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The Carousel Man
When the ride ends, the terror begins…
The nightmares and visions are getting worse for crime writer Jack Rainne. He can’t shake the childhood memory of a haunting carousel ride in a desolate Missouri cornfield. The psych ward docs convinced him long ago the frightening images were all in his head. Twenty-five years later, he’s not so sure. He spots the carousel and its grizzled operator a thousand miles away from the Missouri cornfield, captured in a photo taken the night a young family vanishes from a local carnival.
The problem? Jack is in the photo, too.
Did I mention dead people? Jack sees them. And the murders he pens in his novels resemble several unsolved killings in the area. His wife, Sam, begs him to get help—right before she vanishes. With a trail of evidence pointing his way, Jack is forced to go on the run. His only hope for answers is a return to the Missouri cornfield where it all began. There, he uncovers a shocking truth—and a long-forgotten promise he’s condemned to fulfill.
The nightmares and visions are getting worse for crime writer Jack Rainne. He can’t shake the childhood memory of a haunting carousel ride in a desolate Missouri cornfield. The psych ward docs convinced him long ago the frightening images were all in his head. Twenty-five years later, he’s not so sure. He spots the carousel and its grizzled operator a thousand miles away from the Missouri cornfield, captured in a photo taken the night a young family vanishes from a local carnival.
The problem? Jack is in the photo, too.
Did I mention dead people? Jack sees them. And the murders he pens in his novels resemble several unsolved killings in the area. His wife, Sam, begs him to get help—right before she vanishes. With a trail of evidence pointing his way, Jack is forced to go on the run. His only hope for answers is a return to the Missouri cornfield where it all began. There, he uncovers a shocking truth—and a long-forgotten promise he’s condemned to fulfill.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2024
About the author
Stephen Paul Sayers
7 books21 followersStephen Paul Sayers is the top-10 Amazon bestselling author of The Caretakers horror trilogy: A Taker of Morrows, The Soul Dweller, and The Immortal Force. His latest novel, The Carousel Man, released in 2024, was a Literary Global Award Finalist (horror category). As a college professor and research scientist, Stephen yields to the left-brain world of data analysis and statistics by day but releases the demons in his slightly twisted right-brain by night. It gets confusing around dusk when neither side is in control. Jet-setting between New England and the Midwest—well, more like driving back and forth in an RV—he divides his time between Columbia, MO and Plymouth, MA thinking up scary stories and watching classic horror films with his ill-mannered dog, Ollie. Visit Steve at www.stephenpaulsayers.com or reach out on Facebook: facebook.com/stephenpaulsayers; Twitter: twitter.com/SayersAuthor; or Instagram: instagram.com/stephenpaulsayers.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 20, 2024
I can’t explain how good this book is. Repeatedly amazed that what I’d just read was not the climactic ending, that there was MORE! If this is your genre just read it. Highly recommended
October 15, 2024
Thank you to the author and the publisher or publishers for all your hard work! I'm leaving this review voluntarily and happily! Take a look!
Was this book scary? Not to me. Scary is a different scale for everyone, though. What i can say was it definitely was unsettling throughout. What i enjoyed was how the timeliness went together so smoothly that I had no problems understanding what was going on throughout the book. A lot of books seem to have that problem. I also loved how we got to see into the characters' work: excerpts from his books. It was really interesting and when you find out the secret your mind will be blown away. The emotions that I went through in this book weren't a rollercoaster but definitely a slow burn at points, and then I was so shocked.
Who is the Carousel Man? What does he want, and is he dangerous? Jacks life hasn't been the greatest. Even as a writer and a wife and daughter, things have been for the strange. Deaths, crime, and unsolved mysteries are pointing to him, but is it true? Did he do these things? What is the meaning of his past? Does he have a future? Read and find out what's to happen.
Even though this book wasn't exactly scary to me, i did enjoy reading it. It was decently paced, and I never lost interest. That's a big plus. I do have to say you want nothing more than the main character to come out right in the end. You root for him and others, but mainly Jack.
Was this book scary? Not to me. Scary is a different scale for everyone, though. What i can say was it definitely was unsettling throughout. What i enjoyed was how the timeliness went together so smoothly that I had no problems understanding what was going on throughout the book. A lot of books seem to have that problem. I also loved how we got to see into the characters' work: excerpts from his books. It was really interesting and when you find out the secret your mind will be blown away. The emotions that I went through in this book weren't a rollercoaster but definitely a slow burn at points, and then I was so shocked.
Who is the Carousel Man? What does he want, and is he dangerous? Jacks life hasn't been the greatest. Even as a writer and a wife and daughter, things have been for the strange. Deaths, crime, and unsolved mysteries are pointing to him, but is it true? Did he do these things? What is the meaning of his past? Does he have a future? Read and find out what's to happen.
Even though this book wasn't exactly scary to me, i did enjoy reading it. It was decently paced, and I never lost interest. That's a big plus. I do have to say you want nothing more than the main character to come out right in the end. You root for him and others, but mainly Jack.
October 19, 2024
A book about life choices always catches my eye. I read this book over many days in order to absorb all that transpired. The first carousel ride was very out-of-body kind of experience. I cannot imagine getting on what you think is an ordinary carnival ride and then discovering the ride is altogether something else. When I read about how Jack had spent so much time in an institution trying to cope with his father’s death, I felt so much compassion for him. I can only imagine the fear Jack must have endured when strange things began happening around him. There were many layers to this book. As I read each ‘part’ of the book, more and more things were explained as well as memories uncovered. I felt like I was right there with Jack experiencing all the impossible to believe stories that were revealed. There were parts I was angry with Jack, there were parts I felt sympathy for him and then when we learn information about his daughter; I actually teared up with emotion. The ending to this novel was NOT what I expected and therefore had even more emotions evolve. Mr. Sayers, this novel is everything a reader could wish for in a horror novel!
October 27, 2024
5 counterclockwise stars *****
Jake Rainne is a once successful author. But his books aren't selling as well these days. His marriage is in shambles and his daughter seems to think her mother doesn't love her anymore.
Jack has one other major problem: the nightmares and visions he was convinced weren't real are becoming more frequently and are more realistic.
I really cannot reveal any further plot without destroying the book for future readers. Let me just say that Stephen Paul Sayers created a marvelous world of absolute terror, tragedy and the "man" from below to awaken the reader's deepest fears. Jack's journey from childhood to his unfortunate end (does he bite the big one, just vanish or something in between?!) is written with twist after twist, secrets followed by terrifying truths.
Oh, and there's dead people. And Jack can see them. He has a connection to them. One he's forced to maintain against his will.
Come along and accompany Jack on his own personal carousel ride that begins in Missouri and ends(?) in Massachusetts. You're in for one heck of a ride!
Jake Rainne is a once successful author. But his books aren't selling as well these days. His marriage is in shambles and his daughter seems to think her mother doesn't love her anymore.
Jack has one other major problem: the nightmares and visions he was convinced weren't real are becoming more frequently and are more realistic.
I really cannot reveal any further plot without destroying the book for future readers. Let me just say that Stephen Paul Sayers created a marvelous world of absolute terror, tragedy and the "man" from below to awaken the reader's deepest fears. Jack's journey from childhood to his unfortunate end (does he bite the big one, just vanish or something in between?!) is written with twist after twist, secrets followed by terrifying truths.
Oh, and there's dead people. And Jack can see them. He has a connection to them. One he's forced to maintain against his will.
Come along and accompany Jack on his own personal carousel ride that begins in Missouri and ends(?) in Massachusetts. You're in for one heck of a ride!
October 18, 2024
I don't where to start with this story... Whatever you think in one sentence will be wrong in the next. It was phenomenal. The twist and turns in this book were whiplash fast. The story lost me a couple of times where I felt like the story lagged a little but the it snatched me right back in. I wanted to get to the end to find out how it ends but I wanted to follow Jack around some more to see what happened next. It's going to take me awhile to get over this story. I'm still thinking about it right now and asking myself, what is Jack doing now?
I received a copy of this story from the author for an honest review. This is strictly my thoughts and opinions on the story.
I received a copy of this story from the author for an honest review. This is strictly my thoughts and opinions on the story.
September 17, 2024
Who Doesn't Love a good Carousel?
Here in the US, our carousels go in one direction, counterclockwise, but if it is like this replica from overseas... then it goes in the other direction, clockwise, and it comes with much more history...
This was an outstanding story about a writer having problems writing, but references his previous writings in his books! The problem about it, is that he really has a huge memory problem!... he just doesn't remember it!
So, this is a good story for most to read, and many 'trips down memory lane' maybe there too! Who has not been on a Carousel, or at least seen one, and loved all of the intricate details to the horses, and newer ones have.
Now, this is not a sweet story of a couple falling in love and going back to the same carousel after they have children to reminisce... this is a story that has decades of people and souls going missing, being recalled to the same carousel to choose a different horse. These horses have real horse hair too! And, if you are really, really unlucky, then you get to feel them come alive while you are upon it! Now, what could happen while you are on a carousel made for children and families,... right?
Thank you, Stephen Paul Sayers, for a really good horror story that I will not likely forget!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Here in the US, our carousels go in one direction, counterclockwise, but if it is like this replica from overseas... then it goes in the other direction, clockwise, and it comes with much more history...
This was an outstanding story about a writer having problems writing, but references his previous writings in his books! The problem about it, is that he really has a huge memory problem!... he just doesn't remember it!
So, this is a good story for most to read, and many 'trips down memory lane' maybe there too! Who has not been on a Carousel, or at least seen one, and loved all of the intricate details to the horses, and newer ones have.
Now, this is not a sweet story of a couple falling in love and going back to the same carousel after they have children to reminisce... this is a story that has decades of people and souls going missing, being recalled to the same carousel to choose a different horse. These horses have real horse hair too! And, if you are really, really unlucky, then you get to feel them come alive while you are upon it! Now, what could happen while you are on a carousel made for children and families,... right?
Thank you, Stephen Paul Sayers, for a really good horror story that I will not likely forget!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
November 8, 2024
What would you do if the eerie memories from your past began to haunt you again?
The Carousel Man by Stephen Paul Sayers takes this chilling premise and transforms it into an amazing, edge of-your-seat read.
This book is an unforgettable blend of mystery, suspense, and supernatural intrigue.
What I loved most about this story is how it merges Jack’s internal struggles with vivid, pulse-racing moments. The storyline is tightly woven with eerie details that leave you questioning what’s real and what’s imagined, keeping you hooked until the final page.
The author has a remarkable talent for blending psychological depth with gripping suspense. Each scene builds tension, and the way the past and present collide is nothing short of brilliant. The writing style is smooth and engaging, making complex ideas easy to digest while still packing an emotional punch.
This book is a thrilling read for anyone who enjoys supernatural mysteries with a psychological twist. I found it to be an intense and captivating journey, filled with unexpected twists and emotional depth. It’s a book that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
The author’s ability to bring such a haunting atmosphere to life is truly impressive. I can’t wait to see what other thrilling stories they have in store!
Overall a gripping and immersive read.
The Carousel Man by Stephen Paul Sayers takes this chilling premise and transforms it into an amazing, edge of-your-seat read.
This book is an unforgettable blend of mystery, suspense, and supernatural intrigue.
What I loved most about this story is how it merges Jack’s internal struggles with vivid, pulse-racing moments. The storyline is tightly woven with eerie details that leave you questioning what’s real and what’s imagined, keeping you hooked until the final page.
The author has a remarkable talent for blending psychological depth with gripping suspense. Each scene builds tension, and the way the past and present collide is nothing short of brilliant. The writing style is smooth and engaging, making complex ideas easy to digest while still packing an emotional punch.
This book is a thrilling read for anyone who enjoys supernatural mysteries with a psychological twist. I found it to be an intense and captivating journey, filled with unexpected twists and emotional depth. It’s a book that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
The author’s ability to bring such a haunting atmosphere to life is truly impressive. I can’t wait to see what other thrilling stories they have in store!
Overall a gripping and immersive read.
October 18, 2024
Jack Rainne, author of horror stories, keeps being haunted by memories of a carousel from his youth. The memories are so upsetting and trigger thumping in his head/headaches. He ends up in a mental institution and begins to believe that he imagined all these memories.
Twenty-five years later, he is married and now doubting that the memories are imagined. He is living in Missouri and sees that same carousel again....and the operator. He is drawn to finding out what the truth is about the carousel, and the operator. He starts to gather history on the past and this leads to the discovery of a photo showing a missing mom and son...with Jack shown in the background! This leads to the discovery that the carousel is a key factor in a long string of missing or murdered victims. As Jack investigates this, he learns a lot of shocking things and discovers that things are not as they appear. His wife is now missing and he is on the run.
This is a horror story with many twists and turns. It is dark, suspenseful, dramatic, chilling, and well worth the read. The characters are well-written and their vulnerabilities feel real. If you are into horror, this is the book for you.
Twenty-five years later, he is married and now doubting that the memories are imagined. He is living in Missouri and sees that same carousel again....and the operator. He is drawn to finding out what the truth is about the carousel, and the operator. He starts to gather history on the past and this leads to the discovery of a photo showing a missing mom and son...with Jack shown in the background! This leads to the discovery that the carousel is a key factor in a long string of missing or murdered victims. As Jack investigates this, he learns a lot of shocking things and discovers that things are not as they appear. His wife is now missing and he is on the run.
This is a horror story with many twists and turns. It is dark, suspenseful, dramatic, chilling, and well worth the read. The characters are well-written and their vulnerabilities feel real. If you are into horror, this is the book for you.
October 2, 2024
Jack Rainne remembers his carousel ride in that Missouri cornfield. It may have been twenty-five years ago, but that nightmare is still front and center in his mind. The time spent in the psychiatric hospital had him believing that the memories of his ride were an illusion, but the horror of those dreams are back. The question is, are they nightmares or real memories? I loved this tightly written horror story. The multi-faceted characters, the very interesting storyline, and the descriptions all make for an incredible read. Suspenseful and thrilling throughout, I felt every emotion in this chilling tale. If you enjoy novels with a nice taste of horror and the darker elements, then this book is a must read. You will not be disappointed. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 26, 2024
This book was a captivating psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. The well-developed characters and expertly crafted plot made it easy to become invested in their journeys. With unexpected twists and a seamless flow, the story built tension beautifully. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a thrilling ride!
I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the unexpected ending was refreshing. The storyline is much more complex than one would initially assume when reading its synopsis, and the purpose of the carousel is unique (I will never look at one the same again).
I hope there's a second book based on this, as the epilogue added additional questions to the story.
Fun read, and I would recommend this to any horror/supernatural fan.
I hope there's a second book based on this, as the epilogue added additional questions to the story.
Fun read, and I would recommend this to any horror/supernatural fan.
October 28, 2024
I loved how it kept me guessing on what was going to happen with all the twists and turns it gave. I also loved how they tied in the characters and their purpose in the storyline. Definitely got me thinking different about carousels now. Great read during this Halloween season. I loved the authors writing and how it kept me engaged with the storyline and feeling for certain characters.
September 27, 2024
This is one of those books you just hate to put down. Unexpected twists and turns around every page. You have to feel for the writer. Things just aren't going his way. Unfortunately he has no idea how bad things really are!
November 11, 2024
What can Crime Jack do, his nightmares won’t leave him alone. He’s told they’re not real, but are they. Full of secrets and danger that no one will admit to except Jack. How will he survive this Outstanding book.
November 12, 2024
Suspenseful and kept my attention. Is the main character crazy or are is nightmares real? Love how the story was able to go between time lines to make the story come together. A definite must read!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews