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The Uncanny Chronicles #2
Darkness in the Valley: An Uncanny Dossier
Return to Uncanny Valley …the remarkable town supposedly destroyed in 1948, where paranormal is normal and the unusual is traditional. Now it reaches out from the past again through an extraordinary bundle of journals and documents that chronicle a season of the community’s darkest hours. It is 1909, and Uncanny Valley’s tranquility is shattered by greed and distrust after the offer of a full-scale buyout by Tarkington Mining. Yet when the residents take blind Ben Driscoll’s advice, “Don’t sell,” an even greater shadow quickly descends – one that uses human weakness as a weapon – and its purpose is darker than anyone can imagine. Together, Norton Weiss, Emmett Fielding, and Roger Burlington try to counter the growing incidents of intimidation and destruction. But after an evening of unspeakably brutal murders, the whole town – both the living and the dead – has to strike back, using every strange skill and hidden secret at its disposal. With Darkness in the Valley, author Gregory Miller has crafted a spellbinding novel, bringing back familiar characters from The Uncanny Valley and introducing many new ones, all of whom are indispensable to this small borderland community balanced precariously on the edge of two worlds.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 16, 2018
"Three men," he said, sipping the second drink. "We just got done hiding the bodies."
"What? Come again?"
"Bodies, Nort. Bodies. Three of 'em. Jesus, you make this difficult."
"Roger, forgive my thick head, but what the hell are you talking about?"
He took a deep breath. "Well," he said . . .
Tarkington Mining Company wants to buy Uncanny Valley. The residents are more than a little reluctant to sell. And, when a young boy's "pet" makes mincemeat of some of the company's ruffians, it ignites a war between the town and the corporation, between the haves and the have-nots, and between good and evil.
". . . something darker than a businessman's greed has come to Uncanny . . . "
The mining company may have an army of thugs, but the villagers have more than a few tricks up their sleeves . . . tricks involving invisible things with sharp teeth, and even sharper claws.
This was just a fun, fun read. I really enjoyed the "little guy VS Goliath" theme, and the suspense was palpable as the big showdown on Darkest Night approached. The story is set right around Halloween, so this makes for a great October chiller.
"What? Come again?"
"Bodies, Nort. Bodies. Three of 'em. Jesus, you make this difficult."
"Roger, forgive my thick head, but what the hell are you talking about?"
He took a deep breath. "Well," he said . . .
Tarkington Mining Company wants to buy Uncanny Valley. The residents are more than a little reluctant to sell. And, when a young boy's "pet" makes mincemeat of some of the company's ruffians, it ignites a war between the town and the corporation, between the haves and the have-nots, and between good and evil.
". . . something darker than a businessman's greed has come to Uncanny . . . "
The mining company may have an army of thugs, but the villagers have more than a few tricks up their sleeves . . . tricks involving invisible things with sharp teeth, and even sharper claws.
This was just a fun, fun read. I really enjoyed the "little guy VS Goliath" theme, and the suspense was palpable as the big showdown on Darkest Night approached. The story is set right around Halloween, so this makes for a great October chiller.
December 17, 2016
A strange and interesting place to live
I really enjoyed The Uncanny Valley, a sort of bizarre Lake Wobegon. This novel was more linear, making it easier to read in fits and starts. In addition to supernatural horror, there are also strong fantasy elements. The people of Uncanny Valley have the strengths of small town and rural people everywhere but more so. A necessity in order to live in a place as unusual and dangerous as this town and valley. The characters are well developed real people, many of them people you would like to know.
I really enjoyed The Uncanny Valley, a sort of bizarre Lake Wobegon. This novel was more linear, making it easier to read in fits and starts. In addition to supernatural horror, there are also strong fantasy elements. The people of Uncanny Valley have the strengths of small town and rural people everywhere but more so. A necessity in order to live in a place as unusual and dangerous as this town and valley. The characters are well developed real people, many of them people you would like to know.
May 21, 2018
Two books
I read both Uncanny books back to back before I posted a
review. What a wonderful set of books it makes me almost sad to come to the end. I am going to miss the people I have come to know and come to know them I did. I keep looking looking for something to show that their story carries on so far nothing how can that be
I read both Uncanny books back to back before I posted a
review. What a wonderful set of books it makes me almost sad to come to the end. I am going to miss the people I have come to know and come to know them I did. I keep looking looking for something to show that their story carries on so far nothing how can that be
May 27, 2020
Another exellent bit of strange weirdness and horror from Uncanny Valley, an excellent sequel/prequel to the first book that looks at some of the deeper mysteries and secrets of said valley. The main story is about a mining magnate coming in to take over the town, the terror and mayhem that comes after it and a bit more insight into the type of people that are involved. Very enjoyable and a great ending.
May 21, 2018
Fantastic read
Like the last book and the town of Uncanny itself, the book draws you in with its warm and quirks. And like both again you discover its secrets, it's darkness, the magic and its heart. Fair to say I loved it and will be recommending it to others. A truly satisfying read.
Like the last book and the town of Uncanny itself, the book draws you in with its warm and quirks. And like both again you discover its secrets, it's darkness, the magic and its heart. Fair to say I loved it and will be recommending it to others. A truly satisfying read.
October 18, 2017
Uncanny Mystery
I love this book! It's an eerie tale, well told. I will definitely be reading more from this talented author. Thank you Mr. Miller.
I love this book! It's an eerie tale, well told. I will definitely be reading more from this talented author. Thank you Mr. Miller.
October 7, 2018
I love these books so much. Have a new appreciation for Roger Burlington.
February 21, 2017
Great read!
If only my Kindle's battery could last more than a few hours! This story was exciting, sad, terrifying, sweet and horrifying in turns. I both wanted to visit a place like Uncanny Valley, but avoid a place like Uncanny Valley all at the same time. If one has ever been privileged to visit, and even live in a small town, one is lucky indeed. To live in one where neighbors feel more like family and are there for one another in even the darkest of times are blessed.
If only my Kindle's battery could last more than a few hours! This story was exciting, sad, terrifying, sweet and horrifying in turns. I both wanted to visit a place like Uncanny Valley, but avoid a place like Uncanny Valley all at the same time. If one has ever been privileged to visit, and even live in a small town, one is lucky indeed. To live in one where neighbors feel more like family and are there for one another in even the darkest of times are blessed.
May 27, 2018
Nice place to visit, not sure I want to live there
After reading the first book, I thought the unusual format would lend itself to many more sequels. But, this second book despite still leaving many untied threads, and teases of what could be the focus of additional books, is a satisfying conclusion. Despite dark horror , multitudes of creepy denizens, gruesome deaths, both books have charm humor and a thread of love of friends and family.
After reading the first book, I thought the unusual format would lend itself to many more sequels. But, this second book despite still leaving many untied threads, and teases of what could be the focus of additional books, is a satisfying conclusion. Despite dark horror , multitudes of creepy denizens, gruesome deaths, both books have charm humor and a thread of love of friends and family.
April 23, 2017
Darkness in the Valley: An Uncanny Dossier
There are many things in the world that we will never understand. Most of the unusual happenings or sightings have no explanation. Are they real ? This is something we must each decide for ourselves. Great storyline.
There are many things in the world that we will never understand. Most of the unusual happenings or sightings have no explanation. Are they real ? This is something we must each decide for ourselves. Great storyline.
June 17, 2018
For anyone interested IN good storytelling
A good tale with a happy ending. For anyone who likes entertaining fiction with a dash of the paranormal and intrigue.
A good tale with a happy ending. For anyone who likes entertaining fiction with a dash of the paranormal and intrigue.
June 4, 2021
I enjoyed this very much. If you liked the first book ( I really, really did) then you owe it to yourself to...at least start it?
I like the whole "Haunted Town with Freaky People" thing...reminds me of Stephen King's Derry, Maine and that old show, Carnivale? It's got some likable characters and some great supernatural goings-on.
I like the whole "Haunted Town with Freaky People" thing...reminds me of Stephen King's Derry, Maine and that old show, Carnivale? It's got some likable characters and some great supernatural goings-on.
March 17, 2022
I find this book hard to describe. It is well written and not quite like any other mystery I have crossed paths with. Evil lurks in every corner but is battled by ordinary townsfolk who may be more than they appear. The book is enriched with the fabulous illustrations by artist John York.
February 8, 2018
The "Uncanny" books by Mr. Miller are difficult to categorize. Dark, yet hopeful, dead serious, but playful at times. Definitely worth reading, and probably worth re-reading.
January 15, 2023
Excellent
Second book I've read in the series and it does not disappoint.
Ray Bradbury would be pleased to know his legacy continues.
Second book I've read in the series and it does not disappoint.
Ray Bradbury would be pleased to know his legacy continues.
November 21, 2016
I loved the first Uncanny Valley book, and this one is a worthy follow-up. Whereas the various stories in the first story were largely self-contained, this book has a definite story arc: Set in the early 1900s, it follows the events when a mining company tries to take over the town. This being Uncanny Valley, there are many supernatural goings-on that affect how things play out.
Like the first book, the story is told through residents' stories, in this case mostly excerpts from people's personal journals. It's an unusual format that Miller pulls off very well. This approach provides the intimacy of first-person narration without being stuck in one's person perspective.
I would categorize this book as dark fantasy rather than horror, since I never experienced the stress that tends to come with horror, only the curiosity about what would happen. Regardless of the genre, I highly recommend it.
Like the first book, the story is told through residents' stories, in this case mostly excerpts from people's personal journals. It's an unusual format that Miller pulls off very well. This approach provides the intimacy of first-person narration without being stuck in one's person perspective.
I would categorize this book as dark fantasy rather than horror, since I never experienced the stress that tends to come with horror, only the curiosity about what would happen. Regardless of the genre, I highly recommend it.
August 20, 2016
Though not quite as captivating as Tales from a Lost Town, the individual stories make a rough timeline of a single story - taken from different views and days in the lives of individuals or the town as a whole.
Well written, easy to read, but worth a slow read for all the little nuances. Being written as journal entries works here, where it often fails done by other writers. Got to say I loved the entries with the Town Hall meetings and the interesting people sent by Tarkington Mining.
I look forward to all of Mr. Millers books.
Well written, easy to read, but worth a slow read for all the little nuances. Being written as journal entries works here, where it often fails done by other writers. Got to say I loved the entries with the Town Hall meetings and the interesting people sent by Tarkington Mining.
I look forward to all of Mr. Millers books.
January 16, 2017
This book was much longer than it needed to be. It started out well but then it soon became redundant. There were too many characters to keep up with and because of it all being written as journal entries, it was extremely choppy and didn't flow smoothly. I was ready for it to be over, which is a first when it comes to Miller's work. I found myself speed reading and eventually skimming through which is another first for any book I've ever read.
May 14, 2021
All the love to this author
This book like the first, weaves a spell around you and doesn't let go till the end. Uncanny valley and darkness in the valley have become some of my favorite books, like coffee on a cool morning or a favorite blanket, these have become my comfort books. I so wish uncanny valley was real, it's like a homecoming. That small town, laid back, lazy days kind of life with a little strange on the side.
This book like the first, weaves a spell around you and doesn't let go till the end. Uncanny valley and darkness in the valley have become some of my favorite books, like coffee on a cool morning or a favorite blanket, these have become my comfort books. I so wish uncanny valley was real, it's like a homecoming. That small town, laid back, lazy days kind of life with a little strange on the side.
June 10, 2016
OMG. This book had me gasping out loud, stopping in the middle of the road, and generally freaking out. VERY well written, even better than the Uncanny Valley. I may wind up buying this for my collection. Gregory Miller writes in a fashion similar to Steven King, but the stories are a little more fast-paced and run from whimsical, to alarming, to full-on creepy. Highly recommend.
October 29, 2016
Excellent.
This tale works alone, but it goes beautifully with the book of short stories from uncanny valley.
It's haunting, scary but not gory, and I had to read it in one go, I cared so much about the fate of the valley.
It's an old style, classic, scary book. Real terror for the characters, not the cheap jump scare type. Superb.
This tale works alone, but it goes beautifully with the book of short stories from uncanny valley.
It's haunting, scary but not gory, and I had to read it in one go, I cared so much about the fate of the valley.
It's an old style, classic, scary book. Real terror for the characters, not the cheap jump scare type. Superb.
October 29, 2016
Brilliant reading !!
Couldn't put it down,sad to finish .can't wait to read more about Uncanny Valley.The place really does set to you.
Couldn't put it down,sad to finish .can't wait to read more about Uncanny Valley.The place really does set to you.
November 26, 2016
how are these books not huge hits? WOW
May 3, 2017
It's a magical, engrossing, intriguing read, though I did not enjoy it as much as I did the first volume, perhaps because the supernatural element is more overt than in that collection. Nevertheless Uncanny Valley is a place I'd want to visit again.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews