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Sour Roots
Roger and Gertrude Davis enjoy an idyllic existence in the small Appalachian town of Harper Pass. With vast landholdings, a successful business, and love for the family they’ve built, they’ve avoided the suffering The Great Depression has wrought on the area until it all comes crashing down on a sweltering summer day in 1932.
With the twin daughters they dote on gone missing and ominous signs of foul play evident, a suspect quickly emerges. But not everything is always what it seems. Amidst the murder, madness, and mayhem, they soon learn there’s blood to pay when the past comes calling.
With the twin daughters they dote on gone missing and ominous signs of foul play evident, a suspect quickly emerges. But not everything is always what it seems. Amidst the murder, madness, and mayhem, they soon learn there’s blood to pay when the past comes calling.
- GenresHorror
ebook
Published August 1, 2022
42 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Burgess
4 books304 followersShawn Burgess is a dark fiction author, avid horror fan, and Halloween junkie. His stories often blend two or more of his preferred genres: thriller, mystery, horror, crime, urban fantasy, and suspense. In his fictional worlds, realistic characters collide with the strange, unusual, and sometimes terrifying.
GHOSTS OF GRIEF HOLLOW, the sequel to his international best-selling debut novel, THE TEAR COLLECTOR, is due out October 2022.
For all the latest updates on releases, interesting stories, sneak peek exclusives, and talk about books and movies, subscribe to his newsletter at https://shawnburgessauthor.com/subscr... Follow on Twitter/Instagram/FaceBook @ShawnBinJax & on TIkTok @AuthorShawnBurgess
Get a free ecopy of SOUR ROOTS at
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/pt0fsemsoq
GHOSTS OF GRIEF HOLLOW, the sequel to his international best-selling debut novel, THE TEAR COLLECTOR, is due out October 2022.
For all the latest updates on releases, interesting stories, sneak peek exclusives, and talk about books and movies, subscribe to his newsletter at https://shawnburgessauthor.com/subscr... Follow on Twitter/Instagram/FaceBook @ShawnBinJax & on TIkTok @AuthorShawnBurgess
Get a free ecopy of SOUR ROOTS at
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/pt0fsemsoq
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 1, 2022
Have you read ‘The Tear Collector’ yet?
Released back in 2019, it was a novel that grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go. I loved it. Featuring a solid cast of characters, a creepy-as-all-heck setting and a backstory riddled with questions for us readers, Burgess delivered the goods. I’ve also been in a fortunate position of having read an advanced, advanced, advanced copy of the follow up – which Shawn will be announcing shortly.
Now, in order to get readers excited for that release, he’s also released this novella, ‘Sour Roots,’ which clocks in right around 75 pages or so. This is a prequel, set about 90 or so years prior to the events in ‘The Tear Collector,’ and introduce us to the thing that lives within the woods and the reasons for all of the carnage that ensues.
What I liked: ‘Sour Roots’ showcases Burgess’ scope as a writer. He really infuses the characters with a sense of ‘timelessness’ while having them solidly rooted (sorry about that!) in the year this takes place. He’s done his due diligence regarding both dialect/drawl and character interactions.
That comes into play with an unfortunate character, one in the wrong place at the wrong time. Set in 1932, it frustratingly could be something that happens in the present day. This does a great job of getting an emotional response from us readers, but also works as a piece to showcase the rage that is prevalent in the father, Mr. Davis, whose twin daughters have gone missing.
For such a short read, Burgess packs a wallop of story into these pages, but it doesn’t feel bloated or burdened by excessiveness. It hummed along and can be easily read in a single sitting.
What I didn’t like: While I did like the reveal (if that’s the correct word for our thing in the woods), I thought it was a bit too TAH-DAH! I would’ve loved a longer teasing out of it, but no matter, it will have you squirming!
Why you should buy this: Oops, totally forgot to mention – you don’t have to buy it! Shawn is offering this up for free through Book Funnel! So, if you’re looking for a fast-paced story that sets the stages for the two novels, look no further. If you’ve read ‘The Tear Collector’ already – this is a must read for you then. If you’ve not, this is a great entry point, especially before the next novel is released.
Released back in 2019, it was a novel that grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go. I loved it. Featuring a solid cast of characters, a creepy-as-all-heck setting and a backstory riddled with questions for us readers, Burgess delivered the goods. I’ve also been in a fortunate position of having read an advanced, advanced, advanced copy of the follow up – which Shawn will be announcing shortly.
Now, in order to get readers excited for that release, he’s also released this novella, ‘Sour Roots,’ which clocks in right around 75 pages or so. This is a prequel, set about 90 or so years prior to the events in ‘The Tear Collector,’ and introduce us to the thing that lives within the woods and the reasons for all of the carnage that ensues.
What I liked: ‘Sour Roots’ showcases Burgess’ scope as a writer. He really infuses the characters with a sense of ‘timelessness’ while having them solidly rooted (sorry about that!) in the year this takes place. He’s done his due diligence regarding both dialect/drawl and character interactions.
That comes into play with an unfortunate character, one in the wrong place at the wrong time. Set in 1932, it frustratingly could be something that happens in the present day. This does a great job of getting an emotional response from us readers, but also works as a piece to showcase the rage that is prevalent in the father, Mr. Davis, whose twin daughters have gone missing.
For such a short read, Burgess packs a wallop of story into these pages, but it doesn’t feel bloated or burdened by excessiveness. It hummed along and can be easily read in a single sitting.
What I didn’t like: While I did like the reveal (if that’s the correct word for our thing in the woods), I thought it was a bit too TAH-DAH! I would’ve loved a longer teasing out of it, but no matter, it will have you squirming!
Why you should buy this: Oops, totally forgot to mention – you don’t have to buy it! Shawn is offering this up for free through Book Funnel! So, if you’re looking for a fast-paced story that sets the stages for the two novels, look no further. If you’ve read ‘The Tear Collector’ already – this is a must read for you then. If you’ve not, this is a great entry point, especially before the next novel is released.
July 24, 2022
Grief Hollow is aptly named as many tears are wept over vigilante justice and a family curse. The disappearance of two twin girls upsets the small town of Harper’s Pass and gives rise to conflict, a thirst for vengeance and an evil rising from the forest set on one thing and one thing only.
Shawn Burgess deftly weaves a dark tale with spectacular descriptions and emotionally engaging prose. From the time I first opened the book to the end I could not put it down. Any fans of horror and thrillers would be remiss in ignoring this author. He is an up and comer and one that we need to keep an eye on! My goosebumps have goosebumps!!!
Shawn Burgess deftly weaves a dark tale with spectacular descriptions and emotionally engaging prose. From the time I first opened the book to the end I could not put it down. Any fans of horror and thrillers would be remiss in ignoring this author. He is an up and comer and one that we need to keep an eye on! My goosebumps have goosebumps!!!
December 31, 2022
The perfect opening to the curse and subsequent stories surrounding Grief Hollow!!
August 14, 2022
I loved his novel The Tear Collector and am very glad I got to visit Grief Hollow again.
This novella serves as a prequel set well before the events of the novel and did a great job fleshing out the series a bit as we wait for October and the next novel in the series to come out.
-The Davis sisters explore the woods they were warned against. The very same woods where people have previously gone missing &/or been viciously murdered.
As suits Grief Hollow; neither sister make it back home and a search is launched. Although they aren’t able to locate the girls, they find enough to suspect foul play.
An unlucky black man is caught in the area and falls victim to the town’s racism as he’s taken to jail.
The girls father (Roger) is not happy to let justice take its course; he has his own special brand of justice in mind instead. Embittered by the letter his grandfather left him, as well as the snide remarks he received while he was alive, Roger has a lot to prove and under added pressure. Furthermore, said letter mentions a family curse, but that’s surely just the ramblings of a senile man? Could there possibly be more to the girls missing than simple abduction/murder?
It’s short but I was not left wanting; a solid prequel to a novel I enjoyed. The racial tension, loss of children & injustice to the wrongfully charged gave me Green Mile-vibes (although this is definitely heavier on the horror than King’s story was). Can’t wait for October and the next installment.
July 24, 2022
This horror novella is a prequel to “The Tear Collector,” and it does not disappoint. Twin daughters disappear after they slip away for a jaunt in the woods. Unfortunately, the woods are not friendly to those of a certain bloodline.
The novella is not for the faint of heart, but it contains love, prejudice, privilege, and revenge. If you are a fan of horror, you’ll love the writing, gore, and ancestral comeuppance. Highly recommend. I received an advance review copy, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The novella is not for the faint of heart, but it contains love, prejudice, privilege, and revenge. If you are a fan of horror, you’ll love the writing, gore, and ancestral comeuppance. Highly recommend. I received an advance review copy, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 29, 2022
Twin sister's go into the woods and something attacks them. What is in Grief Hollow that is after their family.? A chilling read with amazing characters.
October 20, 2022
This prequel to the Grief Hollow series is a great addition and lends a whole new insight into the creepy background of all the books... all while giving new meaning to the concept of punishing "the children for the sins of the father." In Sour Roots, the fatal rippling effect of one person's choice is explored in a way that might make you second guess some of your own.
Regarding the writing itself, Burgess masters the use of imagery to ensure the reader gets quite a show in his/her mind while reading, something I always admire and appreciate. So, once again, I found myself completely invested in the characters and what happens to them. If you're like me, you'll walk away from this one still reeling about... well, I can't really tell you that without giving spoilers.
Bottom line: Do I recommend this prequel and this series? That would be an enthusiastic yes!
Regarding the writing itself, Burgess masters the use of imagery to ensure the reader gets quite a show in his/her mind while reading, something I always admire and appreciate. So, once again, I found myself completely invested in the characters and what happens to them. If you're like me, you'll walk away from this one still reeling about... well, I can't really tell you that without giving spoilers.
Bottom line: Do I recommend this prequel and this series? That would be an enthusiastic yes!
August 16, 2022
This was a nice prequel to The Tear Collector. Two young girls go off to play in the woods, never to be seen again. A family curse, a mothers revenge, a father hell bent on justice; the birth of legends that will haunt Grief Hallow and Harper Pass for generations to come.
September 16, 2022
All I can say is “Wow!” This incredible prequel novella to the amazing horror novel, The Tear Collector, possesses all that I adore about the horror genre—creepy, heart-pounding, twisted characters and a plot that keeps me turning the pages, ready to encounter the next scare. Sour Roots delivers it all.
If you’ve never read Shawn Burgess’ work before, Sour Roots is an awesome place to start.
I highly recommend Sour Roots and The Tear Collector (which is a favorite horror novel of mine).
Now I am eagerly awaiting the October release of Shawn’s sequel to The Tear Collector, The Ghosts of Grief Hollow.
If you’ve never read Shawn Burgess’ work before, Sour Roots is an awesome place to start.
I highly recommend Sour Roots and The Tear Collector (which is a favorite horror novel of mine).
Now I am eagerly awaiting the October release of Shawn’s sequel to The Tear Collector, The Ghosts of Grief Hollow.
September 12, 2022
A wonderful beauty of a horror novel, perfect for all those desperate to sink their teeth into something dark and nefarious.
Shawn Burgess introduces us to the idyllic town of Harper Pass and it's looming dark secrets of Grief Hollow. The Davis family appear to have it all, a successful business, a happy marriage and two twin girls to show for it. Nobody realised that a curse within their perfect small town was about to bring an end to all of their happiness. The twin girls Myrtle and Thelma are typical children who feel they want an adventure out of their allowed boundaries, but when they don't return home after taking a visit to the forest, the whole town is on the lookout, and most importantly they're after someone to blame.
Shawn does a fantastic job of keeping you gripped and wondering where the story will take you next, he gives you the answers to what founded this cruel curse that haunts the Davis family and sets you up perfectly for the next book in the series.
Shawn intertwines a story full of secrets with horror that will keep you in it's grips until it's completely ravaged you. This story had me so hooked as with it's vigilante justice and racism, it made this story feel all the more real and terrifying.
Shawn Burgess introduces us to the idyllic town of Harper Pass and it's looming dark secrets of Grief Hollow. The Davis family appear to have it all, a successful business, a happy marriage and two twin girls to show for it. Nobody realised that a curse within their perfect small town was about to bring an end to all of their happiness. The twin girls Myrtle and Thelma are typical children who feel they want an adventure out of their allowed boundaries, but when they don't return home after taking a visit to the forest, the whole town is on the lookout, and most importantly they're after someone to blame.
Shawn does a fantastic job of keeping you gripped and wondering where the story will take you next, he gives you the answers to what founded this cruel curse that haunts the Davis family and sets you up perfectly for the next book in the series.
Shawn intertwines a story full of secrets with horror that will keep you in it's grips until it's completely ravaged you. This story had me so hooked as with it's vigilante justice and racism, it made this story feel all the more real and terrifying.
August 7, 2022
A great prequel to The Tear Collector!!!
January 29, 2023
This review was originally posted at http://bit.ly/3RhUh7P.
The murder of two young girls in Grief Hollow rocks the small town. Her father, an influential owner, demands his little ones are found and brought home safely, or the person who did this paid for the crimes committed. Could it be a displaced farmer or a curse set on extracting it's blood toll? Follow the investigation to see who is behind the disappearance of these small woodland explorers.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I initially didn't realize this was a prequal, but after having read it I expect great things from this author. While the novella was not very long, it was fast paced and entertaining. We have paranormal aspects as well as the police acting in some unsavory manners. I can't say too much with what they believed, but still probably not the best course of action.
Roger shows us that the generational gap between himself and his grandfather did not stop history from repeating itself. Sometimes we hope for a change and that's not always what we get. Still, there is plenty of death in this and it has made me curious what else the author will bring to the table. I am also curious what will happen with Fletcher.
The murder of two young girls in Grief Hollow rocks the small town. Her father, an influential owner, demands his little ones are found and brought home safely, or the person who did this paid for the crimes committed. Could it be a displaced farmer or a curse set on extracting it's blood toll? Follow the investigation to see who is behind the disappearance of these small woodland explorers.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I initially didn't realize this was a prequal, but after having read it I expect great things from this author. While the novella was not very long, it was fast paced and entertaining. We have paranormal aspects as well as the police acting in some unsavory manners. I can't say too much with what they believed, but still probably not the best course of action.
Roger shows us that the generational gap between himself and his grandfather did not stop history from repeating itself. Sometimes we hope for a change and that's not always what we get. Still, there is plenty of death in this and it has made me curious what else the author will bring to the table. I am also curious what will happen with Fletcher.
October 29, 2022
SOUR ROOTS, the prequel to THE TEAR COLLECTOR is an engaging, gripping introduction to the Grief Hollow series. Tragedies, travesties, and secrets abound in this spooky tale where lives are marred by events that refuse to be forgotten- and prices will be paid. An enjoyable, scary read! This prequel definitely piqued my curiosity about the other books in the series and I look forward to continuing the journey and story of Grief Hollow/Harper Pass!
November 9, 2022
Ohhhh my goodness this book!! As a horror author myself, it's not often I cringe at gory descriptions but DANG!! Within the first few pages my entire body had goosebumps! I can't get the sound of the champagne cork out of my head 😫😫 I loved the introduction to Grief Hollow! I'm starting the Tear Collector now and it's a super creepy prologue to the modern day story! I loved everything about Shawn's writing. Excellent read!
March 27, 2023
I absolutely loved this.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 29, 2024
The writing is good. The old western feels really fleshed out.
The murders are gruesome and quite detailed. It shocked me, and it already start from chapter one lol.
Also, i feel like i read a full novel despite the length.
Recommended.
The murders are gruesome and quite detailed. It shocked me, and it already start from chapter one lol.
Also, i feel like i read a full novel despite the length.
Recommended.
November 23, 2022
Very good! Look forward to reading more about Grief Hollow.
April 19, 2024
I enjoyed this book and now want to read the rest in the series. Will be adding Grief Hollow to my tbr.
February 6, 2025
Too much horror for me.
Thanks to the author for my digital copy.
Thanks to the author for my digital copy.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews