What do you think?
Rate this book
Fosgate's Game by David C. Cassidy
Given the choice, he shouldn't have played Fosgate's Game. Given the choice ... he should have taken death.
Light up a candle and curl up in your favorite reading chair on a cold, blustery night. In this chilling tale of supernatural horror where reality meets The Twilight Zone, nothing is ever as it seems—and nothing can prepare you for the evil that lurks in the hearts of men. Eerie and sinister, Fosgate’s Game is a haunting tale of greed, dark magic, and murder.
It was a dark and stormy knight.
For Chadwick Harlow, a peaceful, easy-going Englishman, after-dinner drinks with his business partner—a ruthless, hard-edged hunter—is a weekly affair. But when casual conversation takes a mysterious and menacing turn into the supernatural, his wits are put to the test in a deadly challenge. Clinging to life but praying for death, Chadwick must summon the will to survive, before all is lost in a terrifying descent into madness.
Light up a candle and curl up in your favorite reading chair on a cold, blustery night. In this chilling tale of supernatural horror where reality meets The Twilight Zone, nothing is ever as it seems—and nothing can prepare you for the evil that lurks in the hearts of men. Eerie and sinister, Fosgate’s Game is a haunting tale of greed, dark magic, and murder.
It was a dark and stormy knight.
For Chadwick Harlow, a peaceful, easy-going Englishman, after-dinner drinks with his business partner—a ruthless, hard-edged hunter—is a weekly affair. But when casual conversation takes a mysterious and menacing turn into the supernatural, his wits are put to the test in a deadly challenge. Clinging to life but praying for death, Chadwick must summon the will to survive, before all is lost in a terrifying descent into madness.
Paperback
First published April 6, 2013
145 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
David C. Cassidy
9 books151 followersDavid is an award-winning author, the twisted mind behind several chilling books of horror and suspense. A busy little bee, this Canadian writer is also an accomplished photographer and Photoshop wiz—and a half-decent juggler. An avid amateur astronomer, he loves the night sky, chasing the stars with a telescope. Sometimes he eats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 19, 2015
It's a rare treat to pick up a book by an author unknown to you and be immediately drawn into the world he creates. FOSGATE'S GAME was a pleasure to read. Chadwick and Fosgate are perfectly matched to play this macabre game of supernatural chess. Fosgate is cold and calculating, and makes no excuses for his brutality when it comes to building his business empire. Chadwick is reluctantly drawn into Fosgate's vicious plans and is unable to extricate himself until he finds a very creative (and satisfying) way to draw the game to a close.
Great characters, great story, great writing. Highly recommended.
Great characters, great story, great writing. Highly recommended.
April 14, 2013
"Given the choice, he shouldn't have played Fosgate's Game.
Given the choice . . . he should have taken death."
These opening lines had me. Everything that followed did not disappoint. Thanks to the talented David C. Cassidy's visual writing style and attention to detail, I felt like I was hunkered down in front of the television, absenting depositing popcorn into my mouth while spellbound by a classic black-and-white Alfred Hitchhock film. Good stuff.
In my review for Velvet Rain, I referred to Cassidy as a master puppeteer, due to his ability to elicit strong emotion from his readers. Fosgate's Game is further testament of his skill to capture his audience and move them through scenes like chess pieces. Cassidy also proves how versatile his writing voice is. Where Velvet Rain's characters are primarily small town folk in Iowa with limited education, Fosgate and Chadwich represent England's upper-crust. Cassidy pulls off this portrayal swimmingly. Fosgate is a very dignified killer.
I highly recommend this superb novella to anyone who enjoys suspense, Alfred Hitchcock films, The Twilight Zone, and exceptional writing.
Given the choice . . . he should have taken death."
These opening lines had me. Everything that followed did not disappoint. Thanks to the talented David C. Cassidy's visual writing style and attention to detail, I felt like I was hunkered down in front of the television, absenting depositing popcorn into my mouth while spellbound by a classic black-and-white Alfred Hitchhock film. Good stuff.
In my review for Velvet Rain, I referred to Cassidy as a master puppeteer, due to his ability to elicit strong emotion from his readers. Fosgate's Game is further testament of his skill to capture his audience and move them through scenes like chess pieces. Cassidy also proves how versatile his writing voice is. Where Velvet Rain's characters are primarily small town folk in Iowa with limited education, Fosgate and Chadwich represent England's upper-crust. Cassidy pulls off this portrayal swimmingly. Fosgate is a very dignified killer.
I highly recommend this superb novella to anyone who enjoys suspense, Alfred Hitchcock films, The Twilight Zone, and exceptional writing.
September 23, 2013
Fosgate's Game was a deftly written short novella that incorporated supernatural elements into a Hitchcock style story. I don't want to give anything away, so I will just recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys some class with their horror.
September 8, 2015
Oh maaaaaannnnnnn, this is a good book! I read it within an afternoon and was sorry to have it end. I was glued from the first sentence to the last! Yesssss! I'm glad I found this one ;)
May 5, 2019
There are some dark visions and imagery in this story that I liked which added to the terror and the narrative. It was well written in my opinion, however I feel that maybe I wanted more out of it..
I liked how he thought of this story while playing chess (the regular kind *wink*) with his brother -- it shows you how far his ability to transform imagination into ink can take you. Good read to plow through.
I liked how he thought of this story while playing chess (the regular kind *wink*) with his brother -- it shows you how far his ability to transform imagination into ink can take you. Good read to plow through.
February 11, 2022
"Given the choice, he shouldn't have played Fosgate's Game.
Given the choice . . . he should have taken death."
Well that opening had me hooked from the off & once I started reading, I just carried on 'til I'd finished!
It's a very atmospheric read in which Chadwick finds himself playing a game of chess that will have deadly consequences. The details made it so easy to visualise Fosgate's impressive library & the storm that was raging around the house as the game of chess was battled out. A lovely sense of unease built up, which put you on edge & wondering just what was coming next….
It's rather classic in its style & setting & reminded me of the ghost stories (usually M R James though Mark Gatiss of late) that the BBC show on Christmas Eve & is, to my mind, just begging to be filmed – can you imagine how great the chess match would look with those fearsome figures?
Overall a cracking short read & I'll certainly be hunting down more of this author's works.
Given the choice . . . he should have taken death."
Well that opening had me hooked from the off & once I started reading, I just carried on 'til I'd finished!
It's a very atmospheric read in which Chadwick finds himself playing a game of chess that will have deadly consequences. The details made it so easy to visualise Fosgate's impressive library & the storm that was raging around the house as the game of chess was battled out. A lovely sense of unease built up, which put you on edge & wondering just what was coming next….
It's rather classic in its style & setting & reminded me of the ghost stories (usually M R James though Mark Gatiss of late) that the BBC show on Christmas Eve & is, to my mind, just begging to be filmed – can you imagine how great the chess match would look with those fearsome figures?
Overall a cracking short read & I'll certainly be hunting down more of this author's works.
September 4, 2015
Chess- the royal game, where a sly tactician can hone their skills. It is a game of wits, requiring a quick, clever mind to master. And in Fosgate's Game, by David Cassidy, chess has truly become 'the most dangerous game', as lives are put on the line.
The story is told from the perspective of Chadwick, a companion of sorts to a maladjusted man name of Fosgate. Fosgate has acquired a most rare artifact, a chess set dated to the time of thrpe Tepes rulers of Wallachia. No ordinary chess set is this (where're the Warehouse 13 agents when you need them?). In fact, it might rightly be considered Lucifer's chess set.
One night, as a storm rages outside, Fosgate challenges his companion to a game. There's only one catch. Each player must put an identifying item connected to a specific person inside two receptacles, one for each player. Still benign, yes? Not so much, for this is an otherworldly chess set. Whomever comes out victor will visit death upon the person tied to their receptacle.
Over several months, Fosgate forces his companion to play many more games of devilish chess. But Chadwick is a true strategist, able to think many moves ahead, and he lays a cunning trap for his opponent. Springing the trap brings both players, and readers, face to face with fear itself.
Fosgate's Game was my first introduction to Cassidy's work, and I devoured it in a few short hours. If you are a Lovecraft or King fan, you're certain to enjoy this book!
The story is told from the perspective of Chadwick, a companion of sorts to a maladjusted man name of Fosgate. Fosgate has acquired a most rare artifact, a chess set dated to the time of thrpe Tepes rulers of Wallachia. No ordinary chess set is this (where're the Warehouse 13 agents when you need them?). In fact, it might rightly be considered Lucifer's chess set.
One night, as a storm rages outside, Fosgate challenges his companion to a game. There's only one catch. Each player must put an identifying item connected to a specific person inside two receptacles, one for each player. Still benign, yes? Not so much, for this is an otherworldly chess set. Whomever comes out victor will visit death upon the person tied to their receptacle.
Over several months, Fosgate forces his companion to play many more games of devilish chess. But Chadwick is a true strategist, able to think many moves ahead, and he lays a cunning trap for his opponent. Springing the trap brings both players, and readers, face to face with fear itself.
Fosgate's Game was my first introduction to Cassidy's work, and I devoured it in a few short hours. If you are a Lovecraft or King fan, you're certain to enjoy this book!
January 20, 2016
If you are looking for an effective horror novella, look no further. Fosgate ' s Game is a well written horror short that has rich imagery, great characters and yet, much like Lovecraft, leaves just enough to your imagination to really allow your brain to fill in the small details.
I really enjoyed this story, and the build up of horror as you read it. The writing and the details are superb. In the beginning, without over describing, the reader is pulled into the horror that Chadwick feels at the storm. There is some vibrant writing choices that just add to the over all feel of this story.
I was given a free copy to read in exchange for my honest review
I really enjoyed this story, and the build up of horror as you read it. The writing and the details are superb. In the beginning, without over describing, the reader is pulled into the horror that Chadwick feels at the storm. There is some vibrant writing choices that just add to the over all feel of this story.
I was given a free copy to read in exchange for my honest review
June 8, 2016
Wow this was a really good read!! The story is original, disturbing, and kind of punches you in the gut. I particularly appreciate that Cassidy has a rather deft hand when it comes to describing the characters, the scene, and the emotions involved without being overly wordy and drawn out. I could sense Fostgate's madness and evil, and I could feel Chadwick's anguish and inner turmoil. I was snared instantly from the very first lines in the book, and I did not put the book down until I had finished. (For me, this is rare). This novella packs a huge punch, and I cannot wait to read more of Cassidy's work.
February 8, 2016
Another must read by David, I love the way his spins his web of words so that you feel all the emotions that the main characters are feeling. What I like even more is David does not try to fill out the story to make it longer as so many authors do I find David's style refreshing. If you haven't read this or Velvet Rain then I recommend you add them to your read list. Thank you David I am looking furrowed to your next book.
November 27, 2015
This is a very good short novel reminiscent of Poe in style and content. The premise: a chess set of macabre pieces, which when played, brings death to someone of the winner's choosing. There's really not much more to the story than that. The brooding style in inner turmoil of the characters caught in the game are what make the story. Not for action lovers. Not for light readers. But a nice change of pace for those, like me, who are always looking for something different.
February 26, 2016
FOSGATE'S GAME was an excellently conceived and written novella that actually captures that lightning in a bottle that fewer horror novels seem to be able to do. That lightning is the ability to actually, like 70's and 80's, even 90's Stephen King tales, strike fear while reading. Make a chill go up your spine in that pleasant way. Certainly doesn't hurt that Cassidy is a wordsmith with the ability to take a horror novel up the literary ladder, without losing its genre. Excellent, quick read.
March 8, 2015
Reminiscent of an Edgar Alan Poe tale the author draws the reader in, as they feel they too are sitting in the room and enjoying a twisted game of chess and murder. I love this writer's style and amazing way of telling a tale worthy of a literature master. Readers are going to love this short tale that is a bit mad, a bit horrific, a bit suspenseful and amazingly good.
January 19, 2016
The first line of the book had my attention, and had me continue reading. The more I read, the more I felt like the story sidetracked in the conversations. A lot of the conversations did not lead up to the ending. Although, I did enjoy how it ended and the dark theme of it. I recommend this to those who like a well-played ending.
September 13, 2021
The opening lines drew me in.
The scene set on a cold and stormy night in the home of a ruthless, crazy, bully.
Excellently written with a superb twist. A great read and if you happen to play chess then if you dare to read this book, your game will never be the same.
(Perhaps, more chilling is how/when the author came up with his ideas for this book).
The scene set on a cold and stormy night in the home of a ruthless, crazy, bully.
Excellently written with a superb twist. A great read and if you happen to play chess then if you dare to read this book, your game will never be the same.
(Perhaps, more chilling is how/when the author came up with his ideas for this book).
October 8, 2013
My God, did I ever enjoy this story.
Nicely written, great descriptions and a plot that kept me reading.
If you fancy a gothic inspired read and have a few hours to spare, then this would be a perfect choice. I couldn't put it down.
A new favourite author.
Nicely written, great descriptions and a plot that kept me reading.
If you fancy a gothic inspired read and have a few hours to spare, then this would be a perfect choice. I couldn't put it down.
A new favourite author.
April 9, 2016
That was some interesting games of chess with some twists and turns that the reader might not expect! The one main character seems weak but the reader will be surprised when they read the last chapter! Well written and keep one on their toes story!
June 16, 2015
A thoroughly enjoyable old-fashioned horror story.
August 24, 2015
Evil
Truly a surprising change to a good game of chess.enjoyed the book,mainly because it makes one think where will evil reign?
Truly a surprising change to a good game of chess.enjoyed the book,mainly because it makes one think where will evil reign?
September 2, 2015
A good short story... I almost passed on this one because the beginning was very slow... Glad I read all the way through!
October 24, 2015
Such a creepy little tale... I enjoyed the read...
December 10, 2015
Great story
Quick moving story perfect with a cup of tea on a stormy night.
Looking forward to more from this author
Quick moving story perfect with a cup of tea on a stormy night.
Looking forward to more from this author
July 1, 2020
Scarily good!
Quite liked this story. Takes a while to get into it as I usually read romance rather than suspense but yes, not bad with quite a twist at the end.
Quite liked this story. Takes a while to get into it as I usually read romance rather than suspense but yes, not bad with quite a twist at the end.
December 9, 2013
A nice creepy novella. I liked the premise of the book and the ending was superb.
July 12, 2024
The author did a very nice job of creating a very sinister story. He built and layered the menace that is essential in gothic-style horror writing. We have storms, an air of intimidation, and a dark supernatural element that takes Fosgate's game from rivalry to life and death. David Cassidy expands the story with the unusual history and Fosgate's ambitions. I felt the suffocating feeling of being trapped and at the mercy of powers behind the game. Mr. Cassidy crafted the story deftly and avoided a lot of the tropes that goes with atmospheric horror. One thing that I didn't pick up on initially, is that this is set in more modern times. It wasn't until certain technology was mentioned that I clued in. This is a cleverly crafted book and I will certainly search out more of his work.
March 15, 2017
Classic horror! Great story!
Though I do enjoy suspense, I rarely read horror or thrillers but this one kept calling my name, so I just decided to give it a shot, thinking I probably wouldn't be able to finish it. I was so wrong. I couldn't put the story down! Great writing, strong characters and an intriguing storyline that hooked me and wouldn't let me go. A really good story, but read it with the lights on and when the sun is shining... Highly recommend!!
Though I do enjoy suspense, I rarely read horror or thrillers but this one kept calling my name, so I just decided to give it a shot, thinking I probably wouldn't be able to finish it. I was so wrong. I couldn't put the story down! Great writing, strong characters and an intriguing storyline that hooked me and wouldn't let me go. A really good story, but read it with the lights on and when the sun is shining... Highly recommend!!
February 11, 2017
A must read
I've always wanted to learn how to play chess. Well I DID until I read this book. Now, nope I don't want to learn, not now not ever. I don't think I'll even be admiring unusual chess sets and boards. I loved to book from beginning to end, except next time the author is David C. Cassidy, I am certainly not reading it in bed . Too many nightmares can follow.
I've always wanted to learn how to play chess. Well I DID until I read this book. Now, nope I don't want to learn, not now not ever. I don't think I'll even be admiring unusual chess sets and boards. I loved to book from beginning to end, except next time the author is David C. Cassidy, I am certainly not reading it in bed . Too many nightmares can follow.
May 4, 2019
This story is a wonderful blend of terrifying possibilities, suspense and horror. It did begin a bit slow but was well worth the time to get to the deeply demented rest of the story. I highly recommend it and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
June 4, 2019
Superb short story
This little gem had me hooked from the first sentence. It held my attention with its quirkiness. A dark story that keeps you wondering until the end. Very different from anything that I've read before. In a good way!
This little gem had me hooked from the first sentence. It held my attention with its quirkiness. A dark story that keeps you wondering until the end. Very different from anything that I've read before. In a good way!
May 25, 2021
Free Book
I really enjoyed this book. New author for me so it gave me a idea of what to expect. I love a book with a supernatural/horror element & this delivered. I will definitely be buying more.
I really enjoyed this book. New author for me so it gave me a idea of what to expect. I love a book with a supernatural/horror element & this delivered. I will definitely be buying more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews