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Warm, Dark Places Are Best
Carl and Jessica are emotionally stretched thin, down on their financial luck and stuck moving into a really nasty apartment complex after Jessica gets laid off and Carl is already on a fixed disability payment.
From day one they see lots of roaches in the hallways but nothing in their own apartment. Hoping their luck will hold, they have no idea just what kind of hell is coming their way or what hideous secrets their apartment, in particular, holds.
Buckle up. Carl and Jessica are in for a nasty ride and so are you.
* NOT Extreme Horror but NOT for the Squeamish.
Reactions to 'Warm, Dark Places Are Best' from some of my beta readers:
"No. No. Dear God, NO! AAAGGHHH!!!" - William Holloway, master of cosmic dread and author of Lucky's Girl, The Immortal Body and the soon to be released Song of the Death God (all from Horrific Tales Publishing)
"Oh god, I am clenching inside!! Uuuuuggghhh!!!....Mike, every time I messaged you while reading, I tossed my kindle down and grabbed my phone. I was squirming....Heebie Jeebie Creep Factor of infinity and beyond!...12:06 am Facebook message – ‘GAAWWDDAMMIT!!!!' *slaps leg*" - Lisa Swearengin, beta reader extraordinaire and veteran horror and extreme horror connoisseur
"I loved the whole story. The flow, plot and characters were perfect. [But] Mike, you had me almost puking." - Robin Lee's Darkside Horror Reviews
“Heebie Jeebies is an understatement. I'm still being startled half to death by my own hair. (A week after reading it.)” Lisa Lee – avid reader and watcher of all things horror
"Oh holy f@#$ing shit! I will never sleep again but hells bells that was really amazing! I couldn't stop reading it, even tho I was horrified." Becky Narron, Reviewer at Roadie Notes
"Dude. I was like eww and had to put down my kindle. Like nasty. I had to take a hot shower afterwards…(later that day) It's been 12 hours since I read your story and I gotta say, I can't stop thinking about it." Jason Morton, Published Poet and horror and extreme horror lover
“Sent shivers up my spine [and] it certainly did get under my skin.” - Dale Robertson, author of the horror short stories Dobson Lane and Skee-Bo
“Not sure if husband is even aware that his sex life is on hiatus...not sure for how long just yet but I know I'm not willing to go to bed with anything less than undies and thick yoga pants for at least a few days! (8 days later) I am still sleeping in double-decker yoga pants!” - Ruthann Jagge – lover of horror and an outstanding beta reader
“A couple of times I had to stop reading and walk around my house as I'm yelling, Holy f@#$! Squirming as I try to get a few visual thoughts out of my head.” - Ta Bratcher, author of two contemporary women’s fiction novels and an avid fan of the horror genre
From day one they see lots of roaches in the hallways but nothing in their own apartment. Hoping their luck will hold, they have no idea just what kind of hell is coming their way or what hideous secrets their apartment, in particular, holds.
Buckle up. Carl and Jessica are in for a nasty ride and so are you.
* NOT Extreme Horror but NOT for the Squeamish.
Reactions to 'Warm, Dark Places Are Best' from some of my beta readers:
"No. No. Dear God, NO! AAAGGHHH!!!" - William Holloway, master of cosmic dread and author of Lucky's Girl, The Immortal Body and the soon to be released Song of the Death God (all from Horrific Tales Publishing)
"Oh god, I am clenching inside!! Uuuuuggghhh!!!....Mike, every time I messaged you while reading, I tossed my kindle down and grabbed my phone. I was squirming....Heebie Jeebie Creep Factor of infinity and beyond!...12:06 am Facebook message – ‘GAAWWDDAMMIT!!!!' *slaps leg*" - Lisa Swearengin, beta reader extraordinaire and veteran horror and extreme horror connoisseur
"I loved the whole story. The flow, plot and characters were perfect. [But] Mike, you had me almost puking." - Robin Lee's Darkside Horror Reviews
“Heebie Jeebies is an understatement. I'm still being startled half to death by my own hair. (A week after reading it.)” Lisa Lee – avid reader and watcher of all things horror
"Oh holy f@#$ing shit! I will never sleep again but hells bells that was really amazing! I couldn't stop reading it, even tho I was horrified." Becky Narron, Reviewer at Roadie Notes
"Dude. I was like eww and had to put down my kindle. Like nasty. I had to take a hot shower afterwards…(later that day) It's been 12 hours since I read your story and I gotta say, I can't stop thinking about it." Jason Morton, Published Poet and horror and extreme horror lover
“Sent shivers up my spine [and] it certainly did get under my skin.” - Dale Robertson, author of the horror short stories Dobson Lane and Skee-Bo
“Not sure if husband is even aware that his sex life is on hiatus...not sure for how long just yet but I know I'm not willing to go to bed with anything less than undies and thick yoga pants for at least a few days! (8 days later) I am still sleeping in double-decker yoga pants!” - Ruthann Jagge – lover of horror and an outstanding beta reader
“A couple of times I had to stop reading and walk around my house as I'm yelling, Holy f@#$! Squirming as I try to get a few visual thoughts out of my head.” - Ta Bratcher, author of two contemporary women’s fiction novels and an avid fan of the horror genre
- GenresHorror
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2017
18 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 13, 2025
To start out here, I really want to compliment Mike Duke for the verbal dynamics of our leads, Carl and Jess. You felt their love, but also all of the other emotions, like frustration and angst, that come along with any relationship. But their subtle jabs and playful banter had me smiling, as did Carl’s interactions with his complex neighbor, Derek, and his little pyromaniac friends. As they all confronted the situation at hand, involving many little legs, I felt like I wanted to crawl out of my skin. Most notably what happened during the happy couple’s intimacy session at the 82% mark. Gag! If you’re squeamish with bug-related content, maybe look elsewhere, but for everyone else, you’ll enjoy this quite a bit. Such a unique and unnerving premise that was very effective and mostly accomplished its mission in such a short story. The ending felt a bit abrupt and underwhelming, and I wish there was a little more to the finale, but it was fine as is. Overall, I enjoyed my first outing here with Mike Duke.
March 12, 2018
Well that was fun! Hahahah! Thank you Mr. Duke for the FREE digital copy in exchange for an honest review:
This should be high on your list if you want a quick, well written gross-out tale. For me, it didn't *quite* reach the mark and I think there's a few reasons for that.
I feel like this story is very similar to some campfire stories/urban legends that I'd heard told in a variety of ways but all with the same kind of outcome. A particular urban legend involving a beehive hairdo and a black widow comes to mind.
So I was kind of anticipating the development to see if it would go somewhere *extra* or unexpected but it was pretty much the same tale just told really well by Mike Duke.
Another thing is that bugs/worms don't really *scare* me, they just gross me out. Like I'm reminded of Nick Cutter's The Troop and part of what makes that book so terrifying is the human characters under those circumstances, the worms are just providing the vehicle to move the characters forward in their depravity.
But you know, to each their own. I was dared by my friend Mindi and the author himself to see if I could survive this story and I think I have come out the other side victorious. Mother Horror reigns supreme! You didn't get me this time, Mike Duke but I'd read more!
This should be high on your list if you want a quick, well written gross-out tale. For me, it didn't *quite* reach the mark and I think there's a few reasons for that.
I feel like this story is very similar to some campfire stories/urban legends that I'd heard told in a variety of ways but all with the same kind of outcome. A particular urban legend involving a beehive hairdo and a black widow comes to mind.
So I was kind of anticipating the development to see if it would go somewhere *extra* or unexpected but it was pretty much the same tale just told really well by Mike Duke.
Another thing is that bugs/worms don't really *scare* me, they just gross me out. Like I'm reminded of Nick Cutter's The Troop and part of what makes that book so terrifying is the human characters under those circumstances, the worms are just providing the vehicle to move the characters forward in their depravity.
But you know, to each their own. I was dared by my friend Mindi and the author himself to see if I could survive this story and I think I have come out the other side victorious. Mother Horror reigns supreme! You didn't get me this time, Mike Duke but I'd read more!
March 7, 2018
I'm pretty sure that Mr. Duke saw me boast on Twitter that I was "desensitized" and complain about "nothing really being scary anymore" and so he offered me his novella. He knows what scares people, especially horror lovers who feel like nothing is new or frightening anymore, and so he wrote this story to prove us wrong. He wins.
I think it's best not to know too much about it before going in. I read the blurb, and I think it's a perfect setup for the story without giving too much away. Carl and Jessica are a married couple who are so down on their luck that they are forced to move into a skeezy apartment building that has a nasty roach problem. Carl is terrified of roaches, but is pleasantly surprised to find that for the first couple of days after they move in he doesn't see a single one in their unit. He will soon come to regret that. And so did I.
I knew that I was signing up for disgusting when I accepted this novella, I just didn't know how disgusting, and how visceral my reaction would be. I don't like insects. Roaches especially, so I was trying to be brave and face my roach fears by accepting this book. What I got created a whole new fear that never even occurred to me and had me laying wide eyed in bed last night long after I had turned out the light to go to sleep. This one gets into the raw, squishy bits of your psyche and latches on. I kept thinking about certain parts of this story over and over, and I finally had to force myself to think about writing my review for The Amityville Horror. Duke knows what base fears humans try to bury inside themselves, and then he makes you face them. Bravo, my good sir. Bravo. I'm going to be traumatized for life.
I think it's best not to know too much about it before going in. I read the blurb, and I think it's a perfect setup for the story without giving too much away. Carl and Jessica are a married couple who are so down on their luck that they are forced to move into a skeezy apartment building that has a nasty roach problem. Carl is terrified of roaches, but is pleasantly surprised to find that for the first couple of days after they move in he doesn't see a single one in their unit. He will soon come to regret that. And so did I.
I knew that I was signing up for disgusting when I accepted this novella, I just didn't know how disgusting, and how visceral my reaction would be. I don't like insects. Roaches especially, so I was trying to be brave and face my roach fears by accepting this book. What I got created a whole new fear that never even occurred to me and had me laying wide eyed in bed last night long after I had turned out the light to go to sleep. This one gets into the raw, squishy bits of your psyche and latches on. I kept thinking about certain parts of this story over and over, and I finally had to force myself to think about writing my review for The Amityville Horror. Duke knows what base fears humans try to bury inside themselves, and then he makes you face them. Bravo, my good sir. Bravo. I'm going to be traumatized for life.
December 22, 2020
Thank YOU, Mike Duke for the free copy in exchange for an honest review! That was crazy. And fun. There were parts that made me laugh, then cringe and then squirm. Talk about heebie jeebies! IS THERE SOMETHING ON MY FACE? Okay, sorry I'm just feeling bugged out right now. Although I wasn't *scared*, I was thoroughly grossed out.
One thing that bothered me was how much Jessica babied Carl. Come on, Carl, you did not have a centipede crawling around in your vag. Get it together!
One thing that bothered me was how much Jessica babied Carl. Come on, Carl, you did not have a centipede crawling around in your vag. Get it together!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2018
Thanks to the author for the free digital copy given in exchange for a review.
As a horror story this novella totally failed with me. Bugs just don’t scare me — not really. Sure, maybe in a more skilled author’s hands this work could have gotten under my skin a little, but it would have had to be someone like . . . say, Clive Barker. Someone who specializes in body horror. A lot of what drives this is the sensation of bugs on the human skin and in the ears, et cetera, but the way these characters are written is so goofy that I kept getting pulled out of the narrative. And that sex scene! I laughed out loud.
I do not like giving out 1-Star reviews, but this did not work. At all. The plot, the writing style, the characters, the flat scares . . . it all feels very ho-hum.
If you want a creepy story about a couple moving in somewhere new, maybe try The Hellbound Heart or Rosemary’s Baby, and give this a pass.
As a horror story this novella totally failed with me. Bugs just don’t scare me — not really. Sure, maybe in a more skilled author’s hands this work could have gotten under my skin a little, but it would have had to be someone like . . . say, Clive Barker. Someone who specializes in body horror. A lot of what drives this is the sensation of bugs on the human skin and in the ears, et cetera, but the way these characters are written is so goofy that I kept getting pulled out of the narrative. And that sex scene! I laughed out loud.
I do not like giving out 1-Star reviews, but this did not work. At all. The plot, the writing style, the characters, the flat scares . . . it all feels very ho-hum.
If you want a creepy story about a couple moving in somewhere new, maybe try The Hellbound Heart or Rosemary’s Baby, and give this a pass.
March 13, 2018
"The room was beginning to spin, the world flexing and relaxing with each breath he struggled to take in, the impossibility of what he was seeing, overwhelming his dire need to sent what his own eyes were telling him."
Bugs gross me out, and this book had quite a few parts that made me squeamish. I live in Texas, so I've seen the bugs in this book, and they are TERRIFYING. I could definitely relate to the fear of these creatures.
This book had a lot more focus on romance than I expected...there were a couple times I ended up skimming because I was tired of relationship stuff, and wanted to get to the gross creature parts. The characters call each other "baby" entirely too much, and I ended up getting distracted by how many times it happened. There was also a lot of sex for such a short horror story, and I just wasn't a huge fan of that aspect. Carl isn't always nice to Jessica, and they didn't really seem to like each other all that much - they just wanted to have sex. There was some strange language about vaginas; I know they were flirting/joking around, but things like "wonderfully soft sugar walls" really made me cringe.
There were some odd punctuation choices, and I also ended up finding that to be distracting. There are commas put in seemingly random places, and it was throwing me off.
The story ends a little abruptly, but that can sometimes be expected for a novella. That being said, everything was wrapped up nicely, and I wasn't left with questions.
I would like to thank Mike Duke for sharing this book in exchange for a review - I would try another book of his in the future; I just personally hope for more horror & less romance.
Bugs gross me out, and this book had quite a few parts that made me squeamish. I live in Texas, so I've seen the bugs in this book, and they are TERRIFYING. I could definitely relate to the fear of these creatures.
This book had a lot more focus on romance than I expected...there were a couple times I ended up skimming because I was tired of relationship stuff, and wanted to get to the gross creature parts. The characters call each other "baby" entirely too much, and I ended up getting distracted by how many times it happened. There was also a lot of sex for such a short horror story, and I just wasn't a huge fan of that aspect. Carl isn't always nice to Jessica, and they didn't really seem to like each other all that much - they just wanted to have sex. There was some strange language about vaginas; I know they were flirting/joking around, but things like "wonderfully soft sugar walls" really made me cringe.
There were some odd punctuation choices, and I also ended up finding that to be distracting. There are commas put in seemingly random places, and it was throwing me off.
The story ends a little abruptly, but that can sometimes be expected for a novella. That being said, everything was wrapped up nicely, and I wasn't left with questions.
I would like to thank Mike Duke for sharing this book in exchange for a review - I would try another book of his in the future; I just personally hope for more horror & less romance.
February 10, 2021
Rounding up from 3.5 stars. I can take gruesome and gory all day but bugs creep the hell out of me. I had found a couple of small centipedes in my home earlier on the day I read this. And this absolutely gave me nightmares all night long. The story is a fast and entertaining read.
March 25, 2018
Protect your warm, dark places
I started reading this one night before bed. I thought, oh cool, cockroaches. The people in the story were creeped out, but I like roaches. I keep some hissing ones as pets. I understand they freak people out, though. Mine had a ton of babies and it’s hard to get my friends to take any. They were already grossed out by photos of one of the females airing out her egg sac.
I went to sleep and had a dream where I also had a bunch of centipedes as pets. They got loose and it was bad news, because you can’t really just grab a centipede like you can a giant cockroach. Those leggy suckers are mean and bitey. Then, while I was trying to find the centipedes that got loose, a house centipede the size of a snake chased me, whipping me with a spiked, segmented tail. I was running from it and I jumped over a ball of hair on the floor. The ball of hair chased me and tried to bite, because it was also a centipede, only camouflaged to look like a ball of hair. This kind of mimicry is vital if you’re predator in an environment frequented by people and house cats.
The next day I took my Kindle to the Chinese restaurant down the street. I read some more of the book while I had the lunch special. It turned out the roaches were a red herring. This book is actually about centipedes. These ones are huge and like warm, dark places, such as the many orifices human beings have to offer.
This book made me question how I feel about bugs. People have suggested I’ve trained myself to suppress a primal, ingrained fear of creepy crawlies. I usually just think they’re cool as hell; they’re tiny, robot monsters. Centipedes, though. In your orifices. Man.
I kind of want a pet centipede now. A really big one. In a secure enclosure.
I started reading this one night before bed. I thought, oh cool, cockroaches. The people in the story were creeped out, but I like roaches. I keep some hissing ones as pets. I understand they freak people out, though. Mine had a ton of babies and it’s hard to get my friends to take any. They were already grossed out by photos of one of the females airing out her egg sac.
I went to sleep and had a dream where I also had a bunch of centipedes as pets. They got loose and it was bad news, because you can’t really just grab a centipede like you can a giant cockroach. Those leggy suckers are mean and bitey. Then, while I was trying to find the centipedes that got loose, a house centipede the size of a snake chased me, whipping me with a spiked, segmented tail. I was running from it and I jumped over a ball of hair on the floor. The ball of hair chased me and tried to bite, because it was also a centipede, only camouflaged to look like a ball of hair. This kind of mimicry is vital if you’re predator in an environment frequented by people and house cats.
The next day I took my Kindle to the Chinese restaurant down the street. I read some more of the book while I had the lunch special. It turned out the roaches were a red herring. This book is actually about centipedes. These ones are huge and like warm, dark places, such as the many orifices human beings have to offer.
This book made me question how I feel about bugs. People have suggested I’ve trained myself to suppress a primal, ingrained fear of creepy crawlies. I usually just think they’re cool as hell; they’re tiny, robot monsters. Centipedes, though. In your orifices. Man.
I kind of want a pet centipede now. A really big one. In a secure enclosure.
October 26, 2018
I really liked this book! It was the first one of Mike's I've read but I will be reading more! The story read fast and maintained my interest throughout. The creepy-crawly factor was in full force. I didn't want to put myself into these characters' shoes for too long because, well, I'd like to be able to sleep without full body gear on.
July 27, 2019
Wow! Really though, wow! That was one messed up, cringey read. When a book can make me feel physically uncomfortable I know the author must be doing something right. And this book made me feel squirmy, nauseous and gross..but in a good way if that's possible.
June 6, 2021
OK, That Was Bloody Horrible....In A Good Way Of Course!!
I'm Going To Bed With At Least 20 Pairs Of Knickers On Tonight....And Maybe For The Rest Of My Life!!!! Thanks Mike!! 😂😂
I'm Going To Bed With At Least 20 Pairs Of Knickers On Tonight....And Maybe For The Rest Of My Life!!!! Thanks Mike!! 😂😂
December 7, 2018
4.5 stars!!
Don't mind me! I'm just over here googling astronaut helmets to sleep in while figuring out how to tell my husband he will need to help duct tape my clothes to me before bed tonight...
For real though, this story gave me the dang heebie jeebs!!!
Don't mind me! I'm just over here googling astronaut helmets to sleep in while figuring out how to tell my husband he will need to help duct tape my clothes to me before bed tonight...
For real though, this story gave me the dang heebie jeebs!!!
December 26, 2022
Oh. My. God. Short story telling at it finest. I am beyond creeped out, and fully prepared to sleep with the lights on tonight. Eww.
March 28, 2017
This is the best creature feature I have read so far for 2017. It’s original, chilling, and gross. I made a mistake reading this novella at night and by the time I was done I felt itchy and thought I was going to vomit. In fact, I felt I needed a shower from feeling so dirty. Now with these words out of the way, which should grab anyone’s attention. I absolutely loved this story written by author Mike Duke. Once I started reading I was intrigued, curious and couldn’t put it down until the shocking conclusion. The plot, flow, and characters are all believable and plausible once you find out why. Perfect depiction of a young couple down on their luck. One disabled due to asthma and the other just lost her job. With government assistance, they now must move into a subsidized apartment complex. Which if you’re a social worker, police officer or home care nurse we all know how disgusting some of these buildings can be due to no upkeep. But, forget roaches or bed bugs because that is the least of their problems. They are going to find out they have something more bizarre going on. Every time you will see just a small one, you will wonder too, where are your “Warm Dark Places”.
EeeeWww…. Actually, I still want to “scream” just thinking what if?
So, you have the premise already because it’s on the site. I don’t want to give too much away. Let’s just say Carl and Jessica are in for a wild time. As they walk up to the second floor passing boys killing cockroaches and the old lady says, “Welcome to the Jungle, newbies!” After a couple of weeks once the lights go out the problems start and bug spray is not an option. For this Carl will have to befriend a group of neighborhood boys as his allies, to exterminate this predicament. Plus, someone is in trouble……
Did I say you may need to shower?????\
Reviewed by robinleesdarkside.com/
EeeeWww…. Actually, I still want to “scream” just thinking what if?
So, you have the premise already because it’s on the site. I don’t want to give too much away. Let’s just say Carl and Jessica are in for a wild time. As they walk up to the second floor passing boys killing cockroaches and the old lady says, “Welcome to the Jungle, newbies!” After a couple of weeks once the lights go out the problems start and bug spray is not an option. For this Carl will have to befriend a group of neighborhood boys as his allies, to exterminate this predicament. Plus, someone is in trouble……
Did I say you may need to shower?????\
Reviewed by robinleesdarkside.com/
April 7, 2017
Review of WARM, DARK PLACES ARE BEST by Mike Duke
I looked at the cover illustration, then the title, and immediately thought "oh no--surely it's not going to go there." Surely it did! This is an extreme novella which will undoubtedly result in nightmares, and will tap some readers' specific phobias. It's high in horror, gore, and explicit sexual content, plus explicit language. Okay, really gory and really scary. And that ending! Not for the faint of heart.
I looked at the cover illustration, then the title, and immediately thought "oh no--surely it's not going to go there." Surely it did! This is an extreme novella which will undoubtedly result in nightmares, and will tap some readers' specific phobias. It's high in horror, gore, and explicit sexual content, plus explicit language. Okay, really gory and really scary. And that ending! Not for the faint of heart.
October 1, 2018
This was a fun read. Mike works hard to create a realistic creep factor while using real life horror to have the reader picking up their feet and worrying about what might be lurking behind their walls.
Overall I enjoyed the story, but ultimately I was left wanting more. I wanted the MC to use his disgust of bugs to totally lose it and ultimately go on a rampage!
Definitely recommend checking this out!
Overall I enjoyed the story, but ultimately I was left wanting more. I wanted the MC to use his disgust of bugs to totally lose it and ultimately go on a rampage!
Definitely recommend checking this out!
January 6, 2019
Tense, creepy and pretty extreme in parts but not in the usual way. I've read several books with bugs in them but generally they are more apocalyptic themed. The fact that this book is set in a couples apartment just adds to the claustrophobic feeling. Some genuinely squirmy moments and other's that were terrifying. I've enjoyed pretty much everything I have read by Mike so far and I'm looking forward to picking up and reading a copy of Low now.
August 8, 2019
I’ve heard a lot of praise for Mike Duke, so decided to start with his shorter work. Warm, Dark Places is a fun read, with a creepy feel throughout. The story was certainly entertaining enough to keep me reading through in one sitting, and there were a few moments which were deliciously gross. I look forward to reading more of Duke’s work, and Warm, Dark Places Are Best is guaranteed to please any horror lover.
September 20, 2018
I will sleep with all orifices packed from now on...😳
This book was awesome! Not for the squimish. 😂
This book was awesome! Not for the squimish. 😂
March 30, 2017
Wow!! This book is insanely awesome!!!! I found myself clenching inside over an over again!! Ugghhh...insects!!
On the Heebie Jeebie Creep Factor scale, this story scores an "Infinity and Beyond"!!!! Every time I feel something brush against me I think it is one of Mike Duke's creepy crawlies!
I threw my Kindle down twice while reading!
Meet Carl and Jessica, who have just moved into their new apartment which is not in the best part of town. They think roaches are the worst things they have to deal with...they are wrong.
Meet Derek (my favorite character), one of four young boys who hang out together in front of the complex and they love to set roaches on fire with lighters....which comes in handy!
After a few days of settling in and unpacking, Carl starts to experience new visitors...most unwelcome visitors.
I am not the type of reviewer that outlines the whole book or gives spoilers. I love the feeling of reading it on my own.
If insects "bug" you, then too bad, lol
I can't even tell you what happens to Jessica... *shudder- clench*!!
I can't wait to read more from this most awesome author!!!
Mike Duke, you have done it once again...maybe a sequel????
On the Heebie Jeebie Creep Factor scale, this story scores an "Infinity and Beyond"!!!! Every time I feel something brush against me I think it is one of Mike Duke's creepy crawlies!
I threw my Kindle down twice while reading!
Meet Carl and Jessica, who have just moved into their new apartment which is not in the best part of town. They think roaches are the worst things they have to deal with...they are wrong.
Meet Derek (my favorite character), one of four young boys who hang out together in front of the complex and they love to set roaches on fire with lighters....which comes in handy!
After a few days of settling in and unpacking, Carl starts to experience new visitors...most unwelcome visitors.
I am not the type of reviewer that outlines the whole book or gives spoilers. I love the feeling of reading it on my own.
If insects "bug" you, then too bad, lol
I can't even tell you what happens to Jessica... *shudder- clench*!!
I can't wait to read more from this most awesome author!!!
Mike Duke, you have done it once again...maybe a sequel????
March 30, 2017
Times are not good for Carl and Jessica. He's already on disability payment and finances are 'stretched' at best. When they move into a new, cockroach infested apartment block they are surprised to find the only roach free apartment is theirs. When they find out why they may just wish for roaches...
Warm, Dark Places is an unsettling, at times grotesque and totally squeamish story that reminded me of the stuff Shaun Hutson used to write. The nasty just keeps on coming and, yeah, I could guess what was coming but it didn't make things any easier when it did.
All in all I thoroughly enjoyed this. It's nice to read something that will make your skin crawl every now and again.
Afterthought
I checked out the 'nasties' on google while reading this and they do actually exist... sweet dreams
Warm, Dark Places is an unsettling, at times grotesque and totally squeamish story that reminded me of the stuff Shaun Hutson used to write. The nasty just keeps on coming and, yeah, I could guess what was coming but it didn't make things any easier when it did.
All in all I thoroughly enjoyed this. It's nice to read something that will make your skin crawl every now and again.
Afterthought
I checked out the 'nasties' on google while reading this and they do actually exist... sweet dreams
April 11, 2019
Me pitching this book:
You like cringey sex scenes?! Oh. No?
How about a book with fifty weird nicknames for vaginas? No, again?
How about a book that reads like your hyper, pubescent boy-cousin telling you a story? Another no?
Then maybe skip on this one.
I hate, hate, hate giving poor reviews to indie authors. It hurts my heart. I know they have a lot riding on reviews like this. However, I also cannot honestly give this one a glowing review. There were maybe two very creepy parts, but that's about the only good thing about it.
The characters didn't work for me. There was no chemistry, no development. They didn't make sense.
There was literally a six page sex scene where the characters were playing out a pseudo-rape fantasy while talking in old timey English accents. Holy shit, you guys. I'm not making this up. There were about four too many sex scenes in this 100-page novella, and all of them made me cringe.
I'm so willing to try another of Duke's works. He seems like a really nice guy, and I'd like to try again. This novella though - gets a no for me, dog.
You like cringey sex scenes?! Oh. No?
How about a book with fifty weird nicknames for vaginas? No, again?
How about a book that reads like your hyper, pubescent boy-cousin telling you a story? Another no?
Then maybe skip on this one.
I hate, hate, hate giving poor reviews to indie authors. It hurts my heart. I know they have a lot riding on reviews like this. However, I also cannot honestly give this one a glowing review. There were maybe two very creepy parts, but that's about the only good thing about it.
The characters didn't work for me. There was no chemistry, no development. They didn't make sense.
There was literally a six page sex scene where the characters were playing out a pseudo-rape fantasy while talking in old timey English accents. Holy shit, you guys. I'm not making this up. There were about four too many sex scenes in this 100-page novella, and all of them made me cringe.
I'm so willing to try another of Duke's works. He seems like a really nice guy, and I'd like to try again. This novella though - gets a no for me, dog.
December 6, 2019
Omg! What is it about authors wanting to write disturbing things involving the vagina?! *squeezes thighs tightly shut* I was just waiting for some insane scene where a bug crawls up the guys bum and lays eggs or eats him from the inside out but nooooo.... it always has to happen to the female.
Lmao Good Lorde, this book had me squirming and laughing at the same time. I was so grossed out but so uncomfortable and not believing the scene I had to laugh. There were other parts of the book that made me laugh, too, and other parts where I was like, "Ooooohhhh, noooo. Eeeeewwwwww."
I absolutely loathe centipedes and this book is your worst fears come to life involving them. Maaaaaaaaan, grody!!!!
Lmao Good Lorde, this book had me squirming and laughing at the same time. I was so grossed out but so uncomfortable and not believing the scene I had to laugh. There were other parts of the book that made me laugh, too, and other parts where I was like, "Ooooohhhh, noooo. Eeeeewwwwww."
I absolutely loathe centipedes and this book is your worst fears come to life involving them. Maaaaaaaaan, grody!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2017
OMG!!!!!! What into the actual holy hell on earth?! If you aren't easily scared, freaked out, or given the eebie jeevies.....you should REALLY read Warm, Dark Places Are Best!! I am not easily scared or creeped out however, this one has my skin crawling and now I'm on guard like big time! You want a good scare or creep out factor? Get this one and read it! Better still, I dare you to read it in bed at night IN THE DARK and THEN try to sleep peacefully. Bet you don't. I didn't. Awesome book by an amazing author! Thanks for the willies and nightmares Mike Duke! Looking forward to more from this guy!
October 6, 2018
Warm, Dark Places Are Best by Mike Duke
Will leave you squirming
By Joestalksbeck on Oct 06, 2018
I have read nearly all of Mike Dukes books (love them all!) but this one left me with such a contorted look of fear and holy sh*t on my face that Im not sure my face will ever stop cramping. Its not for the weak. Only the strongest will survive this book. 5 stars for all the evil this book induces!
Will leave you squirming
By Joestalksbeck on Oct 06, 2018
I have read nearly all of Mike Dukes books (love them all!) but this one left me with such a contorted look of fear and holy sh*t on my face that Im not sure my face will ever stop cramping. Its not for the weak. Only the strongest will survive this book. 5 stars for all the evil this book induces!
March 13, 2018
Spoiler Alert:
I liked the writers style for his well-written dialogue, and even prose.
Realist horror is tough though; the character's need to hang in there longer than any rational person would, and make terrible decisions (i.e. torching the inside of your apartment walls with hairspray, and then sleeping in the same apartment, in the same night, when you already have lung damage) or inaction (not going to the ER after a foreign insect crawls into your vagina).
In stories like this, the author does everything but give away exactly what will happen. I expected a twist at the end, maybe involving the roach resurgence, but it never came.
Overall, I enjoyed it.
I liked the writers style for his well-written dialogue, and even prose.
Realist horror is tough though; the character's need to hang in there longer than any rational person would, and make terrible decisions (i.e. torching the inside of your apartment walls with hairspray, and then sleeping in the same apartment, in the same night, when you already have lung damage) or inaction (not going to the ER after a foreign insect crawls into your vagina).
In stories like this, the author does everything but give away exactly what will happen. I expected a twist at the end, maybe involving the roach resurgence, but it never came.
Overall, I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2018
Mike Duke managed to find something to freak me out. Read if you think you can't be rattled.
August 8, 2022
Fun quick read and definitely not for anyone with a phobia of insects.
April 1, 2017
Mike Duke serves up a wonderfully uncomfortable tale, not for those like me who squirm at creepy crawlies. Superb dialogue, and excellent characterization.
May 7, 2022
This was a fun fast read. Definitely gave me the creeps and I kept watching my floor in case I’d see one of those creepy crawler. Worth the read!
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