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The Dollkeeper
The Library Lady
Old Emma Prescott had a way with children.
She showed them how to find books in the library, and she let them sit in a circle around her while she read them stories.
Center Hollow sure was lucky to have a librarian like her.
Especially when nearly a dozen kids had been reported missing over the last few months, and you just didn't know who you could trust anymore ...
Miss Prescott had a way with dolls, too.
She had a whole collection of them that looked exactly like the town's children.
They almost looked alive ... with eyes that gleamed as they stared,
and skin so real that blood seemed to flow just beneath the surface.
Unlike the missing children, who were looking ... well, rather dead.
At least, no matter how many of Center Hollow's precious darlings disappeared,
her dolls would never leave her.
And they would never tell on her ...
Old Emma Prescott had a way with children.
She showed them how to find books in the library, and she let them sit in a circle around her while she read them stories.
Center Hollow sure was lucky to have a librarian like her.
Especially when nearly a dozen kids had been reported missing over the last few months, and you just didn't know who you could trust anymore ...
Miss Prescott had a way with dolls, too.
She had a whole collection of them that looked exactly like the town's children.
They almost looked alive ... with eyes that gleamed as they stared,
and skin so real that blood seemed to flow just beneath the surface.
Unlike the missing children, who were looking ... well, rather dead.
At least, no matter how many of Center Hollow's precious darlings disappeared,
her dolls would never leave her.
And they would never tell on her ...
- GenresHorror
380 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
1 person is currently reading
240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 25, 2023
Scaparro's second novel demonstrates how much he progressed as an author and was a fast, pleasurable read for sure. We know right from the get go what is going on in the Tweed Valley in Vermont and the identity of the antagonist/murderer-- a kind, gentle librarian named Emma Prescott. Over the last year, over a dozen kids have 'gone missing' from the valley, but only a few bodies have been found. The prologue has old Emma taking little Billy tied up in the back of her battered pick up truck to an abandoned log cabin to butcher him so his soul will enter the doll she made of him. She explains everything to little 'Billyboy' as she prances around, doing bizarre dances and singing crazy songs. She likes dolls!
Our main protagonist on the other hand is the valley's sheriff Jeff Adams, who is at wits end trying to find even a clue to who is taking the kids. Further, Emma is not only pals with the sheriff, she is planning on taking his kids very soon to complete her doll collection. As the investigation heats up, he even has old Emma babysit his kids!
This probably should not have worked, and would not have, except for the dark humor and wit that permeates the text. Emma is a great character-- totally crazy. She is living two parallel lives, one who wants the horrible killer brought to justice, working as a librarian and reading to kids at schools, and of course, the other personality that takes great glea in the killing and doll making. It seems this type of crazy runs in her family.
So, what Scaparro treats us to here is something of a police procedural, with the sheriff trying to find the killer before any more kids 'go missing', alongside the known killer doing her thing. The prose is quite a step up from his first novel, and the pacing is excellent as well. Every now and then Zebra managed to publish something worth reading, especially if you are into 80s pulpy horror. Scaparro hit a home run with The Attic and this is at least a triple. 4 solid stars!
Our main protagonist on the other hand is the valley's sheriff Jeff Adams, who is at wits end trying to find even a clue to who is taking the kids. Further, Emma is not only pals with the sheriff, she is planning on taking his kids very soon to complete her doll collection. As the investigation heats up, he even has old Emma babysit his kids!
This probably should not have worked, and would not have, except for the dark humor and wit that permeates the text. Emma is a great character-- totally crazy. She is living two parallel lives, one who wants the horrible killer brought to justice, working as a librarian and reading to kids at schools, and of course, the other personality that takes great glea in the killing and doll making. It seems this type of crazy runs in her family.
So, what Scaparro treats us to here is something of a police procedural, with the sheriff trying to find the killer before any more kids 'go missing', alongside the known killer doing her thing. The prose is quite a step up from his first novel, and the pacing is excellent as well. Every now and then Zebra managed to publish something worth reading, especially if you are into 80s pulpy horror. Scaparro hit a home run with The Attic and this is at least a triple. 4 solid stars!
December 23, 2019
4.4 Stars!
Hag horror stitches little girl's eyes shut. Equal parts mystery, hag terror, family drama. One of the best Zebra horror novels I've ever read. Multi faceted terror capped with a satisfying finish. I know I'll read it again someday.
Searching for really scary 80's Zebra Horror? Gift yourself copies of "Night Touch" by Stephen Gresham and "Night Stone" by Rick Hautala.
Hag horror stitches little girl's eyes shut. Equal parts mystery, hag terror, family drama. One of the best Zebra horror novels I've ever read. Multi faceted terror capped with a satisfying finish. I know I'll read it again someday.
Searching for really scary 80's Zebra Horror? Gift yourself copies of "Night Touch" by Stephen Gresham and "Night Stone" by Rick Hautala.
March 8, 2010
I read this book a long time ago; I must have been around fourteen years old at the time. I remember finding the book eerie, but liking it. Mind you I also went through a weird horror obsession, specifically involving dolls. They terrify me to this day. :0)
However to be very honest I don’t remember to much about this book, except if I’m remembering right there was a creepy scene where a guy is basically taken down on the hallway floor and brutally tortured by little dolls. For some odd reason this rings a bit of a bell with me. It’s been a very long time though, so don’t quote me.
However to be very honest I don’t remember to much about this book, except if I’m remembering right there was a creepy scene where a guy is basically taken down on the hallway floor and brutally tortured by little dolls. For some odd reason this rings a bit of a bell with me. It’s been a very long time though, so don’t quote me.
May 7, 2007
Okay, I read this book when I was 11. The only reason I am even leaving a review is because it was the book to get me head first into horror novels. Loved it then, might pick it up again, see if it its still any good.
Update: Just read it again and enjoyed it. Not the best book ever but good. I'm leaving the 4 star rating because of the fond memories but I would give it a 3.
Update: Just read it again and enjoyed it. Not the best book ever but good. I'm leaving the 4 star rating because of the fond memories but I would give it a 3.
March 12, 2018
Gripped me from start to finish!
August 5, 2019
I really liked this book. Super creepy story of a woman with mental illness that is killing kids.
September 17, 2021
This book had me on the edge of my seat i wish i could find it and buy it so i can read it again
June 20, 2012
This book started off very very slow. About 200 pages of it are sheer back story that can be very boring.
But if you can muttle through that the last hundred pages will have u on the edge of your seat!!!! I was going to say the book sucked but it came back to thrill me at the end. Well done!!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews