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The House on the Hill #1
The Misery House
THE MISERY HOUSE
Sometimes the quietest little towns are haunted by the darkest secrets.
A psychological thriller and a family you'll never forget.
New This rural town has never seen a string of tragedies like this. A local store burns to the ground with two bodies inside. A newlywed couple goes missing, and all signs point to the abandoned house. With no answers, the townsfolk grow more and more worried.
The Woods family has lived here forever. But when their friends and their own children are put in danger, the threat hits home. This close-knit family must risk everything to find answers, but time is running out.
New Haven has secrets. And a haunted house like you've never seen before.
The Misery House is a chilling, suspenseful novel that will keep you guessing until the very end and set the stage for an epic three-book haunting. With its twists and turns, a likable family thrust into danger, this page-turner will keep you up late into the night.
It's up to the Woods family. Some fates are worse than death. Is it too late to save their town... and each other?
Sometimes the quietest little towns are haunted by the darkest secrets.
A psychological thriller and a family you'll never forget.
New This rural town has never seen a string of tragedies like this. A local store burns to the ground with two bodies inside. A newlywed couple goes missing, and all signs point to the abandoned house. With no answers, the townsfolk grow more and more worried.
The Woods family has lived here forever. But when their friends and their own children are put in danger, the threat hits home. This close-knit family must risk everything to find answers, but time is running out.
New Haven has secrets. And a haunted house like you've never seen before.
The Misery House is a chilling, suspenseful novel that will keep you guessing until the very end and set the stage for an epic three-book haunting. With its twists and turns, a likable family thrust into danger, this page-turner will keep you up late into the night.
It's up to the Woods family. Some fates are worse than death. Is it too late to save their town... and each other?
286 pages, Hardcover
First published July 7, 2023
67 people are currently reading
4514 people want to read
About the author
David Duane Kummer
19 books235 followersMy name is David Kummer. I'm a young writer who leans towards horror, mystery, thrillers, and young adult fiction. My books are fast-paced, easy-to-read, with shocking twists and unpredictable endings.
My new series is The House on the Hill, a new type of haunted house trilogy focusing on one family and the small town under attack. It's creepy enough for horror readers, but character-focused and plot-driven, so it's perfect for anyone who enjoys a good mystery novel.
I grew up in Madison, Indiana, a small town on the Ohio River, with lots of history and settings around here that influence my books. Now I live in New Albany with my fantastic wife. When I'm not writing, I'm a full-time English teacher for 9th graders and I enjoy spending as much time as possible outdoors.
You may have read some great authors before and some fascinating books, but this is the first time you've had an experience like this. Try something and let me convince you.
Email: davidkummer7@gmail.com
Twitter @DavidKummer7
Facebook: @davidduanekummer
Instagram: @davidkummer3
Get a free book and sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bPgy4n
My new series is The House on the Hill, a new type of haunted house trilogy focusing on one family and the small town under attack. It's creepy enough for horror readers, but character-focused and plot-driven, so it's perfect for anyone who enjoys a good mystery novel.
I grew up in Madison, Indiana, a small town on the Ohio River, with lots of history and settings around here that influence my books. Now I live in New Albany with my fantastic wife. When I'm not writing, I'm a full-time English teacher for 9th graders and I enjoy spending as much time as possible outdoors.
You may have read some great authors before and some fascinating books, but this is the first time you've had an experience like this. Try something and let me convince you.
Email: davidkummer7@gmail.com
Twitter @DavidKummer7
Facebook: @davidduanekummer
Instagram: @davidkummer3
Get a free book and sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bPgy4n
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
May 23, 2023
The Misery House is book #1 in The House On The Hill series of Gothic style modern day thrillers.
Set in a small American town, this story touches on prejudices and small town traditions that often smother those who live there and that make new comers feel unwelcome. All this is set against the eerie empty House on The Hill. A place kept alive by stories and something else lurking in the shadows.
The story steps along at a good pace and is told from several points of view, as the tension and horror builds fueled by people’s fears.
It is quite rare for me to read any horror, but the gothic style house somewhat appealed and the storytelling kept me reading on. It is well-written with very good vivid descriptions of the place and the people. The finale is open-ended ready for the next book in the series and some readers may find the cliff-hanger annoying rather than satisfying.
Set in a small American town, this story touches on prejudices and small town traditions that often smother those who live there and that make new comers feel unwelcome. All this is set against the eerie empty House on The Hill. A place kept alive by stories and something else lurking in the shadows.
The story steps along at a good pace and is told from several points of view, as the tension and horror builds fueled by people’s fears.
It is quite rare for me to read any horror, but the gothic style house somewhat appealed and the storytelling kept me reading on. It is well-written with very good vivid descriptions of the place and the people. The finale is open-ended ready for the next book in the series and some readers may find the cliff-hanger annoying rather than satisfying.
May 10, 2024
This book is the first in the House on The Hill series. It is described as a psychological thriller, but it has an undercurrent of horror themes running through it, which I enjoyed.
The story is set in a small American town called New Haven. It is homely, friendly, and welcoming so long as you are not new to the town. Outsiders are not welcome.
There is an old abandoned house on the hill overlooking the town, and all we know is that the town residents failed the family that once lived there. Is the house really abandoned, or is someone watching and waiting to cause harm to the residents of New Haven?
We meet the Woods family, and each chapter is told from a different family members point of view. I liked this aspect as we had the mother, father, daughter, and sons perspective. I liked this as it allowed me to get to know each character a little better.
This was a nicely paced, well written, easy to read book that kept my attention throughout. I liked the ending as it sets things up nicely for boon two. I will definitely continue to read the series.
I'd recommend if you like thrillers that may have some horror/supernatural elements.
The story is set in a small American town called New Haven. It is homely, friendly, and welcoming so long as you are not new to the town. Outsiders are not welcome.
There is an old abandoned house on the hill overlooking the town, and all we know is that the town residents failed the family that once lived there. Is the house really abandoned, or is someone watching and waiting to cause harm to the residents of New Haven?
We meet the Woods family, and each chapter is told from a different family members point of view. I liked this aspect as we had the mother, father, daughter, and sons perspective. I liked this as it allowed me to get to know each character a little better.
This was a nicely paced, well written, easy to read book that kept my attention throughout. I liked the ending as it sets things up nicely for boon two. I will definitely continue to read the series.
I'd recommend if you like thrillers that may have some horror/supernatural elements.
July 28, 2023
I finished this book in 3 days. It’s a wonderful combination of looking into small town and family relationships and the mystery and scariness of the house. The end of the book left me holding my breath and begging for the second one!
May 9, 2023
If I tell you that this tale starts out with a creepy old house you might think that a cliche was on its way, but it is done so beautifully, the cliche is avoided. Small town ordinariness is built in to a narrative out of which the shocking arises almost naturally.
As a Brit reader, I don’t have an idea of where New Haven is but I still managed to appreciate the picture drawn in this book of the constant tension that small town life engenders - security or suffocation? The descriptions of the hills, the weather and Kaia’s beloved forest are beautiful, adding yet another layer to New Haven.
Events are sparked off as a middle school baseball game is played out under a baking sun. I found this opening excellent, building the sense of unease gradually from something as innocent and wholesome as a family attending the game. The fire that starts the action devastates the town but brings out some people’s suspicion of outsiders. The action is complicated by the fact that most of the characters have known each other all their lives: they have a natural reluctance to judge one another.
From the beginning though, the Woods family stand out because Cliff married Naomi, a girl he met at college, regarded by the town as “different” in her appearance and her willingness to challenge the easy road, the acceptable version. Their children Nathaniel and Kaia are also given the chance to be different, and Kaia in particularly dreams of leaving New Haven despite her love for it, and her close friendship with Allison who has already married the loathsome Maliki. Led by Naomi’s strength the Woods family are going to challenge the easy assumptions of others, the people who want to believe that “…strangers mean trouble. New people mean trouble.”
The creepiness surrounding the abandoned old house is beautifully built up and unusually for me I read the book in one go. In fact, I was surprised when I reached the end - the story really does grab you and hold you. Watch out though - it ends on a terrific cliffhanger and you are going to wait impatiently for the next installment!
August 1, 2023
I received a copy of this ebook from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
I FLEW through this. Seriously. Almost finished it in one night. It is an easy read, but the tension that is created is intense. There are so many questions left unanswered because, as I found out too late, this is a trilogy! (Cue crying until I can get the next one). I am incredibly curious where this is going. The characters are not all likable, but you dislike the ones you are supposed to and you root for the ones you need to. It's not just another creepy house story; this whole town has something going on. I can't wait for the next installation!!
I FLEW through this. Seriously. Almost finished it in one night. It is an easy read, but the tension that is created is intense. There are so many questions left unanswered because, as I found out too late, this is a trilogy! (Cue crying until I can get the next one). I am incredibly curious where this is going. The characters are not all likable, but you dislike the ones you are supposed to and you root for the ones you need to. It's not just another creepy house story; this whole town has something going on. I can't wait for the next installation!!
July 2, 2024
✨Genre: Horror/Thriller ✨
📘 Synopsis: Sometimes the smallest towns are haunted by the darkest secrets.
📖 Review: This is book 1 in The House on the Hill trilogy. As of this writing only 2 of the novels are released. I grew up in a small town but nothing as rural as the one depicted in this novel. This story follows the Woods family, and we get multiple POV chapters from each family member along the way. The core mystery of the book is the abandoned house in New Haven and why the locals all seem to shy away from it. This is a solid spin on the haunted house trope and I look forward to seeing where the author takes the series.
3 Reasons We Recommend It:
✅ The setting of a small town is felt throughout the novel.
✅ Snappy pacing, this is a really quick read, the author kept me engaged. This was a short story that lacked filler, everything felt important to the main characters and the central story.
✅ Creepy and tense moments. The bike scene & a a scene at the end of the novel had me shook.
Any Criticisms?
🤨 With it being book 1 of a trilogy I try to shy away from criticizing the overall narrative without the full picture. One specific thing happens at the end of the book that kind of seemed strange and out of nowhere, but as this is a trilogy I’m sure book 2 will shed some light.
📚 5.0⭐. Outstanding start to a horror trilogy from David Kummer!
We interviewed David Kummer on our podcast you can check it out here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2153743/15...
Join our Discord and talk all things books and nerd culture with us:
https://discord.gg/k4upfa6Q8B
📘 Synopsis: Sometimes the smallest towns are haunted by the darkest secrets.
📖 Review: This is book 1 in The House on the Hill trilogy. As of this writing only 2 of the novels are released. I grew up in a small town but nothing as rural as the one depicted in this novel. This story follows the Woods family, and we get multiple POV chapters from each family member along the way. The core mystery of the book is the abandoned house in New Haven and why the locals all seem to shy away from it. This is a solid spin on the haunted house trope and I look forward to seeing where the author takes the series.
3 Reasons We Recommend It:
✅ The setting of a small town is felt throughout the novel.
✅ Snappy pacing, this is a really quick read, the author kept me engaged. This was a short story that lacked filler, everything felt important to the main characters and the central story.
✅ Creepy and tense moments. The bike scene & a a scene at the end of the novel had me shook.
Any Criticisms?
🤨 With it being book 1 of a trilogy I try to shy away from criticizing the overall narrative without the full picture. One specific thing happens at the end of the book that kind of seemed strange and out of nowhere, but as this is a trilogy I’m sure book 2 will shed some light.
📚 5.0⭐. Outstanding start to a horror trilogy from David Kummer!
We interviewed David Kummer on our podcast you can check it out here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2153743/15...
Join our Discord and talk all things books and nerd culture with us:
https://discord.gg/k4upfa6Q8B
October 12, 2024
Just the right amount of spooky, I really loved it. Looking forward to read the second book to see if my questions get answered.
February 3, 2024
Can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Read
May 12, 2024Misery House is the first book in the house on the hill series by David Kumer. In the book we meet the Woods family Cliff Naomi Kira innate. While Cliff is at Nate‘s baseball game with his life long best friend Jeremy his friend notices smoke in the distance they soon learn the local general store has burned down an inside they found its owner Mr. George and his son. Fires and deaths do not happen in New Haven so when the local sheriff wants to blame the new family in town, Cliff and Jeremy try to help them an offer they clearly do not want. Cliff’s daughter Keira has her own problems her best friend Allison has just married Malachi a pompous show off and Keira cannot understand why her sweet friend would want to marry such a guy. As if that wasn’t bad enough there’s even talk of him visiting the Georgian house on the hill and no one goes there. When Allison goes missing Keira would do anything to get her back even go to the house
On the hill.OK let me just say they have some really spooky moments in this book but the ending was OMG… OMG awesome! I cannot wait to read the next book which is coming out June 7 and I am definitely pre-ordering that and I also want to read the prequel this book was so good I love this family the Woods family and what more can I say if you love great thrillers that verge on horror and a dash of the paranormal then you’ll definitely love this book! I want to thank voracious readers only for my free Ark copy via the author please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
On the hill.OK let me just say they have some really spooky moments in this book but the ending was OMG… OMG awesome! I cannot wait to read the next book which is coming out June 7 and I am definitely pre-ordering that and I also want to read the prequel this book was so good I love this family the Woods family and what more can I say if you love great thrillers that verge on horror and a dash of the paranormal then you’ll definitely love this book! I want to thank voracious readers only for my free Ark copy via the author please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
July 26, 2023
I don't usually go for thrillers, but I loved this author's previous work. So when he offered me a review copy, I was happy to accept!
I loved the use of the setting. The forest around New Haven specifically felt like it's own character. I also appreciated the nuance of living in small towns. It didn't feel like it was either indicting or overly romanticizing small towns. Just showing both the good and the bad of it. I appreciate the complicated relationships everyone has with it.
There was a lot of voice to the writing style, a subtle accent without feeling like an over the top caricature. Admittedly some of the POVs could end up feeling samey. But for the most part, everyone felt distinct. I liked that the family were more or less close with each other, as likeable characters increase the scare factor. It's a whole lot creepier when you're invested in the characters staying alive.
Admittedly, the plot took it's time. There were several scenes at the beginning that felt disconnected to the narrative. But from the biking scene onwards, things pick up. There were several moments I had to remind myself to stop and take notes because I was anxious over what horrible thing was going to happen next and wanted to get it over with.
Admittedly, I do wish there was more time spent in the titular Misery House. The climactic scene didn't quite live up to all the build up. I thought about taking off a star for it. But as this is a trilogy, I'll wait to see if the pay off in future books is worth the wait now.
All in all, a great creepy pick for any thriller/horror fans!
I loved the use of the setting. The forest around New Haven specifically felt like it's own character. I also appreciated the nuance of living in small towns. It didn't feel like it was either indicting or overly romanticizing small towns. Just showing both the good and the bad of it. I appreciate the complicated relationships everyone has with it.
There was a lot of voice to the writing style, a subtle accent without feeling like an over the top caricature. Admittedly some of the POVs could end up feeling samey. But for the most part, everyone felt distinct. I liked that the family were more or less close with each other, as likeable characters increase the scare factor. It's a whole lot creepier when you're invested in the characters staying alive.
Admittedly, the plot took it's time. There were several scenes at the beginning that felt disconnected to the narrative. But from the biking scene onwards, things pick up. There were several moments I had to remind myself to stop and take notes because I was anxious over what horrible thing was going to happen next and wanted to get it over with.
Admittedly, I do wish there was more time spent in the titular Misery House. The climactic scene didn't quite live up to all the build up. I thought about taking off a star for it. But as this is a trilogy, I'll wait to see if the pay off in future books is worth the wait now.
All in all, a great creepy pick for any thriller/horror fans!
July 8, 2023
The Misery House is the first book in the epic three-book series The House on the Hill by David Kummer.
We have a quiet and peaceful small-town setting with small-town mindedness where it can be unwelcoming at times and loving at others.
The story is told from several POV’s building the tension and drama fuelled by fears.
It is a thought-provoking read. It is the lives and the people in this town and the creepiness that surrounds them all that draws you in. Having said that though sometimes the story didn’t flow easily and is a bit stilted surrounding the vivid picture narrative of the characters.
It’s just a House on the Hill. An empty House on the Hill. An eerie house. A place where horrors are brought alive by stories. A place where something maybe lurking in the shadows.
I still enjoyed the story that holds promise for future books. It does end on a cliff hanger ready for the next book. If you hate cliffie’s you are out of luck but if you like psychological thrillers, then give it a go.
We have a quiet and peaceful small-town setting with small-town mindedness where it can be unwelcoming at times and loving at others.
The story is told from several POV’s building the tension and drama fuelled by fears.
It is a thought-provoking read. It is the lives and the people in this town and the creepiness that surrounds them all that draws you in. Having said that though sometimes the story didn’t flow easily and is a bit stilted surrounding the vivid picture narrative of the characters.
It’s just a House on the Hill. An empty House on the Hill. An eerie house. A place where horrors are brought alive by stories. A place where something maybe lurking in the shadows.
I still enjoyed the story that holds promise for future books. It does end on a cliff hanger ready for the next book. If you hate cliffie’s you are out of luck but if you like psychological thrillers, then give it a go.
July 12, 2023
The Woods family have been members of the New Haven community forever, but when tragedies start occurring in their small town that point directly to them, will they be able to prove themselves to their neighbors?
Between a local store burning down with 2 bodies inside, and a newlywed couple going missing and their disappearance seeming to do with the haunted house on the hill, will the family be able to protect themselves and each other? Will they be able to continue to be members of the New Haven community?
A small town like this can be both very loving and warm, as well as very secretive and cold - depending on their feelings about you. Which will it be for the Woods'?
This book heaps on the suspense drop by drop, leaving lots of little hints and clues that you discover to be just that later on. I couldn't put it down, feeling constantly like I'd miss or forget an important clue hidden in its pages. This story is written from multiple POVS to fill in the timeline, which was an interesting way to approach it. It kept me riveted, jumping into books 2 and 3 ASAP!
Between a local store burning down with 2 bodies inside, and a newlywed couple going missing and their disappearance seeming to do with the haunted house on the hill, will the family be able to protect themselves and each other? Will they be able to continue to be members of the New Haven community?
A small town like this can be both very loving and warm, as well as very secretive and cold - depending on their feelings about you. Which will it be for the Woods'?
This book heaps on the suspense drop by drop, leaving lots of little hints and clues that you discover to be just that later on. I couldn't put it down, feeling constantly like I'd miss or forget an important clue hidden in its pages. This story is written from multiple POVS to fill in the timeline, which was an interesting way to approach it. It kept me riveted, jumping into books 2 and 3 ASAP!
July 25, 2024
This book is the reason I’m going to begin reading more thriller books.
The plot
I don’t want to say too much as I think that going into thrillers blindly makes them better, but there is a small town and a haunted house…
The characters
All the characters have such a strong personality, with emotions and reactions that make sense in everyday life.
My favourite character is Kaia, she is just so strong throughout the entire book, and she cares so much.
Who would I recommend it to?
People who are looking to get into the mystery genre are interested in a longer story with lots of build-up rather than the common single-novel thriller.
Final thoughts (Minor spoilers!)
I think this book is a good set-up for the rest of the books in the series, I got to know the characters and their world while not giving away too much of the plot. I have a few suspicions for where the story could go but, in a thriller, literally, anything could happen.
Thank you to Voracious Readers and David Kummer for this free read!
The plot
I don’t want to say too much as I think that going into thrillers blindly makes them better, but there is a small town and a haunted house…
The characters
All the characters have such a strong personality, with emotions and reactions that make sense in everyday life.
My favourite character is Kaia, she is just so strong throughout the entire book, and she cares so much.
Who would I recommend it to?
People who are looking to get into the mystery genre are interested in a longer story with lots of build-up rather than the common single-novel thriller.
Final thoughts (Minor spoilers!)
I think this book is a good set-up for the rest of the books in the series, I got to know the characters and their world while not giving away too much of the plot. I have a few suspicions for where the story could go but, in a thriller, literally, anything could happen.
Thank you to Voracious Readers and David Kummer for this free read!
June 29, 2024
This book was gripping from the beginning, it has this horror like Stephen king which really made me want to read it more. Its flow to the book I really had to focus on because it did get told from different character views but other than that it was very captivating from the beginning. A new family, a house no one visits, a fire where the shop owner and son don’t make it, a sheriff just making assumptions for people he doesn’t like, animals going crazy and change people, mystery lights and so much more. This book had so much going for it that I really couldn’t put it down, I felt like I was there watching the Woods family and everything going on in the town of mystery. This book was filled with edge of your seat suspense, thriller, horror, mystery, lies, truth and some urban legends that get thrown into the mix. I highly recommend this book but read it too close to bedtime, until you like that. Diving into book 2 will be my next thing to do.
July 24, 2023
The haunted house sits above a small tight knit community, who is wary of outsiders. When things start happening the outsiders are blamed. The story is told through the members of one local family who is more open to the possibility that supernatural things are happening and the new family might not have any connection. Kaia is soon off to college, she loves her family and her best friend (who married a local boy with issues). Nate is her little brother who has a vague sense of the house. Naomi is the mother, she cares deeply about her family and she has been in the house. Ben wants to keep things peaceful and keep his family safe. It was a good mystery/horror quick read, not overly creepy but curious to learn more about what is in the house. I’m grateful for the promo copy and chance to discover a new series.
June 29, 2024
The Misery House by David Kummer is the first book in The House On the Hill series, a psychological thriller, with beautiful mixes of horror and suspense. These characters were beautifully written, the setting so real I was practically right there, and the dynamics worked so well everything just fell together like a puzzle. I loved the split POV's, this authors writing style is immaculate and will definitely leave you paranoid. I'm diving right into book 2 of this trilogy as soon as possible!!
September 17, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only. The Misery House was a decent read that ends on a cliffhanger. It is the first part of three books. I’ll probably seek out the second book and see how it is. It does start off slow and takes quite a while to get moving. The book is also written in the first person but switches to different characters each chapter. To me, it just didn’t flow smoothly in this format and was a little confusing at first. I actually do like the characters though and just wish the author presented the story in a different way. The first book more than set up the character development. I hope the second book develops more of the story.
July 22, 2023
I was really excited to give The Misery House a try based solo on the synopsis as I had never heard of this author before. This was one of those stories that had me absolutely hooked from the very first sentence and captivated to the very end. I liked that the chapters varied in perspective, really allowing the reader the “big picture”. This novel left me craving more by the end and gave me a new author to keep an eye on!
October 10, 2023
I started this book not knowing wether I was going to like it but damn the ending had me actually balling I couldn’t have asked for a better book
January 20, 2024
This book was fantastic, not an author I have read before but after having chance to read a review copy I'm hooked and will be looking for more books by this author.
I felt the book was set well and the characters were well described so we had a connection with them.
I couldn't read the end fast to enough to get answers and to find out more, I can't not wait for the next book and will definitely be reading the series.
Highly recommend if you love a thriller, an absolute page turner!
I felt the book was set well and the characters were well described so we had a connection with them.
I couldn't read the end fast to enough to get answers and to find out more, I can't not wait for the next book and will definitely be reading the series.
Highly recommend if you love a thriller, an absolute page turner!
March 17, 2024
The Misery House is the first book in a planned trilogy, and I thought this one set up the story quite well, even if it was a quite slow at times. And by slow, I mean it took a very long time to get to the house and even now, I won't even pretend I understand anything about it. The author did have a very descriptive writing style that drew you into the lives of the characters, but upon looking back, that's exactly what the story was about, the lives of the characters. And while I don't mind descriptive writing, I would have liked to have seen more build up of the atmosphere, some more horror, some tension, but it was a bit lacking overall.
At this point, I'm still on the fence about the use of multiple POV in this book, at least from the whole family. I enjoyed learning about the Woods family and their different perspectives on things, and I definitely enjoyed the author's writing style when it came to the characters, but the way it was written left some gaps in the story line. Because of this writing style, it was left to the reader to assume the sheriff believed certain things because the characters said so, not because you actually got to witness his behaviour through the story. Or Malaki, we just assume he is this horrible person because of someone else's POV, but never really see anyone else's POV or hear his side of things. I am not a fan of assumptive story telling as I would prefer to draw my own conclusions about characters, not be led around by the nose. Now Malaki has this association with the house, we hear all these rumours about it through other characters, but where is the investigation or where are the dialogues about this behaviour? Nowhere.
I did enjoy this book quite a bit, but that doesn't mean I was oblivious to the plot holes. The author has a great writing style that I enjoyed, he has a way of drawing you in, but he does make use of assumptions way too much. When Kaia's best friend Allison goes missing, a witness saw her in that creepy abandoned house, but the sheriff doesn't go looking for her asap? Why not? Why does he arrest someone else in the community instead? We don't even get to see that part of the story, it's all told through other characters and how angry they are. And personally, it doesn't really make sense. As a reader, we are just told this is what happened, but the why is glossed over and we are expected to just accept it without motivation or cause. Uh uh, not me. And Kaia? The minute she got that text from Allison, why would she not report it or at least text her back? And then get all upset because nothing is being done. What?! The author was trying to build up suspense, but honestly, the scene with Nate and Naomi when they were cycling past the house is the way to go as that scene had me rushing through the pages. Withholding info, never a good way to create tension or to create a way for someone to go investigating on their own.
The Misery House had a lot going for it, definitely enough that I will be grabbing the second book when it is released in June (The Silent Forest). It does have a lot that I love in a haunted house book, and the author's writing style does draw you into the story and the characters' lives. There were a lot of gaps however, that were not explained or covered up through assumptions, and the ending definitely lowered my rating as the book simply...ended. And honestly, there is just so many times you can read about a character having an 'ick' feeling about something, but do nothing about it, before you start rolling your eyes. That being said, I am curious about that dang house, so I have to read book 2.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
At this point, I'm still on the fence about the use of multiple POV in this book, at least from the whole family. I enjoyed learning about the Woods family and their different perspectives on things, and I definitely enjoyed the author's writing style when it came to the characters, but the way it was written left some gaps in the story line. Because of this writing style, it was left to the reader to assume the sheriff believed certain things because the characters said so, not because you actually got to witness his behaviour through the story. Or Malaki, we just assume he is this horrible person because of someone else's POV, but never really see anyone else's POV or hear his side of things. I am not a fan of assumptive story telling as I would prefer to draw my own conclusions about characters, not be led around by the nose. Now Malaki has this association with the house, we hear all these rumours about it through other characters, but where is the investigation or where are the dialogues about this behaviour? Nowhere.
I did enjoy this book quite a bit, but that doesn't mean I was oblivious to the plot holes. The author has a great writing style that I enjoyed, he has a way of drawing you in, but he does make use of assumptions way too much. When Kaia's best friend Allison goes missing, a witness saw her in that creepy abandoned house, but the sheriff doesn't go looking for her asap? Why not? Why does he arrest someone else in the community instead? We don't even get to see that part of the story, it's all told through other characters and how angry they are. And personally, it doesn't really make sense. As a reader, we are just told this is what happened, but the why is glossed over and we are expected to just accept it without motivation or cause. Uh uh, not me. And Kaia? The minute she got that text from Allison, why would she not report it or at least text her back? And then get all upset because nothing is being done. What?! The author was trying to build up suspense, but honestly, the scene with Nate and Naomi when they were cycling past the house is the way to go as that scene had me rushing through the pages. Withholding info, never a good way to create tension or to create a way for someone to go investigating on their own.
The Misery House had a lot going for it, definitely enough that I will be grabbing the second book when it is released in June (The Silent Forest). It does have a lot that I love in a haunted house book, and the author's writing style does draw you into the story and the characters' lives. There were a lot of gaps however, that were not explained or covered up through assumptions, and the ending definitely lowered my rating as the book simply...ended. And honestly, there is just so many times you can read about a character having an 'ick' feeling about something, but do nothing about it, before you start rolling your eyes. That being said, I am curious about that dang house, so I have to read book 2.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2023
The suspense and imagery in David Kummer’s The Misery House was as intense and satisfying as you can imagine this type of booking being. It left you with the tension and awareness of the layers he was creating as an author. The storyline was compelling and leaves the reader eager for the next chapter. If you like to read suspense and thriller novels, this novel is right up your alley. It portrays the creepy effect, the relatability factor, and the ‘this could happen to anyone’ factor which definitely makes for an enthralling book!
May 9, 2023
If I tell you that this tale starts out with a creepy old house you might think that a cliche was on its way, but it is done so beautifully, the cliche is avoided. Small town ordinariness is built in to a narrative out of which the shocking arises almost naturally.
As a Brit reader, I don’t have an idea of where New Haven is but I still managed to appreciate the picture drawn in this book of the constant tension that small town life engenders - security or suffocation? The descriptions of the hills, the weather and Kaia’s beloved forest are beautiful, adding yet another layer to New Haven.
Events are sparked off as a middle school baseball game is played out under a baking sun. I found this opening excellent, building the sense of unease gradually from something as innocent and wholesome as a family attending the game. The fire that starts the action devastates the town but brings out some people’s suspicion of outsiders. The action is complicated by the fact that most of the characters have known each other all their lives: they have a natural reluctance to judge one another.
From the beginning though, the Woods family stand out because Cliff married Naomi, a girl he met at college, different in her appearance and her willingness to challenge the easy road, the acceptable version. Their children Nathaniel and Kaia are also given the chance to be different, and Kaia in particularly dreams of leaving New Haven despite her love for it, and her close friendship with Allison who has already married the loathsome Maliki. Led by Naomi’s strength the Woods family are going to challenge the easy assumptions of others, the people, who want to believe that “…strangers mean trouble. New people mean trouble.”
The creepiness surrounding the abandoned old house is beautifully built up and unusually for me I read the book in one go. In fact, I was surprised when I reached the end - the story really does grab you and hold you. Watch out though - it ends on a terrific cliffhanger and you are going to wait impatiently for the next installment!
As a Brit reader, I don’t have an idea of where New Haven is but I still managed to appreciate the picture drawn in this book of the constant tension that small town life engenders - security or suffocation? The descriptions of the hills, the weather and Kaia’s beloved forest are beautiful, adding yet another layer to New Haven.
Events are sparked off as a middle school baseball game is played out under a baking sun. I found this opening excellent, building the sense of unease gradually from something as innocent and wholesome as a family attending the game. The fire that starts the action devastates the town but brings out some people’s suspicion of outsiders. The action is complicated by the fact that most of the characters have known each other all their lives: they have a natural reluctance to judge one another.
From the beginning though, the Woods family stand out because Cliff married Naomi, a girl he met at college, different in her appearance and her willingness to challenge the easy road, the acceptable version. Their children Nathaniel and Kaia are also given the chance to be different, and Kaia in particularly dreams of leaving New Haven despite her love for it, and her close friendship with Allison who has already married the loathsome Maliki. Led by Naomi’s strength the Woods family are going to challenge the easy assumptions of others, the people, who want to believe that “…strangers mean trouble. New people mean trouble.”
The creepiness surrounding the abandoned old house is beautifully built up and unusually for me I read the book in one go. In fact, I was surprised when I reached the end - the story really does grab you and hold you. Watch out though - it ends on a terrific cliffhanger and you are going to wait impatiently for the next installment!
June 9, 2024
A gripping psychological thriller which did keep me on the edge of my seat! Set in the small rural town of New Haven and told from different characters points of view, this unsettling story was one which I could not put down. The Woods family have lived in the town forever and are as shocked as everyone else when a string of tragedies occur. First the local store burns down with two bodies inside and then a newlywed couple go missing, and there does not appear to be any leads, leaving the townsfolk worried. When the close knit Woods family’s own children and their friends are put in danger they are willing to risk everything to find out what is going on. Throughout the story the abandoned, creepy and known to be haunted house sits on the hill, this seems to be where the secrets of the town might be discovered. However, it may be too late for the Woods family and the town. The likeable and relatable Woods family had me captivated from page one, whilst the claustrophobic feel of the setting along with the chilling haunted house were brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative. I felt completely immersed in this novel, the suspense and terror really built chapter by chapter, and the plot twists and turns kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. This was a real page turner and as it ends with a cliffhanger, I am now impatiently waiting for book two in this trilogy!
May 19, 2024
Fantastic story! It was gripping, definitely a page-turner, I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the atmosphere, the eerie vibes that were lingering throughout the book. I liked how close the family (Woods) members were to each other (especially the mother-son and the brother-sister relationship).
I had a fabulous time reading this story but there were a few things that didn’t make sense to me (and made me annoyed):
* According to a witness, Allison was last seen in the abandoned house (held captive) and they (the police and our wannabe detectives) plan to check that place in 1-2 DAYS(?!)
* Imagine the following situation: your best friend sends you a weird message (which is screaming for an answer/reaction) and then she goes missing but you still don’t answer/try to reach her via phone?! Then days later you think that maybe(?) you should try to text her (or whoever has her phone)?!
That being said, I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait for the next instalment, I’ll certainly read it!
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
(This book was sent to me in exchange for my honest review.)
I had a fabulous time reading this story but there were a few things that didn’t make sense to me (and made me annoyed):
* According to a witness, Allison was last seen in the abandoned house (held captive) and they (the police and our wannabe detectives) plan to check that place in 1-2 DAYS(?!)
* Imagine the following situation: your best friend sends you a weird message (which is screaming for an answer/reaction) and then she goes missing but you still don’t answer/try to reach her via phone?! Then days later you think that maybe(?) you should try to text her (or whoever has her phone)?!
That being said, I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait for the next instalment, I’ll certainly read it!
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
(This book was sent to me in exchange for my honest review.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2023
Wow! I’m going to run out of adjectives to describe how amazing this psychological thriller is. It’s gripping. You won’t want to put it down. The depth of the characters is something else and you will get to know them in a very intimate way.
This author is an intelligent writer with tremendous storytelling skills. He explores the strong family bonds that can not be broken despite the fear surrounding them.
Just a fabulous read. I urge you to read this book. The series I going to be brilliant.
This author is an intelligent writer with tremendous storytelling skills. He explores the strong family bonds that can not be broken despite the fear surrounding them.
Just a fabulous read. I urge you to read this book. The series I going to be brilliant.
September 16, 2023
Overview.
I wish I hadn't read this book yet. It is the first part of a trilogy and I can't wait for the other books to come out. I am captivated by the story, and chilled at the same time.
Story.
I am finding it difficult to summarise the story without spoilers.
There is an abandoned house on a hill just outside the town of New Haven. There is something frightening about it, and no one goes there.
The Woods family farms just outside the town, and their son, Nate, is on the baseball team. When a new family arrives, the son also joins the team, but there is something the other boys find odd.
Then a shop burns down with the owner and his son inside. The sheriff immediately suspects the newcomers, even though they were all at the baseball game.
On a bicycle ride near the house, Naomi Woods and her son, Nate, see mysterious lights and are chased by a strange animal.
When Kaia Woods' best friend disappears, things come to a head.
I'm saying no more.
Characters.
Mr Kumar has given us a variety of characters, each one different.
Cliff Woods, the father of Kaia and Nate, wants to farm his land in peace and do the best he can for his family. He does not always make the correct decisions, though.
Naomi is a sensible woman. She tries to do the right thing, and she stands up for the new family. But she is afraid of the house because of something that happened to her when she was foolhardy enough to go into it.
The sheriff is a prejudiced man who is suspicious of anything new.
Kaia cares for her friend who has married a strange young man, but she is impulsive.
Nate is a typical young boy who would rather play on his x-box when not playing or practising baseball.
On the whole, the characters are believable with flaws we can all relate to.
Writing
Mr Kumar builds the tension excellently. I felt quite afraid in the parts where the house was involved.
The story is written from multiple points of view. Each point of view has its own chapter. When we are with a member of the Woods family the writing is in the first person, which is the majority of the book, there are chapters which don't involve them, and they are in third person.
I did not find this a problem as it's made quite clear in the chapter headings.
One negative in the writing is the overuse of the word 'just'. It appears several times on most pages and it did become a distraction, especially since in most cases it wasn't needed.
This was not enough to reduce the rating, and I give it 5*.
I wish I hadn't read this book yet. It is the first part of a trilogy and I can't wait for the other books to come out. I am captivated by the story, and chilled at the same time.
Story.
I am finding it difficult to summarise the story without spoilers.
There is an abandoned house on a hill just outside the town of New Haven. There is something frightening about it, and no one goes there.
The Woods family farms just outside the town, and their son, Nate, is on the baseball team. When a new family arrives, the son also joins the team, but there is something the other boys find odd.
Then a shop burns down with the owner and his son inside. The sheriff immediately suspects the newcomers, even though they were all at the baseball game.
On a bicycle ride near the house, Naomi Woods and her son, Nate, see mysterious lights and are chased by a strange animal.
When Kaia Woods' best friend disappears, things come to a head.
I'm saying no more.
Characters.
Mr Kumar has given us a variety of characters, each one different.
Cliff Woods, the father of Kaia and Nate, wants to farm his land in peace and do the best he can for his family. He does not always make the correct decisions, though.
Naomi is a sensible woman. She tries to do the right thing, and she stands up for the new family. But she is afraid of the house because of something that happened to her when she was foolhardy enough to go into it.
The sheriff is a prejudiced man who is suspicious of anything new.
Kaia cares for her friend who has married a strange young man, but she is impulsive.
Nate is a typical young boy who would rather play on his x-box when not playing or practising baseball.
On the whole, the characters are believable with flaws we can all relate to.
Writing
Mr Kumar builds the tension excellently. I felt quite afraid in the parts where the house was involved.
The story is written from multiple points of view. Each point of view has its own chapter. When we are with a member of the Woods family the writing is in the first person, which is the majority of the book, there are chapters which don't involve them, and they are in third person.
I did not find this a problem as it's made quite clear in the chapter headings.
One negative in the writing is the overuse of the word 'just'. It appears several times on most pages and it did become a distraction, especially since in most cases it wasn't needed.
This was not enough to reduce the rating, and I give it 5*.
July 8, 2023
The Misery House is Book One in The House on the Hill Series. It is a sinister psychological thriller that will grab your attention and keep you reading until the end. The author does a superb job of keeping the reader’s attention throughout the story as the suspense and tension builds. He then takes us on a series of twists and turns that keep you riveted until the final pages.
The story is set in a small town and is told from different points of view of the Woods family. It starts off innocently enough as we are introduced to Cliff who is attending his son, Nate’s baseball game. Then comes a mysterious fire that takes place where two dead bodies are discovered. As strange things begin to occur, the townsfolk have noticed that strangers have arrived in town, which in itself is odd because no outsiders generally choose to live there. Cliff’s daughter Kaia’s best friend had just gotten married when her and her husband mysteriously disappeared. Then there is the creepy old house on the hill that must somehow be involved because of its reputation as being haunted.
This book grabbed my attention and kept me reading until the end. I loved the spine-tingling vibes that gave me goosebumps a few times. The characters were well written, and the small-town setting was done superbly. The townsfolk, being so unwelcoming and weary of strangers was dark, mysterious, and creepy in its own respect. If you were not born there, it would be almost impossible to be accepted, which was weird and odd. Any newcomers were viewed as suspicious, and the townsfolk were standoffish in their behavior towards them. Throw in a haunted house and I was seriously hooked! I cannot wait to read the rest of this series!
The story is set in a small town and is told from different points of view of the Woods family. It starts off innocently enough as we are introduced to Cliff who is attending his son, Nate’s baseball game. Then comes a mysterious fire that takes place where two dead bodies are discovered. As strange things begin to occur, the townsfolk have noticed that strangers have arrived in town, which in itself is odd because no outsiders generally choose to live there. Cliff’s daughter Kaia’s best friend had just gotten married when her and her husband mysteriously disappeared. Then there is the creepy old house on the hill that must somehow be involved because of its reputation as being haunted.
This book grabbed my attention and kept me reading until the end. I loved the spine-tingling vibes that gave me goosebumps a few times. The characters were well written, and the small-town setting was done superbly. The townsfolk, being so unwelcoming and weary of strangers was dark, mysterious, and creepy in its own respect. If you were not born there, it would be almost impossible to be accepted, which was weird and odd. Any newcomers were viewed as suspicious, and the townsfolk were standoffish in their behavior towards them. Throw in a haunted house and I was seriously hooked! I cannot wait to read the rest of this series!
July 6, 2023
The story centres around the Woods family; Cliff and Naomi and their children, Kaia and Nathaniel. Set in the small, quiet town of New Haven where anyone new is looked upon with suspicion, and preconceived opinions are commonplace. Overlooking the town is the menacing, abandoned old house on the hill.
Naomi is still thought of different by some townsfolk because of the colour of her skin, despite being married to a New Haven native and living in the town for years. She had her own close encounter with the house years ago and steers clear.
Things begin to unravel during a baseball game when a fire ravaged one of the local stores and two people died. Sheriff Wheeler’s suspicions landed firmly on the new family in town. Some people think the house on the hill could cause bad things to happen. Then Kaia’s best friend and her husband, the very unlikeable Maliki, disappear.
Each chapter is told from one of four points of view – Cliff, Naomi, Kaia and Nathaniel, with a couple of chapters in and around New Haven, which keeps the momentum going. Descriptive writing give a good sense of place and characters. Nothing is resolved, this being the first book a series of three. I enjoyed the fact it was a different take on the ‘haunted house’ scenario and the horror, so far anyway, is quite mild. I enjoyed reading The Misery House but it didn’t grab me quite as much as I hoped.
Naomi is still thought of different by some townsfolk because of the colour of her skin, despite being married to a New Haven native and living in the town for years. She had her own close encounter with the house years ago and steers clear.
Things begin to unravel during a baseball game when a fire ravaged one of the local stores and two people died. Sheriff Wheeler’s suspicions landed firmly on the new family in town. Some people think the house on the hill could cause bad things to happen. Then Kaia’s best friend and her husband, the very unlikeable Maliki, disappear.
Each chapter is told from one of four points of view – Cliff, Naomi, Kaia and Nathaniel, with a couple of chapters in and around New Haven, which keeps the momentum going. Descriptive writing give a good sense of place and characters. Nothing is resolved, this being the first book a series of three. I enjoyed the fact it was a different take on the ‘haunted house’ scenario and the horror, so far anyway, is quite mild. I enjoyed reading The Misery House but it didn’t grab me quite as much as I hoped.
July 7, 2023
Thrilling and Chilling!
David Kummer writes a harrowing tale with The Misery House. This book is part of The House on the Hill series, and this is volume one, which means that there are more stories to come, and I bet they just get better and better. I am a big fan of David Kummer and want to read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Welcome to New Haven, a rural small town, that has just been hit with disturbing events, and it all points to what they call the Misery House, a grandly chilling haunting walls with a structure that holds more than just secrets. The reader is introduced to the Woods family, and the house on the hill. So, wherever you turn, there is danger, and now it's about to touch the Woods. This is one of those books that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. Absolutely chilling, with death around every corner. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. A definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. Very unpredictable, the best kind of story! The Misery House is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
David Kummer writes a harrowing tale with The Misery House. This book is part of The House on the Hill series, and this is volume one, which means that there are more stories to come, and I bet they just get better and better. I am a big fan of David Kummer and want to read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Welcome to New Haven, a rural small town, that has just been hit with disturbing events, and it all points to what they call the Misery House, a grandly chilling haunting walls with a structure that holds more than just secrets. The reader is introduced to the Woods family, and the house on the hill. So, wherever you turn, there is danger, and now it's about to touch the Woods. This is one of those books that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. Absolutely chilling, with death around every corner. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. A definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. Very unpredictable, the best kind of story! The Misery House is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
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