Immolation

by H.E. Kline

A sleepy bedroom community nestled peacefully amongst cranberry bogs...what could be more idyllic? That's what Doug and Karen King thought. But there's something wrong in this quaint New England town—something terrifying, something that will change their lives forever...

A daunting epidemic. A mutating virus. A dark secret from beyond the grave.

Doug and Karen King, along with their daughter Amy, are the typical all-American family with a cuddly and loving pet cat, Ponce De Leon, until a chance encounter with a hitchhiker transforms the family fur baby into a murderous evil beast spreading a lethal virus that can't be contained!

After his wife, friends, and neighbors are brutalized and slain, Doug must take matters into his own hands to destroy and contain this horrific plague... Sammy Atkins is a hot (yes, and she knows it!) brilliant young vet. She wasn't looking for love, never mind an instant family. It just found her....

2019 Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal For Horror Fiction

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 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

[Ashleigh Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a prime example of why people need an editor, or friends who will give honest feedback. I wanted to like the book - local author, horror, and animals, but it was so poorly written and in need of editing. Instead I got a weird Pet Sematary rip-off without Kings signature style. Even the, “Daddy, Ponce smells...” was from that book.

Constantly she mixes up carcass/caucus, and the dialogue format of a “:” colon prefacing speech is just a really basic grammatical error that takes away from the story. Throw in the fact that the same phrases are repeated sometimes THREE TIMES on a page and it’s just a disaster.

The dialogue doesn’t get much past, “hmm, okay. Gotta get em to me” and one character said “nut he’s a nut” like ten times in one page. She tries to show inner monologue and song lyrics being sung like King does but the dialogue is so awkward and weirdly placed. None of the character speak like native English speakers. Seriously, “Mom, I bad.”? And the eight year old doesn’t say more than, “I know Daddy. Be safe Daddy. Daddy!” Maybe she should be tested for a development disorder.

Then there’s just no character development. *************SPOILER************ His wife dies and there’s no funeral, no notifying relatives, no mourning, no neighbors stopping by, and it’s just not mentioned again and his kid goes to school like normal and he’s dating two weeks later? What!!?

This author should read “On Writing”, take a couple college classes on writing, and definitely have an editor to fix the small mistakes that detract from the story.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Immolation" is a Stephen King-esque horror story about killer cats. It does well to instill a primal fear of the unknown in the reader. Akin to traditional evil beaat stories, "Immolation" follows the main character, Doug King, as he fights for his life against the infected feline threat.

After picking up a hitchhiker, Doug’s cat, Ponce De Leon, changes. Within a few pages, our suspensful atory turns into a full fledge gore-fest fit for horror fans. Ponce De Leon starts killing, forcing Doug to fend off the threat for his family and his own sake.

"Immolation" is a perfect fit for you if you like gory, easy to read supernatural stories. Personally, I think this story could have gone for a few more editing rounds though. The grammar, sentence structure, and repetitiveness of dialogue can be tough to overlook at times. However, if you are able to read this story as if a friend is telling it to you around a fire in the woods, I think you will find that there is enough to like in the story to give it a shot.

I look forward to Kline’s future stories and her progression as an author. I think that her imagination is there, it is the deliverance of those ideas that could use work.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the beloved family cat gets a broken leg, Doug brings him home from the vet to recoup at home. But, Ponce is somehow different now. On the way home, Doug saw what he thought to be a man in need of a ride into town. So, he gave the man a lift. But, as the stranger played with the cat on the ride, he acted stranger and stranger and finally disappeared altogether. Ever since then, Ponce has been weird. He started out not waking up and smelling like something dead. But, then, Doug came home to his murdered wife’s body in the front room. It was murder by cat – her jugular ripped out of her throat. As Doug tries to come to grips with his loss, he also tried to shield his daughter from the gore and mayhem. But, she knows without being told or seeing that Ponce is wrong now. Then, the neighbors start turning up dead and small animals and even children. All cat attacks to the death. Doug knows he has to do something to stop the spread of the insanity and the growing circle of death that has his own house right in the center. He begins luring all the cats to his house and killing them and burying them in the backyard after he burns them – pile after pile. Will it be enough though? The urban legend of the red haired man on route 44 comes to life in this tale and will leave you so shocked you’ll wonder what your cat is thinking when he lays down and simply stares at you.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliantly mysterious romance novel, that has a lot of deep emotion and uses a lot of symbolism, I think. I really enjoyed the fast paced storyline and the seat-gripping plot with its heart warming romance and chilling paranormal activity.

I think this book is the very definition of dark romance as it almost symbolizes a forbidden romance of sorts. I also really enjoy horror stories and I think the horror in this book is very descriptive and actually scary. I also found that the horror blends perfectly with the romance, creating a scintillating tale that gives you goosebumps for various different reasons.

I would gladly recommend that any lovers of romance and/or horror, and especially fans of dark romance, read this book. You don't want to miss this one!

[Ruthanne Johnston · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love a good, creepy horror story...this is not one, believe me! I would pretty much have to say it’s one of the worst books I’ve read of any genre. It started out as a sort of CUJO for cats and immediately went down hill. In one scene, for instance, a cat rips out a woman’s jugular vein and her intestines come with it. Time for some anatomy lessons, author! Then there are countless scenes of groups of people vomiting...page after page. And the mutilation of animals really is sickening. No, I didn’t finish lt...I couldn’t. My cat wouldn’t let me!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you afraid of cats? Are you afraid of hitchhikers? No? You will be after you read this short story by H.E. Kline! The author brings horror and the paranormal together in this latest short story. I read this story as part of a larger series in the Kindle book Horrors of the Mind: A Paranormal Experience and it was my favorite of the series. The story begins when the main character is driving home and picks up a hitchhiker - or does he? What follows is a series of horrific events related to all the cats in the neighborhood – or is it? The main character and his dreaming daughter try to solve the riddle in this page turner. Full of mystery, suspense and horror, this story is a fast read full of frightfully delightful twists and turns that leaves the reader with chills.

[Janelle Fila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immolation by H. E. Kline is the kind of story you want to read when it’s late and dark outside. It’s perfect for that night that you are all alone, and you have nothing better to do than curl up with a creepy story to lose yourself in. It’s the kind of story that will have you flipping on every light in the house, or waking someone up so that you don’t have to walk down the hall by yourself. Be warned and read at your own risk!

The weirdness starts in the very first pages. Doug is on his way home from the vet with Ponce De Leon, a cat that his daughter absolutely adores. Doug picks up a strange looking hitchhiker who is creepily interested in Doug’s cat. This immediately sets the chilling tone for this story. (Who doesn’t love a scary hitchhiker story?) When the hitchhiker vanishes into thin air, Doug wonders if he made him up, is hallucinating, or needs more sleep. He decides to put it out of his mind and brings the cat back into his home. That’s when things start to get weird.

I enjoyed watching Doug try to keep a grip on his sanity throughout this story. You are never quite sure if he is really seeing what he’s seeing. A lot of really bad things start happening around him very quickly, and you begin to wonder if it is more than just his bad luck. A fast read, it is worth reading if you enjoy gross and gory stories. If you are a cat lover, you may find the story disturbing.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the blink of an eye evil can enter into anyone’s world and destroy all who it finds in its path . . .

On the way back from an emergency trip to the veterinarian, Doug King picks up a hitchhiker on Route 44. There is something strange about the man he picks up. He is glad to see the short distance he agreed to take him comes into sight. As the man exits the vehicle, a cold chill goes up Doug’s spine.

When Doug finds Ponce foaming at the mouth and producing a foul odor, he fears for his beloved pet’s life. He calls the vet and they assure him that all is normal. Ponce turns on him and viscously attacks, leaving a gash that requires stitches … a sinister evil then takes possession of the once loveable family cat as he goes on a murderous rampage spreading a lethal virus up the eastern seaboard.

After reading this book I will never look at a cat as an innocent pet. Wow, this one really took me back. It should come with a warning: NOT TO READ AT NIGHT!

IMMOLATION is a book that gives horror a new name. This story is one that will leave you terrified of your own shadow. The realism in this book that is projected is to be commended. There is no doubt that H.E. Kline knows all of the elements essential to writing an unforgettable horror novel. This one caused me to lose a night’s sleep because I made the mistake of reading it before I went to bed! I feel H.E. Kline’s skill as a writer far surpasses similar authors. After reading this story there is no doubt in my mind that her skill is in a class by itself.

[Insome A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Animal Love

The story is perfectly centered on a family, Dough’s family which is nuclear and the love of animals in the story. Army his daughter loves her cat so much that she feels bad when the cat is in critical health conditions. She really diverts her attention to the cat that she wakes up early to see if the dog is OK and when the cat is OK. So lovely. The love for animals from that family is great that I admired them. I remembered my dad punish his dog for pooing around and it was not very pleasing. Actually most people really mistreat their animals that they can’t even call them pets because they are next to their enemies. Pets are also very friendly, like they are your actual friends and some even feel bad when you are angry but the people around them are sometimes, I don’t have the right term to use.
The author is so informative too. The author understand the dangers of animals and gives the story relating the love of our pets that can result onto the worst nightmare to a lot of people. Some animals really can bring very miserable virus that can be catastrophic to a larger population. Like in some community, it is romoured that HIV virus resulted from an intercourse of a human person with a monkey, but I can’t prove that personally, I haven’t gone into it fully. So we should also learn to keep off from infected animals, we can get ourselves into danger, like a sick dog biting you!?? So tough.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immolation was capturing from the beginning and maintained its suspense until the end. The author’s set up of the relationship between Amy and Doug is brilliant. She uses that relationship to build the foundation for Doug’s character as he is a loving father to Amy. It gives great contrast to his disorientated and freaky state of mind as the book progresses. It reminded me of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Amy’s dreams are quite spooky, which I don’t think Doug ever realizes the magnitude of them. Not even when the dream was about him.

The author did a very good job in communicating Doug’s state of mind which I feel was a difficult task considering she could not give away information. The dialogue between himself. The singing to himself. His insane “Gotta bring em to me” chant. Wonderful example of showing character development and not telling it. His gruesome slaughter of cats was nasty yet ironic considering his love for animals and his fate with Sammy. It really plays on his insanity, as arrows and pellets are a much cruder killing technique than a gun. Luckily Ponce didn’t have to experience the circle of death. Poor Ponce. He was just a victim all along. My favorite part of the story were the interactions between Doug and the “man” in his rear-view mirror.

I feel like the ending was a little rushed as I would have liked more of a development of Sammy. I’m not sure if a sequel would be as beneficial as Immolation is great standing alone.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immolation is a creepy, make-your-skin-crawl horror story that isn’t for the faint of heart, or, as I agree with other reviewers, cat lovers! I don’t want to say a lot about the plot, for fear of revealing too much, but the creepy part of the story has less to do with the cats, and more to do with the protagonist’s (somewhat tedious) descent into madness. 

The text curiously confronts and explores the sanity of its hero and invites the reader to question how madness could be incited in an individual: through imagination, through a supernatural stalking? How self-aware can one be during a psychotic break; does introspection continue as sanity is slipping? Or should it, by definition, stop once one’s mind begins to crumble? Can one regain “sanity,” and at what cost?


But not to worry, it’s not all so philosophical. There’s sweet intergenerational family bonding, some romance (a little untimely in my prudish opinion), horny, adolescent boys disguised as men, and of course, death sacrifices fueled by coffee, donuts, and way too many containers of catnip.


From an editorial point of view, the text suffers from some plot inconsistencies, missing frames of action (which gives the text a sort of disjointed feel which I don’t believe was intended, or at any rate, I found distracting), and dialogue that was sometimes unrealistic and monotonous.


The author clearly admires and attempts to emulate Stephen King. If you enjoy old-school King, you will really “dig” this book. 

[John Lieu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immolation was a great read. I would suggest it to any mature reader (definitely not for kids!) who enjoys the horror genre, does not mind curse words and could use a shorter read over a plane flight or car trip. I really enjoyed that the story started quickly and kept a fast pace throughout without fillers. Every chapter added onto the story and moved it along. There were a few big surprises in the book that hooked me into reading more and more to see what happened next. Throughout the book you wonder about some of the characters, like the Hitcher and if he is a supernatural being or mad scientist spreading the PRV. I also found myself wondering if the Hitcher was part of Doug's imagination and HE was the one who was spreading the virus. The relationship and interactions between Doug and the Hitcher are really interesting was a treat to read about and ponder. Doug is a very multifaceted character, he is very human and relatable at times like his reaction to gruesome scenes. Then sometimes very animated, referencing popular music while having internal conversations and finally sometimes just plain crazy! One of my favorite moments was Doug's rampage on the cat lady's cats and seeming descent into madness. That was the first time I had to wonder about his real character and if he had a hidden agenda or if he would be a hero turned villain by the end of the story. Pick it up and give it a read, it's definitely worth the price!

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ponce De Leon, is a black cat with white paws. He is in the book entitled, "Immolation", by H. E. Kline, and is a beloved pet of ten years to Doug, Karen and Amy King. Unfortunately, he becomes infected with a highly contagious fatal virus called a pseudorabies virus. He turns into a rabid killer. Ponce De Leon kills one of his owners, Karen King, their neighbor, Emily Adams, and another neighbor's son, Jeffrey. Ponce De Leon dies, but the virus continues to spread to other cats and soon becomes an endemic plague that is ravaging out of control in Massachusetts.

Doug King feels responsible for the start of the endemic plague since he is the owner of Ponce De Leon. Reluctantly, Doug decides to start a feline immolation to get rid of the cats that would most likely be carrying the deadly virus. The town Sergeant, Jimmy Mars, eventually helps him. The veterinarian, Dr. Sammy Atkins, discovers that the pseudorabies virus is the cause of the town's problems. The Centers for Disease Control declares a state of emergency for most of the East Coast states including: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Immunizations also become available to try to help to contain the virus. Two years later, after two million people and 15 million cats have died, the Centers for Disease Control declares the virus contained.

Recommended for teens and adults only.

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever had the sneaking suspicion that your cat might be out to kill you? Sounds crazy, right: how could my small, fluffy Mr.Wubbles do me any harm? However, that’s exactly what happens in Immolation.
Despite its ridiculous premise of killer pets, it actually tackles the issue in a masterfully chilling way. Just the thought of having something so dear to me turn against me is very unsettling on its own, and backed up by the author’s imaginative narrative and use of words practically makes the creepy atmosphere flow off the pages of the book and into the room, leaving you with a feeling of dread.
I especially enjoyed the portrayal of Doug’s (the protagonist) horror, and subsequent descent into insanity while trying to maintain a clear mind amidst the nationwide CATastrophe (I couldn’t resist). But jokes aside, I think Doug is not only an interesting character with his struggles but also a very powerful and in-depth example of what can happen to a man when he loses a loved one and how a path of revenge can change him.

[Kaurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that had me more scared of both cats and hitchhikers at the same time. I started the book before I went to sleep one night and had dreams about maniacal, rabid cats. Kline’s take on horror develops around a trusted and beloved pet turning into a gruesome, murdering machine. If you’d like a short creepy horror story, this one is for you. While the convoluted writing style and strangely fast pace of the Doug’s relationship developments, I could appreciate his decline into insanity and how his love for his daughter Amy rooted him to this world.

It reads more like a short story, focusing only on Doug’s part in it, while the horror of the situation expands from just his small neighborhood to the entire eastern seaboard with no end in sight. A good story to read during the Halloween month, for sure!

[Steven Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, anyone considering reading this book should know that it is very violent. The writing is very descriptive and there were certain parts where I actually had to stop for a second since it was so intense. The book itself is based on the PseudoRabies Virus, A cat getting the virus and then going on a rampage spreading the infection. The story reminds me of Cujo by Stephen King in a lot of ways except Immolation turned out to be much more exciting. The book is relatively short and makes for a quick and intense read. I read it in a day and I didn't even plan on reading the whole book. I personally enjoyed the book and I think that horror fans who want a disarming story will enjoy this. Unfortunately, After reading, I can't look at my cats the same way anymore.

[Anari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dark, Intense Tale of Horror and Suspense

Ponce was your ordinary cat, until a chance night encounter with a hitch hiker changed his life forever. Buckle your seatbelt as you prepare to embark on a tale of blood, gore and horror as Ponce goes on a killing spree that will have your eyes popping out of your head.

Doug and his little daughter Amy have to put a stop to their murdering pet before things get really bad... and they do. Cats with mutating viruses pop up all over the place and they are all intent on one thing - finding their next victim.

Can Doug stop them? Will he get out alive?

Five star read that will have you chewing your fingernails from start to finish! YuM!

[Josalyn Cork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! First of all, Immolation made me so thankful I do not own a cat! It all starts with a creepy hitchhiker, that Doug picks up on his way home from the vet. Doug's family cat changed from that very brief meeting with the creepy hitchhiker, and proceeds to rip Doug's family to shreds. I read this book quickly, it was easy to understand and read, and I was hooked from the beginning, and just had to learn the fate of the cat Ponce and Doug's family. I will warn you, don't read it before bed.. especially if you sleep with a cat. The authors writing style was great, and had a masterful way of creeping me out.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is a heart-pounder! (And makes me glad that I'm more of a dog person). I literally read the entire thing in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. This talented author really knows how to write an engaging, suspenseful, consuming horror story/thriller. I like his style a lot...it reminds me a bit of author Stephen KIng. Simple, but powerful language, a plot with lots of twists and turns, and an unexpected ending. Highly recommended for all fans of the horror, suspense, mystery, or thriller genres!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly entertaining and creepy thriller!

Immolation is a great book which is a living tribute to the work of Stephen King! It follows the story of a cat that contracts a weird disease similar to rabies that turns the originally gentle feline into a vicious killer and that is just the beginning. Before long the whole town is plagued with unexplained murders and a man is on a mission to rid the area of cats but he ends up losing his mind in the process. If you want to find out what happens next, you will definitely want to grab a copy of this thriller for yourself.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I do see King's influence here. Doug and Karen king along with their daughter Amy are the typical family with a pet cat, Ponce De Leon. Like all cats Ponce gets sick, but as Ponce gets worse the terror begins. A hitchhiker picked up on the way home from the vet is one to watch out for.This is a quick read with terror, action and fear. I liked the author's writing style and the fact that the reader is captured by the story.

[Maria Corrado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story line is pretty good. The story mostly made sense. At times it felt a little choppy. I wasn't sure how much time had passed in between some events. Could feel the personality of the main character. It has the feel of The Shinning.

won in a contest

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 (plus) stars!

Wow! Kline is a master! Intense ... Bloody ... and downright awesomely horrific! This story will grip you ... violently ... and not let go ... even after you've put it down ... the chill stays with you. I love that! So will you!

[George Desha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immolation by H.E. Kline
Immolation means sacrifice, and one that usually involves burning. It’s certainly a fitting title for this piece of horror fiction from H. E. Kline.
Doug King has a problem with his cat. A big problem. See, his lovable kitty is possessed and killing people, including his wife! On top of that, Doug is being chased by a phantom hitchhiker. Thing gets worse when it’s discovered that the cat is still killing people, after its dead! As the facts of the incidents are revealed, Doug settles on a final solution that is so over the top it’s almost as bad as the problem itself. What we see is a man’s descent into insanity.
H.E. Kline makes no effort to hide her Stephen King obsession , (the book is dedicated to King), and this gory tale careens through a suburban neighborhood as Doug fights to save what’s left of his family while trying to hold off a tidal wave of blood thirsty felines. Kline offers a few of King’s old tricks, such as his characters repetitious behaviors and an oldies soundtrack. There’s a lot of graphic gore, and oddly enough, there’s some sex mixed in. My one complaint is that a few of the story lines are not exactly wrapped up, and one has to wonder at the extent of the ‘extermination’ going on. On the plus side, the action is fast and furious from the opening paragraph.
I’m a sucker for a good old fashioned bloody horror book, and if you are too, then Immolation fit the bill.

[Oonagh Albrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immolation is a great read to get you in the Halloween mood. The book is a quick read, it holds your attention, helping you zip through the gruesome story. The story feels more like a novella than a full-length novel, it’s fast, zippy and to the point, all things that make good writing. This book has everything you could want from a thriller (perfect for Halloween reading!) gore, crazy hitchhikers, a family man gone rogue and evil cats. Really, what else could you want?
Doug and Karen King, and their daughter Amy have a pretty great life with their beloved cat Ponce, until one day, everything goes horribly awry. Ponce gets sick, and on the way home from the vet, Doug stops to pick up a hitchhiker. It’s a decision he’ll come to regret. Doug’s life quickly falls apart after that fateful drive. Ponce goes mad and starts attacking the people around him. The cat’s violent spree leads Doug down a dark and surprising path. This book was a real pleasure to read, it was exciting, fun, bloody in the best way, and was anything but predictable. There were some eyebrow-raising descriptions of dialogue, but it was nothing the next cat-on-human or human-on-cat violence couldn’t wipe away!
I’d highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a fun, scary read, but maybe not if you’re a cat-owner!