What do you think?
Rate this book
Ella Reynolds #1
Dark Corners
Ella Reynolds knew from the first moment she walked into the old house someone or something was watching her. Waiting. Her husband's violent murder sent her spiraling into a world of grief and isolation, but Ella isn't alone. Who or what is responsible for her husband's death is still with her. Darkness has engulfed the past year of Ella's life. Everyday reality slips a little more between her fingers as she struggles to break free from her memories. She must look deeper into her past as well as the present to discover truth of her husband's homicide. A string of uncanny events takes place and practical explanations run thin as Ella follows the terrifying road to closure. As the past and present come to a head, Ella must decipher who or what the murderer is before it takes her as well.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
87 people are currently reading
1357 people want to read
About the author
Liz Schulte
55 books614 followersMany authors claim to have known their calling from a young age. Liz Schulte, however, didn't always want to be an author. In fact, she had no clue. Liz wanted to be a veterinarian, then she wanted to be a lawyer, then she wanted to be a criminal profiler. In a valiant effort to keep from becoming Walter Mitty, Liz put pen to paper and began writing her first novel. It was at that moment she realized this is what she was meant to do. As a scribe she could be all of those things and so much more.
When Liz isn't writing or on social networks she is inflicting movie quotes and trivia on people, reading, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family. Liz is a Midwest girl through and through, though she would be perfectly happy never having to shovel her driveway again. She has a love for all things spooky, supernatural, and snarky. Her favorite authors range from Edgar Allen Poe to Joseph Heller to Jane Austen to Jim Butcher and everything in between.
When Liz isn't writing or on social networks she is inflicting movie quotes and trivia on people, reading, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family. Liz is a Midwest girl through and through, though she would be perfectly happy never having to shovel her driveway again. She has a love for all things spooky, supernatural, and snarky. Her favorite authors range from Edgar Allen Poe to Joseph Heller to Jane Austen to Jim Butcher and everything in between.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
March 2, 2017
This was an epically great novel that practically read itself - I literally couldn't put it down!
A horror story that melds two different sub-genres, it had you hanging on with all the twists and turns. The plot focuses on the author's talent for ratcheting up the tension and mystery as opposed to visceral gore, which a lot of indie horror books tend to lead toward.
This novel is one of those gems you pick up for free (by Instafreebie) from the author when they are trying to increase their fan base, and would have to be the best book I've downloaded via this method this year. I expect great things to come from this author!
A horror story that melds two different sub-genres, it had you hanging on with all the twists and turns. The plot focuses on the author's talent for ratcheting up the tension and mystery as opposed to visceral gore, which a lot of indie horror books tend to lead toward.
This novel is one of those gems you pick up for free (by Instafreebie) from the author when they are trying to increase their fan base, and would have to be the best book I've downloaded via this method this year. I expect great things to come from this author!
September 6, 2011
"DARK CORNERS" BY LIZ SCHULTE
I am sitting here in my living room, right now, writing this review and I am still looking around me and in all the possible dark places scared to death that someone might be hiding there. This book caught me from the beginning in an iron vise-grip and did not let me go. I stayed up until 7 am yesterday morning reading this book. I say yesterday because it's already almost midnight here now and I am actually a little afraid to go to bed because the husband isn't here. Those of you out there reading this may think, "this chick is crazy" but trust me when you read this book you will understand.
Liz Schulte is a phenomenal writer and this book freaked me out! I kept screaming at the main character Ella to "GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!" But of course, as characters often do... she didn't listen. This book is not just a paranormal type ghost story, it's a thriller, murder mystery, drama, and horror all rolled into one. I would advise anyone out there that enjoys a good scare and likes being afraid to close their eyes at night to read this book.
I am chomping at the bit to read more of Liz's works and plan to seek them out, she is a writer that reminds me much of one of my all time faves Karin Slaughter but with an extreme paranormal edge, completely all her own. Definitely pick up this book!
Kitty Bullard / GMTA Public Relations Manager
I am sitting here in my living room, right now, writing this review and I am still looking around me and in all the possible dark places scared to death that someone might be hiding there. This book caught me from the beginning in an iron vise-grip and did not let me go. I stayed up until 7 am yesterday morning reading this book. I say yesterday because it's already almost midnight here now and I am actually a little afraid to go to bed because the husband isn't here. Those of you out there reading this may think, "this chick is crazy" but trust me when you read this book you will understand.
Liz Schulte is a phenomenal writer and this book freaked me out! I kept screaming at the main character Ella to "GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!" But of course, as characters often do... she didn't listen. This book is not just a paranormal type ghost story, it's a thriller, murder mystery, drama, and horror all rolled into one. I would advise anyone out there that enjoys a good scare and likes being afraid to close their eyes at night to read this book.
I am chomping at the bit to read more of Liz's works and plan to seek them out, she is a writer that reminds me much of one of my all time faves Karin Slaughter but with an extreme paranormal edge, completely all her own. Definitely pick up this book!
Kitty Bullard / GMTA Public Relations Manager
November 2, 2011
My Opinion:
I enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be very enthralling. I loved how descriptive Liz was. I enjoyed the cat and mouse aspect of the book. I however didn’t like that you knew who was doing it,but after I got over that and continued reading I found myself still drawn to the characters and the plot. So,in turn,just because I knew who was doing it,it didn’t make me not want to read the book. It was very well written and had me wanting to see how they figured it out.
Ella has had strange occurrences happen in the house since her and her husband have moved in. Not wanting to be the bad guy she tries to keep her feelings about it under wraps but it keeps knocking on her door. The house has been inherited to her husband and even though Ella has told him over and over again she didn’t like the house,he just plays it off. The book takes us on the journey of what happens after Ella’s husband is killed. Ella is desperate to find out what has happened but no one will help her. Her life is turned upside down and she ends up drinking way too much. She struggles to figure out what has happened to her husband so she can move on. I enjoyed this book a lot and I look forward to seeing more from Liz Schulte in the future.
I give Dark Corners 4 of 5 stars.
I enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be very enthralling. I loved how descriptive Liz was. I enjoyed the cat and mouse aspect of the book. I however didn’t like that you knew who was doing it,but after I got over that and continued reading I found myself still drawn to the characters and the plot. So,in turn,just because I knew who was doing it,it didn’t make me not want to read the book. It was very well written and had me wanting to see how they figured it out.
Ella has had strange occurrences happen in the house since her and her husband have moved in. Not wanting to be the bad guy she tries to keep her feelings about it under wraps but it keeps knocking on her door. The house has been inherited to her husband and even though Ella has told him over and over again she didn’t like the house,he just plays it off. The book takes us on the journey of what happens after Ella’s husband is killed. Ella is desperate to find out what has happened but no one will help her. Her life is turned upside down and she ends up drinking way too much. She struggles to figure out what has happened to her husband so she can move on. I enjoyed this book a lot and I look forward to seeing more from Liz Schulte in the future.
I give Dark Corners 4 of 5 stars.
March 2, 2019
After the murder of her husband, Ella withdraws from everyone. Shuts herself away. But someone or something won’t let her heal. As time passes, she sinks deeper into grief and doubt. Is the house causing the eerie events? Or is it someone who wants to harm her? Or is she just going insane?
The author smoothly takes you back to past events and forward to the present, keeping you unsettled and clueless about what is real and what could just be in Ella’s mind. I couldn’t help but sympathize with her. She went through such a tragedy and now she fears she’s either haunted, stalked or crazy. Closing herself off from the world aroused suspicion with people that maybe she killed her husband. i wondered about that myself.
Of course, I read this at night. Read it straight through, my eyes darting to the dark corners whenever I thought I heard something. There are some really spooky scenes in this that made me question why I waited until dark to read it. I guess I wasn’t expecting to get scared as I read a lot of horror. But scared I got and I couldn’t stop. This reads like a ride on a tilt-a-whirl. It went one way then the other, jerking me from one conclusion to another. A dizzying, haunting story and so well executed.
I had this book on my kindle for several years before reading it. That won’t happen with the rest of the series. Yes, there are more books and I’ve got them lined up to read.
If you enjoy a scary, haunting story with a good mystery and some drama and thrills thrown in, I recommend you give this a go.
The author smoothly takes you back to past events and forward to the present, keeping you unsettled and clueless about what is real and what could just be in Ella’s mind. I couldn’t help but sympathize with her. She went through such a tragedy and now she fears she’s either haunted, stalked or crazy. Closing herself off from the world aroused suspicion with people that maybe she killed her husband. i wondered about that myself.
Of course, I read this at night. Read it straight through, my eyes darting to the dark corners whenever I thought I heard something. There are some really spooky scenes in this that made me question why I waited until dark to read it. I guess I wasn’t expecting to get scared as I read a lot of horror. But scared I got and I couldn’t stop. This reads like a ride on a tilt-a-whirl. It went one way then the other, jerking me from one conclusion to another. A dizzying, haunting story and so well executed.
I had this book on my kindle for several years before reading it. That won’t happen with the rest of the series. Yes, there are more books and I’ve got them lined up to read.
If you enjoy a scary, haunting story with a good mystery and some drama and thrills thrown in, I recommend you give this a go.
October 6, 2011
I devoured horror stories growing up, with my favorite authors being Alfred Hitchcock and Edgar Allan Poe. There is just something about the old classic scary stories - hair raising, creepy without the gore. I have been craving those types of stories, but had figured they were gone with the times. Then along came Liz Shulte with her novel "Dark Corners" and finally - finally, a hair raising, creepy story that actually kept me guessing throughout the whole novel!
This story takes place in an old, old home that had been handed down through Ella's husband's family for generations. Her husband was the last of the bloodline to inherit the home. From the time they moved in, weird things started happening inside the house, but it seemed Ella was the one who could see or hear them. Then, when she came home from a business trip, Ella found her husband murdered and was sure it had something to do with the house. The police and neighbors have another theory - that Ella killed her husband.
So sets the stage of this paranormal thriller. Ella was a realistic character with enough pain and confusion about her husband's death that she self-medicates with alcohol and prescriptions that her psychiatrist gives her. One wonders if it is her imagination that is creating these events, but at other times, they are so real - so believable, that you can't help but think that they are true. I flip-flopped throughout the whole novel trying to figure out who, what, where, and why this was all going on. With all the twists, I hadn't a clue what was going on until pretty much the very end of the story and then by a lucky guess, figured it out! Move over Agatha Christie, Liz Shulte will give you a real run for your money with this story!
Liz is an exceptionally captivating writer and I must say, after reading this, I CAN'T WAIT for her next novel to come out. This is definitely one author to keep an eye on! This book comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
This story takes place in an old, old home that had been handed down through Ella's husband's family for generations. Her husband was the last of the bloodline to inherit the home. From the time they moved in, weird things started happening inside the house, but it seemed Ella was the one who could see or hear them. Then, when she came home from a business trip, Ella found her husband murdered and was sure it had something to do with the house. The police and neighbors have another theory - that Ella killed her husband.
So sets the stage of this paranormal thriller. Ella was a realistic character with enough pain and confusion about her husband's death that she self-medicates with alcohol and prescriptions that her psychiatrist gives her. One wonders if it is her imagination that is creating these events, but at other times, they are so real - so believable, that you can't help but think that they are true. I flip-flopped throughout the whole novel trying to figure out who, what, where, and why this was all going on. With all the twists, I hadn't a clue what was going on until pretty much the very end of the story and then by a lucky guess, figured it out! Move over Agatha Christie, Liz Shulte will give you a real run for your money with this story!
Liz is an exceptionally captivating writer and I must say, after reading this, I CAN'T WAIT for her next novel to come out. This is definitely one author to keep an eye on! This book comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
July 14, 2011
Ella's husband was murdered in her own house, and she was the prime suspect. The case has never been solved, and every day she slips further into alcoholism to escape her grief. She thinks the house hates her, and that it may have been responsible for killing her husband. Can she figure out what really happened before she loses her mind or her life?
This is a scary book. Don't read this if you are alone at home at night. Especially if you live in an older house. It gave me chills even when I read it during the day with my family around. The author really hit a home run on the scare factor.
There is a great mystery element that had me waffling back and forth between thinking the house was haunted and that there was a real person behind everything. I was guessing right up until the end.
Detective Gabriel was one of my favourite characters. He was such a good guy, trying to tell Ella out. I really liked his chivalry and desire to save and protect. Oh how I waited for a relationship to happen. He's definitely a hero to admire. Yes, I know he's not the main character, Ella is, but I didn't really connect with her. Her sink into anti-social behaviour was just too far for me to ever like her.
Overall, this was an exciting and thrilling read. Just not one to be attempted in the middle of the night.
This is a scary book. Don't read this if you are alone at home at night. Especially if you live in an older house. It gave me chills even when I read it during the day with my family around. The author really hit a home run on the scare factor.
There is a great mystery element that had me waffling back and forth between thinking the house was haunted and that there was a real person behind everything. I was guessing right up until the end.
Detective Gabriel was one of my favourite characters. He was such a good guy, trying to tell Ella out. I really liked his chivalry and desire to save and protect. Oh how I waited for a relationship to happen. He's definitely a hero to admire. Yes, I know he's not the main character, Ella is, but I didn't really connect with her. Her sink into anti-social behaviour was just too far for me to ever like her.
Overall, this was an exciting and thrilling read. Just not one to be attempted in the middle of the night.
July 20, 2011
My thoughts:
I have to start this review by saying: I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Dark Corners is brilliantly written. Liz Schulte is obviously a very talented writer.
I was captured by the prologue and didn't put the book down until I was finished.
The writing is visually descriptive. It's vivid, detailed, and concise. This story reads so smoothly that it was as if I was hearing it played out instead of reading words. You literally "feel" the emotional turmoil that is Ella's life.
When I got to the bar scene I laughed out loud. After 20+ years working as a bartender, I was thrilled to see such a genuine bar scene and she captured it so perfectly!
The world that she has built for her story is realistic and her characters are so lifelike that they are easy to invest in. Ella's experiences with the people in her town, the police, her so called friends, and her horrid doctor became personal; it was like I knew her!
The story is filled with mystery and intrigue. I was on the edge of my seat many times, wondering what was coming next! You will have to read it to find out more!!!
I have to start this review by saying: I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Dark Corners is brilliantly written. Liz Schulte is obviously a very talented writer.
I was captured by the prologue and didn't put the book down until I was finished.
The writing is visually descriptive. It's vivid, detailed, and concise. This story reads so smoothly that it was as if I was hearing it played out instead of reading words. You literally "feel" the emotional turmoil that is Ella's life.
When I got to the bar scene I laughed out loud. After 20+ years working as a bartender, I was thrilled to see such a genuine bar scene and she captured it so perfectly!
The world that she has built for her story is realistic and her characters are so lifelike that they are easy to invest in. Ella's experiences with the people in her town, the police, her so called friends, and her horrid doctor became personal; it was like I knew her!
The story is filled with mystery and intrigue. I was on the edge of my seat many times, wondering what was coming next! You will have to read it to find out more!!!
June 18, 2013
The story starts with Ella Reynolds a strong minded woman, a writer, and a widow, found drinking in bars, at home, to try and make sense of the murder of her husband Danny. They had recently moved into a Victorian home that had been in Danny's family for generations to start a new life. Strange things kept happening.. which takes you on a paranormal trip. Yet is it paranormal? Though Ella has been found innocent Detective Gabriel Troy continues to check in on her almost daily. He plans on helping her figure out what happened. Of course you know a romance must come about . ;) Throughout what feels to be misguided Doc visits, a best friend who does seem to be withdrawn (for very good reason), to a nosy belligerent neighbor you feel completely drawn into Ella and feel what she feels. I think it was a great job.. and way to go!
June 10, 2011
Liz is a prolific writer. This story sucks you in and wont let go. Filled with suspense and scary moments. It takes you on a ride and never lets go.
March 5, 2019
Lookout for the s-turns 😳
I had this book for awhile and wasn’t interested in reading it. I felt it wasn’t my kind of book based on the cover and title. Then another release came along with a new cover and it was now book 1 of a series. My interest was kindled 😏. I like storylines where writers and mystery engage in pages with all kinds of different plot twist, misdirection, and some bazaar and shocking events to keep you on your toes. After all, aren’t we all trying to figure out who the ‘who done it’ is before the other characters?
This book has them all! With its strong well defined characters, great storyline, suspense, murder, and mystery. I had to change my evil-bad guy-killer person a few times 😡; so the author did an excellent job.
If you like suspense, murder, and mystery that’s beyond cozy, but not blood and guts all over the pages, give this book a try. I’m mapping out where to place the next volume in my Spring reading schedule.
I had this book for awhile and wasn’t interested in reading it. I felt it wasn’t my kind of book based on the cover and title. Then another release came along with a new cover and it was now book 1 of a series. My interest was kindled 😏. I like storylines where writers and mystery engage in pages with all kinds of different plot twist, misdirection, and some bazaar and shocking events to keep you on your toes. After all, aren’t we all trying to figure out who the ‘who done it’ is before the other characters?
This book has them all! With its strong well defined characters, great storyline, suspense, murder, and mystery. I had to change my evil-bad guy-killer person a few times 😡; so the author did an excellent job.
If you like suspense, murder, and mystery that’s beyond cozy, but not blood and guts all over the pages, give this book a try. I’m mapping out where to place the next volume in my Spring reading schedule.
September 21, 2021
A murder, a house with dark secrets, interesting characters with the potential for motive and a great opportunity for super sleuth readers to establish what's going on! The story captures all elements of mystery, surprise and scary happenings as Ella is determined to find her husband's killer. An enjoyable book and definitely a page tuner.
November 18, 2020
Riveting Psychological Thriller
Dark Corners is really a perfect name for this riveting psychological thriller. A well written story with a diabolical plot. Interesting characters with just the right twists and turns to keep you wondering. A great read.
Dark Corners is really a perfect name for this riveting psychological thriller. A well written story with a diabolical plot. Interesting characters with just the right twists and turns to keep you wondering. A great read.
July 19, 2021
Enticing
I am a big fan of paranormal stories and this is no exception! Murder, mayhem, secrets and interesting characters combine to make this book a real page turner. I look forward to reading more stories by Liz Schulte.
I am a big fan of paranormal stories and this is no exception! Murder, mayhem, secrets and interesting characters combine to make this book a real page turner. I look forward to reading more stories by Liz Schulte.
May 4, 2018
Great book. I couldn't put it down
Great book. I couldn't put it down. It kept it hooked till the end. I will get more of your books
Great book. I couldn't put it down. It kept it hooked till the end. I will get more of your books
June 14, 2018
I really liked this book. I read Liz's other series prior to this and I love them too. This book is very different than the other series'. Very creepy and I loved it.
December 2, 2018
A much enjoyable and the quick and fast moving plot that the book is developed from. I love the theme of the book and the way it is presented to the reader. Surely recommending. Thank you.
May 26, 2020
3 stars
August 1, 2020
Excellent read!!
January 25, 2023
Oh. My. God.
This story sucked me in, I couldn't put it down. The mystery, the suspense, the drama. The plot twists. I LOVED THIS!!!
This story sucked me in, I couldn't put it down. The mystery, the suspense, the drama. The plot twists. I LOVED THIS!!!
October 18, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
March 1, 2017
This book had me sitting on pins and needles turning the pages as fast as I could read. I am not sure what caught my attention to even pick the book up to read it but I am so glad I did. Good read.
September 21, 2011
Edgy, creepy paranormal thriller.
Dark Corners is a mix of suspense, thrill, and ghostly expectations all wrapped up into a little bundle. It left me feeling utterly spooked, wondering what was going to happen next, and even had me checking the dark corners in my own home. The main character, Ella, seems to be reserved when it comes to acquaintances and friendships, and moving into a small town has left her feeling exceptionally lonely. But now more than ever, after her husband was brutally murdered in their lovely home. A home that never felt quite right to Ella from the first day when she set foot in the beautiful old Victorian mansion. A home that has been in her husband's family for generations, in a quaint small town, where everyone knows everyone else's business. Ella is now left with an empty home and a longing of wanting to find out who truly murdered her husband. But her home is not totally empty, as Ella is convinced the ghost who haunts her home, has taken the life of the man she married. That changes when Detective Gabriel tries to convince her otherwise. Detective Gabriel who had been assigned to the case of her husbands murder, seems to somehow wiggle his way back into Ella's life a year later and she finds comfort and friendship in his mannerisms. But Ella has convinced herself that Gabriel is only helping her solve her husbands murder, while also watching out for her, as her home continues to mysteriously have a life of its own. As Ella races from room to room, doors open and close, unlock and re-lock and the food disappears from her refrigerator. The story leaves you at first fully convinced the ghost that lurks in her home has taken the life of her husband. But ghosts don't necessary kill people, not in the way her husband was murdered, at least this is what Gabriel has told her. This keeps you on the edge of your seat as other characters present themselves throughout the book. You find yourself wondering if it was someone human instead. But what about all the ghostly happenings in Ella's home? How does one just brush that aside? Could it be her creepy neighbor that did it? How about Gabriel himself that seems to find Ella interesting and attractive? This book is one I did not want to stop reading as it always felt like I would miss something that was going to happen soon. Dark Corners really kept my feelings of anticipation running and the ending itself was quite a surprise. The writing style of Schutle runs smooth and is easy to read, even in the middle of the night. I loved reading this book as it contains the perfect balance of paranormal without any gore, scary enough to make me paranoid of the noises in my own home, yet not give me bad dreams. A combination of paranormal and suspenseful, who-dun-it.
Dark Corners is a mix of suspense, thrill, and ghostly expectations all wrapped up into a little bundle. It left me feeling utterly spooked, wondering what was going to happen next, and even had me checking the dark corners in my own home. The main character, Ella, seems to be reserved when it comes to acquaintances and friendships, and moving into a small town has left her feeling exceptionally lonely. But now more than ever, after her husband was brutally murdered in their lovely home. A home that never felt quite right to Ella from the first day when she set foot in the beautiful old Victorian mansion. A home that has been in her husband's family for generations, in a quaint small town, where everyone knows everyone else's business. Ella is now left with an empty home and a longing of wanting to find out who truly murdered her husband. But her home is not totally empty, as Ella is convinced the ghost who haunts her home, has taken the life of the man she married. That changes when Detective Gabriel tries to convince her otherwise. Detective Gabriel who had been assigned to the case of her husbands murder, seems to somehow wiggle his way back into Ella's life a year later and she finds comfort and friendship in his mannerisms. But Ella has convinced herself that Gabriel is only helping her solve her husbands murder, while also watching out for her, as her home continues to mysteriously have a life of its own. As Ella races from room to room, doors open and close, unlock and re-lock and the food disappears from her refrigerator. The story leaves you at first fully convinced the ghost that lurks in her home has taken the life of her husband. But ghosts don't necessary kill people, not in the way her husband was murdered, at least this is what Gabriel has told her. This keeps you on the edge of your seat as other characters present themselves throughout the book. You find yourself wondering if it was someone human instead. But what about all the ghostly happenings in Ella's home? How does one just brush that aside? Could it be her creepy neighbor that did it? How about Gabriel himself that seems to find Ella interesting and attractive? This book is one I did not want to stop reading as it always felt like I would miss something that was going to happen soon. Dark Corners really kept my feelings of anticipation running and the ending itself was quite a surprise. The writing style of Schutle runs smooth and is easy to read, even in the middle of the night. I loved reading this book as it contains the perfect balance of paranormal without any gore, scary enough to make me paranoid of the noises in my own home, yet not give me bad dreams. A combination of paranormal and suspenseful, who-dun-it.
October 8, 2011
At first I really did not get into this book, it was hard for me to concentrate or really sink into it. I really don't know why, maybe it's the way she writes that isn't familiar to me.
But whatever it was, it took me at least 4 chapters for me before I got into the book and really started to feel this story. But I'm glad I stuck with it because once I started to get into it I was more able to follow the book. I won,t say that it's a classic but it's quite readable.
IT keeps you guessing all along, and the plot is not so bad, I think it could be a bit better, The story hold itself well but lacks some convincing at some point in the story. I think she could have develop this story a lot more and make it more suspensful for us the readers. I was left on my apetite all along, it never really gripped me, which is why I say it is a light read.
I,m used to reading horror and heavy thrillers, so this was quite the light suspense for me.
It's the story of a newly married couple that moves into the husband house that he inherited from his side of the family. But Ela a horror book author, the wife, finds the house quite cold and uninviting. From the start she hears strange noises, lights flickering, things disappearing, doors closing and widows shutting on their own.
Her husband doesn't witness any of those things, so he laughs at her and makes fun of her in front of their friends. Until one day, their dog dies from mysterious causes and she falls from the stairs and they all think including the shrink that she tried to commit suicide and in this accident she loses their baby.
Then afterwards she goes on a book signing tour and when she comes back, she finds her husband murdered in her kitchen. Naturally everyone thinks she did it, including her best friend.
But there is one cop, Gabriel who believes she is innocent he starts to help her out to prove her innocence. She is certain that a ghost is haunting her house and that it killed her husband, but everyone is calling her insane, but Gabriel is not calling her insane. He listens to her, and believes her.
So together they will search the house and look for proof for this ghost.
You'll be surprised at the twisted ending of this book.
I'm telling you this book is worth reading, it's just that it could be a bit stronger for me, suspense wise.
But whatever it was, it took me at least 4 chapters for me before I got into the book and really started to feel this story. But I'm glad I stuck with it because once I started to get into it I was more able to follow the book. I won,t say that it's a classic but it's quite readable.
IT keeps you guessing all along, and the plot is not so bad, I think it could be a bit better, The story hold itself well but lacks some convincing at some point in the story. I think she could have develop this story a lot more and make it more suspensful for us the readers. I was left on my apetite all along, it never really gripped me, which is why I say it is a light read.
I,m used to reading horror and heavy thrillers, so this was quite the light suspense for me.
It's the story of a newly married couple that moves into the husband house that he inherited from his side of the family. But Ela a horror book author, the wife, finds the house quite cold and uninviting. From the start she hears strange noises, lights flickering, things disappearing, doors closing and widows shutting on their own.
Her husband doesn't witness any of those things, so he laughs at her and makes fun of her in front of their friends. Until one day, their dog dies from mysterious causes and she falls from the stairs and they all think including the shrink that she tried to commit suicide and in this accident she loses their baby.
Then afterwards she goes on a book signing tour and when she comes back, she finds her husband murdered in her kitchen. Naturally everyone thinks she did it, including her best friend.
But there is one cop, Gabriel who believes she is innocent he starts to help her out to prove her innocence. She is certain that a ghost is haunting her house and that it killed her husband, but everyone is calling her insane, but Gabriel is not calling her insane. He listens to her, and believes her.
So together they will search the house and look for proof for this ghost.
You'll be surprised at the twisted ending of this book.
I'm telling you this book is worth reading, it's just that it could be a bit stronger for me, suspense wise.
June 26, 2011
Dark Corners is a really great read. I have been reading a lot of YA stuff lately so a nice psychological thriller is really what I needed.
First off let me say that Ms. Schulte has a very nice writing style that makes everything very smooth and easy to read.
This novel has a lot of flash backs and I am not a huge fan of flashbacks unless they are done well, and like I mentioned above, the read was smooth so she did a great job with the flashbacks. If she hadn’t done a good job with them it would have really bothered me. I think doing flashbacks in writing is pretty tough.
So, I was reading this book last night and of course I had to wait until it was the middle of the night when the kids were in bed. I get to this really suspenseful part of the book where there were creepy noises and she begins to search around to see if someone was there and WOOF, WOOF, my dog starts barking for no reason. Eeek! I get up and realize I took down all my curtains and its pitch black outside, that means someone can see in but I can’t see out. (I live in the country, btw) My goodness, I grabbed my blanket and hid for a while, but still continued to read. My point is…I don’t get creeped out like that usually and I did because I was reading Dark Corners! That is a good sign in my book!
This is the story of a woman who has dealt with a life changing trauma. The whole town thinks she is crazy or that she killed her own husband, some people think both. Ella has gone deep into herself and doesn’t (can’t) associate with people.
As you read this book, there are many suspects that make you think ‘maybe it’s not the house, maybe it’s a person.’ Then as you read more and Ella doubts her sanity more and more, you begin to think ‘maybe she did do it, maybe she is crazy.’ But then, right when you think that, something else creepy happens in the house or someone does something to make you think that they had motive.
I really liked this book. I don’t want to do a whole walk through of the book, like some reviews because I think that some books you just have to read it to find out, and I hate giving away spoilers.
If you want a nice book to curl up with where you have to guess who done it, then this is the book for you. I really, really enjoyed this read.
First off let me say that Ms. Schulte has a very nice writing style that makes everything very smooth and easy to read.
This novel has a lot of flash backs and I am not a huge fan of flashbacks unless they are done well, and like I mentioned above, the read was smooth so she did a great job with the flashbacks. If she hadn’t done a good job with them it would have really bothered me. I think doing flashbacks in writing is pretty tough.
So, I was reading this book last night and of course I had to wait until it was the middle of the night when the kids were in bed. I get to this really suspenseful part of the book where there were creepy noises and she begins to search around to see if someone was there and WOOF, WOOF, my dog starts barking for no reason. Eeek! I get up and realize I took down all my curtains and its pitch black outside, that means someone can see in but I can’t see out. (I live in the country, btw) My goodness, I grabbed my blanket and hid for a while, but still continued to read. My point is…I don’t get creeped out like that usually and I did because I was reading Dark Corners! That is a good sign in my book!
This is the story of a woman who has dealt with a life changing trauma. The whole town thinks she is crazy or that she killed her own husband, some people think both. Ella has gone deep into herself and doesn’t (can’t) associate with people.
As you read this book, there are many suspects that make you think ‘maybe it’s not the house, maybe it’s a person.’ Then as you read more and Ella doubts her sanity more and more, you begin to think ‘maybe she did do it, maybe she is crazy.’ But then, right when you think that, something else creepy happens in the house or someone does something to make you think that they had motive.
I really liked this book. I don’t want to do a whole walk through of the book, like some reviews because I think that some books you just have to read it to find out, and I hate giving away spoilers.
If you want a nice book to curl up with where you have to guess who done it, then this is the book for you. I really, really enjoyed this read.
April 29, 2012
Strange things begin to happen when happily married Ella and Danny Reynolds move into the rambling Victorian home that's been in Danny's family for generations: bumps in the night, rearranged furniture and broken plates, whispers and slammed doors. When Ella finds Danny murdered in their kitchen one afternoon just a few months after moving in, she's certain his death has something to do with those sinister bumps in the night. She sequesters herself inside the house, isolating herself from friends and family as she spirals into depression, all the while resolving that she will get to the bottom of her husband's murder. As the story unfolds, author Liz Schulte provides readers with a more in-depth glimpse into Ella's psyche, gradually revealing the truth behind her unraveling marriage and the forces conspiring to slowly drive her mad.
Liz Schulte's paranormal suspense thriller, Dark Corners, brings to mind the spinetinglers of yesteryear -- the ones where turning off the lights isn't an option and every page is a fresh, delicious torture. It lacks the gore and graphic violence that pervade so many of today's horror novels, replacing that with Schulte's keen eye for building suspense, some wonderfully unexpected humor, and just the right amount of romance between main characters Ella Reynolds and Detective Gabriel Troy. Think psychological suspense reminiscent of old Hitchcock films, with a dash of Stephen King thrown in for good measure. The paranormal edge Schulte adds to the mix gives the entire story an unexpected tenderness, and her main character is truly the kind of feisty-yet-vulnerable heroine readers will be rooting for up to the last page.
There are occasional moments of melodrama toward the end of the novel, and the villain's villainy and level of obsession feel a little over the top for this reviewer, but still isn't enough to diminish what is otherwise a pitch-perfect, ghostly suspense thriller. This isn't a novel for readers looking for gore or dark endings, but if you enjoy psychological thrillers with a paranormal edge, well-drawn characters, and a little romance -- and you don't mind sleeping with the lights on for a night or two -- you'll love Dark Corners.
Liz Schulte's paranormal suspense thriller, Dark Corners, brings to mind the spinetinglers of yesteryear -- the ones where turning off the lights isn't an option and every page is a fresh, delicious torture. It lacks the gore and graphic violence that pervade so many of today's horror novels, replacing that with Schulte's keen eye for building suspense, some wonderfully unexpected humor, and just the right amount of romance between main characters Ella Reynolds and Detective Gabriel Troy. Think psychological suspense reminiscent of old Hitchcock films, with a dash of Stephen King thrown in for good measure. The paranormal edge Schulte adds to the mix gives the entire story an unexpected tenderness, and her main character is truly the kind of feisty-yet-vulnerable heroine readers will be rooting for up to the last page.
There are occasional moments of melodrama toward the end of the novel, and the villain's villainy and level of obsession feel a little over the top for this reviewer, but still isn't enough to diminish what is otherwise a pitch-perfect, ghostly suspense thriller. This isn't a novel for readers looking for gore or dark endings, but if you enjoy psychological thrillers with a paranormal edge, well-drawn characters, and a little romance -- and you don't mind sleeping with the lights on for a night or two -- you'll love Dark Corners.
September 20, 2011
Scary stories aren't really my thing. I'm not a fan of blood and guts, and when I was asked to read and review Dark Corners, I was a little bit skeptical. The only reason I even decided to read it was because of the paranormal aspect, and boy I'm glad I did.
Ella's house, and life, seems haunted. After moving with her husband from the large city of Chicago to the small neighborhood of Wilmington, Ella starts to think she is losing her mind when she suddenly begins to hear and see things that even her own husband can't explain (or see.) But when she returns from a Book Tour to find a grisly scene in her kitchen, things take a turn for the worst. One year later, Ella is an over-medicated alcoholic who has been socially outcast since the police announced she was no longer a suspect in her husband's death.
The journey that Ella takes while trying to find who (or what) killed her husband is fascinating and very, very suspenseful. I spent most of this book trying to figure out the ending. As a person who believes in ghosts and who has had her own encounter with one, I found all of the mysterious (and terrifying) things going on in Ella's house fascinating.
One major part of the book was Ella's constant flashbacks, which gave you insight into her relationship with Danny and her personality before his death. I thought that those were an amazing way to add to Ella's character development.
All-in-all, this is a truly great book. I didn't want to put it down the minute I picked it up, and Liz Schulte definitely knows how to draw a reader in. I wouldn't recommend reading it in the dark though!
Ella's house, and life, seems haunted. After moving with her husband from the large city of Chicago to the small neighborhood of Wilmington, Ella starts to think she is losing her mind when she suddenly begins to hear and see things that even her own husband can't explain (or see.) But when she returns from a Book Tour to find a grisly scene in her kitchen, things take a turn for the worst. One year later, Ella is an over-medicated alcoholic who has been socially outcast since the police announced she was no longer a suspect in her husband's death.
The journey that Ella takes while trying to find who (or what) killed her husband is fascinating and very, very suspenseful. I spent most of this book trying to figure out the ending. As a person who believes in ghosts and who has had her own encounter with one, I found all of the mysterious (and terrifying) things going on in Ella's house fascinating.
One major part of the book was Ella's constant flashbacks, which gave you insight into her relationship with Danny and her personality before his death. I thought that those were an amazing way to add to Ella's character development.
All-in-all, this is a truly great book. I didn't want to put it down the minute I picked it up, and Liz Schulte definitely knows how to draw a reader in. I wouldn't recommend reading it in the dark though!
April 15, 2012
BRILLIANT thriller/ghost story! So intense I couldn't stay still...I spent much of my time reading pacing throughout the house, kindle in hand!
The main character, Ella, was snarky, demanding and difficult but I LOVED her just as she was! She was outspoken and rude, but she was also perceptive, intelligent and brave. She was a strong, reliable main character who gave the book the intensity and purpose it needed to be a sinister thriller/whodunit.
Ella was desperate to get herself out of her current living conditions - a haunted house in which she found her husband murdered in a year before. Stubborn to the core, Ella refused to leave the house until the murder was solved. She'd spent the last year engrossed in her grief, secluded from the world. She meets Grant while she drinks away her sorrow at the local pub. Grant doesn't give up easily and won't take a firm 'go away' for an answer. This opens her up to the idea of slipping out from her shell, even just a little. Grant shows up only a few times, but he always has something mindful to say. She seeks help from Gabriel, the officer assigned to the murder case. He quickly acknowledges the ghostly essence in the house - the slamming windows, locking doors, banging and screams. Ella is relieved as she has always been regarded as crazy - no one, even her late husband had never believed her ghost stories. Ella and Gabriel form a close friendship as they work together for clues and answers.
Do they find the murderer? Or....is the murderer not of the natural world?? This is a fantastic page turner with lots of surprises you'll never in a million years guess!
I enjoyed it completely!
The main character, Ella, was snarky, demanding and difficult but I LOVED her just as she was! She was outspoken and rude, but she was also perceptive, intelligent and brave. She was a strong, reliable main character who gave the book the intensity and purpose it needed to be a sinister thriller/whodunit.
Ella was desperate to get herself out of her current living conditions - a haunted house in which she found her husband murdered in a year before. Stubborn to the core, Ella refused to leave the house until the murder was solved. She'd spent the last year engrossed in her grief, secluded from the world. She meets Grant while she drinks away her sorrow at the local pub. Grant doesn't give up easily and won't take a firm 'go away' for an answer. This opens her up to the idea of slipping out from her shell, even just a little. Grant shows up only a few times, but he always has something mindful to say. She seeks help from Gabriel, the officer assigned to the murder case. He quickly acknowledges the ghostly essence in the house - the slamming windows, locking doors, banging and screams. Ella is relieved as she has always been regarded as crazy - no one, even her late husband had never believed her ghost stories. Ella and Gabriel form a close friendship as they work together for clues and answers.
Do they find the murderer? Or....is the murderer not of the natural world?? This is a fantastic page turner with lots of surprises you'll never in a million years guess!
I enjoyed it completely!
July 20, 2011
Ella is a well-known writer who lives in a house that she is bound to by a real life murder mystery. Her husband was brutally killed in their kitchen and the town folk have turned their suspicions on her. She finally becomes determined to find the real killer, but the house is haunted with entities adrift that seem to be working against her. Her sanity is threatened as she looks for clues along with Gabriel, a local detective friend, who will solve the mystery and hopefully give her closure and the ability to move on in her life.
As I started reading Liz Shulte's novel, I was impressed with her ability to infuse a strong sense of emotion and character into her main protagonist. Ella came alive for me as a person and I began to care for her—something that is essential to building a good story. After the initial introduction to Ella, I found myself caring so much that it was a little difficult getting through the first few chapters. The story and her life seemed to drag and there wasn't a lot of zing to the story. Questions that were inserted in my mind earlier in the story, lingered a bit too long for my taste and the tale lost some of the pop that I was looking for. However, the story soon recovered nicely and all of the story's neighborhood characters, including the ghosts, began to compete for a really good supernatural whodunit.
Liz Shulte has crafted a worthwhile read and I recommend that you find a place for Dark Corners on your bookshelf. I enjoyed it. I look forward to more from this author in the future.
T Riddell
As I started reading Liz Shulte's novel, I was impressed with her ability to infuse a strong sense of emotion and character into her main protagonist. Ella came alive for me as a person and I began to care for her—something that is essential to building a good story. After the initial introduction to Ella, I found myself caring so much that it was a little difficult getting through the first few chapters. The story and her life seemed to drag and there wasn't a lot of zing to the story. Questions that were inserted in my mind earlier in the story, lingered a bit too long for my taste and the tale lost some of the pop that I was looking for. However, the story soon recovered nicely and all of the story's neighborhood characters, including the ghosts, began to compete for a really good supernatural whodunit.
Liz Shulte has crafted a worthwhile read and I recommend that you find a place for Dark Corners on your bookshelf. I enjoyed it. I look forward to more from this author in the future.
T Riddell
September 20, 2011
Thriller writer Ella Reynolds knew the moment she first stepped into her husbands family home that something was not quite right about this old house. Something or someone was watching her. Doors slamming,windows and cupboards opening and closing,footsteps,but her husband Danny thought she was just losing it,that is until that something or someone murdered him leaving Ella as the prime suspect and a young detective staying close to solve the crime.
While Ella sinks deeper into despair and a bottle of Vodka to cope,it’s only the young detective Gabriel Troy that can keep her focused on the goal of solving her husband’s murder and perhaps bring her back into some semblance of having a normal life and perhaps be able to write once again. The suspect of who could have done this are endless;the rough mean,snooping neighbor;the new aquaintance Grant who’s taken and interest in her;Ella and Danny’s best friends in town who own the Hardware store;a fanatic fan of her books;her psychiatrist;the ghosts in the old house; or even the young detective himself.
The desire to escape the madness that is Ella’s life is strong but first she must find out who killed her husband Danny. I so loved reading Dark Corners by Liz Schulte! It’s full of all the great things I love reading about;Big old scary houses,Ghosts,Murder,Suspense. Though perhaps not sophisticated in writing style like John Grisham,it never-the -less fulfilled all my expectations of a great exciting read! Just try reading this at night all alone!
November 3, 2013
I picked this up after reading her book, The Ninth Floor, and I must say, I really enjoyed it. I think the author must have updated the book because I did not notice the errors that some of the other reviewers mentioned, particularly the continuity errors. So I'm thinking that if you are interested in the book and the only thing causing you to hesitate is a concern about that, then I would dismiss it. (I'm not sure it is perfect, but it was close enough not to cause me to grimace about the editing.)
Enough about that. :) I'm a big fan of Barbara Michaels and Kay Hooper paranormal mysteries, so this was a very welcomed new find for me. The pace is very brisk and it moves swiftly. The heroine, Ella, is so tragically flawed and yet overcomes her problems, including alcoholism to try to discover who, or what, killed her husband. While I was not totally surprised at the ending, I was completely satisfied, enough so that I bought the next book in the series and am hoping that more Ella Reynolds books will be forthcoming. You really sink into Ella's head in a way that reminds me a great deal of Stephen King's writing, and I appreciate the deep insights. Ella is a difficult person and one that might have come off less likable if we hadn't been "let into her head" to such a an extent. As it was, I truly felt for her and rooted for her to find out the truth about what is going on in her house and what happened to her husband.
Looking forward to more. :)
Enough about that. :) I'm a big fan of Barbara Michaels and Kay Hooper paranormal mysteries, so this was a very welcomed new find for me. The pace is very brisk and it moves swiftly. The heroine, Ella, is so tragically flawed and yet overcomes her problems, including alcoholism to try to discover who, or what, killed her husband. While I was not totally surprised at the ending, I was completely satisfied, enough so that I bought the next book in the series and am hoping that more Ella Reynolds books will be forthcoming. You really sink into Ella's head in a way that reminds me a great deal of Stephen King's writing, and I appreciate the deep insights. Ella is a difficult person and one that might have come off less likable if we hadn't been "let into her head" to such a an extent. As it was, I truly felt for her and rooted for her to find out the truth about what is going on in her house and what happened to her husband.
Looking forward to more. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews