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Konrath Dark Thriller Collective - Three Novels (Afraid, Trapped, Endurance)
Three complete horror novels by the master of chills, J.A. Konrath.A F R A I DWELCOME TO SAFE HAVEN, POPULATION 907...Nestled in the woods of Wisconsin, Safe Haven is miles from everything. With one road in and out, this is a town so peaceful it has never needed a full-time police force. Until now...A helicopter has crashed on the outskirts of town and something terrible has been unleashed. A classified secret weapon programmed to kill anything that stands in its way. Now it's headed for the nearest lights to do what it does best. Isolate. Terrorize. Annihilate.Soon all phone lines are dead and the road is blocked. Safe Haven’s only chance for survival rests on the shoulders of an aging county sheriff. And as the body count rises, the sheriff realizes something even more terrifying - maybe death hasn't come to his little town by accident...WELCOME TO SAFE HAVEN, POPULATION 907... 906... 905...AFRAID by J.A. KonrathAre you afraid of the dark? You will be.T R A P P E DTERRIFIED...It was supposed to be a harmless camping trip. Six wayward teenagers who'd run into trouble with the law, and their court-appointed guardians, Sara and Martin Randhurst. Three nights on a small, deserted island off of Michigan's upper peninsula. A time to bond, to learn, to heal.Then Martin told a campfire story about the island's history. Of the old civil war prison hidden in there, and the starving confederate soldiers who resorted to cannibalism to stay alive. Everyone thought it was funny. They even laughed when Martin pretended to be dragged off into the woods.But Martin didn't come back. And neither did Sara when she went in search of him.Then the laughter stopped....TO DEATHThe group soon began to realize that this deserted island wasn't so deserted after all. And perhaps Martin's ridiculous story had more truth to it than anyone thought.What's the most horrifying thing you can imagine?This is a hundred times worse...TRAPPED by J.A. KonrathIt starts where other horror ends E N D U R A N C EWELCOME TO THE RUSHMORE INNThe bed and breakfast was hidden in the hills of West Virginia. Wary guests wondered how it could stay in business at such a creepy, remote location. Especially with its bizarre, presidential decor and eccentric proprietor.ONCE YOU CHECK IN...When the event hotel for the national Iron Woman triathlon accidentally overbooked, competitor Maria was forced to stay at the Rushmore. But after checking into her room, she quickly realized she wasn't alone. First her suitcase wasn't where she put it. Then her cell phone was moved. Finally, she heard an odd creaking under the bed. Confusion quickly turned to fear, and fear to hysteria when she discovered the front door was barred and the windows were bricked over. There was no way out....YOU'LL BE DYING TO LEAVEOne year later, four new female athletes have become guests of the Inn. Will they escape the horrors within its walls? Or will they join the many others who have died there, in ways too terrible to imagine?ENDURANCE by J.A.
1001 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2012
338 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Konrath
199 books3,014 followersJoe Konrath has written over twenty novels in the Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels thriller series. They do not have to be read chronologically to be enjoyed, but the order is: Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, Rusty Nail, Dirty Martini, Shot of Tequila, Fuzzy Navel, Cherry Bomb, Dead On My Feet, Serial Killers Uncut (with Blake Crouch), Shaken, Stirred (with Blake Crouch), Dying Breath, Everybody Dies, Rum Runner, Last Call, White Russian, Shot Girl, Chaser, Old Fashioned, Bite Force, and Witch Brew. More coming soon.
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 10, 2018
I just remembered, I needed to update this, as the special offer is no longer applicable.
Anyway, I reviewed each book, separately. As a whole, I'd give this bundle 3★ because I enjoyed each novel, for the most part, but, due to the typos, formatting issues and continuity errors (which was more terrifying, than some of the things happening in these books. Slight exaggeration), my enjoyment fluctuated, every so often. I've still got a plethora of novels by this author to get through, but I'll be having a hiatus from reading any of his books, for awhile (indefinitely) - and it's not because of my current slump.
I assume it was reduced in price, due to the - less than copasetic, presentation. Luckily, I didn't have to pay full-price for it.
Anyway, I reviewed each book, separately. As a whole, I'd give this bundle 3★ because I enjoyed each novel, for the most part, but, due to the typos, formatting issues and continuity errors (which was more terrifying, than some of the things happening in these books. Slight exaggeration), my enjoyment fluctuated, every so often. I've still got a plethora of novels by this author to get through, but I'll be having a hiatus from reading any of his books, for awhile (indefinitely) - and it's not because of my current slump.
I assume it was reduced in price, due to the - less than copasetic, presentation. Luckily, I didn't have to pay full-price for it.
November 23, 2021
Awesome Trilogy!
With this being a triple omnibus of three horrifying novels I am breaking them down book by book with thoughts for each book.
Afraid
The town of Safe Haven is shattered by a helicopter crash that releases special ops soldiers that believe they are on a mission to seek and destroy - the problem is the soldiers will not let anything stand in their way of extracting the information they are looking for.
The citizens of the town realize too late that they are in the sights of these soldiers and they will have to band together to survive or die trying whichever comes first!
Thoughts:
This book just jumped out from under me right away as something happens almost instantly with this story which kept me suspended in terror. I was reading about what the citizens were going through as for the first couple or so chapters I was as much in the dark as the citizen characters on trying to figure out what was stalking them.
I learned quick that the threat was soldiers, but the author keeps the reader hooked until revealing that information, but then I was still in tension and anticipation of what was going to happen next so even revealing that info just heightened my level of intrigue!
The writing style is pristine and smooth which I knew that it was going to be a fun read as I have read this author under his other name for his crime thrillers, though I have read one of his horror novels before which was Haunted House that is really tied in with this set of books, but I didn't know that when I first read the book that there was character tie-ins so will be rereading that book when I finish reading the three books in this omnibus.
Trapped
Martin and Sara Randhurst are guardians of six teens who have had troubled pasts and they decide to take them all camping out to an island that has been known to have an abandoned prison. Martin tells a spooky campfire story to them all one night after they get settled around the campfire about the prison and what happened there.
Then a few of the teens see something in the bushes but they don't think nothing of it till Martin mysteriously falls back into the bushes but doesn't reappear. Sara thinks Martin is just joking around and trying to scare everyone, but when after a half hour or so and Martin still hasn't reappeared then everyone becomes worried.
When Sara decides to go in search of Martin she takes a couple of the teens with her telling the others to stay in camp, but then things take a horrific turn as there is "something" roaming the island jungle and it is not happy that they have all invaded its turf.
Thoughts
This story grabbed me right away as when the character Martin disappears then all hell broke loose with everyone trying to find him and finding something else instead. There is lots of mystery and spookiness within this story along with some blood action as well. This story moves at a fast pace and there are plenty of twists and turns throughout the story which kept my insomnia fueled a few nights.
Endurance
An Iron Woman triathlon has been overbooked at one hotel so the hotel clerk informs the guests that they can book a room at the Rushmore Inn (a bed and breakfast) that is hidden away in the backwoods of West Virginia.
Women have arrived at the Inn but the rooms are creepy in that all the rooms seem to have previous presidents faces on portraits around the room and things just seem to be "off" about the place. There are some creepy and deformed men that are wandering around the inn, but that is not all that is hidden deep away inside this inn as once the women get settled into their rooms they are going to find out that there is more to the Rushmore Inn than they thought and they should have not stayed there!
Thoughts
This was a backwoods hillbilly gore fest that was a slow burn as it took a little time to get to the "nitty gritty" of the story. There is a prologue where something happens but once I became involved in the gist of the main story it took a little bit for things to happen but when it did I had to grab my gore suit as this story turned into a twisted bloody mess!
Total thoughts for the trilogy
This was a great trilogy and I am happy that I finally stepped into all three books as I have owned them for awhile. I have been reading the crime series of this author and really been enjoying them, but hadn't really stepped into his horror books. All three books kept me wrapped up in twisted knots as I wanted to see what was lying in store for me through each book. Giving this whole trilogy five "Gruesome Gore" stars!
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
With this being a triple omnibus of three horrifying novels I am breaking them down book by book with thoughts for each book.
Afraid
The town of Safe Haven is shattered by a helicopter crash that releases special ops soldiers that believe they are on a mission to seek and destroy - the problem is the soldiers will not let anything stand in their way of extracting the information they are looking for.
The citizens of the town realize too late that they are in the sights of these soldiers and they will have to band together to survive or die trying whichever comes first!
Thoughts:
This book just jumped out from under me right away as something happens almost instantly with this story which kept me suspended in terror. I was reading about what the citizens were going through as for the first couple or so chapters I was as much in the dark as the citizen characters on trying to figure out what was stalking them.
I learned quick that the threat was soldiers, but the author keeps the reader hooked until revealing that information, but then I was still in tension and anticipation of what was going to happen next so even revealing that info just heightened my level of intrigue!
The writing style is pristine and smooth which I knew that it was going to be a fun read as I have read this author under his other name for his crime thrillers, though I have read one of his horror novels before which was Haunted House that is really tied in with this set of books, but I didn't know that when I first read the book that there was character tie-ins so will be rereading that book when I finish reading the three books in this omnibus.
Trapped
Martin and Sara Randhurst are guardians of six teens who have had troubled pasts and they decide to take them all camping out to an island that has been known to have an abandoned prison. Martin tells a spooky campfire story to them all one night after they get settled around the campfire about the prison and what happened there.
Then a few of the teens see something in the bushes but they don't think nothing of it till Martin mysteriously falls back into the bushes but doesn't reappear. Sara thinks Martin is just joking around and trying to scare everyone, but when after a half hour or so and Martin still hasn't reappeared then everyone becomes worried.
When Sara decides to go in search of Martin she takes a couple of the teens with her telling the others to stay in camp, but then things take a horrific turn as there is "something" roaming the island jungle and it is not happy that they have all invaded its turf.
Thoughts
This story grabbed me right away as when the character Martin disappears then all hell broke loose with everyone trying to find him and finding something else instead. There is lots of mystery and spookiness within this story along with some blood action as well. This story moves at a fast pace and there are plenty of twists and turns throughout the story which kept my insomnia fueled a few nights.
Endurance
An Iron Woman triathlon has been overbooked at one hotel so the hotel clerk informs the guests that they can book a room at the Rushmore Inn (a bed and breakfast) that is hidden away in the backwoods of West Virginia.
Women have arrived at the Inn but the rooms are creepy in that all the rooms seem to have previous presidents faces on portraits around the room and things just seem to be "off" about the place. There are some creepy and deformed men that are wandering around the inn, but that is not all that is hidden deep away inside this inn as once the women get settled into their rooms they are going to find out that there is more to the Rushmore Inn than they thought and they should have not stayed there!
Thoughts
This was a backwoods hillbilly gore fest that was a slow burn as it took a little time to get to the "nitty gritty" of the story. There is a prologue where something happens but once I became involved in the gist of the main story it took a little bit for things to happen but when it did I had to grab my gore suit as this story turned into a twisted bloody mess!
Total thoughts for the trilogy
This was a great trilogy and I am happy that I finally stepped into all three books as I have owned them for awhile. I have been reading the crime series of this author and really been enjoying them, but hadn't really stepped into his horror books. All three books kept me wrapped up in twisted knots as I wanted to see what was lying in store for me through each book. Giving this whole trilogy five "Gruesome Gore" stars!
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
July 14, 2018
Non-stop Horror
In Afraid, Trapped and Endurance, the action begins right away and doesn't stop until the end. J.A. Konrath has a knack for knowing people's worst fears and making them even more intense.
And just when thought it couldn't get any scarier or any more gory, it does.
Each story is a stand alone but there is a crazy connection between Afraid and Trapped, like a wtf, my mind is blown, moment.
A Must read for horror lovers.
In Afraid, Trapped and Endurance, the action begins right away and doesn't stop until the end. J.A. Konrath has a knack for knowing people's worst fears and making them even more intense.
And just when thought it couldn't get any scarier or any more gory, it does.
Each story is a stand alone but there is a crazy connection between Afraid and Trapped, like a wtf, my mind is blown, moment.
A Must read for horror lovers.
February 3, 2014
Don't misconstrue the 3* rating; I highly recommend these books for those who love horror - not sure you'll find a better story-teller than Jack Kilborn. They were a bit gory for my tastes, but well written and packed with edge-of-your-seat tension. Throughout these books I found myself saying, "Surely things can't get any worse for these characters," and then Bam! - sure enough - they got worse.
February 16, 2018
Makes Texas Chain Saw Massacre, look like Snow White!
Great slasher, gore, and absurdly freaky books! This trilogy had me racing through the pages; mixing gut wrenching scenes, with a touch of humour. I was either gagging or laughing. Reminded me of the books I read by, Richard Laymon, and early Dean Koontz. I do enjoy a good Konrath book, tongue in cheek and very macabre. ☺ Enjoy!
Great slasher, gore, and absurdly freaky books! This trilogy had me racing through the pages; mixing gut wrenching scenes, with a touch of humour. I was either gagging or laughing. Reminded me of the books I read by, Richard Laymon, and early Dean Koontz. I do enjoy a good Konrath book, tongue in cheek and very macabre. ☺ Enjoy!
February 15, 2018
This was one of the scariest books i have read, it was scary, gory, page turning good i loved it. I'm a Stephen king, willow rose, fan this rates right up there with them. Planning on reading more of his books.
November 21, 2018
Thriller trilogy
I am never disappointed with this author. Fabulous!!!!!!! The characters are well defined and the stories excellently described. I highly recommend this book!
I am never disappointed with this author. Fabulous!!!!!!! The characters are well defined and the stories excellently described. I highly recommend this book!
October 23, 2019
Afraid. This story has a good pace and kept the action on, closer to believable made this not so joyous ride quite thrilling. 4 stars. I anticipate more story to come.
Trapped, human experiments are things we cringe at but believe happen. The king of scream is alive and well in this story, however it seems to be pieced together because the pieces fit but do not create a clear picture when the puzzle is complete, more of a convenient one. 2 stars
Endurance, Plenty of surprises around the corner and visually engaging. This started a bit slow and very gradually picked up momentum. For football fans, it's a 4th quarter game. I appreciate the authors offer of all varieties of people in this grim reaper, but it included needless repetition useful for word count and little for substance. I am glad is was the third story and not the first. 2 stars.
Trapped, human experiments are things we cringe at but believe happen. The king of scream is alive and well in this story, however it seems to be pieced together because the pieces fit but do not create a clear picture when the puzzle is complete, more of a convenient one. 2 stars
Endurance, Plenty of surprises around the corner and visually engaging. This started a bit slow and very gradually picked up momentum. For football fans, it's a 4th quarter game. I appreciate the authors offer of all varieties of people in this grim reaper, but it included needless repetition useful for word count and little for substance. I am glad is was the third story and not the first. 2 stars.
November 18, 2024
3 Stars is for Endurance only.
I read the other 2 over a year ago in this collection. I may have to separately review these.
Afraid: 4 Stars. It was go from page 1.
Trapped: 4 Stars. Just as good as the first!
Endurance: 2.5 Stars. I was grossed out from beginning to end. The bad folk in this were disgusting pieces of filth. The end ticked me off. I might put this down to 2 stars. Yuck
I read the other 2 over a year ago in this collection. I may have to separately review these.
Afraid: 4 Stars. It was go from page 1.
Trapped: 4 Stars. Just as good as the first!
Endurance: 2.5 Stars. I was grossed out from beginning to end. The bad folk in this were disgusting pieces of filth. The end ticked me off. I might put this down to 2 stars. Yuck
February 16, 2018
Excellent trilogy! Each of these books will grab you and hold you hostage until you turn the last page. Each book is filled with characters that are interesting, complex and some are VERY disturbing! If you're looking for a book that you won't want to read at night but you may have to only because you're not going to be able to put this book down! Thank you for another excellent trilogy!
August 22, 2018
All three of these novels were exceptional. Endurance was my favorite. It had so much tension, so much going on, so many kinds of endless horror. If you want to be horrified, read these 3 horror novels.
March 3, 2020
Wondering
I wanted to know if Fran, her son Duncan, and Josh made it? What about Sara her baby and Tyrone and Cindy?? Left hanging!! Other than not knowing what happened to the above? What a read!!
I wanted to know if Fran, her son Duncan, and Josh made it? What about Sara her baby and Tyrone and Cindy?? Left hanging!! Other than not knowing what happened to the above? What a read!!
April 11, 2020
WOW Three great scary horror novels in one.
Each book in this collection is unique in mind boggling horror. Makes one wonder what Joe Konrath dreams about. He keeps coming up with unimaginable horror.
Each book in this collection is unique in mind boggling horror. Makes one wonder what Joe Konrath dreams about. He keeps coming up with unimaginable horror.
May 7, 2020
Good story, bad layout
I only read Trapped since it doesn't have its own individual book. The story was really good but there were so many editorial errors it was driving me crazy. Otherwise, great book.
I only read Trapped since it doesn't have its own individual book. The story was really good but there were so many editorial errors it was driving me crazy. Otherwise, great book.
May 31, 2018
Trapped an Endurance
These two books are the same story. Just two different Arthur's I don't like when they do this. Same but different.
These two books are the same story. Just two different Arthur's I don't like when they do this. Same but different.
October 4, 2018
Loved this trilogy. Richard Laymon, James Herbert, Stephen King and Dean Kootnz all rolled into one with a little Shaun Hutson threw in for good measure.
June 5, 2019
Very very disturbing yet unputdownable!!!!
November 16, 2019
Couldn't put it down.
I couldn't putt this book down and when I did I couldn't wait to pick it up and continue. The best horror book I've read in a long time.
I couldn't putt this book down and when I did I couldn't wait to pick it up and continue. The best horror book I've read in a long time.
January 11, 2022
Second to none in this genre
This trilogy affords the reader dozens of hours of intense yet pleasurable reading. Some of his best stuff, no question.
This trilogy affords the reader dozens of hours of intense yet pleasurable reading. Some of his best stuff, no question.
August 24, 2018
Jack Kilborn aka JA Konrath horror trilogy.
a lot going on in these stories. Not everyone has a happy ending
a lot going on in these stories. Not everyone has a happy ending
February 1, 2023
Not for the faint of heart. Very disturbing, violent, gory, horror.
March 10, 2014
Before the trilogy begins, the author thanks Stephen King, Dean Koontz and David Morrell for inventing the horrific thriller genre, and Jack Kilborn's storytelling can stand on equal footing with any of those masters.
I enjoyed the trilogy immensely: they were great page turners, true to the genre, and bundled in a good range of compelling characters. However, there were a few little issues that were compounded by the books being packaged as a trilogy:
The editing seemed to get noticeably worse as the three books progressed. The first book, Afraid, was fine on this front, but the following two introduced dozens of typos and other mistakes that an editor really should have captured.
Spoilers ahead
On the plot front,
A more effective signature was
There were also a couple of logical question-marks in Endurance, most notably Again, the editor probably should have challenged such content, especially as it wasn't pivotal to the plot and could have been handled more lightly.
So, in summary, there's room for technical improvement across the trilogy, but I can't fault Jack Kilborn's style or tone, and all three books are well worth reading for a quick chill or two.
I enjoyed the trilogy immensely: they were great page turners, true to the genre, and bundled in a good range of compelling characters. However, there were a few little issues that were compounded by the books being packaged as a trilogy:
The editing seemed to get noticeably worse as the three books progressed. The first book, Afraid, was fine on this front, but the following two introduced dozens of typos and other mistakes that an editor really should have captured.
Spoilers ahead
On the plot front,
A more effective signature was
There were also a couple of logical question-marks in Endurance, most notably Again, the editor probably should have challenged such content, especially as it wasn't pivotal to the plot and could have been handled more lightly.
So, in summary, there's room for technical improvement across the trilogy, but I can't fault Jack Kilborn's style or tone, and all three books are well worth reading for a quick chill or two.
August 8, 2015
Don't mistake the 2* rating. Of the three books, I'd rank them in the order they are listed. Afraid, by itself, would probably garner a 3* while Trapped would start with a 3*, falling into a 2* and Endurance would be a 2*.
Afraid had a great story line and I was hooked. I enjoyed the story although the ending seemed a tad...neat. Because, seriously, what happens when someone realizes an entire town is gone?
Trapped was good, complete with a tie-in to Afraid. However, it and Endurance feel into a contrived, "B" movie, plot line. I couldn't care about the characters in Trapped; there wasn't any development to get me interested in them. I did care a bit more for the characters in Endurance, but the story was too much.
Now don't get me wrong, I love horror movies - slashers, "B" movies, creep-you-out...etc. But I didn't expect to feel like I was reading a B horror movie, because that's exactly what it felt like.
Afraid had a great story line and I was hooked. I enjoyed the story although the ending seemed a tad...neat. Because, seriously, what happens when someone realizes an entire town is gone?
Trapped was good, complete with a tie-in to Afraid. However, it and Endurance feel into a contrived, "B" movie, plot line. I couldn't care about the characters in Trapped; there wasn't any development to get me interested in them. I did care a bit more for the characters in Endurance, but the story was too much.
Now don't get me wrong, I love horror movies - slashers, "B" movies, creep-you-out...etc. But I didn't expect to feel like I was reading a B horror movie, because that's exactly what it felt like.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2015
Creepy Stories
If you like horror stories, these are really good ones for you. Now I like horror movies but even these are little more than what I really like. Okay to read but not sure I could ever watch them if they were made into movies!!
If you like horror stories, these are really good ones for you. Now I like horror movies but even these are little more than what I really like. Okay to read but not sure I could ever watch them if they were made into movies!!
November 21, 2014
If you like gore...then you'll enjoy these three books. I enjoyed Afraid & Endurance more than Trapped, but still a good read. There were many typos in Endurance though.
May 4, 2016
AWESOME
This book is about horror. Had me on edge the whole time I was reading it! Cannot wait to read more books by Jack Kilborn!!!!!!!!!
This book is about horror. Had me on edge the whole time I was reading it! Cannot wait to read more books by Jack Kilborn!!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews