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Haunted Village #3

Butcher's Hands

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Subject B’s terrifying ordeal continues. And this time, he may have met his match…
When Marcus Holt is kidnapped by the brilliant and sadistic Professor Worthe, the battle-hardened Vietnam vet is forced to endure a never-ending gauntlet of terror. He thought his days of death and horror were over, but Worthe’s Village promises only more of the same. And his next horrific encounter is about to begin.

There is a new test subject in Worthe’s haunted village: Subject G. A Roman Catholic priest in the outside world, this new victim’s faith and devotion are put to the test when the group is hunted by a vicious ghost called ‘The Butcher’. Seething with anger and rage, the Butcher haunts the crumbling remains of an abandoned taxi station. And she is capable of tearing flesh and shattering bones with the unnatural strength in her ghostly hands.

As Professor Worthe watches his latest experiment unfold, the vindictive wraith is set loose against the terrified subjects. Marcus possesses an iron will, and years of combat experience...

But will it be enough to lead his team to survival, and defeat the unholy killer stalking them from the shadows?

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2019

272 people are currently reading
96 people want to read

About the author

Ron Ripley

252 books514 followers
Ron Ripley is a husband and father surviving in New England, a place which seems to be getting colder every day. He grew up across from a disturbingly large cemetery where he managed to scare himself every night before going to bed. Mostly because of the red lights that people put in front of the headstones. Those things are just plain creepy to a kid.

Ron enjoys writing horror, military history and driving through the small towns of New England with his family, collecting books and giving impromptu lectures on military history to his family, who enjoy ignoring him during those dreadful times.

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5 stars
226 (65%)
4 stars
84 (24%)
3 stars
29 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for BookLoversLife.
1,838 reviews9 followers
November 13, 2019
Book 3 sees Worthe adding an abandoned Taxi Station to the village, but the inhabitant is one of the most viscous. The Butcher likes to rip people, especially men, apart. Worthe isn't going to stop there though, he decides the next "subject" should be a priest. Worthe doesn't even stop there!! He torments the priest with live footage of Marcus interacting with the others. Plus the priest doesn't believe in the supernatural.

I seem to say it every time I finish a book by this other, but this one is even better than the last 2. There is so much going on, not just in the village but also with Worthe himself and with his staff. Marcus has his hands full trying to save the priest, but this ghost could be his match because it's unnaturally strong. The plot is fast paced and intense and it was impossible to put down. It isn't hard to become invested in this series and it has quickly become my favourite.

This author has never failed to deliver a well written and intense read. This series is an amazing one and one I highly recommend.

Thom Bowers performs this book brilliantly. He has an impressive array of tones and voices and always captures the atmosphere perfectly. I highly recommend you check him out.

I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
Profile Image for Mallorie.
68 reviews36 followers
June 20, 2020
And the story continues This is book 3 in the series and it was just as exciting as the previous book. Abel worthe has yet again added a new ghost, new structure, and new subject to the village. While trio is meeting the newest subject and figuring out their next move, there is a lot going on behind the scenes that they are unaware of. As abel worthe's experiment continues, his once well disciplined and dedicated staff is falling apart as there seems to be a loss in order and staff start taking matters into their own hands. With every battle and ghost the subjects face, you really get to see their strength and resiliency. As I'm reading i keep wondering just how much more can these characters take. This book will have you on the edge of your seat while rooting for the people trapped in the experiment to succeed.
Profile Image for BookLoversLife.
1,838 reviews9 followers
September 14, 2020
Book 3 sees Worthe adding an abandoned Taxi Station to the village, but the inhabitant is one of the most viscous. The Butcher likes to rip people, especially men, apart. Worthe isn't going to stop there though, he decides the next "subject" should be a priest. Worthe doesn't even stop there!! He torments the priest with live footage of Marcus interacting with the others. Plus the priest doesn't believe in the supernatural.

I seem to say it every time I finish a book by this other, but this one is even better than the last 2. There is so much going on, not just in the village but also with Worthe himself and with his staff. Marcus has his hands full trying to save the priest, but this ghost could be his match because it's unnaturally strong. The plot is fast paced and intense and it was impossible to put down. It isn't hard to become invested in this series and it has quickly become my favourite.

This author has never failed to deliver a well written and intense read. This series is an amazing one and one I highly recommend.

Thom Bowers performs this book brilliantly. He has an impressive array of tones and voices and always captures the atmosphere perfectly. I highly recommend you check him out.

I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
Profile Image for David.
604 reviews14 followers
February 23, 2019
This is the third and, in my opinion, the best so far, of this series. In this book, Able Worthe adds a derelict taxi station to his horrific village. This particular building houses an especially nasty ghost of a woman who loves to break her victims into pieces.

The dynamic among Worthe's staff begins to unravel in this book. Some of the staff are less than enthusiastic about what is going on. Meanwhile, Marcus, Alex and Janet attempt to reach out and rescue the latest resident of the village, a priest.
I am constantly impressed by the many kinds of evil Ron Ripley dreams up. It's becoming an addiction of mine - diving into the next book to see how deliciously evil his ghosts become. A great read.
Profile Image for Carol St John.
179 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2019
Third book in this series and it's another good one. A new haunted house, a new ghost, and a new subject. The haunted building is a taxi station, the ghost is an extremely strong woman, and the subject is a priest. Marcus' group has expanded to add Joyce to their family and his goal it to save the new subject. This becomes exceptionally difficult when the new subject does not co-operate. In each of the books Marcus and Alex end up in battle with the different ghosts and each time learn a little bit more of the abilities they have and how to destroy or capture the ghosts. Even though they know how to do things, remember the ghosts are already dead but in fighting form. The writing is fast paced with very little "catch your breath" room. Enjoy the ride.
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews31 followers
April 24, 2019
I absolutely, totally loved this book, btw did I mention I loved it! Ron Ripley has become my favourite horror author! The plots are so twisted and deadly that they are a delight to read. The characters are richly described and portrays with great dialogue. This author seems to consistently write amazing books that I find myself absorbed in to as soon as I start to read them and compelled to continue reading till the end. This is one village I do not ever want to visit! I wish I could give more than 5 stars!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
261 reviews5 followers
April 10, 2020
New twists and turns in this excellent series.

The ghastly experiment continues but I'm beginning to feel a bit of sympathy for Abel Worth, what awful experiences he had in childhood! I wonder if I will continue to do so as the series evolves?

There are plenty of other things happening as Ripley introduces new characters and new situations that happen among the staff, especially Timmy, gosh what a great character he is!

I've downloaded book 4 and plan to start it straight away.
6 reviews
January 21, 2019
The Twisted Experiment Continues

You knew the twisted experiment of Dr. Worthe would continue. A good part of the book enlarges the background of several characters. It's hard to believe it the bad guys have all the resources they have that they cannot figure out who is saboteur in their mist. Marcus and our good guys continue to survive and it's a little hard to understand how they can remain so cool. Maybe Worthe will make a mistake with his next subject acquisition.
Profile Image for Kim.
17 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2019
Another one by the master Mr. Ripley in his Haunted Village series. This is the first time I've actually read a series one after another. I'm so attached to the 3 subjects still alive in the Village, I have to find out what happens to them. Plus, the addition of new houses and ghost stories are fascinating. Can't wait to see what transpires in the next in line in this series. Soul's Harvest...here I come!
Profile Image for Rebecca Hill.
Author 1 book66 followers
January 6, 2023
As the third book kicks off, the dynamics are changing from the second book. As Marcus and his small band work together, they watch as another home is brought into the village, and a new ghost that they are going to have to deal with.
As a new member is brought in, the group tries in vain to save him ... but time will tell if they are going to be successful or not.

Absolutely enjoyed this one! I could not put it down until I had finished! For horror fans, this is a series that you are going to want to read!
Profile Image for Brandie Lea Slicer.
337 reviews4 followers
April 1, 2019
Believe!

Believe or it's at your peril! That seems to be the theme of the series here. In this installment Father Michael was brought in to be housed in the Taxi station at the nefarious village run by Dr. Worthe. Marcus, and his group tried to help him but the man didn't believe their story to his peril. Meanwhile, the various backstories continue while a ghost from Dr.Worthes past makes a visit.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,150 reviews15 followers
May 26, 2019
Riveting series

I have enjoyed this series, because one can't even begin to guess how things will finally work out in the village! There is discourse among those hired to ensure that operations run smoothly in the village. The ghosts are restless as well, but one can never be sure whether they are friend or foe. Plenty of twists and the promise of a new acquisition for the village leaves me anxious to read the next book in the series!
26 reviews
December 21, 2019
Big hands, no heart
Worthe's new test subject to his village is a Roman Catholic priest. The new ghost to stalk them is called The Butcher, named for her oversized hands. Marcus must try to keep his team of survivor's together, and alive, despite the Butcher's desire to tear them from limb to limb. Love how Marcus' personality is steadily built up through the story as he continuously dares to step past his own line in the sand.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,604 reviews19 followers
May 25, 2020
This is book number three in the trilogy. Ron has a way to introduce new characters who face his supernatural challenges. You always impatiently await for the next edge of seat moment. This book expands some of the characters and helps you put it together. Marcus and our good guys continue on surviving. He brings some of hisolder characters in to help you follow and enjoy his books. I love his twists and turns. The Haunted Village has you stuck again. This is a must read enjoy.
Profile Image for Audrey.
439 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2021
Another great book by Ron Ripley.

*Spoiler alert*

In this installment, Professor Worthe acquires a taxi station inhabited by a nasty ghost. He kidnaps a priest to inhabit it as well. He attempts to stoke the priest's fear in the process of placing him in the station, but he is unsuccessful. Only once the ghost makes her intentions clear does the fear finally set in. Despite an attempt at rescue by Marcus, Joyce, and Alex, the priest perishes, but the three do manage to defeat the ghost
Profile Image for Tam French.
167 reviews
February 6, 2019
Still on the fence....

Still reading this series despite being on the fence about this series. Very happy for the return of a favorite character from other books, wish that there was more involvement from him. This series is a tad slow moving and not nearly as graphic as some of the previous books/series by Mr. Ripley. In for a penny, in for a pound...I shall continue on!
Profile Image for Pat Eroh.
2,618 reviews32 followers
April 20, 2019
I purchased the first book in the series and was hooked! This book continues the spine chilling story with more horrific actions that will hook you too. I am looking forward to the next book in this series,

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ReneE.
429 reviews6 followers
August 12, 2019
This book was okay. I had stopped reading this series because it was just so drawn out and repetitive, but thought I'd try another. I think I'll stop with this one. It's not a bad series, but it's just not compelling enough to keep me reading - just seems to be the same exact thing with a twist of a new character. Certainly doesn't come close to the author's first couple of series.
23 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2019
Can’t wait for the next book

I want more NOW! This installment in the book series is just revving up. Anticipation keeps building and can’t wait to see which characters will survive.
Profile Image for Laura.
94 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2021
Well and truly hooked into this series now! This was book 3!
Every-time I read I fear for Marcus and Alex’s safety I hope and pray they survive the next book.
I really do hope they escape one day.
As Worths twisted plan continues the trio that are surviving in 114 broad strengthen.
Profile Image for Tiggyleee.
219 reviews
January 16, 2019
Excellent! If you truly love horror this is a good one. Reads quick, and start from the beginning of the series. Highly recommend!!!
163 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2019
Wow

Things are heating up in Village. I can’t wait to read the next edition to this series and I can’t wait to meet the next Ghost
Profile Image for Christine.
14 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2019
Love me some Ron Ripley!!!!!!!!!

If you want to be scared, intrigued and entertained check this author out! I have enjoyed every book!! Awesome writer!
2 reviews
January 20, 2019
Butchers Hands

Great story can’t wait for next one. I love the series but I have to wait for the next installment,
1 review
February 10, 2019
Can't wait to read the next book

It's a series you can't wait to find out the ending, how will they escape. How Wil they survive , who will be next.
Profile Image for CJ Jackson.
5 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2019
Ghostly good!

Well thought out characters both living and dead make this series an on the edge of your seat page turner!
925 reviews
March 20, 2019
The experiment continues the lasted ghost is a nasty one but then arn't they all ! Plenty of of action and who has turned against their evil employer good quick read on to next !!
Profile Image for Lottie.
942 reviews6 followers
October 31, 2019
I love how the author builds up empathy for his characters. It adds a dynamic to the story. You become very interested in the character's well-being and survival. Great reading!
Profile Image for Carolyn Evans.
833 reviews6 followers
Read
March 22, 2021
Horrific

The third experiment runs into several snags as other people become involved and the death toll rises in and out of the village.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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