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The Innkeeper and the Cannibal
Arthur Gardner promised to bring his brother's bones back from war. In keeping his word, he committed an unspeakable act. Now the war is over, Arthur is the new innkeeper, and strange things are happening in the town of Auberdine.
First, a young boy goes missing. Plagued by paranoia and prejudice, the townspeople accuse a young immigrant, Galahad, of murdering the child. With an investigation pending, Galahad fears the town will discover he is responsible for his father's recent death. He flees town, leaving his neighbors yearning for revenge.
The situation worsens when Arthur's wife, Hanna, is diagnosed with a terminal illness and his best friend, Charles, goes missing in the woods. Afraid of losing more people he loves, Arthur turns his inn into a prison. He locks his wife inside, insults her intelligence, and preys on her insecurity to keep her close.
Meanwhile, Auberdine consumes itself in a whirlwind of vigilante justice. Bounty hunters roam the countryside. Mobs prepare for lynchings. With Arthur's mental health deteriorating, it will be up to his wife, his best friend, and a wanted murderer to make things right. Together, Hanna, Charles, and Galahad will each play a part in Auberdine's redemption. But the price of peace may prove too costly for Arthur Gardner.
First, a young boy goes missing. Plagued by paranoia and prejudice, the townspeople accuse a young immigrant, Galahad, of murdering the child. With an investigation pending, Galahad fears the town will discover he is responsible for his father's recent death. He flees town, leaving his neighbors yearning for revenge.
The situation worsens when Arthur's wife, Hanna, is diagnosed with a terminal illness and his best friend, Charles, goes missing in the woods. Afraid of losing more people he loves, Arthur turns his inn into a prison. He locks his wife inside, insults her intelligence, and preys on her insecurity to keep her close.
Meanwhile, Auberdine consumes itself in a whirlwind of vigilante justice. Bounty hunters roam the countryside. Mobs prepare for lynchings. With Arthur's mental health deteriorating, it will be up to his wife, his best friend, and a wanted murderer to make things right. Together, Hanna, Charles, and Galahad will each play a part in Auberdine's redemption. But the price of peace may prove too costly for Arthur Gardner.
610 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
11 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 18, 2023
I enjoyed this book at the beginning and thought the whole set up with the author and his gregarious brother who should have ran the Inn but died at war was a good one and was a pretty good horror story however I kept finding similarities to Camelot whether it be their names or circumstance maybe that is just me reading more into what the author intended but either way distill was a great horror story there was great character distinction and development and I thought the ending was a good one. I wanted thank the publisher and net galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
November 10, 2023
The Innkeeper and the Cannibal is a horror novel about three men who come back home from a war much like WWI, to a place much like parts of the UK. They return to a wife, a mother, and a father, children, disease, and addiction, and they struggle to overcome the madness caused by jealousy, pride, grief, trauma, and abuse. It's a bit of an odd book--the kind of thing where readers have to puzzle things out about the world and its people and customs on their own, which I always enjoy--but fatally flawed by some storytelling shortcuts and sloppiness. The character development is good, as are the descriptions of places and many events. But the characters are always smiling or smirking or giggling or snorting at weird times and in strange circumstances--it happens almost constantly, and takes the reader out of the book immediately. For other characters, the author uses phonetic writing to communicate an accent, but this only ever appears in characters we're meant to understand as uneducated or otherwise mentally or morally unfit or questionable; the same holds for characters who are fat--apparently being fat is a moral failing. And forcing the title as the last line of the book, in a way that is jarring and not in keeping with much of the rest of the story, isn't a satisfying ending. Nonetheless, horror fans who like a slow burn will enjoy it.
August 9, 2022
Jacob Sadler has a degree in physics and has held various positions as a geologist, chemist, instructor, and last but not least, a writer. This book, The Innkeeper and the Cannibal, is the story of Galahad who committed murder. After some time, Galahad starts to feel guilty and desperate to feel better he recurred to drugs. Deciding he was ready to mend his doing by helping others, he sets sail on a path that will soon be his doomed. Galahad ends up being accused of a crime he did not commit.
Also, the readers also follow Arthur Gardner's story, that after his brother's death and his wife’s illness he is ready to protect his family at all costs. However, there is more to the story than his friends and family believe to be…
This was a solid story, filled with characters that at times felt more “to fill” the story but other than that it had a great development throughout the book. The descriptions were mysterious and enigmatic so they added up to the plot. Solid!
Also, the readers also follow Arthur Gardner's story, that after his brother's death and his wife’s illness he is ready to protect his family at all costs. However, there is more to the story than his friends and family believe to be…
This was a solid story, filled with characters that at times felt more “to fill” the story but other than that it had a great development throughout the book. The descriptions were mysterious and enigmatic so they added up to the plot. Solid!
October 4, 2023
ARC review; got this through NetGalley.
This book follows Arthur Gardner after he comes home from the war and as his mental health deteriorates. It has multiple POVs, so we also learn from other characters. For example, we get to know his wife Hanna, who gets gravely ill, and Galahad, an immigrant who has to deal with an abusive parent, racism, and prejudice. After one of the town's children disappears, tensions start to rise and the culprit is not who everyone thinks it is.
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I really liked the writing style and the premise of the story, as well as the themes it explores. However, it didn't hold my attention for most of the book. I enjoyed the last few chapters; things kept escalating, which was done really well, and the conclusion was very tragic.
It's just that the journey there wasn't always super interesting to me personally. Some chapters went on for too long or were a bit repetitive. I still think this is a good thriller and I could easily see it as a movie.
This book follows Arthur Gardner after he comes home from the war and as his mental health deteriorates. It has multiple POVs, so we also learn from other characters. For example, we get to know his wife Hanna, who gets gravely ill, and Galahad, an immigrant who has to deal with an abusive parent, racism, and prejudice. After one of the town's children disappears, tensions start to rise and the culprit is not who everyone thinks it is.
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I really liked the writing style and the premise of the story, as well as the themes it explores. However, it didn't hold my attention for most of the book. I enjoyed the last few chapters; things kept escalating, which was done really well, and the conclusion was very tragic.
It's just that the journey there wasn't always super interesting to me personally. Some chapters went on for too long or were a bit repetitive. I still think this is a good thriller and I could easily see it as a movie.
August 4, 2022
An excellent mystery
Since the cover of the novel caught my attention, I decided to read it. “The Innkeeper and the Cannibal” turned out to be an absorbing suspenseful read written by Jacob Sadler. I liked it very much.
The story revolves around a man who seems to be dead due to alcohol poisoning. Unfortunately, some of the tracks lead to Galahad, his son but the moment Galahad´s uncle, Arthur, takes the role of innkeeper, he becomes the new suspect of the murder.
It´s an enticing novel that has several surprising turns and twists. I couldn't put it down until I read about the killer. I liked the characters' portrayals, each of them has dark secrets that make the plot much more mysterious. Apart from that I liked the author's writing style since it was easy to follow the case. All in all, I highly recommend it .
Since the cover of the novel caught my attention, I decided to read it. “The Innkeeper and the Cannibal” turned out to be an absorbing suspenseful read written by Jacob Sadler. I liked it very much.
The story revolves around a man who seems to be dead due to alcohol poisoning. Unfortunately, some of the tracks lead to Galahad, his son but the moment Galahad´s uncle, Arthur, takes the role of innkeeper, he becomes the new suspect of the murder.
It´s an enticing novel that has several surprising turns and twists. I couldn't put it down until I read about the killer. I liked the characters' portrayals, each of them has dark secrets that make the plot much more mysterious. Apart from that I liked the author's writing style since it was easy to follow the case. All in all, I highly recommend it .
August 3, 2022
The Innkeeper And The Cannibal is a book filled with mystery and suspense, written by Jacob Sadler. There's more than one story in this book, and, trying to write this review spoiler free, I can definitely say the writing is hectic and suspenseful.
The quiet town of Auberdine has social classes well divided in the territory, The center ring is occupied by the wealthy and the powerful, while on the outside of the town the lower cast tries to subsist. But what's common in both neighborhoods is the crime and the murders happening in a short period of time.
I loved the drama and suspense, it is one of those books that when you start reading is hard to let go. The darkness that surrounds the stories and the mental psycho-stress it generates is majestic.
The quiet town of Auberdine has social classes well divided in the territory, The center ring is occupied by the wealthy and the powerful, while on the outside of the town the lower cast tries to subsist. But what's common in both neighborhoods is the crime and the murders happening in a short period of time.
I loved the drama and suspense, it is one of those books that when you start reading is hard to let go. The darkness that surrounds the stories and the mental psycho-stress it generates is majestic.
August 4, 2022
Set in the fictional town of Auberdine, the story blends perfectly all the elements like drugs, inner dilemmas, and crime thriller showing the nasty classism prevalent in society, the story comes off as the perfect metaphor for it. How the lives of people living in towns clash and how they face their inner dilemmas and prejudice make the basic premise of the story. Filled with various mysteries and shocking revelations, the book gives a full package of entertainment. Jacob Saddler has done a commendable job in writing the story at a reasonable pace.
The ending took me by surprise and I could never have anticipated the awaiting twist. All mystery and thriller lovers should own a copy. It is a masterpiece.
The ending took me by surprise and I could never have anticipated the awaiting twist. All mystery and thriller lovers should own a copy. It is a masterpiece.
August 2, 2022
great
“The Innkeeper and the Cannibal” by Jacob Sadler is a heart crushing fiction book that will definitely not leave you untouched. Sometimes, it’s so close to reality that it is scary and just very sad. The difference between rich and poor becomes more than evident and it’s so much more than just the money. Drugs, vices, criminality and many other factors play such a big role in this inequality.
If you want to get an oddly realistic taste of reality through a fictional book, then I can assure you this is the right one for you. I personally really enjoyed reading it, although it’s not a fairy tale book. Great!
“The Innkeeper and the Cannibal” by Jacob Sadler is a heart crushing fiction book that will definitely not leave you untouched. Sometimes, it’s so close to reality that it is scary and just very sad. The difference between rich and poor becomes more than evident and it’s so much more than just the money. Drugs, vices, criminality and many other factors play such a big role in this inequality.
If you want to get an oddly realistic taste of reality through a fictional book, then I can assure you this is the right one for you. I personally really enjoyed reading it, although it’s not a fairy tale book. Great!
August 2, 2022
The Innkeeper and the Cannibal is a spine-tingling novel full of suspense and intrigue written by Jacob Sadler. It presents an absorbing combination of action, strange occurrences, greed and mystery, that will keep readers hooked from the very beginning to its last page.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is full of thrilling moments as the author creates tension with unexpected twists and turns, and vivid descriptions. Characters are very well created; they are interesting and complex and move the plot forward with their actions. I highly recommend The Innkeeper and the Cannibal. Readers will have a difficult time putting this book down as they are kept in suspense until the end.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is full of thrilling moments as the author creates tension with unexpected twists and turns, and vivid descriptions. Characters are very well created; they are interesting and complex and move the plot forward with their actions. I highly recommend The Innkeeper and the Cannibal. Readers will have a difficult time putting this book down as they are kept in suspense until the end.
August 3, 2022
The story "The Innkeeper and the Cannibal'' is intriguing and thrilling, and the characters are superbly developed. The plot is excellent; it's filled with suspense, fantasy, and action, and it'll keep you turning the pages from the very beginning.The writing is straightforward and clear. It's a nice story that flows along naturally and goes along at a good speed.
I recommend anyone who enjoys fantasy stories to read it. For those readers, it is unquestionably a must-read. This book was enjoyable for me from beginning to end and I think many readers will find something to appreciate within its pages. The author, in my opinion, did a fantastic job and was quite clear.
I recommend anyone who enjoys fantasy stories to read it. For those readers, it is unquestionably a must-read. This book was enjoyable for me from beginning to end and I think many readers will find something to appreciate within its pages. The author, in my opinion, did a fantastic job and was quite clear.
August 3, 2022
The Innkeeper and the Cannibal by author Jacob Sadler is a novel that addresses current issues such as social differences, appearances, psychological problems, alcoholism and others, from a fantasy fiction perspective.
The original story takes place in Auberdine and this town is a spectator of the supernatural phenomenons, the action and the adventure that are told in this amazing plot. It is also a plot that is just laced with intrigue and suspense. The information and reveals trickle in at a maddening pace that should keep readers biting their nails throughout the course of the book.
To sum up, I strongly recommend this book to all thrillers and fantasy lovers.
The original story takes place in Auberdine and this town is a spectator of the supernatural phenomenons, the action and the adventure that are told in this amazing plot. It is also a plot that is just laced with intrigue and suspense. The information and reveals trickle in at a maddening pace that should keep readers biting their nails throughout the course of the book.
To sum up, I strongly recommend this book to all thrillers and fantasy lovers.
August 3, 2022
The Innkeeper and the Cannibal by Sadler is a book that combines family issues with lies and secrets.
These two themes sustain the storyline and give readers something to care for until the very last page.
This narrative is full of juicy condiments that make the story flow easily. There are a lot of twists and turns, thrilling and tension-filled moments that kept me on the alert the whole time.
The characters are well-crafted and defined and they are all equally interesting and entertaining.
I was used to reading this book at night before going to sleep and I did not want to put it down. I have enjoyed it so much that I am now sad I have finished it!
These two themes sustain the storyline and give readers something to care for until the very last page.
This narrative is full of juicy condiments that make the story flow easily. There are a lot of twists and turns, thrilling and tension-filled moments that kept me on the alert the whole time.
The characters are well-crafted and defined and they are all equally interesting and entertaining.
I was used to reading this book at night before going to sleep and I did not want to put it down. I have enjoyed it so much that I am now sad I have finished it!
August 4, 2022
“The Innkeeper and the Cannibal” is an impressively attention grabbing piece of work with plenty of surprises, unexpected settings and great characters.
I’ve to say that I declare myself a fan of this intriguing and clever author and I couldn’t imagine a better writing style. I became part of the story and its heightened mysteries as soon as I started looking at its pages and it was very hard to put it down when I had to do it.
This title is not only brilliantly entertaining but it also covers really interesting topics such as crimes, drugs and murders.
Without any doubt, this book thrilled me and moved me. Honestly, I can’t wait for Jacob’s next work.
I’ve to say that I declare myself a fan of this intriguing and clever author and I couldn’t imagine a better writing style. I became part of the story and its heightened mysteries as soon as I started looking at its pages and it was very hard to put it down when I had to do it.
This title is not only brilliantly entertaining but it also covers really interesting topics such as crimes, drugs and murders.
Without any doubt, this book thrilled me and moved me. Honestly, I can’t wait for Jacob’s next work.
August 4, 2022
"The Innkeeper and the Cannibal" is a fictional book written by Jacob Sadler. When a drunken acquaintance from Overgrowth dies, Galahad is the prime suspect. But Galahad fears that with the whole world against him, his true crime will be discovered. Arthur Gardner has to face his own problems, his wife's illness, and decides that he must protect his family from the world, but his world is no longer the real one.
I really recommend this fiction book full of adventures and action. Undoubtedly, the author knows how to entertain the reader. I think that's because of his skills with regards to storytelling. An unparalleled story, very well described characters and a lot of adventure.
I really recommend this fiction book full of adventures and action. Undoubtedly, the author knows how to entertain the reader. I think that's because of his skills with regards to storytelling. An unparalleled story, very well described characters and a lot of adventure.
September 23, 2023
I’m continuing my hunt for the perfect spooky season reads;) Based on the description, I thought that this would be a quick read full of dark and twisty turns. Instead, it reads more like a slow burn Game of Thrones-esque horror. I really wanted to love this story, there are so many unique subplots woven together and the complexity of the characters is well developed, but in the end it was a bit of a slower read for me. The first 1/3rd of this story mainly consists of world building, which always takes me forever to get through regardless of the book. Then things start getting creepy…this storyline would definitely make a killer HBO series.
August 15, 2022
A good story
“The Innkeeper and the Cannibal'' written by Jacob Sadler is a captivating story which is very well narrated and developed. The author has done a very good job with the development of the plot from the very beginning. I liked the setting a lot and also the characters, although not every character. In my humble opinion, some were better developed and described than others.
I recommend reading “The Innkeeper and the Cannibal'' by author Sadler because it is an enjoyable book.
“The Innkeeper and the Cannibal'' written by Jacob Sadler is a captivating story which is very well narrated and developed. The author has done a very good job with the development of the plot from the very beginning. I liked the setting a lot and also the characters, although not every character. In my humble opinion, some were better developed and described than others.
I recommend reading “The Innkeeper and the Cannibal'' by author Sadler because it is an enjoyable book.
December 14, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I struggled a bit getting into this at first, the writing feels a bit clumsy at points and the descriptions of the dialogue between characters were a little strange.
However, the landscapes were very well built, the story itself is interesting and dark, and the overall tone works well!
Thankyou to net-galley and Auberdine Publishing for the arc copy!
I struggled a bit getting into this at first, the writing feels a bit clumsy at points and the descriptions of the dialogue between characters were a little strange.
However, the landscapes were very well built, the story itself is interesting and dark, and the overall tone works well!
Thankyou to net-galley and Auberdine Publishing for the arc copy!
September 19, 2023
This book wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. While it isn’t my personal taste, it is a very well written book and an intriguing story plot. I actually enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to.
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February 28, 2024DNF
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews