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The Keepsake
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192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 7, 2021
Sick and tired of old horror novels about ghosts, werewolves, demons, witches, vampires, zombies, psychic children, killer crabs, killer jellyfish, killer rats, killer cats, killer dolls, killer worms, killer slime, killer snakes, killer babies, killer fog, killer mist, killer roaches, killer preying mantises, killer slugs, and killer serial killers? Well I have good news. This one's very unique you see because it's about a killer rock. Chilling, I know. It was found hidden among some old ruins by a young woman while on a trip to Ireland and, even though there was a spooky face carved into it, she made the unfortunate decision to bring it back with her to the states. Soon people close to her start dropping like flies in gruesome ways. Is she going crazy, or is the ancient stone really some sort of monster? And will it let her get rid of it?
For a book about an evil rock, it's extremely effective at creating an ominous atmosphere and subtle chills that slowly ramp up. I must warn you that it is very much a slooow burn -- nothing at all like those 70s/80s "killer [insert creature here]"-style British nasties I mentioned above, so don't get the wrong idea. Huson takes his time here, allowing the reader to get to know the characters, making it all the more potent when the bad stuff happens. At 320 pages it could have used some fat-trimming, as with nearly all horror novels from this era, but overall I recommend it for those who are into creepy rocks with creepy faces that like to murder people.
For a book about an evil rock, it's extremely effective at creating an ominous atmosphere and subtle chills that slowly ramp up. I must warn you that it is very much a slooow burn -- nothing at all like those 70s/80s "killer [insert creature here]"-style British nasties I mentioned above, so don't get the wrong idea. Huson takes his time here, allowing the reader to get to know the characters, making it all the more potent when the bad stuff happens. At 320 pages it could have used some fat-trimming, as with nearly all horror novels from this era, but overall I recommend it for those who are into creepy rocks with creepy faces that like to murder people.
December 16, 2021
Do you think you have encountered every possible villain in the horror genre? If so, think again, for Huson gives us a real novelty-- a rock. How can a rock be scary? Well, Huson gives us his best shot here.
The story centers on a couple, Angela and Sean, who start off the book traveling and making a documentary on Ireland. It is during the tail end of the shoot that Angela finds a funny rock with something of a face on it and she decides to keep it as a 'keepsake'. Bad move Angela!
TK is a fun and creepy read first published in 1981; my Warner Books edition has awesome cover art! Largely set in Boston after Angela and Sean's return there, this is something of a character study regarding Angela finding her way through life with its various trials and tribulations. When a series of strange accidents and deaths start happening around her, she starts to come apart and legends/myths surrounding Celtic 'rock faces' start seeming very real. Good stuff! 4 rocky stars.
The story centers on a couple, Angela and Sean, who start off the book traveling and making a documentary on Ireland. It is during the tail end of the shoot that Angela finds a funny rock with something of a face on it and she decides to keep it as a 'keepsake'. Bad move Angela!
TK is a fun and creepy read first published in 1981; my Warner Books edition has awesome cover art! Largely set in Boston after Angela and Sean's return there, this is something of a character study regarding Angela finding her way through life with its various trials and tribulations. When a series of strange accidents and deaths start happening around her, she starts to come apart and legends/myths surrounding Celtic 'rock faces' start seeming very real. Good stuff! 4 rocky stars.
April 18, 2019
This book had a strong start and a strong finish. The middle was ok and maybe got a little lost, but boy did the ending make up for that! Never underestimate a stone with a face in Ireland:)....and whatever you do, don’t take it home!
June 7, 2010
One of my favourite horror stories about a little stone keepsake made from the blarney stone in Ireland. legends state the stone is magical and whovever kisses it is blessed with eloquence. However the keepsake holds a terrible secret.Unexpected and gripping.
December 9, 2010
WOW!This book had everything iwanted good plot gorey details and suspense! I had no idea what would happen next and was on the edge of my seat! i would recommend this book to anyone!Not bad for buying it at a used book sale!
April 25, 2020
Readable early 80s-horror paperback worth reading mainly for its creature-a rolling, blood-sucking irish stone.
July 19, 2022
4.5 stars rounded down for Goodreads.
This was an extremely fun and unique vintage horror read featuring an evil Irish "stone." I read this one around St. Patrick's Day and found it to be very thematic. So glad I dove into The Keepsake as I've never really heard anyone talk about it.
This was an extremely fun and unique vintage horror read featuring an evil Irish "stone." I read this one around St. Patrick's Day and found it to be very thematic. So glad I dove into The Keepsake as I've never really heard anyone talk about it.
December 17, 2020
Damn, I did not expect this to be so good. An irish vampiric stone that is afraid of Saint Patrick. Hell yes.
May 4, 2022
I read this book years ago, as a teenager, but I will always remember it, because it made me afraid to turn off the lights!
September 29, 2023
Passingly well written horror novel about a Celtic stone demon. Four star finale though.
July 26, 2025
..ehh 😕
January 14, 2013
Too slow... Although I did enjoy pages on celtic folklore...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews