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Come Little Children
A hidden town. A paranormal rumor. A family secret. The Nolan morgue is more than just an ordinary funeral home. When their newest employee uncovers a supernatural conspiracy connected to a string of child murders, she must use every shred of her intelligence to stop a new breed of serial killer and escape the morgue alive. Watch the video www.youtube.com/user/dmelhoff Full After graduating from college, Camilla Carleton—a young mortician with a curious mind and a peculiar sense of fashion—moves to a secluded town in the Yukon for her first job as an assistant funeral technician. The residence is beautiful. The pay is decent. The work is rewarding. But the Nolan Morgue is more than just an ordinary funeral parlor. Within twenty-four hours of arriving, Camilla discovers the mutilated body of a six-year-old boy in the backyard of her new soaking wet, stitched up like an autopsy cadaver—and still alive. When her employers refuse to address the incident, she takes matters into her own hands and starts scouring the town for information. The consequences are catastrophic. A rumor involving paranormal activity connects the funeral home to a violent history of child murders, and when a shocking religious conspiracy is exposed, it triggers a horrific chain of events that threatens the entire town. Now, trapped in a hellish nightmare outside the realms of reason and science, Camilla must come to terms with her own dark past while struggling to outsmart a serial killer, save her family, and escape the morgue alive. Set against the ghostly backdrop of the Yukon wilderness, COME LITTLE CHILDREN possesses a rich supply of chilling imagery, memorable characters, and incisive nightmares. Packed with horror and dappled with equal parts humor and romance, this gripping supernatural thriller ensnares readers all the way from its eerie start to its explosive, heart-pounding climax. To learn more, visit www.dmelhoff.com
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2013
14 people are currently reading
1070 people want to read
About the author
D. Melhoff
6 books63 followers**Please note: A limited number of complimentary ebook copies of THE EASTER WITCH are available for review. Please email me directly with the word "EASTER" in the subject line if you are interested: d.melhoff@gmail.com**
D. Melhoff is a master of making the fun and bizarre go hand in hand. Along with the rich, one-of-a-kind illustrations of Ariane Elsammak, his twisted tales are exciting, vintage-flavored rides through the dark side of every reader’s imagination, appealing to mature children and immature adults everywhere.
D. Melhoff Website:
www.dmelhoff.com
Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/dmelhoff
D. Melhoff is a master of making the fun and bizarre go hand in hand. Along with the rich, one-of-a-kind illustrations of Ariane Elsammak, his twisted tales are exciting, vintage-flavored rides through the dark side of every reader’s imagination, appealing to mature children and immature adults everywhere.
D. Melhoff Website:
www.dmelhoff.com
Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/dmelhoff
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 11, 2017
3.5 Stars
This was an intriguing novel that mixes horror with family drama. The best elements of the novel involved the mortician and cremation work. I personally love body horror so I enjoyed those deliciously gross and morbid scenes. The writing itself was quite strong with vivid descriptions. However, the character development and pacing of the plot were off. The ending felt rushed, failing to create enough suspense and then resolving too quickly to appreciate the final reveals. This was a novel with a lot of potential that failed to deliver. While I didn't completely love this one, I enjoyed it enough to want to read the author's second novel.
This was an intriguing novel that mixes horror with family drama. The best elements of the novel involved the mortician and cremation work. I personally love body horror so I enjoyed those deliciously gross and morbid scenes. The writing itself was quite strong with vivid descriptions. However, the character development and pacing of the plot were off. The ending felt rushed, failing to create enough suspense and then resolving too quickly to appreciate the final reveals. This was a novel with a lot of potential that failed to deliver. While I didn't completely love this one, I enjoyed it enough to want to read the author's second novel.
January 26, 2014
Well, what a surprisingly great book! I don’t tend to pick books like this, I prefer straight forward urban fantasy and paranormal romance as a rule, but this one really caught hold of my attention and did not let it go. In fact, I almost read it all in one sitting (but dastardly real life got in the way!)
I instantly loved the protagonist. In the opening scene she devises a plan to strap together corpses to survive a plane crash – which of course doesn’t happen. But the fact she went through this in her head reminded me so much of myself that I was instantly drawn to her.
From a writer’s perspective, it was beautifully written, entertaining and very gross in places. I loved it! From what I can tell, this is the author’s first book and what a debut! I really hope D. Melhoff writes many more. The prose is sometimes disturbing – but always hauntingly beautiful. The plot is sneaky and sticky and grips hold of you before you even realise you’re reading when you should be sleeping! I won’t go into the story too much here, for fear of ruining it, but needless to say, you need to read this book.
The front cover is a great representation of the book itself and does a great job of drawing the reader to it – I must admit I choose to read it on the basis of the cover – I know, how shallow am I!
I also loved the little touches of books and movies; the whole Disney’s Hocus Pocus song is at the start is very reminisced of disturbingly gothic nursery rhymes of old.
Overall, I’d give Come Little Children 5 out of 5 stars – an incredibly well written and engaging read that has to go on your ‘to read’ list.
I instantly loved the protagonist. In the opening scene she devises a plan to strap together corpses to survive a plane crash – which of course doesn’t happen. But the fact she went through this in her head reminded me so much of myself that I was instantly drawn to her.
From a writer’s perspective, it was beautifully written, entertaining and very gross in places. I loved it! From what I can tell, this is the author’s first book and what a debut! I really hope D. Melhoff writes many more. The prose is sometimes disturbing – but always hauntingly beautiful. The plot is sneaky and sticky and grips hold of you before you even realise you’re reading when you should be sleeping! I won’t go into the story too much here, for fear of ruining it, but needless to say, you need to read this book.
The front cover is a great representation of the book itself and does a great job of drawing the reader to it – I must admit I choose to read it on the basis of the cover – I know, how shallow am I!
I also loved the little touches of books and movies; the whole Disney’s Hocus Pocus song is at the start is very reminisced of disturbingly gothic nursery rhymes of old.
Overall, I’d give Come Little Children 5 out of 5 stars – an incredibly well written and engaging read that has to go on your ‘to read’ list.
August 14, 2016
I found it a little difficult to decide whether I liked this book or not. The descriptions in this book of the funeral parlor occupants and equipment were a little gross. The characters themselves were okay, but I would have liked more depth to them. The story felt rushed in parts with scenes going from 0-60 in a few lines, leaving me wondering if I had skipped a paragraph by mistake.
The biggest problem I had with the story was the characters of Peter and Camilla, seemingly able to just go ahead and hunt down their own with the smallest amount of regret. As a parent I found it hard to sympathize with them when they were faced with the fact that their daughter was a serial killer and needed to be "abolished". This is where I feel the author could have described their emotions and thoughts, their inner conflict. The way things were written it just felt, to me at least, that they found it easy or of no great consequence to have their family members dispatched. When it comes down to it, it was Camilla's decision that led to the Vincent families downfall and yet all these events were easily ignored.
The biggest problem I had with the story was the characters of Peter and Camilla, seemingly able to just go ahead and hunt down their own with the smallest amount of regret. As a parent I found it hard to sympathize with them when they were faced with the fact that their daughter was a serial killer and needed to be "abolished". This is where I feel the author could have described their emotions and thoughts, their inner conflict. The way things were written it just felt, to me at least, that they found it easy or of no great consequence to have their family members dispatched. When it comes down to it, it was Camilla's decision that led to the Vincent families downfall and yet all these events were easily ignored.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2014
I won this as an ARC from Goodreads.
It says a lot that I rated a horror novel 4 out of 5. I don't read or watch horror. Ever. They just aren't very entertaining. I think it helped a lot that the main character, Camilla, was super quirky and morbid. At times, she's a little too curious for her own good. The novel has a very gothic feel to it. The entire first half of the book set up the action at the end. Camilla, a mortuary school graduate, gets a job at a funeral home in Alaska. While there, she discovers a dark secret about the family she works for and learns a horrible truth about herself.
As I was reading the second half of the book, I was positive I was going to have nightmares. But at the same time, I couldn't stop reading. As someone who doesn't like horror, this book had just enough mystery and enough scary that I didn't want to stop reading.
It says a lot that I rated a horror novel 4 out of 5. I don't read or watch horror. Ever. They just aren't very entertaining. I think it helped a lot that the main character, Camilla, was super quirky and morbid. At times, she's a little too curious for her own good. The novel has a very gothic feel to it. The entire first half of the book set up the action at the end. Camilla, a mortuary school graduate, gets a job at a funeral home in Alaska. While there, she discovers a dark secret about the family she works for and learns a horrible truth about herself.
As I was reading the second half of the book, I was positive I was going to have nightmares. But at the same time, I couldn't stop reading. As someone who doesn't like horror, this book had just enough mystery and enough scary that I didn't want to stop reading.
April 9, 2016
Originally posted on the blog: What the Cat Read
Where to even start with this review? I’ll be honest and say that of all the books I’ve read this year, this one disturbed me the most, and I loved every minute of it! If you want a story that is guaranteed to creep you out and make your fur stand on end, this is the book for you. I have to give major purrs and tail waves of approval to Melhoff for writing a deliciously chilling tale. I only wish I could give it more than the allotted five paws. =^.^=
There are so many things that I could say about this story, but most of it would giveaway major plot spoilers and well, this is one of those books that you have to experience on your own to fully appreciate the complexity of it all. I enjoyed this book immensely! Melhoff’s skill at pulling the reader into the story and keeping them on the edge of their seat is great. Each chapter is a serious page turner, and while there were times where I felt the story dragged in some parts, by the time I came to the final page I found myself wishing that there was more left to read. I didn’t want the story to end. There were so many great scenes and some surprising plot twists. This truly is an amazing read.
Camilla is one of those characters who you both love and dislike. I don’t really want to use the word hate here, but her actions at times did leave a sour taste in my mouth. She is definitely an emotionally scarred character who is both intriguing and aggravating at the same time. There is no question in my mind that she’s highly intelligent, yet she makes some of the worst choices imaginable and as a result she’s not the only one to suffer in the end. I loved her clinical mind and her passion for science, and I wanted to claw her to death for her curiosity and selfishness. Yet when all is said and done, I had to admire her for taking responsibility for her actions and having the strength to do what was necessary to put things right. I don’t know if I would have been able to do what she does in the end.
As for the Vincents…well, that’s one family I don’t know as I would ever want to be a part of. While I liked Peter, Lucas, Laura, and Uncle Jasper, I really disliked Moira, Brutus, and Maddock. And by the time Abigail arrives in the story, yeah I could have done without the little girl. Seriously, where Abigail is concerned…well you are going to just have to read the book for yourself to find out why she rates high on my creepy as hell list!
I loved that Melhoff included moments of humor in the story. Personally I think all horror stories should have some humorous moments in them. In this particular case the humor is both of the slapstick comedy variety and of the morbid variety. One example of the later is when we are first introduced to Camilla as she is flying towards her destination. She literally analyzes her fellow passengers and tries to figure out which of them would offer her the better chance of survival in the event of the plane crashing in the water. Now the fact that I found this scene to be funny probably says a lot about my mental mindset, but I dare even the most proper of readers to not find some humor in the scene.
Truly if you are a fan of horror, suspense, spine chilling surprises, and morbid humor, then this is a book that you must check out. Believe me, you won’t regret it! I don’t know if Melhoff has plans on writing more books of a similar genre in the future, but if he does, you can be certain that this feline is going to be check them out.
Where to even start with this review? I’ll be honest and say that of all the books I’ve read this year, this one disturbed me the most, and I loved every minute of it! If you want a story that is guaranteed to creep you out and make your fur stand on end, this is the book for you. I have to give major purrs and tail waves of approval to Melhoff for writing a deliciously chilling tale. I only wish I could give it more than the allotted five paws. =^.^=
There are so many things that I could say about this story, but most of it would giveaway major plot spoilers and well, this is one of those books that you have to experience on your own to fully appreciate the complexity of it all. I enjoyed this book immensely! Melhoff’s skill at pulling the reader into the story and keeping them on the edge of their seat is great. Each chapter is a serious page turner, and while there were times where I felt the story dragged in some parts, by the time I came to the final page I found myself wishing that there was more left to read. I didn’t want the story to end. There were so many great scenes and some surprising plot twists. This truly is an amazing read.
Camilla is one of those characters who you both love and dislike. I don’t really want to use the word hate here, but her actions at times did leave a sour taste in my mouth. She is definitely an emotionally scarred character who is both intriguing and aggravating at the same time. There is no question in my mind that she’s highly intelligent, yet she makes some of the worst choices imaginable and as a result she’s not the only one to suffer in the end. I loved her clinical mind and her passion for science, and I wanted to claw her to death for her curiosity and selfishness. Yet when all is said and done, I had to admire her for taking responsibility for her actions and having the strength to do what was necessary to put things right. I don’t know if I would have been able to do what she does in the end.
As for the Vincents…well, that’s one family I don’t know as I would ever want to be a part of. While I liked Peter, Lucas, Laura, and Uncle Jasper, I really disliked Moira, Brutus, and Maddock. And by the time Abigail arrives in the story, yeah I could have done without the little girl. Seriously, where Abigail is concerned…well you are going to just have to read the book for yourself to find out why she rates high on my creepy as hell list!
I loved that Melhoff included moments of humor in the story. Personally I think all horror stories should have some humorous moments in them. In this particular case the humor is both of the slapstick comedy variety and of the morbid variety. One example of the later is when we are first introduced to Camilla as she is flying towards her destination. She literally analyzes her fellow passengers and tries to figure out which of them would offer her the better chance of survival in the event of the plane crashing in the water. Now the fact that I found this scene to be funny probably says a lot about my mental mindset, but I dare even the most proper of readers to not find some humor in the scene.
Truly if you are a fan of horror, suspense, spine chilling surprises, and morbid humor, then this is a book that you must check out. Believe me, you won’t regret it! I don’t know if Melhoff has plans on writing more books of a similar genre in the future, but if he does, you can be certain that this feline is going to be check them out.
February 27, 2015
This was a really intense book. I've been looking for horror stories that involve motherhood and children for a while because I think it's a really unique perspective that I certainly haven't seen willy-nilly. This particular story was really different and parts of it were hard to read because I had to really wrap my mind around what was going on.
The main character was intriguing. The love interest could have used a bit more oomph in the development department but he was believable enough. I felt like there was a lack of emotional depth, yet that sense of aloofness really fit with the main character.
I really wish there was an epilogue at the end because I wanted to know how their lives continued on.
The book is full of familiar classic literary themes, written out in interesting ways. It was hard to put the book down once I really got in to it.
After reading this, I would definitely check out more of D. Melhoff's work.
I would recommend this to anyone that's looking for something just a tad different. If you like horror and you can relate to sardonic, distant characters, this book is the best. I found myself wanting just a little more, but at the same time I would read this again.
The main character was intriguing. The love interest could have used a bit more oomph in the development department but he was believable enough. I felt like there was a lack of emotional depth, yet that sense of aloofness really fit with the main character.
I really wish there was an epilogue at the end because I wanted to know how their lives continued on.
The book is full of familiar classic literary themes, written out in interesting ways. It was hard to put the book down once I really got in to it.
After reading this, I would definitely check out more of D. Melhoff's work.
I would recommend this to anyone that's looking for something just a tad different. If you like horror and you can relate to sardonic, distant characters, this book is the best. I found myself wanting just a little more, but at the same time I would read this again.
May 19, 2016
I can't really put my finger on why I liked this book so much, but it was a very pleasant surprise. Despite the author's sometimes distracting overuse of descriptors, the characters and plot were compelling. What seemed at first to be just a mildly creepy ghost story built slowly and carefully up to flat-out horror, and the pacing was perfect. By the final chapters, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
May 10, 2014
I hated this book. The first half of this book just dragged. On more than one occasion I was tempted to give up on it. The second half was slightly better but I was hugely relieved when I finished it.
July 2, 2022
The creepiest book I’ve ever read but even after all these years it still comes to mind when people ask for recommendations.
January 5, 2014
First and far most, this is the second book to enter my "Best of 2014" Category! Holy crap this was awesome. Dark and haunting with a dry, quick wit that added the perfect combination of intrigue and interest.What a way to kick off the new year. D. Melhoff is a fantastic writer. Not only was I completely engaged in the book and characters, I was completely attracted to the words usage in the book. It is rare, with modern authors, that you find a novel that actually has me using the dictionary to research and define some of the words with in. I LOVE THAT!!! I am such a logophile. I need to be challenged and D. Melhoff did just that. So thank you author.
I was completely taken aback when I found out that the author was male. He has written the characteristics of the main character, Camilla, so well throughout the whole novel I was sure the the author was female. The last book I read that had me connected to the female character written by a male author was "She's Come Undone" by Wally Lamb. I am really impressed with the author's abilities to construct a supernatural, suspenseful and haunting tale all through the eyes of a woman.
Camilla, having just graduated from mortuary school, finds herself with a new job located in a very remote are of the Yukon. Strange things are afoot, starting with her new boss Moira Vincent. Mysterious children showing up at the Vincent's funeral home late at night, the town's people territorial and guarded, and the family Vincent's' themselves.
More than once this book reminded me very much of Pet Cemetery and Children of the Damned. Poetically and beautifully written, D. Melhoff shows strength in his work. I would love to see many more books put out by Mr. Melhoff.
Mr. Melhoff's writing ability is superb. His creativeness is keen. I am just so impressed. Thank you again! Buy and read this book, I promise you will not be dissatisfied.
I would have written more, but, I'm afraid everything I could and would have said would have been a huge plot giveaway.
I was completely taken aback when I found out that the author was male. He has written the characteristics of the main character, Camilla, so well throughout the whole novel I was sure the the author was female. The last book I read that had me connected to the female character written by a male author was "She's Come Undone" by Wally Lamb. I am really impressed with the author's abilities to construct a supernatural, suspenseful and haunting tale all through the eyes of a woman.
Camilla, having just graduated from mortuary school, finds herself with a new job located in a very remote are of the Yukon. Strange things are afoot, starting with her new boss Moira Vincent. Mysterious children showing up at the Vincent's funeral home late at night, the town's people territorial and guarded, and the family Vincent's' themselves.
More than once this book reminded me very much of Pet Cemetery and Children of the Damned. Poetically and beautifully written, D. Melhoff shows strength in his work. I would love to see many more books put out by Mr. Melhoff.
Mr. Melhoff's writing ability is superb. His creativeness is keen. I am just so impressed. Thank you again! Buy and read this book, I promise you will not be dissatisfied.
I would have written more, but, I'm afraid everything I could and would have said would have been a huge plot giveaway.
February 14, 2016
*I won this book through Goodreads FirstReads Giveaways.*
Ok...wow, I'm not sure if I can write a proper review of this book because most everything I'm wanting to mention would definitely be a spoiler. But suffice it to say, I loved this book.
It was scary. And chilling. And disturbing. And yet, it also has some really funny moments (some of them were of the morbidly funny ilk, though). I was pretty much sucked in at the beginning and was instantly engrossed. If Mr. Melhoff's next book is as good as this one, he's found a new fan.
Set mostly at a funeral home in a (very) remote town in the Yukon, the sense of isolation is really heightened and really ratchets up the tension almost from the beginning.
Camilla, I thought, was a great character, and while I didn't always agree with her choices, I understood why she made them. I also really liked Peter, but found most of the rest of his family, the Vincents (owners of the funeral home), to be pretty creepy.
The author does a great job of setting the scene, using really lovely descriptive prose that pulls you into the book without ever once slipping into being overly descriptive or purple. And he builds the suspense slowly, yet steadily, until by the time I was at the book's climax I could not read the pages fast enough. In fact, I was tempted to do something I never, ever do: read the last pages to see how everything turned out. I'm glad I didn't, because I found the ending very satisfying.
Being a horror novel, it does get pretty graphic when describing violent things at times, so if that turns you off, you may want to give this one a pass.
I could almost see this book as a movie...no, better yet, a horror series on tv.
Ok...wow, I'm not sure if I can write a proper review of this book because most everything I'm wanting to mention would definitely be a spoiler. But suffice it to say, I loved this book.
It was scary. And chilling. And disturbing. And yet, it also has some really funny moments (some of them were of the morbidly funny ilk, though). I was pretty much sucked in at the beginning and was instantly engrossed. If Mr. Melhoff's next book is as good as this one, he's found a new fan.
Set mostly at a funeral home in a (very) remote town in the Yukon, the sense of isolation is really heightened and really ratchets up the tension almost from the beginning.
Camilla, I thought, was a great character, and while I didn't always agree with her choices, I understood why she made them. I also really liked Peter, but found most of the rest of his family, the Vincents (owners of the funeral home), to be pretty creepy.
The author does a great job of setting the scene, using really lovely descriptive prose that pulls you into the book without ever once slipping into being overly descriptive or purple. And he builds the suspense slowly, yet steadily, until by the time I was at the book's climax I could not read the pages fast enough. In fact, I was tempted to do something I never, ever do: read the last pages to see how everything turned out. I'm glad I didn't, because I found the ending very satisfying.
Being a horror novel, it does get pretty graphic when describing violent things at times, so if that turns you off, you may want to give this one a pass.
I could almost see this book as a movie...no, better yet, a horror series on tv.
March 27, 2015
Come little children is a fish out of water mystery, with a girl coming into a town to work in the funeral home. Across the town the people stay away from the family that runs it, but we initially are not sure why. The main character, camilla, is aware of certain strange things going on, and dives in to solve her growing questions. She makes a decision for the sake of family, but the way she goes about it causes a terribly backfire.
Camilla is an interesting character; with a dark sense of humor and a strange way of looking at life, she goes into Walter kitty zone outs when she thinks of scenarios or is reliving some memories. She makes some rash decisions in order to find out what is going on with this family, for example, chasing down a photographer and ending the meeting with his demise. After trying to save the boy, and herself, she confronts Peter. Peter settles her mind by telling her that she could have asked her questions and she would have answered.
The romance between her and peter is a little quick to start off. They meet, instantly attracted to each other and then hit it off. They get to know each other quick, but they're development into romance was a little too perfect .
The family secret is by far an interesting secret, no I will not spoil it, but it not as creepy as I hoped and the lead up was less of a mystery as I thought it would be. That being said, once you know the secret, that's when the second part of the story takes off and your left on the edge of what will happen next.
Camilla is an interesting character; with a dark sense of humor and a strange way of looking at life, she goes into Walter kitty zone outs when she thinks of scenarios or is reliving some memories. She makes some rash decisions in order to find out what is going on with this family, for example, chasing down a photographer and ending the meeting with his demise. After trying to save the boy, and herself, she confronts Peter. Peter settles her mind by telling her that she could have asked her questions and she would have answered.
The romance between her and peter is a little quick to start off. They meet, instantly attracted to each other and then hit it off. They get to know each other quick, but they're development into romance was a little too perfect .
The family secret is by far an interesting secret, no I will not spoil it, but it not as creepy as I hoped and the lead up was less of a mystery as I thought it would be. That being said, once you know the secret, that's when the second part of the story takes off and your left on the edge of what will happen next.
January 11, 2014
*received as a Goodreads First Read giveaway*
I thoroughly enjoyed every page of Melhoff's gruesome, dark and humorous novel. The perfect layering of emotions and action make this long story (at 444 pages) an easy, fluid read. Camilla is the main character that finds herself questioning strange happenings at the mortuary she's been newly hired to as an embalming specialist. She learns the families secret after falling for Peter, a young, sweet member of the family. There are some moments in this book that will scare the wits of you as well as make you cringe or gush over the closeness and unity of family.
I found myself really liking and understanding Camilla more as the chapters went deeper into her own sordid past. I hated the amount of distrust she had but it made sense with her past. I thought the writing of this novel was genius! There isn't a better mix of fear and funny out there. Melhoff's writing style is easy to follow and uber creative. This book would be spectacular as a movie because it would freak every person out in the theater with its unexpected twists and completely eerie children. I loved this novel and will keep on my shelf as a model if what every creepy horror book should be. Well done and highly recommended!
-T.R. Horne, author if Breaking Möbius and Crazy Dirty Love, blogger for Raging Book Reviews at www.ragingbookreviews.wordpress.com
I thoroughly enjoyed every page of Melhoff's gruesome, dark and humorous novel. The perfect layering of emotions and action make this long story (at 444 pages) an easy, fluid read. Camilla is the main character that finds herself questioning strange happenings at the mortuary she's been newly hired to as an embalming specialist. She learns the families secret after falling for Peter, a young, sweet member of the family. There are some moments in this book that will scare the wits of you as well as make you cringe or gush over the closeness and unity of family.
I found myself really liking and understanding Camilla more as the chapters went deeper into her own sordid past. I hated the amount of distrust she had but it made sense with her past. I thought the writing of this novel was genius! There isn't a better mix of fear and funny out there. Melhoff's writing style is easy to follow and uber creative. This book would be spectacular as a movie because it would freak every person out in the theater with its unexpected twists and completely eerie children. I loved this novel and will keep on my shelf as a model if what every creepy horror book should be. Well done and highly recommended!
-T.R. Horne, author if Breaking Möbius and Crazy Dirty Love, blogger for Raging Book Reviews at www.ragingbookreviews.wordpress.com
June 4, 2015
I'm giving this book 4 stars because some of the adjectives were overused and there was an over abundance of shoddy metaphors.
This is an adult supernatural horror story about a 26 year old mortician named Camilla. She has graduated mortuary school and has been offered a job at a very old funeral home in Yukon, Alaska. Nolan is the town she is heading to and when a fellow passenger on her flight to Dawson City finds out she's heading there, he asks the logical question. "What's a cute girl like you got goin' on up in Nolan?"
Camilla reaches the very large, very stately Victorian mansion and gives a hell of a first impression.
I had no clue how this book would go. The prologue was vague and scary and I thought one way, but then I kept reading and it turned out a completely different way. This book reminds me of a creepy Stephen King novel that I won't mention ;) It was so good. Very scary. The ambiance of fear through the book kept me wanting more. Like I said above some of the wordings made me roll my eyes but other than that this was a great horror novel.
This is an adult supernatural horror story about a 26 year old mortician named Camilla. She has graduated mortuary school and has been offered a job at a very old funeral home in Yukon, Alaska. Nolan is the town she is heading to and when a fellow passenger on her flight to Dawson City finds out she's heading there, he asks the logical question. "What's a cute girl like you got goin' on up in Nolan?"
Camilla reaches the very large, very stately Victorian mansion and gives a hell of a first impression.
I had no clue how this book would go. The prologue was vague and scary and I thought one way, but then I kept reading and it turned out a completely different way. This book reminds me of a creepy Stephen King novel that I won't mention ;) It was so good. Very scary. The ambiance of fear through the book kept me wanting more. Like I said above some of the wordings made me roll my eyes but other than that this was a great horror novel.
March 18, 2014
Wow, this kept me completely hooked and on edge throughout. From the very beginning it grabs you and drags you into a world where macabre, dark events are unfolding. Totally compelling. I haven't read a book that has made me want to read peeking through splayed fingers in much the same way you might peek through fingers at a horror movie for a long time. Thoroughly recommend. A well deserved 5 stars. I don't know if the author has written anything else but if they have I will be reading it!!
January 10, 2016
What a dreadful case of bait and switch. For those believing the synopsis on the back of the book, please don't! The actual book bears little resemblance. No serial killer. No slate of child murders. A plot so thin you could use it as tracing paper. Stock characters, ludicrous situations, a dazzling lack of logic, and a finale that is so stupidly unsatisfying you'll groan out loud. What a complete waste of time!
November 27, 2013
Two thumbs up. The book is exciting and actually very funny, which I wasn’t expecting. Good descriptions, and a few really good scenes where we get a glimpse of what’s going on in Camilla’s head (I love the hearse song!!). On top of that, there are lots of twists and scary situations. Very strong story that thriller-readers will appreciate.
August 29, 2018
A very gripping and gruesome story.
I very much enjoyed this book. Part 1 starts a little slow but WOW! Definitely worth reading. A life giving tree,zombies,murder,a mortuary. A little romance thrown in. What more could you ask for in this Sci-fi thriller?
This book will leave you chilled to the bone.
I very much enjoyed this book. Part 1 starts a little slow but WOW! Definitely worth reading. A life giving tree,zombies,murder,a mortuary. A little romance thrown in. What more could you ask for in this Sci-fi thriller?
This book will leave you chilled to the bone.
August 13, 2016
To put it simply; ✮✮✮✮✮
The author makes you question the boundaries of love and compassion while taking you on a twisted journey that walks the line between right and wrong. I found myself wondering what I would do if I was in Camilla's place; that is if I would have lasted as long as her.
It's an amazing read.
The author makes you question the boundaries of love and compassion while taking you on a twisted journey that walks the line between right and wrong. I found myself wondering what I would do if I was in Camilla's place; that is if I would have lasted as long as her.
It's an amazing read.
June 23, 2014
This is the scariest most suspenseful book I've ever read!!! This author did everything right in my opinion. I have not one complaint. The plot was twisted and smart and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire read. I could not put this thriller down and the cliff hangers at the end of the chapters just made it that much harder. I would highly recommend this book!!!
May 26, 2014
This book is definitely a page turner. Super suspenseful read that keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Out of the whole book only one thing happened that I thought would but not in the way I imagined..it was so much better. I was surprised to learn that this is the author's first novel. He seems like a seasoned writer. Look forward to reading his future works!!
June 7, 2014
This was a pretty good book. It was suspenseful and had a few plot twists, and I was pleased with the story overall. The characters really did not grab me as much as they could have. I would've enjoyed more depth and dimension in all of them. They seemed like one-trick ponies instead of real people with intricate thoughts, ideas, and motives.
February 8, 2014
I found this different due to the fact that it is outside my usual genre of books. It reminded me of the time years ago when I read King, Koontz and Saul. Overall, wasn't too bad. I would read another of this Author.
February 27, 2014
I won a signed copy of this book but had actually already purchased it on my kindle....so glad I did because I loved this book! You can never have to much of a good thing! Spooky and slightly bizarre is how I would describe this book ! LOVED IT !
August 27, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Horror is my genre of choice & this is right up my alley. There are some incredibly weird turns, even for this genre & that's what I loved about it. It doesn't read like the same old, same old.
May 5, 2014
I thought this book was great. I was glad for a somewhat happy ending amid all the gore and chaos. I started out thinking Camilla was a little strange but she was nothing compared to the Vincent family. I really like her and Peter's relationship.
May 26, 2014
A surprisingly good read, I bought this after reading all the positive reviews. I wasn't disappointed, a well written chiller with doses of dark humour thrown in for good measure. Thoroughly enjoyable, original novel. Looking forward to seeing what Mr Melhoff has in store in future publications!
Want to read
January 8, 2016#
NC
Own on Kindle.
FS: "The old hands worked carefully with the added confidence of having done this hundreds of times."
LS: "And as sleep washed over her, so too did the peace that came with knowing the nightmare was finally over."
NC
Own on Kindle.
FS: "The old hands worked carefully with the added confidence of having done this hundreds of times."
LS: "And as sleep washed over her, so too did the peace that came with knowing the nightmare was finally over."
May 28, 2014
I loved it and I'm not a fan of horror,
May 10, 2014
Wow, a great novel that sent chills up and down my spine! A terrific scary, nail biting novel!
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