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Kassidy Bell #1
Drug
Out of work and out of luck, 19 year-old Kassidy Bell finds herself in desperate need of money.
Coming across a mysterious advert in her local newspaper offering a reward, Kassidy believes she's found the answer to her prayers.
But Kassidy soon realises that if something is too good to be true then it usually isn't what it first appears to be. Finding herself in a desperate situation, Kassidy realises that she must run if she is to escape the new horrors she has discovered however great the reward might be.
'Drug' a new paranormal thriller from debut author Lynda O'Rourke
Coming across a mysterious advert in her local newspaper offering a reward, Kassidy believes she's found the answer to her prayers.
But Kassidy soon realises that if something is too good to be true then it usually isn't what it first appears to be. Finding herself in a desperate situation, Kassidy realises that she must run if she is to escape the new horrors she has discovered however great the reward might be.
'Drug' a new paranormal thriller from debut author Lynda O'Rourke
- GenresParanormalHorrorAmazon
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2014
104 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
About the author
Lynda O'Rourke
8 books121 followersLynda O'Rourke is married and has three sons. Lynda has been the story editor of over thirty bestselling novels.
'Drug' (The Kassidy Bell Series) Book 1 is Lynda's debut novel.
To connect with Lynda visit her facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynda-...
'Drug' (The Kassidy Bell Series) Book 1 is Lynda's debut novel.
To connect with Lynda visit her facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynda-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 30, 2015
I thought this debut book in the 'Kassidy Bell Trilogy' was gob-smacking good! I loved all of the characters, the creepiness and sheer horror of the story. I was gripping the edges of the kindle until my knuckles had turned white. I can't wait for book 2. Brillinat storytelling! :)
January 7, 2017
Kassidy's had some bad luck... She's lost her job after recently losing her father. Drowning in debt, she signs up for a drug study with a high payout, hoping it will get her back on her feet.
From the very start she has a bad feeling about it which, of course, she ignores. Even when she decides she shouldn't go through with it because things are just too creepy, she allows herself to get talked into staying by some surfer looking handsome guy named Jude. At this point, even though I think Kassidy's kind of an idiot, I'm still on board with the story.
Once the trial starts and the drug VA20 is pumping through their veins, well, that's when things go sideways. Think zombies meet demon possession. It was pretty action packed with the small group of not yet infected test subjects trying to escape those who were too far gone, the doctors, and some other crazy paranormal creatures called The Cleaners.
It's an original idea. The problem, I think, is that there was just too much--too many paranormal elements, too many mysteries not explained, too many questions--and while I went into this realizing it was a trilogy, I like to have at least some of those questions answered to keep my attention. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough there for me to want to buy the second.
From the very start she has a bad feeling about it which, of course, she ignores. Even when she decides she shouldn't go through with it because things are just too creepy, she allows herself to get talked into staying by some surfer looking handsome guy named Jude. At this point, even though I think Kassidy's kind of an idiot, I'm still on board with the story.
Once the trial starts and the drug VA20 is pumping through their veins, well, that's when things go sideways. Think zombies meet demon possession. It was pretty action packed with the small group of not yet infected test subjects trying to escape those who were too far gone, the doctors, and some other crazy paranormal creatures called The Cleaners.
It's an original idea. The problem, I think, is that there was just too much--too many paranormal elements, too many mysteries not explained, too many questions--and while I went into this realizing it was a trilogy, I like to have at least some of those questions answered to keep my attention. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough there for me to want to buy the second.
January 2, 2015
OMG!! What an intense and creepy book. I couldn't put it down... I still have goosebumps. I should of known it would end with a cliffhanger...I want to know what happens... Now!! Can't wait for the next book.
January 4, 2015
I LOVED Drug, as I am sure many paranormal thriller fans and horror fans will! Volunteering to test a drug in return for money, Kassidy goes to Cruor Pharma, meets the staff and the other volunteers and starts the trial. It isn’t too long before the nightmare kicks in and Kassidy’s adventure of hell begins! If you’re looking for a book packed with panic, horror, demons and the paranormal, and blood and gore, then you have reached your destination!
Lynda O’Rourke hasn’t left out any excitement or thrills. For the first book of a trilogy, Drug is amazing. Lynda has jumped straight into the story and action after the reader has been acquainted with Kassidy and her circumstances.
After losing her father, Kassidy (19) is left alone and owing debts passed down from her father. Without work she is desperately in need of money. After seeing the newspaper ad for volunteers to test a drug, VA20, in return for £2,000, Kassidy had to take the opportunity.
Upon her arrival at Cruor Pharma, Kassidy begins to have doubts whether she is doing the right thing or not, as do some of the other volunteers. As they introduce themselves to each other they begin to reassure each other, especially young hottie, Jude! This puts Kassidy at ease for a while as they all prepare for their treatment. Some of the staff seem a little cold and direct, while Doctor Fletcher (also another hottie!), appears friendlier and more accommodating.
The volunteers are expecting to be in Ward 2 overnight and then be off home the following day. But, over the course of the following hours events are not to be as expected. And the horror begins…
The volunteers are advised to rest once they have had their dose of VA20, but for some of them they sense that the atmosphere isn’t right. There is something heavy in the air and sleep is the last thing on Kassidy’s mind. In a matter of minutes the unexplainable happens and the ward becomes a battle scene. It becomes clear that some of them, if any, won’t survive. What the hell is going on? They need to escape, but it’s clear that some of the staff are a part of what’s happening. The only way out is further through the old hospital building and through the dreaded Ward 1!
Just like watching a horror movie, there are creepy and eerie scenes which build up great suspense before the action, gore and bloody mess scenes take place. Lynda O’Rourke sets the mood perfectly.
“I slipped off the bed, tiptoeing toward the curtain, trying to keep my drip from squeaking. Fear raced through my body in contractions. My hand shook as I lifted my arm, reaching out for the curtain. I gasped in air as I pinched the fabric between my thumb and forefinger.
“Don’t do it,” hissed May, her blanket now just below her eyes.”
And again, later, when some of the volunteers have to keep their wits about them from whatever it is that’s after them – it’s like a scene from The Walking Dead, as the author describes the tension and complete awareness that the survivors must have to keep going:
“Pushing open the door, we followed Jude down the corridor. I wished I had another set of eyes in the back of my head. I was constantly checking over my shoulder at the barred windows and the ceiling for any signs of more bloody handprints. My ears were on constant alert. I flinched at every little noise and gasped at shadows flickering through the windows onto the brick walls.”
Kassidy is given a glimmer of hope in the way of Doctor Fletcher. He is warm and friendly and the volunteers take to him easily. Aside from Kassidy he is my favourite character. He, by and large, goes out of his way to help Kassidy, but at the same time has to hide this from his peers. There are moments when his character changes momentarily which cloud doubt to his trustworthiness, but then why is helping at all? His character is full of mystery and is changeable, but this makes him complex and interesting, as well as keeps the reader guessing!
Escaping Cruor Pharma is the one thing on the group’s mind. The reader can feel the sheer desperation they have, especially Kassidy being the main character. But can she escape?
It keeps the reader thrilled from beginning to end, and then some! You’ll be going crazy to read part II of The Kassidy Bell trilogy after the exciting but intense cliff-hanger ending we are left with in Drug.
Drug (The Kassidy Bell trilogy #1) was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.
Lynda O’Rourke hasn’t left out any excitement or thrills. For the first book of a trilogy, Drug is amazing. Lynda has jumped straight into the story and action after the reader has been acquainted with Kassidy and her circumstances.
After losing her father, Kassidy (19) is left alone and owing debts passed down from her father. Without work she is desperately in need of money. After seeing the newspaper ad for volunteers to test a drug, VA20, in return for £2,000, Kassidy had to take the opportunity.
Upon her arrival at Cruor Pharma, Kassidy begins to have doubts whether she is doing the right thing or not, as do some of the other volunteers. As they introduce themselves to each other they begin to reassure each other, especially young hottie, Jude! This puts Kassidy at ease for a while as they all prepare for their treatment. Some of the staff seem a little cold and direct, while Doctor Fletcher (also another hottie!), appears friendlier and more accommodating.
The volunteers are expecting to be in Ward 2 overnight and then be off home the following day. But, over the course of the following hours events are not to be as expected. And the horror begins…
The volunteers are advised to rest once they have had their dose of VA20, but for some of them they sense that the atmosphere isn’t right. There is something heavy in the air and sleep is the last thing on Kassidy’s mind. In a matter of minutes the unexplainable happens and the ward becomes a battle scene. It becomes clear that some of them, if any, won’t survive. What the hell is going on? They need to escape, but it’s clear that some of the staff are a part of what’s happening. The only way out is further through the old hospital building and through the dreaded Ward 1!
Just like watching a horror movie, there are creepy and eerie scenes which build up great suspense before the action, gore and bloody mess scenes take place. Lynda O’Rourke sets the mood perfectly.
“I slipped off the bed, tiptoeing toward the curtain, trying to keep my drip from squeaking. Fear raced through my body in contractions. My hand shook as I lifted my arm, reaching out for the curtain. I gasped in air as I pinched the fabric between my thumb and forefinger.
“Don’t do it,” hissed May, her blanket now just below her eyes.”
And again, later, when some of the volunteers have to keep their wits about them from whatever it is that’s after them – it’s like a scene from The Walking Dead, as the author describes the tension and complete awareness that the survivors must have to keep going:
“Pushing open the door, we followed Jude down the corridor. I wished I had another set of eyes in the back of my head. I was constantly checking over my shoulder at the barred windows and the ceiling for any signs of more bloody handprints. My ears were on constant alert. I flinched at every little noise and gasped at shadows flickering through the windows onto the brick walls.”
Kassidy is given a glimmer of hope in the way of Doctor Fletcher. He is warm and friendly and the volunteers take to him easily. Aside from Kassidy he is my favourite character. He, by and large, goes out of his way to help Kassidy, but at the same time has to hide this from his peers. There are moments when his character changes momentarily which cloud doubt to his trustworthiness, but then why is helping at all? His character is full of mystery and is changeable, but this makes him complex and interesting, as well as keeps the reader guessing!
Escaping Cruor Pharma is the one thing on the group’s mind. The reader can feel the sheer desperation they have, especially Kassidy being the main character. But can she escape?
It keeps the reader thrilled from beginning to end, and then some! You’ll be going crazy to read part II of The Kassidy Bell trilogy after the exciting but intense cliff-hanger ending we are left with in Drug.
Drug (The Kassidy Bell trilogy #1) was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.
January 8, 2015
i really dont know what to say . This book was beyond amazing it had me gripped from page one and didn't let go to the end . it's the first book I have finished in one day. Please can we have book two now pretty please.
May 23, 2017
wow this book was gripping right from the start. It had some amazing twist and turns, i never knew what was going to happen next. I read this book in a day, i couldn't put it down. The reading pace was quick and i loved it, the book definatley drew me in.
This book is about a human drug trial that goes wrong and starts turning them into monsters, the ones that didnt turn straight away had to find a way to escape. We uncover so much throughout this book, but there are still so many questions unsolved. I cant wait to buy and read the next two books to see what happens, i was on the edge of my seat all the way through reading.
A total must read!!
i loved the wiring style of this book, it made it even more interesting.
This book is about a human drug trial that goes wrong and starts turning them into monsters, the ones that didnt turn straight away had to find a way to escape. We uncover so much throughout this book, but there are still so many questions unsolved. I cant wait to buy and read the next two books to see what happens, i was on the edge of my seat all the way through reading.
A total must read!!
i loved the wiring style of this book, it made it even more interesting.
January 6, 2015
Holy first novel Batman! Lynda, sweet Lynda. Are you kidding me right now? I DEVOURED this book, starting last night, and making myself put it down at 11 pm so I could try to get some sleep. But as I lay there trying to drift off, all I could think was "just one more chapter, just one more won't hurt..." Yeah cause one turns into five pretty quick like.
After reading DRUG, you would never guess that this is the authors first published novel. I can only imagine the keyboards the O'Rourke family must be burning through. I'm excited for book two! Great story line, intriguing characters, spooky atmosphere, DRUG had it all. Well done Lynda! Your book was amazing!
After reading DRUG, you would never guess that this is the authors first published novel. I can only imagine the keyboards the O'Rourke family must be burning through. I'm excited for book two! Great story line, intriguing characters, spooky atmosphere, DRUG had it all. Well done Lynda! Your book was amazing!
March 19, 2016
WOW just wow!!! I had no idea what scary, bloody, amazing journey this book would take me on!! It was like watching a terrifying move in my mind that kept me hooked from the very first page.
This book is packed with suspense and twists and turns keep you hooked from the very beginning. You root for Kassidy right from the start and will her to be ok....
The ending was amazing too... Cannot wait to start book two right now!!!!!
This book is packed with suspense and twists and turns keep you hooked from the very beginning. You root for Kassidy right from the start and will her to be ok....
The ending was amazing too... Cannot wait to start book two right now!!!!!
May 18, 2016
Fantastic, gripping, edge of the seat
I never normally read these kind of books but it gripped me from the first page. One of the most thrilling books I've ever read! A must read! Slightly gutted the story is pretty short though. Can't wait to finish the others! High praise to the author this is truly amazing story
I never normally read these kind of books but it gripped me from the first page. One of the most thrilling books I've ever read! A must read! Slightly gutted the story is pretty short though. Can't wait to finish the others! High praise to the author this is truly amazing story
August 11, 2015
This was ok... Fairly basic narrative and character depth and a few grammatical errors skipped over in the editing. Original concept I suppose, although it didn't really grab me... I'd read the sequel if it was under a pound but at £2 it's just not piqued my interest enough...
February 9, 2016
Awesome!!! Read this book in 4 hours over 2 days (unfortunately I had to put it down to go to work) loved it. About to buy the next one and get started ASAP. Recommend this book to anyone who loves a good gripping storyline. Can't wait to read more....
December 21, 2016
A very gripping and intense book,
I loved this book, read it in a day, it was intense and gripping, you never knew what was going to happened next. There are so many shocking twists and turns I enjoyed it alot. A definitely most read
I loved this book, read it in a day, it was intense and gripping, you never knew what was going to happened next. There are so many shocking twists and turns I enjoyed it alot. A definitely most read
January 29, 2015
Good read
This was a good and easy read. I didn't expect the ending to it. Definitely made me wanna get the next one!!
This was a good and easy read. I didn't expect the ending to it. Definitely made me wanna get the next one!!
April 2, 2016
Poorly written. Poorly conceived concept. For some reason everyone is in love with the main character, for no other reason than she's described as good looking. Don't waste your time.
September 5, 2016
loved it!, wall to wall action, couldn't put it down, had to rip my self away and amazing story line. This book grabs you from page 1 and keeps a hold of you. had to get book 2.
June 28, 2015
I was really surprised with this book. When I first started reading it I thought this reminds me of a low budget horror I watched. similar story line, which basically is Kassidy needs money and has no job so signs up for a drug trial at Crura Pharma. sounds safe until the drug starts affecting the testers in frightening ways. Kassidy and 4 others are left running for there life's while waiting to see what the drug will do to them.
This story started straight away, from page 1 you are thrown in to the action and horror of easy money by being a human guinea pig. What Kassidy thought was a new life saving drug turns out to be a night of blood soaked horror and a few shocking revalations.
I was surprised at how quick I was drawn in to this book and the descriptions were that good I felt like I was there with Kassidy being hunted down by the mysterious cleaners.
Kassidy was a great character. She was just your average young women down on her luck after her father die's and ends up not listening to her gut instinct to stay away from Crura Pharma, She remains level headed and shines as the would be leader of the small group as they try to escape the hospital and the clutches of Dr Middleton. Her trust of Dr Fletcher is a ongoing mystery. Should she trust him, even though he gave her the drug and sorts of helps her or is he playing her and leading her to some greater horror! Only the next book may offer more.
I just loved the dark aspects of this book, I believe the other book could get darker as the truth is unveiled. I need book 2 now, it ended on such a cliff hanger.
This was just a brilliant book from start to finish. Non stop and no letting up for the reluctant heroine.
This story started straight away, from page 1 you are thrown in to the action and horror of easy money by being a human guinea pig. What Kassidy thought was a new life saving drug turns out to be a night of blood soaked horror and a few shocking revalations.
I was surprised at how quick I was drawn in to this book and the descriptions were that good I felt like I was there with Kassidy being hunted down by the mysterious cleaners.
Kassidy was a great character. She was just your average young women down on her luck after her father die's and ends up not listening to her gut instinct to stay away from Crura Pharma, She remains level headed and shines as the would be leader of the small group as they try to escape the hospital and the clutches of Dr Middleton. Her trust of Dr Fletcher is a ongoing mystery. Should she trust him, even though he gave her the drug and sorts of helps her or is he playing her and leading her to some greater horror! Only the next book may offer more.
I just loved the dark aspects of this book, I believe the other book could get darker as the truth is unveiled. I need book 2 now, it ended on such a cliff hanger.
This was just a brilliant book from start to finish. Non stop and no letting up for the reluctant heroine.
November 29, 2017
Holy crap, what an impressive debut for Lynda O'Rourke.
I could not put this book down and devoured it in one day, the intrigue of the characters and sheer mastery of suspense was incredible for a first time novelist.
I'll be the first to admit that whilst reading Drug I found myself slightly disappointed when I thought it was just zombies as it's not really my thing. It was the dynamics of the group and the constant heavy atmosphere that kept me turning the page, and I'm so glad I did! A few chapters later and we've got a circus of wonderful weirdness with demons as the ringmasters.
Lynda sets the scene perfectly in the run down asylum like hospital. Building the tension and atmosphere until the fear is almost palpable. Kassidy, Jude, Max and Raven have no other choice but to trust each other and face the horror head on if they are to survive and escape Cruor Pharma. Whilst there are edge of your seat scary moments in the book it's the moments that have been allowed to build slowly that are deliciously creepy (like THAT scene with Carly).
The uncertainty of who to trust keeps you guessing, like the mysterious Dr Fletcher who surprised me at every turn. Just when you think you have one of them figured out something will happen to make you question your judgement. Without realising it you find yourself in their shoes wondering what you would do to survive.
Two days after finishing this book and it's still playing on my mind - in my opinion that is the testament of a good writer.
I could not put this book down and devoured it in one day, the intrigue of the characters and sheer mastery of suspense was incredible for a first time novelist.
I'll be the first to admit that whilst reading Drug I found myself slightly disappointed when I thought it was just zombies as it's not really my thing. It was the dynamics of the group and the constant heavy atmosphere that kept me turning the page, and I'm so glad I did! A few chapters later and we've got a circus of wonderful weirdness with demons as the ringmasters.
Lynda sets the scene perfectly in the run down asylum like hospital. Building the tension and atmosphere until the fear is almost palpable. Kassidy, Jude, Max and Raven have no other choice but to trust each other and face the horror head on if they are to survive and escape Cruor Pharma. Whilst there are edge of your seat scary moments in the book it's the moments that have been allowed to build slowly that are deliciously creepy (like THAT scene with Carly).
The uncertainty of who to trust keeps you guessing, like the mysterious Dr Fletcher who surprised me at every turn. Just when you think you have one of them figured out something will happen to make you question your judgement. Without realising it you find yourself in their shoes wondering what you would do to survive.
Two days after finishing this book and it's still playing on my mind - in my opinion that is the testament of a good writer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2014
I was blown away by how good this book was and nothing like I thought it was going to be after reading the blurb. I really liked Kassidy and she seemed very quiet and unassuming in the beginning but started to assert herself more as the story progressed. The bond between the volunteers was certainly tested in more ways than one and the intrigue kept me turning the pages for most of Sunday afternoon.
Never a dull minute and you could actually feel how creepy and disturbing the hospital was let alone be inside of it with them. Lynda took the story in a totally different direction than I was expecting which is a good thing although the cliff hanger at the end was disturbing for a number of reasons which I will leave right there as to not spoil it for anyone else. I can't wait to read the next book, so write quickly please.
Never a dull minute and you could actually feel how creepy and disturbing the hospital was let alone be inside of it with them. Lynda took the story in a totally different direction than I was expecting which is a good thing although the cliff hanger at the end was disturbing for a number of reasons which I will leave right there as to not spoil it for anyone else. I can't wait to read the next book, so write quickly please.
March 9, 2015
Got me from the beginning. Dark, mysterious building that's doing drug trials would get me to turn around and go home, but not Kassidy. Needing money to pay bills she goes ahead and does the drug trials. Making friends having fun is all well and good, till something goes bump in the night. And what a bump it was. Blood, guts and things crawling on the walls and ceiling. Didn't want to put the book down but I knew I had to, only because I had to get some sleep. This is a must read. I can't wait till the next book comes out. Will definitely be the next book. Well done Lynda for a first rate book. Xx
August 27, 2015
Wow! What a fantastic first book, I loved it.
In need of some money, fast, Kassidy Bell decides to take part in a drug trial. Little did she know what she was letting herself in for. Things that go bump in the night are an understatement . Full of creepiness and some scary stuff, I was actually reading this at night and I have to say I was a little creeped out.
I can't wait for the next in the series, hope it comes soon!!
In need of some money, fast, Kassidy Bell decides to take part in a drug trial. Little did she know what she was letting herself in for. Things that go bump in the night are an understatement . Full of creepiness and some scary stuff, I was actually reading this at night and I have to say I was a little creeped out.
I can't wait for the next in the series, hope it comes soon!!
December 5, 2014
OMG what a fantastic book! Was interested from the start and kept me captivated all the way through. Really sucked me in! Funniest thing was when my tablet had a low battery made a noise and I jumped a mile as I was so into the book. Bring on the next Kassidy book I can't wait to see what happens.
Well done Lynda huge congratulations on your book!
Well done Lynda huge congratulations on your book!
January 7, 2015
We follow Kassidy Bell as she gets dragged kicking and screaming into a world where the shadows hold your worst fears and your best chance of surviving is by killing the monster trying bite your face off!
Amazing book, fabulously written and played out. Drug Trials, Jude, Ben, cleaners. OMG. I dont know where to begin....Just Read It!
Amazing book, fabulously written and played out. Drug Trials, Jude, Ben, cleaners. OMG. I dont know where to begin....Just Read It!
September 18, 2015
Wow I can't believe this is the first book ever written by this author. What an intense plot. I devoured this book in just a short period of time. I would love to see this as a movie! The story moves at a quick action packed pace. The premise is absolutely incredible. Crazy things happen in this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves something on the horror side.
April 27, 2016
This book was unnerving and full of tension the whole way through. Something very bad is happening to volunteers who sign up for medical trials and all is not as it seems. Will Kassidy and here new friends get out alive?
This book is the first in a trilogy and I can't wait to find out what will happen next.
This book is the first in a trilogy and I can't wait to find out what will happen next.
February 5, 2015
Did not know what to expect with this book. I was pleasantly surprised with this book and would highly recommend this to others. If you like books that are little different from the normal paranormal then this is definitely for you. Cannot wait for the second instalment of this series
July 5, 2016
Wow fast pace, I could hardly put this down. Drug trials with a difference. This book has Gore lots of Gore. I did not know what to expect but it's very good. Just do not expect answers, this book does not give them. Will have to read the next one.
November 30, 2015
Before starting this book make sure you have time to sit and read for a few hours as you won't be able to put it down, I kept saying just one more chapter and before I knew it I had finished the book!!!
January 11, 2016
This wasn't what I expected in a book. It's gripping just to see where the storyline takes you. Doesn't end in book 1. You need to read book 2. Which I'm about to start. I am enjoying the book but be warned its bloody.
May 15, 2015
What a brilliant first book. This book totally sucks you in and keeps you there. Looking forward to seeing what happens to Kassidy and whether she meets up with her friends in book two.
December 24, 2014
Wow, awesome, rollercoaster, pageturning book.
Can't wait for book 2, please hurry .........
Can't wait for book 2, please hurry .........
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews