What do you think?
Rate this book
Pine Lakes
Ted and Susan Merchant have been coming to the Pine Lakes Resort for nearly twenty years. In that time, their annual getaway has become a tradition, a peaceful week nestled in the picturesque mountains of northern Pennsylvania. For them, it isn’t just a simple vacation spot, but a magical destination where time slows and they become one with nature’s magnificence.
When a freak summer storm forces Ted to lose control of their car and plummet off the road, they’re relieved just to have survived, but relief quickly turns to dread as they find out all too soon they’re not alone.
Strange lights in the forest, whispered warnings, the insurmountable threat of unseen forces lurking in the shadows; nothing could have prepared them for the horrors that lie ahead.
Escaping the wreck is just the beginning.
Is their love enough to save them, or will they become the latest victims on the road to Pine Lakes?
***
From the author of 'The Darkening' and 'The Farm' comes a new tale of suspense and claustrophobic horror that will have you questioning just how far you'd go to save those you love... and what you're capable of doing to save yourself.
When a freak summer storm forces Ted to lose control of their car and plummet off the road, they’re relieved just to have survived, but relief quickly turns to dread as they find out all too soon they’re not alone.
Strange lights in the forest, whispered warnings, the insurmountable threat of unseen forces lurking in the shadows; nothing could have prepared them for the horrors that lie ahead.
Escaping the wreck is just the beginning.
Is their love enough to save them, or will they become the latest victims on the road to Pine Lakes?
***
From the author of 'The Darkening' and 'The Farm' comes a new tale of suspense and claustrophobic horror that will have you questioning just how far you'd go to save those you love... and what you're capable of doing to save yourself.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2017
171 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Motz
17 books51 followersChristopher Motz grew up on a steady diet of horror and science fiction from some of the genres heavyweights: Stephen King, H.P. Lovecraft, Richard Laymon, William Hope Hodgson, Ray Bradbury, and Peter Straub. From a young age, Christopher was an avid reader and always had the goal to one day publish his own work.
His debut novel, “The Darkening,” marks the beginning of a journey that has been years in the making, but it’s only one step forward. The joy in writing is not knowing exactly where the journey will take you, where your characters will lead you, or how it’ll all turn out in the end.
This author’s story has yet to be written.
Christopher grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, and his work mirrors that way of life. His work is peppered with his own memories of growing up, the friends he had, the places he has seen. It makes for a very authentic atmosphere in his stories and creates a touchstone for others who have similar memories of their childhood.
While he spends most of his time writing, Christopher still finds time to read his favorite authors, along with up-and-comers in a variety of genres. “The best way to become a good writer is to become a good reader.”
Outside of writing, Christopher is an avid collector of classic rock and heavy metal records, and for the past twenty years has been a drummer in a variety of different bands. In 2011 he married his High School sweetheart, and with his step-daughter and dog, Oy, has started a new chapter of his small-town story.
His debut novel, “The Darkening,” marks the beginning of a journey that has been years in the making, but it’s only one step forward. The joy in writing is not knowing exactly where the journey will take you, where your characters will lead you, or how it’ll all turn out in the end.
This author’s story has yet to be written.
Christopher grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, and his work mirrors that way of life. His work is peppered with his own memories of growing up, the friends he had, the places he has seen. It makes for a very authentic atmosphere in his stories and creates a touchstone for others who have similar memories of their childhood.
While he spends most of his time writing, Christopher still finds time to read his favorite authors, along with up-and-comers in a variety of genres. “The best way to become a good writer is to become a good reader.”
Outside of writing, Christopher is an avid collector of classic rock and heavy metal records, and for the past twenty years has been a drummer in a variety of different bands. In 2011 he married his High School sweetheart, and with his step-daughter and dog, Oy, has started a new chapter of his small-town story.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 17, 2025
So thats two back-to-back Christopher Motz books, both solid 5-stars. It’s no secret that I had a public love affair with Elias Witherow’s The Black Farm and Return to the Black Farm several summers back. And this made me reminiscent of those amazing books. The couple that we follow here, Ted and Susan, love each other very much. And their relationship is plagued following a miscarriage. Now what I really liked here is how thorough Motz explored the aftermath of such a tragic loss for a couple. My wife and I had one and it took a great toll on both of us, so I empathized with these fictional people. The story then has this pair literally going through hell on earth, trying to sort out their feelings, futures, and what all of these terrible people, monsters, and situations they’re being put through are all about. And the author shows the reader flashbacks that are all of the highest importance, that run parallel with the mainstream plot. The good, the bad, and everything inbetween. And it’s very emotional and scary, but never comes across as being too preachy. It’s a thought-provoking and exhilarating ride to the darkest depths of horror. Bravo! Well done!! Topsider approved, all the way!!!
May 15, 2023
Psychological Suspense!
Small backstory:
Ted Merchant and his wife, Susan just want to get away to the retreat of Pine Lakes as they had been going there annually, but on the way there they end up in car crash from bad weather and when they finally come to their senses from the crash they start seeing things in the woods.
They are able to walk away from the crash but with the bad weather and rain they want to find a place for shelter and they do see a house in the distance, but once they enter the home of the "nice people" that are willing to help them out things go awry and everything is not what it seems as what they have wandered into is far worse than what they had to endure with their car crash!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if you are intrigued then go check out this book!
Thoughts:
This story was a gripper from the beginning as things take off right away and the psychological terror steps in as the characters Ted and Susan go through so much from the car crash and then they start seeing things in the woods.
The pace picks up with suspense the more the characters come across supposedly helpful characters in the story but then the story takes a wicked twisted turn and the characters are going into survival mode.
There was a major twist that yanked the rug out from under me near the end of the book which I never saw coming as my thoughts never wandered in the direction the story was going. Lots of tension, suspense, and psychological terror run rampant in this story and once again the author has captured my attention with his stories. This was my second book that I have read by this author and I have a few more of his books simmering on my kindle. Giving this book four "Twisted Horror" stars!
Small backstory:
Ted Merchant and his wife, Susan just want to get away to the retreat of Pine Lakes as they had been going there annually, but on the way there they end up in car crash from bad weather and when they finally come to their senses from the crash they start seeing things in the woods.
They are able to walk away from the crash but with the bad weather and rain they want to find a place for shelter and they do see a house in the distance, but once they enter the home of the "nice people" that are willing to help them out things go awry and everything is not what it seems as what they have wandered into is far worse than what they had to endure with their car crash!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if you are intrigued then go check out this book!
Thoughts:
This story was a gripper from the beginning as things take off right away and the psychological terror steps in as the characters Ted and Susan go through so much from the car crash and then they start seeing things in the woods.
The pace picks up with suspense the more the characters come across supposedly helpful characters in the story but then the story takes a wicked twisted turn and the characters are going into survival mode.
There was a major twist that yanked the rug out from under me near the end of the book which I never saw coming as my thoughts never wandered in the direction the story was going. Lots of tension, suspense, and psychological terror run rampant in this story and once again the author has captured my attention with his stories. This was my second book that I have read by this author and I have a few more of his books simmering on my kindle. Giving this book four "Twisted Horror" stars!
July 3, 2019
Ted and Susan go on holiday to Pine Lakes. On their way there they have an accident. Their car slides off the road and falls into a descent. They survive and from then on their story takes a horrific twist. They encounter some hicks with strange rituals and try to get away from them (extreme creepy 'wrong turn' episodes for the reader). They rescue Julie from Jack, the leader of those hicks who abuses her as prostitue (explicit scenes here). But they way back to civilization is difficult. Do they manage to run away from the terrible hicks? Who helps them by magic? What about the sewer channels (some Lovecraftian monsters are lurking there)? What about Susan's child she's lost before it was born? Absolutely fascinating novel, a festival of horror, uncanny scenes, woods, a deserted ressort and philosophical questions about life and death. In the last part of the novel your really ask yourself the question if Ted and Susan survived the terrible accident at all... absolutely recommended, great novel with great reference to uncanny 80s stuff. READ and ENJOY!
February 29, 2024
I really liked this one until the point where Susan became really insufferable because of another character's confession. Not going to spoil it here but honestly I think the story would have been better if that whole arc with that character hadn't been there she was pretty much a background character any way.
3.5 rounded up.
3.5 rounded up.
November 29, 2017
"I write this review on the 26th November. This late in the year, I think I should just go ahead and give Pine Lakes my top read of the year award."
See here for the full review:
Pine Lakes
See here for the full review:
Pine Lakes
December 2, 2019
1.5/5 stars
Thank God this was a quick read, otherwise I might have DNF-ed it.
After my great experience with The Twisted Ones, I was in a bit of a horror-mood, so I decided to pick up this indie novel. Unfortunately, I was deeply let down. In summary:
- expositional, often awkward writing
- unlikable (cringy) protagonists… This might be a personal thing to me, but I cringed hard at the forcefully perfect relationship of the main characters. I can only take so many mentions of how much a couple loves each other, and how perfect they are together (without any chemistry showing on the page, mind you), before I get tired of it.
- unoriginal plot. Couple crashes car in the woods, creepy things and weird people are in the woods, themes of their tortured pasts come back to haunt them… You've seen this before.
- EXTREMELY PREDICTABLE ENDING
This was what did it for me in the end. At the end of the very first chapter, I distinctly remember thinking: it's fine, as long as this thing doesn't end up being the twist... Guess what: 300 pages later, that thing indeed is the twist, and I'm not having it. Spoiler alert for anyone who wants to read the book but . Given the popular opinion on this trope, I fear I'm not the only one let down by this twist...
All in all: not for me unfortunately.
Thank God this was a quick read, otherwise I might have DNF-ed it.
After my great experience with The Twisted Ones, I was in a bit of a horror-mood, so I decided to pick up this indie novel. Unfortunately, I was deeply let down. In summary:
- expositional, often awkward writing
- unlikable (cringy) protagonists… This might be a personal thing to me, but I cringed hard at the forcefully perfect relationship of the main characters. I can only take so many mentions of how much a couple loves each other, and how perfect they are together (without any chemistry showing on the page, mind you), before I get tired of it.
- unoriginal plot. Couple crashes car in the woods, creepy things and weird people are in the woods, themes of their tortured pasts come back to haunt them… You've seen this before.
- EXTREMELY PREDICTABLE ENDING
This was what did it for me in the end. At the end of the very first chapter, I distinctly remember thinking: it's fine, as long as this thing doesn't end up being the twist... Guess what: 300 pages later, that thing indeed is the twist, and I'm not having it. Spoiler alert for anyone who wants to read the book but . Given the popular opinion on this trope, I fear I'm not the only one let down by this twist...
All in all: not for me unfortunately.
December 30, 2024
I read this book as fast as I read Dark Matter, which is very quick because I wanted to find out what will happen!
A married couple have an accident on the road to a retreat in the mountains but soon they find out that they are not alone in the dark forest and they have to fight to survive.
It was a very good psychological horror that kept me on my toes on every turning of the page !
A married couple have an accident on the road to a retreat in the mountains but soon they find out that they are not alone in the dark forest and they have to fight to survive.
It was a very good psychological horror that kept me on my toes on every turning of the page !
March 17, 2018
Susan and Ted sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes....
First comes LOVE. Then comes marriage. Then comes a whole lot of crap to dramatize why there isn’t a baby in the baby carriage....
I don’t know... maybe it’s me but this novel wasn’t as good as I expected it to be. Based on reviews, I was expecting something pretty spectacular and was kinda let down.
It starts off very slowly. I found Ted and Susan to be quite annoying at first. Susan, especially, irritated me. She was a little too “poor me” and overly dramatic; constantly whining.
The book starts to pick up speed and becomes much more interesting when the couple ends up in Pines Lake town. Julie, and Jack and his wife help to add a little flavour to the story. The adventure here is absolutely the best part of the book. Meeting the blind people in the sewer and Julie’s confession are also high points in the novel.
Other than that... it left me with a “meh” feeling. The relationship between Susan and Ted just didn’t jive for me. I just didn’t find them likeable and therefore didn’t buy into their love for each other or any other tribulations they suffered throughout the story.
First comes LOVE. Then comes marriage. Then comes a whole lot of crap to dramatize why there isn’t a baby in the baby carriage....
I don’t know... maybe it’s me but this novel wasn’t as good as I expected it to be. Based on reviews, I was expecting something pretty spectacular and was kinda let down.
It starts off very slowly. I found Ted and Susan to be quite annoying at first. Susan, especially, irritated me. She was a little too “poor me” and overly dramatic; constantly whining.
The book starts to pick up speed and becomes much more interesting when the couple ends up in Pines Lake town. Julie, and Jack and his wife help to add a little flavour to the story. The adventure here is absolutely the best part of the book. Meeting the blind people in the sewer and Julie’s confession are also high points in the novel.
Other than that... it left me with a “meh” feeling. The relationship between Susan and Ted just didn’t jive for me. I just didn’t find them likeable and therefore didn’t buy into their love for each other or any other tribulations they suffered throughout the story.
July 5, 2017
Mind blowingly EXCELLENT!!
Holy WOW, what a story...what an author!
Only his 3rd solo release and I am flat-out-right impressed. His writing is so smooth, just effervescently full of life.
I say quit your day job Mr. Motz and write full time, you're a natural born storyteller.
Which is actually not very common.
I was gorilla glued to these pages. A lot of well thought out thinking went into this surreal and startling tale.
It read more as a mainstream kind of book to me, something easily worthy enough to chart a bestselling list somewhere. It certainly rises above and soars beyond the often mediocre mash-up/ pile-up that currently litters Amazon these days.
Oh there are still plenty of solid gold needles to be found in that hay (...hack) stack, you just have to sift through and dig around a little, and THIS is one such golden needle gem.
Would make for an AMAZING movie or better yet; a mini series! YES!
It begins with Ted and Susan, a delightful married couple, on their way to a charming little resort called Pine Lakes. Every year they take a week long relaxing getaway there, it's a long standing tradition from Ted's side of the family and they have made it their own yearly retreat. They were highschool sweethearts and after 20 years they are still going strong. Madly deeply in love with each other and I fell head over heels in love with them too.
Only 20 miles from their rest and relaxation destination but heavy rains cause Ted to lose control of the car which swerves and crashes down a steep steeeeeep embankment.
Initially trapped in the car and attempting to just compose themselves, take stock of the situation...but their cell phones are acting all wonky, the radio is playing some eerie tunes and seemingly personalized broadcast jabs, plus they get the spine-tingling feeling they are being watched...stalked, which propels them into panic fueled flee mode.
After finally managing to break out of that confined fryer, apparently only to be flung into an even deeper, blistering, and boundless fryer.
They are but 40 feet from the main road but the quick and easy way up and out, is not an option for them.
They must blindingly forge ahead, deeper and deeper into the threat filled woods.
And that's when things take a sharp turn for the extreme worse...and just plain weird.
What the hell is this place , they constantly ask themselves...
It's as if their car crash ripped a tear straight into another realm, an alternate and hellish dimension.
When it's supposed to be light, it's dark and when it's supposed to be dark...it's darker.
They now find themselves courageously ~and unavoidably~ trekking through those increasingly darkening woods, strange sounds and even stranger lights, beastly creatures on the prowl, an old cabin, an even older cryptic lady, a busload of feralish kids, an unforgettable town that time forgot with a population best left uncensused, an underground web of caves and sewers that further defy any sort of logic....
For a jump-start.
Exhausted, hungry, confused, and scared half to death, an indeterminable amount of time passes but they are almost there...almost. there.
So Damn Close to getting to their destination but it really may as well be in a different world BUUUT if there was a way in, there must be a way out!
Finding solace in reassuring and consoling each other that; Come rain or shine, hell or highwater, grim or gridlocked, they are bound and determined to start their vacation, dammit they deserve it!
Peppered with perfectly placed (and paced) flashback scenes exploring the cutsey couple in all their lovey doveyness and highlighting their darker days and near breaking points. It hasn't been all cupcakes and rainbows for them but they have always persevered, sometimes through knock down drag outs, all due to their undying love for one another.
Gut wrenchingly emotional, all of these nostalgic parts, you feel very attached and protective of this very real, very human couple. Susan is so compassionate, empathetic, and big hearted. Ted is such a good strong man, chivalrous, funny, and supportive. The quintessential soulmates.
I LOVE how this story went in so many different and diresome directions, literally and figuratively. Physically and metaphysically. Yet never lost it's way.
Some writers can bite off more they they can chew, attempting to razzle and dazzle us with an abundance of style that lacks substance, and often we end up with the aftertaste of a stale anti-climactic effort.
All show-no tell, then slapdash wrapped up in a paper cliched bow.
Well, NOT THIS, it stayed true the entire way through.
You're on the edge of your seat, pins and needles, heart pounding, hoping this charming couple can find their way out of the perpetually perilous darkness.
"Time, time is weird here."
And that's it, I can't (won't) go any deeper into the plot. I'm trying to be protective.
But OH MAN, there is so much more I wanna say about this book, I have 2 (THREE!!) pages of notes....but...I can't, it would be unfair to the writer and new readers. Boo...
It's a pretty long read too, at well over 300 pages (333 to be exact which is a proper and impressive undertaking) and never ever a dull or lagging moment.
I could have easily read double that.
There were 3 times in this awe-tastic book that I balled....flat-out ugly cried with strange sounds and lights coming out of me! I teared up a couple other times and laughed quite a bit too.
Yea, a lot of witty banter, sarcasm, and pop culture references in this that further upped the enjoyment factor for me.
His writing is exceptional, you get lost in his words, his worlds, and really care about what the characters are going through.
A full spectrum of emotions running rapid in this story.
I really can't recommend this enough ~~~ READ THIS BOOK!! ~~~~
And follow this author because he's going places if he continues to write in this realm of excellence.
So far Pine Lakes is sitting prominently on my favorites of the year list.
And I'm pretty damn sure it'll remain there, would be extremely hard to knock it off it's rightful pedestal.
Think I might check out his very first release The Darkening next, a scary tale set in the summer of '86 about a group of teen friends coming of age.
Sounds great, the 80's were the best time to come of age and if The Darkening is even half as well-written and all-consuming as Pine Lakes, it's bound to be another winner! ACES!
Holy WOW, what a story...what an author!
Only his 3rd solo release and I am flat-out-right impressed. His writing is so smooth, just effervescently full of life.
I say quit your day job Mr. Motz and write full time, you're a natural born storyteller.
Which is actually not very common.
I was gorilla glued to these pages. A lot of well thought out thinking went into this surreal and startling tale.
It read more as a mainstream kind of book to me, something easily worthy enough to chart a bestselling list somewhere. It certainly rises above and soars beyond the often mediocre mash-up/ pile-up that currently litters Amazon these days.
Oh there are still plenty of solid gold needles to be found in that hay (...hack) stack, you just have to sift through and dig around a little, and THIS is one such golden needle gem.
Would make for an AMAZING movie or better yet; a mini series! YES!
It begins with Ted and Susan, a delightful married couple, on their way to a charming little resort called Pine Lakes. Every year they take a week long relaxing getaway there, it's a long standing tradition from Ted's side of the family and they have made it their own yearly retreat. They were highschool sweethearts and after 20 years they are still going strong. Madly deeply in love with each other and I fell head over heels in love with them too.
Only 20 miles from their rest and relaxation destination but heavy rains cause Ted to lose control of the car which swerves and crashes down a steep steeeeeep embankment.
Initially trapped in the car and attempting to just compose themselves, take stock of the situation...but their cell phones are acting all wonky, the radio is playing some eerie tunes and seemingly personalized broadcast jabs, plus they get the spine-tingling feeling they are being watched...stalked, which propels them into panic fueled flee mode.
After finally managing to break out of that confined fryer, apparently only to be flung into an even deeper, blistering, and boundless fryer.
They are but 40 feet from the main road but the quick and easy way up and out, is not an option for them.
They must blindingly forge ahead, deeper and deeper into the threat filled woods.
And that's when things take a sharp turn for the extreme worse...and just plain weird.
What the hell is this place , they constantly ask themselves...
It's as if their car crash ripped a tear straight into another realm, an alternate and hellish dimension.
When it's supposed to be light, it's dark and when it's supposed to be dark...it's darker.
They now find themselves courageously ~and unavoidably~ trekking through those increasingly darkening woods, strange sounds and even stranger lights, beastly creatures on the prowl, an old cabin, an even older cryptic lady, a busload of feralish kids, an unforgettable town that time forgot with a population best left uncensused, an underground web of caves and sewers that further defy any sort of logic....
For a jump-start.
Exhausted, hungry, confused, and scared half to death, an indeterminable amount of time passes but they are almost there...almost. there.
So Damn Close to getting to their destination but it really may as well be in a different world BUUUT if there was a way in, there must be a way out!
Finding solace in reassuring and consoling each other that; Come rain or shine, hell or highwater, grim or gridlocked, they are bound and determined to start their vacation, dammit they deserve it!
Peppered with perfectly placed (and paced) flashback scenes exploring the cutsey couple in all their lovey doveyness and highlighting their darker days and near breaking points. It hasn't been all cupcakes and rainbows for them but they have always persevered, sometimes through knock down drag outs, all due to their undying love for one another.
Gut wrenchingly emotional, all of these nostalgic parts, you feel very attached and protective of this very real, very human couple. Susan is so compassionate, empathetic, and big hearted. Ted is such a good strong man, chivalrous, funny, and supportive. The quintessential soulmates.
I LOVE how this story went in so many different and diresome directions, literally and figuratively. Physically and metaphysically. Yet never lost it's way.
Some writers can bite off more they they can chew, attempting to razzle and dazzle us with an abundance of style that lacks substance, and often we end up with the aftertaste of a stale anti-climactic effort.
All show-no tell, then slapdash wrapped up in a paper cliched bow.
Well, NOT THIS, it stayed true the entire way through.
You're on the edge of your seat, pins and needles, heart pounding, hoping this charming couple can find their way out of the perpetually perilous darkness.
"Time, time is weird here."
And that's it, I can't (won't) go any deeper into the plot. I'm trying to be protective.
But OH MAN, there is so much more I wanna say about this book, I have 2 (THREE!!) pages of notes....but...I can't, it would be unfair to the writer and new readers. Boo...
It's a pretty long read too, at well over 300 pages (333 to be exact which is a proper and impressive undertaking) and never ever a dull or lagging moment.
I could have easily read double that.
There were 3 times in this awe-tastic book that I balled....flat-out ugly cried with strange sounds and lights coming out of me! I teared up a couple other times and laughed quite a bit too.
Yea, a lot of witty banter, sarcasm, and pop culture references in this that further upped the enjoyment factor for me.
His writing is exceptional, you get lost in his words, his worlds, and really care about what the characters are going through.
A full spectrum of emotions running rapid in this story.
I really can't recommend this enough ~~~ READ THIS BOOK!! ~~~~
And follow this author because he's going places if he continues to write in this realm of excellence.
So far Pine Lakes is sitting prominently on my favorites of the year list.
And I'm pretty damn sure it'll remain there, would be extremely hard to knock it off it's rightful pedestal.
Think I might check out his very first release The Darkening next, a scary tale set in the summer of '86 about a group of teen friends coming of age.
Sounds great, the 80's were the best time to come of age and if The Darkening is even half as well-written and all-consuming as Pine Lakes, it's bound to be another winner! ACES!
March 8, 2019
This book was so creepy and the ending was just, wow. I didn't see that coming. Motz has a way of making us ever afraid of normal things like apartment buildings and driving. Lol. Highly recommend.
November 8, 2017
Can’t say too much but what I will say is strap yourself in for an emotional rollercoaster which will have you scared,at times tearful because of this strange but wonderful book. You will be confused for much of it,but just let it take you and when the kind of predictable end comes,the way it has been written kept making my arms tingle. Very very good.
June 10, 2017
Horror & suspense indeed...
I'm impressed! If you want horror, if you want constant suspense this book is for you. The storyline is awesome. You think it's going one way & then it turns and follows a totally different path. The characters were good, the author really describes their emotions & the frailty of human beings.
Ted & Susan are headed to their favorite lodge for their annual vacation. The weather turns bad and suddenly Ted loses control of the car and they tumble down a steep ravine. They are both pinned in the car and a long way from any hope of rescue.
Suddenly they see bouncing white balls of light, dogs howling in the distance,, but are they really dogs? Now the suspense really takes over and you cringe from what may or may not happen.
When you get near the end you are thrown into a realm we didn't see coming. Nicely written and just awesome!
Want more from this author...😄
I'm impressed! If you want horror, if you want constant suspense this book is for you. The storyline is awesome. You think it's going one way & then it turns and follows a totally different path. The characters were good, the author really describes their emotions & the frailty of human beings.
Ted & Susan are headed to their favorite lodge for their annual vacation. The weather turns bad and suddenly Ted loses control of the car and they tumble down a steep ravine. They are both pinned in the car and a long way from any hope of rescue.
Suddenly they see bouncing white balls of light, dogs howling in the distance,, but are they really dogs? Now the suspense really takes over and you cringe from what may or may not happen.
When you get near the end you are thrown into a realm we didn't see coming. Nicely written and just awesome!
Want more from this author...😄
October 6, 2017
Pine Lakes
Great read, well written and great plot, great twist. Can't wait to read more. Absolutely loved it. More like this please.
Great read, well written and great plot, great twist. Can't wait to read more. Absolutely loved it. More like this please.
October 29, 2023
What starts as a romantic annual trip for the two MCs turns into anything but. An accident has them waking in the woods but they soon realize they are not alone. Just a fifteen minute drive from their destination the two have no choice but to brave the elements. Doesn’t take long for this book to go off the rails. Reminds me of some weird horror mash up of the hills have eyes and wrong turn. I’ve also read another book where the characters find themselves in similar circumstances, only I’d def say this has a more happy ending. While I was able to piece together the end, a lot of the book was a bit shocking as it blends a few horror/sci-fi tropes I was not anticipating. I do have some questions on the whys and how’s but I guess this is just some universe type shit us mere mortals are not meant to understand.
Read
June 5, 20232.75
February 4, 2019
Awful
This story started out good enough but quickly spiraled into disjointed oblivion. The main characters are not likeable. I'm anti drug and pro-life and even the baby murdering junkie was more likeable than Susan! The relationship between the main characters reminds me of those annoying couples on social media professing their undying love for one another on a constant basis. Yet they are supposedly in a long term relationship. Not realistic at all. It's made worse by lines like "Where there was love, there was hope". Then you have the fact that the characters were obviously dead from the moment of the accident and later it's revealed like it's a surprise. The entire story read like a confusing, disjointed dream with references to levels of hell in Dante's Inferno (not directly mind you, I made the connection myself having read it). The ending was stupid and more mush. I think maybe there were just too many ideas crammed into one story. I wanted horror and what I got was "love conquers all" with a brief stop in cuckoo land.
This story started out good enough but quickly spiraled into disjointed oblivion. The main characters are not likeable. I'm anti drug and pro-life and even the baby murdering junkie was more likeable than Susan! The relationship between the main characters reminds me of those annoying couples on social media professing their undying love for one another on a constant basis. Yet they are supposedly in a long term relationship. Not realistic at all. It's made worse by lines like "Where there was love, there was hope". Then you have the fact that the characters were obviously dead from the moment of the accident and later it's revealed like it's a surprise. The entire story read like a confusing, disjointed dream with references to levels of hell in Dante's Inferno (not directly mind you, I made the connection myself having read it). The ending was stupid and more mush. I think maybe there were just too many ideas crammed into one story. I wanted horror and what I got was "love conquers all" with a brief stop in cuckoo land.
June 27, 2017
Haaunting
Great book. I wasn't sure where it was headed in the beginning, but this was really a tale of the choices people make in life and the consequences of those choices.The results are sometimes satisfying and sometimes horrifying. Very eerie and lots of oppressive atmosphere, and it all works very well.
Great book. I wasn't sure where it was headed in the beginning, but this was really a tale of the choices people make in life and the consequences of those choices.The results are sometimes satisfying and sometimes horrifying. Very eerie and lots of oppressive atmosphere, and it all works very well.
June 22, 2018
Stupid book. I figured out that they were dead from the very beginning. Just went on and on. Totally boring book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2018
Well that was a wild ride. I don't even know what to say.
I think almost every terrible thing I've ever read about was written into the story here. The characters fled from one horror straight into the next with very little information carrying over to connect the scenes. Not a bit of it made sense. Nothing, including cannibalism, albino sewer dwellers, sea monsters, zombie children, spontaneous combustion, witches, even the universe ACTUALLY DISINTEGRATING, was off limits. It should have been an absolute train wreck, but I actually really enjoyed it. The only bit I didn't care much for was the definitive "answer" at the end. I mean, obviously Ted and Susan had been dead all along, but their final journey to whatever afterlife was waiting for them was a little bit too fantastical for me, and I guess if you've read this book, you'd understand why that sounds ridiculous.
Can't say I'd ever read it again, but it was a pretty unique experience.
I think almost every terrible thing I've ever read about was written into the story here. The characters fled from one horror straight into the next with very little information carrying over to connect the scenes. Not a bit of it made sense. Nothing, including cannibalism, albino sewer dwellers, sea monsters, zombie children, spontaneous combustion, witches, even the universe ACTUALLY DISINTEGRATING, was off limits. It should have been an absolute train wreck, but I actually really enjoyed it. The only bit I didn't care much for was the definitive "answer" at the end. I mean, obviously Ted and Susan had been dead all along, but their final journey to whatever afterlife was waiting for them was a little bit too fantastical for me, and I guess if you've read this book, you'd understand why that sounds ridiculous.
Can't say I'd ever read it again, but it was a pretty unique experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2020
This novel was so close to a 5 star review. The main characters Ted and Susan were awesome. They were a great couple, their relationship was wonderful. I'll be frank, the first 90% of this book was AWESOME. The last %10 was simply out of place. It's as if Motz had a less experienced author finish this one for him. Perhaps he'd mailed it in. In an average novel this ending wouldnt have bothered me so much, but like I said the first 90% of this book was phenomenal! It was such a disappointment that a book I loved as much as this, had to end in such a way. I DO still recommend reading this, but reader beware, the ending is brutal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2018
An absolutely fun read
This book was one of the many (way too many) 99¢ books that I've downloaded from Amazon over the last year or so since I got my kindle. I don't remember when or why I choose it. I am so glad I did. This was a really good suspense filled thriller. It's also billed as horror, but I didn't find it that scary. A little bit maybe. I definitely recommend it. And I'm definitely going to check out more by Christopher Motz.
This book was one of the many (way too many) 99¢ books that I've downloaded from Amazon over the last year or so since I got my kindle. I don't remember when or why I choose it. I am so glad I did. This was a really good suspense filled thriller. It's also billed as horror, but I didn't find it that scary. A little bit maybe. I definitely recommend it. And I'm definitely going to check out more by Christopher Motz.
December 7, 2017
I'm blown away.
Sitting here reading this I went through a lot of emotions, I even cursed the author out. This book is phenomenal, quite possibly one of the best of I've read in 2017. I don't have a clue what to read next because I have to process what I have read. Highly, highly recommended.
Sitting here reading this I went through a lot of emotions, I even cursed the author out. This book is phenomenal, quite possibly one of the best of I've read in 2017. I don't have a clue what to read next because I have to process what I have read. Highly, highly recommended.
July 28, 2019
Oh my word,what a book!I loved it!It reminded me of a Stephen King book. A couple heading for a holiday go off the road in my neck of the woods! Really! They encounter strange lights and stranger people while walking to find safety. Joe Hempel did a wonderful job narrating. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
July 28, 2020
Good read maybe to any themes
I wanted to read so!a thing with a little mystery and was not disappointed. This was a good read and you really felt connected to the characters but there was so much happening. Themes of witchcraft, horror, rom-com, futuristic apocalypse left me confused towards the end but I wasnt.disappointed.
I wanted to read so!a thing with a little mystery and was not disappointed. This was a good read and you really felt connected to the characters but there was so much happening. Themes of witchcraft, horror, rom-com, futuristic apocalypse left me confused towards the end but I wasnt.disappointed.
February 25, 2024
This book has a lot going on, but what a ride! Pine Lakes starts out as one thing, then quickly snowballs into an ever-evolving hellscape. And I'm here for every bit of it. There are some pretty heavy triggers here, so definitely check them. This was my first Christopher Motz book and I am highly impressed.
July 20, 2018
Wow
What a story. I loved it. Very interesting plot. Great characters. The humanoids and monsters were awesome. Would love to meet Ted and Susan. Will definitely read more of Mr motz. Thank u
What a story. I loved it. Very interesting plot. Great characters. The humanoids and monsters were awesome. Would love to meet Ted and Susan. Will definitely read more of Mr motz. Thank u
September 2, 2018
Pine Lakes
When it got too late, I had to set this book aside. I was afraid of the nightmares that would follow. I finished the story the next day, while it was still light outside. Creepy yet good! Scary as anything.
When it got too late, I had to set this book aside. I was afraid of the nightmares that would follow. I finished the story the next day, while it was still light outside. Creepy yet good! Scary as anything.
May 12, 2019
Good until the end.
It was a good read, but the ending was too predictable and not much of the “twist” I feel like it was meant to be. I think it would have been more shocking if it had gone the other way. Story would probably make a good movie, though.
It was a good read, but the ending was too predictable and not much of the “twist” I feel like it was meant to be. I think it would have been more shocking if it had gone the other way. Story would probably make a good movie, though.
June 27, 2023
Go read this book. I waited to long to. It starts off as a sorta creature feature goes to a hotel California kinda town and cannibals. It gets stranger from there. The ending I should have seen coming I didnt see coming. If you have Audible it is read by the amazing Joe Hempel
September 28, 2017
The plot was tight but predictable and there were grammatical errors.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews