjoy the story,it's just a shame that it was only short and not a full length book.
Many thank to L.L.Books for a ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
The story opens with eighteen year old Mesa setting fire to the shack,when the police arrive and ask if she needs anything she tells the stunned officer that she needs to fix things because she is a murderer.She is taken to the police station and it is there that her amazing story unfolds.
The story flips back and forth between the past when Mesa was 8,12,14,16 and 18 and the present when Mesa is telling the stunned officers that she and her father have murdered and buried up to fifty women in the back yard behind the shack.
It is only a short story which made it hard to build up any connection with Mesa but the author has done a very good job of building up the tension and suspense and keeping the reader interested in the story.I was very disappointed when I finished the book,I would have liked to know what happened to Mesa after the shocking ending.
It is a very good short mystery but there are some scenes that although they are not too graphic or described in a lot of detail might upset some readers.I did enjoy the story,it's just a shame that it was only short and not a full length book.
Many thank to L.L.Books for a ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
March 31, 2015
Although I'm not an author, I can appreciate the difficulty character development can be when writing a full-length novel. This author has done a marvelous job of fleshing out the character of Mesa in very few words, which is a remarkable accomplishment and is indicative of a highly talented author. In only a scant 25 pages (on my e-reader), the author grabbed my heart and mind and didn't let go until the very last word. Engrossing psychological thriller for adults, one that I highly recommend. I'll be checking out this author's previous works.
I won this book in a giveaway with the understanding that I would give an honest review.
I won this book in a giveaway with the understanding that I would give an honest review.
June 20, 2020
This story was short but packed a punch. It is told from the perspective of the daughter, Mesa. Warning - there is a graphic twist towards the end. It was a story that will never have me looking at a puzzle piece the same way again. A good short read.
March 18, 2019
Wow. I'm not sure what to make of this. It's really more of a long-ish short story or novella than an actual novel. It starts out disturbing and ends up somehow even more disturbing. The language is a little too flowery though, and the ending seems a little too pat for me.
March 5, 2015
I haven’t been a fan of reviewing short stories as I rarely feel connected to the story or the characters before the story ends, but I am certainly thrilled (no pun intended, truly) that I chose to review Passing the Torch by L.L. Sanders. This is the first of her writing that I have read.
I love psychological thrillers and have since a relatively young age. I can say with a great amount of certainty that Ms. Sanders is a master at her craft if this story is any indication of her abilities.
Within these pages she has developed characters that are believable and relatable while managing to keep them steeped in mystery. The plot is easy to see through the first several chapters and I thought I had it all figured out, being the master of the fives w's (who, what, when, where, and why) that I am. Suddenly, out of left field, comes the ending and I never saw it coming!
I don’t wish to steal the thunder of this incredible short story, but I promise you will be surprised from beginning to end.
I highly recommend Passing the Torch by L.L. Sanders and give it five steaming, hot cups of Room With Books coffee!
© March 2, 2015
Patricia, Room With Books
I love psychological thrillers and have since a relatively young age. I can say with a great amount of certainty that Ms. Sanders is a master at her craft if this story is any indication of her abilities.
Within these pages she has developed characters that are believable and relatable while managing to keep them steeped in mystery. The plot is easy to see through the first several chapters and I thought I had it all figured out, being the master of the fives w's (who, what, when, where, and why) that I am. Suddenly, out of left field, comes the ending and I never saw it coming!
I don’t wish to steal the thunder of this incredible short story, but I promise you will be surprised from beginning to end.
I highly recommend Passing the Torch by L.L. Sanders and give it five steaming, hot cups of Room With Books coffee!
© March 2, 2015
Patricia, Room With Books
July 31, 2016
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
Passing The Torch is a very short but dark novella about Mesa Kingston, a young girl living with her father. They often go to her father’s cabin to spend some time away from civilization. Yet, Mesa has memories of her father burying young women underneath the cottage. Each year, more and more women cry out to her from beyond the grave, and now, age eighteen, Mesa has decided to do something about it.
For such a short story, the author did a good job of fleshing out the characters. Mesa was intriguing. The other characters, police officers, her dad, were all sketched in a few short lines, but it worked.
The book is a novella, so it’s very short, and I wouldn’t have minded to read a full-length novel on this topic. As such, I found it an okay read but not long enough – too many details were missed, and it was slightly too abstract. Despite that, I did enjoy it and found it disturbing, in a good way.
Passing The Torch is a very short but dark novella about Mesa Kingston, a young girl living with her father. They often go to her father’s cabin to spend some time away from civilization. Yet, Mesa has memories of her father burying young women underneath the cottage. Each year, more and more women cry out to her from beyond the grave, and now, age eighteen, Mesa has decided to do something about it.
For such a short story, the author did a good job of fleshing out the characters. Mesa was intriguing. The other characters, police officers, her dad, were all sketched in a few short lines, but it worked.
The book is a novella, so it’s very short, and I wouldn’t have minded to read a full-length novel on this topic. As such, I found it an okay read but not long enough – too many details were missed, and it was slightly too abstract. Despite that, I did enjoy it and found it disturbing, in a good way.
April 23, 2015
Characters: I was very disappointed with Mesa and how the author portrayed her. I understand why L.L. Sanders did this, but it negatively affected my opinion and even with me understanding why, my opinion was already formed and did not change.
Plot/Content: The plot was really dark from the beginning to the very end, even though they were drastically different. I have nothing else to say because I don't want to give anything away.
Other: This was a really quick read and maybe if it had been longer, it would have captured my attention more. It was very easy for me to get distracted because I felt no connection to the main character because of what had occurred in the book. There was also some language in the book which I didn't enjoy reading.
*Note: I received this book thanks to LibraryThing and L.L. Sanders in exchange for an honest review.
Plot/Content: The plot was really dark from the beginning to the very end, even though they were drastically different. I have nothing else to say because I don't want to give anything away.
Other: This was a really quick read and maybe if it had been longer, it would have captured my attention more. It was very easy for me to get distracted because I felt no connection to the main character because of what had occurred in the book. There was also some language in the book which I didn't enjoy reading.
*Note: I received this book thanks to LibraryThing and L.L. Sanders in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2015
I received this book as an arc for a honest review. Mesa was raised by a single father who took her to an old family cabin for father/daughter time over the years. the book starts with her 8 year old memories and different memories over the years until present day at age eighteen. She apparently knew her father murdered women and buried them there. There was a Mona Lisa picture puzzle and every time he added a new piece another woman had been buried in the back yard. The author makes the puzzle symbolic and the voices in Mesa's head are also symbolic. Are the voices in Mesa's head real? The author has written a suspenseful book and the ending will blow you away
March 3, 2015
I'm still speechless...
Wow, this is a short story, but so powerful, the amount of emotions left me drained, I was all night rolling in bed, thinking how many young girls are dealing with situations like this one? Heartbreaking.
The Author develops this situation in a really respectful and tasteful way, I enjoyed how the chapters takes us back and forward, is really a page turner. If I could, I'd give this book ten stars.
Highly Recommended.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
Wow, this is a short story, but so powerful, the amount of emotions left me drained, I was all night rolling in bed, thinking how many young girls are dealing with situations like this one? Heartbreaking.
The Author develops this situation in a really respectful and tasteful way, I enjoyed how the chapters takes us back and forward, is really a page turner. If I could, I'd give this book ten stars.
Highly Recommended.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
March 3, 2015
*Warning* This book contains rape situations that may not be appropriate for survivors or those who have been in this type of situation.
With saying that, the book does not go into a whole rape scene and stay there by any means. It's a good book, a book that tells a story of one's memories. This book will have you on edge, this book will have you feeling every emotion the characters do. It's a touchy book at certain times. The author seem to have really done the research to make this book as good as it is!
*Received for an honest review*
With saying that, the book does not go into a whole rape scene and stay there by any means. It's a good book, a book that tells a story of one's memories. This book will have you on edge, this book will have you feeling every emotion the characters do. It's a touchy book at certain times. The author seem to have really done the research to make this book as good as it is!
*Received for an honest review*
March 30, 2015
A quirky short story with a couple of twists. Made my morning commute fly past.
August 10, 2016
“[But] have I ever been an oridnary girl with an ordinary life, or was my urge to be normal greater than my reality?” Mesa; Passing the Torch, L.L. Sanders
*I received this book for free from the publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
[Triggers for this novel: description of murder, ]
I will reviewing a novel I received through Netgalley for the first time so I am super excited!
I had never read a novella until a couple of months ago when I picked up a free copy of Gerald Durrell’s “Donkey Rustlers” which I had enjoyed. Now I feel myself more inclined to pick up a novella. It’s nice to take a break from novels with all their subplots and complications, and read something straightforward. I also liked the cover for this book. It’s not particularly pretty but I’m used to seeing covers with only a few items that stand as representations; there aren’t a lot of books out there that have a scene from the actual storytelling as the cover. But it’s the perfect cover for a novella.
The book is separated by chapters that go back and forth between the present and the past. With only one narrator, this didn’t cause much confusion as it did for me when I read “The Girl on the Train”. In the present, Mesa is confessing to murders she and her father committed at their cottage which they vacation to. In the past, she is a young girl, with each chapter going from 8 years of age, to 10, and so on, and who is watching all this horror surround her, skewering her mind. Sanders does a great job of describing Mesa’s feelings, from guilt to anger to numbness, in such a short period of pages. Sentences and scenes flowed well, and the twist at the end is truly horrifying, to say the least. Overall, a fantastic novella.
You can find my review for this book, and others, on my blog: Sweaters and Raindrops
*I received this book for free from the publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
[Triggers for this novel: description of murder, ]
I will reviewing a novel I received through Netgalley for the first time so I am super excited!
I had never read a novella until a couple of months ago when I picked up a free copy of Gerald Durrell’s “Donkey Rustlers” which I had enjoyed. Now I feel myself more inclined to pick up a novella. It’s nice to take a break from novels with all their subplots and complications, and read something straightforward. I also liked the cover for this book. It’s not particularly pretty but I’m used to seeing covers with only a few items that stand as representations; there aren’t a lot of books out there that have a scene from the actual storytelling as the cover. But it’s the perfect cover for a novella.
The book is separated by chapters that go back and forth between the present and the past. With only one narrator, this didn’t cause much confusion as it did for me when I read “The Girl on the Train”. In the present, Mesa is confessing to murders she and her father committed at their cottage which they vacation to. In the past, she is a young girl, with each chapter going from 8 years of age, to 10, and so on, and who is watching all this horror surround her, skewering her mind. Sanders does a great job of describing Mesa’s feelings, from guilt to anger to numbness, in such a short period of pages. Sentences and scenes flowed well, and the twist at the end is truly horrifying, to say the least. Overall, a fantastic novella.
You can find my review for this book, and others, on my blog: Sweaters and Raindrops
March 3, 2015
This book needs to come with a trigger warning for rape. Nowhere in the book description was this mentioned and I unwittingly stumbled into a rape scenario. That being said: this story takes place as a series of flashbacks.
Passing the Torch is a story about Mesa, her father and their cabin previously owned by her grandfather. Mesa and her father went to the cabin every so often for father/daughter time. During one such journey, a disheveled woman came stumbling from inside the cabin. As her father raced off in pursuit of the mysterious woman, Mesa followed. He held the woman to the ground and throttled her as she fought desperately, but the death blow came from Mesa herself who strangled the woman with the keys from the truck.
The incidents became more frequent and each murder put another puzzle piece into place in the Mona Lisa her father was putting together.
Finally unable to take any more of the killings, Mesa sets the cabin on fire. As it blazes, Mesa is taken into custody by police. She tells them her story of the dozens of killings that have taken place, that have been buried in the back yard. While police investigate, Mesa's story unravels in her mind and the ending takes a dark twist.
This novella is well written and engaging. The action slowly draws the reader in until the last page is turned. Despite the ending being personally triggering for me, I enjoyed the story. The ending was unexpected, but if one is paying attention, all the signs are placed for the reveal.
Passing the Torch is a story about Mesa, her father and their cabin previously owned by her grandfather. Mesa and her father went to the cabin every so often for father/daughter time. During one such journey, a disheveled woman came stumbling from inside the cabin. As her father raced off in pursuit of the mysterious woman, Mesa followed. He held the woman to the ground and throttled her as she fought desperately, but the death blow came from Mesa herself who strangled the woman with the keys from the truck.
The incidents became more frequent and each murder put another puzzle piece into place in the Mona Lisa her father was putting together.
Finally unable to take any more of the killings, Mesa sets the cabin on fire. As it blazes, Mesa is taken into custody by police. She tells them her story of the dozens of killings that have taken place, that have been buried in the back yard. While police investigate, Mesa's story unravels in her mind and the ending takes a dark twist.
This novella is well written and engaging. The action slowly draws the reader in until the last page is turned. Despite the ending being personally triggering for me, I enjoyed the story. The ending was unexpected, but if one is paying attention, all the signs are placed for the reveal.
April 6, 2015
A haunting novella by a talented young author. This story may well haunt you when you read the ending. Once you finish this novella you will be able to think back on the Mona Lisa puzzle to understand Mesa's thought process. I had an inkling of what the ending would be like but was still taken aback a bit. The writing is very well done and suspenseful - in fact I immediately signed up for the writers newsletter so I could follow her writings.
Mesa is a difficult character to follow but very remarkable at the same time. I truly enjoyed the way in which the author presented the aspects of the story and the culmination. The fact that I received it free has no bearing on my review. This is a fine novella by a very talented author. If you enjoy her genre, you will most certainly enjoy this story and probably her other writings.
Mesa is a difficult character to follow but very remarkable at the same time. I truly enjoyed the way in which the author presented the aspects of the story and the culmination. The fact that I received it free has no bearing on my review. This is a fine novella by a very talented author. If you enjoy her genre, you will most certainly enjoy this story and probably her other writings.
July 14, 2016
I don't normally read novellas unless they are part of a series I happen to be reading, but i'm really glad I read this one.
As someone who regularly reads crime fiction, loves psychological thrillers - the darker the better - I can honestly recommend this short story.
Please be warned though that it does contain rape situations which can make for uncomfortable reading.
So if you want to read something dark, disturbing and with a great twist at the end look no further than this little gem.
I received a free electronic copy of this novella from NetGalley and the author, in return for an honest review.
As someone who regularly reads crime fiction, loves psychological thrillers - the darker the better - I can honestly recommend this short story.
Please be warned though that it does contain rape situations which can make for uncomfortable reading.
So if you want to read something dark, disturbing and with a great twist at the end look no further than this little gem.
I received a free electronic copy of this novella from NetGalley and the author, in return for an honest review.
May 7, 2015
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads. Thanks for the book.
Hmmm... How to begin? This story dealt with some really hard subjects. I feel that the author did a great job fleshing out the characters in very few words which is essential in a short story. I almost wished it was a full length novel instead of a novella, so the issues could be delved into deeper. Although with such a dark story line, it may be better not to go any deeper. I will continue to follow this talented author and look forward to reading more of her work.
Hmmm... How to begin? This story dealt with some really hard subjects. I feel that the author did a great job fleshing out the characters in very few words which is essential in a short story. I almost wished it was a full length novel instead of a novella, so the issues could be delved into deeper. Although with such a dark story line, it may be better not to go any deeper. I will continue to follow this talented author and look forward to reading more of her work.
July 26, 2016
I recieved Passing the Torch by LL Sanders for free from Net Gally in exchange for an honest review.
This book started out with an 8 year old named Nesa being raised by her single father . They have a isolated getaway they go to on occasions.
At 18 weather it be her flash backs or imagination or memories of murders, burials & rape are more than her mind can handle
A very short book . That leaves much to the imagination. I felt that a little more might have been better.
A great start to a phycological thriller , with a unexpected ending, but for me it needed a little more.
This book started out with an 8 year old named Nesa being raised by her single father . They have a isolated getaway they go to on occasions.
At 18 weather it be her flash backs or imagination or memories of murders, burials & rape are more than her mind can handle
A very short book . That leaves much to the imagination. I felt that a little more might have been better.
A great start to a phycological thriller , with a unexpected ending, but for me it needed a little more.
April 13, 2015
I enjoyed this short story very much. The character development in this book was very good. Mesa had a dad that was a killer. I love these types of books. There was a Mona Lisa picture puzzle and every time he added a new piece another woman had been buried in the back yard for their cabin. It was a very interesting and wonderful psychological thriller. I enjoyed it very much! * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
May 1, 2015
The story narrated by Mesa goes back and forth from her childhood to present day where she has burned down the cottage she visited with her dad.She mostly have pleasant memories of the place with her dad.But as she grew up she realises that they were lies.
At the beginning the plot seemed like a sad mystery but it is rather very twisted!
At the beginning the plot seemed like a sad mystery but it is rather very twisted!
March 6, 2015
Short story so a quick read but rather harrowing. The opening chapter draws you in to keep reading and by the end you are totally shocked by what has happened. A good read though and very well done by L.L.Sanders.
July 23, 2016
An abstract conceptual short story about a young girl struggling with memories from her subconscious that will not stay buried any longer.
Was ok but not my cup of tea.
Thank you to the publisher for the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Was ok but not my cup of tea.
Thank you to the publisher for the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2016
eARC: Netgalley
Short, intense read with quite a twist at the end.
Short, intense read with quite a twist at the end.
July 11, 2016
This just doesn't work as a short story.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews