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Ghost Mine
“Shea layers on the ever mounting sense of dread with a master craftsman's skill, with some excellent tension building scenes…” - Ginger Nuts of Horror
1st time with full trade distribution in all formats. Previously titled Hell Hole.
Deep in a Wyoming mine, hell awaits. Nat Blackburn is given an offer he can't refuse by President Teddy Roosevelt. Tales of gold in the abandoned mining town of Hecla abound. The only problem - those who go seeking their fortune never return. Along with his constant companion, Teta, a hired gun with a thirst for adventure, Nat travels to a barren land where even animals dare not tread. Black-eyed children, strange lights and ferocious wild men venture from the deep, dark ghost mine...as well as a sinister force hungry for fresh souls.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.
1st time with full trade distribution in all formats. Previously titled Hell Hole.
Deep in a Wyoming mine, hell awaits. Nat Blackburn is given an offer he can't refuse by President Teddy Roosevelt. Tales of gold in the abandoned mining town of Hecla abound. The only problem - those who go seeking their fortune never return. Along with his constant companion, Teta, a hired gun with a thirst for adventure, Nat travels to a barren land where even animals dare not tread. Black-eyed children, strange lights and ferocious wild men venture from the deep, dark ghost mine...as well as a sinister force hungry for fresh souls.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2019
29 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Hunter Shea
67 books1,008 followersHunter Shea is the author of over 25 books, with a specialization in cryptozoological horror that includes The Jersey Devil, The Dover Demon, Loch Ness Revenge and many others. As part of the new horror line at Flame Tree Press, his novel Creature has gained critical acclaim. His novel, The Montauk Monster, was named one of the best reads of the summer by Publishers Weekly. A trip to the International Cryptozoology Museum will find several of his cryptid books among the fascinating displays. Living in a true haunted house inspired his Jessica Backman: Death in the Afterlife series (Forest of Shadows, Sinister Entity and Island of the Forbidden). In 2011, he was selected to be a part of the launch of Samhain Publishing’s new horror line alongside legendary author Ramsey Campbell. When he’s not writing thrillers and horror, he also spins tall tales for middle grade readers on Amazon’s highly regarded Rapids reading app.
An avid podcaster, he can be seen and heard on Monster Men, one of the longest running video horror podcasts in the world, and Final Guys, focusing on weekly movie and book reviews. His nostalgic column about the magic of 80s horror, Video Visions, is featured monthly at Cemetery Dance Online. You can find his short stories in a number of anthologies, including Chopping Block Party, The Body Horror Book and Fearful Fathoms II.
A lifetime New Yorker, Hunter is supported by his loving wife and two beautiful daughters. When he’s not studying up on cryptozoology, he’s an avid explorer of the unknown, having spent a night alone on the Queen Mary, searching for the Warren’s famous White Lady of the Union Cemetery and other mysterious places.
You can follow his travails at www.huntershea.com.
An avid podcaster, he can be seen and heard on Monster Men, one of the longest running video horror podcasts in the world, and Final Guys, focusing on weekly movie and book reviews. His nostalgic column about the magic of 80s horror, Video Visions, is featured monthly at Cemetery Dance Online. You can find his short stories in a number of anthologies, including Chopping Block Party, The Body Horror Book and Fearful Fathoms II.
A lifetime New Yorker, Hunter is supported by his loving wife and two beautiful daughters. When he’s not studying up on cryptozoology, he’s an avid explorer of the unknown, having spent a night alone on the Queen Mary, searching for the Warren’s famous White Lady of the Union Cemetery and other mysterious places.
You can follow his travails at www.huntershea.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
May 13, 2019
GHOST MINE was not exactly what I expected and a lot MORE than what I expected, all at once! What a fun ride!
Teddy Roosevelt is now president and recruits two of his old partners from the Rough Riders and the Indian Wars to investigate a town out west. Teddy previously sent American troops to investigate the claim that there was gold in the mines there, but now the troops have also disappeared. Teddy tasks Nat Blackburn and his companion, Teta, to find out what happened. Once they arrive in the town of Hecla, Wyoming, they discover a lot more than some old abandoned mines. Will they find out what happened to the men Roosevelt sent? Will they verify that gold is "in them there hills?" Will they even survive their trek? You'll have to read this to find out!
I had a lot of fun reading this horror/western. Nat is an instantly likable guy, though rough around the edges and his companion Teta, is interesting as well. Where I ran into a bit of trouble with this book was with the amount of things going on. Not that I didn't enjoy all that, because I did, it just seemed like a bit too much-almost as if the story didn't know quite what it wanted be.
That said, I chose to suspend my disbelief and once I did, I had a great time! I was totally rooting for team Nat & Teta and just had to know what happened. From about 60% in, I could not put the book down and ended up finishing it the same day. The story steamrolled right on through to the finale and I was barely hanging on for the ride!
I would gladly read any sequel or any other book featuring the team of Nat and Teta, so please, Mr. Shea! Bring it on!
Highly Recommended!
*Available May 30th, but you can pre-order here: https://amzn.to/2QaJ3mp
**I received a paperback ARC from Flame Tree Press for review consideration. I considered it, said Hell Yeah! and read the book.**
Teddy Roosevelt is now president and recruits two of his old partners from the Rough Riders and the Indian Wars to investigate a town out west. Teddy previously sent American troops to investigate the claim that there was gold in the mines there, but now the troops have also disappeared. Teddy tasks Nat Blackburn and his companion, Teta, to find out what happened. Once they arrive in the town of Hecla, Wyoming, they discover a lot more than some old abandoned mines. Will they find out what happened to the men Roosevelt sent? Will they verify that gold is "in them there hills?" Will they even survive their trek? You'll have to read this to find out!
I had a lot of fun reading this horror/western. Nat is an instantly likable guy, though rough around the edges and his companion Teta, is interesting as well. Where I ran into a bit of trouble with this book was with the amount of things going on. Not that I didn't enjoy all that, because I did, it just seemed like a bit too much-almost as if the story didn't know quite what it wanted be.
That said, I chose to suspend my disbelief and once I did, I had a great time! I was totally rooting for team Nat & Teta and just had to know what happened. From about 60% in, I could not put the book down and ended up finishing it the same day. The story steamrolled right on through to the finale and I was barely hanging on for the ride!
I would gladly read any sequel or any other book featuring the team of Nat and Teta, so please, Mr. Shea! Bring it on!
Highly Recommended!
*Available May 30th, but you can pre-order here: https://amzn.to/2QaJ3mp
**I received a paperback ARC from Flame Tree Press for review consideration. I considered it, said Hell Yeah! and read the book.**
September 22, 2022
Spooks & Creatures!
Small backstory:
Nat Blackburn along with his best friend, Teta are sent out on an investigation from president Teddy Roosevelt to find out what happened to some soldiers that were sent to Hecla, Wyoming as they were to check into some goings on at a mine out in the town, but they never returned to report their findings.
When Nat and Teta arrive out in Hecla - the town is anything but friendly but when they finally get their gear together to go check out the mine, they find something far beyond their imagination as something big and furry resides within but they learn it is no bear.
The more they investigate the more they find out that the mine is actually haunted and they will have to dig deep to find out not only why it is haunted but what type of creature has made the mine its lair!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if you are intrigued enough to learn more then you will need to read the book!
Thoughts:
Author, Hunter Shea went far back into the western territory with this story as this setting all happens in the 1800's. I was drawn right into the story and the pace is fast once the characters, Nat and Teta are introduced. I am not really into reading western stories, but I normally will make an exception if they are horror westerns. If horror is somehow mixed into the story then I will read the book.
This story turned out to be a mix of creatures and haunting so it is really the best of both worlds when it comes to Hunter Shea writing the story and I found myself becoming more invested in the time of reading the book as it seemed more things were happening to the characters. Another great book by this author and I will be adding the book to my favorites shelf. Giving this book four "Haunting Horror" stars!
Small backstory:
Nat Blackburn along with his best friend, Teta are sent out on an investigation from president Teddy Roosevelt to find out what happened to some soldiers that were sent to Hecla, Wyoming as they were to check into some goings on at a mine out in the town, but they never returned to report their findings.
When Nat and Teta arrive out in Hecla - the town is anything but friendly but when they finally get their gear together to go check out the mine, they find something far beyond their imagination as something big and furry resides within but they learn it is no bear.
The more they investigate the more they find out that the mine is actually haunted and they will have to dig deep to find out not only why it is haunted but what type of creature has made the mine its lair!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if you are intrigued enough to learn more then you will need to read the book!
Thoughts:
Author, Hunter Shea went far back into the western territory with this story as this setting all happens in the 1800's. I was drawn right into the story and the pace is fast once the characters, Nat and Teta are introduced. I am not really into reading western stories, but I normally will make an exception if they are horror westerns. If horror is somehow mixed into the story then I will read the book.
This story turned out to be a mix of creatures and haunting so it is really the best of both worlds when it comes to Hunter Shea writing the story and I found myself becoming more invested in the time of reading the book as it seemed more things were happening to the characters. Another great book by this author and I will be adding the book to my favorites shelf. Giving this book four "Haunting Horror" stars!
December 10, 2019
GHOST MINE, by Hunter Shea, is a Western Horror novel that incorporates historical fiction, along with legends and folklore. A Western can be hit or miss for me, but Shea did his research and the end result was an atmosphere that "felt" accurate for the timeline. Incorporating Roosevelt and the "Rough Riders" gave an even better base for the strong characters created here. At the start, Nat Blackburn and best friend, "Teta", are working as police in Washington--a boring, monotonous existence compared to what they had been accustomed to.
". . . Washington was my idea of hell on earth."
When the President--a friend of theirs--summons them to check out a mining town called Hecla, in Wyoming, they are only too happy to get out. An entire town--and a troop of soldiers sent previously--were never seen again.
". . . we both know it's easy to make yourself disappear out here."
The closeness and banter between our two main characters--along with some that come up later--is what carries the story on so well. Despite the inconceivable . . . things . . . in Hecla, these personalities stay constant, giving us that "reality" to fall back on.
Then there is Hecla, itself.
". . . This was where nightmares were stored, a place where secrets remained for eternity . . . "
The atmosphere is more than just a neglected ghost town. The descriptions here of premature rot, unknown fungi, black-eyed children, and "beings" that couldn't possibly be, are so elaborate that I found myself able to picture them quite clearly, mentally. This is just the town--the mines themselves are far worse!
". . . God has nothing to do with this place and I don't think he much cares about anyone fool enough to end up here."
The only thing I didn't care for here was that near the end, there were simply too many different types of abominations brought in. Personally, I feel that one or two would be easier to focus on, and still keep the actions of the characters in play. As it was, so much was being thrown at them at once that I felt we "lost" their roles in the mayhem for a while.
". . . Every man had to die, but the way you lived your life should determine how you died."
Overall, I loved the characters, exploration of the town, and some of the revelations at the mine. As previously mentioned, I did think there was too much going on--pulling the reader in too many directions at once--for a while at the end. However, my general feeling was one of anticipation and excitement throughout.
". . . Sometimes the move that seems the least logical is the one that gets you to the other side."
If the obstructions at the end had been more focused on one or two specifics, I believe that it would have made for a more "natural" feeling denouement. Aside from that, this story had everything I could ask for in terms of what makes a great, fast paced novel. The historical fiction worked in really made for a realistic setting, and characters that fit their roles.
Recommended.
". . . Washington was my idea of hell on earth."
When the President--a friend of theirs--summons them to check out a mining town called Hecla, in Wyoming, they are only too happy to get out. An entire town--and a troop of soldiers sent previously--were never seen again.
". . . we both know it's easy to make yourself disappear out here."
The closeness and banter between our two main characters--along with some that come up later--is what carries the story on so well. Despite the inconceivable . . . things . . . in Hecla, these personalities stay constant, giving us that "reality" to fall back on.
Then there is Hecla, itself.
". . . This was where nightmares were stored, a place where secrets remained for eternity . . . "
The atmosphere is more than just a neglected ghost town. The descriptions here of premature rot, unknown fungi, black-eyed children, and "beings" that couldn't possibly be, are so elaborate that I found myself able to picture them quite clearly, mentally. This is just the town--the mines themselves are far worse!
". . . God has nothing to do with this place and I don't think he much cares about anyone fool enough to end up here."
The only thing I didn't care for here was that near the end, there were simply too many different types of abominations brought in. Personally, I feel that one or two would be easier to focus on, and still keep the actions of the characters in play. As it was, so much was being thrown at them at once that I felt we "lost" their roles in the mayhem for a while.
". . . Every man had to die, but the way you lived your life should determine how you died."
Overall, I loved the characters, exploration of the town, and some of the revelations at the mine. As previously mentioned, I did think there was too much going on--pulling the reader in too many directions at once--for a while at the end. However, my general feeling was one of anticipation and excitement throughout.
". . . Sometimes the move that seems the least logical is the one that gets you to the other side."
If the obstructions at the end had been more focused on one or two specifics, I believe that it would have made for a more "natural" feeling denouement. Aside from that, this story had everything I could ask for in terms of what makes a great, fast paced novel. The historical fiction worked in really made for a realistic setting, and characters that fit their roles.
Recommended.
May 10, 2019
Thank you to Flame Tree Press for sending me an ARC of Ghost Mine by Hunter Shea in exchange for an honest review! Any quotes used in this review was from the advanced copy & may not match up with the final copy.
Content warnings: racial slurs, suicide, animal death.
I couldn’t let you stay here in good conscience. There’s something wrong with this place. Something… evil. I don’t know how to explain it. I just know that it’s no place fit for men.
It’s wild to me how many times I was asked for my opinion on Ghost Mine while reading it & upon finishing it — & I felt so bad, because I.. just.. didn’t.. know.. how.. I felt. & honestly, I still don’t; this review is going to be Hell to write (which is actually very fitting when it comes to this book’s setting).
One of the coolest aspects of Ghost Mine is just how unique it is — at least for me. Ghost Mine is not only a horror story, but a historical fiction & a Western. Ghouls, I’m starting to figure out that I really love historical fiction. Another thing that made this read interesting is that it’s not just about demons, djinns & all those spooky goods, but there’s a tale of friendship & romance sprinkled in.
I absolutely adored the characters. Nat, our main character & who’s perspective this story is in, is a New York City cop who takes on an assignment from his old friend (& president) Theodore Roosevelt. Nico Delacruz, known as Teta, is Nat’s best friend & partner in this assignment. He’s also my absolute favorite character in Ghost Mine. & Selma, the love interest of Nat who warns them from the dangers in Hecla. My only complaint on the characters is how Selma is looked at as a damsel that needs protecting — however, that complaint is instantly voided as this is a historical fiction & unfortunately fits with this time period.
Ghost Mine is packed with action & supernatural beings. We have black-eyed creepy children, djinn & other spirits that roam the mines. What more could you possibly want? There are plot twists galore. It felt as if there was something always happening & that’s probably what kept me turning the pages. Yet, somehow, this story never really clicked with me which is the only reason it’s not getting a five or four-star rating. It has all of the components to be an amazing book & I hope it lands in the hands of people that absolutely adore it.
Content warnings: racial slurs, suicide, animal death.
I couldn’t let you stay here in good conscience. There’s something wrong with this place. Something… evil. I don’t know how to explain it. I just know that it’s no place fit for men.
It’s wild to me how many times I was asked for my opinion on Ghost Mine while reading it & upon finishing it — & I felt so bad, because I.. just.. didn’t.. know.. how.. I felt. & honestly, I still don’t; this review is going to be Hell to write (which is actually very fitting when it comes to this book’s setting).
One of the coolest aspects of Ghost Mine is just how unique it is — at least for me. Ghost Mine is not only a horror story, but a historical fiction & a Western. Ghouls, I’m starting to figure out that I really love historical fiction. Another thing that made this read interesting is that it’s not just about demons, djinns & all those spooky goods, but there’s a tale of friendship & romance sprinkled in.
I absolutely adored the characters. Nat, our main character & who’s perspective this story is in, is a New York City cop who takes on an assignment from his old friend (& president) Theodore Roosevelt. Nico Delacruz, known as Teta, is Nat’s best friend & partner in this assignment. He’s also my absolute favorite character in Ghost Mine. & Selma, the love interest of Nat who warns them from the dangers in Hecla. My only complaint on the characters is how Selma is looked at as a damsel that needs protecting — however, that complaint is instantly voided as this is a historical fiction & unfortunately fits with this time period.
Now, if Matthias was right, I’d rode right into hell on a rented horse and damned some good people in the process.
Ghost Mine is packed with action & supernatural beings. We have black-eyed creepy children, djinn & other spirits that roam the mines. What more could you possibly want? There are plot twists galore. It felt as if there was something always happening & that’s probably what kept me turning the pages. Yet, somehow, this story never really clicked with me which is the only reason it’s not getting a five or four-star rating. It has all of the components to be an amazing book & I hope it lands in the hands of people that absolutely adore it.
July 26, 2021
If you took a couple Supernatural monster episodes and added some cowboys and a couple Priest's you get this book.
I started and finished this book today. I had to know what was happening. I had to know if it was a big foot, man-made, supernatural, or a lizard monster. I just had to find out. The book has so many fun pieces and I was worried it wasn't going to work but man, he managed to stick that ending and it was such a fun ride.
I started and finished this book today. I had to know what was happening. I had to know if it was a big foot, man-made, supernatural, or a lizard monster. I just had to find out. The book has so many fun pieces and I was worried it wasn't going to work but man, he managed to stick that ending and it was such a fun ride.
October 11, 2025
Deep in a Wyoming mine, hell awaits. Nat Blackburn is given an offer he can't refuse by President Teddy Roosevelt. Tales of gold in the abandoned mining town of Hecla abound. The only problem - those who go seeking their fortune never return.
Former Rough Rider, Nat Blackburn, is asked by President Teddy Roosevelt to get to the bottom of what is happening in the abandoned mining town of Hecla, Wyoming. We are given a brief glimpse of the evil that awaits at the very beginning, and then it explores a bit of early 1900’s life viewed through the eyes of Nat. While Nat is one very likeable character, his "partner-in-crime" and friend, Teta. is the one that really steals the show. They're cowboys that read the stories of Arthur Conan Doyle and H.G. Wells.
Teta and Nat are both men that don't run from much of anything. They're from an earlier time, when the world seemed to have a great deal of respect for men who would fight, stand their ground, and get the needed results. Hunter Shea portrays these two men very well. There are a few other characters that are integral to the story, and they are also written just as well. I have found Hunter Shea to be able to tell an excellent story no matter what the genera is, although he mostly writes horror.
You have to wonder from the beginning what is going on in this town. Seems there are a lot of things. Things like unexplained disappearances...rumors of gold and death...lots of death, just for starters. I don’t want to spoil the 'fun" for other reader's...but you will be "treated" to not one type of nasty creature, but several other "baddies" that you would NEVER want to meet in the dark, or in the daylight for that matter...but they all seem to have taken up residency in this wild and weirdly weird, western town.
If you are a Stephen King or a Dean Koontz fan, you will easily be able to relate to this author. We learn that there are many entrances to Hell and some are closer than you would think. The veil between here and there is not just thin anymore...it’s wide open and getting even wider, while all the time inviting you to "come on in".
This book is packed with a multitude of horrors, that begin to escalate with plenty of action to go around. Once it begins it's like the best action movie you ever saw...splashed with a great big coat of blood.
I discovered this author earlier this year and have found that everything that he writes is "nightmare worthy" fodder. If you like horror or just all-out scary "stuff", you might want to give Hunter Shea a try. It certainly seems that this author really enjoys writing these stories. This story does give the reader an "intermission". Time enough to get a sandwich and the drink of your choice and catch your breath, as there is a bit of a lull in the middle, but once the creatures and the spirits come back out to "play"...it all stats up again...and believe me YOU DON'T WANT TO PLAY!
I debated with myself on the rating and finally decided on 4 stars. I can't believe that I'm saying this...there were just too many monsters. One big bad brut of a monster would have done the job just fine. But I'll still be looking for more "scarry stuff" from Mr. Shea.
Former Rough Rider, Nat Blackburn, is asked by President Teddy Roosevelt to get to the bottom of what is happening in the abandoned mining town of Hecla, Wyoming. We are given a brief glimpse of the evil that awaits at the very beginning, and then it explores a bit of early 1900’s life viewed through the eyes of Nat. While Nat is one very likeable character, his "partner-in-crime" and friend, Teta. is the one that really steals the show. They're cowboys that read the stories of Arthur Conan Doyle and H.G. Wells.
Teta and Nat are both men that don't run from much of anything. They're from an earlier time, when the world seemed to have a great deal of respect for men who would fight, stand their ground, and get the needed results. Hunter Shea portrays these two men very well. There are a few other characters that are integral to the story, and they are also written just as well. I have found Hunter Shea to be able to tell an excellent story no matter what the genera is, although he mostly writes horror.
You have to wonder from the beginning what is going on in this town. Seems there are a lot of things. Things like unexplained disappearances...rumors of gold and death...lots of death, just for starters. I don’t want to spoil the 'fun" for other reader's...but you will be "treated" to not one type of nasty creature, but several other "baddies" that you would NEVER want to meet in the dark, or in the daylight for that matter...but they all seem to have taken up residency in this wild and weirdly weird, western town.
If you are a Stephen King or a Dean Koontz fan, you will easily be able to relate to this author. We learn that there are many entrances to Hell and some are closer than you would think. The veil between here and there is not just thin anymore...it’s wide open and getting even wider, while all the time inviting you to "come on in".
This book is packed with a multitude of horrors, that begin to escalate with plenty of action to go around. Once it begins it's like the best action movie you ever saw...splashed with a great big coat of blood.
I discovered this author earlier this year and have found that everything that he writes is "nightmare worthy" fodder. If you like horror or just all-out scary "stuff", you might want to give Hunter Shea a try. It certainly seems that this author really enjoys writing these stories. This story does give the reader an "intermission". Time enough to get a sandwich and the drink of your choice and catch your breath, as there is a bit of a lull in the middle, but once the creatures and the spirits come back out to "play"...it all stats up again...and believe me YOU DON'T WANT TO PLAY!
I debated with myself on the rating and finally decided on 4 stars. I can't believe that I'm saying this...there were just too many monsters. One big bad brut of a monster would have done the job just fine. But I'll still be looking for more "scarry stuff" from Mr. Shea.
October 11, 2021
3.5/5 stars
A good intro for me with Hunter Shea. I enjoyed it for what it was but I felt the first half was much better than the second half. The first half was slow burning spookiness with weird things happening and lots of supernatural occurrences. The second half was lots of monster action I didn’t expect in a book called Ghost Mine.
Shea’s writing was a lot better than I expected I was really impressed. Overall it was a cool western horror full of ghosts, monsters and supernatural beings, but I feel like it was a bit too much and it felt a little longer than it should’ve been. Still got to give him credit for being a good writer and creating some very interesting and likable characters.
I’ll read more of his stuff knowing that I can trust his writing style and his good character work.
A good intro for me with Hunter Shea. I enjoyed it for what it was but I felt the first half was much better than the second half. The first half was slow burning spookiness with weird things happening and lots of supernatural occurrences. The second half was lots of monster action I didn’t expect in a book called Ghost Mine.
Shea’s writing was a lot better than I expected I was really impressed. Overall it was a cool western horror full of ghosts, monsters and supernatural beings, but I feel like it was a bit too much and it felt a little longer than it should’ve been. Still got to give him credit for being a good writer and creating some very interesting and likable characters.
I’ll read more of his stuff knowing that I can trust his writing style and his good character work.
September 15, 2021
Teddy Roosevelt sends two former Rough Riders to investigate strange events at Hecla, Wyoming. It's not going to be an easy trip. He previously sent an entire troop of soldiers to investigate the town. Every man disappeared. Turns out there is a lot more in the mine at Hecla than rock and gold.....a lot more.
Another great horror story from Hunter Shea! I enjoyed the Old West flair of this story. The story definitely kept my interest from start to finish. I had to keep listening to the audio book every chance I got because I wanted to know what happened to Nat and his friend Teta....and I had to know what evil lurked in that mine!!
The audio book is a bit over 11 hours long and narrated by John Chancer. Chancer does a great job of voice acting. Very entertaining audio book!
Another great horror story from Hunter Shea! I enjoyed the Old West flair of this story. The story definitely kept my interest from start to finish. I had to keep listening to the audio book every chance I got because I wanted to know what happened to Nat and his friend Teta....and I had to know what evil lurked in that mine!!
The audio book is a bit over 11 hours long and narrated by John Chancer. Chancer does a great job of voice acting. Very entertaining audio book!
April 24, 2019
Not your typical Hunter Shea monster story, but it's an enjoyable story just the same. My review is here https://wp.me/p5t5Tf-1OC
May 19, 2019
When I picked up this Flame Tree Press ARC a few days ago, I was instantly hooked and didn't want to put it down. But really, I shouldn't be surprised because last year I absolutely LOVED Hunter Shea's book, Creature.
Anyway, let's talk about this one.
When President Roosevelt calls on his friend to solve a mystery of what happened to his men in the middle of nowhere, Nat agrees to take on the case. With his good friend Teta by his side, they board a train and leave New York.
Together, these tough guys travel halfway across the country to investigate what happened in Hecla, a mining town that's now become a ghost town. A place that feels wrong, turns out to be creepy as hell, and is hiding a very deep and dark secret inside the abandoned mines...
Wow. This is one awesome and totally addictive book! It was hard to put down because everything that happened was totally unexpected.
I also thought it was such a well-written book, full of sympathetic and interesting characters that I had a blast following across the rough terrain of a changing world. I really enjoyed how in this story, the Wild West was slowly being overshadowed by trains, automobiles and a changing landscape.
Not only is Nat's voice compelling and totally engrossing, but Teta (his name cracked me up every single time!) was also such a cool, kick-ass character. A sidekick with as much personality as the main character. Their past together provided an excellent background, and their strong friendship was even better. As for Selma, well, she's got enough spunk and attitude to match both of them. I really liked her.
I also didn't expect to like Matthias and Angus as much as I did. They added to the very dark mythology our trio find themselves drowning in.
I'm not kidding when I say I enjoyed the hell out of every moment I spent reading this fantastic book. Just like Dust Devils, I don't think I've ever had this much fun reading about cowboys. I think horror westerns really work for me. 🤠
Ghost Mine turned out to be an incredibly insane, super creepy and amazingly fun horror adventure with some really menacing creatures. The action kept coming almost as quickly as the weird. The supernatural mystery at the heart of the story is enough to keep anyone who dares start this book glued to the pages, and you'll never guess where it's going because it's so unpredictable.
There's a certain surreal and nightmarish atmosphere in this story that I thought was outstanding, and kept everything under an eerie blanket of WTF. There's SO MUCH thrown into this book and every single outlandish piece fits together to keep the story well-oiled and moving right along.
I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to anyone and everyone who enjoys a quirky, action-packed tale full of memorable characters you'll miss after finishing the last page.
Seriously, check it out!
Anyway, let's talk about this one.
When President Roosevelt calls on his friend to solve a mystery of what happened to his men in the middle of nowhere, Nat agrees to take on the case. With his good friend Teta by his side, they board a train and leave New York.
Together, these tough guys travel halfway across the country to investigate what happened in Hecla, a mining town that's now become a ghost town. A place that feels wrong, turns out to be creepy as hell, and is hiding a very deep and dark secret inside the abandoned mines...
Wow. This is one awesome and totally addictive book! It was hard to put down because everything that happened was totally unexpected.
I also thought it was such a well-written book, full of sympathetic and interesting characters that I had a blast following across the rough terrain of a changing world. I really enjoyed how in this story, the Wild West was slowly being overshadowed by trains, automobiles and a changing landscape.
Not only is Nat's voice compelling and totally engrossing, but Teta (his name cracked me up every single time!) was also such a cool, kick-ass character. A sidekick with as much personality as the main character. Their past together provided an excellent background, and their strong friendship was even better. As for Selma, well, she's got enough spunk and attitude to match both of them. I really liked her.
I also didn't expect to like Matthias and Angus as much as I did. They added to the very dark mythology our trio find themselves drowning in.
I'm not kidding when I say I enjoyed the hell out of every moment I spent reading this fantastic book. Just like Dust Devils, I don't think I've ever had this much fun reading about cowboys. I think horror westerns really work for me. 🤠
Ghost Mine turned out to be an incredibly insane, super creepy and amazingly fun horror adventure with some really menacing creatures. The action kept coming almost as quickly as the weird. The supernatural mystery at the heart of the story is enough to keep anyone who dares start this book glued to the pages, and you'll never guess where it's going because it's so unpredictable.
There's a certain surreal and nightmarish atmosphere in this story that I thought was outstanding, and kept everything under an eerie blanket of WTF. There's SO MUCH thrown into this book and every single outlandish piece fits together to keep the story well-oiled and moving right along.
I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to anyone and everyone who enjoys a quirky, action-packed tale full of memorable characters you'll miss after finishing the last page.
Seriously, check it out!
June 7, 2019
So I wasn't quite sure what to expect with "Ghost Mine" and I went into it fairly blind, which I think is a good thing. Also, the Goodreads synopsis is much longer that what I featured but I think it gave too much away so I shortened it. So if you want to know more, don't hop over and read the rest.
As mentioned above, "Ghost Mine" opens with President Roosevelt sending two of his previous trusted soldiers to Wyoming to find out what happened to a troop sent to examine a gold mine and see how beneficial it will be the the US. We are introduced to Nat and Teta and I have to admit, I really loved them both. Although both characters are somewhat different, they have a wonderful camaraderie and play off of each other well. Plus Teta is a reader and never goes anywhere without something to read and during the trip out West, was fascinated by martian tales which I just found awesome.
So when the two arrive to to Hecla, weird things start to happen. And by weird, I mean really freakin' weird. The two run into all kinds of obstacles and strange entities as well as a few individuals who they can't decide if they are friend or foe. I have to admit, at first I was overwhelmed by all the "things" Shea introduces the reader too and I was quite confused about what was going on. However, all I could say is he did a great job of pulling everything together in the end and I couldn't have asked for a better explanation and conclusion.
"Ghost Mine" is a wonderfully horrific Wild West tale. I will definitely book looking for more western horror in the future. It is full of action as well as great characters and I think any fan of the horror genre will enjoy reading this one.
I received an arc of "Ghost Mine" from Flame Tree Press in exchange for an honest review.
As mentioned above, "Ghost Mine" opens with President Roosevelt sending two of his previous trusted soldiers to Wyoming to find out what happened to a troop sent to examine a gold mine and see how beneficial it will be the the US. We are introduced to Nat and Teta and I have to admit, I really loved them both. Although both characters are somewhat different, they have a wonderful camaraderie and play off of each other well. Plus Teta is a reader and never goes anywhere without something to read and during the trip out West, was fascinated by martian tales which I just found awesome.
So when the two arrive to to Hecla, weird things start to happen. And by weird, I mean really freakin' weird. The two run into all kinds of obstacles and strange entities as well as a few individuals who they can't decide if they are friend or foe. I have to admit, at first I was overwhelmed by all the "things" Shea introduces the reader too and I was quite confused about what was going on. However, all I could say is he did a great job of pulling everything together in the end and I couldn't have asked for a better explanation and conclusion.
"Ghost Mine" is a wonderfully horrific Wild West tale. I will definitely book looking for more western horror in the future. It is full of action as well as great characters and I think any fan of the horror genre will enjoy reading this one.
I received an arc of "Ghost Mine" from Flame Tree Press in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2019
I’ve read almost all of Hunter’s books. This was previously published as Hell Hole and I hadn’t got to it yet.
I had high hopes for Ghost Mine. Nat Blackburn, former Rough Rider, has been in tough situations. Investigated odd occurrences. When President Roosevelt requests he check out something strange going on in a deserted mining town, he saddles up and heads off to find out what’s what. It doesn’t take long for things to go as sideways as tumbleweeds blowing in the wind, and soon Nat and a few other characters are fighting for their lives.
Hunter can write some weird and scary stuff. I especially like his stories with cryptids. You haven’t read about any like the ones that come after these characters. And the atmosphere is tense. The unexpected can and does jump out at you, keeping the story fast and furious.
I love western horror and this felt like the old west. Rugged, dirty and no technology to do the work for you. And Hunter creates some awesome characters. Nat and his partner, Teta, are my favorites. With a woman of mystery with loads of sass joining the pair. And the two strange men that insinuate themselves into the investigation present their own unique spin on things and I look at them as well needed comic relief.
Why anyone would want to visit a scary ghost town and enter a mine where people go in and don’t come out is beyond me. But if Hunter didn’t write this scenario, I would have missed out on one heck of a read.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
I had high hopes for Ghost Mine. Nat Blackburn, former Rough Rider, has been in tough situations. Investigated odd occurrences. When President Roosevelt requests he check out something strange going on in a deserted mining town, he saddles up and heads off to find out what’s what. It doesn’t take long for things to go as sideways as tumbleweeds blowing in the wind, and soon Nat and a few other characters are fighting for their lives.
Hunter can write some weird and scary stuff. I especially like his stories with cryptids. You haven’t read about any like the ones that come after these characters. And the atmosphere is tense. The unexpected can and does jump out at you, keeping the story fast and furious.
I love western horror and this felt like the old west. Rugged, dirty and no technology to do the work for you. And Hunter creates some awesome characters. Nat and his partner, Teta, are my favorites. With a woman of mystery with loads of sass joining the pair. And the two strange men that insinuate themselves into the investigation present their own unique spin on things and I look at them as well needed comic relief.
Why anyone would want to visit a scary ghost town and enter a mine where people go in and don’t come out is beyond me. But if Hunter didn’t write this scenario, I would have missed out on one heck of a read.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
August 10, 2019
Another book by Hunter and another book he has not let me down on! So a bit of history, bit of western, bit of gold mining, all check check check so far, black-eyed children, Dijinns, ghosts, demons, wild men and the DEVIL…..Wait what!! Yes, that is right, back with Hunter and another terrifying tale to introduce us too!!
I love the idea of the Wild West and the Cowboys and random shoot outs in the street, so combining this love of mine with the supernatural and the crazy seems perfect to me! Did it deliver….yes it did!
This was a page turner for sure, so much I thought I might get a paper cut, I wanted to know more about the black eyed children but I also wanted to run so turning the pages quickly I thought might help me…….
I was hooked from the opening pages, the creepiness of the town takes a life of its own. Leaving you gasping both for air and for more. So many twists to keep you enticed to turn the pages and enough horror to keep you peeking through your fingers. I mean the first chapter, made my stomach turn and hold the book tightly in my fingers… winning! Part of me really wants to go into Hecla mine….although I doubt I would ever come back!
Another fab book from Flame Tree Press, I am never bored with their offerings and this book is way up there for me!
I love the idea of the Wild West and the Cowboys and random shoot outs in the street, so combining this love of mine with the supernatural and the crazy seems perfect to me! Did it deliver….yes it did!
This was a page turner for sure, so much I thought I might get a paper cut, I wanted to know more about the black eyed children but I also wanted to run so turning the pages quickly I thought might help me…….
I was hooked from the opening pages, the creepiness of the town takes a life of its own. Leaving you gasping both for air and for more. So many twists to keep you enticed to turn the pages and enough horror to keep you peeking through your fingers. I mean the first chapter, made my stomach turn and hold the book tightly in my fingers… winning! Part of me really wants to go into Hecla mine….although I doubt I would ever come back!
Another fab book from Flame Tree Press, I am never bored with their offerings and this book is way up there for me!
October 22, 2020
What do I not see enough of in books? Horror stories full of scares and violence set in the old American West featuring spooky abandoned (or not) gold mines and a climactic fight of Biblical proportions. How do I know I need more of this? Because I just finished Hunter Shea's Ghost Mine and loved every second of it!
The tale is about two immediately likable rough-and-tough leads, Nat and Teta, who team up to explore a mysteriously abandoned mining town in Wyoming at the behest of President Roosevelt. Nat is an aging ex-soldier/ex-cop, and Teta is his Dominican sidekick who has been with him through thick and thin. Together they have survived insurmountable odds, but this latest assignment is beyond anything they've ever seen.
I absolutely love these two characters, and I was onboard from their very first wisecrack and background story. Their violent tendencies and slight insanity would seem a little much in a normal story, but these are exactly the characteristics that may help them survive the horrors in the mines. Nat in particular is given a lot of depth and complexity in his character, and I found it quite easy to sympathize with him along the way. Teta is very much the sidekick painted in broader strokes, but he's still an integral part of the story and is given moments to shine. Nat needs him, and so do we.
I also love the pacing in the story. Shea does an amazing job of building suspense; slowly peeling back layers of the mystery while also peppering the story with moments of dread or outright fear. It really kept me on my toes trying to guess what would happen next, and I love all of the twists and elements that I did NOT expect (unfortunately I can't discuss them here because they're spoilers, but also because this book works best going in with no expectations). Is the story about ghosts, monsters, creatures, demons, or something else? The answer is yes, and that's all I'll say.
More things I liked? Okay! How about the two characters that were introduced halfway through that made for an intriguing dynamic to the cast, or literally any creepy part set down in the mine shafts (seriously, I'm afraid of the dark and claustrophobic, and Shea's brilliant writing made these scenes all too visceral and terrifying)? How about the blend of mythology, folklore, and the supernatural? Or the way almost every chapter ends in a cliffhanger (I've never seen so many ways to say "and suddenly things got a whole lot worse")? I could go on, but I won't. And things I didn't like? Ummmm I'm going to have to get back to you.
If you wanted to make comparisons you could use The Descent, Bone Tomahawk, Constantine, The Lone Ranger, Scooby Doo, and Indiana Jones - but then throw them away because none of them do this story justice. Instead you need to stop everything, go get this book, and then buckle up because it's a hell of a ride. This is my first time reading Hunter Shea and I'm hooked! Excuse me while I go get everything else he has ever written!
The tale is about two immediately likable rough-and-tough leads, Nat and Teta, who team up to explore a mysteriously abandoned mining town in Wyoming at the behest of President Roosevelt. Nat is an aging ex-soldier/ex-cop, and Teta is his Dominican sidekick who has been with him through thick and thin. Together they have survived insurmountable odds, but this latest assignment is beyond anything they've ever seen.
I absolutely love these two characters, and I was onboard from their very first wisecrack and background story. Their violent tendencies and slight insanity would seem a little much in a normal story, but these are exactly the characteristics that may help them survive the horrors in the mines. Nat in particular is given a lot of depth and complexity in his character, and I found it quite easy to sympathize with him along the way. Teta is very much the sidekick painted in broader strokes, but he's still an integral part of the story and is given moments to shine. Nat needs him, and so do we.
I also love the pacing in the story. Shea does an amazing job of building suspense; slowly peeling back layers of the mystery while also peppering the story with moments of dread or outright fear. It really kept me on my toes trying to guess what would happen next, and I love all of the twists and elements that I did NOT expect (unfortunately I can't discuss them here because they're spoilers, but also because this book works best going in with no expectations). Is the story about ghosts, monsters, creatures, demons, or something else? The answer is yes, and that's all I'll say.
More things I liked? Okay! How about the two characters that were introduced halfway through that made for an intriguing dynamic to the cast, or literally any creepy part set down in the mine shafts (seriously, I'm afraid of the dark and claustrophobic, and Shea's brilliant writing made these scenes all too visceral and terrifying)? How about the blend of mythology, folklore, and the supernatural? Or the way almost every chapter ends in a cliffhanger (I've never seen so many ways to say "and suddenly things got a whole lot worse")? I could go on, but I won't. And things I didn't like? Ummmm I'm going to have to get back to you.
If you wanted to make comparisons you could use The Descent, Bone Tomahawk, Constantine, The Lone Ranger, Scooby Doo, and Indiana Jones - but then throw them away because none of them do this story justice. Instead you need to stop everything, go get this book, and then buckle up because it's a hell of a ride. This is my first time reading Hunter Shea and I'm hooked! Excuse me while I go get everything else he has ever written!
October 22, 2020
I was super duper lucky to Buddy Read this with Ben Long from Reads Vicariously.
https://janinesghoststories.wordpress...
I think that I have read enough of Hunter’s works by now to pretty much know and love his style of writing.
There are also some rules that I have quickly learnt.
a) NEVER get too attached to any character no matter how integral you imagine them to be to the plot.
2) Always expected the unexpected.
d) Strap yourself in and it is going to be a fast and continuous wild ride.
A lot of people write slow burns and that is fine. With Hunter however, it is all business all the time.
And I love it.
Ghost Mine inevitably caused me to draw some comparison to one of my most favourite books, Desperation because of the mine setting.
But I am happy to report that Hunter’s amazing writing was able to easily match King, in my opinion.
And that is what this review is of course, MY opinion. And just to be clear, if for some reason you hadn’t picked up on it yet, Hunter is one of my two all time favourite writers. And the second ain’t King.
So what can I say about this book without giving too much away?
We start with two chaps sent to the arse end of nowhere on a mission from the president. That would be Teddy Roosevelt so it’s the 1900’s and this is yee-ha cowboy territory. On the way they meet a purdee lady. And when they arrive in Hecla, all hell breaks loose …
It is creepy, funny, scary, interesting, entertaining and hella good.
Around half way through we get two more reprobates introduced and thankfully they add to the already rich dynamic beautifully rather than hinder it with too many cooks.
Now, when I say that the you know what really hits the fan and never lets up, I mean it. We are talking full throttle, foot to the floor all out action right up until the last pages.
I will just say this. Hunter has never disappointed me. He thrills and chills me and if I ever think ‘hey, I know where this is going’, I am given a metaphorical slap for being a know-it-all and of course proven totally wrong. Which I like.
I’ll have to get back to you with the bad points. But you’ll be waiting a long time.
Ghost Mine is full of cliff hangers and plenty of what on earth??? Moments.
All in all I loved it.
https://janinesghoststories.wordpress...
I think that I have read enough of Hunter’s works by now to pretty much know and love his style of writing.
There are also some rules that I have quickly learnt.
a) NEVER get too attached to any character no matter how integral you imagine them to be to the plot.
2) Always expected the unexpected.
d) Strap yourself in and it is going to be a fast and continuous wild ride.
A lot of people write slow burns and that is fine. With Hunter however, it is all business all the time.
And I love it.
Ghost Mine inevitably caused me to draw some comparison to one of my most favourite books, Desperation because of the mine setting.
But I am happy to report that Hunter’s amazing writing was able to easily match King, in my opinion.
And that is what this review is of course, MY opinion. And just to be clear, if for some reason you hadn’t picked up on it yet, Hunter is one of my two all time favourite writers. And the second ain’t King.
So what can I say about this book without giving too much away?
We start with two chaps sent to the arse end of nowhere on a mission from the president. That would be Teddy Roosevelt so it’s the 1900’s and this is yee-ha cowboy territory. On the way they meet a purdee lady. And when they arrive in Hecla, all hell breaks loose …
It is creepy, funny, scary, interesting, entertaining and hella good.
Around half way through we get two more reprobates introduced and thankfully they add to the already rich dynamic beautifully rather than hinder it with too many cooks.
Now, when I say that the you know what really hits the fan and never lets up, I mean it. We are talking full throttle, foot to the floor all out action right up until the last pages.
I will just say this. Hunter has never disappointed me. He thrills and chills me and if I ever think ‘hey, I know where this is going’, I am given a metaphorical slap for being a know-it-all and of course proven totally wrong. Which I like.
I’ll have to get back to you with the bad points. But you’ll be waiting a long time.
Ghost Mine is full of cliff hangers and plenty of what on earth??? Moments.
All in all I loved it.
December 27, 2019
A well-written western with lots of heart...and teeth.
I'd never read Hunter Shea before, but I'd heard about him plenty. In fact, we can all blame Jonathan Janz for my discovery of Shea, though it was completely indirect and unintentional. A little over a year ago, I discovered Janz's writing, and when I looked up Flame Tree Press to discover more of his titles, I kept seeing Hunter Shea's books popping up. His name came up more and more as I have become more immersed in the horror community on social media, and I finally decided Flame Tree and all these other folks raving about his work couldn't be wrong.
And they weren't! GHOST MINE is a terrific western and also a great siege/standoff story with ghosts and ghouls from beyond the veil. I really loved the characters, perhaps Teddah most of all. They were written with nuance and depth, genuine emotion and raw energy boiling out of them all. And they were VARIED! This is nice, as sometimes authors get caught up so much in one character, it seems to bleed onto all the others in the story. Not the case here. Each character is an individual with their own history and world view and strengths and weaknesses. The interplay between them all is also a masterclass in characterization. I can't stress enough how well-drawn the characters are here, and I think that was the strongest part of the novel.
The story itself was interesting, and it takes its time to reveal all of what's going on. This works to the readers's advantage as we get to revel in the mystery of what's happened and is still happening in Heckla. As the tensions rise and new truths are revealed, we're carried away into what turns out to be a strong climax with a perfect wrap up after the denouement.
I'll be checking out more of Shea's work directly, but in the meantime, if you've been on the fence about GHOST MINE, don't be. Just check it out. It's a lot of fun. You'll feel the tingle of excitement, the intoxication of mystery, the chill of terror, and you'll manage to laugh out loud a few times as well.
Great fun, GREAT characters, and come on...who doesn't like a good old western? I give it 4 out of 5 stampeding horses.
I'd never read Hunter Shea before, but I'd heard about him plenty. In fact, we can all blame Jonathan Janz for my discovery of Shea, though it was completely indirect and unintentional. A little over a year ago, I discovered Janz's writing, and when I looked up Flame Tree Press to discover more of his titles, I kept seeing Hunter Shea's books popping up. His name came up more and more as I have become more immersed in the horror community on social media, and I finally decided Flame Tree and all these other folks raving about his work couldn't be wrong.
And they weren't! GHOST MINE is a terrific western and also a great siege/standoff story with ghosts and ghouls from beyond the veil. I really loved the characters, perhaps Teddah most of all. They were written with nuance and depth, genuine emotion and raw energy boiling out of them all. And they were VARIED! This is nice, as sometimes authors get caught up so much in one character, it seems to bleed onto all the others in the story. Not the case here. Each character is an individual with their own history and world view and strengths and weaknesses. The interplay between them all is also a masterclass in characterization. I can't stress enough how well-drawn the characters are here, and I think that was the strongest part of the novel.
The story itself was interesting, and it takes its time to reveal all of what's going on. This works to the readers's advantage as we get to revel in the mystery of what's happened and is still happening in Heckla. As the tensions rise and new truths are revealed, we're carried away into what turns out to be a strong climax with a perfect wrap up after the denouement.
I'll be checking out more of Shea's work directly, but in the meantime, if you've been on the fence about GHOST MINE, don't be. Just check it out. It's a lot of fun. You'll feel the tingle of excitement, the intoxication of mystery, the chill of terror, and you'll manage to laugh out loud a few times as well.
Great fun, GREAT characters, and come on...who doesn't like a good old western? I give it 4 out of 5 stampeding horses.
Read
May 14, 2019This is a cracking Horror/Western with a good dose of creature feature too!
The story follows Nat Blackburn, a former cowboy and rough rider, now NY Cop and his comrade and fellow rough rider Teta.
They are sent by president Teddy Roosevelt to investigate the deserted town of Hecla and it’s mysterious mines after the once bustling mining town has become desolate, everyone that sets foot in Hecla is never heard from again. There is something VERY strange happening in Hecla, what will they find there?!
Full review on my blog - http://darkreads.blog/2019/05/14/blog...
The story follows Nat Blackburn, a former cowboy and rough rider, now NY Cop and his comrade and fellow rough rider Teta.
They are sent by president Teddy Roosevelt to investigate the deserted town of Hecla and it’s mysterious mines after the once bustling mining town has become desolate, everyone that sets foot in Hecla is never heard from again. There is something VERY strange happening in Hecla, what will they find there?!
Full review on my blog - http://darkreads.blog/2019/05/14/blog...
June 8, 2019
Epic! Review forthcoming from Aphotic Realm
May 5, 2020
Hunter Shea sucks you into this novel from the get-go and then sinks in the teeth. Both the prose and the dialogue are engaging. You’ll feel transported into the Old West, right alongside Nat and Teta, whose friendship often had me in stitches—the laugh out loud kind. I absolutely love their backstory as well as their quips as things get progressively weirder and weirder.
Let’s talk about that weirdness, shall we? Circumstances have to be pretty dire when the president personally asks you to investigate a location that seems to swallow people whole. Is greed luring miners there to get rich, or is something more sinister at play? Shea does a stellar job referencing reality in this novel, making logical explanations entirely believable—at least, at first. Tethering the story to Hecla (which the epilogue confirms is a real place) works wonders here. Now, back to the weirdness… I don’t want to spoil all the nail biting surprises, but rest assured that the supernatural pandemonium will satisfy horror fans. More than one dark force lurks in those mountains. Fortunately, the preacher and hulking mute arrive to help figure it all out—two more standout characters, if you ask me. Mix in a little bit of romantic tension—and girl power—thanks to Selma’s presence, and this novel has something for everyone, not just horror enthusiasts. Also important to note: Shea isn’t afraid to infuse emotion into this book, which brings an added dimension.
Make sure you get ahold of this read, if you like edge-of-your-seat adventures. For me, the closing of the book felt too brief. I kind of wanted to get more of a sense of what happens once everything is all over, not that I don’t mind open-ended wrap ups. Those can be the best. What I’m hoping (and I’m sure I’m not alone in this) is that Shea has another installment in store for Nat and Teta…many of us will saddle up for that, for sure!
Let’s talk about that weirdness, shall we? Circumstances have to be pretty dire when the president personally asks you to investigate a location that seems to swallow people whole. Is greed luring miners there to get rich, or is something more sinister at play? Shea does a stellar job referencing reality in this novel, making logical explanations entirely believable—at least, at first. Tethering the story to Hecla (which the epilogue confirms is a real place) works wonders here. Now, back to the weirdness… I don’t want to spoil all the nail biting surprises, but rest assured that the supernatural pandemonium will satisfy horror fans. More than one dark force lurks in those mountains. Fortunately, the preacher and hulking mute arrive to help figure it all out—two more standout characters, if you ask me. Mix in a little bit of romantic tension—and girl power—thanks to Selma’s presence, and this novel has something for everyone, not just horror enthusiasts. Also important to note: Shea isn’t afraid to infuse emotion into this book, which brings an added dimension.
Make sure you get ahold of this read, if you like edge-of-your-seat adventures. For me, the closing of the book felt too brief. I kind of wanted to get more of a sense of what happens once everything is all over, not that I don’t mind open-ended wrap ups. Those can be the best. What I’m hoping (and I’m sure I’m not alone in this) is that Shea has another installment in store for Nat and Teta…many of us will saddle up for that, for sure!
June 9, 2022
If you like your horror fun, with bigfoot, devils, demons, Djinn, ghost children and ghosts....then take it and place it in the 1910's and in a western town that has a haunted mine; this is for you! It was just fun for me.
Check out my Video Review for it here: https://youtu.be/SKqTFGFbyXM
Yes, as being a Hunter Shea fan of his graphic horror novels, this one was not what I was expecting. As it started out kinda slow, and at the time of Roosevelt being President, I thought: What the hell is this book about and when is it going to get scary? Well, it never got scary, however there are some scenes of gore that I would not call graphic, but might be upsetting for some.
When two men are asked by the President to go to a small town of Hecla Wymoing to see if they can find the troops that went missing years before; they accept on the hopes that they are going to find 'Gold in them thar hills!' but what they find is all of the above mentioned and more.
Normally i do not read westerns, especially a Horror Western though I know a lot of people do. Without having anything else to compare this to, i will have to say that i listened to this in one day and thought it was crazy, and silly, at the same time. Now, don't get me wrong, when you first start it you think, okay; this does not work for this time in history, but author Shea pulls it off.
I would not recommend this to a true 'Horror by the seat of your dirty shorts' kind of reader, but to someone who easily is able to suspend their belief and go along for the silly and monster filled ride.
3 🦬🩸🕷️
Check out my Video Review for it here: https://youtu.be/SKqTFGFbyXM
Yes, as being a Hunter Shea fan of his graphic horror novels, this one was not what I was expecting. As it started out kinda slow, and at the time of Roosevelt being President, I thought: What the hell is this book about and when is it going to get scary? Well, it never got scary, however there are some scenes of gore that I would not call graphic, but might be upsetting for some.
When two men are asked by the President to go to a small town of Hecla Wymoing to see if they can find the troops that went missing years before; they accept on the hopes that they are going to find 'Gold in them thar hills!' but what they find is all of the above mentioned and more.
Normally i do not read westerns, especially a Horror Western though I know a lot of people do. Without having anything else to compare this to, i will have to say that i listened to this in one day and thought it was crazy, and silly, at the same time. Now, don't get me wrong, when you first start it you think, okay; this does not work for this time in history, but author Shea pulls it off.
I would not recommend this to a true 'Horror by the seat of your dirty shorts' kind of reader, but to someone who easily is able to suspend their belief and go along for the silly and monster filled ride.
3 🦬🩸🕷️
March 20, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from Flame Tree Press for an honest review.
Ghost Mine by Hunter Shea (previously released under the title Hell Hole) is a combination of Western and Ghost Story.
President Teddy Roosevelt sends two of his former Rough Riders, Nat and Teta, to Wyoming to investigate the Hecla Mine to find out what happened to the party previously sent there and to determine if there is actually Gold in the Mine. They are joined by some colorful characters on their journey. Once at the Mine they come across an assortment of adversaries consisting of Ghosts, Demons, Djinn, Bigfoot Creatures and even the Devil himself.
The Author does a great job of character development and of building the tension until the thrilling climax.
Ghost Mine by Hunter Shea (previously released under the title Hell Hole) is a combination of Western and Ghost Story.
President Teddy Roosevelt sends two of his former Rough Riders, Nat and Teta, to Wyoming to investigate the Hecla Mine to find out what happened to the party previously sent there and to determine if there is actually Gold in the Mine. They are joined by some colorful characters on their journey. Once at the Mine they come across an assortment of adversaries consisting of Ghosts, Demons, Djinn, Bigfoot Creatures and even the Devil himself.
The Author does a great job of character development and of building the tension until the thrilling climax.
May 28, 2019
My thanks to #FlameTreePress and #HunterShea for my ARC copy of this book.
A great adventure horror novel that will have you wondering if you should take requests from presidents. What is found in this Wyoming mine is beyond belief. Another great read from Hunter Shea.
A great adventure horror novel that will have you wondering if you should take requests from presidents. What is found in this Wyoming mine is beyond belief. Another great read from Hunter Shea.
January 22, 2025
Decent creepy read that will keep you intrigued. On a mission direct from Teddy Roosevelt, the MC and his friend head off to Wyoming to find out what strange happenings are going on in a small ghost town. Of course there's more than one reason they are being sent but the main is to determine if there really is gold there. Why everyone who enters the town never leaves is the second thing they must determine and unfortunately it won't be an easy job. While the duo thinks the biggest threat in store is a protective band of Indians turns into a brush with the literal devil. Pretty quick read and the audio was a good listen.
May 12, 2019
First of all, massive thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me on this Random Things Tour and to Flame Tree Press for sending me a beautiful review copy! I have to say: Flame Tree Press is solely responsible for my reconnecting with the horror genre and they are killing it at the mo! So if you’re in the market for rekindling your old love for horror, or maybe jump-starting an entirely new love, this is an excellent place to start!
So let me tell you a little bit more about this particular Flame Tree Press baby I was fortunate enough to read already: Ghost Mine.
After a prologue that sets the tone for the rest of the novel (i.e. it creeped me out), Ghost Mine starts with an introduction of its two main players. They are two men who could not be more different but they are the best of friends and made it through battle together, saving each other’s life more than once: Nat Blackburn, the cowboy with the Stetson, and Nico – Teta – Delacruz, the Dominican with the sombrero. For those of you who know some Spanish, yes, that nickname means exactly what you’re thinking it might mean, but apparently, if you don’t ask, he won’t tell, and I thought it was safer not to ask! Nat was a Rough Rider alongside president Theodore Roosevelt (Roosevelt’s Rough Riders were an actual US army regiment, by the way), and now Teddy needs a tough guy to help him out. He asks Nat to go to Hecla, a deserted town in the middle of nowhere, and investigate a mine that is apparently the place to find gold and, seemingly, to lose people, because every single person who goes to this old mine town is never seen again, including a group of soldiers. Strange? Yes! Intriguing? Even more so! And so this little blogger happily joined Nat and Teta on their travels! Said travels are by train and on horseback, since Ghost Mine is set in what feels like the wild west, in a time where the automobile was not that commonly used, especially not outside the larger cities. Although I’m not a western film fan at all, I really liked that, the setting fits the story perfectly. Moreover, Hunter Shea has a very expressive and suggestive way with words, never overly descriptive, yet so evocative that I could practically smell the horses and feel the dust on my lips.
Nat and Teta’s adventures begin on the train from New York City, where they were working as police officers, to Laramie, Wyoming which is as close as they can get to Hecla by public transport. Once in Laramie, they have to get horses to travel to Hecla. Although at this point, Nat seems more interested in Selma, the farmer’s daughter, than in her horses. Selma has a history with Hecla too: her husband and his brothers went there to search for gold and never returned. And so eventually she decides to join Nat and Teta, in hopes of finally finding out what happened to her family. I have to admit, I did raise my eyebrows at Nat and Teta and how they seem towards women, almost objectifying them on the one hand, treating them like damsels in distress on the other. But then I reminded myself that their attitudes were completely in sync with the times and the genre. In any case, as the story progresses, the guys don’t have a lot of time to ponder the allure of the female body: there’s black-eyed kids and monsters and Djinns and things that would give Cujo a run for his money. And the problem is, once you are in Hecla, it does not let you leave again, and it doesn’t seem very keen on letting you live either. All this creates a very claustrophobic little world that spooked me and creeped me out and, well, delighted me in equal measure.
From strange, inexplicable sounds and rather timid black-eyed kids, the story escalates to include a lot of things that go more than a little bump in the night. I read this as a reward for a whole day of adulting, and it was just what I needed to chill and relax and forget all about the world.
Recommended to horror fans, especially those with a little western love to boot!
So let me tell you a little bit more about this particular Flame Tree Press baby I was fortunate enough to read already: Ghost Mine.
After a prologue that sets the tone for the rest of the novel (i.e. it creeped me out), Ghost Mine starts with an introduction of its two main players. They are two men who could not be more different but they are the best of friends and made it through battle together, saving each other’s life more than once: Nat Blackburn, the cowboy with the Stetson, and Nico – Teta – Delacruz, the Dominican with the sombrero. For those of you who know some Spanish, yes, that nickname means exactly what you’re thinking it might mean, but apparently, if you don’t ask, he won’t tell, and I thought it was safer not to ask! Nat was a Rough Rider alongside president Theodore Roosevelt (Roosevelt’s Rough Riders were an actual US army regiment, by the way), and now Teddy needs a tough guy to help him out. He asks Nat to go to Hecla, a deserted town in the middle of nowhere, and investigate a mine that is apparently the place to find gold and, seemingly, to lose people, because every single person who goes to this old mine town is never seen again, including a group of soldiers. Strange? Yes! Intriguing? Even more so! And so this little blogger happily joined Nat and Teta on their travels! Said travels are by train and on horseback, since Ghost Mine is set in what feels like the wild west, in a time where the automobile was not that commonly used, especially not outside the larger cities. Although I’m not a western film fan at all, I really liked that, the setting fits the story perfectly. Moreover, Hunter Shea has a very expressive and suggestive way with words, never overly descriptive, yet so evocative that I could practically smell the horses and feel the dust on my lips.
Nat and Teta’s adventures begin on the train from New York City, where they were working as police officers, to Laramie, Wyoming which is as close as they can get to Hecla by public transport. Once in Laramie, they have to get horses to travel to Hecla. Although at this point, Nat seems more interested in Selma, the farmer’s daughter, than in her horses. Selma has a history with Hecla too: her husband and his brothers went there to search for gold and never returned. And so eventually she decides to join Nat and Teta, in hopes of finally finding out what happened to her family. I have to admit, I did raise my eyebrows at Nat and Teta and how they seem towards women, almost objectifying them on the one hand, treating them like damsels in distress on the other. But then I reminded myself that their attitudes were completely in sync with the times and the genre. In any case, as the story progresses, the guys don’t have a lot of time to ponder the allure of the female body: there’s black-eyed kids and monsters and Djinns and things that would give Cujo a run for his money. And the problem is, once you are in Hecla, it does not let you leave again, and it doesn’t seem very keen on letting you live either. All this creates a very claustrophobic little world that spooked me and creeped me out and, well, delighted me in equal measure.
From strange, inexplicable sounds and rather timid black-eyed kids, the story escalates to include a lot of things that go more than a little bump in the night. I read this as a reward for a whole day of adulting, and it was just what I needed to chill and relax and forget all about the world.
Recommended to horror fans, especially those with a little western love to boot!
April 29, 2019
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.*
Hunter Shea's Ghost Mine brings the ghost/demon haunted trope to the old west. Set during the turn of the century, when Theodore Roosevelt was President, a mine that is crawling with just about every supernatural force you can think of, is terrorizing a small town in Wyoming. Ghost Mine begs the question, “Would you go through Hell to be rich?”. It also answer's itself that sometimes you have no choice and if you get away with you life, you struck gold.
Ghost Mine- previously titled “Hell Hole”, takes place in a mining town in Wyoming. When troops sent by President Teddy Roosevelt to Declan, Wyoming to scout the mine there for gold do not return, the President enlists his old army buddy, Nat Blackburn, to go find out what is happening in Declan, and if there really is gold in the mine there. Nat, along with his friend Teta, set off for Wyoming and when they reach their destination, they are greeted by only a barren wasteland. Here, they face very different horrors than the ones Nat had previously faced in the war- Black-eyed children, strange lights, and ferocious wild men that crawl out from the mine. But there is a force deep inside the abandoned mine, waiting for the next gold digger to try his luck in the Ghost Mine.
Ghost Mine is a supernatural western, which is unique and original. I can't think of one quite like it off the top of my head. The premise is interesting, and had potential, but I feel that potential was tossed aside for an over abundance of supernatural entities. Nat and Teta face down ghosts, demons, Djinn, a Bigfoot-like creature and the Devil himself. Ok! Too many evil cooks in this kitchen! I feel the story faltered due to too many entities and lack of explanation. Pick a few, give a solid, detailed backstory, and it would have been a much better story. Instead we get a smorgasbord of the supernatural, no idea why. And just because the Devil is there is not reason enough for me. Surprisingly, with so many evil, nasty characters, there wasn't much gore. I don't mind gore either way, just surprising with the amount of evil in town, no ones head ended up on a spike.
There were some very good characters and I have to say that the author did a great job with the characterization. Nat and Teta meet quite a few interesting people on the way to Wyoming, who end up accompanying the duo to their devilish destination. Teta and Angus were my favorite characters in the book.
I also have to give Shea the credit of doing his research. Nat and Theodore Roosevelt were “Rough Riders” together in the Spanish/American war. This is how they knew each other and why Roosevelt trusted Nat with such a task. I had no idea what a “Rough Rider” was so I went to my good friend Google. Rough Riders was a nickname given to the 1st United States Calvary, one of three raised in 1898 for the war, and the only one to see action. Theodore Roosevelt was one of the founders. His group, which Nat was a part of, were known as “Roosevelt's Rough Riders”, some pretty bad ass soldiers consisting mostly of cowboys, ranchers, miners, and other outdoors man. Now aside from Nat's character, all of this is true, which I thought was pretty impressive that this was how Shea decided Nat and Roosevelt knew each other. Either Shea is a big American History buff, or did his due diligence in research, either way, the connection was very cool and I learned something!
Ghost Mine has plenty of chills and thrills that every horror junky would want. But, I felt it was cluttered by the number of “bad guys”. I felt this really weakened the story and took away from a tale that had a ton of potential. Hunter Shea did a decent job with Ghost Mine, and I won't deter anyone from reading it. I'm disappointed by a unique opportunity that was sorely missed.
Hunter Shea's Ghost Mine brings the ghost/demon haunted trope to the old west. Set during the turn of the century, when Theodore Roosevelt was President, a mine that is crawling with just about every supernatural force you can think of, is terrorizing a small town in Wyoming. Ghost Mine begs the question, “Would you go through Hell to be rich?”. It also answer's itself that sometimes you have no choice and if you get away with you life, you struck gold.
Ghost Mine- previously titled “Hell Hole”, takes place in a mining town in Wyoming. When troops sent by President Teddy Roosevelt to Declan, Wyoming to scout the mine there for gold do not return, the President enlists his old army buddy, Nat Blackburn, to go find out what is happening in Declan, and if there really is gold in the mine there. Nat, along with his friend Teta, set off for Wyoming and when they reach their destination, they are greeted by only a barren wasteland. Here, they face very different horrors than the ones Nat had previously faced in the war- Black-eyed children, strange lights, and ferocious wild men that crawl out from the mine. But there is a force deep inside the abandoned mine, waiting for the next gold digger to try his luck in the Ghost Mine.
Ghost Mine is a supernatural western, which is unique and original. I can't think of one quite like it off the top of my head. The premise is interesting, and had potential, but I feel that potential was tossed aside for an over abundance of supernatural entities. Nat and Teta face down ghosts, demons, Djinn, a Bigfoot-like creature and the Devil himself. Ok! Too many evil cooks in this kitchen! I feel the story faltered due to too many entities and lack of explanation. Pick a few, give a solid, detailed backstory, and it would have been a much better story. Instead we get a smorgasbord of the supernatural, no idea why. And just because the Devil is there is not reason enough for me. Surprisingly, with so many evil, nasty characters, there wasn't much gore. I don't mind gore either way, just surprising with the amount of evil in town, no ones head ended up on a spike.
There were some very good characters and I have to say that the author did a great job with the characterization. Nat and Teta meet quite a few interesting people on the way to Wyoming, who end up accompanying the duo to their devilish destination. Teta and Angus were my favorite characters in the book.
I also have to give Shea the credit of doing his research. Nat and Theodore Roosevelt were “Rough Riders” together in the Spanish/American war. This is how they knew each other and why Roosevelt trusted Nat with such a task. I had no idea what a “Rough Rider” was so I went to my good friend Google. Rough Riders was a nickname given to the 1st United States Calvary, one of three raised in 1898 for the war, and the only one to see action. Theodore Roosevelt was one of the founders. His group, which Nat was a part of, were known as “Roosevelt's Rough Riders”, some pretty bad ass soldiers consisting mostly of cowboys, ranchers, miners, and other outdoors man. Now aside from Nat's character, all of this is true, which I thought was pretty impressive that this was how Shea decided Nat and Roosevelt knew each other. Either Shea is a big American History buff, or did his due diligence in research, either way, the connection was very cool and I learned something!
Ghost Mine has plenty of chills and thrills that every horror junky would want. But, I felt it was cluttered by the number of “bad guys”. I felt this really weakened the story and took away from a tale that had a ton of potential. Hunter Shea did a decent job with Ghost Mine, and I won't deter anyone from reading it. I'm disappointed by a unique opportunity that was sorely missed.
January 26, 2020
Originally posted on the book blog Creature From the Book Lagoon.
*Triggers: Lots of animal death.
Love the premise about an old haunted gold mining town and two old cowboys going out to check it out. There are a lot of super creepy elements. The whole setting is very atmospheric and sends chills down your spine. I mean, abandoned ghost towns are eerie enough withOUT any actual ghosts, so as soon as the first slightest hints of the supernatural starts to happen in Hecla, you know you are in for something strange and unusual. This was definitely a very unique take on a ghost town / mine.
Sometimes I felt like there was a little bit too much going on in this book. There are just a lot of different aspects of folklore and religions all thrown in together on this one and it felt all over the place at times. It was cool getting to see so many monsters all wrapped up together, but at the same time, I wished that Hunter had only focused on one direction. It just felt so jumbled up and cluttered at times. There were some super cool monsters I wished had been more of a focus, but because of sharing the scene with tons of other monsters and ghosts, we only see a snippet of their story. :/ That was kind of a bummer!
I was also a little bummed that it hadn’t just been ghosts. That doesn’t make this book good or bad, it was just very different then what I thought I was getting when I went into this book. I was jonesing for some awesome ghost action, and it ended up being way more of a certain horror theme that is not exactly my favorite. Don’t want to give away an spoilers, though, so I’m not going to say what theme that is. It is a cool idea, don’t get me wrong… just, not really for me.
Good and bad, I loved the cast of characters. Lots of great chemistry between them. I really enjoyed watching the main characters interact with each other. Also, the way everyone was written, they felt authentic for their time, while also trying to have a more modern point of view (i.e. not incredible sexist or racist).
The narrator for the audiobook does a really nice job. He definitely felt old timey cowboy. He also did a nice job with accents and keeping the voices distinct from one another. I especially loved the late-to-the-party preacher / ghost hunter. All in all, John Chancer pretty much nails the personalities in these voices.
My biggest complaint with this book is the animal deaths. There are a lot. And they are pretty detailed. 😡 This is a complaint I’ve had with Hunter’s books before. I always hate when there is excessive animal death in a book. Dammit Hunter, stop killing the animals! 😛
Ghost Mine was an entertaining read. Interesting take on a ghost town and mine. A good book, but a little bit too jumbled together for me and not really my cup of tea for the main villain. Great atmosphere, fun characters, and a pretty spot on narrator. I would probably give it a 4 instead of a 3 if there hadn’t been so much animal death. -__-
*Triggers: Lots of animal death.
Love the premise about an old haunted gold mining town and two old cowboys going out to check it out. There are a lot of super creepy elements. The whole setting is very atmospheric and sends chills down your spine. I mean, abandoned ghost towns are eerie enough withOUT any actual ghosts, so as soon as the first slightest hints of the supernatural starts to happen in Hecla, you know you are in for something strange and unusual. This was definitely a very unique take on a ghost town / mine.
Sometimes I felt like there was a little bit too much going on in this book. There are just a lot of different aspects of folklore and religions all thrown in together on this one and it felt all over the place at times. It was cool getting to see so many monsters all wrapped up together, but at the same time, I wished that Hunter had only focused on one direction. It just felt so jumbled up and cluttered at times. There were some super cool monsters I wished had been more of a focus, but because of sharing the scene with tons of other monsters and ghosts, we only see a snippet of their story. :/ That was kind of a bummer!
I was also a little bummed that it hadn’t just been ghosts. That doesn’t make this book good or bad, it was just very different then what I thought I was getting when I went into this book. I was jonesing for some awesome ghost action, and it ended up being way more of a certain horror theme that is not exactly my favorite. Don’t want to give away an spoilers, though, so I’m not going to say what theme that is. It is a cool idea, don’t get me wrong… just, not really for me.
Good and bad, I loved the cast of characters. Lots of great chemistry between them. I really enjoyed watching the main characters interact with each other. Also, the way everyone was written, they felt authentic for their time, while also trying to have a more modern point of view (i.e. not incredible sexist or racist).
The narrator for the audiobook does a really nice job. He definitely felt old timey cowboy. He also did a nice job with accents and keeping the voices distinct from one another. I especially loved the late-to-the-party preacher / ghost hunter. All in all, John Chancer pretty much nails the personalities in these voices.
My biggest complaint with this book is the animal deaths. There are a lot. And they are pretty detailed. 😡 This is a complaint I’ve had with Hunter’s books before. I always hate when there is excessive animal death in a book. Dammit Hunter, stop killing the animals! 😛
Ghost Mine was an entertaining read. Interesting take on a ghost town and mine. A good book, but a little bit too jumbled together for me and not really my cup of tea for the main villain. Great atmosphere, fun characters, and a pretty spot on narrator. I would probably give it a 4 instead of a 3 if there hadn’t been so much animal death. -__-
May 7, 2019
Is this a historical novel? Is it a western? Is it a horror tale? Yes yes and YES! ‘Ghost Mine is all of this and more! I started the book with a cautious trepidation as Flametree Books can be pretty hair raising, but the opener put the shivers right up me and then in went darker still.
The reader is taken into the bowels of the earth, at a time when America was still in its infancy and gold mining was taking off. Theordore Roosevelt was the president and opportunity was there, in the vast expanse of the American North for anyone who was prepared to work hard enough to make things happen for them.
Roosevelt calls in a favour from a friend,New York Cop Nate Blackburn, a former ‘Rough Rider’, part of his elite cavalry who fought in the Spanish-American War. Roosevelt has sent troops to the town of Hecla, Wyoming to look for gold in the mines, but they don’t return. He asks Nate to investigate, and , having nothing better to do and sensing a mystery, he takes his buddy,Teta, down to Wyoming to investigate what is going on in the mines. What he finds, however, is beyond rational explanation.
In order to mine gold, you need to dig so deep into the earth that you risk distrubing things which would be best left forgotten. Elemental, dark forces, and creatures which now have a way out to the surface….
Nate and Teta face down their internal and external demons as they try to bring some sense of order to the town of Hecla( which is an actual town, a ghost town, seriously,look it up!) Hecla comes from the Nordic word ‘hekla’ meaning cloak, and you could definitely say that this town is well named as it is hiding all manner of evil things better left alone.
It’s brilliantly atmospheric and reminiscent of an American James Herbert-Shea’s Nate reminds me of so many of Herbert’s ordinary men who find themselves thrust into circumstances that they could never have imagined, and places where they need to use their wits to escape from . This is high praise from me, Herbert was one of my most influential authors as a teen and I am currently reading ‘The Fog’ which is still as scary as it ever was! I am most definitely going to be on the lookout for further titles by Shea, I am HOOKED! This is great, classic horror with a great deal of work behind it into making it historically accurate, vivid and well rounded. Scaring people with your fiction is one of the hardest tasks you can undertake and ‘Ghost Mine’ piles shivers and thrills on the hapless reader without letting up!
Many thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours for introducing me to another new author whose books I need to stack my bookshelves with! ‘Ghost Mine’ is available at all good bookshops from May 30th.
The reader is taken into the bowels of the earth, at a time when America was still in its infancy and gold mining was taking off. Theordore Roosevelt was the president and opportunity was there, in the vast expanse of the American North for anyone who was prepared to work hard enough to make things happen for them.
Roosevelt calls in a favour from a friend,New York Cop Nate Blackburn, a former ‘Rough Rider’, part of his elite cavalry who fought in the Spanish-American War. Roosevelt has sent troops to the town of Hecla, Wyoming to look for gold in the mines, but they don’t return. He asks Nate to investigate, and , having nothing better to do and sensing a mystery, he takes his buddy,Teta, down to Wyoming to investigate what is going on in the mines. What he finds, however, is beyond rational explanation.
In order to mine gold, you need to dig so deep into the earth that you risk distrubing things which would be best left forgotten. Elemental, dark forces, and creatures which now have a way out to the surface….
Nate and Teta face down their internal and external demons as they try to bring some sense of order to the town of Hecla( which is an actual town, a ghost town, seriously,look it up!) Hecla comes from the Nordic word ‘hekla’ meaning cloak, and you could definitely say that this town is well named as it is hiding all manner of evil things better left alone.
It’s brilliantly atmospheric and reminiscent of an American James Herbert-Shea’s Nate reminds me of so many of Herbert’s ordinary men who find themselves thrust into circumstances that they could never have imagined, and places where they need to use their wits to escape from . This is high praise from me, Herbert was one of my most influential authors as a teen and I am currently reading ‘The Fog’ which is still as scary as it ever was! I am most definitely going to be on the lookout for further titles by Shea, I am HOOKED! This is great, classic horror with a great deal of work behind it into making it historically accurate, vivid and well rounded. Scaring people with your fiction is one of the hardest tasks you can undertake and ‘Ghost Mine’ piles shivers and thrills on the hapless reader without letting up!
Many thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours for introducing me to another new author whose books I need to stack my bookshelves with! ‘Ghost Mine’ is available at all good bookshops from May 30th.
August 22, 2020
Time taken to read - as able in and out over 3 days
Pages - 304
Publisher - Flame Tree Press
Source - Bought copy
Blurb from Amazon
Deep in a Wyoming mine, hell awaits. Nat Blackburn is given an offer he can't refuse by President Teddy Roosevelt. Tales of gold in the abandoned mining town of Hecla abound. The only problem - those who go seeking their fortune never return. Along with his constant companion, Teta, a hired gun with a thirst for adventure, Nat travels to a barren land where even animals dare not tread. Black-eyed children, strange lights and ferocious wild men venture from the deep, dark ghost mine...as well as a sinister force hungry for fresh souls.
My Review
Nate and Teta are heading to Hecla, an abandoned mining town. Sent in by President Roosevelt to find the team sent before them, to uncover the mystery of where they went and the gold and why the town is abandoned? Nate and Teta have fought many fights, together and alone, the ugly sides of humanity and then some, nothing has prepared them for Hecla.
AHHHHHH you guys I LOVE an abandoned place/town/building, add into that some spooky, bump in the night, ghosty freakery. Hecla is an actual real place, of course I looked it up once I started to get into the story. Nate is a good guy, him and Teta have history and aren't afraid to go into battle, this appears to just be some AWOL soldiers. Once they hit their destination they quickly realise things aren't right, people are afraid and won't talk about Hecla, from friendly to aloof or hostile. Once they are inside Hecla, getting in is a lot easier than getting out.
Weird happenings, bumps in the night and an adversary no one could have forseen. Hairs on my arms went up at one point, I love abandoned building or town stories so this ticked a lot of boxes for me. I think this was the second book by Shea I have read, the other also had an abandoned building, I absolutely will be checking out his back cataolgue, 4.5/5 for me this time.
Pages - 304
Publisher - Flame Tree Press
Source - Bought copy
Blurb from Amazon
Deep in a Wyoming mine, hell awaits. Nat Blackburn is given an offer he can't refuse by President Teddy Roosevelt. Tales of gold in the abandoned mining town of Hecla abound. The only problem - those who go seeking their fortune never return. Along with his constant companion, Teta, a hired gun with a thirst for adventure, Nat travels to a barren land where even animals dare not tread. Black-eyed children, strange lights and ferocious wild men venture from the deep, dark ghost mine...as well as a sinister force hungry for fresh souls.
My Review
Nate and Teta are heading to Hecla, an abandoned mining town. Sent in by President Roosevelt to find the team sent before them, to uncover the mystery of where they went and the gold and why the town is abandoned? Nate and Teta have fought many fights, together and alone, the ugly sides of humanity and then some, nothing has prepared them for Hecla.
AHHHHHH you guys I LOVE an abandoned place/town/building, add into that some spooky, bump in the night, ghosty freakery. Hecla is an actual real place, of course I looked it up once I started to get into the story. Nate is a good guy, him and Teta have history and aren't afraid to go into battle, this appears to just be some AWOL soldiers. Once they hit their destination they quickly realise things aren't right, people are afraid and won't talk about Hecla, from friendly to aloof or hostile. Once they are inside Hecla, getting in is a lot easier than getting out.
Weird happenings, bumps in the night and an adversary no one could have forseen. Hairs on my arms went up at one point, I love abandoned building or town stories so this ticked a lot of boxes for me. I think this was the second book by Shea I have read, the other also had an abandoned building, I absolutely will be checking out his back cataolgue, 4.5/5 for me this time.
July 29, 2019
Ghost Mine was definitely not what I expected; and that's a good thing. I feel that trying to describe this strange, borderline-bizarro, pseudo-historical fiction, supernatural-horror-western novel could spoil some of its surprises, so I'll just let folks read the book's synopsis listed above.
I will say that Hunter Shea once again delivers on the action and character development. It was a joy to follow the duo of Nat and Teta into the mines of Hecla as they tried to figure out just what the Hell was going on there.
If you're in the mood for some original and fun horror action that will keep you guessing, then this is the book for you.
I will say that Hunter Shea once again delivers on the action and character development. It was a joy to follow the duo of Nat and Teta into the mines of Hecla as they tried to figure out just what the Hell was going on there.
If you're in the mood for some original and fun horror action that will keep you guessing, then this is the book for you.
April 6, 2019
When you start a Hunter Shea novel, you know what you’re in for. Action packed as well as monster pack, nobody writes these quite like Shea.
President Teddy Roosevelt send two men to Wyoming to investigate a mining town where the gold was struck but the townspeople as well as a regiment of troops disappeared. Strange things begin to happen then monsters appear. Straight to the chase, no punches pulled, this is a fun ride.
While short on gore, it’s long on action with strong characterization. This a lot of fun.
President Teddy Roosevelt send two men to Wyoming to investigate a mining town where the gold was struck but the townspeople as well as a regiment of troops disappeared. Strange things begin to happen then monsters appear. Straight to the chase, no punches pulled, this is a fun ride.
While short on gore, it’s long on action with strong characterization. This a lot of fun.
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