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The Horror of Devil's Root Lake
“Once upon a time, there was a monster. An actual, real monster, like you hear about in stories. And this monster killed children. Hundreds and hundreds of children.”
When her son Charlie is killed in a tragic accident, Emily Carter sets out to discover the truth. Convinced that Charlie's death is linked to other supposed accidents, she's determined to prove that someone or something targeted her son. But as she continues to dig for the truth, Emily starts to realize that the explanation might be darker and more horrific than she could ever have anticipated.
The Horror of Devil's Root Lake is the story of a woman who refuses to accept that her son's death was an accident, and of an ancient evil that waits impatiently in the forest for its next victim.
When her son Charlie is killed in a tragic accident, Emily Carter sets out to discover the truth. Convinced that Charlie's death is linked to other supposed accidents, she's determined to prove that someone or something targeted her son. But as she continues to dig for the truth, Emily starts to realize that the explanation might be darker and more horrific than she could ever have anticipated.
The Horror of Devil's Root Lake is the story of a woman who refuses to accept that her son's death was an accident, and of an ancient evil that waits impatiently in the forest for its next victim.
309 pages, ebook
First published September 7, 2016
130 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
663 books1,677 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 29, 2021
Well another one of these "what to say about this book" statements....
A small backstory:
Emily Carter loses her son, Charlie in a horrific accident at Devil's Root Lake and it has been ruled an accidental drowning. Emily seems to think that there is more to it than just an accident as the lake is surrounded in mystery and urban legends, so she goes on a "mother's mission" to find out the truth about not only the lake but what really happened to her son.
Thoughts:
The story started out good, but then it has a time jump in the middle of the book to an event that happened in the past with different characters, then the story jumps back to the present in the last half of the book. I am not into time jumping books, but I dealt with it to see how the characters from the past were connected to the characters in the future.
Things do connect in the last half of the book, but for me it was turtle slow in the beginning all the way through the middle and for me it was still dragging some near the 75% mark but I stuck with it as I wanted to see how the story was going to turn out. This book was more of a mystery than of anything scary - I was never spooked while reading it. The book does involve a demon of sorts but it was not what I am normally use to when reading about demonic activity.
There is nothing scary about this book at all and you could read it in the dark if you wanted - leave the lights off - no bad dreams here. There was a major twist at the end of the book that I did not see coming which I wasn't really happy about but then again there is not usually "happy endings" in horror books so it is what it is. Giving this book three "spookless" stars!
A small backstory:
Emily Carter loses her son, Charlie in a horrific accident at Devil's Root Lake and it has been ruled an accidental drowning. Emily seems to think that there is more to it than just an accident as the lake is surrounded in mystery and urban legends, so she goes on a "mother's mission" to find out the truth about not only the lake but what really happened to her son.
Thoughts:
The story started out good, but then it has a time jump in the middle of the book to an event that happened in the past with different characters, then the story jumps back to the present in the last half of the book. I am not into time jumping books, but I dealt with it to see how the characters from the past were connected to the characters in the future.
Things do connect in the last half of the book, but for me it was turtle slow in the beginning all the way through the middle and for me it was still dragging some near the 75% mark but I stuck with it as I wanted to see how the story was going to turn out. This book was more of a mystery than of anything scary - I was never spooked while reading it. The book does involve a demon of sorts but it was not what I am normally use to when reading about demonic activity.
There is nothing scary about this book at all and you could read it in the dark if you wanted - leave the lights off - no bad dreams here. There was a major twist at the end of the book that I did not see coming which I wasn't really happy about but then again there is not usually "happy endings" in horror books so it is what it is. Giving this book three "spookless" stars!
May 5, 2022
Sooooo ..... after being locked out of my Kindle app I've decided to have a bit of a clean up in my various "Books Read" lists. First cabs off the rank are my DNF pile. If I DNF'd it and have absolutely NO intention of reading it again, I'm changing my rating to 1 🌟 and deleting it off my Kindle. Life is too short at my age for crappy books!!
Original Review:
That'd be a big fat ...... NOPE! Life is crappy enough in the "Year of the Pandemic" without reading a horror book about a man/entity/monster that kills young children by getting them to kill themselves. DNF at 17%.
Original Review:
That'd be a big fat ...... NOPE! Life is crappy enough in the "Year of the Pandemic" without reading a horror book about a man/entity/monster that kills young children by getting them to kill themselves. DNF at 17%.
April 26, 2021
In the beginning, I felt for the Mom grieving the loss of her child. Like for real, seriously sad. But I saw her determination to figure out what really happened to her son. I viewed her as strong. I loved her detective skills.
Then the story changed. A weird flashback ( which ended up making complete sense). Then the strong willed Mom became weak. Not by her own doing, but electric shocks to the brain will do that.
Then the story climaxed, and I was glued to my Kindle. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about the ending. A part of me thinks it was great. Another part of me found it a bit goofy. Overall, it was a well-rounded and good story
Then the story changed. A weird flashback ( which ended up making complete sense). Then the strong willed Mom became weak. Not by her own doing, but electric shocks to the brain will do that.
Then the story climaxed, and I was glued to my Kindle. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about the ending. A part of me thinks it was great. Another part of me found it a bit goofy. Overall, it was a well-rounded and good story
February 6, 2017
4.5
Took off for spelling and word errors.
I thought it was genuinely spooky. Not one of those cathartic, happily ever after things. Never quite read a spooky story like this one. It took a bit to get going, but then grabbed me.
Took off for spelling and word errors.
I thought it was genuinely spooky. Not one of those cathartic, happily ever after things. Never quite read a spooky story like this one. It took a bit to get going, but then grabbed me.
August 10, 2018
I absolutely love this mythological tales Cross writes. I think they're my favorite of hers. It's like going back to urban legends, scary stories at sleepovers and good 'ol Goosebumps but the adult rated R version. This one was excellent and truly spooky.
December 8, 2016
Not as good as expected.
I found this book a disappointment, not up to this authors usual standards . Story was not particularly gripping. Characters weak.
I found this book a disappointment, not up to this authors usual standards . Story was not particularly gripping. Characters weak.
December 29, 2024
Amy Cross’s The Horror of Devil's Root Lake is a spine-chilling journey into grief, obsession, and the horrors that lurk just beneath the surface of seemingly serene places. With its eerie atmosphere and deeply personal stakes, the story pulls readers into a nightmare that refuses to let go.
🚨 Spoilers Ahead! 🚨
The story follows Emily Carter, a mother devastated by the death of her son, Charlie, in what was deemed a tragic accident. Refusing to accept the official explanation, Emily begins her relentless quest to uncover the truth. Her search leads her to the mysterious Devil’s Root Lake, where a long-forgotten evil has claimed countless lives.
The lake itself is more than just a setting—it’s a character in its own right, shrouded in foreboding and whispers of a cursed history. As Emily delves deeper into its secrets, she uncovers an unsettling pattern: a series of child deaths linked by eerie similarities and the presence of a shadowy, otherworldly figure. The twists and turns in Emily’s investigation keep the tension high, culminating in a terrifying confrontation with the lake’s ancient and malevolent force.
Amy Cross masterfully weaves themes of grief and determination with supernatural horror, creating a narrative that is as emotional as it is unsettling. Emily’s journey is harrowing, and her unflinching determination to seek justice for Charlie makes her a compelling protagonist.
Favorite Quote:
“Once upon a time, there was a monster. An actual, real monster, like you hear about in stories. And this monster killed children. Hundreds and hundreds of children.”
While some moments may feel repetitive as Emily’s obsession grows, the story’s eerie atmosphere and shocking revelations make it a standout read for fans of psychological and supernatural horror.
The Horror of Devil’s Root Lake is a haunting exploration of grief, guilt, and the terrifying things that lie in wait when we dig too deep into the past. Perfect for readers who love dark, atmospheric horror with an emotional core.
#TheHorrorOfDevilsRootLake #AmyCross #HorrorReads #PsychologicalHorror #SupernaturalTales 🖤📖
🚨 Spoilers Ahead! 🚨
The story follows Emily Carter, a mother devastated by the death of her son, Charlie, in what was deemed a tragic accident. Refusing to accept the official explanation, Emily begins her relentless quest to uncover the truth. Her search leads her to the mysterious Devil’s Root Lake, where a long-forgotten evil has claimed countless lives.
The lake itself is more than just a setting—it’s a character in its own right, shrouded in foreboding and whispers of a cursed history. As Emily delves deeper into its secrets, she uncovers an unsettling pattern: a series of child deaths linked by eerie similarities and the presence of a shadowy, otherworldly figure. The twists and turns in Emily’s investigation keep the tension high, culminating in a terrifying confrontation with the lake’s ancient and malevolent force.
Amy Cross masterfully weaves themes of grief and determination with supernatural horror, creating a narrative that is as emotional as it is unsettling. Emily’s journey is harrowing, and her unflinching determination to seek justice for Charlie makes her a compelling protagonist.
Favorite Quote:
“Once upon a time, there was a monster. An actual, real monster, like you hear about in stories. And this monster killed children. Hundreds and hundreds of children.”
While some moments may feel repetitive as Emily’s obsession grows, the story’s eerie atmosphere and shocking revelations make it a standout read for fans of psychological and supernatural horror.
The Horror of Devil’s Root Lake is a haunting exploration of grief, guilt, and the terrifying things that lie in wait when we dig too deep into the past. Perfect for readers who love dark, atmospheric horror with an emotional core.
#TheHorrorOfDevilsRootLake #AmyCross #HorrorReads #PsychologicalHorror #SupernaturalTales 🖤📖
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2017
Disappointing
As always, this book is very well written, as I’ve come to expect of Ms. Cross. I have no fault with her writing, just the actual subject. I enjoyed the book up until the last 1/3rd when it became way too unrealistic for my taste. I can handle some fantasy but not that much. I hurried through the last pages just to finish the book quickly.
As always, this book is very well written, as I’ve come to expect of Ms. Cross. I have no fault with her writing, just the actual subject. I enjoyed the book up until the last 1/3rd when it became way too unrealistic for my taste. I can handle some fantasy but not that much. I hurried through the last pages just to finish the book quickly.
March 3, 2023
A really great read, full of surprises & twists in the story. I didn't guess what would happen at the end but the ending seemed as though it had rushed through the last few chapters. It didn't need dragging out, but I had to re read some parts because I thought I'd missed bits. Even with the quick ending, I still enjoyed the book.
October 13, 2017
A disappointing read
This book was definitely not a classic Amy Cross story. I struggled to get through to the end and I couldn't decide if the story was based in England, the USA, or some fictitious land from a fairy tale. From such a good writer this was, in my opinion, a dud.
This book was definitely not a classic Amy Cross story. I struggled to get through to the end and I couldn't decide if the story was based in England, the USA, or some fictitious land from a fairy tale. From such a good writer this was, in my opinion, a dud.
December 29, 2017
A tree???
I can understand ghosts or demons. Maybe even century year old demons, but a tree causing these problems? Maybe it was possessed? I can't wrap my finger around this story. Guess it's up to the reader to imagine what caused the tree to do things it did in the book
I can understand ghosts or demons. Maybe even century year old demons, but a tree causing these problems? Maybe it was possessed? I can't wrap my finger around this story. Guess it's up to the reader to imagine what caused the tree to do things it did in the book
November 16, 2018
Good read, but needs a proof reader
Good story, about a centuries old monster, that makes children kill themselves. However, lots of errors. Like the author forgot what character was talking. Chapter 40, should have Alice, not Emily.
Good story, about a centuries old monster, that makes children kill themselves. However, lots of errors. Like the author forgot what character was talking. Chapter 40, should have Alice, not Emily.
January 14, 2018
Interesting read
So many twists and turns in this book
You feel that you have guessed who's doing what
And what will happen next. But you never second guess
What's around the corner
So many twists and turns in this book
You feel that you have guessed who's doing what
And what will happen next. But you never second guess
What's around the corner
January 16, 2018
Good story
Another interesting story, an enjoyable read. Not quite 5 stars due to what seems to be a theme of Amy Cross books, poor editing.
Another interesting story, an enjoyable read. Not quite 5 stars due to what seems to be a theme of Amy Cross books, poor editing.
March 8, 2017
This book has me conflicted in terms of rating. I really enjoyed the first 40ish percent of this story and felt I had a good grasp as to where the story was going to go... but then the author comes in and heads a completely different direction and my enjoyment level dwindled.
Whilst I may not have particularly liked the direction the story went, I did really enjoy the story and the mythology that the author created and at times I was genuinely spooked.
I also quite enjoyed the character cast feeling and whilst some actions where unlikeable (
Whilst I may not have particularly liked the direction the story went, I did really enjoy the story and the mythology that the author created and at times I was genuinely spooked.
I also quite enjoyed the character cast feeling and whilst some actions where unlikeable (
December 28, 2016
Could have been better. Horrible editing, weak characters. Takes place in the US with American characters but is written with British English terms. Again, a decent editor would have caught this.
Storyline fell apart at the end. A tree? Really? It's like she just didn't even care and wrote the rest in her sleep. This story had so much potential and was set up well but fell apart due to lazy writing.
Storyline fell apart at the end. A tree? Really? It's like she just didn't even care and wrote the rest in her sleep. This story had so much potential and was set up well but fell apart due to lazy writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2017
Loved it!
I recently came across this author and have been reading her books back to back for the past week. A book a day and I just can't get enough .
This story has to be one of my favourites. Everyone loves a fairy tale and I think for most of us, the reason we love them is the little seed in each tale that our imagination seeks to find an element of truth in the fantasy. The what if?
I was completely lost in this story from start to finish a really enjoyable read x
I recently came across this author and have been reading her books back to back for the past week. A book a day and I just can't get enough .
This story has to be one of my favourites. Everyone loves a fairy tale and I think for most of us, the reason we love them is the little seed in each tale that our imagination seeks to find an element of truth in the fantasy. The what if?
I was completely lost in this story from start to finish a really enjoyable read x
October 27, 2016
The Horror of Devil's Root Lake
Although slightly farfetched with the children's fable, I kept reading to see where the storyline would end up. A little disjointed in chapters, but nonetheless entertaining. Definitely not a horror story.
Although slightly farfetched with the children's fable, I kept reading to see where the storyline would end up. A little disjointed in chapters, but nonetheless entertaining. Definitely not a horror story.
September 26, 2016
Great story!
Many chilling things in this story. I'm a fan of Amy Cross, but this book is sure to please anyone wanting a creepy tale.
Many chilling things in this story. I'm a fan of Amy Cross, but this book is sure to please anyone wanting a creepy tale.
November 22, 2016
This story seemed scattered to me, not the tightly woven horror I'm used to from this author.. Still an okay story.
April 8, 2017
Good storyline
Not typical Amy Cross, a bit different. This book in its telling shows the reader that fairytales start with a grain of truth. I wish the ending had been a bit different, still a good read.
Not typical Amy Cross, a bit different. This book in its telling shows the reader that fairytales start with a grain of truth. I wish the ending had been a bit different, still a good read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews