Rites of Extinction

by Matt Serafini

Rebecca Daniels is a down-and-out private investigator on the hunt for her daughter’s killer. The trail leads to Bright Fork, a sleepy New Hampshire town where Rebecca discovers this is no ordinary manhunt. Her investigation becomes a tangle of brutal killings, secret rituals, and terrifying visions that force Rebecca to question reality. This is more than an opportunity to take revenge on the one who tore her family to pieces. It’s a chance to confront the darkness growing inside of her, the madness that threatens to possess her entirely.

Genres: Horror, Novella, Mystery, Thriller, Horror Thriller, Fiction, Short Stories

150 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2019

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rebecca is trying to find the murderer of her daughter. His name is Paul and he and his girlfriend Cassie killed a number of people. Will she find him? Why are those murders so gruesome and ritualistic? What started as a compelling story soon turned a bit confusing and hazy. Drug induced passages, a deranged main character, strange action... well this could have been a very good tale with a straighter story telling. So it was a bit overwritten and vague. Didn't leave much of an impression to me. The road movie touch was fine though. Maybe for fans of this author.

[Sadie Hartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

..

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book began as story of crime and revenge, then threw in a chilling twist that took me completely by surprise. The psychological elements and the strong occult background combined to make this a tense and disturbing story of the ties between a mother and her child.

[Adrienne L · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first half of this novella, with its story of middle-aged mother, former private investigator, and recent mental health clinic escapee Rebecca seeking vengeance for the gruesome murder of her daughter. The prose was an enjoyable and nightmarish delirium that tends to appeal to me, and both that quality, the hints of a mysterious and not entirely understood historical trauma, and certain aspects of Rebecca's suffering (seeing hideous visions when looking in mirrors, difficulty distinguishing reality from nightmares) reminded me of the protagonist in Nat Cassidy's excellent Mary. But around the 50% mark the book took a turn for the unintentionally comical (the "plowing field" - iykyk - actually made me laugh at the same time as it dismayed me), and from there I couldn't really take the story seriously anymore, although it did pull me back in a little with an interesting twist toward the end.

[Mindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend Sadie turned me on to this novella, and we actually ended up reading it at the same time without discussing it. I'm so thankful to her and Matt Serafini for hooking me up with a copy of this. I absolutely loved it.

I'm really going to have to tread carefully here, because I don't want to give anything away or spoil a single thing for anyone. You need to go into this novella knowing as little as possible. Sincerely, the less you know, the more of a gut punch this story turns out to be. And now that I've finished it, I realize that there are little things that happen throughout the story that have so much meaning when you finally reach the end. They aren't exactly Easter eggs, but rather small details that make me want to go back and read the book again from the point of view of a reader who knows what ultimately happens. I think it would be a very different and interesting experience.

Rebecca Daniels is a Private Investigator searching for her daughter's killer. Daniels is good at what she does, and the trail leads her to a small town in New Hampshire. Her daughter isn't the only victim of this monster, and Daniels needs to find him. It's the only thing that matters in her life anymore, now that her child has been so brutally murdered. None of this is info that isn't on the back of the book, but it sets up a story that takes such an unexpected turn. I was genuinely surprised by where Serafini took this story, and it's brilliant. The end is so devastating and shocking. I love when writers do that. When you think you have a feeling for where a story is headed and then the author just pulls the rug out from under you. That surprise, the shock of a story that takes an unexpected turn is fantastic.

I cannot recommend this one enough. It's unflinching and and at times hard to read, but it's also brilliant horror that leaves you stunned and thinking about it for days after you finish it. Now I can't wait to explore Serafini's other works.

[exorcismemily · Rating 5 out of 5]

"All of yesterday, a dream. All of today, a nightmare."

I'm not going to say very much about Rites of Extinction because you deserve to go into this one without knowing much. Just know that I loved this book, and I had such a blast reading it. This story grabbed my attention in the beginning, and then it ended up being wilder than I expected it to be. It was so much fun to see how everything unraveled. This was by far one of the most satisfying novellas I've read since I feel like everything was wrapped up so well. Horror fans, you definitely need this creepy little book!

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 Stars
Well that was unexpected!
This is one of those novellas where it is best to pick it up without knowing too much. Now that I have read it for myself, I understand why other reviewers have been so mysterious when they talk about the plot.

The characterization of our protagonist was excellent. Rebecca played the role of the alcoholic private detective and I absolutely loved it. She was not just a stereotype, but rather a complex, fully fleshed out woman.

It's honestly hard to discuss this one without giving away too much. Instead, I will simply say, if you enjoy horror stories that are smart, gruesome, and completely unexpected, then you must try Rite of Extinction for yourself.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author.

[Stephanie (Books in the Freezer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Every day on the road is like this now. All of yesterday, a dream. All of today, a nightmare."

Absolutely loved this little folk horror novella, and it has less to do with the fact that I'm a sucker for an alcoholic PI main character and more with how wonderfully horrifying this book was. This follows Rebecca Daniels, a private investigator heading to a small town to hunt down the man that murdered her daughter and ruined her life. I went into this thinking it would be a generic revenge story and thoroughly enjoyed the direction the ending took instead. This little book packs a big punch!

[Ashley (spookishmommy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the words of our lord and savior, Britney Spears, gimme gimme more. This was the first book I've read by Matt Serafini and I am looking forward to reading more. What a gory surprise! These characters were insane and I loved every second. Also I'm a sucker for a cult. So bonus points there. For such a small book, it ran my emotions through the ringer!

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well that was weird.
I’m afraid that even though the main character was female, this was so painfully obviously written from the male gaze (describing breasts? Perving at a ‘jailbait’ teenager? Describing how you would ‘hitch up’ shorts to get attention from men?) it really spoiled it for me.
Seriously - who even uses the term ‘jailbait’ any more except middle aged men?

[Keely · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 rounded up for GR.
Full review coming soon.

[Alex | | findingmontauk1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

RITES OF EXTINCTION by Matt Serafini is a sharp horror novella about a P.I. searching for her daughter's killer. While navigating other killings and secret rituals and trying to maintain her own sanity, our lead character is thrust into a world where safety is not guaranteed. Blending some elements of small town, culty folk horror, Serafini has put together a story that will knock you off your feet and devastate you in the end. We get revenge, grief, and betrayal in this novella and I, for one, was on the edge of my seat reading as it all unfolded. It is disturbing, tense, and shocking. A must-read!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“But memories have a way of crystalizing the happiness the further you get away from them” (2).

Matt Serafini, Rites of Extinction
This novella is a unique take on revenge, psychosis, and more that I won’t divulge here. So much of the success of this story depends on coming to it fresh, with little idea of what to expect. Hell, even if you do have some expectations, they are probably incorrect. So unique is the best way I can think of to describe this right now. No fear, I am not giving anything away during the rest of the review, the synopsis from the book (listed above) is enough.

Serafini’s writing is spare, but disturbingly delicious when the story needs it. I read so many different types of horror and writing styles. Combine that with my day job as an English teacher/adjunct professor, and it takes something special to hit that sweet spot for me – Rites of Extinction does it. No gimmicks. No tricks. Just the story how it begs to be told. I appreciate that.

Beyond the writing, I love that Serafini was able to subvert my expectations without the plot feeling contrived. The build up is organic, the characters are believable and act accordingly for the insane situations they find themselves in. The dialogue (external and internal) plays a major part in making sure this moves smoothly. The ending is fast-paced, multi-layered, and there are a million ways it could’ve been a hot mess; however, the skill with which Serafini crafts his dialogue and pacing makes this part sing.

I haven’t read anything else from Serafini prior to this, multiple bookish friends mentioned that I needed to. After this? Definitely. Thanks to the author for sending this my way!

Update: I've already purchased his novel FERAL!

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a Matt Serafini story and I won’t let it be my last! This one made me sit back and take notice! He is a force to be reckoned with.

It shocks me that there are authors out there, such as Matt, that can still shock and horrify me. Well, this one did it! The first part of the book had me wondering what was really going on, by the end I realized, not only what was going on but was left stunned. This is a deeply disturbing, psychological story with ancient ritualistic undertones filled with sacrifice.

One thing this story did was made me realize what trips my creep-O-meter! Main character comes upon 14 scarecrows in a field. She approaches them noticing what the scarecrows really are. Don’t want to spoil anything here but boy did it get to me. Setafini has a way of describing instances and physical things that make you smell the smell, visualize the gory details! In my opinion, this is a must read for horror lovers. Bravo Mr. Serafini!

[ginathebibliohoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea starting this book what it was about. All I knew was I was OBSESSED with the cover. And I’m a sucker for grindhouse press.

I haven’t finished a whole book this month and so I picked this up hoping it would break this awful slump.

SPOILER: IT DID!

This was grief horror. Occult stuff. Everything I never knew I was missing. The author did a fantastic job taking you through all the emotions as you watch this mom deal with the loss of her daughter. She sets out to find her killer and there are so many surprises. I DID NOT EXPECT THAT ENDING. Loved this book so much. I mean, did it make me want to vomit? Yes. Did I cringe at times? Yes. Did I cry? Yes. But I loved every second of it.

[Ben Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

My jaw is on the floor, dragged there by equal parts disgust and awe. Disgusted by what I just read, in awe of its dark, twisting brilliance. I went into this story completely unprepared and was taken on a shocking, thrilling ride, spit out the other side transmuted, never to be the same again. And that's exactly how I recommend you approach this novella as well.

How to review RITES OF EXTINCTION without revealing too much of its multilayered magnificence?

It's a tale of loss, obsession, possession, revenge, and madness. It's grief horror, folk horror, cult horror, and psychological horror. It's brutal, disturbing, mind-bending, hilarious, full of turns I didn't expect, and extremely well written - I couldn't put it down and eagerly ate up every word. It's all of these things and still something I can't quite put my finger on. It has a loose, dream-like quality to many of its scenes, where the characters and the reader both become unmoored from time and space. So. Good.

This was my first book by Matt Serafini, and I can't wait to read more of his work!

[Escapereality4now · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Rites of Extinction,” by Matt Serafini

“Rites of Extinction”, by Matt Serafini is my kind of horror. The novella blends small town and cult horror into a satisfying story about revenge.

I want to avoid giving away too many details about this novella. It starts out as a police procedural and takes a sharp, unexpected turn. Whoa. I got whiplash listening to this one. The story has all these small details that build up to a satisfying end. It will have the reader sitting and thinking for days. I love books that linger.

Fans of cult horror should check out this quick read.

[elle (taylor's version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rebecca Daniels is a woman obsessed with finding her daughter's killer, and has taken it upon herself to hunt the man down when the police show signs of giving up after coming up empty handed. Her search takes her to a small town called Bright Fork, and upon her arrival she begins to realise that this is only the beginning of her true suffering.

I really wanted to like this book more than I did, and I loved the beginning and the ending, but the middle lost me for a while. I think tighter editing would have served it well despite the small page count because the transition from crime thriller to outright psychological horror felt disjointed, almost like there were chunks of action missing - I had to re-read several sections to be sure I was understanding exactly what had happened to move us to those points.

I think the premise was excellent and I agree that the twist ending was something of a gut punch, not expected at all, there is some excellent writing in here and very solid characters that I connected with easily. Unfortunately I just think that for me this would have worked better if it continued as a thriller instead of shifting into horror, it became a little bit too convoluted with unreliable dream/hallucination sequences. I might try a re-read now I understand what is going on and see if that helps at all. Not bad by any means!

[Kelsi - Slime and Slashers · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. Matt Serafini's novel Under The Blade was one of my favorite reads of 2021. So I went into Rites of Extinction with very high expectations, to say the least.

The story follows a female detective as she's on the hunt for a man. She isn't officially on the job; it's a matter of personal revenge. The reader is able to piece together why she's after him as the story progresses, but there are also moments of surrealism where one questions if what the main character is experiencing is real or not. At first, I didn't feel connected to the main character and didn't enjoy her perspective. Detective-type books aren't my favorite. But what really bothered me were the surreal parts which I found confusing at times.

During this first half, I was not enjoying the read at all. I was sorely disappointed in the story compared to how much I thoroughly loved Under The Blade. I almost wanted to stop reading.

However, as the story goes on, more of what is happening is revealed. And those revelations are masterfully done. In the end, the plot is overall incredibly creative, and I am glad I stuck it out.

Reading this was two very different experiences for me: I was feeling very let down by the first half, but I ended up loving the second half and the direction it went in.

I always recommend that others give things a try and find out how they feel for themselves! So, of course, I'd recommend reading it and seeing what you think of it! To me, the ending was well worth the journey.

[Cat Voleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This is desperation. And desperation breeds sacrifice."

I am so glad that I stuck this book out to the end, because I'm not sure that the early chapters do the story justice. Getting into it I had a lot of questions (outside just the general mystery of the plot) that at first I found were distracting, but all the pieces really fell into place by the end.

Darker sexual themes that were running throughout the book bore a surprisingly satisfying significance to the plot later on and characters that I didn't understand much became much clearer.

It was a good read, unlike a majority of the occult mysteries I've read.

[Amy Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning, I was interested in this book because it gives a hard boiled detective voice to a middle aged mom. (Full disclosure, I am a middle aged mom.) But at the halfway point the simmer turns to boil and things get out and out weird, in a way I can get behind, and the second half of the book barrels toward a satisfying end.

[Isaac Thorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy and engaging, Matt Serafini's RITES OF EXTINCTION reminded me a great deal of Stephen King back when Stephen King was trying to be H.P. Lovecraft. The ending of this short novel, in particular, is reminiscent of those earlier King days. Serafini is a crafty storyteller, able to guide what begins as a crime novel to a brutally satisfying supernatural conclusion.

[David Veith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very enjoyable quick read. Loved the way it ended, even though you could sort of feel this was not going to be a happy ending (depending on your perspective I guess lol). Well written and has a decent flow. A bit vague at times but you get that with novella/short stories it seems at times.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were aspects of this I loved but overall did not enjoy the reading experience. It felt very disjointed to me and would have dnf'd if it were a longer book. Many scenes were like a fever dream and I wasn't a fan. I kinda how it ended but at that point I had just wanted it to be over.

[clumsyplankton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good short read

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally good……reminded me of the film In the Mouth of Madness in a great way. Pretty slow build for a novella but it gets really intense and actually scary.

[DJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

so I DNF.

i really wanted to like this book. it's short, it's about something i am interested in (i didn't even get to the cult stuff, lmfao), and i have been looking for a horror like this to sink my teeth into. but after reading about 20% i feel like i need to take a shower to get this out of my head, and not in a good, scary way. the writing style was the first, immediate issue for me. it's not that i minded it exactly...it was simple and straight forward and i really like that in a lot of novels, esp ones like this. but as the book went on the way it was written was completely grating on my sense. what was worse is there were times where i felt like the author couldn't keep his own voice and the voice of the character straight. it felt like an author writing about a character, not a character expressing themselves. "she did this. she went here. she thought this." blah blah blah. it wasn't good.

the plot made no sense. i won't spoil anything that isn't given away in the description but man. i can suspend my belief a little, and i can understand weird actions taken by a grieving parent, but give me a break. where are the cops? (i lied about spoilers, actually) the house arrest thing for cassie doesn't make sense either. i was hoping to get further into it to explain why she hasn't gone to juvy or even been put on trial in family court since she's a minor but i couldn't be bothered. also, if the cops came by to that house she and her mother were living in she absolutely would have been taken away.

speaking of cassie, that whole scene in her house was outrageous, particularly because the author describes her as "jailbait" you'd have to register as a sex offender for even glancing at, and then goes on for paragraphs to talk about how large her chest is and have the female, i'm assuming straight, main character stare at her chest their whole conversation, so much so that cassie even acknowledges it. what the fuck? she's a kid. why is this even happening? you can't write about how disgusting paul is for sleeping with this minor while meanwhile lusting after her yourself.

anyway i wanted to finish this but it was painful to read, made no sense, and the author really needs to check himself next time he finds himself writing about teenage girls. or, you know, around a teenage girl, weirdo.

[John Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rites of extinction, this is truly a mind bender.

This is my second Matt Serafini book, the first being ocean grave. I’ll be reading more soon. The story follows Rebecca on a quest for revenge. To say more truly is to give the book away. I enjoyed this a lot, although for much of it, I wasn’t sure exactly what was going on, although I believe that to be by design. The story is interesting and the end was great. I’d recommend this to horror fans for sure

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please read the Kittens review on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDVBD4ogm...

[Cassie Daley · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! Loved this, 5 stars - full review to come!