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Nightwatching
Do the dead forgive? The question haunts Sondra McAfee. After the death of their three year-old son, Sondra and husband Travis escape Seattle’s society for a fresh start in the mountains of Montana, only to learn what awaits is as horrific as their past.
On the fringe of civilization, something sinister lurks within moonlit shadows, preying upon the anguish of tortured souls. Feel Sondra’s isolation in a mountain cabin, the torment of a schizophrenic shut-in, and the desperation of a broken hearted musician as they struggle to overcome personal demons. Together, can they defeat what feeds upon their souls? The answer lies within this tale of horror, betrayal, addiction, and lust.
On the fringe of civilization, something sinister lurks within moonlit shadows, preying upon the anguish of tortured souls. Feel Sondra’s isolation in a mountain cabin, the torment of a schizophrenic shut-in, and the desperation of a broken hearted musician as they struggle to overcome personal demons. Together, can they defeat what feeds upon their souls? The answer lies within this tale of horror, betrayal, addiction, and lust.
- GenresHorror
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2014
9 people are currently reading
931 people want to read
About the author
John Zunski
3 books96 followersJohn was born and raised in suburban Philadelphia. In 2003, he sailed across the country in a U-haul and settled in the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana with his wife Tammy, their dogs and an occasional meandering bear. He is the Author of Cemetery Street, Shangri-la Trailer Park, and Nightwatching. He is currently working on Cemetery Street's sequel, Montana Rural.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 21, 2012
I have intentionally left a few days between finishing 'Nightwatching' and writing my review, as the book is one of those rare finds in contemporary literature where I found myself left with an imprint of the characters and plot long after I had switched off my Kindle.
However, 'Nightwatching' was a slow starter - the best analogy I have is to compare the book with an emerging butterfly. The start of the book is when the butterfly is poking its head out of the chrysalis - like the way in which John Zunski begins his story slowly, introducing his two main characters Travis and Sondra. He allows the reader to know their secrets bit by bit, although we are aware they are a grieving couple who have lost their young son and have moved to the country amid marital difficulties . . . .
As the butterfly starts to push further out its world becomes more interesting - at this stage of the book more characters are introduced - all of whom have more secrets and hidden emotion - and the meaning of the word 'Nightwatcher' is revealed. Travis and Sondra's relationship is further explored and her gambling addiction manifests.
By now the butterfly may have pushed its way out enough to start uncurling its wings - and so the plot begins to twist more and in a way that meant I was up past midnight reading, my feelings connected to those of the characters . . .
So the butterfly fully emerges and beats its wings to fly away, signifying the last chapters of 'Nightwatching' - and in all honesty my heart would have been beating in time to the butterfly's wings - out of fear! John Zunski had created a climax which, to me, was unexpected, horrifying and poignant, and it brought gasps and even a tear.
This is a strong story with a very intense plot but I would recommend it to those with a strong heart! LOL!
However, 'Nightwatching' was a slow starter - the best analogy I have is to compare the book with an emerging butterfly. The start of the book is when the butterfly is poking its head out of the chrysalis - like the way in which John Zunski begins his story slowly, introducing his two main characters Travis and Sondra. He allows the reader to know their secrets bit by bit, although we are aware they are a grieving couple who have lost their young son and have moved to the country amid marital difficulties . . . .
As the butterfly starts to push further out its world becomes more interesting - at this stage of the book more characters are introduced - all of whom have more secrets and hidden emotion - and the meaning of the word 'Nightwatcher' is revealed. Travis and Sondra's relationship is further explored and her gambling addiction manifests.
By now the butterfly may have pushed its way out enough to start uncurling its wings - and so the plot begins to twist more and in a way that meant I was up past midnight reading, my feelings connected to those of the characters . . .
So the butterfly fully emerges and beats its wings to fly away, signifying the last chapters of 'Nightwatching' - and in all honesty my heart would have been beating in time to the butterfly's wings - out of fear! John Zunski had created a climax which, to me, was unexpected, horrifying and poignant, and it brought gasps and even a tear.
This is a strong story with a very intense plot but I would recommend it to those with a strong heart! LOL!
May 4, 2017
Nightwatching by John Zunski
4.5★'s
From The Book:
On the fringe of civilization, something sinister lurks within moonlit shadows. Feel a grieving mother’s isolation in a mountain cabin, the torment of a schizophrenic shut-in, and the desperation of a broken hearted musician as they struggle to overcome both personal demons and the diabolical being feeding upon their souls.
My Thoughts:
From opening the door of the cabin in Montana, Sondra views her new home with a sense of horror. and foreboding. It's not that it's a 100% turnaround from her previous existence or that her millionaire husband has left everything that was familiar after the death of their 3 year old son...it was the sure knowledge that hit her like a sledge hammer that they were not alone. Something beyond evil waited with infinite patience.
It was a fairly short book but packed with lots of chill bump producing intrigue. I couldn't name one single person in the entire story that I really liked. The characters are all flawed to some degree making them all easy prey for the evil that came in innocent form and preyed on their very souls. In spite of that it was a very, very good read for the ghost story enthusiast. I will certainly look for others by this author.
4.5★'s
From The Book:
On the fringe of civilization, something sinister lurks within moonlit shadows. Feel a grieving mother’s isolation in a mountain cabin, the torment of a schizophrenic shut-in, and the desperation of a broken hearted musician as they struggle to overcome both personal demons and the diabolical being feeding upon their souls.
My Thoughts:
From opening the door of the cabin in Montana, Sondra views her new home with a sense of horror. and foreboding. It's not that it's a 100% turnaround from her previous existence or that her millionaire husband has left everything that was familiar after the death of their 3 year old son...it was the sure knowledge that hit her like a sledge hammer that they were not alone. Something beyond evil waited with infinite patience.
It was a fairly short book but packed with lots of chill bump producing intrigue. I couldn't name one single person in the entire story that I really liked. The characters are all flawed to some degree making them all easy prey for the evil that came in innocent form and preyed on their very souls. In spite of that it was a very, very good read for the ghost story enthusiast. I will certainly look for others by this author.
August 30, 2012
Having a day off I picked up John's book and started to read thinking I would take a few hours before I had to get myself outside to start getting wood ready for a rapidly approaching Montana winter, but I find it is now well past mid-night. Its been a long time since I spent a day reading a book cover to cover,(so to speak.) Perhaps, living only miles form Nine Mile I found humor in unlikely places, knowing all too well such places and people that are offered up to us in this book. I will be sure to carry a gun the next time I drive up Nine Mile after dark and most certainly when the moon is full.
June 10, 2025
Following the death of their 3-year-old son, Anthony, Sondra & husband Travis move to the mountains of Montana for a fresh start. After their house in Seattle, the rustic cabin in Montana is a shock for Sondra especially when she notices the strange footprints on the walls of the cabin which look like they were made by a child. It soon becomes clear that the townspeople are haunted by a spirit which feeds on guilt & lies - can it be defeated?
This went a completely different direction to what I thought it would. I was expecting more of a chilling haunting whereas this quickly devolved into lies, deceit, & cheating. None of the characters seemed to be particularly nice people so it did irritate me a little that one half of the couple suffered all the consequences whereas the other seemed to get away with everything. I was left disappointed with a synopsis that seemed to promise more.
This went a completely different direction to what I thought it would. I was expecting more of a chilling haunting whereas this quickly devolved into lies, deceit, & cheating. None of the characters seemed to be particularly nice people so it did irritate me a little that one half of the couple suffered all the consequences whereas the other seemed to get away with everything. I was left disappointed with a synopsis that seemed to promise more.
March 5, 2023
I enjoyed the story and the mystery behind the tale, but there were several instances in the kindle version where words were left out of sentences or misspellings were present that had me rereading passages to insert the word or get the meaning. This seem to be worse near the end of the book. Almost like there was a rush to finish and the proofreading was dropped.
February 9, 2025
I'm not sure of anything after reading this book. Everytime I get a weird feeling I will wonder if I'm in danger or if it is a dead soul. Not even sure I could recommend this book to anyone. It is so unique in a weird way
July 16, 2021
Odd little book to say the least.
December 29, 2012
Horror
Travis and Sondra's little boy dies suddenly causing a rift between them. Travis, done with Settles social lite and not wanting to continue to live in the same house his child died in convinces Sondra to move into the deep woods of Montana.
Sondra, bored to death starts reverting to old habits. The footprints on her ceiling don't help either. She looks at them and has dreams of a viscous little boy about her sons age. Between her depression, her gambling, Travis not wanting anything to do with her, and her schizophrenic neighbor Constance constantly telling her to put a leash on her child she doesn't know which way to turn.
Then she meets Trey and feels like she's holding on tight to a wild roller coaster ride. But what about the boy in the woods? He only comes to visit on full moons. Can she escape her home when he arrives and pretend he doesn't exist when he's gone?
Nightwatching is a good read. I loved the ending and would like to see a sequel, a few more people should be put in their places!
Travis and Sondra's little boy dies suddenly causing a rift between them. Travis, done with Settles social lite and not wanting to continue to live in the same house his child died in convinces Sondra to move into the deep woods of Montana.
Sondra, bored to death starts reverting to old habits. The footprints on her ceiling don't help either. She looks at them and has dreams of a viscous little boy about her sons age. Between her depression, her gambling, Travis not wanting anything to do with her, and her schizophrenic neighbor Constance constantly telling her to put a leash on her child she doesn't know which way to turn.
Then she meets Trey and feels like she's holding on tight to a wild roller coaster ride. But what about the boy in the woods? He only comes to visit on full moons. Can she escape her home when he arrives and pretend he doesn't exist when he's gone?
Nightwatching is a good read. I loved the ending and would like to see a sequel, a few more people should be put in their places!
January 2, 2013
I recieved an advance copy of this book. I thought it was great. Zunski is an exceptional talent.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews