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Second Hand Rose
Short Story
Abigail Hirst, a city reporter, returns to her hometown to take over Second Hand Rose, a quintessential antique store, following the sad passing of her beloved Grandmother, Rose.
This new life seems perfect for Abigail and her trusted terrier Jake, until she starts to notice strange happenings.
Gruesome deaths and mysterious disappearances are catching up with this chocolate-box town named Friendship, as
Abigail digs deeper in her investigations.
Time is quickly running out for the fate of the whole town but only facing up to her own dark past, can she truly help Friendship and the people she loves most.
Abigail Hirst, a city reporter, returns to her hometown to take over Second Hand Rose, a quintessential antique store, following the sad passing of her beloved Grandmother, Rose.
This new life seems perfect for Abigail and her trusted terrier Jake, until she starts to notice strange happenings.
Gruesome deaths and mysterious disappearances are catching up with this chocolate-box town named Friendship, as
Abigail digs deeper in her investigations.
Time is quickly running out for the fate of the whole town but only facing up to her own dark past, can she truly help Friendship and the people she loves most.
145 pages, Paperback
Published May 10, 2023
4 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 3, 2023
Second Hand Rose by D.E. Fox
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: horror/thriller
This is a horror/thriller novella rather than a full book and it is D.E. Fox’s debut novel. Special thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book. I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This novella was incredibly fast paced. We meet our FMC, Abagail, when she moves back to her home town to take over Second Hand Rose, the antique shop left to her by her late grandmother.
The book is full of twists and unexpected turns. Additionally, it covers a long period of time within its short, less than 100 pages. We also meet many characters quickly without too much character development. This is a short novella so the plot is certainly the focus with character building less of a priority.
I enjoyed the overall plot and twists. I did not see the twist at the end coming. I really wish this was a full novel with character building, dialogue, and more details. If this book had been longer with the above, it could’ve easily been a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: horror/thriller
This is a horror/thriller novella rather than a full book and it is D.E. Fox’s debut novel. Special thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book. I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This novella was incredibly fast paced. We meet our FMC, Abagail, when she moves back to her home town to take over Second Hand Rose, the antique shop left to her by her late grandmother.
The book is full of twists and unexpected turns. Additionally, it covers a long period of time within its short, less than 100 pages. We also meet many characters quickly without too much character development. This is a short novella so the plot is certainly the focus with character building less of a priority.
I enjoyed the overall plot and twists. I did not see the twist at the end coming. I really wish this was a full novel with character building, dialogue, and more details. If this book had been longer with the above, it could’ve easily been a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.
March 29, 2024
“Second Hand Rose” is the debut work of D E Fox, a horror novella starring Abigail Hirst, a reporter who has returned to her hometown of Friendship so she can take over her late grandmother’s antique shop called Second Hand Rose. As Abigail settles into her new life with her beloved terrier Jake, she reconnects with old friends and flames. But she also starts to notice strange things happening around the town as well as within her own shop. People are disappearing and there is something strange about an old wardrobe in Second Hand Rose.
Fox builds a curious atmosphere with her story. It keeps you turning the pages, waiting to see what happens next. The supernatural elements of the story add another layer to the storytelling. Fox also allows the reader to see the story from multiple angles, going back in time to show the origins of the wardrobe and the secret inside it (no spoilers here). For readers who enjoy the sinking feeling of knowing when something bad is going to happen in a story, “Second Hand Rose” delivers this in abundance!
I did have trouble placing where the story took place. Perhaps that was the author’s intent, to maintain an air of suspense. There were moments when the author clearly named cities in Washington and referred to the story as taking place in the USA, however, the jargon and language used in the story were decidedly British. The author also referred to the characters walking around town or even going on ten-mile walks, which doesn’t seem quite possible in most American cities. The story could have also benefited from more detail and dialogue. It would have helped to ground the story and build the atmosphere even more, as well as helping to grow my connection with the characters.
There is a certain amount of humor to the story as well. This wit helps balance out the generous gore and creepy villain. The story is a quick, easy read for horror lovers and if you enjoy spooky stories with heroic dogs, this may be the tale for you!
Fox builds a curious atmosphere with her story. It keeps you turning the pages, waiting to see what happens next. The supernatural elements of the story add another layer to the storytelling. Fox also allows the reader to see the story from multiple angles, going back in time to show the origins of the wardrobe and the secret inside it (no spoilers here). For readers who enjoy the sinking feeling of knowing when something bad is going to happen in a story, “Second Hand Rose” delivers this in abundance!
I did have trouble placing where the story took place. Perhaps that was the author’s intent, to maintain an air of suspense. There were moments when the author clearly named cities in Washington and referred to the story as taking place in the USA, however, the jargon and language used in the story were decidedly British. The author also referred to the characters walking around town or even going on ten-mile walks, which doesn’t seem quite possible in most American cities. The story could have also benefited from more detail and dialogue. It would have helped to ground the story and build the atmosphere even more, as well as helping to grow my connection with the characters.
There is a certain amount of humor to the story as well. This wit helps balance out the generous gore and creepy villain. The story is a quick, easy read for horror lovers and if you enjoy spooky stories with heroic dogs, this may be the tale for you!
October 17, 2025
Bravo. I needed this short story. Cute and horrific at the same time.
December 23, 2023
I was in the mood for a little over-the-top, horror-gore silliness, a short, fun read, and I have to say this bone-licking, blood-sucking little vignette from D.E. Fox really delivered that – and then some. In fact, I think it’s fair to say that some of the violence in Second Hand Rose really does push its boundaries, and I need to be honest and say there are some out there who will find its depictions of the gruesome, grisly slayings and devouring, including of babies and children, quite distressing – to be frank, if you’re not acquainted with and don’t have the stomach for the tongue-in-cheek bloodletting of Richard Laymon and the like, you may find some of this a little too much to take. D.E. holds back nothing. This is precisely the reason why you can’t take this kind of thing too seriously, for otherwise it may disturb. As it happens, that’s just the kind of gorefest I was in the mood for when I sat down to read it, which I did in full over one hugely entertaining night.
The book isn’t perfect, it’s true; in fact, it has a lot of problems. The manuscript undoubtedly needs a little work and the author’s writing style felt a little elementary to me, leaving a lot of gaps in its fast-moving, context-trampling narrative. I felt a few more thousand words and at times a slightly slower, more detailed approach would have helped this book’s tone and atmosphere a great deal. There is certainly enough meat to its story to expand and pace the content a touch better. The story itself is great, with just the right measure of supernatural and base evil, with a cracking period origin story – think Candyman or It; it would have been great to go more into the characters in both timelines (the past and the present). These timelines blurred a little for me at times, and I did feel that overall D.E. could have delivered perhaps a slightly more accomplished horror work. I hope she chooses to revisit it one day, and gets into really enjoying immersing herself rather than feeling the need to rush through the story, because if this deliciously devious slice of nastiness is anything to go by, fans and future fans of her work are in for real twisted treats from her in the future, I feel. I hope to read more of the same from her.
The book isn’t perfect, it’s true; in fact, it has a lot of problems. The manuscript undoubtedly needs a little work and the author’s writing style felt a little elementary to me, leaving a lot of gaps in its fast-moving, context-trampling narrative. I felt a few more thousand words and at times a slightly slower, more detailed approach would have helped this book’s tone and atmosphere a great deal. There is certainly enough meat to its story to expand and pace the content a touch better. The story itself is great, with just the right measure of supernatural and base evil, with a cracking period origin story – think Candyman or It; it would have been great to go more into the characters in both timelines (the past and the present). These timelines blurred a little for me at times, and I did feel that overall D.E. could have delivered perhaps a slightly more accomplished horror work. I hope she chooses to revisit it one day, and gets into really enjoying immersing herself rather than feeling the need to rush through the story, because if this deliciously devious slice of nastiness is anything to go by, fans and future fans of her work are in for real twisted treats from her in the future, I feel. I hope to read more of the same from her.
February 23, 2025
This is a thriller/horror
Crime mystery book
Story is about Abigail who takes over her grandma shop after her death and there is a secret about the wardrobe at the shop
Even though this is a bit gory in places there is some light hearted moments
But the gory parts don’t put you off and keep you hooked and wanting to read more and trying to workout why this happening
The twist at the end you don’t see coming and was great surprise
It’s more a novella than a full book would like to see if book 2 could come from this and
Move the story on or take it in another direction.
Crime mystery book
Story is about Abigail who takes over her grandma shop after her death and there is a secret about the wardrobe at the shop
Even though this is a bit gory in places there is some light hearted moments
But the gory parts don’t put you off and keep you hooked and wanting to read more and trying to workout why this happening
The twist at the end you don’t see coming and was great surprise
It’s more a novella than a full book would like to see if book 2 could come from this and
Move the story on or take it in another direction.
January 12, 2025
Chilling
The little town of Friendship isn't at all what it seems to be.
This little horror story will keep you turning the pages until the very end leaving you wanting more.
The little town of Friendship isn't at all what it seems to be.
This little horror story will keep you turning the pages until the very end leaving you wanting more.
March 30, 2024
I really wish Goodreads had half-stars because I would give this a 2.5-star rating, but instead, I will mark it as a three-star.
I want to thank the author, D.E. Fox, for gifting me this digital book in return for an honest review. I was excited to hear that this book was her way of dealing with the death of her beloved dog, Jake. I really did enjoy his character in the story.
This is a hard one for me because I do not tend to read horror, so with that being said, I am not sure that this book was entirely for me. I enjoyed parts of the story, such as the small-town feel, the human characters, the second-chance romance, the mystery, and how most of the story involved the dog, Jake. I also really liked the idea behind the story of the perfect town where the bad people are weeded out. That said, this is also where I struggled with the book because of the horror element. I am not a fan of body horror or gruesome details, but I know this is not my type of story. I am sure people who love horror would get along just fine with these things I have discussed. If you are looking for a quick read in the horror genre, then definitely give this one a go because I do not think you will be disappointed.
I want to thank the author, D.E. Fox, for gifting me this digital book in return for an honest review. I was excited to hear that this book was her way of dealing with the death of her beloved dog, Jake. I really did enjoy his character in the story.
This is a hard one for me because I do not tend to read horror, so with that being said, I am not sure that this book was entirely for me. I enjoyed parts of the story, such as the small-town feel, the human characters, the second-chance romance, the mystery, and how most of the story involved the dog, Jake. I also really liked the idea behind the story of the perfect town where the bad people are weeded out. That said, this is also where I struggled with the book because of the horror element. I am not a fan of body horror or gruesome details, but I know this is not my type of story. I am sure people who love horror would get along just fine with these things I have discussed. If you are looking for a quick read in the horror genre, then definitely give this one a go because I do not think you will be disappointed.
November 20, 2024
Loved it!
Second Hand Rose is a captivating blend of small-town charm, mystery, and romance that keeps you hooked from the first page. Abigail Hirst is a relatable and brave protagonist, grappling with grief, a mysterious antique shop, and an ominous force threatening her idyllic hometown of Friendship. The dynamic between Abigail and her loyal terrier Jake adds warmth, while her rekindled romance with Sam adds emotional depth and tension. As the story unfolds, chilling twists and secrets emerge, weaving a tale that’s as heartwarming as it is haunting. With richly drawn characters, a suspenseful plot, and a touch of humor, this book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries with a supernatural edge.
Second Hand Rose is a captivating blend of small-town charm, mystery, and romance that keeps you hooked from the first page. Abigail Hirst is a relatable and brave protagonist, grappling with grief, a mysterious antique shop, and an ominous force threatening her idyllic hometown of Friendship. The dynamic between Abigail and her loyal terrier Jake adds warmth, while her rekindled romance with Sam adds emotional depth and tension. As the story unfolds, chilling twists and secrets emerge, weaving a tale that’s as heartwarming as it is haunting. With richly drawn characters, a suspenseful plot, and a touch of humor, this book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries with a supernatural edge.
April 19, 2025
I went in blind with this book so had no idea what to expect. It was also my first time reading this new author
A short thriller/horror novella with a strong FMC and assistant in the form of terrier named Jake. (My favourite character)
It was incredibly fast paced although it did cover a large time frame in those few pages but this made the story more interesting in my opinion.
There wasn’t much in the way of character building or development but the plot was definitely the main focus point. There were a few twists and turns along the way but I did find some of these predictable.
I wasn’t expecting the ending so that definitely bumped it up another half star score.
Maybe with a few more pages and some context into the characters this could have been more enjoyable
A short thriller/horror novella with a strong FMC and assistant in the form of terrier named Jake. (My favourite character)
It was incredibly fast paced although it did cover a large time frame in those few pages but this made the story more interesting in my opinion.
There wasn’t much in the way of character building or development but the plot was definitely the main focus point. There were a few twists and turns along the way but I did find some of these predictable.
I wasn’t expecting the ending so that definitely bumped it up another half star score.
Maybe with a few more pages and some context into the characters this could have been more enjoyable
February 11, 2025
This was a nice, short read. I really enjoyed the story. I feel like it really started off well. The pacing in the first part of the book was perfect. I just had to know what happened next! As the story went on, it fell apart a little bit. The ending seemed a little rushed. I didn't feel the imagery and the intensity in the second half of the story. It just got away from her. It put me in mind of Needful Things by SK. I liked the way it ended. I feel like this author has a lot more to show us. I look forward to more.
March 6, 2025
Deliciously delightfully disturbing! This is not my usual genre of reading thus the 3 stars. It was totally entertaining with just the right amount of horror and gore. I was going to pass it on to my adolescent readers but they may be just a tad too young for all this blood shed. Very well written with relatable characters. The whole good guy/bad guy premise was well thought out and brought visions of the archangel Michael to mind. Second Hand Rose is a quick and easy read that catches your imagination from the very beginning. Well done!
January 3, 2024
Second Hand Rose is certainly different from what I'm used to, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It was a quick horror story, and I finished it in one sitting. It might be nice to add more words and maybe turn it into a short novel (instead of a novella), but that's mostly to get to know the characters better. The plot itself was great, I liked the twists and turns, and I loved the dog!
October 18, 2024
A fun, guilty pleasure of a horror novel and I’m so happy I stumbled upon it this Halloween season.
February 20, 2025
Interesting Ideas and lots of tension. I found though that the characters were very passive and the pacing was rushed.
November 28, 2023
This was definitely a gripping read with an impeccable twist towards the end. Beautifully written by the Author. Can't wait to read your next book. Good Luck !!!
April 26, 2024
It had an interesting premise and vaguely reminded me of Stephen King's It in terms of a monster haunting a location. However, the pacing was off, as was the character development, and I found there were a lot of horror scenes packed within a few pages (less is more in this scenario. )
November 20, 2023
This was something different from anything I’ve ever read. I loved it! A spooky gory read with cool twists.
I read this in one go. It was an easy read and really drew you into the story and was interesting right through. I loved Jake's character and sensed he was Abigail’s protector. Very well written, and will definitely be looking for more books from this author.
I read this in one go. It was an easy read and really drew you into the story and was interesting right through. I loved Jake's character and sensed he was Abigail’s protector. Very well written, and will definitely be looking for more books from this author.
December 31, 2023
Gruesome death after gruesome death after gruesome death does not a horror story make…
The book felt like it was moving too fast to set things up effectively. The book was a novella, but the story spanned an entire year.
There were so many gruesome deaths. But that’s all there was. It didn’t feel like I was reading a horror story. The writing was not the best either. The author needed to provide more details about what was going on/descriptions of the setting in order to unsettle the reader.
The author really loved using the word “had” in sentences. Abigail had, grandma had, it had, the trustees of the will had, etc. The use of the word felt way overdone, so much so that it was noticeable. The writing was passive/reactive. Summarizing instead of actually showing what was happening. The story would have been so much better if the sentences were written in an active voice. The author told the reader what the character did, but that’s all that happened. The character’s actions did nothing to build who she was or her history.
I wish the author had let the reader get into Abigail’s head more. What was she thinking? Feeling? Sensing?
Honestly, the scene where Abigail was attacked and the figure appeared and took the attacker away made me laugh because it felt so ridiculous. This supposedly creepy, deadly creature was protecting the main character? Why…?
The scene where the elderly man was killed made me laugh once more. I thought it was especially ridiculous when his eyeballs popped out of his head. I thought it was ridiculous because I didn’t feel like the author provided enough setup for the scene. The man’s death was an anomaly as far as I know. Every other person who had disappeared had just…disappeared. At least, that was my understanding. The elderly man’s death was the first time it was mentioned that the person/creature killing people could make their eyeballs pop out.
I felt like the reveal of who the killer was was in the absolutely wrong spot. It was revealed near the 40% mark. The tension in the story was destroyed.
The figure who mutilated the coroner had been described as featureless. No face, no features. I’m assuming featureless means no mouth. How then did it eat the guy’s tongue? Blood apparently dribbled down the figure’s chin. Does the figure have a chin if it was featureless? I can excuse the chin description, because it makes partial sense. If the figure has a head, it would make sense for it to have a chin because that’s the bottom of the head. The mouth didn’t make any sense to me because it was described as featureless.
I started laughing so hard when the figure revealed he was Abigail’s father. He literally said, “ABIGAIL I AM YOUR FATHER.” It reminded me too much of Star Wars.
The author was not consistent with what she called the Second Hand Rose. She called it both a store and a shop. The book was set in New Orleans, but the author didn’t bother trying to use the correct terms for a book set in the United States. She instead used the United Kingdom terms. For example, Abigail turned on her phone’s torch. No, in the United States it’s called a flashlight. Not a torch. There were just little things like that that didn’t fit with the setting of the book.
The flashbacks in the story were jarring and didn’t fit. The second chapter was a flashback to high school, and I felt like it would have been more appropriate in a romantic story. There were flashbacks to the 1800s, but they were jarring as well. It would have been better if the author had integrated the flashbacks smoothly into the story.
The book’s writing was weak, and it definitely didn’t feel like a horror story.
The book felt like it was moving too fast to set things up effectively. The book was a novella, but the story spanned an entire year.
There were so many gruesome deaths. But that’s all there was. It didn’t feel like I was reading a horror story. The writing was not the best either. The author needed to provide more details about what was going on/descriptions of the setting in order to unsettle the reader.
The author really loved using the word “had” in sentences. Abigail had, grandma had, it had, the trustees of the will had, etc. The use of the word felt way overdone, so much so that it was noticeable. The writing was passive/reactive. Summarizing instead of actually showing what was happening. The story would have been so much better if the sentences were written in an active voice. The author told the reader what the character did, but that’s all that happened. The character’s actions did nothing to build who she was or her history.
I wish the author had let the reader get into Abigail’s head more. What was she thinking? Feeling? Sensing?
Honestly, the scene where Abigail was attacked and the figure appeared and took the attacker away made me laugh because it felt so ridiculous. This supposedly creepy, deadly creature was protecting the main character? Why…?
The scene where the elderly man was killed made me laugh once more. I thought it was especially ridiculous when his eyeballs popped out of his head. I thought it was ridiculous because I didn’t feel like the author provided enough setup for the scene. The man’s death was an anomaly as far as I know. Every other person who had disappeared had just…disappeared. At least, that was my understanding. The elderly man’s death was the first time it was mentioned that the person/creature killing people could make their eyeballs pop out.
I felt like the reveal of who the killer was was in the absolutely wrong spot. It was revealed near the 40% mark. The tension in the story was destroyed.
The figure who mutilated the coroner had been described as featureless. No face, no features. I’m assuming featureless means no mouth. How then did it eat the guy’s tongue? Blood apparently dribbled down the figure’s chin. Does the figure have a chin if it was featureless? I can excuse the chin description, because it makes partial sense. If the figure has a head, it would make sense for it to have a chin because that’s the bottom of the head. The mouth didn’t make any sense to me because it was described as featureless.
I started laughing so hard when the figure revealed he was Abigail’s father. He literally said, “ABIGAIL I AM YOUR FATHER.” It reminded me too much of Star Wars.
The author was not consistent with what she called the Second Hand Rose. She called it both a store and a shop. The book was set in New Orleans, but the author didn’t bother trying to use the correct terms for a book set in the United States. She instead used the United Kingdom terms. For example, Abigail turned on her phone’s torch. No, in the United States it’s called a flashlight. Not a torch. There were just little things like that that didn’t fit with the setting of the book.
The flashbacks in the story were jarring and didn’t fit. The second chapter was a flashback to high school, and I felt like it would have been more appropriate in a romantic story. There were flashbacks to the 1800s, but they were jarring as well. It would have been better if the author had integrated the flashbacks smoothly into the story.
The book’s writing was weak, and it definitely didn’t feel like a horror story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2024
Friendship's not all that friendly
Abigail loses her beloved grandmother Rose, and is lured to leave the big city and takeover running the family antique shop, Second Hand Rose. Abigail eventually discovers there's something strange happening at the shop and in the town of friendship. When her ex, Sam, show's up, she finds she still has feelings for him despite their troubled past. Sam makes an effort to make up for what happened ten years ago and Abigail lets him. She finds a start dog and quickly falls in love with him. The townspeople she's known her whole life want her to be successful, they lend a hand whenever they can.
Abigail and Sam begin to worry the strange occurrences are evil. They dig into the history of the town, they get warned to stop. Is there any way for them to be together and fight against the evil around every corner? Can they survive the fight? Is there a happily ever after? Or will this ancient presence never be defeated?
I love the cover art. Abigail is brave and likeable, even if she talks to her dog and isn't fond of cats. Sam is strong and worthy of forgiveness, maybe Abigail will offer him some. Jake is a furry hero, right? The story quickly moves through twists and turns. There' s no way to put it down!
Abigail loses her beloved grandmother Rose, and is lured to leave the big city and takeover running the family antique shop, Second Hand Rose. Abigail eventually discovers there's something strange happening at the shop and in the town of friendship. When her ex, Sam, show's up, she finds she still has feelings for him despite their troubled past. Sam makes an effort to make up for what happened ten years ago and Abigail lets him. She finds a start dog and quickly falls in love with him. The townspeople she's known her whole life want her to be successful, they lend a hand whenever they can.
Abigail and Sam begin to worry the strange occurrences are evil. They dig into the history of the town, they get warned to stop. Is there any way for them to be together and fight against the evil around every corner? Can they survive the fight? Is there a happily ever after? Or will this ancient presence never be defeated?
I love the cover art. Abigail is brave and likeable, even if she talks to her dog and isn't fond of cats. Sam is strong and worthy of forgiveness, maybe Abigail will offer him some. Jake is a furry hero, right? The story quickly moves through twists and turns. There' s no way to put it down!
February 23, 2024
This novella is a really quick read, only 101 pages! The premise of the story and the cover is really intriguing and is what made me want to read it. I loved the storyline but I think it has more potential than what it was given. The story seemed a little rushed to me and things seemed to happen abruptly. I didn’t dislike the book, I just think more detail could’ve been added in a lot of areas to make it more complete. It did succeed with the horror element as the descriptions of the kills were very intense!
November 11, 2023
If you want a book that keeps you on your toes until the end. Look no further than Second Hand Rose.
The writer pulls you in with little pieces of information that slowly come together and her scenes are so graphic and well written that I can visual exactly what is happening. Thoroughly enjoyed.
The writer pulls you in with little pieces of information that slowly come together and her scenes are so graphic and well written that I can visual exactly what is happening. Thoroughly enjoyed.
July 12, 2023
Second Hand Rose is the story of Abigail Hirst, who returns to her hometown to take over her recently deceased grandmother's quaint antique antique store. It is there she finds a strange wardrobe which contains something ancient and deadly.
I quite enjoyed this book, even though I found it to be a bit short for my liking, only took me a couple of hours to read. I normally avoid books like this because I much prefer reading a book which is longer, where I can lose myself in. But that does not mean to say I didn't with this book, it still managed to hold my attention and have me gripped, even it was for a short period of time.
The pace of the story is slow at first, but it is that pace which the author uses to her advantage to spring a gruesome surprise or two, which left me raising an eyebrow because I wasn't expecting such a twist!
Although I enjoyed the story, I just felt it wasn't long enough to become attached to the characters. Also, maybe because I am not used to reading books of this length, I found the ending was a bit rushed. But saying that the author still managed to write a satisfying ending which left me believing there is still more to come. Maybe she has a sequel planned and if she does then I would happily read it - Although I hope it is a bit longer next time.
If you enjoy reading short stories which hold a bit of mystery, I have no doubt you will enjoy this book. Even though this is her first book, I definitely believe we will see more from the talented Deborah Fox in the future.
I quite enjoyed this book, even though I found it to be a bit short for my liking, only took me a couple of hours to read. I normally avoid books like this because I much prefer reading a book which is longer, where I can lose myself in. But that does not mean to say I didn't with this book, it still managed to hold my attention and have me gripped, even it was for a short period of time.
The pace of the story is slow at first, but it is that pace which the author uses to her advantage to spring a gruesome surprise or two, which left me raising an eyebrow because I wasn't expecting such a twist!
Although I enjoyed the story, I just felt it wasn't long enough to become attached to the characters. Also, maybe because I am not used to reading books of this length, I found the ending was a bit rushed. But saying that the author still managed to write a satisfying ending which left me believing there is still more to come. Maybe she has a sequel planned and if she does then I would happily read it - Although I hope it is a bit longer next time.
If you enjoy reading short stories which hold a bit of mystery, I have no doubt you will enjoy this book. Even though this is her first book, I definitely believe we will see more from the talented Deborah Fox in the future.
October 28, 2023
I really enjoyed Second Hand Rose. I found that while it was short and I may have liked it a bit longer everything worked perfectly well in the novel and the plot didn’t feel rushed. I did like the slow build to begin with, with a few scares thrown in, and then how the pace quickened towards the middle to end of the novel. There was a twist I didn’t really see coming but loved it completely!
The characters were generally interesting and well fleshed out for the length of the novel. I did end up liking Abigail rather quickly which is always a good thing in horror fiction. The horror itself was very unique and well developed. The prose fits the genre and plot well. It is easy to engage with and suits the setting well. Fox easily develops a sense of foreboding and unease while keeping the writing generally easy and light to read. This for me was brilliant since I was able to read the book in one sitting, in a few hours. It’s hard to go much more in depth without spoiling but if you like a bit of bloody horror with a unique concept and a quick read this is one you are sure to enjoy.
The characters were generally interesting and well fleshed out for the length of the novel. I did end up liking Abigail rather quickly which is always a good thing in horror fiction. The horror itself was very unique and well developed. The prose fits the genre and plot well. It is easy to engage with and suits the setting well. Fox easily develops a sense of foreboding and unease while keeping the writing generally easy and light to read. This for me was brilliant since I was able to read the book in one sitting, in a few hours. It’s hard to go much more in depth without spoiling but if you like a bit of bloody horror with a unique concept and a quick read this is one you are sure to enjoy.
November 13, 2023
This is a novella about a small town, the gruesome secret it holds, and a protagonist stuck in the middle. Oh, and let's not forget the loveable dog!
Given that the author wrote this after the loss of her beloved dog, it makes sense that Jake, the terrier in the story, is a prominent character. And we'll find out something about this good boy later on that really adds a great twist to things.
But this is the story of Abigail who moves back to her hometown after the death of her grandmother. She's inherited the antique shop her grandmother owned and she plans on cleaning it up and making a success out of it.
There's a creepy huge wardrobe that gives off bad vibes and, try as she might, cannot open it. And even though the town itself seems to be an idyllic place to live, it too has a history that is anything but peaceful or tranquil.
Here there be creatures. Nasty ones too. The absolutely horrifying ways this thing eats and devours its victims are gruesomely detailed and provides a healthy helping of blood and gore to the proceedings.
While the town appears to be almost perfect, not everyone is who they say they are. There's a reason why this small burg is prosperous and everyone is happy (more or less) and it has nothing to do with goodness. Even Jake, the heroic pooch, has a secret that comes from nowhere but really added to the story. Go Jake!
I do wish there were more character development here. I wanted to know more about their backgrounds and have them more fleshed out. But the brutality of what these creatures are and how they sustain themselves makes up for that minor complaint in my opinion.
I highly recommend this short, snappy, and horrifying novella.
I received a free copy of this book with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion. Thank you to the author for sending it to me!
Given that the author wrote this after the loss of her beloved dog, it makes sense that Jake, the terrier in the story, is a prominent character. And we'll find out something about this good boy later on that really adds a great twist to things.
But this is the story of Abigail who moves back to her hometown after the death of her grandmother. She's inherited the antique shop her grandmother owned and she plans on cleaning it up and making a success out of it.
There's a creepy huge wardrobe that gives off bad vibes and, try as she might, cannot open it. And even though the town itself seems to be an idyllic place to live, it too has a history that is anything but peaceful or tranquil.
Here there be creatures. Nasty ones too. The absolutely horrifying ways this thing eats and devours its victims are gruesomely detailed and provides a healthy helping of blood and gore to the proceedings.
While the town appears to be almost perfect, not everyone is who they say they are. There's a reason why this small burg is prosperous and everyone is happy (more or less) and it has nothing to do with goodness. Even Jake, the heroic pooch, has a secret that comes from nowhere but really added to the story. Go Jake!
I do wish there were more character development here. I wanted to know more about their backgrounds and have them more fleshed out. But the brutality of what these creatures are and how they sustain themselves makes up for that minor complaint in my opinion.
I highly recommend this short, snappy, and horrifying novella.
I received a free copy of this book with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion. Thank you to the author for sending it to me!
October 29, 2023
Fun short horror/thriller book! Loved it and cant wait to see more from this author!!
January 8, 2024
Second Hand Rose is a fast-paced, horror story with a mix of mystery. Reader beware this is a gruesome book!
Abigail Hirst, a renowned city reporter, returns to her picturesque hometown of Friendship after the passing of her beloved grandmother, Rose. With her faithful terrier, Jake, by her side, Abigail takes over Second Hand Rose, a quaint antique store that has been left to her by her grandmother.
At first, everything seems to fall into place for Abigail. She is able to reconnect with old friends and immerse herself in the charm of her hometown. But soon, she starts to notice strange things happening around Friendship. Gruesome deaths and mysterious disappearances begin to occur, casting a dark cloud over the once idyllic town.
Author D.E.Fox has created a vivid and captivating world in Friendship, with well-developed characters that will draw you in from the start.
D.E. Fox skillfully weaves together past and present, slowly revealing the truth behind the town's secrets. The pace is just right, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle.
So if you're ready to dive into a thrilling horror/mystery with secrets and much gore then this book is for you. But be warned, once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down.
Abigail Hirst, a renowned city reporter, returns to her picturesque hometown of Friendship after the passing of her beloved grandmother, Rose. With her faithful terrier, Jake, by her side, Abigail takes over Second Hand Rose, a quaint antique store that has been left to her by her grandmother.
At first, everything seems to fall into place for Abigail. She is able to reconnect with old friends and immerse herself in the charm of her hometown. But soon, she starts to notice strange things happening around Friendship. Gruesome deaths and mysterious disappearances begin to occur, casting a dark cloud over the once idyllic town.
Author D.E.Fox has created a vivid and captivating world in Friendship, with well-developed characters that will draw you in from the start.
D.E. Fox skillfully weaves together past and present, slowly revealing the truth behind the town's secrets. The pace is just right, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle.
So if you're ready to dive into a thrilling horror/mystery with secrets and much gore then this book is for you. But be warned, once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down.
January 9, 2026
Short Story: 147 pages.
Second Hand Rose is a cosy mystery with a compelling, eerie twist. It’s wrapped in the gentle charm of a small-town setting and is layered with compelling secrets.
Abigail’s return home after a bereavement and inheritance brings more than she bargained for. A peaceful reset to her childhood town turns into a story of dread as the façade of small-town life reveals its chilling undercurrents. The antique store setting adds a brilliant and atmospheric backdrop, and the description is sublime. You can feel the age of the items as you read, especially that old wardrobe from her past.
Abigail is a woman coming to terms with grief and guilt. Her emotional depth is lovely, and her realisation that the mysteries are close to home gives the book a great hook. The storytelling balances heartwarming and haunting, but it never loses its grounding as the events escalate. With her terrier, Jake, and a town full of fantastic secondary characters, this is a great read. The story is emotionally resonant and suspenseful. A satisfying gem of a mystery suitable for young and old readers. Perfect for teens wanting to break into mysteries and thrillers.
Second Hand Rose is a cosy mystery with a compelling, eerie twist. It’s wrapped in the gentle charm of a small-town setting and is layered with compelling secrets.
Abigail’s return home after a bereavement and inheritance brings more than she bargained for. A peaceful reset to her childhood town turns into a story of dread as the façade of small-town life reveals its chilling undercurrents. The antique store setting adds a brilliant and atmospheric backdrop, and the description is sublime. You can feel the age of the items as you read, especially that old wardrobe from her past.
Abigail is a woman coming to terms with grief and guilt. Her emotional depth is lovely, and her realisation that the mysteries are close to home gives the book a great hook. The storytelling balances heartwarming and haunting, but it never loses its grounding as the events escalate. With her terrier, Jake, and a town full of fantastic secondary characters, this is a great read. The story is emotionally resonant and suspenseful. A satisfying gem of a mystery suitable for young and old readers. Perfect for teens wanting to break into mysteries and thrillers.
December 11, 2023
What would you be willing to accept to make sure that your town is perfect? This is the dilemma Abigail is faced with when she comes back to live in the town of Friendship with her dog Jake, after the passing of her grandmother Rose..
As she starts working in Rose's second hand shop she starts noticing weird things and what she uncovers is more than she could have ever imagined!!
I liked the concept and the characters, although I found the writing for a YA audience and some of the jumping between back and present a bit confusing. Also some of the scenes were a bit abrupt which hindered the reading flow.
All in all I found the story original and enjoyable. The gory scenes combined with the dog Jake being center stage satisfied me enough to recommend this very short read if you need some quick and fun horror!
Thanks to Deborah Fox for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
As she starts working in Rose's second hand shop she starts noticing weird things and what she uncovers is more than she could have ever imagined!!
I liked the concept and the characters, although I found the writing for a YA audience and some of the jumping between back and present a bit confusing. Also some of the scenes were a bit abrupt which hindered the reading flow.
All in all I found the story original and enjoyable. The gory scenes combined with the dog Jake being center stage satisfied me enough to recommend this very short read if you need some quick and fun horror!
Thanks to Deborah Fox for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
December 5, 2023
The book is short and fast paced so if you have a day off you could read it in one sitting. It follows Abigail, a girl who moves back to her small hometown after 10 years due to her grandmother's passing.
There, she notices that things have remained pretty much the same since she left and she is almost able to pick up right where she was 10 years ago with her lost love. But why is it so friendly? Why don't things change? The answer to those questions turned out to be an unimaginable horror that surrounds the town and all who inhabit it
There, she notices that things have remained pretty much the same since she left and she is almost able to pick up right where she was 10 years ago with her lost love. But why is it so friendly? Why don't things change? The answer to those questions turned out to be an unimaginable horror that surrounds the town and all who inhabit it
January 21, 2024
Second Hand Rose is a well-written horror story. Abigail left her hometown of Friendship when she was 22. At 32, she returns with her dog, Jake, to take over her deceased grandmother’s antique business and home.
What begins as Abagsil’s story evolves into the history of the town of Friendship. I was blindsided when the town revealed itself.
Nothing is what it seems. People have been disappearing from Friendship for a long time. It's not for everyone. This one crept up on me.
What begins as Abagsil’s story evolves into the history of the town of Friendship. I was blindsided when the town revealed itself.
Nothing is what it seems. People have been disappearing from Friendship for a long time. It's not for everyone. This one crept up on me.
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