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Darling
Raynham Place has been home to a number of mysterious occurrences. From its start as a battlefield through its time as a tuberculosis hospital and even in its current incarnation as an apartment complex, the grounds here have been awash in blood and instability.
When two friends decide to move in to Raynham together, a wound that they share opens wide and threatens their sanity. But they're not alone. Something is off here at Raynham, something that goes beyond the local legends of ghosts and serial killers and Black Hounds, something that gets inside of everyone who ever lives here.
When a sacrifice is made, the first freely given in ages, the truth behind Raynham's legends finally surfaces and the building fills to bursting with all the dreams of Hell.
When two friends decide to move in to Raynham together, a wound that they share opens wide and threatens their sanity. But they're not alone. Something is off here at Raynham, something that goes beyond the local legends of ghosts and serial killers and Black Hounds, something that gets inside of everyone who ever lives here.
When a sacrifice is made, the first freely given in ages, the truth behind Raynham's legends finally surfaces and the building fills to bursting with all the dreams of Hell.
386 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2012
4 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Brad C. Hodson
26 books56 followersOriginally from Knoxville, TN, writer Brad C. Hodson currently hangs his hat in sunny Southern California. A former stand-up comedian, he also founded an award winning sketch comedy group and has been published in several national magazines.
He's the recipient of the Roselle Lewis Award for Excellence in Short Fiction and the Kornbluh Award for non-fiction, as well as several screenwriting awards. He's written professionally for stage, screen, page, and games (both video and tabletop), and loves storytelling in all its forms.
The feature film adaptation of his first novel DARLING will begin shooting in the spring of 2020. The book's 2nd revised edition is currently available as an audiobook through Audible. His upcoming novel THE MUD ANGEL was recently optioned for television.
When not writing, Hodson is the Administrator for the Horror Writers Association. For more information, please check out www.brad-hodson.com.
He's the recipient of the Roselle Lewis Award for Excellence in Short Fiction and the Kornbluh Award for non-fiction, as well as several screenwriting awards. He's written professionally for stage, screen, page, and games (both video and tabletop), and loves storytelling in all its forms.
The feature film adaptation of his first novel DARLING will begin shooting in the spring of 2020. The book's 2nd revised edition is currently available as an audiobook through Audible. His upcoming novel THE MUD ANGEL was recently optioned for television.
When not writing, Hodson is the Administrator for the Horror Writers Association. For more information, please check out www.brad-hodson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 23, 2023
Hodson's first novel made me eager for his next one as this one creeped me out. The story centers on Raynham Place, now an apartment building outside of Knoxville. We learn the history of the place in dribs and drabs, and it has a long history. The building as it is now was built in the 1920s for TB patients, later abandoned, and then restored into apartments. Before that, the space was used for a civil war prison camp, and before that...
Darling features two leads-- Mike and Dennis. Dennis is a few years older than Mike (aged 20), but they have been friends since Dennis dated Mike's older sister (who we learn killed herself a while back). Mike's overbearing parents, especially his dad, control his life like he was 10; he cannot even access his bank account without their permission! Still living at home, doing his 'high school' job working at the local movie theater, Mike is shy and miserable. Dennis, however, has a plan for Mike; he wants them to go to college and be roommates! Dennis dropped out after Allison (Mike's sister) died and Mike never went at all. So, Dennis finds the apartment at Raynham place and it is a steal; so what if it takes a bit to drive there.
What Hodson does so well here is build a deep sense of foreboding that just builds and builds. Little things at first, like the fellow who lives on the first floor of the place being obsessed with cockroaches (they discover him their first day), or the creepy handyman doing strange things. Also, there is an abandoned shopping center/development in sight of the apartment just sitting there decaying, and the story behind that is creepy. Well, the little things start to add up and Hodson turns it up to 11 for the last 100 pages or so.
While I loved the mounting tension, some continuity errors were distracting and should not have made the printed edition. Finally, I am not sure about the denouement; for me, it left a few too many things up in the air. Overall, killer read and I will be looking for more of his work. 4 spooky stars!!
Darling features two leads-- Mike and Dennis. Dennis is a few years older than Mike (aged 20), but they have been friends since Dennis dated Mike's older sister (who we learn killed herself a while back). Mike's overbearing parents, especially his dad, control his life like he was 10; he cannot even access his bank account without their permission! Still living at home, doing his 'high school' job working at the local movie theater, Mike is shy and miserable. Dennis, however, has a plan for Mike; he wants them to go to college and be roommates! Dennis dropped out after Allison (Mike's sister) died and Mike never went at all. So, Dennis finds the apartment at Raynham place and it is a steal; so what if it takes a bit to drive there.
What Hodson does so well here is build a deep sense of foreboding that just builds and builds. Little things at first, like the fellow who lives on the first floor of the place being obsessed with cockroaches (they discover him their first day), or the creepy handyman doing strange things. Also, there is an abandoned shopping center/development in sight of the apartment just sitting there decaying, and the story behind that is creepy. Well, the little things start to add up and Hodson turns it up to 11 for the last 100 pages or so.
While I loved the mounting tension, some continuity errors were distracting and should not have made the printed edition. Finally, I am not sure about the denouement; for me, it left a few too many things up in the air. Overall, killer read and I will be looking for more of his work. 4 spooky stars!!
August 20, 2019
Not all horror is created equal. When I started reading Brad C. Hodson's Darling, I thought I was in for a run-of-the-mill haunted building story. My error soon became apparent. Hodson has a unique way of constructing a story and pays a lot of attention to building tension. The scares are there, but they're made more significant by the pace at which they come.
You can read Gabino's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Gabino's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
December 17, 2013
Its got a hold on you.
It crept its way in
through blood and through sin.
Its got a hold on you.
Your soul it will taste.
Your body will not waste.
Its got a hold on you.
Whispering in your ear,
of its wants and your fears.
Its got a hold on you.
So many tragedies in this place.
Spirits of the past sharing space.
Its got a hold on you.
Forget all you know.
Darling's here
and she's not letting go~
By Nikki
3.5 stars
It started out with a guy named Mike who let his parents run his life for him and his best friend, Dennis, who is always trying to get him to do more and be more. Mike had a sister that died and he carries around the guilt, as does Dennis, who dated her.
Dennis convinces Mike to move out from under his parent's thumbs and come live with him. He does, but what they both don't know is the history of the place. They do find out, but then it's too late. Darling's got a hold on them.
A recommended read if you can get past the slow start and some parts that were a little disconnected. For a free read and new-to-me author it was better than a lot of the stuff I've read lately.
It crept its way in
through blood and through sin.
Its got a hold on you.
Your soul it will taste.
Your body will not waste.
Its got a hold on you.
Whispering in your ear,
of its wants and your fears.
Its got a hold on you.
So many tragedies in this place.
Spirits of the past sharing space.
Its got a hold on you.
Forget all you know.
Darling's here
and she's not letting go~
By Nikki
3.5 stars
It started out with a guy named Mike who let his parents run his life for him and his best friend, Dennis, who is always trying to get him to do more and be more. Mike had a sister that died and he carries around the guilt, as does Dennis, who dated her.
Dennis convinces Mike to move out from under his parent's thumbs and come live with him. He does, but what they both don't know is the history of the place. They do find out, but then it's too late. Darling's got a hold on them.
A recommended read if you can get past the slow start and some parts that were a little disconnected. For a free read and new-to-me author it was better than a lot of the stuff I've read lately.
April 24, 2013
This was my first book by Brad Hodson but will most definitely not be my last. This was a very enjoyable read. The story set a mood of uneasiness to it that makes these kind of books what they are basically about - terror and horror. Though set in an apartment structure/complex, it had the connotation of that haunted house vibe one gets. There was an ominous feeling of like going into a dark cave that proceeds to get darker and more narrow as one continues their blind journey into the abyss while that sensation of things closing in all around you begins to smother and suck the air right out, thus endangering your very existence. Hey, don't you love it; of course that's why we read these things. This also had some nuisances/features to it that reminded me of "the Store" by Bentley Little; needless to say, not bad. Recommended for all of those who enjoy this genre.
December 22, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this creepy tale. Hodson does an expert job of juggling multiple characters and giving them each their moments to shine. He also crafts a genuinely disturbing landscape for them--an apartment building called Raynham Place which is located on a haunted patch of land with a dark diverse history. The tenants each face their own terrifying brand of horror, and Hodson deserves serious props for conjuring so many nasty fates. Look forward to reading more from this author!
January 30, 2014
Darling is a horror novel, it doesn't gross genre, or try to break any daring new ground but that's OK. At it's heart is a classic style horror novel. While the setting is modern it the tone and creepy atmosphere has a great 80's horror novel feel. Similar to the kind of book you might have found in the Abyss line by dell books. I loved many novels in that line. Reading this novel is kinda like slipping on a favorite old shirt.
The story centers around Rayham Place an apartment building and land with a history of violence and death that goes back more than a century. It was the sight of a civil war battlefield before it became a Tuberculosis hospital. The setting might sound like old hat horror, but it is set up with style and unfolded perfectly in the plot. The story is set off when Dennis decides that his younger friend Mike needs to get away from his over bearing parents. They move into the Rayham place.
Once in the building, strange things are a foot. Behavior of of main characters change and the past of the building is slowly revealed.
Hodson has a strength for plotting, everything from the background of the building to the history between the main characters are carefully revealed to perfect effect. The other strength of this novel is the creepy tone, combined this makes for a perfect building of suspense that makes the whole thing work.
This is an excellent horror novel. Readers looking for a new voice telling classic style horror have a new author to check out.
March 23, 2013
I'm more of a classic horror fan, but found elements of this story very traditional, and satisfying. Those who find history of places interesting will love the way the past influences the present, with persistence that pays. The descriptions were vivid, and great imagery helped to set a chilling mood. The dream like nature of the tale's progression really worked well. My reservations-- the adult sequences and extreme violence, but, these are staples & the modern state of the genre. I overlook and focus on the greater goings on, and there is a lot here to consider. There are moments so spooky I guarantee you won't soon forget.
December 30, 2012
Intense and atmospheric, my favorite qualities in a haunted house novel. This is a pure horror novel with interesting characters and a slightly self-aware approach to the material. It accomplishes everything it wants to accomplish and then some. I was a follower of Hodson's writing before, but now I'll be a devout follower.
November 28, 2012
You know when you're reading a book, and it keeps getting creepier and darker, and you end up staying up until 2am to finish, because you know you're not going to be able to sleep until it's over? And then you finish, but still can't quite get to sleep because of the mental images left by the final chapters?
I need a nap.
I need a nap.
December 18, 2013
It's been far too long since a story terrified me this much! Every few pages I caught mysel choking back screams, thankful daylight still reigned. I went in expecting a version of Rosemary's Baby, but enjoyed this somuch more.
May 9, 2013
Hodson’s debut novel, Darling, is billed as ghost story. It definitely has the creepy setting. Raynham Place has a dark past. The grounds began as a blood-soaked battlefield before construction ever began. The first building was a hospital and it has finally found a modern identity as an apartment complex. But the blood just will not stay in the past. When two friends move into an apartment, old wounds begin to fester. But the age-old question crawls from the closet here. Just what is happening? Where does the line between sanity and lunacy begin and end? Have the psychic scars and horrific imprints on the past return?
Hodson’s tale begins as many modern horror stories do. I am not a fan of the splatter/ gore horror and this was not the creepy haunted house style story I had expected. “Ripper 72 hacked Mike into pieces and there was nothing he could do about it. FUCK.” A guy playing video games and swearing is not the most stellar of openings. The novel rollercoasters from intense creepiness to splatter style cliché. There is a story hidden in there, but readers have to tromp through the blood, gore, sex, and beer to find it. Hodson never develops his characters beyond the horror version of Seth Rogen so when terrible things begin to happen, I just did not care about their fate. Hodson seemed to wage war with himself here. Just when the suspense takes over and I was really feeling the fear build, he snatches it away. For example, the ending of Chapter Fourteen left me tingling in fear. Coyotes howling dirges was near Gothic poetry. Chapter Fifteen opens with a time-worn scene of the angry female, broken phones, and lines like “She had spent far too long waiting for him.” Of course she had. What else do women do? I’m standing on the edge of the nightmare only to get yanked from the abyss into a tale I’ve read too many times before.
Hodson has potential and I will read another novel from him. He stands between two kinds of horror, teetering on the brink. I do hope he chooses well. Entertaining but very flawed read.
Hodson’s tale begins as many modern horror stories do. I am not a fan of the splatter/ gore horror and this was not the creepy haunted house style story I had expected. “Ripper 72 hacked Mike into pieces and there was nothing he could do about it. FUCK.” A guy playing video games and swearing is not the most stellar of openings. The novel rollercoasters from intense creepiness to splatter style cliché. There is a story hidden in there, but readers have to tromp through the blood, gore, sex, and beer to find it. Hodson never develops his characters beyond the horror version of Seth Rogen so when terrible things begin to happen, I just did not care about their fate. Hodson seemed to wage war with himself here. Just when the suspense takes over and I was really feeling the fear build, he snatches it away. For example, the ending of Chapter Fourteen left me tingling in fear. Coyotes howling dirges was near Gothic poetry. Chapter Fifteen opens with a time-worn scene of the angry female, broken phones, and lines like “She had spent far too long waiting for him.” Of course she had. What else do women do? I’m standing on the edge of the nightmare only to get yanked from the abyss into a tale I’ve read too many times before.
Hodson has potential and I will read another novel from him. He stands between two kinds of horror, teetering on the brink. I do hope he chooses well. Entertaining but very flawed read.
May 25, 2013
It's hard to write a review of this book without describing how it made me feel. Not emotionally, although it was terrifying, exhilarating and pleasing in a near constant rotation. But feel here refers to the physical, and my body was electrified while reading.
Hodson grabbed me in the opening paragraphs, and let go of my heart some time after I put it down. Hodson has penned a truly wonderful story here, one you should feel proud to shelve next to the other thrillers in your collection.
Hodson grabbed me in the opening paragraphs, and let go of my heart some time after I put it down. Hodson has penned a truly wonderful story here, one you should feel proud to shelve next to the other thrillers in your collection.
November 14, 2012
This book is a very good read. It has alot of nice twists and turns and is very direct with "getting in your face" horror. Brad's writing style really makes you feel like you are in the story and seeing what the characters are going through. First thing I thought when I finished the book is how Darling would make a very good movie. I highly recommend this book!
February 1, 2013
This is a very good novel.It´s atmospheric, when I was reading it my mind
was easily filled with images of the building in which the story takes place.And the story is full of darkness and wickedness.A fantastic and
creepy reading from start to finish.
was easily filled with images of the building in which the story takes place.And the story is full of darkness and wickedness.A fantastic and
creepy reading from start to finish.
July 18, 2013
This is a great horror story. There was plenty of character development and twists along the way. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Read
June 24, 2013Great take on the Haunted House theme.
January 7, 2014
I recommend. it's a creepy story and well written.
November 20, 2015
Fantastic ghost story!! Will do full review over weekend!
May 29, 2022
It's a haunted house book and the only scary thing about it is how tedious it is. I lost how many times I groaned just looking at the number of chapters left, the book was unduly long. Barely anything happens throughout the book except characters moping around for the most part. I know the author is trying to create this lingering tension before the ghost/monster could be revealed but unfortunately, the in-between filling was insipid with uninteresting bland characters that don't see a shred of development in any way. And the climax I can describe it as a major letdown. It was just a bunch of possessed building residents shuffling like zombies with hands outstretched mixed in with some rabid stray dogs. It could've been scary but the MCs easily wipe the floor with them like it was Tuesday on Walking Dead. Is that the best you could do after all the pages of dribble you made us endure?
However, the writing was decent, and the idea was there. At times, the story was genuinely creepy. I think the author should have concentrated more on the ghost element while showing us how their dark influence deteriorate the residents mentally and morally that finally they end up committing horrors. But he turns them into shuffling zombies instead, to be gunned down and have their brains bashed in by a couple of teens. Disappointing.
1/10
However, the writing was decent, and the idea was there. At times, the story was genuinely creepy. I think the author should have concentrated more on the ghost element while showing us how their dark influence deteriorate the residents mentally and morally that finally they end up committing horrors. But he turns them into shuffling zombies instead, to be gunned down and have their brains bashed in by a couple of teens. Disappointing.
1/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2022
For most of this book, I would have given it a fourth star, but the ending damaged my opinion of it by enough that I had to reduce it to three. My problem with it was that the whole climactic, disastrous horror scenario leading to the ending completely ignored some of the stuff that had been hinted at, including what seemed like an organized sacrifice to what might have been a demon in the past. The result was that everybody went differently crazy and did differently horrific things, and nobody ever did figure out the real story behind the market or the apartment building/former hospital. Also, I'm not sure the right characters survived, since one of the characters who died really didn't deserve that fate. For me, a good horror story includes some sense of justice in terms of who lives and who dies, if that makes sense. For a young man who had been so oddly abused as a kid and teen, his "mortal sin" seems to have been unfairly judged.
In any case, the bulk of the book was a very good horror story, but it finished like a mediocre slasher movie, which is really too bad.
In any case, the bulk of the book was a very good horror story, but it finished like a mediocre slasher movie, which is really too bad.
June 15, 2018
as I share this on Facebook, I am giving a few spaces, as Facebook doesn't care that I check the spoiler box --
This was a pretty decent Haunted House novel. Maybe a little too ambitious as if you can think of a trope, they covered it - massacres in the past? check Old hospital? check Creepy ghosts? check Creepy residents? check Occult connection? got that too Confusion and dream state? yep I could keep going. Saying that, I would LOVE to see this as a movie, I think it would translate really well - and could make a good series with the multiple backstories.
This was a pretty decent Haunted House novel. Maybe a little too ambitious as if you can think of a trope, they covered it - massacres in the past? check Old hospital? check Creepy ghosts? check Creepy residents? check Occult connection? got that too Confusion and dream state? yep I could keep going. Saying that, I would LOVE to see this as a movie, I think it would translate really well - and could make a good series with the multiple backstories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2023
I am late to the party for this one. I’ve had it on the tbr for a decade. Ok if you have seen my mountainous tbr pile you’d understand a little bit, but damn. 10 years is a long f’n time. Ugh.
It was definitely worth the wait.
I dug everything about it. A solid 4+ Stars
It was definitely worth the wait.
I dug everything about it. A solid 4+ Stars
January 22, 2024
Fun, twisted, ammityville apartment building kinda story
May 29, 2013
Check out John Skipp's review of DARLING in Fangoria: http://www.fangoria.com/new/darling-b...
Here are what others are saying about it:
One of the creepiest settings I’ve ever experienced…DARLING is deeply unsettling, in your face horror.
–Nate Kenyon, Award-winning author of SPARROW ROCK and DIABLO: THE ORDER
*
Hodson delivers with passion and intensity.
-Scott Nicholson, LIQUID FEAR and THE RED CHURCH
*
Have you had the pleasure of meeting Brad C. Hodson’s work yet? His short stories in HORROR FOR GOOD and John Skipp’s WEREWOLVES anthology were amazing, and now here comes his first novel, DARLING. We should all hate him. Buy the books and read them first…then hate him.
-Lisa Morton, Bram Stoker Award winning author of CASTLE OF LOS ANGELES and THE HALLOWEEN ENCYCLOPEDIA
*
You know that feeling you get as the Bigwheel clicks slowly down the hall? Something awful is waiting just around the corner and your skin crawls with dread because you’re too scared to look away. Well, Brad Hodson knows how to scare you like that. Weird and unsettling, but hauntingly perceptive, Hodson’s DARLING is a rare accomplishment, a finely-honed study in mounting tension that keeps readers turning pages despite their fear. This is how you do it, folks. Hodson knows how to deliver the scares, and he’s got a nightmare just for you.
-Joe McKinney, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of FLESH EATERS and DEAD CITY
*
DARLING was a great read. It had all the elements I enjoy in a horror novel and Hodson has succeeded where many fail in that he’s managed to actually make it creepy. Like comedy, creepy (real creepy) is harder than it looks, but DARLING raised the small hairs on my arms a few times. Brad has a knack to unnerve and I’m officially a Hodson fan. I eagerly await his next book. Excellent debut.
-Michael Louis Calvillo, acclaimed author of I WILL RISE, AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT, and LAMBS
*
Bong, bong, bong.
Quasimodo, does that ring a bell?
Of course!
How about Brad Hodson, does that ring a bell?
Hmmm…maybe, not sure.
Uh-huh, well check out my enthusiastic reaction to DARLING. The straight forward, reader accessible prose, with no downfield literary juking reminds me a lot of Richard Laymon. Simple, right? Uh-uh, don’t be fooled. Accomplished always looks easy. Hodson gets his simple effects by using precise language, including always picking the exact verb not the first serviceable, which eliminates the need for lots of adjectives and adverbs. His fast-paced plotting with no fluff makes for an engaging and compelling story arc, with great closure, perfect last line. Snag a copy of DARLING on my recommendation, read it, and then:
Bong, bong, bong
Brad Hodson, does that ring a bell?
You bet your sweet ass!
-Gene O’Neill, Bram Stoker Award winning writer and author of IN DARK CORNERS, THE BLUE HERON, and THE BURDEN OF INDIGO
Here are what others are saying about it:
One of the creepiest settings I’ve ever experienced…DARLING is deeply unsettling, in your face horror.
–Nate Kenyon, Award-winning author of SPARROW ROCK and DIABLO: THE ORDER
*
Hodson delivers with passion and intensity.
-Scott Nicholson, LIQUID FEAR and THE RED CHURCH
*
Have you had the pleasure of meeting Brad C. Hodson’s work yet? His short stories in HORROR FOR GOOD and John Skipp’s WEREWOLVES anthology were amazing, and now here comes his first novel, DARLING. We should all hate him. Buy the books and read them first…then hate him.
-Lisa Morton, Bram Stoker Award winning author of CASTLE OF LOS ANGELES and THE HALLOWEEN ENCYCLOPEDIA
*
You know that feeling you get as the Bigwheel clicks slowly down the hall? Something awful is waiting just around the corner and your skin crawls with dread because you’re too scared to look away. Well, Brad Hodson knows how to scare you like that. Weird and unsettling, but hauntingly perceptive, Hodson’s DARLING is a rare accomplishment, a finely-honed study in mounting tension that keeps readers turning pages despite their fear. This is how you do it, folks. Hodson knows how to deliver the scares, and he’s got a nightmare just for you.
-Joe McKinney, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of FLESH EATERS and DEAD CITY
*
DARLING was a great read. It had all the elements I enjoy in a horror novel and Hodson has succeeded where many fail in that he’s managed to actually make it creepy. Like comedy, creepy (real creepy) is harder than it looks, but DARLING raised the small hairs on my arms a few times. Brad has a knack to unnerve and I’m officially a Hodson fan. I eagerly await his next book. Excellent debut.
-Michael Louis Calvillo, acclaimed author of I WILL RISE, AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT, and LAMBS
*
Bong, bong, bong.
Quasimodo, does that ring a bell?
Of course!
How about Brad Hodson, does that ring a bell?
Hmmm…maybe, not sure.
Uh-huh, well check out my enthusiastic reaction to DARLING. The straight forward, reader accessible prose, with no downfield literary juking reminds me a lot of Richard Laymon. Simple, right? Uh-uh, don’t be fooled. Accomplished always looks easy. Hodson gets his simple effects by using precise language, including always picking the exact verb not the first serviceable, which eliminates the need for lots of adjectives and adverbs. His fast-paced plotting with no fluff makes for an engaging and compelling story arc, with great closure, perfect last line. Snag a copy of DARLING on my recommendation, read it, and then:
Bong, bong, bong
Brad Hodson, does that ring a bell?
You bet your sweet ass!
-Gene O’Neill, Bram Stoker Award winning writer and author of IN DARK CORNERS, THE BLUE HERON, and THE BURDEN OF INDIGO
December 1, 2014
Solid Five Star Ghost Story. Excellent read from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Other books in a similar vein include: Ghost Story by Peter Straub, The New Neighbor, by Ray Garton, Cold Heart Canyon by Clive Barker, and Witch Water by Edward Lee.
March 11, 2024
This is a fun one. The story didn't go in the direction in which I was expecting, there was plenty of unpredictability and it kept me entertained from start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews