paced reading horror and thrillers discussion

Two so far to read Blood Kin, winner of 2014 Bram Stoker Best Novel. Join Us!

So far:

Andy
Maxine

Super stoked! When do we begin?

How about this week? I'll probably be able to start tomorrow!

Sure. Tomorrow or later in the week is perfect.

I've just started this one but I'm finding it very interesting so far...

I've been on the Souther/Western/frontier kick lately. It seems to be a major theme in just about everything I read or watch:

Southern Bastards ('bama)
Twin Peaks (mountain country WA)
Mud (Arkansas)
Black Hat Jack (Wild West)
Alvin Maker (Epic American frontier fantasy)
Headhunter (parts in New Orleans)
and now this...

I was gonna start Ritual tonight, but I'll bump this on up the list

I love Southern Gothic! And I've been meaning to get to Black Hat Jack, too.

Ever read Gone South?

I just looked up Gone South and ... how did I miss that one!? And its McCammon! Just picked it up on kindle unlimited!!

Let's keep the buddy read going after this one.

Ok, sounds good! I'm going to dig into Blood Kin today.

Ooooh, maybe Usher's Passing, too. We'll have to get a list going.

I think I have Ushers passing, too.

I've started and will dedicate more time to this one today. I had trouble getting into the first chapter, but as soon as it went back in time to begin Sadie's story, the book really hit its stride. Those hollow Gibsons are something else.

You should google Melungeon to get an idea of possible appearances for the characters. I find that having an preconceived idea helps with forming a more clear mental image.

Very cool setting for a story.

Yes, I agree, the second chapter really made the story more interesting. Good idea, looking up the Melungeon thing. I really like the book so far, the environment is so seedy and insular and oppressive. I can't wait to find out what's in the iron-chained wooden box in the field of kudzu.

Totally agree. The structuring of the story is brilliant with the switching back and forth between the present and the telling of the story each night, and the ominous secret looming in the background of both time periods.

Did you notice when Michael was watering plants for his girlfriend and that vine just appeared and almost seemed to be reaching out to grab him. That was a really nice touch.

Andy wrote: "Totally agree. The structuring of the story is brilliant with the switching back and forth between the present and the telling of the story each night, and the ominous secret looming in the backgr..."

Yes, the vine, like he can't escape where he's come from...Also was intrigued by the way the grandmother's house seems to go on and on with many many rooms and how he got vertigo once he crossed one of the thresholds and now he won't go near that part of the house!

Yeah, I had forgotten about the house. That reminded me of House of Leaves. Do you think it's supernatural? Given the setting, I can't imagine that the house is very big.

I suspect its more of a psychic reaction to family history of the house, considering how Sadie finds herself connecting to others psychically. Supernatural in the bloodline maybe?

I'd love to join in on this one! BloodKin has been on my shelf for a while. I read up to ch.3 last night and it's really good so far.

I had to look up kudzu vines and Melungeon. Pretty interesting stuff!

Kirstin wrote: "I'd love to join in on this one! BloodKin has been on my shelf for a while. I read up to ch.3 last night and it's really good so far.

I had to look up kudzu vines and Melungeon. Pretty interestin..."

Hi Kirstin, please join us! I'm really liking this read, very atmospheric and I'm hoping to read more southern gothic as the year goes on. This was the Bram Stoker winner this year and I can see why it made the list in the first place.

I also think it's very deserving of the award.

Thanks, Maxine!

I read to page 84. What was that when (view spoiler)[ Sadie's dad stared at her through the crack in the wall and bit the head off the mouse? Holy crap!

I can't imagine feeling the sensations of other people. I'm with Sadie, I want no part of that "gift"! Or, at least I would want to be with a different group of people!!
I loved the creepy Grans, Elijah and Addie. I hope they show up again cause I'm not sure what they were trying to tell her. (hide spoiler)]

Yes, the Grans were a nice touch to the story. I almost forgot about the part where (view spoiler)[Sadie gets her period at the same time she watches that guys' hands get cut off in some farm equipment. Holy crap, that was surreal!(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Maxine wrote: "Yes, the Grans were a nice touch to the story. I almost forgot about the part where [spoilers removed]"

Yes! Disturbing! There was a lot of blood that day.

I can't stop reading this. I am glad we first know Sadie as an old woman. I think it makes it easier to read her story.

Did anyone read the part where she visits Preacher's church yet. That is a hell of a scene.

Andy wrote: "Did anyone read the part where she visits Preacher's church yet. That is a hell of a scene."

Yes! That was an incredible piece of writing. So intense!

Andy wrote: "Did anyone read the part where she visits Preacher's church yet. That is a hell of a scene."

Yes, I was on edge that whole scene just waiting for the snakes to appear!

I binged the rest of the book last night and finished it off. I think The Preacher is one of the creepiest, nastiest bad guys I've read in a long while.

Great book, can't wait to hear what you think of the ending.

I think maybe some would find the ending a little less "exciting" than expected but I actually really liked the book as a whole.

Would anyone be interested in keeping the southern gothic going? I'd really like to read Gone South by Robert McCammon.

I'll be finishing this one tonight. Reading in general has been slow going for me because I've been listening to 3-4 hours of audiobook content at work every day.

Andy wrote: "I'll be finishing this one tonight. Reading in general has been slow going for me because I've been listening to 3-4 hours of audiobook content at work every day."

Are you listening to audiobooks for work? 3-4 hours is a lot!

I am a teacher during the academic year and have a summer gig doing outdoor work. There is nothing better than riding a lawnmower for four hours and getting totally engrossed in an audiobook.

Blood Kin was incredible in spots, and the overall setting was so unique, but I didn't like the ending much. Some of the family legacy stuff also started to fall apart towards the end in my opinion.

Andy wrote: "Blood Kin was incredible in spots, and the overall setting was so unique, but I didn't like the ending much. Some of the family legacy stuff also started to fall apart towards the end in my opinion."

Yes, I know what you mean it was sort of abrupt.