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Buried
When the earthquake hits, the narrow, corkscrew turn that leads into the labyrinth of tunnels underneath Misery Rock collapses. Martin Campbell and his friends are stranded. Their guide’s leg has been crushed by a rock too big to move. They’ve brought only a sandwich each and have very little water. If they don’t find another way out soon they will no doubt die in here. So, as Martin’s sister stays behind to care for their guide, Martin sets out with friends Ethan and Cynthia to find another exit.
But being trapped underground might not be the worst of their problems. Martin, Ethan, and Cynthia have each brought secrets into these tunnels. They are secrets about each other and themselves. They are secrets that, when you’re trapped underground, could push you to madness. And they are secrets that at least one of them is willing to kill for.
But being trapped underground might not be the worst of their problems. Martin, Ethan, and Cynthia have each brought secrets into these tunnels. They are secrets about each other and themselves. They are secrets that, when you’re trapped underground, could push you to madness. And they are secrets that at least one of them is willing to kill for.
- GenresMystery ThrillerThriller
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2019
44 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Reagan Keeter
10 books37 followersReagan Keeter's mystery and thriller novels have topped Amazon charts in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. He is a National Indie Excellence Awards finalist and has worked as a writer and editor at Georgia newspapers. He graduated from Georgia State University with a major in print journalism and a minor in English literature. He has lived in Bucharest, Prague, Manchester, and Chicago. Currently, he resides in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 22, 2019
I received this book thru a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author and the publishing company for their generosity.
This book is about a group of friends that are exploring a cave when an earthquake hits and the opening of the cave suffers from a cave in. They are trapped in the unknown and have little hope of making it out and surviving.
I never really connected with this book. It might be a case of me instead of the novel itself. It was finely written and there was nothing wrong with the pace as this is a quick read. I went into this book expecting a survival genre book. Instead this was more a psychological book about some of the characters that are stuck in a survival setting. Maybe with me expecting something else there was no connection. That being said, I did think the psychological twist at the end wasn't fully earned and seemed like it was there just to have the twist that thrillers are suppose to have.
This was decent, quick read that only took me a couple of days to read. I believe that was part of the problem too. I believe if this was a little longer and fleshed out a little more it would have been better. There is a nice premise here but I never really connected to anything in this book.
This book is about a group of friends that are exploring a cave when an earthquake hits and the opening of the cave suffers from a cave in. They are trapped in the unknown and have little hope of making it out and surviving.
I never really connected with this book. It might be a case of me instead of the novel itself. It was finely written and there was nothing wrong with the pace as this is a quick read. I went into this book expecting a survival genre book. Instead this was more a psychological book about some of the characters that are stuck in a survival setting. Maybe with me expecting something else there was no connection. That being said, I did think the psychological twist at the end wasn't fully earned and seemed like it was there just to have the twist that thrillers are suppose to have.
This was decent, quick read that only took me a couple of days to read. I believe that was part of the problem too. I believe if this was a little longer and fleshed out a little more it would have been better. There is a nice premise here but I never really connected to anything in this book.
December 13, 2019
*Contains NO spoilers*I really enjoyed this quick-paced thriller. If you were looking for a survival/adventure story, look elsewhere, don't let the blurb fool you. In fact, if you were looking for a novel that is set predominantly in the cave post-earthquake, this might not be for you, as there are many chapters which shift to "Then", or the past. Ergo; it is not a Tomb Rader-esq meets Indiana Jones escape the cave fighting thirst and hunger kind of novel. If you are looking for a quick read, with a good plot, interesting characters and a few nice twists to keep you going to the end, then look no further.
I read ALOT of psychological thrillers and suspense novels, I mean about 4 or 5 a week. I read La Plante, Reichs, Gillian Flynn, Rendall, Val McDermid, Lisa Jewell, Galbraith, to name a few. But, what I liked about Keeter's thriller was that he did what all of these authors do, in half the time, nay, a third of the time/length. So bare that in mind when you read this story.
Plante's books on average are 400+ pages, yet her characters, plots and twists are no more intricate, suspenseful or mysterious when compared with Keeter's 'Buried' at just 180 pages. Subsequently, I really enjoyed the precision of Keeter's writing, he did not add fluff, inconsequential dialogue or, lets face it, random chapters just for the sake of random chapters. So, I commend Keeter for his ability to write a fast-paced thriller with a good plot and three well developed characters with intricate backgrounds. Ok, so by now you're bored and probably wondering why I'm belabouring the point about the length.... well I read some reviews post-reading 'Buried' that slated the book's length, so I took slight umbrage to that and want to set the record straight via my, ahem, humble opinion.If you want a Tolkien-esq length thriller, look elsewhere, or approach this novel in a light-hearted manner, and be content to finish it in one or two sittings. And be ok with that.
For me, once I got past page 40 I was hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed the short chapters which flipped between past and present and jumped from character to character. It really lent to the whole 'one more chapter' at lunch in work or bed at night. It was also nice because I could read one or two quick chapters while taking a quick coffee break at work, and not have to pick up in the middle of dialogue or action.
Also, I want to add that, for me, the last 100 pages were very enjoyable, with some nice twists and quick action. I loved the end, and I think you will too.
Ok, are you still with me? Good. Plot; good, pace; great, length; perfect. So..... onto the characters. The character of Ethan is so well-written and well drawn out via past-present interactions that I feel this character really made the book enjoyable for me. For me, the sign of a good book or author is when they create strong emotional responses to the characters and their actions. Keeter did this in 'Buried' through the characters Ethan and Martin. In fact, I greatly commend the author for creating these well developed characters in such a short amount of time!
So for me, overall a strong 4-5 stars. What pushed it over into the 5 star bracket was the short length, quick-pace, tension, well-developed characters and juicy twists in the latter half. I will definitely read another of Keeter's novels because I like his style and found the plot, characters and twists refreshing. I hope you enjoy this book too!
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
I read ALOT of psychological thrillers and suspense novels, I mean about 4 or 5 a week. I read La Plante, Reichs, Gillian Flynn, Rendall, Val McDermid, Lisa Jewell, Galbraith, to name a few. But, what I liked about Keeter's thriller was that he did what all of these authors do, in half the time, nay, a third of the time/length. So bare that in mind when you read this story.
Plante's books on average are 400+ pages, yet her characters, plots and twists are no more intricate, suspenseful or mysterious when compared with Keeter's 'Buried' at just 180 pages. Subsequently, I really enjoyed the precision of Keeter's writing, he did not add fluff, inconsequential dialogue or, lets face it, random chapters just for the sake of random chapters. So, I commend Keeter for his ability to write a fast-paced thriller with a good plot and three well developed characters with intricate backgrounds. Ok, so by now you're bored and probably wondering why I'm belabouring the point about the length.... well I read some reviews post-reading 'Buried' that slated the book's length, so I took slight umbrage to that and want to set the record straight via my, ahem, humble opinion.If you want a Tolkien-esq length thriller, look elsewhere, or approach this novel in a light-hearted manner, and be content to finish it in one or two sittings. And be ok with that.
For me, once I got past page 40 I was hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed the short chapters which flipped between past and present and jumped from character to character. It really lent to the whole 'one more chapter' at lunch in work or bed at night. It was also nice because I could read one or two quick chapters while taking a quick coffee break at work, and not have to pick up in the middle of dialogue or action.
Also, I want to add that, for me, the last 100 pages were very enjoyable, with some nice twists and quick action. I loved the end, and I think you will too.
Ok, are you still with me? Good. Plot; good, pace; great, length; perfect. So..... onto the characters. The character of Ethan is so well-written and well drawn out via past-present interactions that I feel this character really made the book enjoyable for me. For me, the sign of a good book or author is when they create strong emotional responses to the characters and their actions. Keeter did this in 'Buried' through the characters Ethan and Martin. In fact, I greatly commend the author for creating these well developed characters in such a short amount of time!
So for me, overall a strong 4-5 stars. What pushed it over into the 5 star bracket was the short length, quick-pace, tension, well-developed characters and juicy twists in the latter half. I will definitely read another of Keeter's novels because I like his style and found the plot, characters and twists refreshing. I hope you enjoy this book too!
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
December 19, 2019
This was an interesting, quick read. It had a few twists in it which made you keep wanting to read! I would read more from this author. I want to thank the author for a digital copy of this book for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2019
I received this book through another author's promotion in exchange of an honest review. A look inside the minds of flawed people. Lost in caves, these friends are fighting their way out, despite their pasts. Well written, good characters, and a plot that moves you to explore the very human will to survive. Was a bit slow at times, but other ways, struggling to follow the story line.
December 9, 2019
I am torn as to how to rate this book. As a psychological thriller, it does what it sets out to - leave me feeling creeped out! But as an enjoyable read, it misses the mark; at least for me. I would be reading along and the suspense would be building and all of a sudden I'd come across a major typo (wrong character name, wrong location name, missing word, etc) and the mood would be totally spoiled. Typos are a pet peeve for me and while I realize it is almost impossible to get a book perfect, I think it is even more important in a thriller that they are kept to a minimum. When the writer is attempting to create a feeling of tension and suspense there shouldn't be anything to distract the reader; wrong character names will do that in a heartbeat. There were a couple of times I put the book down and took a break to try and get back into the story after a jarring error. Also, it's very disconcerting when the synopsis of the story references a certain character four times and three of those times he is called by the wrong name. I should have known then typos were going to be an issue. I've seen comments on reviews that said an author shouldn't be held accountable for the synopsis because rarely do they write them. I disagree. If someone was writing a synopsis of my work I'd go over it with a fine-toothed comb. I'd be even more diligent to make sure everything was right. Also, there are only two likable characters in the story and one of those is hardly mentioned at all. But then again, "likable characters" is rarely what a thriller is all about.
But not all was negative. The character of Ethan is so well-written I would have gladly strangled him myself. (The sign of a good author; when they create strong emotional responses for me to one or more of their characters.) Ethan also proves the old adage "If you lie down with dogs you will get up with fleas" so be careful when you choose your friends. I enjoyed the way the story was set up; a now and then style; telling the past and present basically at the same time. It made the backstory more immediate and understandable instead of a beginning to end set-up. The ending had a very unexpected twist that I didn't see coming and I enjoyed that. I will most likely try another of Mr. Keeter's books to see if I have the same issues. I hope not because he writes well.
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I want to thank them and the author for the opportunity to read it.
But not all was negative. The character of Ethan is so well-written I would have gladly strangled him myself. (The sign of a good author; when they create strong emotional responses for me to one or more of their characters.) Ethan also proves the old adage "If you lie down with dogs you will get up with fleas" so be careful when you choose your friends. I enjoyed the way the story was set up; a now and then style; telling the past and present basically at the same time. It made the backstory more immediate and understandable instead of a beginning to end set-up. The ending had a very unexpected twist that I didn't see coming and I enjoyed that. I will most likely try another of Mr. Keeter's books to see if I have the same issues. I hope not because he writes well.
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I want to thank them and the author for the opportunity to read it.
May 11, 2020
Some secrets have to be buried to be revealed.
When the earthquake hits, the narrow, corkscrew turn that leads into the labyrinth of tunnels underneath Misery Rock collapses. Martin Campbell and his friends are stranded. Their guide’s leg has been crushed by a rock too big to move. They’ve brought only a sandwich each and have very little water. If they don’t find another way out soon, they will no doubt die in here. So, as Martin’s sister stays behind to care for their guide, Martin sets out with friends Ethan and Cynthia to find another exit.
But being trapped underground might not be the worst of their problems. Martin, Ethan, and Cynthia have each brought secrets into these tunnels. They are secrets about each other and themselves. They are secrets that, when you’re trapped underground, could push you to madness. And they are secrets that at least one of them is willing to kill for.
Buried is an exciting psychological thriller that keeps the surprises coming until the very last page.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuousluy.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
When the earthquake hits, the narrow, corkscrew turn that leads into the labyrinth of tunnels underneath Misery Rock collapses. Martin Campbell and his friends are stranded. Their guide’s leg has been crushed by a rock too big to move. They’ve brought only a sandwich each and have very little water. If they don’t find another way out soon, they will no doubt die in here. So, as Martin’s sister stays behind to care for their guide, Martin sets out with friends Ethan and Cynthia to find another exit.
But being trapped underground might not be the worst of their problems. Martin, Ethan, and Cynthia have each brought secrets into these tunnels. They are secrets about each other and themselves. They are secrets that, when you’re trapped underground, could push you to madness. And they are secrets that at least one of them is willing to kill for.
Buried is an exciting psychological thriller that keeps the surprises coming until the very last page.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuousluy.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
January 8, 2020
I won a Kindle copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway, for which I'd like to thank the author and publisher.
I thought this was going to be a survival story - and instead it turned into a thriller. I like thrillers, but this wasn't what I was expecting, so it threw me for a while (in fact, I actually said aloud, "Why all this background information on the characters that doesn't relate to the main story line?"). While this book was a quick read (a plus), I never really felt a connection to any of the characters. The sister and her boyfriend were basically throwaway characters, which was a shame because they seemed rather interesting at first. The "twist" at the end came out of left field - even with the story of the "THEN" added - and I'm not sure why the author went in that direction; it could've been an interesting thriller without that twist (will everyone survive? will the 'bad guy' get caught before striking again?). Overall, the story seemed to lay there; good idea, but it never quite clicked for me, sadly.
I thought this was going to be a survival story - and instead it turned into a thriller. I like thrillers, but this wasn't what I was expecting, so it threw me for a while (in fact, I actually said aloud, "Why all this background information on the characters that doesn't relate to the main story line?"). While this book was a quick read (a plus), I never really felt a connection to any of the characters. The sister and her boyfriend were basically throwaway characters, which was a shame because they seemed rather interesting at first. The "twist" at the end came out of left field - even with the story of the "THEN" added - and I'm not sure why the author went in that direction; it could've been an interesting thriller without that twist (will everyone survive? will the 'bad guy' get caught before striking again?). Overall, the story seemed to lay there; good idea, but it never quite clicked for me, sadly.
February 11, 2020
I received this book in an author giveaway. It was a fairly interesting read. I enjoyed the characters but I think a little more time could have been spent towards the end regarding how everything played out. The other difficulty I had was the bouncing back and forth between the past and the present. I usually prefer books that are more linear in nature. The book itself is about a group of friends who go caving and get stuck underground, with little hope of escape, due to an earthquake that cut off their original access point. The story unfolds by telling the backgrounds of several characters and how they came to be who they are, as well as, their relationships with each other. While this is happening the various members of the group are encountering unknown physical and psychological dangers in their attempt to survive and escape. The ending actually had two options, which I found interesting. I preferred the first ending. I think most people will enjoy the general story presented.
March 25, 2020
I wasn't impressed. The story quickly jumps into the spelunkers trapped in the cave by the earthquake, with an exciting opening scene that attempts to set a claustrophobic and gory tone. It then flashes back with the various characters to better highlight their relationships and character traits that lead to the psychological breakdowns in the caves. But the characters are simplistic and one dimensional, with the most egregious, Ethan, a very thinly veiled violent psychopath with a history of almost murdering his mother and being institutionalized, only escaping by faking his sanity. The other characters are slightly more realistic, but their emotions are childish and lacking depth.
February 9, 2020
An Earthquake can bring the worst of you?
Friends exploring a Cave…Martin is trapped with Cynthia, Ethan, his sister and the guide in a cave. Could they escape before all secrets were out?
Is a good book but not excellent, the mispels ehen the best is coming just throw a wrench and it took time to return to the story.
The author have the characters a little incomplete, that build a lack of emphaty between me, as reader, and the story and characters.
I received this ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
Friends exploring a Cave…Martin is trapped with Cynthia, Ethan, his sister and the guide in a cave. Could they escape before all secrets were out?
Is a good book but not excellent, the mispels ehen the best is coming just throw a wrench and it took time to return to the story.
The author have the characters a little incomplete, that build a lack of emphaty between me, as reader, and the story and characters.
I received this ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
March 14, 2020
A fantastic read that grabs you from the first page to the last. Its a fast past read with epic scenes, the scenes are written so well that I can picture them in my minds eye. This is a real page turner with twists and turns that keeps you enthralled with this read. I definitely recommend this captivating read. Its a must read.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
March 6, 2022
Interesting enough book, very fast paced. Definitely more focused on the psychological side of things rather than the action surrounding the earthquake. I felt that even for something fast paced, the ending was rushed. I also wasn't really a fan of the jumping back and forth so often between "then and now". For me, this ruined what could have been a nice flow, instead it felt pretty disjointed.
February 19, 2020
Signed up for a free ebook on Facebook. The description sounded interesting to me and I actually liked it much more than I had expected to. It’s a fast read, great pacing and the back and forth in time makes sense and works.
May 24, 2020
I really liked this book, it had action, suspense. if anything could happen it would happen to this group of hikers and spelunkers. I liked the characters and I cared about them and what was hapening to them.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last.
July 22, 2021
Good thriller
This book was really interesting. I think that when the author would go back and forth it made you not aware of each character. I did think that the ending wad kind of anticlimactic.
This book was really interesting. I think that when the author would go back and forth it made you not aware of each character. I did think that the ending wad kind of anticlimactic.
January 2, 2020
Be careful of the company you keep
It was meant to be a trip away but things turn out badly for the group Not everyone will make it out alive.
It was meant to be a trip away but things turn out badly for the group Not everyone will make it out alive.
January 25, 2020
This was pretty good. The ending felt very rushed though.
January 27, 2020
This was an amazing adventure which ensured that I'll never go cave exploring
April 3, 2020
Felt a bit disjointed with the THEN and NOW chapters! It was somewhat interesting and had a couple surprising twists! It left a big question... what happened to Gina?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2019
It Was Supposed To Be A Fun Excursion
Four friends and a guide venture into a remote cave to explore and learn. An earthquake had other ideas, caving in the entrance and trapping them inside. What does being trapped in a cave do to a person’s psyche?
It was an interesting concept, presenting the four friends in different settings of NOW and THEN to explain their current plight interspersed with their younger selves. You get to look inside each of them as teenagers and growing up, how they interacted with their families and each other, and their personalities leading up to the caving adventure. The chapters alternate irregularly between their background, THEN, and their current predicament, NOW, which helps to explain their actions. The ending was totally unexpected.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Four friends and a guide venture into a remote cave to explore and learn. An earthquake had other ideas, caving in the entrance and trapping them inside. What does being trapped in a cave do to a person’s psyche?
It was an interesting concept, presenting the four friends in different settings of NOW and THEN to explain their current plight interspersed with their younger selves. You get to look inside each of them as teenagers and growing up, how they interacted with their families and each other, and their personalities leading up to the caving adventure. The chapters alternate irregularly between their background, THEN, and their current predicament, NOW, which helps to explain their actions. The ending was totally unexpected.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
December 5, 2019
Well written thriller. The past present format worked really well and made the surprising twist at the end possible. Great story!!
November 13, 2019
Okay quick 3 star read. Neither storyline nor characters had any real substance.
My thanks to goodreads and the book's giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain and read a copy of this book.
My thanks to goodreads and the book's giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain and read a copy of this book.
November 8, 2019
Had some awesome twists but not quite enough depth for me. Seemed too hurried but overall a good story.
April 15, 2020
I was given a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author Reagan Keeter, via Voracious Readers Only.
Know the company you keep...Four friends and a guide set out to explore a remote cave. When an earthquake causes a cave in; it leaves a severely injured guide and traps them all underground. This book is about what happens to people when supplies dwindle and light fades. As hope dims, so does sanity. Choices must be made and they have consequences. If they don’t find another way out soon, this cave may be their final tomb.
I found myself a bit torn as to how to rate this book. As a psychological thriller; it achieves its purpose. As an adventure / drama, I found it a bit disconnected. I am not into choose your preferred endings. That said, it is a great fast pace read.
Know the company you keep...Four friends and a guide set out to explore a remote cave. When an earthquake causes a cave in; it leaves a severely injured guide and traps them all underground. This book is about what happens to people when supplies dwindle and light fades. As hope dims, so does sanity. Choices must be made and they have consequences. If they don’t find another way out soon, this cave may be their final tomb.
I found myself a bit torn as to how to rate this book. As a psychological thriller; it achieves its purpose. As an adventure / drama, I found it a bit disconnected. I am not into choose your preferred endings. That said, it is a great fast pace read.
November 18, 2019
Thank you Goodreads for the gift. Although the book has twists and turns and some suspense, I'm just not feeling it. I think, for me, there isn't enough depth to it. The story line about Martin and Ethan and their friendship, their backstories is believable but it seems too cut and dry for me. I have not finished this book yet and finding it hard to finish, but read one of the reviews that stated "the ending was a surprise" for her, so I believe I will finish it to find out. Hopefully that will change my mind.
Update: Just finished Buried. Still did not have enough depth for me. The ending was a surprise but i just did not enjoy this.
Update: Just finished Buried. Still did not have enough depth for me. The ending was a surprise but i just did not enjoy this.
October 28, 2019
I received this ARC from the author as a gift, and this is my honest review.
An earthquake traps Martin and his friend in a cave, and what follows is their attempt to escape. As secrets are exposed how will those affect the efforts to free themselves. Overall this was a good book, and did keep me turning the pages. I do feel like it could have been better if the author had been about to pull my emotions from me, which I admit at times can be hard to do it is why I rarely give 5stars. For me this book would rate more like a 3.5 star rating.
An earthquake traps Martin and his friend in a cave, and what follows is their attempt to escape. As secrets are exposed how will those affect the efforts to free themselves. Overall this was a good book, and did keep me turning the pages. I do feel like it could have been better if the author had been about to pull my emotions from me, which I admit at times can be hard to do it is why I rarely give 5stars. For me this book would rate more like a 3.5 star rating.
October 4, 2019
Martin and his friends are trapped in a cave after an earthquake hits. What follows is an attempt to escape but events from their pasts raises issues that can leave to disaster. Each friend has issues from their past that surfaces and finally effects all of them. How it will end? This book takes you into the minds of Martin and Ethan and their effect on each other
October 28, 2019
After an earthquake causes parts of a cave to collapse, five people are trapped. As three go off to try to find their way out, secrets will be uncovered that will keep you reading this nail-biter. If you like suspense with an edge, you will love this novel.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
October 7, 2019
I liked this book. It was about friends in a cave after an earthquake. The ending was a surprise to me.
October 30, 2019
An awesome read, with some unexpected twists.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews