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Secrets of Cinderstone

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Hazel and Erik thought a weekend getaway with their college friends to the infamous Cinderstone Cabin--dubbed the "MURDER CABIN"--would be a thrilling escape from their studies. But the small town of Cinderstone harbors dark secrets that are far from dormant. As the group settles in, eerie occurrences escalate into a living nightmare.
Will Hazel and Erik survive the night, or will they become the latest chapter in Cinderstone's gruesome legend?
Dive into the heart-pounding thriller of Secrets of Cinderstone and discover if you have what it takes to unravel the twisted truths hidden within its walls. Are you brave enough to face the horrors that lie in wait in Cinderstone?

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2024

2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read

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Amity Grey

13 books65 followers

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5 stars
30 (63%)
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16 (34%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Johanna 夏✨.
35 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2024
Loved the thrilling story with vibes of a slasher horror movie and a touch of Final Destination 🔪 but also a bit of romance in between.
This is the perfect book for Halloween and spooky evenings. The Cliffhanger makes you longing for more…
Profile Image for Lunawolfwy.
224 reviews21 followers
November 1, 2024
This Halloween Horror Novella was an awesome read! I read the last half on Halloween just for the vibes too.

I loved the horror of it's plot and the bonus of having a bit of best friends to lovers all intertwined.

Amity Grey has other books under a different name, you should read them all after this one of course. You won't be disappointed I'm sure.
Profile Image for Krystal (KindlyKReads) A..
77 reviews13 followers
October 18, 2024
Worth the read! The Secrets of Cinderstone, is a fascinating little Murder Mystery with easily likable MCs. This is A wonderful short read novel with a writing style that quickly pulls you into it. I loved all the various aspects to this book that gave it that alluring psychological thrill and steamy sexiness. I believe the author does a great job capturing her readers. I was quite impressed with the little story as a whole and cannot wait to see what comes next.

A huge thanks to the author, Amity Grey, for the ARC opportunity I was given. This story did not disappoint and I look forward tomorrow more.

All thoughts and opinions are my very own.
Profile Image for Jessica B.
42 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2024
ARC Review 🖤

There is something about this authors books that just trap me. I have had the pleasure now of reading a book from both of her pen names and they BOTH have the same effect on me. I pick it up and don’t put it down. I binge read it.

This was a good book. Definitely got me in the spooky season mood. I’m glad this will be a mini series because the cliff hanger had me wanting more.

This book had spicy/murdery/thriller/unexpected twist vibes.

I love a good horror/ thriller but then to add the right amount of spice and romance? Sign me up ✅

If you’re looking for a Halloween book to bring you into spooky season this is the one.
Profile Image for The_neurospicy_bookworm.
100 reviews11 followers
November 3, 2024
To sum up the book before I start, this had the components of a great 80's horror movie with some 90's twists rolled into a ball of blood and gore and suspense.

This story has a very strong opening with a hook filled with mystery, it made me think of the start of a live RPG where the story teller is setting the scene and I am living for it. It is filled with suspense leaving you on your guard. By the end of the first chapter there is a looming feeling of dread that leaves you holding your breath wondering what happens next, feeling a cold chill down your spine, leaving you with a sense of foreboding.
The two MCs are loveable and have a cute relationship with flirting and sexual tension that is electric.
The suspense ebbs and flows so just when you are lulled into a false sense of security, you're put back on edge with the hairs on the back of your neck standing up.

The sweet side story creates some relief from the suspense. However, once the pace picked up, I had to keep reading. I couldn't even pause to make notes, I was compelled to keep going to find out where the story went.

The story is a short story but very intense and very impactful. It also ended on a cliffhanger that felt like someone was running ice water down your back. I cannot wait to see where this series goes. Also, if you are a millenial, you will have a nostalgic moment 100% 😋
Profile Image for Deandra.
121 reviews12 followers
October 1, 2024
ARC Review!📚

My first five star read of the month! I loooooved this short horror/Romance! Gah!! I will say the writing style was everything, I flew through this book in one sitting it's so good! The Spice was definitely steamy🥵 and the Horror aspect had my gripping my seat! I can't wait for the rest of this mini series, I want more Now!😫

~I needed to finish some English reading that I had been putting off because I was a major mood reader, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” was not on my list of favorite reads. The book lay heavy in my hands, its pages worn from years of use.~

Hazel speaks to us all!
Profile Image for AmesChicReads.
262 reviews18 followers
November 2, 2024
It’s a novella with suspense, spook, gore, spice, all the things. I was amazed at the way this author was able to give us so much in one short read! I don’t wanna spoil it because I know you are going to go grab it, but the camping trip to the mysterious cabin in the forest ends up a living nightmare for this group of friends.

*sidenote - would have finished sooner if other things hadn’t gotten in the way. It’s def a 1-2 hr read
Profile Image for Laci Rambo.
107 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2024
“If you could handle the occasional death or mass murder, then welcome to Cinderstone - where nightmares became reality.”

A group of college friends decide to stay in a murder cabin in the woods during Halloween, what could go wrong?! I LOVE books like these. Very cliche, but so comforting in a way. I enjoyed this book a lot. I’m giving it 4 stars only because the FMC was a bit redundant at times and that kind of got on my nerves. This is a perfect book for spooky season though!
Profile Image for Sponkles .
179 reviews17 followers
October 31, 2024
*Arc Review* I love this book, it made my millennial heart so happy! Final destination vibes felt!! This book has everything you could want for a quick Halloween read. Slasher vibes, murder cabin, stabby killer, mysterious characters?, suspense, Checkkk!! Made me wanna sit around a campfire telling ghost stories! I need to know more about these characters, so I really can't wait for the next book!! As always, this author is amazing!!
39 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2024
I have actually never read a Halloween book before, so for my first Halloween novella this was awesome! It is a great start into the world. I’ve always been a huge horror fan. I love this is a mix of slashers and final destination. I can’t wait for the next in the mini series!
Profile Image for Mia Lockhart.
528 reviews7 followers
October 31, 2024
ARC Review
Omg I freaking love this novel it’s give thrilling slasher vibes in I’m all for it since I watch movies that like that and happy release day I highly recommend this book as a perfect book for Halloween.
Profile Image for Ash Coyle.
43 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2024
Arc Review
Released October 31st

Looking for a quick spooky season read? This book is for you, offering a nostalgic nod to the classic slasher horror films we grew up with. However, I recommend checking the trigger warnings, as there are a few sensitive topics throughout.

The story takes place during fall break when a group of friends from Cinderstone head to a local cabin to unwind after a long semester. But this isn’t just any cabin—it’s the infamous "Murder Cabin." As the group settles in, strange events begin to unfold. When two friends don’t return from their hike, the tension rises. This short story has it all: friendship, spice, an eerie atmosphere, mystery, and a killer on the loose. Who will survive the Murder Cabin?

The main characters are fantastic! Hazel and Erik’s friendly, flirty banter will make you want to scream, "Just get together already!"

With each chapter, Gray’s writing pulls you in, building suspense like the rising intensity of music in a horror film. I loved the jump scares, laughing nervously alongside the characters and even at my own reactions.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was the use of mixed media. It’s such a refreshing change to experience the story firsthand through the characters' perspectives, rather than having it told to us.

I also loved the nod to Final Destination. I literally laughed out loud at @authorkisarayen's afterword, where they mentioned including it on purpose. If you're a millennial, those films definitely left an impression!

As for the ending (no spoilers!), it’ll leave you wanting more
Profile Image for Kerrie Porter.
203 reviews9 followers
September 27, 2024
Ready to be pulled into a Halloween season short and spooky read?? This book will definitely reel you in not just with the plot but there is some spice thrown in and you’ll want to know more about Erik the mmc which is his nickname is Montana which is given by his collage friend Hazel the fmc which her nickname from Erik is Kansas both collage students attending Cinderstone University. Erik ends up inviting Hazel to the Cinderstone Cabin for fall break also known as Halloween time, which means spooky festivities and activities to do with friends and family. 11 people end up being invited and going to the cabin, how many come back guess you'll have to read to find out. Also pay attention to see what vibes you pick up on while reading this Halloween Novella, you're really in for a treat or is it really just a trick??? Read and find out also please check trigger warnings.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Springs.
90 reviews8 followers
October 20, 2024
Wow!!! I loved every bit of this novella!!! If you love final destination like me and need a good final destination and Halloween story to read this is the one you need!!! I can’t wait to read more of this series!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Arriaga.
89 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2025
This is a Slasher-Horror-Romance with Final Destination Vibes! loved this Novella! ugh and that cliffhanger!!!!
Profile Image for Jenn (myspookybookishlife).
520 reviews22 followers
October 31, 2024
This book was one heck of a mindfuck!!! Loved the slasher vibes I got out of it and the best friends to lovers mixed in. This novella definitely kept me coming back for more absolutely amazing!!!
Profile Image for Nicole (book_drake on IG).
135 reviews
October 30, 2024
🎃 Book Review: Secrets of Cinderstone by Amity Grey / @authorkisarayen 🎃

Spooky season perfection! 👻📚 Secrets of Cinderstone serves up everything Halloween horror-lovers crave, and it’s only 118 pages of pure, heart-pounding thrills. 🙌 Just enough time to finish before the candy runs out, but beware…this one might leave you double-checking your locks. 🕸️🔒

Our main characters, Hazel and Erik, thought they’d get some chill time away from college—wrong. 🎓👀 Instead, they walk straight into a weekend nightmare at the infamous “Murder Cabin” in Cinderstone. Cue the haunted vibes, creepy locals, and massive friend-to-lovers chemistry with Hazel and Erik’s bond, which, let’s face it, might be their only hope against the psychotic killer lurking in the woods. 🖤💀💔

This short but deadly read nails the small-town trope, with secrets around every shadowy corner 🌲🔦. If you’re into deadly escapes, twisted mysteries, and tension you can cut with a chainsaw 🔪, grab Secrets of Cinderstone and prepare to lose sleep. Perfect Halloween thrill, if you dare… 😈💀 This book releases tomorrow, perfect timing for Halloween! 🎃 👻
Profile Image for Gareth Davies.
Author 6 books37 followers
March 21, 2025
At first blush, this short novella conforms to many of the stereotypes of the slasher horror genre. A dozen teenagers band together to stay in a local cabin in the woods, which has such a grisly reputation as to earn it the nickname "murder cabin". Love interests develop, various couples plus a potential triangle involving Hazel, the female protagonist. And then...

What's intriguing about the graphic carnage that follows is that Hazel casually predicts it. She jokes around with friends about what might happen should the cabin earn its reputation. Does that somehow invite or manifest what happens next? Tantalizing details emerge in the aftermath that suggest not everything is what it seems.

I wish a little more time had been spent fleshing out more of the characters. I sometimes struggled to differentiate the different POVs. Otherwise, this was another excellent tale from this author. Bring on the sequel!
Profile Image for Spicybooksndirtylooks.
89 reviews5 followers
November 18, 2024
ᖇEᐯIEᗯ:
Take a trip to the infamous 'murder cabin' and learn what dark secrets are lurking in the town of Cinderstone. This was a wild ride that kept me entertained and invested the whole way through! Giving major slasher / horror / final destination vibes during Halloween time, which you know I'm all for. Left hanging with that ending & needing more, stat! Every character is easily likable or intriguing enough to keep you wondering. Hazel & Erik are so cute with the nicknames. 🥰 I love the way this author writes. It just really hits the spot for me. Fast read, loved it, highly recommend!

MY FAVORITE QUOTES:
"ɪ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ ᴛᴏᴏ, ʜᴀᴅ ᴀ ᴅᴀʀᴋɴᴇꜱꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴍʏ ꜱᴏᴜʟ. ᴡᴇ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴀ ᴍᴀᴛᴄʜ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ɪɴ ʜᴇʟʟ. ɢᴏᴏᴅ ᴏɴᴇ, ʜᴀᴢᴇʟ."
"𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘪𝘵, 𝘏𝘢𝘻𝘦𝘭, 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘵."
"ᴛʜᴇ ɪꜱᴏʟᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴄᴀʙɪɴ ꜱᴛᴏᴏᴅ ᴏᴍɪɴᴏᴜꜱʟʏ ꜱʜʀᴏᴜᴅᴇᴅ ʙʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇɴꜱᴇ ᴛʀᴇᴇꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴇᴇᴍᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴡᴀʟʟᴏᴡ ɪᴛ ᴡʜᴏʟᴇ."
Profile Image for Phoebe.
60 reviews12 followers
October 4, 2024
Secrets of Cinderstone
Arc Review
By: Amity Grey
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

⚠️ALWAYS CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS⚠️

Wow I don’t know where to start. It was a rollercoaster from page 1. We are introduced to the small town of Cinderstone where our main characters live. They are all a group of friends who plan to spend their break from school staying at a cabin that has had several murders happen within the property. We experience their lives and emotions during this trip and the outcome when they return home. Are you prepared to explore the cabin?

This novella has to be one of my favorite horror/thriller/romance books. You can feel the emotions from every character through every major event that happens.
Profile Image for Crystal Reads.
953 reviews58 followers
October 31, 2024
This author is an auto buy/read for me every single time! This book gave me the 80s-90s slasher thriller vibes and I loved every single moment of it! This is the perfect spooky season read.

Hazel and Erik go away with some college friends to Murder Cabin. This cabin is known for several murders that have gone unsolved for many years, but they believe this is the perfect escape from their college studies.

The relationship between Hazel and Erik gets steamy quickly and they realize they want more than just friendship.

The friends quickly realize that they are not alone and why this cabin is named Murder Cabin.

My only complaint, the book was a quick/short read and I didn’t want it to end! 😂😂

5⭐️
2🌶️
Profile Image for PrettyLadyMaine Writes.
144 reviews3 followers
October 5, 2024
ARC read
Hazel is a sophomore in college she stays in the college dorm. Hazel best friend is Erik he was adopted by Ambrose parents Erik thinks they’re should go to Cinderstone Cabin for fall break 11 friends went off to the cabin and adventures into the woods before they left Hazel ft something was off like she was going to be doomed.
Her friend Jamie was asked out by Ambrose
I think Quint and or Silas has something to do with the cabin murders. Quint supposed to be dead but he appear to Hazel in a ghost form telling her to come find him so her and Erik will be doing the unthinkable and going back to the cabin to go to the lake to look for clues to what happened to Quint
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shedevilreads Bookstagram.
2,158 reviews108 followers
October 22, 2024
Secrets of Cinderstone by Amity Grey is a Halloween novella. This is the first book in the Tales of Cinderstone series.

This is the first book of Amity's that I have read, and it won't be my last. This book definitely pulled me into the Halloween spirt and made me reminder all my favorite slasher movies.

I can't wait for Amity to announce the next book in the series. I can't wait to see how it will all play out in the end.

I would recommend this book if you're looking for a Halloween novella that has slasher movie and final destination vibes with a small amount of romance in-between the horror sections.
Profile Image for Abby.
275 reviews8 followers
October 22, 2024
I have been getting into tons of thrillers and horror lately, and I am glad to have read Secrets of Cinderstone. This book did not disappoint. This is great for spooky season, and will drive your mind wild. I like that it was a quick read, but it’ll definitely knock your socks off. This story is very nostalgic of your old school slasher films, but that’s the beauty of it. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but there are twists! Definitely worth the read if you’re looking for something quick, and if you’re into this genre!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Micki-D.
1,347 reviews37 followers
October 31, 2024
I started out with just one question, but now I have two
1. Candy corn flavoured cotton candy why????
2. why go back? that never ends good

Okay now on to my review. What a great little novella this one. It hooked me from the start and now I want more.

Do you like slasher movies? What about the clique cabin in the woods movie? I mean we all know what’s gonna happen but like a train wreck you just can’t look away. That is this book in a nutshell. You know no good is gonna come from this trip, you know people aren’t gonna make it out alive. However you just can’t help your self but read on cause you’re already pulled into it and you just can’t look away.
Profile Image for Lazarra Blair.
197 reviews4 followers
October 30, 2024
Halloween Novella

This novella gave me slasher horror vs final destination vibes. Its the first in a series of books and OMG did it set the scene! From the well thought out characters to the intricate plot full of twists that blindside you throughout... I can't wait to see where this series takes us.
Its a short novella read and has a little something for everyone, spice and romance, horror slasher and physiological thriller, remote locations and supernatural twists... so there's no reason why everyone shouldn't be reading this! I just loved it!!
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
84 reviews6 followers
September 28, 2024
A great quick, spooky Halloween read.
Follows the well loved story line of a bunch of teenagers at a cabin in the woods.
I liked that the author took this common theme and added their own flair to it with making the small town all about Halloween.
This was a fast paced, and despite getting lost in a few spots , I overall really enjoyed this for a quick spooky.

Interested to see what unfolds in book two!


*Arc copy given in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for _the.bookish.moon_.
129 reviews4 followers
October 5, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

A group of friends head to a secluded cabin in the woods for a weekend ... what could possibly go wrong?!

Mystery, mayhem and all things slasher ensue as the friends try to survive plus a sweet little friends to lovers side trope 😍

This was really a enjoyable Halloween novella, it gave classic horror/slasher vibes with a subtle nod to beloved late 90s/early 00s movies 🖤

Plus, the twists towards the end has kept me hooked and eager for the next instalment!
63 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2024
I may be a little *biased* for having the lake named after meeee but i enjoyed this novella a lot! I'm excited to see what's next for Erik and Hazel!

"The cabin was situated by Lake Lukas, known for it's dark waters and rumored hauntings"

Imagine cabin in the woods but with romance and some spice! Cheesy horror story with some cheesy friends to lovers!

"The love of my life was still missing. Damn you, Montana."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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