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Haunted Village #1
Worthe's Village
How much fear can one man take?
Marcus Holt thought his worst memories were behind him. A veteran of the Vietnam War, the tough old soldier is haunted by nightmares of brutal conflict. But he’s about to discover that his battle for survival has only just begun.
Professor Abel Worthe is brilliant, wealthy, and utterly immoral. He is an expert in a very particular field: the study of fear and death. Using his vast resources, Worthe has purchased a collection of haunted houses and paranormal sites, hidden across the world. And he intends to subject a captive to each location in his collection of horror, all in the name of science.
All he needs is a test subject, a human lab rat to undergo his experiment in terror. And the target of his sinister attention is Marcus Holt. The aging veteran soon finds himself snatched off the streets, and forced to endure a never-ending barrage of horror.
But Marcus is no stranger to fear and death. He’s a fighter. And he is determined to survive long enough to find and kill his malicious captor.
Let the games begin.
Marcus Holt thought his worst memories were behind him. A veteran of the Vietnam War, the tough old soldier is haunted by nightmares of brutal conflict. But he’s about to discover that his battle for survival has only just begun.
Professor Abel Worthe is brilliant, wealthy, and utterly immoral. He is an expert in a very particular field: the study of fear and death. Using his vast resources, Worthe has purchased a collection of haunted houses and paranormal sites, hidden across the world. And he intends to subject a captive to each location in his collection of horror, all in the name of science.
All he needs is a test subject, a human lab rat to undergo his experiment in terror. And the target of his sinister attention is Marcus Holt. The aging veteran soon finds himself snatched off the streets, and forced to endure a never-ending barrage of horror.
But Marcus is no stranger to fear and death. He’s a fighter. And he is determined to survive long enough to find and kill his malicious captor.
Let the games begin.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2018
678 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Ron Ripley
252 books511 followersRon Ripley is a husband and father surviving in New England, a place which seems to be getting colder every day. He grew up across from a disturbingly large cemetery where he managed to scare himself every night before going to bed. Mostly because of the red lights that people put in front of the headstones. Those things are just plain creepy to a kid.
Ron enjoys writing horror, military history and driving through the small towns of New England with his family, collecting books and giving impromptu lectures on military history to his family, who enjoy ignoring him during those dreadful times.
Ron enjoys writing horror, military history and driving through the small towns of New England with his family, collecting books and giving impromptu lectures on military history to his family, who enjoy ignoring him during those dreadful times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 7, 2019
I won a copy of this in a giveaway, so I really wanted to read through it and leave an honest review! If you know me at all, you know that I love a good horror story. When haunted houses are involved? Well now, you have me rapt. There's something chilling about thinking about a place that is so rife with evil that it radiates out into the world. Now imagine a whole city of that same house, and you have the setup for Worthe's Village.
To put it simply, this book was a fence sitter for me. On the one hand, I absolutely adored Marcus and was cheering for him the whole time. It's nice to have a character to truly rally behind in a story like this, that is so bloody and violent. On the other hand, the story felt a little slow to me most of the way through and (I never thought I'd say this) too needlessly violent. Don't get wrong, you can't help but assume some that people are going to die in a village comprised entirely of viciously haunted homes. Still, I'm the kind of reader who really needs more time with the set up, and with my characters. I felt like this story somehow moved too quickly, in terms of character development, and too slowly, in terms of actual plot movement. There were some wonderfully dark scenes though, so it kept me reading on.
At the end I was a little frustrated by the lack of closure, but I also knew going in that this is the first book in a series. Since I had a pretty enjoyable experience with Worthe and his violent little village, I've decided I'll be moving on to the next book. Hopefully now they'll be more time to really hang with Marcus, because that man is one bad mother trucker. I'd hang with him in a zombie apocalypse any day.
To put it simply, this book was a fence sitter for me. On the one hand, I absolutely adored Marcus and was cheering for him the whole time. It's nice to have a character to truly rally behind in a story like this, that is so bloody and violent. On the other hand, the story felt a little slow to me most of the way through and (I never thought I'd say this) too needlessly violent. Don't get wrong, you can't help but assume some that people are going to die in a village comprised entirely of viciously haunted homes. Still, I'm the kind of reader who really needs more time with the set up, and with my characters. I felt like this story somehow moved too quickly, in terms of character development, and too slowly, in terms of actual plot movement. There were some wonderfully dark scenes though, so it kept me reading on.
At the end I was a little frustrated by the lack of closure, but I also knew going in that this is the first book in a series. Since I had a pretty enjoyable experience with Worthe and his violent little village, I've decided I'll be moving on to the next book. Hopefully now they'll be more time to really hang with Marcus, because that man is one bad mother trucker. I'd hang with him in a zombie apocalypse any day.
January 4, 2023
What happens when you get dumped into a village full of the dead? Marcus is about to find out. Mr. Worthe has created a village of the dead, moving homes into a secured area, and then dropping test subjects to see how they manage. Marcus has, so far, lasted far longer than anyone expected, and now has additional people to care for.
He also has the help of one of the ghosts, that he has released from her torment, and he is determined to alleviate at least one of the stronger ghosts.
I truly enjoyed this book! It was amazing! Shorter chapters allow for a better stopping point as needed, and just the right amount of creep factor. Ron Ripley is one of my favorite authors.
He also has the help of one of the ghosts, that he has released from her torment, and he is determined to alleviate at least one of the stronger ghosts.
I truly enjoyed this book! It was amazing! Shorter chapters allow for a better stopping point as needed, and just the right amount of creep factor. Ron Ripley is one of my favorite authors.
December 3, 2018
Paranormal experiment to the extreme...
Ron Ripley's books are always great, as is this one! This storyline involves a mad scientist (who may also be a megalomaniac), who used his excessive wealth to create a neighborhood filled with haunted houses. Each haunted house has been plucked from a various place & reconstructed-still containing the ghost inhabitant(s)-into this secluded development. It is guarded 24/7 and surrounded by an iron gate to keep the ghosts in. He kidnaps & delivers random humans sporadically to this development and gives them basic supplies while monitoring their actions in the name of scientific discovery. So far half of the survivors have adapted and come out on top, but more wrenches are sure to be thrown into the mix...can't wait to see what's next!
Ron Ripley's books are always great, as is this one! This storyline involves a mad scientist (who may also be a megalomaniac), who used his excessive wealth to create a neighborhood filled with haunted houses. Each haunted house has been plucked from a various place & reconstructed-still containing the ghost inhabitant(s)-into this secluded development. It is guarded 24/7 and surrounded by an iron gate to keep the ghosts in. He kidnaps & delivers random humans sporadically to this development and gives them basic supplies while monitoring their actions in the name of scientific discovery. So far half of the survivors have adapted and come out on top, but more wrenches are sure to be thrown into the mix...can't wait to see what's next!
July 10, 2019
Marcus Holt is just trying to live his life. A veteran of the Vietnam War, his life isn't easy, but when he wakes in a strange house, it's about to get even worse. Welcome to Worthe's Village, a place you won't be able to leave!
I've read a lot of this authors work and pretty much loved every one of them, in fact I think they have all been 5 star reads. Well this one was no different!! I loved it and listened to it in a day.
I think what I loved most about this book were the characters. Marcus was awesome. Not much fazed him and he was able to keep his cool throughout. He is one heck of a person to have in your corner and I was rooting for him throughout. Professor Abel Worthe is an intriguingly evil character. He built the village with a particular goal in mind and so far it was going according to plan but Marcus has proved more wily than most and Worthe is upping the anti by introducing more "subjects". It was a unique concept and made me more eager to read it to find out what happens. I also loved finding out about the houses and what lived in each!! I'm thinking Marcus will have his hands full in future books!!
In all this was a well written, fast paced and entertaining read. Worthe's Village is scary and creepy and I can't wait to see where the author goes with the story. I need the next one pronto!
Thom Bowers was clear, easy to follow and had plenty of tones and voices for the characters. He was also able to capture the spooky atmosphere and portray the ghosts perfectly.
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
I've read a lot of this authors work and pretty much loved every one of them, in fact I think they have all been 5 star reads. Well this one was no different!! I loved it and listened to it in a day.
I think what I loved most about this book were the characters. Marcus was awesome. Not much fazed him and he was able to keep his cool throughout. He is one heck of a person to have in your corner and I was rooting for him throughout. Professor Abel Worthe is an intriguingly evil character. He built the village with a particular goal in mind and so far it was going according to plan but Marcus has proved more wily than most and Worthe is upping the anti by introducing more "subjects". It was a unique concept and made me more eager to read it to find out what happens. I also loved finding out about the houses and what lived in each!! I'm thinking Marcus will have his hands full in future books!!
In all this was a well written, fast paced and entertaining read. Worthe's Village is scary and creepy and I can't wait to see where the author goes with the story. I need the next one pronto!
Thom Bowers was clear, easy to follow and had plenty of tones and voices for the characters. He was also able to capture the spooky atmosphere and portray the ghosts perfectly.
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
November 27, 2018
Ron Ripley deserves top honors for supernatural horror authors. His over the top imagination for gory, scary stories makes all his writings goodreads. Worthe’s Village has the ‘can’t believe this is happening ‘ scary and real like characters that I liked and I’ll be reading book 2 in the series. Readers that enjoy scary, ghosts, and haunted houses, must read Ron Ripley!
February 17, 2019
Worthe’s Village, by Ron Ripley, is the first book in a series of what I will call horror action thrillers. To start the series we readers find out an uber-rich man is abducting individuals that he feels will fit his requirements for his twisted experiments on human fear. Abductees are placed alone into a fenced and heavily guarded village set with haunted houses filled to the brim with angry, murderous spirits.
Participant B is the most intriguing subject Worthe has had so far which compels the experimenter to bring in Participants C and D to incite more fear into Participant B to see what B will do next as he is no longer alone. Participant B is Marcus an older gentleman with a horrific past, but an intelligent and extremely polite individual who right away helps subjects C and D. Marcus is a character that readers will like and root for hoping he will be able to find a way out of Worthe’s village of horrors.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. It is a “well written” book with no errors that will easily distract a reader from the story. The 4 is because I only wished more murderous spirits had been introduced along with more folklore, but I am hoping these things will be included in the following books. And this is just me being picky.
What I did enjoy about this book is that Marcus had the intelligence to figure out the ways to fight off the ghosts and contain them. It seems he also has some history with ghosts in the past that he mentions briefly to Participant D and that I want to read the following books to find out what that history is as well as finding out how Marcus fares in Worthe’s creepy village. After reading this book, I feel as though the material would make for a great TV show as long as the writers refrained from silliness and kept if smart and creepy. I am picturing something similar in style as The Walking Dead TV series, but with more paranormal and folkloric elements.
I do recommend this book for anyone who will enjoy an action horror book. For those who do not like much gore, this book did not contain a lot, and while part of the book is slow with human-ghost interaction, the test subjects are set up, so readers get a feel for the characters within the “study.” As I haven’t read books from Ripely before I am uncertain if the characters I root for will escape or meet a gruesome end, so I am compelled to pick up the second book.
Participant B is the most intriguing subject Worthe has had so far which compels the experimenter to bring in Participants C and D to incite more fear into Participant B to see what B will do next as he is no longer alone. Participant B is Marcus an older gentleman with a horrific past, but an intelligent and extremely polite individual who right away helps subjects C and D. Marcus is a character that readers will like and root for hoping he will be able to find a way out of Worthe’s village of horrors.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. It is a “well written” book with no errors that will easily distract a reader from the story. The 4 is because I only wished more murderous spirits had been introduced along with more folklore, but I am hoping these things will be included in the following books. And this is just me being picky.
What I did enjoy about this book is that Marcus had the intelligence to figure out the ways to fight off the ghosts and contain them. It seems he also has some history with ghosts in the past that he mentions briefly to Participant D and that I want to read the following books to find out what that history is as well as finding out how Marcus fares in Worthe’s creepy village. After reading this book, I feel as though the material would make for a great TV show as long as the writers refrained from silliness and kept if smart and creepy. I am picturing something similar in style as The Walking Dead TV series, but with more paranormal and folkloric elements.
I do recommend this book for anyone who will enjoy an action horror book. For those who do not like much gore, this book did not contain a lot, and while part of the book is slow with human-ghost interaction, the test subjects are set up, so readers get a feel for the characters within the “study.” As I haven’t read books from Ripely before I am uncertain if the characters I root for will escape or meet a gruesome end, so I am compelled to pick up the second book.
April 22, 2020
I listened to this as an audiobook and, unfortunately, the narrator was not for me. Even more unfortunately, the narrator was so not for me, that I'm not sure how much it effected my experience of Worthe's Village. I do, however, feel certain that it would've ended up being a middling book (for me, personally) no matter if I'd read it instead of listened to it.
My stumbling upon Worthe's Village happened while I was browsing for my next audiobook. It wasn't even this, the first in the series, that caught my initial attention - that was a sequel - but as a fan of order I chose to begin at the start.
The Haunted Village series is a tale of a mad (or at least very unconscionable) scientist carrying out an experiment - for as of yet unrevealed reasons, to my chagrin; I mean, I wouldn't condone his empirical methods even had I known his reasoning, but maybe I'd at least have an understanding of why he's doing it. I prefer even my zompoc books with a dash of logic!
Abel Worthe is, and I quote: "brilliant, wealthy, and utterly immoral." His field of expertise is the study of fear and death. He uses his wealth to buy up haunted houses and have them transported to his Haunted Village, to which he then introduces human tests subjects. Test subjects who werenot always never asked to participate and who will never be allowed to leave.
One of these test subjects is Marcus Holt. A VA of 62 years - he is throughout the book referred to as "old" and this really bothers me; he is continually described as if we should expect him to be on his death bed and I just don't find that feasible - who might just prove to be a wrench in Worthe's plan.
I didn't care overly much about any of the characters and part of that might be because of the way the narrator voiced them - it almost came across as mockingly. Another part of it, the bigger part of it, is because the lack of motivations. Say a character is cast to play the part of a villain, if done well that can be super interesting, but when you have no discernible motives for why the villain is a villain, it just creates confusion.
My stumbling upon Worthe's Village happened while I was browsing for my next audiobook. It wasn't even this, the first in the series, that caught my initial attention - that was a sequel - but as a fan of order I chose to begin at the start.
The Haunted Village series is a tale of a mad (or at least very unconscionable) scientist carrying out an experiment - for as of yet unrevealed reasons, to my chagrin; I mean, I wouldn't condone his empirical methods even had I known his reasoning, but maybe I'd at least have an understanding of why he's doing it. I prefer even my zompoc books with a dash of logic!
Abel Worthe is, and I quote: "brilliant, wealthy, and utterly immoral." His field of expertise is the study of fear and death. He uses his wealth to buy up haunted houses and have them transported to his Haunted Village, to which he then introduces human tests subjects. Test subjects who were
One of these test subjects is Marcus Holt. A VA of 62 years - he is throughout the book referred to as "old" and this really bothers me; he is continually described as if we should expect him to be on his death bed and I just don't find that feasible - who might just prove to be a wrench in Worthe's plan.
I didn't care overly much about any of the characters and part of that might be because of the way the narrator voiced them - it almost came across as mockingly. Another part of it, the bigger part of it, is because the lack of motivations. Say a character is cast to play the part of a villain, if done well that can be super interesting, but when you have no discernible motives for why the villain is a villain, it just creates confusion.
February 20, 2020
The premise of this book is unique IMHO, with a village being constructed as a kind of experiment. A professor named Abel Worthe is taking haunted houses and setting them up in a village which is surrounded by a fence patrolled by armed guards. Professor Worthe kidnaps people and places them in the village and then watches to see how they react to the ghosts that reside there.
First of all, it is a stretch that Mr. Worthe would be able to find people willing to kidnap people and watch them endure horrible deaths. Also, moving entire houses which are authentic down to the furniture and fixtures? A little unlikely. The high point of the book is the one man dropped into this horrific scenario: Marcus Holt.
I am not sure when the book is supposedly set, but since Mr. Worthe has extensive drone and security technology, I assumed it is set in modern day. If so, Mr. Holt's age of 62 years and stating that he is a Vietnam veteran doesn't work. Also, the author constantly refers to Mr. Holt as "elderly" and in my mind, that denotes someone much older than 62.
Another down side to the story is the extensive descriptions of child abuse suffered by two of the characters. I know it is a horror story, but I can see this part of the book as a definite trigger for some readers. It was almost too much to listen to these lengthy, graphic abuses.
The narrator did a good job and helped me keep listening. I agree with a couple of the other reviewers that the ending of this book seemed a little too convenient and rushed after a long trip to the end. I will probably listen to the next book in this series if only to see if Mr. Worthe gets his comeuppance. I was given the chance to listen to this book by the publisher and chose to review it.
First of all, it is a stretch that Mr. Worthe would be able to find people willing to kidnap people and watch them endure horrible deaths. Also, moving entire houses which are authentic down to the furniture and fixtures? A little unlikely. The high point of the book is the one man dropped into this horrific scenario: Marcus Holt.
I am not sure when the book is supposedly set, but since Mr. Worthe has extensive drone and security technology, I assumed it is set in modern day. If so, Mr. Holt's age of 62 years and stating that he is a Vietnam veteran doesn't work. Also, the author constantly refers to Mr. Holt as "elderly" and in my mind, that denotes someone much older than 62.
Another down side to the story is the extensive descriptions of child abuse suffered by two of the characters. I know it is a horror story, but I can see this part of the book as a definite trigger for some readers. It was almost too much to listen to these lengthy, graphic abuses.
The narrator did a good job and helped me keep listening. I agree with a couple of the other reviewers that the ending of this book seemed a little too convenient and rushed after a long trip to the end. I will probably listen to the next book in this series if only to see if Mr. Worthe gets his comeuppance. I was given the chance to listen to this book by the publisher and chose to review it.
September 14, 2020
Marcus Holt is just trying to live his life. A veteran of the Vietnam War, his life isn't easy, but when he wakes in a strange house, it's about to get even worse. Welcome to Worthe's Village, a place you won't be able to leave!
I've read a lot of this authors work and pretty much loved every one of them, in fact I think they have all been 5 star reads. Well this one was no different!! I loved it and listened to it in a day.
I think what I loved most about this book were the characters. Marcus was awesome. Not much fazed him and he was able to keep his cool throughout. He is one heck of a person to have in your corner and I was rooting for him throughout. Professor Abel Worthe is an intriguingly evil character. He built the village with a particular goal in mind and so far it was going according to plan but Marcus has proved more wily than most and Worthe is upping the anti by introducing more "subjects". It was a unique concept and made me more eager to read it to find out what happens. I also loved finding out about the houses and what lived in each!! I'm thinking Marcus will have his hands full in future books!!
In all this was a well written, fast paced and entertaining read. Worthe's Village is scary and creepy and I can't wait to see where the author goes with the story. I need the next one pronto!
Thom Bowers was clear, easy to follow and had plenty of tones and voices for the characters. He was also able to capture the spooky atmosphere and portray the ghosts perfectly.
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts
I've read a lot of this authors work and pretty much loved every one of them, in fact I think they have all been 5 star reads. Well this one was no different!! I loved it and listened to it in a day.
I think what I loved most about this book were the characters. Marcus was awesome. Not much fazed him and he was able to keep his cool throughout. He is one heck of a person to have in your corner and I was rooting for him throughout. Professor Abel Worthe is an intriguingly evil character. He built the village with a particular goal in mind and so far it was going according to plan but Marcus has proved more wily than most and Worthe is upping the anti by introducing more "subjects". It was a unique concept and made me more eager to read it to find out what happens. I also loved finding out about the houses and what lived in each!! I'm thinking Marcus will have his hands full in future books!!
In all this was a well written, fast paced and entertaining read. Worthe's Village is scary and creepy and I can't wait to see where the author goes with the story. I need the next one pronto!
Thom Bowers was clear, easy to follow and had plenty of tones and voices for the characters. He was also able to capture the spooky atmosphere and portray the ghosts perfectly.
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts
April 3, 2019
Marcus Holt thought his worst memories were behind him. A veteran of the Vietnam War, the tough old soldier is haunted by nightmares of brutal conflict. But he’s about to discover that his battle for survival has only just begun.
Professor Abel Worthe is brilliant, wealthy, and utterly immoral. He is an expert in a very particular field: the study of fear and death. Using his vast resources, Worthe has purchased a collection of haunted houses and paranormal sites, hidden across the world. And he intends to subject a captive to each location in his collection of horror, all in the name of science.
All he needs is a test subject, a human lab rat to undergo his experiment in terror. And the target of his sinister attention is Marcus Holt. The aging veteran soon finds himself snatched off the streets, and forced to endure a never-ending barrage of horror.
But Marcus is no stranger to fear and death. He’s a fighter. And he is determined to survive long enough to find and kill his malicious captor.
Let the games begin.
This is one of my favorite genres!
These books are about an experiment in fear. A warped individual with lots of money, grabs individuals to live in a ghost filled village. He monitors the subjects fear as ghosts kill.
I totally loved this book. The writing was great, the characters so real.
Very interesting story line.
Overall, I thought the book was brilliant and well thought out.
Ron Ripley deserves top honors for supernatural horror authors.
Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Professor Abel Worthe is brilliant, wealthy, and utterly immoral. He is an expert in a very particular field: the study of fear and death. Using his vast resources, Worthe has purchased a collection of haunted houses and paranormal sites, hidden across the world. And he intends to subject a captive to each location in his collection of horror, all in the name of science.
All he needs is a test subject, a human lab rat to undergo his experiment in terror. And the target of his sinister attention is Marcus Holt. The aging veteran soon finds himself snatched off the streets, and forced to endure a never-ending barrage of horror.
But Marcus is no stranger to fear and death. He’s a fighter. And he is determined to survive long enough to find and kill his malicious captor.
Let the games begin.
This is one of my favorite genres!
These books are about an experiment in fear. A warped individual with lots of money, grabs individuals to live in a ghost filled village. He monitors the subjects fear as ghosts kill.
I totally loved this book. The writing was great, the characters so real.
Very interesting story line.
Overall, I thought the book was brilliant and well thought out.
Ron Ripley deserves top honors for supernatural horror authors.
Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2018
Wow, so disappointed!
I was pretty excited when I read the intro for this new series, but sadly this book completely missed the mark for me and I felt like I was reading the same old storyline. As with his last series about the haunted collection Ripley chose to focus his writing on describing torture scenes in great detail followed by gruesome deaths orchestrated by monstrous personalities. Sadly with all of the bloodshed and human suffering there is little room left over for the interesting character development and dialogue that made his early works so special and unique. Now don’t get me wrong I am the first to admit that the Berkley street series had its fair share of gruesome scenes, but at least these scenes were balanced out with interesting storylines and unique in-depth character development. With these last few books I just feel like I’m reading the same thing over and over where yet another evil person (or ghost) tortures innocents for the sheer fun and pleasure of it while our hapless hero is powerless to help. So we the reader get to browse through page after page of torture, suffering, and bloodshed in great and painstaking detail and wait for the next book in the series to see if it will all be neatly resolved or if the suffering will continue until yet another book in the series is published. I already did this dance with the haunted collection series so I’ll just say thanks, but no thanks, and pass on this gruesome uninteresting series.
I was pretty excited when I read the intro for this new series, but sadly this book completely missed the mark for me and I felt like I was reading the same old storyline. As with his last series about the haunted collection Ripley chose to focus his writing on describing torture scenes in great detail followed by gruesome deaths orchestrated by monstrous personalities. Sadly with all of the bloodshed and human suffering there is little room left over for the interesting character development and dialogue that made his early works so special and unique. Now don’t get me wrong I am the first to admit that the Berkley street series had its fair share of gruesome scenes, but at least these scenes were balanced out with interesting storylines and unique in-depth character development. With these last few books I just feel like I’m reading the same thing over and over where yet another evil person (or ghost) tortures innocents for the sheer fun and pleasure of it while our hapless hero is powerless to help. So we the reader get to browse through page after page of torture, suffering, and bloodshed in great and painstaking detail and wait for the next book in the series to see if it will all be neatly resolved or if the suffering will continue until yet another book in the series is published. I already did this dance with the haunted collection series so I’ll just say thanks, but no thanks, and pass on this gruesome uninteresting series.
April 9, 2019
**Update: I finished this book in less than two days of beginning it. I couldn't put it down. I am loving this sadistic ghost story. It's horrible what has happened to some of the characters, but without those things, there would be no story. There's a slim light at the end of the tunnel kind of hope that some characters will survive. I've already started the second book, as I can't wait to see what happens next. I recommend this to anyone who loves the supernatural and ghost stories. This book does NOT disappoint!!
First off, I am currently in the middle of reading this book, and have not yet finished. With that being said, I started reading this yesterday and have yet to put it down. I have even told others about this book. By the name Worthe's Village, I had no idea what to expect. The first few chapters...very short chapters... didn't make much sense, adding very little to what the story is about. By the fourth chapter I was hooked. This is an amazing ghost story. I am very intrigued by anything supernatural and this is exactly that with some twisted people playing God, with their surveillance and all. It somewhat has a sci-fi feel as well. Currently it is 3am my time, and I refuse to put it down and go to bed! It is every bit as eerie as any ghost story should be, and I am gratefully pleased. I can't wait to finish and continue reading other books this author has written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First off, I am currently in the middle of reading this book, and have not yet finished. With that being said, I started reading this yesterday and have yet to put it down. I have even told others about this book. By the name Worthe's Village, I had no idea what to expect. The first few chapters...very short chapters... didn't make much sense, adding very little to what the story is about. By the fourth chapter I was hooked. This is an amazing ghost story. I am very intrigued by anything supernatural and this is exactly that with some twisted people playing God, with their surveillance and all. It somewhat has a sci-fi feel as well. Currently it is 3am my time, and I refuse to put it down and go to bed! It is every bit as eerie as any ghost story should be, and I am gratefully pleased. I can't wait to finish and continue reading other books this author has written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2019
Worthe Village Series Booksl 1-3
Worthe Village Series Books 1-3, Ron Ripley’s new series in his impressive repertoire of supernatural stories, introduce new characters who face supernatural challenges that takes horror to a new level of fright.
The main characters encounter a professor who has the single minded purpose of explaining how fear works. To do this the professor forces people to choose between who they value and their own instinct for self preservation.
Using the supernatural to explore relationships and personal interactions to answer questions about fear or some other question is not a new idea. But, how this theme is explored in the Worthe Village and the lengths that the professor goes to get his answers is novel and uniquely insidious, frightening and down right scary as hell.
Both supernatural and non supernatural operators in this series of books take you on a journey of fear that makes you wonder who are the real monsters in the stories. I encourage you to read all three books and answer this question for yourself.
Worthe Village Series Books 1-3, Ron Ripley’s new series in his impressive repertoire of supernatural stories, introduce new characters who face supernatural challenges that takes horror to a new level of fright.
The main characters encounter a professor who has the single minded purpose of explaining how fear works. To do this the professor forces people to choose between who they value and their own instinct for self preservation.
Using the supernatural to explore relationships and personal interactions to answer questions about fear or some other question is not a new idea. But, how this theme is explored in the Worthe Village and the lengths that the professor goes to get his answers is novel and uniquely insidious, frightening and down right scary as hell.
Both supernatural and non supernatural operators in this series of books take you on a journey of fear that makes you wonder who are the real monsters in the stories. I encourage you to read all three books and answer this question for yourself.
March 16, 2019
A disturbing situation to put things mildly. The “subjects” of the mad professor Abel Worthe’s experiment are trapped in a living nightmare. With seemingly nowhere to hide from the dead they are forced to face fear itself.
Two subjects are up for the challenge and have lived a life of fear already giving them the advantage of experience. Marcus Holt, former soldier and young Alex, victim of abuse are an easy team to root for in this first installment. I followed their every move and thought clinging to hope they would succeed.
I would like to have gotten a small amount of insight to the backstory of the captor and his team. Knowing the history or actions that fueled the creation of this village and how and why his team are so devoted and immune (mentally) to the effects of this experiment would make this a much more rounded storyline.
Overall well written and engaging story! I would definitely recommend reading this series.
Two subjects are up for the challenge and have lived a life of fear already giving them the advantage of experience. Marcus Holt, former soldier and young Alex, victim of abuse are an easy team to root for in this first installment. I followed their every move and thought clinging to hope they would succeed.
I would like to have gotten a small amount of insight to the backstory of the captor and his team. Knowing the history or actions that fueled the creation of this village and how and why his team are so devoted and immune (mentally) to the effects of this experiment would make this a much more rounded storyline.
Overall well written and engaging story! I would definitely recommend reading this series.
July 13, 2019
A good start to a new series by Ron Ripley. I admit it took me a little while to get into this book, I couldn't see immediately where it was headed. However it certainly grew on me.
The premise is pretty unique. A wealthy puppet master, whose motives remain as yet undisclosed, buys houses with terrifying ghostly pasts, and has them shipped and entirely recreated in his own haunted village. Then one by one he introduces his 'subjects', completely unaware of their situation and danger, so he can watch and record their encounters. While this is clearly a series, and a lot more will be explained as it progresses, I felt this was a really solid first chapter. Enough is explained to the reader to keep them sufficiently in the loop, but there are plenty of questions that remain to be answered. The characters are well written, believable and relatable. I am intrigued to see what gets thrown into their path next, and how they will react. I look forward to the next book in this series.
The premise is pretty unique. A wealthy puppet master, whose motives remain as yet undisclosed, buys houses with terrifying ghostly pasts, and has them shipped and entirely recreated in his own haunted village. Then one by one he introduces his 'subjects', completely unaware of their situation and danger, so he can watch and record their encounters. While this is clearly a series, and a lot more will be explained as it progresses, I felt this was a really solid first chapter. Enough is explained to the reader to keep them sufficiently in the loop, but there are plenty of questions that remain to be answered. The characters are well written, believable and relatable. I am intrigued to see what gets thrown into their path next, and how they will react. I look forward to the next book in this series.
January 25, 2019
I have come to expect great chills from Ron Ripley and this series so far does not disappoint. In this book, Able Worthe, a wealthy old man, sets up an experiment whereby people are captured off the street and transported into a village composed of haunted houses collected from various locations and moved to the site. Worthe's objective is to record how normal people interact with ghosts. Not everything goes as expected, however, and the experiment may fail. The "human" residents of the village begin to fight back.
Ripley's ghosts are deliciously nasty. They have ways of killing people that sometimes defy the imagination. Since this is the first of a series, it has an ending that isn't really an ending and has me hungry for more. This series isn't quite up there with the Haunted Collection series yet, but it has all the earmarks of getting there.
Ripley's ghosts are deliciously nasty. They have ways of killing people that sometimes defy the imagination. Since this is the first of a series, it has an ending that isn't really an ending and has me hungry for more. This series isn't quite up there with the Haunted Collection series yet, but it has all the earmarks of getting there.
September 17, 2021
Worthe’s Village by Ron Ripley
I thought the idea for this book was original. One deranged man, Professor Abel Worthe, buys several houses and has them removed and rebuilt inside a gated “community”. He then abducts test subjects and places them inside to see how they cope with fear. Each house has its own spirits. Not wispy ghosts who say boo. No. these are terrifying, evil beings rent on revenge.
The main character, Marcus, appealed to me. He’s an older man with military training, who fights against the odds. As more test subjects are killed off and replaced by others, a young boy joins the community. Marcus takes him under his wing, and they become ghostbusters, attempting to do away with the ghosts before the spirits can do it to them. As it is a series, by the end of the book, you are left wondering what will happen next. An enjoyable read.
I thought the idea for this book was original. One deranged man, Professor Abel Worthe, buys several houses and has them removed and rebuilt inside a gated “community”. He then abducts test subjects and places them inside to see how they cope with fear. Each house has its own spirits. Not wispy ghosts who say boo. No. these are terrifying, evil beings rent on revenge.
The main character, Marcus, appealed to me. He’s an older man with military training, who fights against the odds. As more test subjects are killed off and replaced by others, a young boy joins the community. Marcus takes him under his wing, and they become ghostbusters, attempting to do away with the ghosts before the spirits can do it to them. As it is a series, by the end of the book, you are left wondering what will happen next. An enjoyable read.
August 20, 2023
When I first started this book, I thought it was a standalone until I added it to my currently reading shelf. When I saw it was the first in a series, I admit I was pretty confused about how it would be split up. The way Ron Ripley has separated the stories while keeping the background plot going is fantastic. I was surprised that the antagonist made himself known to the subjects. I thought it would be a novel where you see both sides but the characters don't. I find the pov's of the employees fascinating as well. Seeing how the doubts begin to settle in or are dissuaded by Professor Worthe. I'm excited to see what goes in to "acquiring" a house hopefully in the next book. I might even try the next book as an audio book.
July 14, 2019
I read up to 33% of this book and thought it was so slowly written I didn't want to finish it. Actually I was bored and didn't want to finish it. This was the first book I had read by this author and thought it would be my last. I set the book aside for about 3 days, picked it up and decided to finish it just because. I still wasn't enthused about it. Very little character development and it wasn't scary. I finished the book and was hooked. The ending of Worthe's Village was exciting and left me wanting more by this author. If you find the book slow going, stick with it, you will be surprised. I gave it 2 stars because more than an exciting ending make a book.
August 17, 2019
I would rate this thing 4 but the TBC thing made me cringe. The story is stretched over eight books in total but the writing and story-telling are not that exciting to trudge through all 1500 pages.
The book (or six-pence saga) started rather well but 70% into the story slowed down for the author to stretch things to the next episode. I read the book on Kindle and saw where the writer added more text later on.
The idea itself is far-fetched. The way events unfold and characters communicate smell more of teenage fantasy than that of and adult.
The book was entertaining but seeing so many books of much higher caliber on the market I doubt I will have time to return to this village.
The book (or six-pence saga) started rather well but 70% into the story slowed down for the author to stretch things to the next episode. I read the book on Kindle and saw where the writer added more text later on.
The idea itself is far-fetched. The way events unfold and characters communicate smell more of teenage fantasy than that of and adult.
The book was entertaining but seeing so many books of much higher caliber on the market I doubt I will have time to return to this village.
September 14, 2021
Look before you leap
There are two kinds of series books. One kind tells a complete story, and then the characters reappear in a enhanced or additional storyline. The other kind of series books is that you only get an installment, or a piece of a story; and is done so the author can milk you for more money. That’s the case herein, and the reason for the low rating. Mr. Ripley is a good storyteller and develops solid and interesting characters. He’s scene settings could be a little more detailed. But I’m appalled at having to pay more, to get more of the story that some author’s only sell once. Look before you leap.
There are two kinds of series books. One kind tells a complete story, and then the characters reappear in a enhanced or additional storyline. The other kind of series books is that you only get an installment, or a piece of a story; and is done so the author can milk you for more money. That’s the case herein, and the reason for the low rating. Mr. Ripley is a good storyteller and develops solid and interesting characters. He’s scene settings could be a little more detailed. But I’m appalled at having to pay more, to get more of the story that some author’s only sell once. Look before you leap.
April 12, 2019
This is an amazing start to a new series, there’s quite a bit of time in the book spent on character development and that’s mixed with the action. There are some ghosts that to say the least, are not very nice! I would not like to meet these ghosts and so, like the people in this book would not willingly be taking part in any experiments like this one. It’s a great twist to the usual ghost story and that is what makes this book and the series so interesting and dare I say, fun to read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2019
Memories of war aren't the only thing to haunt this veteran
Marcus Holt is a retired veteran who thought all of his old memories were the only ones to haunt him. But after being kidnapped and dropped into Worth's Village, he realize there is still reason to be afraid. Abel Worthe is determined to test out the extremes of the human's ability to function through fear, and has created this village of haunted houses and buildings that he had imported for this extensive experiment. Marcus must find a way to escape, and barring that, survive Worthe's experiment.
Marcus Holt is a retired veteran who thought all of his old memories were the only ones to haunt him. But after being kidnapped and dropped into Worth's Village, he realize there is still reason to be afraid. Abel Worthe is determined to test out the extremes of the human's ability to function through fear, and has created this village of haunted houses and buildings that he had imported for this extensive experiment. Marcus must find a way to escape, and barring that, survive Worthe's experiment.
October 8, 2020
Really enjoyed the start to this series! Never read anything by the author before and was impressed how easily i got straight into the story- before i knew it, the book was finished. Now i must carry on to the next.
I like the premise of a Haunted village with participants roaming around, trying not to get killed, whilst also trying to figure a way out.
Likeable characters, an easy read to dive straight into, and some spooky phantoms. Perfect for the run up to Halloween.
Definitely recommend!
I like the premise of a Haunted village with participants roaming around, trying not to get killed, whilst also trying to figure a way out.
Likeable characters, an easy read to dive straight into, and some spooky phantoms. Perfect for the run up to Halloween.
Definitely recommend!
June 2, 2021
4.5 stars from me.
I garbed this book not really expecting much as I've not read this author before, but what a great book this turned out to be. Very reminiscent of the old horror movie 13 ghosts but instead of 13 ghosts in a house, Abel Worthe a very wealthy professor is buying haunted houses and creating a haunted Village! He then procures his victims and dumps them in the village and watches via drones and security camera footage for a book he is writing on fear.
I won't give away any spoilers but the book was great even though I didn't find it very scary. Can't ait to read the next.
I garbed this book not really expecting much as I've not read this author before, but what a great book this turned out to be. Very reminiscent of the old horror movie 13 ghosts but instead of 13 ghosts in a house, Abel Worthe a very wealthy professor is buying haunted houses and creating a haunted Village! He then procures his victims and dumps them in the village and watches via drones and security camera footage for a book he is writing on fear.
I won't give away any spoilers but the book was great even though I didn't find it very scary. Can't ait to read the next.
January 15, 2025
It was good! I love it! Chapters are short and engaging. The plot is fast paced and easy to read. For a short read the character leave quite an impression.
It draws characters that are easy to understand, to sympathize, to remember and to dislike. Which is, for me, very attractive in a story. The plot and the characters must both have a balance of likability for me to truly enjoy a book.
The premise of the book is so good and interesting. One of the main reason I picked it up was because of the premise of the story. Give it a try when you can!
It draws characters that are easy to understand, to sympathize, to remember and to dislike. Which is, for me, very attractive in a story. The plot and the characters must both have a balance of likability for me to truly enjoy a book.
The premise of the book is so good and interesting. One of the main reason I picked it up was because of the premise of the story. Give it a try when you can!
May 1, 2019
He has been through the terrors of war and still suffers from the situations he had faced. He is about to face even worse. He is taken off the streets and he finds himself in a house. He is about to face terrors which could destroy others. He intends to get out and get the one behind it all. Will he do it? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2019
First book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it! This is the first book in a series, so I am on to the next. The professor is writing a book, from his studies of how people interact with deadly spirits. He is a very deranged person. Subject B is someone that I would always want around in case of trouble!! I can not wait to see what happens next! Awesome start of a series.
Thank you Rob Ripley and LibraryThing for allowing me the opportunity to read and review these books.
Thank you Rob Ripley and LibraryThing for allowing me the opportunity to read and review these books.
January 31, 2020
Strange yet creepy enough to hold my attention.
Abel created The Village to keep people and houses for his experiments. The houses are literally moved from their blocks to the village for accuracy. The victims, test subjects for the man. The suspects wake up not knowing what is happening. They are surrounded by their material possessions, but not necessarily in their same place. Realization happens and they feel the need to run. They run for their lives.
Abel created The Village to keep people and houses for his experiments. The houses are literally moved from their blocks to the village for accuracy. The victims, test subjects for the man. The suspects wake up not knowing what is happening. They are surrounded by their material possessions, but not necessarily in their same place. Realization happens and they feel the need to run. They run for their lives.
May 25, 2020
Able worthe has now transported a collection of haunted houses and paranormal sites to a hidden village. You have a well developed storyline with kidnapped people, who he has face many horrors. The characters are believable and interesting. You have a strong Viet Nam Veteran who is tough but now having nightmares. He has found himself trapped in the village. The narration is good and maintains your interest. I recommend this book and series.
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