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The Ashes

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It’s been eight years since artist and single mom, Rebecca Underhill, was abducted and left to die in an old broken down house located in the middle of the dark woods. But even if her abductor, Joseph William Whalen, has since been killed, another, more insidious evil is once more out to get her in the form of the Skinner. The son of an abusive butcher, Skinner intends on finishing the job Whalen started but failed at.

How is he going to get to Rebecca?

He’s going to do it through her children, by luring them into the cornfield behind the old farmhouse they live in.

HORROR IN THE DEPTHS
Now, armed with the knowledge that the Skinner has escaped incarceration at a downstate facility for the criminally insane, Rebecca must face the most horrifying challenge of her adult life: Rescuing the children not from a house in the woods, but from the abandoned tunnels that run underneath her property.

But the Skinner is watching Rebecca’s every move.

Horrifying question is, will she live long enough to save the children?

589 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2016

312 people are currently reading
670 people want to read

About the author

Vincent Zandri

224 books576 followers

"Vincent Zandri is one of the most acclaimed thriller writers working today!" --Publishers Weekly

“Zandri (is) a veteran wordsmith who executes quality and quantity at superlative levels.” --Book Reporter

"The story of Vincent Zandri is the story of our times."
--Business Insider

"Vincent Zandri hails from the future."
--The New York Times

“Sensational . . . masterful . . . brilliant.”
--New York Post

"...big time author..."
--Digital Journal

Considered one of the most prolific writers of his generation, Vincent Zandri is the winner of the 2015 PWA Shamus Award and the 2015 ITW Thriller Award, both for MOONLIGHT WEEPS in the Best Original Paperback category. He is also the NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and AMAZON KINDLE OVERALL NO.1 bestselling author of hundreds of novels, novellas, and stories, including THE REMAINS, MOONLIGHT WEEPS, THE EMBALMER, THE SHROUD KEY and QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT. His list of domestic publishers includes Delacorte, Dell, Down & Out Books, Thomas & Mercer, Blackstone Audio, Tantor Media, and more. He is also the CEO of Bear Media. An MFA in Writing graduate of Vermont College, his work is translated in the Dutch, Russian, French, Italian, and Japanese. Having sold over 1 million editions of his books, Zandri has been the subject of major features by the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and Business Insider. He has also made appearances on Bloomberg TV and the FOX News network. In December 2014, Suspense Magazine named Zandri's, THE SHROUD KEY, as one of the "Best Books of 2014." Suspense Magazine selected WHEN SHADOWS COME as one of the "Best Books of 2016". He was also a finalist for the 2019 Derringer Award for Best Novelette. A freelance photojournalist, freelance writer, and the host of the popular YouTube Podcast, "The Writer's Life," Zandri has written for Strategy Magazine, RT, Living Ready Magazine, New York Newsday, Hudson Valley Magazine, The Times Union (Albany), Game & Fish Magazine, CrimeReads, Altcoin Magazine, The Jerusalem Post (ghost), Market Business News (ghost), Duke University (ghost), Colgate University (ghost), New York University (ghost), The Rice University Gazette (ghost), Yale University (ghost), Digital Journal (ghost), and many more. An Active Member of ITW, he lives in New York and Florence, Italy. For more go to WWW.VINZANDRI.COM

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5 stars
112 (45%)
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87 (35%)
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29 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,213 reviews2,341 followers
March 19, 2020
The Ashes
The Rebecca Underhill Trilogy, Book 2
By: Vincent Zandri
Narrated by: Evie Cameron
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary. If you haven't read the first book you will probably be able to figure it out soon by all the clues and conversations. This one is creepy, suspenseful, and haunting. A strong willed woman is the main character.
I can't say I liked this narrator for this book. I don't think they matched. It was distracting at times.
Profile Image for Georgia.
1,331 reviews76 followers
April 17, 2017
Review can also be found in Chill and read

WOW!! That is one horror, thriller, whatever you want to name it crazy great book! All you horror freaks are down for it, that’s true!

This is the second story in “The Rebecca Underhill Trilogy”. The story develops eight years after Rebecca’s abduction ended over an abandoned wooden house, not very far from the house she sent her childhood. Even though, her abductor, Joseph William Whalen, is dead and gone, her life is not going into peace. She has to think of her only son and the daughter of her friend Robyn, Molly. I turns out the two children can see the boogeyman out in the cornfield, so something is up.

The plot is amazingly good, as the author starts the narration of the story by telling the reader about an escape an old honest detective reads about. So the scene is set for what is to follow. Then he continues by introducing the two artists, single mother friends. He describes enough so the reader can understand their way of living, their history and their current story, without becoming tiring. This is also a very good reason that the book can be read as stand alone and can be fully understood and followed up.

The writing is keeping up with the suspense and it creates the horror type of atmosphere that one would expect of such a book. The creepiness is there to remind the reader of the true nature of the villain. Don’t fall for this guy, unless you have serious psychiatric issues to deal with…

It is a true horror thriller like book, no question about that. The scenes are visualized in the reader’s mind as if watching a movie. It is all about action and suspense and going through the good stuff that can clearly evolve to a good old nightmare, given a vivid imagination.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
111 reviews
December 5, 2016
Crazy Good!!

Once again, Mr Zandri's writing has floored me. This book had me on pins and needles. I will not be screaming any spoiler alerts, suffice it to say if you have read book one, The Remains, hold to your pants, this was as good or even better!!! It can be read as a stand alone, as Mr Zandri, gives enough hints of The Remains to kind of clue you in as you go. That being said, you really should read them in order. For one, it gives you a better background for this book, as the main characters are the same. And second, it ramps up the adrenaline as you read this one. If you have read any of Mr. Zandri's writing, you will not be disappointed. Once again he takes you on that psychological roller coaster ride. His descriptive way of writing, puts you right in the moment!! GREAT READ!!! Thank again Mr. Zandri.
Profile Image for Jay Williams.
1,718 reviews33 followers
March 5, 2017
A topflight horror story with suspense so thick you feel it. The Boogeyman is real, and he lives in the cornfield behind your barn. You have to stomach the gore associated with a villain who skins people alive and uses their faces as disguises. The story is less about the characters and more about the action. It reminded me of a "B" horror movie.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,570 reviews236 followers
March 2, 2017
Warning: If you are not a fan of blood and gore than you have been warned. Although, I will tell you that the blood and gore is minimum.

The horror is not so much in the blood or gore but in the suspense. Yet, you might want to read this book with the lights on. If you thought your fears of the Boogeyman was over; after reading this book they just might come back.

This is the second book in this trilogy. I have not read the first book, yet it did not de-track from my experience reading this book. In fact, I had a good idea of what happened in the first one as this story was somewhat connected to the prior novel. Again, however I did not find it necessary to have read the first one prior to reading this book. After finishing this book, I do plan to go back and read the first one. Additionally, as this is a trilogy and that means three books, I can't wait to read the third one as well.

After enduring the horrific ordeal that Rebecca did in the prior novel, it would have been easy for her to just lay down and give up. Rebecca was not the strongest female but she was still strong when it counted the most. I hope to see Rebecca come out the ultimate survivor in the third book. Mr. Zandri has just gained a new fan in me. The Ashes is just what the doctor ordered for horror fans!
Profile Image for Lori.
529 reviews3 followers
September 17, 2017
3.5 stars

An entertaining and enjoyable story. I would definitely listen to the series the order. I was a little lost in the beginning, but the story gives you enough details from the first book to fill in the blanks fairly quickly. The story pulls you in from the start and keeps your attention until the end.

The story is full of suspense and creepiness that builds continuously keeping you on edge never knowing what to expect. The really intense action, violence and gore happen farther into the story, more towards the last quarter of the book.

Rebecca is a survivor. She has been through more than most could handle. She's a strong, independent woman but then there were also several things/decisions that made Rebecca come across as not the sharpest crayon in the box and one of those characters that’s TSTL at times. So one minute your rooting for her and the next your thinking. Seriously? Really? Why would you do that?

Skinner is one of those Villains/Psycho's that will stick with you and have you thinking about long after the story is over.

It will definitely make you think twice before running into a cornfield. You never know what could be in there. It's a great hiding place.

This is not the first time I have listened to a book Evie Cameron has narrated. She does a good job with the narration. Her voice fit the main character and sounded age appropriate. There isn't a lot of difference between her character voices in this book. Still her voice is easy to listen to for long periods of time and the narration is clearly spoken with a nice even pace. A bit more difference in the character voices, especially Skinner's and the more intense moments of the story would have been nice though.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
Profile Image for Teresa.
986 reviews14 followers
May 9, 2017
The Ashes (The Rebecca Underhill Trilogy Book 2) by Vincent Zandri


This is the 2nd book in the Rebecca Underhill trilogy. I did not read the 1st book but will be soon. Even though I had not read the 1st book I had no real problems following this this book as it can be read as a stand alone. Mr Zandri does give you enough of a back story to let you easily follow along. I think if you had read the 1st book the amount of backstory would just give you enough of a refresher but not to much to bore you. I love horror so this book was right up my alley. There were some blood and gore but not very much so it would be great for someone not into that as well. This is more of a creepy physiological book. It is a real page turner. It kept me on the edge of my seat and in a few places had me looking over my own shoulder. You don't want to read this book in the dark and some may not want to read it while alone either. This book takes place 8 years after Rebecca's harrowing ordeal in a wooded cabin. Rebecca narrowly escaped a deranged killer then, but now has bigger problems as "The Skinner" is after her. Rebecca's original boogeyman Joseph William Whalen who is dead, had a cell mate while in prison. Lawrence Frederick Hanover AKA The Skinner. The skinner has escaped prison and is now after Rebecca, but instead of going straight for her he has decided to get her where it really hurts, Her Kids. Rebecca may be weak in some aspects but when it comes to the dark she is strong. She must save her kids as well as herself.


Profile Image for Teresa.
986 reviews14 followers
May 9, 2017

This is the 2nd book in the Rebecca Underhill trilogy. I did not read the 1st book but will be soon. Even though I had not read the 1st book I had no real problems following this this book as it can be read as a stand alone. Mr Zandri does give you enough of a back story to let you easily follow along. I think if you had read the 1st book the amount of backstory would just give you enough of a refresher but not to much to bore you.

I love horror so this book was right up my alley. There were some blood and gore but not very much so it would be great for someone not into that as well. This is more of a creepy physiological book. It is a real page turner. It kept me on the edge of my seat and in a few places had me looking over my own shoulder. You don't want to read this book in the dark and some may not want to read it while alone either.

This book takes place 8 years after Rebecca's harrowing ordeal in a wooded cabin. Rebecca narrowly escaped a deranged killer then, but now has bigger problems as "The Skinner" is after her.

Rebecca's original boogeyman Joseph William Whalen who is dead, had a cell mate while in prison. Lawrence Frederick Hanover AKA The Skinner. The skinner has escaped prison and is now after Rebecca, but instead of going straight for her he has decided to get her where it really hurts, Her Kids.

Rebecca may be weak in some aspects but when it comes to the dark she is strong. She must save her kids as well as herself.
429 reviews8 followers
May 21, 2017
The Ashes is Book 2 in The Rebecca Underhill Trilogy. There was enough background given on the events of Book 1 that I was able to dive in with no problem. Rebecca has survived two kidnappings and is now being stalked by Skinner, a Hannibal Lector-like character.

This was a great thriller, full of suspense and just so utterly creepy. There was also some gore, so it may not be for the squeamish. I thought that the narrator did a good job with the pacing and character voices. Some of Rebecca's actions didn't quite make sense though. When the children go missing, Rebecca and Robin have a cigarette before looking for them? Why aren't the police immediately brought in when her son tells her that the man he's seen is the same escaped killer on her computer screen? What's with her dead sister and ex-husband's voices in her head? And why does she still live in that house with all those horrible memories? Even with those niggling questions, I still loved The Ashes and would recommend it.

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator. This review is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for helen.
139 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2020
The Ashes is Book 2 in The Rebecca Underhill Trilogy. There was enough background given on the events of Book 1 that I was able to dive in with no problem. Rebecca has survived two kidnappings and is now being stalked by Skinner, a Hannibal Lector-like character.

This was a great thriller, full of suspense and just so utterly creepy. There was also some gore, so it may not be for the squeamish. I thought that the narrator did a good job with the pacing and character voices. Some of Rebecca's actions didn't quite make sense though. When the children go missing, Rebecca and Robin have a cigarette before looking for them? Why aren't the police immediately brought in when her son tells her that the man he's seen is the same escaped killer on her computer screen? What's with her dead sister and ex-husband's voices in her head? And why does she still live in that house with all those horrible memories? Even with those niggling questions, I still loved The Ashes and would recommend it.

"This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review"

Plot. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐stars
Story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐stars

Narrator.: Evie Cameron ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Gayle Pace.
1,110 reviews22 followers
March 16, 2017
MY THOUGHTS
WOW! This put me on the edge of my chair and the hairs on my arm were tingling. I missed Book One, The Remains, but after reading this one, it's next on my list. You can definitely read as stand alones but I only wish I'd read the first book before this one. This was a thrill ride for sure.

We get a little of the background from the first book to give us an idea of what's going on. You won't want to be alone when you read this and be sure to keep the light on. Above all, lock the doors and close the curtains. You'll find yourself jerking at every little noise and rattle. I'm a real fan of horror stories and this is right up there. It will make your heart beat fast for sure. Your imagination will go on over drive and you'll remember this one for a long time to come. The author gives you all of it. Suspense, the creepiness, murder, and so much more. You might even have a nightmare from an over active imagination.So many twists and turns with each page you flip. Eight years passed after Rebecca Underhill,a single mom, was taken and left to die. A house, broken down, in the middle of a deep, dark forest. Eight years after and it has started again, someone is after her. Her original abductor has since died. Who is stalking her? Someone wants to finish the job the first kidnapper didn't. Why and Who? How will he get to her? Rebecca is facing the worst of all. You have to read this and find out how and who the stalker is and how he plans to get to her. Perhaps the first kidnapper really wasn't killed! OR? Are her children in danger? The suspense will keep you turning those pages even though you may want to set the book down. A must read for horror, suspense, murder and thriller lovers. All I can say is WOW!

I received a copy of this book from the author and PUYB and voluntarily decided to review it.
Profile Image for Elisha.
333 reviews24 followers
Want to read
February 25, 2019
I love suspense and the synopsis for this book had me especially intrigued. although I don't care for blood and gore - at all. Thankfully it was at a minimal so that made that aspect of the book tolerable. That said... this author does not disappoint in the suspense department at all! I truly had a hard time putting this book down! And, this is the second in this series. I haven't read the first one, but even not reading the first one (yet!), this can be read as a stand alone book. Although I do like that the author gives you just enough information from the first book to give you a better, clearer understanding for this book ( although I always recommend reading a series in order). For anyone who enjoys horrors, this is a book (series) for you. If you're not a fan of horrors, I understand; neither am I but, maybe you could/should try this...

For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
Profile Image for Quinesia Johnson.
469 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2017
Really great book. The only problem is when you have this much perfection going on, imperfections stick out like a sore thumb. The book is everything the summary pumps it up to be, except for the major prominent flaw that ruins things. Skinner, the killer, flays his victims' faces off and uses them as functioning masks, among his other deplorable attributes and deeds. Impossible stretch! This could have easily been resolved by Zandri expressing how Skinner thought he was fooling others, but wasn't. Or by expressing Skinner going through painful processes to make the skins real- to- life.

Nevertheless, it's true- to- the- core horror/ thriller stuff, if you're into this genre. The reading is really easy too. Also, apart from the "prominent flaw" everything is in place. I enjoyed myself.
Profile Image for Laura Gimbel.
357 reviews9 followers
April 11, 2021
WOW! I did not expect this to be such a gripping thriller!
This kept me in the edge of my seat. The first book I’ve read by this author Vincent Zandri.
If you like thriller, fast paced, some gore, this is a book to read. Rebecca (& her twin sister Molly) went through a kidnapping when younger. Molly passed away from cancer when she was older leaving Rebecca alone. Rebecca moves back to an area where she grew up thinking this is a safe place to raise her son Mike Jr. (whose father passed from being killed). Robyn & her daughter, named Molly after Rebecca’s sister, a best friend moved in with Rebecca. Then everything starts falling apart. A great read.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
274 reviews37 followers
July 9, 2017
What a thriller! It scared the heck out of me. I wasn't sure I could finish this scary psychological thriller but I'm a looky-loo, I had to know what happened next. THE ASHES reminded me a book I read some time ago not in theme but by the scariness. Max China, The Life and Times of William Boule. Vincent Zandri you are right up there with the best like Stephen King. Great work! The suspense is paced just right to keep you on your toes and the lights on. I didn't want to read it too close to bedtime so I wouldn't have nightmare. This also reminds me of some of the creepy Criminal Minds episodes. I'm still getting chills down my spine.
Profile Image for Deedra.
3,932 reviews39 followers
February 25, 2020
Audible:Another book I could not put down!It is heart wrenching and very disturbing.It is gorey and beyond comprehension.It takes you into the Skinners world and you fight right along with Rebecka and her friends and family to get this new threat out of their lives.Evie Cameron was a very good narrator,though I felt the first narrator did 'creepy' a bit better.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
Profile Image for Brooke Santiago.
327 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2020
Solid creepy thriller. This is the second book of a trilogy but I didn’t realize that until I finished the book. The happenings of the first book are explained enough in this second installment that you won’t realize you missed a book! This book is definitely not for the faint of heart. Lots of gore and disturbing things happening. Overall, a great plot and an unsettling theme overall. Perfect for horror fans!
Profile Image for Andrea  oller.
55 reviews3 followers
March 5, 2019
Loved it!

It's always nice to read a book that is true to real conversation and relationships. I've never understood why that is so uncommon, but I'm also not a writer so I have no room to judge. But as a reader I have to say that it's awesome to find a writer that has that talent.
Loved this story and I can't wait to read the next one!
7,759 reviews50 followers
January 9, 2020
This is book 2 is the nightmare ever going to end for Rebecca. When Abducted the job was not finished Skinner plans on doing it. This time Rebecca has other lives depending on her. She also knows the fear, which she lives with has come real once again. It is a chilling tale, with excellent narration and story by the author. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
1,260 reviews
January 27, 2020
A stalker that likes to filet his victims when they're still alive is watching a widow and her young son. He also likes to wear the human skin masks he made from his victims. This is what I would call a creepy tearjerker. This story is more solemn than the snappy, wise cracking charscters that I've come to expect from Zandri. I was gifted this from the author
141 reviews2 followers
December 28, 2021
Very interesting premise, worthy of being rewritten and given professional editing.

This story seems to be a patchwork of disparate pieces, and in some sections the parts do not fit very well.

I finished it, though I confess to having skimmed quite a bit, and feel pretty disappointed — I definitely won't be keeping this in my library.
140 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2023
I have to find the last part!

I have read the remains to start this series and I have just finished the ashes. I have to find part three now. This was an amazing read. It didn't stop the chills up and down the spine once the plot started. Must have a little background to start. A great read. Thank you for writing. I will look for more of this author's work.
3 reviews
March 17, 2017
Riveting

Wanted to stop reading book in some parts. But skimmed through. And drawn back to the excitement. As always in Zandri books an unexpected twist and gripping read to the end. I'm definitely hooked on Zandri's writing.
106 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2017
Creepy

This book was creepier than the first book "the remains". Will be reading other books by Vincent Zandri. If you like spine tingling, creepy reads, this is the book for you. Loved it!
340 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2017
Wow! Wow! WOW!

THE ASHES, is by far the best psychological thriller that I have ever read. I gave book one, THE REMAINS" a big 5, but this book gets a whopping 10! Vincent Zandri is a phenomenal author. This book scared me silly, and the end "stopped" my heart. Wow!
1,507 reviews7 followers
February 18, 2018
The Ashes

I gave this book only three stars because this book was practically the same as the first book in this series. The only thing different was the bad guy. Except for that the two books tell the same story. Boring
667 reviews26 followers
December 16, 2018
An Exceptional Book!

This is a story full of excitement and emotion from the beginning to the end. It is scary and will keep you on edge. The characters are strong. The plot is amazing. This is an author to follow for sure!
Profile Image for Candy Taylor genz.
30 reviews
March 5, 2019
Great book

I am new to this author and will read more from him. This was an amazing horror story. I couldn't out it down once I started. If you like creepy, crazy killer books...this is a must read.
19 reviews
April 20, 2019
Catches the reader within a few pages.

A story has to catch me quickly or I lose interest and this book did not disappoint. It is graphic so it isn't for everyone but the author does a great job with character development and twist and turns. I could not out it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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