Boo

Boo #1

by Rene Gutteridge

Talk about working out your faith with fear and trembling – a scheme is plotted to put the fright back into Skary–and get their most famous resident out of love and back into the thrill business. 

The biggest thing to happen to Skary, Indiana, is renowned horror novelist Wolfe Boone–or, “Boo,” as the locals fondly call him. For the past sixteen years, the reclusive writer has been the town’s greatest attraction, having unintentionally turned the once-struggling Skary into a thriving tourist-trap for the dark from the Haunted Mansion restaurant, famous for its “bloody fingers” (fries splattered with ketchup) to Spooky’s Bookstore (where employees dress like the walking dead).

But when a newly reformed Boone suddenly quits the genre and starts to pursue Skary’s favorite girl-next-door, Ainsley Parker, the little town made famous by his writings becomes truly horrified. The residents know that the only solution is for Boo to fall out of love and get back to scaring.   

Filled with humor, small town charm, and a gentle message of enduring faith, Boo shows how even the most colorful group of busybodies and hypocrites can become a community changed forever by God.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Mystery, Humor, Contemporary

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2003

About the author

Rene Gutteridge is the award-winning and best-selling author of more than eighteen novels, including the beloved Boo Series and Heart of the Country, her novelization release with director John Ward and Tyndale House Publishers. Her recent suspense titles include Listen, Possession and the award-winning Seven Hours project Escapement. She's been published by Bethany House, Tyndale House, WaterBrook Press, Thomas Nelson and B&H and novelized the successful motion picture The Ultimate Gift. She is teaming again with screenwriter Cheryl McKay for the romantic comedy Greetings from the Flipside from B&H and releasing her new suspense title, Misery Loves Company from Tyndale in 2013. Her romantic comedy Never the Bride won the 2010 Carol Award for Best Women’s Fiction. Her upcoming literary projects include the novelization of the motion picture Old Fashioned with Tyndale House Publishers and filmmaker Rik Swartzwelder.

Her adaptation of her novel My Life as a Doormat is in development with Kingdom Pictures and she is also a creative consultant for Boo, a film based on her best-selling novel, in development at Sodium Entertainment with Cory Edwards attached as director and Andrea Nasfell as screenwriter. She is also co-writer in a collaborative comedy project called Last Resort with screenwriters Torry Martin and Marshal Younger. Her screenplay Skid is currently in production and scheduled to begin filming in April of 2013. Find her on Facebook and Twitter or at her website, www.renegutteridge.com

Reviews

[Christine Indorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in a used bookstore and completely fell in love with this book. A horror fiction writer who gave his life to Christ, now he want to write other things other than horror. The problem, the whole town is based on his writing. The town is called Skary and now what will this small town do. Their goal is to get him back into writing Horror, but writer has other things on his mind like falling in love with the town restaurant owner who hates him. The more they spend time together the more they like each other, but will they fall in love? Will the town succeed with their mission? This book is hysterical. The town trying to get the author to write a horror book to save their town, the author trying to get the girl and I won't tell you the part but it has to do with a cat is priceless!! I so recommend this book. Sit back and enjoy the ride because its so worth it!!!

[Lovely Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

Hee hee. A fun little romp through Scary Indiana as a famous Horror novelist has recently become a Christian.

There is nothing thrilling or scary in this book though, so go into knowing that.

The writing reminded me of Frank Peretti (without the Spiritual World aspect)

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instead of just reviewing this light-hearted, cutesy, fun read, I'm going to take on one of the criticisms of this book: Some folks were bothered by the fact that Ainsley wasn't very friendly to Wolfe (aka "Boo") at the start of the book. Um...if there was one person who had always been the "thorn in your flesh," to use the language of 2 Corinthians 12:7, and continually made your life needlessly more difficult, how would you feel about him or her? Would you want as little to do with him or her as possible? Thought so! In that respect, Rene Gutteridge deserves credit for writing a novel that contains Christian characters who are just as flawed as we are, instead of a bunch of Mary Sues.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

**Read for S524: Adult Readers' Advisory** Oh man...I am so not cut out for Christian fiction. I thought it would just be casual mentions of church life, and moral living, but I didn't understand the references to a lot of this kind of Christianity. But whatever, I belong to a religion that has a lot of terms that other people don't understand, so I can get past that. I think Mormon fiction is freaky too, so I'm all about equality of religious culture weirdness. But I guess it bothered me that Boo is considered evil by the Christian community (or at least, the only "true" Christian in the book) because he writes horror novels. It took me forever to figure out that he was supposed to be a bad person based on this fact, and that he can no longer write once he converts (which was instantaneous, and shallow, to be frank). But I can also deal with that too. I can also look past the fact that a 30-year-old woman lives with her father, and he can tell her that she's not allowed to wear makeup. But I can't look past how terrible of a person the female protagonist actually was, when she's supposed to be the moral backbone of the town. She is SO horrible to Boo at the beginning of the book, but she's supposed to be this pillar of the community. I know that she's supposed to change in throughout the story and learn that she was wrong, but I had a hard time seeing someone described as Christian that behaved that way - and, ultimately, the reader is supposed to think that she is right because Boo himself views her as right in her hatred of his profession. She repeatedly acts on the basis of a moral high ground, but is really just being a jerk. And her perfection...ugh. She could do absolutely no wrong. She bakes her own bread, she single-handedly makes Thanksgiving dinner for dozens of guests, she visits the elderly, she wears quilted vests with turtlenecks (seriously, that was supposed to be a good thing?). Ugh, actually, was there ANY character with any redeeming value? Maybe the minister? It just seemed like a town full of manipulative people, with very few "lovable" quirks.

I chose this book for class because it takes place in Indiana and because I liked the premise of a spooky town with eccentric characters, but there was such a lack of depth in every aspect of this book (the characters, the religion, the formation of the town, the thought put into the ways the tourism industry could work in the town, the relationship between the romantic interests, etc.) that it was completely boring and obnoxious to read. I'm giving it an extra star just for the idea and because it wasn't quite as bad as The Amber Room or Mary, Mary (Alex Cross, #11), but it was BAD.

[Stacy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! I loved this book. It was so faith filled. It made me laugh out loud. It was heartwarming and cute like a hallmark movie!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

FALL x JESUS !

[Becka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a reread for me, but it’s been many years, so I didn’t recall a lot about the plot. I really enjoyed the story and the faith element was well done. I think a reread of the entire series is in order!

[Rod Horncastle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to give this 5 stars... but no! Maybe if it was a 100 pages longer and had more deep theology.

I almost feel sorry for anybody who reads this without knowing it IS Christian fiction and Romance. Ouch! Some people get their hair up in hackles when there's Christian Romance afoot. (I'd do the same if Richard Dawkin's attempted a macro-evolutionary atheist love tale in a Christian bookstore). But i'd still read it and laugh. Funny is Funny.

So here we have the town of Skary Indiana, pronounced "Scary" (middle America and just south of chicago for all you non North American dwellers). And they have a horror writer celebrity who occupies a lone house up on the hill - think Stephen King in Maine. Yes, Wolfe Boone "Boo" suddenly becomes a Christian and starts hanging out with the local Pastor and ceases his desires to write horror novels ever again. The town is in emotional and financial chaos and a few decide they need to fix things back to the ever successful way things just were.
But the big part of the story is: Wolfe has a huge crush on the town's lovely Christian Waitress "Ainsley Parker". But Ainsley hates Boo and how his fame has turned her nice little town into a horror movie set - yep, all the restaurants and hotels and stores all embrace the macabre for their endless tourists who crave blood and monsters in their outings. But since they are just about the only good looking younger characters in the book - Romance MUST happen.

It's crazy and ridiculous fun. The townsfolk are morons and halfwits but fun to observe. And our two main characters are deep and soulful and patient with the bumbling masses. (so it's basically just like YOUR town - Wherever you are.) The local dogs and cats play a huge part in the story as well.

I'm surprised Boo didn't start writing SCARY Christian books, like Ted Dekker attempts *are they really Christian??? ummmh. Certainly not like Rene Gutteridge's clear examples. Lots of light Christianity and Bible references included. Nothing to fight over theologically or Apologetically (which is probably a safe start.) I'm now starting the second book in the series.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I loved this book because I love autumn. It's a perfect book if you're snuggled up in October or November and need a romantic-PG-comfort story.

[alittlelifeofmel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The unique cover and title of this book has lingered with me for a very long time. I initially read this in elementary school around 10-12 years old and it’s stuck in my brain. I bought it a while back and now decided to read it so I could see if I remembered what it was about. Spoiler alert: I didn’t.

I won’t go into the synopsis, but overall I found this book just okay. It’s very religious, it definitely hits preachy levels for the majority of it. I don’t mind this as I’m able to ignore it personally, but it’s very much a big plot point. The characters are all despicable except our two heroes and it was just annoying to be angry at all times. I did enjoy them though and found the town and characters very vivid. It gave me Stars Hollow vibes from Gilmore Girls.

I’m glad I revisited this book. I’m not sure if I’ll revisit the rest and read the 4th book I didn’t know existed but I’ll see how I feel in the future.

[Valeri · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a refreshing read. I will be honest the only reason I picked up this book was because of the cover. I was surprised to find this was a Christian story and while that’s not my usual go to genre, it was nice to read something positive and uplifting. The characters were likable when they were supposed to be and the story was decent. My only qualm was that I am pretty sure the main gal was 30 and her dad got mad when she wore lipgloss and it was pointed out often. Like good grief. But otherwise, no actual complaints

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for an entertaining read that provides you with plenty of offbeat humour, quirky characters, a devious conspiracy, an unlikely villain, heart-warming romance, enduring faith, and leaves you with a satisfied smile of a book well worth the read... look no further than Rene Gutteridge's BOO.

When bestselling horror-novelist Wolfe "Boo" Boone suddenly becomes a Christian and leaves his days of writing horror novels behind, his home town of Skary, Indiana, suddenly panics, as their identity has been severely grounded in the influence of Boo's novels. And when Wolfe begins to woo the town's sweetheart, a plot is hatched to turn Boo's attention away from romance and back to writing what will keep the little town alive... but little do they realize that God has a surprise in store for the them all!

Curl up in your favourite corner and be introduced to Skary, a small town filled with charming characters that will endear you, and leave you anxiously wanting to read more. BOO is followed up by BOO WHO and BOO HISS.

[Undomiel Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read!
Probably one of the best executed small-town charm books I've read (it's a trope I love but feel often comes across cringey and full of caricatures in a lot of books) with beautiful Christian themes that are not forceful and are also critiqued in how some characters project their faith which I loved as it portrays Christianity as something that doesn't immediately make you righteous if you weaponise it as some characters try to do. At the same time it demonstrates such an abundance of love and beauty that can come from having a healthy, thoughtful faith! The characters were so fun, the little twists and turns were simple but effective, and the "world-building" of this town - from the book shop to the diner - was just lovely! Such a shame the others in the series are so difficult to get ahold of here in the UK.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book club read this and there weren't many copies in the library. I grabbed an audio version and really enjoyed it! Michael Taylor does a great job with the voices and story.

Ainsley is pretty disgusted with Wolfe. He's turned her beloved town into a horror attraction without even trying. When he accepts God and starts to pursue her, she realizes that there might be more than meets the eye with him. Ainsley is a very sweet and obedient girl. She's a favorite of many and tries to make those around her happy. Wolfe is complex, but very enjoyable. I loved the story of how he came to write what he does. The novel is filled with interesting, unique, and meddling characters who really add to the feel of this small town. I enjoyed every one of them and the spark they each brought to the story.

There are a few little mysteries that are embedded in the storyline and the reader is privy to some of the conclusions. It was fun to watch things unfold and the climax was both sad and entertaining. I love that things are left open for more to happen in future installments.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a gentle story with a dash of mystery and romance, a helping of humor, and a Christian theme threaded throughout. Clean!

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun romp through the town of Skary.

I loved this sweet and funny Christian fiction book (no horror, only humor), about a man named Wolfe Boone who is an author of horror books who becomes a Christian and no longer wants to write those type of books.

What follows is funny antics of the towns people who don't want him to stop writing, a Faith filled book of learning what it really means to be a Christian and being a part of the community and your church family.

I highly recommend listening to this on audio, the narrator did a great job with the voices and I felt he really brought out the humor and heart of the story.

[Joe Faust · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gutteridge’s novel walks the tightrope between romantic comedy and farce. Most of the time it falls. It might not have done that if the eccentricity knob for some of the supporting cast members had been turned down a bit. And I know that the leads were Christians, but there’s a difference between forgiving wrongs and letting them go unpunished.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book!

[Rachel Crawley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't decide if I'm being too generous, or if the intention, heart, and faith of this book are just enough to edge it up to 3 here.

I thought, when I read the synopsis for this book, I was getting something along the lines of Frank Peretti's "This Present Darkness." Instead, I got a Halloween themed Hallmark movie with a touch of christian romance.

The good? I love a coming to faith story! And Wolfe Boone was a good character. The reasoning behind the movie scene was good, as were many parts of the relationship-building.

The bad? The dialogue was just so stilted and ham-fisted sometimes. Not only that, but then it would skip over the really good dialogue I'd actually want to read- like the man's prayer that touched hearts! Come on! And boy oh boy were there some serious plot contrivances. I don't want to spoil it for those who still want to read it, but! Suffice to say, a man says it's best to go straight to the source... and then he doesn't. Then a man who you'd think had a penchant for sniffing out lies ignores some obvious holes in a story. Plus, all through the book, characters just aren't finishing saying things that should be said that would avoid many of the messes along the way!

The ending is very sweet. Although, a part near the end is so cheesy it reminded me of that moment when everybody is waving in Sound of Music singing "goodbyeeeee" - probably cause my dad would always grunt, "That's so unrealistic." And that's exactly how I felt when a gathered group of people admitted to some things in a sudden group therapy session.

I dunno, the more I type? The more it might rate a two, 2.5 at best. Wolf Boone saved the town of Skary, but he likely also saved me wanting to finish this book hah Cause so many other characters came off as too goofy, outlandish, childish, overdone, etc. I can't name all the details here cause I don't want to spoil it, but honestly! Even from the start, I was wondering how old Ainsley was at the start as she called her dad, "Daddy" and said "H-E-double toothpicks." Maybe Aunt Gert being more involved at the start would've helped... I dunno. I just get the feeling this book could've been really stunning if it'd just been pruned and reworked in certain areas.

[Lindsay Lemus · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hmmm... What can I say about this book besides that I'm utterly grateful I listened to it on audio book, so as not to waste my ever waning eyesight on something so horrible? I know, that probably sounds just a little overdramatic, but everything about this book was bad... everything except the guy who read the book (he did separate voices for the characters and everything!). Where to start? This is a book about a town called Skary, Indiana, which is famous because a world-renowned horror novelist lives there. Sounds pretty interesting, right? Well, you would be deceived. Turns out that the main character in this book (besides the horror novelist) is the town darling (read, annoying). She's absolutely perfect. She is loving and kind to everyone in the town (except the horror novelist), she takes time out of her busy schedule to visit the downtrodden, she attends church regularly and is as devout as they come... oh, and did I mention that she cooks everything from scratch (even bread) and her idol is Martha Stewart. If you think that's bad, apparently she thinks it’s a mortal sin to either write or read horror novels. When did reading horror novels become a mortal sin? What church is this crazy lady attending? Oh, and she works at the Haunted Mansion cafe where they serve severed fingers (i.e., French fries with ketchup) and she thinks it's horrible.... further proof of her craziness to me. Overall, I wasted my time and I don't recommend you waste yours.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Love LOVE this book.
So different, fresh and funny compared to much of the "christian fiction" out there.
What a brilliant new concept. I like to imagine the author randomly thinking one day hmmm I wonder what would happen if (insert the most famous horror writer, who shall remain nameless) suddenly converts to christianity and how would the people around him react.
I especially enjoyed how the church goers reacted. All kinds of surprises there.
This book was enjoyable, personally challenging and wonderfully unlike anything I have come across.

Read at least ten years ago, listened to the audio version this time. Didn't love the voices but it was a decent job.

[Karissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this book was Christian Fiction until I was almost halfway through the book. Usually I am turned off by CF, however this was such a cute read! And they don't force God down the readers throat as much as I had thought they would have.
The characters are adorable, though I think Gutteridge forgot during scenes between Ainsley and her father that Ainsley was an older woman versus a twelve year old girl.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I checked Boo out at the library I had no idea the book would be a perfect fall read. The seasonal story is one I have been waiting to find. It includes a handsome horror writer who receives Jesus into his heart, a pretty waitress who cooks lavish, delicious meals, lots of black cats, and the setting takes place at Thanksgiving. I was a little disappointed the story didn't cover Halloween in the horror themed town of Skary, Indiana.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was simple and cute. Very reminiscent of a Hallmark movie, mixed with Christianity. Also reminds me of Mitford. I’ve been in some church settings that are just like this, so if this at all seems far fetched, it’s not. Churches have parishioners that are devious and gossip and tear each other apart. So Miss Peeple is someone I’ve met before. “Boo” was quite cute and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in this scary little town.

[Ynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was.... AWESOME! Love Rene's writing style... I have already started reading the second book... "Boo Who"... Hope it's as good as the first...

[Josie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pretty bad, but I guess I'm not exactly the target market for Christian fiction.

[Kathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always a fun read for fall!

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

one of the dullest books i have ever read. awful in its predictability i could have given you a play by play without even reading it

[Laurel Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story as a "Thanksgiving" novel. I thought the ending was a little weak, but there are sequels.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finished this book yesterday, but just didn't have it in me to write the review. Mainly because I have so many thoughts and emotions over this book, that I don't know how to eloquently write this review. But here it goes. I'm sure this will sound more like a "rant" than a proper review.

First, let me preface this by saying when I started reading this book, I did NOT realize it was Christian Fiction. If I had, I doubt I would have read it, but once I start a book, I do all I can to finish it.

This book follows the journey of a small town horror novelist, Wolfe, who converts to Christianity and no longer feels he can write horror novels. The woman, Ainsley, he is in love with, whom he has NEVER even spoken to, is the town's "ideal portrait of a Godly woman." I'm sorry (but not really), but Ainsley is a COMPLETE B*TCH TOWARDS WOLFE. People like her (which do exist in real life) are the reason Christians get such a bad reputation. She is mean towards him, hates him, and doesn't believe he can ever "change from his dark ways." What kind of Christian is that?

Also, Wolfe, the newly converted Christian and Rev. Peck are the only two characters in this book who are even remotely trying to live a life Jesus would be proud of. Every other damn character is so caught up in the town losing money or scandals being revealed that they want Wolfe to go back "to the dark side." Talk about some good Christians...

Don't even get me started on Garth and Sheriff Parker 😠

Let's also talk about how if you're a Christian, you can't enjoy horror books/movies or anything of the sort. I'd hate to hear what Ainsley thought of Halloween 🙄 Being a Christian DOES NOT mean you can't enjoy these things. By all means, we shouldn't go join a cult or worship the devil, but there's nothing wrong with a good horror story.

This story had potential to be good, but failed miserably. The plot was obvious from the beginning, and literally the ONLY thing that was surprising was the cat scene at Thanksgiving. Everything else was so predictable.

Overall, I give this book 1.5/5 stars ONLY because I liked the characters of Wolfe and Rev Peck. This book left something to be desired. I cannot believe this is a series and will not be reading any more of it.

10/10 would not recommend.