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Dark Ride
Marty Wedlow's luck is about to change... and not in the direction he expects.
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About the author
P.G. Kassel
5 books48 followersP.G. Kassel is a former film and television writer-director turned novelist. He has always loved good stories and story telling. Suspense-thrillers, the supernatural and horror, romantic comedy, science fiction, westerns – he isn’t one to be fenced in by a genre label – he just enjoys telling a good story.
While attending film school at USC his focus was on directing. At the time a new director was more likely to get the opportunity to direct a feature film if they had written the screenplay. So, he began writing screenplays and teleplays, and wrote a shelf-full of them.
Phil always loved books and reading so it was only a matter of time before his enjoyment of writing screenplays began to transform into a desire to write a novel. The end result was Black Shadow Moon. He is currently writing the sequel to Black Shadow Moon and has four other novels in various stages of development.
A native Californian, Phil spent over 30 years working in the entertainment industry. In addition to writing his interests include songwriting, playing and recording music, still photography, and shooting cowboy firearms.
Phil is married to an amazing and beautiful woman who puts up with all his artistic moodiness. They make their home in Los Angeles, California.
While attending film school at USC his focus was on directing. At the time a new director was more likely to get the opportunity to direct a feature film if they had written the screenplay. So, he began writing screenplays and teleplays, and wrote a shelf-full of them.
Phil always loved books and reading so it was only a matter of time before his enjoyment of writing screenplays began to transform into a desire to write a novel. The end result was Black Shadow Moon. He is currently writing the sequel to Black Shadow Moon and has four other novels in various stages of development.
A native Californian, Phil spent over 30 years working in the entertainment industry. In addition to writing his interests include songwriting, playing and recording music, still photography, and shooting cowboy firearms.
Phil is married to an amazing and beautiful woman who puts up with all his artistic moodiness. They make their home in Los Angeles, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 19, 2019
This was a 3.5 star read.
May 13, 2020
Marty Wedlow is one of the worst criminals ever. He steals money and hurts innocent people. It is only when he meets a mysterious man that his life turns into a nightmare. Can he mend his evil ways before he goes onto his dark ride of judgement? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good horror novella. If you like stories like these, be sure to check this book out wherever ebooks are sold online.
This was a pretty good horror novella. If you like stories like these, be sure to check this book out wherever ebooks are sold online.
August 25, 2024
So I truly only finished this book because it was so short. I'm not even sure what the point of 90% of the book was other than to show us what a complete sh*thead the MC was. Which really didn't take that much either.
The ending came quickly and I still don't understand what it was supposed to be about. I mean, I like the cover, but that's really the only thing I enjoyed about it.
The ending came quickly and I still don't understand what it was supposed to be about. I mean, I like the cover, but that's really the only thing I enjoyed about it.
December 7, 2020
Enjoyable little horror novella, though the horror is slowly built up to, I did enjoy the ending!
June 7, 2018
A good read for a quiet night. Seeing the bad guy get his comeuppance was warmth to my little soul! Loved the whole idea of the ghost train at the amusement park, and the other side of it that we don’t see. Will definitely be checking out more books by this author.
July 24, 2024
A dark, quick read. The ending was great!
November 1, 2017
I’ve always suspected something otherworldly was going on behind the scenes at carnivals. Got creepy vibes every time I went to one. Probably because of a favorite movie of mine, Something Wicked This Way Comes.
I want to give kudos to the author for the spectacular creepy cover for Dark Ride. It’s loaded with visual atmosphere.
I didn’t know what to expect from Dark Ride. Coming in at around 130 pages, it’s not too short or too long. What I got was a main character, Marty, who had no redeemable qualities. I found that refreshing and fun. As the bad things began to happen, I wasn’t heart broken for Marty. In fact, I was curious how bad it would get and how he would meet his end. If the author killed him off or not, that is.
So, Marty has a long rap sheet and he’s been lucky so far. Never been convicted of a crime. A chance encounter with a strange man at the police station sets him on a course with fate. He can’t pass go. Can’t collect his two-hundred dollars. Marty’s going to the carnival where his dark ride awaits.
Ooh, this one has a lot of suspense. As Marty tries losing the cops on his tail by hiding in the carnival park, it’s one desperate maneuver after the other. And when Marty’s cornered he makes once last attempt to escape arrest.
I could kind of see the end coming. But that was okay. It was wicked fun to ride with Marty. If I’d been on the actual ride with him, I’d have ducked at the looming ghostly things reaching out at me, screamed when the spider dropped down in front of me, and definitely peed my pants at what loomed at the end of the ride, looking longingly at the light of day peeking through gaps in the exit doors behind it. So close yet so far away.
I want to give kudos to the author for the spectacular creepy cover for Dark Ride. It’s loaded with visual atmosphere.
I didn’t know what to expect from Dark Ride. Coming in at around 130 pages, it’s not too short or too long. What I got was a main character, Marty, who had no redeemable qualities. I found that refreshing and fun. As the bad things began to happen, I wasn’t heart broken for Marty. In fact, I was curious how bad it would get and how he would meet his end. If the author killed him off or not, that is.
So, Marty has a long rap sheet and he’s been lucky so far. Never been convicted of a crime. A chance encounter with a strange man at the police station sets him on a course with fate. He can’t pass go. Can’t collect his two-hundred dollars. Marty’s going to the carnival where his dark ride awaits.
Ooh, this one has a lot of suspense. As Marty tries losing the cops on his tail by hiding in the carnival park, it’s one desperate maneuver after the other. And when Marty’s cornered he makes once last attempt to escape arrest.
I could kind of see the end coming. But that was okay. It was wicked fun to ride with Marty. If I’d been on the actual ride with him, I’d have ducked at the looming ghostly things reaching out at me, screamed when the spider dropped down in front of me, and definitely peed my pants at what loomed at the end of the ride, looking longingly at the light of day peeking through gaps in the exit doors behind it. So close yet so far away.
May 23, 2018
Dark Ride, by P.G. Kassel is a novella that wants to be both a police/crime drama and a horror story, but it succeeds at neither ambition. The story centers around Marty Wedlow, a small-time criminal with a mean violent streak. At the beginning of the story we meet Marty as he is in a police station being questioned about a store robbery, but the clerk cannot positively ID Marty, and so the cops have to let him walk. The chief detective, Larkin, knows that Marty is the perp, but he has no evidence to arrest him. The rest of the story takes place during the remainder of that same day, as Marty and his accomplice and idiot stooge/friend commit two more crimes, and then Marty decides to cap the day off with an attempt at raping a girl he meets in the amusement park. All the while, Larkin is on his tail trying to catch him. Wedlow is clever, but he isn’t smart and his crimes leave enough of a trail that Larkin can certainly lock him up this time – if he can just catch him. That’s the crime story, and it’s not particularly compelling. There is no mystery, no clues to follow, and the only drama is the chase.
The horror story revolves around one particular scary ride at the amusement park (the “dark ride”) and the mysterious ride operator who appears from time to time and who seems to know who Marty is and that he is an evil person. Marty is afraid of the ride – he’s a bully who can’t handle fear. The spooky ride operator makes foreboding comments and seems to know things he can’t know. His appearances are sudden and unexplained. Without spoiling the ending, the author makes an attempt to re-write The Telltale Heart in the context of his characters and then there is a gruesome finale that has an element of the impossible or supernatural, but without any real suspense and very little true horror.
The novella runs its course quickly and while the characters have some color to them, they are all very one-dimensional. Marty’s back story is vague in that he ran away from what seems to be a fine home and into a life of crime, but that’s about all the insight we get. None of the other characters have any back story or much personality. It’s a pretty dull story, capped by an ending that the author wants to be both spooky and horrifying, but which doesn’t really get there. This book can be read in the course of short airplane ride, and it passes the time, but is letdown.
The horror story revolves around one particular scary ride at the amusement park (the “dark ride”) and the mysterious ride operator who appears from time to time and who seems to know who Marty is and that he is an evil person. Marty is afraid of the ride – he’s a bully who can’t handle fear. The spooky ride operator makes foreboding comments and seems to know things he can’t know. His appearances are sudden and unexplained. Without spoiling the ending, the author makes an attempt to re-write The Telltale Heart in the context of his characters and then there is a gruesome finale that has an element of the impossible or supernatural, but without any real suspense and very little true horror.
The novella runs its course quickly and while the characters have some color to them, they are all very one-dimensional. Marty’s back story is vague in that he ran away from what seems to be a fine home and into a life of crime, but that’s about all the insight we get. None of the other characters have any back story or much personality. It’s a pretty dull story, capped by an ending that the author wants to be both spooky and horrifying, but which doesn’t really get there. This book can be read in the course of short airplane ride, and it passes the time, but is letdown.
November 8, 2018
The story follows a criminal, Marty Wedlow, as he tries to get money to skip town before some thugs catch up with him. He's known by the local police and gets pulled in when he's the main suspect in a robbery, but the witness can't positively ID him so the police have no choice but to set him free. While he's in the cop shop, a spooky man is brought in for a fortune telling charge and he predicts that Marty's luck is about to run out.
Marty dismisses this incident and sets about more robberies to get the money he needs. Eventually after the usual small shops provide too little cash for his trouble, he hits on the idea of trying the local amusement park where money flows prolifically.
The story is predictable, but the writing is good and the characters were a bit of fun. Nothing spectacular, but an easy short read with he fear of dark places and a carnival atmosphere to keep the reader amused.
Marty dismisses this incident and sets about more robberies to get the money he needs. Eventually after the usual small shops provide too little cash for his trouble, he hits on the idea of trying the local amusement park where money flows prolifically.
The story is predictable, but the writing is good and the characters were a bit of fun. Nothing spectacular, but an easy short read with he fear of dark places and a carnival atmosphere to keep the reader amused.
February 19, 2018
A Ride So Dark
(Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.) Dark Ride by P.G. Kassel is a macabre, murder thriller suspense with a dash of paranormal. The author has portrayed both the main and secondary characters from the inside out showing their fears, failings, weaknesses, dark desires and insecurities. This created a page-turner effect that was nothing other than enthralling. I read the book in one sitting because I could not put the book down I had a compelling need to know what’s next, what is on the next page. Overall, I believe the character development and its complexity is worth a notable acknowledgment. I RECOMMEND READING: Dark Ride by P.G. Kassel. –Tex.
(Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.) Dark Ride by P.G. Kassel is a macabre, murder thriller suspense with a dash of paranormal. The author has portrayed both the main and secondary characters from the inside out showing their fears, failings, weaknesses, dark desires and insecurities. This created a page-turner effect that was nothing other than enthralling. I read the book in one sitting because I could not put the book down I had a compelling need to know what’s next, what is on the next page. Overall, I believe the character development and its complexity is worth a notable acknowledgment. I RECOMMEND READING: Dark Ride by P.G. Kassel. –Tex.
October 3, 2018
This story revolves around themes of crime and the paranormal. Marty Wedlow is on a crime spree to end all crime sprees when everything changes. A fun fair seems a good choice of venue for a spot of criminal activity, everyone too preoccupied with having fun to notice any suspicious behaviour.
Things don't go quite to plan. If you think funfair rides are just that - fun, think again. The ghost train might be more than just someone's creative thinking, much more.
This is only a short 'book', a novella or a long short story, but it draws the reader in. Ever emotion is examined, whether externally obvious or internally hidden. I will certainy be keeping an eye open for P.G. Kassel's works.
Things don't go quite to plan. If you think funfair rides are just that - fun, think again. The ghost train might be more than just someone's creative thinking, much more.
This is only a short 'book', a novella or a long short story, but it draws the reader in. Ever emotion is examined, whether externally obvious or internally hidden. I will certainy be keeping an eye open for P.G. Kassel's works.
September 4, 2024
I enjoyed this novella about a small-time hood named Marty Wedlow, who thinks nothing of beating an elderly grocery owner for sixty dollars, or an elderly couple for a beat-up car. With the police constantly trying to pin something solid on him, he decides to go, with an accomplice, to a local amusement park with thievery on their minds. Let's just say this is not the kind of day that Marty had in mind. Quick, solid read, that I was able to finish in one day. And unless I'm imagining it, Mr. Kassel drops a couple of "Stephen King references" along the way.
**Disclaimer** This book was sent to me by the author, in exchange for an honest review. This action had no bearing whatsoever on my opinion of the book.
**Disclaimer** This book was sent to me by the author, in exchange for an honest review. This action had no bearing whatsoever on my opinion of the book.
February 27, 2019
This novella has been classed as horror, but reads more like a crime story. It follows main character Marty Wedlow as he robs shops, needlessly beats people up and attacks others, all in an attempt to gain the money he requires to leave town. The story is pretty boring and I struggled to stay focused on it. However I persevered as it was a short read, and I was curious to learn whether or not Mr. Wedlow would get caught in the act of thievery. Dark Ride just didn't do that enticing book cover justice and the only horror elements to be found in it were at the very end. Probably not going to be reading more from this author.
August 10, 2020
The author does an excellent job by introducing this book as one in the vein of Rod Serling. He, of course, was the master of the Twilight Zone.
That intro put the proper complexion on the story. Reading it with that in mind heightened the effect the author was able to achieve. You can see the end coming, you just don't see how. There are twists and turns which make you hate Marty even more as you realize what a scumbag he is.
The final ride is totally appropriate and fitting for this person who is mocking all civility. Very well written, very well paced, and an excellent story line all contribute to make this a great read, particularly if you were a fan of Twilight Zone.
That intro put the proper complexion on the story. Reading it with that in mind heightened the effect the author was able to achieve. You can see the end coming, you just don't see how. There are twists and turns which make you hate Marty even more as you realize what a scumbag he is.
The final ride is totally appropriate and fitting for this person who is mocking all civility. Very well written, very well paced, and an excellent story line all contribute to make this a great read, particularly if you were a fan of Twilight Zone.
October 10, 2017
I could not put this book down.
The story caught my attention from the first page and did not slow down.
There were situations that came up and I was curious to see what I thought would happen actually would happen.
Good character introduction and I liked the descriptions of Oceanside Park. (which reminded me of the boardwalk that I used to go to when I was a whole lot younger).
This is not the first book that I have read and it will not be the last. When I finish this review I am going to check and see what the next book of his I will read.
The story caught my attention from the first page and did not slow down.
There were situations that came up and I was curious to see what I thought would happen actually would happen.
Good character introduction and I liked the descriptions of Oceanside Park. (which reminded me of the boardwalk that I used to go to when I was a whole lot younger).
This is not the first book that I have read and it will not be the last. When I finish this review I am going to check and see what the next book of his I will read.
February 9, 2018
This is a nice piece of smooth storytelling that is always moving forward with clarity and confidence. It is a short story and not a novel, and is well-worth reading.
In my reading experience Stephen King was the first “modern” writer of scary horror / supernatural tales. Several other writers tell stories that could well have been written by King. Phil Kassel has joined them.
I took some time to decide if this was three stars or four. Four because I really wanted to read more by P. G. Kassel
In my reading experience Stephen King was the first “modern” writer of scary horror / supernatural tales. Several other writers tell stories that could well have been written by King. Phil Kassel has joined them.
I took some time to decide if this was three stars or four. Four because I really wanted to read more by P. G. Kassel
February 15, 2018
This is a quick read, but very interesting. The ending is foreshadowed in many ways, but still a surprise. Although it dips a bit into the supernatural, the story is quite realistic. and it gives the reader an ending that will satisfy those who want evil to be punished. Not too many surprises, and a simple style of writing make it easy to read, but satisfying. The characterizations of those at the bottom side of society are very realistic, and the entire book seems very much like a slice of reality.
January 29, 2025
This book isn’t really a horror book. I’m not even sure what to classify it as really. It started out strong but then it just started dragging after the first 40 or so pages. The last 10 pages wrapped it up quick, but I’m struggling to figure out the purpose of the middle? Was it to show us how much of an a$$hole Marty was? Bc if so, it didn’t need 100 pages to do so. I wish the ending was more elaborated and more of a creepy/horror factor was incorporated into the whole of the novel. Regardless, it flowed quite nice and was an easy read.
October 7, 2017
Marty Wedlow is a man the cops would love to be able to nail for his crimes. Jack Larkin and Oscar Romero are two cops who know that Marty is guilty of several robberies but can't seem to make a conviction stick. When Marty and his accomplice Stevie Bander head into an amusement park to get away, they may find more than they bargained for. This is a quick read that takes readers in a different direction than your average crime thriller.
December 16, 2017
I thought that this was a really good read. I found it to be a gripping novel and suitable for all lovers of horror novels and suitable for their fans.
This is the first book I've read by P G Kassel and I thought that the book had everything. Bad guys, drama, tense...everything. I couldn't put the book down as I wanted to finish it.
What happened at the end was a shock to me.
This was a different horror book for me to read and I would love to read this again and again.
This is the first book I've read by P G Kassel and I thought that the book had everything. Bad guys, drama, tense...everything. I couldn't put the book down as I wanted to finish it.
What happened at the end was a shock to me.
This was a different horror book for me to read and I would love to read this again and again.
July 6, 2024
This book got straight into the story. No buildup, background, etc. the author just brought us right into a point in time and told the story from there. I liked the story but would have enjoyed more info about the ride operator. He was a key character but not much info was given. In a way it was cool because it left a good amount to the reader’s imagination. I think this character could have an entire book dedicated to him and it would be fascinating.
October 8, 2017
FUN AND GAMES AT THE AMUSEMENT PARK
This creepy little tale is a perfect read if you like spending a casual day at the local fun park. I remember going on a scary ride almost identical to the one described in this book. I would prefer a little more character development but it is a good read.
This creepy little tale is a perfect read if you like spending a casual day at the local fun park. I remember going on a scary ride almost identical to the one described in this book. I would prefer a little more character development but it is a good read.
October 21, 2017
Dark Ride
You reap what you sow. Marty Wedlow is as slippery as an eel when it comes to running from the cops. But he never saw the end coming. He ran to the Dark Ride and litterally watched his life come to an end.
If you lo e a good mystery combined with horror I recommend reading this book.
You reap what you sow. Marty Wedlow is as slippery as an eel when it comes to running from the cops. But he never saw the end coming. He ran to the Dark Ride and litterally watched his life come to an end.
If you lo e a good mystery combined with horror I recommend reading this book.
November 20, 2017
Redemption?
For those readers who need to be reminded that redemption is a gift not to be spurned, then Dark Ride is a lesson in never letting the chance to change for good go unheeded. As thrilling as the rides of an amusement park, so is the journey of this amoral predator who got what he deserved, as he took his final death ride in the amusement park from hell.
For those readers who need to be reminded that redemption is a gift not to be spurned, then Dark Ride is a lesson in never letting the chance to change for good go unheeded. As thrilling as the rides of an amusement park, so is the journey of this amoral predator who got what he deserved, as he took his final death ride in the amusement park from hell.
November 29, 2017
A captivating Ride
A good read for anyone who appreciates a good horror story. It puts me in mind of the legendary writing of Hitchcock. The characters are brought to life brilliantly by Kassel who knows exactly how to draw his readers in and creates the scene perfectly to ensure the reader dare not put it down. I would most definitely read more books by this writer.
A good read for anyone who appreciates a good horror story. It puts me in mind of the legendary writing of Hitchcock. The characters are brought to life brilliantly by Kassel who knows exactly how to draw his readers in and creates the scene perfectly to ensure the reader dare not put it down. I would most definitely read more books by this writer.
December 23, 2018
Marty is a criminal that feels he can get away with any crime. He hides the evidence and stays one step ahead of the police. He robs a small store and takes some passes for an amusement park. He wants to do one last job before getting out of town. He hates the dark ride, but uses it as a possible escape route from the police. This has a surprise ending that you will not guess.
September 7, 2019
Marty Wedlow is a prolific criminal committing any kind of crime for money or if he feels he's been wrong. So far he's been able to escape any real punishment but his luck is about to run out. Taking refuge in an amusement park; an eerie roller coaster and its creepy operator are about enact an interesting act of justice upon him. Entertaining, fast paced and scary. Highly recommended.
September 18, 2020
A small time criminal that always seem to slip away when fate and destiny catches up on a carnival ride.
Marty continually tempts fate, bullying, robbing, assaulting and even killed a sheriff but always managing to get away.
A masterful plot, good character development and descriptive action scenes.
Marty continually tempts fate, bullying, robbing, assaulting and even killed a sheriff but always managing to get away.
A masterful plot, good character development and descriptive action scenes.
January 23, 2022
S little gem for horror fans
I don't usually buy short stories as they are over too soon. Reading what others had written i have it a go. Loved it. I wanted to give the main guy a good hiding the way he treated people. The book was fast paced. My only grouse was that right near the beginning when a certain fortune teller appeared i guessed the outcome. Still a good horror story
I don't usually buy short stories as they are over too soon. Reading what others had written i have it a go. Loved it. I wanted to give the main guy a good hiding the way he treated people. The book was fast paced. My only grouse was that right near the beginning when a certain fortune teller appeared i guessed the outcome. Still a good horror story
April 1, 2025
I enjoyed this novella about Marty Wedlow. The story caught my eye when I read the description of it prior to downloading it. It is a quick read and very interesting. Very good book with good characters. I was definitely intrigued by the creepy character and the role he played. The author definitely takes you on a “Dark Ride.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews