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Echoes
Autumn 1980. Carter on the way out, Reagan on the way in. Kids across the globe show up to school with Empire Strikes Back lunch boxes. Disco gasps for air. America waits on pins and needles to find out who shot J.R. And James Riordan’s twelve-year-old daughter dies in a horrible accident.
Intensely grieving, James rents an oceanfront cottage in quiet Sewall’s Beach, Maine - the very same cottage he and his family used to summer in when he was a child - hoping the getaway will be a soothing respite from the nightmare his life has become.
But James has traded one nightmare for another.
Since arriving in Sewall’s Beach, he’s been seeing and hearing things. The sound of a crying child coming from the loft late at night. The odd, barefoot girl who shows up on the beach every day at high tide. A faceless man who seems to have answers but can’t speak.
As the clues pile up, James begins to suspect he’s experiencing the echoes of a decades old tragedy - a tragedy very close to his own - one that only he can make right. Or, maybe, he’s slowly losing his mind…
Intensely grieving, James rents an oceanfront cottage in quiet Sewall’s Beach, Maine - the very same cottage he and his family used to summer in when he was a child - hoping the getaway will be a soothing respite from the nightmare his life has become.
But James has traded one nightmare for another.
Since arriving in Sewall’s Beach, he’s been seeing and hearing things. The sound of a crying child coming from the loft late at night. The odd, barefoot girl who shows up on the beach every day at high tide. A faceless man who seems to have answers but can’t speak.
As the clues pile up, James begins to suspect he’s experiencing the echoes of a decades old tragedy - a tragedy very close to his own - one that only he can make right. Or, maybe, he’s slowly losing his mind…
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2025
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 10, 2025
Review: Echoes by Neal McLaughlin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Echoes is the first book in the “Grody to the Max Presents” series, which aims to make a horror novel for each year in the 80s, starting with 1980. This first entry is a powerful grief horror x supernatural mystery combo that keeps you on the edge of your seat from the get go. It all starts when the MC’s young daughter gets killed in an accident, and he feels tremendous guilt over the fact that it happened when he was out cheating on his wife, who he comes clean to during their daughter’s funeral. Consumed with guilt and now mourning both the loss of his daughter and his marriage, he overdoses on quaaludes and later wakes up in the hospital, where he starts to see strange things that he initially attributes to brain damage, but later realizes is much more paranormal in nature.
This book has LOTS of 80s references, which will make a lot of sense to you if you were alive in that decade. However, if you want to understand the full scope of the imagery/descriptions and you weren’t born yet, you’ll have to do some googling. Since I was a product of the 90s, I did occasionally feel like I needed a translator at times. For example: “Travis Curtly, a seventh grader with Leif Garret hair and jeans that fit like Henry Winkler’s, had smiled at her in the hall that day- looked right at her and gave her a Vinnie Barbarino smile.” Made perfect sense to my parents when I read it out to them, but I had to do a little extra digging to get the full mental picture. It definitely added to the fun of the story, though!
Echoes overall has a very interesting and unique premise and gets better and better as the story progresses. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the rest of the series!
Synopsis: “Autumn 1980. Carter on the way out, Reagan on the way in. Kids across the globe show up to school with Empire Strikes Back lunch boxes. Disco gasps for air. America waits on pins and needles to find out who shot J.R. And James Riordan’s twelve-year-old daughter dies in a horrible accident.
Intensely grieving, James rents an oceanfront cottage in quiet Sewall’s Beach, Maine - the very same cottage he and his family used to summer in when he was a child - hoping the getaway will be a soothing respite from the nightmare his life has become.
But James has traded one nightmare for another.
Since arriving in Sewall’s Beach, he’s been seeing and hearing things. The sound of a crying child coming from the loft late at night. The odd, barefoot girl who shows up on the beach every day at high tide. A faceless man who seems to have answers but can’t speak.
As the clues pile up, James begins to suspect he’s experiencing the echoes of a decades old tragedy - a tragedy very close to his own - one that only he can make right. Or, maybe, he’s slowly losing his mind…”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Echoes is the first book in the “Grody to the Max Presents” series, which aims to make a horror novel for each year in the 80s, starting with 1980. This first entry is a powerful grief horror x supernatural mystery combo that keeps you on the edge of your seat from the get go. It all starts when the MC’s young daughter gets killed in an accident, and he feels tremendous guilt over the fact that it happened when he was out cheating on his wife, who he comes clean to during their daughter’s funeral. Consumed with guilt and now mourning both the loss of his daughter and his marriage, he overdoses on quaaludes and later wakes up in the hospital, where he starts to see strange things that he initially attributes to brain damage, but later realizes is much more paranormal in nature.
This book has LOTS of 80s references, which will make a lot of sense to you if you were alive in that decade. However, if you want to understand the full scope of the imagery/descriptions and you weren’t born yet, you’ll have to do some googling. Since I was a product of the 90s, I did occasionally feel like I needed a translator at times. For example: “Travis Curtly, a seventh grader with Leif Garret hair and jeans that fit like Henry Winkler’s, had smiled at her in the hall that day- looked right at her and gave her a Vinnie Barbarino smile.” Made perfect sense to my parents when I read it out to them, but I had to do a little extra digging to get the full mental picture. It definitely added to the fun of the story, though!
Echoes overall has a very interesting and unique premise and gets better and better as the story progresses. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the rest of the series!
Synopsis: “Autumn 1980. Carter on the way out, Reagan on the way in. Kids across the globe show up to school with Empire Strikes Back lunch boxes. Disco gasps for air. America waits on pins and needles to find out who shot J.R. And James Riordan’s twelve-year-old daughter dies in a horrible accident.
Intensely grieving, James rents an oceanfront cottage in quiet Sewall’s Beach, Maine - the very same cottage he and his family used to summer in when he was a child - hoping the getaway will be a soothing respite from the nightmare his life has become.
But James has traded one nightmare for another.
Since arriving in Sewall’s Beach, he’s been seeing and hearing things. The sound of a crying child coming from the loft late at night. The odd, barefoot girl who shows up on the beach every day at high tide. A faceless man who seems to have answers but can’t speak.
As the clues pile up, James begins to suspect he’s experiencing the echoes of a decades old tragedy - a tragedy very close to his own - one that only he can make right. Or, maybe, he’s slowly losing his mind…”
May 5, 2025
REVIEWER'S NOTE: SPOILER FREE REVIEW
If you're not in the 1980s mindset, maybe skip this one.
There is some difficult content regarding children throughout the entire book so be sure to check your triggers before diving in. I absolutely loved to hate this main character. The author did a great job of capturing a 'male' mindset in a time where women were both hard to 'get' and completely 'disposable' from a man's POV. Chain-smoking, typewriters, landlines, and almost no TV, with the added bonus of a totally groovy sound-track sprinkled throughout the novel. I definitely appreciated the phone books making an appearance, too!
James is greving, albeit in an odd way, the death of his daughter and completely crashes out - hard. His story is one of hilarious banter, creepy visions and a crass sister whom I loved to see enter a scene. I did find it unusual that he wasn't freaking out a bit more about the happenings, however, I'm not sure if that's a trait of 1980s culture and the male mindset in that time, or if its just the personality of the main character not being too bothered by what's going on around, and happening, to him.
Eventually, James finds himself in the cottage of his youth, listening to Betty on the Beach (so soothing!) and pursuing his dream of writing a novel. Things go every way except the way James wants it to go, and we end up going on an adventure of a teensy bit of self-discovery, healing, processing grief, and moving on. There are some creepy scenes, but only a few really graphic ones. Not sure I would classify this as a horror novel by today's standards, but maybe a thriller, or a paranormal murder-mystery - however - I will give a nod that this is a tribute to 80s horror and for that, it fits right in.
Overall, I gave this book a 4 star rating due to several factors: the author's committment and execution of pulling the reader into a 1980s time, smooth blending of multiple timelines, appropriate foreshadowing, good plot, and full circle closure. I know that this is the first book in the series, but the ending leaves you wondering if book 2 will follow James or if we'll find a new main character to go on an adventure with, but either way, I think I'm here for it.
If you're not in the 1980s mindset, maybe skip this one.
There is some difficult content regarding children throughout the entire book so be sure to check your triggers before diving in. I absolutely loved to hate this main character. The author did a great job of capturing a 'male' mindset in a time where women were both hard to 'get' and completely 'disposable' from a man's POV. Chain-smoking, typewriters, landlines, and almost no TV, with the added bonus of a totally groovy sound-track sprinkled throughout the novel. I definitely appreciated the phone books making an appearance, too!
James is greving, albeit in an odd way, the death of his daughter and completely crashes out - hard. His story is one of hilarious banter, creepy visions and a crass sister whom I loved to see enter a scene. I did find it unusual that he wasn't freaking out a bit more about the happenings, however, I'm not sure if that's a trait of 1980s culture and the male mindset in that time, or if its just the personality of the main character not being too bothered by what's going on around, and happening, to him.
Eventually, James finds himself in the cottage of his youth, listening to Betty on the Beach (so soothing!) and pursuing his dream of writing a novel. Things go every way except the way James wants it to go, and we end up going on an adventure of a teensy bit of self-discovery, healing, processing grief, and moving on. There are some creepy scenes, but only a few really graphic ones. Not sure I would classify this as a horror novel by today's standards, but maybe a thriller, or a paranormal murder-mystery - however - I will give a nod that this is a tribute to 80s horror and for that, it fits right in.
Overall, I gave this book a 4 star rating due to several factors: the author's committment and execution of pulling the reader into a 1980s time, smooth blending of multiple timelines, appropriate foreshadowing, good plot, and full circle closure. I know that this is the first book in the series, but the ending leaves you wondering if book 2 will follow James or if we'll find a new main character to go on an adventure with, but either way, I think I'm here for it.
May 10, 2025
Take a dip in 1980’s horror with Neal McLaughlin’s “Echoes” — an early Stephen King-esque work of fear, wit, creeps, flawed throwback characters, and some snappy dialogue.
This one shines in its characterization of The Zeitgeist of the 1980’s and the characters themselves are compelling with all their many flaws. (Because of their many flaws!) Many times, the zing of dialogue is laugh out loud hilarious, and I loved it. (No, I’m not a horror comedy reader. I don’t much enjoy intentional horror comedy in books or films, call me a snob at the mercy of my funny bone.) “Echoes” is not horror comedy! The author just happens to be a genius at witty and keepin it real, and I couldn’t help but burst out laughing at some of the dialogue. This made me fall instantly in love with McLaughlin’s writing.
NOTE: Unless you were born after the 1980’s, then this one might not be for you.
Except it’s so good, take a chance, and read it anyway!
The PLOT let’s not forget that, now that I’m finished reliving Xanadu. Well conceived, interesting, disturbing, upsetting, with a few visceral hard hitters, and all together delivered in a satisfying creepy package. Very much SK vibes and some mentions of SK as well back when he was perceived by academics as that ‘dime store paperback ’ diarrhea horror guy.
CW: Bad things happen. To kids. No SA.
A few scenes in the book hit me and left my jaw hanging.
Now go meet James, Connie, and Leslie—three characters I won’t forget any time soon for various reasons.
5/5
This one shines in its characterization of The Zeitgeist of the 1980’s and the characters themselves are compelling with all their many flaws. (Because of their many flaws!) Many times, the zing of dialogue is laugh out loud hilarious, and I loved it. (No, I’m not a horror comedy reader. I don’t much enjoy intentional horror comedy in books or films, call me a snob at the mercy of my funny bone.) “Echoes” is not horror comedy! The author just happens to be a genius at witty and keepin it real, and I couldn’t help but burst out laughing at some of the dialogue. This made me fall instantly in love with McLaughlin’s writing.
NOTE: Unless you were born after the 1980’s, then this one might not be for you.
Except it’s so good, take a chance, and read it anyway!
The PLOT let’s not forget that, now that I’m finished reliving Xanadu. Well conceived, interesting, disturbing, upsetting, with a few visceral hard hitters, and all together delivered in a satisfying creepy package. Very much SK vibes and some mentions of SK as well back when he was perceived by academics as that ‘dime store paperback ’ diarrhea horror guy.
CW: Bad things happen. To kids. No SA.
A few scenes in the book hit me and left my jaw hanging.
Now go meet James, Connie, and Leslie—three characters I won’t forget any time soon for various reasons.
5/5
May 14, 2025
This book was a very different take on the subject of the supernatural. When someone dies and then is brought back; one ponders what might have happens while the person is ‘dead’. I am one of those curious people. Does the person see spirits of those that have already passed? Does a person come into contact with spirits that are angry because they passed due to a violent death? And when they come back did they bring something or someone back also? The author of this book tries to explain what happened to James and why he has ‘echoes’. I know it would be quite disconcerting to view something happening but as an observer not part of the experience. It would be incredibly difficult to explain this to other people, especially the time period the book takes place. James was very afraid of being labeled ‘crazy’ and being locked away. I really wanted to understand James. He felt very deeply but he also used people in his life. He was completely unaware of this personality flaw until his sister brought it up to him. Then he began to wonder if he was really a jerk. I think that is what pushed him to try and help Elizabeth. He felt doing something good might redeem him somewhat. The author provides information to make the reader curious about near death experiences. This book will stay in my thoughts for a while now.
May 21, 2025
I started this book with expectations of a supernatural ghost story and whilst I wasn’t wrong, I was not expecting the angst and heartbreak that came with it.
The main character was a man I loved to hate, he was chauvinistic with some narrow minded views, especially when it came to women but I still felt for him and the trauma that be endured.
I don’t want to give too much away but this is not your typical haunting story, there was so much more to it and made me think of life after death in ways I hadn’t before.
This was my first book by this author and I will definitely be downloading his back catalogue.
There was sadness, tragedy, ghosts but also some joy and moments that made me laugh out loud, not to mention some fantastic 80s memories that have been unlocked. A must for any retro horror fan!
The main character was a man I loved to hate, he was chauvinistic with some narrow minded views, especially when it came to women but I still felt for him and the trauma that be endured.
I don’t want to give too much away but this is not your typical haunting story, there was so much more to it and made me think of life after death in ways I hadn’t before.
This was my first book by this author and I will definitely be downloading his back catalogue.
There was sadness, tragedy, ghosts but also some joy and moments that made me laugh out loud, not to mention some fantastic 80s memories that have been unlocked. A must for any retro horror fan!
July 19, 2025
If you love the 80’s or don’t know about the 80’s and wanna get that 80’s vibe give this one a read. It’s a powerful 80’s supernatural grief, it will keep you on the edge of your seat from the get go.
Even though this read is deep and full of sadness, trauma , heartache, pain and against it still will having you laughing out loud at times with the humour that is laced through it. It has a different and unique take on death and spirits
James returns to the place where he was happy at when he was a child Sewall's Beach Maine. After his daughter dies, he feels so much guilt over it as he was put cheating on his wife, now he has lost his daughter and wife. Unfortunately things are happening to James that aren’t happy in his happy place, something is haunting him.
Even though this read is deep and full of sadness, trauma , heartache, pain and against it still will having you laughing out loud at times with the humour that is laced through it. It has a different and unique take on death and spirits
James returns to the place where he was happy at when he was a child Sewall's Beach Maine. After his daughter dies, he feels so much guilt over it as he was put cheating on his wife, now he has lost his daughter and wife. Unfortunately things are happening to James that aren’t happy in his happy place, something is haunting him.
May 11, 2025
Neal McLaughlin has crafted a haunting and memorable tale of loss and reconciliation with his latest offering, Echoes. McLaughlin's resolute prose weaves an engrossing story which teasingly, but lovingly, pays homage to Stephen King's Carrie, The Shining and his lavish musical references. Humour is deftly sprinkled throughout this novel, which is loaded heavily with melancholy, flawed and desperate characters as well as an undertone of spiritual unrest and horror. But it is McLaughlin's characters who engage and delight as the trauma of their collective pasts gets resolved masterfully. Echoes is a wonderful work which deserves attention and I can't wait to catch up on his previous novels.
May 6, 2025
Echoes - Neil McLaughlin
I was rather impressed by this book, it has a great storyline that sucks the reader in. The characters are believable and left me wanting more.
There are several mentions of Stephen King throughout the book and that’s who the writing style reminded me of.
I am a huge Stephen King fan, so this made me really happy.
I can see Neal becoming my new favourite author and can’t wait for the next book.
I will be recommending this book to anyone who will listen. It is well written and it’s easy to become immersed in the story.
Loved it. 😊
I was rather impressed by this book, it has a great storyline that sucks the reader in. The characters are believable and left me wanting more.
There are several mentions of Stephen King throughout the book and that’s who the writing style reminded me of.
I am a huge Stephen King fan, so this made me really happy.
I can see Neal becoming my new favourite author and can’t wait for the next book.
I will be recommending this book to anyone who will listen. It is well written and it’s easy to become immersed in the story.
Loved it. 😊
June 10, 2025
Thanks so much for allowing me to read an arc for this novel. This is a great haunting novel set in the 80's that gives a unique spin on death and ghosts. So many times, I had to keep turning the page to see what was next and it kept me riveted to my seat.
Neal McLaughlin hit the time frame right and brought the 1980's back to life. Even if you're not from that time, it's great to go back and catch this glimpse into history with depth and emotion behind it.
Looking forward to reading more of his work.
Neal McLaughlin hit the time frame right and brought the 1980's back to life. Even if you're not from that time, it's great to go back and catch this glimpse into history with depth and emotion behind it.
Looking forward to reading more of his work.
May 6, 2025
James returns to the place where he was happy at when he was a child Sewall's Beach Maine. Unfortunately things are happening to James. Spooky things something is haunted him.
June 5, 2025
After James Riordan's life falls apart he rents an oceanfront cottage, the same one his family rented when he was a kid. After a while he starts seeing and hearing things.
It was set in the 1980's so definitely brought back a lot of memories for me. This was a good mix of creepiness, hilarity, and nostalgia. It was fantastically done and well written. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
It was set in the 1980's so definitely brought back a lot of memories for me. This was a good mix of creepiness, hilarity, and nostalgia. It was fantastically done and well written. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
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