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World's Scariest Places #3-4
World's Scariest Places: Volume Two: Helltown & Island of the Dolls
This omnibus edition includes books three and four in the bestselling World's Scariest Places series
Helltown - Since the 1980s there have been numerous reports of occult activity and other possibly supernatural phenomenon within certain villages and townships of Summit County, Ohio - an area collectively known as Helltown.
When a group of out-out-town friends investigating the legends are driven off the road by a mysterious hearse, their night of cheap thrills turns to chills as they begin to die one by one.
Island of the Dolls - Deep within an ancient Aztec canal system on the outskirts of Mexico City lies Isla de las Munecas...a reportedly haunted island infested with thousands of decrepit dolls.
While there to film a television documentary, several friends discover a brutal murder. Soon fear and paranoia turn them against one another - even as the unknown killer stalks them throughout the longest night of their lives.
Praise for Jeremy Bates and his
"Bates' approach to the story is surprisingly restrained, cultivating impressive frights in the unnerving environment...an understated horror story that will remind readers what chattering teeth sound like."
-- Kirkus Reviews on Suicide Forest
"Bates takes an intriguing premise to shocking lengths, revealing the outcome only in an epilogue. A graphically violent story with building suspense and a moral about where weaving such a web may lead."
-- Booklist on White Lies
"The Catacombs is easy to consume whole, like a shocking, but delicious, pint of ice cream, as Bates never shies away from the bad or the ugly. If you are looking for something to give you chills before you go to bed or make you think twice about turning off your light, then The Catacombs is the book for you."
-- San Francisco Book Review on The Catacombs
"[A] short, sharp shocker...Bates (The Taste of Fear) writes persuasively from [the protagonist's] adolescent point of view, making the horror of his youthful reminiscences that much more intense."
-- Publishers Weekly on Black Canyon
"The story culminates in a tense situation and a surprising yet satisfying ending...well written and an exciting thriller."
-- Suspense Magazine on White Lies
"Big on suspense...think of The Blair Witch Project with the exception being that this takes place in...a real haunted setting."
-- HorrorAddicts on Suicide Forest
"Here's an enjoyable book to lose yourself in. Jeremy Bates doesn't miss a trick, teasing and misleading, ratcheting up the tension as the heroine...loses traction on a slippery slope of deceptions."
-- Glenn Kleier, New York Times bestselling author on White Lies
"A horror story like none other...makes for a read that will delight horror fans who want their novels steeped in psychological suspense as well as action."
-- Midwest Book Review on The Catacombs
What people are saying about the books in the WORLD'S SCARIEST PLACES series (Suicide Forest, The Catacombs, Helltown, Island of the Dolls):
"Definitely gave me chills reading this late at night which hasn't happened since I was a 13 year old teenager reading Stephen King's, It, for the first time." - verothehero
"Move over King and Koontz there's a new talent in town." - judy pfanner
"I had to stop reading at certain points because he was freaking me out. That only happens to me with one other writer--Stephen King." - Lyn Lutrzykowski
"I think of early Clive Barker, without the guts." - H. Kelly
"Suicide Forest is up the with Joe Hills Heart Shaped Box." - Lola Cain
"Scariest book I've ever read" - Jamie Dobbs
"If you like Greg Olsen or Jeffrey Deaver, Jeremy Bates is a great new talent." - Lnh
"I found it rivaling some of Stephen King's and Dean Koontz's early works---high praise indeed." - Diana D
"If you enjoy Richard Layman, you'll love reading Jeremy Bates" - Anna W.
"This author is in the same league as King, Simmons, and Craven" - linda22724
Helltown - Since the 1980s there have been numerous reports of occult activity and other possibly supernatural phenomenon within certain villages and townships of Summit County, Ohio - an area collectively known as Helltown.
When a group of out-out-town friends investigating the legends are driven off the road by a mysterious hearse, their night of cheap thrills turns to chills as they begin to die one by one.
Island of the Dolls - Deep within an ancient Aztec canal system on the outskirts of Mexico City lies Isla de las Munecas...a reportedly haunted island infested with thousands of decrepit dolls.
While there to film a television documentary, several friends discover a brutal murder. Soon fear and paranoia turn them against one another - even as the unknown killer stalks them throughout the longest night of their lives.
Praise for Jeremy Bates and his
"Bates' approach to the story is surprisingly restrained, cultivating impressive frights in the unnerving environment...an understated horror story that will remind readers what chattering teeth sound like."
-- Kirkus Reviews on Suicide Forest
"Bates takes an intriguing premise to shocking lengths, revealing the outcome only in an epilogue. A graphically violent story with building suspense and a moral about where weaving such a web may lead."
-- Booklist on White Lies
"The Catacombs is easy to consume whole, like a shocking, but delicious, pint of ice cream, as Bates never shies away from the bad or the ugly. If you are looking for something to give you chills before you go to bed or make you think twice about turning off your light, then The Catacombs is the book for you."
-- San Francisco Book Review on The Catacombs
"[A] short, sharp shocker...Bates (The Taste of Fear) writes persuasively from [the protagonist's] adolescent point of view, making the horror of his youthful reminiscences that much more intense."
-- Publishers Weekly on Black Canyon
"The story culminates in a tense situation and a surprising yet satisfying ending...well written and an exciting thriller."
-- Suspense Magazine on White Lies
"Big on suspense...think of The Blair Witch Project with the exception being that this takes place in...a real haunted setting."
-- HorrorAddicts on Suicide Forest
"Here's an enjoyable book to lose yourself in. Jeremy Bates doesn't miss a trick, teasing and misleading, ratcheting up the tension as the heroine...loses traction on a slippery slope of deceptions."
-- Glenn Kleier, New York Times bestselling author on White Lies
"A horror story like none other...makes for a read that will delight horror fans who want their novels steeped in psychological suspense as well as action."
-- Midwest Book Review on The Catacombs
What people are saying about the books in the WORLD'S SCARIEST PLACES series (Suicide Forest, The Catacombs, Helltown, Island of the Dolls):
"Definitely gave me chills reading this late at night which hasn't happened since I was a 13 year old teenager reading Stephen King's, It, for the first time." - verothehero
"Move over King and Koontz there's a new talent in town." - judy pfanner
"I had to stop reading at certain points because he was freaking me out. That only happens to me with one other writer--Stephen King." - Lyn Lutrzykowski
"I think of early Clive Barker, without the guts." - H. Kelly
"Suicide Forest is up the with Joe Hills Heart Shaped Box." - Lola Cain
"Scariest book I've ever read" - Jamie Dobbs
"If you like Greg Olsen or Jeffrey Deaver, Jeremy Bates is a great new talent." - Lnh
"I found it rivaling some of Stephen King's and Dean Koontz's early works---high praise indeed." - Diana D
"If you enjoy Richard Layman, you'll love reading Jeremy Bates" - Anna W.
"This author is in the same league as King, Simmons, and Craven" - linda22724
- GenresHorror
669 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2016
269 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Bates
46 books1,837 followersUSA TODAY and #1 Amazon bestselling author Jeremy Bates has written over twenty novels and novellas, selling more than one million copies worldwide. His work has been translated into multiple languages and optioned for film and television by major studios. Midwest Book Review has likened his storytelling to that of Stephen King and Joe Lansdale, calling him a "master of the art." Bates is a KDP Select All-Star and the recipient of the Australian Shadows Award and the Canadian Arthur Ellis Award. He was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards, the only major book honors chosen by readers.
His latest novel, *The No-End House*, is a standalone horror story set in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, where a pair of volunteers must navigate nine mysterious rooms in a sinister house. Scheduled for release by Kensington Publishing in July 2025, it’s a chilling tale of survival and escape.
Visit Amazon to get DENISOVANS for a special release-date price now.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F...
Also, MOUNTAIN OF THE DEAD is currently only $0.99 in a limited-time deal.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079KW3N72
Finally, visit Jeremy’s website to receive a free copy of *Black Canyon*, winner of the Lou Allin Memorial Award.
https://www.jeremybatesbooks.com
His latest novel, *The No-End House*, is a standalone horror story set in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, where a pair of volunteers must navigate nine mysterious rooms in a sinister house. Scheduled for release by Kensington Publishing in July 2025, it’s a chilling tale of survival and escape.
Visit Amazon to get DENISOVANS for a special release-date price now.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F...
Also, MOUNTAIN OF THE DEAD is currently only $0.99 in a limited-time deal.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079KW3N72
Finally, visit Jeremy’s website to receive a free copy of *Black Canyon*, winner of the Lou Allin Memorial Award.
https://www.jeremybatesbooks.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 23, 2019
Engaging horror stories, but technically unpolished
There were two stories in this combo book.
The first one falls prey to the typical horror tropes.
The second one was more intelligent and I felt more engaged with the characters.
I did however have a few issues with the unpolished nature of both books, several inconsistencies in time line, mistakes in character name in the second story, superfluous vocabulary and a few grammar errors.
It just could have used someone going over it with a fine toothed comb before publication.
Despite my anal retentiveness regarding the technical writing issues, these stories were engaging, I really liked that the author put effort into the backstories for a lot of these characters. It made me care more about what was going to happen to them. It was scary and very gory (not for the faint of heart).
I think the title of this book series doesn’t really fit. I was expecting to read about several scary places and the history etc. But this is more horror fiction, set in real life scary places. So just be aware of that when you start these books. Either way overall I’m not disappointed I read this, and it was entertaining enough, so I’ve given it 3 stars.
There were two stories in this combo book.
The first one falls prey to the typical horror tropes.
The second one was more intelligent and I felt more engaged with the characters.
I did however have a few issues with the unpolished nature of both books, several inconsistencies in time line, mistakes in character name in the second story, superfluous vocabulary and a few grammar errors.
It just could have used someone going over it with a fine toothed comb before publication.
Despite my anal retentiveness regarding the technical writing issues, these stories were engaging, I really liked that the author put effort into the backstories for a lot of these characters. It made me care more about what was going to happen to them. It was scary and very gory (not for the faint of heart).
I think the title of this book series doesn’t really fit. I was expecting to read about several scary places and the history etc. But this is more horror fiction, set in real life scary places. So just be aware of that when you start these books. Either way overall I’m not disappointed I read this, and it was entertaining enough, so I’ve given it 3 stars.
November 22, 2024
Two Incredible Books
"World's Scariest Places: Volume 2" contains a pair of very good novels! Both are extremely well-written, with unique settings and fully-developed characters.
My only complaint regarding this collection has to do with the first book - "Helltown". I thought that it ended too quickly. There were things that I wanted to see play out that we don't get to see. This leaves readers with a couple of loose plot threads at the end, wondering what happens to a couple of the characters.
The second novel - "Island of the Dolls" - wraps up quite nicely.
These books are creepy and, at times, downright chilling. They are the work of a master of his craft! If you enjoy horror, then you should be reading Jeremy Bates!
I highly recommend reading "World's Scariest Places: Volume 2"!
"World's Scariest Places: Volume 2" contains a pair of very good novels! Both are extremely well-written, with unique settings and fully-developed characters.
My only complaint regarding this collection has to do with the first book - "Helltown". I thought that it ended too quickly. There were things that I wanted to see play out that we don't get to see. This leaves readers with a couple of loose plot threads at the end, wondering what happens to a couple of the characters.
The second novel - "Island of the Dolls" - wraps up quite nicely.
These books are creepy and, at times, downright chilling. They are the work of a master of his craft! If you enjoy horror, then you should be reading Jeremy Bates!
I highly recommend reading "World's Scariest Places: Volume 2"!
February 2, 2020
I'll never look at dolls the same again.
How could a little girl's doll be scary, you ask? Easy, just get Jeremy Bates to write a book about them. He could take the most innocent item and make it scary enough to give you nightmares. Imagine you're stuck a a deserted island where 2 of your friends have already been killed, and the legends say the ghost of a little girl who drowned there still walks the island. Are all those 100's of dolls really just dolls? Or do they come alive when you turn your back? Read the book to find out!! Highly recommended.
How could a little girl's doll be scary, you ask? Easy, just get Jeremy Bates to write a book about them. He could take the most innocent item and make it scary enough to give you nightmares. Imagine you're stuck a a deserted island where 2 of your friends have already been killed, and the legends say the ghost of a little girl who drowned there still walks the island. Are all those 100's of dolls really just dolls? Or do they come alive when you turn your back? Read the book to find out!! Highly recommended.
April 24, 2019
DNF, which is ironic as I recently had a conversation with my sister about how I am a completionist and have to finish all books that I start. My reasons for not finishing have nothing to do with the author as he seemed to be a decent writer. I realized, partway through Helltown that I was no longer the type of person that was comfortable reading that type of story. I still like the horror genre, but I like it a little less disturbing.
December 4, 2019
Jeremy Bates does it again!
I don't really have time to write an actual "review," so I'll just say, Jeremy Bates has never disappointed me. His books are incredible, his storytelling is sublime. He is truly a master at his craft. His "Worlds Scariest Places" books are amazing, and I recommend them fully and without exception. To anyone who wants to read a good book, this is it.
I don't really have time to write an actual "review," so I'll just say, Jeremy Bates has never disappointed me. His books are incredible, his storytelling is sublime. He is truly a master at his craft. His "Worlds Scariest Places" books are amazing, and I recommend them fully and without exception. To anyone who wants to read a good book, this is it.
May 16, 2019
Riveting Horror
It takes a master of the craft to wind a real place i to a riveting horror story. Author Jeremy Bates is certainly a master. Two twisted stories that will make you want to read with all the lights on. Descriptive stories with great characters.
It takes a master of the craft to wind a real place i to a riveting horror story. Author Jeremy Bates is certainly a master. Two twisted stories that will make you want to read with all the lights on. Descriptive stories with great characters.
August 5, 2019
Page turners
Both stories are woven so well that I didn't want to set them down. I'm just happy that I didn't have nightmares., but it's been great replaying the stories over again in my mind.
Both stories are woven so well that I didn't want to set them down. I'm just happy that I didn't have nightmares., but it's been great replaying the stories over again in my mind.
November 8, 2020
The usual fantastic story
I love this series, always a pleasure to read. The storylines are based on real areas and characters are well fleshed out. Both of these are suitably spooky!
I love this series, always a pleasure to read. The storylines are based on real areas and characters are well fleshed out. Both of these are suitably spooky!
May 15, 2019
Enjoyed
As usual, two more good books by the author. Quick reads with interesting plots. Nothing heavy, but keeps your attention.
As usual, two more good books by the author. Quick reads with interesting plots. Nothing heavy, but keeps your attention.
May 27, 2019
Brilliant
Loved it. Amazing stories
Kept me guessing till the end
Will keep my eye out for more from this author.
Loved it. Amazing stories
Kept me guessing till the end
Will keep my eye out for more from this author.
June 15, 2019
Don’t read at night
Scary stories that keep you awake. I never liked dolls before and really don’t like them now. The first story was even scarier.
Scary stories that keep you awake. I never liked dolls before and really don’t like them now. The first story was even scarier.
didn-t-couldn-t-finish
June 24, 2019Made it 17%
December 4, 2019
Wow
This book just kept me wanting to read more. It had something always going on and was even better than the first one. Loved it . Great reading and always entertaining.
This book just kept me wanting to read more. It had something always going on and was even better than the first one. Loved it . Great reading and always entertaining.
July 2, 2021
Ok read but not scary
Well written storyline that just fizzes out at the end. I like the real haunted stories not a mystery. Check it out for yourself
Well written storyline that just fizzes out at the end. I like the real haunted stories not a mystery. Check it out for yourself
November 17, 2022
😱
Omnibus of books 3 and 4.
Both stories eerily scary, fiction based around truth.
Both stories good but I preferred the second one island of the dolls.
Omnibus of books 3 and 4.
Both stories eerily scary, fiction based around truth.
Both stories good but I preferred the second one island of the dolls.
August 21, 2023
Not too bad.
I had never heard of Helltown before. I enjoyed both stories in this second book by Jeremy Bates. Island of Dolls was amazing!
I had never heard of Helltown before. I enjoyed both stories in this second book by Jeremy Bates. Island of Dolls was amazing!
April 19, 2017
Review on Helltown
Read the first volume (The Forest & The Catacombs) not bad. Now the volune 2 I just finished Helltown ok it gave me the creeps. Way more realistic and snakes (I bloody hate snakes). The other 2 stories didn't scare me. BUT Helltown was more realistic- hello there are psychos all over the place and people go missing all the time. Maybe it's because they ventured off for cheap thrills in HELLTOWN (cue the ominous music).
Out of all the stories I have read of Bates this one has been the best. I liked the characters- the good, the bad and the ugly ass snakes! Can't say anymore, but let's just say I got what I expected and......more
Review on Island of the Dolls
Read this story much later....like several months after (caught up in work, holidays, etc.) Any way finished it last night and......was disappointed because the other 3 stories from Scariest Place in the World were much creepier, darker and messed up. Bates doesn't disappoint as the character were likable. But I wasn't scared and unlike Helltown which sent chills down my spine- this story was meh.
Now!!! on to his next book--- The Taste of Fear (reading reviews from before this will probably be more up my alley)
Read the first volume (The Forest & The Catacombs) not bad. Now the volune 2 I just finished Helltown ok it gave me the creeps. Way more realistic and snakes (I bloody hate snakes). The other 2 stories didn't scare me. BUT Helltown was more realistic- hello there are psychos all over the place and people go missing all the time. Maybe it's because they ventured off for cheap thrills in HELLTOWN (cue the ominous music).
Out of all the stories I have read of Bates this one has been the best. I liked the characters- the good, the bad and the ugly ass snakes! Can't say anymore, but let's just say I got what I expected and......more
Review on Island of the Dolls
Read this story much later....like several months after (caught up in work, holidays, etc.) Any way finished it last night and......was disappointed because the other 3 stories from Scariest Place in the World were much creepier, darker and messed up. Bates doesn't disappoint as the character were likable. But I wasn't scared and unlike Helltown which sent chills down my spine- this story was meh.
Now!!! on to his next book--- The Taste of Fear (reading reviews from before this will probably be more up my alley)
August 22, 2023
I should start by confessing that I have never liked dolls. In fact, I actively dislike them. Discovering that there is actually a real Island populated by these (to me) rather unpleasant things, was scary enough, so obviously, I had to read this book!
Overall, the story is well presented, and sufficiently creepy to take me all the way to the (rather less well presented) ending. By then, I had a feeling this had all become a little too formulaic, and for me, the ending was far too far-fetched to swallow. Sorry, but it really detracted from the concept, in my opinion, by being more than a little over the top.
However, I'm sure that fans of Jeremy Bates work won't be disappointed, as 'Island of the Dolls' still provides a very readable addition to the 'Worlds Scariest Places' strand!
Overall, the story is well presented, and sufficiently creepy to take me all the way to the (rather less well presented) ending. By then, I had a feeling this had all become a little too formulaic, and for me, the ending was far too far-fetched to swallow. Sorry, but it really detracted from the concept, in my opinion, by being more than a little over the top.
However, I'm sure that fans of Jeremy Bates work won't be disappointed, as 'Island of the Dolls' still provides a very readable addition to the 'Worlds Scariest Places' strand!
July 24, 2016
Impressive
I can tell you that I'm very impressed with this author. I've now read all four books in this series and enjoyed them all.
I can tell you that I'm very impressed with this author. I've now read all four books in this series and enjoyed them all.
August 4, 2021
Didn't want to put the book away!
Both stories were really good. I'm a sucker for ghost stories and creepy stuff in general so this was right up my alley! 5/5 would read again.
Both stories were really good. I'm a sucker for ghost stories and creepy stuff in general so this was right up my alley! 5/5 would read again.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews