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These Things Linger
When Alex Wilson's estranged uncle unexpectedly dies, Alex realizes he would do just about anything to make peace with the man who had raised him as his own.
He'd even reach out to the dead.
But things more dangerous than ghosts haunt his uncle's broken down trailer and the nearly abandoned one-gas-station town of Fair Hill just beyond. Things that can devour the living and the dead alike, and are all too ready to answer his call.
Some parts of our past never really leave us. There are things that don't know how to die.
These things linger.
Dan Franklin's supernatural thriller novel These Things Linger is a twisting and unforgiving tale of desperation, depression, heritage, and of other hungry, vicious things.
He'd even reach out to the dead.
But things more dangerous than ghosts haunt his uncle's broken down trailer and the nearly abandoned one-gas-station town of Fair Hill just beyond. Things that can devour the living and the dead alike, and are all too ready to answer his call.
Some parts of our past never really leave us. There are things that don't know how to die.
These things linger.
Dan Franklin's supernatural thriller novel These Things Linger is a twisting and unforgiving tale of desperation, depression, heritage, and of other hungry, vicious things.
264 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2024
131 people are currently reading
1285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
December 4, 2024
Genuinely scary!
This brilliantly written story was a mixture of gruesome horror and psychological mystery. An atmosphere of grief and despair infected all the main characters throughout the book. Alex, a young adolescent youth is persuaded by his girlfriend to assist her in a ritual to raise her recently deceased brother. The ritual appears not to work, no loving brother appears but, unknown to them, something malignant has crossed the veil into our world. As Alex grows into adulthood his life seems complete, a successful career beckons, a new loving girlfriend with baby on the way, the American idyll is within sight. What could go wrong? Unfortunately Alex, for some misguided sense of family loyalty, repeats the magical ritual he attempted many years previously. This time the results are catastrophic, not only for himself but for everyone he loves and cares about. The moral of the story is, do not experiment with the occult when you have no idea what you are getting into. Highly recommended!
This brilliantly written story was a mixture of gruesome horror and psychological mystery. An atmosphere of grief and despair infected all the main characters throughout the book. Alex, a young adolescent youth is persuaded by his girlfriend to assist her in a ritual to raise her recently deceased brother. The ritual appears not to work, no loving brother appears but, unknown to them, something malignant has crossed the veil into our world. As Alex grows into adulthood his life seems complete, a successful career beckons, a new loving girlfriend with baby on the way, the American idyll is within sight. What could go wrong? Unfortunately Alex, for some misguided sense of family loyalty, repeats the magical ritual he attempted many years previously. This time the results are catastrophic, not only for himself but for everyone he loves and cares about. The moral of the story is, do not experiment with the occult when you have no idea what you are getting into. Highly recommended!
April 12, 2024
3.5
This was a well written horror tale about a man who attempts to raise the dead with dire consequences. There were some sequences that were quite gruesome. I didn't particularly like any of the characters and found the end disappointing. I would definitely read more by Dan Franklin though.
This was a well written horror tale about a man who attempts to raise the dead with dire consequences. There were some sequences that were quite gruesome. I didn't particularly like any of the characters and found the end disappointing. I would definitely read more by Dan Franklin though.
December 28, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Horror
A young guy named Alex Wilson has suffered the loss of his parents and his uncle. His uncle was the only family he had ever known. He makes the decision to try and contact his uncle Matty through an occult ceremony because he is unhappy that he was unable to make amends with him before he passed away. Alex performs an initiation ceremony using his own blood and a picture of his uncle. The ritual does not go according to plan. What Alex brings is a dark force that will make him regret doing the whole thing.
The novel is a horror story that incorporates aspects of the supernatural with topics that are psychological in nature. Grief, shame, and the repercussions of interfering with the unknown are some of the subjects that are discussed in this book. I feel the main character is well-developed. However, the secondary characters still needed some more attention from the author.
The book is quite atmospheric, but going between the present and past was taking me out of concentration and was spoiling the thrills that were happening in the present. There is no explicit present and past structure in the story, but through the main character’s narrative, we are occasionally taken to the past, which disconnects my mind from the atmospheric present. I also feel that Alex's relationship with his uncle needed more buildup. Regardless of all that, the story is entertaining and can be read in one session.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
Genre: Horror
A young guy named Alex Wilson has suffered the loss of his parents and his uncle. His uncle was the only family he had ever known. He makes the decision to try and contact his uncle Matty through an occult ceremony because he is unhappy that he was unable to make amends with him before he passed away. Alex performs an initiation ceremony using his own blood and a picture of his uncle. The ritual does not go according to plan. What Alex brings is a dark force that will make him regret doing the whole thing.
The novel is a horror story that incorporates aspects of the supernatural with topics that are psychological in nature. Grief, shame, and the repercussions of interfering with the unknown are some of the subjects that are discussed in this book. I feel the main character is well-developed. However, the secondary characters still needed some more attention from the author.
The book is quite atmospheric, but going between the present and past was taking me out of concentration and was spoiling the thrills that were happening in the present. There is no explicit present and past structure in the story, but through the main character’s narrative, we are occasionally taken to the past, which disconnects my mind from the atmospheric present. I also feel that Alex's relationship with his uncle needed more buildup. Regardless of all that, the story is entertaining and can be read in one session.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
July 8, 2024
*puts hands on hips and looks disappointed* I know a lot of people in my group love this book and couldn't get enough of it but I didn't care for it. I couldn't stand the main character/the husband and his wife. I thought the husband was a b!tch. Can I say that here?? Seriously though......
***⚠️THIS MIGHT BE SPOILERISH SO READ FURTHER AT YOUR OWN DESCRETION⚠️***
.
.
.
......The main character is a coward and not very smart. He gets involved with things he has no business getting involved with and then when shit hits the fan he has no idea how to deal with it and his pregnant wife doesn't know either but she's the one that takes charge while he basically just stands around and does nothing. He expects everyone else to take care of things because he is clueless. So we have a clueless guy doing some stupid shit and everyone's life's are in serious danger bc of it, several lifes are lost (including young childrens), and he does nothing. Oh, and when the children die his attitude is "better those parents than me and my baby." Holy.Shit. I have disdain for this guy. 🤌🤌🤌
And then the ending.... oh, hahaha, that is definitely a spoiler so I won't say anything but the end result IS HIS DAMN FAULT!! And it made me so mad. It could have been avoided. He irritated me. 😒
I didn't care for the wife either because there's all this stuff happening and she still is condescending and rude to someone who claims to want to help them. Granted, yes, it was a fake, but before she even knew that she was rude. Youve got paranormal stuff happening right in front of your face and you talk down to someone who you had no where else to turn to? That just irritated me, too.
Yeah, that about sums it up for me. I'm done.
***⚠️THIS MIGHT BE SPOILERISH SO READ FURTHER AT YOUR OWN DESCRETION⚠️***
.
.
.
......The main character is a coward and not very smart. He gets involved with things he has no business getting involved with and then when shit hits the fan he has no idea how to deal with it and his pregnant wife doesn't know either but she's the one that takes charge while he basically just stands around and does nothing. He expects everyone else to take care of things because he is clueless. So we have a clueless guy doing some stupid shit and everyone's life's are in serious danger bc of it, several lifes are lost (including young childrens), and he does nothing. Oh, and when the children die his attitude is "better those parents than me and my baby." Holy.Shit. I have disdain for this guy. 🤌🤌🤌
And then the ending.... oh, hahaha, that is definitely a spoiler so I won't say anything but the end result IS HIS DAMN FAULT!! And it made me so mad. It could have been avoided. He irritated me. 😒
I didn't care for the wife either because there's all this stuff happening and she still is condescending and rude to someone who claims to want to help them. Granted, yes, it was a fake, but before she even knew that she was rude. Youve got paranormal stuff happening right in front of your face and you talk down to someone who you had no where else to turn to? That just irritated me, too.
Yeah, that about sums it up for me. I'm done.
May 19, 2024
THESE THINGS LINGER [2024] By Dan Franklin
My Review 4.0 Stars
This novel by Dan Franklin (“These Things Linger” released earlier this year) was introduced to the members of Horror Aficionados by Kenneth who manages to locate truly intriguing and invariably entertaining books of horror for the club members each month. Why is this so special? It is because of the club’s sensationally satisfying “Group Reads: Guest Author Invite” feature. Personally speaking, it is the most enjoyable aspect of the club’s Group Reads each month (selections named based upon member participation in the voting) and other projects to keep us members entertained and stimulated.
So, okay, then, Dan Franklin was a name unfamiliar to me, which is usually the case with the extreme horror novels (and their authors) that the diligent Kenneth manages somehow to persuade to “meet” with our members and answer questions that range from the book’s cover art to how the author divined the concept for the book, and about any other questions you can fathom. This is my favorite part of the book club’s activities so I love to ask the author’s questions, make a nuisance of myself sometimes, but I love it when they allot time to our group.
I made such a big deal out of this because for the first time I really believed that Kenneth had finally made a miscalculation with this Dan Franklin fellow and whatever was lingering. The length is a respectable 266 pages for a horror novel and the author titles each chapter. I go in to the novel expecting Extreme Horror, of course, and the genre designation that seemed to fit early on was surely “Occult” (Horror). I grasped right away that Franklin is a very gifted writer. Descriptive prose and emotional verbiage seem to easily bleed from his pen. The protagonist of the story is Alex AKA “Lex”. The tale is unfolded in first person perspective limited by our main character. Lex portrays his early years as pretty much a deadbeat who would not recognize ambition if it hit him on the head. But somewhere along the line Alex transforms into a go-getter and secures an education and a girl who loves him.
In the early days of his lassitude and vague interest in making out with a girl who is mostly his friend, she lost her brother and it had been devastating for her. Lacey (Jameson) talks Lex the boy wonder into trying a ritual she found in a book to contact the dead (her deceased brother of course). Adults return right in the middle of the kids trying to follow the instructions. There is a retrospective into Alex’s exposures to mind games from an early age and his associated fears and reservations. Life moves on and it is obvious that he has moved past his humble beginnings and started a new life for himself and the woman who is carrying his child and he wants to marry. He is happy and does not think a lot about he and his Uncle Matt having a falling out. He had not seen his Uncle Matt in years, and had not even spoke to him in ages (“A few awkward phone calls”). His uncle unexpectedly dies, and “Alex realizes he would do just about anything to make peace with the man who had raised him as his own”.
I have not knowingly included any “spoilers” in this review. The Description on Amazon carries the notice that “…things more dangerous than ghosts haunt his uncle’s broken-down trailer and the nearly abandoned one-gas-station town of Fair Hill just beyond. Things that can devour the living and the dead alike, and are all too ready to answer his call.”
This book was a slow burn for me, and though I felt that the writing was excellent and that the narrative was well written and had the ring of realism, the content was just not resonating with me. It was obviously an occult yarn of sorts but I was making the effort to continue reading. Then, it was farther along in the book when Lex looked up his old girlfriend for advice. No spoilers.
It is at about that point when the narrative goes from mildly interesting to Oh my god!!! I was turning pages as fast as I ever have. The horror only loomed larger and more threatening like a severe thunderstorm and then they call a tornado warning in all three surrounding counties. I rated the book 4 Stars which it certainly deserves.
This novel was a real “fooler” and was a shockingly good “scare the hell out of you” horror yarn. The extreme horror and the breathless action sequences at the end of the novel were sensational but the ending was disappointing for me (without elaborating). “These Things Linger” was a perfect title and a memorable one. I do not recall off hand when an occult horror novel has been so refreshingly “scare my socks off” good.
I want to thank the club and naturally Kenneth who procures these not widely known gems of horror from the endless steady stream of mediocrity. Terrific selection for this month and I will relish telling Dan Franklin that he is one scarily gifted and talented author.
KUDOS TO AN AUTHOR WHO CAN REALLY CHURN OUT THE SCARES AND TACHYCARDIA FOR HIS READERS
My Review 4.0 Stars
This novel by Dan Franklin (“These Things Linger” released earlier this year) was introduced to the members of Horror Aficionados by Kenneth who manages to locate truly intriguing and invariably entertaining books of horror for the club members each month. Why is this so special? It is because of the club’s sensationally satisfying “Group Reads: Guest Author Invite” feature. Personally speaking, it is the most enjoyable aspect of the club’s Group Reads each month (selections named based upon member participation in the voting) and other projects to keep us members entertained and stimulated.
So, okay, then, Dan Franklin was a name unfamiliar to me, which is usually the case with the extreme horror novels (and their authors) that the diligent Kenneth manages somehow to persuade to “meet” with our members and answer questions that range from the book’s cover art to how the author divined the concept for the book, and about any other questions you can fathom. This is my favorite part of the book club’s activities so I love to ask the author’s questions, make a nuisance of myself sometimes, but I love it when they allot time to our group.
I made such a big deal out of this because for the first time I really believed that Kenneth had finally made a miscalculation with this Dan Franklin fellow and whatever was lingering. The length is a respectable 266 pages for a horror novel and the author titles each chapter. I go in to the novel expecting Extreme Horror, of course, and the genre designation that seemed to fit early on was surely “Occult” (Horror). I grasped right away that Franklin is a very gifted writer. Descriptive prose and emotional verbiage seem to easily bleed from his pen. The protagonist of the story is Alex AKA “Lex”. The tale is unfolded in first person perspective limited by our main character. Lex portrays his early years as pretty much a deadbeat who would not recognize ambition if it hit him on the head. But somewhere along the line Alex transforms into a go-getter and secures an education and a girl who loves him.
In the early days of his lassitude and vague interest in making out with a girl who is mostly his friend, she lost her brother and it had been devastating for her. Lacey (Jameson) talks Lex the boy wonder into trying a ritual she found in a book to contact the dead (her deceased brother of course). Adults return right in the middle of the kids trying to follow the instructions. There is a retrospective into Alex’s exposures to mind games from an early age and his associated fears and reservations. Life moves on and it is obvious that he has moved past his humble beginnings and started a new life for himself and the woman who is carrying his child and he wants to marry. He is happy and does not think a lot about he and his Uncle Matt having a falling out. He had not seen his Uncle Matt in years, and had not even spoke to him in ages (“A few awkward phone calls”). His uncle unexpectedly dies, and “Alex realizes he would do just about anything to make peace with the man who had raised him as his own”.
I have not knowingly included any “spoilers” in this review. The Description on Amazon carries the notice that “…things more dangerous than ghosts haunt his uncle’s broken-down trailer and the nearly abandoned one-gas-station town of Fair Hill just beyond. Things that can devour the living and the dead alike, and are all too ready to answer his call.”
This book was a slow burn for me, and though I felt that the writing was excellent and that the narrative was well written and had the ring of realism, the content was just not resonating with me. It was obviously an occult yarn of sorts but I was making the effort to continue reading. Then, it was farther along in the book when Lex looked up his old girlfriend for advice. No spoilers.
It is at about that point when the narrative goes from mildly interesting to Oh my god!!! I was turning pages as fast as I ever have. The horror only loomed larger and more threatening like a severe thunderstorm and then they call a tornado warning in all three surrounding counties. I rated the book 4 Stars which it certainly deserves.
This novel was a real “fooler” and was a shockingly good “scare the hell out of you” horror yarn. The extreme horror and the breathless action sequences at the end of the novel were sensational but the ending was disappointing for me (without elaborating). “These Things Linger” was a perfect title and a memorable one. I do not recall off hand when an occult horror novel has been so refreshingly “scare my socks off” good.
I want to thank the club and naturally Kenneth who procures these not widely known gems of horror from the endless steady stream of mediocrity. Terrific selection for this month and I will relish telling Dan Franklin that he is one scarily gifted and talented author.
KUDOS TO AN AUTHOR WHO CAN REALLY CHURN OUT THE SCARES AND TACHYCARDIA FOR HIS READERS
May 21, 2024
A superb horror story of a ghost summoning gone wrong, a small town with secrets, and a soon-to-be father caught up in the whole thing. I enjoyed the quick pace of this supernatural tale, the unexpected body count, and the explosive ending. Kudos to the author!
January 25, 2024
This book will break the heart of a lot of people, but it'll surely be one of the very best horror books of 2024. It proved to be one of those novels it's a real shame they have to end! It employs my favorite horror tropes: rituals that go wrong. hungry demonic things from the other side, and creepy small-town horror to be resisted only at great personal cost. Not to mention the strong urban legend vibes of the plot, the atmosphere of grief and despair, on a background of genuine love and gritty realism. The writing is brilliant - no wonder since this is Dan Franklin, the author of "The Eater of Gods"! I personally found myself identifying with Alex, the central character, his patterns of thought were really familiar and his reflexes seemed to me reasonable. Well, they probably weren't; nevertheless, his presence was the driving force of the story, his choices (or non-choices) and his tendency to procrastinate shaped a lot of the plot, till the explosive ending. The real hero of the story, however, was his fiancee, Raychel; she was honest, resourceful, and caring. She faced the supernatural threats brought on by Alex's actions, with great courage, patience, and compassion. As far as the supernatural threat itself is concerned, it was original, scary, and worth exploring further. But the sense of mystery around it enhanced the story, plus its presence made the story definitely unsuitable for children (viz. the scene with the heroic cat and the poor baby girl...!) Overall, Dan Franklin's new novel sets the bar quite high for 2024 and won't disappoint even the most experienced horror fans!
February 1, 2024
Genre: Horror
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Male
Rating:
After the death of the uncle who raised him, Alex Wilson wanted answers from the man and made amends. But his effort brought something else he was not ready to face.
I had conflicting feelings towards Alex. I sympathized with his plight, but at the same time, he brought it upon himself with his selfish acts. While towards the end I felt some of the scenes felt caricature, I enjoyed the overall story with how he dealt with the situations, especially in the psychological aspect.
These Things Linger is a story of desperation and consequences. It would appeal to readers who enjoy occult-based horror.
🔸️💀🔸️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🔸️💀🔸️
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Male
Rating:
After the death of the uncle who raised him, Alex Wilson wanted answers from the man and made amends. But his effort brought something else he was not ready to face.
I had conflicting feelings towards Alex. I sympathized with his plight, but at the same time, he brought it upon himself with his selfish acts. While towards the end I felt some of the scenes felt caricature, I enjoyed the overall story with how he dealt with the situations, especially in the psychological aspect.
It was either a good idea or an absolutely terrible one. Remarkable how similar the two can look when you’re desperate.
These Things Linger is a story of desperation and consequences. It would appeal to readers who enjoy occult-based horror.
🔸️💀🔸️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🔸️💀🔸️
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
July 7, 2024
This is my first Dan Franklin book, and it certainly won’t be my last. After closing the cover on These Things Linger, I knew two things for sure. One, he knows how to inject a gritty realness in his story. His protagonist, Alex, grew up in a single-wide trailer. When Dan writes about it, you feel like you’re standing in the middle of that broken-down, manufactured abode, right up to the creaking screen door and the weathered aluminum windows that don’t want to open. If Dan has never stood in that same spot sometime in his life, he sure has me fooled. Second, he has that uncanny knack of how to ratchet up the dread. Once he has you by the throat, he doesn’t let go. That’s the beauty of These Things Linger. You not only feel for Alex, but you also put on his shoes and try to figure out what his next move should be. That’s how you hook your readers. Bravo, Dan. Bravo.
Now, what about the story?
Alex, raised in that trailer by his Uncle Matt, finds himself in a seance with his high school crush. Not sure of what the hell he just witnessed, and with her not that into him, they go their separate ways. Years later, he learns his uncle has died and left everything to Alex. It’s not much, but his strained relationship with Matt leaves him feeling guilty for not mending the fences between them before he died. Overcome by remorse, Alex would do anything to have one more opportunity to talk to his uncle. But he’s dead. It’s too late now. Right? Oh be careful what you wish for.
If I had one critique, I wasn’t a fan of Alex’s current girlfriend. But then again, they may have been intentional by Franklin. Regardless, These Things Linger is very well written. Grab your copy now!
4.5 Sinking Rowboats out of 5
Now, what about the story?
Alex, raised in that trailer by his Uncle Matt, finds himself in a seance with his high school crush. Not sure of what the hell he just witnessed, and with her not that into him, they go their separate ways. Years later, he learns his uncle has died and left everything to Alex. It’s not much, but his strained relationship with Matt leaves him feeling guilty for not mending the fences between them before he died. Overcome by remorse, Alex would do anything to have one more opportunity to talk to his uncle. But he’s dead. It’s too late now. Right? Oh be careful what you wish for.
If I had one critique, I wasn’t a fan of Alex’s current girlfriend. But then again, they may have been intentional by Franklin. Regardless, These Things Linger is very well written. Grab your copy now!
4.5 Sinking Rowboats out of 5
January 9, 2024
Alex Wilson never put much stock in the supernatural. Not even when he witnessed a strange occurrence after participating in an unfinished ritual with a girlfriend years ago.
But now that his uncle has passed away, with so much unresolved between them, he would do anything to talk to him one last time. Desperate for closure he uses the half-remembered spell from his youth, and something answers his call.
Alex is now the target of an evil entity, putting his life and the lives of his fiancé and their unborn child in peril. Can he undo what has been done?
What has begun as a doleful tale of loss and regret soon plunges into all out terror when the entity shows its power. Dan Franklin is adept at building empathy for the characters on one hand while ratcheting up the fear of a grim outcome on the other. It made me wonder what I would risk for a chance to speak to loved ones a final time, but it also drives home the point that if you have something to say or hard feelings to clear up you shouldn't put it off until it's too late. Do not disturb the dead, you never know what may be waiting to come through from the other side.
I received an advance copy for review.
4 out of 5 stars
But now that his uncle has passed away, with so much unresolved between them, he would do anything to talk to him one last time. Desperate for closure he uses the half-remembered spell from his youth, and something answers his call.
Alex is now the target of an evil entity, putting his life and the lives of his fiancé and their unborn child in peril. Can he undo what has been done?
What has begun as a doleful tale of loss and regret soon plunges into all out terror when the entity shows its power. Dan Franklin is adept at building empathy for the characters on one hand while ratcheting up the fear of a grim outcome on the other. It made me wonder what I would risk for a chance to speak to loved ones a final time, but it also drives home the point that if you have something to say or hard feelings to clear up you shouldn't put it off until it's too late. Do not disturb the dead, you never know what may be waiting to come through from the other side.
I received an advance copy for review.
4 out of 5 stars
December 11, 2023
Fantastic horror novel from Franklin about a man, Alex. who must face his past and present in order to battle an evil spirit that he seemingly helped pass over into this world by participating in not one but two blood rituals designed to bring loved ones back from the dead. What appeared to be naive attempts at summoning become a life and death struggle to keep things in another realm from causing those around him to suffer terrible fates. It pulled me in right from the beginning with solid writing and strong characters and kept me invested right to the last page. It's a dark journey, and Franklin isn't afraid to have bad things happen to his characters. As a result, you don't really know just how everything will wind up until the last page is turned, which I rather like. I was very impressed with this effort and will definitely be reading more by Franklin in the future. 4.5 stars. Highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2024
Very fitting name as this book does seem to linger a lot. Significantly too long and slow as all hell for very little seemingly to happen throughout. I get being a slow burn for atmosphere building but this really did little to help at all.
Read
January 30, 2024DNF at 54 percent. I really tried, but the pacing is uneven. It's not for me.
February 4, 2024
“Some things die hard and secrets are perhaps the hardest of all.”
This is the second novel I’ve read from this author, and if there’s one thing I can say about it, it’s this: Dan Franklin writes horror with a heart. Throughout the entire book, I couldn’t help but feel like he was speaking directly to me about his own experiences. It’s rare that I’m able to actually feel the emotion behind the words I’m reading, but I could here. I’m usually not a fan of stories involving ghosts, as they’re all very similar, and I just think it’s overdone. This book, however, introduces us to a “creature” far beyond your typical ghost story. I liked the general concept, it’s something new to me, and I think it's an interesting and unique take. Without giving too much away, I really enjoyed the descriptions of it doing what it does and what it looks like. I do wish we were given more information on the “creature” itself though, like what it truly is and why/how it exists. I’m a sucker for a good, fleshed out background story. I was also left wanting more after the final scene. It could’ve been more action packed, considering the entire novel builds to it, and then we’re left with a few pages of “epic conclusion”. With that being said, I think this could’ve been a bit shorter too. It felt a little unnecessarily drawn out to me.
This novel features great writing, realistic, believable characters, and natural dialogue. It’s simplistic yet impactful, easy to digest, and flows well. I often find myself needing to reread sentences because of disjointed writing, but that wasn’t the case with this book. Our characters, especially Alex, experience grief, desperation, and trauma that drive them to extreme measures. This story really shows how susceptible to these things humans can be, and how important it is to seek healthy outlets. All of the characters also go through very real and normal emotions befitting their situations, and it makes it easy to connect with them on a personal level. I’ve also read a lot of books with odd and awkward dialogue, where it suddenly changes or seems completely out of character. However, the conversations within this novel left me with a clear picture of the characters’ personalities and mannerisms. These are are all aspects I look for in a book. All in all, this was a good read. It’s a slow burning, supernatural tale of why some things are better off left alone. There are some areas that fell flat, but others that I really enjoyed. If you enjoy grief horror with a twist, be sure to check this out. The author has certainly found a faithful reader in me.
I appreciate Dan Franklin, Cemetery Dance Publications, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.
This is the second novel I’ve read from this author, and if there’s one thing I can say about it, it’s this: Dan Franklin writes horror with a heart. Throughout the entire book, I couldn’t help but feel like he was speaking directly to me about his own experiences. It’s rare that I’m able to actually feel the emotion behind the words I’m reading, but I could here. I’m usually not a fan of stories involving ghosts, as they’re all very similar, and I just think it’s overdone. This book, however, introduces us to a “creature” far beyond your typical ghost story. I liked the general concept, it’s something new to me, and I think it's an interesting and unique take. Without giving too much away, I really enjoyed the descriptions of it doing what it does and what it looks like. I do wish we were given more information on the “creature” itself though, like what it truly is and why/how it exists. I’m a sucker for a good, fleshed out background story. I was also left wanting more after the final scene. It could’ve been more action packed, considering the entire novel builds to it, and then we’re left with a few pages of “epic conclusion”. With that being said, I think this could’ve been a bit shorter too. It felt a little unnecessarily drawn out to me.
This novel features great writing, realistic, believable characters, and natural dialogue. It’s simplistic yet impactful, easy to digest, and flows well. I often find myself needing to reread sentences because of disjointed writing, but that wasn’t the case with this book. Our characters, especially Alex, experience grief, desperation, and trauma that drive them to extreme measures. This story really shows how susceptible to these things humans can be, and how important it is to seek healthy outlets. All of the characters also go through very real and normal emotions befitting their situations, and it makes it easy to connect with them on a personal level. I’ve also read a lot of books with odd and awkward dialogue, where it suddenly changes or seems completely out of character. However, the conversations within this novel left me with a clear picture of the characters’ personalities and mannerisms. These are are all aspects I look for in a book. All in all, this was a good read. It’s a slow burning, supernatural tale of why some things are better off left alone. There are some areas that fell flat, but others that I really enjoyed. If you enjoy grief horror with a twist, be sure to check this out. The author has certainly found a faithful reader in me.
I appreciate Dan Franklin, Cemetery Dance Publications, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.
May 21, 2024
This would be a good book to read during Halloween. Bleak ending though
January 5, 2024
These Things Linger by Dan Franklin. Thanks to the author and @cemeterydancepublications for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Alex’s uncle dies, he regrets they ended on bad terms and wishes he could make peace with him. He uses an old summoning spell to bring him back.
I love this story and the idea of a haunted town, especially it being in Maryland! This was a fast read that kept me interested from page one. The narrator was witty and a kick to read from. His wife was annoying, but it’s often that way in books for me! There was some serious scare factor, but also an almost campiness at a few times, which kept it a bit lighter. I really got hooked on this one. I love demon, haunting, and possession stories and this only really ran with it.
“Some things linger. They turn. Like unshot bullets in that old revolving cylinder they can only forgotten for a little while. Some things? They come back.”
These Things Linger comes out 2/1.
When Alex’s uncle dies, he regrets they ended on bad terms and wishes he could make peace with him. He uses an old summoning spell to bring him back.
I love this story and the idea of a haunted town, especially it being in Maryland! This was a fast read that kept me interested from page one. The narrator was witty and a kick to read from. His wife was annoying, but it’s often that way in books for me! There was some serious scare factor, but also an almost campiness at a few times, which kept it a bit lighter. I really got hooked on this one. I love demon, haunting, and possession stories and this only really ran with it.
“Some things linger. They turn. Like unshot bullets in that old revolving cylinder they can only forgotten for a little while. Some things? They come back.”
These Things Linger comes out 2/1.
January 13, 2024
To be honest, this book captivated me from beginning to end. I usually rush through books trying to absorb as much of the story as I can. Dan’s prose made me slow down, and take the time to absorb this tale.
It’s interesting… a haunting gone wrong with terrible consequences. There’s also a lot of complex grief that the main character has to explore and navigate through.
I loved this story, but felt the ending could’ve been better to the readers. It feels like there’s more to this story that needs to be told; ultimately I got to the last page & it felt a little unfinished to me.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Cemetery Dance Publications for a copy!
It’s interesting… a haunting gone wrong with terrible consequences. There’s also a lot of complex grief that the main character has to explore and navigate through.
I loved this story, but felt the ending could’ve been better to the readers. It feels like there’s more to this story that needs to be told; ultimately I got to the last page & it felt a little unfinished to me.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Cemetery Dance Publications for a copy!
August 19, 2024
When done well, grief horror can leave you horrified and emotionally wrecked. You feel the sorrow of the main characters, you may even relate to their struggles and trauma. All of this builds walls around the audience, the material soaked in kerosene. As you reach the denouement, you realize the house has caught fire from upstairs. You try to escape as the story ends, but the doors and windows have been nailed shut by the storyteller and the smoke chokes you as your choices up to this point reel through your mind. The final page is your flesh catching flame and cooking your internal organs, your cries out to God being cut off by screams of anguish, loss and melancholic acceptance...
These Things Linger is such a solid piece of grief horror. It brings about sadness while tearing out your heart, throwing it into a bait bucket and letting it fester while the emotional impact of the narrative as a whole forces you to bleed out on the dock. Alex's life has been soaked in sadness and sour reflection. His youth was hard and the rest of his life had been just as bleak (with moments of light shining long enough to summon the all-consuming darkness).
We are introduced to Alex, who is our protagonist as well as the one who is narrating the story. When he was younger, he and Lacey (a girl he had unreciprocated feelings for) dabbled with forces beyond their understanding. By conducting a ritual to bring closure for Lacey's dead brother (and cutting it short without closing off the doorway), they both unleashed a horror that would haunt them until their dying days.
Cut to years later: Alex is engaged to Raychel (Ray, for short) and they are expecting. They are building their life together and Alex is probably the happiest he's ever been. This all falls apart fairly quickly as the malevolent entity he summoned comes back to haunt him and his family.
Alex, Raychel and Lacey must begrudgingly join forces to send the beast (Alex has dubbed it the "gut catcher") back to the other side. Can they stop the gut catcher or will it drag them further into oblivion?
This piece of brooding, East Coast Americana has King's influence wafting from its torn flesh and yet exists outside of his work as something fresh and wholly unsettling. It is a fearsome, ugly beast that feeds on your sorrows and leaves your carcass for the carrion birds long after the story ends.
I'm giving this one a strong ☠️x5!
These Things Linger is such a solid piece of grief horror. It brings about sadness while tearing out your heart, throwing it into a bait bucket and letting it fester while the emotional impact of the narrative as a whole forces you to bleed out on the dock. Alex's life has been soaked in sadness and sour reflection. His youth was hard and the rest of his life had been just as bleak (with moments of light shining long enough to summon the all-consuming darkness).
We are introduced to Alex, who is our protagonist as well as the one who is narrating the story. When he was younger, he and Lacey (a girl he had unreciprocated feelings for) dabbled with forces beyond their understanding. By conducting a ritual to bring closure for Lacey's dead brother (and cutting it short without closing off the doorway), they both unleashed a horror that would haunt them until their dying days.
Cut to years later: Alex is engaged to Raychel (Ray, for short) and they are expecting. They are building their life together and Alex is probably the happiest he's ever been. This all falls apart fairly quickly as the malevolent entity he summoned comes back to haunt him and his family.
Alex, Raychel and Lacey must begrudgingly join forces to send the beast (Alex has dubbed it the "gut catcher") back to the other side. Can they stop the gut catcher or will it drag them further into oblivion?
This piece of brooding, East Coast Americana has King's influence wafting from its torn flesh and yet exists outside of his work as something fresh and wholly unsettling. It is a fearsome, ugly beast that feeds on your sorrows and leaves your carcass for the carrion birds long after the story ends.
I'm giving this one a strong ☠️x5!
March 1, 2024
"I bought my catastrophe with blood. As my uncle had always said, we own the things we pay for. And I had paid."
This was a great story of being haunted but I just wasn't connected with the characters.
This was a great story of being haunted but I just wasn't connected with the characters.
December 12, 2023
"For one horrible moment, I was afraid that if I reached out into the blackness, I might touch nothing at all.
Or, worse, I might touch something else."
I needed a few days to let this one sink in and to find the words to describe the myriad of emotions that Dan Franklin put me through.
I still don't have the words.
Visceral, haunting, and bleakly beautiful, These Things Linger is an absolute gut-punch. I was invested pretty quickly, but as the story unfolded, I became immersed. There were some truly terrifying moments, softened almost imperceptibly by grief and sadness. I've never rooted for a group of characters quite as hard as I did in this book!
Franklin's writing style just pulls you into the narrative so completely, and he's so comfortable with taking the reader to the darkest depths, barely surfacing before dragging you under once more. With huge shades of Algernon Blackwood and Ronald Malfi, he's fast becoming a master of grief horror. I'm excited to see where his career takes him, and if you've yet to pick up his books, consider this your sign!
Or, worse, I might touch something else."
I needed a few days to let this one sink in and to find the words to describe the myriad of emotions that Dan Franklin put me through.
I still don't have the words.
Visceral, haunting, and bleakly beautiful, These Things Linger is an absolute gut-punch. I was invested pretty quickly, but as the story unfolded, I became immersed. There were some truly terrifying moments, softened almost imperceptibly by grief and sadness. I've never rooted for a group of characters quite as hard as I did in this book!
Franklin's writing style just pulls you into the narrative so completely, and he's so comfortable with taking the reader to the darkest depths, barely surfacing before dragging you under once more. With huge shades of Algernon Blackwood and Ronald Malfi, he's fast becoming a master of grief horror. I'm excited to see where his career takes him, and if you've yet to pick up his books, consider this your sign!
December 7, 2023
“Some door open and don’t close back up.”
“These Things Linger” by Dan Franklin is a horror story about Alex Wilson. When Alex’s uncle dies, he is determined to make peace with him even if that means contacting the dead. Alex finds that there’s more dangerous things than just the ghost of his uncle out there.
The book was definitely spooky. My problem with the book is that the side characters were more told than showed as the main character Alex POV was viewing most of the other people in his life in a disassociated way, but it did add to the creepy unusual feel, its just not something I really liked. It’s worth a read if you like creepy ghost horror. I gave it a 2 out of 5 stars.
“These Things Linger” by Dan Franklin is a horror story about Alex Wilson. When Alex’s uncle dies, he is determined to make peace with him even if that means contacting the dead. Alex finds that there’s more dangerous things than just the ghost of his uncle out there.
The book was definitely spooky. My problem with the book is that the side characters were more told than showed as the main character Alex POV was viewing most of the other people in his life in a disassociated way, but it did add to the creepy unusual feel, its just not something I really liked. It’s worth a read if you like creepy ghost horror. I gave it a 2 out of 5 stars.
February 6, 2024
*I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley. Thank you!
3.5 stars. Grief horror is one of my favorite sub-genres, so I jumped at the chance to read this book. I flew through the first 100 or so pages, loving the opening bathroom scene and the subsequent boat one. Solid ending as well. However, I was hoping for more emotional pull from this story. Part of problem is the surface level characters, particularly the main character, Alex. I never quite grasped who he actually is, so it became difficult to be invested in his story.
3.5 stars. Grief horror is one of my favorite sub-genres, so I jumped at the chance to read this book. I flew through the first 100 or so pages, loving the opening bathroom scene and the subsequent boat one. Solid ending as well. However, I was hoping for more emotional pull from this story. Part of problem is the surface level characters, particularly the main character, Alex. I never quite grasped who he actually is, so it became difficult to be invested in his story.
February 2, 2024
4★
Alex Wilson couldn’t wait to separate himself from his hometown and the man that raised him, but when his uncle dies, Alex is left with memories and regrets. In an attempt to get closure, Alex opens a portal meant to be kept closed.
Narrated in Alex’s POV, he seems like an ordinary man moving on from the poverty and desperate cloud of his childhood, but it is also apparent he hasn’t sympathized with his uncle’s circumstances. By reenacting a black magic ritual, Alex is confronted with the horror of ghostly figures and monstrous spirits. When it escalates, Alex seeks help but and he gets more than he could have bargained for.
While I liked how Alex was far from perfect, having a little more background about him and Uncle Matty would have strengthened their connection. The horrific consequences proved to be greater than expected for Alex and the ending was fitting considering what was summoned.
*An ARC was provided for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Alex Wilson couldn’t wait to separate himself from his hometown and the man that raised him, but when his uncle dies, Alex is left with memories and regrets. In an attempt to get closure, Alex opens a portal meant to be kept closed.
“Don’t hurt anyone you don’t need to hurt, don’t steal, and don’t be a damn idiot.”
Narrated in Alex’s POV, he seems like an ordinary man moving on from the poverty and desperate cloud of his childhood, but it is also apparent he hasn’t sympathized with his uncle’s circumstances. By reenacting a black magic ritual, Alex is confronted with the horror of ghostly figures and monstrous spirits. When it escalates, Alex seeks help but and he gets more than he could have bargained for.
While I liked how Alex was far from perfect, having a little more background about him and Uncle Matty would have strengthened their connection. The horrific consequences proved to be greater than expected for Alex and the ending was fitting considering what was summoned.
*An ARC was provided for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
June 4, 2024
worth reading on unlimited. Ultimately disappointing. (spoilers)
The spoiler is there isn’t one, which is also what kind of sucks about the novel. It reads like a first novel that could’ve used a really good editor to reshape the story, balance out the characters some, get the pacing right. If that had happened you’d have something really good.
This isn’t as much of a diss as it sounds. This novel is better than 90% of the dross out there, both in this genre and in general. I would like to see more from this author.
Couple specific points.
1) couldn’t she just be “Rachel”? Why the Y? It grated on my eyeball nerves every time I had to read it.
2) I have to assume the narrator was an anti-hero, cos he sucked. It would’ve been more powerful if he’d been more sympathetic.
3) Stop being mean to Baltimore, Alex (main dude). I mean, it’s not like you were nice to North East or wherever Fair Hill was supposed to be, but Nova, come on, it’s a terrible place. It read like you’ve never been to a city.
4) Poor Lacey. These two were selfish awful shits (raychel and Alex) and got her kid killed and burned down her house. Also the wife kept insulting her taste in furnishings and goth tendencies. Then they have the nerve when she’s about to commit suicide in the hospital to come demand her help?
Anyway yeah. That’s about it. Good beach read.
The spoiler is there isn’t one, which is also what kind of sucks about the novel. It reads like a first novel that could’ve used a really good editor to reshape the story, balance out the characters some, get the pacing right. If that had happened you’d have something really good.
This isn’t as much of a diss as it sounds. This novel is better than 90% of the dross out there, both in this genre and in general. I would like to see more from this author.
Couple specific points.
1) couldn’t she just be “Rachel”? Why the Y? It grated on my eyeball nerves every time I had to read it.
2) I have to assume the narrator was an anti-hero, cos he sucked. It would’ve been more powerful if he’d been more sympathetic.
3) Stop being mean to Baltimore, Alex (main dude). I mean, it’s not like you were nice to North East or wherever Fair Hill was supposed to be, but Nova, come on, it’s a terrible place. It read like you’ve never been to a city.
4) Poor Lacey. These two were selfish awful shits (raychel and Alex) and got her kid killed and burned down her house. Also the wife kept insulting her taste in furnishings and goth tendencies. Then they have the nerve when she’s about to commit suicide in the hospital to come demand her help?
Anyway yeah. That’s about it. Good beach read.
January 21, 2024
ARC provided by NetGalley
This was my first book by Dan Franklin and it definitely won't be my last. Franklin has a way of writing that is both beautiful and haunting. The characters in the story were very much three dimensional and I greatly enjoyed experiencing the main character's growth and development throughout the story. I'm also a great critic of endings, especially in horror books, and I found the ending to this book to be quite fitting.
Alex Wilson seems to have it all: a decent job, a fiancé, a baby on the way, and even his own home. But when the uncle who raised Alex passes away, he finds himself in search of answers. Through some horrible choices and utilizing a ritual learned in his young adulthood, Alex attempts to summon the ghost of his dead uncle. However, far more than a ghost manages to make its way through from the other side.
Haunting and atmospheric, this horror novel will leave a lasting impression. Though the horror itself is a bit slow to get started, the heartbreak will be sure to linger long after the story is over.
This was my first book by Dan Franklin and it definitely won't be my last. Franklin has a way of writing that is both beautiful and haunting. The characters in the story were very much three dimensional and I greatly enjoyed experiencing the main character's growth and development throughout the story. I'm also a great critic of endings, especially in horror books, and I found the ending to this book to be quite fitting.
Alex Wilson seems to have it all: a decent job, a fiancé, a baby on the way, and even his own home. But when the uncle who raised Alex passes away, he finds himself in search of answers. Through some horrible choices and utilizing a ritual learned in his young adulthood, Alex attempts to summon the ghost of his dead uncle. However, far more than a ghost manages to make its way through from the other side.
Haunting and atmospheric, this horror novel will leave a lasting impression. Though the horror itself is a bit slow to get started, the heartbreak will be sure to linger long after the story is over.
May 25, 2024
Wow.
Fantastic book. If you like books about real ghosts, this one is for you. If you like books about metaphorical ghosts, this book is for you. I never would have read this book if it weren't for a Facebook group contest for indie authors, and I would have been missing out. This was extremely well-written, and I love how the beginning and end come full circle and give the reader something to reflect on. Now excuse me while I run to Google for more from Dan Franklin!
Fantastic book. If you like books about real ghosts, this one is for you. If you like books about metaphorical ghosts, this book is for you. I never would have read this book if it weren't for a Facebook group contest for indie authors, and I would have been missing out. This was extremely well-written, and I love how the beginning and end come full circle and give the reader something to reflect on. Now excuse me while I run to Google for more from Dan Franklin!
July 7, 2024
This story was beautifully written and compelling. If I'm being honest, I had to push myself a little in the beginning because it took a few chapters to really get going, but I love a good slow burn.
The questions that this book left me with are: what would I do if I had a chance to talk to a passed loved one? And is it worth it to pursue that connection?
Dan Franklin has done it again with another BOH brawl entry and I look forward to where his books will go to in the future
The questions that this book left me with are: what would I do if I had a chance to talk to a passed loved one? And is it worth it to pursue that connection?
Dan Franklin has done it again with another BOH brawl entry and I look forward to where his books will go to in the future
September 12, 2024
I have struggled with this one. For most of the time I felt it HAD to be bad narration, but then I finished it felt the narrator definitely was an issue for me but I also felt the story fell flat for me, or then again maybe that's because the narration was so bad I didn't care for it overall lol it's a tough choice, definitely will decide to physically read a story by this author vs. Audio. Some books aren't meant for audio, and I feel this was one.
May 10, 2024
I loved this one it took me a little while to finish, but only because I was reading a signed copy, and I was trying to be careful and not ruin it, lol 😆
This was a great ghost story that had lots of creepy moments and moments when it just broke your heart.
Alex Wilson had a great life with his girlfriend Raychel until his uncle passed away, and then it all went straight to hell.
This was a great ghost story that had lots of creepy moments and moments when it just broke your heart.
Alex Wilson had a great life with his girlfriend Raychel until his uncle passed away, and then it all went straight to hell.
August 25, 2024
I really enjoyed Dan Franklin's writing style and absolutely loved our main characters internal dialogue. However I do feel like some things where simply put in for gore and shock? The end of the book felt a little lacking and it feels like there should've been added just a tiny bit more.
This book would work alot beter as a movie I feel like?
This book would work alot beter as a movie I feel like?
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