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The Bloodstained Doll
The latest homage to the Italian Giallo film genre by award winning John Everson, with nods to the sensational movies of Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci, Sergio Martino, Luciano Ercoli, Mario Bava and more.
When Allyson's mom dies unexpectedly, she thinks her world has hit rock bottom. But that's before she goes to live with her estranged Uncle Otto in Germany. When a child's empty casket is unearthed in the backyard during a violent storm, suddenly people close to her uncle start turning up dead. Is there a connection? As the noose tightens and murders draw closer to Berger Mansion, Allyson and her new boyfriend Andrew discover a dark truth hidden in the attic. Soon their lives are at stake if they don't discover why each broken body is decorated with a Bloodstained Doll.
A modern Giallo, building on Everson's previous homage to the stylish Italian mystery thrillers, Five Deaths for Seven Songbirds.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.
When Allyson's mom dies unexpectedly, she thinks her world has hit rock bottom. But that's before she goes to live with her estranged Uncle Otto in Germany. When a child's empty casket is unearthed in the backyard during a violent storm, suddenly people close to her uncle start turning up dead. Is there a connection? As the noose tightens and murders draw closer to Berger Mansion, Allyson and her new boyfriend Andrew discover a dark truth hidden in the attic. Soon their lives are at stake if they don't discover why each broken body is decorated with a Bloodstained Doll.
A modern Giallo, building on Everson's previous homage to the stylish Italian mystery thrillers, Five Deaths for Seven Songbirds.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.
320 pages, Paperback
Published October 8, 2024
4 people are currently reading
3158 people want to read
About the author
John Everson
112 books534 followersJohn Everson is a former newspaper reporter who writes thrillers filled with erotic horror and supernatural suspense. He is the author of the Bram Stoker Award winner Covenant, and finalist NightWhere, which reviewers called "50 Shades Meets Hellraiser!" He is also the creator of the characters Danika and Mila Dubov, seen in the Netflix series V-Wars, based on the books created by Jonathan Maberry. Booklist said his recent New Orleans novel, Voodoo Heart, "is a solid blend of supernatural horror and hard-boiled detective fiction, and should appeal to horror devotees as well as mystery buffs” while Living Dead Magazine called him "the master of dark and sexy."
Follow John on the BookBub: John Everson page for information on book sales and new releases as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For information on his fiction, art and music, visit John Everson: Dark Arts at www.johneverson.com.
Follow John on the BookBub: John Everson page for information on book sales and new releases as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For information on his fiction, art and music, visit John Everson: Dark Arts at www.johneverson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 12, 2024
Review to follw.
October 11, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. It is a slow-burn, it doesn't delve too much into the characters, but it was interesting enough to keep me entertained. I did find some of it a little trashy and cringy. It does fit in with the storyline. With just a little over 300 pages, it's a quick read. I didn't work out all the twists. Some of them kept me guessing right up to the end.
It is an entertaining read that covers some dark, violent, and traumatic story threads for anyone sensitive to this.
It is an entertaining read that covers some dark, violent, and traumatic story threads for anyone sensitive to this.
April 10, 2025
As far as homages to the Giallo genre go, you won’t find a more authentic one than The Bloodstained Doll. It’s a creepy slasher that plays out in your mind like the classic Italian movies of the 1970s.
John Everson is best known for writing horror. But when he turns his hand to this particular brand of gruesome mystery thriller, he really goes all in. You’ve got to admire the gusto that he puts into what is, admittedly, a niche genre, and his passion for it really pays off.
What is a Giallo story? It’s a psychological-slasher-thriller reminiscent of the movies of Mario Bava and Dario Argento, containing stylised violence, a particular visual flair, and harping back to the Italian paperbacks of the 1920s and 1930s with their distinctive yellow covers. If you can picture a faceless killer sporting black leather gloves poised with their knife over the flesh of a beautiful woman, then you’ve got the atmosphere of what a Giallo story should feel like.
This is exactly what The Bloodstained Doll is all about — creating that atmosphere. It feels familiar because it’s supposed to. It follows the tropes because it needs to. That’s the whole point of it. These types of stories had a heyday, but fans will always crave new content, and John Everson has decided to give it to them.
The story itself hinges on the killer’s trademark — scattering a broken a doll over their victims. The conceit works on a surface level to draw you in, and provides a really impactful visual, and if that’s enough to satisfy you, then this book will go down easy. But if you crave a little more substance from your killers, then you may find it a tad difficult to swallow.
It all kicks off when an empty coffin is unearthed during a storm. The protagonist —Allyson — is a young girl who’s grieving the loss of her mother and goes to stay at a gothic mansion with her extended family. They’re all a bunch of creeps, which is necessary because the killer is most likely among them. The reason for this is that the deaths all surround the empty coffin, the missing remains, and the secrets they hold.
In terms of mysteries, it’s pretty straightforward. But this isn’t designed to be a head-scratcher. The appeal of the story is all about the aesthetics and the atmosphere, and in this regard, it’s an utter triumph. Did I guess who the killer was? Yes. Did I figure out the big secret in advance? Also yes. Does it matter? Not at all. You don’t go into this book for the twists and turns — you go in for the style.
There’s an indulgence about the way this unabashedly hits almost every beat you’d expect from a Giallo homage, and for fans of the genre, it’s one to be relished. There are a couple of sub-plots that are well worth their time on the page — one being a romance element, and the other being a conspiratorial blackmail. It all adds up to a climax of reveals that plunges Allyson into deeper trouble, all the way to a typically bloody final confrontation.
This book could have been very different. It could have delved more into Allyson’s grief at having just lost her Mum. It could have been a richer coming-of-age drama as she navigates life independently in a new country. But it’s all the better for steering clear of too much emotional heft. Sometimes, all you want from a piece of entertainment is for it to be slick, stylish, and suspenseful. And if you’re in that zone, you can’t go wrong with this.
The Bloodstained Doll may not be a perfect mystery, but it’s the perfect take on a modern Giallo B-movie in book form. If you prefer style over substance and you’re ready for a slasher with gothic creepiness, then get ready for a book that slays.
John Everson is best known for writing horror. But when he turns his hand to this particular brand of gruesome mystery thriller, he really goes all in. You’ve got to admire the gusto that he puts into what is, admittedly, a niche genre, and his passion for it really pays off.
What is a Giallo story? It’s a psychological-slasher-thriller reminiscent of the movies of Mario Bava and Dario Argento, containing stylised violence, a particular visual flair, and harping back to the Italian paperbacks of the 1920s and 1930s with their distinctive yellow covers. If you can picture a faceless killer sporting black leather gloves poised with their knife over the flesh of a beautiful woman, then you’ve got the atmosphere of what a Giallo story should feel like.
This is exactly what The Bloodstained Doll is all about — creating that atmosphere. It feels familiar because it’s supposed to. It follows the tropes because it needs to. That’s the whole point of it. These types of stories had a heyday, but fans will always crave new content, and John Everson has decided to give it to them.
The story itself hinges on the killer’s trademark — scattering a broken a doll over their victims. The conceit works on a surface level to draw you in, and provides a really impactful visual, and if that’s enough to satisfy you, then this book will go down easy. But if you crave a little more substance from your killers, then you may find it a tad difficult to swallow.
It all kicks off when an empty coffin is unearthed during a storm. The protagonist —Allyson — is a young girl who’s grieving the loss of her mother and goes to stay at a gothic mansion with her extended family. They’re all a bunch of creeps, which is necessary because the killer is most likely among them. The reason for this is that the deaths all surround the empty coffin, the missing remains, and the secrets they hold.
In terms of mysteries, it’s pretty straightforward. But this isn’t designed to be a head-scratcher. The appeal of the story is all about the aesthetics and the atmosphere, and in this regard, it’s an utter triumph. Did I guess who the killer was? Yes. Did I figure out the big secret in advance? Also yes. Does it matter? Not at all. You don’t go into this book for the twists and turns — you go in for the style.
There’s an indulgence about the way this unabashedly hits almost every beat you’d expect from a Giallo homage, and for fans of the genre, it’s one to be relished. There are a couple of sub-plots that are well worth their time on the page — one being a romance element, and the other being a conspiratorial blackmail. It all adds up to a climax of reveals that plunges Allyson into deeper trouble, all the way to a typically bloody final confrontation.
This book could have been very different. It could have delved more into Allyson’s grief at having just lost her Mum. It could have been a richer coming-of-age drama as she navigates life independently in a new country. But it’s all the better for steering clear of too much emotional heft. Sometimes, all you want from a piece of entertainment is for it to be slick, stylish, and suspenseful. And if you’re in that zone, you can’t go wrong with this.
The Bloodstained Doll may not be a perfect mystery, but it’s the perfect take on a modern Giallo B-movie in book form. If you prefer style over substance and you’re ready for a slasher with gothic creepiness, then get ready for a book that slays.
October 21, 2024
I can just say wow to this little gem of a novel! This is a perfect homage to the Giallo subgenre which I’m a fan of. I am Italian and imagine my pleasure upon reading this novel which reminded me of this subgenre of murder mystery, later translated into films through vivid and brutal imagery and with horror, psychological, supernatural and sexual elements.
John Everson managed to create the perfect atmosphere and a suspenseful chain of murders with several running subplots all converging together at the end beautifully, never breaking the pace and keeping me glued to the story.
I found the characters wholesome, with a perfect setting for this murderous story. I immediately recognised the Giallo elements and I’m so glad to see them wrapped up so well in this novel. Fans of this subgenre would love this story, but even if you’ve never heard of Giallo, I’m sure you’ll be captivated by both the plot and the writing. As for me, I know I’ll be adding more of this author’s books to my tbr.
Thanks to the author, Flame Tree Press and Random Things Tours for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
John Everson managed to create the perfect atmosphere and a suspenseful chain of murders with several running subplots all converging together at the end beautifully, never breaking the pace and keeping me glued to the story.
I found the characters wholesome, with a perfect setting for this murderous story. I immediately recognised the Giallo elements and I’m so glad to see them wrapped up so well in this novel. Fans of this subgenre would love this story, but even if you’ve never heard of Giallo, I’m sure you’ll be captivated by both the plot and the writing. As for me, I know I’ll be adding more of this author’s books to my tbr.
Thanks to the author, Flame Tree Press and Random Things Tours for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
October 9, 2024
Giallo Horror at its Finest!
The Bloodstained Doll by John Everson is a thrilling, next-level dive into Giallo horror that will keep you on edge from start to finish. The story ignites with intensity, kicking off at a breakneck pace: a tragic accident claims a mother, a coffin is uncovered amid a raging storm, and soon, the plot takes darker, deeper turns. As secrets are violently kept hidden, bodies begin to surface. The world unfolds through the eyes of Allyson, our heroine, but Everson masterfully introduces brief (and deliciously wicked) chapters from other characters' perspectives. These moments add layers of suspense and ramp up the tension, giving the novel a strong, classic Giallo atmosphere.
This book is a bloody thrill ride! Not only is blood splashed across the pages—both literally and thematically—but as the body count rises, you’re kept guessing at every turn. The unpredictable violence adds a level of uncertainty that keeps you hooked, and this is where Everson's talent truly shines. He expertly distracts you while still pushing the mystery forward, delivering a jaw-dropping and spectacular conclusion. I was left wondering who would make it out alive until the very last moment, which only heightened the excitement.
Don't miss The Bloodstained Doll from Flame Tree Press and John Everson—an outstanding read any time of the year, but especially perfect for Halloween!
The Bloodstained Doll by John Everson is a thrilling, next-level dive into Giallo horror that will keep you on edge from start to finish. The story ignites with intensity, kicking off at a breakneck pace: a tragic accident claims a mother, a coffin is uncovered amid a raging storm, and soon, the plot takes darker, deeper turns. As secrets are violently kept hidden, bodies begin to surface. The world unfolds through the eyes of Allyson, our heroine, but Everson masterfully introduces brief (and deliciously wicked) chapters from other characters' perspectives. These moments add layers of suspense and ramp up the tension, giving the novel a strong, classic Giallo atmosphere.
This book is a bloody thrill ride! Not only is blood splashed across the pages—both literally and thematically—but as the body count rises, you’re kept guessing at every turn. The unpredictable violence adds a level of uncertainty that keeps you hooked, and this is where Everson's talent truly shines. He expertly distracts you while still pushing the mystery forward, delivering a jaw-dropping and spectacular conclusion. I was left wondering who would make it out alive until the very last moment, which only heightened the excitement.
Don't miss The Bloodstained Doll from Flame Tree Press and John Everson—an outstanding read any time of the year, but especially perfect for Halloween!
October 15, 2024
Another great read from John Everson. Wasn't what I was used to from him, but was very enjoyable. Great characters, great story/plot, great pacing. Always look forward to a new read from John Everson. #TheBloodstainedDoll #NetGalley
July 29, 2025
Just like John’s previous novel Five Deaths For Seven Song Birds. He has delivered another page turning thriller again in the classic style of Giallo murder mysteries. That would make Mario Bava and Sergio Martino proud. If you’re a fan of Giallo films. Do yourself a favor and read The Bloodstained Doll. Trust me you won’t regret it.
September 14, 2024
I wish this novel did more for me, but it fell quite flat. Is it a trashy murder mystery that proudly wears its giallo film influence on its sleeve? Yes, one hundred percent. It contains everything you would expect from a stereotypical giallo film: an outsider coming to a strange place, over-the-top murders, sexual violence and exploitation, and a plot that is both convoluted but also kind of paper thin. If you just want to bask in the glow of a vintage giallo murder mystery then I am sure this novel will be fun for you. The plotting moves forward at a decent pace, the kills come pretty regularly, and it has more than its share of black leather gloves.
I didn’t go into this expecting deep character study or contemplative thematic exploration; I wanted a bloody good time. But it fell flat for me because everything was just too expected. From more or less the first murder onward there was no doubt in my mind about who was doing the killing and why, and the other twists and turns were also the most obvious things possible. I kept reading expecting these to be all red herrings, that at the last minute I would be proven wrong, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. Even then I am able to accept a well-worn formula, but in that case I want there to be some believability, something to hold on to, and that was totally absent here (especially considering this takes place in the present day). Our protagonist is a 17-year-old girl who had been in her last year of high school, living with her mother in London, and upon her mother’s freak death she moves in with extended family in Germany, the story taking place in June, so right after the term would have ended. But why is everyone saying now she needs to get a job and make a life for herself? What about college, or any sort of schooling? Literally over and over again she makes absolutely insane decisions that contradict what she herself recognizes as good sense. We don’t spend much time following the characters, and everyone in this melodrama has their own secrets, which are fine, that keeps things unsettled, so their decision-making at least feels plausible. But nothing about this girl’s existence her feels plausible, including the fact that everyone speaks perfectly clear American English the whole time. Early on she mentions she knows conversational German, so I assumed they all had to be speaking German, and it was just “dubbed” for the reader, but then there is one scene where a character doesn’t speak English, and she needs the information translated for her. But everyone else, from all of her family and the house staff to various administrative assistants to waitresses to random people on the street, it is just boggling. That could almost be used to excuse what felt like often clunky dialogue, except it was coming from our native English-speaker as well. And the whole thing with the dolls, which gives the novel its title? Really convoluted and non-sensical, which the killer basically admits. And then, in addition to all that, the way that the sexual violence and sexploitation elements come in feels very ham-fisted and lecherous, and not in a good, pulpy kind of way but in a lazy writing kind of way. I could go on, there are all these little things that would be fine, any given one of them, but when they just keep piling up it was monumentally distracting.
It felt like the story was more concerned with paying homage to giallo films first, and then having a good story second. That is what my experience of it was, at least, leaving it feeling uninspired and derivative, kind of a copy of a copy. I like trashy and pulpy fiction a lot, but I want there to be at least some pretense of inspiration in it, something interesting, especially in contemporary fiction, and I didn’t feel that here. The writing was well-paced, and the mystery was bloody and twisty, even if predictable. It definitely feels like the novelization of a 70’s giallo film, with all that comes from that, good and bad. That might be exactly what you’re looking for, in which case then you will definitely have fun here. If, like me, you are hoping for a contemporary murder mystery that pays homage to giallo in content and style but prioritizes substance over set-dressing then you will be a little disappointed.
(Rounded down from 2.5)
I want to thank the author, the publisher Flame Tree Press, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I didn’t go into this expecting deep character study or contemplative thematic exploration; I wanted a bloody good time. But it fell flat for me because everything was just too expected. From more or less the first murder onward there was no doubt in my mind about who was doing the killing and why, and the other twists and turns were also the most obvious things possible. I kept reading expecting these to be all red herrings, that at the last minute I would be proven wrong, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. Even then I am able to accept a well-worn formula, but in that case I want there to be some believability, something to hold on to, and that was totally absent here (especially considering this takes place in the present day). Our protagonist is a 17-year-old girl who had been in her last year of high school, living with her mother in London, and upon her mother’s freak death she moves in with extended family in Germany, the story taking place in June, so right after the term would have ended. But why is everyone saying now she needs to get a job and make a life for herself? What about college, or any sort of schooling? Literally over and over again she makes absolutely insane decisions that contradict what she herself recognizes as good sense. We don’t spend much time following the characters, and everyone in this melodrama has their own secrets, which are fine, that keeps things unsettled, so their decision-making at least feels plausible. But nothing about this girl’s existence her feels plausible, including the fact that everyone speaks perfectly clear American English the whole time. Early on she mentions she knows conversational German, so I assumed they all had to be speaking German, and it was just “dubbed” for the reader, but then there is one scene where a character doesn’t speak English, and she needs the information translated for her. But everyone else, from all of her family and the house staff to various administrative assistants to waitresses to random people on the street, it is just boggling. That could almost be used to excuse what felt like often clunky dialogue, except it was coming from our native English-speaker as well. And the whole thing with the dolls, which gives the novel its title? Really convoluted and non-sensical, which the killer basically admits. And then, in addition to all that, the way that the sexual violence and sexploitation elements come in feels very ham-fisted and lecherous, and not in a good, pulpy kind of way but in a lazy writing kind of way. I could go on, there are all these little things that would be fine, any given one of them, but when they just keep piling up it was monumentally distracting.
It felt like the story was more concerned with paying homage to giallo films first, and then having a good story second. That is what my experience of it was, at least, leaving it feeling uninspired and derivative, kind of a copy of a copy. I like trashy and pulpy fiction a lot, but I want there to be at least some pretense of inspiration in it, something interesting, especially in contemporary fiction, and I didn’t feel that here. The writing was well-paced, and the mystery was bloody and twisty, even if predictable. It definitely feels like the novelization of a 70’s giallo film, with all that comes from that, good and bad. That might be exactly what you’re looking for, in which case then you will definitely have fun here. If, like me, you are hoping for a contemporary murder mystery that pays homage to giallo in content and style but prioritizes substance over set-dressing then you will be a little disappointed.
(Rounded down from 2.5)
I want to thank the author, the publisher Flame Tree Press, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 7, 2024
🔪 "Bloodstained Doll" by John Everson
3.5/5
Everson's latest novel pays homage to the Italian Giallo film genre, channeling the likes of Argento, Fulci, and Bava. But does it deliver the goods? Let's dive in! 📽️
📚 The Plot:
Allyson's world crumbles when her mom dies, forcing her to move to Germany with her sketchy Uncle Otto. Things get wild when an empty kid's casket pops up during a storm, followed by a string of grisly murders. Allyson and her new beau Andrew uncover some dark things in the attic, and suddenly they're racing against time to solve the mystery of the "Bloodstained Doll" before they're next on the chopping block. 😱
👍 The Good:
- Fast-paced plot with regular kills to keep you hooked
- Nails the trashy, over-the-top Giallo vibe
- Black leather gloves galore! 🖤
👎 The Not-So-Good:
- Predictable twists (saw that killer coming a mile away)
- Characters make bonkers decisions that'll have you yelling at the book
- Dialogue feels clunky, even for a pulpy thriller
🎭 It's Like a 70s Giallo Film in Book Form:
- Outsider in a strange land? ✅
- Elaborate murders? ✅
- Sexual violence and exploitation? ✅ (Warning: It gets pretty icky)
- Convoluted yet paper-thin plot? ✅
🤷♂️ The Verdict:
If you're looking for a mindless, bloody romp that worships at the altar of Giallo, you might dig this. But if you want a fresh take on the genre or any depth whatsoever, you might be left wanting.
💭 Final Thoughts:
It feels like Everson was more concerned with ticking Giallo boxes than crafting a compelling story. The result? A novel that's more style than substance, like a faded photocopy of those classic films.
🍿 Who's It For?
Hardcore Giallo fans who just want to bask in the genre's tropes might have a blast. Everyone else? Proceed with caution.
3.5/5
Everson's latest novel pays homage to the Italian Giallo film genre, channeling the likes of Argento, Fulci, and Bava. But does it deliver the goods? Let's dive in! 📽️
📚 The Plot:
Allyson's world crumbles when her mom dies, forcing her to move to Germany with her sketchy Uncle Otto. Things get wild when an empty kid's casket pops up during a storm, followed by a string of grisly murders. Allyson and her new beau Andrew uncover some dark things in the attic, and suddenly they're racing against time to solve the mystery of the "Bloodstained Doll" before they're next on the chopping block. 😱
👍 The Good:
- Fast-paced plot with regular kills to keep you hooked
- Nails the trashy, over-the-top Giallo vibe
- Black leather gloves galore! 🖤
👎 The Not-So-Good:
- Predictable twists (saw that killer coming a mile away)
- Characters make bonkers decisions that'll have you yelling at the book
- Dialogue feels clunky, even for a pulpy thriller
🎭 It's Like a 70s Giallo Film in Book Form:
- Outsider in a strange land? ✅
- Elaborate murders? ✅
- Sexual violence and exploitation? ✅ (Warning: It gets pretty icky)
- Convoluted yet paper-thin plot? ✅
🤷♂️ The Verdict:
If you're looking for a mindless, bloody romp that worships at the altar of Giallo, you might dig this. But if you want a fresh take on the genre or any depth whatsoever, you might be left wanting.
💭 Final Thoughts:
It feels like Everson was more concerned with ticking Giallo boxes than crafting a compelling story. The result? A novel that's more style than substance, like a faded photocopy of those classic films.
🍿 Who's It For?
Hardcore Giallo fans who just want to bask in the genre's tropes might have a blast. Everyone else? Proceed with caution.
October 16, 2024
The Bloodstained Doll is a tense, thrilling take on Giallo Horror, that'll keep you turning the pages late into the night, long after you should have gone to sleep.
For me, it's a slow burn, full of twists and turns that'll keep you guessing.
We follow our main character, Allyson, who's mother dies unexpectedly, so she goes to visit her Uncle in Germany. While there, a child's empty coffin is unearthed in the backgarden and people start to turn up dead. What follows is a tale of murder, dark secrets and blood spattering violence.
So overall, I enjoyed this read. For me, the story doesn't delve too deeply into character development, but they're all well fleshed out enough ( pun intended, ha ha ).
It's a novel with a pretty high body count, as you'd expect from a Giallo, and the feel and atmosphere is just right.
I read this in two sittings.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
For me, it's a slow burn, full of twists and turns that'll keep you guessing.
We follow our main character, Allyson, who's mother dies unexpectedly, so she goes to visit her Uncle in Germany. While there, a child's empty coffin is unearthed in the backgarden and people start to turn up dead. What follows is a tale of murder, dark secrets and blood spattering violence.
So overall, I enjoyed this read. For me, the story doesn't delve too deeply into character development, but they're all well fleshed out enough ( pun intended, ha ha ).
It's a novel with a pretty high body count, as you'd expect from a Giallo, and the feel and atmosphere is just right.
I read this in two sittings.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
November 8, 2024
Another great story from John Everson! I really enjoyed his Five Deaths for Seven Songbirds, my first Giallo adventure, and this was no different. I thought the whole storm setting off the chain of events was great idea. Was very easy to feel like you were in the story, in another country, in a castle and in the surrounding towns. I enjoyed the ending.
April 9, 2025
An ode to the classics
The Blood stained Doll is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys a classic noir story. John Everson does, as always, writes a great story but his signature effort has always been about the characters. Definitely check it out.
The Blood stained Doll is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys a classic noir story. John Everson does, as always, writes a great story but his signature effort has always been about the characters. Definitely check it out.
January 12, 2025
Another great book from an amazing author and friend. This novel is a follow up to his previous mystery thriller which is a divergence from his typical horror thriller. It’s a great read and a successful nod to the giallo film genre. Pick it up you won’t regret it.
November 29, 2024
This is the first book that I've read by this author, but I was completely hooked as soon as I spotted the front cover of this one.
I've been reading quite a bit more horror recently, having not read much since I was much younger - and I've been loving getting back into it!
This book was what I'd call the true horror style - the kind that I stay up late reading - but could never watch it as a film production!
And stay up late, I absolutely did (regretted it slightly due to being totally creeped out) but I just devoured this in a couple of days. I couldn't put it down.
The short chapters and writing style had me engrossed and I kept trying to fit in just one (or a few) more chapters in before returning to real life!
The situation with our main character, Allyson, really set me on edge from the start. Still grieving and travelling to her estranged uncle's to live, made me really uncomfortable and I then was just waiting for the "fun" to start.
I don't know what it is about children or dolls in horror movies, but everything always seems worse when they're involved and with this and the violent murder scenes, I was definitely running up those stairs to bed in the dark!
Absolutely loved this one and cant wait to add more to my horror stack and read more from this author soon.
I've been reading quite a bit more horror recently, having not read much since I was much younger - and I've been loving getting back into it!
This book was what I'd call the true horror style - the kind that I stay up late reading - but could never watch it as a film production!
And stay up late, I absolutely did (regretted it slightly due to being totally creeped out) but I just devoured this in a couple of days. I couldn't put it down.
The short chapters and writing style had me engrossed and I kept trying to fit in just one (or a few) more chapters in before returning to real life!
The situation with our main character, Allyson, really set me on edge from the start. Still grieving and travelling to her estranged uncle's to live, made me really uncomfortable and I then was just waiting for the "fun" to start.
I don't know what it is about children or dolls in horror movies, but everything always seems worse when they're involved and with this and the violent murder scenes, I was definitely running up those stairs to bed in the dark!
Absolutely loved this one and cant wait to add more to my horror stack and read more from this author soon.
December 27, 2024
"The Bloodstained Doll" is a great story in the "giallo" style.
My one qualm (and it is very small) is that the cover didn't say anything about Germany, Hildegard, or Munich to me. I was expecting this to actually occur in mob-managed Miami.
Despite that, the novel takes place entirely in Germany in the Berger Mansion, Hildegard (the neighboring town), or, briefly, in Munich. So, set your expectations appropriately. The fact that it's in Germany should not be a disappointment at all.
My one qualm (and it is very small) is that the cover didn't say anything about Germany, Hildegard, or Munich to me. I was expecting this to actually occur in mob-managed Miami.
Despite that, the novel takes place entirely in Germany in the Berger Mansion, Hildegard (the neighboring town), or, briefly, in Munich. So, set your expectations appropriately. The fact that it's in Germany should not be a disappointment at all.
September 28, 2025
I like that this book has great characters, good pacing.the cover is so beautifully done.i like how we get Allyson pov, but also a little bit of Everson as well.
October 21, 2024
Here is my review for The Bloodstained Doll by John Everson
I really enjoyed reading this book right from the start. You wonder what the story will bring and then the fun begins! Allyson and her mum Esther live in London. One day, whilst at school Allyson gets some devastating news. She is told that her mum was run over by a car and didn’t survive. After the funeral, she will need to go and live with her uncle Otto in Germany but until then she could stay with Meghan and her parents. Allyson is most upset but nothing can be done and she is going round like in a dream until the day she sets off for Germany by train then a boring car ride with Kurt who doesn’t speak to her. The Berger Mansion is huge and she can’t believe she is going to be staying here, she knows nothing of the family here and hasn’t been since she was a child. She meets the family at six pm for dinner and they are a funny bunch, Martin is the closest to her age and he constantly takes the mick out of her. That night there is a huge storm and Martin blames her for bringing the bad weather with her. The large oak tree out the back of the mansion uproots itself and just misses hitting the mansion but brings a casket up with it at its roots. The family waits until the storm has finished and goes out to investigate the casket. When they get there, they find the casket is open with nothing inside it. Allyson is positive it wasn’t that way earlier but no-one believes her and Martin doesn’t speak up. The family makes their way back indoors. Let the killings begin…. Less than forty-eight hours later, the first body appears. With a bloodstained doll with the body. This is a terrific story that had me hooked right from the start. What happened all those years ago? What are they trying to cover up? Where did the bones from the casket go? All these questions were going through my mind as I was reading this story. It was twisty and turny with only Allyson really taking an interest. Then she meets Anthony and they start seeing each other, they really hit it off and he helps her in the end. The plotting is excellent and the writing is good, it does hold your attention to the book. The author certainly has a good imagination for plotting murders! I liked the storyline, it was quite thrilling and lots of blood was spilt. I liked Allyson’s character, although she had been through a lot and was with a family who didn’t really want her, she was making the most of a bad lot. It turned out she might be on the list too, so she had to be careful after being chased after going to the solicitors that afternoon but she was wary and always alert when she was out.
Blurb :
When Allyson's mom dies unexpectedly, she thinks her world has hit rock bottom. But that's before she goes to live with her estranged Uncle Otto in Germany. When a child's empty casket is unearthed in the backyard during a violent storm, suddenly people close to her uncle start turning up dead. Is there a connection? As the noose tightens and murders draw closer to Berger Mansion, Allyson and her new boyfriend Andrew discover a dark truth hidden in the attic. Soon their lives are at stake if they don't discover why each broken body is decorated with a Bloodstained Doll.
A modern Giallo, building on Everson's previous homage to the stylish Italian mystery thrillers, Five Deaths for Seven Songbirds.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.
I really enjoyed reading this book right from the start. You wonder what the story will bring and then the fun begins! Allyson and her mum Esther live in London. One day, whilst at school Allyson gets some devastating news. She is told that her mum was run over by a car and didn’t survive. After the funeral, she will need to go and live with her uncle Otto in Germany but until then she could stay with Meghan and her parents. Allyson is most upset but nothing can be done and she is going round like in a dream until the day she sets off for Germany by train then a boring car ride with Kurt who doesn’t speak to her. The Berger Mansion is huge and she can’t believe she is going to be staying here, she knows nothing of the family here and hasn’t been since she was a child. She meets the family at six pm for dinner and they are a funny bunch, Martin is the closest to her age and he constantly takes the mick out of her. That night there is a huge storm and Martin blames her for bringing the bad weather with her. The large oak tree out the back of the mansion uproots itself and just misses hitting the mansion but brings a casket up with it at its roots. The family waits until the storm has finished and goes out to investigate the casket. When they get there, they find the casket is open with nothing inside it. Allyson is positive it wasn’t that way earlier but no-one believes her and Martin doesn’t speak up. The family makes their way back indoors. Let the killings begin…. Less than forty-eight hours later, the first body appears. With a bloodstained doll with the body. This is a terrific story that had me hooked right from the start. What happened all those years ago? What are they trying to cover up? Where did the bones from the casket go? All these questions were going through my mind as I was reading this story. It was twisty and turny with only Allyson really taking an interest. Then she meets Anthony and they start seeing each other, they really hit it off and he helps her in the end. The plotting is excellent and the writing is good, it does hold your attention to the book. The author certainly has a good imagination for plotting murders! I liked the storyline, it was quite thrilling and lots of blood was spilt. I liked Allyson’s character, although she had been through a lot and was with a family who didn’t really want her, she was making the most of a bad lot. It turned out she might be on the list too, so she had to be careful after being chased after going to the solicitors that afternoon but she was wary and always alert when she was out.
Blurb :
When Allyson's mom dies unexpectedly, she thinks her world has hit rock bottom. But that's before she goes to live with her estranged Uncle Otto in Germany. When a child's empty casket is unearthed in the backyard during a violent storm, suddenly people close to her uncle start turning up dead. Is there a connection? As the noose tightens and murders draw closer to Berger Mansion, Allyson and her new boyfriend Andrew discover a dark truth hidden in the attic. Soon their lives are at stake if they don't discover why each broken body is decorated with a Bloodstained Doll.
A modern Giallo, building on Everson's previous homage to the stylish Italian mystery thrillers, Five Deaths for Seven Songbirds.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.
April 1, 2025
Let me explain if you are as unfamiliar with the term “Giallo” as I was. Giallo is a genre formed initially in Italy, starting around 1929. The term refers to the bright yellow-covered crime novels. In the 60’s these books inspired a genre of movie. I will explain some characteristics as this review goes.
The book follows Allyson, a recent teenage orphan who is sent from America to Germany to live with a wealthy uncle she doesn’t know. This fulfills the first characteristic – the protagonist is an outsider of some type, often a young woman, who is alone in a foreign situation. Allyson is a great MC. I felt empathy toward her, enjoyed her as she responds to everything that is thrown at her. So many tropes use an oblivious woman, so this was a very welcome change.
Allyson has to contend with murders; people around her are dropping like flies. The murders are not the main focus of the story, only being a way to move the story along. Unlike some horror, I found these scenes mild and not grotesque at all. Another Giallo element is a black gloved mysterious murderer who we have here as well. This is a great book for someone who prefers gothic mysteries over slashers.
Next is the plot is minimalist. Though everyone is expecting a sudden twist in all the books and movies now, the story here is a straightforward mystery: a child’s coffin is unearthed in a terrible storm at Allyson’s uncle’s estate. This by no means makes the story any less interesting. I found myself anxiously wanting to get back to the book.
Law enforcement and crime are other elements important to the story. Here is a stern yet kind detective, who is being repeatedly called to the estate. He is also the one looking into the black gloved murderer. The continuity of keeping a single character is another great choice. This book avoids the pitfalls of the bumbling detective trope. I was happy to see a law enforcement person with a character outside of the procedural detective that is overly used in murder mysteries.
Giallo also includes an element of sexuality. Like the inclusion of killing, this is present without being gratuitous. I cannot explain more without spoilers.
The component of psychological horror is used in a fun way as a cast of characters that inhabit the mansion purposely confuse and lie to Allyson. I’m a sucker for a cast of eccentric characters inhabiting a mansion. If there’s a scene where everyone is set around the table being their weird selves, giving backstory and character development, I’m in heaven! Some examples may be Saltburn, Knives Out, Clue, and The Royal Tenenbaums. I was absolutely excited to find the structure of this book based around a manageable number of peculiar characters.
Ultimately, if it is not apparent yet, I loved this book. It had so many of my favorite elements, so I may be a bit impartial, but it was such a great read. I never got bored with the plot or the characters. I burned through it as fast as I could, while finding once I reached the end, I was sad it was over. There was definitely a book hangover for me.
The book follows Allyson, a recent teenage orphan who is sent from America to Germany to live with a wealthy uncle she doesn’t know. This fulfills the first characteristic – the protagonist is an outsider of some type, often a young woman, who is alone in a foreign situation. Allyson is a great MC. I felt empathy toward her, enjoyed her as she responds to everything that is thrown at her. So many tropes use an oblivious woman, so this was a very welcome change.
Allyson has to contend with murders; people around her are dropping like flies. The murders are not the main focus of the story, only being a way to move the story along. Unlike some horror, I found these scenes mild and not grotesque at all. Another Giallo element is a black gloved mysterious murderer who we have here as well. This is a great book for someone who prefers gothic mysteries over slashers.
Next is the plot is minimalist. Though everyone is expecting a sudden twist in all the books and movies now, the story here is a straightforward mystery: a child’s coffin is unearthed in a terrible storm at Allyson’s uncle’s estate. This by no means makes the story any less interesting. I found myself anxiously wanting to get back to the book.
Law enforcement and crime are other elements important to the story. Here is a stern yet kind detective, who is being repeatedly called to the estate. He is also the one looking into the black gloved murderer. The continuity of keeping a single character is another great choice. This book avoids the pitfalls of the bumbling detective trope. I was happy to see a law enforcement person with a character outside of the procedural detective that is overly used in murder mysteries.
Giallo also includes an element of sexuality. Like the inclusion of killing, this is present without being gratuitous. I cannot explain more without spoilers.
The component of psychological horror is used in a fun way as a cast of characters that inhabit the mansion purposely confuse and lie to Allyson. I’m a sucker for a cast of eccentric characters inhabiting a mansion. If there’s a scene where everyone is set around the table being their weird selves, giving backstory and character development, I’m in heaven! Some examples may be Saltburn, Knives Out, Clue, and The Royal Tenenbaums. I was absolutely excited to find the structure of this book based around a manageable number of peculiar characters.
Ultimately, if it is not apparent yet, I loved this book. It had so many of my favorite elements, so I may be a bit impartial, but it was such a great read. I never got bored with the plot or the characters. I burned through it as fast as I could, while finding once I reached the end, I was sad it was over. There was definitely a book hangover for me.
October 8, 2024
When John Everson released Five Deaths For Seven Songbirds, I wrote in my review that it is a pitch perfect tribute to the Giallo genre. His follow up, The Bloodstained Doll, is another example of Italian Giallo films, a different twist on the genre but still under the umbrella of Giallo. While Five Deaths for Seven Songbirds takes place with a girl navigating her way through a music institute as a stranger and people getting killed around her, The Bloodstained Doll starts with Allyson’s mother dying suddenly and her moving from London to Germany to live on an estate with her uncle Otto. The house is fill with dusty rooms, empty wings, and suspicious people, and while Allyson tries to settle in, she is quickly confronted with the fact that she is inadvertently threatening all of the shady dealings of her uncle, her cousin, and everyone else in and out of the mansion. When everyone starts to die around her, with a bloody, broken porcelain doll left on the corpse, Allyson not only feels like the killer is someone inside of the mansion but that she could very possibly be the next victim. Of course she is right.
With more of a gothic setting and tone, The Bloodstained Doll is a much different representation of the Giallo genre than Five Deaths for Seven Songbirds. It is also more of a straightforward telling, not as many red herrings and not really as much of the wildness that is in the previous novel. With more of a subdued tone, Everson has a chance to spend a little more time building the plot, giving the characters some very demented personal flaws and hobbies, and in the end, this does not read as much of a mystery to solve but as a murder novel with trashy rich people doing trashy rich people things.
I have watched the top Giallo films, and expect for a few, I do not care for them very much. I would much rather read more Giallo novels by John Everson than dive deeper into the film selection. Many of the films have scenes that do not make much sense, that go off in directions that are quickly forgotten, and the real mystery by the end is what even happened. I do not find these same problems in Everson's novels. His books are much more palatable than many of the movies, and if I am to recommend an introduction to Italian Giallo, I would add The Bloodstained Doll and Five Deaths For Seven Songbirds as great additions to the genre.
I received this as an ARC from Flame Tree Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
With more of a gothic setting and tone, The Bloodstained Doll is a much different representation of the Giallo genre than Five Deaths for Seven Songbirds. It is also more of a straightforward telling, not as many red herrings and not really as much of the wildness that is in the previous novel. With more of a subdued tone, Everson has a chance to spend a little more time building the plot, giving the characters some very demented personal flaws and hobbies, and in the end, this does not read as much of a mystery to solve but as a murder novel with trashy rich people doing trashy rich people things.
I have watched the top Giallo films, and expect for a few, I do not care for them very much. I would much rather read more Giallo novels by John Everson than dive deeper into the film selection. Many of the films have scenes that do not make much sense, that go off in directions that are quickly forgotten, and the real mystery by the end is what even happened. I do not find these same problems in Everson's novels. His books are much more palatable than many of the movies, and if I am to recommend an introduction to Italian Giallo, I would add The Bloodstained Doll and Five Deaths For Seven Songbirds as great additions to the genre.
I received this as an ARC from Flame Tree Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2024
The Bloodstained Doll by John Everson is here to deliver chills, thrills, and ALL the horror vibes!
If you’re a fan of classic Italian Giallo with a modern twist, this one’s got your name written all over it (in creepy red ink, of course).
Our story kicks off with Allyson, who’s already dealing with enough grief to last a lifetime after her mom’s unexpected death. But just when she thinks things couldn’t get worse, she’s shipped off to Germany to live with her estranged (and delightfully eerie) Uncle Otto.
Cue the ominous mansion vibes, complete with creaky staircases, flickering lights, and a mysterious attic that would have even Scooby-Doo running for the hills.
Things really take a turn when a violent storm unearths a child’s empty casket in the backyard (chills, anyone?). Suddenly, people close to Uncle Otto are dropping like flies, and every victim is marked with….wait for it…a bloodstained doll.
Allyson and her boyfriend Andrew know they’ve got to solve the mystery, but with every step they take, the danger creeps closer, and the shadows in the attic seem darker.
Will they figure out the twisted connection before it’s their turn to become living (or not-so-living) doll decorations?
Everson, known for his love letter to Giallo, Five Deaths for Seven Songbirds, ups the ante here with a story that blends supernatural suspense, classic horror tropes, and edge-of-your-seat tension.
The setting? Moody AF. The deaths? Creatively gruesome. The vibe? A perfect mix of stylish Italian thriller and modern horror nightmare.
The Bloodstained Doll is a rollercoaster of mystery, tension, and a touch of romance that’ll have you flipping pages faster than you can say DON’T GO IN THE ATTIC!
If you’re into atmospheric chills, dark family secrets, and suspense that keeps you guessing, this one’s your ticket to thrill town!
If you’re a fan of classic Italian Giallo with a modern twist, this one’s got your name written all over it (in creepy red ink, of course).
Our story kicks off with Allyson, who’s already dealing with enough grief to last a lifetime after her mom’s unexpected death. But just when she thinks things couldn’t get worse, she’s shipped off to Germany to live with her estranged (and delightfully eerie) Uncle Otto.
Cue the ominous mansion vibes, complete with creaky staircases, flickering lights, and a mysterious attic that would have even Scooby-Doo running for the hills.
Things really take a turn when a violent storm unearths a child’s empty casket in the backyard (chills, anyone?). Suddenly, people close to Uncle Otto are dropping like flies, and every victim is marked with….wait for it…a bloodstained doll.
Allyson and her boyfriend Andrew know they’ve got to solve the mystery, but with every step they take, the danger creeps closer, and the shadows in the attic seem darker.
Will they figure out the twisted connection before it’s their turn to become living (or not-so-living) doll decorations?
Everson, known for his love letter to Giallo, Five Deaths for Seven Songbirds, ups the ante here with a story that blends supernatural suspense, classic horror tropes, and edge-of-your-seat tension.
The setting? Moody AF. The deaths? Creatively gruesome. The vibe? A perfect mix of stylish Italian thriller and modern horror nightmare.
The Bloodstained Doll is a rollercoaster of mystery, tension, and a touch of romance that’ll have you flipping pages faster than you can say DON’T GO IN THE ATTIC!
If you’re into atmospheric chills, dark family secrets, and suspense that keeps you guessing, this one’s your ticket to thrill town!
October 13, 2025
I’ll keep it short. I like the book, was a little hard to get into at first (right off the heels of Five Deaths), but once I did, it was really good. My only grips was that a lot of the mystery and action happened further into the book, beyond the half way point. I also wish the deaths were a little more personal like Five Deaths, but I did like the more conventional deaths similar to Giallo films, for this book. It was also more sexual (especially at the end), so I warn people who don’t like that, there is more sexual content in this book. I definitely want more Giallo novels in this style by John Everson and if an arc goes out, I’m gladly to be in line.
Now one last thing, I saw 3 typos, which the first I didn’t write down, but I have the other two. On page 214 and page 215. I wanted to post that too so the publisher (if they read this) can know.
Now one last thing, I saw 3 typos, which the first I didn’t write down, but I have the other two. On page 214 and page 215. I wanted to post that too so the publisher (if they read this) can know.
February 13, 2025
Fast paced mystery thriller that kept me turning the pages. Murders, blackmail and kidnapping involving a rich politician whose British niece comes to live with him at his mansion in Germany. This novel contains an excellent assortment of interesting characters and intricate plot points. I highly recommend it.
October 24, 2024
Another masterpiece of horror in the Giallo homage
For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on X @josenher
For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on X @josenher
August 30, 2024
Review Copy
John Everson is back with another mystery based in Europe. Like his previous novel Seven Songbirds, The Bloodstained Doll is unlike all his previous work that was horror based.
Bloodstained Doll tells the story of 17 year old Allyson who moves to Germany from England after the death of her mother. She finds herself living with family in a castle near Munich.
All is not what it seems of course. And the deaths begin...
It was a good book that murder mystery fans should enjoy. Check it out!
John Everson is back with another mystery based in Europe. Like his previous novel Seven Songbirds, The Bloodstained Doll is unlike all his previous work that was horror based.
Bloodstained Doll tells the story of 17 year old Allyson who moves to Germany from England after the death of her mother. She finds herself living with family in a castle near Munich.
All is not what it seems of course. And the deaths begin...
It was a good book that murder mystery fans should enjoy. Check it out!
November 14, 2024
Hey there book lovers! It is your old pal, Ninetoes. Coming to you from Ninetoes Loves Books Headquarters. Today, I have for you a review of John Everson’s book The Bloodstained Doll. I have coffee in my system, and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!
Once upon a time, I was searching for some horror that would give a certain New England-based author a run for his money. I was perusing the aisle of the horror section of my local bookstore and came across a book called Covenant (The Curburide Chronicles Book 1). There was a lighthouse on the cover, shrouded in fog and it had just enough atmosphere to pull me in. I know, I judged a book by its cover, oh horrors! I devoured this book, and became an instant fan of John Everson! Oh, and for the record, he does give that other author a run for his money!
This past week, I saw a notice from him on one of the social media platforms about his upcoming book, The Bloodstained Doll, and he was looking for some reviewers. I was one of the lucky ones to get my hot hands on this book.
Allyson is happily living her life with her mother in London when her mother unexpectedly dies. Her uncle Otto in Germany agrees to take her in. He welcomes her with open arms and introduces her to the rest of her family. They all live in his mansion, and he has a room set up for her. Of course, there are forbidden rooms in this mansion. I mean, what good is a spooky oversized mansion without its forbidden areas. Then, people associated with the family start to die, and a shattered porcelain doll in their image is left on their bodies. As Allyson uncovers certain family secrets and goes into those forbidden areas of the mansion, she becomes more and more afraid that the next person killed will be her.
If you are going to go into this book thinking you are getting buckets of blood, gore, goo, and sex, think again. This is more of a mystery than it is an out-and-out horror. I had to readjust my thinking while reading it because I was looking for the “jump scare” elements and the buckets of blood. As I read this book it felt a lot like an Alfred Hitchcock-style mystery, rather than a horror novel. As I got my mind adjusted to that it became more enjoyable. So much so, that I hope Mr. Everson puts out more books like this. He has a wonderful recipe on his hands: two parts mystery, two parts tension, a dash for blood and a dash of sex, and you have a pert near-perfect book!
If I had to nit-pick and find a problem, I wish the ending had a bit more to it, maybe what life at the mansion looked like a year or so after the events. But that in itself is just a personal preference for me.
I give this one 4.5 bookmarks out of 5!
Happy Reading!
Once upon a time, I was searching for some horror that would give a certain New England-based author a run for his money. I was perusing the aisle of the horror section of my local bookstore and came across a book called Covenant (The Curburide Chronicles Book 1). There was a lighthouse on the cover, shrouded in fog and it had just enough atmosphere to pull me in. I know, I judged a book by its cover, oh horrors! I devoured this book, and became an instant fan of John Everson! Oh, and for the record, he does give that other author a run for his money!
This past week, I saw a notice from him on one of the social media platforms about his upcoming book, The Bloodstained Doll, and he was looking for some reviewers. I was one of the lucky ones to get my hot hands on this book.
Allyson is happily living her life with her mother in London when her mother unexpectedly dies. Her uncle Otto in Germany agrees to take her in. He welcomes her with open arms and introduces her to the rest of her family. They all live in his mansion, and he has a room set up for her. Of course, there are forbidden rooms in this mansion. I mean, what good is a spooky oversized mansion without its forbidden areas. Then, people associated with the family start to die, and a shattered porcelain doll in their image is left on their bodies. As Allyson uncovers certain family secrets and goes into those forbidden areas of the mansion, she becomes more and more afraid that the next person killed will be her.
If you are going to go into this book thinking you are getting buckets of blood, gore, goo, and sex, think again. This is more of a mystery than it is an out-and-out horror. I had to readjust my thinking while reading it because I was looking for the “jump scare” elements and the buckets of blood. As I read this book it felt a lot like an Alfred Hitchcock-style mystery, rather than a horror novel. As I got my mind adjusted to that it became more enjoyable. So much so, that I hope Mr. Everson puts out more books like this. He has a wonderful recipe on his hands: two parts mystery, two parts tension, a dash for blood and a dash of sex, and you have a pert near-perfect book!
If I had to nit-pick and find a problem, I wish the ending had a bit more to it, maybe what life at the mansion looked like a year or so after the events. But that in itself is just a personal preference for me.
I give this one 4.5 bookmarks out of 5!
Happy Reading!
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