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Hard working, passionate and talented, Greg Irving is on the verge of becoming a best-selling author. When his agent requires him to step in as a last-minute replacement for a fellow writer at a lucrative book convention in Sheffield, Greg reluctantly accepts. With only hours to get there, he boards a red-eye coach for the 89-mile trip. With nine hours ahead of him, solitude and silence his only companions, he settles in for the overnight journey.
However, the journey doesn’t go according to plan. After a few miles, a woman boards the bus and, despite the coach being empty, takes the seat next to Greg. The woman is a self-proclaimed fan, a bookworm, someone who has followed his work since the early days. Initially flattered by the attention, Greg soon becomes aware of the woman's alternative agenda, one that slowly twists casual conversation into something a lot more sinister…
However, the journey doesn’t go according to plan. After a few miles, a woman boards the bus and, despite the coach being empty, takes the seat next to Greg. The woman is a self-proclaimed fan, a bookworm, someone who has followed his work since the early days. Initially flattered by the attention, Greg soon becomes aware of the woman's alternative agenda, one that slowly twists casual conversation into something a lot more sinister…
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 29, 2016
9 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Keane
55 books145 followersAt the age of seven, I fell in love with the written word. Since that fateful day, I've dreamt of writing my own novels. In April 2014, twenty-five years later, that dream finally came true.
Writing is, and always has been, my passion. I revel in creating characters, unique worlds, realistic environments, and situations and stories that hook the reader. Reading stories of this kind inspires me so returning the favour has always been important to me, as a writer and a fan of literature.
I'm also a co-director at Dark Chapter Press, an English-based horror publisher, so pop over to my website for more information, including a fan club, the latest submission calls and new releases.
Writing is, and always has been, my passion. I revel in creating characters, unique worlds, realistic environments, and situations and stories that hook the reader. Reading stories of this kind inspires me so returning the favour has always been important to me, as a writer and a fan of literature.
I'm also a co-director at Dark Chapter Press, an English-based horror publisher, so pop over to my website for more information, including a fan club, the latest submission calls and new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 22, 2016
A train ride…
An author…
And a beautiful woman what could possible go wrong?
Greg is an author and also an introvert, who keeps to himself and likes it that way. When his agent forces him to attend a conference, although he is hesitant, he complies.
While on a nine-hour train ride, he meets a woman named Jessica, she is easy on the eyes and although he is not normally social, he engages into conversation and soon learns this beautiful woman is a….
When the train wrecks, Greg finds himself alone with Jessica and it’s when the real fun starts.
This story was amazing from beginning to end, the world building, the anticipation I felt as I flipped through the pages, engaged me so deeply I was sad when it ended. Stuart Keane created flawed characters and his intense descriptions were out of this world. Absolutely loved this book and I would like to thank Maxine for recommending it to me!
An author…
And a beautiful woman what could possible go wrong?
Greg is an author and also an introvert, who keeps to himself and likes it that way. When his agent forces him to attend a conference, although he is hesitant, he complies.
While on a nine-hour train ride, he meets a woman named Jessica, she is easy on the eyes and although he is not normally social, he engages into conversation and soon learns this beautiful woman is a….
When the train wrecks, Greg finds himself alone with Jessica and it’s when the real fun starts.
This story was amazing from beginning to end, the world building, the anticipation I felt as I flipped through the pages, engaged me so deeply I was sad when it ended. Stuart Keane created flawed characters and his intense descriptions were out of this world. Absolutely loved this book and I would like to thank Maxine for recommending it to me!
August 2, 2016
Wow that was intense, just loved it!! Mt Keane really knows how to give you some bang for your buck and takes you on a really wild ride. Greg Irving is becoming a very successful author and his agent asks him to attend a book convention as someone else has had to pull out. Even though he really does not want to, Greg decides to attend so soon finds himself on a coach to the convention for the next seven hours. The coach is virtually empty and after a short while the bus picks up another passenger, a woman. The woman enters the bus and of all the empty seats available she decides to take the seat next to Greg's, this is the beginning of Greg's nightmare. Gripping, thrilling, edge of your seat reading, highly recommended.
May 7, 2020
This was a very intense "psycho" thriller that kept me glued to my kindle the more I became involved in the storyline! Also this was the first book I have read by this author and it will not be my last.
Greg Irving is an up and coming author who decides to board a train as he needs to go to a book convention. It will be a long trip as he has a nine hour journey ahead of him. He boards the train hoping that no one sits next to him as he would like to just relax and enjoy the ride.
There will be no relaxation on this trip as Jessica, a woman that loves his books decides to sit down next to him. Greg is anything but thrilled as she likes to talk and starts drilling him about his books. He thinks she is harmless at first, but as time goes on, Greg finds out that she has more on her mind than just talking about his books. She is wanting something from him and she will do anything to get it.
What should have been a calm ride on the train turns into nightmare from hell as "Jessica" goes from being harmless to dangerous within a few miles.
This book was an edge of the seat thriller that I wasn't expecting and it took me on a ride that I will soon not forget!
Four stars on this one.
Greg Irving is an up and coming author who decides to board a train as he needs to go to a book convention. It will be a long trip as he has a nine hour journey ahead of him. He boards the train hoping that no one sits next to him as he would like to just relax and enjoy the ride.
There will be no relaxation on this trip as Jessica, a woman that loves his books decides to sit down next to him. Greg is anything but thrilled as she likes to talk and starts drilling him about his books. He thinks she is harmless at first, but as time goes on, Greg finds out that she has more on her mind than just talking about his books. She is wanting something from him and she will do anything to get it.
What should have been a calm ride on the train turns into nightmare from hell as "Jessica" goes from being harmless to dangerous within a few miles.
This book was an edge of the seat thriller that I wasn't expecting and it took me on a ride that I will soon not forget!
Four stars on this one.
March 1, 2016
I received an advanced reader copy of Stuart Keane's offering; 89, we follow the story of a succesful author; Greg Irving. A man that has made himself succesful at writing by insisting on pushing himself, and by his own integrity. He has three simple rules that he abides by to remain productive;
Write 5000 words per day, minimum, no excuses.
To remain off the internet duting this time.
Always take Sunday's off as a break.
Greg is a man that likes to keep strange hours, preferring the solace that the early morning hours offer to write. He is a also a man addicted to coffee. I had to do a double take at one point at the beginning of this book, as I felt I may have been reading Keane's own memoirs..
The book begins with Greg just finishing up an all night writing shift, after hammering out 15,000 words in order to meet a tight writing deadline. With the work almost complete and ready to go, he makes the mistake of resting his eyes for a moment.
Three hours later, and Greg is awoken by a phone call from his agent; Sean, explaining that there has been a hitch with another author, who is meant to be attending a convention in Sheffield the following day. Although originally protesting, he finds himself contractually bound to attend.
The only problem is that Greg, doesn't drive, so decides that he will take a National Express bus. Travelling through the night would allow for a quieter journey, allowing for some peace and quiet, a little reading, and maybe a nap.
Booking his tickets, he grabs some food at a restaurant near to the station, and the bus sets off at 10pm to arrive in Sheffield the following morning. A journey that consists of 89 miles of road. Having checked with the driver, only four people have booked for the trip - bliss. Armed with his iPod and Kindle, Gregg finds a good seat, and settles down ready for the long trip ahead.
Everything is going well, until another passenger; Jessica boards the bus, and takes the seat right next to him. From this point inwards, things start to get a little interesting.
The first thing that I will say about this book, is that it's unlike the violent, depraved horror stories that Keane's readers may have become accustomed to reading, and more like the style of his first book; The Customer is Always... However, in 89, he makes the reader feel just as uncomfortable, only in a totally different way.
The writing is typical of Keane; intense, atmospheric, dark and brooding. From the moment that Greg gets onto the bus, you know that something is going to happen, but you are unsure of what, and in which order it is going to be played out.
There are a couple of plot twists that are really quite clever, and work well with the story. Its a psychological thrill thats up there with the best of them. It's a slow burn to begin with, but all good things come to those who wait.
Right up to the end, you're left guessing, up until the finale where once more, Keane can't resist throwing in just one last aspect for good measure.
There are certain authors, that I could identify their work without being told who it was written by. Stuart Keane is quickly becoming one of those writers for me, the consistent level of quality and distinction of his work is phenomenal. There is nothing stopping him at the moment. He has proven that he can write shorts that scare the pants off people, he is capable of full length novels ranging from contemporary horror though to urban tales of revenge and heroics, and now comes back with a superbly taut thriller. Fans of writers such as James Patterson or Lee Child will lap this up.
My rating 5/5. A great read.
March 8, 2016
An author heading to Sheffield for a boring convention,what could go wrong? Only 4 tickets bought for this trip so should be peace and quiet all the way..... Until a woman boards the bus and sits next to him. A tense gripping story that'll keep you guessing and frustrated with certain events until the unexpected ending. Loved it.
March 2, 2016
A literal psychological thrill ride
Keane does it again! Beware of public transport...this book was creepy greedy goodness! I was on the edge of my seat scared worried and nervous for Greg throughout the tale, but I can't give anything away so pick up your copy to find out why! Most highly recommend to all fans of modern horror!!
Keane does it again! Beware of public transport...this book was creepy greedy goodness! I was on the edge of my seat scared worried and nervous for Greg throughout the tale, but I can't give anything away so pick up your copy to find out why! Most highly recommend to all fans of modern horror!!
March 4, 2016
89 is tightly wound one sitting read about fanaticism and fame... Or is it? Greg, our main character, is not a very likable fellow, intentionally. All about his craft and the regulated bubble he's constructed around himself, he seems to have little regard for others.
Which plays out well he Greg is removed from his comfort zone. His interactions with others are genuinely awkward. And when Jessica enters the game civility deconstructs quickly and harshly. She has a nice multi-layered psychosis thing going on. Her faux intentions, actual intentions, and subconscious intentions clash head on.
The back-and-fourth between Greg and Jessica is fun in a sadistic way, as they size each other up before staking their claim. And when the endgame drops it does so in spectacular fashion. Messy, intense, exciting.
I had a great time with this read, and actually would have liked it to have been a bit longer. I dug both main characters and a bit more cat and mouse would have been great. As it is, 89 is an effective thriller.
I'm still having a hard time wrapping my head around a proposed 9 hour eta for an 89 mile bus trip. Maybe that's my California showing.
Overall score: 4/5
Zakk is a big dumb animal!
The Eyes of Madness
Www.facebook.com/themouthsofmadness
Which plays out well he Greg is removed from his comfort zone. His interactions with others are genuinely awkward. And when Jessica enters the game civility deconstructs quickly and harshly. She has a nice multi-layered psychosis thing going on. Her faux intentions, actual intentions, and subconscious intentions clash head on.
The back-and-fourth between Greg and Jessica is fun in a sadistic way, as they size each other up before staking their claim. And when the endgame drops it does so in spectacular fashion. Messy, intense, exciting.
I had a great time with this read, and actually would have liked it to have been a bit longer. I dug both main characters and a bit more cat and mouse would have been great. As it is, 89 is an effective thriller.
I'm still having a hard time wrapping my head around a proposed 9 hour eta for an 89 mile bus trip. Maybe that's my California showing.
Overall score: 4/5
Zakk is a big dumb animal!
The Eyes of Madness
Www.facebook.com/themouthsofmadness
March 9, 2016
This is possibly my favourite Stuart Keane book to date. After dropping off to sleep while reading 89 (nothing to do with the story, it was a long day!), I managed to find myself on the same coach as Greg and Jessica. It was all a dream of course but that is how vivid a picture Keane paints for us. He builds the tension in a very innocuous setting, which makes it all the more dramatic.
I loved it. Loved the twists; the ending was perfect too.
Fantastic stuff!
I loved it. Loved the twists; the ending was perfect too.
Fantastic stuff!
March 3, 2019
An absolute triumph here, folks. This book delivers thrill, excitement, suspense and well-constructed characters in a well-written story. Will definitely be reading more from this author.
March 23, 2016
Stuart Keane is swiftly becoming the master of writing creepy characters and I'm pleased to say that he keeps up that trait in his latest offering.
89 is a brilliant story from start to finish which flows at a great pace. The end of every chapter wants you yearning for more until you realised that you've finished, and in usual Keane fashion he gives you another fabulous ending to chew on for a few hours after. Keane manages to create the usual descriptive dark tone that he is becoming famous for, and ramps it up a notch in this story.
One thing I do know after reading this is that if I get on a late night bus I'll be keeping an eye on each and every person that also boards!
89 is a brilliant story from start to finish which flows at a great pace. The end of every chapter wants you yearning for more until you realised that you've finished, and in usual Keane fashion he gives you another fabulous ending to chew on for a few hours after. Keane manages to create the usual descriptive dark tone that he is becoming famous for, and ramps it up a notch in this story.
One thing I do know after reading this is that if I get on a late night bus I'll be keeping an eye on each and every person that also boards!
March 22, 2016
I enjoy everything that comes from Stuart's mind and this little gem was no different. A great psychological read about a successful author who encounters his worst nightmare on a night bus ride to a convention.
It had a great twist at the end and I would definitely recommend to any horror fans, especially if you're not a fan of public transport!
I was just a little confused as to why it would take 9 hours to travel 89 miles, not that it really matters!
It had a great twist at the end and I would definitely recommend to any horror fans, especially if you're not a fan of public transport!
I was just a little confused as to why it would take 9 hours to travel 89 miles, not that it really matters!
April 27, 2016
A bus journey to hell
I loved this book. Greg Irvine is a writer who is on his way to Sheffield for a convention when a woman sits beside him. He's surprised as there's lots of empty seats on the bus. When she declares herself a fan, he's impressed and they start chatting but as time goes on he realises she wants something more sinister from him. It was horrific seeing how things change on the bus. I loved it and didn't see where it would go.
I loved this book. Greg Irvine is a writer who is on his way to Sheffield for a convention when a woman sits beside him. He's surprised as there's lots of empty seats on the bus. When she declares herself a fan, he's impressed and they start chatting but as time goes on he realises she wants something more sinister from him. It was horrific seeing how things change on the bus. I loved it and didn't see where it would go.
April 10, 2016
Great story
Very enjoyable story, could no put it down. Stuart Keane's writing style is faultless recommended read for all psychological horror fans
Very enjoyable story, could no put it down. Stuart Keane's writing style is faultless recommended read for all psychological horror fans
May 9, 2016
Not a bad read but how does it take 9 hours to travel 89 miles? This is a glaring flaw to the story.
July 10, 2016
89
It could of been better maybe because of the short time frame in the book that he had to write it didn't care for the ending
It could of been better maybe because of the short time frame in the book that he had to write it didn't care for the ending
April 17, 2023
Very short and not a lot has happened in this book. I’m terrible with distance and the time it takes to travel it, especially when it’s miles and not kilometers, so the discrepancy about it taking nine hours to travel 89 miles went beyond my head, but I can tell you that not much has made sense to me in this one.
Really I don’t have a lot to say for such a short story, just that I had a hard time following/caring for the main character, didn’t like/care for the storyline, didn’t get the ending, and the gory details I could do without. I usually save 1star ratings to the really offensive reads, so just the 2 stars for this one. This just wasn’t my story. Also, I’ve written way more than I thought I could for just 73 pages.
Peace.
Really I don’t have a lot to say for such a short story, just that I had a hard time following/caring for the main character, didn’t like/care for the storyline, didn’t get the ending, and the gory details I could do without. I usually save 1star ratings to the really offensive reads, so just the 2 stars for this one. This just wasn’t my story. Also, I’ve written way more than I thought I could for just 73 pages.
Peace.
March 8, 2018
89 starts with author Greg Irving travelling to Sheffield by coach. The 89 mile journey takes a sudden turn when Jessica sits besides him, on a near empty coach, and claims she is a huge fan. Initially flattered, he soon realises Jessica has a dark past.
I did enjoy this book. The world was built up so descriptively, I felt as though I were there with them. I did not see the ending coming, and I would have liked this book to be longer.
I will definitely be reading Stuart Keane again soon!
I did enjoy this book. The world was built up so descriptively, I felt as though I were there with them. I did not see the ending coming, and I would have liked this book to be longer.
I will definitely be reading Stuart Keane again soon!
June 3, 2016
This wasn't great. Again I'm confused by the high star reviews, so maybe it's me. Very short, I read in about 30minutes.
So. This guy is a moderately successful author. With an agent. We've already read he's reasonably financially secure...He dislikes people and apparently is unable to drive (people who don't drive by choice baffle me anyway.)
Therefore, given this is a mere 89 mile journey, ( which inexplicably is a nine hour journey, a driver would have been there in a maximum of two hours), his confessed dislike of public transport, personality traits and financial status. I find it utterly implausible that he wouldn't pay a driver for the day. Given the looming deadline, I find it equally implausible his agency wouldn't pay a driver either.
(What are 'consistent waitresses'? )
The author clearly loves Stephen King. This feels like he read ' On Writing' and went for it. Unfortunately, he skipped the whole section on 'show, don't tell' and goes with over description. He goes for the horror movie jump ending, didn't really pull it off.
So. This guy is a moderately successful author. With an agent. We've already read he's reasonably financially secure...He dislikes people and apparently is unable to drive (people who don't drive by choice baffle me anyway.)
Therefore, given this is a mere 89 mile journey, ( which inexplicably is a nine hour journey, a driver would have been there in a maximum of two hours), his confessed dislike of public transport, personality traits and financial status. I find it utterly implausible that he wouldn't pay a driver for the day. Given the looming deadline, I find it equally implausible his agency wouldn't pay a driver either.
(What are 'consistent waitresses'? )
The author clearly loves Stephen King. This feels like he read ' On Writing' and went for it. Unfortunately, he skipped the whole section on 'show, don't tell' and goes with over description. He goes for the horror movie jump ending, didn't really pull it off.
October 14, 2017
This is one of those books that will make you insanely uncomfortable while you’re reading it, but in a good way. Keane drops his main character into a pressure cooker and wastes no time turning up the heat. By the time the story reaches the first of its two shocking conclusions, you’ll be ready to jump right out of your skin.
Read my full review over at AdventuresInPoorTaste.com
July 17, 2016
I am glad this was a short read. The initial plot of this book could have made for a great read.... It didn't.
It was completely far fetched beyond belief. I will remember this book for all the wrong reasons. I don't like to give a rating below three stars usually but I feel I have wasted an hour of my lifer on this nonsense
It was completely far fetched beyond belief. I will remember this book for all the wrong reasons. I don't like to give a rating below three stars usually but I feel I have wasted an hour of my lifer on this nonsense
June 24, 2016
Misery on the bus
Yes, that review title is supposed to have a double meaning. This was a fairly enjoyable read with a good premise and interesting characters. I enjoyed the author's writing and chuckled mightily at the ending. Well done.
Yes, that review title is supposed to have a double meaning. This was a fairly enjoyable read with a good premise and interesting characters. I enjoyed the author's writing and chuckled mightily at the ending. Well done.
January 2, 2017
This book was different I was not expecting it to be about an author who has a stalker. The stalker was very cruel and just a bad person. A killer as well. It was ok of a book for me the ending was good but I was not drawn into this story as much as I wanted to be. I just I was hoping for more.
August 27, 2016
CREEPY TALE
This author has written a thriller with an original plot. The short book is written well, and if you like this genre, this book is for you.
This author has written a thriller with an original plot. The short book is written well, and if you like this genre, this book is for you.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews