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The Devil of Echo Lake
Tied for 1st place in the 2012 JS writing contest.
Billy Moon would have given his life for rock 'n' roll stardom, but the Devil doesn’t come that cheap.
Goth rock idol Billy Moon has it all: money, fame, and a different girl in every city. But he also has a secret, one that goes all the way back to the night he almost took his own life. The night Trevor Rail, a shadowy record producer with a flair for the dark and esoteric, agreed to make him a star. . . for a price.
Now Billy has come to Echo Lake Studios to create the record that will make him a legend. A dark masterpiece like only Trevor Rail can fashion. But the woods of Echo Lake have a dark past, a past that might explain the mysterious happenings in the haunted church that serves as Rail’s main studio. As the pressure mounts on Billy to fulfill Rail's vision, it becomes clear that not everyone will survive the project.
It's time the Devil of Echo Lake had his due, and someone will have to pay.
Billy Moon would have given his life for rock 'n' roll stardom, but the Devil doesn’t come that cheap.
Goth rock idol Billy Moon has it all: money, fame, and a different girl in every city. But he also has a secret, one that goes all the way back to the night he almost took his own life. The night Trevor Rail, a shadowy record producer with a flair for the dark and esoteric, agreed to make him a star. . . for a price.
Now Billy has come to Echo Lake Studios to create the record that will make him a legend. A dark masterpiece like only Trevor Rail can fashion. But the woods of Echo Lake have a dark past, a past that might explain the mysterious happenings in the haunted church that serves as Rail’s main studio. As the pressure mounts on Billy to fulfill Rail's vision, it becomes clear that not everyone will survive the project.
It's time the Devil of Echo Lake had his due, and someone will have to pay.
252 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2012
25 people are currently reading
1225 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Wynne
34 books141 followersDouglas Wynne is the author the horror thrillers The Devil of Echo Lake, His Own Devices, and the SPECTRA Files trilogy. His short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies and his writing workshops have been featured at genre conventions and schools throughout New England. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife and son and a houseful of animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 9, 2014
This book has a lot going for it. Ancient evil, witches, Pan, and good old Rock N Roll. How could you go wrong?
As a huge fan of rock music and the blues, I'm on board with the whole Robert Johnson "sold his soul" train. This book was an original twist on that story, with the modern day accoutrements of an evil record producer and an ogre of a music label.
For a while in the middle portion, the pacing slowed down a lot, (technical stuff in the recording studio), but then the story began to get more complicated and from there this tale came alive. That's also when that originality kicked in and delivered some spice and surprise.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it for horror fans that don't mind a slow burning story, without much gore, and for fans of old school stories like The Great God Pan. If that person is you, I wager you will enjoy this novel.
I was provided a free copy of this book to honestly review for: http://ravenousreads.blogspot.com/
As a huge fan of rock music and the blues, I'm on board with the whole Robert Johnson "sold his soul" train. This book was an original twist on that story, with the modern day accoutrements of an evil record producer and an ogre of a music label.
For a while in the middle portion, the pacing slowed down a lot, (technical stuff in the recording studio), but then the story began to get more complicated and from there this tale came alive. That's also when that originality kicked in and delivered some spice and surprise.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it for horror fans that don't mind a slow burning story, without much gore, and for fans of old school stories like The Great God Pan. If that person is you, I wager you will enjoy this novel.
I was provided a free copy of this book to honestly review for: http://ravenousreads.blogspot.com/
March 22, 2014
It's nice that in this day and age of market overabundance of mediocrity, there can still be found books like this. In his debut novel and winner of Journalstone best horror of 2012 award, Douglas Wynne creates a tale of music and horror as compelling as the legend of a certain blues musician selling his soul to the devil at the crossroads that certainly has inspired it. Credit to Wynne, he really changes up midway through what could have been a straight forward faustian tale, throwing angry ghost and a slew of deceptions into the midst. Billy Moon, the tormented musician recording his third and supposedly career making record, ends up tapped between two devils and it's up to him to figure out what is real in the increasingly menacing and unquestionably haunted woods of upstate NY. Great characters here and strong plotting, but the real star of the show is the writing. There is a genuinely awesome vividness to it, from music you can almost hear to settings you can really imagine. Tons of technical information here too, I feel somewhat educated on the inner makings of a musical record. And like with so many things, it's really just better not to know. Really impressive compelling read right down to an excellent ending. Highly recommended.
A signed copy of a book was personally provided by the author in a HA win. While the author's generosity was much appreciated, it had to effect on the veracity and integrity of this review.
A signed copy of a book was personally provided by the author in a HA win. While the author's generosity was much appreciated, it had to effect on the veracity and integrity of this review.
January 4, 2017
There just aren't enough novels with rock star protagonists. In fact, I can think of only two that I have ever read: this one, and Joe Hill's Heart Shaped Box. Both of these are very good reads.
Prior to lifting this one off the shelf (aka downloading to Kindle), I had decided to start Robert McCammon's The Five. Thank goodness for the sample option for Kindles. I read the entire sample for that and it became quickly obvious from the paragraph structures alone, that this was going to be a rather bloated read, and the characters traits seemed forced very early on.
That novel did not hook me at all, so see ya.
Luckily I had this one as my on deck backup. It hooked me immediately.
The Devil of Echo Lake puts a new spin on the legend of Robert Johnston's meeting the Devil at the crossroads, and selling his soul for fame and success. But there are a few extra turns to this tale, Wynne placing his own stamp on the legend, making for a very original read.
Throughout the story, a lot of time is spent in the recording studio. It's obvious Wynne has a musical background here. I'm a musician myself (no professional studio gigs, our band specializes in drunken house parties, the best gig possible, it bears mentioning), so I appreciated the recording process as he presented it here. I also appreciated the methods used to inspire vocal performances. Up until now, the most interesting method I had heard of was John Lennon lying on his back to record Revolution. Um, this is a bit different. Given what Wynne imagines for Billy Moon's inspiration, it makes you wonder what has really gone on behind some classic recordings.
This is a good story with a very good wrap-up. It could have been a typical tale but Wynne really makes it his own, andit's a fairly quick read at 250 pages or so.
This was on my list for a long time and I'm glad it didn't fall off. Well worth my time.
Prior to lifting this one off the shelf (aka downloading to Kindle), I had decided to start Robert McCammon's The Five. Thank goodness for the sample option for Kindles. I read the entire sample for that and it became quickly obvious from the paragraph structures alone, that this was going to be a rather bloated read, and the characters traits seemed forced very early on.
That novel did not hook me at all, so see ya.
Luckily I had this one as my on deck backup. It hooked me immediately.
The Devil of Echo Lake puts a new spin on the legend of Robert Johnston's meeting the Devil at the crossroads, and selling his soul for fame and success. But there are a few extra turns to this tale, Wynne placing his own stamp on the legend, making for a very original read.
Throughout the story, a lot of time is spent in the recording studio. It's obvious Wynne has a musical background here. I'm a musician myself (no professional studio gigs, our band specializes in drunken house parties, the best gig possible, it bears mentioning), so I appreciated the recording process as he presented it here. I also appreciated the methods used to inspire vocal performances. Up until now, the most interesting method I had heard of was John Lennon lying on his back to record Revolution. Um, this is a bit different. Given what Wynne imagines for Billy Moon's inspiration, it makes you wonder what has really gone on behind some classic recordings.
This is a good story with a very good wrap-up. It could have been a typical tale but Wynne really makes it his own, andit's a fairly quick read at 250 pages or so.
This was on my list for a long time and I'm glad it didn't fall off. Well worth my time.
October 24, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy
Reading Level: Adult
Book Available: October 19, 2012 (just available) in paperback and ebook format
Recommended for: Fans of dark story with overall redemptive themes, rock ‘n’ roll lifestyles, the old gods
My Thoughts: This is a richly atmospheric story. I’ve never heard of this writer before, but he certainly knows how to set a scene to keep the reader flipping those pages – I will definitely be looking to see if he has anything else out there, because I just loved his style. The scenes are lush, descriptive, disturbing – we really get inside the heads of Billy Moon and Jake, while also seeing bits and pieces of the other characters around them. The book deals with themes of ‘be careful what you wish for” and “what you think you want may not actually be what you want”. There is a ghost story weaving through the overall story as well.
I’m not really sure what to say about the book, not without possibly spoiling it. I will say that if you enjoy dark fiction, you’ll love this book. If you feel connected to the old gods, you’ll love this book. It’s not quite horror – the ending is all wrong for that – but it is very dark at times. Highly – HIGHLY – recommended!
Disclosure: I received an ARC ebook edition from Journalstone, via the LibraryThing Early Reviewer’s program, in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: Billy Moon would have given his life for rock 'n' roll stardom, but the Devil doesn’t come that cheap.
Goth-rock idol Billy Moon has it all: money, fame, and a different girl in every city. But he also has a secret, one that goes all the way back to the night he almost took his own life. The night Trevor Rail, a shadowy record producer with a flair for the dark and esoteric, agreed to make him a star. . . for a price.
Now Billy has come to Echo Lake Studios to create the record that will make him a legend. A dark masterpiece like only Trevor Rail can fashion. But the woods of Echo Lake have a dark past, a past that might explain the mysterious happenings in the haunted church that serves as Rail’s main studio. As the pressure mounts on Billy to fulfill Rail's vision, it becomes clear that not everyone will survive the project.
It's time the Devil of Echo Lake had his due, and someone will have to pay.
Reading Level: Adult
Book Available: October 19, 2012 (just available) in paperback and ebook format
Recommended for: Fans of dark story with overall redemptive themes, rock ‘n’ roll lifestyles, the old gods
My Thoughts: This is a richly atmospheric story. I’ve never heard of this writer before, but he certainly knows how to set a scene to keep the reader flipping those pages – I will definitely be looking to see if he has anything else out there, because I just loved his style. The scenes are lush, descriptive, disturbing – we really get inside the heads of Billy Moon and Jake, while also seeing bits and pieces of the other characters around them. The book deals with themes of ‘be careful what you wish for” and “what you think you want may not actually be what you want”. There is a ghost story weaving through the overall story as well.
I’m not really sure what to say about the book, not without possibly spoiling it. I will say that if you enjoy dark fiction, you’ll love this book. If you feel connected to the old gods, you’ll love this book. It’s not quite horror – the ending is all wrong for that – but it is very dark at times. Highly – HIGHLY – recommended!
Disclosure: I received an ARC ebook edition from Journalstone, via the LibraryThing Early Reviewer’s program, in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: Billy Moon would have given his life for rock 'n' roll stardom, but the Devil doesn’t come that cheap.
Goth-rock idol Billy Moon has it all: money, fame, and a different girl in every city. But he also has a secret, one that goes all the way back to the night he almost took his own life. The night Trevor Rail, a shadowy record producer with a flair for the dark and esoteric, agreed to make him a star. . . for a price.
Now Billy has come to Echo Lake Studios to create the record that will make him a legend. A dark masterpiece like only Trevor Rail can fashion. But the woods of Echo Lake have a dark past, a past that might explain the mysterious happenings in the haunted church that serves as Rail’s main studio. As the pressure mounts on Billy to fulfill Rail's vision, it becomes clear that not everyone will survive the project.
It's time the Devil of Echo Lake had his due, and someone will have to pay.
August 30, 2012
Billy Moon is a drugged-up rock star, convinced that he has sold his soul to the devil. Jake is an assistant sound engineer, working insane hours in an industry where stress and overwork are intoxicating, addictive drugs. Trevor Rail, Billy's agent and producer, is an ominous mystery. Is he human or devil? And who invisibly plays the piano in the old chapel? Why does the ghost of a woman haunt the woods? What is the bestial devil that lurks near Echo Lake?
The Devil of Echo Lake is an engrossing, fast-moving story. I'd classify it as horror-thriller, but it's my very favorite kind of horror--one that reveals the monsters that lurk within each of us. It's hard to say more without giving the story away, so I won't. I did enjoy this novel very much. There's enough detail to be convincing, but not too much that it slows the story down. The descriptions of the woods, the encounters with the supernatural, etc, are beautifully done. Jake was low key--a solid, hard-working guy--and likeable. Billy started out as unlikeable, but by the end, I did like him and applauded the ending of the novel.
All in all, an excellent read. Highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I received this book free through a LibraryThing giveaway.
The Devil of Echo Lake is an engrossing, fast-moving story. I'd classify it as horror-thriller, but it's my very favorite kind of horror--one that reveals the monsters that lurk within each of us. It's hard to say more without giving the story away, so I won't. I did enjoy this novel very much. There's enough detail to be convincing, but not too much that it slows the story down. The descriptions of the woods, the encounters with the supernatural, etc, are beautifully done. Jake was low key--a solid, hard-working guy--and likeable. Billy started out as unlikeable, but by the end, I did like him and applauded the ending of the novel.
All in all, an excellent read. Highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I received this book free through a LibraryThing giveaway.
July 27, 2012
Billy Moon would have given his life for rock 'n' roll stardom, but the Devil doesn’t come that cheap.
Goth rock idol Billy Moon has it all: money, fame, and a different girl in every city.
But he also has a secret, one that goes all the way back to the night he almost took his own life. The night Trevor Rail, a shadowy record producer with a flair for the dark and esoteric, agreed to make him a star. . . for a price.
Now Billy has come to Echo Lake Studios to create the record that will make him a legend. A dark masterpiece like only Trevor Rail can fashion. But the woods of
Echo Lake have a dark past, a past that might explain the mysterious happenings in the haunted church that serves as Rail’s main studio. As the pressure mounts on Billy to fulfill Rail's vision, it becomes clear that not everyone will survive the project.
It's time the Devil of Echo Lake had his due, and someone will have to pay.
Goth rock idol Billy Moon has it all: money, fame, and a different girl in every city.
But he also has a secret, one that goes all the way back to the night he almost took his own life. The night Trevor Rail, a shadowy record producer with a flair for the dark and esoteric, agreed to make him a star. . . for a price.
Now Billy has come to Echo Lake Studios to create the record that will make him a legend. A dark masterpiece like only Trevor Rail can fashion. But the woods of
Echo Lake have a dark past, a past that might explain the mysterious happenings in the haunted church that serves as Rail’s main studio. As the pressure mounts on Billy to fulfill Rail's vision, it becomes clear that not everyone will survive the project.
It's time the Devil of Echo Lake had his due, and someone will have to pay.
November 27, 2012
This book deserves to be a horror classic, in my view. The Devil of Echo Lake takes the story of Robert Johnson and the crossroads and infuses new, 21st century life into it.
Billy Moon is a rock star in search of a transcendent record. He comes to Echo Lake to pursue that goal, led by a producer who might be the personification of Satan himself. But there’s more than meets the eye to the idyllic lake in the forest, and something may haunt the studio that once was an abandoned church . . .
This book is really terrific. It's woven together from several different threads, each of which tells a compelling and enjoyable story. The characters are well-realized and far more complex than we expect from the genre (for better or worse), and I admit to being surprised by the ending.
I highly recommend The Devil of Echo Lake. It is a breath of fresh air, and a wonderful debut by an up and coming writer. I look forward to seeing much more from him.
Billy Moon is a rock star in search of a transcendent record. He comes to Echo Lake to pursue that goal, led by a producer who might be the personification of Satan himself. But there’s more than meets the eye to the idyllic lake in the forest, and something may haunt the studio that once was an abandoned church . . .
This book is really terrific. It's woven together from several different threads, each of which tells a compelling and enjoyable story. The characters are well-realized and far more complex than we expect from the genre (for better or worse), and I admit to being surprised by the ending.
I highly recommend The Devil of Echo Lake. It is a breath of fresh air, and a wonderful debut by an up and coming writer. I look forward to seeing much more from him.
October 20, 2012
The Devil of Echo Lake
Book Review
Billy Moon has staggered his way to the top of the music charts. His previous two albums were a massive successful, catapulting him to full-fledged rock star status, and he is about to record his third album. The only problem is he isn’t quite sure what to attribute his success to. Is he really that talented, or did he, somehow, manage to sell his soul to the devil along the way?
It certainly is no stretch to imagine Billy’s deranged producer, Trevor Rail, as the devil incarnate, especially when Billy arrives at Echo Lake Studio and some most unusual things begin happening. Rail appears to be able to create fire balls in the palm of his hand. The studio Billy is lodging at is haunted by a ghost who enjoys playing an odd tune on the piano that only he and Jake, the sound engineer, can hear. Members of the recording staff are dying mysteriously. And a pack of wolves surrounds the studio while Billy is recording, as if they were the very hellhounds he fears are on his trail.
Is Billy another drug-using burnout losing his grip with reality? Or is something sinister really going on down at Echo Lake? More importantly, will Billy be able to figure it out before he or anyone else is killed?
Wynne weaves a tale that is not only well written and original, but also spooky and captivating. It is impossible to decide whether Billy, in fact, did sell his soul to Trevor Rail all those years ago, or if his drug-addled brain is simply manufacturing the strange goings on that surround him. The reader is pulled from one chapter to the next, trying to solve the mystery, all the while being just creeped out enough to want to stay awake all night reading.
This book is a real achievement for Douglas Wynne as well as another great read from Journal Stone Publishing. I can’t wait to see more from both of them.
Book Review
Billy Moon has staggered his way to the top of the music charts. His previous two albums were a massive successful, catapulting him to full-fledged rock star status, and he is about to record his third album. The only problem is he isn’t quite sure what to attribute his success to. Is he really that talented, or did he, somehow, manage to sell his soul to the devil along the way?
It certainly is no stretch to imagine Billy’s deranged producer, Trevor Rail, as the devil incarnate, especially when Billy arrives at Echo Lake Studio and some most unusual things begin happening. Rail appears to be able to create fire balls in the palm of his hand. The studio Billy is lodging at is haunted by a ghost who enjoys playing an odd tune on the piano that only he and Jake, the sound engineer, can hear. Members of the recording staff are dying mysteriously. And a pack of wolves surrounds the studio while Billy is recording, as if they were the very hellhounds he fears are on his trail.
Is Billy another drug-using burnout losing his grip with reality? Or is something sinister really going on down at Echo Lake? More importantly, will Billy be able to figure it out before he or anyone else is killed?
Wynne weaves a tale that is not only well written and original, but also spooky and captivating. It is impossible to decide whether Billy, in fact, did sell his soul to Trevor Rail all those years ago, or if his drug-addled brain is simply manufacturing the strange goings on that surround him. The reader is pulled from one chapter to the next, trying to solve the mystery, all the while being just creeped out enough to want to stay awake all night reading.
This book is a real achievement for Douglas Wynne as well as another great read from Journal Stone Publishing. I can’t wait to see more from both of them.
September 10, 2012
The Devil of Echo Lake sounds like a familiar tale: struggling musician sells his soul to the devil in exchange for fame and fortune. However, don't be misled, this story is far more than that, with twists and turns that are really quite inspired. The author's biography states that he has worked in the music industry and I certainly had a sense that he knew what he was talking about when describing Billy Moon's world.
I felt that the protagonist's character was very well developed with enough insight into his past and thoughts to enable me to care about him despite his many faults. Jake too, is a well rounded character, with his own conflicts, who I grew to like very much. My one complaint with regard to the characterisation is that I would have liked some of the other characters to have been developed a little more. In particular, I felt that the antagonist was pure bad. I suspect that this was a deliberate choice on the part of the author to add weight to the idea of him as the devil incarnate but, personally, I would have liked a little more history, especially towards the end of the story.
The plot is certainly very good and the subplots are woven into it seamlessly with plenty of suspense throughout. If, like me, you enjoy trying to guess where it is all going then it's definitely for you.
I felt that the protagonist's character was very well developed with enough insight into his past and thoughts to enable me to care about him despite his many faults. Jake too, is a well rounded character, with his own conflicts, who I grew to like very much. My one complaint with regard to the characterisation is that I would have liked some of the other characters to have been developed a little more. In particular, I felt that the antagonist was pure bad. I suspect that this was a deliberate choice on the part of the author to add weight to the idea of him as the devil incarnate but, personally, I would have liked a little more history, especially towards the end of the story.
The plot is certainly very good and the subplots are woven into it seamlessly with plenty of suspense throughout. If, like me, you enjoy trying to guess where it is all going then it's definitely for you.
November 10, 2012
I received this book through Library Thing.
The premise is that a rock star wannabe (Billy Moon) sells his soul to the devil and becomes one of the last great rock stars. It's time to make a new album so it's 2 months at Echo Lake Studios, upstate New York. Billy goes on a dark journey, prodded and controlled by Trevor Rail, the producer/devil he's had about enough of.
This story grabbed me right at the start. The other character, Jake, is the poor audio engineer assigned to work with this dysfunctional crew. He seems like a really nice guy pulled into a dark place between art and ambition. Many creepy things start to happen, and Billy kind of loses his mind a bit in my opinion. The album is a masterpiece and yet it's Rail's masterpiece, not Billy's really. Eventually the conflict comes to a head with the assistance of other spirit entities, and the resolution of that was kick ass good.
Douglas Wynne sure takes us to a new place, the recording studio. I have no way of knowing if these details, lingo, flow, etc are the way it is in the real studio, but it sure felt authentic, and it was new to me.
The atmospheric qualities, the dark war between the main characters, and the great resolution of the story worked on every level for me.
The premise is that a rock star wannabe (Billy Moon) sells his soul to the devil and becomes one of the last great rock stars. It's time to make a new album so it's 2 months at Echo Lake Studios, upstate New York. Billy goes on a dark journey, prodded and controlled by Trevor Rail, the producer/devil he's had about enough of.
This story grabbed me right at the start. The other character, Jake, is the poor audio engineer assigned to work with this dysfunctional crew. He seems like a really nice guy pulled into a dark place between art and ambition. Many creepy things start to happen, and Billy kind of loses his mind a bit in my opinion. The album is a masterpiece and yet it's Rail's masterpiece, not Billy's really. Eventually the conflict comes to a head with the assistance of other spirit entities, and the resolution of that was kick ass good.
Douglas Wynne sure takes us to a new place, the recording studio. I have no way of knowing if these details, lingo, flow, etc are the way it is in the real studio, but it sure felt authentic, and it was new to me.
The atmospheric qualities, the dark war between the main characters, and the great resolution of the story worked on every level for me.
September 17, 2012
Excellent book! I had a hard time putting it down, as evidenced by the fact that I stayed up one "night" till 5:30 AM to finish it. As I read this book, I kept thinking of Joe Hill's character Jude Coyne, another rocker caught up in the turmoil of the rock & roll life. He & Billy Moon could be cousins!
Billy Moon is the icon of the Goth set...handsome, sexy, rich, and able to express every teen-ager's fears & dreams in his music. But does he come by this naturally, or has he sold his soul to the Devil? Is Trevor Rail his producer & mentor, the Prince of Darkness himself, owning Billy's soul in exchange for stardom, fame, "sex, drugs & rock & roll"...or is he just a very cunning, conniving man?
About to record what promises to be his best work yet, Billy meets Jake, a just out of college rock & roll engineer wannabe. Is he the one sane spot in Billy's current tumultuous life?
The story unfolds to include pianos that play by themselves, a witch, a pack of wolves, a stalker groupie and an awakening that you may not see coming!
Billy Moon is the icon of the Goth set...handsome, sexy, rich, and able to express every teen-ager's fears & dreams in his music. But does he come by this naturally, or has he sold his soul to the Devil? Is Trevor Rail his producer & mentor, the Prince of Darkness himself, owning Billy's soul in exchange for stardom, fame, "sex, drugs & rock & roll"...or is he just a very cunning, conniving man?
About to record what promises to be his best work yet, Billy meets Jake, a just out of college rock & roll engineer wannabe. Is he the one sane spot in Billy's current tumultuous life?
The story unfolds to include pianos that play by themselves, a witch, a pack of wolves, a stalker groupie and an awakening that you may not see coming!
September 1, 2012
Great book! I read this whole book without putting it down. Maybe the best form of praise I can give this book is that it is now an excellent movie in my head! The characters and story were so well written that I am missing some of them now that I have finished this book. I find myself hoping that I can meet Billy again..maybe he will by the Echo Lake facility to protect the connection he has to it...maybe other struggling musicians will come there and experience things and Billy will understand...maybe maybe maybe... :) Sigh, thank you for this wonderful story Mr. Wynne... I love it! Can't wait for more!
October 7, 2012
This is for sure a good one. Rousing and engrossing from the first to the last page. Not knowing whether or not he made a pact with the devil, Billy, a musician on the verge of suicide, becomes suddenly a super rock star. When he has to record a new album in a studio in Echo Lake, somewhere in the middle of nowhere, he feels that payback is near.
Great read; creepy enough to keep you on the edge of your chair.
Great read; creepy enough to keep you on the edge of your chair.
October 7, 2012
OH MY GOD!! I just finished this book and I loved it...It had the right amount of everything in it...a very well balanced booked, I couldn't put it down.
I want to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read it and review it. It has been a while since I have been able to read a book with such fresh ideas and balance. It keeps you on the edge...I loved the characters...A MUST READ BOOK.
I want to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read it and review it. It has been a while since I have been able to read a book with such fresh ideas and balance. It keeps you on the edge...I loved the characters...A MUST READ BOOK.
November 5, 2012
Great book. Really engrossing and kinda nasty. Reminded me of what I like about Stephen King and other quick-witted, pop-culture-aware horror writers of that nature.
May 24, 2023
That was fun! A little slow at times - something in the writing style did not always keep me 100% engaged - but the story, the characters, the setting, the mix of supernatural and maybe-not all added up to a wild rock n roll ride.
September 24, 2012
Billy Moon is a rock star, an idol to Goths around the world in the late 1990s. The producer who made him a star, Trevor Rail, holds a contract that requires Moon to create one more album for him. Rail is a creepy dude that no one likes and who scares most people. Moon thinks Rail might just be the devil himself. And now Rail has called in his chip, and takes Moon to a secluded compound in the mountains, with a studio in an old church, to force him to write and record a new album in record time.
Moon is willing, but his mind is not all on the music. He’s dealing with the sudden death of his father, and strange things are happening in the church, which serves as Moon as living quarters as well as studio. Legend has it the church is haunted, and it’s starting to look like it’s true. Rail doesn’t believe it, though; he makes a point of telling others that Moon is under stress and unbalanced. But Moon isn’t the only one seeing and hearing odd things; Jake Campbell, fresh out of college assistant sound man, is witnessing it, too, as well as the terror that is crazy man Rail.
This is very well done horror. Part psychological and part supernatural, it isn’t until the end that the reader gets to see where the boundaries of each are. Tension is sustained throughout the book, and the end is unexpected. I hope this book gets picked up by Amazon and other distributors so more people can enjoy it. Right now it seems to only be available from the publisher, JournalStone
http://journal-store.com/fiction/the-...
Moon is willing, but his mind is not all on the music. He’s dealing with the sudden death of his father, and strange things are happening in the church, which serves as Moon as living quarters as well as studio. Legend has it the church is haunted, and it’s starting to look like it’s true. Rail doesn’t believe it, though; he makes a point of telling others that Moon is under stress and unbalanced. But Moon isn’t the only one seeing and hearing odd things; Jake Campbell, fresh out of college assistant sound man, is witnessing it, too, as well as the terror that is crazy man Rail.
This is very well done horror. Part psychological and part supernatural, it isn’t until the end that the reader gets to see where the boundaries of each are. Tension is sustained throughout the book, and the end is unexpected. I hope this book gets picked up by Amazon and other distributors so more people can enjoy it. Right now it seems to only be available from the publisher, JournalStone
http://journal-store.com/fiction/the-...
September 14, 2012
Did Billy Moon sell his soul to the Devil? Was his career based on being linked to Satan?
As he left a gig depressed and ready to end it all he is picked up by Trevor Rail a promotor who believes he can make him a star. He has hits and goes on World Tours but always wonders how did it all happen? What about the people who were left behind by him and the friends he lost in the house fire that occured?
As his career starts to go downhill his record company link him with Trevor again to make a hit album. And the idea of him being the Devil raises to the fore - but how can he be sure? They are based in the Echo Lake recording studio surrounded with history of witches and ghosts which do no help Billys paranoid behaviour. But as Jake (the studio engineer) tries to keep an eye on Billy his promotor seems intent on selling this album as the making of the legend of Billy Moon and this can only happen if something tragic happens.
As the story goes on the truth about the devil comes out while Billy's paranoia takes hold in such a way that he learns the truth of the promotor, makes the record he has always wanted and finds peace for himself and for Jake.
An interesting book if held the attention throughout and had a darkside which, at times, did make you hair on the back of your arms stand on end.
As he left a gig depressed and ready to end it all he is picked up by Trevor Rail a promotor who believes he can make him a star. He has hits and goes on World Tours but always wonders how did it all happen? What about the people who were left behind by him and the friends he lost in the house fire that occured?
As his career starts to go downhill his record company link him with Trevor again to make a hit album. And the idea of him being the Devil raises to the fore - but how can he be sure? They are based in the Echo Lake recording studio surrounded with history of witches and ghosts which do no help Billys paranoid behaviour. But as Jake (the studio engineer) tries to keep an eye on Billy his promotor seems intent on selling this album as the making of the legend of Billy Moon and this can only happen if something tragic happens.
As the story goes on the truth about the devil comes out while Billy's paranoia takes hold in such a way that he learns the truth of the promotor, makes the record he has always wanted and finds peace for himself and for Jake.
An interesting book if held the attention throughout and had a darkside which, at times, did make you hair on the back of your arms stand on end.
April 7, 2013
I received this book from Library Thing Early Reviewers. The Devil Of Echo Lake by Douglas Wynne from JournalStone Publishing is a slow paced but scary read. The tension builds slowly, then hits you in the face and leaves you terrified by the end. The Devil of Echo Lake is about a rock star name Billy Moon who goes to Echo Lake studios to record an album. Echo Lake Studios used to be a church. A church that has a tainted past.
He is there with his producer Trevor Rail. Trevor Rail is known as "off the rails" for many reasons. He is totally insane and he causes many crazy things to happen at Echo Lake Studios. To add to the complication, Billy discovers that Echo Lake Studios is haunted, by a piano that has no person playing it; at least no live person. A deceased church organist who died of a strange, horrible cause is rumored to haunt the studio.
Billy discovers the awful story of the church organ player and discovers those events have an impact on what is happening in his own life.
He is there with his producer Trevor Rail. Trevor Rail is known as "off the rails" for many reasons. He is totally insane and he causes many crazy things to happen at Echo Lake Studios. To add to the complication, Billy discovers that Echo Lake Studios is haunted, by a piano that has no person playing it; at least no live person. A deceased church organist who died of a strange, horrible cause is rumored to haunt the studio.
Billy discovers the awful story of the church organ player and discovers those events have an impact on what is happening in his own life.
September 7, 2012
Decently written take on the "Faust" concept.
Billy Moon thinks he's sold his soul to the Devil, but isn't 100 percent certain. What he IS certain of, is that the price he's paying for the fame and fortune of a rock star is getting too high.
And things will come to a head in an Echo Lake recording studio. Jake Campbell is a recent grad engineer on his way to his first gig - which may be a career maker... Trevor Rail (did anyone else catch "liar" spelled backwards?) is the producer from Hell, and Rachel Shadbourne is a fangirl determined to have her 15 minutes of fame. The story chronicles seven weeks, three holidays, and one out-of-control recording session.
Without giving away any spoilers, I really enjoyed this one. Doug Wynne weaves together several supernatural plot elements in a unique way. While somewhat predictable, this is a very pleasant few hours of light entertainment!
Billy Moon thinks he's sold his soul to the Devil, but isn't 100 percent certain. What he IS certain of, is that the price he's paying for the fame and fortune of a rock star is getting too high.
And things will come to a head in an Echo Lake recording studio. Jake Campbell is a recent grad engineer on his way to his first gig - which may be a career maker... Trevor Rail (did anyone else catch "liar" spelled backwards?) is the producer from Hell, and Rachel Shadbourne is a fangirl determined to have her 15 minutes of fame. The story chronicles seven weeks, three holidays, and one out-of-control recording session.
Without giving away any spoilers, I really enjoyed this one. Doug Wynne weaves together several supernatural plot elements in a unique way. While somewhat predictable, this is a very pleasant few hours of light entertainment!
October 14, 2012
The Devil of Echo Lake is a Dark Mystery
The Devil of Echo Lake by Douglass Wynne is the darkest book I've read in a long time. One that I truly enjoyed more than I expected. The story is about a rock star, Billy Moon, his manager, who may be the Devil incarnate, and their young music engineer as they work to produce Billy's latest hot album. The twists and turns in this story keep you on your toes.
An additional interest in this book for me was the location in the Catskills of NY. I lived there for a short time and could easily see the cabins and church of the hidden studio.
This book gets a definite 5 stars from me. If you enjoy a dark novel this is for you.
Disclaimer: This book was received as an early review copy at LibraryThing.
The Devil of Echo Lake by Douglass Wynne is the darkest book I've read in a long time. One that I truly enjoyed more than I expected. The story is about a rock star, Billy Moon, his manager, who may be the Devil incarnate, and their young music engineer as they work to produce Billy's latest hot album. The twists and turns in this story keep you on your toes.
An additional interest in this book for me was the location in the Catskills of NY. I lived there for a short time and could easily see the cabins and church of the hidden studio.
This book gets a definite 5 stars from me. If you enjoy a dark novel this is for you.
Disclaimer: This book was received as an early review copy at LibraryThing.
October 30, 2012
An engrossing read that went by too quickly. Good characters and plenty of twists to keep you guessing.
September 7, 2012
A dark, spooky read. Fast paced. Couldn't put it down!
April 2, 2014
exceeded expectations.
writing was brilliant and fresh. not a single tired simile - and that's rare. very thankful for it.
so glad I picked this up.
writing was brilliant and fresh. not a single tired simile - and that's rare. very thankful for it.
so glad I picked this up.
October 3, 2012
Back in June, I got to read The Void by Brett J. Tally, a very good mash-up of Science Fiction and Horror. I gave it 5 of 5 Stars. This week, I got to read The Devil of Echo Lake by Douglas Wynne, which I'm also giving 5 of 5 Stars. What, pray tell, might these two books have in common (other than the fact that they both delivered the goods)? It's their publisher JournalStone Books. They really seem to be putting out some great material. I received both of these as ARC's from LibraryThing.com, a great way to get free books. But let's get back to today's read.
Billy Moon did not recall when he had sold his soul, it might have been the night he met Travor Rail. That was the same night Billy was prepared to step off the Tobin Bridge. Rail pulls up in a black limo, introduces himself as a record producer and asks Billy to get his guitar and step into the car. Of course a deal is struck and Billy has to leave everything from his past behind, but since that time he's pretty much had all that he ever dreamed of.
It's several years later and Billy and his band are just coming off his successful "Lunatic" tour. Now he is contractually obligated to prepare his next album. Echo Lake is home to the recording studio where Billy will do just that under the guidance of Trevor Rail. This is also where we meet Jake Campbell, brought on as an Engineering Assistant on the project and we meet the ghost that lives in the church converted to a studio. There is a whole back story for the ghost which I won't get into here, but I love the notes repeated on the studio's baby grand. Pretty creepy.
Wynne does an excellent job in describing the recording sessions. Driven, long, intense, crazy. There are a lot of nice moments and inspired prose. The primary engineer on the project is Kevin Brickhouse and Douglas Wynnn writes, "What Kevin Brickhouse saw next, he would not understand for the rest of his life, which was now the length of a song." I'm a sucker for a good line. The bit with the Ouija board tatoo is inspired and although I didn't follow it all there's the god in the woods that Billy discovers and communicates with.
Near the end, Wynne sums up the recording experience pretty well with, "You may find records are kind of like hot dogs. You enjoy them a lot more before you know how they are made."
Douglas Wynne has been a writer, a musician and has returned to writing in a big way with The Devil of Echo Lake. One of the better books of read in 2012 and one I won't soon forget. Highly recommended.
There is a limited edition, signed, hard cover due out on October 12th, 2012. Also to be available in paperback and e-book formats from JournalStone Books. BTW, you can get a FREE e-book with your purchase of the hardcover or paperback versions. Something I think more publishers should consider doing.
Billy Moon did not recall when he had sold his soul, it might have been the night he met Travor Rail. That was the same night Billy was prepared to step off the Tobin Bridge. Rail pulls up in a black limo, introduces himself as a record producer and asks Billy to get his guitar and step into the car. Of course a deal is struck and Billy has to leave everything from his past behind, but since that time he's pretty much had all that he ever dreamed of.
It's several years later and Billy and his band are just coming off his successful "Lunatic" tour. Now he is contractually obligated to prepare his next album. Echo Lake is home to the recording studio where Billy will do just that under the guidance of Trevor Rail. This is also where we meet Jake Campbell, brought on as an Engineering Assistant on the project and we meet the ghost that lives in the church converted to a studio. There is a whole back story for the ghost which I won't get into here, but I love the notes repeated on the studio's baby grand. Pretty creepy.
Wynne does an excellent job in describing the recording sessions. Driven, long, intense, crazy. There are a lot of nice moments and inspired prose. The primary engineer on the project is Kevin Brickhouse and Douglas Wynnn writes, "What Kevin Brickhouse saw next, he would not understand for the rest of his life, which was now the length of a song." I'm a sucker for a good line. The bit with the Ouija board tatoo is inspired and although I didn't follow it all there's the god in the woods that Billy discovers and communicates with.
Near the end, Wynne sums up the recording experience pretty well with, "You may find records are kind of like hot dogs. You enjoy them a lot more before you know how they are made."
Douglas Wynne has been a writer, a musician and has returned to writing in a big way with The Devil of Echo Lake. One of the better books of read in 2012 and one I won't soon forget. Highly recommended.
There is a limited edition, signed, hard cover due out on October 12th, 2012. Also to be available in paperback and e-book formats from JournalStone Books. BTW, you can get a FREE e-book with your purchase of the hardcover or paperback versions. Something I think more publishers should consider doing.
October 13, 2012
Billy Moon would have done anything to be a rock legend. And when he meets record producer Trevor Rail, he gets his chance. But if fame at any level worth the cost?
In The Devil of Echo Lake, Douglas Wynne takes the myth of blues man Robert Johnson meeting the Devil at the crossroads of his life and gives it a modern twist. Through solid writing, vivid imagery, and complex characterizations, we follow Moon, along with his producer, the brilliant but erratic Rail, and the recording crew, as they try to craft an album that will solidify Moon's status as a rock icon. Soon, dark and edgy songs are flowing like blood from a self-inflicted wound. But as the tapes roll--and as Rail pushes is protegee harder and harder--the malignant history of the studio begins to manifest. For over a century ago, a woman was hanged here for being a witch, and the music is calling to her. Will the confluence of minor keys and deep waters keep Moon from recording the album of the century?
I truly enjoyed every part of The Devil of Echo Lake Wynne, a former recording engineer, brings to life the dark side of the vinyl: the pressure and madness that go into making a hit record. And while the horror elements of Devil are quite frightening, I found the behavior of the "guys on the other side of the glass" more unsettling, because you can imagine it really happening.
This is Wynne's first published novel, and it is an extraordinary one. I look forward to reading more from this gentleman.
In The Devil of Echo Lake, Douglas Wynne takes the myth of blues man Robert Johnson meeting the Devil at the crossroads of his life and gives it a modern twist. Through solid writing, vivid imagery, and complex characterizations, we follow Moon, along with his producer, the brilliant but erratic Rail, and the recording crew, as they try to craft an album that will solidify Moon's status as a rock icon. Soon, dark and edgy songs are flowing like blood from a self-inflicted wound. But as the tapes roll--and as Rail pushes is protegee harder and harder--the malignant history of the studio begins to manifest. For over a century ago, a woman was hanged here for being a witch, and the music is calling to her. Will the confluence of minor keys and deep waters keep Moon from recording the album of the century?
I truly enjoyed every part of The Devil of Echo Lake Wynne, a former recording engineer, brings to life the dark side of the vinyl: the pressure and madness that go into making a hit record. And while the horror elements of Devil are quite frightening, I found the behavior of the "guys on the other side of the glass" more unsettling, because you can imagine it really happening.
This is Wynne's first published novel, and it is an extraordinary one. I look forward to reading more from this gentleman.
January 1, 2013
This is an ARC in exchange for honest review:
Billy Moon is about to record his third studio CD with the last man he wants to see Trevor Rail. Billy is pretty afraid of him and how he makes feel. Billy is totally not looking forward to recording yet doesn't have any other options. When Billy's father unexpectedly dies, Billy's world crashes down around him in ways he didn't think possible but does. Billy wants to do a different kind of recording this time around which Trevor nixes right away saying you want to make crap do it on your own dime. Jake is a new sound tech wanting to learn the ropes from Kevin Brickman, the engineer for Billy Moon's newest CD. Jake is excited about the recording process and what he'll learn. Jake doesn't like Trevor Rail very much gets a creepy vibe from him. As recording process gets underway another tragedy strikes which could hold up the recording process. Jake and Billy both have heard haunting note playing yet can't explain it either. Billy is more moved by the acoustic songs he's been playing on his own than by what Trevor Rail has him recording. Will Trevor get what he wants? Will Billy continue to do his own thing? Will Jake help Billy? Your answers await you in The Devil of Echo Lake.
I'm a fan of music much like any one else yet I struggled to read this book at the beginning. It did get better as the page advanced. It's a good book just not one of my favorites or one I'd read again. The author crafted the story well and characters were well developed. Just not my style of book. Read the book for yourself.
Billy Moon is about to record his third studio CD with the last man he wants to see Trevor Rail. Billy is pretty afraid of him and how he makes feel. Billy is totally not looking forward to recording yet doesn't have any other options. When Billy's father unexpectedly dies, Billy's world crashes down around him in ways he didn't think possible but does. Billy wants to do a different kind of recording this time around which Trevor nixes right away saying you want to make crap do it on your own dime. Jake is a new sound tech wanting to learn the ropes from Kevin Brickman, the engineer for Billy Moon's newest CD. Jake is excited about the recording process and what he'll learn. Jake doesn't like Trevor Rail very much gets a creepy vibe from him. As recording process gets underway another tragedy strikes which could hold up the recording process. Jake and Billy both have heard haunting note playing yet can't explain it either. Billy is more moved by the acoustic songs he's been playing on his own than by what Trevor Rail has him recording. Will Trevor get what he wants? Will Billy continue to do his own thing? Will Jake help Billy? Your answers await you in The Devil of Echo Lake.
I'm a fan of music much like any one else yet I struggled to read this book at the beginning. It did get better as the page advanced. It's a good book just not one of my favorites or one I'd read again. The author crafted the story well and characters were well developed. Just not my style of book. Read the book for yourself.
March 7, 2013
Goth-rock singer Billy Moon is in the depths of despair. The only song idea that comes to him is "Hope Prolongs Misery". After a horrible show at a dank little dive, Billy decides there's nothing left but to kill himself.
Outside on the Tobin bridge,he readies himself to jump into the icy black river, when a black limo pulls up and a door opens. Billy hears his name called; breaking his suicide trance. He gets into the limo and meets Trevor Rail, a producer, who coaxes Billy to give up everyone and everything in his life to become a major rock star. Rail has him sign a dubious contract that Billy can barely read and then Billy is taken to a private club and harem where he is seduced by several women as Rail places a platinum ring on Billy's hand effectively "marrying him to the music".
Billy rises to fame and fortune, and now he is coming to Echo Lake Studios to create a third and perhaps final record with the help of Trevor Rail. Billy has his misgivings about working with Rail. He can't help thinking that Rail may be Satan incarnate and that he has signed a pact with the Devil.
The rest of the book covers the downfall of Billy Moon and the deviltry that takes place at Echo Lake Studios.The author keeps the book compelling until the last page with a surprise twist.
Kudos to JournalStone for getting this book out. It's a great choice for their book selections!
Outside on the Tobin bridge,he readies himself to jump into the icy black river, when a black limo pulls up and a door opens. Billy hears his name called; breaking his suicide trance. He gets into the limo and meets Trevor Rail, a producer, who coaxes Billy to give up everyone and everything in his life to become a major rock star. Rail has him sign a dubious contract that Billy can barely read and then Billy is taken to a private club and harem where he is seduced by several women as Rail places a platinum ring on Billy's hand effectively "marrying him to the music".
Billy rises to fame and fortune, and now he is coming to Echo Lake Studios to create a third and perhaps final record with the help of Trevor Rail. Billy has his misgivings about working with Rail. He can't help thinking that Rail may be Satan incarnate and that he has signed a pact with the Devil.
The rest of the book covers the downfall of Billy Moon and the deviltry that takes place at Echo Lake Studios.The author keeps the book compelling until the last page with a surprise twist.
Kudos to JournalStone for getting this book out. It's a great choice for their book selections!
Read
September 13, 2012I grew up in the 60’s with rock ‘n roll. While I never was personally interested in the life style, over the intervening decades, like all of you, I followed many of my favorites as they crashed and burned. I watched many “bands” start and disappear, and even a few take off on that magic rocket to stardom, or at least fame. THE DEVIL OF ECHO LAKE takes the dream, does a “sell your soul to the devil” mix, adds a little crazy with a groupie, drugs and a violent producer and wow, you have a story.
What was really interesting to me though was the story of Jake Campbell, the newbie sound engineer. What goes on “technically” to get the sound of an album captured is the story he represents, along with the story that shows the rockers aren’t the only ones paying the price.
Blue Moon and Jake Campbell make this story rock. Watching their decisions in a world full of stressors most of us will never face, made this a very good story. Thanks.
What was really interesting to me though was the story of Jake Campbell, the newbie sound engineer. What goes on “technically” to get the sound of an album captured is the story he represents, along with the story that shows the rockers aren’t the only ones paying the price.
Blue Moon and Jake Campbell make this story rock. Watching their decisions in a world full of stressors most of us will never face, made this a very good story. Thanks.
September 18, 2012
4,5 stars, really!
this is a very suspense-packed thriller-mystery! The characters are vivid and complex. It was very hard to put the book down and I was rather tired at work yesterday, because I was reading so long :)
The theme of "musician sells his soul to the devil to make fantastic music" is old and often used, this version is situated in the here and now and gives a glimpse of studio work, the crazyness of rock-music production, the players are very interesting and there come some surprise elements into the story!
this is a very suspense-packed thriller-mystery! The characters are vivid and complex. It was very hard to put the book down and I was rather tired at work yesterday, because I was reading so long :)
The theme of "musician sells his soul to the devil to make fantastic music" is old and often used, this version is situated in the here and now and gives a glimpse of studio work, the crazyness of rock-music production, the players are very interesting and there come some surprise elements into the story!
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