Draw You In Vol.1: Collector's Item

Draw You In #1

by Jasper Bark

Can you disappear so completely that only one person remembers you existed?

That’s what comics creator Linda Corrigan asks, when her editor, disappears without a trace. Drawn into an FBI investigation by Agent McPherson, Linda and comics historian Richard Ford unearth a chilling link to the forgotten comic artist R. L. Carver, whose work might just hold the key to a series of mysterious disappearances.

As they explore Carver’s life, they uncover the secret history of horror comics, the misfits, madcaps and macabre masters who forged an industry, frightened a generation and felt the heat of the Federal Government. They also stumble on the shadow history of the United States on a road trip that veers into the nation’s dark underbelly, where forbidden knowledge and forgotten lore await them.

Described as “Kavalier and Clay meets Clive Barker,” Draw You In Vol.1 – Collector’s Item is the first in a mind-bending trilogy of novels. It contains stories within stories that explore horror in all its subgenres, from quiet to psychological horror, from hardcore to cosmic horror.

Experience the epic conspiracy thriller that redefines the genre for a new generation.

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Draw You In Vol.1 – Collector’s Item is the fourth book in the Bark Bites Horror series.

Bark Bites Horror is a spine-tingling series that takes the horror genre to a whole new level. Get ready for a Goosebumps for grown-ups and a sexed-up Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark! This is your favorite new obsession. These are the terror tales you’ve been waiting your whole life to read.

This is Horror 2.0, re-gened, re-tooled and recreated for a fearless new audience! Think you've seen everything in horror? Think again. Bark Bites takes you places you've never been and shows you sights few mortal eyes would dare behold.

Don’t be the only weird kid on your block to miss out!

Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.

Genres: Horror, Mystery

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2024

About the author

Jasper Bark finds writing author biographies and talking about himself in the third person faintly embarrassing. Telling you that he’s an award winning author of four cult novels including the highly acclaimed ‘Way of the Barefoot Zombie’, just sounds like boasting. Then he has to mention that he’s written 12 children’s books and hundreds of comics and graphic novels and he wants to just curl up. He cringes when he has to reveal that his work has been translated into nine different languages and is used in schools throughout the UK to help improve literacy, or that he was awarded the This Is Horror Award for his last anthology ‘Dead Air’. Maybe he’s too British, or maybe he just needs a good enema, but he’s glad this bio is now over.

Reviews

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release June 7.

I am OVER-THE-MOON with this novel and Series! Absolutely can't wait for Books 2 and 3. I've adored Jasper Bark's particular weird Horror since his novel THE FINAL CUT rocked my mind, but I think DRAW YOU IN is surpassingly his BEST YET!!!

Cautions, Cautions: This is a Jasper Bark novel: you are going to encounter bucketloads of gore. However [unlike the case with some writers] I did not find the gore gratuitous, not "splatter for splatter's sake." The titular artist is striving lifelong to break through to other Realities, and his artistic gore is a tool in service to that idol.
Also, as well as Horror, I see this as Speculative Fiction; I choose to view certain instances of reality-turned-upside-down [you'll understand as you read] as instead Schrodinger's Cat-type encounters [remember the wave and the particle]. Third, there's quite a bit of discussion of Mental Health, Mental Disorder, and the societal trashing of those who seek help (therapy), by a few secondary or tertiary characters; and a particularly vivid encounter with a background character who all too effectively represents a wide swath of Internet trolls.

[Irene Well Worth A Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a comics convention, Linda Corrigan, an artist who has fallen out of favor, thinks her career may be looking up when a well-known editor invites her to an exclusive party. However, once she arrives, it appears she might be the victim of a cruel prank. She is refused entry, and everyone she speaks to claims they know of no such editor. Her attempts to track him down prove fruitless, and she begins to realize this is not a joke at her expense. There is something far more sinister afoot.

She soon finds herself entangled in conspiracy theories, government plots, rumors of voodoo rituals, psychic powers, and the cursed history of another comic book artist who was famous in the 1950s but then disappeared with his final work unpublished. That is just the beginning!

There is a lot going on in this psychological horror mystery. It features intriguing characters, the dark history of horror comics, and an original plot more layered than an onion. The more you uncover, the more there is yet to find out. This first book of the trilogy was a fast and fun read.

My thanks to Jasper Bark and Crystal Lake Publishing

[Joanna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought I had this story figured out I was thrown in for a wild ride. It was written so well that you can’t help but feel like you are living the story as it happens. Perfect for lovers of comics especially gory ones. There’s mystery surrounding an artist whose work was very intense and strange situations surrounding his disappearance. There’s all these little details mentioned throughout the book that will give you a better idea of what is going on. I understood in the first few chapters why it’s called draw you in because not only are there comic artists but the story can’t help but draw you in as you read it!

Check out this thrilling story!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comic book artist Linda Corrigan, FBI Special Agent Alan McPherson and conspiracy blogger Richard Ford investigate recent disappearances and hideous murders. The crimes seem to be linked to the art and activities of a classic horror comic book artist named R. L. Carver. Carver began his career as a comics artist in the early 1950s and went from unremarkable to highly talented in an unbelievably short time span. Carver’s most insidious creation is a comic titled Tales That Draw You In. We are told Tales That Draw You In will end the world as we know it. The names of real life comic book artists and actual events in comic book history are sprinkled throughout the book to lend a chilling reality to the story.

[Corrina Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was different from my usual reads, my first horror love being extreme/splatter, but boy was this gripping! I really enjoyed it, and if you're a comic book fan, I think you'll enjoy it even more.

A psychological, supernatural horror portraying anxieties, imposter syndrome, childhood abuse/trauma, voodoo, cursed comics and conspiracies, this goes deep.

With a bleak, horrifying and heart breaking prologue, that's also exciting, and that absolutely Draws You In…. you'll be hooked from the off.

This book is so captivating, it's a shock when you find you've reached the end. Intensely intriguing, the mystery of it all leaves you feeling panicky and apprehensive, and very curious to know more, which in turn makes it extremely addictive, immersive, and a real page turner. It keeps you guessing the whole time, and leaves you hanging on the edge of a brilliantly tense cliffhanger.

The brief interlude, with a nasty little keyboard warrior called Kurt, a bullying, abusive, vile, man, makes for an engaging and exciting extra treat.

This book also reminded me of one of my favourite stories as a kid, The Magic Paintbrush. And it brought back some wonderful memories!

Im looking forward to continuing this journey…

[Trish]

Will rate when I’ve finished the trilogy.

I really enjoyed the writing. The concept is really unique and it has a page turning quality.

I will read the next 2 before attempting to rate, purely as the last element of this volume it produced a lot of new arcs, and I just wouldn’t do this justice by leaving at arbitrary rating.

Vol 2 awaits me!

[Linzi Osburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG

I couldn’t put this book down, as my bleary eyes can attest. Jasper has done it again, with his inimitable style of getting straight to the horrific point. Eloquence personified, and each word draws you in ( see what I did there? lol), grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. So much so that you have to remember to breathe from time to time. Damn, now I have to wait for the next one, and patience is not my strong suit. Well done Jasper, absolutely brilliant.

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasper Bark is giving us the full trilogy by the end of summer & I am SO happy Vol. 2 comes out 6/21 because I am ridiculously immersed and invested in Linda Corrigan’s story!! This horror novel is rich with comic book/graphic storytelling history while also creating its own frightening and intriguing lore. It is abundantly clear how much heart, passion, and dedication went into this book. There is so much actual comic book + artist history that is seamlessly integrated into the story. There are also some phenomenal illustrations included. The pacing gave me similar anxieties to reading & watching Tales From the Crypt, or watching Are You Afraid of the Dark’s “The Tale of the Ghastly Grinner” as a kid, and I loved it.

[Sue and her books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating and immersive ride! Draw You In is the first book of a trilogy built on a unique and compelling concept - blending horror, dark comics' history, occult sciences and government overreach. It's fast-paced, creepy and full of mysterious characters you can't help but want to know more about.

Linda Corrigan is a talented comic artist. After meeting her at the latest Comic Con, her editor suddenly vanishes. Strangely, Linda appears to be the only one who remembers he ever existed.

Teaming up with an FBI agent and a comic book historian, Linda is drawn into a shadowy investigation involving forgotten artists, forbidden stories, black magic and conspiracy theories. At the heart of it all is R. L. Carter, an obscure but brilliant comic creator whose chilling, exceptional work might hold the key to everything.

This book was a real treat. I especially loved the embedded short story - connected to the main plot but able to stand on its own - The Draw-In Interlude : The Child Captor. Dark, intense and absolutely chilling in the best way.

[Dion Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the first part of a Trilogy and this book ends as ‘to be continued..’ and I’m not sure how to review it, because I haven’t read the other two books.

So I guess I will just say how I feel about it so far, and I will do an update when I have read all three.

This story fits its name sake perfectly, because the story draws you in, and I love it, it is one of those stories that make you late for something because you get so immersed in the story you lose track of time.

The other two books are approximately 700 pages, are you daunted by that I hear you ask, hell no, I am already 60 pages into book 2, and I have the third book ready to go after that.

so I will finished this review like the book, 'to be continued..'

[Sherri Childs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Draw You In by Jasper Bark is one for horror fans and psychological thriller fans alike. This book reads like a psych thriller with a tad bit of grittiness and horror thrown in. Jasper’s prose is fluid, in-depth, and addictive. The story follows three characters as they are on the search for a 1950’s horror comic strip author due to some unusual happenings. This story dives deep into the history of comic strips and its creators while also staying current in the telling of the main plot. I’m not a fan of comics but love when a story goes into the history behind anything. It gives it a depth of realness and understanding.

[Crystal Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, well constructed characters and what seems to be one hell of a plot. Well is it one plot or several? There is a lot going on here, and as this is only the first book in the trilogy, I believe Bark is just getting warmed up.
While set in present day (2024) this story has a certain quality to it that makes it seem timeless and I can see it withstanding the test of time. While a horror novel, the mystery elements are very strong, there is a question around every corner. Solid read, I highly recommend.

[Emily Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if only one person remembered you? What would you do?

[Claire-Louise Armstrong-Brealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is beguiling!

What a marvellous start to a trilogy. I have to admit to no interest in comics until now. I may have to investigate some.

There are also tales of voodoo, Loas, vévé, rituals, and, of course, blood!

I am so excited for vol II

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started reading - thought, What? What is this? I re-read and couldn't stop till the end. Clever idea. Excellent writing.

[Samantha Almeida · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who usually doesn't enjoy comic books, I was pleasantly surprised by how captivating this horror mystery novel was. From the moment I started reading, I was utterly engrossed in the story of Linda, a comic book artist whose world turns upside down when someone she knows disappears—except, according to everyone else, this person never existed. The tension builds as Linda, alongside FBI Special Agent McPherson, dives into the mystery, uncovering disturbing parallels to other cases.

The book's pacing is spot-on. The prologue and early chapters throw a lot at you, but it's all so well-crafted that I never felt overwhelmed. Instead, I was eager to keep turning the pages. This novel kept me hooked from start to finish, and I often read late into the night, unable to put it down.

Though there were minor quirks, like occasional paragraph breaks that seemed out of place, they weren't enough to pull me out of the story. The primary and side plots are intricately woven, making this a compelling read. For someone who's not typically a fan of comic book themes, this novel opened my eyes to how gripping and immersive the genre can be. It's a definite page-turner, and I'm glad I gave it a chance.

I did receive a free copy in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are mine and true.

[Danielle Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Comics, I always knew this be the death of me.”

First and foremost, Jasper has got to be one of the kindest people I have interacted with in this community, truly. Beyond that, his writing is absolutely brilliant. I started the month with a strong novel, and I’m happy to say that I’m ending it with a strong novel.

This is one of those books that reminds me why I love going in blind so much. I truly had NO idea what to expect. But what I was given was a top tier novel that I absolutely adored.

I know I’m behind reading this one, and I plan on reading the next two asap. But damn, I want to see this book talked about and praised more, because it deserves it so freaking much. There’s so many moving parts and characters etc, but the way Jasper is able to tell the story, makes it really engaging for the reader and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

It’s cozy, mysterious, has action, murder, creepiness, ghosts, supernatural elements… I mean, it has it all. It really does. I wouldn’t even know one category to put it in because it hits the mark of so many. It’s such a well rounded horror book and one I now consider a personal staple.

I feel like I’ve actually been handing out a lot of star ratings in the month of October, which is extremely rare for me. But, when it’s a five star read, it’s a five star read. This one easily gets five gleaming stars from me!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Jim X Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Corrigan is a comic artist whose career is waning. While attending a convention an old friend offers her a way to return to prominence. He leaves her a gift, a sketch book from one of the comic industry's most talented and mysterious artists. When Linda tries to track down her contact he seems to have disappeared so completely that no one else remembers him. Together with FBI agent McPherson and conspiracy theorist Richard she attempts to find her lost friend and ends up in an investigation that leads them to places that stretch the imagination and could, very possibly, end in death for the three companions. Draw You In is a fast-paced story that draws back the curtain on the comics industry while taking the reader on a dark path populated by sketchy characters and a shadowy organization with world domination on the brain. I loved every minute of this book and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to any reader of dark fiction. The best part, this is only the first book in a trilogy! Let Jasper Bark Draw You in, you won't regret it. -Jim X Dodge, author of The Bite and Pig Iron

[Bruce Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything Jasper Bark is always intriguing. It takes you down a path and turns left expanding the sudden turn into crazy time but that's why I like him. This story starts with a mind bending idea that people can disappear. A touch of the Twilight Zone only with Rod Serling on LSD. Or Mulder and Scully unraveling the Cigarette Smoking Man's plans. One of the cool aspects of the novel is the background of comics and its inner workings. Add technology and conspiracies and the Truth is out there, though I can guarantee you you aren't ready for it. This is just the start of the investigation. Let's hope the powers that be treat them kindly. On to the second of the trilogy. At least try this book and enjoy the writing of Jasper Bark.

[Ingrid Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only is Jasper Bark one of the most gracious person I got to meet on the internet, but boy can he write a good story. I remember absolutely loving his Quiet places a couple of years ago, but bailing on his other books that were too much on the violence side for me (I prefer ambiance and dread). He remembered that and suggested I tried his new novel, Draw you in vol. 1 (pic), and he was right. This is graphic and twisted, with a rich story and fleshed out protagonists, and the historical layout is well documented and fascinating. The mise en abyme is so nicely done that there were many times I was seeing the story happening in comics panels in my head, which was deliciously disturbing. Totally recommend.

[Margaret Hamnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap. I’m so glad I waited to read this until the trilogy was completed. I’ve gone straight to the second volume the second I finished this. I love the old horror comics, the voodoo, the dark humour is spectacular. I love all the weird loose ends and different plots incorporated into the story and can’t wait to find out how they all intertwine.
I felt like I was looking at R L Carver’s comics the way it was described. I would love to see his art work for real one day. I haven’t read a book that was so good at blending not only reality with fiction but also within another story. Very trippy! It’s been a long time since I read something that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up like this. I’m not going to write anymore because I want to read the second part now!

[Ben Unsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, Jasper Bark's 'Draw You In' trilogy is thunderously bizarre and I loved them for that. But do we expect anything else from Uncle Jasp, a man whose hair is just the tip of the bizarro iceberg?
In this opening instalment, events unfold akin to an X Files episode – involving missing artists, mysterious killers, and a cagey FBI agent, with an almost James Herbert-esque love of fleshing out characters only to make us squirm as they're snatched out of sight. And, out of the three books, the emotional savagery is most on form here, the loneliness of being in a world where something has changed but only you can see it keen and smarting.

[Andrew Lennon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Draw you in - vol 1

Well I’d originally only bought part one of this trilogy as I’ve never read series books back to back. In general I have to take a break after reading one book. I’ll go through a few individual novels and then eventually make my way to the sequel and move forward….
However, before finished this first instalment, I had to go back and buy volumes two and three. I’m so invested in the story of Carver that I simply must move onto volume 2 straight away!
So there’s my review. I don’t have much to say because I’m too busy moving onto the the nex………

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a comic book artist gets to use the actual pen of a controversial horror artist from yesteryear, her entire life changes. The colleague that shared the pen with her suddenly disappears, and nobody seems to remember it know who he is.

This book is a great mix of modern horror writing and horror story telling from tyke comics of the past.

This is my second time reading Jasper, and he really is a great writer.

This book is the first of a three book series, so I'm sure readers will want to read all three back to back to back!

[Jonathan Gensler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relentlessly aggressive in its pacing, Draw You In Vol 1 does just what its title says. Jasper Bark grabs the reader by the short and curlies and yanks you into the dark world he has created, equal parts terrifying and mysterious.

This first entry in a promised trilogy leaves several key questions unanswered and dangling, building its pervasive sense of dread and malicious actors peering out from the shadows behind the page.

Highly recommend for fans of classic horror comics and anyone who dabbles in online conspiracies off the darkweb.

Can’t wait to see where this one goes.

[DA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!

This book does exactly what the title says. You are drawn in so completely to this complex story. When I started reading it I was 100 pages in before I knew it.
I really don't think my review will do it justice. It's a dark journey into the the world of horror comics, conspiracy theories, missing persons, character mysteries, gore (but not too much!) and secret societies.
You'll regret it if you don't read this book.

[Kayleigh Dobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nuts concept - our protagonist is a comic book artist who one day goes to an event, only to find that she's not only NOT on the list, but the very well-known editor that put her on the list isn't on it either and, in fact, doesn't seem to exist. It's a mysterious caper, a puzzle to solve!

[Mike Howlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable trilogy of books!

Here is my review of the entire trilogy, on my blog:
https://hitmewithyourbookreview.blogs...

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://sarahreads4.wordpress.com/202...

[Michael J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my limited reading experience with the works of Jasper Bark, I've found that no two works are alike. What does remain the same is the visceral dread that he brings to the murderous/violent scenes of each novel. Bark is equally adept at foreshadowing and building suspense along with a sense of dread.
Suspense and dread is what Volume One of this trilogy is all about and it succeeded in creating my appetite for more. I'll be ordering Volumes Two and Three sometime soon. The story is far from concluding, but Volume One does end with a measure of resolution as well as bringing to a boil all sorts of questions about what may come next.
DRAW YOU IN is a deft blend of horror and pop culture, steeped in attention-grabbing actual details of the comics industry and liking occurrences to conspiracy theories and some secretive Illuminati-like organizations. It's a real winner!