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The Conveyance
Beneath the calm waters and pastoral fields of Emersville, a deadly secret lurks. But when psychologist Dr. Brad Jordan stumbles upon the odd happenings in the town, he sets off a series of tragedies that threatens to expose a danger long kept hidden from the world. Relentlessly following a trail of madness, suicide, and murder, he soon finds himself confronted with a massive conspiracy, and a sinister device known as the Conveyance.
Matthews, who holds a graduate degree in psychology, draws on his vast experience as a therapist to weave a tale of abuse, betrayal, hope, and terror. The Conveyance is his third book.
Matthews, who holds a graduate degree in psychology, draws on his vast experience as a therapist to weave a tale of abuse, betrayal, hope, and terror. The Conveyance is his third book.
258 pages, Paperback
Published June 17, 2016
383 people want to read
About the author
Brian W. Matthews
10 books52 followersBrian W. Matthews came to writing later in life--roughly at the half-century mark, in fact. It was in the Fall of 2010 that he was approached to contribute a story to the cyberpunk multimedia anthology, Foreshadows: The Ghosts of Zero. He enjoyed that experience so much that he decided to try writing a novel. The result was his debut horror novel, Forever Man, which garnered many positive reviews. His other books include Revelation and The Conveyance.
Brian hales from the southeast Michigan, where he still lives with his wife, daughter, and two step-daughters. When he isn't writing, he is developing investment portfolios. During his off time (what little there is of it), he enjoys golfing, reading, and playing guitar.
Brian hales from the southeast Michigan, where he still lives with his wife, daughter, and two step-daughters. When he isn't writing, he is developing investment portfolios. During his off time (what little there is of it), he enjoys golfing, reading, and playing guitar.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 16, 2016
Review copy
The first third of The Conveyance was about ordinary people leading mostly ordinary lives. Before you know it, Brian W. Mathews lulls the reader into a comfort zone brought on by his easy-going writing style.
Mathews has a gift for developing strong characters who interact with one another in the most genuine of ways. Therapist/patient, husband/wife, best friends Everyone of those relationships was one-hundred-percent believable. It's a good thing too, because a lot of what happens in The Conveyance requires readers to check their disbelief at the door.
A visit to Emersville and a quaint little shop called Lost Desires and it's like Brad and Toni have suddenly found themselves in The Twilight Zone. It's at this shop where they purchase a Raggedy Ann type doll which will only be a a small part of the terror that's coming.
Mixed with the terror were a number of of nice similes. Things like, "This part of Michigan was farm country, wide open and flatter than the Lions' defense." And, "I turned to face my house, a sagging, post-war rambler that was one-part charm and three-parts home maintenance nightmare." I'm a sucker for this kind of stuff.
The Conveyance was one of my most enjoyable reads in recent memory. It does stray into some strange territory, yet manages to convey a good bit of terror along the way. Plenty of twists and turns, a dollop of violence, and periods of immense sorrow.
If you like a gritty story, with great characters, and a bit of the fantastic. You can't get much better than The Conveyance. I found it to be a hoot and a half.
Highly recommended.
The Conveyance is published by JournalStone and is available in both paperback and e-book formats.
By day, Brian W. Matthews works as a financial planner, but after the sun goes down he scribes stories meant to entertain and, perhaps, terrify. When he isn't developing investment portfolios or crafting tales of monsters and madmen, he tries valiantly to knock a little white ball over the rolling green hills of a golf course without hitting traps or trees. His previous works include two short stories, both of which appeared in the anthology, Foreshadows: The Ghosts of Zero. His novels include Forever Man and its sequel, Revelation. I've read them both and can highly recommend them. Brian lives in southeast Michigan with his wife, daughter, and two step-daughters.
The first third of The Conveyance was about ordinary people leading mostly ordinary lives. Before you know it, Brian W. Mathews lulls the reader into a comfort zone brought on by his easy-going writing style.
Mathews has a gift for developing strong characters who interact with one another in the most genuine of ways. Therapist/patient, husband/wife, best friends Everyone of those relationships was one-hundred-percent believable. It's a good thing too, because a lot of what happens in The Conveyance requires readers to check their disbelief at the door.
A visit to Emersville and a quaint little shop called Lost Desires and it's like Brad and Toni have suddenly found themselves in The Twilight Zone. It's at this shop where they purchase a Raggedy Ann type doll which will only be a a small part of the terror that's coming.
Mixed with the terror were a number of of nice similes. Things like, "This part of Michigan was farm country, wide open and flatter than the Lions' defense." And, "I turned to face my house, a sagging, post-war rambler that was one-part charm and three-parts home maintenance nightmare." I'm a sucker for this kind of stuff.
The Conveyance was one of my most enjoyable reads in recent memory. It does stray into some strange territory, yet manages to convey a good bit of terror along the way. Plenty of twists and turns, a dollop of violence, and periods of immense sorrow.
If you like a gritty story, with great characters, and a bit of the fantastic. You can't get much better than The Conveyance. I found it to be a hoot and a half.
Highly recommended.
The Conveyance is published by JournalStone and is available in both paperback and e-book formats.
By day, Brian W. Matthews works as a financial planner, but after the sun goes down he scribes stories meant to entertain and, perhaps, terrify. When he isn't developing investment portfolios or crafting tales of monsters and madmen, he tries valiantly to knock a little white ball over the rolling green hills of a golf course without hitting traps or trees. His previous works include two short stories, both of which appeared in the anthology, Foreshadows: The Ghosts of Zero. His novels include Forever Man and its sequel, Revelation. I've read them both and can highly recommend them. Brian lives in southeast Michigan with his wife, daughter, and two step-daughters.
October 21, 2016
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Conveyance by Brian W. Mathews is a splendid Supernatural Thriller novel.
The author has cleverly used his background as a psychiatrist to use in the novel as the protagonist's profession. The struggles and the conflicts of the main lead were so realistic that i was able to connect with him right away and the bond only deepedned as the story progressed further.
I was literally pulled into the book right from the very beginning, where the main lead is shown talking to one of his patients (a kid,) and I wasn't able to put down the book right till the very end when everything goes to hell.
The pacing and the timing were brilliant and so was the fast paced plot. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and some of the parts really creeped me out! This book is a brillaint example of how a good super natural story can be written without having anyof the steriotypes in it (yes, I talking to the Vamp and Werewolf lovers.) The author took the concept of creepy dools to another level. It really blew my mind off!
I found the author's writing really easy to follow and it made reading this book a really pleasant experience. It was fresh, clever and had a distinctness that I really liked.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who has a liking and an apetite for a creepy supernatural book that actually crosses its path with Sci-Fi genre. So, all in all, if you like Stephen King books and the likes then you really have to read this book!
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
The Conveyance by Brian W. Mathews is a splendid Supernatural Thriller novel.
The author has cleverly used his background as a psychiatrist to use in the novel as the protagonist's profession. The struggles and the conflicts of the main lead were so realistic that i was able to connect with him right away and the bond only deepedned as the story progressed further.
I was literally pulled into the book right from the very beginning, where the main lead is shown talking to one of his patients (a kid,) and I wasn't able to put down the book right till the very end when everything goes to hell.
The pacing and the timing were brilliant and so was the fast paced plot. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and some of the parts really creeped me out! This book is a brillaint example of how a good super natural story can be written without having anyof the steriotypes in it (yes, I talking to the Vamp and Werewolf lovers.) The author took the concept of creepy dools to another level. It really blew my mind off!
I found the author's writing really easy to follow and it made reading this book a really pleasant experience. It was fresh, clever and had a distinctness that I really liked.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who has a liking and an apetite for a creepy supernatural book that actually crosses its path with Sci-Fi genre. So, all in all, if you like Stephen King books and the likes then you really have to read this book!
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
April 23, 2016
Beneath the calm waters and pastoral fields of Emersville, a deadly secret lurks. But when psychologist Dr. Brad Jordan stumbles upon the odd happenings in the town, he sets off a series of tragedies that threatens to expose a danger long kept hidden from the world. Relentlessly following a trail of madness, suicide, and murder, he soon finds himself confronted with a massive conspiracy, and a sinister device known as the Conveyance.
Matthews, who holds a graduate degree in psychology, draws on his vast experience as a therapist to weave a tale of abuse, betrayal, hope, and terror. The Conveyance is his third book.
Matthews, who holds a graduate degree in psychology, draws on his vast experience as a therapist to weave a tale of abuse, betrayal, hope, and terror. The Conveyance is his third book.
July 10, 2016
Dr. Brad Jordan has a new twelve year old patient, Doug Belle. He has been acting out and his mother isn’t much help – as a matter of fact, she seems to be making Doug’s issues worse instead of better. On the way home after their session, Brad is in a horrific car accident that he amazingly walks away from sore and bruised.
His best friend Frank, a cop, drops him off at home where he finds Toni, his wife upset. They have been trying for months to have a child and she has the evidence of another failure in her hand. The home pregnancy kit was negative again.
Despite his injuries, they decide to go to play cards with Frank and his wife Kerry for the evening to get their minds off of the accident and their inability to have a child. The evening was a disaster. An argument escalated to the point of no return so they head back home. The only bright spot of the visit was the discussion about a cute little tourist town, Emersville, were Kerry purchased a “creepy little doll”. She felt compelled to buy it, but there was something off about it.
Brad and Toni take a trip to Emersville the next day, picking up a creepy doll of their own. That is when the trouble started. Brad starts having disturbing dreams. Young Doug seems to be having more severe episodes, especially after Brad takes the doll to work (as a psychologist he uses toys, including dolls to get his patients to open up). Then Kerry turns up missing. Emersville has something to do with it, so Frank, Brad and Toni begin to peel back the layers of the town to find out exactly what is going on. Hopefully they will find Kerry and all live to tell the tale.
Matthew’s page turning thriller is a fast and sometimes hair-raising read. I loved the mystery and the intricate web the main characters became tangled in. All of the characters were well-written. I liked them, hated them or was scared of them. I am sure that was the intended reaction. Lucky for me I didn’t have any dolls laying around the house. I might have had to lock them in a closet or throw them away, just in case they got any ideas. It pays to be cautious when reading thrillers late into the night.
If you are a fan of Dean Koontz or Stephen King, you will love this book. This is Matthew’s third book, but the first one I’ve read. His previous novels are Forever Man and Revelation.
Copyright © 2016 Laura Hartman
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Random House Books that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
His best friend Frank, a cop, drops him off at home where he finds Toni, his wife upset. They have been trying for months to have a child and she has the evidence of another failure in her hand. The home pregnancy kit was negative again.
Despite his injuries, they decide to go to play cards with Frank and his wife Kerry for the evening to get their minds off of the accident and their inability to have a child. The evening was a disaster. An argument escalated to the point of no return so they head back home. The only bright spot of the visit was the discussion about a cute little tourist town, Emersville, were Kerry purchased a “creepy little doll”. She felt compelled to buy it, but there was something off about it.
Brad and Toni take a trip to Emersville the next day, picking up a creepy doll of their own. That is when the trouble started. Brad starts having disturbing dreams. Young Doug seems to be having more severe episodes, especially after Brad takes the doll to work (as a psychologist he uses toys, including dolls to get his patients to open up). Then Kerry turns up missing. Emersville has something to do with it, so Frank, Brad and Toni begin to peel back the layers of the town to find out exactly what is going on. Hopefully they will find Kerry and all live to tell the tale.
Matthew’s page turning thriller is a fast and sometimes hair-raising read. I loved the mystery and the intricate web the main characters became tangled in. All of the characters were well-written. I liked them, hated them or was scared of them. I am sure that was the intended reaction. Lucky for me I didn’t have any dolls laying around the house. I might have had to lock them in a closet or throw them away, just in case they got any ideas. It pays to be cautious when reading thrillers late into the night.
If you are a fan of Dean Koontz or Stephen King, you will love this book. This is Matthew’s third book, but the first one I’ve read. His previous novels are Forever Man and Revelation.
Copyright © 2016 Laura Hartman
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Random House Books that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
April 1, 2020
Brian W. Matthews’ Conveyance is an intriguing and engaging, multi-genre, “horrors of the small town” novel. Set in various fictional small towns outside Lansing, Michigan, Conveyance tells the story of child psychologist Dr. Brad Jordan as accidentally happens upon a secret conspiracy that has global implications, all the while fending off murderous dolls, recovering from a car crash, and dealing with narcissistic parents. Joined in Brad’s adventures are his wife Toni and his best friend Frank, who is a gruff police detective. Being a psychologist, his character really brings exposes the inner workings of everyone’s thoughts, while Toni brings the humanistic elements and Frank provides the brawn and firepower.
The first few chapters of Conveyance unfold in a family drama style as Brad and Toni cope with the emotions of unsuccessfully trying to conceive a child. The story quickly turns to embrace more supernatural tones, with seemingly possessed evil dolls causing murderous havoc. Conveyance could’ve easily stayed within these parameters, and a fine, albeit generic, story would have been had, but Matthews throws an unexpected curve and shifts the last half of the story to a scifi thriller. In less skilled hands, these genre jumps would come out as jarring and rigid. Matthews’ skilled writing seamlessly blends all these genres, creating a tight, cohesive story. Conveyance does begin slow, with terrific character development, but the pace quickens with each genre leap; all this proficient juggling creates a snare that really lures the readers in, engaging them with the conspiracy that Conveyance ultimately delivers.
Cinematically, Conveyance could be said to contain the most distinctive elements of the films Rosemary’s Baby, The Arrival, Needful Things, and Puppet Master – all shuffled around to generate a unique, new narrative. Overall, a fantastically executed story by Matthews.
The first few chapters of Conveyance unfold in a family drama style as Brad and Toni cope with the emotions of unsuccessfully trying to conceive a child. The story quickly turns to embrace more supernatural tones, with seemingly possessed evil dolls causing murderous havoc. Conveyance could’ve easily stayed within these parameters, and a fine, albeit generic, story would have been had, but Matthews throws an unexpected curve and shifts the last half of the story to a scifi thriller. In less skilled hands, these genre jumps would come out as jarring and rigid. Matthews’ skilled writing seamlessly blends all these genres, creating a tight, cohesive story. Conveyance does begin slow, with terrific character development, but the pace quickens with each genre leap; all this proficient juggling creates a snare that really lures the readers in, engaging them with the conspiracy that Conveyance ultimately delivers.
Cinematically, Conveyance could be said to contain the most distinctive elements of the films Rosemary’s Baby, The Arrival, Needful Things, and Puppet Master – all shuffled around to generate a unique, new narrative. Overall, a fantastically executed story by Matthews.
June 20, 2016
Dr. Bad Jordan is a psychologist and we start with him talking to a troubled teen, Doug that recently lost his father. On the way home he is in a car accident that nearly kills him then returns home to find his wife crying in the shower. Their efforts at starting a family have failed again. After a bad night of card with close friends, they decide to visit Emersville to do some tourist shopping. There they find a strange doll with a shop keeper that suffers from a stroke.
But things get weird when during his next session with Doug, Doug seems to be electrocuted by the doll. Then there is the strange happening at home with his wife and then a burglary. It seems there is a strange metal egg in the doll and someone wants to keep it quiet. But the more Brad looks into it the stranger things become until he learns about The Convergence.
I had no idea where this book was going when I started reading it. But I couldn’t put it down and just had to see how it ended. I felt for Brad, he has a rough past with his wife but they are trying to work through it. I loved the whole idea of the dolls, very creepy. All I can say is beware the Green Queen.
If you are looking for a great scifi thriller look no further, you need to check out The Conveyance. Since this is Brian Matthews third book I will definitely be looking into his other two.
I received The Conveyance for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
But things get weird when during his next session with Doug, Doug seems to be electrocuted by the doll. Then there is the strange happening at home with his wife and then a burglary. It seems there is a strange metal egg in the doll and someone wants to keep it quiet. But the more Brad looks into it the stranger things become until he learns about The Convergence.
I had no idea where this book was going when I started reading it. But I couldn’t put it down and just had to see how it ended. I felt for Brad, he has a rough past with his wife but they are trying to work through it. I loved the whole idea of the dolls, very creepy. All I can say is beware the Green Queen.
If you are looking for a great scifi thriller look no further, you need to check out The Conveyance. Since this is Brian Matthews third book I will definitely be looking into his other two.
I received The Conveyance for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2016
Having read Matthews's first two (unrelated) novels, I can say with confidence that this one's even better. As a sleep-deprived father of a 2-year-old who falls asleep every time he tries to read something on the daily train commute, this book actually kept me awake and engaged. It's brutal at times, gut-wrenching at others, but there's an eerie realism that the author plunges into this sci-fi horror like a scary-ass authorial syringe. Once the story starts to truly unfold, it'll suck you in. My only complaint was that there wasn't more story to read.
November 27, 2016
Very cool book. I'm a sucker for a good alien invasion story. Come on ET where are you?!?
June 25, 2016
Workmanlike horror story that ends with prospects for more to come.
August 12, 2020
Michigan fiction ... Or is it?
Mr. Matthews does an incredible job painting a written scenic picture then turns it sideways and let's the words drop you into a sideways, yet connected universe that is anything but rural Michigan. My only regret is I started my read to help me slip off to Slumberville ... as you can imagine that didn't happen. Three nights of three in the morning lights out left me in a new universe! Enjoy the read - it's fun, but start much earlier in the evening as you won't be able to out down the book.
Mr. Matthews does an incredible job painting a written scenic picture then turns it sideways and let's the words drop you into a sideways, yet connected universe that is anything but rural Michigan. My only regret is I started my read to help me slip off to Slumberville ... as you can imagine that didn't happen. Three nights of three in the morning lights out left me in a new universe! Enjoy the read - it's fun, but start much earlier in the evening as you won't be able to out down the book.
July 5, 2016
Containing Matthews' most true-to-life characterization yet, The Conveyance gives the reader an inside view of a psychologist's challenge in treating a unique patient with ties to an other-worldy series of events. Taking time to weave the story carefully, Matthews helps the reader become invested in each individual. As weird things begin unfolding, the focus of relationships and characterization only deepens. I especially appreciated some of the more detailed sci-fi plot twists being explained fully so that anyone could understand where the story was going. The ending leaves open a door for a sequel, and I hope to hear from Dr. Jordan and others in the story again.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews