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The Count
When Sam’s ex, Danny, winds up gutted beyond recognition, Sam has no memory of where he was at the time. He can only remember the strange comfort of his new house. The endless ticking of a clock he can’t find. The bloody knife he woke up holding the morning Danny was killed.Sam’s guilt over Danny is undercut by the endless ticking, a growing desire to drink from the dead, and anonymous GPS pings that lead him to corpses. The stench of them rotting makes him hungry.He begins to feel the ticking inside him, feeding a darkness he’s long ignored. It compels him to take what he wants, regardless of the price. When he begins to act on his bloodlust, the ticking leads him to the death of a loved one.The clock begins to point to more of Sam’s friends and family, begging for their blood. Fuelled by a deep desire to feed, and compelled by the power of the ticking clock, how far will Sam go to get what he wants?
- GenresHorror
368 pages, Paperback
Published April 9, 2024
6 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
David-Jack Fletcher
18 books57 followersDavid-Jack Fletcher's debut gay horror-comedy, The Haunting of Harry Peck, was published by Rack & Rune Publishing in February 2022 and became an international Amazon bestseller. *Unfortunately, Rack & Rune have shifted to Generative AI usage and he cannot support them anymore* Harry Peck is now in its second edition with Lethe Press. His 2023 multi award-winning novel, Raven’s Creek is available through all major retailers, published through his own press, Slashic Horror Press.
2024 saw the release of his vampiric lore-inspired novel, The Count, which became Aurealis-Award nominated (!!) and in 2025 Lethe Press released his short story collection, Hell is Other People, Truborn Press released his cursed teeth novel, Indentured, and a very personal novel, He Will Have the World, released November through Slashic Horror Press.
In 2025, he also helped to establish SQUIRM Books, a Young Adult queer horror press, and an imprint of Slashic. SQUIRM is run by the incredible Stephanie Sanders-Jacob and will begin publishing in April/May 2026.
In 2026, his novel Umbilical will release through Horrorsmith Publishing.
He is now searching for a home for his latest novel, Wires in the Gut.
David-Jack works as an academic, teaching across Media, Sociology, Cultural Studies, and related fields. He holds a PhD in Cultural Studies, a Post Grad. Certificate in Editing and Publishing, and (soon) a Grad. Dip in Information Studies. He is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health, and aims to bring awareness to the intersections of these areas in his fiction.
For more information, visit his LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/djfletcher
2024 saw the release of his vampiric lore-inspired novel, The Count, which became Aurealis-Award nominated (!!) and in 2025 Lethe Press released his short story collection, Hell is Other People, Truborn Press released his cursed teeth novel, Indentured, and a very personal novel, He Will Have the World, released November through Slashic Horror Press.
In 2025, he also helped to establish SQUIRM Books, a Young Adult queer horror press, and an imprint of Slashic. SQUIRM is run by the incredible Stephanie Sanders-Jacob and will begin publishing in April/May 2026.
In 2026, his novel Umbilical will release through Horrorsmith Publishing.
He is now searching for a home for his latest novel, Wires in the Gut.
David-Jack works as an academic, teaching across Media, Sociology, Cultural Studies, and related fields. He holds a PhD in Cultural Studies, a Post Grad. Certificate in Editing and Publishing, and (soon) a Grad. Dip in Information Studies. He is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health, and aims to bring awareness to the intersections of these areas in his fiction.
For more information, visit his LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/djfletcher
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 6, 2024
This one was really solid. I was into it from beginning to end, the characters were interesting, the pacing and the imagery were great. Once I started it, I could not put it down, I left my clothes to wrinkle in the dryer, my orchids to an extra-long soak and my tea to go cold because I was too invested to stop. Is there stuff I could nit-pick at? Yes, there is. Do I care to? No, I had a great time with this weird little book (I just saw that it's apparently a 368 pages long book but it honestly felt no where near that long), and I want to bask in that glorious feeling.
March 29, 2024
“She looked around, trembling, and shrugged off the eyes she felt on her.
Eyes she’d never seen.
Eyes that knew her better than she knew herself.
Eyes that would watch her take her own life.”
Fletcher’s supernatural tale of terror is completely captivating. His characters are a diverse bunch, many of them with complex histories and traumas. The reader really gets to know Sam & Patrick and see how their friendship faces off against forces of evil.
Sam is dealing with heartbreak and has to move into a creepy new rental. Soon he begins to change and not for the better. A craving for blood, a need to feed his house, and an increasing body count are just the beginning. Can Patrick save his best friend from being consumed by an insidious force?
This wasn’t a basic haunted house story by any means, there is so much more going on in the background. Entities that can manipulate space and time, create new and terrifying beings, etc.
I feel the author isn’t finished with this cursed town, and I hope we get to see more of Teddy and her digging.
Eyes she’d never seen.
Eyes that knew her better than she knew herself.
Eyes that would watch her take her own life.”
Fletcher’s supernatural tale of terror is completely captivating. His characters are a diverse bunch, many of them with complex histories and traumas. The reader really gets to know Sam & Patrick and see how their friendship faces off against forces of evil.
Sam is dealing with heartbreak and has to move into a creepy new rental. Soon he begins to change and not for the better. A craving for blood, a need to feed his house, and an increasing body count are just the beginning. Can Patrick save his best friend from being consumed by an insidious force?
This wasn’t a basic haunted house story by any means, there is so much more going on in the background. Entities that can manipulate space and time, create new and terrifying beings, etc.
I feel the author isn’t finished with this cursed town, and I hope we get to see more of Teddy and her digging.
February 27, 2024
This is a vampire novel...sort of. Not in the traditional sense of vampires but with the same amount of brutality and urges to consume human blood.
And it's not just the humans infected with a desire for flesh and bloodshed, but a house. I look at it like the house in this book is also vampiric in nature. It requires bodies to be absorbed into its floors in order to feed. And people who live there soon find themselves with a thirst for blood as whatever lives underneath the land changes them into terrifying monstrositys who commit heinous murders to satisfy the house's demands and their own thirst.
This is the story of such a man. Sam moves into the house and immediately feels at home, despite everyone else being a little creeped out by the curious stains on the floor and rug. But having just broken up with his boyfriend, Sam needs this for himself even when his best friend, Patrick, starts to worry.
It doesn't take long for us to delve right into the horrors this book offers. Sam begins to give in to the ticking sounds of the house, and the sense that he needs blood even though he doesn't know why and struggles against it.
And there are some deliciously disgusting scenes in here for fans of bloodshed! Things will get horribly brutal and violent. Bodies start piling up and disappearing as the house's hunger is neverending. But Sam wants to stop even as the call of the darkness overpowers him.
This is a bloody, frightening, and intense kind of vampire novel and it's not like any you've read before. I highly recommend it.
And it's not just the humans infected with a desire for flesh and bloodshed, but a house. I look at it like the house in this book is also vampiric in nature. It requires bodies to be absorbed into its floors in order to feed. And people who live there soon find themselves with a thirst for blood as whatever lives underneath the land changes them into terrifying monstrositys who commit heinous murders to satisfy the house's demands and their own thirst.
This is the story of such a man. Sam moves into the house and immediately feels at home, despite everyone else being a little creeped out by the curious stains on the floor and rug. But having just broken up with his boyfriend, Sam needs this for himself even when his best friend, Patrick, starts to worry.
It doesn't take long for us to delve right into the horrors this book offers. Sam begins to give in to the ticking sounds of the house, and the sense that he needs blood even though he doesn't know why and struggles against it.
And there are some deliciously disgusting scenes in here for fans of bloodshed! Things will get horribly brutal and violent. Bodies start piling up and disappearing as the house's hunger is neverending. But Sam wants to stop even as the call of the darkness overpowers him.
This is a bloody, frightening, and intense kind of vampire novel and it's not like any you've read before. I highly recommend it.
June 11, 2024
Sam loves slasher films, and graphic novels. He’s just a little bit damaged and drawn to all things dark. So, when the opportunity comes up to live in a decrepit old “murder house” he leaps at the chance, feeling it to be an extension of himself. There’s more to this house, though, than its decaying architecture; something evil resides at its core. Proving, once and for all, ‘Home is where the horror is.’ A brilliantly wicked and horrorific novel with some genuinely icky moments. It features an ensemble cast of interesting characters, with steady action throughout. An interesting and innovative twist to a familiar horror staple. A bloody ripper!
February 24, 2024
A Horror Bookworm Recommendation
The Count by David-Jack Fletcher
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
With assistance from a real estate agent, Sam purchases a previously owned home. Once moved in, he begins to have very unusual experiences that seem to be emanating from the house itself. From the suspicious crimson stained rug to the subtle tick tick ticking of an unseen clock. The property itself is alive with an existence that desires something beyond comprehension.
Author David-Jack Fletcher’s newest horror endeavor, The Count, centers around a dark entity that dwells within a possessed house. The house hungers for blood by way of eating and swallowing its victims…literally. The blood-stained wooden floorboards hold many bloodlust secrets, and David-Jack Fletcher is chomping at the bloody bit to tell you all about them. And boy does he, through death, decay and rot…oh, and mucus, let’s not forget the mucus.
The Count oozes a substantial amount of strange eeriness. Listening to your intellectual warning signs, alarm bells and red flags won’t even help you. Torture and terror are the one-two punches that result in many “hand over the mouth moments.” I would describe The Count as an Amityville type horror house that boldly crosses threshold after threshold of loathsome violence. Lay out the “welcome mat” and get ready to embrace the evil.
Footnote: I would be crazy not to use this opportunity to talk about David-Jack Fletcher’s novel, Raven’s Creek. This book was one of my favorite reads of last year. It blew me away and I will always STRONGLY recommend it. Seek out David-Jack Fletcher and discover a new voice in horror. A Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
The Count by David-Jack Fletcher
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
With assistance from a real estate agent, Sam purchases a previously owned home. Once moved in, he begins to have very unusual experiences that seem to be emanating from the house itself. From the suspicious crimson stained rug to the subtle tick tick ticking of an unseen clock. The property itself is alive with an existence that desires something beyond comprehension.
Author David-Jack Fletcher’s newest horror endeavor, The Count, centers around a dark entity that dwells within a possessed house. The house hungers for blood by way of eating and swallowing its victims…literally. The blood-stained wooden floorboards hold many bloodlust secrets, and David-Jack Fletcher is chomping at the bloody bit to tell you all about them. And boy does he, through death, decay and rot…oh, and mucus, let’s not forget the mucus.
The Count oozes a substantial amount of strange eeriness. Listening to your intellectual warning signs, alarm bells and red flags won’t even help you. Torture and terror are the one-two punches that result in many “hand over the mouth moments.” I would describe The Count as an Amityville type horror house that boldly crosses threshold after threshold of loathsome violence. Lay out the “welcome mat” and get ready to embrace the evil.
Footnote: I would be crazy not to use this opportunity to talk about David-Jack Fletcher’s novel, Raven’s Creek. This book was one of my favorite reads of last year. It blew me away and I will always STRONGLY recommend it. Seek out David-Jack Fletcher and discover a new voice in horror. A Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
May 29, 2024
You always want to feel comfortable in a new home, but what if the house in question makes you feel comfortable by making you do unimaginable things?
That is the situation that the main character, Sam, is thrust into after moving into a new place following a breakup. It's not long before he is performing horrible acts brought on by an incessant ticking in the house and GPS coordinates sent mysteriously to his phone.
The Count tells the tale of a descent into madness and hints at other realms that might well be bleeding into our world. It's violent and bloody and a lot of fun for horror fans.
That is the situation that the main character, Sam, is thrust into after moving into a new place following a breakup. It's not long before he is performing horrible acts brought on by an incessant ticking in the house and GPS coordinates sent mysteriously to his phone.
The Count tells the tale of a descent into madness and hints at other realms that might well be bleeding into our world. It's violent and bloody and a lot of fun for horror fans.
May 9, 2024
Having recently broken up with his boyfriend, Sam moves into a new house. Shortly after the moving van departs, he starts to notice blood stains on the floor boards and starts to feel like the house may have a checkered past that the realtor failed to mention.
I throughly enjoyed this one! A unique hybrid story and very well written. If you’re a fan of haunted house, possession and/or vampires, you should check it out!
Looking forward to reading more from Fletcher and checked out his publishing company
I throughly enjoyed this one! A unique hybrid story and very well written. If you’re a fan of haunted house, possession and/or vampires, you should check it out!
Looking forward to reading more from Fletcher and checked out his publishing company
March 16, 2024
It's like a vampire story, but isn't.
It's like a haunted house story, but isn't.
I'll tell you what it is, though. It's bloody, and weird, and horrifying, and queer all over.
It does one of my favorite things in a book, which is taking this group of characters and make you like them, then sets them free in the world the author created for horrible things to happen. You don't know if they'll be okay or not (it's horror, so...) but it's so fun to find out.
There are concepts here that will feel abstract and weird, and Fletcher unapologetically just goes with them, and you have to follow along if you want to find out what comes next.
It's that kind of "I'm dping my own thing" storytelling that made me love this book so much.
Bad things will happen and this book is fearless in its approach to horror and tragedy. Even taking joy and glee in it. That's the sign of a great horror story.
Why are you still reading this review? You should be reading The Count. Go!
It's like a haunted house story, but isn't.
I'll tell you what it is, though. It's bloody, and weird, and horrifying, and queer all over.
It does one of my favorite things in a book, which is taking this group of characters and make you like them, then sets them free in the world the author created for horrible things to happen. You don't know if they'll be okay or not (it's horror, so...) but it's so fun to find out.
There are concepts here that will feel abstract and weird, and Fletcher unapologetically just goes with them, and you have to follow along if you want to find out what comes next.
It's that kind of "I'm dping my own thing" storytelling that made me love this book so much.
Bad things will happen and this book is fearless in its approach to horror and tragedy. Even taking joy and glee in it. That's the sign of a great horror story.
Why are you still reading this review? You should be reading The Count. Go!
March 31, 2024
I was given an advanced copy of The Count from David-Jack Fletcher - Author in exchange for an honest review. The Count is going to be released in April 2024 by Slashic Horror Press
Anyone who's followed my reading this year will know that my top read of 2023 was Raven's Creek by David-Jack Fletcher. So to get a chance to read an advance copy of his next novel was amazing.
Fletcher did NOT disappoint with The Count.
It's one of the most interesting takes on a vampire story mixed in with some broken characters and some almost folk horror near the 2nd half of the book. Each character in the book is a flawed human, there's no "oh he's the baddie. She's the goodie." When it comes to the characters that drive the story, they are all fully fleshed out and come with their own baggage and flaws. I found myself rooting for the main cast and actively rooting for someone to punch a child. (This will make sense in April I promise.)
I'm a huge fan of LGBTQI+ horror and the fact that David-Jack Fletcher has written the cast of his novel reflects something I loved about Raven's Creek. Every character in The Count is a person fist. Then their romantic preferences get discussed. Just like the real world. There's some amazing LGBT representation in the pages of The Count, but it feels so organic to the story and not just a "oh the 3rd victim mentioned they were gay" type of situation.
I would happily give The Count 4.5 out of 5 and really encourage everyone to check out one of the most interesting takes on the Vampire / Haunted House tropes. Roll on the cover reveal and the actual release in April!
Anyone who's followed my reading this year will know that my top read of 2023 was Raven's Creek by David-Jack Fletcher. So to get a chance to read an advance copy of his next novel was amazing.
Fletcher did NOT disappoint with The Count.
It's one of the most interesting takes on a vampire story mixed in with some broken characters and some almost folk horror near the 2nd half of the book. Each character in the book is a flawed human, there's no "oh he's the baddie. She's the goodie." When it comes to the characters that drive the story, they are all fully fleshed out and come with their own baggage and flaws. I found myself rooting for the main cast and actively rooting for someone to punch a child. (This will make sense in April I promise.)
I'm a huge fan of LGBTQI+ horror and the fact that David-Jack Fletcher has written the cast of his novel reflects something I loved about Raven's Creek. Every character in The Count is a person fist. Then their romantic preferences get discussed. Just like the real world. There's some amazing LGBT representation in the pages of The Count, but it feels so organic to the story and not just a "oh the 3rd victim mentioned they were gay" type of situation.
I would happily give The Count 4.5 out of 5 and really encourage everyone to check out one of the most interesting takes on the Vampire / Haunted House tropes. Roll on the cover reveal and the actual release in April!
April 15, 2024
I'm seeing so many reviews of this book and you know what? They're all true. This book is SO many things, and it's an absolute ride.
In tone, at first it reminded me of George Romero's 'Martin' - a mixed-up young man exploring the gritty, grossness of what it means to really be a vampire. Maybe a sprinkle of 'Under the Sun' by Chandler Morrison too.
But that's not quite all. Because this isn't a story of just one person. We have the aforementioned protagonist, but also a strange little girl with no name, a realtor who deals in deeply strange properties... and one of those properties itself.
This is a tale of humans caught in the grip of evil, a monstrous house that demands bloody tribute from its residents, and how all of the madness is normalised in the context of the book. Who will you root for? Are any of these people relatable? What does that make you?
This is the most skilful type of horror, with questionable ethics and scenarios as well as engaging characters dealing with bizarre situations. Every one is a literal Outsider with their own issues, and that net cunningly grabs its audience and pulls us inside those mouldy walls.
I found myself both caught in the pages and having to put the book down for a moment to take a breath. Oh sure, I was absolutely going to continue but like I say, it's a ride. Brace yourself for those sudden drops.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me an early copy of his book. I'll be watching for what comes next, you can be sure of that!
In tone, at first it reminded me of George Romero's 'Martin' - a mixed-up young man exploring the gritty, grossness of what it means to really be a vampire. Maybe a sprinkle of 'Under the Sun' by Chandler Morrison too.
But that's not quite all. Because this isn't a story of just one person. We have the aforementioned protagonist, but also a strange little girl with no name, a realtor who deals in deeply strange properties... and one of those properties itself.
This is a tale of humans caught in the grip of evil, a monstrous house that demands bloody tribute from its residents, and how all of the madness is normalised in the context of the book. Who will you root for? Are any of these people relatable? What does that make you?
This is the most skilful type of horror, with questionable ethics and scenarios as well as engaging characters dealing with bizarre situations. Every one is a literal Outsider with their own issues, and that net cunningly grabs its audience and pulls us inside those mouldy walls.
I found myself both caught in the pages and having to put the book down for a moment to take a breath. Oh sure, I was absolutely going to continue but like I say, it's a ride. Brace yourself for those sudden drops.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me an early copy of his book. I'll be watching for what comes next, you can be sure of that!
April 24, 2024
Bravo, David-Jack! I crown this book as no. 1 vampire slasher of 2024!
If you’re like me and are constantly in search of fresh takes on vampires and haunted houses, pick up The Count.
Ever wondered what could make a person crave blood out of nowhere? Sam had to find out the hard way. After a terrible break up, he finds himself in need of a home. That’s when he decides it’s a good idea to move into a dilapidated house which has weird stains on the floor, a peculiar ticking coming from the walls, and an overall sense that the house is somehow… alive.
At the heart of this book is a brilliant cast of diverse characters that you can’t help but feel bad for as events unfold, no matter how questionable their morals are. The relationships are especially great, shown through many emotional scenes that provide the perfect balance for the gory, visceral bits of the book.
I was so worried for all of them; Patrick, who is the bestest friend anyone could ask for, Corry, Patrick’s boyfriend and a police officer, who was just trying to help everyone, Jimmy, the mover who would go to the end of the world for friendship, and even The Child, who is the spawn of evil but also maybe would have grown normal if Shelley wasn’t such a… bitch. I got so attached to this bunch that every missed chance at salvation had me biting my nails, every death made my chest ache, and that ending…? Nearly BROKE me — a testimony to David-Jack’s skill with words and not shying away from torturing his characters, psychologically or otherwise.
If you’re like me and are constantly in search of fresh takes on vampires and haunted houses, pick up The Count.
Ever wondered what could make a person crave blood out of nowhere? Sam had to find out the hard way. After a terrible break up, he finds himself in need of a home. That’s when he decides it’s a good idea to move into a dilapidated house which has weird stains on the floor, a peculiar ticking coming from the walls, and an overall sense that the house is somehow… alive.
At the heart of this book is a brilliant cast of diverse characters that you can’t help but feel bad for as events unfold, no matter how questionable their morals are. The relationships are especially great, shown through many emotional scenes that provide the perfect balance for the gory, visceral bits of the book.
I was so worried for all of them; Patrick, who is the bestest friend anyone could ask for, Corry, Patrick’s boyfriend and a police officer, who was just trying to help everyone, Jimmy, the mover who would go to the end of the world for friendship, and even The Child, who is the spawn of evil but also maybe would have grown normal if Shelley wasn’t such a… bitch. I got so attached to this bunch that every missed chance at salvation had me biting my nails, every death made my chest ache, and that ending…? Nearly BROKE me — a testimony to David-Jack’s skill with words and not shying away from torturing his characters, psychologically or otherwise.
September 19, 2024
I listened to the audio book of this and it was so good. The narrator was amazing. She did the voice of the creepy little girl in the story so well. She really just kept me engaged the whole time.
It took me way longer to get through this book than if I had been reading it physically but that's just because I only listen to audiobooks when I remember to put them on when I'm in the kitchen doing chores and prepping meals etc. Otherwise I know I would have flew through this one. David-Jack Fletcher has a voice. He has a way of pulling you into the story and making you feel for his characters. You either love them or hate them or even sometimes try to find something redeemable about them. I was very emotionally invested in these characters and their relationships. Maybe, just don't get too attached because this book is about a house or what lies beneath said house that is essentially "feeding" off of people. There is this incessant tick tick tick from the clock? the house? that bores itself into its residents and in turn, will stick with the reader long after you pause or finish reading for the day. It is brutal and bloody, and Fletcher writes body horror that is visceral and may leave you slightly queasy.
It's safe to say Fletcher is a definite auto-buy author for me now.
It took me way longer to get through this book than if I had been reading it physically but that's just because I only listen to audiobooks when I remember to put them on when I'm in the kitchen doing chores and prepping meals etc. Otherwise I know I would have flew through this one. David-Jack Fletcher has a voice. He has a way of pulling you into the story and making you feel for his characters. You either love them or hate them or even sometimes try to find something redeemable about them. I was very emotionally invested in these characters and their relationships. Maybe, just don't get too attached because this book is about a house or what lies beneath said house that is essentially "feeding" off of people. There is this incessant tick tick tick from the clock? the house? that bores itself into its residents and in turn, will stick with the reader long after you pause or finish reading for the day. It is brutal and bloody, and Fletcher writes body horror that is visceral and may leave you slightly queasy.
It's safe to say Fletcher is a definite auto-buy author for me now.
February 24, 2024
The Count is an eerie liminal spaces story set in an ordinary house that any one of us could mistakenly make a home. That is what makes it so unnerving. This isn’t a mansion with a sketchy past or a remote cabin. The only warning sign is the tick of a clock.
This novel starts out with a gruesome display that truly turned my stomach and gave me goodbumps. It was frantic and visceral and perfectly set the dread for the rest of the book and when we meet our protagonists, a sketchy real estate agent and a young guy just coming off of a big breakup.
Similar to David Jack’s “Ravens Creek”, there is a lot of different themes combining here. We watch the psychological toll the house takes on its victim, and the toll on those around them, we see the end of a relationship, the start of a relationship, and the best part to me was the closeness of platonic love and devoted friendship. This didn’t go where I expected but in the end it went exactly where it needed to. Creepy as hell and full of heart.
This novel starts out with a gruesome display that truly turned my stomach and gave me goodbumps. It was frantic and visceral and perfectly set the dread for the rest of the book and when we meet our protagonists, a sketchy real estate agent and a young guy just coming off of a big breakup.
Similar to David Jack’s “Ravens Creek”, there is a lot of different themes combining here. We watch the psychological toll the house takes on its victim, and the toll on those around them, we see the end of a relationship, the start of a relationship, and the best part to me was the closeness of platonic love and devoted friendship. This didn’t go where I expected but in the end it went exactly where it needed to. Creepy as hell and full of heart.
July 8, 2024
🕰️🕰️🕰️🕰️🕰️/5
A very knowledgeable source told me that “The Count” by David-Jack Fletcher was a vampire story that lacked one key element of a vampire story…the vampire. Alright, color me intrigued. Judging by the book’s description, I thought it sounded like your run of the mill haunted house story. Then I was quickly and severely informed that it was anything but by the first chapter alone. Proof of two very noble truths, especially when it comes to me.
1. I should always just go in blind to books. (or don’t cuz it made for a fun surprise?)
2. Trust no realtor. Ever.
Don’t get me started on my realtor slander tho, we’re here to talk about this gut punch of a book, not glorified pillow choppers.
Quick Synopsis:
Sam has a new house. Well, it’s new to him anyways, a bit of a fixer-upper. Just a few stubborn carpet stains…can’t be much worse than that right? Bruh, [insert segue here] because Fletcher didn’t even let us get cozy with the book. It just comes out swinging with gruesome deaths, imagery that just kinda makes you sit back and stare, and the real reason why the buyer made off with such a killing on this deal. Something in the house is ticking, and it’s making Sam get some uncharacteristic cravings. He needs blood and his friends/loved ones have more than enough. Also: what is that horrible smell & why is the floor always so sticky?!
Haunted house stories don’t usually get me, but this one GOT ME. Mainly because David-Jack layered in so many moments of madness, jarring moments of violence, and a multilayered backstory that made me MAD whenever we flipped back cuz I needed to know what happened next. This book gave me big Amityville vibes, with some “The House that Dripped Blood,” and a big helping of “The Shining.” The author definitely surprised me with the level of gruesome deaths paired with his ability to pull you into the liminal spaces that he created. The gross-out scenes were done well and boasted some parts that made my brain itch. There’s even touches of cosmic and existential horror that really put some stank on an already well-rounded book. I would recommend this one to everyone, but especially the discriminating horror reader. This one will keep you guessing and make you glad you took the chance!
A very knowledgeable source told me that “The Count” by David-Jack Fletcher was a vampire story that lacked one key element of a vampire story…the vampire. Alright, color me intrigued. Judging by the book’s description, I thought it sounded like your run of the mill haunted house story. Then I was quickly and severely informed that it was anything but by the first chapter alone. Proof of two very noble truths, especially when it comes to me.
1. I should always just go in blind to books. (or don’t cuz it made for a fun surprise?)
2. Trust no realtor. Ever.
Don’t get me started on my realtor slander tho, we’re here to talk about this gut punch of a book, not glorified pillow choppers.
Quick Synopsis:
Sam has a new house. Well, it’s new to him anyways, a bit of a fixer-upper. Just a few stubborn carpet stains…can’t be much worse than that right? Bruh, [insert segue here] because Fletcher didn’t even let us get cozy with the book. It just comes out swinging with gruesome deaths, imagery that just kinda makes you sit back and stare, and the real reason why the buyer made off with such a killing on this deal. Something in the house is ticking, and it’s making Sam get some uncharacteristic cravings. He needs blood and his friends/loved ones have more than enough. Also: what is that horrible smell & why is the floor always so sticky?!
Haunted house stories don’t usually get me, but this one GOT ME. Mainly because David-Jack layered in so many moments of madness, jarring moments of violence, and a multilayered backstory that made me MAD whenever we flipped back cuz I needed to know what happened next. This book gave me big Amityville vibes, with some “The House that Dripped Blood,” and a big helping of “The Shining.” The author definitely surprised me with the level of gruesome deaths paired with his ability to pull you into the liminal spaces that he created. The gross-out scenes were done well and boasted some parts that made my brain itch. There’s even touches of cosmic and existential horror that really put some stank on an already well-rounded book. I would recommend this one to everyone, but especially the discriminating horror reader. This one will keep you guessing and make you glad you took the chance!
April 4, 2024
David-Jack Fletcher's 'The Count' felt like The Exorcist met The Amityville Horror and made a vampire baby. It was really good, consistently interesting from start to finish (and what a start!), blending many horror themes together to create something new and satisfyingly horrific. The characters were neither saints nor heroes: they felt like real people, facing real troubles, their problems arising out of their identities, their desires, right out of who they are. I loved the scenes in the haunted-possessed-demonic house most of all: the descriptions were compelling, cinematic, unsettling. Fletcher has a profound understanding of what will draw readers into a horror narrative, upsetting them without alienating them. The ending was deeply touching: it's not the kind of "love conquers all"-type of ending, though in one way it comes very close. In another, it may be the most troubling part of the novel. Recommended!
December 26, 2025
Lots to say about this one...
Con: The first half was really slow and not much had happened, a few things felt like they were repeated and things were explained that felt unnecessary. The ending
Pro: The second half of the book picked up so fast. Things were actually happening, story was developing and characters developed. The book is in third person; In the second half the perspective is changed a lot and suddenly but it reads really well, I really enjoyed the second half.
Would I recommend this? If you read fast and will smash it out in a week (and also like horror), yes. I read slowly so the fact that it takes about half the book to pick up was an issue for me.
Con: The first half was really slow and not much had happened, a few things felt like they were repeated and things were explained that felt unnecessary. The ending
Pro: The second half of the book picked up so fast. Things were actually happening, story was developing and characters developed. The book is in third person; In the second half the perspective is changed a lot and suddenly but it reads really well, I really enjoyed the second half.
Would I recommend this? If you read fast and will smash it out in a week (and also like horror), yes. I read slowly so the fact that it takes about half the book to pick up was an issue for me.
December 8, 2024
🕔🏠🍓
woah that was bloody, tense, and very… slimy. interesting that this was heavy on eldritch horror, i wasn’t expecting it but now looking back at the synopsis i guess there little else it could’ve been. there was a good number of characters (all unique), to which there wasn’t a one-sided focus on anyone (which i actually liked). the plot was there, the gore certainly was there - i’m not sure why i didn’t love this to death. i think i was expecting this to be more thriller with the synopsis focusing on the mystery behind danny’s murder, but that was put to bed pretty quickly. also i wanted more from sam and less from teddy.
also shout out to that monster house animated movie where the house was the lady.
woah that was bloody, tense, and very… slimy. interesting that this was heavy on eldritch horror, i wasn’t expecting it but now looking back at the synopsis i guess there little else it could’ve been. there was a good number of characters (all unique), to which there wasn’t a one-sided focus on anyone (which i actually liked). the plot was there, the gore certainly was there - i’m not sure why i didn’t love this to death. i think i was expecting this to be more thriller with the synopsis focusing on the mystery behind danny’s murder, but that was put to bed pretty quickly. also i wanted more from sam and less from teddy.
also shout out to that monster house animated movie where the house was the lady.
April 19, 2024
A unique haunted house/vampire style story that keeps you guessing.
David-Jack Fletcher has become one of my favourite authors and he doesn't disappoint with this one.
It's unlike any story you've likely ever read, it's dark, has fantastic and fleshed out characters and doesn't hold back any punches.
The story follows Sam, a hearbroken man who has just broken up with his partner and has just found a home to move into. He feels oddly at home the first time he sees it and it becomes apparent why as the story continues. GPS Pings, the hunger for blood, time loss, and a mysterious ticking sound follow as the house hooks it's claws into him.
The story switches viewpoints to a few other characters as it goes, giving the reader a different perspective on what's happening and does so effectively.
Sometimes unique twists on tropes don't work out but this one does and does it in spades.
Highly recommended.
David-Jack Fletcher has become one of my favourite authors and he doesn't disappoint with this one.
It's unlike any story you've likely ever read, it's dark, has fantastic and fleshed out characters and doesn't hold back any punches.
The story follows Sam, a hearbroken man who has just broken up with his partner and has just found a home to move into. He feels oddly at home the first time he sees it and it becomes apparent why as the story continues. GPS Pings, the hunger for blood, time loss, and a mysterious ticking sound follow as the house hooks it's claws into him.
The story switches viewpoints to a few other characters as it goes, giving the reader a different perspective on what's happening and does so effectively.
Sometimes unique twists on tropes don't work out but this one does and does it in spades.
Highly recommended.
June 21, 2024
This is such a fun queer book. It is about Sam, who recently broke up with his boyfriend Danny. He moves to a house in hopes of a new start, but is unaware that something is seriously wrong with his new home. When Danny is brutally murdered, he realizes he craves the taste of blood. However, this isn't the typical vampire/haunted house story, but explaining how would be a spoiler. There is a huge focus on family and friendships in this novel. Also, I really enjoyed the references to other books, such as Dracula and Frankenstein.
March 4, 2024
Arc review
Really enjoyed the concept of it being a vampire book in its own way. Instead of being infected with the vampiric virus, the main character is infected with the want for blood from his new home. The book was interesting, well written, and the details were great, however is wasnt really for me personally. Enjoyed all of the gore! Overall, i did enjoy the book. It took me a while to get through, not something i would usually pick up, but i would recommend it very well written.
Really enjoyed the concept of it being a vampire book in its own way. Instead of being infected with the vampiric virus, the main character is infected with the want for blood from his new home. The book was interesting, well written, and the details were great, however is wasnt really for me personally. Enjoyed all of the gore! Overall, i did enjoy the book. It took me a while to get through, not something i would usually pick up, but i would recommend it very well written.
March 10, 2024
The Count is such a unique experience. It blew me away. It’s a little mix of everything. Inhuman hunger, a haunted house, an unseen entity that using mind control, love, grief, family issues, and an evil little girl. The house in the story is absolutely fascinating and it’s a visceral trip. The author’s descriptions are so vivid that you can literally feel the homes hunger. In a way, it’s reminiscent of poltergeist vibes mixed with many other things. Loved it!
April 17, 2024
Well this starts with one hell of an opening. Some parts of this story I just sat and stared at the page for a minute in utter disbelief especially at certain gory parts.
The pace was set perfectly. Just enough time to catch your breath before the next bit of chaos and it always kept me hooked.
This story struck me as something somewhere inbetween The Amityville House and The Shining with maybe a touch of The Exorcist.
Freaked me out from start to finish.
The pace was set perfectly. Just enough time to catch your breath before the next bit of chaos and it always kept me hooked.
This story struck me as something somewhere inbetween The Amityville House and The Shining with maybe a touch of The Exorcist.
Freaked me out from start to finish.
April 28, 2024
This is a fever dream of a book featuring raw human brutality, a house that puts Amityville to shame, and a lot of mucus. One of the creepiest, most heartless children to ever exist can be found within the pages of The Count (and yet the author still has me feeling sorry for her). This is a complex book. Nearly every relationship shown is complicated and fraught (and real), and I love that. Fletcher has given us something utterly horrifying and weird.
June 30, 2024
I loved the misdirect/assumption I made that this was going to be a vampire book, which it sort of is but it isn’t. David Jack Fletcher gives us a fresh new take on the haunted house sub-genre and what a ride it is. The lore throughout this book is tinged with vampirism, as the house itself devours its victims. This is my 2nd book by Fletcher I’ve read and I thoroughly enjoy his style and content when it comes to storytelling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2024
The Count was truly scary in a way that so many books wish they could be but just don't quite reach. It was dark, immersive, and genuinely haunting. There are some triggering themes weaved into the story, but they are handled respectfully.
This book is currently on ku without an attached audiobook, but I highly recommend springing a few dollars for the audio. It was brilliantly done and so well worth adding to anyone's audiobook collection.
This book is currently on ku without an attached audiobook, but I highly recommend springing a few dollars for the audio. It was brilliantly done and so well worth adding to anyone's audiobook collection.
April 8, 2024
THE COUNT is a dark mechanism of interlocked characters driven to different ends by a singular evil. Compelling, monstrous and bloody – it's a plummeting free-fall into the pit of all our fears.
Jeff Clulow. Aurealis-nominated author of 'Rat's Alley' and Asylumfest winner of 'Pinkie Preston's After You.'
Jeff Clulow. Aurealis-nominated author of 'Rat's Alley' and Asylumfest winner of 'Pinkie Preston's After You.'
October 25, 2024
This might be a big book, but it isn't one that messes around and holds everything for the last 20%. This grabs you from the very beginning and throws you right into the deep end. But despite the fact that stuff is happening the entire time, it doesn't sacrifice characters, letting them be messy and complicated and contradictory and real.
March 28, 2024
This is an amazing book! It was captivating and packed with so many intense moments. There were scary parts, gore, and thrills! I thought it would be an interesting haunted house story, and it was that, but so much more!
April 19, 2024
The Count
Sam feels comforted by his new house with the strange ticking he can't find. He feels the need to feed the house. Can he resist? How far would you go to satisfy something?
Sam feels comforted by his new house with the strange ticking he can't find. He feels the need to feed the house. Can he resist? How far would you go to satisfy something?
November 5, 2024
This book was okay, I was excited to read my first horror book, I soon realised after starting I’m not a fan of books in 3rd person. it was honestly uninspiring it wasn’t bad but it just wasn’t for me in the end. A+ for the cover though it looks so good!
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