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Charnel House
Perched on the plateau atop a hill named for the hickory trees dotting its slopes, the abandoned house broods over the tiny Alabama town called Belleville like a rattler guarding a clutch of eggs. From the rear windows of the second story one can glimpse the dark waters of the Tennessee River to the southwest when the leaves have dropped, a tarry path slicing through red clay fields laid bare for the winter. Few of the townspeople know this, because they no longer think about the house above them; it has faded in the town’s collective memory the way colors in an old photograph do.
Sometimes, when the sun has dropped low in the western sky, a glint of light reflecting off one of the unbroken windows will catch the eye of someone below, reminding them that the house lingers on. They will remember the stories they grew up hearing and repeating as they cowered in their beds with the covers pulled up over their heads, giddy with that special kind of terror only a child knows. As often as not, the person will look away from that glint of light quickly, perhaps genuflecting unconsciously or offering a whispered prayer. That night they may dream about it, black visions filled with screams and blood and almost-seen faces leering out of the darkness at them.
The lines of the house are skewed now, and its supports grown weak. Where it once stood straight and true it has sagged and bowed. But still it stands, ageless and timeless, looming over the town like a watchful sentinel.
Sometimes, when the sun has dropped low in the western sky, a glint of light reflecting off one of the unbroken windows will catch the eye of someone below, reminding them that the house lingers on. They will remember the stories they grew up hearing and repeating as they cowered in their beds with the covers pulled up over their heads, giddy with that special kind of terror only a child knows. As often as not, the person will look away from that glint of light quickly, perhaps genuflecting unconsciously or offering a whispered prayer. That night they may dream about it, black visions filled with screams and blood and almost-seen faces leering out of the darkness at them.
The lines of the house are skewed now, and its supports grown weak. Where it once stood straight and true it has sagged and bowed. But still it stands, ageless and timeless, looming over the town like a watchful sentinel.
- GenresHorror
320 pages, ebook
First published April 5, 2014
95 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 28, 2017
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. It was two stories, but they were intertwined. It was gross at times, with nothing left to the imagination. An Alfred Hitchcock story this is not. Nothing subtle, nothing left unsaid ... it is all put into words.
The book was titled Charnel House, but the house was not the focal point of the story. I was expecting a haunted house story and this was more of a psychological twisty story. I cannot even use the word "thriller" here.
I'm sure it was my bad for not reading what the book was about closely enough.
As the book begins, Joe's wife has ask for a divorce and to add insult to injury, he is terminated from his job. He gets rather wasted and runs over a child on his way home to his nasty, hot, stinky trailer. Things begin to unravel from this point on in the story and it continues into the second story of the book.
Everything is tied up as the story concludes ... in a strange way. Everyone has to form their own opinion, so I say if this is your genre, give it a try. I'll be interested to read your review!
September 19, 2014
REVIEW: CHARNEL HOUSE by Fred Anderson
A riveting, graphic, gory, spooky, Supernatural + Sci Fi [read it to the end--you'll see] from an author new to me, CHARNEL HOUSE is the engrossing tale of a long-abandoned and only imminently inhabited rural house on a hill near a small Alabama town. Spooky as the house is (and as much suffering as it had contained and witnessed) the real horror lies below ground, manifesting at intervals inside the crawlspace. As much as it is the story of a house, CHARNEL HOUSE is equally character study, and a coming-of-age narrative, and its full effect is only apprised when the entire exciting story is completed.
A riveting, graphic, gory, spooky, Supernatural + Sci Fi [read it to the end--you'll see] from an author new to me, CHARNEL HOUSE is the engrossing tale of a long-abandoned and only imminently inhabited rural house on a hill near a small Alabama town. Spooky as the house is (and as much suffering as it had contained and witnessed) the real horror lies below ground, manifesting at intervals inside the crawlspace. As much as it is the story of a house, CHARNEL HOUSE is equally character study, and a coming-of-age narrative, and its full effect is only apprised when the entire exciting story is completed.
August 28, 2016
This was a fantastic read and I feel as though I've been on an epic journey. The author has really thought this one through and brings everything together with great style. This has got to be one of my favourite books of all-time and I highly recommend it.
September 15, 2019
I suppose it was supposed to be a clever idea, but the whole idea of two stories intertwined as one came off more as an obvious twist, rather than the actual working of the plot. Actually, the author pretty much comes out and says so at the end of the book. It shows it in so many ways, from the lack of true character development, to the plot holes that litter the story. Like where did the people go who accompanied Garraty back to the house? And how, or why, does the house do what it does?
And while gross at times, injuries described in their most gory details, I never found the book to be truly frightening. Truly, more sad than anything else. I wanted to know why what was happening to Bobby was happening to him, something that was never explained (just going into the house doesn’t cut it.)
And while gross at times, injuries described in their most gory details, I never found the book to be truly frightening. Truly, more sad than anything else. I wanted to know why what was happening to Bobby was happening to him, something that was never explained (just going into the house doesn’t cut it.)
October 9, 2017
A book of now and then, two stories, the first (now) with an opening ending and the second (then) featuring the guy's friend, the ending tying up most of the story, a cyclic (time overlap) story.
In the main well written, but I found some segments a little too much padded compared to others, and the tying up of some of the loose ends is only assumed. But a lot of action, some horror, and a great imagination to get here, with a lot of twists and turns.
In the main well written, but I found some segments a little too much padded compared to others, and the tying up of some of the loose ends is only assumed. But a lot of action, some horror, and a great imagination to get here, with a lot of twists and turns.
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June 2, 2022DNF
October 24, 2015
This book actually has two intertwined stories. The first, and one I liked most, is about Joe Garraty. He loses his job, and gets drunk at a strip club. Traveling home in a dense fog, he decides to drive past the local haunted house. He recalls the time he and a friend forced the friend's cousin Bobby into going into the crawlspace of the house, which really scared Bobby. As Joe is driving by, a boy runs into the path of his car, gets hit and dies. Joe buries him in the crawlspace of the haunted house. Of course, the boy comes back to life, haunts Joe, etc.
The second story is about what really happened to Bobby under the crawlspace. What he saw and how he felt about it and being forced to go there. In some weird time machine type routine, Bobby turns out to be the boy that Joe hits with his car. Rather stupid and a waste of time, I thought.
The second story is about what really happened to Bobby under the crawlspace. What he saw and how he felt about it and being forced to go there. In some weird time machine type routine, Bobby turns out to be the boy that Joe hits with his car. Rather stupid and a waste of time, I thought.
November 22, 2018
I had a hard time deciding my rating for this book. There definitely were parts that scared me (Joe in the crawl space) and I enjoyed the second book better. I liked Bobby. The ending, however, didn't seem to be fleshed out really well and could have been better. This wasn't the book I was expecting to read. I thought it was going to be about a haunted house. The first book took a few chapters to get me hooked. Honestly I almost gave up on the whole thing. I like the idea of the time traveling concept the author tried to introduce, but it seemed forced and not well thought out. I just feel like this book had potential, but wasn't presented well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2021
Better then his last one
Not as childish as his last one I read, and although it includes only children (teens) as characters, at least there are no dolls that come to life.
I didn't get the circular ending, although I know it's there, but I know it's good. It's just hiding from my sleepy brain.
The link to look at pics of the old house where he get his inspiration is broken, which is disappointing as I don't follow many links in books but was very interested in seeing those pics & got a 404 error instead. Was really bummed about this.
Overall not a bad story. Some really creepy parts
Not as childish as his last one I read, and although it includes only children (teens) as characters, at least there are no dolls that come to life.
I didn't get the circular ending, although I know it's there, but I know it's good. It's just hiding from my sleepy brain.
The link to look at pics of the old house where he get his inspiration is broken, which is disappointing as I don't follow many links in books but was very interested in seeing those pics & got a 404 error instead. Was really bummed about this.
Overall not a bad story. Some really creepy parts
January 12, 2019
Mr Anderson is a born writer. I enjoyed the strong characters, a skill missed greatly today from novelists and other kind of story tellers. I would not give away nothing, I am not the spoiler type, but I am sure you will be surprised from the turn of events and you will find yourself taken into the atmosphere of a brilliant story, a genuine style and an artists we can safely assume will bring more to us. Thank you Mr Anderson
June 17, 2021
Loved it!
I keep reusing the word “rich” to describe this author’s works. His detail and back history are addictive to read. While this was a horror story several of the scenes literally had me screaming with laughter, and now I’m going to start my 3rd book by this author. Highly recommend!
I keep reusing the word “rich” to describe this author’s works. His detail and back history are addictive to read. While this was a horror story several of the scenes literally had me screaming with laughter, and now I’m going to start my 3rd book by this author. Highly recommend!
April 28, 2021
Finally a great scary book!
Really good. I mean great. Scary. Frightening. Like IT. Like Salem's Lot. Hard to find good horror, really shake your bones horror, but this did it for me. Already read The Witch, The Cove is next.
Really good. I mean great. Scary. Frightening. Like IT. Like Salem's Lot. Hard to find good horror, really shake your bones horror, but this did it for me. Already read The Witch, The Cove is next.
October 25, 2024
Absolutely amazing
This book was so well written, creepy and extremely stressful. Without giving too much away I did call a lot of the twists, but the execution was still epic! This is without a doubt a must read!
This book was so well written, creepy and extremely stressful. Without giving too much away I did call a lot of the twists, but the execution was still epic! This is without a doubt a must read!
August 22, 2021
Genius!
Not sure even the King himself (stephen, of course!) could do better than this one! Absolute mind blowing thrill ride!
Not sure even the King himself (stephen, of course!) could do better than this one! Absolute mind blowing thrill ride!
July 16, 2024
A bit of a horror story, to much for me. I sure wouldn't be able to watch a movie of it.
July 20, 2015
Review of Charnel House by Fred Anderson
This is a fantastic book full of twisting storylines. The story takes the journey of Garraty a guy down on his luck that has split from his partner and is now bordering alcoholism. His drunken memory returns him to a childhood haunted house, that hasn’t forgotten him.
This book is all about horror and a fast paced storyline, with twisted twists. I won’t give away the ending but it is a great twist if you haven’t figured it out. Other reviews have commented that this is quite a graphic novel at times but I think that helps the character establish himself as a grungy down and out. This darker writing style suited the novel. I prefer psychological horror to gore and this book did do both but leaned towards the gore at times, but that is just personal preference and I would say the writers style was still very powerful in capturing the moment.
The settings were very well described in the book, particularly the house itself. Although I also thought the childhood storyline later in the book was excellent and put the reader in the characters shoes.
Overall, a great new horror author that I look forward to reading more of.
This is a fantastic book full of twisting storylines. The story takes the journey of Garraty a guy down on his luck that has split from his partner and is now bordering alcoholism. His drunken memory returns him to a childhood haunted house, that hasn’t forgotten him.
This book is all about horror and a fast paced storyline, with twisted twists. I won’t give away the ending but it is a great twist if you haven’t figured it out. Other reviews have commented that this is quite a graphic novel at times but I think that helps the character establish himself as a grungy down and out. This darker writing style suited the novel. I prefer psychological horror to gore and this book did do both but leaned towards the gore at times, but that is just personal preference and I would say the writers style was still very powerful in capturing the moment.
The settings were very well described in the book, particularly the house itself. Although I also thought the childhood storyline later in the book was excellent and put the reader in the characters shoes.
Overall, a great new horror author that I look forward to reading more of.
February 10, 2017
Book started off slow and for that reason I stopped reading it and came back to it. I'm glad I came back because I got two stories for the price of one! Fred Anderson begins this book with Joe Garraty who for a lack of better words is a low life. He gets drunk one night and hits a kid on a bike who he thinks he killed. Instead of doing what's right he trys to bury the kid. The story goes on and you see what eventually happens to Garraty. It then picks up with a kid named Bobby Frank. I won't spoil the book for you so just read it to fill in the blanks and learn more about Joe and Bobby. This book will not disappoint you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2021
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. After looking at the contents page I was a little concerned that it was going to be 2 separate stories (Based on chapter headings). As it turned out it was a single narrative told across the same cast but using 2 distinct timelines.
Whilst I like a good horror story I tend to steer away from ghost stories but it was a kindle freebie so I gave it a go. Despite having the concept of a haunted house looming large in the plot it came across to me like a horror story. Anderson’s writing put right at the heart of the action and you feel for the main characters as they battle through their encounters (won’t spoil it by giving too much detail).
This is not a book for the squeamish or faint at heart as there are some quite graphic scenes for violence and terror, which is to be expected given the plot, but should be enjoyable to readers of horror stories and I would certainly read another book by Fred Anderson.
Whilst I like a good horror story I tend to steer away from ghost stories but it was a kindle freebie so I gave it a go. Despite having the concept of a haunted house looming large in the plot it came across to me like a horror story. Anderson’s writing put right at the heart of the action and you feel for the main characters as they battle through their encounters (won’t spoil it by giving too much detail).
This is not a book for the squeamish or faint at heart as there are some quite graphic scenes for violence and terror, which is to be expected given the plot, but should be enjoyable to readers of horror stories and I would certainly read another book by Fred Anderson.
April 26, 2015
The theme of a haunted house is usually enough to get me interested in a horror story, but when I read that "Charnel House" itself may be the monster, I had to read it. This book had me riveted from the start. Some of the ugliest, creepiest scenes this side of Stephen King. Could anyone come up with a sleezier opening than a rural strip club inhabited by dirty hookers and even worse patrons? And how all-out scary is crawling around under the crawl space of a remote haunted house after midnight? There's not much that can top that, but Fred Anderson manages to in the remainder of the story in one of the best horror novels I have ever read. Think, "the best of Stephen King" and you might get the feel and depth of this one. Don't let the lurid title scare you (or maybe go ahead and let it); this one is the real deal.
February 11, 2017
I wasn't impressed. sadly, I expected a little more
April 26, 2015
A superb scary story
If you like a good old fashioned scary story, this is a must read. I had trouble putting this book down just to sleep, and do chores( though that wasn't too terrible). I loved the atmosphere that was woven, the creepy house that I want to explore and the awesome throwback 1970's references to pop culture, cartoons, everyday living. A few times I smiled and thought, dang did the author and I grow up in the same house... Thanks for the chills and the walk down memory lane Fred Anderson. Look forward to more of your books.
If you like a good old fashioned scary story, this is a must read. I had trouble putting this book down just to sleep, and do chores( though that wasn't too terrible). I loved the atmosphere that was woven, the creepy house that I want to explore and the awesome throwback 1970's references to pop culture, cartoons, everyday living. A few times I smiled and thought, dang did the author and I grow up in the same house... Thanks for the chills and the walk down memory lane Fred Anderson. Look forward to more of your books.
October 5, 2015
Entertained horrors
What a fantastic book. Creepy, scary and rather clever, the way the story comes full circle and reading the second part answers questions we still had from the first part. The characters were good, the writing great, and the story (especially the scenes under and inside the house) is freaky as hell. I never even heard of this author before, but i'll be looking for another of his books to read as soon as I'm done with this review. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I save 5 stars for the odd book that I feel is as close to perfect as possible.
What a fantastic book. Creepy, scary and rather clever, the way the story comes full circle and reading the second part answers questions we still had from the first part. The characters were good, the writing great, and the story (especially the scenes under and inside the house) is freaky as hell. I never even heard of this author before, but i'll be looking for another of his books to read as soon as I'm done with this review. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I save 5 stars for the odd book that I feel is as close to perfect as possible.
August 28, 2015
I absolutely, positively loved this booked. Fred Anderson completely blew my mind away with this book. I have cave crickets where I live, and my crawlspace is eerily similar to the one in the book. I completely understand the creep factor that the main characters experienced with the house, and the crawlspace. I do not want to spoil the ending for anyone, so I will just tell you that I did not have this book figured out and when the book comes to an end, I was in total shock.
March 1, 2016
I could not put this book down
I am always looking for authors I haven't read before. Mr. Anderson drew me in on page 1 and kept my attention. A very different haunted house story. I am not normally a fan of this genre, but lately some of the best books are of this type. The characters come alive and I found myself really feeling for them. Looks like Stephen King is getting some strong competition here. I strongly recommend giving this author a try.
I am always looking for authors I haven't read before. Mr. Anderson drew me in on page 1 and kept my attention. A very different haunted house story. I am not normally a fan of this genre, but lately some of the best books are of this type. The characters come alive and I found myself really feeling for them. Looks like Stephen King is getting some strong competition here. I strongly recommend giving this author a try.
April 27, 2015
Definitely fit in the horror/thriller genre. It wasn't the type of genre that I normally chose so I was not thrilled with it. I'd put this in the "anything can happen no matter how improbable" category. I need strange in my horror, but not that strange. The story was well-written, just not my cup of tea.
June 3, 2015
Great old fashioned horror story.
I really loved the descriptive language the author used, it really puts you in that crawlspace under that house. I haven't read such a good creepy horror story since some early Stephen King. I will definitely read Fred Anderson's other books and recommend this one to any other horror aficionados out there!
I really loved the descriptive language the author used, it really puts you in that crawlspace under that house. I haven't read such a good creepy horror story since some early Stephen King. I will definitely read Fred Anderson's other books and recommend this one to any other horror aficionados out there!
June 22, 2015
This was a really good, old fashioned, campfire style horror story. The characters were well built, and the story never felt slow to me. The fact that it is really two stories, with a complete break in the middle of the book, might be a little off putting to some, All in all, I really enjoyed the book and would definitely look at more work from this author.
May 21, 2014
Again Fred Anderson has written a book I was not able to put down. The chills ran up and down my spine as I kept mentally telling the characters what they should not do or say. This was an enjoyable read with many twists and turns. This is a must read!
May 2, 2015
It was okay
It wasn't a bad book, it just didn't jump out at me. I didn't feel scared, just confused. Would I recommend it, that would be fifty fifty on this one.not one of my favorites, glad it was over
It wasn't a bad book, it just didn't jump out at me. I didn't feel scared, just confused. Would I recommend it, that would be fifty fifty on this one.not one of my favorites, glad it was over
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August 23, 2015I could only make it through the first chapter. I don't care for Anderson's writing style. It is peppered with crude language and disgusting details that don't contribute to the story. I paged through the book and found that this writing style continues throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews