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Veiled
The first time their eyes lock, it’s an amused and sympathetic look from Alice at the next table. She can tell Nate’s blind date is going horribly awry.
The second time is a chance meeting at a grocery store. Or is it by chance? It’s a little weird, but either way, Nate and Alice hit it off immediately.
He really likes her. They have great chemistry. But there’s something a little off—okay, a lot off—about her. Not just the unexplained sadness. It’s an intense desire, almost a desperation, for things to move much faster than Nate is comfortable with.
Alice has an obvious secret. What’s she hiding?
When Nate finds out...well, nobody said this was a romantic comedy...
From the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of MY PRETTIES and AUTUMN BLEEDS INTO WINTER comes....VEILED.
The second time is a chance meeting at a grocery store. Or is it by chance? It’s a little weird, but either way, Nate and Alice hit it off immediately.
He really likes her. They have great chemistry. But there’s something a little off—okay, a lot off—about her. Not just the unexplained sadness. It’s an intense desire, almost a desperation, for things to move much faster than Nate is comfortable with.
Alice has an obvious secret. What’s she hiding?
When Nate finds out...well, nobody said this was a romantic comedy...
From the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of MY PRETTIES and AUTUMN BLEEDS INTO WINTER comes....VEILED.
260 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2023
170 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Strand
229 books2,210 followersBram Stoker Award-winning author of a bunch of demented books, including PRESSURE, DWELLER, CLOWNS VS. SPIDERS, AUTUMN BLEEDS INTO WINTER, MY PRETTIES, the official novelization of ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES, and lots of others!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 29, 2023
Full review at The Mort Report:
https://www.uncomfortablydark.com/the...
You’re going to need to go along with these visuals for a moment.
This story is like a strand of Rapunzel’s hair, after somebody tried to climb to the top and, once close, slipped and went all the way down, but still holding on, and the friction has the same effect as it would if you tried to make a curly ribbon, so this long strand of hair becomes this intricate, complicated pattern of organized chaos, that is so twisty even an extremely fit hair lice would have difficulty figuring out where it will end exactly…
And that, my friends, is what happens if you drink too much while watching cartoons…your mind actually accepts the possibility that what is it thinking makes total sense, despite your better judgment.
The point I am trying to make is that Strand managed to spin a golden yarn, like Rumpledforesk…sorry, wait, flicked past the porn channel.
Anyhoo – I am very obviously running out of ways to review Jeff Strand books, because I had no idea what I was going to say when I sat down a few minutes ago.
Guy meets girl, there’s chemistry, guy finds out girl must be a little unbalanced – like a drunk Libra – and is hiding something, guy still gets swept up and then…
I will give Strand this – as a fan of his work who reads just about anything he writes, he managed to really surprise me with this one. The hook is extremely clever, the twists are truly surprising and he kept me wondering right up to the end.
Loved everything about this – not a single criticism.
5 Stars
https://www.uncomfortablydark.com/the...
You’re going to need to go along with these visuals for a moment.
This story is like a strand of Rapunzel’s hair, after somebody tried to climb to the top and, once close, slipped and went all the way down, but still holding on, and the friction has the same effect as it would if you tried to make a curly ribbon, so this long strand of hair becomes this intricate, complicated pattern of organized chaos, that is so twisty even an extremely fit hair lice would have difficulty figuring out where it will end exactly…
And that, my friends, is what happens if you drink too much while watching cartoons…your mind actually accepts the possibility that what is it thinking makes total sense, despite your better judgment.
The point I am trying to make is that Strand managed to spin a golden yarn, like Rumpledforesk…sorry, wait, flicked past the porn channel.
Anyhoo – I am very obviously running out of ways to review Jeff Strand books, because I had no idea what I was going to say when I sat down a few minutes ago.
Guy meets girl, there’s chemistry, guy finds out girl must be a little unbalanced – like a drunk Libra – and is hiding something, guy still gets swept up and then…
I will give Strand this – as a fan of his work who reads just about anything he writes, he managed to really surprise me with this one. The hook is extremely clever, the twists are truly surprising and he kept me wondering right up to the end.
Loved everything about this – not a single criticism.
5 Stars
December 15, 2024
Modern dating can be a real drag: all the apps, blind dates, and friends trying to match friends. When you eventually meet someone you really like, who knows what their motivations are. Well, after reading this, I'd rather have a dog or cat.
Liked this; it was a change of pace. I don't usually read thrillers on modern dating; this was great. Both the main characters were well written and I could have easily read this in one sitting. Yeah, it was really far-fetched but still entertaining.
Liked this; it was a change of pace. I don't usually read thrillers on modern dating; this was great. Both the main characters were well written and I could have easily read this in one sitting. Yeah, it was really far-fetched but still entertaining.
August 23, 2024
"Comedy Horror Mix"
Small backstory:
Nate is on a blind date which things don't go well until his eyes connect with a woman across the room. From there things take an interesting turn when Nate runs into the same woman (Alice) at the grocery store - is it just happenstance or something else? Nate and Alice start talking and they just seem to hit it off but as time moves along Nate sees "oddities" about Alice that give him pause and wonder if Alice is just a little off balance in her mind or if there is something deeper going on. What he learns takes him on a twisted path into Alice's world!
That is about all I can hand out on a small taste so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This story was one crazy ride into a twisted insanity that kept me glued to my kindle! I felt for the character Nate as he tried to figure out what was going on with Alice and what made her tick. The author, Jeff Strand kept throwing monkey wrenches into my path as I tried to figure out what was going on as I wanted to know myself what was going on with the character Alice.
The story goes from one thing to another as more things are revealed about the character Alice and there were lots of chuckles throughout the story as well when reading Nate's thoughts. I found myself cracking up with laughter a few times while reading the story. I was most definitely entertained and this is why I have come to love books by Strand as you never know where he is going to take you. There is twists, turns, and just downright craziness in this story but there were some chuckle moments too.
So if you want something different that borders on twisted craziness with some chuckles mixed in then go check out this book! Giving this book five "Twisted and Crazy Fun" stars!
Small backstory:
Nate is on a blind date which things don't go well until his eyes connect with a woman across the room. From there things take an interesting turn when Nate runs into the same woman (Alice) at the grocery store - is it just happenstance or something else? Nate and Alice start talking and they just seem to hit it off but as time moves along Nate sees "oddities" about Alice that give him pause and wonder if Alice is just a little off balance in her mind or if there is something deeper going on. What he learns takes him on a twisted path into Alice's world!
That is about all I can hand out on a small taste so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This story was one crazy ride into a twisted insanity that kept me glued to my kindle! I felt for the character Nate as he tried to figure out what was going on with Alice and what made her tick. The author, Jeff Strand kept throwing monkey wrenches into my path as I tried to figure out what was going on as I wanted to know myself what was going on with the character Alice.
The story goes from one thing to another as more things are revealed about the character Alice and there were lots of chuckles throughout the story as well when reading Nate's thoughts. I found myself cracking up with laughter a few times while reading the story. I was most definitely entertained and this is why I have come to love books by Strand as you never know where he is going to take you. There is twists, turns, and just downright craziness in this story but there were some chuckle moments too.
So if you want something different that borders on twisted craziness with some chuckles mixed in then go check out this book! Giving this book five "Twisted and Crazy Fun" stars!
July 17, 2023
I read this book so fast. It could have been in one sitting if it wasn’t for life.
I was constantly trying to guess what the heck was actually going on and that made me want to keep reading. I didn’t see the twist coming at all.
It was a quick, fun read.
I was constantly trying to guess what the heck was actually going on and that made me want to keep reading. I didn’t see the twist coming at all.
It was a quick, fun read.
June 6, 2023
What the hell is she hiding?
Jeff Strand's latest novel is a twisty, psychological thriller which is sure to have you rereading pages thinking to yourself, "Did I really just read that?"
It's fun. It's mysterious. It's quintessential Strand, and I loved every minute!
Available TODAY on Amazon!
Jeff Strand's latest novel is a twisty, psychological thriller which is sure to have you rereading pages thinking to yourself, "Did I really just read that?"
It's fun. It's mysterious. It's quintessential Strand, and I loved every minute!
Available TODAY on Amazon!
June 24, 2023
Strand nailed it again!
I first learned of Jeff Strand when I read Draculas years ago.
I loved the book so much that I sought out more from JA Konrath, Blake Crouch, F Paul Wilson, and Jeff Strand.
My favorites from Strand have been: The Haunted Forest Tour, all the Wolf Hunts, My Pretties, Demonic, and The Odds.
Jeff brings the same fun that was had in The Odds to this novel. You will race right through it. Jeff is so good at creating relatable characters (Nate will remind you of Ethan) and Alice is a hoot. Veiled is a great title too because you will only really get the meaning when you finish the last page.
This is a must-read for 2023! Excellent job!
I first learned of Jeff Strand when I read Draculas years ago.
I loved the book so much that I sought out more from JA Konrath, Blake Crouch, F Paul Wilson, and Jeff Strand.
My favorites from Strand have been: The Haunted Forest Tour, all the Wolf Hunts, My Pretties, Demonic, and The Odds.
Jeff brings the same fun that was had in The Odds to this novel. You will race right through it. Jeff is so good at creating relatable characters (Nate will remind you of Ethan) and Alice is a hoot. Veiled is a great title too because you will only really get the meaning when you finish the last page.
This is a must-read for 2023! Excellent job!
June 16, 2023
Just what I needed.
I think I've said a few times in the past that you know what you're getting with a Jeff Strand novel, but I do mean that in the kindest way, not a predictable way. This one did have a good few surprises for sure, some nice twists.
It's wild, fun, and absolutely worthy of five stars in my opinion.
Highly recommended.
I think I've said a few times in the past that you know what you're getting with a Jeff Strand novel, but I do mean that in the kindest way, not a predictable way. This one did have a good few surprises for sure, some nice twists.
It's wild, fun, and absolutely worthy of five stars in my opinion.
Highly recommended.
November 18, 2024
One of the most enjoyable things about Jeff Strand’s writing is that you never know quite what you’re going to get when you crack one of his books open. I’ve learned to be prepared for anything when starting his books and to never try to guess where it’s going to go. If I try, I’m rarely ever correct.
Even though the novel’s synopsis hints that things are not quite as they seem, the writing still managed to lull me into comfort as I started to wonder if this was just a simple romance novel as it detailed the budding love story between Nate and Alice. But then, I’ll be damned if I wasn’t still surprised once the rug was pulled out for under me.
This one is fully entertaining and a hoot to experience if you go in blind and not spoiled with what the story is about. Once it takes off, it’s hard to put down. Strand has got to be one of my favorite writers now. Few writers are as consistent in quality and as brave in execution.
Even though the novel’s synopsis hints that things are not quite as they seem, the writing still managed to lull me into comfort as I started to wonder if this was just a simple romance novel as it detailed the budding love story between Nate and Alice. But then, I’ll be damned if I wasn’t still surprised once the rug was pulled out for under me.
This one is fully entertaining and a hoot to experience if you go in blind and not spoiled with what the story is about. Once it takes off, it’s hard to put down. Strand has got to be one of my favorite writers now. Few writers are as consistent in quality and as brave in execution.
July 21, 2023
As somebody who's read a few novels from Strand now, I've always dug his sardonic voice and his ability to set up truly uncomfortable situations between relatable, often flawed characters. The first half of Veiled follows this pattern to great heights, and had Strand continued along that road I likely would've given it five stars.
Unfortunately, the "answers" provided weren't nearly as interesting as the questions posed, and halfway through the read this book makes a hard left turn that I personally found hard to grasp and harder to enjoy, leading to an anti-climax and an abrupt ending that's far from satisfying. I still adore Strand's writing and will continue to purchase his books, and there's no doubt many readers will disagree with me here, but Veiled left me feeling somewhat fleeced.
Unfortunately, the "answers" provided weren't nearly as interesting as the questions posed, and halfway through the read this book makes a hard left turn that I personally found hard to grasp and harder to enjoy, leading to an anti-climax and an abrupt ending that's far from satisfying. I still adore Strand's writing and will continue to purchase his books, and there's no doubt many readers will disagree with me here, but Veiled left me feeling somewhat fleeced.
December 11, 2023
I love Jeff Strand’s tales - short but sweet. This one had a little bit of violence, not so much blood and zero monsters. But it was a very scary tale of saying, sex, love and family. Oh, and a boatload of lies that make it hard to figure out what is true and what has been invented. I love where Strand’s mind went for this one as it’s not your typical horror/love story.
October 25, 2023
This book doesn’t necessarily take the route it initially seems that it’s going to… in a good way. I really liked the backstory! If you were a big fan of “The Odds” you’ll like this one. I don’t wanna ruin the element of surprise so I’m not going to say much more about it.
July 3, 2025
This was not for me. It was such a far fetched story. The characters made me want to pull my hair out. I hated it. Just my opinion though.
June 30, 2023
There's a point in which "originality" turns into "nope", and this book hits it. Not for me. Weird plot, weird characters, and weird title!
July 2, 2023
wat the …
Dumb dumb. Unbelievable! I couldn’t finish. Had skip lotta pages till I jus closed the book. Can’t believe this book. Joke! 😖
Dumb dumb. Unbelievable! I couldn’t finish. Had skip lotta pages till I jus closed the book. Can’t believe this book. Joke! 😖
October 12, 2023
I'm usually a big Jeff Strand fan. But...I think the title of this book s/b "Failed". =[
June 7, 2023
I’m biased being that I’m an enormous fan but this was a hell of a mindfuk thriller. Nate is a TexMex restaurant waiter on a blind date. A girl across the room noticed how badly the date seems to be going and they exchange looks. Then Nate sees Alicia again at a grocery store. Coincidence? He really likes her and they start a fast paced relationship. Alice seems a bit nutty and Nate isnt sure why. What secrets is she hiding? When that part of the book takes over all I can say is you’ll be dying to keep turning pages, and you’ll feel sadness and rage and confusion over and over. It grabs you and doesn’t let up. Don’t miss out, even after you’re done this one will have you shaking your head. Amazing job Jeff Strand 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
June 13, 2023
After this and Demonic, I'm thinking Jeff Strand has a yandere fetish. A good read for folks with poor taste in romantic partners who need a refresher on what constitutes a red flag.
December 5, 2023
A fun, but forgettable thriller. I wasn't a huge fan of the twist, but Strand's sardonic writing and sympathetic characters helped me finishing it one sitting.
June 13, 2023
I do not want to give anything away so I will just say that I really liked this book. A very quirky, fast read about a nice man meeting a very strange lady. There is a reason she seems a little too good to be true in many ways. We get to know the characters intimately. Things get weird. I gasp.
September 10, 2023
Strand knocks another one out of the park...and the fans cheer!!!!!
Jeff Strand is really at the top of his craft with "VEILED"! By the time I got to the end of the tale...and startling it was...I was wowed & shocked, or, shocked and awed but in a good way! I actually said a big "Wow!" at the surprise shocker at the end. All four cats turned and looked at me like I was nuts...but they always do that...it's a cat thing to feel superior by tolerating the oddities of their inferior human slave.
This book is probably one of his more serious but still replete with the old Strand humor, horror and heart. Sure, you will have to give some characters and situations a nod but that's one reason we read fiction...for that "what if" premise and Jeff really did a bang-up job and ran with it in "VEILED".
If you've never read a Jeff Strand book, you don't know what you are missing. There hasn't been one that I didn't enjoy and "VEILED" is now one of my favorites!
Jeff Strand is really at the top of his craft with "VEILED"! By the time I got to the end of the tale...and startling it was...I was wowed & shocked, or, shocked and awed but in a good way! I actually said a big "Wow!" at the surprise shocker at the end. All four cats turned and looked at me like I was nuts...but they always do that...it's a cat thing to feel superior by tolerating the oddities of their inferior human slave.
This book is probably one of his more serious but still replete with the old Strand humor, horror and heart. Sure, you will have to give some characters and situations a nod but that's one reason we read fiction...for that "what if" premise and Jeff really did a bang-up job and ran with it in "VEILED".
If you've never read a Jeff Strand book, you don't know what you are missing. There hasn't been one that I didn't enjoy and "VEILED" is now one of my favorites!
March 13, 2025
Meh...
I'll be honest, I've been on a Strand binge, and so far I believe this is my 8th(?) book by this author, and he's one of my newer favorites...
With that being said, this story fell flat for me. I feel like there was so much potential with Alice and her crazy antics. I couldn't read the first half fast enough. Then it kind of just fizzled out for me. The ending left me feeling extremely unsatisfied, and I didn't find this story as humorous as others.
2.3 stars ⭐⭐ 1/2 rounded up to 3 stars ⭐⭐⭐
I'll be honest, I've been on a Strand binge, and so far I believe this is my 8th(?) book by this author, and he's one of my newer favorites...
With that being said, this story fell flat for me. I feel like there was so much potential with Alice and her crazy antics. I couldn't read the first half fast enough. Then it kind of just fizzled out for me. The ending left me feeling extremely unsatisfied, and I didn't find this story as humorous as others.
2.3 stars ⭐⭐ 1/2 rounded up to 3 stars ⭐⭐⭐
July 31, 2023
Wow- this book was so fast paced right from the prologue. I could not stop reading it because I HAD to find out what the hell was going with Alice! Well, I definitely found out and I loved it! This book was so original and fun and suspenseful - I just don’t know how Jeff Strand gets better and better every time but I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next. Do yourself a favor and go find out what Alice is hiding for yourself.
August 6, 2023
easy read and entertaining
I gave it four stars because it was easy to read and entertaining. It did not have a lot of characters that I had to keep track of. Some things that were supposed to be surprising weren’t to me. I had them figured out ahead of time, but that didn’t ruin the book. I finished the whole thing. If I start reading a book that I do not like, I quit reading it. So 4 stars.
I gave it four stars because it was easy to read and entertaining. It did not have a lot of characters that I had to keep track of. Some things that were supposed to be surprising weren’t to me. I had them figured out ahead of time, but that didn’t ruin the book. I finished the whole thing. If I start reading a book that I do not like, I quit reading it. So 4 stars.
August 18, 2023
"Talk About Being Taken For A Ride!”
Will never look at star crossed lovers without shivering, especially when the line "Every instinct told me to run the other way,” is voiced.
Forgiving a person for their flaws is human. Not being able to see the forest for the trees can be the line of defense between self preservation and the kiss of death. No judgment.
"Veiled” is yet another great read by the author Jeff Strand.
Will never look at star crossed lovers without shivering, especially when the line "Every instinct told me to run the other way,” is voiced.
Forgiving a person for their flaws is human. Not being able to see the forest for the trees can be the line of defense between self preservation and the kiss of death. No judgment.
"Veiled” is yet another great read by the author Jeff Strand.
November 13, 2023
There was a big reveal at about halfway through the book. I thought, surely, there was going to be another bigger twist coming? And… . This was a bit disappointing.
Alice was not very likeable. Even when we were shown the reasons for her “odd” behaviours, she was still not easy to root for. Also, even after knowing her reasons for being tense and desperate, the conversations and especially the “seductive scenes” still made me cringe.
Alice was not very likeable. Even when we were shown the reasons for her “odd” behaviours, she was still not easy to root for. Also, even after knowing her reasons for being tense and desperate, the conversations and especially the “seductive scenes” still made me cringe.
May 10, 2024
Interesting
I have to admit I thought there would be a different element to this plot than a screw marry kill aspect. Although that made it an interesting read I was kind of disappointed 😞 there wasn't something more sinister to the character Alice, in fact for a brief moment I though it was supernatural but nope! So although this was a good read I wish the plot was more to it than just a game
I have to admit I thought there would be a different element to this plot than a screw marry kill aspect. Although that made it an interesting read I was kind of disappointed 😞 there wasn't something more sinister to the character Alice, in fact for a brief moment I though it was supernatural but nope! So although this was a good read I wish the plot was more to it than just a game
June 12, 2023
Is this a romance novel about a hookup that turns into a serious relationship? Is it a psychological thriller filled with suspense? Is it a crime story where none of the characters can be trusted? Is it a compelling story that will haunt your nightmares long after you've read it? Is it a novel you should read ASAP? Will this make you want to read more by Jeff Strand?
Yes.
Yes.
December 7, 2023
I am encouraging you to read this book without reading the synopsis, because that is what I did and it is a wild ride.
Jeff Strand has me in a chokehold with every one of his books. His ability to write dialogue is tough to beat.
The only reason I gave it a 4 instead of a five is because of the abrupt ending.
Jeff Strand has me in a chokehold with every one of his books. His ability to write dialogue is tough to beat.
The only reason I gave it a 4 instead of a five is because of the abrupt ending.
August 25, 2024
The story starts out almost like a slice-of-life story between 2 quirky people who meet by happenstance. Then Jeff Strand did what Jeff Strand does. I'm not going to get into spoilers but just get ready for quite the ride with this one!
Jeff Strand is Comedy/Horror at it's finest.
5 Stars from me!
Jeff Strand is Comedy/Horror at it's finest.
5 Stars from me!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews