J. Marc Harding's Blog
January 5, 2025
New Email About PAINKILLER GHOSTS
Even though it was published 15 years ago, I still occasionally get random emails from strangers about my first novel, Painkiller Ghosts. This one I received recently:
"I’ve just finished reading Painkiller Ghosts, and I must say, your novel is a truly captivating and haunting exploration of both the supernatural and the human condition. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world where the lines between reality and the afterlife blur, creating an atmosphere of suspense, mystery, and deep emotional resonance.
What immediately struck me about the book is how you combine elements of horror and psychological depth. The way you weave together the literal ghosts that haunt your characters with the emotional ghosts of their pasts is brilliant. The supernatural elements are not just there for thrills—they are deeply intertwined with the characters' journeys of healing, regret, and redemption. The ghosts, both spectral and metaphorical, feel incredibly real, adding layers of complexity to the narrative and reminding us that the things we fear the most are often reflections of our own unresolved struggles.
The protagonist, in particular, is a standout character. You’ve done a fantastic job of creating someone who is flawed, deeply conflicted, and yet incredibly relatable. His struggle with his own past, his need for redemption, and his complicated relationship with the supernatural provide a strong emotional anchor for the story. As a reader, I couldn’t help but become invested in his journey—both the external quest to uncover the truth about the ghosts and the internal quest to reconcile his past actions and find peace. His vulnerability and internal conflict are palpable, and it’s this emotional depth that makes the novel stand out in the genre.
Your prose is sharp and atmospheric, creating vivid, eerie imagery without ever feeling overwhelming. The pacing is spot on, with moments of intense suspense balanced by quieter, more introspective passages that allow the characters and themes to breathe. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, not only to see what would happen next in terms of the ghostly encounters but to learn more about the protagonist's inner journey. The eerie, unsettling atmosphere you create in the haunted locations is wonderfully immersive—it's not just about jump scares or spooky imagery, but about the quiet, lingering dread that builds throughout the story.
What I also appreciated was the way you explored the psychological and emotional impact of trauma and guilt. The ghosts in the book aren't merely supernatural entities; they serve as reflections of the characters' deepest fears and unresolved emotions. You’ve made the supernatural realm an extension of the human psyche, and that adds a layer of depth and complexity that elevates Painkiller Ghosts beyond the typical horror novel. It’s as much about confronting the past as it is about confronting external threats, and that blend of personal and paranormal is what makes the story so compelling.
The supporting characters, too, are well-drawn and add meaningful depth to the narrative. Whether they serve as allies or obstacles, each person plays an important role in the protagonist’s journey, and I loved how their interactions added both tension and emotional nuance to the story. The dynamics between the characters are rich and multilayered, making the novel feel not just like a haunting tale, but a deep, emotional experience.
If I had one small suggestion, it would be to further explore some of the secondary characters’ backstories. While their roles are essential to the plot, a little more insight into their motivations or pasts could add even more emotional resonance to the story. That said, this is a minor note in an otherwise excellent narrative.
In conclusion, Painkiller Ghosts is a standout work that expertly blends the supernatural with deep emotional and psychological themes. Your writing is atmospheric, your characters are compelling, and the story is both chilling and thought-provoking. It’s a book that lingers long after you’ve finished reading, sparking reflection on both the nature of fear and the paths to redemption. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to seeing more of your work in the future.
Thank you for such a captivating and thought-provoking read."
"I’ve just finished reading Painkiller Ghosts, and I must say, your novel is a truly captivating and haunting exploration of both the supernatural and the human condition. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world where the lines between reality and the afterlife blur, creating an atmosphere of suspense, mystery, and deep emotional resonance.
What immediately struck me about the book is how you combine elements of horror and psychological depth. The way you weave together the literal ghosts that haunt your characters with the emotional ghosts of their pasts is brilliant. The supernatural elements are not just there for thrills—they are deeply intertwined with the characters' journeys of healing, regret, and redemption. The ghosts, both spectral and metaphorical, feel incredibly real, adding layers of complexity to the narrative and reminding us that the things we fear the most are often reflections of our own unresolved struggles.
The protagonist, in particular, is a standout character. You’ve done a fantastic job of creating someone who is flawed, deeply conflicted, and yet incredibly relatable. His struggle with his own past, his need for redemption, and his complicated relationship with the supernatural provide a strong emotional anchor for the story. As a reader, I couldn’t help but become invested in his journey—both the external quest to uncover the truth about the ghosts and the internal quest to reconcile his past actions and find peace. His vulnerability and internal conflict are palpable, and it’s this emotional depth that makes the novel stand out in the genre.
Your prose is sharp and atmospheric, creating vivid, eerie imagery without ever feeling overwhelming. The pacing is spot on, with moments of intense suspense balanced by quieter, more introspective passages that allow the characters and themes to breathe. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, not only to see what would happen next in terms of the ghostly encounters but to learn more about the protagonist's inner journey. The eerie, unsettling atmosphere you create in the haunted locations is wonderfully immersive—it's not just about jump scares or spooky imagery, but about the quiet, lingering dread that builds throughout the story.
What I also appreciated was the way you explored the psychological and emotional impact of trauma and guilt. The ghosts in the book aren't merely supernatural entities; they serve as reflections of the characters' deepest fears and unresolved emotions. You’ve made the supernatural realm an extension of the human psyche, and that adds a layer of depth and complexity that elevates Painkiller Ghosts beyond the typical horror novel. It’s as much about confronting the past as it is about confronting external threats, and that blend of personal and paranormal is what makes the story so compelling.
The supporting characters, too, are well-drawn and add meaningful depth to the narrative. Whether they serve as allies or obstacles, each person plays an important role in the protagonist’s journey, and I loved how their interactions added both tension and emotional nuance to the story. The dynamics between the characters are rich and multilayered, making the novel feel not just like a haunting tale, but a deep, emotional experience.
If I had one small suggestion, it would be to further explore some of the secondary characters’ backstories. While their roles are essential to the plot, a little more insight into their motivations or pasts could add even more emotional resonance to the story. That said, this is a minor note in an otherwise excellent narrative.
In conclusion, Painkiller Ghosts is a standout work that expertly blends the supernatural with deep emotional and psychological themes. Your writing is atmospheric, your characters are compelling, and the story is both chilling and thought-provoking. It’s a book that lingers long after you’ve finished reading, sparking reflection on both the nature of fear and the paths to redemption. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to seeing more of your work in the future.
Thank you for such a captivating and thought-provoking read."
June 9, 2017
Drowning In Sand, chapter 1 part 1
Check out Marc reading part of the first chapter of Drowning In Sand::
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ppx5...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ppx5...
October 11, 2016
ebook giveaway
You can win a free ebook version of my newest novel, Drowning in Sand, on Amazon currently; check it out::
https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/83a299e...
Hope you win one!
-Marc
https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/83a299e...
Hope you win one!
-Marc
