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The Moss Maiden of Kinderhook
Kinderhook, New York - 1826
If monsters are real, then anything is possible.
Like all his peers, seventeen-year-old William Sharp grew up hearing fairy tales about the Moss Maiden, a folklore creature that rewards the good and punishes the wicked. But those were just stories to scare children…weren’t they?
Then why are people dying? What is haunting the forests of Kinderhook Village?
Though frightened and overwhelmed, William will uncover secrets that will call on him to do more than he could imagine. He’ll have to contend with horrors beyond his most disturbing dreams.
For the sake of his family, the girl he loves, and his very life, William will have to face the nightmare that is the Moss Maiden of Kinderhook!
Cover art by Lance Langford
If monsters are real, then anything is possible.
Like all his peers, seventeen-year-old William Sharp grew up hearing fairy tales about the Moss Maiden, a folklore creature that rewards the good and punishes the wicked. But those were just stories to scare children…weren’t they?
Then why are people dying? What is haunting the forests of Kinderhook Village?
Though frightened and overwhelmed, William will uncover secrets that will call on him to do more than he could imagine. He’ll have to contend with horrors beyond his most disturbing dreams.
For the sake of his family, the girl he loves, and his very life, William will have to face the nightmare that is the Moss Maiden of Kinderhook!
Cover art by Lance Langford
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2019
4 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Mark C. King
10 books49 followersMark King is an easy-going writer with a talent for finding enjoyment in most any situation. He’s a lifelong reader whose literary interests include science fiction, adventure, thriller, and mysteries, to name a few. When not working or writing, he can be found watching movies, kayaking, associating with friends, and of course reading.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 19, 2019
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Since from the start I knew this book was extremely interesting alongside extremely different from many I have read, starting from the point of view of William, one of the main characters which I honestly think it’s a genuine breath of air, alongside the fact that it brings great context into this book.
In context is pretty important if you intend to write a book like this, since it is set in a different era and because of this it helps you understand its values, setting them into the perfect era and period, alongside giving an explanation for many thoughts of the characters through the book.
And in here it was greatly written, probably one of the best elements of the entire book, since as I have said it helps a lot with understanding a lot of characters‘ thoughts alongside the setting.
Moving onto more interesting things: the setting, as I have said at the beginning it wasn’t something that I have actually ever read, but this made it all more interesting alongside the gothic air it seemed to breath out for the entire ride of this book.
The characters were interesting although they were a bit stereotypes but I suggest a few things that might make them more characterized for all of you lovely people, and if you want to know more you just have to read this book.
I honestly loved William he is a very sweet boy, alongside a kind of man we don’t see much in novel and it was very nice to meet him, but who I truly linked with was Marie and she is the cutest thing ever, alongside a very interesting character, which you shall see.
And how can you not love a good supernatural hunter? (That’s the supernatural fan in me speaking).
Then what you are looking for is definitely Seamus McGowan, a very interesting witch-hunter with a very new idea of what supernatural beings are.
Another very unusual thing of the book is that it has some themes being talked about that are very new in the fantasy-gothic genre: such as “what a supernatural being really is” and hoe they are affected by our own conception of it and what it might truly mean and how our actions bring somehow something pretty bad for other people.
I honestly got the culprit right (not because I am smart but because my idea whenever I read a mystery is “who is the less suspected people who can be that?”) so let me know if you also got it tight.
I honestly suggest you to be there on the 26th March to know more about this mysterious Kinderhook!
Since from the start I knew this book was extremely interesting alongside extremely different from many I have read, starting from the point of view of William, one of the main characters which I honestly think it’s a genuine breath of air, alongside the fact that it brings great context into this book.
In context is pretty important if you intend to write a book like this, since it is set in a different era and because of this it helps you understand its values, setting them into the perfect era and period, alongside giving an explanation for many thoughts of the characters through the book.
And in here it was greatly written, probably one of the best elements of the entire book, since as I have said it helps a lot with understanding a lot of characters‘ thoughts alongside the setting.
Moving onto more interesting things: the setting, as I have said at the beginning it wasn’t something that I have actually ever read, but this made it all more interesting alongside the gothic air it seemed to breath out for the entire ride of this book.
The characters were interesting although they were a bit stereotypes but I suggest a few things that might make them more characterized for all of you lovely people, and if you want to know more you just have to read this book.
I honestly loved William he is a very sweet boy, alongside a kind of man we don’t see much in novel and it was very nice to meet him, but who I truly linked with was Marie and she is the cutest thing ever, alongside a very interesting character, which you shall see.
And how can you not love a good supernatural hunter? (That’s the supernatural fan in me speaking).
Then what you are looking for is definitely Seamus McGowan, a very interesting witch-hunter with a very new idea of what supernatural beings are.
Another very unusual thing of the book is that it has some themes being talked about that are very new in the fantasy-gothic genre: such as “what a supernatural being really is” and hoe they are affected by our own conception of it and what it might truly mean and how our actions bring somehow something pretty bad for other people.
I honestly got the culprit right (not because I am smart but because my idea whenever I read a mystery is “who is the less suspected people who can be that?”) so let me know if you also got it tight.
I honestly suggest you to be there on the 26th March to know more about this mysterious Kinderhook!
March 24, 2019
5 stars! I think this is one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read this year. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it this much, so it’s always nice to be surprised and enjoy a novel as much as I did this one.
The writing was fantastic, it really made for an easy read and drew me into the story right away. The writing style was magical in the sense that it gave the story a fairytale quality, which made it hard to put down. I also really loved the setting, as it added a more interesting atmosphere to the story as a whole. With a setting like this, set as it is in a different era, I personally feel that many authors struggle with incorporating the values and characteristics properly into the novel, but the author did such a great job that I felt I was in the story itself witnessing the events play out.
The characters were relatable, I instantly connected with them and felt as if I was experiencing their stories myself. I was so entranced in their personal struggles and relationship development that I thought it took away from the plot, but, as the story progresses I see why their relationship and hardships the characters face play a big part in the story. I found each and every character interesting and thought all their personal developments added depth to the story and the overall message resonates better after seeing each perspective.
I think the ending ties up really well and each characters personal arc ended satisfactory. I was not expecting that revelation and for the mystery to end in the way that it did, and it was fantastic! I was so hooked, I was racing to read every chance I could get, which just shows what great of a job the author did!
I would recommend this to anyone and everyone, even if it seems like something you wouldn’t normally pick it, definitely do because it is more than worth it!
The writing was fantastic, it really made for an easy read and drew me into the story right away. The writing style was magical in the sense that it gave the story a fairytale quality, which made it hard to put down. I also really loved the setting, as it added a more interesting atmosphere to the story as a whole. With a setting like this, set as it is in a different era, I personally feel that many authors struggle with incorporating the values and characteristics properly into the novel, but the author did such a great job that I felt I was in the story itself witnessing the events play out.
The characters were relatable, I instantly connected with them and felt as if I was experiencing their stories myself. I was so entranced in their personal struggles and relationship development that I thought it took away from the plot, but, as the story progresses I see why their relationship and hardships the characters face play a big part in the story. I found each and every character interesting and thought all their personal developments added depth to the story and the overall message resonates better after seeing each perspective.
I think the ending ties up really well and each characters personal arc ended satisfactory. I was not expecting that revelation and for the mystery to end in the way that it did, and it was fantastic! I was so hooked, I was racing to read every chance I could get, which just shows what great of a job the author did!
I would recommend this to anyone and everyone, even if it seems like something you wouldn’t normally pick it, definitely do because it is more than worth it!
April 26, 2019
“We are dealing with a deadly monster and only the truth — pleasant or not — will help you defeat it.”
Seamus MacGowan’s words may not be what the inhabitants of Kinderhook wanted to hear, but someone needs to speak plainly about what they are dealing with, and he is, after all, a monster hunter. Seamus knows that the Moss Maiden would never kill indiscriminately — she only targets the wicked.
Until a few days ago, William Sharp’s only concern was how to tell his parents that he had no intention of becoming a lawyer or a doctor. Instead, he felt a calling towards the land. And besides, how could he leave Marie, the young woman whom he had fallen in love with, to the wolves?
When a family falls from grace, nothing can stop the descent. They say that Marie Holland’s father was a criminal who, instead of facing up to his crimes, took his own life. The shame would be with them forever. Their place in society had been stripped from them 12 years ago, and they had never got it back. Marie and her mother were the outsiders. They were pitied, but not welcomed. Marie’s mother had turned to drink, which brought only more shame. And yet, Marie dared to imagine a life with the young man she has been in love with since she was a little girl.
The arrival of the Moss Maiden, and the fear that came with her, drives this young couple closer together. If life was so fleeting, then why should they not declare their love? However, as the villagers collectively come together to destroy the Moss Maiden, secrets are revealed that will change the lives of the young couple forever.
From a gruesome discovery in the forest to the harsh coldness of the truth, The Moss Maiden of Kinderhook by Mark C. King is one of the most compelling Historical Mystery / Mythological stories that I have ever read.
King’s enchanting narrative and his elegant turn of phrase captivated me from the opening sentence. The plot is tautly gripping, and the villagers’ fear of the supernatural made this story not only powerfully compulsive but utterly irresistible.
Kinderhook is a place where superstition and the mythological collide, and nothing is as it seems. King skillfully describes a village under siege from a threat they do not understand and cannot see. The villagers quickly realise that the ghost stories may not be stories after all. King is a master at writing suspense, and at times the tension in this book was almost unbearable. Who would be next to succumb to the monster? However, The Moss Maiden of Kinderhook is more than just a ghost story with a murderous twist, running alongside it is a tender, yet forbidden love story.
I adored the characterisation of William Sharp. He is compassionate and is not one to go along with the crowd. While others ridicule Marie, he defends her. He is incredibly empathetic and just so likeable! Marie’s character really pulled at my heartstrings. With the death of her father, her life was turned upside down. She cares for her alcoholic mother, and she has to put up with the vilest abuse from her peers. William is her only friend and the only person whom she can rely on, but even then, she thinks herself unworthy of his attention and love. King has approached Marie’s characterisation with scrupulous care. His insight into human frailty and indeed for the human condition has to be commended. He writes with diligence and care, which made all of his characters highly appealing.
Another character worthy of note is the monster hunter, Seamus MacGowan. Although Seamus is only a secondary character in this book, and a stranger to the village, he is no man’s fool. He sees what others don’t want to see. His character certainly gave me pause for thought as the story progressed.
I applaud King for his attention to the historical detailing in this book. He has skilfully depicted Kinderhook in the early 19th Century as well as the people who lived there. His understanding of the mythological and superstition is also worthy of mention.
Although there are several murders in this book, King writes with a keen sense of who his audience is. It would certainly appeal to young adults, as well as those who love a good murder mystery.
If you are looking for your next great Mythological / Historical Murder Mystery, or are looking for something new, then look no further than The Moss Maiden of Kinderhook. Fans of Washington Irving’s The Legends of Sleepy Hollow will love it too.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
Seamus MacGowan’s words may not be what the inhabitants of Kinderhook wanted to hear, but someone needs to speak plainly about what they are dealing with, and he is, after all, a monster hunter. Seamus knows that the Moss Maiden would never kill indiscriminately — she only targets the wicked.
Until a few days ago, William Sharp’s only concern was how to tell his parents that he had no intention of becoming a lawyer or a doctor. Instead, he felt a calling towards the land. And besides, how could he leave Marie, the young woman whom he had fallen in love with, to the wolves?
When a family falls from grace, nothing can stop the descent. They say that Marie Holland’s father was a criminal who, instead of facing up to his crimes, took his own life. The shame would be with them forever. Their place in society had been stripped from them 12 years ago, and they had never got it back. Marie and her mother were the outsiders. They were pitied, but not welcomed. Marie’s mother had turned to drink, which brought only more shame. And yet, Marie dared to imagine a life with the young man she has been in love with since she was a little girl.
The arrival of the Moss Maiden, and the fear that came with her, drives this young couple closer together. If life was so fleeting, then why should they not declare their love? However, as the villagers collectively come together to destroy the Moss Maiden, secrets are revealed that will change the lives of the young couple forever.
From a gruesome discovery in the forest to the harsh coldness of the truth, The Moss Maiden of Kinderhook by Mark C. King is one of the most compelling Historical Mystery / Mythological stories that I have ever read.
King’s enchanting narrative and his elegant turn of phrase captivated me from the opening sentence. The plot is tautly gripping, and the villagers’ fear of the supernatural made this story not only powerfully compulsive but utterly irresistible.
Kinderhook is a place where superstition and the mythological collide, and nothing is as it seems. King skillfully describes a village under siege from a threat they do not understand and cannot see. The villagers quickly realise that the ghost stories may not be stories after all. King is a master at writing suspense, and at times the tension in this book was almost unbearable. Who would be next to succumb to the monster? However, The Moss Maiden of Kinderhook is more than just a ghost story with a murderous twist, running alongside it is a tender, yet forbidden love story.
I adored the characterisation of William Sharp. He is compassionate and is not one to go along with the crowd. While others ridicule Marie, he defends her. He is incredibly empathetic and just so likeable! Marie’s character really pulled at my heartstrings. With the death of her father, her life was turned upside down. She cares for her alcoholic mother, and she has to put up with the vilest abuse from her peers. William is her only friend and the only person whom she can rely on, but even then, she thinks herself unworthy of his attention and love. King has approached Marie’s characterisation with scrupulous care. His insight into human frailty and indeed for the human condition has to be commended. He writes with diligence and care, which made all of his characters highly appealing.
Another character worthy of note is the monster hunter, Seamus MacGowan. Although Seamus is only a secondary character in this book, and a stranger to the village, he is no man’s fool. He sees what others don’t want to see. His character certainly gave me pause for thought as the story progressed.
I applaud King for his attention to the historical detailing in this book. He has skilfully depicted Kinderhook in the early 19th Century as well as the people who lived there. His understanding of the mythological and superstition is also worthy of mention.
Although there are several murders in this book, King writes with a keen sense of who his audience is. It would certainly appeal to young adults, as well as those who love a good murder mystery.
If you are looking for your next great Mythological / Historical Murder Mystery, or are looking for something new, then look no further than The Moss Maiden of Kinderhook. Fans of Washington Irving’s The Legends of Sleepy Hollow will love it too.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
October 28, 2019
I read this in October as the plot and mood of the book seemed quite Halloween-y. And it kind of was. We find ourselves in 1826 the village of Kinderhook, in which everyone is living peacefuly, until a mysterious murder happens. Not only was someone killed, but rumour has it that a monster, a Moss Maiden no less, is responsible for it.
We mostly follow William and Marie, two young villagers, and main characters in the book. I liked their personnality well enough, even though both were sometimes a little cliché. William is the son of a wealthy-ish family, whereas Marie comes from a poor family, and is not well accepted in the village's society. Obviously, the two are fond of each other, and I found their relationship cute enough. It was not over the top, and the story was still focused on the mystery.
Some other characters are present in the book, and here and there we get a chapter told from their perspective, but honestly, I did not care much for them, especially the ones from the monster hunter's point of view. I would have been fine with just William and Marie, and maybe their parents.
The story in itself is very interesting. I liked the idea of a monster killing people in a spooky village in 1826 a lot ! The storyline is coherent and is well thought. However, some bits were really too long compared to the information they gave us. I must admit I sometimes felt a little bored and just kept turning the pages, reading only a few sentences on the page. After page 150/160 though, the pace picks up a lot, and a lot of plot twists happen, and I couldn't stop reading after that point, and read the 100 remaining pages in one sitting. The end was so good it made me add one star to my rating !
The big thing that I disliked in this book is the writing style. Now, I've read Mark's books before, but I didn't remember the descriptions were so long and overdone. The whole book would have benefitted from shorter and less detailed descriptions. Characters sometimes said things that would have been better explained by the narrator and vice-versa. Some sentences describing how a character feels about every little things felt completely useless, and it bothered me a lot. Too much description is not good at all. Finding a balance can be very hard to do.
That being said, I know Mark is not a full-time author and is self-published. It is hard to do everything yourself, so I can understand it's difficult to see all the little flaws in your book.
I still think the book was great and the end was fantastic so if you like this type of historical fiction/mystery, you can absolutely give it a try, especially since the e-book is really cheap !
We mostly follow William and Marie, two young villagers, and main characters in the book. I liked their personnality well enough, even though both were sometimes a little cliché. William is the son of a wealthy-ish family, whereas Marie comes from a poor family, and is not well accepted in the village's society. Obviously, the two are fond of each other, and I found their relationship cute enough. It was not over the top, and the story was still focused on the mystery.
Some other characters are present in the book, and here and there we get a chapter told from their perspective, but honestly, I did not care much for them, especially the ones from the monster hunter's point of view. I would have been fine with just William and Marie, and maybe their parents.
The story in itself is very interesting. I liked the idea of a monster killing people in a spooky village in 1826 a lot ! The storyline is coherent and is well thought. However, some bits were really too long compared to the information they gave us. I must admit I sometimes felt a little bored and just kept turning the pages, reading only a few sentences on the page. After page 150/160 though, the pace picks up a lot, and a lot of plot twists happen, and I couldn't stop reading after that point, and read the 100 remaining pages in one sitting. The end was so good it made me add one star to my rating !
The big thing that I disliked in this book is the writing style. Now, I've read Mark's books before, but I didn't remember the descriptions were so long and overdone. The whole book would have benefitted from shorter and less detailed descriptions. Characters sometimes said things that would have been better explained by the narrator and vice-versa. Some sentences describing how a character feels about every little things felt completely useless, and it bothered me a lot. Too much description is not good at all. Finding a balance can be very hard to do.
That being said, I know Mark is not a full-time author and is self-published. It is hard to do everything yourself, so I can understand it's difficult to see all the little flaws in your book.
I still think the book was great and the end was fantastic so if you like this type of historical fiction/mystery, you can absolutely give it a try, especially since the e-book is really cheap !
April 9, 2019
First of all, I need to thank Mark for providing a copy in exchange for my honest feedback. It pulls from Grimm's and Sleepy Hollow in beautiful ways. The writing is appropriate for the period while still being accessible for the average reader and the story is rich with history from the actual town of Kinderhook.
Plus, it's about a Moss Maiden! These aren't as well known in the US but are a pretty terrifying Forrest Fae in German and Dutch folklore.
Look, this book is technically about William but Marie and Seamus are my absolute favorite characters. I can't even talk about Marie without my heart breaking though.
Beyond fantastic characters, you'll get surprises at every turn and you'll be left in a sense of shock which is what we really all want from our books, right?
I'd highly suggest giving this small author a chance, because I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Plus, it's about a Moss Maiden! These aren't as well known in the US but are a pretty terrifying Forrest Fae in German and Dutch folklore.
Look, this book is technically about William but Marie and Seamus are my absolute favorite characters. I can't even talk about Marie without my heart breaking though.
Beyond fantastic characters, you'll get surprises at every turn and you'll be left in a sense of shock which is what we really all want from our books, right?
I'd highly suggest giving this small author a chance, because I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Read
September 6, 2019Review coming soon :)
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