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Night Thunder
Dawn. 1865. As Civil War rages across the land, an eleven-year-old boy awakens to the sound of thunderous drumbeats. Four days later, his mother is dead... and a strange cult of religious wanderers have been brutally murdered by the terrified local farmers. That night, the boy watches the only survivor - a solemn young girl - plant a sycamore tree over the graves.
AS LONG AS THE TREE LIVES, THE DEAD STAY BURIED.
1995. Monstrous bulldozers destroy the tranquil farmland - and the old sycamore tree. In the darkness, ancient faces glow with soulless light as unspeakable evil rises from restless slumber. The sound of drumbeats is growing louder. And closer...
From Ruby Jean Jensen, today's reigning mistress of horror, comes a story you dare not read alone at night... the story of an evil that spans the centuries - and a terror that will haunt you for a lifetime.
AS LONG AS THE TREE LIVES, THE DEAD STAY BURIED.
1995. Monstrous bulldozers destroy the tranquil farmland - and the old sycamore tree. In the darkness, ancient faces glow with soulless light as unspeakable evil rises from restless slumber. The sound of drumbeats is growing louder. And closer...
From Ruby Jean Jensen, today's reigning mistress of horror, comes a story you dare not read alone at night... the story of an evil that spans the centuries - and a terror that will haunt you for a lifetime.
397 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 1995
1 person is currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Jean Jensen
39 books212 followers
Ruby Jean Jensen
Born McDonald County, Missouri, USA, March 1, 1927
Died November 16, 2010
Website http://www.rubyjeanjensen.com
Twitter RubyJeanJensen1
Facebook www.facebook.com/Rjjhorror
Ruby Jean Jensen authored 30 published and 4 not yet published novels, and over 200 short stories. Her passion for writing developed at an early age, and she worked for many years to develop her writing skills. After having many short stories published, in 1974 the novel The House that Samael Built was accepted for publication. She then quickly established herself as a professional author, with representation by a Literary Agent from New York. She subsequently sold 29 more novels to several New York publishing houses. After four Gothic Romance, three Occult and then three Horror novels, MaMa was published by Zebra books in 1983. With Zebra, Ruby Jean completed nineteen more novels in the Horror genre.
Ruby was involved with creative writing groups for many years, and she often took the time to encourage young authors and to reply to fan mail.
Ruby Jean, a supreme story-teller, quickly captures and holds your attention. Her books, written for adults, are also suitable for adolescents and young adults. She continues to have an enthusiastic following in the Horror genre.
Born McDonald County, Missouri, USA, March 1, 1927
Died November 16, 2010
Website http://www.rubyjeanjensen.com
Twitter RubyJeanJensen1
Facebook www.facebook.com/Rjjhorror
Ruby Jean Jensen authored 30 published and 4 not yet published novels, and over 200 short stories. Her passion for writing developed at an early age, and she worked for many years to develop her writing skills. After having many short stories published, in 1974 the novel The House that Samael Built was accepted for publication. She then quickly established herself as a professional author, with representation by a Literary Agent from New York. She subsequently sold 29 more novels to several New York publishing houses. After four Gothic Romance, three Occult and then three Horror novels, MaMa was published by Zebra books in 1983. With Zebra, Ruby Jean completed nineteen more novels in the Horror genre.
Ruby was involved with creative writing groups for many years, and she often took the time to encourage young authors and to reply to fan mail.
Ruby Jean, a supreme story-teller, quickly captures and holds your attention. Her books, written for adults, are also suitable for adolescents and young adults. She continues to have an enthusiastic following in the Horror genre.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 24, 2019
I have to say that this one really kept my attention! A great story, with scenes that I didn't expect. The only let-down for me was that the ending felt "rushed" and not really explained well enough when compared to the rest of the story. The prologue didn't leave any expectation as to this conclusion, and it just didn't seem to "fit" together well enough.
Still, the rest of the book was definitely a win for me.
Still, the rest of the book was definitely a win for me.
October 3, 2021
Your grandfather warns you about the ancient sycamore tree standing in the middle of the field - it covers a mass grave, if disturbed an unspeakable evil will rise. Probably not a good idea to bulldoze it…
May 9, 2019
If great-granddad tells you to not knock down the 100+ year old tree in the middle of the field and you do it anyway so you can put in a shopping mall, frankly, you deserve what you get. And boy, did they get. Not my favorite title by her, but it was entertaining.
June 19, 2014
So here's the thing: I never read a Ruby Jean Jensen novel before. I picked this up on a holiday and the synopsis grabbed me, so I grabbed the book. The premise is all spelled out on the back: In 1865, a strange cult is killed and buried in a mass grave. The lone survivor plants a sycamore sapling over it and issues a warning that the tree must never be allowed to die or be removed, or they will return. In 1995, the tree is removed and the warning proves accurate.
I'm used to suspense. I'm used to feeling mildly creeped out in that fun way that you experience when watching old wolfman movies at night. What I'm not used to is having the bejeezus scared out of me. Stupidly, I finished this book at 2:30 a.m., in a quiet house, with nobody around. I then kept the lights on for another two hours while I tried to find funny things to read in order to get myself to be able to sleep.
The characters are fairly well developed - especially Holly, and the plot was a new one on me, which was refreshing. Lots of twists and unexpected diversions; this is also a change of pace. It's nice not to know what's coming from 50 pages away. I am a lightweight when it comes to being scared, however, and this scared the socks off of me. If you are a horror maven, who has seen it all, it is probably pretty mild stuff. For me, however, oy. That's not to say that I don't want to read more. I just know that from now on, I'll be doing my Ruby Jean Jensen reading in the daytime.
I'm used to suspense. I'm used to feeling mildly creeped out in that fun way that you experience when watching old wolfman movies at night. What I'm not used to is having the bejeezus scared out of me. Stupidly, I finished this book at 2:30 a.m., in a quiet house, with nobody around. I then kept the lights on for another two hours while I tried to find funny things to read in order to get myself to be able to sleep.
The characters are fairly well developed - especially Holly, and the plot was a new one on me, which was refreshing. Lots of twists and unexpected diversions; this is also a change of pace. It's nice not to know what's coming from 50 pages away. I am a lightweight when it comes to being scared, however, and this scared the socks off of me. If you are a horror maven, who has seen it all, it is probably pretty mild stuff. For me, however, oy. That's not to say that I don't want to read more. I just know that from now on, I'll be doing my Ruby Jean Jensen reading in the daytime.
October 23, 2018
This was my first exposure to Ruby Jean Jensen, but I'll certainly buy more of her books based on NIGHT THUNDER.
Cults, old pacts, creepy kids, the killing-off of characters you thought would make it to the final page... This book doesn't hold back and Jensen draws her story out with punches in the gut scattered throughout. She can be downright nasty is some scenes and paints great scenes of family drama spattered with insane violence and angst.
My only complaint here is the dialogue, at times, can feel unrealistic. Some lines delivered do not feel like anything a real person would ever say. Yet, those instances are rare enough that it's a minor flaw in a fine yarn.
Worth seeking out.
Cults, old pacts, creepy kids, the killing-off of characters you thought would make it to the final page... This book doesn't hold back and Jensen draws her story out with punches in the gut scattered throughout. She can be downright nasty is some scenes and paints great scenes of family drama spattered with insane violence and angst.
My only complaint here is the dialogue, at times, can feel unrealistic. Some lines delivered do not feel like anything a real person would ever say. Yet, those instances are rare enough that it's a minor flaw in a fine yarn.
Worth seeking out.
September 15, 2013
This is the first Ruby Jean Jensen novel I have read in a long time (the last being the great Wait and See!). That being said I can definitely say I will be reading more Jensen books soon.
Night Thunder has a strong story about a cult that visited a small town during the Civil War that was killed and buried by the local townsfolk. Years go by and when the grave of the cult is disturbed the terror begins again.
Jensen has crafted a fairly original tale of terror here that does have some deeply disturbing moments. It's very descriptive in the action and not extremely dialog heavy. There are some outstanding characterizations, particularly that of the two daughters Kara and Holly. However, there does seem to be a real slow down in the beginning before anything really starts to happen. This is not to say the first 100 or so pages are unnecessary but it really kills the flow of the novel. Not perfect Jensen but good Jensen, Night Thunder is a well crafted tale of terror. It's a pity we haven't seen more from Ruby as I feel she was taken from us too soon. Although thought of as the killer doll author this novel shows you that she has crafted a few sold it stories away from that. I recommend giving it a read, it's certainly worth the effort even if not perfect.
Night Thunder has a strong story about a cult that visited a small town during the Civil War that was killed and buried by the local townsfolk. Years go by and when the grave of the cult is disturbed the terror begins again.
Jensen has crafted a fairly original tale of terror here that does have some deeply disturbing moments. It's very descriptive in the action and not extremely dialog heavy. There are some outstanding characterizations, particularly that of the two daughters Kara and Holly. However, there does seem to be a real slow down in the beginning before anything really starts to happen. This is not to say the first 100 or so pages are unnecessary but it really kills the flow of the novel. Not perfect Jensen but good Jensen, Night Thunder is a well crafted tale of terror. It's a pity we haven't seen more from Ruby as I feel she was taken from us too soon. Although thought of as the killer doll author this novel shows you that she has crafted a few sold it stories away from that. I recommend giving it a read, it's certainly worth the effort even if not perfect.
January 21, 2015
I love anything by Ruby Jean Jensen. This book was even autographed. Though the author has passed away, her legacy of being the Queen of horror novels lives on! Mostly her books are about dolls or toys coming back to life or evil and strange children doing ugly things. Loved this book and all the others.
June 20, 2021
This was a decent read until the end. The author decided to kill off a couple main characters. Well you think that must be it and then the evil will be vanquished. Well not so, evil wins! Ugh, I hated the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2020
My first exposure to this author - despite over four decades of reading horror and the UK price on the back cover, I've never seen a single one of her books on a shelf - but it won't be my last. This was an absolute blast, and the plotting was a delight.
It's not a perfect, nor even especially well-written, book: structurally, the prologue opening takes away quite a bit of mystery and suspense, and could have been inserted later into the main narrative to better effect; some of the dialogue - especially in the more emotionally charged scenes - is clunky, hardly ringing true; and the finale is so abbreviated that you'd be forgiven for not noticing it was happening until it was all over.
But the narrative drive, the characters who come alive before you even notice that they're protagonists, the sheer ability to surprise with twists and turns and unexpected moments, is just delightful to read. The escalation from what seems likely to be a ghost or zombie novel, to mysterious cult, to body snatchers, and finally approaching almost Lovecraftian horror... well, I found myself pacing this one out, which rarely happens.
It's not a perfect, nor even especially well-written, book: structurally, the prologue opening takes away quite a bit of mystery and suspense, and could have been inserted later into the main narrative to better effect; some of the dialogue - especially in the more emotionally charged scenes - is clunky, hardly ringing true; and the finale is so abbreviated that you'd be forgiven for not noticing it was happening until it was all over.
But the narrative drive, the characters who come alive before you even notice that they're protagonists, the sheer ability to surprise with twists and turns and unexpected moments, is just delightful to read. The escalation from what seems likely to be a ghost or zombie novel, to mysterious cult, to body snatchers, and finally approaching almost Lovecraftian horror... well, I found myself pacing this one out, which rarely happens.
August 20, 2020
Night Thunder is my first Ruby Jean Jensen book, but it won't be my last. I truly loved this book. Yes, the writing could be a bit clunky at times, but the plotting was excellent. She could tell a solid story. Her characters impressed me as well, and I truly enjoyed spending time in their heads.
Night Thunder is a solid, fast paced, supernatural horror novel focusing on a cult that isn't what it seems. The story goes to some really dark places, and I was surprised at a couple of the deaths. While not really scary, this book is truly unsettling. It also flies by, and at no point was I bored. I do wish the ending had been a little more fleshed out, but honestly, I was okay with a lot of the ambiguity as to the true nature of the book's villians.
Highly recommended, and copies can be found online for pretty reasonable prices. Check it out.
Night Thunder is a solid, fast paced, supernatural horror novel focusing on a cult that isn't what it seems. The story goes to some really dark places, and I was surprised at a couple of the deaths. While not really scary, this book is truly unsettling. It also flies by, and at no point was I bored. I do wish the ending had been a little more fleshed out, but honestly, I was okay with a lot of the ambiguity as to the true nature of the book's villians.
Highly recommended, and copies can be found online for pretty reasonable prices. Check it out.
September 21, 2019
How creepy! Starts in Civil War times where in this primitive age farmers feel compelled to immediately resolve their problem. In more modern times, it is much more difficult to counteract the evil beings that escape from their trap beneath the old tree. And their "perfect families" seemed to collect new members ... at the expense of the surrounding community.
December 26, 2019
If you're looking to read Salem's Lot, this is similar enough if you can't snag a copy.
December 9, 2021
It was a good slow read. An excellent book to read cuddled up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa.
February 7, 2024
Absolutely incredible story! I love when a book can make me feel so much. Fear, happiness, sorrow and anger all hit me hard with this book. RJJ is definitely a favorite author for me now 🖤
January 31, 2026
I could not finish this book. I found it very slow and over explanatory with undesired details. Out the door it went!!
July 7, 2017
During the Civil War era, after a brutal massacre, a boy watches a girl plant a tree. The girl warns him not to remove the tree. Unfortunately, that warning gets lost over the decades when his descendent, Mayor Beverly Boyd Innes, presides over a development that involves removing the tree.
After an ominous ceremony, one family, the Salisaws, welcome their new neighbors, the Rentons. The neighbors have some odd customs, and that oddness seems to infect the Salisaw parents, leaving their four children afraid.
The children's grandfather grows suspicious of what is happening to the town, and Mayor Innes remembers something her grandfather had said in his years of dotage that predicted of a terrible evil befalling their town. She and Grandpa Salisaw will need to learn more about this town's hidden history if they wants to stop this evil from consuming his family.
This is one of Jensen's strongest works.
After an ominous ceremony, one family, the Salisaws, welcome their new neighbors, the Rentons. The neighbors have some odd customs, and that oddness seems to infect the Salisaw parents, leaving their four children afraid.
The children's grandfather grows suspicious of what is happening to the town, and Mayor Innes remembers something her grandfather had said in his years of dotage that predicted of a terrible evil befalling their town. She and Grandpa Salisaw will need to learn more about this town's hidden history if they wants to stop this evil from consuming his family.
This is one of Jensen's strongest works.
July 13, 2011
In 1865 the Civil War rages across the land and an eleven year old boy awakens to the sound of thundering drumbeats. Four days later, his mother is dead and a strange cult of religious zealouts have been brutally murdered by the local farmers. That same night, the boy watches the only survivor--a young girl--plant a tree over the graves and issues the warning: As long as the tree lives, the dead stay buried.
In 1995, bulldozers destroy the tree and in the darkness, ancient faces glow with soulless light as an unspeakable evil rises again. The sound of drums is growing louder and closer...
Good story!
In 1995, bulldozers destroy the tree and in the darkness, ancient faces glow with soulless light as an unspeakable evil rises again. The sound of drums is growing louder and closer...
Good story!
January 7, 2013
One of my Favorite horror author's. Awesome book! A great twisting riveting scary book. What if these people did move into your neighborhood, what whould you do? See how the story unfolds with terrifying details that will keep you (and found myself)up at night either reading or looking out your window...
May 1, 2015
My first Ruby Jean book, and a very good one. It had me in its firm grip, from the first page.
It has a dark theme all the way through the book. Very good, but i would have loved to learn more
about the mysterious frightening cult. I will surley find myself some more R.J.Jensen books to read
It has a dark theme all the way through the book. Very good, but i would have loved to learn more
about the mysterious frightening cult. I will surley find myself some more R.J.Jensen books to read
January 13, 2009
I read this in seventh grade (almost ten years ago) and I thought it was terrifying and scary. Haven't read it since, so I'll go with how I thought it was back then.
December 17, 2013
This was the first Ruby Jean Jensen book that I've read. Really enjoyed it. The book was creepy and had a twisted ending that I wasn't really expecting. Will read more of her books.
October 14, 2014
The first week of October was scary-- but this book didn't have much to do with that.
June 5, 2010
Horrifying and much better than Lost and Found, my first Jensen book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews