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In Sheep's Skin
BLOOD BEGETS ITS TRUTH
Peter and Mary, college acquaintances, had nothing in common with one another.
Until two unrelated killers came for them.
A beast-like man.
And a man-like beast.
On the same night. At the same time. In the same place.
Bound by their trauma and will to live at any cost, Peter and Mary have until the next full moon to uncover the identities of their would-be killers.
But to do that, Peter and Mary will have to dismantle every lie they told and believed about themselves to be saved from their far more dangerous and disintegrating pasts.
Peter and Mary, college acquaintances, had nothing in common with one another.
Until two unrelated killers came for them.
A beast-like man.
And a man-like beast.
On the same night. At the same time. In the same place.
Bound by their trauma and will to live at any cost, Peter and Mary have until the next full moon to uncover the identities of their would-be killers.
But to do that, Peter and Mary will have to dismantle every lie they told and believed about themselves to be saved from their far more dangerous and disintegrating pasts.
Paperback
Published September 1, 2021
27 people want to read
About the author
Scott Hale
23 books150 followersScott Hale has always been obsessed with all things horror. While it's not uncommon for his writings to blend multiple genres together, Horror is ever-present, be it in the scenarios themselves, or the uncomfortable truths he dares to explore.
Scott is the demented mastermind behind The Bones of the Earth series. Six books and four years later, the series has come to an end, but his addiction to writing has not. With more books on the way (In Sheep's Skin, The Body is a Cruel Mistress, and Sickness in the Stars), it won't be long until you're invited to explore his grotesque, imaginative, and oddly beautiful worlds.
Scott is married to his wife, Hannah - his muse, frequent collaborator, and illustrator for his work. He has a masters in Social Work and is currently practicing in a psychiatric hospital.
Scott is the demented mastermind behind The Bones of the Earth series. Six books and four years later, the series has come to an end, but his addiction to writing has not. With more books on the way (In Sheep's Skin, The Body is a Cruel Mistress, and Sickness in the Stars), it won't be long until you're invited to explore his grotesque, imaginative, and oddly beautiful worlds.
Scott is married to his wife, Hannah - his muse, frequent collaborator, and illustrator for his work. He has a masters in Social Work and is currently practicing in a psychiatric hospital.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 17, 2021
Re-read for spooktober! 10/17/21
This is definitely no weak-ass horror novel. It's not sitting around, afraid to dive right into the squeamiest and bloodiest aspects of the human heart.
Werewolves, cults, and murders only barely scratch the surface. And if you're looking for a paranormal romance, then I'd definitely tell you to read this, too -- because I'm also a bit twisted. This is an ultimate anti-romance. It has so many of the same features, but really, I can only describe it as a romance dystopia.
Are they bad for each other? Yes. Do they keep coming back for more punishment? Yes. Is it awesomely bloody? Yes. :)
This really needs readers, folks. I'd love to see people's takes on this.
Original review:
*** Pre-Release Review ***
It is my total pleasure to say that Scott Hale has done it again. In a field that has provided so many variations on a werewolf theme, he has, in full awareness of all the conventions, outdone the lot of them.
No cute, loveable werewolves here.
Only complicated human dynamics, fantastic use of Liminal Space (look it up if you're curious), and some of the most gut-wrenching transformations (psychological or meat-grinding) I've ever read.
And I've read a lot of great horrors. I'm no slouch. But when I say this hits my originality radar, I ask you to pay attention. There are several layers of mirroring going on in the story. There are many instances of true surprise. But do you know what the most impressive feature is?
The inevitability. The sick, twisted feel of inevitability.
And this is extra impressive because these two kids are not stupid. They're fully aware of themselves and the danger and their own shortcomings. They do what they can.
But I've got to be honest... I've never seen a more twisted co-dependency relationship in fiction. I mean, there are a LOT of those in fiction, movies, REAL LIFE... but this one pretty much takes the cake.
The full-moon cake. :)
This is definitely no weak-ass horror novel. It's not sitting around, afraid to dive right into the squeamiest and bloodiest aspects of the human heart.
Werewolves, cults, and murders only barely scratch the surface. And if you're looking for a paranormal romance, then I'd definitely tell you to read this, too -- because I'm also a bit twisted. This is an ultimate anti-romance. It has so many of the same features, but really, I can only describe it as a romance dystopia.
Are they bad for each other? Yes. Do they keep coming back for more punishment? Yes. Is it awesomely bloody? Yes. :)
This really needs readers, folks. I'd love to see people's takes on this.
Original review:
*** Pre-Release Review ***
It is my total pleasure to say that Scott Hale has done it again. In a field that has provided so many variations on a werewolf theme, he has, in full awareness of all the conventions, outdone the lot of them.
No cute, loveable werewolves here.
Only complicated human dynamics, fantastic use of Liminal Space (look it up if you're curious), and some of the most gut-wrenching transformations (psychological or meat-grinding) I've ever read.
And I've read a lot of great horrors. I'm no slouch. But when I say this hits my originality radar, I ask you to pay attention. There are several layers of mirroring going on in the story. There are many instances of true surprise. But do you know what the most impressive feature is?
The inevitability. The sick, twisted feel of inevitability.
And this is extra impressive because these two kids are not stupid. They're fully aware of themselves and the danger and their own shortcomings. They do what they can.
But I've got to be honest... I've never seen a more twisted co-dependency relationship in fiction. I mean, there are a LOT of those in fiction, movies, REAL LIFE... but this one pretty much takes the cake.
The full-moon cake. :)
October 18, 2021
My very first story by this author and it was pretty good.
Meet Peter and Mary. Both from disfunctional families. Both in a beginner's class for psychology. Both working at the same project for said psychology class. Both not fully right in the head. Both sitting in a beat-down diner. Only instead of just pulling their shitty routine with the guests, there is suddenly a killer in there with them. And as if that wasn't enough, there is also what can only be a werewolf stalking them as well (or at least one of them).
From the diner to a house in the woods, to a rooftop Halloween party, to a psychiatric hospital and many other places (also including a slaughterhouse and some VERY disturbing memories), we went to many places.
The problem? It's not as "easy" as putting a silver bullet into the werewolf's heart and killing the killer before he can kill first. Oh no.
The action scenes in this book, the chases and killing sprees, the blood and gore - it was all delicious. Sadly, there were a few scenes too many (or the scenes were too long) where we have to spend time with the protagonists, often in their seriously fucked up heads. The psychology was brilliantly researched and reproduced here in a very realistic way (especially the co-dependency stuff), but it was just not my cuppa. And compared to the amount of body horror, it left me feeling slightly disappointed.
...
Until the next breathtaking action scene.
And that is why I consider this "only" pretty good (though, really, this is still a fantastic Spooktober read). Maybe it's because I actually like and enjoy cheap b-movie horror, which I didn't get too much of here. Maybe it's because there was too much mental-health horror in this and not enough body horror and I just didn't like the characters - but not in a way that made me gleefully cackle "die, you fuckers!". *lol*
Still, a very good book with a brilliantly creepy atmosphere and definitely one of its kind so I'm very glad the author generously gave me a copy.
Meet Peter and Mary. Both from disfunctional families. Both in a beginner's class for psychology. Both working at the same project for said psychology class. Both not fully right in the head. Both sitting in a beat-down diner. Only instead of just pulling their shitty routine with the guests, there is suddenly a killer in there with them. And as if that wasn't enough, there is also what can only be a werewolf stalking them as well (or at least one of them).
From the diner to a house in the woods, to a rooftop Halloween party, to a psychiatric hospital and many other places (also including a slaughterhouse and some VERY disturbing memories), we went to many places.
The problem? It's not as "easy" as putting a silver bullet into the werewolf's heart and killing the killer before he can kill first. Oh no.
The action scenes in this book, the chases and killing sprees, the blood and gore - it was all delicious. Sadly, there were a few scenes too many (or the scenes were too long) where we have to spend time with the protagonists, often in their seriously fucked up heads. The psychology was brilliantly researched and reproduced here in a very realistic way (especially the co-dependency stuff), but it was just not my cuppa. And compared to the amount of body horror, it left me feeling slightly disappointed.
...
Until the next breathtaking action scene.
And that is why I consider this "only" pretty good (though, really, this is still a fantastic Spooktober read). Maybe it's because I actually like and enjoy cheap b-movie horror, which I didn't get too much of here. Maybe it's because there was too much mental-health horror in this and not enough body horror and I just didn't like the characters - but not in a way that made me gleefully cackle "die, you fuckers!". *lol*
Still, a very good book with a brilliantly creepy atmosphere and definitely one of its kind so I'm very glad the author generously gave me a copy.
September 30, 2021
NEW COVER. NEW WORDS. OUT NOW!
https://www.amazon.com/Sheeps-Skin-Sc...
https://www.amazon.com/Sheeps-Skin-Sc...
April 14, 2020
Finished this wonderful book tonight. Wow! What a ride! This is unlike any book I've read relating to the creature in it.
There's so much more I want to know and I really hope there's another book coming along. This had some nods towards The Bones of The Earth, as well. While I felt for Peter, I ended up hating Mary. I was so hoping she'd get her due towards the end. But then again, they are creatures of their upbringing, both of them....so you do feel some empathy.
Such a great story written with action, emotion, and wonderful words. Keep up the great work Scott. You are one author who I don't even have to read a books synopsis before I will dive into it.✌️
There's so much more I want to know and I really hope there's another book coming along. This had some nods towards The Bones of The Earth, as well. While I felt for Peter, I ended up hating Mary. I was so hoping she'd get her due towards the end. But then again, they are creatures of their upbringing, both of them....so you do feel some empathy.
Such a great story written with action, emotion, and wonderful words. Keep up the great work Scott. You are one author who I don't even have to read a books synopsis before I will dive into it.✌️
July 7, 2020
My first impression of this story, after reading part one, was that it was going to be a balls to the wall, action horror book, filled with grime and guts, werewolves tearing hearts out at every chance they get, but it turned out to be much more than that. In fact, there are four parts to the story which lend a helping hand to a well-paced psychological horror themed, sociopathic, bleed all over the pages kind of experience. Hale’s background in social work speaks volumes in this latest installment of his library works.
In Sheep’s Skin is a very different type of story, much so in fact, it is a nice change set from his Bone’s of the Earth series. It gives the reader a chance to explore other avenues that Hale has to offer. This story, although themed with elements of the occult and werewolves, touches on the human psyche more than anything, even more than the supernatural itself. With two protagonists that serve as antagonist to one another, Peter and Mary, they succumb to a horrible event together by chance and coincidence, which makes the read that more enticing. They undergo quite a love / hate relationship that seemingly confuses the reader at first, but over time, Hale’s murder mystery romp comes to a head, fully steaming and ready to explode. Many eyebrows will raise and many moralistic values will be challenged.
Despite the initial seemingly lack of actual werewolf action through most of the book, there is plenty of werewolf lore to go around. Traditional silver bullets and wolfsbane is utilized which was a nice throwback to original folklore. And the werewolf foreshadowing bits was a nice touch during dramatic exchanges between Mary and Peter. Also, there is a hint to an order that hunts werewolves, but I’m not giving any spoilers. I thought overall Hales approach to the genre remained true to the tradition and yet was still able to add his own twist to this type of ancient story telling.
Rich descriptive scenes and the inner struggles each Mary and Peter face from their past added a nice flavor-full twist to the direction of the story. At certain points, the reader is tricked into rooting for certain sides, yet the truth is never revealed until the end. And what an ending. It is no surprise Hale stays true to his art of horror. There is nothing short of super descriptive blood y scenes full of breaking bones, eviscerated flesh, and broken teeth. The daunting words on the back of the book, “Blood begets its truth,” speaks volumes. It surely supports that overall theme he was working for.
And one of the most haunting, daunting places in the entire book, was Goetia. This fort of decay and ruin lives on in the heart of its heir, while continuing to breathe malignancy into the air surrounding Talbot, the main setting of where the story takes place. Point in fact, Goetia is one scary yet beautiful place, and Hale couldn’t have described it any better. Places that live and breathe always sets the mood for something sinister, even if in the minds of the characters, they believe nature is providing them a way to paradise.
Blood, sacrifice, and murder. In Sheep’s Skin no doubt has it all. It is occult horror at its finest, and demonstrates a new direction in Scott Hale’s writing, (even if there are some traces of The Bones of the Earth series) which has led this book to be a new staple in his horrific collection of macabre meanderings.
5 out of 5 stars.
F. D. Gross
In Sheep’s Skin is a very different type of story, much so in fact, it is a nice change set from his Bone’s of the Earth series. It gives the reader a chance to explore other avenues that Hale has to offer. This story, although themed with elements of the occult and werewolves, touches on the human psyche more than anything, even more than the supernatural itself. With two protagonists that serve as antagonist to one another, Peter and Mary, they succumb to a horrible event together by chance and coincidence, which makes the read that more enticing. They undergo quite a love / hate relationship that seemingly confuses the reader at first, but over time, Hale’s murder mystery romp comes to a head, fully steaming and ready to explode. Many eyebrows will raise and many moralistic values will be challenged.
Despite the initial seemingly lack of actual werewolf action through most of the book, there is plenty of werewolf lore to go around. Traditional silver bullets and wolfsbane is utilized which was a nice throwback to original folklore. And the werewolf foreshadowing bits was a nice touch during dramatic exchanges between Mary and Peter. Also, there is a hint to an order that hunts werewolves, but I’m not giving any spoilers. I thought overall Hales approach to the genre remained true to the tradition and yet was still able to add his own twist to this type of ancient story telling.
Rich descriptive scenes and the inner struggles each Mary and Peter face from their past added a nice flavor-full twist to the direction of the story. At certain points, the reader is tricked into rooting for certain sides, yet the truth is never revealed until the end. And what an ending. It is no surprise Hale stays true to his art of horror. There is nothing short of super descriptive blood y scenes full of breaking bones, eviscerated flesh, and broken teeth. The daunting words on the back of the book, “Blood begets its truth,” speaks volumes. It surely supports that overall theme he was working for.
And one of the most haunting, daunting places in the entire book, was Goetia. This fort of decay and ruin lives on in the heart of its heir, while continuing to breathe malignancy into the air surrounding Talbot, the main setting of where the story takes place. Point in fact, Goetia is one scary yet beautiful place, and Hale couldn’t have described it any better. Places that live and breathe always sets the mood for something sinister, even if in the minds of the characters, they believe nature is providing them a way to paradise.
Blood, sacrifice, and murder. In Sheep’s Skin no doubt has it all. It is occult horror at its finest, and demonstrates a new direction in Scott Hale’s writing, (even if there are some traces of The Bones of the Earth series) which has led this book to be a new staple in his horrific collection of macabre meanderings.
5 out of 5 stars.
F. D. Gross
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews