Last Summer

by J.W. Bouchard

During the summer of 1993, Zach and his friends set out to have one final adventure before they start high school. But instead, they accidentally discover an entrance to hell and the dark secret which resides there. People are disappearing, and when Zach’s girlfriend goes missing, he suddenly finds himself caught up in a battle against an ancient evil which threatens to destroy anything that gets in its way. This is a tale about evil and its existence in a small Iowa town. It’s about childhood, friendship, and growing up. It’s also a love story… Last Summer is approximately 40,000 words long.

Genres: Horror, Coming Of Age, Mystery

215 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 16, 2012

About the author

J.W. Bouchard is the author of over twenty novels spanning horror, mystery, and science fiction. When he’s not writing stories that pull readers into the dark, the strange, and the unknown, he’s exploring them firsthand—spelunking underground or scuba diving below the surface.

In the past, he has been a grocery bagger, waiter, hearing aid consultant, promotional products salesman, telemarketer, janitor, security guard, law enforcement officer, treatment facility supervisor, healthcare fraud investigator, business manager, and serial entrepreneur. He is a licensed real estate broker and a formerly licensed private investigator.

His latest hobby is teaching his kids bad habits. He lives in Iowa.

Reviews

[Olly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely, It took me back to my teen years when me and my friends would go out into the woods or old buildings exploring.
The charecters were great and I think most people could picture themselves as one of these charecters and will be able to name one of their friends as a Devon or a Matt or Zach.
I will be the first to admit that my first encounter with J.W Bouchard wasn't great after reading Rabid not because of the story or the writing it just wasn't for me. But I saw something I liked and said I would try another sample and the man did not dissapoint.

A great read, the only downside to this story is that it will sadden you for growing up. Never to have that first kiss, those unconditional friendships that when your older you don't have the patience for.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Summer is an excellent coming of age tale in the spirit of The Goonies or even King's "The Body." The characters are nestalgic and believable making me think of my own high school days, well if they had gone horribly wrong. This is well worth the read.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good little story. The author did an excellent job building tensions and did not disappoint at the climax. I liked the dynamic between the core group of characters and how the trepidation in the face of high school caused them to be more reckless than they would have ever considered before. There were a couple of unanswered questions I would have liked to seen addressed, but it wasn't anything that detracted from the story without it, just a personal curiosity.

[Douglas Castagna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining blend of horror and coming of age, but somehow falls short. The characters are well drawn and likable but the horror seems to be held back too long and the delivery does not feel satisfying.

[David Donaghe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found, Last Summer, an entertaining coming of age horror story, to be entertaining and well worth the read.

[Patty Mabery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read

A good read

a good story for science fiction. I normally don't read this type of material, but I enjoyed it. I found I couldn't put it down! thanks!