Welcome to Millingham, MA, pop. 5000... 4997... 4993...
The sheriff has convinced himself and others that the recent rash of deaths in the town are just suicides. Lysander Shore knows different. He knows the townsfolk are being hunted. He knows they face an evil as old as the town itself. He knows it's something that can't be killed, can't be reasoned with.
And he knows that the evil knows about him, too. It's waited centuries for Lysander to come home. Now it wants to make him pay.
To date, Malice has generated by far the most emails from readers. Many are glowing letters from people who thoroughly enjoyed the book. Others come from readers who pray I'll be struck down by a speeding church van. Quite honestly, I read and appreciate all the feedback I get from both sides. After all, in the end, it's for you that I sit down everyday to peer into the shadows and report back on the dark and clammy things I find lurking within. But rest assured, I take all of this very seriously and when I begin to see patterns in the kinds of comments readers make, I also take very careful note.
On July 17, 2012, I released a newly edited version of Malice. I originally wrote the book to be frightening and creepy (which I'm told it is), but it wasn't intended to be a blood squirting gore fest. I kept that in mind during this last edit and nicked out any bucket of blood that wasn't absolutely necessary. I also added 5000 words and at least two new scenes. Malice is now stronger, creepier and a far smoother reading experience. As for me, I'll keep writing, and dodging any speeding church vans heading my way.
Malice is the first book I've read by Griffin Hayes and I will say I am glad I came across it. The cover is what first attracted me to the book, I am a fan of paranormal books and thought I better read the description on this one to see if it was something I should read.
Griffin's writing is fantastic, it is one of those book that kept my attention so I couldn't put the book down till I reached the end.
It is a murder, mystery, and a bit of romance, but it is a murder/sucide,creepy, witches,paranormal thriller type of book.
There are many dark secrets, dark shawdows, someone is murdering people and there is a connection to the past. Can Lysander figure this all out without getting killed.
I've been on a roll lately with my reading. One great book after another has passed through my hands all year, both independent and professional fields of publishing, too. When I decide to do my top ten reads of the year in month or so, it's going to be one of the most difficult lists I've ever had to make since I started recording these things.
One book that might make that list is Malice by Griffin Hayes. I felt a familiarity with the prose and characters almost right away. It reminded me of the late summer nights I used to stay up and read the darkness away when I was a lonely teenager. Back then, I would read books from the likes of Dean Koontz, John Saul, and Stephen King. Malice reminds me of them.
Lysander is the new kid in town. Right away he makes more than a few enemies, but he also makes some friends. Which is a good thing, because he's going to need their help. Something is after Lysander, something that is killing other people in town and making it look like suicide.
I don't want to go into too much more plot for fear of ruining things. But, let's just say that there are a few twists and turns and a lot of action along the way that will keep you guessing.
The two main characters interested me a lot, too. Both Lysander and Samantha were both the reason I was reminded of those other authors. Watching them develop and get out of the perilous dangers hunting them was a lot of fun. As this is a YA novel, I think that Hayes will have similar sixteen year old readers, identifying with always being the odd one, the outcast.
Malice is the first piece that I have read by Hayes. Though different from my "normal" venue of paranormal books, it just called out to me. Thankfully, I was not let down. I was in fact plastered to the pages of this shocking, suspenseful, novel.
Lysander Shore is an outcast. Being a Goth and starting at a new school doesn't make it any easier either. There is however a few shining stars. One is the welcoming he receives from Samantha and Derek. There are strange things happening in Millingham though and Lysander is smack in the middle of it.
Years earlier the McMurphy family was murdered, supposedly by one of their own, James Andre Patrick McMurphy, who then killed himself with a gunshot to his head. Years after that the town's very own Sheriff's wife; and Samantha's mother, was found dead in her bathroom tub, a victim of "suicide". Her eyes missing, her wrists slit to the bone. Now, the body of Peter Hume, has been found. He too is missing his eyes and his wrists are slit to the bone. All signs lead to a serial killer, but who?
Through regressive therapy Lysander finds that he has played a central role in what has been happening. In the earliest of Lysanders past lives he was Parris Locke. Instead of following his heart he followed his power hungry head. He ends up as Millingham’s head selectman faced with the towns unease about a young woman, Rebecca Goodman. She is accused of being a witch. Though he feels she is innocent he does not stop the rest of the town council from continuing the torture and burning of Rebecca.
Those on the council have been reincarnated also through the years. Now they are none other than those still living in the small town. Sheriff Crow, Glenn Shore, Deputy Morgan, Pearl Shore, and Peter Hume. Rebecca Goodman being the Baptist Minister set out for revenge against those who murdered her.
Once Lysander and Samantha know that it is the Minister doing the killing, they set out to make things right. They cannot do it alone however, and others they love will die in the process. It's only at the very end when Lysander's baby sister Jessica breathes her first breath, is there a breath of hope.
Malice will have you biting your black nail polish right off of your nails. Shock, suspense and even a little love thrown in make for a great dramatic read. I'm sad that the ride this book took me on is over. This is one of those really good ones that will stay with me for some time. You MUST OWN this book. Do NOT walk, RUN to your local book store and BUY IT!! You won't be disappointed.
This 3 part, 36 chapter novel spooked me from literally the first sentence–”The stranger grinned and his sunken cheeks made his face look like a skull.”–to the very end. It was creepy like a movie you’d find on the Chiller channel. With chills running down my spine, every so often I stopped reading to look around my room, definitely over my shoulder. There’s a painting of five ballerinas that I kept staring at to make sure their eyes didn’t move. That’s how great the author is in being very descriptive and creating a frightening vibe.
I loved that it was a mystery. Lysander tried to figure out why he’s seeing unusual things, Samantha (a.k.a. Sam) doubted her mom commited suicide, and Deputy Alex realized something went on than meets the eye.
* Even though Lysander was the main character, readers get a chance to understand everyone else as well through their third person point-of-view narratives. I liked that I knew the reveal of a solved clue before certain people in the story realized what was going on.
The most frightening scenes for me were when Lysander enters Millingham and the sign says ‘STAY AWAY’, whenever it described the character’s suicide in detail, and whenever it mentioned Peter Hume and Reverend Small. I could picture them looking so deathly and menacing.
I loved the sarcastic sense of humor, especially in the library scene. I enjoyed Lysander, Sam, and Derek’s friendship. I liked Derek, so with the house party scene, I was like ‘NO!” The story brought me back to my high school days with the classroom and hallway scenes, and with teens being frustrated with their parents but not communicating it in an effective way.
When everyone was finally on the same page in believing Lysander, my heart raced. I hated Deputy Alex, but he redeemed himself at the end. Griffin Hayes was brilliant in keeping me in suspense until the last second; I loved learning about the witch, the people in the past who tortured her, and the reveal of who each person represented from their past lives (the characters who were dying).
Griffin Hayes truly is a master of the macabre; this is the second of his novels that I have read, and once again I have been delighted with what I have found.
I find it quite hard to believe that a lot of people seem to be classing this as a ‘young adult’ book considering its content; despite the fact that the two protagonists are teenagers, this novel hardly falls into that genre. This is no coming of age tale, with good ideas but sub-standard writing aimed at giggly pre-pubescent girls with a fascination for sparkly vampires. This book is bold in its descriptions, graphic, violent and gory.
The storyline itself is an original play on the past life/visions of the past scenario, and the theme of ‘age old evil’ is handled really well. Hayes’ writing flows across the page with an effortless grace; quietly I am appalled that people are associating with the silted, under-formed stylistics all too commonly found featuring prominently in the young adult genre.
This is a book for grown-ups. Adults. People with a love of gore, violence and horror. I’m quite disappointed to read in Hayes’ own post that he edited out some of the non-essential violence and gore – to me, more of this could only have been a bonus. However, the element of animal cruelty/mutilation within this book distressed me even more than the plight of the characters; that is not to say that the characters left me apathetic in any way, I’m just a sucker for fluffy four legged friends.
Action packed from the start, the plot moves along at a hectic pace. In parts, the tension is almost unbearable, to the point it had me physically reacting, and by the time I was reaching the final few pages, I couldn’t tear myself away as I was sure (in that way you’re sure when you’re running out of pages and nothing is coming together) that there would be an explosive, climatic ending. I was not disappointed when the ending came – but it wasn’t what I expected at all!
A brilliant read, would recommend it to all horror and thriller fans anywhere.
After struggling through Great Expectations, it was a bit of a relief to read something I could just plow through. (I read this book over the course of a few hours.)
No real complaints, other than that the protagonist's name was Lysander. Renesmee is still the worst name in the history of literature, but you probably shouldn't pen a character called Lysander unless you are William Shakespeare.
I tried not to be mean with this book but it was so bad that make so happy when I finished because, then, I won't have to read it.
Ok, take me so long to finish this. I think Griffin Hayes tried to imitate Stephen King and that is not nice. Is like a bad history with unnecessary love scenes and weird characters.
hayatım boyunca bu kadar kötü bir kitap okumadım, almanızı tavsiye etmem. olay örgüsü aşırı basit, ve hiç ilerlemiyor gibi, sıkıntıdan patlamak için ideal.
Ever felt bored and in the mood for some nice and juicy horror story? Well Malice might just be the thing you need.
This book is not for everyone but it certainly won over my teenage mind. Ever since page one, it made me fall in love with my now favorite book character of all times - Lysander.
Lys is your typical goth teenager, who just moved back to his home town Millingham after some mischief with his former house. His come back, however turns out to be a really strange mess of mysteries. I wouldn't want to spill out more than you need to know about these mysteries but it would be better if you read the book and found out yourself.
All, I'm going to say is that Malice has an amazing twist. At first you may feel thrown into the unknown and questions like "Why are you telling me this?; What's going on?;" and so on will pop in your head. But don't worry, after you reach the middle of the story you'll have a completely new train of thoughts "OMG! This is epic. Ooooh! Now I get it!"
Man, I was never good at writing reviews but....Malice is a must read if you enjoy this genre of books. So go out there and pick it up!
Quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, indie or otherwise!
Again, I felt Griffin was inventive in his ideas and and a masterful story teller. This book I believe was intended for Young Adult readers but I thought it was still enjoyable as un-young as I am LOL.
I read "Dark Passage" and have to say it's one of my favorite books ever and it was such a surprise because it was written by someone I'd never heard of, well that someone was Griffin Hayes. He was kind enough to give me a complimentary copy of "Malice" in return for my honest opinion and a review.
Well I definitely made out on that deal, I would easily have paid the typical kindle price for mainstream authors out there and when finished reading would have felt like a got my monies worth and then some.
Griffin is the type of author that once you read his work, you want to continue reading his work.
I found myself routing for the main characters in malice and biting my nails worrying about the Villain in Malice. He was a well written villain that came off as quite sinister and creepy.
I really liked this book. I would consider this book more horror than paranormal, but there are paranormal aspects to the book. I was riveted by every chapter. Not a whole lot of romance, but the story really didn’t need it. So if you’re looking for romance, this is not necessarily the book for you.
What this book does deliver is mystery and horror. The story is very well developed and kept me captivated. The back story was well delivered at perfect timing. Chapter to Chapter the flow was a bit jarring but I have a feeling that the author wanted the reader a bit off balance.
I recommend this book to those who like horror and paranormal type books. I look forward to reading more form this author.
WOW!! What a FANTASTIC read!! This book was totally awesome!! It was a heck of an exciting roller coaster ride of emotions!! it was creepy, sad, exciting, scary, it had romance, bad guys, good guys, paranormal, etc... WOOSH!! it had me biting my nails at times, had rooting for the main characters, had me booing at the bad ones, had me sitting at the edge of my seat wondering what is going to happen next!! If you want an easy, fast paced read with a little bit of everything and a whole lot of WOW!! then this is the read for you!! ENJOY, because I certainly did!!
There is a rash of deaths with a supernatural twist going on in the town of Millingham. Everyone is convinced that these mysterious deaths are suicides. Lysander Shore has just moved into town but he can feel the evil present. Lysander meets Sam and together they will try and get to the bottom of this. The town of Millingham is haunted by the spirits of the past. I would recommend this book to readers of horror. This is the first book that I have read by this author. I will check out some others works by this author.
17 yr old Lysander has to move from his home town to Millingham, now he has to start over. Lysander soon learns there are dark secrets haunting Millingham. When Lysander meets Sam he finds someone who feels that there is something wrong with this town.
Lysander, Sam and the rest of the town soon realize that the past does repeat itself.
Sorry to say I only made it to page 40. Too much blood, gore and violence. I believe this book is in the top 5 I read or tried to read for violent content. I like mystery and some horror but this one was way too much. This book would probably appeal to readers of horror and not to mystery or supernatural.
Excellent thrilling ride from beginning to end! Characters are interesting and the main villain is really creepy. Check it out - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
This is a really poorly written book. Beyond that, it's confusing. It meanders between real life and fantasy so much i was sometimes not sure which was which. Add to that characters sometimes switch bodies which further muddles an already confusing story. In addition, there are many words misused, spelling issues and head-scratching metaphors. Just plain bad writing. I gave it 2 stars because at least i was able to finish the dang book. Faint praise, but the best i can give.
In the beginning I doubt if I wanted to keep reading but last 100 pages were epic. This book is full of plot twists and once everything is connected with each other the book becomes very unique. I love the writing style and descriptions of the creepy scenes.
I was really scared at the end I thought Samantha and Lysander were dead but once I finished I really loved the ending and I am glad it was a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a book that, after starting it, I simply did not want to put it down. The story was really interesting and only got more intriguing and imaginative as the novel progressed. I was impressed by the twists and turns that sprung up in different places throughout the novel but, on top of it all, I was more intrigued and interested in the idea and message behind the novel. It was such a unique topic and I found myself marvelling at the idea and just loving the imagination behind it all.
I’m trying to sound vague so as to avoid spoilers, but I just found it really thought-provoking and that is definitely a good thing to get from a book. It was, in spite of this, an easy read that only got confusing towards the end as it was hard to tell who was who but it all righted itself quickly enough and became more readable.
I really liked the characters in this novel. I especially like the protagonist Lysander as he seemed rounded and was always hiding something from the reader and the people in Millingham. He had a background that he doesn’t want people to find out about and this just adds to the mystery of the story, leading to curiosity which leads to further page-turning. I also liked Samantha who had been through a traumatic incident with her mother but I loved her drive. She wasn’t willing to accept things as they were given to her and, despite being completely scared at times, she didn’t let that stop her from taking control and doing things her way to get the answers that she needed. She was a well-rounded character that was thoroughly enjoyable to read.
This book is a horror/thriller/mystery type story and is definitely not for the faint-hearted. It does get down with the gritty dark parts but it does them well. The antagonist seemed so real and interesting, and utterly terrifying at points as well. Hayes manages to create a world so real around the town of Millingham and really pulls the reader in, letting them get lost within the words on the page. His omnipresent narrative worked really well with this type of novel and made the story that little bit more frightening. The one thing I would have liked to see was a bit of the story from the antagonist’s POV. It would have been intriguing to see what they were thinking, but that’s just a small thing and the novel was absolutely fine without it.
All in all, this was a novel that I really enjoyed and would recommend to anyone who likes stories that hold the potential to be extremely scary. It’s not for the feint of heart but it’s certainly one to be read if you like the kind of story that brings you up short with questions you never even thought to ask. A good, interesting read.
Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Literary Community
Rating: 4 Ravens
Won from a giveaway on Librarything I was curious when I saw the cover and read the synopsis of the book. A little leery and on my way to wanting something more new and fresh to read than the usual of my genre pool as of late I decided that a break from Zombies or some Paranormal Romance this would be just my cup of tea and picked it for my read this week. I was gladly not disappointed. Upon reading the book I was pulled in and could not stop turning the pages. The concept was nice and fresh with a little bit of the old classical horror feel from most angles.
It’s about Lysander a young man new to the area alienated not only by peers and classmates for how he dresses and how he acts sometimes but as well by his own father who seems to hold a grudge against him for the past loss of his little brother that never came to full term and the injury to his mother. Now with their home having been burned down they have moved to the town of Millingham and little did they know that the darkness there was ready to consume them all or at least Lysander.
Samantha Crow daughter to the town Sheriff and all around dark girl or Wiccan as most do not know or understand has been having nightmares herself of her mother and her mothers death. She doesn’t believe that her mother committed suicide like her father and others of the town are trying to make her believe and she’s not only right the murderer is out there still and looking for her and Lysander.
Together these two face hell only to find out the dark past of themselves their souls and the town. Together they will have to correct the mistakes of their past and past lives and try to out live the killer that is hunting them and some of their friends and family down. I have enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from Griffin Hayes. A wonderful action filled story and one I highly recommend.
Summary: When a series of shocking suicides rock the small town of Millingham, Massachusetts, the authorities are left with a single burning question. Why are all the victims gouging their eyes out?
Only seventeen-year-old Lysander Shore knows these aren't suicides at all. There's a serial killer stalking the people of Millingham. One that murders at will and never leaves a trace.
Soon, the long trail of bodies leads Lysander to a dark secret. One that traces back to a witch's trial and execution 350 years ago. The deeper he digs, the more he realizes the victims aren't nearly as random as they seem. In fact, the killer has a list and Lysander is next (taken from Goodreads.com).
Review: This book, is definitely amongst my favorites. I was drawn to the cover, drawn to the story from the blurb and it made me pause and go, “Alright, now I have to read this…,” and got it from Amazon.com for my Kindle and read it in just less than a full day – it sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go.
I love paranormal, I love thriller and everything in between. His writing is fantastic and there was little problem keeping my attention considering how quickly I finished this book. There is murder, there is mystery and a small sampling of romance. While it is all those things, it is also a bit of murder/suicide, creepy, witches, paranormal thriller type of book (stolen from Tana’s review because the wording is exactly what I’d use to describe this book!) Dark secrets and shadows abound, and Lysander is the key, but can he unravel everything before he himself ends up like everyone else connected to the past, dead. This is definitely a MUST read for any young adult paranormal lover!