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Backwoods Ripper

Anna Willett (Goodreads Author)

4.20 · Rating details · 677 ratings · 90 reviews

A country drive quickly turns into a nightmare for newly-weds Paige and Hal Loche

When you are in the bush, pregnant, and your husband is hurt what do you do? Will you trust just about anyone?

When their car gets a flat tire in the Australian outback, it should be a simple job for capable Hal to fix. His wife pregnant, he sets to it. But an accident befalls him, leaving h ...more

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Kindle Edition, 225 pages

Published June 5th 2016 by THE BOOK FOLKS

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Average rating 4.20 ·

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· 677 ratings · 90 reviews

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Nov 09, 2016 Marie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: horror-books, 2016-read-books, mystery, 2016-top-reads, kindle-owned-read, crime-thriller-anna-willett

This was an awesome story! Very suspenseful and very intriguing! I couldn't read it fast enough and kept wanting to know what was going to happen next!

A small backstory:

A couple are traveling through the back roads of Australia and end up breaking down. Someone comes along and seems to want to help the couple, but it turns out to be anything but help. What starts out as "help" turns into a "twisted nightmare" that makes the couple wonder if they will be able to survive this supposedly "good ...more

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Oct 05, 2020 Sharon rated it really liked it

Shelves: aussie-authors, mystery, 2020-reading-challenge, 5000-2020, thriller, read-on-kindle, own-read

The newlyweds Paige and Hal Loche decide to take advantage of their last moment of tranquility together before the birth of their baby, so they go into the countryside. On their journey, they stop to have something eat and drink. This is where Hal notices the flat tyre of the car and proceeds to change it, but something so simple turns into Hal injuring himself and Paige must try to get them to safety.

Being heavily pregnant, Paige knows she can't change the tyre, but she needs help as her husba ...more

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Jun 03, 2017 Sarah rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction

At 187 pages, Backwoods Ripper was a quick and highly enjoyable read.

This is one of those brooding stories where you know that what is between the pages is going to be dark and it certainly was. If what leaves Hal immobilised isn't horrific enough, what comes later surely is.

Paige and Hal are a young couple who have everything to look forward to. That is until Paige has to enlist a strangers help. You can tell as soon as you meet Lizzy and her daughter Soona that there is something not quite rig ...more

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Jul 16, 2019 Bandit rated it really liked it

This is my fourth read by the author and by far the best. By far. I mean, her books are always fun, quick entertaining suspense thrillers with a distinct Aussie flavor, but this one…this one was something different, something more. This book has such a genuine eerie creepiness factor that it managed to disturb in broad daylight. Just imagine how much fun it would be in the dark. The title, admittedly, is somewhat cheesy and generic, albeit very accurate. The contents are purely horrific with evi This is my fourth read by the author and by far the best. By far. I mean, her books are always fun, quick entertaining suspense thrillers with a distinct Aussie flavor, but this one…this one was something different, something more. This book has such a genuine eerie creepiness factor that it managed to disturb in broad daylight. Just imagine how much fun it would be in the dark. The title, admittedly, is somewhat cheesy and generic, albeit very accurate. The contents are purely horrific with evil being of a very natural (as opposed to the supernatural) kind. But really, it’s the claustrophobia that gets you. The very specific Australian outback type of claustrophobia, with no one for miles, no mobile reception and lunatics in haunted looking old mansions offering assistance you should, but can’t refuse. That’s pretty much the story of a young couple, inexplicably deciding that traveling through the thoroughly inhospitable bush might be a good idea for the babymoon (yeah, apparently that’s a thing). Car blows a flat, nature strikes, phone won’t work and just like that a very pregnant woman finds herself completely at mercy of a passerby. What occurs next redefines the premise of kindness of strangers and plays out like a taut, scary and profoundly disturbing get out of dodge or die sort of story. Brutally violent, viscerally devastating it’s a killer ride. It’s so nice to witness a promising author stepping up her game like this. This book is more sophisticated, more well written, more emotionally complex…it’s just more in the best possible way. Lean and mean, although longer than some other author’s books, it reads quickly and is very tough to put down, so just set an evening or two aside and let yourself get stranded in the middle of nowhere, Australia. It’s a journey one should really only dare to undertake in a literary form. Genre fans, this scary thriller is definitely worth checking out. The author’s books often come up as freebies too, which is lovely, this one was. Read it if you dare. Recommended. ...more

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Sep 20, 2016 TDCbookreviews rated it it was amazing

If you like horror books you won't be disappointed by this book. Expecting parents take a country drive before the preparations of their new baby when they stop to eat and find out that their tire has been slashed!

It takes you on a trip down all the good horror movies you have ever watched. It's almost like a movie because you can see everything that is happening. I would say this is a blend of a V.C. Andrews novel and a Stephen King.

You won't be disappointed by this book if you are looking for ...more

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Sep 18, 2019 Kim rated it liked it

Shelves: kindle-read

Setting: Western Australia. Hal and his pregnant wife Paige are on holiday in a remote area of Western Australia when, taking a country road as a short-cut, they get a flat tyre and, in trying to change it, Hal is seriously injured. When Paige goes for help, she meets two women in a truck who come to their assistance - taking the injured Hal and pregnant Paige back to their house is the beginning of a nightmare for the couple at the hands of these women...
I wasn't as gripped by this one as the p ...more

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Jul 31, 2016 Nick Iuppa rated it really liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. BACKWOODS RIPPER
By Anna Willett

The book is billed as a gripping action suspense thriller, and I guess the fact that I was gripping the arms of my chair (actually holding on for dear life) as I read the last quarter of it proves that the billing is correct.

The danger in writing a book with a major character and situation that so closely resembles a very famous novel is that the author is pretty much demanding a comparison. At least, in this case, the comparison is very favorable in spite of the f BACKWOODS RIPPER
By Anna Willett

The book is billed as a gripping action suspense thriller, and I guess the fact that I was gripping the arms of my chair (actually holding on for dear life) as I read the last quarter of it proves that the billing is correct.

The danger in writing a book with a major character and situation that so closely resembles a very famous novel is that the author is pretty much demanding a comparison. At least, in this case, the comparison is very favorable in spite of the fact that Backwoods Ripper’s villain and its setting bear an unmistakable resemblance to those in Stephen King’s masterpiece, MISERY.

Lizzy Hatcher is so close to Annie Wilkes that she thinks like Annie and talks a lot like her. But in spite of the comparison Lizzy’s words and actions are totally in keeping with her character. Her motivation is different, though. Annie Wilkes wanted to force a famous writer to create a book to her liking. Lizzy wants a baby… a baby being carried by the wife of the man who allowed Lizzy to rescue him and his wife when his car broke down in the bush and he suffered a deadly snakebite.
.

Annie Wilkes uses cruelty and misguided medical knowledge to blackmail Paul Sheldon into bringing his dead heroine (Misery Chastain) back to life. Lizzy plans to kill Hal and his pregnant wife Paige as soon as she delivers and gets control of their unborn baby. But Lizzy’s nursing skills don’t measure up to Annie’s and she comes close to killing Hal long before the baby is due.

Lizzy’s decrepit home, Mable House, where she brings Hal and Paige, was once a hospital and still has some of the treatment facilities available to be used or misused by Lizzy. But Mable House has a heart and will of its own and seems to imbue its residents with murderous thoughts and dark ideas that eventually find their way into the minds of both Hal and Paige. (Okay, shades of The Shining.)

Backwoods Ripper has several original elements going for it. For one, the heroes are a couple whom Lizzy has captured, and who together give us some nice (though sometimes painful) synergy in finding a way out of their deadly situation. Second, there is Soona, a big mental-challenged woman who becomes kind of a wild card in the escape drama that Hal and Paige are forced to play out.

The ending to Backwoods Ripper is generally better than most of Mr. King’s (to continue the comparison) but the very, very last chapter, for me at least, seemed trite.

Four stars, though, for gripping drama, great characters, and haunting settings. The book is a little slow near the half-way point, but in the end, it’s a thrilling and satisfying read.
...more

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Nov 19, 2020 Kori ☾ rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-stars, thriller

It took me a while to get into the book, that's until Lizzy and Soona came into the story. If I had trust issues before, this story amplified it to 100. The plot is good, gets to the point, and kept me on my toes. I read a lot of reviews that said the story reminded them of Misery, I agree, and felt that it also had a Texas Chainsaw Massacre vibe. This is a story you won't regret reading. My only issue was the occasional grammar errors. ...more

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Jul 30, 2019 Donna rated it it was amazing

Killer Thriller

Just WOW! When reading the "blurb" the book Misery is mentioned. While I understand the reference I have to say I think author Anna Willett's bad girl is so much more frightening. This is a well written story, full of suspense. The story is beyond gripping. With larger than life characters and in depth descriptions you will certainly be horrified. Although very graphic, I personally felt the violence fit the story. A great terrifying, horrifying read. ...more

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Jul 12, 2016 Maia Gomez rated it it was amazing

An absolutely absorbing read! This book reminds me of Misery meets The Hills Have Eyes! The writing is extraordinarily great with vivid descriptions and palpable emotions. As you get to know the characters, you can't help but feel for them and their struggle for survival. It was very interesting to see Paige's transformation as she battles for herself, her husband Hal and their unborn child. There were quite a few moments that had me cringing in delicious horror as chills raced up my back! The s ...more

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Jul 17, 2016 Dhara (dha.raiter) rated it it was amazing

I absolutely LOVED this book. It kept me on toes the whole time. The characters were intense and brilliantly written, the plot was thrilling and the writing was solid. Both, the antagonist and the protagonist were interesting. While Lizzy terrified me to no extent, Paige's struggle made me root for her. Soona reminded me of Lennie from Of Mice and Men. The writing made you care for the characters. There was not a single dull moment.

Apart from few repetitive description of emotions, Backwoods Rip ...more

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Dec 07, 2016 Cathy rated it did not like it

Sounded familiar

I couldn't help but notice the similarities between this and Stephen King's book "Misery." This book didn't have the jolt of Kong's book though. I'm still not getting this title, I thought I was going to run into someone like Jack the Ripper. Too much lovey-dovey stuff for me. I really don't like to see romance in my horror books. One more thing that annoyed me; everyone was picking their lips or touching them. I know that's a petty complaint but it bugged me. All in all the book ...more

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Jan 11, 2017 Kyleigh rated it liked it

I had a good time reading this and it did keep me on my toes so it totally did what a thriller should do.
The main issue I had was that I've read this story before with minor changes here and there. The synopsis says that if you like Misery by Stephen King you'd like this but it's almost exactly like that book. It was really distracting while I read it.
All in all I had a good time reading but it had some distracting issue. ...more

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Jan 17, 2017 Kim Terry rated it it was amazing

Read this book in only two nights!

While browsing my Kindle library for something to help me drift off to sleep, I found BACKWOODS RIPPER. Well, guess what-- I didn't, and you probably won't, either. Lots of death-defying, corkscrew twists and turns that began soon after I started this book and even up to the end until i found myself actually gasping for breath! Wow!What a ride! ...more

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Jul 05, 2016 chelepissbcglobal.net rated it it was amazing

FABULOUS.

What a great book. I absolutely loved the characters and the story. The pace increased with each and every page. There were quite a few heart stopping moments until the mind blowing conclusion. Great book. Read it.

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Nov 01, 2016 Daileen rated it really liked it

Couldn't stop reading it. Had me from beginning to end. Well written. Looking forward to reading this authors next book "Retribution Ridge" ...more

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Jan 19, 2020 gwen graves rated it it was ok

Ok

This story was ok. There were parts that were good, but the more I read the more I thought it would make good story for the tv show The Twilight Zone.

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Nov 18, 2019 Jane rated it it was amazing

Newlyweds Paige and Hal Loche are on a road trip when they make a pit stop to grab a bite to eat and stretch their legs. Paige is in her third trimester.

Just as they’re about to drive off, Hal notices that they have a flat tire. He quickly sets off to change the tire before it rains. But while he’s changing the tire he gets bitten on his calf by a snake. Frantic, Paige tries to call for help but they are stranded in the middle of nowhere and she can’t get a signal.

Meanwhile, Hal is almost going Newlyweds Paige and Hal Loche are on a road trip when they make a pit stop to grab a bite to eat and stretch their legs. Paige is in her third trimester.

Just as they’re about to drive off, Hal notices that they have a flat tire. He quickly sets off to change the tire before it rains. But while he’s changing the tire he gets bitten on his calf by a snake. Frantic, Paige tries to call for help but they are stranded in the middle of nowhere and she can’t get a signal.

Meanwhile, Hal is almost going into shock and Paige realizes she has to venture out on her own before the venom spreads and kills Hal. Just then she sees a vehicle approaching on the highway and flags it down.

The occupants of the vehicle, Lizzy Hatcher and Soona give her a lift to where her husband was. Luckily, Lizzy is a trained nurse and has treated snake bites. With the help of Soona, she administers first aid to Hal.

Then they straighten and splint his leg right before lifting him onto the back of Lizzy’s utility vehicle. Lizzy offers to drive them to her house which is twenty minutes away as opposed to a roadhouse, a two-hour drive. Paige agrees.

They arrive at Lizzy’s house—a sprawling mansion with an eerie character. Paige tries again to phone for help using Lizzy’s telephone but it’s out of service. When Paige asks Lizzy to drive her to the town where she can get help, suddenly, Lizzy’s car won’t start.

Then Lizzy does something odd to Soona—who’s autistic—that makes Paige start questioning Lizzy’s hospitality and motives. When Lizzy starts acting very weird, Paige realizes she really has to get help.

When Lizzy learns that Paige has snuck out of the house, she decides to punish Paige by doing the unthinkable to Hal by administering more than first aid to him. And poor Hal doesn’t stand a chance even when he tries to fight her off.

Paige tries to find her way back to where their car broke down. When she gets there, the car and everything in it is gone.

Very disturbing read. I read this in an hour; it was that good. I enjoyed the suspense. You never knew what Lizzy was going to do next. Highly recommend this book! ...more

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Aug 26, 2019 Robby rated it it was amazing

Shelves: horror, mystery-susp-thriller, fiction, cultural-australia, kindle-unlimited

Wow, Wow, Wow. And I have now added Anna Willett to my favorite authors list. This was a great read (IMO). Thus I gave it a five star rating; which I am not going to try to justify since I'm not talented at such redeeming review playbacks. At any rate; this struck me as a cross between two movies that I saw several years back. One being "Beguiled"; released in 1971 starring (a very young) Clint Eastwood. And two being "Misery"; released in 1990 starring Kathy Bates and James Caan. This is a tale ...more

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Dec 20, 2019 Kenneth Lingenfelter rated it it was amazing

Paige and Hal are newly married expecting their first child. They get a flat tire and as Hal is changing the tire he gets bitten by a snake and the jack moves and the car falls on his leg. The cell phone has no reception. Paige walks to get help and a car with Lizzy driving stops to help. Lizzy discovers that Paige is pregnant and takes them to her house. Lizzy tells them that it would take 2 hours to get to a hospital and Hal needs immediate attention to his wounds. This is where the horror beg ...more

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Jul 05, 2016 Glenna rated it it was amazing

My goodness!! I absolutely could not put this book down! I read this book EVERYWHERE I went until I finished it .... in one day!!!!! It was not typically in the genre that I normally read, but I have to give the author credit. Just goes to show that a well written story, no matter the genre, is worth the read. My hat's off to you Ms. Willett! 5 stars for this one!!! What else have you written ??? ...more

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Sep 15, 2018 SpideyWebz rated it it was ok

When I say that I've read this book before, I mean that I've read books almost exactly like it; there is a very strong resemblance to Stephen King's "Misery", and you honestly know what's going to happen about five pages into the story.

I feel that the author could have written something wonderful, but she leaned so heavily on various tropes that it reads as though she enjoyed a book so much that she took it and just added a few characters and changed a few words. Disappointing. ...more

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Apr 10, 2018 Rita rated it it was amazing

If you want a real thriller this book is for you!! I was thinking this was a horror movie. It sure would make a great one! I really loved how this book put me in suspense and wondering what would happen next! The author is amazing and definitely kept me scared and wanting to know how they would get out of their situation. I was surprised at the ending.

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Jun 26, 2020 J Barkess rated it really liked it

Silly title

I enjoyed his read more than I expected to, the title was very off putting.
I have read a couple of books by this writer a they are usually free, this was a better plot and I liked that it didn't have an unrealistic happy ever after ending. ...more

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Jun 10, 2016 Erik Empson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary-fiction, horror, australian-thriller

An excellent take on the rednecks in the woods story theme. A non-supernatural horror story that will give fans of Stephen King a thrill.

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May 13, 2020 Tracy rated it it was amazing

Great read! Stayed up way too late and finished it in two sittings. Fast paced and lots of action and intrigue

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Jun 20, 2020 Cindylou rated it it was amazing

Backwoods Ripper

There are so many scary things about this suspenseful story. The most terrifying part is that it could actually happen.

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Jun 21, 2020 Douglas rated it really liked it

suspense & horror all in a few days and mostly in a single setting/something you would not want to happen to you/interesting characters/well written/Four Stars

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Jun 08, 2018 Darlene rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, books-i-own, read-in-2018, for-review, horror, audio-1000

This book reminded me of those Wrong Turn movies, where people wind up in a desolate area and are then terrorized.

Hal and his 7-months-pregnant wife, Paige, decide to go on one last adventure before their first baby comes. They decide to do a hiking tour exploring the southwest of Australia. They pull over onto a side road to have a stretch and something to eat, and then they notice that one of the tires has a slash. Hal jacks up the vehicle and is getting ready to change the tire when a snake d This book reminded me of those Wrong Turn movies, where people wind up in a desolate area and are then terrorized.

Hal and his 7-months-pregnant wife, Paige, decide to go on one last adventure before their first baby comes. They decide to do a hiking tour exploring the southwest of Australia. They pull over onto a side road to have a stretch and something to eat, and then they notice that one of the tires has a slash. Hal jacks up the vehicle and is getting ready to change the tire when a snake darts out and bites his leg. As he jumps back, he hits the jack and the vehicle comes down and hits his other leg. With Hal incapacitated and the vehicle not driveable, it is up to Paige to get help. She has to walk back up to the main route to get help.

When a motorist stops for Paige, she is relieved that the stranger is a woman. Lizzy and her mentally challenged daughter, Soona, tell Paige that the nearest town is two hours away but that she can take them to their place to fix up Hal. The home is a sprawling estate, which used to be a hospital back in the day. Lizzy is a nurse, and she tends to Hal's injuries but Paige still wants to get to a hospital and she soon realizes that Lizzy does not intend for them to leave!

I loved the remote setting of the story, and the feeling that Hal and Paige were so vulnerable stranded in the woods. With Paige being heavily pregnant and Hal out of commission from his injuries, the author really gave the reader anxiety for their situation. The book didn't quite give me the chills that I was hoping for, but I still enjoyed it and will definitely read more from this author!

This audiobook was narrated by Cat Gould, who is new to me. I loved her accent, and her pace was perfect. She subtly lowers her voice for Hal's vocalization, which made it very easy to distinguish between characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook for voluntary review consideration.

This review was posted on my book blog:
https://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.com... ...more

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Jul 28, 2019 Steve Phillips rated it it was ok

Perhaps the word "bitumen" is extremely common in Australia, but three times in the first minute of reading the book? And four more times within a few more minutes? A word this author needs to learn is "thesaurus".

At the very beginning of the book, the young couple is assaulted by an extraordinary run of bad luck. So extraordinary, I found myself wondering what was next. Would they be hit by a meteor? Assaulted by a rabid kangaroo? Experience sudden and unexplained bouts of explosive diarrhea?

I ...more

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