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The Torment of Rachel Ames
Suffering from writer’s block, novelist Rachel Ames escapes to a lake cabin to calm her mind and regain a sense of herself. The location is perfect. Isolated. Beautiful. Inspiring. It even comes with a good-looking landlord who shows an interest in her. But she can’t shake the sense that something terrible has followed her to the lake, something just beyond her consciousness, something out on the edge where the sounds of a raging fire and sirens linger whenever she slows down to listen. Determined to make the cabin work, she tries to settle in and give her new life a chance. But when strange things begin to happen around her, she wonders if she’s made a terrible mistake. As the darkness that’s followed her manifests itself in inexplicable ways, her concept of reality is stretched thin and she realizes nothing at the lake is what it seems. As she fights to survive with her sanity intact, she understands too late that the location she’s chosen for herself is far from perfect.
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First published November 10, 2015
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About the author
Jeff Gunhus
27 books550 followersJeff Gunhus is the USA TODAY bestselling author of thriller and horror novels for adults and the middle grade series, The Jack Templar Chronicles. The first book, Jack Templar Monster Hunter, was written in an effort to get his reluctant reader eleven-year old son excited about reading. It worked and a new series was born. His books are available in several languages, been Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Finalists, and reached the USA TODAY bestseller list.
After his experience with his son, he is passionate about helping parents reach young reluctant readers and is active in child literacy issues. As a father of five, he leads an active lifestyle in Maryland with his wife Nicole by trying to constantly keep up with their kids. In rare moments of quiet, he can be found in the back of the City Dock Cafe in Annapolis working on his next novel.
After his experience with his son, he is passionate about helping parents reach young reluctant readers and is active in child literacy issues. As a father of five, he leads an active lifestyle in Maryland with his wife Nicole by trying to constantly keep up with their kids. In rare moments of quiet, he can be found in the back of the City Dock Cafe in Annapolis working on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
April 26, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by this short gemstone.
It's hard to capture an audience in such a short format, and still "The Torment of Rachel Ames" kind of struck me in the face (in a good way).
What I can tell from earlier reviews, it divides the crowd. I get that. It's usually like that when it comes to writing of and portraying the experience of going through heavy trauma, PTSD and our very different ways of coping with it.
It's abstract, visual and confusing.
That's kind of the point.
Thanks for the read!
It's hard to capture an audience in such a short format, and still "The Torment of Rachel Ames" kind of struck me in the face (in a good way).
What I can tell from earlier reviews, it divides the crowd. I get that. It's usually like that when it comes to writing of and portraying the experience of going through heavy trauma, PTSD and our very different ways of coping with it.
It's abstract, visual and confusing.
That's kind of the point.
Thanks for the read!
December 30, 2015
Soooo, I had to think about how to review this. Obviously I loved it, but this was neither a light, nor fast read, despite being a novella. The use of language was gorgeous. I used my highlighter more in this story alone than I have for probably the last half year.
"And what if you don't like who you are? What if your experiences create a person you don't like? What then?"
'She rubs until her skin glows pink and wonders if she kept going whether the bar of soap would eventually act as an eraser and just erase her out of existence all together.'
'There's nothing else in the world that feels quite the same as a loaded gun.'
'So even on a straight road with no turns and no decisons to make, she knows she's still right on the edge of being lost.'
The author is so good with language he flirts with pretentious at times, but always manages to just steer clear. This is horror. Psychological horror at it's best, full of pain and imagination and truth.
And the truth revealed is harsh.
Remensicient of Jacob's Ladder and Memento in some ways, though with its own unique twist, this was a brilliant novella and I loved it.
"And what if you don't like who you are? What if your experiences create a person you don't like? What then?"
'She rubs until her skin glows pink and wonders if she kept going whether the bar of soap would eventually act as an eraser and just erase her out of existence all together.'
'There's nothing else in the world that feels quite the same as a loaded gun.'
'So even on a straight road with no turns and no decisons to make, she knows she's still right on the edge of being lost.'
The author is so good with language he flirts with pretentious at times, but always manages to just steer clear. This is horror. Psychological horror at it's best, full of pain and imagination and truth.
And the truth revealed is harsh.
Remensicient of Jacob's Ladder and Memento in some ways, though with its own unique twist, this was a brilliant novella and I loved it.
August 18, 2017
This one is short and is considered a novella at only 170 pages or so, but it packs a bit of punch in its brevity. While this book ended up being very similar to the other psychological thriller-ish book that I just completed, Twisted, it was also different in a pretty fundamental way that made it feel like something new.
One one hand, I could say that I saw the ending coming but, at the same time, I never saw that ending coming. Though some parts were a tad predictable and transparent, there were also details that made my poor heart hurt, but in a good way. In a way that meant that the author accomplished his goal. In a way that made the character's plight seem real. And I'm not ashamed to admit that I shed some tears towards the end. I was listening to the audio on my way home from work and had to take a moment to compose myself before entering the grocery store, because, and here's a big spoiler
This one may not end as a happily ever after, but it doesn't end without a glimmer of hope. Hope for what? I'm not entirely certain. You can read the book and answer that for yourself.
One one hand, I could say that I saw the ending coming but, at the same time, I never saw that ending coming. Though some parts were a tad predictable and transparent, there were also details that made my poor heart hurt, but in a good way. In a way that meant that the author accomplished his goal. In a way that made the character's plight seem real. And I'm not ashamed to admit that I shed some tears towards the end. I was listening to the audio on my way home from work and had to take a moment to compose myself before entering the grocery store, because, and here's a big spoiler
This one may not end as a happily ever after, but it doesn't end without a glimmer of hope. Hope for what? I'm not entirely certain. You can read the book and answer that for yourself.
March 6, 2017
I've giving this one another go. I started it, couldn't get on with it at all because of the first person, present tense narrative and terrible dialogue, but I'm running out of books to read. I've deleted my one-star review and I'll stick with it to the end this time and update my review when I'm done.
Huh. My initial instincts were right. I hated this. I did finish it, but, oh, I was so bored.
Do you know that experience when a friend says, "Hey, I had the weirdest dream last night," and then proceeds to tell you all about it--in great detail? All the while you're internally screaming, "No! Save me! Other people's dreams are just incredibly boring?"
Well that's what reading this book is like. It's daft, and to be honest I guessed the premise in the first few pages. I'd better go spoiler free, although, seriously, if you can't guess what this is all about... Actually that sounds a lot better than it actually is, because remember that friend telling you the dream he had? Yeah, it's like that...page after page of first-person, breathy present tense narrative: "I glance around and now the wolf is there, huge and slavering jaws and then a bird, I'm terrified and I try to run, but the ground slows me like treacle and then I fall and then I'm crying and ..." Ouch. It's awful to read and then the end. ? Huh? What happened. I'm still not sure. But one thing I am sure of... I'm not the least bit bothered to find out.
Not for me.
This was the torment of John Wiltshire.
Huh. My initial instincts were right. I hated this. I did finish it, but, oh, I was so bored.
Do you know that experience when a friend says, "Hey, I had the weirdest dream last night," and then proceeds to tell you all about it--in great detail? All the while you're internally screaming, "No! Save me! Other people's dreams are just incredibly boring?"
Well that's what reading this book is like. It's daft, and to be honest I guessed the premise in the first few pages. I'd better go spoiler free, although, seriously, if you can't guess what this is all about... Actually that sounds a lot better than it actually is, because remember that friend telling you the dream he had? Yeah, it's like that...page after page of first-person, breathy present tense narrative: "I glance around and now the wolf is there, huge and slavering jaws and then a bird, I'm terrified and I try to run, but the ground slows me like treacle and then I fall and then I'm crying and ..." Ouch. It's awful to read and then the end. ? Huh? What happened. I'm still not sure. But one thing I am sure of... I'm not the least bit bothered to find out.
Not for me.
This was the torment of John Wiltshire.
November 14, 2015
In THE TORMENT OF RACHEL AMES, you get the feeling that something is very wrong right from the first page. However, the beauty of it lies in the fact that we have to take the entire journey with Rachel before we can discover just “how” wrong things are.
We begin with Rachel Ames, a struggling writer, on her way to a secluded cottage–clearly battling some inner demons of her own. On her first night there, she meets a cantankerous old man, Granger, with a cottage across the lake from hers. His parting words to her that day are quite haunting, as they are echoed in reference to other subjects–from other people–nearly verbatim during her stay.
“Just one word of warning about the cabin, . . . When it tries to tell you something, just be careful. It won’t always be the truth.”
Another strange man Rachel encounters is in the woods–Ollie. He leaves her with some cryptic words of advice that, again, come back to haunt her from other sources.
“It’s just not how things work around here.”
Throughout this tale, we really get a feel for Rachel, and the mental torment she’s going through. Although never addressed in specifics, the visions, thoughts, and nightmares that haunt her days permeate into every aspect of her life. While some details I figured out for myself much earlier than I would have liked, there was still so much more that I couldn’t yet explain.
As far as Rachel’s character goes, author Jeff Gunhus does a fabulous job with her characterization. Her confusion, hallucinations, and half-remembered memories make her a most interesting, unforgettable personality. In fact, I was so “into” her mindset, that I read the last 85% through in a single sitting. I simply HAD to know the facts I was missing, as I was that invested in her story.
I was quite pleased with the turn the story took at the end. While in fact I had deduced much, there were still some details that had remained elusive up until the final page.
A great psychological study of a woman’s inner agony, cleverly layered between bits of fact and fabrication. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Recommended!
We begin with Rachel Ames, a struggling writer, on her way to a secluded cottage–clearly battling some inner demons of her own. On her first night there, she meets a cantankerous old man, Granger, with a cottage across the lake from hers. His parting words to her that day are quite haunting, as they are echoed in reference to other subjects–from other people–nearly verbatim during her stay.
“Just one word of warning about the cabin, . . . When it tries to tell you something, just be careful. It won’t always be the truth.”
Another strange man Rachel encounters is in the woods–Ollie. He leaves her with some cryptic words of advice that, again, come back to haunt her from other sources.
“It’s just not how things work around here.”
Throughout this tale, we really get a feel for Rachel, and the mental torment she’s going through. Although never addressed in specifics, the visions, thoughts, and nightmares that haunt her days permeate into every aspect of her life. While some details I figured out for myself much earlier than I would have liked, there was still so much more that I couldn’t yet explain.
As far as Rachel’s character goes, author Jeff Gunhus does a fabulous job with her characterization. Her confusion, hallucinations, and half-remembered memories make her a most interesting, unforgettable personality. In fact, I was so “into” her mindset, that I read the last 85% through in a single sitting. I simply HAD to know the facts I was missing, as I was that invested in her story.
I was quite pleased with the turn the story took at the end. While in fact I had deduced much, there were still some details that had remained elusive up until the final page.
A great psychological study of a woman’s inner agony, cleverly layered between bits of fact and fabrication. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Recommended!
January 31, 2020
She had two options – forward or back.
Against her better judgment, onward it is.
Is she running away from something or toward something?
I love Rachel’s morbid sense of humor and hope it will carry her through what is to come.
I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when she flipped off Underwood.
Her destination – the cabin.
The ramshackle condition of the cabin is a perfect setting for what is to come.
John, the landlord is there to greet her. Granger and Ollie share his warnings.
Are they good? Are they evil? I don’t know. Weird things are happening. Are they out of this world? Is it real? Is it only in her nightmares?
I feel horror and deep sorrow for her.
If it were in your power to erase your worst memory, would you?
Great ending. As I saw it unraveling, I couldn’t help but smile.
Is it supernatural? Are there devils and demons?
Yes, but not in the way you may think.
Jeff Gunhus set me up and led me down the path. His ability to spin a tale that keeps me hanging on his every word is right up there with the best of them. I read this in a couple of hours. Once I started, I couldn’t stop.
I received a copy of The Torment of Rachel Ames by Jeff Gunhus in return for an honest review.
To see more visit http://www.fundinmental.com
Against her better judgment, onward it is.
Is she running away from something or toward something?
I love Rachel’s morbid sense of humor and hope it will carry her through what is to come.
I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when she flipped off Underwood.
Her destination – the cabin.
The ramshackle condition of the cabin is a perfect setting for what is to come.
John, the landlord is there to greet her. Granger and Ollie share his warnings.
Are they good? Are they evil? I don’t know. Weird things are happening. Are they out of this world? Is it real? Is it only in her nightmares?
I feel horror and deep sorrow for her.
If it were in your power to erase your worst memory, would you?
Great ending. As I saw it unraveling, I couldn’t help but smile.
Is it supernatural? Are there devils and demons?
Yes, but not in the way you may think.
Jeff Gunhus set me up and led me down the path. His ability to spin a tale that keeps me hanging on his every word is right up there with the best of them. I read this in a couple of hours. Once I started, I couldn’t stop.
I received a copy of The Torment of Rachel Ames by Jeff Gunhus in return for an honest review.
To see more visit http://www.fundinmental.com
October 4, 2017
What a ride through a mind! I actually had to walk away after I finished listening to it and read an article that was normal. Highly recommend this if you want to be on the edge of your seat wondering what the eff is going on! The descriptions of the animals and characters in this book were super odd and scary in a sense. Towards the end of the book, you figure out why and what is happening to cause such odd details Jeff delivers.
This book put me slightly on edge.
This book put me slightly on edge.
March 21, 2017
This one sort of went down and then got caught in my throat ... then you try to swallow a bunch of water to flush whatever's lodged in there out to the point that you're not sure even when it does go down, whether it did go down completely, until you're just imagining there's still something stashed in that little pipe and contemplate pouring a glass of drain cleaner to really cleanse the palette.
Interesting concept that self-sabotages the twist ending in the way its told. There's some definite strength in Gunhus' prose, this one just didn't work on every level for me. I listened to the audiobook and would recommend reading this one instead; I may have had a different experience with it.
Interesting concept that self-sabotages the twist ending in the way its told. There's some definite strength in Gunhus' prose, this one just didn't work on every level for me. I listened to the audiobook and would recommend reading this one instead; I may have had a different experience with it.
September 22, 2015
I received this ARC from the author for my review.
I've read and enjoyed Jeff Gunhus' Templar series and enjoyed this even more. The Torment of Rachel Ames is outside of my normal juvenile fiction genre, but this book had me caught through out. I read it in a short session and went through many emotions from excitement, to suspense to utter heart ache. I can't think of a book I've read that the title is SO appropriate. I highly recommend others to read this book regardless of their genre preferance.
I've read and enjoyed Jeff Gunhus' Templar series and enjoyed this even more. The Torment of Rachel Ames is outside of my normal juvenile fiction genre, but this book had me caught through out. I read it in a short session and went through many emotions from excitement, to suspense to utter heart ache. I can't think of a book I've read that the title is SO appropriate. I highly recommend others to read this book regardless of their genre preferance.
November 26, 2016
I'm not quite sure what to think about this one.....for a while I was like WTH is going on and why am i reading this. But the last chapter made it worth it! Great job was not expecting that at all!
September 23, 2015
I was given a ARC copy of this book by the writer. And in return, I just have to give a honest review.
Rachel Ames goes to a secluded cabin since she is a novelist writer who lately has not been able to write. Rachel rents the cabin from John who is a very handsome and Rachel feels an attraction to him. Rachel meets her only neighbor, Horace Granger, who is very mysterious and can appear out of nowhere which makes Rachel very uneasy.
One day while walking, Rachel encounters a man whose name is Willie Hayes but he doesn't want Rachel to tell Horace Granger that she has met him. This really puzzles Rachel but she assures Willie she will not tell Horace.
So many bizarre things are happening that confuse Rachel. And she doesn't know if she is imaging things or if she is losing her mind.There is so much mystery in this book that with each page you will not want to stop reading to find out more about Rachel.
Jeff Gunhus has combined everything that we fans of mystery novels and tension filled psychological thrillers love in a book. The suspense in this book is incredible with many twists to make this book so awesome. Jeff Gunhus has written his best book ever and I hope he writes a sequel to this book.
Rachel Ames goes to a secluded cabin since she is a novelist writer who lately has not been able to write. Rachel rents the cabin from John who is a very handsome and Rachel feels an attraction to him. Rachel meets her only neighbor, Horace Granger, who is very mysterious and can appear out of nowhere which makes Rachel very uneasy.
One day while walking, Rachel encounters a man whose name is Willie Hayes but he doesn't want Rachel to tell Horace Granger that she has met him. This really puzzles Rachel but she assures Willie she will not tell Horace.
So many bizarre things are happening that confuse Rachel. And she doesn't know if she is imaging things or if she is losing her mind.There is so much mystery in this book that with each page you will not want to stop reading to find out more about Rachel.
Jeff Gunhus has combined everything that we fans of mystery novels and tension filled psychological thrillers love in a book. The suspense in this book is incredible with many twists to make this book so awesome. Jeff Gunhus has written his best book ever and I hope he writes a sequel to this book.
October 10, 2019
Novelist Rachel Ames goes to a lake cabin to calm her mind and regain a sense of herself. The location is perfect. Just what she needed for her writer's block. But she can’t shake the sense that something terrible has followed her to the lake, something just beyond her consciousness, something out on the edge where the sounds of a raging fire and sirens linger whenever she slows down to listen.
She tries to give the place a chance but then strange things begin to happen. One does not know if she is going mad or is this part of the story. But the mind is a powerful thing and she has a hard time separating what she thinks is happening and what is actually happening.
It is only when all things come together will we see what exactly is happening to Rachel. A great read and a quick one. One that gets you thinking about what is real and how our mind can change what we think we see. #KindleUnlimited
She tries to give the place a chance but then strange things begin to happen. One does not know if she is going mad or is this part of the story. But the mind is a powerful thing and she has a hard time separating what she thinks is happening and what is actually happening.
It is only when all things come together will we see what exactly is happening to Rachel. A great read and a quick one. One that gets you thinking about what is real and how our mind can change what we think we see. #KindleUnlimited
October 27, 2015
I received this ARC from the author for my review. Rachel, a noted writer whose last booked bombed, is running from something. Was she a murderer, a witness or something worse? (I won't tell you - you must read it, it truly is a page turner.) She rents a remote cabin to be alone and strange things happen. She appears to be the target of vicious pranksters. The unexplained events plaguing Rachel become clear in the last chapter and you understand that she can never stop running. I read this in one sitting because I had to know what she was running from. This is a "Goodread".
January 4, 2017
I listened to the audiobook. I did not like the narrator - she sounded like Joey Lauren Adams (actress in Chasing Amy), which is not a bad thing, just did not work for this type of story (a combination of mystery, thriller, horror) - seemed a better fit for a romance. If you cannot get past that, read the story. It starts out very slow, however, stick with it as the payoff is worth it. Very good ending.
December 8, 2015
Novelist Rachel Ames has writers block. Rachel is on her way to secluded cottage that she is renting. In the backseat, were her two best friends, Underwood and Jack. Rachel hope that being in a peaceful and quiet environment will help her to write again. Rachel meets her neighbor from across the lake, his name is Granger. Granger is a very strange person and he can appear out of nowhere. Rachel feels very uncomfortable with Granger hanging around. Granger tells Rachel, if the cottage tells you something, that it will not always be the truth. So many odd things are happening to Rachel that can't be explained. Hidden doors appear to her one minute and the next minute they are gone. Rachel hears wolves howling out in the woods and she is afraid. Next thing she hears are the wolves crashing through the windows trying to get at her. When she wakes up the next morning, there are no signs of broken glass. Rachel begins to think that she may be losing her mind. This book has many twist and turns in it. Jeff Gunhus, has a way of telling a creepy tale with a supernatural twist. I highly recommend this book.
November 27, 2015
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
This book is hard for me to review. It was one of those stories that dragged me in, shook me up, and left me rather sad. I loved Rachel-- she had a wicked sense of humor. The plot sucked me in immediately, all the strange things occurring in the mysterious cabin on the lake. When I realized where the author was taking me, I wanted to stop reading- didn't want to experience Rachel's heartbreak. But it was too late. I was along for the ride, and there was no getting off until the end.
The book was extremely well-written and one of the best thrillers I've read in a long time. So many stories are over the top and in your face. This was subtle, gut-wrenching, and intriguing all at the same time. The ending was both a relief and tragic. Normally I despise books that leave me in danger of crying, but that's entirely personal. IMHO, Mr. Gunhus is one hell of a writer. Though I still haven't decided if I'm glad I read this one or not... yet.
An amazing journey. But not for the faint of heart, and definitely not for those who don't like experiencing another's gut-wrenching heartbreak.
This book is hard for me to review. It was one of those stories that dragged me in, shook me up, and left me rather sad. I loved Rachel-- she had a wicked sense of humor. The plot sucked me in immediately, all the strange things occurring in the mysterious cabin on the lake. When I realized where the author was taking me, I wanted to stop reading- didn't want to experience Rachel's heartbreak. But it was too late. I was along for the ride, and there was no getting off until the end.
The book was extremely well-written and one of the best thrillers I've read in a long time. So many stories are over the top and in your face. This was subtle, gut-wrenching, and intriguing all at the same time. The ending was both a relief and tragic. Normally I despise books that leave me in danger of crying, but that's entirely personal. IMHO, Mr. Gunhus is one hell of a writer. Though I still haven't decided if I'm glad I read this one or not... yet.
An amazing journey. But not for the faint of heart, and definitely not for those who don't like experiencing another's gut-wrenching heartbreak.
December 31, 2015
I received a free copy for an honest and unbiased review.
The book is so appropriately named. The whole story is about the torment Rachel undergoes in the form of her visions and memories. The beginning was quite attention grabbing with the perfect wrongness of the situation. It had me eagerly turning the pages to know more and try to figure out all the details of Rachel and her life.
I read the book in a single sitting. That's how immersing and haunting the book was. The author has perfectly showcased the inner workings or demons of a human mind and how much it is capable of trying to manipulate the thoughts of a human. In short, it shows how complex a human mind is.
This novella is perfectly paced and all the questions raised are answered at the end of the book.
My one line review : A perfectly paced dark thriller/suspense
My rating : 5/5
My reread factor : 4/5
The book is so appropriately named. The whole story is about the torment Rachel undergoes in the form of her visions and memories. The beginning was quite attention grabbing with the perfect wrongness of the situation. It had me eagerly turning the pages to know more and try to figure out all the details of Rachel and her life.
I read the book in a single sitting. That's how immersing and haunting the book was. The author has perfectly showcased the inner workings or demons of a human mind and how much it is capable of trying to manipulate the thoughts of a human. In short, it shows how complex a human mind is.
This novella is perfectly paced and all the questions raised are answered at the end of the book.
My one line review : A perfectly paced dark thriller/suspense
My rating : 5/5
My reread factor : 4/5
August 25, 2024
My heart hurts.
I wasn't sure how I felt at first when I started reading this book. I could kind of tell what was going on, but the ending definitely threw me for a loop, yet it made sense. My heart goes out to the main characters. I will definitely recommend this book and anyone who stumbles upon it and wonders if it's worth trying?? IT IS. Any time you think you know what's going on, you probably don't. And that's okay. I think this would make an amazing movie, if directed by the right person. I look forward to reading more by Jeff Gunhus.
I wasn't sure how I felt at first when I started reading this book. I could kind of tell what was going on, but the ending definitely threw me for a loop, yet it made sense. My heart goes out to the main characters. I will definitely recommend this book and anyone who stumbles upon it and wonders if it's worth trying?? IT IS. Any time you think you know what's going on, you probably don't. And that's okay. I think this would make an amazing movie, if directed by the right person. I look forward to reading more by Jeff Gunhus.
October 14, 2021
Really fun novella. Maybe somewhat predictable but it was enjoyable! The narration was unusual. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t.
December 29, 2015
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a piece of fiction shorter than a full-length novel. The Torment of Rachel Ames, by Jeff Gunhus, is a novella, clocking in at 167 pages. And it’s just the right length. On his Amazon page, Mr. Gunhus says he didn’t set out to write a novella. He set out to write a story, and the story would dictate how long it should be. This story is just the right length.
Rachel Ames is a writer suffering writer’s block. But that’s not all she’s suffering, no sireee, not by a long shot. She’s suffering through a lot more than writer’s block, but to reveal what she’s suffering through here would be to reveal too much. Suffice to say, at the least her emotional and psychological well-being is at stake; at the most, her very life.
Rachel seeks out a secluded cabin to try to get her writing back on track and get her life…back. She’s got her Underwood manual typewriter, bottle of Jack Daniels, and a peaceful location on an isolated lake. What could go wrong?
Well, of course, being the seasoned readers that we are, we know damn well what could go wrong. And, of course, it does go wrong. Really, really wrong. Mysterious visitations from people, from animals, from,…well,…I can’t say. I can say it’s a good thing Rachel brought along that gun.
I can also say that you should buy this novella and read it. Don’t let the shortness of this piece of fiction scare you off. It’s well worth the price.
Rachel Ames is a writer suffering writer’s block. But that’s not all she’s suffering, no sireee, not by a long shot. She’s suffering through a lot more than writer’s block, but to reveal what she’s suffering through here would be to reveal too much. Suffice to say, at the least her emotional and psychological well-being is at stake; at the most, her very life.
Rachel seeks out a secluded cabin to try to get her writing back on track and get her life…back. She’s got her Underwood manual typewriter, bottle of Jack Daniels, and a peaceful location on an isolated lake. What could go wrong?
Well, of course, being the seasoned readers that we are, we know damn well what could go wrong. And, of course, it does go wrong. Really, really wrong. Mysterious visitations from people, from animals, from,…well,…I can’t say. I can say it’s a good thing Rachel brought along that gun.
I can also say that you should buy this novella and read it. Don’t let the shortness of this piece of fiction scare you off. It’s well worth the price.
June 25, 2020
I have no idea why this book has received all the 4 and 5 star ratings. This deserves no where NEAR ratings that high. There is nothing original here. It is very reminiscent of an extended Twilight Zone episode. Thankfully it was a very quick listen at just over 4 hours. However, the narrator read entirely too slow and made it seem longer. If you are not an avid reader this wouldn’t be a bad read(I’d skip the audio)but it’s certainly not the best and there are way better stories out there. I’m glad it was quick, if it was extended any longer I would’ve had to quit or at the very least my mind would’ve wandered.
November 21, 2015
Freaky!
Totally a good thing though! Especially since about halfway through I wasn't even sure I would like it at all. But I do.
Rachel is weird, intelligent and filled with so much torment. It's hard to know what is real and what's made up sometimes. The pieces of the story that you think might be too freaky start to make sense though.
If I had been through what Rachel had, I'd probably be half-cocked too. As anyone would, I think.
Turns out this was a creeptastic tale, and one I rather enjoyed. If you like vivid and creepy stories, read this one!
Totally a good thing though! Especially since about halfway through I wasn't even sure I would like it at all. But I do.
Rachel is weird, intelligent and filled with so much torment. It's hard to know what is real and what's made up sometimes. The pieces of the story that you think might be too freaky start to make sense though.
If I had been through what Rachel had, I'd probably be half-cocked too. As anyone would, I think.
Turns out this was a creeptastic tale, and one I rather enjoyed. If you like vivid and creepy stories, read this one!
July 10, 2022
I was looking for a horror read and was disappointed this wasn't that even though advertised as such. I would say more psychological thriller with what looks like supernatural elements sprinkled in.
Even though this wasn't the horror I wanted, I really enjoyed this one. It's a beautiful story at the heart of it all and the journey Rachel has to endure is both beautiful and tragic.
It's also predictable but that didn't take away from the love of the story or the outcome. I even teared up a few times...I'm a mom so I felt Rachel's pain.
For a novella, this was very well written. The narrator took some time to get used to, but that is definitely me as I am still an audiobook newbie. Overall a really great read and one I would recommend.
Even though this wasn't the horror I wanted, I really enjoyed this one. It's a beautiful story at the heart of it all and the journey Rachel has to endure is both beautiful and tragic.
It's also predictable but that didn't take away from the love of the story or the outcome. I even teared up a few times...I'm a mom so I felt Rachel's pain.
For a novella, this was very well written. The narrator took some time to get used to, but that is definitely me as I am still an audiobook newbie. Overall a really great read and one I would recommend.
November 15, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It does take the reader to some dark and eerie places leaving you wondering where you’ll end up. I didn’t want to stop until I figured that out.
July 10, 2025
it had me.
October 23, 2022
This was a WILD short story. Oh my.
December 15, 2023
Short read, but a good read. My favorite part was the remaining 30 pages or so (remaining 40 minutes of audio because I actually listened to this through Audible). I just wish that this part was expanded on a little bit. Other than that, loved the premise and the ending shook me up a bit. I would definitely recommend this to a friend.
October 7, 2022
This isn't going to be a memorable read that will stick for a long time but it was entertaining and I wanted to know the end of the story. Quick listen/read If anyone is interested in this book.
November 9, 2015
I am absolutely speechless! I have never read a book with so much twists & turns & ‘OMG wait what?!’ moments and I have over 200! I love to read but my heart & passion belongs to writing. The way Rachel talks about going away, to be alone to write I can whole heartily relate to, and as you read on it just gets crazier. Why does John keep checking up on Rachel? Why did Granger tell her that if the cabin tries to tell her something that it won’t always be the truth? Why is Ollie sweeping the forest? All these questions kept popping in my head as I read the book. And when all the questions got answered I just couldn’t believe the twist in the story. And then right when I thought I had it figured out.. BAM another twist!
Being a writer I am obsessed with quotes whether they be small, funny one liners that have you giggling to yourself or a quote that makes you really sit back and think. This book had so many of both! But these two different lines are by far my favorite:
‘Sometimes the first cup of coffee in the morning is better than a week of orgasms’
I seriously could not help but laugh to myself because sometimes it is! I am a huge coffee lover so this related to me so well.
Now this is conversation between Rachel and John and it is by far one of my favorites throughout the book. (Another being the conversation about Greek Gods between Rachel and Ollie):
“You said it yourself; writers have these keen powers of observation. Observe too much and it’s easy to forget you’ve been put on this earth to be a participant.”
“Yeah, well there are worse things than forgetting.”
“I don’t know about that. Everything we do, everything that happens to us makes us who we are. Forgetting something, even something bad, reduces us. Erodes who we aee at the edges. Forget enough and that erosion can go to your core.”
I think I reread that conversation a few times because it is absolutely true! I have had a lot of bad happen to me and when I read this part I was in such awe, completely speechless. This book is so amazing I just can’t even explain it without giving it away. It is such an easy read too! I am a slow reader but it seriously took me 3 hours to read, which if you’re a speed reader should probably take you a half hour. LOL But for it being a thin book, Jeff wrote it so well and didn’t leave anything out! After I finished the book I walked into my house looked at my mother and just said ‘Wow’. She asked me how it was and I just handed to her and said ‘You need to read this, you will love it.’
I would recommend this book to just about anyone! The psychological basis behind the book is so impressive I just can’t get over it! Jeff Gunhus can tell a story like no other, please go get this book. I promise you will NOT be disappointed!
Being a writer I am obsessed with quotes whether they be small, funny one liners that have you giggling to yourself or a quote that makes you really sit back and think. This book had so many of both! But these two different lines are by far my favorite:
‘Sometimes the first cup of coffee in the morning is better than a week of orgasms’
I seriously could not help but laugh to myself because sometimes it is! I am a huge coffee lover so this related to me so well.
Now this is conversation between Rachel and John and it is by far one of my favorites throughout the book. (Another being the conversation about Greek Gods between Rachel and Ollie):
“You said it yourself; writers have these keen powers of observation. Observe too much and it’s easy to forget you’ve been put on this earth to be a participant.”
“Yeah, well there are worse things than forgetting.”
“I don’t know about that. Everything we do, everything that happens to us makes us who we are. Forgetting something, even something bad, reduces us. Erodes who we aee at the edges. Forget enough and that erosion can go to your core.”
I think I reread that conversation a few times because it is absolutely true! I have had a lot of bad happen to me and when I read this part I was in such awe, completely speechless. This book is so amazing I just can’t even explain it without giving it away. It is such an easy read too! I am a slow reader but it seriously took me 3 hours to read, which if you’re a speed reader should probably take you a half hour. LOL But for it being a thin book, Jeff wrote it so well and didn’t leave anything out! After I finished the book I walked into my house looked at my mother and just said ‘Wow’. She asked me how it was and I just handed to her and said ‘You need to read this, you will love it.’
I would recommend this book to just about anyone! The psychological basis behind the book is so impressive I just can’t get over it! Jeff Gunhus can tell a story like no other, please go get this book. I promise you will NOT be disappointed!
November 10, 2015
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Book Review: The Torment of Rachel Ames by Jeff Gunhus: A Perfect Psychological Thriller #RACHELAMES
The Torment of Rachel Ames by Jeff Gunhus is an engrossing psychological thriller. The thriller is about a novelist Rachel Ames who is struggling to find out her peace of mind. During this struggle, there are many twists and turns. She decides to move to a cabin near the lake to spend some time and regain her from the writer’s block. Although the place is fascinating but she gets an instinct that something is not right there. She gets serious signals from her subconscious mind. And these signals are indicating things will not be right around her.
Rachel somehow convinces herself to stay in that location that is natural and scenic. But everything starts going in opposite the moment she decides this. Strange things start happening around her to make her believe that her decision of settling here is not right. The beautiful lake is far away from it in reality and so is the place. The Torment of Rachel Ames by Jeff Gunhus is a powerful story expressed so well in just 125 pages. Each page of the story enthralls you and holds you tight in an engrossing manner. The story makes you keep guessing at every moment passed and each page read. It is, in fact, full of action and thrill. The story is impactful and so is its presentation. Rather, the manner in which it has been presented has made it more impressive and effective. All credits to Jeff Gunhus for writing in such a beautiful manner with an excellent plot and superb characterization.
The Torment of Rachel Ames by Jeff Gunhus keeps the suspense in the story intact throughout. The end will surprise you beyond all your imaginations. The cover, story, and title - all go well with each other to make this Novella a powerful read.
Book Review: The Torment of Rachel Ames by Jeff Gunhus: A Perfect Psychological Thriller #RACHELAMES
The Torment of Rachel Ames by Jeff Gunhus is an engrossing psychological thriller. The thriller is about a novelist Rachel Ames who is struggling to find out her peace of mind. During this struggle, there are many twists and turns. She decides to move to a cabin near the lake to spend some time and regain her from the writer’s block. Although the place is fascinating but she gets an instinct that something is not right there. She gets serious signals from her subconscious mind. And these signals are indicating things will not be right around her.
Rachel somehow convinces herself to stay in that location that is natural and scenic. But everything starts going in opposite the moment she decides this. Strange things start happening around her to make her believe that her decision of settling here is not right. The beautiful lake is far away from it in reality and so is the place. The Torment of Rachel Ames by Jeff Gunhus is a powerful story expressed so well in just 125 pages. Each page of the story enthralls you and holds you tight in an engrossing manner. The story makes you keep guessing at every moment passed and each page read. It is, in fact, full of action and thrill. The story is impactful and so is its presentation. Rather, the manner in which it has been presented has made it more impressive and effective. All credits to Jeff Gunhus for writing in such a beautiful manner with an excellent plot and superb characterization.
The Torment of Rachel Ames by Jeff Gunhus keeps the suspense in the story intact throughout. The end will surprise you beyond all your imaginations. The cover, story, and title - all go well with each other to make this Novella a powerful read.
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