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Evil Never Dies
Only the good die young.
Back in the Spring of 1912, evil blossomed in Kings Shore. Vampire demons with a vicious thirst for blood.
Network newsman Roland Millhouse has low expectations for his current assignment. He is to interview Patricia Owens on her 120th birthday. He envisions a feeble old woman in a wheelchair. He encounters someone with more energy than most people a half century younger. A woman with a gruesome story to tell, and a need to tell it.
Roland went to Kings Shore to get a quote and some photos. What he got was a terrifying tale of death and monsters. A tale that would change his life forever.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 15, 2015
Disclosure: I purchased this book from the publisher. I do not know the author personally but we do belong to the same writers group. The comments that follow are my own personal opinion. I received NO compensated of any kind, or from any one, to provide this review.
I truly enjoyed this book and I'm not a vampire fan. The premise of an old lady and reporter discussing 100 year old vampires was unique and provided a new platform for an old tale. The vampires were true monsters and came to life for me. Mr Ridgewell's writing seems to have matured from his first book and I'm looking forward to reading "Evil Unleashed" - the sequel to "Evil Never Dies"
I truly enjoyed this book and I'm not a vampire fan. The premise of an old lady and reporter discussing 100 year old vampires was unique and provided a new platform for an old tale. The vampires were true monsters and came to life for me. Mr Ridgewell's writing seems to have matured from his first book and I'm looking forward to reading "Evil Unleashed" - the sequel to "Evil Never Dies"
April 30, 2015
I must admit, I was hesitant to read Evil Never Dies. My reluctance was based around feeling worn out by the recent oversaturation of (awful) vampire stories lately.
However, I gave it a shot and am happy to report, not a single vamp sparkles in this story lol.
We get a Canadian (Yay Canada!) reporter, Roland Millhouse, being sent on a puff piece to interview Patricia Owens, Canada's oldest living person. Roland isn't too happy about the assignment, and is hoping to get it done as fast as possible. When Patricia begins recounting her life story, Roland realizes he's getting more than he bargained for.
The book concentrates on two major timelines. The first, set today as Roland interviews the old woman. The second, and where most of the story takes place, is set during Patricia's youth in 1912.
I really dug this splitting of the narrative between these two eras. Patricia's youth is a vicious one and it was nice to jump back to the more relaxed modern day from time to time.
Fans of slow-burn horror will be really pleased. Author Mick Ridgewell takes his time building the terror. He does not come to rely on blood and guts, instead using atmosphere and character building to ramp up the tension.
Check it out!
However, I gave it a shot and am happy to report, not a single vamp sparkles in this story lol.
We get a Canadian (Yay Canada!) reporter, Roland Millhouse, being sent on a puff piece to interview Patricia Owens, Canada's oldest living person. Roland isn't too happy about the assignment, and is hoping to get it done as fast as possible. When Patricia begins recounting her life story, Roland realizes he's getting more than he bargained for.
The book concentrates on two major timelines. The first, set today as Roland interviews the old woman. The second, and where most of the story takes place, is set during Patricia's youth in 1912.
I really dug this splitting of the narrative between these two eras. Patricia's youth is a vicious one and it was nice to jump back to the more relaxed modern day from time to time.
Fans of slow-burn horror will be really pleased. Author Mick Ridgewell takes his time building the terror. He does not come to rely on blood and guts, instead using atmosphere and character building to ramp up the tension.
Check it out!
April 9, 2014
Ridgewell's vampires are neither sexy or sparkly - and that's exactly the way undead bloodsuckers should be! Evil Never Dies is a terrifying tale that unfolds as a sort of campfire tale, spun by a 120 year old woman who lived through a summer of horror 100 years ago. At points poignant, with a wonderful pairing of a young reporter and the aged tale weaver, and downright creepy as we learn of a town hunted by a band of exceedingly unpleasant vampires. Evil Never Dies is one hell of a ride.
December 29, 2013
Very much enjoyed this story within a story of ancient evil, told through the diary and narrative of a 120 year old woman. No sparkly vampires here. Highly recommended.
December 20, 2025
Buzzword 2025 Reading Challenge Pick
Title Prompt: "Never"
I have mixed feelings on this one.
On the one hand, the past timeline in Patricia's diaries had me engaged and not wanting to put the book down. I was invested and emotionally attached to the characters, upset whenever one of them was hurt.
On the other hand, the present timeline was repetitive and added very little to the story. They'd go for a walk then they'd have drinks on the patio then they'd move inside then they'd go for another walk. I was sure all the drinks were foreshadowing something because there was such a point made to describe the whole process of making them and bringing them out each time, but nope.
And then the ending was underwhelming too. Maybe I've just read too many mysteries/thrillers but I was expecting something to happen at the end. The whole story felt like it was building to something and then it just ends.
It reads like a debut author with a great idea but without the expertise to yet deliver it effectively.
In saying that, I'll be reading the sequel when I can get a hold of it because the vampire aspect was by far my favourite part.
Review Date: 20 December 2025
Title Prompt: "Never"
I have mixed feelings on this one.
On the one hand, the past timeline in Patricia's diaries had me engaged and not wanting to put the book down. I was invested and emotionally attached to the characters, upset whenever one of them was hurt.
On the other hand, the present timeline was repetitive and added very little to the story. They'd go for a walk then they'd have drinks on the patio then they'd move inside then they'd go for another walk. I was sure all the drinks were foreshadowing something because there was such a point made to describe the whole process of making them and bringing them out each time, but nope.
And then the ending was underwhelming too. Maybe I've just read too many mysteries/thrillers but I was expecting something to happen at the end. The whole story felt like it was building to something and then it just ends.
It reads like a debut author with a great idea but without the expertise to yet deliver it effectively.
In saying that, I'll be reading the sequel when I can get a hold of it because the vampire aspect was by far my favourite part.
Review Date: 20 December 2025
July 20, 2018
Ridgewell's Evil Never Dies is a very compelling tale of a small Canadian town under siege by an ever-growing group of vampires. There are some original vampiric details and lore I don't remember reading before and Ridgewell's prose is very good. While the book's a bit of a slow burn, it creeps, surprises, and finally hooks you and yanks you into the middle of the action. While the immediacy, I think, is hurt somewhat by the fact the tale is related entirely in flashback, it also proves to be it's most winning element in terms of characterization. Subtle and sweet aren't generally terms I'd apply to horror fiction, but the book's strongest component is the touching relationship between a jaded young reporter and a tough, yet vulnerable 120 year old woman remembering her saga of the vampires. Don't get me wrong, there're plenty of OMG horror shocks along the way as well. But if you're looking for something different, original, and compelling in horror, I recommend Evil Never Die
July 11, 2021
Wonderful Read
I found this book amidst hundreds of " let's get naked before you fang me" vampire stories. Vampires are not romantic, they should be nasty and terrible! Loved this book, great storytelling, lovable characters and chillingly scary. I will read this book again and again.
I found this book amidst hundreds of " let's get naked before you fang me" vampire stories. Vampires are not romantic, they should be nasty and terrible! Loved this book, great storytelling, lovable characters and chillingly scary. I will read this book again and again.
July 30, 2018
Vampires!
Vampires the way they should be. Heartless and blood-thirsty, not sparkly and sweet. A good read from start to finish.
Vampires the way they should be. Heartless and blood-thirsty, not sparkly and sweet. A good read from start to finish.
September 25, 2015
It has been awhile since I have loved a vampire story. But this one, I am happy to say, is one that I fell head over heels for. It's not only the descriptive language and the fact that these vampires may be the most terrifying I've ever read about, it's also the way the story is told. You cling to every word, waiting for the next little bit of the story to be revealed by this elderly woman who is one of THE most fascinating characters I've had the pleasure of reading about, and who you fall in love with immensely. Even the young reporter, who I thought would be a disposable character, becomes one whose greater substance is revealed throughout the tale, and I found myself feeling warmth towards him. Such an interesting perspective in which to tell what could be considered a period piece told within a modern day setting. Fabulously written.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews