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Lizzie
Do you have that terrible feeling lately that the world is going straight to hell?
You (and over half of America) just might be onto something.
Listen…
It’s the summer of 2010, the meat of the foreclosure crisis, and for over seven months now Dan and Beth and four-year-old Lizzie have been happily tucked away in their big new repo in the countryside. Dan, a real estate agent, was turned onto the once-in-a-lifetime deal through his contacts with a local bank.
Then Dan finds Barron Cemetery. Or perhaps it finds him, because he damn sure never had the urge to explore any strange bone yards before. The bizarre necropolis is located in a primal wooded valley just a few short miles from their new house, and horrible events soon engulf his small family, all seemingly tied to Barron Cemetery and its secluded vale.
After making inquiries on their own, Beth and Dan begin to suspect that not only are their new supposed friends and neighbors complicit in the attacks against them, but the local police and authorities as well. They also start to question the intent behind the too-good-to-be-true offer that got them to move out to the boonies in the first place…and then Lizzie is abducted, snatched away in the night by the nightmare cabal behind Barron Cemetery. Dan and Beth can’t go to the cops because the cops are part of it. They’re on their own. They’ll have to rescue her themselves.
So begins a race against time to save Lizzie from a fate worse than death, but along the way Beth and Dan will confront hidden truths about themselves, their daughter, and this very world—truths that they can hardly credit, let alone comprehend.
All that craziness doesn’t matter, though. They’re going to take their little girl back, no matter what, but one question bothers her parents the most as they gird themselves for the fight of their lives.
What in God’s name could they want with sweet little Lizzie?
You (and over half of America) just might be onto something.
Listen…
It’s the summer of 2010, the meat of the foreclosure crisis, and for over seven months now Dan and Beth and four-year-old Lizzie have been happily tucked away in their big new repo in the countryside. Dan, a real estate agent, was turned onto the once-in-a-lifetime deal through his contacts with a local bank.
Then Dan finds Barron Cemetery. Or perhaps it finds him, because he damn sure never had the urge to explore any strange bone yards before. The bizarre necropolis is located in a primal wooded valley just a few short miles from their new house, and horrible events soon engulf his small family, all seemingly tied to Barron Cemetery and its secluded vale.
After making inquiries on their own, Beth and Dan begin to suspect that not only are their new supposed friends and neighbors complicit in the attacks against them, but the local police and authorities as well. They also start to question the intent behind the too-good-to-be-true offer that got them to move out to the boonies in the first place…and then Lizzie is abducted, snatched away in the night by the nightmare cabal behind Barron Cemetery. Dan and Beth can’t go to the cops because the cops are part of it. They’re on their own. They’ll have to rescue her themselves.
So begins a race against time to save Lizzie from a fate worse than death, but along the way Beth and Dan will confront hidden truths about themselves, their daughter, and this very world—truths that they can hardly credit, let alone comprehend.
All that craziness doesn’t matter, though. They’re going to take their little girl back, no matter what, but one question bothers her parents the most as they gird themselves for the fight of their lives.
What in God’s name could they want with sweet little Lizzie?
- GenresHorror
933 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2017
63 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 18, 2025
Lizzie is a kitchen sink type blend of horror, that includes punches to the gut, kicks to the crotch, an eye gouge or two, knockdown, drag out fights, and a little bit of shock and awe. This novel is not for the faint of heart nor the weak-willed, pussyfooter. It is what I would characterize as hardcore horror that encapsulates all sorts of horror subgenres like demon possession, witchcraft, human sacrifice, creepy kid, home invasion, sexual violation, walking dead among the gravestones, and numerous expletives.
The narrative is essentially about a small young family that has moved to a rural neighborhood. Their new home is an ostentatious castle that they were lured to with miniscule mortgage rates and enticing interest rates. When something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Their home is a lure, and the family finds that out fairly quickly.
Their neighbor is a farmer, but he is much more than that. He is also a very connected businessman. His partners are three gorgeous, adopted daughters that may or may not be witches, an older woman who calls herself the keeper of the cemetery, three hellish dogs, various criminal rabble, and the lord of their disturbing cult.
The farmer has developed an incredible fascination for Lizzie, the six-year-old daughter of our protagonists. He thinks that Lizzie is somehow a messianic figure, and he will do anything to get her and keep her for the cult. This is a horrifying tale that gave me nightmares. Even while awake, random thoughts derived from book situations would break into my thoughts with mortified ideas, and consequent actions. I really liked this book, but it was almost TOO troubling. I think it goes too far passed the horror, almost as if traveling to a new worse version of hell.
The narrative is essentially about a small young family that has moved to a rural neighborhood. Their new home is an ostentatious castle that they were lured to with miniscule mortgage rates and enticing interest rates. When something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Their home is a lure, and the family finds that out fairly quickly.
Their neighbor is a farmer, but he is much more than that. He is also a very connected businessman. His partners are three gorgeous, adopted daughters that may or may not be witches, an older woman who calls herself the keeper of the cemetery, three hellish dogs, various criminal rabble, and the lord of their disturbing cult.
The farmer has developed an incredible fascination for Lizzie, the six-year-old daughter of our protagonists. He thinks that Lizzie is somehow a messianic figure, and he will do anything to get her and keep her for the cult. This is a horrifying tale that gave me nightmares. Even while awake, random thoughts derived from book situations would break into my thoughts with mortified ideas, and consequent actions. I really liked this book, but it was almost TOO troubling. I think it goes too far passed the horror, almost as if traveling to a new worse version of hell.
September 24, 2024
Lizzie was all over the place. It had multiple things going on that could have made a good story if it all connected. Some things were just left hanging in the breeze. It took me forever to even get through it because it just didn’t hold my interest. It would get good and then blah. Too bad the author didn’t continue the good parts and stop adding things that just didn’t belong. In my opinion.
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this in advance.
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this in advance.
August 17, 2024
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, BloodChuckles Press, and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of this book.
I have a love-hate relationship with this book..
Firstly, we didn't need over 500 pages to tell us this story, and we didn't need the ADHD that was the first 10 chapters. In the beginning, I had no idea what was going on, and it took a long time to read to actually understand what was happening. The author would jump around with subjects, treating each like they were his most passionate subjects. However, they would then change the subject only to jump back to it a page later. It was hard to stay focused. On top of it, it's quite clear that this has not been properly edited as there were many mistakes (typos) and I found the authors constant shortening (or nicknaming) of words to be frustrating as I would often have to try and figure out what the lingo was, they were using.
Somehow, I managed to keep reading until the end, and it even got interesting a few times.
The one thing I don't understand is why you would name a book about a character that isn't the main character or even the main subject until the last 8th of the book? This is not a book about Lizzie. This is a story about Lizzie's parents and then finally about the little girl. It's also about a lot of other characters, and I questioned this often throughout the book. I was disappointed by the end in general.
This has been done before and often a whole lot better.
However, I will give the author credit in his determination. Also, their story-telling skills aren't bad, and with a bit of work, this unfinished feeling story could be quite brilliant.
It wasn't very scary, which also disappointed me, I probably wouldn't recommend this because it often comes off feeling like it's written by someone under twenty with no life experience.
The sex scenes were very male focused and felt off in the way that it seemed like the writer didn't really know what they were talking about, which is a shame.
All in all, I sometimes enjoyed the read, and sometimes, it was a struggle to keep going.
Thank you to NetGalley, BloodChuckles Press, and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of this book.
I have a love-hate relationship with this book..
Firstly, we didn't need over 500 pages to tell us this story, and we didn't need the ADHD that was the first 10 chapters. In the beginning, I had no idea what was going on, and it took a long time to read to actually understand what was happening. The author would jump around with subjects, treating each like they were his most passionate subjects. However, they would then change the subject only to jump back to it a page later. It was hard to stay focused. On top of it, it's quite clear that this has not been properly edited as there were many mistakes (typos) and I found the authors constant shortening (or nicknaming) of words to be frustrating as I would often have to try and figure out what the lingo was, they were using.
Somehow, I managed to keep reading until the end, and it even got interesting a few times.
The one thing I don't understand is why you would name a book about a character that isn't the main character or even the main subject until the last 8th of the book? This is not a book about Lizzie. This is a story about Lizzie's parents and then finally about the little girl. It's also about a lot of other characters, and I questioned this often throughout the book. I was disappointed by the end in general.
This has been done before and often a whole lot better.
However, I will give the author credit in his determination. Also, their story-telling skills aren't bad, and with a bit of work, this unfinished feeling story could be quite brilliant.
It wasn't very scary, which also disappointed me, I probably wouldn't recommend this because it often comes off feeling like it's written by someone under twenty with no life experience.
The sex scenes were very male focused and felt off in the way that it seemed like the writer didn't really know what they were talking about, which is a shame.
All in all, I sometimes enjoyed the read, and sometimes, it was a struggle to keep going.
October 1, 2023
I received this arc copy from Netgalley so thank you for the opportunity to read this. I just kept going through this book in my head and I now understand why it’s such a large book.
It has a gothic story with some death and a whole lot of crazy stirred in. It was good but at times I had to go back and make sure I was reading it right.
I would have read this much faster if it had been two separate books (and better for the author). It’s very intimidating for me to read a 900+ page book.
Overall, it is an excellent story. It’s just a little long.
It has a gothic story with some death and a whole lot of crazy stirred in. It was good but at times I had to go back and make sure I was reading it right.
I would have read this much faster if it had been two separate books (and better for the author). It’s very intimidating for me to read a 900+ page book.
Overall, it is an excellent story. It’s just a little long.
January 23, 2024
This horror book was so twisty and turny. Be sure to read your trigger warnings beforehand. Every time I thought I had kind of figured it out, there was just so much more going on. Dan was one of those characters that you just love to hate. His consistently poor decisions frustrated me to no end. There were times you could tell he meant well, but there was just no follow-through. On the other hand, Beth was a little bit more of a dynamic character. While Lizzie is the name of the book and revolves around Beth and Dan's child, her role is more low-key and is more about their ideal for Lizzie. Overall, it's a bit long but still an engaging read.
September 15, 2023
It’s Dan’s birthday and although he and Lizzie his four-year-old daughter both had nightmares they tried to salvage the rest of the day and make it a good one. Dan’s wife Beth makes pancakes and her and Lizzie go on their normal garage sale hunt is Dan goes for a bike ride since it is his birthday he decides to take a different route than he normally does and comes up on a cemetery with a weird monolith right in the middle that seems to have holographic things all over it which is strange because the monolith looks like it grew straight out of the ground. They also have a plethora of white roses on the inside of the cemetery ground and red ones on the outside and Dan’s awkward feeling only grows when he meets the strange caretaker. When he finally tears his self away from the cemetery he starts being stalked by some country bumpkin in a F150 that rams into him and knocked him into a ditch. He will learn later the death was also start by the same truck. It’s being driven by a man who she will meet face-to-face at the café where she works and he and his friend make it clear they are not pleasant customers they Lear at her and make things absolutely uncomfortable but that is only a prelude to what happens when she and then go home because the driver of the truck is waiting for them and has a night full of torture in store. Dan’s fear only grows when he begs the man in offers him 40,000 dollars and the man calls him a lawyer and proceeds to tell him exactly the amount of money he has in the bank. Eventually that will kill the intruder but it will only be after he has done some damage but before they can even leave the hospital he realizes this is an over this is just the beginning but has no idea the nightmare the future and towns people have in store for the couple before it is over they will be asking their self was all this planned or does it have something to do with his stumbling upon the cemetery and what did they want with sweet little four-year-old Lizzie? This book is so involved and has so much plot and planning to if there is no way I could give a brief summary to all of it just know with the exception of how he describes beautiful women which I found to be a bit sleazy the rest of it is a smart intricate plot of mystery and horror that I could not stop reading. I was so shocked to see this book didn’t have that many reviews because OMG it is so good! If you love books about ancient curses conspiracy theories that come true in the game of cat and mouse that the mouse wins you definitely love Lizzie by Edward Rant. As I said the only part I didn’t like was his sleazy description of the Farmer’s daughters and hall every man was just a sleazy even the professor who commented on the Apple shaped ass of a student walking down the hall I mean really I meant that simple that they get distracted that easily? I don’t know why but that really irritated me that seem juvenile and so irrelevant to the plot. Having said that the rest of the book was really good and as I said I couldn’t stop reading it! I want to thank the author the publisher and NetGalley for my free art carpet please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
September 8, 2023
***I received this as an ARC copy from Netgalley for free, but that does not impact my thoughts in any way.***
Dan is father to four year old Lizzie who hasn’t been sleeping well. Both father and daughter suffer from night terrors, but when an older dream version of his daughter enters his nightmares, Dans birthday might be his last…
This was a good read. Since I read this as an ARC, it didn’t seem to have a lot of thought in the formatting. This is small, but distracting to the point where I felt I had to deduct a star. This could have been a four star read easily if I didn’t find myself brought out of the story because of the formatting and typos.
If you enjoy a good Gothic, and the shining, give Lizzie a go!
Dan is father to four year old Lizzie who hasn’t been sleeping well. Both father and daughter suffer from night terrors, but when an older dream version of his daughter enters his nightmares, Dans birthday might be his last…
This was a good read. Since I read this as an ARC, it didn’t seem to have a lot of thought in the formatting. This is small, but distracting to the point where I felt I had to deduct a star. This could have been a four star read easily if I didn’t find myself brought out of the story because of the formatting and typos.
If you enjoy a good Gothic, and the shining, give Lizzie a go!
dnf
September 20, 2023Did not finish book. Stopped at 26%.
I gave this book a fair chance, but I found the main characters and the writing style both obnoxious, and the plot is far too slow-paced. I feel like I spent most of it waiting for things to happen, and I just can't read several hundred pages like that.
content warnings: in the part I read, there was a very graphic rape scene and a graphic murder
I gave this book a fair chance, but I found the main characters and the writing style both obnoxious, and the plot is far too slow-paced. I feel like I spent most of it waiting for things to happen, and I just can't read several hundred pages like that.
content warnings: in the part I read, there was a very graphic rape scene and a graphic murder
November 15, 2023
While this genre isn’t usually my jam, Lizzie herself caught my attention. I’m glad I read it though, as it was the right level of horror for me. Right out of the gate, the author caught my attention and kept me engaged the entire way through the book. I read another book from this author for sure.
February 20, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. An interesting read that had me gripped from the start. I know all too well the feeling of "if it's too good to be true, then something will go wrong," as well as feeling hopeless, when even the people that are supposed to help you aren't any good. A great read to get you through the weekend.
November 10, 2024
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started reading this one. This is really good one for Spooktober, especially for those who want a scary story, but also want a storyline.
Even though the story was okay, I just didn't love this one. Overall, I just couldn't get into it as a whole. I didn't really like either of the two main characters, and it just wasn't all that spooky for me.
I think others who are not seasoned horror readers may like this one more. I sincerely appreciate the author and NetGalley for the review copy.
Even though the story was okay, I just didn't love this one. Overall, I just couldn't get into it as a whole. I didn't really like either of the two main characters, and it just wasn't all that spooky for me.
I think others who are not seasoned horror readers may like this one more. I sincerely appreciate the author and NetGalley for the review copy.
December 16, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.
I have been on a horror genre kick of late and Lizzy was a perfect fit for my current mood. I did find the book a bit long and had to take breaks due to library holds, but that's a me problem, besides the length Lizzie was a good read that you want to pick up again. It offers the same uncomfortable horror the cover suggests and that's a good thing.
I have been on a horror genre kick of late and Lizzy was a perfect fit for my current mood. I did find the book a bit long and had to take breaks due to library holds, but that's a me problem, besides the length Lizzie was a good read that you want to pick up again. It offers the same uncomfortable horror the cover suggests and that's a good thing.
February 3, 2024
Dan and Beth move with their four-year-old daughter, Lizzie, to a large house in a rural area. They get the house for a steal, and the plan is that Dan, a real estate guy, will spruce up the house and then sell it for a profit.
All is well for the first seven months until one day when Dan finds himself lured to a deserted graveyard on a cycling trip on his birthday. This is the first time he sees Barron Cemetery. This seemingly harmless event invites their worst nightmare into their lives.
A series of unprovoked, bizarre and increasingly horrible incidents begin to plague them. They realise that the cops aren’t going to protect them, that the police are in fact in the employ of the criminals. What’s more, all their friends and neighbours might be involved too.
The book is divided into five parts: Book 1 – Animosity, Book 2 – The First Rule, Book 3 – Things That Should Not Be, Book 4 – Back to the Cemetery, Book 5 – The Binding and Book 6 – The Reaping. It is written in the third person past tense PoV of Dan and Beth.
The author did a good job with the description of the countryside, slowly building an aura of isolation and alarm. He also helps us understand character motivation through the internal monologue of other characters as much as through the dialogue and setting.
What I liked about the plot is that the action doesn’t let up, continuing long after one thinks that peace has been restored.
In the beginning, I didn’t like Beth much. Dan calling her a tigress once too often didn’t help matters much. It was only after the plot progressed further and they faced their biggest challenge yet that I began to warm towards them. Despite the anger they hold against each other, we get a sense of the deep love they have for each other. Both of them have had difficult pasts. Both have secrets they have hidden from each other and from us.
Dan and Beth are both richly layered characters. Both have meaty roles in this book. Both tend to act impulsively, and not always wisely,
Dan referring to Arabic as “the flowing script used by Al Jazeera whenever Al-Qaeda issued a proclamation in the name of their bloodthirsty god, usually after slaughtering a batch of innocent people,” was in bad taste. This issue is not as problematic when a minor character, with major prejudice, refers to “Muslim heathens” because then it fits her character.
There is a lot of swearing and bad language in the book, that I found distasteful. There were lots of descriptions of sex, written primarily like a male fantasy. “He couldn’t go any deeper. There wasn’t room” sounded puerile.
One error was when Abdulla was referred to as a Sikh. Abdulla is not a Sikh name. It is a Muslim name. Get your facts right before forcing diversity into your story.
It’s a long book, but also a long nightmare. Even so, the book could have been thinner. A lot of it was in the internal monologues of the two main characters, especially with both of them dancing around the main issue.
I liked the book, but was disappointed with the conclusion. The only way in which it might make sense is if the author were to announce a sequel. Also, what was the point in calling this book, Lizzie, when most of it was about Dan and Beth?
All is well for the first seven months until one day when Dan finds himself lured to a deserted graveyard on a cycling trip on his birthday. This is the first time he sees Barron Cemetery. This seemingly harmless event invites their worst nightmare into their lives.
A series of unprovoked, bizarre and increasingly horrible incidents begin to plague them. They realise that the cops aren’t going to protect them, that the police are in fact in the employ of the criminals. What’s more, all their friends and neighbours might be involved too.
The book is divided into five parts: Book 1 – Animosity, Book 2 – The First Rule, Book 3 – Things That Should Not Be, Book 4 – Back to the Cemetery, Book 5 – The Binding and Book 6 – The Reaping. It is written in the third person past tense PoV of Dan and Beth.
The author did a good job with the description of the countryside, slowly building an aura of isolation and alarm. He also helps us understand character motivation through the internal monologue of other characters as much as through the dialogue and setting.
What I liked about the plot is that the action doesn’t let up, continuing long after one thinks that peace has been restored.
In the beginning, I didn’t like Beth much. Dan calling her a tigress once too often didn’t help matters much. It was only after the plot progressed further and they faced their biggest challenge yet that I began to warm towards them. Despite the anger they hold against each other, we get a sense of the deep love they have for each other. Both of them have had difficult pasts. Both have secrets they have hidden from each other and from us.
Dan and Beth are both richly layered characters. Both have meaty roles in this book. Both tend to act impulsively, and not always wisely,
Dan referring to Arabic as “the flowing script used by Al Jazeera whenever Al-Qaeda issued a proclamation in the name of their bloodthirsty god, usually after slaughtering a batch of innocent people,” was in bad taste. This issue is not as problematic when a minor character, with major prejudice, refers to “Muslim heathens” because then it fits her character.
There is a lot of swearing and bad language in the book, that I found distasteful. There were lots of descriptions of sex, written primarily like a male fantasy. “He couldn’t go any deeper. There wasn’t room” sounded puerile.
One error was when Abdulla was referred to as a Sikh. Abdulla is not a Sikh name. It is a Muslim name. Get your facts right before forcing diversity into your story.
It’s a long book, but also a long nightmare. Even so, the book could have been thinner. A lot of it was in the internal monologues of the two main characters, especially with both of them dancing around the main issue.
I liked the book, but was disappointed with the conclusion. The only way in which it might make sense is if the author were to announce a sequel. Also, what was the point in calling this book, Lizzie, when most of it was about Dan and Beth?
December 6, 2023
Edward Rand's "Lizzie" unfolds as a gripping tale that plunges readers into a whirlwind of suspense, mystery, and relentless pursuit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Readers are directed into a labyrinth of chilling secrets and heart-pounding danger.
From the tranquility of countryside repose to the depths of horror at Barron Cemetery, the story unravels through the eyes of Dan and Beth, thrust into a nightmarish sequence of events after an innocuous visit to the eerie boneyard. Rand navigates this descent into chaos, weaving a story that blends the ordinary with the inexplicable, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare.
This novel has a relentless pace and is meticulously constructed of tension and intrigue. Rand's aptitude for storytelling is evident in the palpable sense of urgency as Dan and Beth navigate through a maze of dark conspiracies, sinister forces, and treacherous allies. Their quest to rescue Lizzie becomes a test of courage, resilience, and the depths of parental love.
"Lizzie" probes beyond the surface, unveiling the hidden truths about the characters and the world they inhabit. Dan and Beth's palpable fear and desperation immerses readers on a rollercoaster of emotions that oscillate between dread, determination, and hope.
Rand's text is an intricate dance between chilling suspense and heartfelt emotion, culminating in a pursuit to save Lizzie from an inexplicable fate. The compelling storyline is heightened by the exploration of human nature, pushing Dan and Beth to confront their deepest fears, strengths, and vulnerabilities in their unwavering resolve to reclaim their daughter.
"Lizzie" is an exploration of the human spirit -- revealing the lengths parents will go to protect their child. Rand's storytelling captivates, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, yearning to unravel the mysteries woven within.
"A heart-pounding journey through the shadows of suspense and relentless pursuit, 'Lizzie' grips readers in a chilling tale of resilience and parental love."
"Edward Rand's 'Lizzie' delivers an electrifying narrative that blurs the lines between reality and terror, propelling readers into a maze of dark conspiracies and unimaginable horrors."
"From tranquil repose to nightmarish terror, 'Lizzie' unfolds as a haunting tale of desperation, courage, and the fight for a daughter's life against insurmountable odds."
"In 'Lizzie,' Edward Rand crafts a gripping narrative that echoes with palpable fear and unyielding determination, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable horrors."
From the tranquility of countryside repose to the depths of horror at Barron Cemetery, the story unravels through the eyes of Dan and Beth, thrust into a nightmarish sequence of events after an innocuous visit to the eerie boneyard. Rand navigates this descent into chaos, weaving a story that blends the ordinary with the inexplicable, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare.
This novel has a relentless pace and is meticulously constructed of tension and intrigue. Rand's aptitude for storytelling is evident in the palpable sense of urgency as Dan and Beth navigate through a maze of dark conspiracies, sinister forces, and treacherous allies. Their quest to rescue Lizzie becomes a test of courage, resilience, and the depths of parental love.
"Lizzie" probes beyond the surface, unveiling the hidden truths about the characters and the world they inhabit. Dan and Beth's palpable fear and desperation immerses readers on a rollercoaster of emotions that oscillate between dread, determination, and hope.
Rand's text is an intricate dance between chilling suspense and heartfelt emotion, culminating in a pursuit to save Lizzie from an inexplicable fate. The compelling storyline is heightened by the exploration of human nature, pushing Dan and Beth to confront their deepest fears, strengths, and vulnerabilities in their unwavering resolve to reclaim their daughter.
"Lizzie" is an exploration of the human spirit -- revealing the lengths parents will go to protect their child. Rand's storytelling captivates, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, yearning to unravel the mysteries woven within.
"A heart-pounding journey through the shadows of suspense and relentless pursuit, 'Lizzie' grips readers in a chilling tale of resilience and parental love."
"Edward Rand's 'Lizzie' delivers an electrifying narrative that blurs the lines between reality and terror, propelling readers into a maze of dark conspiracies and unimaginable horrors."
"From tranquil repose to nightmarish terror, 'Lizzie' unfolds as a haunting tale of desperation, courage, and the fight for a daughter's life against insurmountable odds."
"In 'Lizzie,' Edward Rand crafts a gripping narrative that echoes with palpable fear and unyielding determination, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable horrors."
December 26, 2023
To be honest, Lizzie posed some challenges for me as a reader. But I firmly believe that every book has its merits, so I want to focus on the positive aspects of this thriller and mystery story, even though it didn't quite align with my personal preferences.
First things first, the book's cover instantly grabbed my attention. It had this mysterious vibe and a touch of horror that really appealed to my taste. I have to admit, the cover alone intrigued me and drew me into the story.
The synopsis of the book promised an intriguing and captivating plot, blending elements of thrill, mystery, and horror. As a fan of these genres, I was genuinely excited to dive in and uncover the secrets that lay within the pages.
One thing I appreciated was Rand's attention to detail in their descriptions. While I do prefer a good balance between dialogue and descriptions, I understand that in a thriller, vivid descriptions play a crucial role in setting the atmosphere. Rand's dedication to creating a rich and immersive world through their words is definitely worth acknowledging.
Furthermore, the book showcased Rand's ability to portray the characters' actions and movements in great detail. Admittedly, at times, these passages felt a bit lengthy. However, they provided a comprehensive understanding of the characters' thoughts, motivations, and interactions with their surroundings. This level of detail allowed me to develop a deeper connection with the characters and better grasp their roles.
Now, I have to be honest, the story didn't flow as seamlessly as I had hoped. The pacing felt a bit off for my liking. But I understand different readers have different preferences when it comes to pacing. Some might appreciate the deliberate and methodical approach to storytelling, finding it more immersive and suspenseful. So, despite my personal experience, I want to acknowledge that there are readers out there who may thoroughly enjoy the book's unique narrative style.
The captivating cover, intriguing synopsis, and the author's attention to detail all contribute to an overall reading experience that fans of the thriller, mystery, and horror genres can appreciate.
First things first, the book's cover instantly grabbed my attention. It had this mysterious vibe and a touch of horror that really appealed to my taste. I have to admit, the cover alone intrigued me and drew me into the story.
The synopsis of the book promised an intriguing and captivating plot, blending elements of thrill, mystery, and horror. As a fan of these genres, I was genuinely excited to dive in and uncover the secrets that lay within the pages.
One thing I appreciated was Rand's attention to detail in their descriptions. While I do prefer a good balance between dialogue and descriptions, I understand that in a thriller, vivid descriptions play a crucial role in setting the atmosphere. Rand's dedication to creating a rich and immersive world through their words is definitely worth acknowledging.
Furthermore, the book showcased Rand's ability to portray the characters' actions and movements in great detail. Admittedly, at times, these passages felt a bit lengthy. However, they provided a comprehensive understanding of the characters' thoughts, motivations, and interactions with their surroundings. This level of detail allowed me to develop a deeper connection with the characters and better grasp their roles.
Now, I have to be honest, the story didn't flow as seamlessly as I had hoped. The pacing felt a bit off for my liking. But I understand different readers have different preferences when it comes to pacing. Some might appreciate the deliberate and methodical approach to storytelling, finding it more immersive and suspenseful. So, despite my personal experience, I want to acknowledge that there are readers out there who may thoroughly enjoy the book's unique narrative style.
The captivating cover, intriguing synopsis, and the author's attention to detail all contribute to an overall reading experience that fans of the thriller, mystery, and horror genres can appreciate.
November 17, 2023
To be honest, Lizzie posed some challenges for me as a reader. But I firmly believe that every book has its merits, so I want to focus on the positive aspects of this thriller and mystery story, even though it didn't quite align with my personal preferences.
One thing I appreciated was Rand's attention to detail in their descriptions. While I do prefer a good balance between dialogue and descriptions, I understand that in a thriller, vivid descriptions play a crucial role in setting the atmosphere. Rand's dedication to creating a rich and immersive world through their words is definitely worth acknowledging.
Furthermore, the book showcased Rand's ability to portray the characters' actions and movements in great detail. Admittedly, at times, these passages felt a bit lengthy. However, they provided a comprehensive understanding of the characters' thoughts, motivations, and interactions with their surroundings. This level of detail allowed me to develop a deeper connection with the characters and better grasp their roles.
Now, I have to be honest, the story didn't flow as seamlessly as I had hoped. The pacing felt a bit off for my liking. But I understand different readers have different preferences when it comes to pacing. Some might appreciate the deliberate and methodical approach to storytelling, finding it more immersive and suspenseful. So, despite my personal experience, I want to acknowledge that there are readers out there who may thoroughly enjoy the book's unique narrative style.
The captivating cover, intriguing synopsis, and the author's attention to detail all contribute to an overall reading experience that fans of the thriller, mystery, and horror genres can appreciate.
One thing I appreciated was Rand's attention to detail in their descriptions. While I do prefer a good balance between dialogue and descriptions, I understand that in a thriller, vivid descriptions play a crucial role in setting the atmosphere. Rand's dedication to creating a rich and immersive world through their words is definitely worth acknowledging.
Furthermore, the book showcased Rand's ability to portray the characters' actions and movements in great detail. Admittedly, at times, these passages felt a bit lengthy. However, they provided a comprehensive understanding of the characters' thoughts, motivations, and interactions with their surroundings. This level of detail allowed me to develop a deeper connection with the characters and better grasp their roles.
Now, I have to be honest, the story didn't flow as seamlessly as I had hoped. The pacing felt a bit off for my liking. But I understand different readers have different preferences when it comes to pacing. Some might appreciate the deliberate and methodical approach to storytelling, finding it more immersive and suspenseful. So, despite my personal experience, I want to acknowledge that there are readers out there who may thoroughly enjoy the book's unique narrative style.
The captivating cover, intriguing synopsis, and the author's attention to detail all contribute to an overall reading experience that fans of the thriller, mystery, and horror genres can appreciate.
December 20, 2023
Let's start with the things that I really liked about the book. First it was a good chunky novel! I love a lengthy read. Secondly, I was truly kept guessing at the direction of the tale...the "bad guys" could easily have had a number of different back stories ( personally I was rooting for evil Fae....but didn't hate where we ended up!) Third up was the authors attention to detail. This perhaps contributed to the length of the book but was very effective in creating a very immersive reading experience.
Now for the not so great things. While I love a long read, the first 75% of the book really went nowhere. The attempt at creating intrigue really fell flat for me. The biggest problem, I think, were the characters themselves. There was not a single character that didn't come across as self absorbed, narcissistic and just plain anti social. It was hard to read a book of this length and not feel like any of the characters were worth rooting for. Everyone seemed to despise everyone else. I really wanted a hero , even an anti hero, I found none.
Overall it was not a bad read, just took a long time to go anywhere and once we arrived, I really coudn't have cared less if anyone came out on top.....
A huge thank to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this book free of charge. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
Now for the not so great things. While I love a long read, the first 75% of the book really went nowhere. The attempt at creating intrigue really fell flat for me. The biggest problem, I think, were the characters themselves. There was not a single character that didn't come across as self absorbed, narcissistic and just plain anti social. It was hard to read a book of this length and not feel like any of the characters were worth rooting for. Everyone seemed to despise everyone else. I really wanted a hero , even an anti hero, I found none.
Overall it was not a bad read, just took a long time to go anywhere and once we arrived, I really coudn't have cared less if anyone came out on top.....
A huge thank to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this book free of charge. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
October 7, 2023
This was a tough one. For one thing, this book is a really long slog. 924 pages, my man? Get you a better editor! For another, while the story was interesting enough, I couldn’t get past the feeling that this dude just really hates women. Essentially all women were reduced to their physical characteristics, and many, if not all, were referred to as b*tch, sl*t, wh*re, and c*nt, a lot of times, including by the protagonist, and including when referring to his wife, whom he supposedly loves. Racial slurs are also not off limits here! Additionally, another character, who is a special agent, whom we are meant to see as being a good guy, alludes to beating his tenant’s children with a belt to instill discipline in them, saying he’d like to do it to their mother, too. Lastly, a lot of the thoughts and dialogue didn’t really ring true to me. The titular Lizzie, who is 4, being raised by two adults in their mid-30s (in 2010, apparently?) routinely responds to her parents with “yes ma’am” or “yes sir.” I’m not saying it’s impossible but it just seemed off to me! To sum up, even though the story itself was relatively good, I really did not like how long the book was and how unlikeable so many of the characters were, especially in their treatment of women.
July 14, 2025
This well written end of times novel had started as a slow burn and then amped up a few chapter into the story. There was so much corruption in this small town that it was very easy to see that Dan and Elizabeth were going to struggle while trying to protect their daughter from some crack pot group of Satan worshippers. Unfortunately humans need to try and explain away outlandish claims so when confronted with the information that Lizzie was some sort of powerful entity; both her parents felt what they learned and witnessed was ‘impossible’. As much as Beth wanted to protect her daughter there were forces against her that were much stronger. The Sims family really stood no chance on preventing Lizzie from being used as a pawn in the return of ‘the Master’. Two groups of evil-doers were fighting to control the outcome of the Masters’s return and Lizzie was the main attraction. I have never felt so bad for protagonists such as these in a book. The parents fought tooth and nail to protect Lizzie but a much more powerful source was determined to bring about the prophecy. This novel had so many good qualities and was an easy read. I was truly sad for the book to end the way it did. I want more!
February 10, 2024
This book was incredibly long, so if you can get past that, it's well worth a read; I certainly didnt find it dragged. It did hold my interest, and all in all, I really enjoyed it.
There were some issues with continuity and the C**t word was used far too much, and completely unnecessary.
It started out as a mystery thriller, but the supernatural horror elements were soon apparent, making for a very dark, creepy read, not one I'd have wanted to read if I was home alone at night!
I didn't have any strong opinions on the Sims family, although both adults came across as very self-centred and it wasn't always easy to sympathise with them. McFarlane was a vile misogynistic individual, and as for his 3 evil daughters...
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity.
There were some issues with continuity and the C**t word was used far too much, and completely unnecessary.
It started out as a mystery thriller, but the supernatural horror elements were soon apparent, making for a very dark, creepy read, not one I'd have wanted to read if I was home alone at night!
I didn't have any strong opinions on the Sims family, although both adults came across as very self-centred and it wasn't always easy to sympathise with them. McFarlane was a vile misogynistic individual, and as for his 3 evil daughters...
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity.
October 18, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for providing this ebook in exchange for an honest review!
The size of the book itself is intimidating, HOWEVER .... it was one crazy ride!!!!
There are gothic/dark vibes/themes, definitely something I love!!
I will say it was a bit slower paced, BUT once everything unfolded it was very well made.
I will say though, it kind of felt that there were some negative feelings toward women in general (there wasn't a lot of character developement there and just seemed to be known as B*tch, Sl*t etc. and there were even racial slurs which I am not a huge fan of - which had me dock 2 stars off).
The size of the book itself is intimidating, HOWEVER .... it was one crazy ride!!!!
There are gothic/dark vibes/themes, definitely something I love!!
I will say it was a bit slower paced, BUT once everything unfolded it was very well made.
I will say though, it kind of felt that there were some negative feelings toward women in general (there wasn't a lot of character developement there and just seemed to be known as B*tch, Sl*t etc. and there were even racial slurs which I am not a huge fan of - which had me dock 2 stars off).
February 9, 2024
*I received this book as an arc from netgalley, however that does not affect my thoughts in any way* may contain spoilers
Lizzie did not quite align with my personal preferences in a book. However before talking about this I want to note some of the good things in the story.
The cover itself drew me into the story! Rand had a way of describing the scenes! I thought the description was great!
Now, for me the pacing threw me off, it felt choppy. I didn’t think it had a seamless flow to it.
Don’t get me wrong, while this book wasn’t for me there are people out there who would definitely enjoy it!
Lizzie did not quite align with my personal preferences in a book. However before talking about this I want to note some of the good things in the story.
The cover itself drew me into the story! Rand had a way of describing the scenes! I thought the description was great!
Now, for me the pacing threw me off, it felt choppy. I didn’t think it had a seamless flow to it.
Don’t get me wrong, while this book wasn’t for me there are people out there who would definitely enjoy it!
December 22, 2023
I really didn’t know what you think about this book. The dichotomy of my feelings was wild. In some ways it was wonderful and I just wanted to keep reading. In other ways, it felt like it dragged, and I wanted it to end eons ago. The set up definitely dragged and then the ending was extremely abrupt. I’m sure the author was leading into more books, but it didn’t stand alone well as an ending. All in all would have to give a 3.5 out of five stars. Some of the character development was over the top, whereas others felt rushed. This definitely left me feeling very confused.
Currently reading
March 16, 2024I have been struggling with this review because everything about this book seemed right up my alley. However, nothing about this justified the length -- this book should have been 300 pages tops, not several hundred. I honestly think this could have been a great book, because when the author was really into the story, I enjoyed it, and there were some suspenseful parts. But there were such quick changes of scene and mood that it was hard to follow. I think I will read another book by this author, but I will check to see how long it is first.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
November 15, 2023
Confusing first chapters, I had no idea what was going on. Family buys there first hone “the castle” and has regular marital issues.
Dad gets into trouble. Both parents have undisclosed pasts and issues. And now the neighbor is not what he appears to be. Evil seems to have corrupted the whole town and more.
Lots of twists and evil characters.
Is there a bk 2?.. different ending…….. an adult read.
Dad gets into trouble. Both parents have undisclosed pasts and issues. And now the neighbor is not what he appears to be. Evil seems to have corrupted the whole town and more.
Lots of twists and evil characters.
Is there a bk 2?.. different ending…….. an adult read.
October 14, 2024
This had a really strong opening, and sent chills down my spine. While the story was good, it unfortunately didn't keep up that momentum. It's an interesting read, even if a bit disjointed at times. Rand does an amazing job with the imagery, really bringing the characters and setting to life. The story itself has some lulls, and I really wish that tension you initially feel had been kept up. Overall, a fun spooky read, but about as scary as a cheesy haunted house.
November 20, 2023
I enjoyed this book. The characters and story line were very well thought out and very descriptive. The story was a bit slower than I’m used to but I still enjoyed it. I think though that it could have been split into two or even three separate books. Overall a good book with a bit of craziness and those who are not who the seem.
December 15, 2024
Dark but Slow
I really enjoyed this overall, but it did have points that were slow. Still, the plot was interesting and the conclusion was satisfying. Definitely do not expect a happy ending though!
I really enjoyed this overall, but it did have points that were slow. Still, the plot was interesting and the conclusion was satisfying. Definitely do not expect a happy ending though!
August 1, 2024
DNF at 17%.
I feel like this author hates women.
I definitely did not like the home invasion and 🍇 - not really tropes I am into! This book has left me feeling icky.
I feel like this author hates women.
I definitely did not like the home invasion and 🍇 - not really tropes I am into! This book has left me feeling icky.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2025
Wow!!
I was hooked from the first page. Very well written and hard to put down. Read it in two days. Lots of action as well as a thoroughly enjoyable story.
I was hooked from the first page. Very well written and hard to put down. Read it in two days. Lots of action as well as a thoroughly enjoyable story.
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