What do you think?
Rate this book
The Conversationalist: Horrorstruck Novella One
Begin a conversation with Patrick, if you dare . . .
On Patrick's Pacific Northwest Island home, people whisper about his family's sad history. Some feel sorry for him. Most want to help Patrick, as if he's a song-less bird, make him their next project, and even set him up on a date with a best friend . . .
On one such date, Wendy confesses to Patrick she's afraid to die, says: "My mother died a year ago . . . horribly." Patrick listens and pretends to care. He keeps his own dark secret safe that way.
There's something wrong with the way Patrick treats the women he dates, his friends, his family . . . no one ever gets close to Patrick. He won't allow that.
"This suspenseful story deals with lies and betrayals that threaten lives and friendships, and they don't leave anyone innocent in the end."---Jacob Buckenmeyer, Anacortes American
Included within: an original dark tale, THE NIGHT, and a bonus short story from the award-winning suspense collection, Sandcastle and Other Stories, ON THE BACK STAIRCASE.
Justin Bog is a member of the ITW: International Thriller Writers. He lives in the Pacific Northwest on Fidalgo Island. He's the author of the crime novel, Wake Me Up, Sandcastle and Other Stories, and HARK!
On Patrick's Pacific Northwest Island home, people whisper about his family's sad history. Some feel sorry for him. Most want to help Patrick, as if he's a song-less bird, make him their next project, and even set him up on a date with a best friend . . .
On one such date, Wendy confesses to Patrick she's afraid to die, says: "My mother died a year ago . . . horribly." Patrick listens and pretends to care. He keeps his own dark secret safe that way.
There's something wrong with the way Patrick treats the women he dates, his friends, his family . . . no one ever gets close to Patrick. He won't allow that.
"This suspenseful story deals with lies and betrayals that threaten lives and friendships, and they don't leave anyone innocent in the end."---Jacob Buckenmeyer, Anacortes American
Included within: an original dark tale, THE NIGHT, and a bonus short story from the award-winning suspense collection, Sandcastle and Other Stories, ON THE BACK STAIRCASE.
Justin Bog is a member of the ITW: International Thriller Writers. He lives in the Pacific Northwest on Fidalgo Island. He's the author of the crime novel, Wake Me Up, Sandcastle and Other Stories, and HARK!
- GenresHorror
168 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2013
3 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Justin Bog
7 books200 followersJustin Bog is a member of the ITW: International Thriller Writers
Justin Bog lives in the Pacific Northwest on Fidalgo Island, and is the author of psychological horror and suspense tales.
Wake Me Up won Foreword Silver INDIES Book Award for LGBT novels!
Wake Me Up won First Place Somerset Book Award!
Sandcastle and Other Stories was a Finalist for the Ohioana Book Awards 2014 and also named Best Suspense Anthology of 2013 by Suspense Magazine.
Justin Bog lives in the Pacific Northwest on Fidalgo Island, and is the author of psychological horror and suspense tales.
Wake Me Up won Foreword Silver INDIES Book Award for LGBT novels!
Wake Me Up won First Place Somerset Book Award!
Sandcastle and Other Stories was a Finalist for the Ohioana Book Awards 2014 and also named Best Suspense Anthology of 2013 by Suspense Magazine.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 22, 2018
Patrick doesn't seem to have one normal relationship in his entire life. He's a teacher and he deals with his students as necessary, but he and his sister don't get along very well and other than his coworker Margo, there's no one else in his life. So when he goes out on a date with Wendy, I had high hopes for him-but alas. It goes so poorly that Patrick leaves while Wendy's in the ladies room. Why? You'll have to read this novella to find out!
As many of you already know, I think that the novella is the perfect size for a horror tale. The length helps keeps the word count down by making every word count. In this story, it took a little while for Patrick's secrets to be revealed-maybe a bit too long. There wasn't a lot of action, but there was a lot of tension and atmosphere and those are the types of dark fiction stories that usually appeal to me the most.
Being an avid, experienced reader of horror, I found the denouement to be poignant, but tame. I also found the author's writing style took a little getting to used to. That said, it did grow on me and towards the end I was enjoying it immensely. (Except for the world "yearning." That one appeared a lot for such a short story.)
This novella was a dark and intriguing read with a distinct style that I enjoyed!
Recommended, especially for those new to dark fiction/horror stories and to those who don't like their horror too bloody.
You can grab a copy here: The Conversationalist: Horrorstruck Novella One
*Justin Bog was kind enough to send me a paperback of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is it.*
As many of you already know, I think that the novella is the perfect size for a horror tale. The length helps keeps the word count down by making every word count. In this story, it took a little while for Patrick's secrets to be revealed-maybe a bit too long. There wasn't a lot of action, but there was a lot of tension and atmosphere and those are the types of dark fiction stories that usually appeal to me the most.
Being an avid, experienced reader of horror, I found the denouement to be poignant, but tame. I also found the author's writing style took a little getting to used to. That said, it did grow on me and towards the end I was enjoying it immensely. (Except for the world "yearning." That one appeared a lot for such a short story.)
This novella was a dark and intriguing read with a distinct style that I enjoyed!
Recommended, especially for those new to dark fiction/horror stories and to those who don't like their horror too bloody.
You can grab a copy here: The Conversationalist: Horrorstruck Novella One
*Justin Bog was kind enough to send me a paperback of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is it.*
July 2, 2013
After reading Sandcastle and Other Stories by this author, I was looking forward to reading more of his work. The Conversationalist is a wonderful literary fiction novella. It is clear that the author is serious about his craft. He engages the reader with descriptive narrative and realistic dialogue. The two main characters in this book seem all too real. They have a past, and that has shaped their present. Everything they do is tainted by dark secrets in their past. I love this style of writing and this kind of psychological theme. I was hooked from the start and gripped by the twists and turns in the story. It's a very emotional read, and a story that will have you thinking about the characters long after you finish reading the last page. This story reminds us that we are all human, and that everything we do, and every experience we go through, has a ripple effect. If you're looking for a well written, engrossing, and slightly darker read, this book is for you.
July 13, 2013
Author Justin Bog has written something evocative. His characters are relate-able and at other times unfathomable. They linger someplace between caring and detachment. I feel similar desperation in my own life - trying to be there for others while moving myself forward. There's a balance we must all find. Patrick and the other characters are not able to find this, and are stuck within relationships -professional and personal- that become largely destructive. The Conversationalist is brilliant in its psychology, and relevance. You will be thinking of this book long after you turn the last page.
June 4, 2013
What if the girl you've been out with for a few casual dates started talking obsessively about death and dying? What if your past makes it harder to know what to do, to listen? Wendy and Patrick are such a couple. Dark and chilling, ride-a-long with Justin Bog as he makes you sweat. The Conversationalist gives you a twisted path through the maze of two damaged people and makes you glad to be who you are by the time you put it down.
March 20, 2019
Wow, what an interesting read! You know me, I love scary books. Someone is always asking me why I love them so, and I guess it’s the rush of fear I get that takes me on a natural high. This story is a novella and can be read in about an hour or so. There’s other short stories in the book as well, which was an added bonus.
Patrick is an ordinary guy, or so one would think? Actually, Patrick is sort of a loner that’s trapped inside a world of needy people which aggravate him. He goes on a date with Wendy, when at first glance, Patrick doesn’t seem to be at all interested in what she’s saying until she mentions her mother died a horrible death and that perked up the rather mundane conversation. As Wendy spins the rather awkward conversation, Patrick suddenly feels the need to abandon his date, in which he does. That one act hurt Wendy’s feelings and suddenly situations in Patrick’s life become strange. As Patrick tries to figure out who is sending him threatening messages, it would appear obvious that his scorned date would be behind it, but the ending has quite a twist.
To say more, would spoil the story for you, but this was a great little story. I absolutely loved it. And if you haven’t noticed, the cover is outstanding! Sort of reminds me of the Joker from Batman. As soon as I saw it, I immediately wanted to read it. So when people say don’t judge a book by its cover, you really shouldn’t, but we all know the avid reader does do that, and the story definitely matches up with the cover. This was well written and very engaging.
I give The Conversationalist five horrifying stars. It’s quick and witty and quite entertaining. This is definitely one to add to your reading lists. I read Bog’s Wake Me Up which was an outstanding read as well and outside of Bog’s norm, if my research of this author is correct. If you’re a fan of dark humor, you’ll enjoy the characters Bog writes about. He’s a very talented author indeed.
Patrick is an ordinary guy, or so one would think? Actually, Patrick is sort of a loner that’s trapped inside a world of needy people which aggravate him. He goes on a date with Wendy, when at first glance, Patrick doesn’t seem to be at all interested in what she’s saying until she mentions her mother died a horrible death and that perked up the rather mundane conversation. As Wendy spins the rather awkward conversation, Patrick suddenly feels the need to abandon his date, in which he does. That one act hurt Wendy’s feelings and suddenly situations in Patrick’s life become strange. As Patrick tries to figure out who is sending him threatening messages, it would appear obvious that his scorned date would be behind it, but the ending has quite a twist.
To say more, would spoil the story for you, but this was a great little story. I absolutely loved it. And if you haven’t noticed, the cover is outstanding! Sort of reminds me of the Joker from Batman. As soon as I saw it, I immediately wanted to read it. So when people say don’t judge a book by its cover, you really shouldn’t, but we all know the avid reader does do that, and the story definitely matches up with the cover. This was well written and very engaging.
I give The Conversationalist five horrifying stars. It’s quick and witty and quite entertaining. This is definitely one to add to your reading lists. I read Bog’s Wake Me Up which was an outstanding read as well and outside of Bog’s norm, if my research of this author is correct. If you’re a fan of dark humor, you’ll enjoy the characters Bog writes about. He’s a very talented author indeed.
November 26, 2013
The Conversationalist is set in the San Juan Islands with the basic theme of modern day dating scene. Patrick is the odd one out in the town and everyone thinks that there is something wrong with him. Living in his deceased parents’ cottage we get a glimpse into Patrick’s life and his mind all the while he struggles to ‘date’.
This Novella is aptly tagged as a psychological thriller. In most cases, we see that the psychological aspect just touches the base and thrills without an edge – but not in this case. Justin Bog delves right into these aspects through Patrick, the oddball and Wendy, the woman obsessed with death. It is difficult to discuss the plot without giving out spoilers and so all I will say about it is that it is nothing like anything that you can guess. It is different and twisted and has a magnetic quality to it that keeps the reader turning it very few pages. And yeah, that is another quality that I admire about this author. He tells us all his fascinating stories using minimal words and yet create an effect that even very complicating novels can fail in creating. As I turned (or swiped on my kindle) to the last page, I felt like I was in a trance that broke with the blank space at the end of the book.
When I first read Justin Bog’s Sandcastle and other stories, I was taken aback by his dark themes and gritty writing style. As I re-read a few of the stories from Sandcastle before picking up this one, I felt that I was more ready for what was to come. Yet I was taken by surprise once again. Almost like standing on a train track and waiting for a train to make it through the last bend, and then all of a sudden it is just there. I don’t have words for the experience that this book brings with – you have to experience it for yourself! So don’t wait – just pick it up… NOW!
http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2013/11/The...
This Novella is aptly tagged as a psychological thriller. In most cases, we see that the psychological aspect just touches the base and thrills without an edge – but not in this case. Justin Bog delves right into these aspects through Patrick, the oddball and Wendy, the woman obsessed with death. It is difficult to discuss the plot without giving out spoilers and so all I will say about it is that it is nothing like anything that you can guess. It is different and twisted and has a magnetic quality to it that keeps the reader turning it very few pages. And yeah, that is another quality that I admire about this author. He tells us all his fascinating stories using minimal words and yet create an effect that even very complicating novels can fail in creating. As I turned (or swiped on my kindle) to the last page, I felt like I was in a trance that broke with the blank space at the end of the book.
When I first read Justin Bog’s Sandcastle and other stories, I was taken aback by his dark themes and gritty writing style. As I re-read a few of the stories from Sandcastle before picking up this one, I felt that I was more ready for what was to come. Yet I was taken by surprise once again. Almost like standing on a train track and waiting for a train to make it through the last bend, and then all of a sudden it is just there. I don’t have words for the experience that this book brings with – you have to experience it for yourself! So don’t wait – just pick it up… NOW!
http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2013/11/The...
July 17, 2017
The Conversationalist is tagged as psychological horror. Being a genre I really enjoy, I crossed my fingers and gave it a go. It’s unpredictability makes for quite the page turner. And, as mentioned in the synopsis, it has an aura of old time edgy horror. I can see this playing out in black and white on the movie screen.
Patrick is such an odd bird. I’m still wondering what to make of him after finishing this story. You get right inside his head, and you really need to keep on your toes as you fall down that rabbit hole.
Patrick tries to be normal. He even starts dating Wendy. But I wonder if he’s drawn to her subconsciously. If maybe like is drawn to like. He has a dark side and so does she. Two very odd, lost souls make for an unexpected outcome.
While the story isn’t long, the author does a superb job bringing his character to life. How he presents Patrick to you is suspenseful and fills you with an intense need to find out what his dark thoughts are leading up to.
It was truly nothing I would have expected and still lingers in my mind. A first read for me by this author and it won’t be my last.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Patrick is such an odd bird. I’m still wondering what to make of him after finishing this story. You get right inside his head, and you really need to keep on your toes as you fall down that rabbit hole.
Patrick tries to be normal. He even starts dating Wendy. But I wonder if he’s drawn to her subconsciously. If maybe like is drawn to like. He has a dark side and so does she. Two very odd, lost souls make for an unexpected outcome.
While the story isn’t long, the author does a superb job bringing his character to life. How he presents Patrick to you is suspenseful and fills you with an intense need to find out what his dark thoughts are leading up to.
It was truly nothing I would have expected and still lingers in my mind. A first read for me by this author and it won’t be my last.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
May 19, 2017
I've read Justin's first book Sandcastles And Other Stories, a fantastic book, so I didn't hesitate to pick this one up. He doesn't disappoint! This is one powerful read. Patrick has a very heavy load to carry in life. People say he's cold and don't really know what he's all about. He tells us about his relationship or lack of one with different ladies in his life since coming back to the family cottage after his parents die. It's hard to know when someone really needs you to listen or is it just ho hum bull that goes in one ear and out the other. He tries hard to listen, but...you decide by reading this Conversation between them all. Justin does a awesome job holding your attention with every word written. It's a very intense book.
October 10, 2013
This novella creeps into a rising tension that builds throughout the piece, gathering a slow power that hits squarely in the last chapter to masterful effect.
The quiet descriptive passages and almost whisper soft demeanor of the narrator hide the suspense as the chapters progress. I found myself entranced and unable to stop reading, as if this book were an action thriller instead of an intense character study.
Justin possesses an uncanny ability with words that evokes powerful imagery without slowing the tempo or suspense in this novella.
I highly recommend this book to all that want a deeper experience with their fiction. This one will make you think and ponder for long after the last page is read.
May 22, 2017
I read Sandcastles by Justin Bogs when it first came out and really enjoyed it. The Conversationalist is a whole different thing. I love horror short stories and this one had me guessing rift til the end. Looking forward to more by Mr. BOG.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
March 19, 2014
This novella masters the character of the hero in a way that reminded me of what was best about the novels of John Updike, to name one example. Justin Bog captures this character so well that I felt like I was walking around in his shoes. It is nice to see a master craftsman at work.
May 31, 2013
The characters haunted me long after I wrote down their story.
April 7, 2017
This was such a chilling story. The main character was interesting in his flaws. The plot twists in such a way that the characters and the story will stay with you long after you finish.
June 26, 2017
*** Suspense and horror told brilliantly ***
Author Justin Bog is teasing us with the title of his novella, “The Conversationalist,” as it’s about a man who is anything but.
The protagonist, Patrick, goes about life untouched by emotion, or so it seems. It’s difficult to know what he’s thinking unless he expresses it. It’s for this reason you hang on his words, few as they are.
Perfect pacing fills the reader with a false sense of calm until a secret is revealed. In this discovery, we gain insight into Patrick’s behaviour. One does not become socially inept and mean-spirited in a vacuum.
Something happened to Patrick to make him this way.
“The Conversationalist” is a study in how one man’s secret can destroy numerous lives until Karma intervenes.
I also greatly enjoyed the bonus shorts “The Night” and “On the Back Staircase.” Both stories show Bog’s flair for creating tension in ordinary situations. Horror exists when we are faced with possible loss or intrusion into our private space.
The overriding theme of Bog’s horror is that fear is not something that resides outside of us. We have the power to create our own fears, and he shows this brilliantly in his stories.
Author Justin Bog is teasing us with the title of his novella, “The Conversationalist,” as it’s about a man who is anything but.
The protagonist, Patrick, goes about life untouched by emotion, or so it seems. It’s difficult to know what he’s thinking unless he expresses it. It’s for this reason you hang on his words, few as they are.
Perfect pacing fills the reader with a false sense of calm until a secret is revealed. In this discovery, we gain insight into Patrick’s behaviour. One does not become socially inept and mean-spirited in a vacuum.
Something happened to Patrick to make him this way.
“The Conversationalist” is a study in how one man’s secret can destroy numerous lives until Karma intervenes.
I also greatly enjoyed the bonus shorts “The Night” and “On the Back Staircase.” Both stories show Bog’s flair for creating tension in ordinary situations. Horror exists when we are faced with possible loss or intrusion into our private space.
The overriding theme of Bog’s horror is that fear is not something that resides outside of us. We have the power to create our own fears, and he shows this brilliantly in his stories.
May 25, 2017
Horror struck Novella One: "The Conversationalist" by Justin Bog
I found this quote for this book: "Everything you can imagine is real".
This new revamp of this book is very evident. The author totally rocked the cover, it says so much on its own. The stories I've read in the first edition were good, but you can tell the author revisited his story and tweaked them. The characters get inside your head because it's not hard to imagine their story. My feelings were all over the place with Patrick's story, so many people can relate with him on trust issues.
The last story is new to me, "The Night" The author scared the daylight out of me with this one! A child's imagination makes for a great read, or is it Anna's imagination? A big house with creaky floorboards, a child crying wolf all the time. Now Anna's faced with a decision to run to her father and tell him of her suspicion or let her family be stabbed to death. It's a very well written book that you'll enjoy reading because everyone has something in common with the characters.
I found this quote for this book: "Everything you can imagine is real".
This new revamp of this book is very evident. The author totally rocked the cover, it says so much on its own. The stories I've read in the first edition were good, but you can tell the author revisited his story and tweaked them. The characters get inside your head because it's not hard to imagine their story. My feelings were all over the place with Patrick's story, so many people can relate with him on trust issues.
The last story is new to me, "The Night" The author scared the daylight out of me with this one! A child's imagination makes for a great read, or is it Anna's imagination? A big house with creaky floorboards, a child crying wolf all the time. Now Anna's faced with a decision to run to her father and tell him of her suspicion or let her family be stabbed to death. It's a very well written book that you'll enjoy reading because everyone has something in common with the characters.
May 21, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I read this book in one night Hard to put down.Patrick is a damaged man but we don't really know how damaged. The book makes references to his past with his parents and it seems they are who 'damaged' Patrick and his sister Jobeth. He's aware that he is unable to relate to people around him but he's not really sure why. His inability to relate to his latest girlfriend Wendy ends badly and from there his life begins to fall apart. The ending is unexpected, I don't want to give it away. The whole tone of the book left me thinking long after I finished it. I would recommend it to anyone who likes books with a psychological twist
July 13, 2017
Patrick is a normal guy that lives in his dead parent’s house and wants to be left alone by these people that are so needy. But his friends think he needs a girlfriend so he finds himself on a date with Wendy. Wendy is prattling away to Patrick and he just doesn’t care. That is until she starts talking about how her mother died horribly and now she has a fear of death. This sparks something in Patrick and he leaves her at dinner. Then someone is threatening Patrick. Could it be Wendy, she was real upset with him after the dinner stunt?
This is a quick, scary read. Patrick seems like a normal person that just wants to be left alone. But he is anything but normal. Something happened to him to make him this way. But I have to say that when he started getting threatened, that is where this book took a major leap to creepy. I had no idea who it was until the end.
This is a great, scary story that will thrill anyone. It’s a quick read with two bonus stories thrown in. I loved reading Justin Bog’s Hark: A Christmas Collection and Wake Me Up. He is a great author and I can’t read to read more of his books.
I received The Conversationalist from Sage’s Reading Room for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
This is a quick, scary read. Patrick seems like a normal person that just wants to be left alone. But he is anything but normal. Something happened to him to make him this way. But I have to say that when he started getting threatened, that is where this book took a major leap to creepy. I had no idea who it was until the end.
This is a great, scary story that will thrill anyone. It’s a quick read with two bonus stories thrown in. I loved reading Justin Bog’s Hark: A Christmas Collection and Wake Me Up. He is a great author and I can’t read to read more of his books.
I received The Conversationalist from Sage’s Reading Room for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
June 12, 2017
I really, really like the cover. It looks creepy and professionally done. I was also really psyched to read it with all of the rave reviews in the beginning.
I'm having a hard time with this, really. Other people might like it better than I did. It's well-written and I did particularly like chapter five. It definitely shows an in-depth perception of people who are solitary creatures rather than social butterflies.
I just didn't find the twist all that compelling or the ending all that believable. A lot of the book is the narrator's inner life. It's rather...middling. It's not the writing at all. This may just be a matter of me not 'clicking' with the story. His constant inner monologue is a bit annoying. It reminded me a bit of Catcher in the Rye, which might work for some people but unfortunately I hated that book.
Part of the reason the ending didn't work for me is a bit of a spoiler so...
One of the stories is new to this book alone and the second is in his collection Sandcastle and Other Stories.
So, all in all, it wasn't a bad read and the writing is actually good. I just think I didn't click with it.
Received from the author for an honest review
I'm having a hard time with this, really. Other people might like it better than I did. It's well-written and I did particularly like chapter five. It definitely shows an in-depth perception of people who are solitary creatures rather than social butterflies.
I just didn't find the twist all that compelling or the ending all that believable. A lot of the book is the narrator's inner life. It's rather...middling. It's not the writing at all. This may just be a matter of me not 'clicking' with the story. His constant inner monologue is a bit annoying. It reminded me a bit of Catcher in the Rye, which might work for some people but unfortunately I hated that book.
Part of the reason the ending didn't work for me is a bit of a spoiler so...
One of the stories is new to this book alone and the second is in his collection Sandcastle and Other Stories.
So, all in all, it wasn't a bad read and the writing is actually good. I just think I didn't click with it.
Received from the author for an honest review
July 12, 2017
The Conversationalist: Horrorstruck Novella One .5 stars. A total disappoinment. Not at scary and horribly predicatble or nonsensical plot for all three stories contained within this book. The first novella, The Coversationalist, was everywhere at once with no disernable plot and an extremely predicable ending.
The second shorst story, The Night, was utterly a mismash of supposed terror and the unknown, but came off as more of the authors's imigination running amuck with no sense of direction.
The third story was taken from a previous work by the author," On the Back Staircase." The ending for this work was such a crushingly dissapointment it was all this reader could do to complete it.
Despite all of the praise heeped upon the author by fellow
writters, I feel their opinions may be more than overzealous and less than partisan. Definatly a book I would NOT recommend to my friends on this site nor will I rate it any higher that I have. Perhaps this author will learn to write a plot that is comprehensive, well ordered and makes the reader eager to finish it, not just to complete it, but enjoy it as well.
The second shorst story, The Night, was utterly a mismash of supposed terror and the unknown, but came off as more of the authors's imigination running amuck with no sense of direction.
The third story was taken from a previous work by the author," On the Back Staircase." The ending for this work was such a crushingly dissapointment it was all this reader could do to complete it.
Despite all of the praise heeped upon the author by fellow
writters, I feel their opinions may be more than overzealous and less than partisan. Definatly a book I would NOT recommend to my friends on this site nor will I rate it any higher that I have. Perhaps this author will learn to write a plot that is comprehensive, well ordered and makes the reader eager to finish it, not just to complete it, but enjoy it as well.
May 25, 2017
Horror struck Novella One: "The Conversationalist" by Justin Bog
I found this quote for this book: "Everything you can imagine is real".
This new revamp of this book is very evident. The author totally rocked the cover, it says so much on its own. The stories I've read in the first edition were good, but you can tell the author revisited his story and tweaked them. The characters get inside your head because it's not hard to imagine their story. My feelings were all over the place with Patrick's story, so many people can relate with him on trust issues.
The last story is new to me, "The Night" The author scared the daylight out of me with this one! A child's imagination makes for a great read, or is it Anna's imagination? A big house with creaky floorboards, a child crying wolf all the time. Now Anna's faced with a decision to run to her father and tell him of her suspicion or let her family be stabbed to death. It's a very well written book that you'll enjoy reading because everyone has something in common with the characters.
I found this quote for this book: "Everything you can imagine is real".
This new revamp of this book is very evident. The author totally rocked the cover, it says so much on its own. The stories I've read in the first edition were good, but you can tell the author revisited his story and tweaked them. The characters get inside your head because it's not hard to imagine their story. My feelings were all over the place with Patrick's story, so many people can relate with him on trust issues.
The last story is new to me, "The Night" The author scared the daylight out of me with this one! A child's imagination makes for a great read, or is it Anna's imagination? A big house with creaky floorboards, a child crying wolf all the time. Now Anna's faced with a decision to run to her father and tell him of her suspicion or let her family be stabbed to death. It's a very well written book that you'll enjoy reading because everyone has something in common with the characters.
August 30, 2021
This book is eery, creepy, and totally enticing. you will not be able to put it down. i had chills up and down my arms and back with this character and his demeanor. you can't understand why he is the way he is until his secret is revealed. all you know is that he's not right. and something just doesn't fit, until it clicks all into place. i couldn't put it down! its a must read! I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
October 4, 2017
I am a firm believer that all of humanity have an innate darkness inside of them. A part of us that we are scared to show the world and even more scared to admit to ourselves. Sometimes it’s a darkness that we don’t even know is there. That face looking back at us in the mirror and the façade it’s seeing. I like literature and stories which explore this, stories that while we are reading make us raise our eyebrows at the realization that we just saw a part of ourselves in what we just read. The unnerving feeling that some author we may have never met and who don't know us somehow forever trapped a part of ourselves in the words that they wrote.
Justin Bogs latest superbly crafted novella, The Conversationalist did just that. While I might not totally relate to all the main characters actions in the book, I can relate to some and even more so some of the feelings. The distance from humanity, the ghosts from the past, the arm’s length personal relationships and the darkness that dwells in our darkest depths. I ended up reading this, the first book in the Horrorstruck series three times. Each time I noticed more detail and more feelings both in the pages and also in myself. At one point I had to put the book down because it made me reflect on certain situations in my past.
The Conversationalist was a tremendous story I am glad I had the opportunity to read another one of Justin’s stories that explore the inner workings of the human heart, brain, and psyche. It’s not often that a book makes me reflect on myself and people the way this one did. As a fan of the Pacific Northwest, I got caught up in the small island where the story took place and the people that surrounded the main character, Patrick. Everything just worked in this novella and I am excited to read part two when it comes out.
Justin Bogs latest superbly crafted novella, The Conversationalist did just that. While I might not totally relate to all the main characters actions in the book, I can relate to some and even more so some of the feelings. The distance from humanity, the ghosts from the past, the arm’s length personal relationships and the darkness that dwells in our darkest depths. I ended up reading this, the first book in the Horrorstruck series three times. Each time I noticed more detail and more feelings both in the pages and also in myself. At one point I had to put the book down because it made me reflect on certain situations in my past.
The Conversationalist was a tremendous story I am glad I had the opportunity to read another one of Justin’s stories that explore the inner workings of the human heart, brain, and psyche. It’s not often that a book makes me reflect on myself and people the way this one did. As a fan of the Pacific Northwest, I got caught up in the small island where the story took place and the people that surrounded the main character, Patrick. Everything just worked in this novella and I am excited to read part two when it comes out.
August 9, 2018
On the first look it is the cover and the description that allured me. The cover looked captivating and the description promised lot of thrill with something scary hiding in between. The concept is definite winner at least for me but what about the execution.
Instead of interpreting it as a horror-struck novella, it should be confessed as a collection of short stories. Yes! it has two more stories which are way more compelling than the main one.
Story As It Goes
“Conversationalist” is about a professor named Patrick who prefer few sinful ways of treating the women he dates. On one such date he meets Wendy, a date settled up by his co worker and an acquaintance. The story starts with Wendy confessing to Patrick that she’s afraid to die, she says “My mother died a year ago . . . horribly.”. As usual Patrick listens and pretends to care. He breaks off the date without even informing Wendy. He then recieves death treats and unwanted gifts and threat calls from some UNKNOWN.
On Patrick’s Pacific Northwest Island home, people whisper about his family’s sad history. Some feel sorry for him. Most want to help Patrick, as if he’s a song-less bird, make him their next project but no one knows his very own dark secret which he tries to keep safe this way. What happens after the date, who is threatening Patrick is all about the story.
Read more about Conversatioanalist on http://www.bskuare.com/conversational...
Instead of interpreting it as a horror-struck novella, it should be confessed as a collection of short stories. Yes! it has two more stories which are way more compelling than the main one.
Story As It Goes
“Conversationalist” is about a professor named Patrick who prefer few sinful ways of treating the women he dates. On one such date he meets Wendy, a date settled up by his co worker and an acquaintance. The story starts with Wendy confessing to Patrick that she’s afraid to die, she says “My mother died a year ago . . . horribly.”. As usual Patrick listens and pretends to care. He breaks off the date without even informing Wendy. He then recieves death treats and unwanted gifts and threat calls from some UNKNOWN.
On Patrick’s Pacific Northwest Island home, people whisper about his family’s sad history. Some feel sorry for him. Most want to help Patrick, as if he’s a song-less bird, make him their next project but no one knows his very own dark secret which he tries to keep safe this way. What happens after the date, who is threatening Patrick is all about the story.
Read more about Conversatioanalist on http://www.bskuare.com/conversational...
July 16, 2018
The Conversationalist: Horrorstruck Novella One by Justin Bog was a horror story (I guess?) about a man named Patrick with Mommy issues who can’t hold onto a girlfriend. One night he goes on a date, walks out on his date, and then he starts getting threats in the form of prank calls and voodoo dolls. He also has a cat named Roadway - which is an odd name for a cat.
I did not like this story. It was rambling, confusing, and not very horror feeling. The whole story is told from Patrick’s point of view and it’s just a constant stream of consciousness that doesn’t make sense all about his mom, how he can’t listen to people, and then sometimes about what is going on around him. I don’t know - I didn’t like this at all and almost didn’t finish it.
Happy Reading!
<3 @artdamnit
*Disclaimer: I received the book for free through Reading Deals, and this is my honest review
I did not like this story. It was rambling, confusing, and not very horror feeling. The whole story is told from Patrick’s point of view and it’s just a constant stream of consciousness that doesn’t make sense all about his mom, how he can’t listen to people, and then sometimes about what is going on around him. I don’t know - I didn’t like this at all and almost didn’t finish it.
Happy Reading!
<3 @artdamnit
*Disclaimer: I received the book for free through Reading Deals, and this is my honest review
October 22, 2017
A very vanilla horror story. It was a little rambled and hard to follow but I really liked the second story.
I won this story for free on the Good reads giveaways.
I won this story for free on the Good reads giveaways.
July 21, 2018
I was able to read this novella by Justin Bog, for free through @ReadingDeals. This is my first book by this author, and I will be reading more . This book was really different, with a Hitchcock vibe. Patrick is a teacher, a bit odd, not much luck with women. His friends set him up on a date with Wendy, and while at dinner, which Patrick is bored, he excuse himself to use the restroom, and never returns.
Things in Patricks life start to go down hill after that, with odd calls, gifts etc. But things aren't what they seem!!! Trust me, those of you who enjoy thrillers, will enjoy this short novella!!!
Things in Patricks life start to go down hill after that, with odd calls, gifts etc. But things aren't what they seem!!! Trust me, those of you who enjoy thrillers, will enjoy this short novella!!!
December 21, 2017
An enthralling, ironic, darkly entertainingnovella. I love Bog’s writing. His. Haracters get me hooked right away, amd keep me moving alongand learning. The Conversationalist is well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews