Quixote: Twisted Tales of Familiar Faces

by Stephen Wertzbaugher

Blood hungry for revenge…Six-year-old Emerson Daugherty should have perished when the Quixote came for her soul.

Over the past one hundred thirty years, the revenant Francisco Javier de Cervantes returns to Ruby Creek to claim the soul of a daughter from each of the four families responsible for his and his family’s brutal murders.

Twenty years after surviving her reaping, Emerson returns to Ruby Creek, determined to break free from the curse binding her. Not merely a sole survivor, she is a pivotal piece in a deadly thirst for revenge.

Connected to all four families, Emerson fuels the Quixote’s obsession with honor and justice. Now, he is intent on claiming not only Emerson’s soul, but the soul of her daughter, Maggie, as well.

Quixote is a bone-chilling retelling of the Don Quixote tale. This horror story is part of the Twisted Tales of Familiar Faces collection, featuring classic beloved characters twisted into terrifying nightmares.

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Karleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this, This was a fantastic revenge story for all the right reasons. The killings were satisfactory and so well done. From beginning to end I was absolutely hooked. 5 out of 5 highly recommend.

[Christine Fancher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read the original of this story. Maybe I would have enjoyed it a little more if I had.
The beginning was a strong start that I enjoyed, and the deaths were well done throughout the whole book.
I was confused several times in the middle over what exactly was happening, which made it difficult to understand. I am not sure if it was the wording or the jumping around.
The ending was good, wrapping everything up well.
With a strong beginning and end, it was a decent short story. Not my favorite, but I enjoyed it.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Retelling of Don Quixote

I went into this one knowing absolutely nothing about the original tale of Don Quixote, and I am happy that I did. I was enthralled and didn't want to stop once the story really got started. I will say this: For those wanting to read this, if you have issues with domestic abuse, domestic violence and child death tread lightly.

[Stefanie Silvestri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Similar to other reviewers, I did not read the original version of Don Quixote. This is a dark retelling of Quixote, in which he returns with plans to claim the souls of the daughters of the four families responsible for ending his family.
I was drawn to the creepy atmosphere of this story and found it to be a quick, spine-tingling read that held my attention and kept me engaged.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. But it was more sad to me than scary. I thought the premise was great - and I've never read the original.
These characters were well written and their motivation was believable. These Twisted Tales are all very interesting and well worth your time!

[Riann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this story as I haven't read the original book. I really enjoyed this creepy and tragic novel. It oozed atmosphere and was inventive. I wish there was a little more suspense as the ending was predictable.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quixote returns to act revenge on those that killed his family. A different kind of horror novel than I have read. Quixote is planning on claiming the souls of daughters from four families responsible for his families brutal murder.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, I enjoyed the storyline and the characters were projected well. It brought forth several heartfelt emotions as the story unfolded. A highly recommended, twisted tale. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the original story. This dark twisted tale is based on.
A dark read based on a curse and an insistent seeking of revenge.
One little girl survives the curse and as an adult is out to break the curse before it takes her and her daughter.

[Steve · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have to admit I wasn’t really sure about this one till well into it. Like other reviewers have mentioned I didn’t read the original either, so didn’t really know what to expect. Recommended.

[Clive Willcocks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another in the Twisted Tales. Unfortunately I did not enjoy this one as much as the others, hence the 3 stars.

[Marlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, I didn't know what to expect as I haven't read the original.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome revenge story. Another great retelling in the series. This one seemed more sad than scary but I still enjoyed it.