Old Scratch

by Kristopher Rufty

Marcy Corbin has been hearing stories about Old Scratch ever since she was a little girl. A devil, a demon, and sometimes, he was something even worse who made deals that cost more than you could ever repay.Now, as an adult, Marcy desperately needs those tales her grandmother filled her head with so many years ago to be true. And she needs Old Scratch’s help more than she could ever imagine.Driving far into the swamplands of the deep south, Marcy will enter a nightmare of fear and death that will lead her straight to the old cemetery where the ancient devil is waiting for her.It’s time for Marcy to make a deal of her own.

Genres: Horror

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2023

About the author

Kristopher Rufty lives in North Carolina with his three children and pets. He’s written over twenty novels, including ALL WILL DIE, THE DEVOURED AND THE DEAD, DESOLATION, THE LURKERS and PILLOWFACE. When he’s not spending time with his family or writing, he’s obsessing over gardening and growing food.

His short story DARLA'S PROBLEM was included in the Splatterpunk Publications anthology FIGHTING BACK, which won the Splatterpunk award for best anthology. THE DEVOURED AND THE DEAD was nominated for a Splatterpunk award.

He can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For more about Kristopher Rufty, please visit: www.kristopherrufty.com

Reviews

[Vicki Herbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old Scratch Doesn't Do Favors... He Makes Deals

OLD SCRATCH by Kristopher Rufty

No spoilers. 4 stars. This is the story about a distraught mother daring to believe the hillbilly folklore of Old Scratch...

Since childhood, Marcy Corbin's mother and Grandma had told her stories about a backwoods devil called Old Scratch...

But...

Now Mom and Grandma were dead, and Marcy was married to Travis, and the couple had a baby girl named Vivian (Vivvy) until...

They didn't...

One morning, Marcy found little Vivvy dead in her crib...

That was when...

The folktale about Old Scratch came back to Marcy. She remembered that, according to legend...

Old Scratch could be called upon to do a favor for a price...

Unfortunately...

Marcy would learn the hard way that Old Scratch doesn't do favors. He only makes deals...

This was another folktale; this one, from the hill folk. It wasn't the most original story I've ever read, but it was interesting and kind of an adventure with many twists and turns.

Summing up, this was a good read, but probably not something I would read again because of loose ends.

[Sonia LeeAnn Hyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristopher Rufty takes us as readers on a hell of a ride. This book gripped me from start to finish and made me feel so many emotions. The way the legend of Old Scratch is weaved into the story makes it a story within a story.

Marcy grew up with stories of Old Scratch from her grandmother. She learned from an early age that deal making with this devil comes with a steep price. Marcy needs the legends to be true. She needs to make a deal. How far will she go to make that deal? The story follows Marcy on her journey into the swampland of the south where danger and roadblocks wait at every turn. Marcy needs to make a deal, but can she trust the devil himself?

Do yourself a favor and read this book. It is expertly written with beautiful character development. A great book is more than just horror; it's a book that makes you think and feel. I am still thinking of what I would do if I had the same desperation as Marcy. Would I go on my own quest to find the devil?

[Dale Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant Rufty book. From the characters, to the journey, to the Old Scratch lore and mystery, there's plenty here for any horror fan to enjoy. He did every aspect of the book well. It's creepy, it's gross, it's emotional. But most of all, it keeps you gripped to those pages. I just couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next.

Superb! Absolutely loved it!

[Jason Nickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes you on quite a trip as you follow Marcy in her journey to visit a local legend, Old Scratch. Some genuinely creepy moments along with some unexpected twists and turns. I absolutely loved it.

[Erica Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!!!

[Lauren Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book had so many twists and turns , I couldn’t stop reading! Even made me cry. Loved this read 📚

[Hannah Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come.

[John Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, bonkers story about some backwoods devilry.The cool thing about Kristopher Rufty book is that you truly can’t expect the unexpected and this one delivers.

[timj26 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything I love Southern Gothic horror feel, dark subject matter, and a great use of folklore with a high body count
The narration was excellent. The voice actor was perfectly picked for the story.
Its not often a story manages to be engaging and stay creepy and bloody at the same time. I can’t recommend this enough. 5stars