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Remains
On May 21st, 2011, seven graduate students in Religious Studies set out from the University of Colorado in search of God. Armed with only their faith and the scriptures, they rented a small cluster of cabins on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. None of them were ever heard from again. On October 29th, 2013, a disarticulated femur is discovered in a mountain lion's den. Forensics confirms the bone belongs to one of the missing seven, triggering a massive search of the surrounding wilderness. No other evidence is found. On November 13th, the families of the missing students rent the same cabins and attempt to recreate the final days of their loved ones in hopes of divining their fate. Only this time, thanks to an unusual bacterium isolated from the femur, they know where to look. Nothing can prepare them for the truth. This is their story. The story of what they found, what they lost…and what remains.PRAISE FOR REMAINS"Pitch-perfect pacing...gripping." - Cemetery Dance Magazine"McBride does a wicked job here of building (not only) some serious suspense, but an expectation that kept me flipping the pages as quick as I could." - The Horror Fiction Review"Remains is ambitious, and intelligent. The tone reminded me of something by Richard Matheson, in its matter-of-fact approach to the investigations. The story works as a piece of suspense fiction, a techno-thriller, a horror yarn, and it's also a science fiction story at heart." - Horror Drive-In Reviews ABOUT THE AUTHORMichael McBride is the best-selling author of Burial Ground, Snowblind, The Coyote, Vector Borne, and F9, as well as Bloodletting, Innocents Lost, Predatory Instinct, and Category V. He lives in Avalanche Country with his wife and children.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
83 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Michael McBride
122 books480 followersMichael McBride was born in Colorado and still resides in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. He hates the snow, but loves the Avalanche. He works with medical radiation, yet somehow managed to produce five children, none of whom, miraculously, have tails, third eyes, or other random mutations. He writes fiction that runs the gamut from thriller to horror to science fiction...and loves every minute of it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 27, 2015
This novel is a many leveled search/adventure. The search for lost loved ones, the search for angles, the search for truth and meaning. The setting is in Colorado's Rocky Mountains in isolated cabins in a blizzard.
Mr. Mcbride obviously knows of what he speaks as the setting is most convincing. The story is fast paced and the fear builds rather quickly, not only the terror of being exhausted from trudging through the snow in the mountains, but a building terror that is built as the story develops.
High praise for this one.
Mr. Mcbride obviously knows of what he speaks as the setting is most convincing. The story is fast paced and the fear builds rather quickly, not only the terror of being exhausted from trudging through the snow in the mountains, but a building terror that is built as the story develops.
High praise for this one.
April 13, 2014
Another top quality mystery thriller from Mike McBride who certainly knows how to ramp up the tension in the manner of a James Rollins or Matthew Reilly classic.
On May 21st 2011 seven graduate students in Religious studies set out from the University of Colorado in search of the dark angels cast out of heaven and irrefutable proof of God, armed with only their faith and the scriptures, they rented cabins at Mount Isolation on the western side of the Continental divide. Their family & friends tracked their progress via daily blog updates, the last being made on July 11th, None of them were ever heard from again.
Over two years later a land holder and game hunter tracking a cat discovers a bone at its lair, a bone from one of the seven kids, a discovery that has relatives of the students once again in the mountains looking for their children, looking for closure. This time they’ve got more to go on and this time there’s going to be some stunning revelations.
On May 21st 2011 seven graduate students in Religious studies set out from the University of Colorado in search of the dark angels cast out of heaven and irrefutable proof of God, armed with only their faith and the scriptures, they rented cabins at Mount Isolation on the western side of the Continental divide. Their family & friends tracked their progress via daily blog updates, the last being made on July 11th, None of them were ever heard from again.
Over two years later a land holder and game hunter tracking a cat discovers a bone at its lair, a bone from one of the seven kids, a discovery that has relatives of the students once again in the mountains looking for their children, looking for closure. This time they’ve got more to go on and this time there’s going to be some stunning revelations.
January 25, 2014
I've seen a lot of reviews complaining about McBride's choice of subject matter, but as a FICTION book, I found this to be quite enjoyable. The suspense builds up steadily right from the beginning, throwing in a few unexpected twists along the way. While some people were obviously not happy with the conclusion provided here, I felt it was quite a clever change of pace. Although I suspected part of it earlier on, the action keeps building throughout the entire story, keeping you riveted on the words until the very end.
Recommended.
Recommended.
January 26, 2014
Good story
The author builds suspense nicely. This could easily have been written as a large novel. The research was well done and the plot thought through carefully. The weather, location and even the cat add to the generally creepy atmosphere.
The plot builds to a climax quickly and the author's character development and skillful use of setting combined with cultural allusions make this a good read.
I would recommend this as a solid, fun, quick read.
The author builds suspense nicely. This could easily have been written as a large novel. The research was well done and the plot thought through carefully. The weather, location and even the cat add to the generally creepy atmosphere.
The plot builds to a climax quickly and the author's character development and skillful use of setting combined with cultural allusions make this a good read.
I would recommend this as a solid, fun, quick read.
July 15, 2014
A pretty good story with good characters and a great setting. Unfortunately the ending was incredibly stupid and unoriginal.
January 19, 2015
Great book
The writing was great, suspenseful without needing cheesy monsters or other silliness. Would probably make a great movie. One of the better books I've read in a while.
The writing was great, suspenseful without needing cheesy monsters or other silliness. Would probably make a great movie. One of the better books I've read in a while.
July 19, 2015
Short and fast read, perfekt for a day sitting on the balcony in the sun drinking iced tea.
Not sure I want to lable the as horror, more like a thriller with some gore. Suspensful it was though! I did not see that ending coming.
A group of seven people are out in the bush trying to locate relatives that vanished 2 years earlier without a trace. It is november and a storm is coming. The missing persons were all young christians looking for fallen angels (like looking for trouble if you ask me)
Sure it had some flaws, but for a novella is was just fine and entertaining.
Not sure I want to lable the as horror, more like a thriller with some gore. Suspensful it was though! I did not see that ending coming.
A group of seven people are out in the bush trying to locate relatives that vanished 2 years earlier without a trace. It is november and a storm is coming. The missing persons were all young christians looking for fallen angels (like looking for trouble if you ask me)
Sure it had some flaws, but for a novella is was just fine and entertaining.
April 15, 2016
What? SPOILER!!
Most of the plot was implausible. Five adults followed a cop into the mountains during a winter storm to find the remains of their families who had disappeared at least 2 years prior. Then there's all this build-up, leading to more deaths and finding 2 survivors. Those survivors had killed their 5 friends and 4 of the 6 in the search party to protect a secret that would disprove the existence of God. Except what they found didn't seem to have anything with God, unless I missed something. I'm so confused with the very rushed conclusion.
Most of the plot was implausible. Five adults followed a cop into the mountains during a winter storm to find the remains of their families who had disappeared at least 2 years prior. Then there's all this build-up, leading to more deaths and finding 2 survivors. Those survivors had killed their 5 friends and 4 of the 6 in the search party to protect a secret that would disprove the existence of God. Except what they found didn't seem to have anything with God, unless I missed something. I'm so confused with the very rushed conclusion.
November 1, 2018
I don't know what this is supposed to be.
I wish I hadn't read this book first because I've heard good things about this author and the beginning had potential. But then it just sort of petered out into a puzzling, juvenile and pointless attempt to invalidate the religious beliefs of millions and millions of people. I don't know if the author just decided on the spur of the moment to jump on a currently popular bandwagon and then casually tossed this out after diligently researching sci fi television and maybe comic books? But I know I wish I had my time back.
I wish I hadn't read this book first because I've heard good things about this author and the beginning had potential. But then it just sort of petered out into a puzzling, juvenile and pointless attempt to invalidate the religious beliefs of millions and millions of people. I don't know if the author just decided on the spur of the moment to jump on a currently popular bandwagon and then casually tossed this out after diligently researching sci fi television and maybe comic books? But I know I wish I had my time back.
July 29, 2019
Excellent! I was hooked on page one, where the suspense started, and never let up until the very last page. Good character build-up, interesting subject, moved right along to a very surprising ending. Totally enjoyed this one and would highly recommend it. A really good mystery!
September 17, 2015
Odd premise
June 19, 2025
Im not a biblical scholar, so forgive me
..but they found exactly what was written in the Bible? Fallen angels awaiting judgement. I dont see how that would have derailed any beliefs. I was raised Christian...and you get forgiveness if you ask. Clearly they hadnt been dealt with yet. And the face of God was that vague shadow play on Mars? 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ Michael you have really interesting concepts but this was really silly!!!
..but they found exactly what was written in the Bible? Fallen angels awaiting judgement. I dont see how that would have derailed any beliefs. I was raised Christian...and you get forgiveness if you ask. Clearly they hadnt been dealt with yet. And the face of God was that vague shadow play on Mars? 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ Michael you have really interesting concepts but this was really silly!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2021
Unusual ending
A great writer has started a story that seems reasonable to begin with then it grabs you making you think there’s more to the story than missing people
The main characters lead to a very interesting find of a supposedly religious nature which I find disturbing
Well written entertainment
A great writer has started a story that seems reasonable to begin with then it grabs you making you think there’s more to the story than missing people
The main characters lead to a very interesting find of a supposedly religious nature which I find disturbing
Well written entertainment
March 8, 2022
While many of his other books were really good for some reason this one did not do it for me. I just did not get drawn into the storyline. For me there was too much description of surroundings or other activities that did not seem relevant. That being said it will not stop me form getting his other books.
October 19, 2022
Loved the idea
As always with this author, the book never stops. It is intense from start to finish. He really understands and makes the reader feel the cold.
I don't feel I really got to know the characters well, or the missing students. I'm left with some unanswered questions and feel the book could be fleshed out more.
I really liked Oscar.
As always with this author, the book never stops. It is intense from start to finish. He really understands and makes the reader feel the cold.
I don't feel I really got to know the characters well, or the missing students. I'm left with some unanswered questions and feel the book could be fleshed out more.
I really liked Oscar.
April 15, 2018
Not a bad read
Quick read. Not a lot of meat to the story. I read some negative reviews, especially about the religious slant. Ignore them. All in all a quick read with a satisfying conclusion. Thank god!
Quick read. Not a lot of meat to the story. I read some negative reviews, especially about the religious slant. Ignore them. All in all a quick read with a satisfying conclusion. Thank god!
December 7, 2020
Interesting concept
Very interesting read but it falls just short of being perfect. The twist ending is great but doesn't have as much impact since this isn't a full length novel. Overall still a really good read
Very interesting read but it falls just short of being perfect. The twist ending is great but doesn't have as much impact since this isn't a full length novel. Overall still a really good read
June 17, 2023
After group looking for God, disappear without a trace, family members begin a search with no rewards. Years later a bone is found from one of the group and family members go in search of answers. What they find will change everything! Good story, that builds the suspense nicely.
June 26, 2018
Readable
Liked the book till the end and not sure what the author was trying to tell if relate to reader
Liked the book till the end and not sure what the author was trying to tell if relate to reader
July 10, 2018
A very interesting read!
August 9, 2018
Fast and furious!
Remains is wickedly good read for a sleepless night! The story grips from the beginning, and it never lets you go.
Remains is wickedly good read for a sleepless night! The story grips from the beginning, and it never lets you go.
December 30, 2019
a nice tense thriller to pass the time with.
January 13, 2022
Awesome novella. Cool story that kept me intrigued.
January 29, 2022
this book will have you guessing all the way to the ending action packed all the way.
May 5, 2022
stupid
Boring and slow. Not a thriller. Not scary. A waste of time. Wish I’d never read it. Probably won’t read any more of this author’s books.
Boring and slow. Not a thriller. Not scary. A waste of time. Wish I’d never read it. Probably won’t read any more of this author’s books.
May 18, 2022
Great book
Captivating. We find many unexplainable things daily. Great book! This author has a great imagination. Keep producing and I will keep reading!
Captivating. We find many unexplainable things daily. Great book! This author has a great imagination. Keep producing and I will keep reading!
March 26, 2023
Good quick read!
Impressive! Did not see that coming! Lots of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged from beginning to end. A sequel?
Impressive! Did not see that coming! Lots of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged from beginning to end. A sequel?
April 17, 2023
This reminded me why I love McBride as an author. I really liked this one. The ending disappointed some people, but not me. I thought it suited the book well. I want another one just like this!
June 25, 2023
always good.
You can never go wrong with any of his books. I’ve read them all and some more than once. This was a great quick read.
You can never go wrong with any of his books. I’ve read them all and some more than once. This was a great quick read.
October 2, 2023
wowww
Well, could’ve been a lot longer. Make a great movie sad at the end, but I knew that, it was not gonna be happy in a way where it was.
Well, could’ve been a lot longer. Make a great movie sad at the end, but I knew that, it was not gonna be happy in a way where it was.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews