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Where Darkness Dwells
During a hot summer night in 1934, tragedy strikes when two local boys search for the truth behind a local legend. They stumble upon the Underground, a network of uncharted caverns just below the surface of Coal Hollow. Time holds no sway in the Underground. People no longer age and their wounds heal as if by magic. By morning, one boy is murdered, while the other never returns home.
The Underground is hidden for a reason. Certain locals want to keep their lair secret, no matter the cost.
After learning a long-held family secret, Theodore Cooper is set adrift. Once well off and set in his ways, he is no longer sure of his role in society. He leaves his comfortable life in Chicago to tramp the countryside, searching for meaning in this new context. During his travels, he’s drawn to an abandoned house in Coal Hollow and impulsively buys it.
Cooper doesn’t know that a massacre had taken place in his new house. In 1851, a group of bounty hunters tracked a family of runaway slaves to the home. They wound up killing the homeowners as conspirators, then chased the runaways into a cellar tunnel leading to the Underground. The bounty hunters cornered the slaves and killed them. To everyone’s astonishment, the slaves then rose from the dead. Over time, the bounty hunters chose to stay below ground, taking advantage of their new slave labor to build what they term “Paradise.”
Their numbers are augmented by deathbed miners who are offered immorality in exchange for their subservience and labor.
Below a town struggling to survive both the Great Depression and the closing of the local coal mine, there lives an immortal society built on the backs of slavery and pervasive immorality.
The Underground is hidden for a reason. Certain locals want to keep their lair secret, no matter the cost.
After learning a long-held family secret, Theodore Cooper is set adrift. Once well off and set in his ways, he is no longer sure of his role in society. He leaves his comfortable life in Chicago to tramp the countryside, searching for meaning in this new context. During his travels, he’s drawn to an abandoned house in Coal Hollow and impulsively buys it.
Cooper doesn’t know that a massacre had taken place in his new house. In 1851, a group of bounty hunters tracked a family of runaway slaves to the home. They wound up killing the homeowners as conspirators, then chased the runaways into a cellar tunnel leading to the Underground. The bounty hunters cornered the slaves and killed them. To everyone’s astonishment, the slaves then rose from the dead. Over time, the bounty hunters chose to stay below ground, taking advantage of their new slave labor to build what they term “Paradise.”
Their numbers are augmented by deathbed miners who are offered immorality in exchange for their subservience and labor.
Below a town struggling to survive both the Great Depression and the closing of the local coal mine, there lives an immortal society built on the backs of slavery and pervasive immorality.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2011
132 people are currently reading
1683 people want to read
About the author
Glen R. Krisch
35 books521 followersA native of the Chicago suburbs, Glen Krisch hopes to add to his list of ghosts he's witnessed (two), as well as develop his rather pedestrian telekinetic and precognitive skills.
His novels include Amazon Bestseller WHERE DARKNESS DWELLS, THE NIGHTMARE WITHIN, NOTHING LASTING, ARKADIUM RISING, ECHOES OF VIOLENCE, and LITTLE WHISPERS.
His novels include Amazon Bestseller WHERE DARKNESS DWELLS, THE NIGHTMARE WITHIN, NOTHING LASTING, ARKADIUM RISING, ECHOES OF VIOLENCE, and LITTLE WHISPERS.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
March 13, 2022
This was a very dark and creepy story!!
December 10, 2014
This book started out strong and the pace was balanced just enough to keep me interested, though, at first I thought it might get bogged down.
I am glad I continued on, bolstered by the encouragement of a couple of friends whom had read it already, because this was quite an original story, with enough twists and turns to make for an engaging and fun read.
Ted Cooper is a librarian who has left everything behind to tramp around the country in order to find his place in the world. When he stumbles upon the town of Coal Hollow, he inadvertantly gets snared in the search for two local boys, recently gone missing.
A cast of colorful characters and a mysterious network of tunnels underneath the once prominent mining town help to drive the plot.
This was my first experience with Kirsch, and I enjoyed it immensely. I look forward to readimg more of his books in the future.
I am glad I continued on, bolstered by the encouragement of a couple of friends whom had read it already, because this was quite an original story, with enough twists and turns to make for an engaging and fun read.
Ted Cooper is a librarian who has left everything behind to tramp around the country in order to find his place in the world. When he stumbles upon the town of Coal Hollow, he inadvertantly gets snared in the search for two local boys, recently gone missing.
A cast of colorful characters and a mysterious network of tunnels underneath the once prominent mining town help to drive the plot.
This was my first experience with Kirsch, and I enjoyed it immensely. I look forward to readimg more of his books in the future.
April 5, 2012
5 stars
"There's an unpleasant undercurrent in this town. It will pull at you unexpectedly, dragging you under its surface."
What a fabulous time period piece novel by Glenn Krisch. This is a horror novel twisted up with historical fiction. The Great Depression era depicted in this book was a character in itself. This was my second Krisch novel that I have read, The Nightmare Within was my first. Before going into this novel, I already considered myself a fan and now I think it is my job to let others know that Krisch is a novelist not to be missed.
Like Krisch's previous works, this is a character novel. It is the people portrayed within that make this story worth a read. Like I said previously, the time period is portrayed like a unique character, and the rural setting could also be one. This book really comes to life because the characters portrayed seem to be very real. I loved so many of these characters. Arlen, Cooper, Jimmy, Jacob, Ellie, George, Greta and Ethan, and more are all three-dimensional. You will find yourself rooting for the protagonists and hating the antagonists.
This book reminded me so much of a Michael Koryta novel. It has many similarities to books like the Ridge, and the Cypress House. Like Koryta, Krisch does a nice job at making this into an atmospheric and symbolic in nature novel, which contains many deeper meanings and subtexts. The mine shafts and the caves that were described were spooky and surreal. At its core, this novel is a story about a town with a supernatural secret. He gives us a new definition to the underground railroad. What price would you pay for immortality? If you want to be transported to another time and another place, this book is for you.
I call this novel a character novel because the stories plot is told through the actions of our characters. All the back stories are told by giving us a rich background on many of our protagonists. It is easy to empathize with the kids in this story as we have all experienced young love and have also made foolish mistakes with a buddy while just trying to have a good time. The back stories told about the parents in this novel are heavy and grimm. As the story unfolded it was Cooper's story that I most bonded with. As Cooper came to grip with his past, he also grew as a man. Greta played the role of the wisewoman or witch. Arlen was the damaged child that obviously had more to him than meets the eye.
Krisch wrote this book with great literary style and prose. A fine quote which demonstrates his style and his descriptiveness:
"The stench of rotting flesh nearly overpowered her. How wrong could she have been? She gasped as a cold hand grasped her wrist. It forced her to turn aside, her eyes taking in the horrible sight. Slick and wretched flesh falling in clumps from rotting bones. Great lips forming a morbid sneer. Flies buzzing in frenzied feeding. And recognizing the man's eyes. Glints of starlight hovering near the pupils. Intelligent and intense. Green irises still swimming with life. So unlike the rest of his body."
The plot unfolds while the backstory is filled in. This is a book to curl up with as you will not want to put it down. The suspense is taught and heavy, and I couldn't wait to see where it was going. I loved and identified with many of these wonderful characters and I wanted things to work out for them. I loved Cooper's story the most and feel that he represents a modern man, a man that has his world turned upside down when his past is revealed to him. He is forced to come to grips with just how asinine racial prejudice is, how ignorant it is, and how out of touch with reality those that demonstrate it are.
Read this book if you are a fan of smartly written horror novels. Read this book if you find the great depression era a meaningful and interesting subject matter. Read this book because Glenn Krisch can take you away to another time and place with his writing and with his stories. Great Stuff!!!
"There's an unpleasant undercurrent in this town. It will pull at you unexpectedly, dragging you under its surface."
What a fabulous time period piece novel by Glenn Krisch. This is a horror novel twisted up with historical fiction. The Great Depression era depicted in this book was a character in itself. This was my second Krisch novel that I have read, The Nightmare Within was my first. Before going into this novel, I already considered myself a fan and now I think it is my job to let others know that Krisch is a novelist not to be missed.
Like Krisch's previous works, this is a character novel. It is the people portrayed within that make this story worth a read. Like I said previously, the time period is portrayed like a unique character, and the rural setting could also be one. This book really comes to life because the characters portrayed seem to be very real. I loved so many of these characters. Arlen, Cooper, Jimmy, Jacob, Ellie, George, Greta and Ethan, and more are all three-dimensional. You will find yourself rooting for the protagonists and hating the antagonists.
This book reminded me so much of a Michael Koryta novel. It has many similarities to books like the Ridge, and the Cypress House. Like Koryta, Krisch does a nice job at making this into an atmospheric and symbolic in nature novel, which contains many deeper meanings and subtexts. The mine shafts and the caves that were described were spooky and surreal. At its core, this novel is a story about a town with a supernatural secret. He gives us a new definition to the underground railroad. What price would you pay for immortality? If you want to be transported to another time and another place, this book is for you.
I call this novel a character novel because the stories plot is told through the actions of our characters. All the back stories are told by giving us a rich background on many of our protagonists. It is easy to empathize with the kids in this story as we have all experienced young love and have also made foolish mistakes with a buddy while just trying to have a good time. The back stories told about the parents in this novel are heavy and grimm. As the story unfolded it was Cooper's story that I most bonded with. As Cooper came to grip with his past, he also grew as a man. Greta played the role of the wisewoman or witch. Arlen was the damaged child that obviously had more to him than meets the eye.
Krisch wrote this book with great literary style and prose. A fine quote which demonstrates his style and his descriptiveness:
"The stench of rotting flesh nearly overpowered her. How wrong could she have been? She gasped as a cold hand grasped her wrist. It forced her to turn aside, her eyes taking in the horrible sight. Slick and wretched flesh falling in clumps from rotting bones. Great lips forming a morbid sneer. Flies buzzing in frenzied feeding. And recognizing the man's eyes. Glints of starlight hovering near the pupils. Intelligent and intense. Green irises still swimming with life. So unlike the rest of his body."
The plot unfolds while the backstory is filled in. This is a book to curl up with as you will not want to put it down. The suspense is taught and heavy, and I couldn't wait to see where it was going. I loved and identified with many of these wonderful characters and I wanted things to work out for them. I loved Cooper's story the most and feel that he represents a modern man, a man that has his world turned upside down when his past is revealed to him. He is forced to come to grips with just how asinine racial prejudice is, how ignorant it is, and how out of touch with reality those that demonstrate it are.
Read this book if you are a fan of smartly written horror novels. Read this book if you find the great depression era a meaningful and interesting subject matter. Read this book because Glenn Krisch can take you away to another time and place with his writing and with his stories. Great Stuff!!!
January 13, 2026
Where Darkness Dwells was my first full-length novel by Glen Krisch after reading his shorter work, and I can say without hesitation that it completely delivered. From the opening pages, this story pulled me into Coal Hollow and made it feel real in that quiet, unsettling way where you know something is wrong but can’t quite see all of it yet. The premise alone hooked me, two boys chasing a local legend, a mine with a past no one wants to talk about, and a town built on secrets that go far deeper than anyone admits. What surprised me most was how unique this story felt. It didn’t remind me of anything else I’ve read, and I never felt like I could predict where it was headed. That sense of the unknown kept me locked in and constantly uneasy, in the best way.
What really stayed with me, though, was the weight of it all. This book carries a heaviness that doesn’t let up, and I mean that as a compliment. The idea of people living in comfort and even something resembling paradise, while others are trapped beneath them in unimaginable suffering, hit hard. The slaves in the mine haunted me the most. I kept thinking about the years they endured down there, forgotten and exploited, and how easily people can justify cruelty when it benefits them. There’s something deeply disturbing about watching corruption grow even in a place that promises eternity and freedom from death. It made me uncomfortable in a way that felt intentional and meaningful, not cheap or shocking.
Glen Krisch’s writing style is a huge reason this all works so well. His prose is clean and accessible, but it never feels shallow. It’s incredibly easy to picture every scene, every tunnel, every quiet moment in town, and once I was in this story, I was fully wrapped up in it. This was one of those rare books I couldn’t stop talking about while I was reading it, bringing it up in conversation and trying to explain just how much it was affecting me without giving anything away. There’s a lot packed into this book, but it never feels rushed or overcrowded. Every idea has weight, every reveal lands, and by the time I finished, I felt both impressed and emotionally worn down. I loved this story, even though it sat heavy in my chest, and that combination is exactly why it worked so well for me. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if I end up reading this one again down the road, because it feels like the kind of book that would hit just as hard, if not harder, the second time around.
What really stayed with me, though, was the weight of it all. This book carries a heaviness that doesn’t let up, and I mean that as a compliment. The idea of people living in comfort and even something resembling paradise, while others are trapped beneath them in unimaginable suffering, hit hard. The slaves in the mine haunted me the most. I kept thinking about the years they endured down there, forgotten and exploited, and how easily people can justify cruelty when it benefits them. There’s something deeply disturbing about watching corruption grow even in a place that promises eternity and freedom from death. It made me uncomfortable in a way that felt intentional and meaningful, not cheap or shocking.
Glen Krisch’s writing style is a huge reason this all works so well. His prose is clean and accessible, but it never feels shallow. It’s incredibly easy to picture every scene, every tunnel, every quiet moment in town, and once I was in this story, I was fully wrapped up in it. This was one of those rare books I couldn’t stop talking about while I was reading it, bringing it up in conversation and trying to explain just how much it was affecting me without giving anything away. There’s a lot packed into this book, but it never feels rushed or overcrowded. Every idea has weight, every reveal lands, and by the time I finished, I felt both impressed and emotionally worn down. I loved this story, even though it sat heavy in my chest, and that combination is exactly why it worked so well for me. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if I end up reading this one again down the road, because it feels like the kind of book that would hit just as hard, if not harder, the second time around.
December 14, 2014
This book has been sitting on my kindle for quite some time and may have stayed there for a while until a group invited Mr. Krisch to discuss the book for a group read. I enjoy the back and forth of these types of group reads, especially when it comes to the process an author goes through to create a book.
The story itself is a mix of types including ghost/haunted house and supernatural folklore with some mystery thrown in, but there is added depth when you take into account the time frame/setting in which the story takes place. 1930's America with all the racial and economic issues really elevated this book for me. There is a very interesting juxtapostition between the supernatural aspects of the "underground" in this story and the historical Underground Railroad.
The author takes a poke at just how far we humans may go to retain out vitality and youth. What would you give up to stay young? Your humanity? Your soul?
I was a bit concerned early on in the book as there seemed to be a multitude of disparate threads and characters. I distinctly remember thinking, there is no way this is going to come back together in any kind of cohesive fashion. But the author did a great job weaving everything back together and while not flawless it was very satisfying and increased my appreciation for the story.
The strength of any good supernatural/horror book still comes down to the human aspects that we can still relate to in the "real" world. There were two moments at the end of this book that were extremely powerful to me, the interaction between father and daughter as they leave the underground and a heartbreaking scene with another father, mother and child.
A solid 4 star read for me.
The story itself is a mix of types including ghost/haunted house and supernatural folklore with some mystery thrown in, but there is added depth when you take into account the time frame/setting in which the story takes place. 1930's America with all the racial and economic issues really elevated this book for me. There is a very interesting juxtapostition between the supernatural aspects of the "underground" in this story and the historical Underground Railroad.
The author takes a poke at just how far we humans may go to retain out vitality and youth. What would you give up to stay young? Your humanity? Your soul?
I was a bit concerned early on in the book as there seemed to be a multitude of disparate threads and characters. I distinctly remember thinking, there is no way this is going to come back together in any kind of cohesive fashion. But the author did a great job weaving everything back together and while not flawless it was very satisfying and increased my appreciation for the story.
The strength of any good supernatural/horror book still comes down to the human aspects that we can still relate to in the "real" world. There were two moments at the end of this book that were extremely powerful to me, the interaction between father and daughter as they leave the underground and a heartbreaking scene with another father, mother and child.
A solid 4 star read for me.
October 8, 2015
2.5 stars
This one just didn't capture me the way I thought it would. The concepts had a lot of potential, but the author just kept adding more and more, and it simply got bogged down, collapsing under its own weight. One thing that really got on my nerves was the constant switching of points of view. I couldn't keep track of who was who, and there wasn't enough difference between the stereotypical characters to help.
I listened to the Audible version, and the narrator didn't help matters either. His monotone voice did not inject any sort of tension or excitement at all. I think I might have enjoyed this one better if I simply read it on my own instead of listening.
This one just didn't capture me the way I thought it would. The concepts had a lot of potential, but the author just kept adding more and more, and it simply got bogged down, collapsing under its own weight. One thing that really got on my nerves was the constant switching of points of view. I couldn't keep track of who was who, and there wasn't enough difference between the stereotypical characters to help.
I listened to the Audible version, and the narrator didn't help matters either. His monotone voice did not inject any sort of tension or excitement at all. I think I might have enjoyed this one better if I simply read it on my own instead of listening.
December 31, 2012
Glen Krisch is definitely the author to watch. Having discovered him just recently, I've already read a novel of his and two novellas before starting this one, so I had a pretty good idea of what to expect with this book and he didn't disappoint. Dark, original, haunting, with multilayered characters and moving compelling writing style...this book is a very good read. I confess at times I got a bit overwhelmed with all of the characters, but it all tied in together as the story progressed and I particularly liked the epilogue. Highly recommended.
May 16, 2016
I'm impressed! Too many horror novels these days are all blood and no guts. This one had a little bit of everything going for it -- coming-of-age, adventure, history, mystery, supernatural suspense, and...of course...horror. The setting, characters, and plot were so skillfully weft that there was never a dull moment. Excellent narration of the audio book version made it very easy to visualize Coal Hollow and its cast of characters while I was driving or walking. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to fans of intelligent and imaginative horror fiction.
November 28, 2011
I purchased the Twice as Dark e-book, which also includes the novel The Nightmare Within, but I really didn't want to wait til I finished the second novel before writing a review of Where Darkness Dwells.
This book is certainly aptly titled because it is a very dark story. And it is clear that the darkness of which Krisch writes has many dwelling places, including the human heart. Beneath the surface of Coal Hollow there lie two undergrounds. One is the Underground Railroad which transported slaves to freedom. The other Underground leads to eternal imprisonment and damnation while giving a mockery of paradise and eternal life.
Yes, it is a story of contrasts. Light (sunlight) and darkness; good and evil, hope and despair, the living and the undead, religion and myth. It is a novel where sometimes redemption is only achieved through the ultimate of sacrifices. Where eternal life is a curse and liberation can only be sought through death. Where evil and good live on and continue to battle beyond death.
The people of Coal Hollow are complex. They are flawed. They are weak, afraid, or simply vain and selfish, and yet in spite of this are also capable of supreme sacrifice and heroism. There are touching (and heartbreaking) scenes in which goodness shines through in the darkest of places in this novel. Choices are made: some refuse to be tempted and flee while others take up arms against the evil that emerges from the Underground to drag the living down to Hell. Yet no character's action is without cost.
This is a very dark,and ultimately heroic and redemptive novel that escapes the nihilism that tales of this type often fall prey to. And it is not soon forgotten. A scene of a child searching for a home, a scene of young parents sacrificing all for their baby, and a scene of eternal suffering and damnation that would chill Dante himself run through your imagination long after the last page is turned.
Yeah, I probably need to read a book about puppies right now; but I will remember this book for a long time and will be reading more by Glen Kirsch, both now, and I am sure through the years.
This book is certainly aptly titled because it is a very dark story. And it is clear that the darkness of which Krisch writes has many dwelling places, including the human heart. Beneath the surface of Coal Hollow there lie two undergrounds. One is the Underground Railroad which transported slaves to freedom. The other Underground leads to eternal imprisonment and damnation while giving a mockery of paradise and eternal life.
Yes, it is a story of contrasts. Light (sunlight) and darkness; good and evil, hope and despair, the living and the undead, religion and myth. It is a novel where sometimes redemption is only achieved through the ultimate of sacrifices. Where eternal life is a curse and liberation can only be sought through death. Where evil and good live on and continue to battle beyond death.
The people of Coal Hollow are complex. They are flawed. They are weak, afraid, or simply vain and selfish, and yet in spite of this are also capable of supreme sacrifice and heroism. There are touching (and heartbreaking) scenes in which goodness shines through in the darkest of places in this novel. Choices are made: some refuse to be tempted and flee while others take up arms against the evil that emerges from the Underground to drag the living down to Hell. Yet no character's action is without cost.
This is a very dark,and ultimately heroic and redemptive novel that escapes the nihilism that tales of this type often fall prey to. And it is not soon forgotten. A scene of a child searching for a home, a scene of young parents sacrificing all for their baby, and a scene of eternal suffering and damnation that would chill Dante himself run through your imagination long after the last page is turned.
Yeah, I probably need to read a book about puppies right now; but I will remember this book for a long time and will be reading more by Glen Kirsch, both now, and I am sure through the years.
January 11, 2012
What a terrifying book about what kind of fears live in the underground of your town! Krisch is an upcoming horror author that I forsee ranking right up there with the best of the best!
April 6, 2012
This was a fabulously written dark story with plenty of dirty secrets.
Coal Hollow was a "town struggling to survive" where "godlessness and ignorance went hand in hand." It was the time of the depression and coal miners risked their lives to provide for their families. But when their health finally began to suffer, they disappeared and the Collectors took them Underground to their salvation, their "promise of eternal life." But this was no happy place. Glen Krisch did a great job portraying how disgusting and nightmarish it was down there "The room was rank, saturated with the co-mingling of sweat, shit, and sex." And what happened to them when they went aboveground "Something beat in his chest cavity, something that pushed and pulled a viscous fluid. Something very unbloodlike. Holding his eyelids closed, Scully focused on holding the delicate muscles in place. He didn't want the rotten membranes to tear. He hated that feeling; it was worse than paper cuts dipped in vinegar."
The way Krisch described these scenes really brought the images to life and you felt sick in your stomach. But I enjoyed every minute of it. I loved getting lost in this grossness! I kept thinking to myself what a vivid imagination Krisch must have to come up with this stuff in his head. He's definitely skilled at being able to write such a captivating story.
Thankfully Cooper came to town and represented the change that was necessary for Coal Hollow to undergo. The elements of racism and the Collectors had to be put to an end. This book had several great characters, from the innocent kids Jimmy, Jacob, and Ellie to the creepy townies, Jasper, Bo, and Henry and Thea Calder and of course the rulers of the Underground, Ethan and Scully. Glen Krisch captured that old town atmosphere perfectly. You felt like you were there visiting this town as a tourist taking it all in, absorbing each character's appearance and personality.
There was plenty of great action sequences and all led to a climatic ending with justice served. This book had it all- mystery, suspense, horror, some hints of romance, and a backwards flare. It had symbolism, supernatural, God, and some hell. There were good guys and bad guys, a pretty girl and several ugly men. It all added up to a great read whose creepiness takes a while to wear off. And once it does, you just want more. Keep up the great writing Glen!
Coal Hollow was a "town struggling to survive" where "godlessness and ignorance went hand in hand." It was the time of the depression and coal miners risked their lives to provide for their families. But when their health finally began to suffer, they disappeared and the Collectors took them Underground to their salvation, their "promise of eternal life." But this was no happy place. Glen Krisch did a great job portraying how disgusting and nightmarish it was down there "The room was rank, saturated with the co-mingling of sweat, shit, and sex." And what happened to them when they went aboveground "Something beat in his chest cavity, something that pushed and pulled a viscous fluid. Something very unbloodlike. Holding his eyelids closed, Scully focused on holding the delicate muscles in place. He didn't want the rotten membranes to tear. He hated that feeling; it was worse than paper cuts dipped in vinegar."
The way Krisch described these scenes really brought the images to life and you felt sick in your stomach. But I enjoyed every minute of it. I loved getting lost in this grossness! I kept thinking to myself what a vivid imagination Krisch must have to come up with this stuff in his head. He's definitely skilled at being able to write such a captivating story.
Thankfully Cooper came to town and represented the change that was necessary for Coal Hollow to undergo. The elements of racism and the Collectors had to be put to an end. This book had several great characters, from the innocent kids Jimmy, Jacob, and Ellie to the creepy townies, Jasper, Bo, and Henry and Thea Calder and of course the rulers of the Underground, Ethan and Scully. Glen Krisch captured that old town atmosphere perfectly. You felt like you were there visiting this town as a tourist taking it all in, absorbing each character's appearance and personality.
There was plenty of great action sequences and all led to a climatic ending with justice served. This book had it all- mystery, suspense, horror, some hints of romance, and a backwards flare. It had symbolism, supernatural, God, and some hell. There were good guys and bad guys, a pretty girl and several ugly men. It all added up to a great read whose creepiness takes a while to wear off. And once it does, you just want more. Keep up the great writing Glen!
June 5, 2012
Glen R. Krisch is a new writer to me and I'm very glad I read this, his second novel.
The setting is the small mining town of Coal Hollow, along the Illinois River. It's July, 1934, the mine long abondoned. George Banyon and Jimmy Fowler are best of friends off on an adventure, in the middle of the night, to search for a two hundred pound albino catfish trolling a vast underground lake.
They never find the catfish, but what they do discover leaves them running for their very lives.
There are strange things going on in Coal Hollow. Why would men crawl out of a hole in Betty Mae's basement? Why would her father leave through that same hole willingly and why would his name appear on a tombstone, in the family plot, the next morning?
For me the story seemed a bit unwieldy. There's the story of lost innocence, a man running from his past, an alcoholic father, a ghost story, a tale of the Underground Railroad and so many others, all interwoven with a place where the dying go, but do not die and the lengths these "people" will go to to keep their secret.
Despite it's shortcomings, Where Darkness Dwells, does have a lot going for it. It's one of those stories where no-one is safe (love those). There's the originality of the tale, an underground society living in an environment where you never age and are magically healed. If you go above ground you face rapid deterioration. And having to kill to keep your secret.
There's also a potluck at Jane Fowler's place that was very well written, like a beutiful piece of Americana.
Overall a wonderful read that I highly recommend. Enjoy.
Available from Amazon.com for the Kindle and for free from the Kindle Owner's Lending Library for those with Amazon Prime.
The setting is the small mining town of Coal Hollow, along the Illinois River. It's July, 1934, the mine long abondoned. George Banyon and Jimmy Fowler are best of friends off on an adventure, in the middle of the night, to search for a two hundred pound albino catfish trolling a vast underground lake.
They never find the catfish, but what they do discover leaves them running for their very lives.
There are strange things going on in Coal Hollow. Why would men crawl out of a hole in Betty Mae's basement? Why would her father leave through that same hole willingly and why would his name appear on a tombstone, in the family plot, the next morning?
For me the story seemed a bit unwieldy. There's the story of lost innocence, a man running from his past, an alcoholic father, a ghost story, a tale of the Underground Railroad and so many others, all interwoven with a place where the dying go, but do not die and the lengths these "people" will go to to keep their secret.
Despite it's shortcomings, Where Darkness Dwells, does have a lot going for it. It's one of those stories where no-one is safe (love those). There's the originality of the tale, an underground society living in an environment where you never age and are magically healed. If you go above ground you face rapid deterioration. And having to kill to keep your secret.
There's also a potluck at Jane Fowler's place that was very well written, like a beutiful piece of Americana.
Overall a wonderful read that I highly recommend. Enjoy.
Available from Amazon.com for the Kindle and for free from the Kindle Owner's Lending Library for those with Amazon Prime.
May 13, 2022
Dark and malevolent!
I struggled to make it to the end of this story. I realise that certain people thought and acted this way at the time but, the racist language and attitudes of the characters made me feel very uneasy. That said, the book was well written and the plot meticulously crafted. A hard book to read and a story that will haunt me for a long time to come.
I struggled to make it to the end of this story. I realise that certain people thought and acted this way at the time but, the racist language and attitudes of the characters made me feel very uneasy. That said, the book was well written and the plot meticulously crafted. A hard book to read and a story that will haunt me for a long time to come.
December 14, 2017
3.5 Stars
I did enjoy this one, but for whatever reason I just never could get fully into it. It's set during the great depression and deals with a group of...zombies, for lack of a better word. A group lives in the coal mine under the town as long as they stay there they don't age but if they come up top they begin to rot. There's also ghosts and some general eeriness. It was pretty good, but for some reason it just read very slowly to me and took me forever considering it wasn't really that long. It had good characters, some pretty scary moments, the atmosphere and setting were cool, but for some reason it never quite came together for me. I would still recommend it because there are some cool concepts in this book and it is a very original novel.
I did enjoy this one, but for whatever reason I just never could get fully into it. It's set during the great depression and deals with a group of...zombies, for lack of a better word. A group lives in the coal mine under the town as long as they stay there they don't age but if they come up top they begin to rot. There's also ghosts and some general eeriness. It was pretty good, but for some reason it just read very slowly to me and took me forever considering it wasn't really that long. It had good characters, some pretty scary moments, the atmosphere and setting were cool, but for some reason it never quite came together for me. I would still recommend it because there are some cool concepts in this book and it is a very original novel.
July 23, 2019
What a hidden gem. Will be reading more of Glen R. Krisch, that's for sure.
September 18, 2011
Like a Pocket of Tartarus...
Where Darkness Dwells is a Depression era horror novel that takes place in an old mining town in Illinois. Mining had been discontinued years earlier, the company having pulled out and moved on to a richer vein, so those remaining till soil, grow fruit and do their best to ease their black lung coughing. Cooper is a former librarian turned self-seeking hobo, who comes to town while travelling back to his parents in Chicago. He's drawn to an old house, decides to stay a few days in town and becomes embroiled in the mysteries of disappearances, town folklore and all too human darkness.
To say this is a zombie novel would be inaccurate - the monsters in this have more in common with the Irish Sidhe* (with a touch of the vampire's weakness to sunlight), luring humans into their hollow hills with promises of eternal life. What makes the monsters in this effective, however, is their humanity, positive or negative (or both, depending on your definition of monster.) The themes of evil triumphing where good men do nothing is hammered home in the guise of several characters, and the theme of the revenant past and its corruptive bigotry, prejudice and barbarity of slavery
Overall, this is a good book and more meaty than some ebooks I've read, weighing in at over 250 pages. The descriptions were excellent, and the characters convey their feelings well. The horror in this book is not atmospheric in origin, any sustained feeling of creepiness or dread is the sort that ends in abruptly in violence, rather than psychological tension. More the horror of the evil that men do to one another than a sense of supernatural awe/dread; there are moments of depravity, brutality and malicious cruelty. There is very little (if any) humour and only glimmers of joy, and it could actually be the absence of those things that resulted in my having mixed feelings when reading it; I enjoyed the story, but just couldn't connect with it. There were also too many things that just felt out of place or were glossed over, some characters felt like they were included for a cheap effect to display barbarity or to wrap up a loose end. I may have been a bit pedantic when reading this, but a few other things just felt deeply improbable (the library holding the job during the Depression, for example.) The epilogue could be a bit more clearly written (I had to reread it to make sure I understood what happened, which broke the flow.)
3.5 stars (or 4 in the case of whole star ratings.)
Review copy supplied by the author as part of LibraryThing's Member Giveaway program.
* To further this thought of Irish/Celtic-ness, even White Bane, the legendary fish, has the feel of Celtic legends associating fish with sacred wells, healing and knowledge. Yes, I am that kind of nerd.
Where Darkness Dwells is a Depression era horror novel that takes place in an old mining town in Illinois. Mining had been discontinued years earlier, the company having pulled out and moved on to a richer vein, so those remaining till soil, grow fruit and do their best to ease their black lung coughing. Cooper is a former librarian turned self-seeking hobo, who comes to town while travelling back to his parents in Chicago. He's drawn to an old house, decides to stay a few days in town and becomes embroiled in the mysteries of disappearances, town folklore and all too human darkness.
To say this is a zombie novel would be inaccurate - the monsters in this have more in common with the Irish Sidhe* (with a touch of the vampire's weakness to sunlight), luring humans into their hollow hills with promises of eternal life. What makes the monsters in this effective, however, is their humanity, positive or negative (or both, depending on your definition of monster.) The themes of evil triumphing where good men do nothing is hammered home in the guise of several characters, and the theme of the revenant past and its corruptive bigotry, prejudice and barbarity of slavery
Overall, this is a good book and more meaty than some ebooks I've read, weighing in at over 250 pages. The descriptions were excellent, and the characters convey their feelings well. The horror in this book is not atmospheric in origin, any sustained feeling of creepiness or dread is the sort that ends in abruptly in violence, rather than psychological tension. More the horror of the evil that men do to one another than a sense of supernatural awe/dread; there are moments of depravity, brutality and malicious cruelty. There is very little (if any) humour and only glimmers of joy, and it could actually be the absence of those things that resulted in my having mixed feelings when reading it; I enjoyed the story, but just couldn't connect with it. There were also too many things that just felt out of place or were glossed over, some characters felt like they were included for a cheap effect to display barbarity or to wrap up a loose end. I may have been a bit pedantic when reading this, but a few other things just felt deeply improbable (the library holding the job during the Depression, for example.) The epilogue could be a bit more clearly written (I had to reread it to make sure I understood what happened, which broke the flow.)
3.5 stars (or 4 in the case of whole star ratings.)
Review copy supplied by the author as part of LibraryThing's Member Giveaway program.
* To further this thought of Irish/Celtic-ness, even White Bane, the legendary fish, has the feel of Celtic legends associating fish with sacred wells, healing and knowledge. Yes, I am that kind of nerd.
February 3, 2013
Somewhat of the flavor of Mr. Shivers. Glorious evocation of Depression-Era small community & its inhabitants--together with an implacable horror.
July 30, 2025
“You intend on stopping the bleeding, but in the end, you just bring yourself more grief. Trust me, the air down here has a peculiar way with injuries.”
In a small town in 1934, someone or something lurks in a cave. Cooper, a trainhopper, comes into town to find work. He finds an abandoned home and something doesn't feel right. He feels connected to the house. Unbeknownst to him, something is watching.
The town holds a secret. Men are disappearing and never returning home. With a body found in the swamp and another child missing, Cooper desperately wants to leave Coal Hollow.
Beneath Coal Hollow is a sinister community like none other. It is there that no one can die. Can the Slaves of the Underground escape the torment?
This was a fascinating, albeit dark and gory, horror novel. Taking in account the year the story took place, there's quite a bit of racism.
Cooper, Jimmy, Jacob and Ellie are very likeable. There are several characters that will either annoy or disgust you, but there is a purpose to their personalities.
"He wasn’t sure how long he had been hearing the sound; rage thrummed through his ears, an all-encompassing claustrophobia that submerged him inside a heart’s chamber, with blood flowing over his skin instead of air."
I would have liked more for the ending and the 12 year gap, but I am happy with the conclusion.
4⭐️
In a small town in 1934, someone or something lurks in a cave. Cooper, a trainhopper, comes into town to find work. He finds an abandoned home and something doesn't feel right. He feels connected to the house. Unbeknownst to him, something is watching.
The town holds a secret. Men are disappearing and never returning home. With a body found in the swamp and another child missing, Cooper desperately wants to leave Coal Hollow.
Beneath Coal Hollow is a sinister community like none other. It is there that no one can die. Can the Slaves of the Underground escape the torment?
This was a fascinating, albeit dark and gory, horror novel. Taking in account the year the story took place, there's quite a bit of racism.
Cooper, Jimmy, Jacob and Ellie are very likeable. There are several characters that will either annoy or disgust you, but there is a purpose to their personalities.
"He wasn’t sure how long he had been hearing the sound; rage thrummed through his ears, an all-encompassing claustrophobia that submerged him inside a heart’s chamber, with blood flowing over his skin instead of air."
I would have liked more for the ending and the 12 year gap, but I am happy with the conclusion.
4⭐️
January 10, 2012
I downloaded the “Twice as Dark” ebook on Kindle which includes both novels “where Darkness Dwells” and “The Nightmare Within”. I have finished “Where Darkness Dwells” first so I will leave my review of this novel first.
I have to say first of all that this is a real diamond of a book, it has so many sides to it and the depth is amazing in so many ways. It is set in America 1934 in the small town of Coal Hollow. Jimmy and George are searching for a legendary fish, the mythical White Bane and discover an underground lake, whilst attempting to fish, they spot a light in the distance and unknown to them they have accidentally stumbled upon a community of people living underground the town of Coal Hollow. Jimmy is taken by these people but George manages to escape but is pursued by someone who doesn’t want him to live to tell others of his discovery. We slowly discover the awful truth and horrors of the community living underground. The community is made up of residents of Coal Hollow who have supposedly died of old age or of some disease or other; they are all beyond their natural life but mysteriously survive as undead underground and have developed an evil, spiteful way of existing. If they attempt to come to the world above ground they rapidly decompose and rot away.
We are introduced to lots of characters that live in the town including a man called Ted Cooper, originally from Chicago a wanderer who follows the rail road track into Coal Hollow and decides to stay and gets caught up in the mysterious events that follow Jimmy’s disappearance. I absolutely loved this book, my very first by the author, Glen Krisch. A great read and highly recommended for horror/ thriller fans. I am definitely going to read his other books, The Nightmare within and his new novella, Loss. I'll end with a great quote from the book, which really sums up the story as said by Greta "sometimes evil strays to the surface to steal away innocence".
I have to say first of all that this is a real diamond of a book, it has so many sides to it and the depth is amazing in so many ways. It is set in America 1934 in the small town of Coal Hollow. Jimmy and George are searching for a legendary fish, the mythical White Bane and discover an underground lake, whilst attempting to fish, they spot a light in the distance and unknown to them they have accidentally stumbled upon a community of people living underground the town of Coal Hollow. Jimmy is taken by these people but George manages to escape but is pursued by someone who doesn’t want him to live to tell others of his discovery. We slowly discover the awful truth and horrors of the community living underground. The community is made up of residents of Coal Hollow who have supposedly died of old age or of some disease or other; they are all beyond their natural life but mysteriously survive as undead underground and have developed an evil, spiteful way of existing. If they attempt to come to the world above ground they rapidly decompose and rot away.
We are introduced to lots of characters that live in the town including a man called Ted Cooper, originally from Chicago a wanderer who follows the rail road track into Coal Hollow and decides to stay and gets caught up in the mysterious events that follow Jimmy’s disappearance. I absolutely loved this book, my very first by the author, Glen Krisch. A great read and highly recommended for horror/ thriller fans. I am definitely going to read his other books, The Nightmare within and his new novella, Loss. I'll end with a great quote from the book, which really sums up the story as said by Greta "sometimes evil strays to the surface to steal away innocence".
May 23, 2014
After reading the synopsis I was ready to read Where Darkness Dwells. However, when I started reading it, my thought on it changed. I thought I will not be able to get into it. So, I was prepared to suck it up and get through it. I should've just kept more of an open mind and focused on what I read in the synopsis! I was blown away and VERY impressed with this read! It' a story based on the 1930s dealing with good and evil. No character is safe and there are surprises around every corner. Krisch's narrative is dark and intense. Just plain scary. He doesn't offer explanation or answers. Evil just exists and always will. Some reviewers complained that it was too brutal and graphic, but I thought it was more real, nothing was sugar coated. The 30s were cruel and desperate times. Others talked about zombies. Zombies? Really? Those were not zombies they were ghouls. Big difference. But hey, to each there own. The characters are unique and each of their stories captivating on their own. The plot unfolds with an intensity while the back story is filled in, we find out how the characters are connected, as the book moves along. If you are not into historical stories then this book is not for you. BUT, if you love a good horror story you will want to read this regardless of the history. I look forward to seeing more of Krisch's work!
September 12, 2011
It's like wandering through a city shrouded in thick fog, in clinging mist. The shapes seem familiar, you almost recognize them for what they are, but when the mist clears briefly, you glimpse that it was not what you thought it was and see just enough to know that it was something else. These brief glimpses are like a puzzle you forget that you are working on. With each new piece that falls into place, the picture becomes clearer, but you still don't know what that picture is. You were given the pieces without having the box to use as a guide.
Sentient zombies, the first thing that came to mind when I had some real idea of what dwells in the darkness of the Underground. It was shortly followed by a thought of it being more like a variation of the Black Pearl's curse from the Pirates of the Caribbean, but sentient zombies is what still comes to mind when I think about it.
This would make a truly fearsome horror movie, and although it doesn't have a traditional happy ending, the way it does end is fitting.
Sentient zombies, the first thing that came to mind when I had some real idea of what dwells in the darkness of the Underground. It was shortly followed by a thought of it being more like a variation of the Black Pearl's curse from the Pirates of the Caribbean, but sentient zombies is what still comes to mind when I think about it.
This would make a truly fearsome horror movie, and although it doesn't have a traditional happy ending, the way it does end is fitting.
September 25, 2011
This book has so many layers that it's difficult to sum up my thoughts in a couple of paragraphs. Enthralling, is a good word to start with. We're introduced to handful of characters at the start that, on the surface, don't seem connected. But it doesn't feel disjointed at all. The characters are unique and each of their stories captivating on its own. As the book moves along, we find the connections. The plot unfolds with intensity, moving more quickly with each page.
While this book is definitely suspense, paranormal and horror at its best, beneath it all is something else entirely. Set in the 1930s, we see the prejudice of the era and the difficulties of life back then. We explore the quest for immortality and the extremes people will go to live forever. We look at fate and hope and trust in the face of misery.
Glen Krisch handles this all with ease, weaving the characters and stories together in unexpected ways that had me forcing my eyes open so I could continue reading. This is an excellent book and Krisch is an author to watch.
While this book is definitely suspense, paranormal and horror at its best, beneath it all is something else entirely. Set in the 1930s, we see the prejudice of the era and the difficulties of life back then. We explore the quest for immortality and the extremes people will go to live forever. We look at fate and hope and trust in the face of misery.
Glen Krisch handles this all with ease, weaving the characters and stories together in unexpected ways that had me forcing my eyes open so I could continue reading. This is an excellent book and Krisch is an author to watch.
October 3, 2011
I have been having a hard time reviewing this book not because it was difficult to read, it was an awesome story overall. It is a complex read as it has some many layers to the story. The best words I can come up to describing it without going to much into the story are Paranormal, Thriller, with some horror, Mystery and action packed. At the beginning it is obvious that it can be overwhelming as characters and the base of the story is been told but as you get deep in to the story you can’t put the book down and you get immerse in to this world for the search on immortality that the perils that come with it.
I have to say this story was very well written, and even though I enjoy the more quick and easy reads I have to say I enjoyed this very much and now I want to continue reading more books with this type of theme. Overall I think the book and story is awesome. Thank You to the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review his work. This was great!
I have to say this story was very well written, and even though I enjoy the more quick and easy reads I have to say I enjoyed this very much and now I want to continue reading more books with this type of theme. Overall I think the book and story is awesome. Thank You to the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review his work. This was great!
September 14, 2011
I find it difficult to rate this other than to say I enjoyed it in a perverse way. I am not a zombie fanatic nor do I have much of a background for judging the genre. On the other hand, the book has elements of philosophy and the concept of a halfway between life and death typical of zombie literature.
The writing is good, and the tension builds as the reader is allowed glimpse after glimpse of the entire landscape and the enticement of evil brought about by the promise of eternal life, though this is certainly not a religious work. The ending is resolved in an epilog and is not quite what the reader might expect. I find it closer to 3½ stars than three and it might well be worth more to lovers of this genre.
I received this as a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The writing is good, and the tension builds as the reader is allowed glimpse after glimpse of the entire landscape and the enticement of evil brought about by the promise of eternal life, though this is certainly not a religious work. The ending is resolved in an epilog and is not quite what the reader might expect. I find it closer to 3½ stars than three and it might well be worth more to lovers of this genre.
I received this as a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2011
This book is amazing - I wasn't expecting much from a writer I've never heard of before (just being honest), but I'm so happy I got it. There are so many layers and plots that it was kind of hard for me to keep track of all the different side stories at first, but they all eventually intertwine in a way that seems natural, not forced. There are some nicely descriptive gory parts for the zombie fan, but the story is so much more than just another zombie book. It's about friendship, and family and corruption......and zombies. I'll be keeping my eye out for more by this author.
May 6, 2015
The spooky nature of this novel immediately drew me in & I was not disappointed. The many Gothic touches to this book are appreciated and the characters are well-developed. I like that the author chose not to go the usual route when writing about the undead. These creatures were much more terrifying & believable. And of course, I loved the symbolic touches the author embedded into the story as well. I wasn't expecting to enjoy this novel as much as I did, which is perhaps the best kind of book! Read if you love mystery, horror, or just a thrilling story.
September 22, 2011
This book held my attention with the many twists and turns. The characters were well thought out and believable , and the storyline held the attention of the reader. I believe this could be a truly great horror movie. This author has a wonderful imagination and knows how to weave a compelling story. I would recommend this book to my friends. Glen, keep on doing what you do and good writing. I am looking forward to reading more of your work. ( )
August 25, 2013
I just finished reading this book on my kindle and was blown away. I seldom read this type of book but I am thinking I will read more in the future Mr. Krisch brought the depression era to live in this book and I couldn't put it down.
December 12, 2012
Loved this book!! I read through it so fast, couldn't put it down. Love the way the author writes!
August 21, 2021
Great read
Fantastic. Surprises all the way, very enjoyable. Would highly recommend and am looking forward to reading more of this authors work
Fantastic. Surprises all the way, very enjoyable. Would highly recommend and am looking forward to reading more of this authors work
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