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Sinner's Pass
How far will a father go to get his son back?
Welcome to Sinner’s Pass …
A small town, barely a speck on the map, but those who are condemned there rarely return.
When a single father sends his only son to stay the summer with his parents in his childhood hometown, he is immediately worried by a cryptic letter from his son. He must now go to the godforsaken town to seek out his son. There, he will be forced to face not only his family’s history and demonic creatures lurking in the dark, but his own internal demons. Without honesty, there can be no redemption. Without redemption, there is no leaving the evil within Sinner’s Pass.
"In Sinner's Pass, a father's desperate quest to rescue his son from a cursed town filled with dark secrets and demonic horrors leads him down a chilling path where confronting his family's past is the only way to survive—if the town doesn't claim them both first." – NewInBooks.com
"Scary, interesting, great twists. So much detail and uniqueness into everyone and the connection between past and present characters are woven wonderfully." - F.E. from OneEyedMonster
Winner of the Reader Views 5 Star Review
Runner-up to the 2024 Halloween Book Festival
Welcome to Sinner’s Pass …
A small town, barely a speck on the map, but those who are condemned there rarely return.
When a single father sends his only son to stay the summer with his parents in his childhood hometown, he is immediately worried by a cryptic letter from his son. He must now go to the godforsaken town to seek out his son. There, he will be forced to face not only his family’s history and demonic creatures lurking in the dark, but his own internal demons. Without honesty, there can be no redemption. Without redemption, there is no leaving the evil within Sinner’s Pass.
"In Sinner's Pass, a father's desperate quest to rescue his son from a cursed town filled with dark secrets and demonic horrors leads him down a chilling path where confronting his family's past is the only way to survive—if the town doesn't claim them both first." – NewInBooks.com
"Scary, interesting, great twists. So much detail and uniqueness into everyone and the connection between past and present characters are woven wonderfully." - F.E. from OneEyedMonster
Winner of the Reader Views 5 Star Review
Runner-up to the 2024 Halloween Book Festival
- GenresHorror
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2024
5 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
S.S. Fitzgerald
4 books20 followersShaun S. Fitzgerald grew up in Carson City, Nevada, and served in the Army before settling in Tallahassee, Florida. He writes horror stories, thrillers, and science-fiction, grounding his works in reality with actual experiences from his travels, and stories he accumulated along the way. When he is not writing, he is researching, building terrifying costumes, at the range on some humid Florida range, or spending time with his wife and loyal Doberman.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 14, 2025
Harry is looking for his son Nicholas who seems to be in trouble. He's with Harry's parents. They all are in a small village Sinner's Pass. Strange things are going on there. A mysterious cult, the Redeemers, a creepy priestess. Can Harry save his family? The author takes you on a dark trip into the American heartland. The Others are extremely frightening, so be prepared! Rock solid horror tale with many uncanny religious motifs and fine carved characters. Ideal stuff for the season. Highly recommended!
December 31, 2024
This is what happens when Stephen King meets Jack Ketchum meets Keiichiro Toyama. This is ‘Salem’s Lot meets The Girl Next Door meets Silent Hill.
To say that I am impressed would be an understatement. This novel reminded me of reading ‘Salem’s Lot for the first time and thinking, “How is this only this guy’s second book?”
If you are looking for horror, you have found it. If you are looking for that profound, inexplicable sense of dread and unease, you have found it. Sinner’s Pass is everything someone such as myself could ever hope to find in a horror novel, and a very impressive work of fiction. This was my first trip to Sinner’s Pass, but it will not be my last. 4.75/5.
“It was less a dream than his mind forcing him to relive events.”
“I'm not really anything, and I don't think I ever was.”
“Religion is a weapon. A weapon aimed right
at the hearts and minds of the weak.”
To say that I am impressed would be an understatement. This novel reminded me of reading ‘Salem’s Lot for the first time and thinking, “How is this only this guy’s second book?”
If you are looking for horror, you have found it. If you are looking for that profound, inexplicable sense of dread and unease, you have found it. Sinner’s Pass is everything someone such as myself could ever hope to find in a horror novel, and a very impressive work of fiction. This was my first trip to Sinner’s Pass, but it will not be my last. 4.75/5.
“It was less a dream than his mind forcing him to relive events.”
“I'm not really anything, and I don't think I ever was.”
“Religion is a weapon. A weapon aimed right
at the hearts and minds of the weak.”
November 7, 2025
This was my first read from S.S. Fitzgerald, and boy was it a good one.
This story has so many great characters who you develop quick bonds with and pray to the gods that they survive.
A mix of supernatural horror meets Silent Hill, Sinner's Pass is a must read for any horror fan!
R D Haigh
This story has so many great characters who you develop quick bonds with and pray to the gods that they survive.
A mix of supernatural horror meets Silent Hill, Sinner's Pass is a must read for any horror fan!
R D Haigh
November 25, 2024
In “Sinner’s Pass,” Shaun Fitzgerald creates a chilling tale that seamlessly combines the horrors of the supernatural with the darker aspects of human nature. The story begins when a father named Harry receives a disturbing note from his son Nicholas. Nicholas is spending the summer with his grandparents at their home at Sinner’s Pass. The unsettling message sets Harry off on a frantic search for his son. While desperately trying to find out where his son and parents have disappeared to, he uncovers horrific secrets about the town and even his own family. He must find his son before it is too late.
Fitzgerald did an excellent job of creating a dark foreboding atmosphere as the father tries to navigate his way through a community that is mysterious and deceiving. The townsfolk, under the influence of a creepy church leader, are clearly hiding something sinister. Fitzgerald’s skillful world-building immerses readers into a setting that alternates between seeming normal and chillingly ominous. Readers are taken further down a dark path when strange creatures begin appearing. The introduction of two new women in town adds additional layers to the narrative as their experiences add to a growing sense of unease. They help make it clear that something is terribly wrong with the town and that their own lives are in danger.
As the story unfolds, we learn of the Others and the Redeemed. The Others are believed to be wendigos who are tall with antlers and have a craving for human flesh. They also can possess human minds. They are the gatekeepers between the realms. The Redeemed are individuals whose consciousness has been taken over by the nightmarish creatures. Their existence is horrifying because they cannot escape the dark thoughts, especially during the times of the convergence when our realm merges with the dark realm.
Fitzgerald also explores the darker side of human nature involving greed and power. While these two desires are clear in the current part of the narrative, they also heavily play a role in the town’s past and have greatly impacted the inhabitants throughout the generations. Using the children as human sacrifices to appease the Others is another horrific aspect of this story. Knowing that Nicholas is expected to play a sacrificial role increases the intensity of the story because it is clear that time is running out.
I enjoyed Fitzgerald’s gift for character development. He delves into the psyches of his characters so that readers gain a better understanding of their motivations and fears. This aspect further enriches the horror because readers can see that the dangers come from more than just external threats. The people must confront their own personal demons in order to stand a chance of survival. The protagonist is heavily impacted by this aspect, and in addition to trying to survive this place, he must seek redemption.
Readers who enjoy horror novels will enjoy this unique and unsettling drama that blends supernatural horror with psychological depth. “Sinner’s Pass” by Shaun Fitzgerald will continue to resonate long after the last page is read.
Fitzgerald did an excellent job of creating a dark foreboding atmosphere as the father tries to navigate his way through a community that is mysterious and deceiving. The townsfolk, under the influence of a creepy church leader, are clearly hiding something sinister. Fitzgerald’s skillful world-building immerses readers into a setting that alternates between seeming normal and chillingly ominous. Readers are taken further down a dark path when strange creatures begin appearing. The introduction of two new women in town adds additional layers to the narrative as their experiences add to a growing sense of unease. They help make it clear that something is terribly wrong with the town and that their own lives are in danger.
As the story unfolds, we learn of the Others and the Redeemed. The Others are believed to be wendigos who are tall with antlers and have a craving for human flesh. They also can possess human minds. They are the gatekeepers between the realms. The Redeemed are individuals whose consciousness has been taken over by the nightmarish creatures. Their existence is horrifying because they cannot escape the dark thoughts, especially during the times of the convergence when our realm merges with the dark realm.
Fitzgerald also explores the darker side of human nature involving greed and power. While these two desires are clear in the current part of the narrative, they also heavily play a role in the town’s past and have greatly impacted the inhabitants throughout the generations. Using the children as human sacrifices to appease the Others is another horrific aspect of this story. Knowing that Nicholas is expected to play a sacrificial role increases the intensity of the story because it is clear that time is running out.
I enjoyed Fitzgerald’s gift for character development. He delves into the psyches of his characters so that readers gain a better understanding of their motivations and fears. This aspect further enriches the horror because readers can see that the dangers come from more than just external threats. The people must confront their own personal demons in order to stand a chance of survival. The protagonist is heavily impacted by this aspect, and in addition to trying to survive this place, he must seek redemption.
Readers who enjoy horror novels will enjoy this unique and unsettling drama that blends supernatural horror with psychological depth. “Sinner’s Pass” by Shaun Fitzgerald will continue to resonate long after the last page is read.
November 1, 2024
I think my jaw is sore from how frequently it was agape.
S.S. Fitzgerald lured me in with the title and dragged me down to the depths of hell with this book. I don't wish to give away any spoilers, because I jumped straight in without trying to find out anything about the plot beforehand.
What I will share, is that I am certain you'll find a being within these pages that makes you feel uncomfortable. Each of characters plays an integral role in this story. Some of them, you'll feel sorry for - some of them you'll shout "TAKE THAT!" When they meet their demise.
This book has everything!
-A cool librarian
-Childhood trauma
-Visceral deaths
-Haunting nightmare fuel
-A small town controlled by a cult
-Sworded affairs
-Domestic abuse
-Family secrets
-Corruption
Buckle up buttercup, you're about to enter Sinner's Pass.
S.S. Fitzgerald lured me in with the title and dragged me down to the depths of hell with this book. I don't wish to give away any spoilers, because I jumped straight in without trying to find out anything about the plot beforehand.
What I will share, is that I am certain you'll find a being within these pages that makes you feel uncomfortable. Each of characters plays an integral role in this story. Some of them, you'll feel sorry for - some of them you'll shout "TAKE THAT!" When they meet their demise.
This book has everything!
-A cool librarian
-Childhood trauma
-Visceral deaths
-Haunting nightmare fuel
-A small town controlled by a cult
-Sworded affairs
-Domestic abuse
-Family secrets
-Corruption
Buckle up buttercup, you're about to enter Sinner's Pass.
August 20, 2024
Fitzgerald’s writing is both lyrical and engaging, pulling readers into the emotional landscape of the characters.
One of the standout aspects of "Sinner's Pass" is Fitzgerald's ability to create tension and suspense. As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the stakes are raised, leading to a gripping climax that leaves readers eager to turn the pages. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, enhancing the authenticity of the characters' interactions.
Overall, "Sinner's Pass" is a poignant and powerful read that challenges readers to reflect on their own choices and the impact they have on others. Shaun Fitzgerald has crafted a remarkable story that resonates long after the final chapter, making it a worthwhile addition to contemporary fiction.
One of the standout aspects of "Sinner's Pass" is Fitzgerald's ability to create tension and suspense. As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the stakes are raised, leading to a gripping climax that leaves readers eager to turn the pages. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, enhancing the authenticity of the characters' interactions.
Overall, "Sinner's Pass" is a poignant and powerful read that challenges readers to reflect on their own choices and the impact they have on others. Shaun Fitzgerald has crafted a remarkable story that resonates long after the final chapter, making it a worthwhile addition to contemporary fiction.
August 13, 2024
This book will have you on the edge of your seat. I do not recommend reading at night. It is amazing, creative, thrilling, and most definitely scary. I highly recommend this book to everyone who has a love for the scary unknown. Keep up the amazing work on your writing Mr. Fitzgerald. I'm a fan for sure.
October 7, 2024
Another Well-Written Book by Shaun Fitzgerald
The plot was gripping. The way the characters were portrayed, I didn't want to put the book down. Can't wait for the next book to come out!
The plot was gripping. The way the characters were portrayed, I didn't want to put the book down. Can't wait for the next book to come out!
September 11, 2025
I really wanted to like this book, and there were some parts I did enjoy. The story reminded me of Silent Hill, which is one of my favorite video games, so I enjoyed that aspect of it. However, throughout the majority of the book, there were grammatical errors and typos that completely broke the immersion of the story. Even in moments where I’d be reaching a really interesting part of the story that had me wanting to continue reading, I’d completely lose focus stumbling on a sentence that just didn’t make any sense. I was a little confused because there were so many positive reviews, and I am not sure how others could’ve missed the errors. I think the overall concept of the story was interesting, but the execution was lacking. By the time I got to the end of the book, I was mostly just skimming because I’d lost interest and become frustrated with the writing. It took me a while to finish this book because I was just so unmotivated to read it after I got about halfway through. I hope this author continues to write and just does some more thorough editing in the future!
November 7, 2024
I picked this book up because of a Tiktok video that made it sound cool. I really wasn't expecting it to get as deep as it did. There's a series of characters that all have these screwed up backstories and tie to the town, Sinner's Pass. For horror fans, there's a little of everything in these pages.
October 3, 2025
4.5 stars!
I really enjoyed this!
The story was (to me) fresh and interesting and I was excited to turn the pages to see where the hell we'd be taken next!
Sinners beware I guess! 🔥
I really enjoyed this!
The story was (to me) fresh and interesting and I was excited to turn the pages to see where the hell we'd be taken next!
Sinners beware I guess! 🔥
November 1, 2025
A broken, single, father, Harry, receives a confusing and distressing message from his son who he’s sent to visit his parents now living at his grandparent’s home in the small town of Sinner’s Pass. Vague memories from his own past arise of disturbing events that took place there when he too visited the town as a child. Memories of lurking creatures in the woods he’d accepted were imaginings were suddenly feeling very real, and he needed to get his son out of the town.
Sinner’s Pass is a creepy and insidious odyssey into people souls and minds using a town on the fringe of reality or are the people on the fringe.
Shaun Fitzgerald is an independent author and, thus, I don’t like to attack editing issues too much; it’s a zero sum game: I’ll take a star for the issues and give a star for bypassing the mainstream publishers. I’ll also point out when I enjoy a book enough I have trouble putting it down, and this was one. Although I had trouble identifying with the particular protagonist and main characters, which is usually off-putting for me, the question of what was playing out kept me enthralled. I felt like I was chained up in Plato’s Cave.
I recommend Sinner’s Pass and I’m glad I bought the physical copy.
Sinner’s Pass is a creepy and insidious odyssey into people souls and minds using a town on the fringe of reality or are the people on the fringe.
Shaun Fitzgerald is an independent author and, thus, I don’t like to attack editing issues too much; it’s a zero sum game: I’ll take a star for the issues and give a star for bypassing the mainstream publishers. I’ll also point out when I enjoy a book enough I have trouble putting it down, and this was one. Although I had trouble identifying with the particular protagonist and main characters, which is usually off-putting for me, the question of what was playing out kept me enthralled. I felt like I was chained up in Plato’s Cave.
I recommend Sinner’s Pass and I’m glad I bought the physical copy.
August 13, 2024
This book was horrifying and so good!!! I enjoy suspense, but have yet to read a book that actually had me biting my nails!! I hope this book is brought to the big screens one day so it can scare the daylights out of the masses!!
The character development was brilliantly thought out, and took unexpected turns. I don't feel overwhelmed with the amount of characters, and could easily follow each lifeline.
The horror was something out of this universe. It's not your usual scary clown, big spiders, or obsessive gore. The book delves into fears that no sane mind would have thought of before. I honestly don't know which was more twisted; the characters, the monsters, or the towns origin.
Before reading this book I found the author's blog, which has a few short stories. After reading the book I went back and found the author had included new stories. These stories are actually intertwined with Sinner's Pass, but pre-dating the events in the book. It's really amazing how everything is connected and flows so well. I look forward to additional stories to come out on the blog to relate back to this read!
The character development was brilliantly thought out, and took unexpected turns. I don't feel overwhelmed with the amount of characters, and could easily follow each lifeline.
The horror was something out of this universe. It's not your usual scary clown, big spiders, or obsessive gore. The book delves into fears that no sane mind would have thought of before. I honestly don't know which was more twisted; the characters, the monsters, or the towns origin.
Before reading this book I found the author's blog, which has a few short stories. After reading the book I went back and found the author had included new stories. These stories are actually intertwined with Sinner's Pass, but pre-dating the events in the book. It's really amazing how everything is connected and flows so well. I look forward to additional stories to come out on the blog to relate back to this read!
October 8, 2025
There is a lot going on here! Sinner's Pass is a horror mystery that I would quick-characterize as Hellraiser meets Flatliners, with myriad other seasonings. It's a story of facing (or giving into) one's own depravity, redemption, and the unscrupulous, who use religion to lead people into madness. The main characters are very well developed, all with deep backstories that explain why fate brought them to the town of Sinner's Pass--some sucked back into it through past events, known or unknown. The creatures of the valley, which are in abundance, are wicked and disgusting, enough so to give the more susceptible nightmares. The plot is pretty involved, but Fitzgerald does an impressive job laying it all out through slow reveal (which keeps the reader guessing) and, at last, tying it all together.
The story is masterful. My only criticism is what cost Sinner's Pass a star, as I couldn't ignore it, though I tried. That is a persistent redundancy through the prose, which hurts the flow. But I enjoyed this story immensely, as a reader, and highly recommend it.
The story is masterful. My only criticism is what cost Sinner's Pass a star, as I couldn't ignore it, though I tried. That is a persistent redundancy through the prose, which hurts the flow. But I enjoyed this story immensely, as a reader, and highly recommend it.
April 26, 2025
Sinner’s Fail
A good horror story gives you nightmares. A not-so-good one can feel like a nightmare to get through — and unfortunately, that’s how I felt about Sinner’s Pass by S.S. Fitzgerald.
The story itself had potential, but it was put together in a very clumsy way. I struggled to connect emotionally with any of the characters, which made the horror moments feel more like video game cutscenes than real, chilling experiences. There are also some serious grammatical and sentence construction issues that really disrupted the flow and rhythm of the story.
I don’t enjoy being harsh, especially toward an indie author. But I believe honest criticism is far more helpful than polite sugarcoating. I hope the author continues to grow, because the ideas are there — they just need much stronger execution.
A good horror story gives you nightmares. A not-so-good one can feel like a nightmare to get through — and unfortunately, that’s how I felt about Sinner’s Pass by S.S. Fitzgerald.
The story itself had potential, but it was put together in a very clumsy way. I struggled to connect emotionally with any of the characters, which made the horror moments feel more like video game cutscenes than real, chilling experiences. There are also some serious grammatical and sentence construction issues that really disrupted the flow and rhythm of the story.
I don’t enjoy being harsh, especially toward an indie author. But I believe honest criticism is far more helpful than polite sugarcoating. I hope the author continues to grow, because the ideas are there — they just need much stronger execution.
August 24, 2024
This is a Phenomenal Book! I literally couldn't put it down. There were so many twists and turns, that I was on the edge of my seat. I cannot reccomed this book enough !
August 14, 2025
Great horror from a great author.
October 28, 2025
The way Fitzgerald blends a small town with nightmares from another dimension made me feel nostalgia for the original Silent Hill video games.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews