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Black Water Creek
Kelly Raney ends her relationship with her abusive boyfriend the day she leaves him bleeding on the bedroom floor after an exceptionally violent fight. She grabs their toddler son Keegan, and the two flee town with a few dollars and the clothes on their backs.
Her car breaks down outside the small village of Black Water Creek. She reluctantly stays with the local auto mechanic Ed Sheridan and his wife until she can get back on her feet. She lands a job, moves into an isolated cottage by the river, and dreams of a fresh start and stable life for her son.
Just when it seems like Kelly is getting her life together, visions of torture, rape, and murder, taking place in her own quaint cottage, plague her nights and haunt her days. To make matters worse, she suspects her ex has tracked her down, looking for revenge and threatening to destroy her new life.
Her car breaks down outside the small village of Black Water Creek. She reluctantly stays with the local auto mechanic Ed Sheridan and his wife until she can get back on her feet. She lands a job, moves into an isolated cottage by the river, and dreams of a fresh start and stable life for her son.
Just when it seems like Kelly is getting her life together, visions of torture, rape, and murder, taking place in her own quaint cottage, plague her nights and haunt her days. To make matters worse, she suspects her ex has tracked her down, looking for revenge and threatening to destroy her new life.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2013
47 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 5, 2017
"Only the truly gifted like myself have seen the glory that beings with death, the transformation into gods far greater than the priests and reverends and ministers pretend to know and love."
After the final straw, Kelly flees with her young son Keegan. Kelly plans to show up at a distant Aunt’s house miles from her hometown. However, her small Toyota breaks down right outside a small town named Black Water Creek. Luckily for Kelly the citizens of this town are more than accommodating and Kelly soon finds herself living a quaint new life, Lifetime-movie-esque style.
After settling into a small cabin Kelly soon begins to have vivid nightmares and starts experiencing sensations of paranoia. As the dreams increase, Kelly begins to frantically put the pieces together to solve the mystery hidden within the walls of her new home. Is it a presence or is it her mind playing tricks on her? Add a scorned, abusive ex-boyfriend and Kelly has her hands full trying to right her life.
I picked this book from the blurb and was pleasantly surprised at what a good story it is! The author is completely new to me and I may look into his other works. The writing style flowed and was perfectly paced- there was enough action between the daily scenes of the characters to keep me hooked. Also, this story truly reads like a movie- you’ll be guessing from the beginning and hungering to learn the secrets.
I did expect a bit “more” based on the blurb and the tag of “horror” genre. In my opinion, this is light-moderate romantic suspense. I truly don’t see it as a horror book. I wanted more gore, desolation, and destruction in the pages. There was an INTENSE back story that I thought got a little overshadowed by Kelly’s present story-line.
Overall a solid mystery & one I’d recommend to others! xx
"...these women should be celebrated as goddesses and heroines."
After the final straw, Kelly flees with her young son Keegan. Kelly plans to show up at a distant Aunt’s house miles from her hometown. However, her small Toyota breaks down right outside a small town named Black Water Creek. Luckily for Kelly the citizens of this town are more than accommodating and Kelly soon finds herself living a quaint new life, Lifetime-movie-esque style.
After settling into a small cabin Kelly soon begins to have vivid nightmares and starts experiencing sensations of paranoia. As the dreams increase, Kelly begins to frantically put the pieces together to solve the mystery hidden within the walls of her new home. Is it a presence or is it her mind playing tricks on her? Add a scorned, abusive ex-boyfriend and Kelly has her hands full trying to right her life.
I picked this book from the blurb and was pleasantly surprised at what a good story it is! The author is completely new to me and I may look into his other works. The writing style flowed and was perfectly paced- there was enough action between the daily scenes of the characters to keep me hooked. Also, this story truly reads like a movie- you’ll be guessing from the beginning and hungering to learn the secrets.
I did expect a bit “more” based on the blurb and the tag of “horror” genre. In my opinion, this is light-moderate romantic suspense. I truly don’t see it as a horror book. I wanted more gore, desolation, and destruction in the pages. There was an INTENSE back story that I thought got a little overshadowed by Kelly’s present story-line.
Overall a solid mystery & one I’d recommend to others! xx
"...these women should be celebrated as goddesses and heroines."
September 27, 2013
Excellent reading! I really enjoyed this book. It defies easy labeling and does not fit neatly into a single genre. There is mystery, romance, a bit of horror, and a touch of the paranormal. No one element dominates the story, and the combining of those elements is well done. The plot is fast paced and full of suspense. I had to forgo my usual second book and read only this one. I like it when that happens.
The subject of abuse is a difficult one, too often portrayed in fiction with stereotypical characters. Here it is treated with sensitivity and tact, without downplaying the danger and the emotional damage involved. While Kelly is victimized, she is not a hapless victim. She is a well-developed and realistic character, one that I found easy to like. I thought all of the characters were interesting people. Ed and Sue are almost too good to be true, just missing that category because there really are good people in this world. They tend to not get a lot of press, but they do exist. The abusive Don was all too believable as well. Unfortunately, those people also exist.
A few subtle elements that I appreciated can't be discussed without spoilers. I'll just have to say that there is more than one layer to this story, and I thoroughly enjoyed all of it. I hope that Robert Brumm has plans for more books like this one. This one is a winner.
Note: Five stars on Amazon, four stars here. As always, this reflects only the difference in the two rating systems.
The subject of abuse is a difficult one, too often portrayed in fiction with stereotypical characters. Here it is treated with sensitivity and tact, without downplaying the danger and the emotional damage involved. While Kelly is victimized, she is not a hapless victim. She is a well-developed and realistic character, one that I found easy to like. I thought all of the characters were interesting people. Ed and Sue are almost too good to be true, just missing that category because there really are good people in this world. They tend to not get a lot of press, but they do exist. The abusive Don was all too believable as well. Unfortunately, those people also exist.
A few subtle elements that I appreciated can't be discussed without spoilers. I'll just have to say that there is more than one layer to this story, and I thoroughly enjoyed all of it. I hope that Robert Brumm has plans for more books like this one. This one is a winner.
Note: Five stars on Amazon, four stars here. As always, this reflects only the difference in the two rating systems.
March 1, 2014
I wish I could give this 10 stars. Black Water Creek has action, mystery, suspense, supernatural goings-on, and a dash of romance. All of these awesome things are combined with fantastic characterization and Brumm's easy writing style. I can't wait to read more by this author.
May 18, 2014
This was a genuinely enjoyable read, with a great story line. I loved the characters in this book as they were so well written. I am definitely going to pick up more books from the author, as if his other novels are of a similar quality then he is certainly an author to watch. A 5 star read!
June 27, 2014
Great book.. Would recommend this author and I will be looking at this other books!
November 9, 2014
Couldn't put it down.
This story had a little bit of everything in it and then some. It was unlike any other book I have read and as a plus it had a bookstore in it.
This story had a little bit of everything in it and then some. It was unlike any other book I have read and as a plus it had a bookstore in it.
January 22, 2022
Wow!
Probably not a book to read when you're home alone and it's very late, like I am. Lol. What a great story. I have to say that this book was amazing. A woman running from an abusive ex breaks down with her son in a small town. She eventually winds up renting a small cottage that is haunted. I'll let you read the story to find out the rest. Trust me, you will want to. Maybe just not at night. The characters are amazing and very life like. I enjoyed them very much. Great job, author.
Probably not a book to read when you're home alone and it's very late, like I am. Lol. What a great story. I have to say that this book was amazing. A woman running from an abusive ex breaks down with her son in a small town. She eventually winds up renting a small cottage that is haunted. I'll let you read the story to find out the rest. Trust me, you will want to. Maybe just not at night. The characters are amazing and very life like. I enjoyed them very much. Great job, author.
April 24, 2022
Nightmares Past & Present
A domestic violence victim and her young son find refuge in a small town after her car breaks down. She is taken in by a friendly couple. She soon finds work and love with an injured veteran. But her new homes has ugly secrets that are slowly revealed in terrifying nightmares. And her ex is bent on vengeance.
This book was okay. The current day narrative alternates with nightmares depicting the past. It is a bit simplistic but fairly engaging. None of the characters stands out but it is not a bad read.
A domestic violence victim and her young son find refuge in a small town after her car breaks down. She is taken in by a friendly couple. She soon finds work and love with an injured veteran. But her new homes has ugly secrets that are slowly revealed in terrifying nightmares. And her ex is bent on vengeance.
This book was okay. The current day narrative alternates with nightmares depicting the past. It is a bit simplistic but fairly engaging. None of the characters stands out but it is not a bad read.
January 29, 2018
Well done!!
Truly enjoyed this from start to finish. Loved the sense of possibility and had to questioned if it was fiction or autobiographical before reminding myself that the author is male! 😉
Truly enjoyed this from start to finish. Loved the sense of possibility and had to questioned if it was fiction or autobiographical before reminding myself that the author is male! 😉
May 25, 2018
Not bad but just to predictable
It wasn't a bad story just to predictable for me.I like to be surprised somewhere at least in a story but could tell exactly where this book was going at every point. Just had been done to many times before.
It wasn't a bad story just to predictable for me.I like to be surprised somewhere at least in a story but could tell exactly where this book was going at every point. Just had been done to many times before.
August 21, 2018
This was a very intense story. I loved the characters of Ed and Sue. What wonderful people they were. I also loved the whole serial killer story line. I kept waiting for Don to show up and cause trouble. I very much enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more by Robert Brumm.
June 5, 2022
Loved it!
Yes I did love this one and I’m not a fan of anything paranormal. But Mr. Brumm handled it well with very natural events which flowed from one into the next. Great plot and characters. There’s a book store so what’s not to love? Good job!
Yes I did love this one and I’m not a fan of anything paranormal. But Mr. Brumm handled it well with very natural events which flowed from one into the next. Great plot and characters. There’s a book store so what’s not to love? Good job!
May 28, 2025
"Spellbinding "
I normally read Western's and SIFI but some how found myself reading this book in one setting. couldn't put it down . luckily I started reading it early in the morning and didn't have to burn midnight oil to finish.
I normally read Western's and SIFI but some how found myself reading this book in one setting. couldn't put it down . luckily I started reading it early in the morning and didn't have to burn midnight oil to finish.
October 11, 2022
a great and scary story
i don't normally like ghost stories, and this one was grimmet than most. but it was gripping and hard to put down.
i don't normally like ghost stories, and this one was grimmet than most. but it was gripping and hard to put down.
June 16, 2025
Decent book just odd. A lot of different plot points all coming together for a very confusing end. Wasn’t expecting ghosts that’s for sure
March 14, 2014
Absolutely brilliant...
To me a good book is something I enjoy over time, in between the things that I do regularly (eat, sleep, work, etc.). A great book carries me away in its pages, keeps me from being able to put it down (including having to force myself to put it down in order to get sleep when I realize it is 3am), it takes over my life and does not allow me to get distracted by my other hobbies; in a sense it holds me hostage until I have read the last word.
Black Water Creek is a "great" book, it was a thrilling read, keeping me on the edge of my seat and holding me hostage the entire time I was immersed within it's pages. I didn't want to put it down even to sleep and I found myself wishing that I had started it earlier in the day (instead of 11pm), so that I could have finished it without stopping. I cannot wait to read more from Mr. Brumm, based on this first experience with this author I am going to need an entire shelf in my personal library just for his work.
To me a good book is something I enjoy over time, in between the things that I do regularly (eat, sleep, work, etc.). A great book carries me away in its pages, keeps me from being able to put it down (including having to force myself to put it down in order to get sleep when I realize it is 3am), it takes over my life and does not allow me to get distracted by my other hobbies; in a sense it holds me hostage until I have read the last word.
Black Water Creek is a "great" book, it was a thrilling read, keeping me on the edge of my seat and holding me hostage the entire time I was immersed within it's pages. I didn't want to put it down even to sleep and I found myself wishing that I had started it earlier in the day (instead of 11pm), so that I could have finished it without stopping. I cannot wait to read more from Mr. Brumm, based on this first experience with this author I am going to need an entire shelf in my personal library just for his work.
August 23, 2014
I finished this in about three days of furtive reading between other things going on. You know what? I felt like I knew the main character, her situation not being that far from friends and relatives caught up in the horror of manipulative jerks.
Her brave escape, with her son, into a world she falls into through happenstance, both heals her wounds and rips them open. This is a charming book, but a powerful one. The introduction of the paranormal into the normal is intriguing and captivating.
I would say this is a book that you can enjoy, be frightened of, be reassured about, and learn what it is to be a fragile human on the edge of both planes.
Well, done, and look forward to reading more. This is different in tone from the Desolate series, but no less masterful in execution
Her brave escape, with her son, into a world she falls into through happenstance, both heals her wounds and rips them open. This is a charming book, but a powerful one. The introduction of the paranormal into the normal is intriguing and captivating.
I would say this is a book that you can enjoy, be frightened of, be reassured about, and learn what it is to be a fragile human on the edge of both planes.
Well, done, and look forward to reading more. This is different in tone from the Desolate series, but no less masterful in execution
April 27, 2015
Kelley attempts to escape her abusive boyfriend after the most recent knockdown fight. Kelley takes off with her son in tow to escape the abusive and alcoholic life she no longer wants to be a part of. On her way to a family member's home where she plans to seek refuge, Kelley's car breaks down. She has no money, no job, no one to help. The local mechanic offers Kelley and her son a place to stay. Reluctantly, Kelley accepts. Kelley attempts to start a new life in the small village of Black Water Creek when strange things start to happen. Kelley will unearth a past that needed to be unearthed.
Great read.
Great read.
November 4, 2013
Brumm has really stepped up his game on this one. I couldn't stop reading it, and finished in 2 days. Kelly was a great lead character and the story was completely believable and identifiable. This was truly a moving story and group of characters, and this is without a doubt my favorite work by this author (I've read them all). This is NOT the paranormal-romance chick-lit I was expecting going in, and was actually a delightful surprise in that it contained elements of both without being either. Thanks for your best read yet, Robert!
August 4, 2015
I loved this book. The plot kept me intregied. The writing style and flow was spot on and I found the story line to be believable. I never thought about ghosts much but in this story it was not the typical ghost story but lets the reader dabble in the afterlife. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to read a good story.
May 23, 2014
Well that was a quick read! I guess I'd have to say this one was just alright. A little mystery, a little love and a crazy guy... I'd say it would make for a good lifetime movie!
June 7, 2014
Wow! What a book. Deep characters, great plot and fantastically written! Enjoyed so much I didn't put it down! It was free as well!
June 9, 2014
Interesting and not quite what I thought this book was going to be. It was quite a good read. Kelly was such a strong character and it was a pleasant change. Will read this book again
July 18, 2015
Decent, but not earth-shattering, scary/romance story. 2.9 stars.
November 23, 2014
I enjoyed the storyline. It was a quick read. I was disappointed in the number of grammatical errors.
September 26, 2015
I really enjoyed this story but it had too many easy conveniences to be a great read. Would still recommend though.
October 24, 2015
This book had a bit of everything. Mystery, intrigue, romance, danger, and paranormal activity made the book a pleasant read.
August 20, 2014
review to come.
October 29, 2017
Good book...
This was really a nice read. The characters were relatable and the storyline, while dark fit in just fine.
I thoroughly enjoyed it & would recommend highly...😁
This was really a nice read. The characters were relatable and the storyline, while dark fit in just fine.
I thoroughly enjoyed it & would recommend highly...😁
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews