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Awake In Hell
Meet Louise Patterson. She is dead. She has been dead for a while. And she is in Hell. Join our foul-mouthed hero as she embarks on a Hellatious adventure; Filled with demons, ghosts, dreams, magic, temp jobs, wardrobe malfunctions, and quite possibly redemption.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2012
13 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Helen Downing
5 books13 followersHelen Downing has aspired to be many things in life. An actress, a writer, a trophy wife, a publicist, and a bang up media sales executive.
In reality, she's a chubby, middle-aged, twice-divorced battleaxe who is addicted to sci-fi and social networking.
Please buy this book.
It's her only chance of ever fulfilling her full potential,
and possibly getting into heaven.
In reality, she's a chubby, middle-aged, twice-divorced battleaxe who is addicted to sci-fi and social networking.
Please buy this book.
It's her only chance of ever fulfilling her full potential,
and possibly getting into heaven.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 18, 2012
Okay, so I'm biased because I wrote this book...but I would like to think that I've accomplished what I set out to do...to tell a darkly funny story with a heartwarming end that is all about forgiveness and redemption. Please read this book!! I'd love your feedback...
December 28, 2025
I received a free copy of Awake in Hell by Beau Coup Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I have never read anything by this author, but I do generally like reading what publishers provide to me. Most of the publishers who I work with know what interests me and enjoy working with me due to my professionalism and passion for reading. With that said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It begins like the title allows you to assume—that someone is waking up in Hell. Now, I am not very religious but I did find this story to be immensely interesting anyway. As Louise Patterson wakes up under a bridge and walks the short distance in the scorching heat to an unrecognizable town, she realizes two things. The first thing, everything looks out of place. The second thing, oh yeah—she’s dead! Louise stumbles around, trying to find all of the memories that she lost from the world of the living. With her confusion settling in, she walks straight into the first building that she sees and is offered a job on the spot! She is tasked with despicable things that are not only appalling, but downright disastrous. Then it hits her, she is in Hell. Hell is excruciatingly hot, she receives nightly terrors, her closet hates her—giving her the most disgusting and uncomfortable clothing possible, touch is virtually impossible and no one can ever be happy or helpful since it is a one-way ticket for termination of employment. What has she done in her life to warrant this torture, she asks herself? After helping a customer and then receiving her termination slip, she finds something that can possible elevate the torture. On the notice board before her very eyes, there is an advertisement for Second Chances Temp Agency. As if anything can be worse than her current state of mind, she has yet to realize that her adventure—her journey for purpose has just begun!
My favorite characters are Louise, Mr. Deedy and Linda (the little girl). After waking up in Hell, Louise starts getting faint memories of the life that she one lived. At first, all of the things that she is guilty for come to haunt her through nightmares. Then, resentment and the feelings of uselessness start to become unbearable. It actually makes you feel sorry for her as her memories remind her of a life devoid of love, happiness and hope. Louise’s vocabulary is humorous, especially after meeting Mr. Deedy with Second Chances Temp Agency. I think that this is what I found most interesting about Louise. Now, Mr. Deedy is humorous in his own way like having his curse jar. Every curse word mentioned is 25¢, in Hell! His mood is always alarmingly chipper and everything seems comfortable when he’s around. His interest in Louise’s life makes her feel like she matters to someone, especially since she has eternity to think about her pain and loss. The third character, Linda is a very curious character. Her dialogue is very short and the reason for her presence is a mystery to Louise at first. She is also always chipper, except when she screams out “Stop helping me!” which I also found to be humorous. I really enjoyed many of the other minor characters that appeared in this novel, but those three were my all-time favorites.
Overall, the story is well-written and very humorous! I really enjoyed reading it and again, I found more interest in this book without looking at it from a religious perspective. The author does a superb job with character development and the pace of this story is fast and enjoyable. In my opinion, the target audience for this story would be adults who enjoy fantasy and otherworld fiction. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone under the age of eighteen due to the language and content within this story; however, I would recommend it to everyone else! This book is a standalone novel with highly original content and fascinating concepts. The author went above and beyond with creativity that even threw my mind for a tale-spin a couple of times. In my opinion, this book deserves five stars because the story shows prominent evidence of a lot of soul searching as well as time and effort. Not only does this star rating express my interest, but the book passes all of the criteria that I base my reviews off of. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future!
My favorite characters are Louise, Mr. Deedy and Linda (the little girl). After waking up in Hell, Louise starts getting faint memories of the life that she one lived. At first, all of the things that she is guilty for come to haunt her through nightmares. Then, resentment and the feelings of uselessness start to become unbearable. It actually makes you feel sorry for her as her memories remind her of a life devoid of love, happiness and hope. Louise’s vocabulary is humorous, especially after meeting Mr. Deedy with Second Chances Temp Agency. I think that this is what I found most interesting about Louise. Now, Mr. Deedy is humorous in his own way like having his curse jar. Every curse word mentioned is 25¢, in Hell! His mood is always alarmingly chipper and everything seems comfortable when he’s around. His interest in Louise’s life makes her feel like she matters to someone, especially since she has eternity to think about her pain and loss. The third character, Linda is a very curious character. Her dialogue is very short and the reason for her presence is a mystery to Louise at first. She is also always chipper, except when she screams out “Stop helping me!” which I also found to be humorous. I really enjoyed many of the other minor characters that appeared in this novel, but those three were my all-time favorites.
Overall, the story is well-written and very humorous! I really enjoyed reading it and again, I found more interest in this book without looking at it from a religious perspective. The author does a superb job with character development and the pace of this story is fast and enjoyable. In my opinion, the target audience for this story would be adults who enjoy fantasy and otherworld fiction. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone under the age of eighteen due to the language and content within this story; however, I would recommend it to everyone else! This book is a standalone novel with highly original content and fascinating concepts. The author went above and beyond with creativity that even threw my mind for a tale-spin a couple of times. In my opinion, this book deserves five stars because the story shows prominent evidence of a lot of soul searching as well as time and effort. Not only does this star rating express my interest, but the book passes all of the criteria that I base my reviews off of. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future!
August 6, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. As some of the reviews mention, there is a bit of "colorful language" used throughout the book, but I for one am so glad that Helen Downing is not afraid of language! The way Louise speaks her mind makes her relatable and really draws you into her personal journey. I laughed at the wonderful and wacky things she encountered in Hell and cried through the ending. I didn't find it "preachy" at all, and quite the opposite rather, I found it profound in a new way to think about the afterlife. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
June 8, 2015
I wanted to read this because I'd heard this book was just funny and I was not disappointed. It's insightful, wickedly funny and really speaks to anyone looking for a little inspiration. If you think your life is bad, consider waking up in an 8x8 in Hell with a closet that hates you indiscriminately day in/day out. What a smart, funny book that just hit the spot
January 24, 2013
"LIFE IS JUST A TEMP JOB."
This is a very powerful & moving book. I was prepared for an entertaining read, instead I found Redemption with a Capital R. Such a very good writer, very tightly written. A very emotional read, but in a good way.
This is a very powerful & moving book. I was prepared for an entertaining read, instead I found Redemption with a Capital R. Such a very good writer, very tightly written. A very emotional read, but in a good way.
May 28, 2013
Local Delaware author wrote this book. Easy read with an interesting storyline about waking up in hell. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it.
August 23, 2013
This is a easy and entertaining read. I wish I could have given it a 3.5 stars rating.
March 23, 2024
An enjoyable read and a lesson on being positive
This was a pleasant surprise. Just a kind and open way of looking at the how we look at ourselves and the world around us. How we all tend to look at the negative more than the positive and how that could theoretically put us in hell when we are already in heaven.
So, take off your blinders and realize that's the world around us is what we make of it and everything and every experience has its purpose.
This was a pleasant surprise. Just a kind and open way of looking at the how we look at ourselves and the world around us. How we all tend to look at the negative more than the positive and how that could theoretically put us in hell when we are already in heaven.
So, take off your blinders and realize that's the world around us is what we make of it and everything and every experience has its purpose.
December 8, 2024
Amazing
I feel hope. I feel sadness. I feel light. I feel. Okay. It says eight more words. So here is eight.
I feel hope. I feel sadness. I feel light. I feel. Okay. It says eight more words. So here is eight.
March 19, 2015
Louise finds herself in Hell upon her passing at the age of 45. Realizing her life was certainly worthy of eternal damnation, she’s accepted her fate and moves through the days but with lots of wit and humor. Hell doesn’t seem that much different from real life, Louise finds herself with nothing to do and she chooses to find work at the temp agency. She conducts herself with a daily routine – “making the best of a shitty situation”, going through an array of jobs – just get fired after one day for things like “facilitating love and fostering hope”. Because face it – in Hell no one needs those things!
Hell slowly begins to reveal to Louise certain memories and qualities of herself that she is reminded of. Almost as if she is having these past experiences for the first time, she learns some profound lessons along the way. In the end, the people she has met in Hell all have meaning and the pieces of the puzzle begin to come together.
Pulling from most experiences the average person faces in today’s world – the “Hell” of technical support when your internet isn’t working or the fact that you remember and revisit nightmares at night when you have no control. Louise gets to continually reflect on why she’s in Hell. From the daily trips to the closet that revealed the next hideous outfit to the cab ride scenes (who hasn’t had a cab ride from Hell?) there was much to be amused by in this story.
I immediately fell in love with Louise and the author. Fascinated by the author’s version of Hell and how Louise adapted to death with such charm and wittiness. Playful, funny and thought provoking, provided a truly enjoyable reading experience. The strong language seems to be offensive to some based on other reviews, but I find this to be shocking – the story is about Hell after-all.
Reading the author’s bio even made me smile and grin. And at the end of it all, I was left shedding a tear or two and really reflecting on the lessons learned from the story.
Hell slowly begins to reveal to Louise certain memories and qualities of herself that she is reminded of. Almost as if she is having these past experiences for the first time, she learns some profound lessons along the way. In the end, the people she has met in Hell all have meaning and the pieces of the puzzle begin to come together.
Pulling from most experiences the average person faces in today’s world – the “Hell” of technical support when your internet isn’t working or the fact that you remember and revisit nightmares at night when you have no control. Louise gets to continually reflect on why she’s in Hell. From the daily trips to the closet that revealed the next hideous outfit to the cab ride scenes (who hasn’t had a cab ride from Hell?) there was much to be amused by in this story.
I immediately fell in love with Louise and the author. Fascinated by the author’s version of Hell and how Louise adapted to death with such charm and wittiness. Playful, funny and thought provoking, provided a truly enjoyable reading experience. The strong language seems to be offensive to some based on other reviews, but I find this to be shocking – the story is about Hell after-all.
Reading the author’s bio even made me smile and grin. And at the end of it all, I was left shedding a tear or two and really reflecting on the lessons learned from the story.
February 6, 2016
Helen creates a fantastical tale of Louise Patterson, a self proclaimed "party slut" who in her mid 40's, dies of breast cancer. There is no white light or pearly gates in her future as she actually wakes up in Hell. Now, fired from her job as an internet help desk tech for being "helpful", Louise has to find another job and quick. See, even in hell we cannot escape work.
When a small note on the coffee shop bulletin board proclaims "Second Chance Temp Agency", Louise is intrigued. When a magically appearing phone starts ringing in her closet sized apartment the next morning, she has no idea the rollercoaster she is about to jump on.
Hilarity ensues as Louise tries to find her way in the temp jobs provided by Mr. Deedy at Second Chance Temp Agency. All along she learns more about herself and the holes in her memory get filled in with memories she had forgotten to take with her in death.
Come along for the ride and see just what Louise gets up to as she is "Awake in Hell".
When a small note on the coffee shop bulletin board proclaims "Second Chance Temp Agency", Louise is intrigued. When a magically appearing phone starts ringing in her closet sized apartment the next morning, she has no idea the rollercoaster she is about to jump on.
Hilarity ensues as Louise tries to find her way in the temp jobs provided by Mr. Deedy at Second Chance Temp Agency. All along she learns more about herself and the holes in her memory get filled in with memories she had forgotten to take with her in death.
Come along for the ride and see just what Louise gets up to as she is "Awake in Hell".
May 3, 2015
Louise has been in hell for a while. It's hot, hopeless and everyone is fashion challenged. Things change after getting fired from her tech support job at the IP&FW (Internet Porn and Fetish Web). Turns out that providing competent tech support is a firing offence in hell.
Louise seeks employment through the Second Chance Temp Agency and embarks on a strange journey of self discovery. It's hard to provide much more detail without adding spoilers.
I originally selected the book because the cover design reminded me of the humorous "Hot Damned" series. Instead, I found a story with surprising depth. It triggered some introspection and made me think.
Louise seeks employment through the Second Chance Temp Agency and embarks on a strange journey of self discovery. It's hard to provide much more detail without adding spoilers.
I originally selected the book because the cover design reminded me of the humorous "Hot Damned" series. Instead, I found a story with surprising depth. It triggered some introspection and made me think.
July 9, 2015
A very beautiful story of life, death and forgiving. I didn't have any idea what I got myself into when I first started reading this book. I bought it just because it was free. But now, after I've finished it, I couldn't be more happier that I got this book and I read it. It was truly a beautiful story about how one should forgive themselves and I truly hope that life after death is at least somewhat close to how Helen Downing described it in the end. It was truly beautiful. This book made me laugh and cry and truly feel and I warmly recommend it to anybody who just wants to read a funny but incredibly touching book and don't mind a couple of swear words along the story.
March 24, 2015
This book didn't keep my interest for some reason. I kept putting it down and going back to see if would get better. I just skimmed the pages and skipped a lot of the pages as I couldn't get into it until the later chapters. It is a religious story - about redemption.
Not my cup of tea. but it did have a good religious message.
Not my cup of tea. but it did have a good religious message.
April 4, 2015
First timer reading Helen Downing, different style of writing, lots of chattie detail, but great story, not what I expected. Love the meaning within, subject handled sensitively, with respect. Loved the ending, tissues required, congratulations Helen! Try it
March 17, 2015
Such a surprising read. I got this book free from Digital Book Daily. And all I can say is WoW!!! I am so glad I found this book. Not at all what I imagined and I am so glad I took a chance and read this book!
March 30, 2015
Great story!
A good look at the afterlife through one person's point of view. It gives us the opportunity to take a second look at our thoughts of what happens after we die. I enjoyed it very much.
A good look at the afterlife through one person's point of view. It gives us the opportunity to take a second look at our thoughts of what happens after we die. I enjoyed it very much.
April 25, 2015
A fantastic read...different but it was a wonderful book. I saw reviews talking about the language but the blurb warns you the hero is foul mouthed being an ER Nurse I have heard worse...LOL I encourage you to keep an open mind I really think you will enjoy this book.
September 6, 2024
Very thought provoking!
I wasn’t sure what to make of this book at first, but once I started reading it was difficult to put it down. Very well written and thought provoking with a humorous and not-so-serious style. Loved it!
I wasn’t sure what to make of this book at first, but once I started reading it was difficult to put it down. Very well written and thought provoking with a humorous and not-so-serious style. Loved it!
May 21, 2016
Not at all what I expected. But enjoyable once I got used to only being in Louise's head and the hell she created.
December 20, 2016
Fun ramblings
The character tells her story in a rambling style with lots of sass and humor. Its an interesting interpretation of what Hell might be like.
The character tells her story in a rambling style with lots of sass and humor. Its an interesting interpretation of what Hell might be like.
February 14, 2015
A little preachy and heavy handed at times, but an interesting build.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews