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The Loveliest Dead
To most people it s just a large house, old and a bit run-down. To the Kellar family it s a new start, a chance to wipe out the painful past and begin again. But soon it will become a living nightmare. The terrors begin before the Kellars have even finished unpacking. Who are the mysterious children playing on the rusty, vine-covered swing set in the backyard? Who is the figure sitting in the dark corner of the bedroom at night? Who --or what-- waits in the basement? They are the dead and they cannot rest. Horror stalks the halls of the Kellar house. And the secrets of the past are reaching from beyond the grave to destroy the living.
313 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2006
69 people are currently reading
3333 people want to read
About the author
Ray Garton
180 books563 followersRay Garton is the author of several books, including horror novels such as LIVE GIRLS (which has a movie in the works), CRUCIFAX, E4 AUTUMN, and THE FOLKS; thrillers like TRADE SECRETS and SHACKLED; and numerous short stories and novellas. He's also written a number of movie and television tie-ins for young readers. He lives with his wife, Dawn, in California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
September 29, 2014
This supernatural story from Garton came as a complete surprise to me. It was much more "tame" than the books I've come to expect from him, and yet no less enjoyable. This was the perfect read for the beginning of Autumn.
The plot itself is pretty much your standard "haunted house" layout, yet Garton's story has a fresh, more "terrifying" appeal to it than the majority I have read. The Kellar family moves into this house (left to Jenna, the wife) by a father she never met. Having just lost their youngest son, they use the move as a way to try to heal, and start their lives over with their older son, Miles.
The ghostly hauntings and tension begin almost immediately! What is particularly refreshing in this tale, is that it's not just one family member experiencing things that the others scoff at, but rather EVERYONE is able to feel the evil, tortured presence of things half-seen in the dark.
While the ending, again, was nothing really "new", it was well done, and left me feeling quite satisfied with a genuinely creepy read.
Recommended!
The plot itself is pretty much your standard "haunted house" layout, yet Garton's story has a fresh, more "terrifying" appeal to it than the majority I have read. The Kellar family moves into this house (left to Jenna, the wife) by a father she never met. Having just lost their youngest son, they use the move as a way to try to heal, and start their lives over with their older son, Miles.
The ghostly hauntings and tension begin almost immediately! What is particularly refreshing in this tale, is that it's not just one family member experiencing things that the others scoff at, but rather EVERYONE is able to feel the evil, tortured presence of things half-seen in the dark.
While the ending, again, was nothing really "new", it was well done, and left me feeling quite satisfied with a genuinely creepy read.
Recommended!
November 19, 2016
I listened to the audiobook. that was seriously the weirdest narrator I think I've ever heard. his reading was jerky, like the cd was skipping. idk, anyways, the characters in this book are exactly the way you'd expect them to be. everyone has paranormal experiences but papa but then he starts acting angry & violent. I love a haunted house story so stuck with it but I'm pretty sure if you read or watch a lot of horror, you can predict the character's actions and the outcome of this story.it wasn't awful, I didn't hate it. just very cookie cutter & predictable. I wouldn't pay full price for this one.
April 10, 2013
We'll Leave the Light on for You...
I was really impressed with this book, on many levels. The paranormal spooks were definitely there, and anyone who has read my reviews knows I love a good ghost or haunted house story. Beyond those elements were characters that I really enjoyed reading about and a mystery at the heart of everything. The author deserves kudos for another achievement as well. All too often, I find myself turned off by an author who feels the need to overwhelm the reader with gore, violence, and truly disturbing imagery. This author handled a delicate subject beautifully, and in my opinion, maintained the balance along that razor thin line of enough description and information to convey the message and inspire fear, and so much that it's disturbing to a more sensitive reader, which removes the fun out of the journey all together. This was a really good read, and I'll be looking into more by this author.
I was really impressed with this book, on many levels. The paranormal spooks were definitely there, and anyone who has read my reviews knows I love a good ghost or haunted house story. Beyond those elements were characters that I really enjoyed reading about and a mystery at the heart of everything. The author deserves kudos for another achievement as well. All too often, I find myself turned off by an author who feels the need to overwhelm the reader with gore, violence, and truly disturbing imagery. This author handled a delicate subject beautifully, and in my opinion, maintained the balance along that razor thin line of enough description and information to convey the message and inspire fear, and so much that it's disturbing to a more sensitive reader, which removes the fun out of the journey all together. This was a really good read, and I'll be looking into more by this author.
January 6, 2022
Ray Garton is always fun to read and this is no exception, but this is far from his best work, like Live Girls or Crucifax. Basically, this, as another reviewer wrote is something like a PG-13 haunted house horror story. The set up-- the Keller family-- mom, dad, 10 year old Miles and the mom's mom, just inherited a house. Jenna, the mom, had a father she never met, but upon his death, he left her the house. Guess what-- the house is haunted!
Garton moves this story along at a good clip and it would probably make a good script for a PG-13 movie. Immediately after they move in, Miles has a 'nightmare' about a fat man emerging from the floor in his room; Grandma sees little kids playing on the old, rusted swing set out back (hence the cover), and Jenna keeps seeing a little boy she thinks is her other son, who died a few years back. Parallel to the events in the house, we are introduced to Lily, a 'medium', who has a gift, but one that often seems like a curse. Lily at times receives visions (after smelling bananas and passing out) of terrible events that she is compelled to do something about. In the past, she has worked with the police to help solve various heinous crimes, but she keeps a low profile and runs a new age store in Eureka, CA. One day, she starts having visions of an old house with a swing set out back...
This is a really straight forward plot by Garton and it unfolds just as you might expect. Yes, there are some good eerie scenes and the 'ghosts' or what ever start doing their thing, and you know something happened at the house in the past to fill it with such 'spiritual disturbances'. Nonetheless, this is pretty tame stuff compared to The Amityville Horror or other earlier breakthrough horror novels. As I said at the start, this is strictly PG-13 horror. Still, Garton manages to carry it off and make it pretty engaging. 3 ghostly stars!!
Garton moves this story along at a good clip and it would probably make a good script for a PG-13 movie. Immediately after they move in, Miles has a 'nightmare' about a fat man emerging from the floor in his room; Grandma sees little kids playing on the old, rusted swing set out back (hence the cover), and Jenna keeps seeing a little boy she thinks is her other son, who died a few years back. Parallel to the events in the house, we are introduced to Lily, a 'medium', who has a gift, but one that often seems like a curse. Lily at times receives visions (after smelling bananas and passing out) of terrible events that she is compelled to do something about. In the past, she has worked with the police to help solve various heinous crimes, but she keeps a low profile and runs a new age store in Eureka, CA. One day, she starts having visions of an old house with a swing set out back...
This is a really straight forward plot by Garton and it unfolds just as you might expect. Yes, there are some good eerie scenes and the 'ghosts' or what ever start doing their thing, and you know something happened at the house in the past to fill it with such 'spiritual disturbances'. Nonetheless, this is pretty tame stuff compared to The Amityville Horror or other earlier breakthrough horror novels. As I said at the start, this is strictly PG-13 horror. Still, Garton manages to carry it off and make it pretty engaging. 3 ghostly stars!!
January 15, 2016
David and Jenna Kellar lost their youngest son Josh in a tragic death. It was time for David, Jenna and their oldest son Miles to make a fresh start. Jenna inherited a house from her father that she did not even know. The Kellar's had no idea about the background of this house. They were soon to find out that the house held many deep dark secrets. They also found out that they were not safe there.This a ghost tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
October 27, 2022
This was a lot less bloody than most other Ray Garton books that I've read, but nonetheless an entertaining story that kept me guessing and turning pages. A good read.
September 1, 2013
Rating: 4.5 stars
This one was genuinely CREEEEEEPY! I love nothing more than a spooky ghost/haunted house story, and I always start getting in the mood for them around this time each year in anticipation of Halloween. Totally reminiscent of The Amityville Horror, which I've always loved. In addition to being downright chilling, the book had fantastic character development and a great sense of place. I would really love to see this turned into a series following the character of Lily (hint hint, author, if you're reading this!).
I've subtracted half a star in my rating only because the outcome was predictable (which wasn't a major flaw by any means). The content also left a bad taste in my mouth, as it was pretty disturbing. Otherwise, the book was close to perfection in the horror genre!
This one was genuinely CREEEEEEPY! I love nothing more than a spooky ghost/haunted house story, and I always start getting in the mood for them around this time each year in anticipation of Halloween. Totally reminiscent of The Amityville Horror, which I've always loved. In addition to being downright chilling, the book had fantastic character development and a great sense of place. I would really love to see this turned into a series following the character of Lily (hint hint, author, if you're reading this!).
I've subtracted half a star in my rating only because the outcome was predictable (which wasn't a major flaw by any means). The content also left a bad taste in my mouth, as it was pretty disturbing. Otherwise, the book was close to perfection in the horror genre!
September 9, 2016
I love Garton's work, but when I saw this was a haunted house story I had my doubts. Whoops. I was severely wrong. It follows the formula, but it approaches the story in a vastly different way. The characters are wonderful. The villain(s) are horrible. The build up is so intense I couldn't help but feel it in such a mundane place as my train commute. I second guessed a lot, but forget that. I found this book a lot of fun. I cared about the characters involved, so I was scared. And the villain . . . wow. PS: I loved the truck driving medium, Dwayne Shattuck. I want nothing more from Garton than a series about this guy. Lily's great, but this is a one-fer for her. Shattuck could carry an entire series. Please, Ray. If you're reading these reviews. I want more Shattuck. I want to see him fighting supernatural creatures beyond our understanding. Please and thank you.
June 28, 2011
2 and 1/2 stars
Ray Garton is usually known for his more adult, disturbing horror. The Loveliest Dead unfortunately, is like Ray Garton-lite, a PG-13 type ghost story that felt very familiar and run-of-the-mill. This has exactly what all the other supernatural novels have - mysteriously disappearing children, unexplained noises in an empty house, strange voices in the basement, and the always predictable chill that passes through the room. There were a few real moments of terror, but not enough for the amount of buildup that came before it. It seemed that Mr. Garton was uninspired in writing this latest story.
The thing that kept me reading was Garton's writing. The story was the same, standard ghost story as most other books, but Garton's strong point is his clear, fluid writing style. His characters are nicely defined and the dialogue feels real. There are a few typos (shame, shame, Leisure!) that unfortunately appear near the climax and my only other problem seems to be Garton's dislike for Catholics. I'm not a Catholic, but his writing not only dismisses the religion, but makes the only priest in the story a pedophile. This clich annoyed me, but was only a minor complaint. Other than that, I'd recommend the A.J. Matthews/Rick Hautala or T.M. Wright ghost novels if the supernatural is your preference.
Ray Garton is usually known for his more adult, disturbing horror. The Loveliest Dead unfortunately, is like Ray Garton-lite, a PG-13 type ghost story that felt very familiar and run-of-the-mill. This has exactly what all the other supernatural novels have - mysteriously disappearing children, unexplained noises in an empty house, strange voices in the basement, and the always predictable chill that passes through the room. There were a few real moments of terror, but not enough for the amount of buildup that came before it. It seemed that Mr. Garton was uninspired in writing this latest story.
The thing that kept me reading was Garton's writing. The story was the same, standard ghost story as most other books, but Garton's strong point is his clear, fluid writing style. His characters are nicely defined and the dialogue feels real. There are a few typos (shame, shame, Leisure!) that unfortunately appear near the climax and my only other problem seems to be Garton's dislike for Catholics. I'm not a Catholic, but his writing not only dismisses the religion, but makes the only priest in the story a pedophile. This clich annoyed me, but was only a minor complaint. Other than that, I'd recommend the A.J. Matthews/Rick Hautala or T.M. Wright ghost novels if the supernatural is your preference.
December 12, 2011
I love ghost stories so I picked this book up. I was not disappointed in that choice and really enjoyed the book.
The Loveliest Dead is about a women who inherited a house from her father whom she has never met. The house ends up being haunted by small boys and a "fat man in a cowboy hat". A lot of the story was a bit to predictable for my likeing but the story flowed along well and there were times I found myself reading "just one more chapter" before bed.
There were parts that I did not care for like being raped by a ghost? I don't really think that even had a place in the book, but maybe that's just me. Several typos but didn't make the book hard to read just annoying at parts.
Enjoyed the ending and plan to read more from the author in the future.
The Loveliest Dead is about a women who inherited a house from her father whom she has never met. The house ends up being haunted by small boys and a "fat man in a cowboy hat". A lot of the story was a bit to predictable for my likeing but the story flowed along well and there were times I found myself reading "just one more chapter" before bed.
There were parts that I did not care for like being raped by a ghost? I don't really think that even had a place in the book, but maybe that's just me. Several typos but didn't make the book hard to read just annoying at parts.
Enjoyed the ending and plan to read more from the author in the future.
January 10, 2019
A most interesting and creepy ghost story.
The Kellers lost their youngest son and have inherited Jeanna's father's house--a man she never knew. Now, she and her husband David, their son Miles, and her mother Martha have moved into the new place. But almost right away there are strange things happening. Odd children playing in the backyard, then vanishing. Miles is seeing a large fat man rising out of the floor in the dark of night. And an elderly psychic is getting visions of the family--whom she does not know--and what she sees coming is horrifying.
Ray Garton is a master. A Grand Master, as a matter of fact. And his skill is on full display here. This book was much more restrained than many of his others. There are no erotic scenes of sex here, and the violence is actually quite minimal, as is the gore. Yet the overarching dread and creepiness of the novel keeps you on edge, and the finale packs a hell of a wallop.
If you like Garton, no reason not to read this one right away. If you like a good, steadily-paced ghost story or haunted house story, you should take a look at this. It will not disappoint. The characters are well-drawn and the dialogue is right on. The tension never ebbs and grows to a fever-pitch in the final pages.
So check out this house of the dead. It really is quite lovely.
The Kellers lost their youngest son and have inherited Jeanna's father's house--a man she never knew. Now, she and her husband David, their son Miles, and her mother Martha have moved into the new place. But almost right away there are strange things happening. Odd children playing in the backyard, then vanishing. Miles is seeing a large fat man rising out of the floor in the dark of night. And an elderly psychic is getting visions of the family--whom she does not know--and what she sees coming is horrifying.
Ray Garton is a master. A Grand Master, as a matter of fact. And his skill is on full display here. This book was much more restrained than many of his others. There are no erotic scenes of sex here, and the violence is actually quite minimal, as is the gore. Yet the overarching dread and creepiness of the novel keeps you on edge, and the finale packs a hell of a wallop.
If you like Garton, no reason not to read this one right away. If you like a good, steadily-paced ghost story or haunted house story, you should take a look at this. It will not disappoint. The characters are well-drawn and the dialogue is right on. The tension never ebbs and grows to a fever-pitch in the final pages.
So check out this house of the dead. It really is quite lovely.
November 14, 2020
One thing about ghost stories, they're very rarely actually scary once you're an adult. It takes a skilled writer to really get under your skin with the imagery they create in your mind while you read.
This is one of those rare books that is creepy as flip. One of the best ghost stories I've read in a long time. Read it, you won't regret it.
This is one of those rare books that is creepy as flip. One of the best ghost stories I've read in a long time. Read it, you won't regret it.
January 14, 2008
Ray Garton is one of the best horror writers around. I have yet to be disappointed in anything of his. This was an atmospheric ghost story with a little bit of humor thrown in. (Obscure references to a famous, ahem, true ghost story for those who catch it...)
July 12, 2011
I am always happy to read a ghost story and to read an excellent one is a real pleasure. The Loveliest Dead is certainly an excellent story. The references to child abuse were horrific but the revenge the boys had was sweet. Fantastic read!
February 15, 2010
This book scared me. Probably the best haunted house book I've read so far. Garton is awesome.
December 14, 2015
Excellent read involving malignant spirits, psychics and charlatans. Hope to one day see some of Ray's works on the big screen. Very highly recommended.
April 25, 2012
My copy is an advance uncorrected proof, part of the Cemetery Dance Early Readers Club 5.0
The Kellar family has a chance to start over when Jenna inherits her father's house. It seems like the perfect answer. But before they've even fully unpacked, things start going awry.
Tension builds as some kids are noticed playing on the vine covered swing set out back. Different family members see these kids and even hear them, but each feels afraid to admit what they have seen. Because what they have seen should not or could not be. One of the boys, seen by Jenna, leads her to believe he might be her recently dead son. Of course, Josh only gets a cameo at the beginning.
And then Miles is seeing a fat man coming out of his bedroom floor late at night filled with malevolent intent.
This family has enough to deal with just starting over after their son, Josh, dies. Soon, they are learning the difference between psychics, mediums, and clairvoyants. And we all get to see what happens when fakes are faced with a real problem beyond their capabilities. I loved the final scene of the defrocked Catholic priest.
This story reads well, the characters are all very believable, and the writing is cinematic. This is a really good ghost story; one which has the bad guy, in death, pay for his evils in life.
As I do with every ARC, here are some problems I noted:
On page 265, after the scene break, it says: "Come follow us to the house, Father," Lily said. That can't be Lily saying that, she's not in the scene. It has to be Mavis or Jenna.
After the next scene break on page 265, it says: Across form her... That should be from, not form. (I do this all the time and spell-check won't catch it) This same word bumble happens again on page 290 where it says: "Okay," he called form the dining room.
I still haven't figure out the second to last sentence on page 299. It's as if two sentences were jammed together.
Thanks Ray, for a great ghost story.
The Kellar family has a chance to start over when Jenna inherits her father's house. It seems like the perfect answer. But before they've even fully unpacked, things start going awry.
Tension builds as some kids are noticed playing on the vine covered swing set out back. Different family members see these kids and even hear them, but each feels afraid to admit what they have seen. Because what they have seen should not or could not be. One of the boys, seen by Jenna, leads her to believe he might be her recently dead son. Of course, Josh only gets a cameo at the beginning.
And then Miles is seeing a fat man coming out of his bedroom floor late at night filled with malevolent intent.
This family has enough to deal with just starting over after their son, Josh, dies. Soon, they are learning the difference between psychics, mediums, and clairvoyants. And we all get to see what happens when fakes are faced with a real problem beyond their capabilities. I loved the final scene of the defrocked Catholic priest.
This story reads well, the characters are all very believable, and the writing is cinematic. This is a really good ghost story; one which has the bad guy, in death, pay for his evils in life.
As I do with every ARC, here are some problems I noted:
On page 265, after the scene break, it says: "Come follow us to the house, Father," Lily said. That can't be Lily saying that, she's not in the scene. It has to be Mavis or Jenna.
After the next scene break on page 265, it says: Across form her... That should be from, not form. (I do this all the time and spell-check won't catch it) This same word bumble happens again on page 290 where it says: "Okay," he called form the dining room.
I still haven't figure out the second to last sentence on page 299. It's as if two sentences were jammed together.
Thanks Ray, for a great ghost story.
April 14, 2011
This is an excellent example of the modern ghost story. This book is easy to read, interesting, and even a bit scary!
Right from the start you feel kinship with the main couple, who lose a son, then the husband loses his job. The wife's father whom she never met leaves her his old house, and boom, you have the setup for a horror story.
Almost right away the family begins seeing ghostly children hanging around. Who are they? What happened to them? I kept thinking as I was reading that I'd rather camp out in the yard than stay in that house, but maybe that wouldn't have helped.
The other characters were (mostly) likeable. There are several psychics and mediums who come to try and help the couple figure out what is going on in the house. They are very down to earth types except for the celebrity ghost hunting couple, who turn out to be rather infuriating fakes.
The story gives you little nuggets of creepy info to keep you interested, and overall the buildup of suspense is very effective. I had not read Garton before, but I can tell you this is a good read. Some of the dialogue seems a bit awkward, but that is easily forgiven in the fast pace of this fascinating ghost story. I also have to give the author kudos for the way the ending turned out, but I don't want to give anything away. I'll just say most likely you will find the ending satisfying. Recommended overall!
Right from the start you feel kinship with the main couple, who lose a son, then the husband loses his job. The wife's father whom she never met leaves her his old house, and boom, you have the setup for a horror story.
Almost right away the family begins seeing ghostly children hanging around. Who are they? What happened to them? I kept thinking as I was reading that I'd rather camp out in the yard than stay in that house, but maybe that wouldn't have helped.
The other characters were (mostly) likeable. There are several psychics and mediums who come to try and help the couple figure out what is going on in the house. They are very down to earth types except for the celebrity ghost hunting couple, who turn out to be rather infuriating fakes.
The story gives you little nuggets of creepy info to keep you interested, and overall the buildup of suspense is very effective. I had not read Garton before, but I can tell you this is a good read. Some of the dialogue seems a bit awkward, but that is easily forgiven in the fast pace of this fascinating ghost story. I also have to give the author kudos for the way the ending turned out, but I don't want to give anything away. I'll just say most likely you will find the ending satisfying. Recommended overall!
January 2, 2012
While I wouldn't really classify The Loveliest Dead as a light version of Ray Garton's writing, comparatively it would qualify as less hardcore than some of his other books like Live Girls and Night Life. And I'm referring to the material here, not his writing or style. The writing and character development is definitely Garton: strong, very good and enjoyable.
While trying to deal with the loss of their son, the Keller family moves to a new home. An old dilapidated house that has seen better days but that provides the Kellers with hope of rebuilding and starting new. However, they soon start seeing and experiencing things that haunt their lives even more.
To that degree, the story is a haunted house novel but the grief, dread and suffering felt by the Keller family is very real. That is what pulls the novel into being something memorable. That and being scary throughout. Overall, I will have to admit to liking some of his other books better than this one but there's nothing wrong with The Loveliest Dead. It is a solidly entertaining novel and one I would recommend. I would simply recommend other Garton books before this one.
While trying to deal with the loss of their son, the Keller family moves to a new home. An old dilapidated house that has seen better days but that provides the Kellers with hope of rebuilding and starting new. However, they soon start seeing and experiencing things that haunt their lives even more.
To that degree, the story is a haunted house novel but the grief, dread and suffering felt by the Keller family is very real. That is what pulls the novel into being something memorable. That and being scary throughout. Overall, I will have to admit to liking some of his other books better than this one but there's nothing wrong with The Loveliest Dead. It is a solidly entertaining novel and one I would recommend. I would simply recommend other Garton books before this one.
March 14, 2015
Before reading this book I suggest reading another book of his called In A Dark Place. In a Dark Place isn't the most exciting read but you'll be greatfull when you've read that book and are reading, what one can assume are Garton's true feelings about the Bingham's aka the Warrens. I sat there reading, as the book discussed Joe Lockwood with a smile.
Putting all that aside The Loveliest Dead is a very entertaining read. I couldn't put the book down and found myself reading this book at the darndest moments (at redlights, at work, on toilets, hell everywhere I went). It's been forever since I read about characters and liked them from beginning to end. Lilly Rourke kept me cheering all along. It's also not often we're made to like older heavy set women in books but Garton did that. Any how if you're looking for a creepy read, like I always am, give this book a shot.
Putting all that aside The Loveliest Dead is a very entertaining read. I couldn't put the book down and found myself reading this book at the darndest moments (at redlights, at work, on toilets, hell everywhere I went). It's been forever since I read about characters and liked them from beginning to end. Lilly Rourke kept me cheering all along. It's also not often we're made to like older heavy set women in books but Garton did that. Any how if you're looking for a creepy read, like I always am, give this book a shot.
June 12, 2015
For a haunted house story, this was nothing new, and though some of it was cliché, it kept me entertained, and turning pages to the point I was tempted to devour this in one sitting. After the death of their son, Jenna Kellar and her family move to a house her father owned, but was a man she never knew. From there ghostly phenomenon make their presences known, and become malevolent. Meanwhile a psychic Lily with a reputation among cops, has visions of the Kellar house and she is driven to help them. Regarding psychics and paranormal investigators, it looks like Ray Garton has expressed his views on his working with the Warrens, through the fictional Binghams. The writing was functional, moved the plot along, and ratcheted up the tension. Overall, The Loveliest Dead gives a fun addition to the ghost story, though it sticks to the main troupes.
May 19, 2014
If creepy pedophiles aren't your thing don't read this book. If you like books that involve creepy things and hauntings and revenge prefect for you. A family suffers a tragedy and moves into an inherited house to start over. What they don't know is that something else already lives there and it wants their son....it wants him bad.
I enjoyed this book a lot, in fact I might have nightmares, and the only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because some things weren't explained. I'd like to have learned more about the evil entity and why the word "puppies" was used in reference to the victims, but all in all, making the victims into poets or naughty animals was a dehumanizing factor in the book.
I enjoyed this book a lot, in fact I might have nightmares, and the only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because some things weren't explained. I'd like to have learned more about the evil entity and why the word "puppies" was used in reference to the victims, but all in all, making the victims into poets or naughty animals was a dehumanizing factor in the book.
June 5, 2015
Where do I begin? This book is a roller coaster of emotions. It's highly gripping, suspenseful, and nail biting. Trigger warning for some parts of this book for Abuse, Child Abuse, and Rape.
That being said, this is one of the best books I have read in years. While sometimes it is a little bit of a repeating type, it holds strong and completely envelopes you in it's dark, sick claws. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys horror, paranormal, or thrillers. It kept me on the edge of my seat. This book consistently invoked anger, fear, hope, sadness, and curiosity.The Loveliest Dead
That being said, this is one of the best books I have read in years. While sometimes it is a little bit of a repeating type, it holds strong and completely envelopes you in it's dark, sick claws. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys horror, paranormal, or thrillers. It kept me on the edge of my seat. This book consistently invoked anger, fear, hope, sadness, and curiosity.The Loveliest Dead
January 9, 2016
I've never been so scared by a book before. Maybe once--Jay Anson's The Amityville Horror scarred me/molded me into the horror writer I am today. But Garton is simply masterful at weaving seductive prose into terrifying imagery. The level of suspense was delicious. The haunting was truly frightening. I like to read before bed, and this gave me nightmares. I am so thrilled I discovered this book--and this writer, who I just "never got around to reading". That's changed now. I'm going to devour everything Ray Garton has written. My humble recommendation is that you do the same.
January 13, 2016
I just finished this book early this morning and wow! I was on edge the whole time as the events unfolded, eager and tried to find out what happened next. I remember once upon a time when horror movies used to do the same thing... Who knew six little words could raise so much fear??
I got so frustrated with David's stubbornness throughout the book. I'm still trying to figure out how a person can have so much shit happen and still be so damn dense! Seriously, to have been POSSESSED by a sick, evil being and you still refuse to consider the reason or cause.
Lily was my favorite character, I was rooting for her from the start and I cheered when she was finally let in. Unfortunately, the bad thing she saw happen had to happen for her to get in but isn't that how it usually goes?
I got so frustrated with David's stubbornness throughout the book. I'm still trying to figure out how a person can have so much shit happen and still be so damn dense! Seriously, to have been POSSESSED by a sick, evil being and you still refuse to consider the reason or cause.
Lily was my favorite character, I was rooting for her from the start and I cheered when she was finally let in. Unfortunately, the bad thing she saw happen had to happen for her to get in but isn't that how it usually goes?
March 3, 2015
I like Ray Garton. I'll read any of his books I get my hands on. His books are fun, well-plotted, sinister, gory (but not nasty or depraved), and fast-paced. But not really all that memorable. That is except for "Loveliest Dead." I enjoyed this book so much that after I finished the paperback I dished out the dough for the deluxe Cemetery Dance hardcover. This is one of those books that has heart. You get to know and connect with the characters, the atmosphere. You feel you are there with them, experiencing the goings on. Not nearly as gory as most of Garton's writing, but much more memorable a read. Highly recommended.
July 16, 2020
I read about half of this thrilling Supernatural novel in the sunny outdoors, the remainder alone-at-night. So.i was appropriately scared. Scary that such human Evil survives after death. Scary such exists at all.
Ray Garton is an excellent author and THE LOVELIEST DEAD is going to be a favorite.
I must caution that the subject matter is disturbing--very disturbing. Stomach-roiling in fact, but the characterizations, character evolution [and devolution], and the supernatural horror rivet the reader.
Ray Garton is an excellent author and THE LOVELIEST DEAD is going to be a favorite.
I must caution that the subject matter is disturbing--very disturbing. Stomach-roiling in fact, but the characterizations, character evolution [and devolution], and the supernatural horror rivet the reader.
June 12, 2011
I thought this was a really good book. I liked the way it spoofed Ed & Lorraine Warren. The author doesn't come right out and say that but their description and the work they've done sounds soooo much like them. This story was really eerie and I never wanted to put it down. When I did put it down it's all I could think about till I could pick it back up again. I was hooked. Really good easy read.
October 30, 2015
Pretty typical haunted house story but it was really well done. Interesting story, good characters (who were stupidly stubborn sometimes, but still well done), and absolutely terrifying at times. Could be a trigger for some, so maybe don't read if that would be an issue for you. I really liked the struggle of the main characters of, "I don't believe in this stuff but I can't explain what's happening" as I can really relate to that. Will definitely read more from this author!
May 14, 2024
One of Garton's finest, and one of the best ghost stories I've ever read, period. Garton's scathing indictment of Ed & Lorraine Warren burns even more knowing that he knew them in real life, and "collaborated" with them on a book. I'm sorry that it took Ray's recent passing to prompt me to pick this book off of the shelf; I wish I would have read it while he was alive so I could tell him how much I enjoyed it.
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