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The Horror at Pleasant Brook
At the edge of the Adirondacks, an ancient malevolence descends upon the quiet town of Pleasant Brook, setting the stage for a chilling battle between the forgotten and an unstoppable evil.
Standing resolutely in its shadow is an unlikely alliance—the remnants, the forgotten, the outcasts, and the underestimated. As the malevolence swells, they emerge as the town's last bastion of defense, its only hope against an ancient, remorseless force that brooks no resistance.
Yet, how can they hope to prevail against a power so ancient, so pitiless, so inexorable? The town of Pleasant Brook becomes the battleground for a confrontation between humanity's resilience and an evil beyond imagination.
“Kevin Lucia paints in blood and dances in the viscera in a terrorized small town. Chilling and non-stop, horrifying in the best kind of way. Forget Halloween movies and pick up The Horror at Pleasant Brook instead.” —NYT bestselling author Tosca Lee
Prepare for a chilling journey into the heart of darkness with this horror novel that will grip fans of Stephen King, and Robert R. McCammon. Delve into a world of creeping dread, small-town enigmas, and suspense-laden horror that will keep you riveted from the very first page.
Discover the sinister secrets of The Horror at Pleasant Brook, a gripping addition to the pantheon of horror books and novels. Dive into the depths of horror fiction that will haunt your nightmares and captivate fans of horror and suspense books.
“The story has tones of H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King with characters and a setting that played out like a classic John Carpenter film.” —Morbidly Beautiful
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.
Standing resolutely in its shadow is an unlikely alliance—the remnants, the forgotten, the outcasts, and the underestimated. As the malevolence swells, they emerge as the town's last bastion of defense, its only hope against an ancient, remorseless force that brooks no resistance.
Yet, how can they hope to prevail against a power so ancient, so pitiless, so inexorable? The town of Pleasant Brook becomes the battleground for a confrontation between humanity's resilience and an evil beyond imagination.
“Kevin Lucia paints in blood and dances in the viscera in a terrorized small town. Chilling and non-stop, horrifying in the best kind of way. Forget Halloween movies and pick up The Horror at Pleasant Brook instead.” —NYT bestselling author Tosca Lee
Prepare for a chilling journey into the heart of darkness with this horror novel that will grip fans of Stephen King, and Robert R. McCammon. Delve into a world of creeping dread, small-town enigmas, and suspense-laden horror that will keep you riveted from the very first page.
Discover the sinister secrets of The Horror at Pleasant Brook, a gripping addition to the pantheon of horror books and novels. Dive into the depths of horror fiction that will haunt your nightmares and captivate fans of horror and suspense books.
“The story has tones of H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King with characters and a setting that played out like a classic John Carpenter film.” —Morbidly Beautiful
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2022
38 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Lucia
101 books371 followersKevin Lucia is the ebook and trade paperback editor at Cemetery Dance Publications. His short fiction has been published in many venues, most notably with Clive Barker, David Morell, Peter Straub, Bentley Little, and Robert McCammon.
His first short story collection, Things Slip Through, was published by Crystal Lake Publishing in November, 2013. He's followed that with the collections Through A Mirror, Darkly, Devourer of Souls, Things You Need, October Nights, and the novellas Mystery Road, A Night at Old Webb, and The Night Road.
His first short story collection, Things Slip Through, was published by Crystal Lake Publishing in November, 2013. He's followed that with the collections Through A Mirror, Darkly, Devourer of Souls, Things You Need, October Nights, and the novellas Mystery Road, A Night at Old Webb, and The Night Road.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
June 10, 2024
Gosh, what a horror highlight. Definitely the best horror novel I read for a very long time. It started with the conjuring up of some ancient demon through an antique mysterious mask. Then people of the small town Pleasant Brook changed. More and more inhabitants were seen with that hideous mask on. What did it do to humans? Where did it come from? Can the hive of evil be stopped? See some outsiders (LGBTQ is integrated in a very decent way here) fight the evil till the very end. What a lore. Definitely nothing for the faint hearted. This evil has no emotions. Every horror motif seems to be mixed up into this hell of a novel. It was nail biting, hair raising and constantly causing goosebumps. The characters were well developed. The book was plotted like a horror film. What an imaginative author. Scott, one of the protagonists is a horror buff of course and the list of references to other horror works and movies is long. Can't believe I'm through with this horrorfest. Here I would give more than 5 stars. Highly recommended. A modern horror classic from cover to end!
May 17, 2025
The Horror at Pleasant Brook is a really engaging horror, with short chapters! I could have read it much quicker if I wasn’t so busy lately. It truly evokes the dread of small-town horror, with a richly diverse cast of characters. For example, this is the only horror I can think of that featured a non-binary character, I loved Sage! 🌿🖤
There are a lot of characters to keep up with here, some that really don’t feature for long at all. But of course that makes for some good killings! 🔪💀
The death scenes did feel a tad repetitive, however… I know it was to add to the mystery of who, or what, the masked creatures are.
Idk if I find stories set around the start of the COVID pandemic a little… tired at this point. But I do understand it is a significant part of our modern history and people are going to reference it in modern day stories, especially ones written a couple years back.
4 Stars
There are a lot of characters to keep up with here, some that really don’t feature for long at all. But of course that makes for some good killings! 🔪💀
The death scenes did feel a tad repetitive, however… I know it was to add to the mystery of who, or what, the masked creatures are.
Idk if I find stories set around the start of the COVID pandemic a little… tired at this point. But I do understand it is a significant part of our modern history and people are going to reference it in modern day stories, especially ones written a couple years back.
4 Stars
November 12, 2024
The small isolated town called Pleasant Brook lies deep within the Andirondacks and is really too small to be a considered town or even a hamlet and although most people want to leave because of the lack of opportunity, for some reason most people end up returning where their roots are. It is now October and close to Halloween so it is the perfect time for this story to be told.
The sheriff hasn't seen any murders in over ten years so it is the wonderful place to reside for quiet living. The story centers around a wooden mask meant to be in a museum but was intentionally misdirected into the wrong hands that used old spells and rituals to call forth an ancient entity buried within the hideous looking mask. People slowly are reported missing yet others say they have seen some of these people around town but something seems very off about them and they all seem to be wearing the same disgusting mask.
The sheriff runs herself ragged trying to get to the bottom of the stories wondering at first if they were Halloween pranks until finally witnessing a scene so truly bizarre and horrific that she couldn't believe her own eyes yet she was able to save teenager Scott from a fate worse than death and she finally realizes Pleasant Brook is quickly disappearing and the evil pervading her town is not of the human variety. Time is of the essence as the small population continues to dwindle, so will the sheriff figure out how to stop the monsters with their voracious appetites that are roaming and consuming her town or are all the inhabitants doomed forever including the sheriff and how can they be stopped from taking over more towns or even cities?
This was quite the horror story. It was very creepy and disturbing with enormous amounts of violence and gore. The book is brutal with it's descriptions and storytelling so it was written for horror fans only not recommended for anyone who may be sensitive to horror or graphic violence (Not Pretty). I enjoyed the unique plot and the fleshed out characters who I grew attached to while not being able to figure out how the story would eventually unfold. I appreciated that the author supported a non-binary character although calling (her) a they/them/their was very distracting and off-putting for myself since it was confusing at times thinking the book was talking about plural characters instead of one person but I understand what "Kevin Lucia" was trying to accomplish. Be forewarned the ending was so unexpected that it caught me off guard because I felt disappointed for myself since I wanted something different but this finale was perfect for an unexpected horror book ending!
I want to thank the publisher "Crystal Lake Publishing" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 3 1/2 HORRIFIC AND DISTURBING 🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
The sheriff hasn't seen any murders in over ten years so it is the wonderful place to reside for quiet living. The story centers around a wooden mask meant to be in a museum but was intentionally misdirected into the wrong hands that used old spells and rituals to call forth an ancient entity buried within the hideous looking mask. People slowly are reported missing yet others say they have seen some of these people around town but something seems very off about them and they all seem to be wearing the same disgusting mask.
The sheriff runs herself ragged trying to get to the bottom of the stories wondering at first if they were Halloween pranks until finally witnessing a scene so truly bizarre and horrific that she couldn't believe her own eyes yet she was able to save teenager Scott from a fate worse than death and she finally realizes Pleasant Brook is quickly disappearing and the evil pervading her town is not of the human variety. Time is of the essence as the small population continues to dwindle, so will the sheriff figure out how to stop the monsters with their voracious appetites that are roaming and consuming her town or are all the inhabitants doomed forever including the sheriff and how can they be stopped from taking over more towns or even cities?
This was quite the horror story. It was very creepy and disturbing with enormous amounts of violence and gore. The book is brutal with it's descriptions and storytelling so it was written for horror fans only not recommended for anyone who may be sensitive to horror or graphic violence (Not Pretty). I enjoyed the unique plot and the fleshed out characters who I grew attached to while not being able to figure out how the story would eventually unfold. I appreciated that the author supported a non-binary character although calling (her) a they/them/their was very distracting and off-putting for myself since it was confusing at times thinking the book was talking about plural characters instead of one person but I understand what "Kevin Lucia" was trying to accomplish. Be forewarned the ending was so unexpected that it caught me off guard because I felt disappointed for myself since I wanted something different but this finale was perfect for an unexpected horror book ending!
I want to thank the publisher "Crystal Lake Publishing" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 3 1/2 HORRIFIC AND DISTURBING 🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
November 2, 2023
Gory. Horrifyingly Terrific. Old school horror. Thats the best way to describe The horror at Pleasant Brook.
A mask is consuming the townsfolk of Pleasant Brook in Warren County upstate NY. ( I live in Warren county , upstate NY. So fun to have it mentioned time and again in the story) It’s turning them into a mix of zombie and vampire. It won’t stop till it’s consumed the whole town.
If you love horror and graphic gory descriptions this book is for you. I high recommend it.
Thank you so much NetGalley, Crystal lake publishing and Kevin Lucia for the free copy in exchange for my unbiased review. It’s a winner!
A mask is consuming the townsfolk of Pleasant Brook in Warren County upstate NY. ( I live in Warren county , upstate NY. So fun to have it mentioned time and again in the story) It’s turning them into a mix of zombie and vampire. It won’t stop till it’s consumed the whole town.
If you love horror and graphic gory descriptions this book is for you. I high recommend it.
Thank you so much NetGalley, Crystal lake publishing and Kevin Lucia for the free copy in exchange for my unbiased review. It’s a winner!
October 17, 2023
Update: BRACE YOURSELF! Come to Pleasant Brook in the Adirondacks. I dare ya! Looking for some Halloween fun, this is a nightmare you won’t want to miss.
I love an author that loves to kill off his characters, the good, the bad and the ugly. Those that deserve it and those that don’t. Those that I could care less about and those that I have come to cheer for, wanting them to survive and overcome that evil that has befallen them. It doesn’t matter what I want, only what the author wants to give me.
A mask…
Blood, guts, mayhem and slaughter.
An unlikely group of characters come together to try and save the town, which is being overrun by evil. Some of the weakest stepped up, some just gave up, others fought to the bloody end. Who will survive is always the question in a horror novel. Many times it surprises us all, and that is what you have to look forward to in The Horror At Pleasant Brook by Kevin Lucia.
“No, no…”
I was saying it too…But it doesn’t change anything. Does it, Kevin?
The ending…..To die for!
The Horror At Pleasant Book by Kevin Lucia delivered so much more than I expected. It contains everything required for a horror story, with an ending that BLEW MY MIND.
I love an author that loves to kill off his characters, the good, the bad and the ugly. Those that deserve it and those that don’t. Those that I could care less about and those that I have come to cheer for, wanting them to survive and overcome that evil that has befallen them. It doesn’t matter what I want, only what the author wants to give me.
A mask…
Blood, guts, mayhem and slaughter.
An unlikely group of characters come together to try and save the town, which is being overrun by evil. Some of the weakest stepped up, some just gave up, others fought to the bloody end. Who will survive is always the question in a horror novel. Many times it surprises us all, and that is what you have to look forward to in The Horror At Pleasant Brook by Kevin Lucia.
“No, no…”
I was saying it too…But it doesn’t change anything. Does it, Kevin?
The ending…..To die for!
The Horror At Pleasant Book by Kevin Lucia delivered so much more than I expected. It contains everything required for a horror story, with an ending that BLEW MY MIND.
May 27, 2023
Then:
Lisa Owen just wanted the pain to go away. The loneliness. The ache for children that she will never have. The loss of love, trust, and intimacy that turned her marriage into a shell of what it used to be. What she sets in motion is horrific.
Now:
Squatters living in the old Owen house awaken an evil that had been dormant until Bobby Lee Haskel put on a mask that wouldn't come off. A mask that changed him into something else. Suddenly there are residents of Pleasant Brook going missing, and people are seeing menacing figures skulking around in the most repulsive looking masks.
One young horror movie obsessed teen, and the town's constable have discovered the truth, but they may be too late to save Pleasant Brook and themselves from a fate worse than death.
The Horror at Pleasant Brook is a gory, blood splattery, good time, with a diverse cast of characters, bucket loads of entrails, and suspenseful writing that will have you jumping at shadows and cringing at every unexpected noise. This is a book that I would love to see made into a movie, even though I might have to cover my eyes during the more grisly parts.
My thanks to Kevin Lucia
Lisa Owen just wanted the pain to go away. The loneliness. The ache for children that she will never have. The loss of love, trust, and intimacy that turned her marriage into a shell of what it used to be. What she sets in motion is horrific.
Now:
Squatters living in the old Owen house awaken an evil that had been dormant until Bobby Lee Haskel put on a mask that wouldn't come off. A mask that changed him into something else. Suddenly there are residents of Pleasant Brook going missing, and people are seeing menacing figures skulking around in the most repulsive looking masks.
One young horror movie obsessed teen, and the town's constable have discovered the truth, but they may be too late to save Pleasant Brook and themselves from a fate worse than death.
The Horror at Pleasant Brook is a gory, blood splattery, good time, with a diverse cast of characters, bucket loads of entrails, and suspenseful writing that will have you jumping at shadows and cringing at every unexpected noise. This is a book that I would love to see made into a movie, even though I might have to cover my eyes during the more grisly parts.
My thanks to Kevin Lucia
July 11, 2023
People in Pleasent Brook are going missing, and the streets are being haunted by gruesome masked figures, lurking in the darkness...
This book starts off with the gore, and barely stops. It's an absolute bloodbath and has some gnarly slasher vibe. It's like Stephen King's small town horror meets Scream, and I absolutely loved it! It's set around Halloween, which gives it an even more creepy, yet nostalgic feel.
When Bobby Lee puts on a mask he finds in an abandoned house, a dormant evil is released, and soon all hell breaks loose. With the help of a horror fanatic teen, the towns constable finds herself delving deep into the horrors which have begun to infect the town.
When I picked this one up, I half expected it to be set in the 80s / 90s (that cover gives off epic vintage horror!) So I was thrown off a little knowing that it's set in modern day. I still find it strange when reading a book that's set throughout COVID, and most the time I find that it doesn't really add to the story. However, it really added depth to this one!
The Horror at Pleasant Brook gets real creepy, especially when the creatures start showing hive-minded behaviour! Grace is a fucking badass, and all the characters felt so, so vivid. I fucking loved this book.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Crystal Lake Publishing, and the author for the ARC in return for an honest review!
This book starts off with the gore, and barely stops. It's an absolute bloodbath and has some gnarly slasher vibe. It's like Stephen King's small town horror meets Scream, and I absolutely loved it! It's set around Halloween, which gives it an even more creepy, yet nostalgic feel.
When Bobby Lee puts on a mask he finds in an abandoned house, a dormant evil is released, and soon all hell breaks loose. With the help of a horror fanatic teen, the towns constable finds herself delving deep into the horrors which have begun to infect the town.
When I picked this one up, I half expected it to be set in the 80s / 90s (that cover gives off epic vintage horror!) So I was thrown off a little knowing that it's set in modern day. I still find it strange when reading a book that's set throughout COVID, and most the time I find that it doesn't really add to the story. However, it really added depth to this one!
The Horror at Pleasant Brook gets real creepy, especially when the creatures start showing hive-minded behaviour! Grace is a fucking badass, and all the characters felt so, so vivid. I fucking loved this book.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Crystal Lake Publishing, and the author for the ARC in return for an honest review!
June 13, 2023
My number one criterion for Horror is Implacability. No Escape, no release. Take for example Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado." The Narrator is absolutely implacable, driven by his own perceptions--right or wrong--and nothing--nothing stops him. So the victim suffers and ultimately dies. So too in THE HORROR AT PLEASANT BROOK: the Horror is absolutely Implacable, unavoidable, unstoppable. A force of Supernatural Nature, but with both Purpose and Sentience.
That Implacability is one of the best aspects of this novel for me. Another is Metaphysical: the evil villainous Horror is clearly called forth from Darkness, by a ritual of Black Magic. But it is a cyclical Horror, diametrically opposed to and opposed by, "the Other." Subject to the opposition of "the Other," so that up to this point, the evil Horror has never yet succeeded in full takeover of the Earth [not from lack of trying]. It's a Cosmic "push-me pull-you" continuing through Eternity [as long as there are feckless humans foolish enough or greedy enough to call forth this "Aspect of Sowein" (Samhain).
That Implacability is one of the best aspects of this novel for me. Another is Metaphysical: the evil villainous Horror is clearly called forth from Darkness, by a ritual of Black Magic. But it is a cyclical Horror, diametrically opposed to and opposed by, "the Other." Subject to the opposition of "the Other," so that up to this point, the evil Horror has never yet succeeded in full takeover of the Earth [not from lack of trying]. It's a Cosmic "push-me pull-you" continuing through Eternity [as long as there are feckless humans foolish enough or greedy enough to call forth this "Aspect of Sowein" (Samhain).
September 21, 2023
This Halloween read is old school in the best of ways.
You know…the small town that feels so safe until it doesn’t. A small group of characters who find themselves having to fight a great evil. Love it!
And while it’s got the old school horror vibes, it still feels modern and readable.
I loved our characters, I shuddered at our evil, and found this to be the absolute perfect spooky season read!
• ARC via Publisher
You know…the small town that feels so safe until it doesn’t. A small group of characters who find themselves having to fight a great evil. Love it!
And while it’s got the old school horror vibes, it still feels modern and readable.
I loved our characters, I shuddered at our evil, and found this to be the absolute perfect spooky season read!
• ARC via Publisher
October 13, 2023
I have found a perfect October read. A book that no matter what time of year you read it, it will bring you back to the dark orange days of the Spooky Season. THE HORROR AT PLEASANT BROOK is a corn maze at twilight when you hear quiet footsteps around each corner, with the full feel of autumn dread on every page.
This is small town horror at its best with great diverse characters and a spreading abhorrent evil. It is tense, freaky and at times, gross. It is also an interesting look at life in a quarantine, the importance of not only community but of the compassion and caring for others. How society can break down so quickly, and boy does it break down quickly. The people in isolated towns can wear many masks, but the mask that they wear this October could lead to the end of everything.
This is small town horror at its best with great diverse characters and a spreading abhorrent evil. It is tense, freaky and at times, gross. It is also an interesting look at life in a quarantine, the importance of not only community but of the compassion and caring for others. How society can break down so quickly, and boy does it break down quickly. The people in isolated towns can wear many masks, but the mask that they wear this October could lead to the end of everything.
August 1, 2023
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was really fun to read. There’s tons of body horror, creepy depictions of the monster, and an cozy setting of a close knit little town.
There were tons of different character perspectives. We get glimpses of at least 15 different people. There’s many unlikeable characters, but several lovable ones.
It has a slasher plot, with supernatural antagonist at its core. The Horror at Pleasant Brook set in a sleepy little town, during the COVID outbreak where everyone is still under a lock down, mask mandates, and online schooling alternatives.
The town sherif, Grace, is a Lesbian, the librarian, Sage, is Non-binary, and the main character Scott is a closeted 14 year old. There’s two recovering alcoholics who are so wonderful. Julie is a dancer at a local strip club, and Marty is farmer who picks up odd jobs and lives in a barn, and is a super sweetheart. So needless to say the cast is diverse which I really appreciate.
The author chose to name the villain Samhain. I personally think that is strange choice since in reality Samhain is a pagan/ Celtic celebration with no ties to evil murderous forces. Part of me cringes at the choice of name for the antagonist because Samhain something I celebrate, however since almost all of the characters are Christian it makes sense that the most popular Pagan holiday would be personified and demonized. We obviously haven’t gotten over satanic panic and are still choosing to demonize benevolent pagan traditions, instead of doing research and finding more realistic demonic antagonists.
The one other thing I would suggest the author to edit is the repetition of description of the mask of Samhain. “Gaping mouth”, “Bulging eyes going in different directions”, etcetera were used too frequently, find some new synonyms.
In a lot of ways this book is character driven, and plot is predictable, but it’s a pretty fun horror novel to get through. Check trigger warnings because it is NOT a light hearted read.
This book was really fun to read. There’s tons of body horror, creepy depictions of the monster, and an cozy setting of a close knit little town.
There were tons of different character perspectives. We get glimpses of at least 15 different people. There’s many unlikeable characters, but several lovable ones.
It has a slasher plot, with supernatural antagonist at its core. The Horror at Pleasant Brook set in a sleepy little town, during the COVID outbreak where everyone is still under a lock down, mask mandates, and online schooling alternatives.
The town sherif, Grace, is a Lesbian, the librarian, Sage, is Non-binary, and the main character Scott is a closeted 14 year old. There’s two recovering alcoholics who are so wonderful. Julie is a dancer at a local strip club, and Marty is farmer who picks up odd jobs and lives in a barn, and is a super sweetheart. So needless to say the cast is diverse which I really appreciate.
The author chose to name the villain Samhain. I personally think that is strange choice since in reality Samhain is a pagan/ Celtic celebration with no ties to evil murderous forces. Part of me cringes at the choice of name for the antagonist because Samhain something I celebrate, however since almost all of the characters are Christian it makes sense that the most popular Pagan holiday would be personified and demonized. We obviously haven’t gotten over satanic panic and are still choosing to demonize benevolent pagan traditions, instead of doing research and finding more realistic demonic antagonists.
The one other thing I would suggest the author to edit is the repetition of description of the mask of Samhain. “Gaping mouth”, “Bulging eyes going in different directions”, etcetera were used too frequently, find some new synonyms.
In a lot of ways this book is character driven, and plot is predictable, but it’s a pretty fun horror novel to get through. Check trigger warnings because it is NOT a light hearted read.
September 3, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of "The Horror at Pleasant Brook" in exchange for an honest review!
I love a good horror novel, and Horror at Pleasant Brook gave me something not many horror novels do-- I was getting strong "Hellraiser" vibes from it. It's creepy, it sets the scene up well-- I could get lost in this town and wondering what they were going to do with these monsters.
But-- oh my god, I had trouble finishing it. Everything is extremely well written, but there are many many pages with monster encounters to me that began to feel repetitive.
So while the book kind of gives me small-town 80s (even though it's not the 80s) vibes like Stranger Things or something, I was also so disappointed in the ending. It definitely did not fall for any horror tropes we know from movies or other books.
Overall, it's a fun read. It's just long.
I love a good horror novel, and Horror at Pleasant Brook gave me something not many horror novels do-- I was getting strong "Hellraiser" vibes from it. It's creepy, it sets the scene up well-- I could get lost in this town and wondering what they were going to do with these monsters.
But-- oh my god, I had trouble finishing it. Everything is extremely well written, but there are many many pages with monster encounters to me that began to feel repetitive.
So while the book kind of gives me small-town 80s (even though it's not the 80s) vibes like Stranger Things or something, I was also so disappointed in the ending. It definitely did not fall for any horror tropes we know from movies or other books.
Overall, it's a fun read. It's just long.
October 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for this Kindle ARC.
Part Lost Colony of Roanoke, with that hint of Croatoan. What really happened to the residents in the town of Pleasant Brook?
It’s about a sleepy, picturesque town in October that sounds like a postcard of quaint homes, beautifully manicured lawns, fall foliage, corn mazes, and where everybody knows your name. Some residents have tried to leave but still end up back in Pleasant Brook.
The town (of course) is not without your vagrants, alcoholics, and misguided people who have gone astray, but for all intended purposes, this book starts like your typical horror movie. It builds with the murder of townsfolk and an evil presence.
One of our protagonists in the story (Scott) has a love for all horror movies and has seen just about everything, which is too many. This character would become an integral part of the remaining group and provide his brand of knowledge about all things evil. My favorite is Sage and Constable Grace Matthews, and you always need some to-the-death women in these situations.
An ancient evil is swiftly taking over the town, and to make matters worse, the story takes place with the 2nd lockdown for COVID, and people, by this point, are weary.
When the genre is horror, not all books deliver, but this book is a true horror novel with all the gore you can stomach. It's the most graphic novel I’ve read this year, with parts that had me cringing as deaths would be explained in full detail. You’re definitely not left wondering if a person died as it was described in full detail. Imagine a Halloween or Final Destination for the ages.
It’s a great creepy novel for the season if you can handle it, and I enjoyed it all. It's not a mystery. You're not going to be guessing what’s happening. There are no twists or turns. It’s just a straight up-and-down horror novel. Keep 'em coming.
Part Lost Colony of Roanoke, with that hint of Croatoan. What really happened to the residents in the town of Pleasant Brook?
It’s about a sleepy, picturesque town in October that sounds like a postcard of quaint homes, beautifully manicured lawns, fall foliage, corn mazes, and where everybody knows your name. Some residents have tried to leave but still end up back in Pleasant Brook.
The town (of course) is not without your vagrants, alcoholics, and misguided people who have gone astray, but for all intended purposes, this book starts like your typical horror movie. It builds with the murder of townsfolk and an evil presence.
One of our protagonists in the story (Scott) has a love for all horror movies and has seen just about everything, which is too many. This character would become an integral part of the remaining group and provide his brand of knowledge about all things evil. My favorite is Sage and Constable Grace Matthews, and you always need some to-the-death women in these situations.
An ancient evil is swiftly taking over the town, and to make matters worse, the story takes place with the 2nd lockdown for COVID, and people, by this point, are weary.
When the genre is horror, not all books deliver, but this book is a true horror novel with all the gore you can stomach. It's the most graphic novel I’ve read this year, with parts that had me cringing as deaths would be explained in full detail. You’re definitely not left wondering if a person died as it was described in full detail. Imagine a Halloween or Final Destination for the ages.
It’s a great creepy novel for the season if you can handle it, and I enjoyed it all. It's not a mystery. You're not going to be guessing what’s happening. There are no twists or turns. It’s just a straight up-and-down horror novel. Keep 'em coming.
October 18, 2023
What did I just read?! I love horror stories with small, remote towns. Makes getting help darn near impossible. And that usually means everyone knows everyone. But, you will find it hard to get to know this towns residents. You meet them. They die. Gruesomely. Horribly. In the synopsis it’s mentioned “until nothing else remains”. The victim’s remains are all that remain.
It’s Halloween and Covid lockdown in Pleasant Brook. The only things stirring are the monsters. So many of them. And they want you to come out and play. Or, perhaps they’ll come in. I’d just recently watched Phantoms, the movie based off the book by Dean Koontz, and felt some of those same terrifying feelings while reading this book.
I love my horror year round but I’m always looking for a good scare for the Halloween season. Kevin Lucia got me good.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
It’s Halloween and Covid lockdown in Pleasant Brook. The only things stirring are the monsters. So many of them. And they want you to come out and play. Or, perhaps they’ll come in. I’d just recently watched Phantoms, the movie based off the book by Dean Koontz, and felt some of those same terrifying feelings while reading this book.
I love my horror year round but I’m always looking for a good scare for the Halloween season. Kevin Lucia got me good.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
January 31, 2024
I blame my obsession with small town horrors on my mother who used to INSIST upon watching Midsummer Murders when I was younger, which if you're not from the UK, is about a small quaint town where murders happen, like, everyday, and there is only one (rather charming) detective...anyway this was a great gory read, ancient evil descends upon a small town during covid, it felt like a classic old school horror, fully fleshed cast but don't get attached as Kevin clearly loves to cut characters times short, to put it politely 😅 the amount of violence surprised me, it's brutal, a terrifying visceral read that will stay with me for a while! Thankyou to the publisher for the copy!
June 16, 2023
Talk about a crazy, something has taken over the town, scary book. This book will leave a mark on my psyche forever. I like to read about creatures taking over but in reality this is my worst nightmare. Zombies or aliens are what I fear the worst. Hive mentality also freaks me out, which this book had some very descriptive scenes. Hopefully this kind of nightmare inducing subject stays fiction. Thank you for giving me more nightmare fuel!
October 13, 2023
The awesome Crystal Lake Publishing house has done it again, with this tale of small-town folks gone (very!) bad. Another great book from the talented pen of Kevin Lucia, and immediately a new favourite, The Horror at Pleasant Brook is an amazing read.
I have loved all the stories set in Kevin Lucia's world of Cliffton Heights, so it was like visiting a completely new place, arriving in Pleasant Brook. However, I felt at home immediately. Stunning writing, such well-drawn characters especially, that makes you not only feel you know them, but you care about them so much. I felt like I had known the place and the people in it, right from the start, and it certainly made the story very compelling.
Given what happens in this terrifying tale of a Halloween straight from hell, its not always a good thing to get too attached to the folks here, though! The horror is relentless. Right from the start, you are immersed in a world of the darkest events that could ever visit a sleepy little community. I loved the way things unfolded, not just were you drawn along with the story in a breathless flight, the characters were so powerful, and their fight against the threat to the town is something I won't forget in a hurry. Some great touches, too, like nods to other awesome writers and horror films - especially those featuring Hallowe'en. Fans will love spotting these little in-references, I'm sure.
This is the perfect blend of horror and storytelling, for me. One doesn't outshine or outbalance the other, the horror is visceral and unforgiving, but never at the expense of the story itself. The end result is a truly memorable book, and a tribute to this great Author's ability to involve a reader totally, from the first page to the last! The story tears along at breakneck speed, and it's one of the marks of the writing that you just don't want to put it down, until you find out what happens. If you're still reading at 3am and can't stop, you know you've been lucky enough to find a really great book - this is very much one of the few!
A triumph for not just the Hallowe'en season, but all seasons where horror reigns supreme, 'The Horror at Pleasant Brook' is a classic-to-be in this genre, and should rightly take its place amongst the greats.
In the interests of complete clarity, Ill just add that I was privileged to receive an ARC of this book from Crystal Lake Publishing and this is an honest review of this (great!) book. I have since invested in a bought copy for my Kindle library, by the way, because such great work should definitely be supported! If you treat yourself to a copy, you'll soon discover a gem in the Hallowe'en genre, and you'll no doubt want to read it again next time this season comes around - I know I will!
I have loved all the stories set in Kevin Lucia's world of Cliffton Heights, so it was like visiting a completely new place, arriving in Pleasant Brook. However, I felt at home immediately. Stunning writing, such well-drawn characters especially, that makes you not only feel you know them, but you care about them so much. I felt like I had known the place and the people in it, right from the start, and it certainly made the story very compelling.
Given what happens in this terrifying tale of a Halloween straight from hell, its not always a good thing to get too attached to the folks here, though! The horror is relentless. Right from the start, you are immersed in a world of the darkest events that could ever visit a sleepy little community. I loved the way things unfolded, not just were you drawn along with the story in a breathless flight, the characters were so powerful, and their fight against the threat to the town is something I won't forget in a hurry. Some great touches, too, like nods to other awesome writers and horror films - especially those featuring Hallowe'en. Fans will love spotting these little in-references, I'm sure.
This is the perfect blend of horror and storytelling, for me. One doesn't outshine or outbalance the other, the horror is visceral and unforgiving, but never at the expense of the story itself. The end result is a truly memorable book, and a tribute to this great Author's ability to involve a reader totally, from the first page to the last! The story tears along at breakneck speed, and it's one of the marks of the writing that you just don't want to put it down, until you find out what happens. If you're still reading at 3am and can't stop, you know you've been lucky enough to find a really great book - this is very much one of the few!
A triumph for not just the Hallowe'en season, but all seasons where horror reigns supreme, 'The Horror at Pleasant Brook' is a classic-to-be in this genre, and should rightly take its place amongst the greats.
In the interests of complete clarity, Ill just add that I was privileged to receive an ARC of this book from Crystal Lake Publishing and this is an honest review of this (great!) book. I have since invested in a bought copy for my Kindle library, by the way, because such great work should definitely be supported! If you treat yourself to a copy, you'll soon discover a gem in the Hallowe'en genre, and you'll no doubt want to read it again next time this season comes around - I know I will!
November 19, 2023
This was a gory ride! The story caught my attention from the very beginning with the creepy masks. I enjoyed the small town setting and “creatures/ 🧛🏽♀️ vampires”.
**Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to review this book in exchange for an honest review. **
**Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to review this book in exchange for an honest review. **
August 30, 2023
A powerhouse debut novel! A gripping tale of small town horror in the Adirondack Mountains during COVID. It grabbed me from the start and never let go. Steady pace, relatable characters, familiar problems, yet when the unfamiliar, ancient evil invades the town you get unexpected turns aplenty. This one's got real tension, creepy scares, and at times it is all but impossible to guess where it's going. The strength of the novel lies in the characters and the situations they find themselves in. I liked the character of the constable, Grace, she's one smart tough cookie, but I identified most with Scott, the horror loving teenager. I couldn't help pulling so hard for him to overcome the evil and stop everything being consumed. Towards the end the feeling of isolation and regret, the oppressive atmosphere, the sense of futility as the local society is collapsing, risk getting too much; still, the payoff is worth it, and, personally, I can't imagine a different outcome than the one in the book.
In any case, Lucia has a gift for telling great stories, and this one is no exception. Fantastic read!
In any case, Lucia has a gift for telling great stories, and this one is no exception. Fantastic read!
September 30, 2023
1.5 stars
God, this was sooo boring. The premise sounded like this was going to be a slasher-type horror book that I would very much enjoy, but the execution of it let me down. Hard.
It was just wholly repetitive. In tone, the chapters and descriptions. The book kind of read like a film script: it just described every physical thing and all of these gestures that were mostly uninteresting, but I guess would make sense in something that describes what would happen on a tv screen?? But yeah, not in a book.
The first half of the book was incredibly tedious: it kept describing the same things happening to all of these townies. It introduced them, we’d get a basic character description and they would be immediately killed off at the end of the chapter, never to be seen again. After about three to four instances, you got the idea, but this went on for the first 50% of the book.
Also, this book had queer rep. It felt kind of token-y and performative because the characters fell very flat to me (but then again, that was basically the case for all of the characters). I can’t necessarily say it was the most amazing representation.
The only thing I did enjoy about this was the gore. That was done well. But for the rest, I feel like this book could’ve used a significant amount of editing.
God, this was sooo boring. The premise sounded like this was going to be a slasher-type horror book that I would very much enjoy, but the execution of it let me down. Hard.
It was just wholly repetitive. In tone, the chapters and descriptions. The book kind of read like a film script: it just described every physical thing and all of these gestures that were mostly uninteresting, but I guess would make sense in something that describes what would happen on a tv screen?? But yeah, not in a book.
The first half of the book was incredibly tedious: it kept describing the same things happening to all of these townies. It introduced them, we’d get a basic character description and they would be immediately killed off at the end of the chapter, never to be seen again. After about three to four instances, you got the idea, but this went on for the first 50% of the book.
Also, this book had queer rep. It felt kind of token-y and performative because the characters fell very flat to me (but then again, that was basically the case for all of the characters). I can’t necessarily say it was the most amazing representation.
The only thing I did enjoy about this was the gore. That was done well. But for the rest, I feel like this book could’ve used a significant amount of editing.
October 8, 2023
Check out my Booktube review: Click Here
There's no doubt this is a horror and that the author appeared to relish telling the tale. There's a lot in the book to satisfy what many a horror fan will look for in a story. Even though this is set in modern day, around the time of the Covid pandemic, the story had an 80s vibe for me. Maybe because of the use of a mask as the vehicle for the evil in the story. It reminded me of Halloween and Friday the 13th. Add how many of the killings occurred, with people alone at home or work and then being attacked, it also reminded me of those movies.
While the story overall is enjoyable and I appreciate the horror, I found this repetitive and wished for it to be shorter. The horror scenes also felt as if they were on a loop, with the mask being described almost word for word for each new character's POV and the deaths of characters also seemed to play on loop. Switching things up a bit now and then would have given some of those scenes more emphasis.
What I really enjoyed in the intensity in this story. The full tilt, no holds barred, drive into horror. It seemed that was what the author aimed for and it delivered. There's something to be said for knowing what you want the story to be and not compromising. I think, at times, authors hold back for fear of isolating/dividing the audience. I always think it's best to go for what you intend, and I'm glad this author did just that. Setting this in a somewhat isolated town added to the sense of dread and hopelessness in the book, and was a good choice. While it is cliche, it was well suited to this story and well used as a device.
Much was made in this book about Covid and people's attitudes to the outbreak and response of authorities. I'm not sure if the author was trying to include a personal statement on the topic, but based on how often it was referred to, it appeared that way. I don't mind if that's the case, but it's always a risk. In some sections of the book, it felt like the theme of Covid took over everything else in the book. I thought the constant referral strange. If it was trying to cement the period for story in the mind of the reader, mentioning it once or twice would be enough. Half way through the book, I was over reading about how each character felt about remote schooling or zoom meetings in general.
All in all, a serviceable horror that would improve with less repetition. But it is impactful, it is chilling, and there is plenty of action to engage the horror fans out there.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a free copy of the book for an honest review. All comments are my own.
There's no doubt this is a horror and that the author appeared to relish telling the tale. There's a lot in the book to satisfy what many a horror fan will look for in a story. Even though this is set in modern day, around the time of the Covid pandemic, the story had an 80s vibe for me. Maybe because of the use of a mask as the vehicle for the evil in the story. It reminded me of Halloween and Friday the 13th. Add how many of the killings occurred, with people alone at home or work and then being attacked, it also reminded me of those movies.
While the story overall is enjoyable and I appreciate the horror, I found this repetitive and wished for it to be shorter. The horror scenes also felt as if they were on a loop, with the mask being described almost word for word for each new character's POV and the deaths of characters also seemed to play on loop. Switching things up a bit now and then would have given some of those scenes more emphasis.
What I really enjoyed in the intensity in this story. The full tilt, no holds barred, drive into horror. It seemed that was what the author aimed for and it delivered. There's something to be said for knowing what you want the story to be and not compromising. I think, at times, authors hold back for fear of isolating/dividing the audience. I always think it's best to go for what you intend, and I'm glad this author did just that. Setting this in a somewhat isolated town added to the sense of dread and hopelessness in the book, and was a good choice. While it is cliche, it was well suited to this story and well used as a device.
Much was made in this book about Covid and people's attitudes to the outbreak and response of authorities. I'm not sure if the author was trying to include a personal statement on the topic, but based on how often it was referred to, it appeared that way. I don't mind if that's the case, but it's always a risk. In some sections of the book, it felt like the theme of Covid took over everything else in the book. I thought the constant referral strange. If it was trying to cement the period for story in the mind of the reader, mentioning it once or twice would be enough. Half way through the book, I was over reading about how each character felt about remote schooling or zoom meetings in general.
All in all, a serviceable horror that would improve with less repetition. But it is impactful, it is chilling, and there is plenty of action to engage the horror fans out there.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a free copy of the book for an honest review. All comments are my own.
September 10, 2023
"They were summoned from the dark by the First, and then they served the First. They would feed, spread, and become more until something made them go back to sleep once more. As always, there was the hope and the hunger that perhaps this time they wouldn’t have to go back to sleep. They could continue to eat and spread, eat spread..."
Halloween this year is very different. I. A quaint small town, people start appearing in strange black masks. And then the townspeople go missing. Something has been unleashed on the town, something ancient and powerful.
This is a horror book about a true evil, an evil without morals, that can't be reasoned with.
This was really good and bloody and gory. I definitely recommend it. Thank you netgalley and Crystal Lake Publishing for giving me an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Halloween this year is very different. I. A quaint small town, people start appearing in strange black masks. And then the townspeople go missing. Something has been unleashed on the town, something ancient and powerful.
This is a horror book about a true evil, an evil without morals, that can't be reasoned with.
This was really good and bloody and gory. I definitely recommend it. Thank you netgalley and Crystal Lake Publishing for giving me an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2023
Definitely a unique horror story, but at times a little bit too repetititve for me. I liked the characters and the ending was pretty good, too.
September 24, 2023
I received an early reader copy for this book from NetGalley for free.
This book had a good atmosphere and I really liked LGBTQIA+ characters. You could also really tell that the author was a big fan of horror films with his writing and the plot overall felt something like from a b-tier 80's horror film. I did find myself at times struggling to keep myself interested with the story with how often we got the POV of some random townie who ends up dying straight away. I wish the plot had been little more streamlined 'cause it felt little disjointed at times.
I did really enjoy how the author wrote some of the gross body horror scenes.
Overall a fun, yet little cheesy, horror read that would be perfect read around Halloween.
This book had a good atmosphere and I really liked LGBTQIA+ characters. You could also really tell that the author was a big fan of horror films with his writing and the plot overall felt something like from a b-tier 80's horror film. I did find myself at times struggling to keep myself interested with the story with how often we got the POV of some random townie who ends up dying straight away. I wish the plot had been little more streamlined 'cause it felt little disjointed at times.
I did really enjoy how the author wrote some of the gross body horror scenes.
Overall a fun, yet little cheesy, horror read that would be perfect read around Halloween.
August 29, 2023
As far as horror books go, this one had a great plot device. I won't give anything away, but it's nothing I'd read before. The plot itself was a little bland, with WAY too many recovering alcoholics (at least 4 of the main characters). Some well-written gore, a bit of a surprise ending and some strong sarcasm from a few likeable characters helped a little, but the plot was dry, most of the characters were cookies cutter and there was far too much COVID talk (it was written in mid-pandemic). I will try a few more Kevin Lucia books to see if they are better.
Thanks to Netgalley, Kevin Lucia, and Crystal Lake Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley, Kevin Lucia, and Crystal Lake Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
July 3, 2023
Bad things don't happen in a small town. That's what most of us believe. We don't stop to wonder about the evil that can be lurking behind any door. We don't stop to think how one decision can change the course of lives. After all, a mask is only a mask right? This book starts off with a bang and doesn't let up. The story begins being told from different viewpoints which can be slightly confusing until you understand how each character ties together. Lucia wrote a story that literally gave me the creeps. I found myself glancing out my window while up alone reading. The characters and story blend together to create a super creepy atmosphere all while building relationships. I definitely will think twice before putting any unknown object near my face.
The story centers around the small town constable Grace who begins to investigate disturbing sightings of people in masks. What she believes is simply part of Halloween turns into a creepy have mentality gorefest. The characters are super diverse and I love how one of the most unlikely horror movie loving characters turns out to play a huge role in the story. The origins of the mask are slowly revealed throughout the story leaving you hungry for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc copy if this amazing read.
The story centers around the small town constable Grace who begins to investigate disturbing sightings of people in masks. What she believes is simply part of Halloween turns into a creepy have mentality gorefest. The characters are super diverse and I love how one of the most unlikely horror movie loving characters turns out to play a huge role in the story. The origins of the mask are slowly revealed throughout the story leaving you hungry for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc copy if this amazing read.
October 19, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Crystal Lake Publishing for this Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Four stars out of five (4/5).
Trigger words: Animal death, character death, gore, and violence.
Although it was very similar to a book I've read lately I still found this book to be an enjoyable read, once I got past the surprise of this being another horror with spreading masks and black goo. Same with the idea of the infection sort of making everyone "one" entity.
There were a few errors throughout the novel, usually just simple spelling mistakes or a word missing etc.
It was nothing that made it unreadable.
The Horror at Pleasant Brook is a small-town horror that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
I was sort of disappointed at the end of the novel as it was ended, and not how I expected it to end. But if I were to take stars off a book for that then I wouldn't be able to get any 5-star books.
The book was a little slow to start off, but once it got going it was hard to put it down.
I would recommend this to a friend or my readers and I would probably have bought this if I hadn't got it free as an Advanced Readers Copy. As someone who doesn't get scared often, this kept me on my toes.
Four stars out of five (4/5).
Trigger words: Animal death, character death, gore, and violence.
Although it was very similar to a book I've read lately I still found this book to be an enjoyable read, once I got past the surprise of this being another horror with spreading masks and black goo. Same with the idea of the infection sort of making everyone "one" entity.
There were a few errors throughout the novel, usually just simple spelling mistakes or a word missing etc.
It was nothing that made it unreadable.
The Horror at Pleasant Brook is a small-town horror that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
I was sort of disappointed at the end of the novel as it was ended, and not how I expected it to end. But if I were to take stars off a book for that then I wouldn't be able to get any 5-star books.
The book was a little slow to start off, but once it got going it was hard to put it down.
I would recommend this to a friend or my readers and I would probably have bought this if I hadn't got it free as an Advanced Readers Copy. As someone who doesn't get scared often, this kept me on my toes.
July 18, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review!
The quantity of gore and unsuspecting horror was absolutely enthralling. It had me on the edge of my proverbial seat the entire time. It felt like pure slasher carnage at times and my immediate thought was “this would be such a fun movie” and I stand by that. It’s essentially dark creatures taking over everything with a hive like mind that completely sends shivers down your spine.
I enjoyed our main character Grace and her hunt for the truth. It’s all happening around Halloween which really makes the story. It was wonderfully diverse and the side characters just as enjoyable. If masks creep you out, this might not be for you!
The quantity of gore and unsuspecting horror was absolutely enthralling. It had me on the edge of my proverbial seat the entire time. It felt like pure slasher carnage at times and my immediate thought was “this would be such a fun movie” and I stand by that. It’s essentially dark creatures taking over everything with a hive like mind that completely sends shivers down your spine.
I enjoyed our main character Grace and her hunt for the truth. It’s all happening around Halloween which really makes the story. It was wonderfully diverse and the side characters just as enjoyable. If masks creep you out, this might not be for you!
July 27, 2023
Thank you to the author and netgalley for a chance to review this book.
This was a great read. it was a wonderful terrifying tale of horror. i felt like i was reading an old classic paperback. the cover is also incredible. the descriptions in the book were incredibly detailed. if you're into horror i highly suggest this book. it should check off quite a few boxes for fans of the genre.
This was a great read. it was a wonderful terrifying tale of horror. i felt like i was reading an old classic paperback. the cover is also incredible. the descriptions in the book were incredibly detailed. if you're into horror i highly suggest this book. it should check off quite a few boxes for fans of the genre.
April 21, 2025
This was an ARC provided via Netgalley (thank you!)
A fun filled and thrilling pace of fun horror! The small town old school feel kept me sitting on the edge of my seat and the short chapters were like butter sliding through my fingers with every page turn! The LGBTQ themes were all inclusive. There was a lot of characters but I enjoyed every one. It is a little reminiscent of an urban horror which evil dominated a whole town I read recently, it seems to be a trope that speaks to me. Five stars ⭐ Now I’m going to buy this book to do it over again!
A fun filled and thrilling pace of fun horror! The small town old school feel kept me sitting on the edge of my seat and the short chapters were like butter sliding through my fingers with every page turn! The LGBTQ themes were all inclusive. There was a lot of characters but I enjoyed every one. It is a little reminiscent of an urban horror which evil dominated a whole town I read recently, it seems to be a trope that speaks to me. Five stars ⭐ Now I’m going to buy this book to do it over again!
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