The Haunting of the Hockomock Swamp

by H.E. Kline

BREAKING NEWS: Children are having grand mal seizures, but EEGs are showing no abnormal brain activity. Every day more and more children are afflicted. Doctors and scientists are unable to find any explanation for this epidemic of epilepsy. Parents want answers and they want action! They need to know what is going on, and what is going to be done about it. School officials are pushing for public interest, to force government agencies to pay attention and get involved. But the experts have no answers or solutions, so they are asking for more time before the outbreak is made known to the public...

Death should have been the end, but instead it's the start of my revenge...and they won't see me coming.

Janie Williams is living her dream as a newbie investigative reporter. When she discovers a letter detailing a sudden outbreak of seizures among young children, she smells a story that can deliver her from her mailroom dungeon!

Her creepy, lecherous boss doesn't think this story is "newsworthy" so Janie decides to speak to someone in Consumer Affairs about this crisis...well, the minute she meets Alan Needle, she falls head over heels in love with the man.

But there may be a darker force at work. During a horrific seizure one child has begun chanting gibberish, and his words refer back to the very first armed conflict between Native Americans and English Colonists back in 1675...

Download now and dive into a paranormal romance that will change how you look at...everything!

112 pages, Paperback

First published May 12, 2014

About the author

Before becoming an award-winning author, H.E. (otherwise known as "Lainie") was a former Federal Official Court Reporter who specialized in realtime expert, medical, and scientific testimony for almost 30 years as well as a reporting a fair amount of criminal court sessions both for the State of Mass. and the Federal Government.

"I write fiction," Kline says," in a conspicuous effort to creatively intertwine nonfiction into imaginary contemporary paranormal romance, crime fiction, mystery, science fiction, and horror in a concerted effort to give a 'voice' to those whose voice may have been forgotten or lost in translation" - Boston.com

A Special Message to All Readers Past, Present & Future: I would like to thank all of the readers who have taken the time to reach out to me after having read one of my "crazy" (as my kids would say) supernatural stories, either on Twitter or Facebook, and who have now become my friends. Connecting with you has been the single most rewarding experience of my life (except, of course, for raising three children) ...

Please friend me on Facebook @https://www.facebook.com/helana.kline.39 or
follow me on Twitter @https://twitter.com/heKline or contact my website: http://helanakline.wixsite.com/immola...

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 1 out of 5]

Short book that is in desperate need of editing. The premise is a good one and in the right hands could have been a great story that would be of interest to a wider audience. I picked it up because I live in the area that is encompassed by the Hockomock Swamp. Too bad!

[AJ Kilpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haunting of Hockomock Swamp by H.E. Kline evoked strong emotions from this reader right from the start. The author’s writing is well thought out and planned. It was easy to fall in love with the characters and become attached to the children throughout the story.

Janie Williams is a graduate of Northeastern University and is on day one of her new job at WCVT news. She’s working the mail room and looking for a breaking news story, when one drops right into her hands. Not being able to let it go when she is told it wasn’t news worthy, Janie investigates on her own and cracks open a state wide event with the potential of national coverage.

Tara Brannigan is the principal of Henry Burke Elementary School in a small community in Massachusetts. She is the first to contact the news station with the story as she knows 35 of her own students have been diagnosed with epilepsy in the few short weeks since school started in September. Tara invites Janie to Burke auditorium for a meeting with parents and administrators. Once there, Janie realizes this story is bigger than she ever realized.

As Janie navigates her new job, her love life, and the mystery of why children are having seizures, she learns there is a balance in life. Getting involved with the community can be a rewarding and yet heartbreaking endeavor. This is a must read story! I truly enjoyed it.

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge lover of paranormal stories and novels, I am in constant search of a new interesting, fascinating read! Though there are numerous different pieces of literature, the ones that are really interesting and worth reading are quite few. When I laid my hands on The Haunting of The Hockomock Swamp, the rest of the world simply disappeared for me, until I turned the very last page.
The story starts when Janie Williams, an investigational news reporter from Boston stumbles upon a letter from Tara L. Brannigan, the Principal of the Henry Burke Elementary School in Middleborough, Massachusetts, concerning multiple cases of epilepsy in children aged from 6-10. Feeling that this is a story to develop, Janie is on the way to start her investigation, and that is where the real nightmare begins.
The author, in a unique way, combined true facts of an old Native American legend with fictious facts, which resulted in a great story with an unbelievably fast-paced plot, unexpected twists and turns, a great ending and vivid characters. The character of Metacom, a mysterious Indian and a beast at the same time, is depicted with an outstanding mastery, making me shiver each time he appeared on the pages of the book. I also really enjoyed the romantic side of the story line and the way the narration conveys true feelings to the reader.

[Kathryn Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read this and it was so good! The story is about this news reporter whose job is to sort through junk and find the real news and she finds a letter describing an epidemic of seizures in children that is concentrated round an area known as Hockomock Swamp. So tons of kids are having these unexplained seizures and so the reporter talks her very handsome boss into helping her to investigate it. A little romance sparks between them...but anyway so they are looking into what is causing this. I don't want to give away any more details but I will say that I found a personal connection with this story because as a mother I can relate to the need to find a cure for the children. I also enjoyed it because it is kind of paranormal in nature, and everyone who knows me knows that I am into that stuff too. So this is a great read, pick up your copy today!

[Linda Ratcliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Haunting of the Hockomock Swamp” by H.E. Kline is a real page-turner. Children are having grand mal epileptic seizures, but diagnostic tests are showing no abnormal brain patterns - even when hooked up to electrodes while experiencing a seizure. Every day, as the story progresses, more children are affected by the phenomenon. Although the national average of children having epilepsy is less than 1%, the number of children having seizures in a geographical triangle of Southern New England is at 9% and climbing daily.

The soil has been tested … and nothing was detected. The water has been tested … and again, no chemical abnormalities came to light. Doctors and scientists are unable to find any explanation for this epidemic of epilepsy.

There is the normal tug of war between the media and the people involved. The parents want publicity and they want action. They need to know what is going on and what is going to be done about it. The school officials are pushing for public interest, to force government agencies to pay attention and get involved. But the scientists and doctors have no answers or solutions, so they are asking for more time before the outbreak is made known to the public.

As the story develops, we find that there may be a darker force at work. During the seizures, one child has begun chanting gibberish … and his words refer back to an armed conflict between Native American Indians and English colonists back in 1675. Could it be their spirits have inhabited the children for some reason? The book only takes 1-1/2 to 2 hours to read, and I promise you won’t be able to put it down until you find the answer.

[M M · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it may be a bit late for a great beach book this summer, this novel has all the elements that make it a fun, yet historically interesting tale that is easy to digest and perfect to take for a relaxing vacation read.

The story begins with a young journalist, Janie Williams, who has just begun working for a TV station in Boston. Of course she begins in the mailroom each day reading viewer mail and sorting it into categories. Two categories go on to the reporting staff and the third is correspondence meant for two handsome male reporters that have some of the viewers apparently lustily dreaming. Most of these letters she files in the trash but sends one or two on just to further inflate the egos of the male on-camera reporters. She yearns to become a true investigational reporter working on important news stories. This is the role for which she thought she had been hired.

Naturally, Janie works for a crusty, beyond middle-aged man whom she despises because he ogles her constantly and treats her like a little girl. One day, while reviewing the mail she comes across a letter that spikes her interest. It seems that children in a nearby school district are suddenly having epileptic seizures and the count is far beyond what might be considered normal. Other school districts report the same issue. Parents are terrified that the cause may be environmental. Janie sees this as a critical news story and decides to do her own research. She contacts one of the mothers and meets with her. The story attracts the attention of the newsroom and she is asked upstairs to help with the story.

In true beach-read format, Janie discovers a man on the reporting floor named Alan Needle who is tall and handsome with electric blue eyes. She judges he is about 25 and she is instantly attracted. As her former boy friend was hit by a drunk driver and is now “a human vegetable”, Janie is desperately man shopping. The attraction is mutual and naturally an office (and out of office) romance ensues. Janie and Alan can’t keep their hands and other things off each other much to the chagrin of other office staffers.

While the romance blossoms, the book takes a sudden turn by looking at the history of the greater Boston area. We’ve all heard of the Bermuda Triangle but apparently there are several more on the planet - one being right there in Massachusetts called the Bridgewater Triangle and it includes the large Hockomock swamp. The story interrelates an ancient, unresting, Indian character (Metacom) and his tribe (The Wampangoag) with the epileptic epidemic in a truly interesting way. Even Bigfoot may have a role, as do governmental scientists and others. This is a fun and fast read and if you like it there is another book by the same author that takes the story line further.

[Melinda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

BREAKING NEWS
This book is Erin Brockovich, meets M. Night Shyamalan, meets a steamy romance novel with a touch of historical trivia. Don't think it's possible? Well it is. This story started with one of the best introductions I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The Haunting of Hockomock Swamp is a rollercoaster of a story in the best possible ways. I loved the story despite not liking the main character Janie. Maybe it was a personality clash but I can assure you we would not have been friends in real life. Despite my distaste for Janie and her steamy co star Mr. Alan Needle the story was intriguing enough for me to overlook these things and continue reading. After all when H.E. Kline splashes such vivid horrors in your head and leaves you with no answers. There is no choice but to join Janie on her breaking news story. Ghost stories, inexplicable pandemic of child seizures, saucy interactions, and riots all leave your tentatively waiting at the edge of your seat for the story to unfold. Hopefully revealing all the answers you've been seeking since page one. This book may be on the smaller side but I assure you it invokes a lot more reading than one would assume. As I read this book I found myself researching some of the historical facts and references mentioned throughout the book. Not only did the story entertain me it invoked a desire and craving for further knowledge. The book doesn't end when you think it does. When the breaking news story that you've been working on with Janie comes to a close. You're treated with a collection of folklore that surrounds the Hockomock Swamp. Because yeah it's a real place with a really haunting history. From beginning to end and hopefully the research that it sparks you to do in between you're guaranteed to not regret a single page of this book.

[Desiree Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This brief yet sweet novel is a bundle of surprises. There is a very genuine and real feel to the characters as well. It has an omniscient 3rd person point of view that isn’t seen very often. It allows the reader to see into the minds of multiple characters in one scene. The main character Janie is clever, empathic, anxious, and well-rounded. There is a slight development that makes her real and interesting. One complaint I have is how quickly the romantic relationship blossomed. I feel as if it was rushed which lost some of the reality that had been well built. In spite of that, I still felt a connection with Janie and the characters she connected with. Several times I found myself covered in goosebumps and once close to tears.
As for the story itself, wow! I never would have guessed that ending. I do not want to spoil the surprise, but seriously no one will guess it. I had a few theories as developments came, but a new twist would happen that came out of left field and left me in awe. My jaw actually dropped during one such twist of events.
While reading, I found myself hoping for it to become a series so that I could continue enjoying these characters. It kept my attention and had enough scientific details as well. It truly feels as if the writer did research on the topics to integrate into the story. It made the characters more believable and the story more interesting.

[Elijah Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is definitely worth the read. H.E. Kline will have any reader not wanting to put down this page turner. The work of fiction successfully binds real facts about the state of Massachusetts and its rich early American history. By use of actual cities and counties, people from the area can appreciate and resonate with the story. I myself have never traveled to the state, but I feel like I have lived there a few years while reading the journey of the fictional citizens in the state. The work follows a young reporter investigating the supernatural in a very factitious manner. Unlike, most fiction, where the unreal elements are hard to believe, Kline provides a setting where the reader could accept the events occurring in their community. It is compelling to perceive the magnitude of what it takes for the characters to pursue this environment as it unfolds. As we know, history is revered for what it is, both beautiful and ugly. This book does not fall short of that assumption. At the end of the story, I found myself asking numerous questions. For example, how would the respective authorities respond to the events that transpired in the story? Hopefully you can arrive at your own satisfying conclusions. The imagination can wander within this relatable scenario of a universe set one much like the real world; many readers will easily place themselves in the shoes of the protagonist and supporting characters whom they relate to most. Haunting of the Hockomock Swamp would make an excellent film adaptation!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to commend H.E. Kline on a very well written paranormal journey. That may seem to start off as a mundane if not interesting investigation reporter story. But quickly and easily moves you into the supernatural world that is the setting for The Haunting of The Hockomock Swamp, the exposition alone is a very pleasurable read. The character development and world building are also done so seamless that the story just flows.
As well as the lore of the world is well crafted. And getting to explore this world via the main character makes for a very engaging and engrossing read, it keeps the reader turning page after page and with the proper hints of foreshadowing the book is incredibly hard to put down or leave alone for any extended period of time. It leaves the reader, wondering “what happened there, what will happen next?” without becoming so disjointed that the reader has no idea where anything did or will happen.
This is just an incredible; well crafted, engrossing, engaging hard to put down page turning story.
Overall I just have to say H.E. Kline has crafted a wonderful read in “The Haunting of The Hockomock Swamp” and can do nothing but highly regard and recommend the story to all readers.

[E McGhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery and romance lovers alike will devour this provocative read by H.E. Kline. “The Haunting of Hockomock Swamp” is a zippy read full of seductive tidbits and puzzling phenomenons.
Janie William’s first day on the job as an investigative reporter is off to a disappointing start. Her boss is already creeping her out and the task of going through the Boston tv station WCVT’s mail is demeaning and dull. Suddenly amongst all the lipstick stained fan mail, one letter piques her interest. A principal of an elementary school’s written plea for help gives Janie her big break. She takes a chance, follows her instinct, and finds a community reeling and desperate for answers. As she investigates an epidemic of children stricken with grand mal seizures, Janie uncovers a mystical component to the baffling events. She befriends a 10 year boy named Jessie who suffers from seizures daily. They must utilize their individual strengths to search for answers to the perplexing afflictions affecting a growing number of children.
While her burgeoning love affair with handsome Alan Needles from Consumer Affairs sizzles, her investigation also heats up.
Kline’s writing style is straightforward and vigorous. Janie is a lovable coffee guzzling, accident prone reporter who wears her heart on her sleeve. The story leaves you wanting more of Janie’s spunky empathic antics. The author ends with some historical context and backstory which adds depth to the tale.
There is plenty of humor and tenderness in this perfectly seductive little book with intrigue and a touch of the supernatural.

[Deborah Siegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was spellbound by the way Kline intertwined modern-day romantic connections between her characters with a mystical storyline that explains the unusual events that happen in designated areas across the globe. While describing the epidemic epileptic phenomenon that occur in thousands of children in the New England area, Kline’s depiction of swamp creatures got me wondering if these explanations could actually have merit. I started to wonder whether the number of sightings of swamp creatures in the south like Big Foot, unnatural disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle, and the higher number of murders and missing persons in all of these locations could be more than mere coincidences.

When professors, investigators, and environmental specialists can find no contaminants or biological reasons for the childrens’ seizures occurring in the nearby townships, the media and local residents begin to delve further in their cause and demand government action and disclosure. Every emotion and response that Kline gives her characters would be the natural reaction of families plagued with unexplainable seizures in their children. Within the 200 square mile radius of Hockomock Swamp, epilepsy hit 30 percent of young ones between the ages of 6-10 years old, as compared to .06 percent of the national statistics of seizures in children who live in other areas.

Most of all, I liked the twisted ending of Kline’s well-woven plot, but to divulge it would spoil it. Sometimes I like to read the end of a book first and then start. I’m glad I resisted the temptation with this book. Instead, I let Kline’s story-telling magic catch hold and take me to the end to make me question the legends I may have heard about of these unexplainable and sometimes supernatural happenings.

[Stacey Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the exciting story of a beginner news reporter that breaks the story of school children from several close schools that begin experiencing numerous grand mal seizures every day. From a letter written by the principle to the newspaper, this whole incredible story unfolds with Janie Williams as the budding reporter in the middle of it all. Only in the end in the story does the author reveal that the kids are being terrorized by visions of Metacon, who is a deceased Indian chief of the long ago Indian tribe of the Wampanoag people. This is a wonderfully written tale full of intrigue, suspense, and romance. It will certainly keep you reading straight through to the end to find out what is making the kids have the seizures. I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves such a mystery story that is a quick read and nicely worded. The story has its humorous side too, as Janie goes through the rough start of becoming a newspaper reporter after working only a few days in the mailroom. I particularly like the ending because the story closes on a positive note.

[Julie Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Name of the Book: The Haunting of The Hockomock Swamp

Author: H.E. Kline

Publication Date: May 12, 2014

Book Length: 120 pages

A Look At The Plot/Story -
The premise of The Haunting of Hockomock Swamp is one of that is based on a local legend. The local legend is one that is connected with Native American beliefs. It is historical-based fiction that delivers on a wide range of elements and tells a story that is both exciting and gripping in detail.

Who is the main character and what is the goal of this book?
The main character of this book is no other than investigative reporter Janie Williams. Janie Williams is a consummate investigative report that goes the extra mile with a smile for her career. However, when she encounters a nightmare, where her investigation that involves multiple cases of epilepsy in children ages 6 to 10 at an elementary school are concerned. She knows she has far more than just the makings of another story here.

What is the objective of this book?
The objective of this book is to entertain the reader from start to end thoroughly. The Haunting of The Hockomock Swamp is a very engaging and moving work of fiction with all of the right elements in place to make it happen. The goal of any kind read is to be a “good read,” and this fictional work delivers in that area big-time.

My Personal Experience -

Can I relate to the characters or goal in this book?

Yes, I surely can relate to the characters in this book, and that is because we have all our sense of curiosity about the unknown and this book satisfies that in a significant way. It also is loaded up with lots of thrilling adventure. The book also combines facts on an old Native American legend and blends in well with other things that make the read outstanding.

My Opinion -

Did I like the book?

Yes, I liked this book, because it delivered on all the elements that make a beautiful book an excellent book.

What part of the book did I like most?

I liked the entire book for some reasons. Some of these reasons include the level of mystery in it, the elements of the dark and paranormal, and it was an exciting page-turner from the get-go.

What part of this book was my least favorite?

I had no least favorite part of it at all.

Would I change any part or parts in this book?

No, the book was intended to be fascinating in every way, and it is that.

Do I Recommend This Book Or Not? -

Is this book worthy of recommendation to others?

Yes, it is, and because of that fact alone. I would indeed recommend others to read it.

Who would like to read this book the most?

It is a very likable book that would capture the attention of a wide variety of readers from young to old.

What Rating of Stars Did This Book Get?

****

Julie A. Sullivan wrote this book review personally to share her reading experience with everyone else.

[Rachel Sibert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book centers around a few main characters but there is one who is at the center of it all, she seems to be the one who shapes and molds the story, her name is Janie Williams.

Janie Williams is a budding journalist to wants nothing more than to get out of the mailroom and work on a genuine story. She’s got the grades, she graduated at the top of her class in fact, yet here she sits sorting mail. It is her job to look for the letters that have the potential to be newsworthy and pass them along. Yet that try seems to remain empty as the others fill up. Just once she’d like to find a good one, something that really warranted a second look, not Joe Friday complaining about his high water bill or Sally Sunday complaining about how unreasonable the mortgage company was after she hadn’t paid her bill for three months.

Janie wonders if it will ever end, no really! She can see the minutes ticking by on the clock. Then the moment comes when it feels like her whole world’s turned upside down. She meets new people, changes departments at work-which has to be a good thing- and perhaps there’s a special someone along the way?

This book has it all boredom, disasters, romance, lies, mystery, and and interesting plot reveal. I really enjoyed this one, I think you will too. Take the time to read the Afterword as well, it’s just as good as the book.

[Jessica Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read; I really enjoyed this book!
It was imaginative, yet based on some historical fact, and I just dig the way the author mixed this up. I don't want to give too much away as I'm excited for you to read this story.
It blends a love story, mystery, history and suspense as you make your way through the book. The main character Janie is this quirky character that is easy to relate to. She's a younger adult, new to her job and she always has these fun pop culture references she uses in her amusing inner monologues. The inner monologues help bring in more color to her as a character when she's happy, frustrated or when things just don't seem to go her way. She quickly moves up in her position as a journalist, proving herself against many odds, that she could recognize a news worthy story. Almost 20% of the young children in the area where having seizures and it seemed like no answers could be found. In mixes a beautiful blend of a steamy love interest, a new friendship out of the families she was interviewing and local Indian history that will leave me with some creepy dreams. It has a feel good ending, albeit quick, but pulls you right back in to the suspense at the last second!
One of my favorite things H.E. Kline did was include an afterword that explained these phenomenon, paranormal areas exist. I personally love when authors breath more life into their work; either with drawings or supplemental information. It made me want to re-read the book with my new gained knowledge... and I think that is what I will do.

[Karen Laven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haunting of The Hockomock Swamp is a lightening-paced paranormal and romance novel based on Native American folklore around a Southeastern Massachusetts swamp. The main character is stunning (natch!) news reporter, Janie, an adorable klutz that tires of being in charge of the communication/mail room and yearns to finally showcase her on-air chops.
She grabs at the chance to investigate a terrifying scenario (when others at the newsroom blanch), namely that an astonishing number of children are suddenly being struck down with epilepsy in the local school systems. Drawn right into the depths of the issue Janie strives to uncover what could be causing this upsurge in this seizure-causing phenomenon. She meets with parents and children that are affected and is disheartened and baffled by the terrible illness, which oddly doesn’t show up an EEG.
Was it poison in the water? Uh-huh. The soil? Nope. All tests check out clean. Doctors are clueless, parents are outraged and more children are hit with seizures seemingly by the hour. From the outset Janie’s especially drawn to Jesse, a young afflicted boy with a seemingly genius IQ. Would he somehow be able to help her figure this out with his terrifying visions?
Through it all Janie tempers the seriousness of the situation with the sexual tension and release in the arms of Alan. At times the rapid relay from the afflicted children to Janie’s and Alan’s coupling could prove a bit disjointing. However, it might be on par for those on the hunt for a far-out, scary paranormal & fun romantic jaunt in the land of the Hockomock Swamp.
The Haunting of the Hockomock Swamp

[Kristin Bateman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this: I really did. A local author with a horror story set in a neighboring town about a local legend should have been a great combination, but I had serious issues with the execution.

The writing style was choppy, with awkward dialogue and a narrator who often would repeat the same line of dialogue, or sing song lyrics over and over. The transitions were choppy, and I often had to re-read sections to see if I missed something. The typical " * * * " to show transitions/time jumps would have helpful, but I did read this on my Kindle so I'm not sure if they were available in a printed text. Additionally, the story and conflict was set up in the first 75 or so pages, and then the conclusion raced through in just a few pages. And, I'm not sure that the conflict or actual issue was every really explained or addressed.

My biggest issue was the name dropping of local administration. I understand the need not to use the actual school's name, but putting together character names of actual, and former, town administrators shows, well, almost a juvenile approach to writing. Honestly, it turned me off from the first mention and really clouded my reading, and judgement of the text.

3 stars for the concept
1 star for execution
2 star overall rating

[W.C. Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and entertaining

Crisp modern fiction blending romance with paranormal mystery/horror. Past deeds are not unpunished in this supernatural tale. Both entertaining and enlightening.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read. the book is very professionally sweet to read. is makes a great reminder that we should not forget and neglect our children. the Young journalist, Jane is a hero. she fight to bring the truth to light and she does it perfectly. we should embrace her character and ensure our children are taken care of.

[Christina · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a Yankee Swap gift that I promised I'd read since we live in one of the towns in the so-called "Bridgewater Triangle". Let's just say that I took one for the team.

This story centers around a horrifying mystery: dozens of children living in the region start experiencing seizures for no obvious reason. Our scrappy and sexy heroine (who we know is sexy b/c she tells us several times) is a reporter wannabe who stumbles onto the story and, in between having lots and lots and lots of sex with her co-worker, helps bring media attention to the story.

Now, if you think meeting and reporting on these sick kids might dampen the lust of our sexy heroine and her insatiable lover for 5 minutes, you'd be wrong. There are so many weirdly juxtaposed scenes, unnecessary details, and awkward conversations, I never wished to be a copy editor more in my life.

There is some decent historical background provided here at the end, but you've got to get through the rest of this story to get there. Do a Google search instead.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most interesting stories I have read in a very long time. It combines factual history with quite a few fictional paranormal events taking place. It's a captivating storyline with relatable characters that have been described and portrayed extremely well.

The reading experience is fast-paced and very enjoyable. The story can be easily pictured and the reader soon finds themselves visualizing themselves in the world of the story. The book will certainly have you gripping the edge of your seat throughout, both from fear as well as anticipation.

I would recommend this read to anyone of absolutely any age that enjoys history, fiction and/or horror. This isn't a book you want to miss.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really an interesting story with a fantastic twist. Janie Williams is trying to be a reporter. When the story of a lifetime falls in her lap she moves straight up to the main office as a reporter. Too bad the story she is covering is such a tragic one. Children are mysteriously struck with seizure and the numbers are growing. Janie meets the victims and her compassion for them makes her grow close to some of the kids and their families. Janie is also the one who thinks she may know what is causing the seizures. This was really a great read with a compelling story.

[Bernadette Golas · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sensationalist mishmash

This book is poorly written,slightly pornographic and turns a real mystery into a bad,scary movie plot. Hobbomock swamp is a real story about a terrible period in America's history. Many unusual occurrence s have happened in this area and a great story could have been written. This book certainly wasn't it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book manly because the cover and I love anything native American. the story starts out a little slow but really picks up. I absolutely loved the meaning of this story. and most definitely buy more of H.E. Klines books very spiritual with a spooky twist!

[Sonya C Getchell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected

Thought this was going to be a horror story, but was more of a soft porn story with a just out of college journalist being at a new job

[Moná · Rating 4 out of 5]

Experiences of hauntings seem to go beyond decades and centuries in our past and it remains a phenomenon as to how these incidents come about. We tend to think that after clearing of these hauntings, that life would continue without worry, that is until another case arises.

In “The Haunting of Hockomock Swamp,” author H.E. Kline provides a detailed story to her readers about a collective of small towns in Boston, Massachusetts suffering from a childhood epileptic epidemic. As a reader, we’re introduced to Janie Williams, a journalist that lands the promotion of her lifetime, jumping from mailroom clerk at a new station to becoming a news reporter in a matter of days. Sorting through mailings from consumers, she read through one letter from a concerned parent named Sarah Winslett, that catapulted her journalism career because it was such an interesting story that needed someone who cared enough to make it newsworthy. At first thought, you would assume that it was just a few students ranging between 6 to 10 years old having been diagnosed with epilepsy prior to them experiencing these seizures. As the story unfolds, the number of children suffering increased up to approximately 30%, with the numbers reaching almost 15,000 children, while the investigation commenced. Interesting enough, the townspeople would automatically assume there was contamination spreading that’s targeting their children and were demanding answers for solutions. Unfortunately, this new story stretched for four consecutive years until encountering the spirit of Indian Chief of Wampanoag tribe, King Massasoit was better known as Metacom.

Sarah Winslett’s son, Jessie, has developed a bond with Janie and was very determined and cared a lot in getting to the bottom of the cause for these grand mal seizures. In the process of everything, Janie encouraged Jessie Winslett to write his visions and soon discovered just how much of an exceptional writer this 10-year-old was. With Jessie’s visions written down, he was able to turn it into a novel, giving Metacom a platform to tell the story of what happened to his people and how they were wrongfully hanged. After winning a Pulitzer Award, Jessie suffered another seizure and Metacom’s spirit appeared thanking him. Immediately after, the children were unexpectedly freed from their seizure episodes just as fast as they began experiencing them. Although a quick read, I enjoyed my reading experience and is looking forward to reading more work from this author.

[Zeena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look at a list of “The World’s Creepiest Places,” and you are likely to find the Hockomock swamp. Google describes it as “contained within parts of Bridgewater, Easton, Norton, Raynham, Taunton, and West Bridgewater, and crossed by a number of roads (including Route 24 and Route 138) and an old railroad bed, is 6,000 acres of black rivers, marshes and ponds, thickets of cedar and maple trees, beds of brush, twisting vines, sinkholes, and quicksand, with some of it miles removed from human habitat.” Named by the Wampanoag people, the swamp’s moniker means “where the spirits dwell.” According to the author, it is here that a Massachusetts archaeological expedition discovered an 8,000-year-old burial site.

So, the premise that the spirit of a sachem (intertribal leader of a confederation of indigenous peoples), called Metacom, also known as “King Phillip,” would roam the swamp makes sense within the context of this paranormal mystery. It is a historical fact that Metacom recognized that the sale of land for an array of superficial English goods threatened the sovereignty of his people. He was also disconcerted by the humiliations his people were subjected to by the colonizers.
Fast forward to the fictional present. Thirty-five children randomly experience seizures in a similar manner in a community. All of the children appeared normal, then suffered a first grand mal seizure at school, before being diagnosed with epilepsy. During each fit, one of the children describes the appearance of an Indian called Metacom, who shifts shapes to turn into a tree and then a dragon. He moans a Latin phrase, which translates into “The land is vacant. The land is unoccupied.”

How the author intertwines local history with the fictional world she created forms the essence of this entertaining book. Giving away the details would spoil similar enjoyment for future readers. Suffice to say that I appreciated learning new from Kline’s creative output.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Haunting of The Hockomock Swamp is an intriguing story of up and coming reporter Janie Williams as she discovers the cause of the sudden epileptic seizures plaguing the children of Southeastern Massachusetts. Janie is a strong-willed reporter who cares deeply for the children being affected by these strange seizures; when she first brings this new story to Alan Needle she is told it is too localized and doesn’t hold statewide appeal. This does not stop Janie from venturing on her own to further investigate what is plaguing the children of Massachusetts. She soon discovers Metacom, a Native American leader of the Wampanoag tribe, is out for vengeance and will not stop until the truth of his people is told. Janie makes a strong connection with Jesse, one of the children suffering from seizures, and together they piece together the mystery of Metacom.

H.E. Kline weaves an intricate tale of suspense and mystery. I absolutely loved the Native American aspects of this story and I could not wait to read more!
I would have liked to see the relationship between Janie and Alan develop more, it seemed a bit rushed. There were really no parts where the two got to know each other on a deeper level; it was as if they met and were in a relationship by the next scene. Overall the story progressed at a good pace, as clues were found they were explained in a manner that the reader could connect the dots.

[Katherine Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Haunting of the Hockomock Swamp by H.E. Kline is an interesting novel about a strange epidemic of children between the ages of 6 and 10 who have been diagnosed with EEG in a small area of Massachusetts and a journalist, Janie, who exposes their stories to the community. These strange grand mal seizures are occurring throughout this area of Massachusetts, leading to many questions about what might be causing the pandemic. A journalist, Janie, works with many of her colleagues at the News Agency and interviews several hundred children and families in the affected community to gain a better insight on why these children might be having these episodes, and what they are experiencing mid-seizure. Janie uncovers interesting visions that some of the children are seeing during the seizures- specifically a young boy, Jessie. Jessie describes in vivid detail the horrific images he sees over and over during these grand mal seizures which make my nightmares seem pleasant.
Overall, I thought the book was very interesting and captivating. The dialogue between the main characters and the storyline made the novel very straightforward and easy to read. I found myself reading the book quickly, without a lot of questions after finishing. I feel like Kline ended the book with a cliffhanger and it leads me to think that there will be another book coming…I am eager to see what happens next.