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Apparition Lake

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Something is terribly wrong in the nation's oldest national park.

Horrific deaths have occurred throughout Yellowstone and everyone believes that a monstrous grizzly bear is on a rampage. Scientific evidence suggests another terrifying conclusion. For Chief Ranger Glenn Merrill, putting an end to the mysterious deaths is more than just his job, it is a mission that will take him to the brink of death and shatter the foundation of his beliefs.

Apparition Lake plunges Glenn, his full-blooded Shoshone friend Johnny Two Ravens, and Jennifer Davies, an aggressive young biologist, into a world of Indian mysticism where mankind and nature struggle for control of Mother Earth. Apparition Lake races through its supernatural tale of an environment that has "had enough" and the Native American spirit it uses to mete out its revenge.

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 26, 2014

314 people are currently reading
531 people want to read

About the author

Doug Lamoreux

45 books56 followers
Doug is a writer, actor, and horror film historian. His newest novel, 'Saucy Jacky: The Whitechapel Murders as told by Jack the Ripper' is now available on Amazon from Creativia Publishing.

The first-ever Igor Award winner from The Horror Society, a former Pushcart Prize and Rondo Award nominee, Doug is the author of When the Tik-Tik Sings, the Amazon #1 best selling Apparition Lake, Obsidian Tears, The Devil's Bed, the Amazon #1 best selling Dracula's Demeter (2012 Lord Ruthven Award nominee), The Melting Dead, the Amazon #1 best selling Corpses Say the Darndest Things: A Nod Blake Mystery, Red Herrings Can't Swim: A Nod Blake Mystery, and Seven for the Slab: A Horror Portmanteau. He contributed to the Rondo nominee Horror 101: The A-List of Horror Films and Monster Movies, the Rondo winning follow-up Hidden Horror, Animals Attack, and the up-coming Vampires Suck.

He appeared in the horror films The Thirsting (aka Lilith) with Mickey Rooney and Tina Krause, and Hag with Ari Lehman. He starred in Peter O'Keefe's film, Infidel. His novel, Dracula's Demeter is being adapted as a feature by ThunderBall Films.

Doug drinks too much coffee. Come and tell him so on Facebook and Twitter!

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5 stars
259 (45%)
4 stars
180 (31%)
3 stars
92 (16%)
2 stars
33 (5%)
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11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Peter.
4,082 reviews810 followers
March 3, 2019
I really liked this environmental horror novel set in Yellowstone Park. Poachers and tourists did much harm to the environment. Now nature strikes back. Men are killed on the grounds of the national park. But who is committing those crimes? What force is behind? Glenn, the chief ranger and his friends try to solve the riddle and stop the killings. There is also reference to Indian mythology I found quite interesting. There was some length in the plot but overall a very readable and compelling novel with a serious message: Don't destroy our planet. Recommended!
Profile Image for Laura Thomas.
1,552 reviews107 followers
June 14, 2017
Mother Nature strikes back, unleashing a man killing grizzly on the unsuspecting people who venture into Yellowstone National Park. Glenn Merrill, Chief Park Ranger, vows to catch and stop the rogue bear. but more people die and signs point to something else, something mystical, that stretches the ranger’s beliefs. It may take more than bullets to stop the bear, and it might just be coming after Glenn.

The cover for this book fits the story perfectly. And that bear is terrifying. I can’t think of many things more terrifying to be eaten by except maybe a shark.

I enjoyed the Indian mysticism aspect of the book. Their connection to Mother Earth is deeply ingrained in their beliefs and it sure lends to the mystery, which I found fascinating.

I expected this to be a bit gory and would have been disappointed if it wasn’t. It’s also oozing with creepy atmosphere. I liken it to walking down a dimly lit empty street, shrouded by moist fog. What lurks in the shadows. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next and also worried about what would happen next.

The characters read genuine, flaws and all, and the bear is something else. Loved this book and it would be such a great movie.

Anyone who loves a good mystery with bits of horror will enjoy this one. I recommend you give it a read.
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,311 reviews162 followers
August 7, 2017
If you are ready to be freaked out and getting lost in a story of mythical horror and mother nature’s revenge, you will need to look no further than Apparition Lake and its aura of menace and terror may lead you to jump at shadows and look closer…into the fog.

To see more visit fundinmental
Profile Image for Dawn Moon.
38 reviews
December 15, 2014
WOW ...so real.

Excellent story with real heroes. The history was/is believable. I couldn't put it down. A must read. Just give it a try. You won't be disappointed!!
Profile Image for Denna.
Author 30 books142 followers
September 21, 2014
In the year 1878, Silverbear, a holy man for a Shoshone band of Indians, prepares for an ancient Bear Dance. They are tired of white settlers defiling their land and slaughtering animals. Poachers desecrate all that is holy with Mother Earth, killing animals for their hide and leaving the meat behind to rot. The Shoshone call on the Great Spirit Bear to stop these appalling acts.

Move forward to 1996 in Yellowstone National Park and Chief Ranger Glen Merrill is still plagued by poachers who kill bears for their gallbladder, a supposed aphrodisiac, and elk for their antlers, the bodies left behind to rot. But he must also deal with recent unexplained deaths of tourists and park rangers. Witnesses claim it was a massive grizzly that attacked, but when film is developed of the supposed kill, nothing can be seen.

This fascinating story combines old legends, curses and revenge, with the new. We learn of a holy man whose spirit is trapped on a land he loves, attacking those who refuse to show Mother Earth the respect she deserves. We learn about Native American legends and how they feel today about what’s been done to the land and people, the balance that needs to be restored if nature and man are ever to live in harmony. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys nature and learning about Native American heritage. The characters are well-drawn and interesting as the plot escalates toward an exciting end. Add a bit of the supernatural and you have a fast-paced novel that shows the consequences of man’s negligence and what one Park Ranger is willing to do to help bring back balance.

Born and raised in the rugged mountains of Oregon, I’ve always had a love and healthy respect for the land and animals. Though I’ve never had the pleasure of visiting Yellowstone, the description given in this novel of its power and majestic beauty makes me long to see it firsthand.

Profile Image for Sandy.
144 reviews4 followers
June 5, 2015
Something is killing people in Yellowstone National Forest and it isn't natural. This is a supernatural story of Native American mysticism and the effects of some unsavory humans on the environment and the chilling results when the "spirits" have had enough and take their revenge. It involves a centuries-old murder mystery that modern-day natives and park rangers must unravel to stop the killings. Well written, thought provoking and downright spooky.
99 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2014
Love it!!

A great blend of mystery, and a touch of horror teamed up with Native American legends and history. Well put together,,it brings the reader into the world of animal poaching with a twist of supernatural vengeance. Kept me reading past my bedtime-I didn't want to put it down.
2 reviews
June 17, 2015
Excellent story!

Enjoyed the description of the park and the conflict of cultures. About time mother nature or the great spirit begins to let mankind know where the real power lies. It is a morality tale all of us should heed. We ignore it at our own peril. And all of that wrapped in a really scary story!
Profile Image for Angela.
545 reviews33 followers
October 12, 2015
I really liked this book. Great read! I loved reading about Yellowstone and the descriptions of the park. I loved the characters of the rangers and the wildlife biologist JD and the indian guide two rivers. I loved the lore of the American Indian legends and loved reading about it. I hope these guys will write a sequel with the same characters. Very well written story.
6 reviews
July 1, 2015
Great read

This book takes the reader into wilderness of Yellowstone National Park. It gives the reader an idea of how sacred and special it is for the native people and their ancestors.

It gives you a story along with a learning experience.
Profile Image for James T Siple.
20 reviews
August 28, 2015
Loved it!

Thoroughly enjoyed reading Apparition Lake! I had a hard time putting it down in fact, sometimes insomnia isn't so bad! To be honest it wasn't what I was expecting, but the more I read the more absorbed I became in it!
Profile Image for C..
770 reviews122 followers
August 20, 2017
I have been to Yellowstone several time, and really enjoyed reading a book set in this National Park,which captured the majesty and mysterious atmosphere. I also appreciated that the author left out all profanity, to write an engrossing "clean" mystery/thriller proving once again that it can be done! I enjoyed the American Indian element to the story, and thought it made it unique.

Some of the bear attacks were quite gruesome, but thankfully not 'over-the-top', and no 'innocents' were killed, which made it even better.

Definitely want to read book-2-Obsidian Tears.
Profile Image for Anthony walck.
18 reviews
June 23, 2017
Great book

This book is a great read. The way it is written makes it fast paced. I can only hope for more by the authors.
Profile Image for Shawn.
47 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2014
Yellowstone National Park is something of legend due to its beauty and majesty. It is known to be one of the first, if not the first, national park in not just the United States but the world. The scenic beauty of the land it encompasses draws visitors from all over the world. Many of them come to see the beauty of the famed Old Faithful Geyser and many of the other natural beauties. Of course with all that beauty people can be forgetful there is danger to be found as there are bears and other wildlife throughout the park as well.

The book Apparition Lake by Doug and Daniel D Lamoreux will take the reader into much of the beauty of Yellowstone. Their descriptions of the park will leave a yearning to go and visit the park as you read a tale that focuses on the chief ranger, one Glenn Merrill, and some vicious bear attacks.

The book opens with a scene out of the old west. A period in which the Native American’s had been forced to choose the life on a reservation, but not all accepted that life. A band of the Shoshone had disagreed with their leadership and gone back to the land that would become Yellowstone. This opening will help the reader get a glimpse on what has been lost to many and that is the ways of the old believes of Native Americans. A strong belief in Mother Earth and how we as a world need to remember all beings are part of a greater world.

The reader gets to witness an event which involves members of the band performing their own part. There will be drums, warriors and much more in the ceremony. Silverbear is the one who leads the call to the Great Spirit asking for help against the white man who has been insulting Mother Earth by killing animals for their pelts. These devils were not killing to use the whole animal and this was against the Native American beliefs. They needed help and they were calling to their ancestors to deal with the white man. The opening passages will take the reader through this fascinating ceremony, before bringing you back to a more current timeline.

As we read into the modern world we find out about a bit of those potential dangers within the park. That danger is man who thinks it is ok to get very close to a bison and ask it to pose for a photo. An animal of that size does not understand English, let alone an invasion of its personal space. So a tourist is set for a short run and the description of the event left a smile on this readers face. Even up to the point where the tourist meets the chief ranger and gets a reminder of the dangers to be found with irritating a full grown bison.

During this point we are introduced to a theme that can be found throughout the book. The theme is that ignorance about park wildlife seemed to be a rule with many. A rule that could lead to dangerous repercussions and possibly death as readers will find out will happen to soon. The first being one of the bears of the park, but later things will get worse for the park, the rangers and those taking advantage of the wildlife.

What is Apparition Lake beyond the title of the book? This is something that readers will learn is another of the mysterious wonders of Yellowstone, at least in the book. The description by the brothers is well done and the lake itself is a bit of a mystery. The things that begin to happen around this lake will lead to far reaching events for those within the park.

The events I’m alluding to are things such as a man being mauled by a huge bear. This attack leads to the man’s death but although his wife witnesses the attack, and a photographer is snapping away at photos there is no proof it was a bear. How does that happen? What would drive a man to be so scared he dies in such a manner? Other attacks will get more gruesome, but never to disturbing. The reader will get the sense of the attack and its aftermath. It will be up to the reader to learn how the chief is going to solve these attacks. Along the way he will get help from some Native American’s in the area along with a wildlife biologist.

Apparition Lake is so well written it is hard to get a sense it was done by two people, and just not one writer. The stream of the book moves along well and it shows the brothers must have collaborated well in framing this book. The descriptions of Yellowstone may make readers wish they could see the locations themselves. The characters in the book are well developed, and this includes a local news reporter that has it out for the chief. To end this review I have to add that Doug and Daniel D Lamoreux had written the book previously. This is one of those rare times I don’t want to see the original book as I think this one is a great read brought to reader thanks to Creativia publishing.
21 reviews
May 31, 2017
WOW

This was an awesome story. I eagerly look forward to more of the same. I am sure that there is some basis for this tale. I love to learn about the Indian legends and ways.
Profile Image for Mary Deal.
Author 24 books152 followers
May 10, 2015
Left Me Feeling I Had Lived It with the Characters

Apparition Lake, by Daniel D. Lamoreux and Doug Lamoreux, was a gift, and what a wonderful surprise it was.

I loved how the scene locations are set up. From the beginning, I knew where I was and could feel each place as if I were there. Not only are the locales described, so was the history and lore that belonged to each area. I have never been to or anywhere near Yellowstone National Park but after reading this story, I could well have lived there because I felt so much a part of it.

The characters were individuals, meaning that they suited their part in the story. The dialogues are wonderful. They helped me know why a character acted the way they did. This story is also loaded with history and Native American lore and mysticism. I wasn’t sure how this much would play out at the ending but the ending is Native American real and needed to be.

Perhaps much of this story comes from the author’s own lives. Perhaps all of the history, lore and mysticism of these Native Americans is real. I came away from the reading feeling like I knew these people like my neighbors and friends. I was left with a feeling everything in this story could have been real. It was portrayed that well. If you want a story that can sweep you into its midst, this is one of those. I highly recommend it to anyone.
Profile Image for Eva.
3 reviews
April 20, 2016
*WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD!*

When I saw the title, I didn't really know what to expect but I was hoping for a tale of mystery and supernatural. I was not disappointed at all! Both mystery and supernatural were present in this story.

I devoured the book! I seriously could not put it down. I loved Glenn Merril and Two Ravens. Even though both men come from very different backgrounds they form the kind of friendship and bond one aims to find with another person. I also liked J.D. who reminded me a bit of Dana Scully from the X-Files: a strong female scientist but I didn't warm up as much as I did with the other two men.

As much as I loved the main characters, I have to say that I positively hated Stubby and was glad to see what became of him. I think I hated him even more than the poachers! One thing that surprised me was that their characters were not as fleshed out as the 'good guys' but it didn't spoil anything at all.

When I reached the end of the book, I thought long and hard about the main message of the book: mistreating the environment can have very serious consequences, and not just supernatural onces.

The descriptions really made me want to add Yellowstone to the bucket list of places I want to visit and it also made me want to leave my office more often to go and explore the nature around me.
Profile Image for Angela Crawford.
387 reviews23 followers
May 13, 2016
Apparition Lake is a fantastic book! The love the authors have for the Yellowstone area comes through in every word. The vivid descriptions of the land and wildlife made me want to visit the park even more than I already did. As an avid lover of outdoor activities like fishing and camping, I liked the distinctions between hunters and poachers not found in a lot of fiction. I enjoyed getting to know Glenn, JD, Johnny Two Ravens and Snow On The Mountain. These characters are believable and fun to follow as they try to stop the mysterious attacks. The friendship between Glenn and Johnny is evident in their banter making them my two favorite characters. I can't wait to visit them again in the next part of this series. The Native American history and lore woven throughout the fast paced storyline make this a gripping book that had me hooked from the very first page. I highly recommend this engaging 5 star read!
Profile Image for Miranda Nading.
Author 17 books22 followers
June 4, 2016
Excellent Novel

Well-written and engaging, Apparition Lake was an excellent read. The writer took great care with the setting of the oldest nation park in the nation, all aspects of the Native American tribes that call it home, as well add the life and spirit of the park, all the while weaving a tale that keep me turning the pages.

All of the characters are believable and well-crafted. Ranger Glenn, outfitter Johnnie Two Ravens, and biologist J.D, make a dynamic trio that of enjoyed. Throw in an incredibly old an absolutely wonderful shaman named Snow on the Mountains and the characters alone are with the read.

I look forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Michael.
573 reviews8 followers
February 17, 2015
Written with wit and wisdom. Interesting story of a beautiful national treasure: Yellowstone.

If you have ever been to a large national park, you will recognize the descriptions of some of the characters. This book is filled with native American lore and is fast-paced reading. The Park Service is baffled by the occurrence of multiple murders and poachers on the loose. This book will keep you turning the pages! My only complaint is that the editing could have been much better.ll
Profile Image for Zach Abrams.
Author 38 books143 followers
June 20, 2016
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book from beginning to end. Well written with an original theme, engaging characters, it’s a supernatural mystery set in Yellowstone National Park.
Although I’m not usually attracted to fantasy, I found the story steadily paced, absorbing and well grounded with the added benefit of fascinating descriptions of the park.
11 reviews
December 5, 2014
A awesome read!

Usually, I am bored after the first 2 chapters of a book, that does not show excitement. Never with this one! I could not stop reading, until I was finished. I highly recommend this book to everyone as a must read.
203 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2016
Please read

The story line is Great. The understanding about the Indian seems true. In some places he carries out to much detail about the towns. But worth everything to stay with the book.
12 reviews
December 6, 2016
Great book!

This book grabs you from the beginning and refuses to let go. Can't imagine anyone not liking it. The descriptions of the park make you feel like you're there. Hard to put down. Can't finish this review, have to get the next in the series.
1,444 reviews11 followers
June 1, 2015
Different

Very gripping I was caught up in the legend. The characters were strong and ready to put their lives in danger to find the truth and correct an old wrong
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,051 reviews12 followers
October 8, 2015
Really good read exciting and fun
Profile Image for Jim Christman.
1 review
June 5, 2015
This was a fun and interesting read. It was a little too preachy and predictable to get 5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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