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Lineage
A LIFE FILLED WITH ANGUISH
Pain, horror, fear- These are the things that bestselling novelist Lance Metzger's life have been comprised of. His childhood remains a riddled wasteland of abuse by a sadistic father and the abandonment of an apathetic mother. In turn, his only refuge became his writing.
A SANCTUARY, BROKEN
When Lance loses his ability to write and becomes haunted by a nightmare that he'd thought was buried, he is drawn inexplicably to a house on the shores of Lake Superior where he finds his muse once again, but something is waiting for him when he arrives.
AN EVIL WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
Now he must unlock the devastating secrets that the house holds and uncover the mystery of his own broken past before he loses his sanity, and perhaps his soul.
Pain, horror, fear- These are the things that bestselling novelist Lance Metzger's life have been comprised of. His childhood remains a riddled wasteland of abuse by a sadistic father and the abandonment of an apathetic mother. In turn, his only refuge became his writing.
A SANCTUARY, BROKEN
When Lance loses his ability to write and becomes haunted by a nightmare that he'd thought was buried, he is drawn inexplicably to a house on the shores of Lake Superior where he finds his muse once again, but something is waiting for him when he arrives.
AN EVIL WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
Now he must unlock the devastating secrets that the house holds and uncover the mystery of his own broken past before he loses his sanity, and perhaps his soul.
370 pages, ebook
First published September 16, 2012
545 people are currently reading
1354 people want to read
About the author
Joe Hart
52 books1,376 followersJoe Hart is the Edgar Award-winning and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of seventeen novels including The River Is Dark, Obscura, The Last Girl, and Or Else. His work has been optioned for film and translated into eight languages. He lives with his family in Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
November 8, 2021
Wow! What a spooky story this turned out to be!
A small backstory:
Lance Metzger needs to break away from the city life as he feels that he cannot seem to gather his thoughts for the book he is writing so he is drawn to an older home that sets on Lake Superior.
As time wears on Lance feels that he might be losing his mind as he sees shadows flit here and there in the house along with a feeling that there might be something lingering around him.
The more Lance stays in the house the more he feels that something isn't right. Lance tries to do some digging into the history of the house which leads him down a road of bad history that is somehow tied to his family roots. What he finds out about the house and its past is almost enough to unravel his mind as when the ghosts of his past comes forth Lance will have to fight for not only his survival but his soul as well!
Thoughts:
The beginning of the book was a rough read as the story opens up with a German concentration camp and during the first few chapters of the book there is child abuse/torture scenes that were tough to read about and I was wondering when the haunting was going to start as this book is suppose to be a "supernatural thriller" and there was no supernatural anything in the beginning parts of the book.
But the author, Joe Hart, was not done with me yet as he weaved this story around me drawing me into a suspenseful mystery bringing the story to a slow crescendo and then the last half of the book I was racing through the storyline as a haunting was slowly brewing which the last half of the book was steeped in ghosts along with a deep mystery that surrounded the character, Lance.
I usually give up about the 30% mark on books that are not doing much, but though this one started out with a slow buildup I just decided to hang in there to see where the author was going to take me and I am so happy that I stuck it out as the spookiness of the haunting just kept me awake nights trying to see what was going to happen next!
This book was one of the best ghost stories I have read in awhile as I love how the suspense and mystery slowly worked its way up to a full blown haunting. I have read this author before so I was already aware of his work and after reading this great book, I will be pursuing more of his books! Giving this one five "Ghastly Ghost" stars!
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
A small backstory:
Lance Metzger needs to break away from the city life as he feels that he cannot seem to gather his thoughts for the book he is writing so he is drawn to an older home that sets on Lake Superior.
As time wears on Lance feels that he might be losing his mind as he sees shadows flit here and there in the house along with a feeling that there might be something lingering around him.
The more Lance stays in the house the more he feels that something isn't right. Lance tries to do some digging into the history of the house which leads him down a road of bad history that is somehow tied to his family roots. What he finds out about the house and its past is almost enough to unravel his mind as when the ghosts of his past comes forth Lance will have to fight for not only his survival but his soul as well!
Thoughts:
The beginning of the book was a rough read as the story opens up with a German concentration camp and during the first few chapters of the book there is child abuse/torture scenes that were tough to read about and I was wondering when the haunting was going to start as this book is suppose to be a "supernatural thriller" and there was no supernatural anything in the beginning parts of the book.
But the author, Joe Hart, was not done with me yet as he weaved this story around me drawing me into a suspenseful mystery bringing the story to a slow crescendo and then the last half of the book I was racing through the storyline as a haunting was slowly brewing which the last half of the book was steeped in ghosts along with a deep mystery that surrounded the character, Lance.
I usually give up about the 30% mark on books that are not doing much, but though this one started out with a slow buildup I just decided to hang in there to see where the author was going to take me and I am so happy that I stuck it out as the spookiness of the haunting just kept me awake nights trying to see what was going to happen next!
This book was one of the best ghost stories I have read in awhile as I love how the suspense and mystery slowly worked its way up to a full blown haunting. I have read this author before so I was already aware of his work and after reading this great book, I will be pursuing more of his books! Giving this one five "Ghastly Ghost" stars!
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
July 22, 2015
The book opens in a German concentration camp at the end of World War 2. The next part of the book deals with the abuse that Lance received from his so called father. I was wondering how the author would connect these two parts of his story. Joe Hart connected these two themes for a fantastic supernatural thriller. Years later, Lance becomes a very successful author. While trying to complete his next book by the deadline, he develops writers block. Lance thinks that a change of scenery might help. He is drawn to this house on Lake Superior. The story takes off from there and only gets better. The journey that Lance is about to take will change his life forever. The characters in this story are well developed and this makes for a very strong storyline. This is the first book that I have read by Joe Hart. I am looking forward to reading other works by him. I highly recommend this book!
Want to read
June 28, 2021I got bored. Very bored. The beginning pulled me in though, and had me... then it continued but now that the mc is older I am bored again.
UPDATE:
I just found this but this is definitely not sounding like me. I like this author's work usually although i haven't read very many. I will give this another try.
This had to be a one off for me. It sounds interesting !
UPDATE:
I just found this but this is definitely not sounding like me. I like this author's work usually although i haven't read very many. I will give this another try.
This had to be a one off for me. It sounds interesting !
April 20, 2019
5 awesome talented stars audio!! Another narrartor going on my favorite list!!
5 riveting stars story!!! Finally after so many duds!
5 riveting stars story!!! Finally after so many duds!
May 6, 2013
A potentially thrilling book rendered lethargic by pacing problems. Instead of building suspense, the author took a "scenic route" with the story, smothering the tension created early on with each passing paragraph. Joe Hart does show some promise, however, and I will be checking him out in the future.
March 15, 2013
after reading this book I could not rate it without writing a review. reminiscent of a great Stephen King novel this book grabs on and doesn't let go! a magnificent piece of literature with so many Bends and turns in the plot it's impossible to guess the ending. a great book from a truly gifted author a must read!
June 4, 2022
This one was weird... I can't even describe it was it good? At times yes. The first part of the book is really really rough you have to get through it at first which I couldnt almost do with two horrible parts one being history I just love how Joe Hart writes and the audio version was great triggers for child abusive and Jewish concentration camp which was very hard for me to get through.
February 15, 2021
This is definitely what 'The Shining' would be if it were written today!! Damn, this could be my all time favorite haunted house/horror story in a LONG time!!
Okay, with never having ever read anything by this author, Joe Hart; I have had this one on my Kindle for quite some time, and thought 'what the hell' i need a good haunted house book to read.....OMFG this book took 'Burnt Offerings'; 'Amityville Horror', and so many others and made them look like they were YA novels! What starts out as a book with the torture and murder of a young jewish family at the end of WWII in a concentration camp, then jumps into the telling of 10 year old Lance Metzger and his ruthless and extremely abusive, terrifying and MEAN father, and an all out good for nothing mother, and all the abuse this young boy goes thru. So, I thought; where the hell is this book going?
The violence at just the beginning was so sad, and extremely violent, that it actually brought me to tears, i wondered if I was even going to finish it......I am so glad I did!!! This turned out to be one of the most incredibly well written book (I actually listeded to it narrated by Neil Hellegers, and it was phenomenal!!) that was published originally in 2012. Joe Hart is an author who can spin up the mos disturbing scenes of child abuse and racist torture that is makes you cry, then immediately throws you into a ghost story where all HELL is going to break loose, and you have no idea what is going to happen or and how it is going to end? As I was listening to this, I thought so many times of The Shining, and Burnt Offerings and Hell House, and thought; if this would have been published back in 1987 THIS would have been 'The haunted house books to beat all!" and the one that alll the publishers had wished they had taken under their belts.
Hart's writing is so intensely visual, that you can actually 'feel scenes'of graphic violence thrown at you that you will have to pause, and breathe.....I know i did. And I have read 1000's of haunted house/horror stories; but this is so unlike any other one I had ever read!! I am waiting for a physical copy to come before I will be doing this video review on the channel' AreYouIntoHorror, so look for it. And.....READ THIS BOOK!!
Triggers: extreme racist torture of a Jewish family, and extreme child abuse but this is needed for the effect to work.
5 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
Okay, with never having ever read anything by this author, Joe Hart; I have had this one on my Kindle for quite some time, and thought 'what the hell' i need a good haunted house book to read.....OMFG this book took 'Burnt Offerings'; 'Amityville Horror', and so many others and made them look like they were YA novels! What starts out as a book with the torture and murder of a young jewish family at the end of WWII in a concentration camp, then jumps into the telling of 10 year old Lance Metzger and his ruthless and extremely abusive, terrifying and MEAN father, and an all out good for nothing mother, and all the abuse this young boy goes thru. So, I thought; where the hell is this book going?
The violence at just the beginning was so sad, and extremely violent, that it actually brought me to tears, i wondered if I was even going to finish it......I am so glad I did!!! This turned out to be one of the most incredibly well written book (I actually listeded to it narrated by Neil Hellegers, and it was phenomenal!!) that was published originally in 2012. Joe Hart is an author who can spin up the mos disturbing scenes of child abuse and racist torture that is makes you cry, then immediately throws you into a ghost story where all HELL is going to break loose, and you have no idea what is going to happen or and how it is going to end? As I was listening to this, I thought so many times of The Shining, and Burnt Offerings and Hell House, and thought; if this would have been published back in 1987 THIS would have been 'The haunted house books to beat all!" and the one that alll the publishers had wished they had taken under their belts.
Hart's writing is so intensely visual, that you can actually 'feel scenes'of graphic violence thrown at you that you will have to pause, and breathe.....I know i did. And I have read 1000's of haunted house/horror stories; but this is so unlike any other one I had ever read!! I am waiting for a physical copy to come before I will be doing this video review on the channel' AreYouIntoHorror, so look for it. And.....READ THIS BOOK!!
Triggers: extreme racist torture of a Jewish family, and extreme child abuse but this is needed for the effect to work.
5 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
May 5, 2013
Mommy? Why he hurt me so?
Am I a good boy, Mommy?
I need to know.
Mommy. Mommy? Why he be so rough?
Throw you down, punch you and stuff?
Mommy, please, just take me away.
I hate you, hate you for making us stay.
Mommy. Mommy. I see you've grown strong.
Thank you. Thank you for taking me along.
Mom-my! I cried out in need.
We didn't make it.
My heart bleeds, bleeds, bleeds.
by Nikki
2 1/2 Stars
The first 2 chapters are a story unto themselves. It could have been a fantastic suspense filled short story. A 5 STAR one at that. I was tense, I was anxious. I felt it.
Let me start by saying the chapters are long. You might not pay attention to things like that, but I do. It has a lot to do with the pacing of a read. Some authors have things happen right at the end of one, teasing you, and you can't wait to find out what happens in the next chapter. The author was long-winded and each chapter is a piece of the story that is dragged on. The vibe of the story diminished with every extra detail he gave.
The middle of the book was missing tension. There were no big build-ups, just twist and turns. When the action did happen, it was not embellished, but glossed over and we were moving on in record time.
Flaws - The grandma who hasn't spoken in however-odd years spoke like a seasoned English teacher just like Lance and was also long-winded for one with such rusty pipes.
The ghosts were awfully chatty taking away from the creep factor.
The ending was alright.
I wish the whole book was like the beginning. I will most likely try another read by this author to see if his writing has grown/changed.
Am I a good boy, Mommy?
I need to know.
Mommy. Mommy? Why he be so rough?
Throw you down, punch you and stuff?
Mommy, please, just take me away.
I hate you, hate you for making us stay.
Mommy. Mommy. I see you've grown strong.
Thank you. Thank you for taking me along.
Mom-my! I cried out in need.
We didn't make it.
My heart bleeds, bleeds, bleeds.
by Nikki
2 1/2 Stars
The first 2 chapters are a story unto themselves. It could have been a fantastic suspense filled short story. A 5 STAR one at that. I was tense, I was anxious. I felt it.
Let me start by saying the chapters are long. You might not pay attention to things like that, but I do. It has a lot to do with the pacing of a read. Some authors have things happen right at the end of one, teasing you, and you can't wait to find out what happens in the next chapter. The author was long-winded and each chapter is a piece of the story that is dragged on. The vibe of the story diminished with every extra detail he gave.
The middle of the book was missing tension. There were no big build-ups, just twist and turns. When the action did happen, it was not embellished, but glossed over and we were moving on in record time.
Flaws - The grandma who hasn't spoken in however-odd years spoke like a seasoned English teacher just like Lance and was also long-winded for one with such rusty pipes.
The ghosts were awfully chatty taking away from the creep factor.
The ending was alright.
I wish the whole book was like the beginning. I will most likely try another read by this author to see if his writing has grown/changed.
November 3, 2020
Not that much interesting to say about this. It’s as expected from your average modern, American horror. I really only have two thoughts worth sharing:
1. There are 17 similes in the prologue alone. Seventeen. I went back and counted. That’s too many similes. ([...]“and a loon gave a melancholy cry that echoed like a question across the bay.”) The style is completely overwrought throughout, and all emotions and impulses are depicted with such gravitas and import that they all become completely meaningless if you’re trying to connect with the characters on any human level. The old men side characters are quite likable, however, but it’s a shame only one of them is given a conclusion, while the other seems to have been forgotten.
2. The book’s thematic ambitions would have had more impact, had the author cast his gaze closer to home in his exploration of evil. We all agree nazis are bad (well, in 2020, this is probably a charged assertion, but I digress), but they have nothing to do with the narrative and setting of the book, except as a plot convenience. Seeing as the book is about deterministic evil, that could have had much more interesting implications, had Hart only had the courage of his convictions, and taken this to its natural conclusion. Had the lineage in the story's provenance been, say, with the klan, or one of missionaries who travelled to different continents, a soldier in Korea, whatever, (not a shortage of possibilities here) it could have been much more fecund soil for exploring the possibilities of inherited evil within both man and nation.
1. There are 17 similes in the prologue alone. Seventeen. I went back and counted. That’s too many similes. ([...]“and a loon gave a melancholy cry that echoed like a question across the bay.”) The style is completely overwrought throughout, and all emotions and impulses are depicted with such gravitas and import that they all become completely meaningless if you’re trying to connect with the characters on any human level. The old men side characters are quite likable, however, but it’s a shame only one of them is given a conclusion, while the other seems to have been forgotten.
2. The book’s thematic ambitions would have had more impact, had the author cast his gaze closer to home in his exploration of evil. We all agree nazis are bad (well, in 2020, this is probably a charged assertion, but I digress), but they have nothing to do with the narrative and setting of the book, except as a plot convenience. Seeing as the book is about deterministic evil, that could have had much more interesting implications, had Hart only had the courage of his convictions, and taken this to its natural conclusion. Had the lineage in the story's provenance been, say, with the klan, or one of missionaries who travelled to different continents, a soldier in Korea, whatever, (not a shortage of possibilities here) it could have been much more fecund soil for exploring the possibilities of inherited evil within both man and nation.
April 17, 2013
Review of Lineage by Joe Hart
I read voraciously, and so I find many books that excite my soul and mind. Not as often do I find a story that lingers, that refuses to be evicted from my memory, or that pops into focus when I’m thinking of something else. Such a story is Joe Hart’s Lineage, an incredible read that yes, turned my stomach, but also gave me new insight into humanity and into the nature of evil, its implacability and it’s ability not to be avoided.
Grippingly detailed and backdropped, Lineage is the story of a novelist who has lost the ability to create, who has entered into that Limbo known as Writer’s Block. When Lance begins having illusions of a house on a lake, he searches online and discovers that exact house, conveniently for sale. He buys it and moves in, which is probably one of the most serious errors of his life, because the house is not just a residence. Lance could not have foreseen the events to come (and if he could have, would he have avoided that house? Probably not.)
Events and personalities stretching back to World War II exist in this “home” on the shores of Lake Superior, and very few readers could anticipate all the convolutions of this story. Yes it’s not for the faint of heart nor those with weak and queasy stomachs, but for everybody else who loves horror, mystery, suspense, and totally excellent writing: here’s Lineage. Don’t miss out.
I read voraciously, and so I find many books that excite my soul and mind. Not as often do I find a story that lingers, that refuses to be evicted from my memory, or that pops into focus when I’m thinking of something else. Such a story is Joe Hart’s Lineage, an incredible read that yes, turned my stomach, but also gave me new insight into humanity and into the nature of evil, its implacability and it’s ability not to be avoided.
Grippingly detailed and backdropped, Lineage is the story of a novelist who has lost the ability to create, who has entered into that Limbo known as Writer’s Block. When Lance begins having illusions of a house on a lake, he searches online and discovers that exact house, conveniently for sale. He buys it and moves in, which is probably one of the most serious errors of his life, because the house is not just a residence. Lance could not have foreseen the events to come (and if he could have, would he have avoided that house? Probably not.)
Events and personalities stretching back to World War II exist in this “home” on the shores of Lake Superior, and very few readers could anticipate all the convolutions of this story. Yes it’s not for the faint of heart nor those with weak and queasy stomachs, but for everybody else who loves horror, mystery, suspense, and totally excellent writing: here’s Lineage. Don’t miss out.
March 6, 2024
Interesting at times but lost my interest at times as well. Narrator wasn’t great for me and feel that was the main problem. First by the author and will check out others.
March 26, 2013
I stayed up last night like a addict trying to finish this book. At chapter 8, it finally sucked me in and wouldn't let me go. Long forgotten details from the beginning of the story came back at the end and my mind was blown. There were scenes where I put two and two together and my head got cloudy and my ears started ringing. I wanted to close down my Kindle app and hide because of the intensity of those moments. All in all, I loved it but I definitely won't be reading his stuff at night in bed anymore. Daytime only reading.
October 28, 2023
The story hooked me and held me through to the end. I kept needing to know what was going to happen next. For me, the story didn’t disappoint and what a ride it takes you on.
Warning, the amount of gore is very high.
Warning, the amount of gore is very high.
April 7, 2013
Joe Hart’s Lineage: A Supernatural Thriller
The main character, Lance Metzger, is an author who has purchased a big, older house on Lake Superior. He plans to stay there and try to overcome his writer’s block. The premise leading up to the purchase of the house is a bit supernatural, as is his sudden ability to write again.
The story begins by providing information about Lance’s childhood. His father was a brutal disciplinarian, who beat both Lance and his mother often.
The author keeps a brisk pace throughout the book, providing enough supernatural activity to keep the reader appropriately on edge until the grand finale. The ending was a bit of a surprise. I was expecting him to follow the pace set by everyone else in the genre, so his slight deviation was refreshing.
Hart is an excellent author. He can turn a phrase so elegantly that words become items of beauty. I look forward to his next work of art.
The main character, Lance Metzger, is an author who has purchased a big, older house on Lake Superior. He plans to stay there and try to overcome his writer’s block. The premise leading up to the purchase of the house is a bit supernatural, as is his sudden ability to write again.
The story begins by providing information about Lance’s childhood. His father was a brutal disciplinarian, who beat both Lance and his mother often.
The author keeps a brisk pace throughout the book, providing enough supernatural activity to keep the reader appropriately on edge until the grand finale. The ending was a bit of a surprise. I was expecting him to follow the pace set by everyone else in the genre, so his slight deviation was refreshing.
Hart is an excellent author. He can turn a phrase so elegantly that words become items of beauty. I look forward to his next work of art.
November 2, 2014
This novel started off with two prologues: first, the reader is taken to a Nazi death camp at the end of WW2, and then to a lonely farmhouse in Minnesota some 45 years later, where the main character, Lance, is subjected to unspeakable abuse at the hands of his psychotic father. Both prologues are absolutely heart wrenching and that right there is what keeps me interested in Joe Hart. The rest of the tale was interesting enough--Lance survives, grows up to become a successful writer, and when he is mysteriously compelled to buy a beautiful house on the shore of Lake Superior, the switch is thrown and the past and present come together in a gruesome, ghostly finale. But it was the sad, bruised and beaten little boy who really drew me in.
January 26, 2018
My Opinion:
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author took us on a fantastic thrilling tale of what Lance has gone through in his life and what happens when he buys this house. A house that he is drawn to. A house that he can't seem to get out of his mind. This was a well written horror/thriller tale and there is nothing that I love more than that. I found at times, I just didn't want to put this one down. I had to find out what was going on in the house and the author doesn't disappoint. You get to see what Lance's destiny is and why all this happens. This book had so many twists and turns and then the ending was just great! I totally recommend reading this book. It is great!
I give this book 4.5 of 5 stars!
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author took us on a fantastic thrilling tale of what Lance has gone through in his life and what happens when he buys this house. A house that he is drawn to. A house that he can't seem to get out of his mind. This was a well written horror/thriller tale and there is nothing that I love more than that. I found at times, I just didn't want to put this one down. I had to find out what was going on in the house and the author doesn't disappoint. You get to see what Lance's destiny is and why all this happens. This book had so many twists and turns and then the ending was just great! I totally recommend reading this book. It is great!
I give this book 4.5 of 5 stars!
April 7, 2018
Fantastic book
If this was a first effort at a ghost story, I can't wait to read the second effort, and the third, and ....you get the point. From the opening prologue, to the layers of the story that are uncovered, everything about this book was perfect. I am an avid horror fan and Stephen King is my typical go to. I would proudly rate this novel as high as any King novel. I was completely absorbed in this story and read it in a single sitting. The main character is relatable and you feel his every emotion, every chill sets in as he experiences them and you go on the roller coaster ride with him. I rarely leave reviews but with this story I had to. I highly recommend this novel to any horror fan, and to anyone with a love of great storytelling.
If this was a first effort at a ghost story, I can't wait to read the second effort, and the third, and ....you get the point. From the opening prologue, to the layers of the story that are uncovered, everything about this book was perfect. I am an avid horror fan and Stephen King is my typical go to. I would proudly rate this novel as high as any King novel. I was completely absorbed in this story and read it in a single sitting. The main character is relatable and you feel his every emotion, every chill sets in as he experiences them and you go on the roller coaster ride with him. I rarely leave reviews but with this story I had to. I highly recommend this novel to any horror fan, and to anyone with a love of great storytelling.
November 10, 2024
It started off strong and then it got boring. The suspense wasn't there, the only thing that was suspenseful was me waiting for the end.
March 19, 2019
I honestly was not expecting to like this book as much as I did, but wow, the characters just drug me in and closed the door. A spooky and interesting story that kept pulling me back. Reminded me a bit of the old Stephen King.
October 11, 2012
Joe Hart's latest release, 'Lineage', is one of those stories that keeps you guessing. When I first started the book, I honestly thought it may turn out to be a well written book, but a story I had seen many times. I was WRONG.
While there are elements of the premise that are familiar, Hart makes them his own with a very distinct style. His descriptions were right on, allowing me to feel the physical aspects of the characters along with the emotional parts of the story. I felt like my body temperature actually dropped when I read one scene. I know it sounds a little cheesy, but I honestly felt colder while I read it.
Hart has put together a well planned out storyline using vivid descriptions to help the reader paint a clear picture of what is happening. Though the story slowed at times, Hart timed it well so the action picked up before slowing the pace too much. I was surprised at how quickly I read through the book. I am a notoriously slow reader, as I often have 2 or 3 books going at once, but I didn't put this one down very often and that's saying something for me.
Overall, do yourself a favor and read Joe Hart's Lineage. You will enjoy his style and he will no doubt make you cringe at least a few times. I know I did.
While there are elements of the premise that are familiar, Hart makes them his own with a very distinct style. His descriptions were right on, allowing me to feel the physical aspects of the characters along with the emotional parts of the story. I felt like my body temperature actually dropped when I read one scene. I know it sounds a little cheesy, but I honestly felt colder while I read it.
Hart has put together a well planned out storyline using vivid descriptions to help the reader paint a clear picture of what is happening. Though the story slowed at times, Hart timed it well so the action picked up before slowing the pace too much. I was surprised at how quickly I read through the book. I am a notoriously slow reader, as I often have 2 or 3 books going at once, but I didn't put this one down very often and that's saying something for me.
Overall, do yourself a favor and read Joe Hart's Lineage. You will enjoy his style and he will no doubt make you cringe at least a few times. I know I did.
November 18, 2013
I really enjoyed this book! It was excellently written and had me hooked from the very beginning! It was SO hard to put down! I will definitely be reading all of Joe Hart's other books and would absolutely recommend this book to others!
***SPOILER ALERT***
My ONLY critique is that I really wish that the epilogue included mention of Harold & Josie. Since he turned out to be their grandson I was really hoping to find out what happened with that. Did he tell them? Keep it secret? It was so sad what happened to their daughter, so to see them know their grandson (and great-grand baby) would have been a really nice closure.
***SPOILER ALERT***
My ONLY critique is that I really wish that the epilogue included mention of Harold & Josie. Since he turned out to be their grandson I was really hoping to find out what happened with that. Did he tell them? Keep it secret? It was so sad what happened to their daughter, so to see them know their grandson (and great-grand baby) would have been a really nice closure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2013
I love a good ghost story. But I don't love gore, and unfortunately, this one had more gore than ghosts. However, that is a personal preference and if you like Dean Koontz, and Stephen King, you will probably like Joe Hart. I would give him an extra half star for the quality of his prose, though. The first part of the novel, which takes place during the last days of the Holocaust is beautifully, yet painfully wrought, and he has a wonderful eye for detail. Based on the power of his writing alone, I will probably read another of his novels but I won't expect a really "ghostly" tale, so I won't be disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, right up to the near end. The author did an amazing job developing his characters, and the story was fantastic. I love the paranormal, but I just couldn't buy into how the events unfolded in the climax. I won't get into too much detail as I don't want to spoil the plot, but it was still a wonderfully written book. So, despite my inability to suspend my disbelief at the end, I give the author five stars. I hope people will read it and I am looking forward to checking out more of Joe Hart's work.
July 5, 2025
Ok
This was great until the explanation of what was going on in the new house Lance purchased. I love Hart as an author, but I'm not big on his horror stories as much as his regular stories. The ghost parts if this novel ruined it for me. They were too fantastic. I just an not a huge fan of ghost stories I guess. Three stars due to the character development as always Hart is the best at creating in depth characters!
This was great until the explanation of what was going on in the new house Lance purchased. I love Hart as an author, but I'm not big on his horror stories as much as his regular stories. The ghost parts if this novel ruined it for me. They were too fantastic. I just an not a huge fan of ghost stories I guess. Three stars due to the character development as always Hart is the best at creating in depth characters!
April 14, 2013
Joe Hart is an excellent author. Really enjoyed this book, although there is violence and quite a bit of blood, I stayed interested in this book, which I feel would have lost a lot of atmosphere if Mr. Hart had omitted anything. Personally, I feel that Mr. Hart is right up there with the best of them,Stephen King, John Saul, and Douglas Clegg.
November 18, 2014
This book captured my interest from the very beginning and hasn't stopped! I took my kindle fire into the bathtub to read since I didn't want to put it down, and I got a little past the middle of the book when what I read next almost made me drop it in the bathtub! I jumped out and dressed quickly so I could finish reading! This is one author I plan to stick with!
March 16, 2013
This read is a rock solid ghost story. I very rarely give a rating of 5 stars but this book deserved it. Watch out Stephen King!
March 23, 2013
different, weird but good. I liked it :-)
March 20, 2013
Loved it!!! Caused some marriage problems... Neglected my husband and the house. I could not put it down!!!
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