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Isolation
When acclaimed author Russell Tolliver finds himself paralyzed by writer’s block, he and his family trade the noise of Boston for the quiet charm of a secluded New Hampshire town fittingly called Isolation. Their new home is everything they dreamed of—a serene escape nestled in the shadow of endless woods.
But serenity can’t last forever.
Not long after their arrival, whispers of a shadowy creature stalking the forest begin to spread through the town. The whispers turn to screams when mutilated bodies start appearing. As the death toll rises, fear grips Isolation, threatening to unravel the close-knit community.
Determined to protect their families and uncover the truth, Russell teams up with his neighbors, Tom and Mitchell, and a reclusive town historian, Bryce. Together, they begin unraveling Isolation’s dark and bloody past—a past that holds terrifying secrets about the creature lurking in the woods.
As they dig deeper, the line between history and horror blurs, forcing each man to confront their own inner demons. With the monster’s rampage escalating and time running out, the four friends must face a chilling truth: history remembers.
Isolation is a gripping tale of terror, resilience, and the lengths we go to protect the ones we love—no matter what waits for us in the shadows.
But serenity can’t last forever.
Not long after their arrival, whispers of a shadowy creature stalking the forest begin to spread through the town. The whispers turn to screams when mutilated bodies start appearing. As the death toll rises, fear grips Isolation, threatening to unravel the close-knit community.
Determined to protect their families and uncover the truth, Russell teams up with his neighbors, Tom and Mitchell, and a reclusive town historian, Bryce. Together, they begin unraveling Isolation’s dark and bloody past—a past that holds terrifying secrets about the creature lurking in the woods.
As they dig deeper, the line between history and horror blurs, forcing each man to confront their own inner demons. With the monster’s rampage escalating and time running out, the four friends must face a chilling truth: history remembers.
Isolation is a gripping tale of terror, resilience, and the lengths we go to protect the ones we love—no matter what waits for us in the shadows.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2023
47 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Jared Grace
3 books27 followersJared Grace is the author of Isolation, his well-received debut horror novel that’s already making waves as a finalist for the Indie Ink Awards 2024 in a variety of categories, his well-received short story Cody (found in the book Timeless: A Horror Anthology Through the Ages), and the newly released novel Beyond the Autumn Leaves.
Born just south of Boston, Massachusetts, Jared now calls the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire home, where he spends his days hiking trails, chasing his muse, researching paranormal events, and devouring books from his favorite authors across a wide range of genres.
When he’s not working on his next spine-tingling tale, Jared is busy being a proud dad to his two incredible kids, Jordan and Wyatt, who keep him equally terrified and inspired (but in the best way).
After a brief pit stop at Boston College, Jared earned not one but two bachelor’s degrees—English and history—from Southern New Hampshire University in 2014.
Jared’s love for history, nature, travel, and the supernatural seeps into his stories, making them equal parts eerie, thought-provoking, and unputdownable. Whether he’s digging into spooky folklore or climbing a mountain, Jared finds inspiration everywhere—especially in the things that go bump in the night.
Born just south of Boston, Massachusetts, Jared now calls the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire home, where he spends his days hiking trails, chasing his muse, researching paranormal events, and devouring books from his favorite authors across a wide range of genres.
When he’s not working on his next spine-tingling tale, Jared is busy being a proud dad to his two incredible kids, Jordan and Wyatt, who keep him equally terrified and inspired (but in the best way).
After a brief pit stop at Boston College, Jared earned not one but two bachelor’s degrees—English and history—from Southern New Hampshire University in 2014.
Jared’s love for history, nature, travel, and the supernatural seeps into his stories, making them equal parts eerie, thought-provoking, and unputdownable. Whether he’s digging into spooky folklore or climbing a mountain, Jared finds inspiration everywhere—especially in the things that go bump in the night.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 3, 2023
It's my book. I can't justifiably give a non bias review, haha. But check it out and let me know what you think! Enjoy.
November 10, 2024
Normally, I read at bedtime; it helps me fall asleep. This book is so creepy (compliment!) that I had to switch my reading time to during daylight hours. Someone asked Jared to write a creepy, can't-fall-asleep, afraid-of-the-dark novel, and he said, "Mr King, hold my beer!" It's that good.
February 29, 2024
Great characters, great plot. Interplay between husband and wife was specifically well-written.
Creepy move, including a child's toy into the Creature storyline. That unsettling image stayed with me.
I see other reviewers' criticism of the character Jimmy. While he may seem unnecessary to the overall plot of the book, his character does add to the overall unsettling theme that the author is creating, and I can see the purpose in that.
The writing was wonderful, lots of powerful imagery and a great small-town atmosphere. I'm excited to see what comes next from Jared Grace.
Creepy move, including a child's toy into the Creature storyline. That unsettling image stayed with me.
I see other reviewers' criticism of the character Jimmy. While he may seem unnecessary to the overall plot of the book, his character does add to the overall unsettling theme that the author is creating, and I can see the purpose in that.
The writing was wonderful, lots of powerful imagery and a great small-town atmosphere. I'm excited to see what comes next from Jared Grace.
February 20, 2025
I saw someone, who I cannot remember posting about this, and I love isolation horror of any kind.
What's more isolated then a book called Isolation??
Really enjoyed this find, starts out with Russell, an author who is suffering a writers greatest fear, writers block.
So best idea ? Lets move to the middle of nowhere, somewhere peaceful and calm...
That lasted for all of a few moments, and it looks like whether Russell wants it or not, he's about to get a front row seat to a horror story he cant escape.
Creepy stuff starts happening, voices, whispers, then dead bodies appear, when you cant trust anyone, Russel manages to find a few allies in the neighborhood and try to unlock the secrets gripping the town, and the woods before it destroys the whole town, and all that live there.
This was medium to fast paced for me, which it picked up, it really picked up, and I found myself staying up to finish it, wonderful book from this author, and makes me want to check out his other stuff.
What's more isolated then a book called Isolation??
Really enjoyed this find, starts out with Russell, an author who is suffering a writers greatest fear, writers block.
So best idea ? Lets move to the middle of nowhere, somewhere peaceful and calm...
That lasted for all of a few moments, and it looks like whether Russell wants it or not, he's about to get a front row seat to a horror story he cant escape.
Creepy stuff starts happening, voices, whispers, then dead bodies appear, when you cant trust anyone, Russel manages to find a few allies in the neighborhood and try to unlock the secrets gripping the town, and the woods before it destroys the whole town, and all that live there.
This was medium to fast paced for me, which it picked up, it really picked up, and I found myself staying up to finish it, wonderful book from this author, and makes me want to check out his other stuff.
September 19, 2025
Jared Grace’s debut novel, Isolation, drags readers deep into the haunted woods of New Hampshire—hand in hand, heart pounding—then leaves them staring into the abyss. If you crave small-town horror with high stakes, high body counts, and monstrous beings lurking just beyond the tree line, this book doesn’t just deliver—it devours.
Reminiscent of Stephen King, Isolation invites us into the fractured lives of a town on the edge of ruin. Grace peels back layers of memory, longing, and dread, exposing the rot beneath the surface. With chilling precision, he explores the darkest corners of our humanity, revealing how the past echoes into the present—and how history, once buried, claws its way back.
This is horror that lingers. Isolation is a must-read for fans who want more than jump scares—who want to feel the fear settle in their bones and whisper through the trees long after the last page.
Reminiscent of Stephen King, Isolation invites us into the fractured lives of a town on the edge of ruin. Grace peels back layers of memory, longing, and dread, exposing the rot beneath the surface. With chilling precision, he explores the darkest corners of our humanity, revealing how the past echoes into the present—and how history, once buried, claws its way back.
This is horror that lingers. Isolation is a must-read for fans who want more than jump scares—who want to feel the fear settle in their bones and whisper through the trees long after the last page.
July 18, 2023
Jared Grace is an author that I recently had the pleasure of chatting with on social media. He was posting about his recent book and I’m so very happy that I took the time to pay attention!!! This book is about a small town in NH and it follows several of the town folk in their journey to figure out what is happening around them. So many of them have lost their lives but, why?? If you are in the market for a great thriller with Indian folklore and a mystery to be solved…you have found it!! You will not be disappointed in this amazing book!!!
November 22, 2023
History remembers!
An incredibly strong debut novel from Jared Grace. An intriguing story about a small, peaceful town living through a nightmare as history forces everyone to remember the truth. A story that will make you feel like you are a kid reading your first horror novel again. The map at the front of the book helps to really paint a picture of the town and have a good understanding of where things take place. Jared Grace does a fine job at making sure you have goosebumps while also showing an important lesson in life and how to treat those around you. A very enjoyable read and highly recommended!
An incredibly strong debut novel from Jared Grace. An intriguing story about a small, peaceful town living through a nightmare as history forces everyone to remember the truth. A story that will make you feel like you are a kid reading your first horror novel again. The map at the front of the book helps to really paint a picture of the town and have a good understanding of where things take place. Jared Grace does a fine job at making sure you have goosebumps while also showing an important lesson in life and how to treat those around you. A very enjoyable read and highly recommended!
September 23, 2024
Couldn’t put it down!! Isolation by Jared Grace
I loved this book! It was the best that I’ve read in a long while. And I’m always reading.
I felt like I was born and raised in Isolation, and that these were people that I’d known my whole life. And I am a native Californian!
I honestly couldn’t put this book down so I didn’t, I read it in a day.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes the supernatural sorta genre.
Can’t wait to see what Jared Grace comes out with next!
I loved this book! It was the best that I’ve read in a long while. And I’m always reading.
I felt like I was born and raised in Isolation, and that these were people that I’d known my whole life. And I am a native Californian!
I honestly couldn’t put this book down so I didn’t, I read it in a day.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes the supernatural sorta genre.
Can’t wait to see what Jared Grace comes out with next!
July 18, 2023
Jared Grace’s debut novel “Isolation” is reminiscent of Stephen King’s “Needful Things” where the reader navigates the inner lives, pasts and desires of the residents of this desolate town. This story explores the darkest places of our humanity and how our history can echo into our future. Isolation shocked me and made my skin crawl, exactly what I want in a scary story. A great read for horror fans!
October 23, 2023
It was a wonderful read that had great characters and an amazing Story. Jared knows how to reel in the reader. This book kept me engaged the entire way through. It’s a page turner. An excellent debut novel!
February 23, 2025
Grace's debut novel drags the reader to the, well, isolated New Hampshire woods, holding their hand as it forces them to gaze into the darkness. If you like small-town horror, high stakes, high body counts, and monstrous beings staring out from the shadows, this book is for you.
July 24, 2023
Excellent debut novel by a local, to me writer. I will definitely look for what comes next. So, read this!
September 29, 2023
Very reminiscent of King in many ways. Really enjoyed this debut! Great small town horror, great character development, and more than a few truly chilling moments.
September 6, 2023
Intriguing story, good characters. Highly recommended.
August 1, 2024
I am pleased I was given the opportunity to read and review this debut novel by Jared Grace
There is a lot going on in this book
Set in the small NH town of isolation, history is determined to be remembered
The book is told by many people within the town of isolation as well as newcomer Russ, a writer that recently moved to town
As deaths begin to occur all around town everyone is forced to either flee or deal with their ancestral history……can only the few wimpak people that remain reverse history?
In the end this book took a flip and made me realize it is a telling of how the world is today with biases towards others
If you like mystery, Indian folklore, mythology, this would be the book for you
There is a lot going on in this book
Set in the small NH town of isolation, history is determined to be remembered
The book is told by many people within the town of isolation as well as newcomer Russ, a writer that recently moved to town
As deaths begin to occur all around town everyone is forced to either flee or deal with their ancestral history……can only the few wimpak people that remain reverse history?
In the end this book took a flip and made me realize it is a telling of how the world is today with biases towards others
If you like mystery, Indian folklore, mythology, this would be the book for you
December 24, 2024
very good
⚠️Check Your Triggers!! This went from a two ⭐️, to a 3 ⭐️, to a 4 ⭐️but it really had to work for it. So many character POVs to keep up with. But I felt everything was needed for the story. A town in NH.. plagued by not only a psychopath but a mythical creature, yes please! Loads of gore and suspense. Slow at times. But all in all I very much enjoyed this book.
Read from: Nov 24, 2024 - Dec 03, 2024
⚠️Check Your Triggers!! This went from a two ⭐️, to a 3 ⭐️, to a 4 ⭐️but it really had to work for it. So many character POVs to keep up with. But I felt everything was needed for the story. A town in NH.. plagued by not only a psychopath but a mythical creature, yes please! Loads of gore and suspense. Slow at times. But all in all I very much enjoyed this book.
Read from: Nov 24, 2024 - Dec 03, 2024
May 25, 2025
A great small town horror.
Isolation by Jared Grace is a gripping and emotionally intense read. The writing is raw and honest, pulling you deep into the mind of someone facing the crushing weight of solitude. Grace masterfully explores themes of trauma, inner strength, and healing, making every page impactful. It’s not just a story—it’s an experience. Highly recommended for anyone who loves thought-provoking, character-driven fiction.
Isolation by Jared Grace is a gripping and emotionally intense read. The writing is raw and honest, pulling you deep into the mind of someone facing the crushing weight of solitude. Grace masterfully explores themes of trauma, inner strength, and healing, making every page impactful. It’s not just a story—it’s an experience. Highly recommended for anyone who loves thought-provoking, character-driven fiction.
January 8, 2026
Took a chance on an unknown author and minimal reviews - and unfortunately it must not have been my day. I rarely put books on my DNF, but thats where it ended up.
I commend the author for writing a book and getting to the Barnes and Nobel shelf, thats a great accomplishment. That also makes you vulnerable to criticism or praise.
The book is amateur level. Scattered pacing/plot made it hard to stay interested. They say an author writes about what he knows and I felt like it was like this to the enth degree. It was just hard to get absorbed into the story when the authors personality and life was overtaking the story.
The overuse of parenthesis was distracting too. Again the author seemingly injecting his own thoughts during writing, a sort of breaking the 4th wall. The vocabulary and some of the accents given were awkward.
Just my open and honest opinion.
I commend the author for writing a book and getting to the Barnes and Nobel shelf, thats a great accomplishment. That also makes you vulnerable to criticism or praise.
The book is amateur level. Scattered pacing/plot made it hard to stay interested. They say an author writes about what he knows and I felt like it was like this to the enth degree. It was just hard to get absorbed into the story when the authors personality and life was overtaking the story.
The overuse of parenthesis was distracting too. Again the author seemingly injecting his own thoughts during writing, a sort of breaking the 4th wall. The vocabulary and some of the accents given were awkward.
Just my open and honest opinion.
October 21, 2023
Before I start, buy this book. Jared Grace was my high school English teacher and from the perspective of someone who has had a behind the scenes look into what it took to create this book, know that it was well written, well thought out, and that the author was completely immersed in the story. Jared is an extraordinary writer who knows how to reel a reader in, and there is no doubt that you will love this book. If given the chance, go to a book signing to meet the author, and if nothing else, I promise that you will leave with a deep and hearty conversation. Oh yeah, and keep your eye out for what could be coming next...
October 31, 2024
I'm usually pretty hesitant to read spooky books but I thought I would give this one a try after a friend recommended it...I won't include any spoilers but there were definitely a few surprises that kept me on edge! Perfect book to read during this time of the year when the veil is thin...If you're looking for a book with great characters and pacing and a unique plot line- check out Isolation! But good luck not getting creeped out in the next small New England town you mosey into!
Looking forward to seeing what Jared Grace comes up with next!
Looking forward to seeing what Jared Grace comes up with next!
April 22, 2024
I started reading Isolation on a quiet Monday morning, quickly reading the first 15 chapters. The story takes place in a small NH town called Isolation. The dark history that starts to take its brutal toll on the town is reminiscent of a Stephen King novel. You can feel the terror and fear with each turn of the page. Jared's thoughtfulness of each character's journey and feelings is felt throughout the book. I highly recommend reading Isolation. I can't wait to see what he writes next!!
July 29, 2023
I loved this book! The characters are well developed, with an easy to read storyline that kept me engaged! Those that follow Stephen King or Dean Koontz should give this one a read! Very well written debut novel by Jared Grace! I can't wait to see what's next from him!
August 30, 2023
Ok
It was alright except for the boy jimmy killing animals. I don't like to read about animals getting hurt. Specially animal mutilation. So writers please don't write about animals getting hurt. I usually stop reading a book as soon as I encounter it.refuse to read any further.
It was alright except for the boy jimmy killing animals. I don't like to read about animals getting hurt. Specially animal mutilation. So writers please don't write about animals getting hurt. I usually stop reading a book as soon as I encounter it.refuse to read any further.
March 26, 2024
I loved Isolation! It was well-written with well developed characters. I felt like I was up in NH...where I've been many times....while I was reading this book. I feel the author is great at putting you in the setting and feeling what the characters feel.
April 7, 2024
THIS WAS A DEBUT NOVEL?! Jared Grace not only writes with grace, but with a plethora of knowledge from the horror genre. Can’t wait for the sequel or anything this writer publishes!! An absolute MUST-READ for new horror novel fans.
November 30, 2024
This is a story of how the people in a small town try to survive both a mythical monster, and a real psychopath. The book started strong, but lost its thrill about halfway through. The second half was a trudge to the end.
April 28, 2025
This book had some good points but there were also things that really annoyed me and were just not realistic and or pointless to the story. Tom’s accent coming out in writing didn’t work for me either just didn’t read right. 2.5 star
May 22, 2025
"Heroically Ignorant."
"Little boy, I'll take a chunk larger than your scrawny ass can handle."
"Take heed and beware of what hatred and fear mixed together can bring."
"History doesn't forget. We do."
"Little boy, I'll take a chunk larger than your scrawny ass can handle."
"Take heed and beware of what hatred and fear mixed together can bring."
"History doesn't forget. We do."
July 16, 2023
I couldn't put it down! Absolutely amazing story, great characters, kept me engaged and at the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this book to all horror novel lovers!!!
July 21, 2023
Excellent debut novel. Check it out if ur looking for something new.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews