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Consequences
Featuring a foreword by Bryan Smith! Thirty years ago, Crazy Freddy hung his family up with barbed wire and skinned them alive. Now, his ghost haunts the deserted cabin where he used to live. At least, that's how the story goes. For seven friends freshly graduated from high school, that cabin is the site of their farewell party, their last blow-out before heading their separate ways to start their new lives after high school. Unfortunately for them, there is something out there in the dark, something that watches them as a tragic accident unfolds. Something that wants revenge for what they've inadvertently done. Something that will make them acknowledge what they've done, and face the CONSEQUENCES . The debut novel from the author of What Sleeps Beneath , and the spiritual predecessor to Demon At The Window , here is an homage to the slasher films of the 80's and the horror fiction boom of the 2000's.
- GenresHorror
Paperback
First published April 11, 2016
4 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
John Quick
12 books56 followersIf you ask his wife, John Quick is compelled to tell stories because he’s full of baloney. He prefers to think he simply has an affinity for things that are strange, disturbing, and terrifying. As proof, he will explain how he suffered Consequences, transcribed The Journal of Jeremy Todd, and regaled the tale of Mudcat. He lives in Middle Tennessee with his aforementioned long-suffering wife, two exceptionally patient kids, four dogs that could care less so long as he keeps scratching that perfect spot on their noses, and a cat who barely acknowledges his existence.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 3, 2022
A sensitive slasher novel. This is a story where roughly forty-percent of the action is people talking about their feelings. Set around a high school graduation, a group of friends are learning to evaluate their relationships and their sense of self. It’s almost more like Rage by Stephe- I mean, Richard Bachman. The main subjects being a woman’s right to express her sexuality not define herself by her relationships. There’s a lot of hand-wringing about respecting personal space. The protagonist boy loves his childhood crush but wants to treat her with respect. It’s all very nice, a slasher movie for sweet boys and young women trying to find themselves. They do bang a little, but consensually and with communication. Oh, and there’s a killer or something. It’s actually kind of endearing and the plot is ok. I’d describe this a slightly more Christian-friendly take that still has sex and violence but handles it with relative maturity. It’s a good thing, I think, if a bit preachy and subdued.
June 18, 2016
Consequences, by John Quick, is a pretty solid debut and one that hints at good things to come as Quick’s career progresses (note: Consequences is independently published, but he’s recently signed with Sinister Grin Press, so I think it’s safe to say Quick is in this for the long haul, or at least I hope he is).
What we have here is a serial killer horror story, based on an urban legend in Quick’s real-life neck of the woods in Tennessee. Back in the 70s, Crazy Freddy killed his entire family – hung them with barbed wire and skinned them alive. Flash forward to the present-day, where a group of teens have just graduated from high school are all set to have a party in the abandoned house. Guess who used to live there? Booze is drank, drugs smoked, sex had, and an accidental fire started – all of which upsets the crazed killer lurking in the dark, and off we go on a bloody tear.
The character work here is pretty impressive, particularly for a first-time novelist. I liked these kids, and found myself a bit dismayed at their inevitable ends as I was rooting for more than a few of them to pull through. But alas… Quick goes to some deliriously dark places and pulls off his scenes of torture and violence rather well. He switches up the kills enough to keep us wondering how, exactly, his next victim will suffer, keeping us on our toes even if some of the inevitable demises feel a little too inevitable.
My main complaint with Consequences is that we really never know what makes our nutty slasher tick. The Big Bad presented here is entirely human, with no supernatural gimmicks, and fans of slasher flicks or thriller novels will know where The Big Reveal is headed way before Quick announces it. The really big questions go unresolved, though. Our killer is not presented as a force of nature, but one with a backstory that I really wish I had been privy to as a reader. There’s history lurking in these pages, and I wanted to know about it. Without a deeper examination of the killer’s motives, and some sort of look at Nature vs. Nurture, the why’s behind his murder spree feels flimsy.
While I had a couple other issues with this book — the middle part gets bogged down while the teens try to figure out who’s after them, and the finale feels way too rushed — I enjoyed the read overall. This is a slasher story that wears its influences on its sleeve, and although it doesn’t break any new ground, it’s at least largely entertaining in its delivery.
Final verdict: 3 1/2 stars (rounded up to 4 stars).
[Note: This book was provided for review by Hook of a Book Media and Publicity.]
What we have here is a serial killer horror story, based on an urban legend in Quick’s real-life neck of the woods in Tennessee. Back in the 70s, Crazy Freddy killed his entire family – hung them with barbed wire and skinned them alive. Flash forward to the present-day, where a group of teens have just graduated from high school are all set to have a party in the abandoned house. Guess who used to live there? Booze is drank, drugs smoked, sex had, and an accidental fire started – all of which upsets the crazed killer lurking in the dark, and off we go on a bloody tear.
The character work here is pretty impressive, particularly for a first-time novelist. I liked these kids, and found myself a bit dismayed at their inevitable ends as I was rooting for more than a few of them to pull through. But alas… Quick goes to some deliriously dark places and pulls off his scenes of torture and violence rather well. He switches up the kills enough to keep us wondering how, exactly, his next victim will suffer, keeping us on our toes even if some of the inevitable demises feel a little too inevitable.
My main complaint with Consequences is that we really never know what makes our nutty slasher tick. The Big Bad presented here is entirely human, with no supernatural gimmicks, and fans of slasher flicks or thriller novels will know where The Big Reveal is headed way before Quick announces it. The really big questions go unresolved, though. Our killer is not presented as a force of nature, but one with a backstory that I really wish I had been privy to as a reader. There’s history lurking in these pages, and I wanted to know about it. Without a deeper examination of the killer’s motives, and some sort of look at Nature vs. Nurture, the why’s behind his murder spree feels flimsy.
While I had a couple other issues with this book — the middle part gets bogged down while the teens try to figure out who’s after them, and the finale feels way too rushed — I enjoyed the read overall. This is a slasher story that wears its influences on its sleeve, and although it doesn’t break any new ground, it’s at least largely entertaining in its delivery.
Final verdict: 3 1/2 stars (rounded up to 4 stars).
[Note: This book was provided for review by Hook of a Book Media and Publicity.]
July 7, 2016
Review of CONSEQUENCES by John Quick
A well-written, well-executed, well-played novel, a horror-thriller, coming-of-age, first-love-blossoming, rural redneck insanity [that is not a judgment, that's referring to several recurring characters], CONSEQUENCES is a biting, gory, thrill-a-minute roller coaster ride in which the suspense never lets up.
Author John Quick takes especial care with his young (adolescent, newly high school graduates) characters, making sure that although they are realistic "teens," with all that entails, they are also full-fledged individuals, each in his or her own right. They're not just cardboard one-dimensional props. As the story progresses, we truly get to know them, including their hearts and souls. I'll give just one example, chosen not to give anything away: fairly early on, two of the young people, Tyler and Alexis, converse, deeply. Not only does Tyler demonstrate real thoughtfulness sometimes uncommon to his age group (and gender), but his nature is more compassionate than many adults (especially in our current era of "hate").
I can't say I "like" the villain (who shall remain unidentified for purposes of this review), but I do understand the motivations, I think. As with so many serial killers, such as Manson or Bundy, genetics ("nature") collides irretrievably with "nurture" (environment, upbringing), creating an individual who adheres only to his or her own moral code, acting according to his or her own lights, and we find that more than once in this novel. I can't see how the villain in question could have acted much differently, and that implacability, for me, heightens both the suspense and the enjoyment of the novel.
For those interested in the "If you like --(author), will you like this author?" I will mention that Mr. Quick has found comparison to Jack Ketchum, and from my viewpoint, with (wait for it) Bryan D. Smith (also a Tennessee author) and Matt Shaw. I point this out not only in regard to the gore level, but in the way that each author illumines character and raises the plot above the ordinary, to something numinous.
A well-written, well-executed, well-played novel, a horror-thriller, coming-of-age, first-love-blossoming, rural redneck insanity [that is not a judgment, that's referring to several recurring characters], CONSEQUENCES is a biting, gory, thrill-a-minute roller coaster ride in which the suspense never lets up.
Author John Quick takes especial care with his young (adolescent, newly high school graduates) characters, making sure that although they are realistic "teens," with all that entails, they are also full-fledged individuals, each in his or her own right. They're not just cardboard one-dimensional props. As the story progresses, we truly get to know them, including their hearts and souls. I'll give just one example, chosen not to give anything away: fairly early on, two of the young people, Tyler and Alexis, converse, deeply. Not only does Tyler demonstrate real thoughtfulness sometimes uncommon to his age group (and gender), but his nature is more compassionate than many adults (especially in our current era of "hate").
I can't say I "like" the villain (who shall remain unidentified for purposes of this review), but I do understand the motivations, I think. As with so many serial killers, such as Manson or Bundy, genetics ("nature") collides irretrievably with "nurture" (environment, upbringing), creating an individual who adheres only to his or her own moral code, acting according to his or her own lights, and we find that more than once in this novel. I can't see how the villain in question could have acted much differently, and that implacability, for me, heightens both the suspense and the enjoyment of the novel.
For those interested in the "If you like --(author), will you like this author?" I will mention that Mr. Quick has found comparison to Jack Ketchum, and from my viewpoint, with (wait for it) Bryan D. Smith (also a Tennessee author) and Matt Shaw. I point this out not only in regard to the gore level, but in the way that each author illumines character and raises the plot above the ordinary, to something numinous.
January 31, 2020
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
Big thanks to Poltergeist Press for sending me an ebook of Consequences.
This was my first novel from Mr. Quick, and what a banger this one was.
Consequences tells the story of a group of friends who want to celebrate their high school graduation with one last big get together. Most of the group is moving away, heading to various parts of the country for school.
The key here, is that many years ago, an urban legend sprouted up. A man killed his family in a cabin on the outskirts of town. Now people in those parts say he still haunts the abandoned house.
While the kids don’t believe this, they know full well that an abandoned cabin means a perfect place to party.
Quick throws us into the fire, the action beginning from the prologue and never letting up.
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters within, finding their various story arc’s to be engaging and enjoyable. The Detective who gets assigned to them was hilarious, but not in a funny way. In a very real ‘I have to deal with teens’ way. If this ever was made into a movie, this character needs to be played by actor Dean Winters of Oz and Rescue Me. That’s who I pictured the entire time.
The story itself moves along quickly and Quick did a fantastic job of keeping all of the moving parts in check. There are some tiny twists and turns, which strengthened the narrative and while I found the ending to be slightly rushed, it did feel tangible and realistic, which can be tough to do when you have law enforcement involved to the level that it does here.
Oddly, this was one of those rare books where I was fully engaged and the chapters are short and quick, but I never felt like I was making progress when reading it! Goodreads has it listed at 330 pages, but for some reason this one took me a bit longer to get through than normal. That’s not a negative, just something I noticed and never once was I not invested in returning to this world.
If you haven’t read John Quick yet, I would highly recommend this one. It ticks off a lot of those boxes I normally look for when reading a ‘new-to-me’ author and the writing was fantastic.
Big thanks to Poltergeist Press for sending me an ebook of Consequences.
This was my first novel from Mr. Quick, and what a banger this one was.
Consequences tells the story of a group of friends who want to celebrate their high school graduation with one last big get together. Most of the group is moving away, heading to various parts of the country for school.
The key here, is that many years ago, an urban legend sprouted up. A man killed his family in a cabin on the outskirts of town. Now people in those parts say he still haunts the abandoned house.
While the kids don’t believe this, they know full well that an abandoned cabin means a perfect place to party.
Quick throws us into the fire, the action beginning from the prologue and never letting up.
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters within, finding their various story arc’s to be engaging and enjoyable. The Detective who gets assigned to them was hilarious, but not in a funny way. In a very real ‘I have to deal with teens’ way. If this ever was made into a movie, this character needs to be played by actor Dean Winters of Oz and Rescue Me. That’s who I pictured the entire time.
The story itself moves along quickly and Quick did a fantastic job of keeping all of the moving parts in check. There are some tiny twists and turns, which strengthened the narrative and while I found the ending to be slightly rushed, it did feel tangible and realistic, which can be tough to do when you have law enforcement involved to the level that it does here.
Oddly, this was one of those rare books where I was fully engaged and the chapters are short and quick, but I never felt like I was making progress when reading it! Goodreads has it listed at 330 pages, but for some reason this one took me a bit longer to get through than normal. That’s not a negative, just something I noticed and never once was I not invested in returning to this world.
If you haven’t read John Quick yet, I would highly recommend this one. It ticks off a lot of those boxes I normally look for when reading a ‘new-to-me’ author and the writing was fantastic.
November 29, 2022
1971: "Crazy Freddy" Grayson brutally murdered his family, but there were rumors one member managed to escape and survive - his daughter, 17 year old Judy.
Present day: A group of 7 new highschool graduates are having a party out at "Crazy Freddy's" cabin - according to the legend, his ghost still haunts the cabin, searching for his daughter, who escaped him that night in 1971.
As the night goes on, everything goes wrong as two of the boys get into a fight and knock over a lantern, accidently burning the cabin to the ground. Little do they know, there has been someone watching their every move from the woods - and they have just made him very angry.
They rush for their vehicles, when one of them is attacked and killed by the man in the woods. Soon after that night, they discover the man is planning revenge for burning down the cabin, as he begins to pick them off one by one.
The remaining three friends are desperate to stop this before anyone else dies; they finally learn the killers identity and his one weakness: his mother - none other than Judy Grayson.
They track her down, now in assisted living and pay her a visit, under the ruse of some school project, involving her son. They leave a message for him, with her - so he will know they know who he is, and what his weakness is. They tell him to meet them at the ruins of the cabin, to end this once and for all.
---------------
Now, this was a good slasher novel, but it is much different than what I thought it was. By the back, I thought I was getting 7 friends stranded in a secluded cabin, haunted and tormented by Crazy Freddy's ghost, when in reality there was nothing supernatural in the novel at all. And that's perfectly okay, but like I said, not what I thought I was getting.
There was sort of a lot of talking about feelings and analyzing things and I don't think I really cared for and about any of the characters in particular. I'd rate this a 3.5 if I could, but I'll round up.
Present day: A group of 7 new highschool graduates are having a party out at "Crazy Freddy's" cabin - according to the legend, his ghost still haunts the cabin, searching for his daughter, who escaped him that night in 1971.
As the night goes on, everything goes wrong as two of the boys get into a fight and knock over a lantern, accidently burning the cabin to the ground. Little do they know, there has been someone watching their every move from the woods - and they have just made him very angry.
They rush for their vehicles, when one of them is attacked and killed by the man in the woods. Soon after that night, they discover the man is planning revenge for burning down the cabin, as he begins to pick them off one by one.
The remaining three friends are desperate to stop this before anyone else dies; they finally learn the killers identity and his one weakness: his mother - none other than Judy Grayson.
They track her down, now in assisted living and pay her a visit, under the ruse of some school project, involving her son. They leave a message for him, with her - so he will know they know who he is, and what his weakness is. They tell him to meet them at the ruins of the cabin, to end this once and for all.
---------------
Now, this was a good slasher novel, but it is much different than what I thought it was. By the back, I thought I was getting 7 friends stranded in a secluded cabin, haunted and tormented by Crazy Freddy's ghost, when in reality there was nothing supernatural in the novel at all. And that's perfectly okay, but like I said, not what I thought I was getting.
There was sort of a lot of talking about feelings and analyzing things and I don't think I really cared for and about any of the characters in particular. I'd rate this a 3.5 if I could, but I'll round up.
August 5, 2016
Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review
John Quick's Consequences is based on a real-life serial killer legend from his hometown so that coupled with the synopsis for this one had me intrigued and I jumped at the chance to read this one! Everyone has some sort of story or urban legend from when they were growing up, so it was a real treat to see an author take that inspiration and bring it to life in a novel.
John Quick's Consequences opens with a bang, detailing a horrific crime in 1971 at the Grayson family home on the outskirts of town, near the local airbase. Judy Grayson is on the way home late from a party, worrying about how her dad is going to react after he learns she defied his wishes. She arrives home to find all the lights off in the home and the front door open, something that almost never happens. As she begins to explore the eerie darkness that has taken over the home, she gets a sense that something is not right. Everything seems fairly normal until she finds a large pool of blood. She checks all the rooms of the house before noticing the back door was open. Once she goes out there, she sees something so terrifying and brutal that it alters her life and leaves a lasting mark on the town forever.
Over 40 year's later we are introduced to a group of teenagers, seven friends who are getting ready to graduate and want to plan one last big blowout before they all go their separate ways. The first location for the party is at Jacob's lake-house they planned on fell through, so Austin and Jacob come up with the bright idea to sneak out to "Crazy Freddy's" house and have their blowout there instead. They figure this would be the perfect place to hold the party since the legends surrounding the house would not only allow them to impress the girls, but ensures that they will have the place all to their selves. However, once they get out there, it is obvious someone or something is out there watching them. An innocent disagreement between two of the friends sparks a chain of tragic events that will forever alter the lives of those teenagers and place them in the crosshairs of a sadistic killer that will stop at nothing to get his revenge.
One of the things that I really loved about Consequences was that it was written in a style that is reminiscent of vintage slasher films. If there is one thing I love as much as horror literature, it is a good horror movie. Between the brutal opening scene that sets the tone for the novel and the killer begins picking off victims one by one, Quick does a great job capturing the style of vintage slasher films. There is also some great tension because after their initial confrontation, the killer obviously gets away and they are left wondering if he is coming back for them. That brings up a level of psychological torment that has them constantly looking over their shoulder and it also serves as a catalyst for the growth of the characters.
The characterization in this novel is also very well done. Christopher, one of the main characters of the novel, is your average teenager, never really getting into any trouble and he pines after his childhood friend Hannah, who he has been friends with since the 2nd grade. Since she's moving to California, this summer is Christopher's last chance to say something to her. Quick nails their complex relationship perfectly, especially early on when they are still trying to figure their relationship out. Anyone who has ever fallen for a close friend, can definitely relate to these scenes of self-doubt and mixed messages. Even as their relationship begins to change and grow throughout the novel, it happens organically and is totally believable, never once feeling forced or overly cheesy.
I also liked Special Agent Jack Cochran who works for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. He struck me as being genuine and a really good investigator. Though I couldn't help but feel bad for him at times because Chris and his friends put him through hell. I mean the poor guy is just trying to do his job and they really cause him some headaches! All kidding aside, I loved their interactions together and I only wish there was more of him in the middle parts of the book.
While Quick does a great job with all of his characters, I thought Alexis had the best arc and she was by far my favorite character. At the beginning of the novel she's portrayed as being an outsider with low self-esteem that is looked down on by everyone. It isn't until an honest moment with Tyler that she begins to think that maybe people are wrong about her and she can do whatever she wants, regardless of people's impressions about her. As the novel progresses - aside from a short period where she was consumed with grief - Alexis begins stands up for herself and exhibits more strength than any of the other characters combined. She takes charge of the group when they realize the killer is targeting them and without her masterful internet sleuthing skills, they wouldn't have stood a chance in their quest for answers. Simply put, Alexis morphs into a complete badass!
Quick's killer in Consequences is definitely a force to be reckoned with and unleashes tortures so vicious and horrific, it will definitely make you squirm! There is a scene at a lake house part way through the novel and what he does to the poor person he snares in his trap was scary as hell and one of the sickest things I have read in a long time. I don't want to give away too much about this killer's methods or his history, but Quick makes him more interesting than your run-of-the-mill horror psycho. He has a code that he follows, or at least tries to follow. Although he is obviously deranged, he possesses intelligence that allows him to blend in as we see him cruise past checkpoints without a problem and even feels comfortable talking to the officers. He also has incredible patience, often waiting in the same spot for hours while tracking the characters. I liked that he was introduced early on and that his identity was left a mystery for a while, but you learn very quickly the sort of violence he is capable of and that he is definitely not someone you want to cross.
The only issue I had was with some of the backstory for this character. Once his identity is revealed and you learn more about him, it is easy to see why he wants to hurt Chris and his friends. However, there are still a lot of questions that make his thought process unclear. He consistently mentions "Luck" being on his side, by where did this fascination come about? Also, without spoiling his identity, there is little mention of what made him first become a killer. There are some clues, but it would have been nice to get just a little more insight into his background to see what turned him into a killer.
The dialogue in this story is fantastic. It really rings true for the most part, especially when you read some of the opening lines of the father figure or "Crazy Freddy" as he is affectionately known. Judy recalls him saying to "close the damn door" and that she wasn't "raised in a goddamned barn". Lines like that give you a sense of what this man is like and you can practically hear his voice in your head. There are also a few more graphic ones that indicate he's abusive and controlling. Quick does a great job of bringing this character to life with little moments and believable conversations, especially when the friends all gather around to talk about their hopes and dreams.
Quick's debut novel is a really fun summer read that will appeal to any horror fan, but particularly those who enjoy a good slasher story. This book stands out on its own, but as I was reading it, I couldn't help but think of Kristopher Rufty's Desolation, so if you enjoyed that I think you will love Consequences. Consequences hints at a very bright future for Quick, who has already signed to Sinister Grin Press for his follow-up novel. One of my favorite things about covering dark fiction is discovering new authors, so I am glad I was invited to review this book. Quick is a talented new author and I think the wait for his follow-up will be unbearable!
John Quick's Consequences is based on a real-life serial killer legend from his hometown so that coupled with the synopsis for this one had me intrigued and I jumped at the chance to read this one! Everyone has some sort of story or urban legend from when they were growing up, so it was a real treat to see an author take that inspiration and bring it to life in a novel.
John Quick's Consequences opens with a bang, detailing a horrific crime in 1971 at the Grayson family home on the outskirts of town, near the local airbase. Judy Grayson is on the way home late from a party, worrying about how her dad is going to react after he learns she defied his wishes. She arrives home to find all the lights off in the home and the front door open, something that almost never happens. As she begins to explore the eerie darkness that has taken over the home, she gets a sense that something is not right. Everything seems fairly normal until she finds a large pool of blood. She checks all the rooms of the house before noticing the back door was open. Once she goes out there, she sees something so terrifying and brutal that it alters her life and leaves a lasting mark on the town forever.
Over 40 year's later we are introduced to a group of teenagers, seven friends who are getting ready to graduate and want to plan one last big blowout before they all go their separate ways. The first location for the party is at Jacob's lake-house they planned on fell through, so Austin and Jacob come up with the bright idea to sneak out to "Crazy Freddy's" house and have their blowout there instead. They figure this would be the perfect place to hold the party since the legends surrounding the house would not only allow them to impress the girls, but ensures that they will have the place all to their selves. However, once they get out there, it is obvious someone or something is out there watching them. An innocent disagreement between two of the friends sparks a chain of tragic events that will forever alter the lives of those teenagers and place them in the crosshairs of a sadistic killer that will stop at nothing to get his revenge.
One of the things that I really loved about Consequences was that it was written in a style that is reminiscent of vintage slasher films. If there is one thing I love as much as horror literature, it is a good horror movie. Between the brutal opening scene that sets the tone for the novel and the killer begins picking off victims one by one, Quick does a great job capturing the style of vintage slasher films. There is also some great tension because after their initial confrontation, the killer obviously gets away and they are left wondering if he is coming back for them. That brings up a level of psychological torment that has them constantly looking over their shoulder and it also serves as a catalyst for the growth of the characters.
The characterization in this novel is also very well done. Christopher, one of the main characters of the novel, is your average teenager, never really getting into any trouble and he pines after his childhood friend Hannah, who he has been friends with since the 2nd grade. Since she's moving to California, this summer is Christopher's last chance to say something to her. Quick nails their complex relationship perfectly, especially early on when they are still trying to figure their relationship out. Anyone who has ever fallen for a close friend, can definitely relate to these scenes of self-doubt and mixed messages. Even as their relationship begins to change and grow throughout the novel, it happens organically and is totally believable, never once feeling forced or overly cheesy.
I also liked Special Agent Jack Cochran who works for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. He struck me as being genuine and a really good investigator. Though I couldn't help but feel bad for him at times because Chris and his friends put him through hell. I mean the poor guy is just trying to do his job and they really cause him some headaches! All kidding aside, I loved their interactions together and I only wish there was more of him in the middle parts of the book.
While Quick does a great job with all of his characters, I thought Alexis had the best arc and she was by far my favorite character. At the beginning of the novel she's portrayed as being an outsider with low self-esteem that is looked down on by everyone. It isn't until an honest moment with Tyler that she begins to think that maybe people are wrong about her and she can do whatever she wants, regardless of people's impressions about her. As the novel progresses - aside from a short period where she was consumed with grief - Alexis begins stands up for herself and exhibits more strength than any of the other characters combined. She takes charge of the group when they realize the killer is targeting them and without her masterful internet sleuthing skills, they wouldn't have stood a chance in their quest for answers. Simply put, Alexis morphs into a complete badass!
Quick's killer in Consequences is definitely a force to be reckoned with and unleashes tortures so vicious and horrific, it will definitely make you squirm! There is a scene at a lake house part way through the novel and what he does to the poor person he snares in his trap was scary as hell and one of the sickest things I have read in a long time. I don't want to give away too much about this killer's methods or his history, but Quick makes him more interesting than your run-of-the-mill horror psycho. He has a code that he follows, or at least tries to follow. Although he is obviously deranged, he possesses intelligence that allows him to blend in as we see him cruise past checkpoints without a problem and even feels comfortable talking to the officers. He also has incredible patience, often waiting in the same spot for hours while tracking the characters. I liked that he was introduced early on and that his identity was left a mystery for a while, but you learn very quickly the sort of violence he is capable of and that he is definitely not someone you want to cross.
The only issue I had was with some of the backstory for this character. Once his identity is revealed and you learn more about him, it is easy to see why he wants to hurt Chris and his friends. However, there are still a lot of questions that make his thought process unclear. He consistently mentions "Luck" being on his side, by where did this fascination come about? Also, without spoiling his identity, there is little mention of what made him first become a killer. There are some clues, but it would have been nice to get just a little more insight into his background to see what turned him into a killer.
The dialogue in this story is fantastic. It really rings true for the most part, especially when you read some of the opening lines of the father figure or "Crazy Freddy" as he is affectionately known. Judy recalls him saying to "close the damn door" and that she wasn't "raised in a goddamned barn". Lines like that give you a sense of what this man is like and you can practically hear his voice in your head. There are also a few more graphic ones that indicate he's abusive and controlling. Quick does a great job of bringing this character to life with little moments and believable conversations, especially when the friends all gather around to talk about their hopes and dreams.
Quick's debut novel is a really fun summer read that will appeal to any horror fan, but particularly those who enjoy a good slasher story. This book stands out on its own, but as I was reading it, I couldn't help but think of Kristopher Rufty's Desolation, so if you enjoyed that I think you will love Consequences. Consequences hints at a very bright future for Quick, who has already signed to Sinister Grin Press for his follow-up novel. One of my favorite things about covering dark fiction is discovering new authors, so I am glad I was invited to review this book. Quick is a talented new author and I think the wait for his follow-up will be unbearable!
April 28, 2016
This was given to me for an honest review.
The book begins with a bang, "Thirty years ago, Crazy Freddy hung his family up with barbed wire and skinned them alive." That is from the description, and that is enough for me to fall into the fabric that was woven by John Quick in his first published novel. The story is well constructed. The violence, brutal, and the action moves along at a fast pace. The characters were well drawn, but the end of the book comes too quickly for me, or rather the resolution comes too fast. That does not detract from the enjoyment of the tale, though, for me, I would have liked a little more before all was said and done.
As a whole, I think, Consequences heralds the arrival of a new voice in the genre, and it is one we should all listen to, or suffer the consequences.
The book begins with a bang, "Thirty years ago, Crazy Freddy hung his family up with barbed wire and skinned them alive." That is from the description, and that is enough for me to fall into the fabric that was woven by John Quick in his first published novel. The story is well constructed. The violence, brutal, and the action moves along at a fast pace. The characters were well drawn, but the end of the book comes too quickly for me, or rather the resolution comes too fast. That does not detract from the enjoyment of the tale, though, for me, I would have liked a little more before all was said and done.
As a whole, I think, Consequences heralds the arrival of a new voice in the genre, and it is one we should all listen to, or suffer the consequences.
January 14, 2020
If I were to create a list of “A Reader’s Simple Pleasures”, the first two items that I’d jot down are:
1. Reading a good book—but not just any book—one that not only provides a true escape, but the reader also can’t put it down. I’m talking about the kind of book that grasps you from the beginning, and never lets go until the last few words.
2. Discovering new authors—feeling the accompanying sense of excitement and the urgency to tell other readers the great news.
Both of these statements apply to my experience reading Consequences. This book had so many features that I loved. I’ll begin by discussing the layout. I absolutely adore author’s notes of any kind in a book. This includes notes by the author of the book, but it’s an added bonus when there’s also a foreword by another writer. Imagine my glee when I discovered that not only is there a foreword (by Bryan Smith, nonetheless), but there’s also an afterword by John Quick himself. I really enjoyed this aspect, as well as the prologue and epilogue that begin and end this story.
Then we come to the bulk of the story, sandwiched in between the informative authors’ notes, and that’s packed full of some of my favorite things, such as:
-Great pacing: I was drawn in with the events in the prologue, and from then on I never noticed a lull in the story. I loved that the action was spread out over time, and that the killings didn’t happen in only one setting or over the course of a couple hours. Which leads me to the next item…
-Solid character development: I really enjoyed the characters in this one. The pacing of the action in this story allowed for time to get to know each character (some more than others). I was genuinely disappointed with each character who died along the way, and felt fully immersed in the experience. I could even see some of my own traits in a few of the characters, and this allowed for more of a connection to the story. The dialogue is not only true to the setting, but there are also some deep conversations that occur between some of the characters at different points in the story. I found the villain to be extremely sinister. The fact that he was just a man without supernatural powers really creeped me out. There are a few types of villains that truly scare me, and this was one of them.
This is a novel that reads like a slasher film with depth. There are some gory moments when I actually caught myself wrinkling my nose in disgust, but in between those moments, there’s much more to the story. I’m so into John Quick’s storytelling style. He takes the reader on an adventure that conjures up an impressive range of emotions. Fear, disgust, and sadness abound, but there’s also a chance to revel in the connections between the characters—to share their moments of happiness and hope. This is an impressive debut novel, and the fact that this was the author’s first release makes me even more excited to read his other work. Although the bulk of the story is set in modern times, Consequences has all the makings of the “Paperbacks from Hell” style books that we all know and love. For that reason, I think it’s the perfect novel to make its comeback in the form of a mass market paperback. I hope that this updated release sends John Quick into the spotlight where he belongs, and I have no doubt I’ll be sharing more of his work in the near future.
1. Reading a good book—but not just any book—one that not only provides a true escape, but the reader also can’t put it down. I’m talking about the kind of book that grasps you from the beginning, and never lets go until the last few words.
2. Discovering new authors—feeling the accompanying sense of excitement and the urgency to tell other readers the great news.
Both of these statements apply to my experience reading Consequences. This book had so many features that I loved. I’ll begin by discussing the layout. I absolutely adore author’s notes of any kind in a book. This includes notes by the author of the book, but it’s an added bonus when there’s also a foreword by another writer. Imagine my glee when I discovered that not only is there a foreword (by Bryan Smith, nonetheless), but there’s also an afterword by John Quick himself. I really enjoyed this aspect, as well as the prologue and epilogue that begin and end this story.
Then we come to the bulk of the story, sandwiched in between the informative authors’ notes, and that’s packed full of some of my favorite things, such as:
-Great pacing: I was drawn in with the events in the prologue, and from then on I never noticed a lull in the story. I loved that the action was spread out over time, and that the killings didn’t happen in only one setting or over the course of a couple hours. Which leads me to the next item…
-Solid character development: I really enjoyed the characters in this one. The pacing of the action in this story allowed for time to get to know each character (some more than others). I was genuinely disappointed with each character who died along the way, and felt fully immersed in the experience. I could even see some of my own traits in a few of the characters, and this allowed for more of a connection to the story. The dialogue is not only true to the setting, but there are also some deep conversations that occur between some of the characters at different points in the story. I found the villain to be extremely sinister. The fact that he was just a man without supernatural powers really creeped me out. There are a few types of villains that truly scare me, and this was one of them.
This is a novel that reads like a slasher film with depth. There are some gory moments when I actually caught myself wrinkling my nose in disgust, but in between those moments, there’s much more to the story. I’m so into John Quick’s storytelling style. He takes the reader on an adventure that conjures up an impressive range of emotions. Fear, disgust, and sadness abound, but there’s also a chance to revel in the connections between the characters—to share their moments of happiness and hope. This is an impressive debut novel, and the fact that this was the author’s first release makes me even more excited to read his other work. Although the bulk of the story is set in modern times, Consequences has all the makings of the “Paperbacks from Hell” style books that we all know and love. For that reason, I think it’s the perfect novel to make its comeback in the form of a mass market paperback. I hope that this updated release sends John Quick into the spotlight where he belongs, and I have no doubt I’ll be sharing more of his work in the near future.
May 31, 2016
4.5 stars
Many, many thanks to the author, who provided a free copy of Consequences in exchange for an honest review. He promised a thriller, and have no doubt, he delivered!
Consequences is the story of seven friends whose graduation night party ended in not hangovers and bad decisions, but in tragedy. They thought they had found an abandoned out of the way place to hang out that night - the perfect place to play some music, drink some booze, smoke a bowl and celebrate the first night of a last summer of freedom before they scattered for college. Little did they know, their abandoned party shack was not abandoned at all. The place had been the center of a bloody tragedy in the seventies, and it seemed history was doomed to repeat itself.
The night ends with one of the friends brutally murdered, and the killer gone, having melted into the shadows of the dark forest and disappearing. Within days, others of the group are killed as well, and it’s obvious that the killer has plans to eliminate them all. It’s up to those left to find the killer, and stop him, before he finds them.
They won’t all make it out alive.
This book felt like a good old fashioned slasher flick, and I thoroughly enjoyed the nostalgia factor I was getting off of it. There’s something deliciously creepy about a villain that is convinced that he is in the right - it’s the kind of crazy you just can’t reason with. The kids were smarter than the killer reckoned for, and it made for some really entertaining reading
I hope to see more from this author soon!
Many, many thanks to the author, who provided a free copy of Consequences in exchange for an honest review. He promised a thriller, and have no doubt, he delivered!
Consequences is the story of seven friends whose graduation night party ended in not hangovers and bad decisions, but in tragedy. They thought they had found an abandoned out of the way place to hang out that night - the perfect place to play some music, drink some booze, smoke a bowl and celebrate the first night of a last summer of freedom before they scattered for college. Little did they know, their abandoned party shack was not abandoned at all. The place had been the center of a bloody tragedy in the seventies, and it seemed history was doomed to repeat itself.
The night ends with one of the friends brutally murdered, and the killer gone, having melted into the shadows of the dark forest and disappearing. Within days, others of the group are killed as well, and it’s obvious that the killer has plans to eliminate them all. It’s up to those left to find the killer, and stop him, before he finds them.
They won’t all make it out alive.
This book felt like a good old fashioned slasher flick, and I thoroughly enjoyed the nostalgia factor I was getting off of it. There’s something deliciously creepy about a villain that is convinced that he is in the right - it’s the kind of crazy you just can’t reason with. The kids were smarter than the killer reckoned for, and it made for some really entertaining reading
I hope to see more from this author soon!
January 25, 2020
Did you miss John Quicks debut, Consequences? Fear not, the wonderful people at Poltergeist press have got you covered.
Teenage friends decide to throw a little party in a secluded cabin to celebrate graduation, one last hurrah before they go their separate ways. Things don’t go as planned, an accident happens and one of them ends up dead. Someone is out to make sure they suffer the consequences of their mistake.
The book opens fantastically. We start off with a bit of history of where the local “crazy Freddy” legend comes from, and then from there on out the book moves at a break neck pace, it doesn’t feel like 300+ pages.
Quick elected to make a slasher without supernatural elements, and I believe it was the right choice here. The killer is brutal, but he’s not invincible and it makes the tension thick, but you feel as if the kids might have a chance.
I also enjoyed the characters here, they’re typical slasher fare, but Quick developed them well enough that when bodies start dropping you worry for them.
I enjoyed my time with Consequences. This is an excellent homage to slashers. I know people will think of 70’s and 80’s slashers but to me, this felt like a written version of something like I know what you did last summer. It’s an absolute blast and I highly recommend
4.5 stars
Teenage friends decide to throw a little party in a secluded cabin to celebrate graduation, one last hurrah before they go their separate ways. Things don’t go as planned, an accident happens and one of them ends up dead. Someone is out to make sure they suffer the consequences of their mistake.
The book opens fantastically. We start off with a bit of history of where the local “crazy Freddy” legend comes from, and then from there on out the book moves at a break neck pace, it doesn’t feel like 300+ pages.
Quick elected to make a slasher without supernatural elements, and I believe it was the right choice here. The killer is brutal, but he’s not invincible and it makes the tension thick, but you feel as if the kids might have a chance.
I also enjoyed the characters here, they’re typical slasher fare, but Quick developed them well enough that when bodies start dropping you worry for them.
I enjoyed my time with Consequences. This is an excellent homage to slashers. I know people will think of 70’s and 80’s slashers but to me, this felt like a written version of something like I know what you did last summer. It’s an absolute blast and I highly recommend
4.5 stars
July 29, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is in no way reflected in my opinion of this novel.
Consequences is a perfect summer read, reminiscent of the slasher movies that were so prevalent in the 70's and 80's. While no new ground was broken, it didn't matter because this was such a great story to get lost in. The main characters are typical kids just graduating from high school who have to face off with a sociopathic killer and the cop who wants to help them survive. They do stupid things that have you thinking 'Don't go in there! Run!!' as you root for them to make it out alive. The backstory of how Crazy Freddy murdered his family grabbed me from the start and set the tone for the rest of the book. Consequences is John Quick's debut novel and it makes me excited to see what horrific goodness he comes up with in the future. I recommend this fun and nostalgic 4 star read.
Consequences is a perfect summer read, reminiscent of the slasher movies that were so prevalent in the 70's and 80's. While no new ground was broken, it didn't matter because this was such a great story to get lost in. The main characters are typical kids just graduating from high school who have to face off with a sociopathic killer and the cop who wants to help them survive. They do stupid things that have you thinking 'Don't go in there! Run!!' as you root for them to make it out alive. The backstory of how Crazy Freddy murdered his family grabbed me from the start and set the tone for the rest of the book. Consequences is John Quick's debut novel and it makes me excited to see what horrific goodness he comes up with in the future. I recommend this fun and nostalgic 4 star read.
October 26, 2016
A grating walk down memory lane. When I pass each of the locations, I’m reminded of what could have happened.
The old Air Force base? Buried secrets.
That burned out shack? Jerk party kids.
That Police blockade? Consequences.
The tale of Crazy Freddy was a story I grew up peripherally hearing. Always passing by as it started, or coming in on the tail end.
Now it’s alive again, in the flesh, and in my hometown!
The old Air Force base? Buried secrets.
That burned out shack? Jerk party kids.
That Police blockade? Consequences.
The tale of Crazy Freddy was a story I grew up peripherally hearing. Always passing by as it started, or coming in on the tail end.
Now it’s alive again, in the flesh, and in my hometown!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2016
This book was great! I love horror books and I find them to be rare when they are good. I wish there were more books out there like this one! In this book you are inside the mind of the psychopath. This book remind me of my favorite movie "Freddy Kruger and the Nightmare on Elm Street movies". It was great! * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
January 6, 2020
Take one part slasher, one part redneck horror, one part teenage drama, mix it all up with a good dose of bad decisions and you have yourself Consequences by John Quick. Some of that might be your bag and some might be the exact opposite of what you are looking for, but there's enough horror to keep anyone hooked. This novel definitely wears its influences on its sleeves so be prepared for all the standard fare that comes with my opening list. For the most part I enjoyed the ride Consequences offered, there were some great tense action scenes and the idea of new slasher was fun, but a number of sections in the book left me a bit underwhelmed.
I'm not completely down on this book. The concept of a killer getting revenge on a bunch of recent high school graduates that burnt down a shack is a lot of fun. This is totally a slasher movie in book form and there's nothing wrong with that. It follows a lot of the tropes, those having sex, drinking, and smoking facing gruesome deaths. The killer here doesn't wear a mask, but is just as crazy as all those famous masked men. Finally, we have a group of kids that are being hunted and must find a way to turn the tables to survive. But, Quick takes these tropes and expands them adding little flourishes here and there to keep it fresh. It's a story that can be added to the pantheon of slashers and no one would question why it's there.
My issue is mostly with pacing. It's a lot longer than it needs to be and the main reason for this is how much time we spend listening to our heroes deal with their drama while lamenting over the fact that they are now out of high school. With all the talk about who is sleeping with who, who thinks who is a slut, and who is stuck up, it makes you question why they are friends and why isn't this a story focused on the tribulations of eighteen-year-olds. This does add conflict, but feels like padding. If we are to compare this to other slasher stories, then we've seen examples that are able to better work in the killer while giving us the inter workings of teens(see Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream).
Now, if we focused just on the drama, I think it could be an interesting story. They are well-written and depending on your tastes could be a compelling read on their own. I just think we spend a little too much time there and lose some of the tension from the horror.
Consequences is a mixed bag of horror and coming-of-age stories. When it does its slasher thing, it does it really well, and when it looks at that time between high school and college it also does it well. But, for some reason when looking at the two together I just couldn't get on board. However, it may work for you, so if you are looking for a slasher, I say at least give it a try.
I'm not completely down on this book. The concept of a killer getting revenge on a bunch of recent high school graduates that burnt down a shack is a lot of fun. This is totally a slasher movie in book form and there's nothing wrong with that. It follows a lot of the tropes, those having sex, drinking, and smoking facing gruesome deaths. The killer here doesn't wear a mask, but is just as crazy as all those famous masked men. Finally, we have a group of kids that are being hunted and must find a way to turn the tables to survive. But, Quick takes these tropes and expands them adding little flourishes here and there to keep it fresh. It's a story that can be added to the pantheon of slashers and no one would question why it's there.
My issue is mostly with pacing. It's a lot longer than it needs to be and the main reason for this is how much time we spend listening to our heroes deal with their drama while lamenting over the fact that they are now out of high school. With all the talk about who is sleeping with who, who thinks who is a slut, and who is stuck up, it makes you question why they are friends and why isn't this a story focused on the tribulations of eighteen-year-olds. This does add conflict, but feels like padding. If we are to compare this to other slasher stories, then we've seen examples that are able to better work in the killer while giving us the inter workings of teens(see Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream).
Now, if we focused just on the drama, I think it could be an interesting story. They are well-written and depending on your tastes could be a compelling read on their own. I just think we spend a little too much time there and lose some of the tension from the horror.
Consequences is a mixed bag of horror and coming-of-age stories. When it does its slasher thing, it does it really well, and when it looks at that time between high school and college it also does it well. But, for some reason when looking at the two together I just couldn't get on board. However, it may work for you, so if you are looking for a slasher, I say at least give it a try.
November 20, 2025
3.5 stars round up
March 29, 2017
I’m a little late to the game, having just recently read John Quick’s debut novel, Consequences. Many people in the horror community are already aware of John’s skillful use of language, his knack for characterization, and his cruel dedication to putting his readers through an emotional grinder. If you’re not one of them, you need this book.
High school has come to an end for a small group of friends, and they look forward with anxious hope toward their respective futures, while trying to savor this last summer they have together. The stories of what Crazy Freddy did to his family years ago are true, but the rumor that his spirit may still haunt his old house is just that, a rumor. Right?
Either way, the rumor does nothing to deter our group of friends as they hold a graduation party on the purportedly cursed property. That tragic night becomes the catalyst for a string of gruesome murders that begin to whittle away at our group, until only a frightened few are left to face the evil legend head on. Is their fierce love for one another, and their will to live and see those bright futures enough to keep them from falling under Crazy Freddy’s knife?
Sometimes, I’m embarrassed to admit, I pick up a book hoping it’s not good. As a writer, this makes me feel better about myself. Sometimes, I pick up a book because I know it will inspire me to write better. I’ll look at my own work with a more critical eye. I began reading Consequences, hoping it wasn’t good. Not because I wish John Quick anything other than a successful and thriving literary career—because I think that’s what’s coming and it is well-deserved—but because I wanted to feel better about my own writing.
What I found was that Consequences was one of those books that inspired me to write better. From the eloquence of Quick’s prose and the lush characters he has created to the gut-wrenching scenes of violence, every aspect of this book is enviable to any writer and just what any horror reader wants to curl up with.
One of the things that stands out most for me is Quick’s characters. It’s so easy to use the word “pulp” as an excuse to write flat characters. But Quick has carefully cultivated his characters and made them real people. The death scenes are brutal, but that’s not what made them so hard to read: it was that I loved the characters. I remembered that feeling of uncertainty about the future following high school, and I was on board with this group, rooting for them. As people began to die, I felt real pangs of hurt at seeing them go. I sighed. I set the book down at points and felt loss. That’s storytelling.
Whether you are a fan of hardcore horror or a more atmospheric approach, there is something for you here. I look forward to reading Quick’s upcoming works.
High school has come to an end for a small group of friends, and they look forward with anxious hope toward their respective futures, while trying to savor this last summer they have together. The stories of what Crazy Freddy did to his family years ago are true, but the rumor that his spirit may still haunt his old house is just that, a rumor. Right?
Either way, the rumor does nothing to deter our group of friends as they hold a graduation party on the purportedly cursed property. That tragic night becomes the catalyst for a string of gruesome murders that begin to whittle away at our group, until only a frightened few are left to face the evil legend head on. Is their fierce love for one another, and their will to live and see those bright futures enough to keep them from falling under Crazy Freddy’s knife?
Sometimes, I’m embarrassed to admit, I pick up a book hoping it’s not good. As a writer, this makes me feel better about myself. Sometimes, I pick up a book because I know it will inspire me to write better. I’ll look at my own work with a more critical eye. I began reading Consequences, hoping it wasn’t good. Not because I wish John Quick anything other than a successful and thriving literary career—because I think that’s what’s coming and it is well-deserved—but because I wanted to feel better about my own writing.
What I found was that Consequences was one of those books that inspired me to write better. From the eloquence of Quick’s prose and the lush characters he has created to the gut-wrenching scenes of violence, every aspect of this book is enviable to any writer and just what any horror reader wants to curl up with.
One of the things that stands out most for me is Quick’s characters. It’s so easy to use the word “pulp” as an excuse to write flat characters. But Quick has carefully cultivated his characters and made them real people. The death scenes are brutal, but that’s not what made them so hard to read: it was that I loved the characters. I remembered that feeling of uncertainty about the future following high school, and I was on board with this group, rooting for them. As people began to die, I felt real pangs of hurt at seeing them go. I sighed. I set the book down at points and felt loss. That’s storytelling.
Whether you are a fan of hardcore horror or a more atmospheric approach, there is something for you here. I look forward to reading Quick’s upcoming works.
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