Cassie

The Leedham Chronicles #2

by Jeff O'Brien

In 1998, the town of Leedham became a hotbed for urban legendry when a church nearly burned down and several corpses were found inside without an explanation of death. That was only one of the many strange happenings in the little town. In 1990, Tom Sullivan was an outcast ten year old and child of two abusive alcoholics. Next door lived the girl of his dreams: CASSIE, a young, quiet woman with a violently abusive boyfriend. Aside from a boyhood crush, Tom felt a stronger connection to her, and was sure she felt it too. The mysterious sightings of a shape with red glowing eyes in dreams and reality made him certain of it. On the day of Cassie's disappearance, Tom found a note left for him inside her bedroom. It read: ALWAYS LOOK INTO THE SHADOWS, TOMMY. I'LL BE THERE- CASSIE. For twenty- four years, Tom was haunted by dreams and signs that told him that Cassie was alive and waiting for him somewhere in the elusive shadows. Literally or figuratively, Tom wasn't sure. When the dreams and visions became too much, Tom answered their call and walked right into the darkness. He found more than just the death and carnage he feared was hiding there. The truth was darker than he ever imagined.

175 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2014

About the author

I'm a bassist who writes books. Or a writer who plays bass. Depends on the day.

Reviews

[Joel Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff O'Brien has out done himself once again. Cassie is his strongest writing yet so if you have enjoyed any of his other books you should check this one out. It's the sequel to "November Coming Fire" another real good one. the book kept me hooked and i read it in one day. its an interesting story told in a cool way. These Leedham books are full of kids who grow up plagued by all manner of abuse, and then if thats not bad enough they will soon be roped into supernatural mayhem. Leedham is a tough place to grow up, if you are from there you are a tough mofo. the characters are very sympathetic and you always hope things will work out better than they do, but not in Leedham, haha, but i wouldn't have it anyother way! There's some funny scenes near the end perfectly describing what its like to be a waitress. Awesome book!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm far from done but I've to say it again Mr. O'Brien reminds me about Bram Stoker not his famous book (even if it is a very good read I can highly recomend that one (Dracula)) no he wrote more than just the one book.
I love Jeff's style of writing and I sence many more good books from him and who knows some day he will be mentioned with the big guys like Stephen King on the same level.
I've finshed about 1/3 of the book but I've to say it's hard to put away.
I'm very courious who the black guy with the red eyes is but since it's part 2 of the Leedham Chronicles and I devoured part 1 I might have a clue who or what he might be but on the other hand it's Jeff so chances are high that I'm wrong ;).
Ok I wasn't wrong but you have to read it yourself just get part one of the Leedham Chronicles and that would automaticly lead to this one.
I had one thought when I reached the end that despite for Jeff's love of bizarr storys he is a hopelessly romatic (sorry for the outing :P ).

I've to cite big parts of Douglas Castagna's review about this book "I did not think that the second installment would live up to the first one, being November Come Fire. I was wrong. O'Brien has created an atmospheric and emotionally driven horror story in this installment. One that relies on character and situation and what they face, as opposed to guts and gore, though, that is here as well. The author manages to create a heartbreaking love story of a couple that was destined to be apart.....I said in a previous review that Jeff O'Brien is a writer to watch, that is not the case anymore. He is a writer to read, devour, anticipate, and ultimately emulate."

6 out of 5 stars

[Douglas Castagna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not think that the second installment would live up to the first one, being November Come Fire. I was wrong. O'Brien has created an atmospheric and emotionally driven horror story in this installment. One that relies on character and situation and what they face, as opposed to guts and gore, though, that is here as well. The author manages to create a heartbreaking love story of a couple that was destined to be apart.Aside from the recurring locale, there are recurring themes, characters and great writing. I was reminded of Maberry's Pine Deep trilogy while delving between the pages of this second installment.I said in a previous review that Jeff O'Brien is a writer to watch, that is not the case anymore. He is a writer to read, devour, anticipate, and ultimately emulate.