Detached

The Fleischer Series #1

by Wendi Starusnak

I’m Emily Ruth Fleischer and this book written by me is the only one of its kind. I can never let anyone know the horrible things that my father did or the secrets that my family had kept hidden for years. If anyone ever found out then that would mean they would also know what I did. I’m not even sure if I have fully come to terms with all of that yet myself. But I had to get it all out of my head and write it somewhere. So here it is: the worst of what happened in my life (hopefully) and the terrible secrets that I found out in the year 1976.

Genres: Horror, Psychological Thriller

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2014

About the author

Wendi Starusnak leads a full life in the small town of Phoenix, New York with her husband, three of their eight children, and their dog. Whenever she gets the chance, Wendi enjoys writing the darker stuff and hopes to break the silence about abuse through her work. A portion of each of her book’s sales goes to Vera House, a local agency whose mission is to prevent, respond to and partner to end domestic and sexual violence and other forms of abuse.

Reviews

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very morbid, shocking, chilling, and horrific tale of the goings on in the Fleischer home told from the POV of an eleven-year-old girl named Emily. Please be advised that the contents of this book are so disturbing that if you are unable to handle the subject matter of physical and/or sexual abuse, this novel is not for you.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely horrific story, but I couldn't stop reading it. Definitely not an easy read, so be warned before trying to tackle it. It seems strange to give such a story 5 stars due to the tragic and harrowing contents, but it was a 'great read' (can't really think of how else to word it!)

I'm immediately going to start reading the second book.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Wendi Starusnak for sending me 'Detached' which I won through Goodreads First Reads.

This is one of the best books I've read for some time and shall look forward to the next book. From the very first sentence, the book grabbed my attention. What a page turner! It is based around the Fleischer family and I felt as if I was in that house watching them all. Unlike some books being predictable, this book I never knew what was going to happen next. When you think things couldn't get worse, it did. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a horrific story.

[Alexa "Naps" Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abusive family never felt that real

And scary. I spent 3 days with this book but its families abusive relationship had me begging please stop. It feels like you're there yourself and it's horrible. Horrible in a good way because this book grabs you and never lets you go. So good.

[B]

PLEASE be aware that this is a very descriptive book and it was a exceedingly difficult book to read.

This is the hardest most gut-wrenching book I have ever read, but one of the most engrossing and captivating. This book is filled with horrifying secrets and gives extremely graphic descriptions of each horrid act committed and forced upon others. Sometimes having a vivid imagination is not a good thing and there is nothing you can do to stop or block the images from pouring in. I hope to never read another book like this again.

⚠️Please read all trigger/content warnings before attempting to read this book!!! ⚠️

>> A portion of each of her book’s sales goes to Vera House, a local agency whose mission is to prevent, respond to and partner to end domestic and sexual violence and other forms of abuse. <<

This has a lot of CW/TWs - very graphic sexual assault/sexual violence (rape, incest, pedophilia), murder, spousal and child physical assault/abuse, kidnapping, animal death (killing), gore, grief, gaslighting, emotional abuse, injury details, torture, bullying, blood, mention of excrement, alcohol, alcoholism.


I was honestly hoping the dad would be found out by child protective services or law enforcement, but he just kept doing it and getting away with it and the mom was such a POS that she kept letting it happen without trying to help her defenseless children.

[Mike Buffett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I'm almost finished with my cousin Wendy Starusnak's novel Detached, and I must say how much I love this book. I have read many, many books and novel, but none of the books I read have I connected to the characters like I have in detached. With every sentence, every chapter I grew closer to the main character, I felt for her, I understood her.
This book will have you crying, laughing, and at times so mad you will want to break something, but its impossible to put down, I had to set an alarm to tell me to put the book down and sleep or eat. You will be so pulled into the story that you wont be able to notice the world around you, I got so into the story when my mom said she was ordering pizza I didn't know till it got to the house, even then I didn't have some till I finished the chapter.
I can not wait until the next book, great job Wendy, I give your book 50 diamond studded gold stars for how well thought out and how well worded your book is, thank you for writing such a great story.

[Carol Bosselman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat confusing, as if written by two different people. First half I went along, enjoying it (if in a horrified way, not for the faint hearted), but then the father's evil escalates to a point where it just gets comical, and none of it shocks you anymore. The writing, which is done from a 12 year old's POV, is done well at first, but that degrades, too, as if there is a hurry to move the story along. The author mixes up the two daughters, referring to Emily as Caroline more than once, and towards the end, Emily's lack of action becomes almost boring. Overall, though, a good piece, somewhat in a VC Andrews vein (before she died and her whole family took over the writing)

[Jessica Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. I had to know what was happening. I haven't read a book like this in quite a long time. With everything going on, I had to take breaks, but when I was away from this book, I constantly wondered what was going to happen. I wanted to save this little girl from the life she was living. The words fell from the book and literally hit you in all of your feels. Such an amazing book!

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Mental

A very amazing book this was. The entire plot is not for the faint of heart, but if you are interested in the book do consider keeping a strong stomach.

My only complaint would be the pacing, but once I came to the end it fit the story quite well.

I recommend this book to anyone that likes a slow burn of a suspense novel with a satisfying ending.

[Brandie Holcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendi, You have, by far, outdone yourself yet again. I was hooked throughout the entire book.

[Renata Ess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure where this author came up with such horror but I couldnt put the book down - WOW!

[Sarah Chmielewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is messed up to say the least. If you have a weak stomach don't read it.

[C.J. Eastwold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horrific but couldn't stop reading

I read it in less than 24 hours. It was awful, sad, horrifying, but could not tear myself away. Going to buy the next book asap.

[Dsjm Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Jetana Mutter
*This book was provided for an honest review
The world can be an undeniably horrific place when it wants to be- using people as the real life demons they portray themselves as. Everyone is capable of committing good and bad; for every light there is a darkness. The unfortunate truth is that some people allow the darkness to take over them- feeding on the fear and power they get from their victims. Abuse can happen at any time, to any person… there is no certain ‘thing’ a person has that will make them a victim other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. A victim of abuse should never accept that they are the ones that caused it to happen, but most eventually do accept this as a reality because sometimes, it’s easier to believe the lie.

Detached is centered on our main character, Emily, who lives on a farm with her mother, father, two brothers and a younger sister. None of the Fleischer children go to school- they are home schooled and learn about real world issues like how to tend to the farm and how to pay bills. Never having friends around makes Emily lonely and long for more freedom to be a normal child, even if it’s as mundane as going to school. She doesn’t know of family outside of the house since nobody talks about them; but some secrets are best kept from family, especially when it’s family that the secret is about. Emily longs for the day when she can be away from her daddy who hits everyone in the house, and she longs even more for the nights her daddy leaves her alone. One night, it is taken too far and something seems to snap inside of John Fleischer, forever altering the course that Emily and the rest of her family is on. Can Emily escape her personal hell or will she detach herself from reality irreversibly?

Wendi Starusnak boldly goes out in Detached, talking about issues that happen every day with no talk about it. We all know that domestic abuse exists in many forms, and that it does not only affect women- it can affect children and men too- but it isn’t something that is widely acknowledged. More than physical, sexual abuse can be just as damaging or more so- especially when it happens to a child. While not too graphic in description, the fact that it is in the story can make this disturbing for people; there were a couple of times I wanted to put down the book but I didn’t, I kept going to see how Emily’s fate turned out. Everyone should read this, if only to learn the devastating effects abuse can have on a person’s psyche.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've ever read

I'm not a huge reader I've actually only read a couple of books in my life.But I actually met Wendi in Phoenix during a festival they had going on.She was sweet and genuine and I instantly felt a connection.Thought like I need to get to know her more by reading her book.I read the back of this book there and instantly wanted to read it.Once I started reading It couldn't put it down.Now I'm not a regular reader so that's says alot to grab my attention this way.I finished the book in two days and cant wait to start the next book.

[Jo Jenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A harrowing story of sexual abuse suffered by a whole family but told through the eyes of an 11 year old girl.
Fascinating and well written.
I felt so much for Emily and was quite disappointed in her elder brother who seemed more concerned with his own safety that that of his younger siblings.
I even felt the ending was justified. I believe there are other books in the series and I really hope Emily stays true.

[Nona Herrington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gruesome

Hard but unfortunately easy to read. On other reviews I read people said it was not believable but for me I have seen and heard many evils and can see this actually happening which makes this one book I will never read again. Its both horrifying and heart breaking. Though I can't recommend this book. The author is very talented

[Sandra Wells · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good story but...

As intense as the story was it seemed like the writer ran out of steam at the ending which should have been a lot more crueler because of the way that the father acted and things that he did

[Vickie Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!

It was so horrific that I had to know what happened next. Couldn't stop. Read in 1 day. This is the kind of story that tears apart your sanity. All you can do is sit by helpless and read the next words.

[james · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkest night never right

I could not stop from reading story it’s a story that will keep you coming back for more. You always wonder in the back of your head that out in the darkest night things will never be right!

[Jenna Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much I couldn't put it down I want to get the rest of them and just sit and read them from cover to cover if you love mysteries and horror book I totally recommend this series as soon as you pick up the first book you will not want to put it down till it's finished

[Catherine Schnellinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

Fascinating story of psychological breakdown under trauma. Seamlessly written, constantly on the edge of horror and hope. Great for fans of Steven King.

[Jayne Capps · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finished this book quickly in one sitting . While advertised as horrific , instead it felt simplistic . Nothing rang true , the whole thing really felt like a long set up with out a payoff .

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

June 30, 2020

[Brandi Teichmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I could not put this book down and finished in just a few hours. It was just so sad, and horrific what those children had to endure. Very well written

[Torese Hummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. 5 stars for being so insanely twisted and disgusting

[gwen graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creepy

This is one of the creepiest stories I have ever read, and I have read several. This is a book to read if you want to be horrified.

[Deneale Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the hardest time looking at this womans last name, without thinking I need a snack, I swear. I type it, and it’s, “You start, you snack.” Her name should not be legal. I’m sorry, I just had to put that in there. She probably gonna blow a gasket when she reads this…LOL

Now then, onto my review. Let me just start by saying did you look at the cover? No really. Did you happen to look at the cover? You look at it and know, I better not read this in the dark, and I better not sleep alone either, and I sure hope there isn’t a storm and a power outage tonight. And then the thunder cracks and you jump out of your seat.

Within the covers of this scary looking book, we will meet Emily Ruth Fleischer, and learn her secrets that she honestly doesn’t want to tell.

It was 1976 and Emily had to write it down, and put it somewhere so that it was out of her head, or so she thought. The things that her father did, her family, and the things that even Emily herself later did. Emily just had to put pen to paper and let it out, in hopes it would make her feel better.

Disgusting and painful things like being fed and having to eat their beautiful mare Whisper for dinner. She didn’t want to. Neither did Johnny her older brother. But their father slapped them so hard, and said it eat it. And there was nothing else to eat, or they would starve. Your nose is wrinkling and you’re grossed out aren’t you? Oh please. That isn’t even the worse part.

Julie is the doll that is part of Emily, she talks for her, and is the voice in her head. Julie is a lot stronger then Emily.

Caroline is another sister, and she is younger than Emily, and Emily takes care of her, protects her when she can, and there is also Eric. Emily often wonders why each child looks totally different, nothing like one another. And of course, there is also Mom, and Lucky the dog, who often laps up Caroline’s tears.

Emily often went to bed at night saying the common child’s prayer: "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, if I day before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen.” And she would often fall to sleep tightly clasped to Julie her dolly.

Then as I Emily rolls over in the night, the nightmare comes to life. The door handle clicks. She prays that it will not happen tonight. She grasps her dolly tightly. The Monster that usually bothers her, comes in, and goes over to her sister Caroline, and climbs onto her, and she hears Caroline moan in her sleep. Emily starts crying quietly, squeezing her doll, “No not Caroline!” She has had to deal with this happening to her all of these years, but now to her sister? No, it can’t happen. The tears are streaming from Emily’s eyes, and she is getting angrier and angrier, hate is building inside of her for the Monster she has to call Daddy….

This book is a five star read, that will literally blow your socks off, and make you want to punch a few of the characters as you read the book. Trust me. I went through so many emotions as I read this. I cried, I screamed, and I even could physically see these things happening and I just wanted to --- this book is intense. You really need to read it. It is amazing. It is a definite page turner that you will not put down, until you know the problem is no more.

Wendi is an excellent writer, and thankfully, she sent me the other books, because I need them. I feel in love with her writing instantly, and I think you will too!

[Tbird London · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love dark and evil books and I live for the one that will warp my mind and make me understand the bad person’s motives, but this one went even farther. I think every boundary I have as to what I will read was pushed with Detached. This one has to be the darkest and most evil story that I have encountered in all of my years of reading.

So many times I wanted to stop reading because it crossed the line, yet I kept reading because I was already invested in Emily and couldn’t just leave her. I will admit there was a scene that I just had to skip because it went way too far for me and I couldn’t read it, yet I still kept reading the book because I needed to see if Julie would finally take care of the problem. So this is why I gave it four stars, it went too far, yet it sucked me in too early and I didn’t realize I was drowning till it was too late. That is what makes an author brilliant, convincing a reader to keep reading when everything in their soul is screaming for them to stop.

What goes on in this farm house surpasses your worst nightmare and is stuff only horror shows are made of. Abuse was not limited to just Emily, no her brothers, sister, mother and even strangers were all tormented by the man she called Dad. Just when I thought he had reached his level of evilness, he would raise the bar. Julie was Emily’s doll and her only friend. As a little girl she would find strength through Julie in hopes that one day she would be able to help her siblings and her escape that house of horrors.

I really can’t go into the story because it is just something you have to decide for yourself if you want to immerse yourself in, but it proves that we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. The ending frustrated me because I felt like I had been on the roller coaster from hell along with the family and bam it was over………but then I looked and there are two more books in this series, which are already released, thank God. So in case you are wondering if I am suiting up and going back in again, YES….are you kidding? Mind (I’m sure you can fill in this blank) books like this come along so rarely, I am going to jump on this train and ride it till the end.

received in exchange for an honest review for Crystal's Many Reviewers

[Aunt Meanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book – not for the squeamish, nor the faint at heart. This book paints a ghastly and very descriptive tale of some of the worst abuse you could imagine – or not imagine. Lord, it made me wonder if author, Wendi Starusnak, was abused or just has one of those wonderfully demented kind of minds.

The Fleischer family is anything but normal. 11, just turned 12 year old Emily narrates a vividly detailed account of the horrific life of her family. The mother and all 4 children ( only 3 after 3 year old Eric is murdered) are verbally, physically, mentally and sexually abused by the sadistic, demented father. Emily’s very graphic descriptions of the horrific sexual torture all the children endure will break your heart.

I strongly express – this book is NOT for anyone under 18 years old. Even though it is fiction, children should never have to see, hear or read the things that happen in this book.

I do recommend the book to anyone who likes this type of book. It is very well written, has a cast of characters that could be typical of any family in America. Abuse is usually very well hidden by the family, so this could be any family in America.

Some parts of the book weren’t very believable, even in this story, such as the multiple murders the father commits. They felt like they were added to the story to show how evil and depraved the father was. But, none the less, those parts were interesting and did add to his character.

The ending actually fit the rest of the story. It wasn't a heroic “problem solved and now the world is perfect” ending. That wouldn’t have fit with the theme of the story. Abuse IS a vicious cycle that gets passed down generation upon generation. The story ends and you know there is another story, another generation, in the making. I’d definitely read future books if this were to become a series.