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The Dark Sacrifice
In this small town, keeping secrets is a matter of life or death… East St. Louis deputy Patrick O’Shea is tired of living in the line of fire. So when he gets a chance to transfer to his wife’s small hometown, he doesn’t hesitate to load up the moving van. But his family’s bags are barely unpacked before their newfound peace and quiet shatters in a surge of demonic voices…
The deputy has faced his fair share of evil, but nothing quite like this. Normally the first into the fray, he worries they’ve unearthed a force not even his special training and inner-city experience can combat…
Can Patrick protect his family from supernatural foes, or will a festering evil consume the ones he loves most?
The Dark Sacrifice is a haunting horror novel not for the faint of heart. If you like supernatural chills, family secrets, and ominous small-towns, then you’ll love Jay Bower’s spine-tingling tale.
Buy The Dark Sacrifice to stand your ground against demonic forces today!
The deputy has faced his fair share of evil, but nothing quite like this. Normally the first into the fray, he worries they’ve unearthed a force not even his special training and inner-city experience can combat…
Can Patrick protect his family from supernatural foes, or will a festering evil consume the ones he loves most?
The Dark Sacrifice is a haunting horror novel not for the faint of heart. If you like supernatural chills, family secrets, and ominous small-towns, then you’ll love Jay Bower’s spine-tingling tale.
Buy The Dark Sacrifice to stand your ground against demonic forces today!
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2018
151 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Jay Bower
47 books286 followersJAY BOWER is a horror author living outside St. Louis, MO in the forest of Southern Illinois. He spends his time reading, writing, and convincing his wife the dark stories he writes do not involve her.
One time punk-rock skateboarder and heavy metal kid of the 80s, Jay approaches his work with the same indie attitude as those early punk bands.
He's the author of several dark novels and short stories. He can be reached at jay@jay-bower.com.
One time punk-rock skateboarder and heavy metal kid of the 80s, Jay approaches his work with the same indie attitude as those early punk bands.
He's the author of several dark novels and short stories. He can be reached at jay@jay-bower.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 27, 2021
Story is Ok. Writing needs more editing.
February 20, 2023
Could be elaborated more in spots, but kept my attention throughout the book!
August 11, 2020
This was a fairly professional looking random freebie with decent reviews, so I figured I’d check it out. Small town secrets, small town terrors, a family moves to a sleepy podunk where they become involved in a malevolent local tradition featuring (you guessed it) sacrifice of an indeed dark nature that dates back centuries.…if it sounds familiar, it’s because it’s been done before, many, many times in many, many ways. Tale as old as time and all that. And this version is very, very far from the best of them. It’s decent enough for a freebie considering that it actually features professional editing, cover and a cohesive plot, but that’s about it. The story is thoroughly trite and profoundly unoriginal, basically a mish mash of existing similar plots. The characters are cardboardy. The writing has that very specific stiltedness (the ending specifically is perfectly emblematic of this) one so often finds in these random freebies from unknown authors, where the ambition obviously outweighs talent. And then there’s the basic premise of why the f are they doing this? Sure, small towns, small mind, backwards enough their jokes end in knock knock and all that, but still…you just gonna sacrifice your kids generation after generation for tradition’s sake and no one says boo? I mean, it isn’t like you’re getting something out of it (there’s no added prosperity or bonuses), just the dubious privilege of continuing to live in a place so sh*tty it’s actually named Brownesville. Yeah, seriously. I mean that’s just embarrassing. So it’s one of those things, you got some fanatics, some lunatics and one brave cop to sort them out. Not much to recommend here, though it was a freebie and due to its very, very basic nature lent itself nicely to being speedread.
November 28, 2025
The Dark Sacrifice is a really good small town horror book. I think the author did a great job with this story that had me hooked and kept me up all night reading. I enjoyed the characters, and story development. This is the first book I've read from this author but am excited to read more!
August 18, 2025
After picking it up and putting it down multiple times over the last month, I finally finished The Dark Sacrifice by Jay Bower.
I thought I was ready to make the jump from thriller to horror with The Dark Sacrifice, but that appears to have been a faulty assumption. Perhaps I'm just not a horror fan?
I've always said I have no triggers, but apparently when it comes to children in horror books and TV shows like Criminal Minds I definitely do! Please DO NOT read this if you are sensitive in any way to child harm / child sacrifice! It's explicit and doesn't provide any comfort afterwards whatsoever. It's haunting ... (I think I died a little bit inside.) ☠️
Outside of that though, the writing is spectacular, and the author's foray into small town lore is intricately detailed and delightfully suspicious. He's taken the traditions people have passed down generation after generation and twisted them up inside the reader's head. I knew immediately what was going to happen after chapter three and saw red flags EVERYWHERE! I found myself seriously questioning if Megan was ever in the wrong; it was the only thing she ever knew, so how can you blame her? Who do you really place blame upon, other than yourself for ever living there? Who can you trust? Probably no one in that town.
I appreciate the storytelling, the writing, and blatant realism woven into the novel. If you're a fan of horror, I think you'll like it. 😉
I thought I was ready to make the jump from thriller to horror with The Dark Sacrifice, but that appears to have been a faulty assumption. Perhaps I'm just not a horror fan?
I've always said I have no triggers, but apparently when it comes to children in horror books and TV shows like Criminal Minds I definitely do! Please DO NOT read this if you are sensitive in any way to child harm / child sacrifice! It's explicit and doesn't provide any comfort afterwards whatsoever. It's haunting ... (I think I died a little bit inside.) ☠️
Outside of that though, the writing is spectacular, and the author's foray into small town lore is intricately detailed and delightfully suspicious. He's taken the traditions people have passed down generation after generation and twisted them up inside the reader's head. I knew immediately what was going to happen after chapter three and saw red flags EVERYWHERE! I found myself seriously questioning if Megan was ever in the wrong; it was the only thing she ever knew, so how can you blame her? Who do you really place blame upon, other than yourself for ever living there? Who can you trust? Probably no one in that town.
I appreciate the storytelling, the writing, and blatant realism woven into the novel. If you're a fan of horror, I think you'll like it. 😉
January 7, 2021
The beginning and ending of this story were the best parts. Everything in between was a little mundane and predictable. All along I felt there was more to what was behind the sacrifices and why. I felt this plot has been done over and over through books and movies. Town must make sacrifices to appease the evil "monster" in their town. It would have been great if there was some type of original twist to this over told story. I just can't imagine anyone with some intelligence blindly following such a crazy way of existing. But then again, I guess there have been all kinds of sacrifices over the years in the name of protecting others. Not a bad read, but not a great one. Just left me wanting more.
March 27, 2023
Hooked me on the first chapter. Couldn’t put it down and was easy to read through. But there’s few words or spots that could’ve been elaborated on or less confusing. Had to flip the page back to read a paragraph again to see where I missed something in the future chapter.
June 1, 2023
"There won't be a someday, Patrick. That's what I'm trying to tell you. The signs are back. The boys have been chosen. That time is now."
This book is what I call a 'sandwich story'. It's held together by the 'bread'- which is the beginning and the ending. Both are strong and engaging. You get pulled in. You stick with it and involve yourself in the story. Then you remain sucked in until you reach the very end.
Brownsville is a small town that believes the only way to keep their town safe is to sacrifice their young. Why do they believe this and is there any merit to it? What the townspeople fail to realize is that they are being fed this 'how to keep the town safe' garbage by something completely sinister. It's normal in this place to sacrifice your son. It's accepted and dealt with accordingly. Then there's Patrick who moves with his wife Maggie and son Noah to the area after having an accident at work in their old town. His wife is familiar with the ritual because Brownsville is her hometown but Patrick will be damned before anything or anyone tries to take his son from him.
At times you, the reader, see or understand things that the protagonist can't and while it is frustrating (in all of the good ways!) it is also exhilarating. It's like Bower buckles you in for a ride you aren't ready for but one you fully appreciate as long as you just sit back and enjoy the ride.
#jaybower #thedarksacrifice #read #reads #book #books #pangobooks #2023readingchallenge
October 8, 2025
I received an ARC copy from Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
Patrick is a deputy, and after much discussion and after a horrific incident at the job, he finally agrees to move his family back to where his wife grew up. Initially things are fine, but strange and logic defying things start happening, and before long, Patrick realizes the town is hiding something from him… and it has something to do with his son.
The premise was great, the tension building also great. The characters I felt were well developed, and just enough action to keep the story moving. It’s pretty clear this is a cult related scenario, and I do love the idea of cults. Not in practice. It also makes me wonder how Patrick doesn’t know anything about his wife’s family and town rituals? Has he just not been paying attention or was she that good at keeping things hidden?
However, I felt like the ending was a bit rushed. Yes, the climax and actions came on strong, but I would also have liked to see more of the end. What did they talk about? Is there trust? Are they good? What’s going on with the town now? So many questions. Maybe it was intentionally left a bit open ended. But if I were Patrick… let’s just say the man’s a lot nicer than I would have liked him to be.
Patrick is a deputy, and after much discussion and after a horrific incident at the job, he finally agrees to move his family back to where his wife grew up. Initially things are fine, but strange and logic defying things start happening, and before long, Patrick realizes the town is hiding something from him… and it has something to do with his son.
The premise was great, the tension building also great. The characters I felt were well developed, and just enough action to keep the story moving. It’s pretty clear this is a cult related scenario, and I do love the idea of cults. Not in practice. It also makes me wonder how Patrick doesn’t know anything about his wife’s family and town rituals? Has he just not been paying attention or was she that good at keeping things hidden?
However, I felt like the ending was a bit rushed. Yes, the climax and actions came on strong, but I would also have liked to see more of the end. What did they talk about? Is there trust? Are they good? What’s going on with the town now? So many questions. Maybe it was intentionally left a bit open ended. But if I were Patrick… let’s just say the man’s a lot nicer than I would have liked him to be.
January 15, 2019
*********** AUDIOBOOK REVIEW ***********
So Dark Sacrifice is more of a 3.5 star rating. 3 stars it too low personally while 4 stars is a bit too high. I wish I could rate with partial stars.
The story... there was plenty of gore and ickiness, I know... I’m a total grown up here. I really enjoyed the story and the mysteriousness to it all. I like the cult-like and/or brainwashing thoughts we get from residents... the crazies!! There are some areas that I wished the storyline expanded on and that’s where star removals comes in. I definitely think the author could have made this an ultimate creepy horror... it was close.
The narrator, Jack Clancy has a very pleasant voice. I know I thought several times that he would make an excellent television narrator for police shows or even science and history. As a horror audiobook where we are giving children over as sacrifices, I’d just thought there would have been more feelings or anguish in the narrator’s voice. However it stayed very consistent. Which isn’t a negative per say, it’s really a personal preference.
So Dark Sacrifice is more of a 3.5 star rating. 3 stars it too low personally while 4 stars is a bit too high. I wish I could rate with partial stars.
The story... there was plenty of gore and ickiness, I know... I’m a total grown up here. I really enjoyed the story and the mysteriousness to it all. I like the cult-like and/or brainwashing thoughts we get from residents... the crazies!! There are some areas that I wished the storyline expanded on and that’s where star removals comes in. I definitely think the author could have made this an ultimate creepy horror... it was close.
The narrator, Jack Clancy has a very pleasant voice. I know I thought several times that he would make an excellent television narrator for police shows or even science and history. As a horror audiobook where we are giving children over as sacrifices, I’d just thought there would have been more feelings or anguish in the narrator’s voice. However it stayed very consistent. Which isn’t a negative per say, it’s really a personal preference.
May 3, 2025
The Dark Sacrifice, by Jay Bower, is one of the many tales set in the small town of Brownsville. This particular story revolves around Patrick, his wife, Meagan, and their young son, Noah. Patrick is a police officer in East St. Louis, but after a scary turn of events, Meagan convinces him to move to her hometown of Brownsville, where a job with the police department is waiting for him. Patrick notices a lot of strange things in the seemingly quiet town, Noah is seeing frightening things Patrick wants to believe is an overactive imaginative, and Meagan seems distant. Maybe it’s just stress from the move. Or maybe it’s something more sinister.
I really enjoyed this trip into Brownsville, as I’ve read many of the stories that take place there. The Dark Sacrifice comes out swinging and from there, Jay builds a suspenseful tale with some surprising twists and just the right amount of gore. Any fan of small-town horror will want to read this bloody tale of sacrifice and how far a father will go to protect those he loves.
I really enjoyed this trip into Brownsville, as I’ve read many of the stories that take place there. The Dark Sacrifice comes out swinging and from there, Jay builds a suspenseful tale with some surprising twists and just the right amount of gore. Any fan of small-town horror will want to read this bloody tale of sacrifice and how far a father will go to protect those he loves.
January 11, 2019
I was provided a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
So, right off the first few words this book starts you down a very dark, disturbing journey. As a mother, I was mostly angry at the mother's in this book. I could never, under and circumstances give up my child. I would give my own, willingly, but not my child.
The story was very dark and disturbing as a whole. It kept my attention completely as I kept rooting for a good guy to show up.
I enjoyed this book, kept me on edge. the narrator was very good. The story had a good flow. Very good listen, even if my nerves were on end!
So, right off the first few words this book starts you down a very dark, disturbing journey. As a mother, I was mostly angry at the mother's in this book. I could never, under and circumstances give up my child. I would give my own, willingly, but not my child.
The story was very dark and disturbing as a whole. It kept my attention completely as I kept rooting for a good guy to show up.
I enjoyed this book, kept me on edge. the narrator was very good. The story had a good flow. Very good listen, even if my nerves were on end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2019
I listened to this book in one sitting more or less. In a small town the people have been taught that sacrificing a small boy is the only way to keep the town safe. What they don't realize is it is a demon convincing them. This is a creepy if not heart breaking story. Letting your own son be sacrificed is the norm. Until an outsider moves into town and his son is the chosen one.
Great book and great narration. The audiobook is 5 hours and 55 minutes long but I couldn't help but carry my phone everywhere I went that day to finish the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Great book and great narration. The audiobook is 5 hours and 55 minutes long but I couldn't help but carry my phone everywhere I went that day to finish the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 24, 2022
Format: audiobook
Narrator: Jack Clancy
The opening of this story gave me that sick hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach that only a horrendous act can induce and as we are introduced to the main character that feeling increased because I could immediately see where this was heading.
This story held me captivated throughout, I wanted to shout at Patrick O’Shea warning him of what he was not seeing but the reader clearly could and as the story heads towards its climax I both wanted to read it quicker In the hope Patrick wasn’t too late but also didn’t want to reach the end in case my fears were proved right.
A truly addictive story with brilliant narration.
Narrator: Jack Clancy
The opening of this story gave me that sick hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach that only a horrendous act can induce and as we are introduced to the main character that feeling increased because I could immediately see where this was heading.
This story held me captivated throughout, I wanted to shout at Patrick O’Shea warning him of what he was not seeing but the reader clearly could and as the story heads towards its climax I both wanted to read it quicker In the hope Patrick wasn’t too late but also didn’t want to reach the end in case my fears were proved right.
A truly addictive story with brilliant narration.
March 26, 2020
Good vs Evil
Patrick is a cop who doesn't have enough time with his family until he's shot in the chest and lived. Maggie is his wife, and Noah is his son.
Maggie has talked Patrick into moving to Brownsville where she was raised. It's a small town, and the hustle and bussle of the big city is non existent. It's the perfect place for the family to live without fear. Or is it?
I highly recommend reading this book! The author Jay Bower will pull you into his mind and not let go until he's finished with you!
Patrick is a cop who doesn't have enough time with his family until he's shot in the chest and lived. Maggie is his wife, and Noah is his son.
Maggie has talked Patrick into moving to Brownsville where she was raised. It's a small town, and the hustle and bussle of the big city is non existent. It's the perfect place for the family to live without fear. Or is it?
I highly recommend reading this book! The author Jay Bower will pull you into his mind and not let go until he's finished with you!
December 8, 2022
The Dark Sacrifice is a haunting horror novel not for the faint of heart. If you like supernatural chills, family secrets, and ominous small towns, then you’ll love Jay Bower’s spine-tingling tale.
Deputy Patrick O’Shea, his wife, Meagan, and his son, Noah, move to Brownsville, his wife's hometown, but this town has its secrets. It's a well-written and easy-to-read story that's also creepy and disturbing. The writing is rich and descriptive, making this an unforgettable book. Oh, and don't snack while reading. Maggots are all I'm saying. Gave me the heebie-jeebies. Well done.
Deputy Patrick O’Shea, his wife, Meagan, and his son, Noah, move to Brownsville, his wife's hometown, but this town has its secrets. It's a well-written and easy-to-read story that's also creepy and disturbing. The writing is rich and descriptive, making this an unforgettable book. Oh, and don't snack while reading. Maggots are all I'm saying. Gave me the heebie-jeebies. Well done.
May 6, 2024
This was my first read by Bower, I am quite impressed! Looks like I will definitely be reading more from him.
This went from spooky to blood boiling and kept me up all night. Coming from a tight knit, very small town with our own set of rules, standards , and beliefs, this was absolutely relatable. Granted, out town isn't quite so cultish! 😂 Full of characters you can't help but want to either hug or punch in the throat and the kind of creepy vibes that all horror readers are looking for in a good book, this one is a good one!
This went from spooky to blood boiling and kept me up all night. Coming from a tight knit, very small town with our own set of rules, standards , and beliefs, this was absolutely relatable. Granted, out town isn't quite so cultish! 😂 Full of characters you can't help but want to either hug or punch in the throat and the kind of creepy vibes that all horror readers are looking for in a good book, this one is a good one!
September 22, 2025
Dark Sacrifice was truly terrifying. The parental betrayal had me continually reading along with genuine curiosity for what was coming next. The small town aesthetic fitted the story arc very well. The book is also very well written, setting the scene perfectly for the storyline and making the whole scenario believable in a sense. If you are a horror lover who specifically enjoys ritualistic style horrors then Dark Sacrifice should be on your reading list. This book has not to be missed. I would love to hear of a follow up to dark sacrifice…. Hopefully it is on the cards for the future.
August 4, 2025
I gave The Dark Sacrifice 4.5 stars. I received this book via Voracious Readers and was very excited to read just from the description. The first chapter had me hooked, I was literally like “WHAT?!” I couldn’t put it the book down until I was finished 4 1/2 hours later. I absolutely loved the details and sneaky twists, definitely didn’t expect the mom to be in on it, that made my jaw drop. Loved the demons mixed with real life. Book was fantastic. Must read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2025
This was the first book I’ve read through voracious readers only and the first horror book I’ve ever read. I love horror films so I’m unsure why I’ve never read a book in this genre but I’m so glad this was the first one to get me started. The Dark Sacrifice was amazing, it was fast paced and kept me hooked. I couldn’t put it down. Think this has been the first book too where I’ve liked every single character. I’m definitely going to be reading more from Jay Bower.
February 25, 2019
Same old story,a town needs a sacrifice to apease the monster for another few years.A family moves back in town just in time.There was a lot of excess drama 'touch my son and I will KILL YOU!!!!!" kind of stuff.It was fair to good.Jack Clancy was a good narrator.
I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
July 25, 2022
I love a good scary book and this one definately fit the bill. It's a good weekend read that keeps you turning the pages. Patrick and his wife and son move back to a small town to escape the big city life only to find themselves caught up in strange happenings. This book keeps your interest throughout the story. Definately worth reading
February 26, 2025
Small town living is appealing to many city people. It looks like a quieter, simpler way of life to an Outsider. This story is about a small town that has a very dark and ominus past from the very start of the town. Can you return home again?
It gave me vibes like the Wicked Man or Harvest Home. The townsfolk are set in their ways and traditions.
It gave me vibes like the Wicked Man or Harvest Home. The townsfolk are set in their ways and traditions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2025
The Dark Sacrifice by
Jay Bower, Author of Nightmares. Good read!!! Patrick is talked into moving to his wife’s hometown. At first it seems like a chill little town. Crazy, strange things start to happen. It seems to revolve around Patrick , his wife (🤬)and their son Noah. Benny , his partner on the police force knows everything about this town. Loose lips sink ships Ugh. I must say I wanted to drop kick his wife. I enjoyed this story. It kept my attention and reeled me in. 🖤
Jay Bower, Author of Nightmares. Good read!!! Patrick is talked into moving to his wife’s hometown. At first it seems like a chill little town. Crazy, strange things start to happen. It seems to revolve around Patrick , his wife (🤬)and their son Noah. Benny , his partner on the police force knows everything about this town. Loose lips sink ships Ugh. I must say I wanted to drop kick his wife. I enjoyed this story. It kept my attention and reeled me in. 🖤
July 18, 2025
Overall a fantastic read, a nice break from my usual genre. I do wish there was more backstory on the curse and that it feels like it was missing some umph. However, I did enjoy the characters, disliking all the townspeople (especially the wife) while agreeing with Patrick on the craziness of it all. It most definitely kept my attention with wondering what was going to happen next.
September 22, 2025
A solid read if you like small town horrors that leave a lingering impression. Jay delivers this by introducing us to Patrick as he moves to his wife's small hometown and discovers that the town is hiding a terrible secret. If you like the idea of the town protecting the monster, this is it. A great start and ending.
August 3, 2020
Great Read
The monsters in this story, if course, provide the entertainment. But, the reality of how mass hysteria and brainwashing can effect an entire town is so very real, even in our day and age.
The monsters in this story, if course, provide the entertainment. But, the reality of how mass hysteria and brainwashing can effect an entire town is so very real, even in our day and age.
May 8, 2024
I'd probably give this 3.5 stars if I could. It was by no means a bad read, just sort of...basic. Kind of easy to figure out what was going on and characters seemed a bit two dimensional. But I would still recommend as it did have some good parts and I thought overall it was decent.
May 23, 2024
Great story with awesome characters. The descriptions of the scary, dark stuff were spot on and made me feel like I was standing right there. This isn't the first book by Jay Bower I've read and it certainly won't be the last.
September 3, 2018
Keep them coming
Good book. Quick read and fun. The maggots were scary and gross. Can't wait to read the next one Jason
Good book. Quick read and fun. The maggots were scary and gross. Can't wait to read the next one Jason
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews