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The Shroud: Skulldiggery Book 4
270 pages, Paperback
Published April 9, 2024
41 people want to read
About the author
D.M. Gritzmacher
7 books75 followersDavid M. Gritzmacher spends much of his time unwinding the knots his twisted narratives bind him in. Plotting out his escape (and next dark tale), while cruising along the backroads near his home in Illinois. Married to his high school sweetheart for more than 35 years and with five grown children, he remains baffled by the state of the world around him. Retreating into his own writing where the dark things that slither, creep, haunt, and betray are not merely the folly of man…
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 17, 2024
This is one of those I wish I had vlogged as I read because my reactions would have said it all. Here…I’ll try to reenact it with emojis for ya’ll…
🧐😱😬😳😱😮😦☹️😱😳🤢🤮😱😤😳😱
And some things I said while reading…
“Oh no…no, no, no, no”
“Ewwww…yuck”
“Oh wait…surely not”
I did what I could. 😂 But seriously, this book was freaking wild. It’s the fourth in the series and only the second that I have read. I liked it even better than the last one. The best way I can describe it is Indiana Jones meets The Mummy with some police detective drama but make it super dark and disturbing.
This was such an intricately woven story and it was told in a very unique way. The puzzle pieces are given a little at a time while going between different timelines. Each timeline is sort of its own story. Then all the pieces eventually come together in the most satisfying way.
I never wanted each storyline to switch back because I was so into all of them. I could have read an entire book on any of the 3 individual timelines. They were all so good. I would get really wrapped up in the story and then it would switch back to another timeline. I’d have to remember what was going on again. It wouldn’t take me long though and I’d be right back in it. But really, it just shows how good the writing is to put me so into the story. I wouldn’t want it to end.
It was disturbing, gruesome, creepy, and twisted. I loved it!
**check trigger warnings**
🧐😱😬😳😱😮😦☹️😱😳🤢🤮😱😤😳😱
And some things I said while reading…
“Oh no…no, no, no, no”
“Ewwww…yuck”
“Oh wait…surely not”
I did what I could. 😂 But seriously, this book was freaking wild. It’s the fourth in the series and only the second that I have read. I liked it even better than the last one. The best way I can describe it is Indiana Jones meets The Mummy with some police detective drama but make it super dark and disturbing.
This was such an intricately woven story and it was told in a very unique way. The puzzle pieces are given a little at a time while going between different timelines. Each timeline is sort of its own story. Then all the pieces eventually come together in the most satisfying way.
I never wanted each storyline to switch back because I was so into all of them. I could have read an entire book on any of the 3 individual timelines. They were all so good. I would get really wrapped up in the story and then it would switch back to another timeline. I’d have to remember what was going on again. It wouldn’t take me long though and I’d be right back in it. But really, it just shows how good the writing is to put me so into the story. I wouldn’t want it to end.
It was disturbing, gruesome, creepy, and twisted. I loved it!
**check trigger warnings**
July 6, 2024
A Horror Bookworm Recommendation
The Shroud by DM Gritzmacher
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
Stander and Secrist, childhood best friends, decide to dig into rumors/stories of the intimidating and weird Relict Mansion. Connections to past archeological symbolism from the sands of Egypt to present day discoveries brings deadly curses as well as a fetish serial killer.
The Shroud, (a cloth used to wrap a corpse for burial) is author DM Gritzmacher’s newest chamber of horrors. From Egypt (2600 BC) to Cairo (1962) to Iowa/Illinois (present day). With the likes of Imhotep, Nefertem and Ptah, The Shroud carries a horrific hieroglyphics legacy that has roamed the earth since the dawn of man. Included of course is an extreme amount of Skulldiggery.
From resurrected creatures, haunting burial chambers to a strange interwoven fabric, The Shroud Book 4 of the Skulldiggery series can also be read as a stand alone. Explore Gritzmacher’s spooky underground sarcophagus scares or experience the horrors that his other books have to offer. You can’t go wrong.
Gritzmacher has a distinct writing style that I love. He can weave together storylines and plots as well as any Tarantino screenplay. His storytelling techniques are not presented in chronological order, instead the story is revealed piece by piece while jumping back and forth in time. Exploiting fears and faith with care and precision is a tool used to make his books terrifyingly unpredictable. If you’re not reading DM Gritzmacher, you should be.
The Shroud by DM Gritzmacher is beautifully grotesque. Once the shroud is removed from the body - your own eternal protection has ended. Ya might want to bring your halogen flashlight for this one, because creepy things always live underground. A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
The Shroud by DM Gritzmacher
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
Stander and Secrist, childhood best friends, decide to dig into rumors/stories of the intimidating and weird Relict Mansion. Connections to past archeological symbolism from the sands of Egypt to present day discoveries brings deadly curses as well as a fetish serial killer.
The Shroud, (a cloth used to wrap a corpse for burial) is author DM Gritzmacher’s newest chamber of horrors. From Egypt (2600 BC) to Cairo (1962) to Iowa/Illinois (present day). With the likes of Imhotep, Nefertem and Ptah, The Shroud carries a horrific hieroglyphics legacy that has roamed the earth since the dawn of man. Included of course is an extreme amount of Skulldiggery.
From resurrected creatures, haunting burial chambers to a strange interwoven fabric, The Shroud Book 4 of the Skulldiggery series can also be read as a stand alone. Explore Gritzmacher’s spooky underground sarcophagus scares or experience the horrors that his other books have to offer. You can’t go wrong.
Gritzmacher has a distinct writing style that I love. He can weave together storylines and plots as well as any Tarantino screenplay. His storytelling techniques are not presented in chronological order, instead the story is revealed piece by piece while jumping back and forth in time. Exploiting fears and faith with care and precision is a tool used to make his books terrifyingly unpredictable. If you’re not reading DM Gritzmacher, you should be.
The Shroud by DM Gritzmacher is beautifully grotesque. Once the shroud is removed from the body - your own eternal protection has ended. Ya might want to bring your halogen flashlight for this one, because creepy things always live underground. A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
April 15, 2024
An ancient Egyptian tomb with a dark secret, brutal slayings in 60’s Illinois and secret passages in an ancestral home in the present day, what more do you need?!
An historical horror that moves seamlessly from past to present with incredible world building and addictive storytelling. The main characters Stander and Secrist in present day US are as compelling as ever. Their banter is so much fun and speaks of such a powerful friendship. The other characters are fascinating and so well drawn, I am especially enamoured with Aunt Madeleine, what a fabulous woman!
This is by far the darkest of the series and is gruesomely gory. This can be read as a standalone but there is an overarching storyline that makes more sense if you have read them all. This is thrilling and action packed as it races from ancient times to the swinging sixties to modern times. A great read!
An historical horror that moves seamlessly from past to present with incredible world building and addictive storytelling. The main characters Stander and Secrist in present day US are as compelling as ever. Their banter is so much fun and speaks of such a powerful friendship. The other characters are fascinating and so well drawn, I am especially enamoured with Aunt Madeleine, what a fabulous woman!
This is by far the darkest of the series and is gruesomely gory. This can be read as a standalone but there is an overarching storyline that makes more sense if you have read them all. This is thrilling and action packed as it races from ancient times to the swinging sixties to modern times. A great read!
February 16, 2025
The author does an incredible job of weaving together three distinct storylines to create what is, in my opinion, the best book in the series. Can't wait to get to the next one.
April 1, 2024
I was chosen to receive an ARC version of the fourth Skulldiggery installment as a guinea pig, if you will, to gauge whether or not the book would deem well as a stand alone. I value honesty and transparency in reviews, so I will admit I did struggle reading the novel as standalone. I did definitely enjoy the read, and it made my stomach churn in parts, but I was very excited to keep going to see what happened. But there were many elements I felt referred to previous books that went over my head, which frustrated me sometimes. Overall, I gave a four star rating because the book was well written, and I did enjoy it. And I know I will love it even more once I read the previous books.
December 31, 2025
Bought this from the author at my local bookstore. He was a great guy and this was a fun standalone horror read. However I should of started with book one.
April 16, 2024
“Shroud – (noun) As in veil-
a cloth or sheet in which a corpse is wrapped for burial.
See Also: As in to conceal-
(verb) to keep secret or shut off from view.”
Continuing the wordplay from the series, The Shroud holds a double meaning. There is a curious shroud all the way from ancient Egypt, while also metaphorical shrouding and foreshadowing of events yet to come.
This book takes place in the past focusing on Stander’s father and his father’s first wife. We also see more details about Aunt Madeleine and a previous husband of hers. I was excited to learn more about her, the most mysterious character in the series – but be forewarned, you’ll leave with more questions than answers. I have theories, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.
The Shroud has many storylines going, all full of action. There’s ancient Egyptian history, zombies, murderers, foot fetishes, hidden chambers, double-crossing, and as always plenty of mystery.
Except for book one, Relict – (No one beats the Viking) this would be my next favorite in the series. It is capable of being read as a stand-alone for those new to Skulldiggery. However, one of my favorite attributes of this book is that you could potentially start this as a book one. You would come at the characters and who they are from a different angle which would be an interesting twist. First impressions are important, and I am curious to see how my opinion would have changed about them had this been my first introduction.
Additionally, the skillful writing is shown off here in balancing the ongoing storyline, with these prequel aspects. I am constantly impressed with Gritzmacher’s ability to maintain the various storylines without any error. Either he is very good, or I am losing my capability.
Each time switch had something intriguing and felt urgent. There were no slow parts and the little preview included in the final chapter of what is yet to be discovered is as intriguing as it is annoying that I have to wait for the next book. 4 Stars.
a cloth or sheet in which a corpse is wrapped for burial.
See Also: As in to conceal-
(verb) to keep secret or shut off from view.”
Continuing the wordplay from the series, The Shroud holds a double meaning. There is a curious shroud all the way from ancient Egypt, while also metaphorical shrouding and foreshadowing of events yet to come.
This book takes place in the past focusing on Stander’s father and his father’s first wife. We also see more details about Aunt Madeleine and a previous husband of hers. I was excited to learn more about her, the most mysterious character in the series – but be forewarned, you’ll leave with more questions than answers. I have theories, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.
The Shroud has many storylines going, all full of action. There’s ancient Egyptian history, zombies, murderers, foot fetishes, hidden chambers, double-crossing, and as always plenty of mystery.
Except for book one, Relict – (No one beats the Viking) this would be my next favorite in the series. It is capable of being read as a stand-alone for those new to Skulldiggery. However, one of my favorite attributes of this book is that you could potentially start this as a book one. You would come at the characters and who they are from a different angle which would be an interesting twist. First impressions are important, and I am curious to see how my opinion would have changed about them had this been my first introduction.
Additionally, the skillful writing is shown off here in balancing the ongoing storyline, with these prequel aspects. I am constantly impressed with Gritzmacher’s ability to maintain the various storylines without any error. Either he is very good, or I am losing my capability.
Each time switch had something intriguing and felt urgent. There were no slow parts and the little preview included in the final chapter of what is yet to be discovered is as intriguing as it is annoying that I have to wait for the next book. 4 Stars.
April 2, 2024
Fasten your seatbelts, and please keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times. Loss of limb is inevitable if you dare to take on The Shroud!
Welcome to the incredible fourth installment in the Skulldiggery series by D.M. Gritzmacher. Another fantastic Historical Horror novel with a new monster that will be sure to have your bones rattling in fear. With the humorous camaraderie of Stander and Secrist, two incredible multi-dimensional characters, you’ll feel like you’re reading a horror version of an Indiana Jones movie.
The way that Gritzmacher effortlessly weaves the multiple timelines gives the reader the pieces of the story exactly as they need them, but also leaves them desperate for more. The blend of exquisite world building and diverse characters lends to a reading experience befitting of a Michelin star experience!
Whether you read them in order or as Standalone, The Shroud and every other book in the Skulldiggery series is guaranteed to deliver an adventure that will blow your mind. I highly encourage you to read them all though, as you might be surprised to find some hidden magic tricks.
Welcome to the incredible fourth installment in the Skulldiggery series by D.M. Gritzmacher. Another fantastic Historical Horror novel with a new monster that will be sure to have your bones rattling in fear. With the humorous camaraderie of Stander and Secrist, two incredible multi-dimensional characters, you’ll feel like you’re reading a horror version of an Indiana Jones movie.
The way that Gritzmacher effortlessly weaves the multiple timelines gives the reader the pieces of the story exactly as they need them, but also leaves them desperate for more. The blend of exquisite world building and diverse characters lends to a reading experience befitting of a Michelin star experience!
Whether you read them in order or as Standalone, The Shroud and every other book in the Skulldiggery series is guaranteed to deliver an adventure that will blow your mind. I highly encourage you to read them all though, as you might be surprised to find some hidden magic tricks.
April 26, 2024
Before I even opened the book I googled what a shroud was… and then I opened the book and the answer was right there 😆
SHROUD
Shroud-1: a cloth used to wrap a corpse for burial; winding sheet. 2: something that covers, protects, or screens; veil; shelter. 3: any of a set of ropes or wires stretched from a ship’s side to a masthead to offset lateral strain on the mast.
The Shroud is perfectly written and has it all!! Multiple fantastic storylines that kept me saying, “Oh my!” and “WHAAAAT?!” out loud over and over again. Ancient Egypt, which was really awesome and new for me. Disgusting, gory murders, always a good thing. An insane sex crazed detective, this was actually a wild surprise. Backstabbing that I just knew was coming. Plenty of underground tunnels in a sweet ass house that I wouldn’t mind living in myself. And sweet Aunt Madeleine. I could read a book dedicated to Auntie Madeleine alone!
Timelines are usually not my thing, I get confused easily 😆 But the flow was seamless. So moving from one time period to another was so smooth! While The Shroud is book 4 of The Skulldiggery series it can easily be read as a standalone. BUT I highly recommend reading the entire series!!
I will admit that I’m left with a few questions after reading this 5 star book… So that must mean book 5 is on its way 🤔 And I can’t wait!!
SHROUD
Shroud-1: a cloth used to wrap a corpse for burial; winding sheet. 2: something that covers, protects, or screens; veil; shelter. 3: any of a set of ropes or wires stretched from a ship’s side to a masthead to offset lateral strain on the mast.
The Shroud is perfectly written and has it all!! Multiple fantastic storylines that kept me saying, “Oh my!” and “WHAAAAT?!” out loud over and over again. Ancient Egypt, which was really awesome and new for me. Disgusting, gory murders, always a good thing. An insane sex crazed detective, this was actually a wild surprise. Backstabbing that I just knew was coming. Plenty of underground tunnels in a sweet ass house that I wouldn’t mind living in myself. And sweet Aunt Madeleine. I could read a book dedicated to Auntie Madeleine alone!
Timelines are usually not my thing, I get confused easily 😆 But the flow was seamless. So moving from one time period to another was so smooth! While The Shroud is book 4 of The Skulldiggery series it can easily be read as a standalone. BUT I highly recommend reading the entire series!!
I will admit that I’m left with a few questions after reading this 5 star book… So that must mean book 5 is on its way 🤔 And I can’t wait!!
March 30, 2024
One hell of a deliciously dark, creepy, and violent ride with monsters I would never want to cross paths with!
I feel like this might be the darkest installment yet in the Skulldiggery series!! 🫣 This book has so many elements to it that I enjoy - creepy heebie jeebies, mysterious characters, non-stop action, twists, you name it! 👏👏 And those of you who love gore, this one’s got plenty of it!
While it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading the first 3 books in the series first, as this one alludes to a lot of what had happened earlier in the series and helps the puzzle pieces come together to create a clearer picture. Though there are still pieces missing! And I can’t wait to put those pieces in place as this series continues!! 🙌❤️
TW: animal torture, animal death, rape, sexual abuse, violence, gore
I feel like this might be the darkest installment yet in the Skulldiggery series!! 🫣 This book has so many elements to it that I enjoy - creepy heebie jeebies, mysterious characters, non-stop action, twists, you name it! 👏👏 And those of you who love gore, this one’s got plenty of it!
While it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading the first 3 books in the series first, as this one alludes to a lot of what had happened earlier in the series and helps the puzzle pieces come together to create a clearer picture. Though there are still pieces missing! And I can’t wait to put those pieces in place as this series continues!! 🙌❤️
TW: animal torture, animal death, rape, sexual abuse, violence, gore
April 10, 2024
gritzmacher comin with the most intense mic drop!
I swear! I think a few pieces of my brain exploded and I went into shock at the end of this book!!! Such an intense ending!
Sidenote- The Shroud is a book 4 of Skulldiggery Series but can be read as a standalone.
Every time I start one of DM’s books, I get consumed into his world! Absolutely does not disappoint, and it just keeps getting bettter and better the deeper you dive! The most intense roller coaster with the twists, turns, dips, and dives!
The Shroud has a great story line, the characters continue to become more and more awesome and some even more relatable and connected, the gore is blood soaking, heavy and I am so here for it!!! This book has it all!
And can I just say.. as much as I love Stander.. Auntie Mads is my absolute spirit animal!!
I swear! I think a few pieces of my brain exploded and I went into shock at the end of this book!!! Such an intense ending!
Sidenote- The Shroud is a book 4 of Skulldiggery Series but can be read as a standalone.
Every time I start one of DM’s books, I get consumed into his world! Absolutely does not disappoint, and it just keeps getting bettter and better the deeper you dive! The most intense roller coaster with the twists, turns, dips, and dives!
The Shroud has a great story line, the characters continue to become more and more awesome and some even more relatable and connected, the gore is blood soaking, heavy and I am so here for it!!! This book has it all!
And can I just say.. as much as I love Stander.. Auntie Mads is my absolute spirit animal!!
April 19, 2024
What a wild, weird, and wonderful ride this latest book takes you on. D.M Gritzmacher takes you on. I was hooked after the first page. Didn't want to put it down until I was done. This book can be a stand alone but in order to truly understand what's going on you need to read the first 3 books. I cannot wait for the next installment of the Skulldiggery books.
April 11, 2024
You all know I never miss the chance to get my hands on a good ARC, but when I get offered one by Gritzmacher, step aside! He’s done it again with his fourth book in the Skulldiggery series.
What would you do if you unearthed a dark and disturbing centuries old family secret? I’m always fascinated by the past and how it shapes our future, and as a fantastic new monster is discovered, in gruesome detail, it’s terrifyingly clear why that secret has not seen the light of day.
The characters are all diverse and intriguing, and the story has so many twists, it felt like the wildest ride. The chilling details are both horrifying and gratifying, delivered in a way that feels entirely fresh and new to the horror genre. Gritzmacher again has seamlessly transported this reader through time and place, completely engrossed and covered in goosebumps.
While this can absolutely be read as a standalone, you will not want to miss any of these intensely creepy reads, so pick them up now because another bone chilling tale is on its way 😱
Thank you David for this jaw dropping ARC.
What would you do if you unearthed a dark and disturbing centuries old family secret? I’m always fascinated by the past and how it shapes our future, and as a fantastic new monster is discovered, in gruesome detail, it’s terrifyingly clear why that secret has not seen the light of day.
The characters are all diverse and intriguing, and the story has so many twists, it felt like the wildest ride. The chilling details are both horrifying and gratifying, delivered in a way that feels entirely fresh and new to the horror genre. Gritzmacher again has seamlessly transported this reader through time and place, completely engrossed and covered in goosebumps.
While this can absolutely be read as a standalone, you will not want to miss any of these intensely creepy reads, so pick them up now because another bone chilling tale is on its way 😱
Thank you David for this jaw dropping ARC.
May 15, 2024
What a ride this book was! A dark and disturbing story with so many intriguing characters. Packed with tons of action and twists. Can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend checking out the first three books before starting this one. Can’t wait for book 5!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews