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Long Past Midnight
SOME STORIES CAN ONLY BE TOLD . . . LONG PAST MIDNIGHT
Five-time Bram Stoker Award-winner Jonathan Maberry weaves a chilling web of small-town terrors, local legends, and hair-raising tales set in the eerie world of Pine Deep, Pennsylvania. . . .
Four children explore an abandoned house that’s supposed to be haunted—and discover something far more terrifying than any ghost. A rash of fatal accidents in the town of Pine Deep keeps a cemetery worker busier than ever—because the dead won’t stay buried. Ex-cop Joe Ledger searches for a missing witness in “the spookiest town in America”—but finds there is no protection program against the forces of evil. . . .
“Jonathan Maberry’s horror is rich and visceral. It’s close to the heart . . . and close to the jugular.” —Kevin J. Anderson
“Maberry’s works will be read for many, many years to come.” —Ray Bradbury
“Maberry supplies plenty of chills, both earth-bound and otherworldly.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Maberry will scare the hell out of you.” —Tess Gerritsen
“This guy is good.”—Joe R. Lansdale
Five-time Bram Stoker Award-winner Jonathan Maberry weaves a chilling web of small-town terrors, local legends, and hair-raising tales set in the eerie world of Pine Deep, Pennsylvania. . . .
Four children explore an abandoned house that’s supposed to be haunted—and discover something far more terrifying than any ghost. A rash of fatal accidents in the town of Pine Deep keeps a cemetery worker busier than ever—because the dead won’t stay buried. Ex-cop Joe Ledger searches for a missing witness in “the spookiest town in America”—but finds there is no protection program against the forces of evil. . . .
“Jonathan Maberry’s horror is rich and visceral. It’s close to the heart . . . and close to the jugular.” —Kevin J. Anderson
“Maberry’s works will be read for many, many years to come.” —Ray Bradbury
“Maberry supplies plenty of chills, both earth-bound and otherworldly.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Maberry will scare the hell out of you.” —Tess Gerritsen
“This guy is good.”—Joe R. Lansdale
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2023
92 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Maberry
521 books7,786 followersJONATHAN MABERRY is a NYTimes bestselling author, #1 Audible bestseller, 5-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, 4-time Scribe Award winner, Inkpot Award winner, comic book writer, and producer. He is the author of more than 50 novels, 190 short stories, 16 short story collections, 30 graphic novels, 14 nonfiction books, and has edited 26 anthologies. His vampire apocalypse book series, V-WARS, was a Netflix original series starring Ian Somerhalder. His 2009-10 run as writer on the Black Panther comic formed a large chunk of the recent blockbuster film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. His bestselling YA zombie series, Rot & Ruin is in development for film at Alcon Entertainment; and John Wick director, Chad Stahelski, is developing Jonathan’s Joe Ledger Thrillers for TV. Jonathan writes in multiple genres including suspense, thriller, horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, and action; and he writes for adults, teens and middle grade. His works include The Pine Deep Trilogy, The Kagen the Damned Trilogy, NecroTek, Ink, Glimpse, the Rot & Ruin series, the Dead of Night series, The Wolfman, X-Files Origins: Devil’s Advocate, The Sleepers War (with Weston Ochse), Mars One, and many others. He is the editor of high-profile anthologies including Weird Tales: 100 Years of Weird, The X-Files, Aliens: Bug Hunt, Out of Tune, Don’t Turn out the Lights: A Tribute to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Baker Street Irregulars, Nights of the Living Dead, Shadows & Verse, and others. His comics include Marvel Zombies Return, The Punisher: Naked Kills, Wolverine: Ghosts, Godzilla vs Cthulhu: Death May Die, Bad Blood and many others. Jonathan has written in many popular licensed worlds, including Hellboy, True Blood, The Wolfman, John Carter of Mars, Sherlock Holmes, C.H.U.D., Diablo IV, Deadlands, World of Warcraft, Planet of the Apes, Aliens, Predator, Karl Kolchak, and many others. He the president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, and the editor of Weird Tales Magazine. He lives in San Diego, California. Find him online at www.jonathanmaberry.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 21, 2023
Nine eerie and chilling horror short stories plus a poem keep readers turning the pages in Jonathan Maberry’s
Long Past Midnight
. The stories take place in or near Pine Deep, Pennsylvania. While most take place after the author’s Pine Deep horror trilogy, the first story takes place before the Trouble. All are descriptive without slowing down the story line and have great characterization.
In Property Condemned, nine-year-old Malcolm Crow and his friends Vall Guthrie, Terry Wolfe, and Gerry Stickler decide to explore the abandoned Croft house which is known to be haunted. Malcolm wants proof of the existence of ghosts. The house feels like a fifth character in this story. Whether it is due to the nervousness of the four children or the evil sensations from the house, readers may fell chills as they read this story.
Readers familiar with Maberry’s series will be happy to find Captain Joseph Edwin Ledger and two members of Echo team are featured in Material Witness. The story starts with post-mission statements and analyses and the discrepancies between Echo team’s after-action reports and interviews and verifiable facts. After this, it reverts to the mission itself. All of this takes place after the events in the Pine Deep trilogy. Those who love action thrillers with a supernatural twist will enjoy this story.
Long Way Home surprised me. It features Donny Castleberry and takes place ten years after the Trouble. I didn’t see this ending coming!
Three Guys Walk Into a Bar features private investigator Sam Hunter. I loved this character and would love to read a series featuring Sam. He’s an ex-cop, tough, and scary. However, he sleeps with a light on at night. He also has a surprising aspect to his character. In his latest case, he goes to Pine Deep. By now, Malcolm Crow is the Chief of Police and his adopted son, Mike Sweeney is a deputy. Joe Ledger is back for this story as well. This is another supernatural action thriller with plenty of suspense and danger. It’s also the longest of the stories.
On Lonely Roads is the only poem is this book. It’s the only one that features Monk Addison, but was my least favorite.
Mister Pockets features the only homeless person in Pine Deep and a young boy, Lefty Harrigan. This one was a little predictable, but still had great characterization.
Whistlin’ Past the Graveyard amped up the atmosphere with much of it taking place in the cemetery in Pine Deep. It features Francesco Sponelli who maintains the cemetery and digs the graves.
A House in Need of Children features Sam Hunter again. This is another great story featuring a haunted house and is one of the sadder stories in the book.
The Trouble takes place after the Pine Deep Trilogy and features Malcolm and Mike as well as Val who is now married to Malcolm. This one is another action thriller story.
The final story, Ghost Creepin’ Blues, features 16-year-old Jinnifer who suffers from depression, panic attacks, and hallucinations. This one feels like the set-up for a novel.
Overall, this was a great collection of stories and one that kept me feeling the characters’ anxiety. While some are full of exciting scenes and plenty of action, others are more thought provoking. The world-building and characterization are terrific.
Kensington Books and Jonathan Maberry provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 22, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.43 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
In Property Condemned, nine-year-old Malcolm Crow and his friends Vall Guthrie, Terry Wolfe, and Gerry Stickler decide to explore the abandoned Croft house which is known to be haunted. Malcolm wants proof of the existence of ghosts. The house feels like a fifth character in this story. Whether it is due to the nervousness of the four children or the evil sensations from the house, readers may fell chills as they read this story.
Readers familiar with Maberry’s series will be happy to find Captain Joseph Edwin Ledger and two members of Echo team are featured in Material Witness. The story starts with post-mission statements and analyses and the discrepancies between Echo team’s after-action reports and interviews and verifiable facts. After this, it reverts to the mission itself. All of this takes place after the events in the Pine Deep trilogy. Those who love action thrillers with a supernatural twist will enjoy this story.
Long Way Home surprised me. It features Donny Castleberry and takes place ten years after the Trouble. I didn’t see this ending coming!
Three Guys Walk Into a Bar features private investigator Sam Hunter. I loved this character and would love to read a series featuring Sam. He’s an ex-cop, tough, and scary. However, he sleeps with a light on at night. He also has a surprising aspect to his character. In his latest case, he goes to Pine Deep. By now, Malcolm Crow is the Chief of Police and his adopted son, Mike Sweeney is a deputy. Joe Ledger is back for this story as well. This is another supernatural action thriller with plenty of suspense and danger. It’s also the longest of the stories.
On Lonely Roads is the only poem is this book. It’s the only one that features Monk Addison, but was my least favorite.
Mister Pockets features the only homeless person in Pine Deep and a young boy, Lefty Harrigan. This one was a little predictable, but still had great characterization.
Whistlin’ Past the Graveyard amped up the atmosphere with much of it taking place in the cemetery in Pine Deep. It features Francesco Sponelli who maintains the cemetery and digs the graves.
A House in Need of Children features Sam Hunter again. This is another great story featuring a haunted house and is one of the sadder stories in the book.
The Trouble takes place after the Pine Deep Trilogy and features Malcolm and Mike as well as Val who is now married to Malcolm. This one is another action thriller story.
The final story, Ghost Creepin’ Blues, features 16-year-old Jinnifer who suffers from depression, panic attacks, and hallucinations. This one feels like the set-up for a novel.
Overall, this was a great collection of stories and one that kept me feeling the characters’ anxiety. While some are full of exciting scenes and plenty of action, others are more thought provoking. The world-building and characterization are terrific.
Kensington Books and Jonathan Maberry provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 22, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.43 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
July 16, 2023
My thanks to Kensington books, Jonathan Maberry and Netgalley.
It's Pine Deep, y'all!
I loved these stories!
It was nice seeing how some of these peep's are getting on, and to read new stuff.
I'm hoping and thinking (fingers crossed) that maybe some new Pine Deep tales are in the works!
It's Pine Deep, y'all!
I loved these stories!
It was nice seeing how some of these peep's are getting on, and to read new stuff.
I'm hoping and thinking (fingers crossed) that maybe some new Pine Deep tales are in the works!
July 11, 2023
There is a character in this book who equates a trip back to Pine Deep as being as pleasant as a case of genital warts. So although I laughed, I feel the opposite. I loved the Pine Deep trilogy and I will travel back there as many times as Jonathan Maberry is willing to take us.
These stories all stand-alone and you do not need to have read Ghost Road Blues or the rest of the trilogy to enjoy them, however, you are truly missing out on something special if you have skipped them.
The tales take place before, during, and after the trilogy. There is a brief description of what some of the characters had experienced in the trilogy so that you are not totally out of the loop when reading this book but I still feel it is best that you not skip them. I loved this book to pieces.
Pine Deep is and has been home to ghosts, werewolves, and vampires. It's the spookiest town in America and it was a joy for me to revisit it.
My thanks to Kensington Books
These stories all stand-alone and you do not need to have read Ghost Road Blues or the rest of the trilogy to enjoy them, however, you are truly missing out on something special if you have skipped them.
The tales take place before, during, and after the trilogy. There is a brief description of what some of the characters had experienced in the trilogy so that you are not totally out of the loop when reading this book but I still feel it is best that you not skip them. I loved this book to pieces.
Pine Deep is and has been home to ghosts, werewolves, and vampires. It's the spookiest town in America and it was a joy for me to revisit it.
My thanks to Kensington Books
October 17, 2024
Wow! Long Past Midnight is my first Jonathan Maberry and it was spectacular!
I may have done this Pine Deep thing a little bit backward…reading these short stories, all set in the town of Pine Deep, post “the Trouble” and without knowing the story of the Bone Man…before experiencing the Pine Deep Trilogy. But that’s just fine by me. Each story in this collection provides the reader with enough backstory of Pine Deep’s troubled past to understand and enjoy them. And the stories, when read in order, build upon each other with a crescendo ending suggesting another novel in the Pine Deep series. I certainly hope so. Loved Maberry’s writing so much!
This reader better get busy. Ghost Road Blues here I come!!!
5 ⭐️s!!!!
I may have done this Pine Deep thing a little bit backward…reading these short stories, all set in the town of Pine Deep, post “the Trouble” and without knowing the story of the Bone Man…before experiencing the Pine Deep Trilogy. But that’s just fine by me. Each story in this collection provides the reader with enough backstory of Pine Deep’s troubled past to understand and enjoy them. And the stories, when read in order, build upon each other with a crescendo ending suggesting another novel in the Pine Deep series. I certainly hope so. Loved Maberry’s writing so much!
This reader better get busy. Ghost Road Blues here I come!!!
5 ⭐️s!!!!
November 30, 2025
Stars: 5 out of 5
I am not familiar with the Pine Deep trilogy, but I have read the first Joe Ledger book by this author. Nevertheless, I had no problems following the stories in this anthology, because the author does an excellent job with setup and gives the reader just enough information about past events to not be lost and get invested in the story. In fact, I now want to go back and read the Pine Deep books, because I want to know more about Crow and Val, and Mike.
And that's the biggest draw of this book - the characters. The author has this rare talent to make you care about the characters in just a few words and brief descriptions. I didn't know anything about this world when I went into the book, but you can be sure that I was invested from the very first story.
Also, Sam, the aging werewolf, is a grumpy sweetheart, and I want to read more about him as well. His story about the lonely ghost who was trying to help people who lived in her house but scared them instead was one of my favorites in this anthology.
All of the stories are pretty darn good, I must admit. There isn't a single one I read that I didn't like. They all bring a new facet to the multilayered tapestry that is Pine Deep. I think what I liked the most about this anthology is that even though these are horror stories, the message they try to communicate is one of hope. Yes, horrible things happen in Pine Deep. Yes, there are literal monsters roaming the forests around it (and even the cemetery, though that one might stay quiet now that the mafia brothers came to lend a hand, and the caretaker has a shotgun and isn't afraid to use it). But each story shows us the resilience of Pine Deep residents, and the fact that evil doesn't always win, especially when good people are willing to fight and bleed to stop it.
So all in all, I had a wonderful time with these stories, and finished this book feeling a lot more hopeful about humanity than when I started. It also made me want to check out the other books by this author, which is exactly what a short story anthology is supposed to do.
PS: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am not familiar with the Pine Deep trilogy, but I have read the first Joe Ledger book by this author. Nevertheless, I had no problems following the stories in this anthology, because the author does an excellent job with setup and gives the reader just enough information about past events to not be lost and get invested in the story. In fact, I now want to go back and read the Pine Deep books, because I want to know more about Crow and Val, and Mike.
And that's the biggest draw of this book - the characters. The author has this rare talent to make you care about the characters in just a few words and brief descriptions. I didn't know anything about this world when I went into the book, but you can be sure that I was invested from the very first story.
Also, Sam, the aging werewolf, is a grumpy sweetheart, and I want to read more about him as well. His story about the lonely ghost who was trying to help people who lived in her house but scared them instead was one of my favorites in this anthology.
All of the stories are pretty darn good, I must admit. There isn't a single one I read that I didn't like. They all bring a new facet to the multilayered tapestry that is Pine Deep. I think what I liked the most about this anthology is that even though these are horror stories, the message they try to communicate is one of hope. Yes, horrible things happen in Pine Deep. Yes, there are literal monsters roaming the forests around it (and even the cemetery, though that one might stay quiet now that the mafia brothers came to lend a hand, and the caretaker has a shotgun and isn't afraid to use it). But each story shows us the resilience of Pine Deep residents, and the fact that evil doesn't always win, especially when good people are willing to fight and bleed to stop it.
So all in all, I had a wonderful time with these stories, and finished this book feeling a lot more hopeful about humanity than when I started. It also made me want to check out the other books by this author, which is exactly what a short story anthology is supposed to do.
PS: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2023
As prolific as is author Jonathan Maberry (whose oeuvre in total probably gives an entire new meaning to the term), he may be best known for his work in that elusive and trouble-ridden farming community of fictional Pine Deep, Pennsylvania, site of the PINE DEEP TRILOGY. In LONG PAST MIDNIGHT, a single-author short story collection, Mr. Maberry offers ten more views of this odd location, neither a place one wants to visit or to reside. The initial story scared me so badly I'm probably guaranteed years of Nightmares, and of course, the Fright doesn't stop there.
May 23, 2023
This is a good collection of short stories if you are a long time fan or just deciding to give Jonathan Maberry a try for the first time.
All the stories are based around the location of Maberry's first fiction publication, The Pine Deep Trilogy. Through the stories you get to meet most of his characters from various series as they cross paths with this small rural haunted town, in my home state of Pennsylvania.
Reading the author's introduction is a must. It was easily as interesting and exciting as any of the fictional tales.
If you are one of the people I have been badgering to read Maberry, Reading this collection would be a good way to get me off your back.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to enjoy this e-ARC.
All the stories are based around the location of Maberry's first fiction publication, The Pine Deep Trilogy. Through the stories you get to meet most of his characters from various series as they cross paths with this small rural haunted town, in my home state of Pennsylvania.
Reading the author's introduction is a must. It was easily as interesting and exciting as any of the fictional tales.
If you are one of the people I have been badgering to read Maberry, Reading this collection would be a good way to get me off your back.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to enjoy this e-ARC.
September 18, 2023
I have a big soft spot for anything Pine Deep. I know New Hope that the town is based on. I am hoping that the finish of this book leans towards a further visit by the author
June 9, 2023
Finally, more Pine Deep from Mr. Maberry! I started reading his books after picking up the first pine deep book from the bookstore. I really enjoy everything he writes. This is a worthy addition to the series.
June 19, 2023
Short stories based around Pine Deep all very good with great characters. Loved all the stories especially the Joe Ledger one. A must read for all horror fans, now I'll have to hunt out the original Pine Deep trilogy.
I received this book from Kensington books and Netgalley for a review.
I received this book from Kensington books and Netgalley for a review.
October 16, 2023
Favorite story = "Ghost Creepin Blues", which I loved - it even had a Buffy reference! I am really hoping that it is a set up for another Pine Deep novel.
October 2, 2023
Boy, that last one really gets you. Fingers crossed for more Pine Deep stories.
September 4, 2023
Wow these short stories are outstanding, better individually than most novels.
Jonathan Maberry delivers the goods time and time again it is quite remarkable how he manages to continually get better.
It is a real shame that his work is not published in the UK as the British horror fan would love his stuff.
Jonathan Maberry delivers the goods time and time again it is quite remarkable how he manages to continually get better.
It is a real shame that his work is not published in the UK as the British horror fan would love his stuff.
March 19, 2023
As prolific as is author Jonathan Maberry (whose oeuvre in total probably gives an entire new meaning to the term), he may be best known for his work in that elusive and trouble-ridden farming community of fictional Pine Deep, Pennsylvania, site of the PINE DEEP TRILOGY. In LONG PAST MIDNIGHT, a single-author short story collection, Mr. Maberry offers ten more views of this odd location, neither a place one wants to visit or to reside. The initial story scared me so badly I'm probably guaranteed years of Nightmares, and of course, the Fright doesn't stop there.
August 10, 2023
This was an amazing anthology! Lots of great little stories to keep you entranced throughout. Pine Deep is and has been home to ghosts, werewolves, and vampires. It's the spookiest town in America and it was a joy for me to revisit it.
August 25, 2023
Another awesome collection of stories taking place in Pine Deep. I loved every story in this book and all the other books set in Pine Deep. I highly recommend this book and all the other Pine Deep books if you're a fan of the horror/supernatural genres.
August 21, 2024
Like many others, I first encountered Jonathan Maberry's writing with the Pine Deep trilogy, and I've since gone back there with the odd short story I've stumbled across, as well as with his somewhat (or very) connected novels, such as GLIMPSE and INK.
I really enjoyed the original trilogy, and I love that these various stories from various times in Pine Deep's history just open up that world even more. Maberry's strength is always in his characters, and Chief Crow, Crow's wife Val, and Mike Sweeney, as well as a few notable star cameos just give this collection a comfortable feeling of visiting old friends...
...even if those old friends are surrounded by monsters and buckets of evil.
If you haven't read the Pine Deep trilogy, read that first, but this is an excellent follow up read.
I really enjoyed the original trilogy, and I love that these various stories from various times in Pine Deep's history just open up that world even more. Maberry's strength is always in his characters, and Chief Crow, Crow's wife Val, and Mike Sweeney, as well as a few notable star cameos just give this collection a comfortable feeling of visiting old friends...
...even if those old friends are surrounded by monsters and buckets of evil.
If you haven't read the Pine Deep trilogy, read that first, but this is an excellent follow up read.
September 30, 2023
This book made me discover an excellent horror writer and a fascinating and chilling world. Well written and creepy stories, dark and twisty.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
February 17, 2024
This book tried my patience in massive ways. How many times can one book explain the plot points of a previous series? Apparently an endless amount of times. WHY did it have to repeat so often? WHY???? He repeated all of the major plot points in every single short story. Ten stories. Ten times. It felt like a million times, at least. It made me crazy. It was entirely unnecessary. What was the point? It didn't move the story along at all. It was rehashing what your audience ALREADY KNOWS.
It was the greatest terrorist attack on US soil. It was a white supremacy coverup. It was Ubel Griswold. He's not your standard werewolf.
Yes, we know. We got it. Yep, crystal fucking clear. FFS.
It was the greatest terrorist attack on US soil. It was a white supremacy coverup. It was Ubel Griswold. He's not your standard werewolf.
Yes, we know. We got it. Yep, crystal fucking clear. FFS.
August 15, 2023
Is it weird that I would move to Pine Deep and date Crow? Since reading this book I have gone and downloaded the first book in the pine deep trilogy Jonathan Maberry has written a great collection of stories an although they say it’s an anthology of short stories some of them are not so short like the one with detective Hunter and the serial killer,… Who is awesome and the one with Detective Joe Ledger which had the best Wolfman versus Shapeshifting wolves fight scenes ever! The haunted house that would haunt the dreams of Dracula and many more they have some very great intent Shapeshifting monster stories in this awesome book Long Past Midnight and they’re not just your average OMG there is a werewolf about type monster stories they have great details like the one with detective hunter and the $500 bills and that’s just one example only a true storyteller could add fascinating details like that I love this book and cannot wait to dive into the trilogy and any other books I run across by Jonathan Maberry if you love horror with an IQ then you will definitely love long past midnight by Jonathan Maberry I am a big consumer of smart horror and I’m so glad I’ve been introduced to the I want to thank Kensington books in NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
January 21, 2024
You just can not go wrong with anything from Jonathan Maberry. Hands down one of the best writers of horror or fantasy working today. Now after saying that there is no better journey to take with Mr. Maberry as your guide than a trip to Pine Deep.
Pine Deep is a quaint little town with very nasty secrets. Set in the farming areas of Bensalem, PA. As a Philadelphia native, I recognize this little town and have a nice healthy fear of being caught there after dark.
Personally, I think the best Mr. Maberry has written has involved Pine Deep. But if you don't feel like, or have the time to read the original trilogy, then here is a good place to start.
All of the short stories here involve Pine Deep but do not require any prior knowledge of The Trouble or The Bone Man.
But I can guarantee that they will spark something in you to go and read the books.
Highly recommended
Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Pine Deep is a quaint little town with very nasty secrets. Set in the farming areas of Bensalem, PA. As a Philadelphia native, I recognize this little town and have a nice healthy fear of being caught there after dark.
Personally, I think the best Mr. Maberry has written has involved Pine Deep. But if you don't feel like, or have the time to read the original trilogy, then here is a good place to start.
All of the short stories here involve Pine Deep but do not require any prior knowledge of The Trouble or The Bone Man.
But I can guarantee that they will spark something in you to go and read the books.
Highly recommended
Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
August 26, 2024
I was excited for some 'somewhat' short stories about horror, and the author's introduction grabbed me, but the stories themselves fell completely flat. Comparing yourself to Stephen King is very brave, and you may have copied his style, but sir, you write nothing like him. The stories didn't flow, and fell flat. I got through two and stopped. Wasn't worth my time.
December 27, 2025
Wow! I was floored by this collection of short stories. I've not read anything by Maberry before, but halfway through this book I purchased his Pine Deep trilogy off Kindle. I really enjoyed terror that didn't seek to copy Stephen King or other authors. These stories have solid scares and some wonderful beauty in a world beyond most people's vision.
These stories revolve around the fictional Pennsylvania rural town of Pine Deep, which in a trilogy before this had over ten thousand people killed. The government said it was a terrorist attack, but the locals refer to it as "The Trouble" and believe supernatural creatures were involved. Reading of that trilogy of books is not required to enjoy these tales. I haven't read them (yet) and found these absolutely engaging.
"Property Condemned": Four youngsters venture into a haunted house, with one seeing something he shouldn't have. GRADE: A
"Material Witness": Three strapped government agents go into town to locate a writer that's been placed in witness relocation because one of his novels contains the all-too real plans to destroy the United States. Other countries want him, as does something else. GRADE: A+
"Long Way Home": A veteran comes home and is greeted by a friend. This was the weakest tale for me, but improved considerably when the friend appears. GRADE: C
"Three Guys Walk into a Bar": The longest story in the book that features a brilliant P.I. Perfect plot, characters, and dialogue. GRADE: A+++++
"On Lonely Roads": A poem that starts slow and then grows spectacularly into the cover image. GRADE: A-
"Mister Pockets": A hobo is given some kindness and then repays in the most horrifyingly beautiful way. GRADE: A+++
"Whistlin' Past the Graveyard": Bodies are disappearing from the graveyard and the grave keeper needs help. GRADE: A+
"A House in Need of Children": A beautiful story of the earlier P.I. who is hired to help a single mother with her supposedly haunted house. GRADE: A+
"The Trouble": A supporting character from earlier stories gets a backstory while he faces his worst possible foe. GRADE: A+++
"Ghost Creepin' Blues": Someone who helped stop The Trouble is back to help a girl see how important she is. GRADE: A+
I cannot wait to read more stories and books by Maberry.
These stories revolve around the fictional Pennsylvania rural town of Pine Deep, which in a trilogy before this had over ten thousand people killed. The government said it was a terrorist attack, but the locals refer to it as "The Trouble" and believe supernatural creatures were involved. Reading of that trilogy of books is not required to enjoy these tales. I haven't read them (yet) and found these absolutely engaging.
"Property Condemned": Four youngsters venture into a haunted house, with one seeing something he shouldn't have. GRADE: A
"Material Witness": Three strapped government agents go into town to locate a writer that's been placed in witness relocation because one of his novels contains the all-too real plans to destroy the United States. Other countries want him, as does something else. GRADE: A+
"Long Way Home": A veteran comes home and is greeted by a friend. This was the weakest tale for me, but improved considerably when the friend appears. GRADE: C
"Three Guys Walk into a Bar": The longest story in the book that features a brilliant P.I. Perfect plot, characters, and dialogue. GRADE: A+++++
"On Lonely Roads": A poem that starts slow and then grows spectacularly into the cover image. GRADE: A-
"Mister Pockets": A hobo is given some kindness and then repays in the most horrifyingly beautiful way. GRADE: A+++
"Whistlin' Past the Graveyard": Bodies are disappearing from the graveyard and the grave keeper needs help. GRADE: A+
"A House in Need of Children": A beautiful story of the earlier P.I. who is hired to help a single mother with her supposedly haunted house. GRADE: A+
"The Trouble": A supporting character from earlier stories gets a backstory while he faces his worst possible foe. GRADE: A+++
"Ghost Creepin' Blues": Someone who helped stop The Trouble is back to help a girl see how important she is. GRADE: A+
I cannot wait to read more stories and books by Maberry.
October 26, 2023
4.5 Stars
This was an anthology of sorts, except that this collection of 9 stories have all been written by the same author - Jonathan Maberry. I am already a fan of Mr. Maberry, but my absolute favorite series at this time is the Joe Ledger Series.
What this collection DID do for me was make me realize that I need to go out and find the Pine Deep Trilogy and then read it. This collection of short stories are all peripherally attached to the small town of Pine Deep. They all occur either before, during or after what has apparently become known as "The Trouble".
One thing that I love about being a fan of a particular author and having read most of their books, is that when we do happen to get the gift of a short story or novella and the story has either a character or a setting that we are familiar with, it is always a great feeling. It makes you feel like you know a secret that not everybody does, or that you have inside information. Maybe it's just me....
Anyway, each of these stories are uniquely different, yet each holds its own. I loved getting to see a peek into one of the stories and just KNOWING exactly who was doing the talking on the walkie talkie when they said, "Cowboy out", and it was fun to see Sam Hall again.
Several of these stories revolved around the town of Pine Deep or the characters that comprised the story (I'm guessing). Since I haven't read that series yet, I didn't have the inside scoop, yet I still didn't feel left out or feel like I was lost. This collection can definitely be read as a stand alone without any problems.
If you are a fan of Mr. Maberry, or a fan of the horror genre in general, this is definitely a book you want to take the time to read. He is a master of setting scenes in such a way that you can suddenly feel your breath start to come in quicker gasps and then you realize that you somehow, sometime, also started holding your breath. There are also moments in certain stories that somehow seem to draw out unexpected emotions, sometimes at the most unexpected times.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
This was an anthology of sorts, except that this collection of 9 stories have all been written by the same author - Jonathan Maberry. I am already a fan of Mr. Maberry, but my absolute favorite series at this time is the Joe Ledger Series.
What this collection DID do for me was make me realize that I need to go out and find the Pine Deep Trilogy and then read it. This collection of short stories are all peripherally attached to the small town of Pine Deep. They all occur either before, during or after what has apparently become known as "The Trouble".
One thing that I love about being a fan of a particular author and having read most of their books, is that when we do happen to get the gift of a short story or novella and the story has either a character or a setting that we are familiar with, it is always a great feeling. It makes you feel like you know a secret that not everybody does, or that you have inside information. Maybe it's just me....
Anyway, each of these stories are uniquely different, yet each holds its own. I loved getting to see a peek into one of the stories and just KNOWING exactly who was doing the talking on the walkie talkie when they said, "Cowboy out", and it was fun to see Sam Hall again.
Several of these stories revolved around the town of Pine Deep or the characters that comprised the story (I'm guessing). Since I haven't read that series yet, I didn't have the inside scoop, yet I still didn't feel left out or feel like I was lost. This collection can definitely be read as a stand alone without any problems.
If you are a fan of Mr. Maberry, or a fan of the horror genre in general, this is definitely a book you want to take the time to read. He is a master of setting scenes in such a way that you can suddenly feel your breath start to come in quicker gasps and then you realize that you somehow, sometime, also started holding your breath. There are also moments in certain stories that somehow seem to draw out unexpected emotions, sometimes at the most unexpected times.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
October 9, 2023
Long Past Midnight by Jonathan Maberry
Perfect stories to read as All Hallow’s Even approaches! Starts with four children on a ghost hunt getting quite a surprise and ends with a teen talking to a ghost that brings her a glimpse of what might be expected of her in the future.
I thought that I would read a few stories to see if I like this author and then move on to something else only to find out that every story in this compilation seemed to build on the previous one and draw me into the Pine Deep community with a desire to see how all would turn out. I have a feeling there is more for me to hear about this small town in Pennsylvania and the humans, and not so humans, that interact as they occupy the same part of the world .
This writer has a way with words and created unbelievably believable situations that had me happy nobody came in unexpectedly while I was reading. I was immersed in the stories, cared about the characters, wanted to find out what would happen next, and realize now that I am totally invested in the characters and want to know what happens next with Crow, Val, Sam, Mikey, Ledger, Val, and Djinn.
I am delighted to have found a new author that writes creepy, atmospheric, haunting stories that will stay with me and have me looking for more by Jonathan Maberry.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Perfect stories to read as All Hallow’s Even approaches! Starts with four children on a ghost hunt getting quite a surprise and ends with a teen talking to a ghost that brings her a glimpse of what might be expected of her in the future.
I thought that I would read a few stories to see if I like this author and then move on to something else only to find out that every story in this compilation seemed to build on the previous one and draw me into the Pine Deep community with a desire to see how all would turn out. I have a feeling there is more for me to hear about this small town in Pennsylvania and the humans, and not so humans, that interact as they occupy the same part of the world .
This writer has a way with words and created unbelievably believable situations that had me happy nobody came in unexpectedly while I was reading. I was immersed in the stories, cared about the characters, wanted to find out what would happen next, and realize now that I am totally invested in the characters and want to know what happens next with Crow, Val, Sam, Mikey, Ledger, Val, and Djinn.
I am delighted to have found a new author that writes creepy, atmospheric, haunting stories that will stay with me and have me looking for more by Jonathan Maberry.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
September 13, 2023
For the first time every all the short stories of Pine Deeps before and after shots from the town where you know THE TROUBLE happened.
I listened to the audiobooks of the individual story multiple times and the main series I don’t know how many times. So take my word when say if an audiobook comes out for this collection buy immediately.
Now has you can see I’m abit if a fan of series that mixes human emotions with the unseen world we know is just on the other side. The book gives us a look in new and old chacthers before and after the books events happened to see how the events effected then or to show who they truly where at there core. I hope Maberry expand the The Ghost Road Blues series one day with the hints payed down we’re given the promise of that be a real possibility if you look of every detail.
Never has horror been truly human has Maberry betrays it even the non-humans…….
I listened to the audiobooks of the individual story multiple times and the main series I don’t know how many times. So take my word when say if an audiobook comes out for this collection buy immediately.
Now has you can see I’m abit if a fan of series that mixes human emotions with the unseen world we know is just on the other side. The book gives us a look in new and old chacthers before and after the books events happened to see how the events effected then or to show who they truly where at there core. I hope Maberry expand the The Ghost Road Blues series one day with the hints payed down we’re given the promise of that be a real possibility if you look of every detail.
Never has horror been truly human has Maberry betrays it even the non-humans…….
August 3, 2023
A trip back to Pine Deep where the ghosts, werewolves and vampires thrive. Beloved characters from the Ghost Road Blues trilogy appear in all new stories of horror and suspense. New characters are also introduced within the Pine Deep mythology such as Annabelle Pish who has a ghost problem that only a P.I. with a background in the supernatural can solve. There is also Frankie Spoons whose job at the Pine Deep Cemetery has become a more “lively” then would be expected. Malcolm Crowe, Mike Sweeney, Val Guthrie from the original trilogy along with Joe Ledger from the DMS all have their moments.
I highly recommend this book. Reading the Pine Deep Trilogy is not necessary but you are missing out if you don’t.
I highly recommend this book. Reading the Pine Deep Trilogy is not necessary but you are missing out if you don’t.
August 23, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. I had high hopes for this book, as I really enjoyed the Pine Deep trilogy when I read it a few years ago. However, I found this book to be very light on the supernatural and very heavy on the action movie style aspects. I felt like we spent so much of the stories watching the male characters argue, and have these macho contests over who could be more tough, and it was very annoying. This book just didn’t work for me, but I feel like if you were a fan of the authors Joe Ledger series, you will like this.
Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. I had high hopes for this book, as I really enjoyed the Pine Deep trilogy when I read it a few years ago. However, I found this book to be very light on the supernatural and very heavy on the action movie style aspects. I felt like we spent so much of the stories watching the male characters argue, and have these macho contests over who could be more tough, and it was very annoying. This book just didn’t work for me, but I feel like if you were a fan of the authors Joe Ledger series, you will like this.
November 19, 2024
Excellent collection of short stories! Lovely continuation of the Pine Deep trilogy, but Maberry does a terrific job of driving the stories even if you haven’t read those astounding books. New characters who leap from the pages, which is my favorite part. My favorite story is harder to pin down but probably Djinn’s story…yeah, has to be Djinn. She reminds me of Stephen Graham Jones’ Jade character (look up My Heart Is A Chainsaw), and I love Jade!
Loved the visit from Joe Ledger in one of the stories.
Hoping Djinn shows up in future Pine Deep works. Somehow I think she will.
Again just a fascinating set of stories and characters. Loved it!
Loved the visit from Joe Ledger in one of the stories.
Hoping Djinn shows up in future Pine Deep works. Somehow I think she will.
Again just a fascinating set of stories and characters. Loved it!
January 7, 2024
I was born and raised in an area of PA right next to where the fictional town of Pine Deep would be located. Never have I been happier to not live there any more. lol
These are great stories and definitely hint at more to come from the terrifying town.
I had two favorite stories - Three Guys Walk Into a Bar, a novella that introduced me to the character of Sam Hunter (I've got to read more of his stories) and Whistlin' Past the Graveyard, this may be one of my new fav short stories, has a slightly slow build up and an ending I won't soon forget.
These are great stories and definitely hint at more to come from the terrifying town.
I had two favorite stories - Three Guys Walk Into a Bar, a novella that introduced me to the character of Sam Hunter (I've got to read more of his stories) and Whistlin' Past the Graveyard, this may be one of my new fav short stories, has a slightly slow build up and an ending I won't soon forget.
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