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The Cleaverman
"The riddle is the rhyme; the rhyme is the riddle."
It began as a joke, a gag to pass the time that turned deadly.
One rainy August night in Raynham, MA, nine friends jokingly invoke the evil phantom butcher called the Cleaverman.
These nine friends get a whole lot more than they ever bargained for. Because there's only one way to return the deadly Cleaverman back to the darkness he came from, and that is to solve his riddle, which "Tell me the name of John Cleaverman's wife . . ."
And human beings being what we are, even with the Cleaverman out to butcher them all, our nine friends still manage to stir A WHOLE LOT of human misbehavior into the deadly mix.
At the rate they're going, it'll be a wonder if anyone survives THE CLEAVERMAN at all.
It began as a joke, a gag to pass the time that turned deadly.
One rainy August night in Raynham, MA, nine friends jokingly invoke the evil phantom butcher called the Cleaverman.
These nine friends get a whole lot more than they ever bargained for. Because there's only one way to return the deadly Cleaverman back to the darkness he came from, and that is to solve his riddle, which "Tell me the name of John Cleaverman's wife . . ."
And human beings being what we are, even with the Cleaverman out to butcher them all, our nine friends still manage to stir A WHOLE LOT of human misbehavior into the deadly mix.
At the rate they're going, it'll be a wonder if anyone survives THE CLEAVERMAN at all.
- GenresHorror
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2019
9 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Wol-vriey
70 books202 followersWol-vriey writes eXXXtreme horror fiction, and also some surrealist stuff.
To date, he has published over forty novels in both genres.
His horror novels include: EnterPAINment, LGBT, The Virgin, Marriage, Women, Nightmare Fuel 1 & 2, Haunted House XXX 1 & 2, and How To Succeed in Life.
On the surrealist side of things, he is the author of Vegan Zombie Apocalypse, Vegan Vampire Vaginas, Vagina Mundi, and the disturbing and unsettling Dr. Orgasm.
To date, he has published over forty novels in both genres.
His horror novels include: EnterPAINment, LGBT, The Virgin, Marriage, Women, Nightmare Fuel 1 & 2, Haunted House XXX 1 & 2, and How To Succeed in Life.
On the surrealist side of things, he is the author of Vegan Zombie Apocalypse, Vegan Vampire Vaginas, Vagina Mundi, and the disturbing and unsettling Dr. Orgasm.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 3, 2019
When a group of bored friends conjure up a murderous spirit, little do they realize that they will have hell to pay. The wraithlike villain has a riddle to solve, and each member of the group is asked a simple question. Without the proper answer, they fall prey to an oversized cleaver. There are too many body parts to count in this visceral and highly salacious game of survival. Including secondary characters with their own indecorous agendas and preternatural situations, there isn't a boring moment to spare in this bloody work of horror. If you like your thrills raw, this book is for you. Be prepared for anything. Many thanks to the author, who provided me with a free e-copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
3 eggs and 1/2 a rat for this odoriferous offering.
3 eggs and 1/2 a rat for this odoriferous offering.
November 11, 2019
First and foremost:
I shall NEVER look at boiled eggs the same way again!
After dinner one stormy night, a group of people become stranded due to the harsh weather conditions. To pass the time, they decide to have some fun reading from a book of magic spells. Little do they realize that their words will actually summon a supernatural killer—The Cleaverman. It isn’t long before piles of chopped-up body parts begin turning up. The remaining guests from the dinner party soon realize that their lives are in grave danger. They must figure out a way to stop The Cleaverman by using the cryptic words in the spell to figure out his wife’s name. Easy enough, right? Then why is the body count rising?
Gushing with gory goodness, this book is highly engrossing and entertaining. Wol-vriey never ceases to amaze me with his creative brilliance. Suspension of disbelief is required but that comes with the territory of wildly-imaginative fiction.
It was great seeing the names of familiar places and characters from some of the author’s other books, like Mr. Ugly.
This book may not be suitable for readers who are sensitive to extreme violence, gore and sex but for those of us who find such things horribly entertaining, this one is a must!
I shall NEVER look at boiled eggs the same way again!
After dinner one stormy night, a group of people become stranded due to the harsh weather conditions. To pass the time, they decide to have some fun reading from a book of magic spells. Little do they realize that their words will actually summon a supernatural killer—The Cleaverman. It isn’t long before piles of chopped-up body parts begin turning up. The remaining guests from the dinner party soon realize that their lives are in grave danger. They must figure out a way to stop The Cleaverman by using the cryptic words in the spell to figure out his wife’s name. Easy enough, right? Then why is the body count rising?
Gushing with gory goodness, this book is highly engrossing and entertaining. Wol-vriey never ceases to amaze me with his creative brilliance. Suspension of disbelief is required but that comes with the territory of wildly-imaginative fiction.
It was great seeing the names of familiar places and characters from some of the author’s other books, like Mr. Ugly.
This book may not be suitable for readers who are sensitive to extreme violence, gore and sex but for those of us who find such things horribly entertaining, this one is a must!
November 2, 2019
Bev, Bev, Bev, where would this book be without you?
Cleaverman starts out like a lot of other books/movies with a bunch of inebriated people thinking it would be a good idea to try to summon a sort of urban legend and then they drunkenly follow through with said summoning. From there on it is anything but normal. There was a LOT going on in these pages. There was the main story line, which is entertaining in and of itself, but then there are all these side stories and tangents that go to some truly crazy places. This is extreme stuff and if you know who Ed Lee is think of maybe one step below him in terms of content, BUT like Lee all of it fits into the context of the story and is not just there gratuitously. There were a couple of scenes involving a nice young lady(!?!?), some dudes, a bunch of pre-cooked eggs and a white porcelain bowl that had me laughing my ass off while my stomach did somersaults. Wol-vriey is obviously a talented writer. Cleaverman is perfectly paced and is just the right length with no boring spots or ass-dragging. My only gripe, and it is minor, is the final confrontation is pretty abrupt, I kinda wanted a little more, (and here's another but) BUT the final five or so pages ended up being pretty spectacular and answered the questions I had been asking.
This was my first book by Wol-vriey, even though he has been on my radar for a while, and it looks like he has many interesting titles in his catalog I'll be checking out. This ARC was given to me by the author in exchange for a review but that did not impact my opinion in any way, and honestly this would have been something I probably would have bought anyway.
Four, boiled eggs... I mean stars, not eggs, STARS! Four stars from me. Read it and you'll see what I mean.
Cleaverman starts out like a lot of other books/movies with a bunch of inebriated people thinking it would be a good idea to try to summon a sort of urban legend and then they drunkenly follow through with said summoning. From there on it is anything but normal. There was a LOT going on in these pages. There was the main story line, which is entertaining in and of itself, but then there are all these side stories and tangents that go to some truly crazy places. This is extreme stuff and if you know who Ed Lee is think of maybe one step below him in terms of content, BUT like Lee all of it fits into the context of the story and is not just there gratuitously. There were a couple of scenes involving a nice young lady(!?!?), some dudes, a bunch of pre-cooked eggs and a white porcelain bowl that had me laughing my ass off while my stomach did somersaults. Wol-vriey is obviously a talented writer. Cleaverman is perfectly paced and is just the right length with no boring spots or ass-dragging. My only gripe, and it is minor, is the final confrontation is pretty abrupt, I kinda wanted a little more, (and here's another but) BUT the final five or so pages ended up being pretty spectacular and answered the questions I had been asking.
This was my first book by Wol-vriey, even though he has been on my radar for a while, and it looks like he has many interesting titles in his catalog I'll be checking out. This ARC was given to me by the author in exchange for a review but that did not impact my opinion in any way, and honestly this would have been something I probably would have bought anyway.
Four, boiled eggs... I mean stars, not eggs, STARS! Four stars from me. Read it and you'll see what I mean.
October 31, 2019
Great read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a great read. One you could really get your teeth into. A nice length that kept you immersed in the horrors for longer. It's full of gripping storylines that has you trying to work out the riddle at the same time guessing what they can do and how they are going to get out of each situation. You got to know each character and you actually felt like you were part of the group. I loved bev in there too. Great to have that added extra twist upon which there was plenty through out. It kept me gripped and riveted to each page. I wasn't sure what to expect upon reading this book but I am pleasantly impressed that I'm off to read another of Wol-vriey's books. I will say it isn't for the weak stomached. It's not as extreme as I am used to but it is still in that category and could offend. But definitely don't eat your meal whilst reading this.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a great read. One you could really get your teeth into. A nice length that kept you immersed in the horrors for longer. It's full of gripping storylines that has you trying to work out the riddle at the same time guessing what they can do and how they are going to get out of each situation. You got to know each character and you actually felt like you were part of the group. I loved bev in there too. Great to have that added extra twist upon which there was plenty through out. It kept me gripped and riveted to each page. I wasn't sure what to expect upon reading this book but I am pleasantly impressed that I'm off to read another of Wol-vriey's books. I will say it isn't for the weak stomached. It's not as extreme as I am used to but it is still in that category and could offend. But definitely don't eat your meal whilst reading this.
April 21, 2025
Who doesn't enjoy a riddle?
I'm a huge Wol-vriey fan, and even though this didn't sound like a book I'd dig, BUT I did dig it.
Supernatural isn't always my jam but I went in open minded knowing Wol-Vriey would put his own spin on things.
Fun read with great character building and a few gross scenes
I'm a huge Wol-vriey fan, and even though this didn't sound like a book I'd dig, BUT I did dig it.
Supernatural isn't always my jam but I went in open minded knowing Wol-Vriey would put his own spin on things.
Fun read with great character building and a few gross scenes
November 5, 2019
I was given a free digital copy of this book in exchange for writing an honest review!
And boy, this was a wild, wild ride. Although I won't be discussing anything graphic in this review, I'll go ahead and state it clearly: this book contains very sensitive, very graphic (in a violent, sexual, and just plain gross aspect), and generally taboo content that may be uncomfortable for many people. That said, this wasn't a turn off for me, and in fact, I could barely put this book down. It certainly had its flaws: the dialogue was sometimes silly, the grammar occasionally stilted, and the characters were fairly one-dimensional despite having varied backgrounds and personalities.
When I put that aside, however, and read this with my bizarre hat on, it was a well-paced, page-turning thrill ride. There were plenty of surprises throughout the story, and each chapter I found myself wondering who would die, how, and when. And, I've gotta be honest: for how much the rest of the cast liked to trash on her, I was rooting for Susan. She was the most fun and colorful character for me. And to give credit where credit is due: The Cleaverman featured the most interesting rendition of Death as an entity that I've ever encountered! I honestly adored her, and would love to see more. Sassy, sexy, and horrific? What more is there to love in a creature of rot and decay?
I'm not sure that I can recommend this book to anyone that I know, but if you're looking for a somewhat comedic slaughterhouse and don't have a sensitive stomach, you might have a good time with this one! I know that I'm going to check out more of Wol-vriey's works, myself, to see what else he's come up with.
And boy, this was a wild, wild ride. Although I won't be discussing anything graphic in this review, I'll go ahead and state it clearly: this book contains very sensitive, very graphic (in a violent, sexual, and just plain gross aspect), and generally taboo content that may be uncomfortable for many people. That said, this wasn't a turn off for me, and in fact, I could barely put this book down. It certainly had its flaws: the dialogue was sometimes silly, the grammar occasionally stilted, and the characters were fairly one-dimensional despite having varied backgrounds and personalities.
When I put that aside, however, and read this with my bizarre hat on, it was a well-paced, page-turning thrill ride. There were plenty of surprises throughout the story, and each chapter I found myself wondering who would die, how, and when. And, I've gotta be honest: for how much the rest of the cast liked to trash on her, I was rooting for Susan. She was the most fun and colorful character for me. And to give credit where credit is due: The Cleaverman featured the most interesting rendition of Death as an entity that I've ever encountered! I honestly adored her, and would love to see more. Sassy, sexy, and horrific? What more is there to love in a creature of rot and decay?
I'm not sure that I can recommend this book to anyone that I know, but if you're looking for a somewhat comedic slaughterhouse and don't have a sensitive stomach, you might have a good time with this one! I know that I'm going to check out more of Wol-vriey's works, myself, to see what else he's come up with.
November 5, 2019
Spoiler Free Review
Just a note: I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes.
I had never read any other books by Wol-vriey, and sometimes reading a new author can be a difficult experience. In this situation however, I did not find that to be the case! The book starts with what felt like a very “Laymon-esque” opening. We’re introduced to a series of characters who decide it would be fun to conduct a summoning spell from a creepy spell-book. What could go wrong? Of course, many things go wrong, characters die grisly deaths, and plenty of other mayhem goes down in a fast, fun, spooky, and in several scenes, completely utterly disgusting ways. All I’m going to say about that is “Boiled Egg Woman.” There were a lot of good plot points that kept me interested throughout this book. There were riddles, schemes, sex, and all manner of strange terrors. I always appreciate when a writer manages to merge the Supernatural with the Natural World and somehow make it all work, while seeming believable within the confines of their written world.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy the work of authors along the lines of Edward Lee, Richard Laymon, Brian Smith, and Brian Keene.
Just a note: I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes.
I had never read any other books by Wol-vriey, and sometimes reading a new author can be a difficult experience. In this situation however, I did not find that to be the case! The book starts with what felt like a very “Laymon-esque” opening. We’re introduced to a series of characters who decide it would be fun to conduct a summoning spell from a creepy spell-book. What could go wrong? Of course, many things go wrong, characters die grisly deaths, and plenty of other mayhem goes down in a fast, fun, spooky, and in several scenes, completely utterly disgusting ways. All I’m going to say about that is “Boiled Egg Woman.” There were a lot of good plot points that kept me interested throughout this book. There were riddles, schemes, sex, and all manner of strange terrors. I always appreciate when a writer manages to merge the Supernatural with the Natural World and somehow make it all work, while seeming believable within the confines of their written world.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy the work of authors along the lines of Edward Lee, Richard Laymon, Brian Smith, and Brian Keene.
October 26, 2019
Well boys and girls we find ourselves right back in the small hell hole that is Raynham MA. The hot sweaty summer is in full swing with another killer on the loose. A small group of friends get together for dinner and drinks. A massive summer storms comes through and they are all stuck in the house. So what do you do when your stuck in the house with a group of friends. Well you get The Book of Summonings, add a little blood and summon a serial killer named The Cleaverman. For you to live you have to answer his question, “The riddle is the rhyme; the rhyme is the riddle” and come up with his long dead wife’s name. Easy right, wrong. There is blood, gore, violence, sex, and all the fun stuff that can always be found in a Wol-vriey story. There are some serious twists and turns, some Easter eggs from previous stories and a pretty fantastic ending. The backstories of the characters are fantastic. This is a fun book to read so near Halloween. PS. Just FYI don’t ever give a ride to a woman named Bev. Enjoy......
October 28, 2019
Dark, disturbing, and a bit of a headf***. What more can you ask for? Horror at it's weird best.
October 13, 2020
You really need to switch your brain off for this, there no thinking required. Everything is laid out for you.
If this was a film, it would be a bad CGI one, on late at night on the Horror Channel. You know the ones!
I very nearly gave up on for a few times but i love an urban legend style slasher so i finished it to see what would happen. Unfortunately i wasnt overly impressed. There's plenty of sex and gore but after the first couple of bodies i was desensitised to it and i just got bored.
The characters are also morons who deserve everything they got. Maybe, bar a couple.
There was too many negatives to list here but i was glad when i finished the book.
If this was a film, it would be a bad CGI one, on late at night on the Horror Channel. You know the ones!
I very nearly gave up on for a few times but i love an urban legend style slasher so i finished it to see what would happen. Unfortunately i wasnt overly impressed. There's plenty of sex and gore but after the first couple of bodies i was desensitised to it and i just got bored.
The characters are also morons who deserve everything they got. Maybe, bar a couple.
There was too many negatives to list here but i was glad when i finished the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2021
Can’t be killed no matter what you do—he’ll keep coming back after you.”
A group of friends will soon discover that in meddling with certain paranormalities, they could unlock something truly evil. Married couple Nicole and Tommy Ellsworth made a lifestyle buying antiques with a darkened history, stumbling upon a book of Summonings, and it’ll be with tempting fate they would awaken an old legend, one with a riddle and a death on your shoulders if you answer incorrectly. Surrounding by friends and loved ones including; Leona and Paul Patten, Angela Rossi, Carl and Jeffrey Whitfield, Susan Riley, Mitch and Jacqui Mullins, and Jeffrey’s boyfriend Mike Beefcake. All lived vastly different lives; from rich and affluent (Whitfield Brothers), to a lawyer (Angela Rossi), to a psychic (Leona) and time an escort turning a profit through trading her body (Susan Riley), was it truly fair to assume they needed to all die? From a childhood of abuse at her father, who happens to be a presiding Judge, Susan does everything in her powers to torment her father and shame him, no matter the levels she has to stoop to. Hopelessly in love with Carl, Angela feels it in her bones the way he should be here, as he in turn turns to those thousand dollar nights with Susan. After they recanted the Cleaverman spell, he’s reanimated along with a sickening creature, Bev or Bevv who holds eggs and other oddities in her rectum before releasing them on a bowl for her captives to feed upon. With a adultry running Rampant between the Mullins couple, they rambled on Snuff films will Jacqui and Big Dick playing the actors and her club boss Steve-O directing the madness. With the final two survivors, Angela and Carl, they would stop at nothing to solve the puzzle. Bullshitting his way, Carl finds the name of the Cleverman’s wife to be named Tanya, he effector broke the curse. Now, with the slaughter of his own flesh and blood brother in his shoulders, Angela forces a marriage and commitment on it otherwise the truth of the grisly murder would come to life. Now as they try to push those nightmares behind them, they still couldn’t believe how easily bringing the Devil into the world truly was.
“Tell me the name of John Cleaverman’s wife,
An Angel Maria he loved all of his life.
Never a nag like Jenny, never one day in strife.
You, my friends, have just one chance to survive:
Answer this riddle or give up your lives.”
A rhyme is a riddle. And a riddle I’m a rhyme.
She turned to nod her thanks and something weird seemed to happen. Chang’s Asian features suddenly seemed to alter, so that he no longer looked human. His face appeared to narrow; while his slanted eyes twisted into empty vertical slits. His mouth too twisted till it ran from his nose to his chin instead of from side-to-side, with teeth like dirty shards of glass filling the slit-like black maw. In addition, two spiky downward-curving horns jutted from each side of his forehead.
A group of friends will soon discover that in meddling with certain paranormalities, they could unlock something truly evil. Married couple Nicole and Tommy Ellsworth made a lifestyle buying antiques with a darkened history, stumbling upon a book of Summonings, and it’ll be with tempting fate they would awaken an old legend, one with a riddle and a death on your shoulders if you answer incorrectly. Surrounding by friends and loved ones including; Leona and Paul Patten, Angela Rossi, Carl and Jeffrey Whitfield, Susan Riley, Mitch and Jacqui Mullins, and Jeffrey’s boyfriend Mike Beefcake. All lived vastly different lives; from rich and affluent (Whitfield Brothers), to a lawyer (Angela Rossi), to a psychic (Leona) and time an escort turning a profit through trading her body (Susan Riley), was it truly fair to assume they needed to all die? From a childhood of abuse at her father, who happens to be a presiding Judge, Susan does everything in her powers to torment her father and shame him, no matter the levels she has to stoop to. Hopelessly in love with Carl, Angela feels it in her bones the way he should be here, as he in turn turns to those thousand dollar nights with Susan. After they recanted the Cleaverman spell, he’s reanimated along with a sickening creature, Bev or Bevv who holds eggs and other oddities in her rectum before releasing them on a bowl for her captives to feed upon. With a adultry running Rampant between the Mullins couple, they rambled on Snuff films will Jacqui and Big Dick playing the actors and her club boss Steve-O directing the madness. With the final two survivors, Angela and Carl, they would stop at nothing to solve the puzzle. Bullshitting his way, Carl finds the name of the Cleverman’s wife to be named Tanya, he effector broke the curse. Now, with the slaughter of his own flesh and blood brother in his shoulders, Angela forces a marriage and commitment on it otherwise the truth of the grisly murder would come to life. Now as they try to push those nightmares behind them, they still couldn’t believe how easily bringing the Devil into the world truly was.
“Tell me the name of John Cleaverman’s wife,
An Angel Maria he loved all of his life.
Never a nag like Jenny, never one day in strife.
You, my friends, have just one chance to survive:
Answer this riddle or give up your lives.”
A rhyme is a riddle. And a riddle I’m a rhyme.
She turned to nod her thanks and something weird seemed to happen. Chang’s Asian features suddenly seemed to alter, so that he no longer looked human. His face appeared to narrow; while his slanted eyes twisted into empty vertical slits. His mouth too twisted till it ran from his nose to his chin instead of from side-to-side, with teeth like dirty shards of glass filling the slit-like black maw. In addition, two spiky downward-curving horns jutted from each side of his forehead.
November 22, 2019
The Cleaverman is a story about a group of friends who foolishly summoned a violent supernatural entity that is hell bent on butchering whoever that summoned him, unless he’s provided the answer to his riddle.
This story developed fairly decently, with focus on how the Cleaverman butchers his victims. I was actually looking forward to reading something clever about deciphering the riddle. But then again, I’ve got to remind myself I’m reading a Bizzaro, not a spy novel :p
Delicious tidbits peppered the story, and was something I realize I’m learning to enjoy. It kept the storyline interesting and engaging. My fav in particular was Bev’s character. It was hilarious how Wol-vriey morphed her character and introduced her into the lives of the different main characters. Death a.k.a Thea, was also nicely portrayed in this story. I relish in the little written details that pieces itself together to create the image of Death in my mind. It was darkly humorous the way Susan’s death came, as well as her Dad’s. So.. that was what Death’s warning was about... hahaha
This story reminds me of Mr Ugly, also written by Wol-vriey. Except that in this case, Mr Ugly does his mother’s bidding, killing anyone who stood in her path. If you ask me which I prefer, I really don’t know. I like the part about the insane mother, but I also like Bev a lot. Not saying I’m as crazy as Bev the psycho here, but the reaches of Wol-vriey’s imagination go far and wide indeed.
In all, this is a 4 for me. I enjoyed this ride. Don’t ever stop writing Wol-vriey!
This story developed fairly decently, with focus on how the Cleaverman butchers his victims. I was actually looking forward to reading something clever about deciphering the riddle. But then again, I’ve got to remind myself I’m reading a Bizzaro, not a spy novel :p
Delicious tidbits peppered the story, and was something I realize I’m learning to enjoy. It kept the storyline interesting and engaging. My fav in particular was Bev’s character. It was hilarious how Wol-vriey morphed her character and introduced her into the lives of the different main characters. Death a.k.a Thea, was also nicely portrayed in this story. I relish in the little written details that pieces itself together to create the image of Death in my mind. It was darkly humorous the way Susan’s death came, as well as her Dad’s. So.. that was what Death’s warning was about... hahaha
This story reminds me of Mr Ugly, also written by Wol-vriey. Except that in this case, Mr Ugly does his mother’s bidding, killing anyone who stood in her path. If you ask me which I prefer, I really don’t know. I like the part about the insane mother, but I also like Bev a lot. Not saying I’m as crazy as Bev the psycho here, but the reaches of Wol-vriey’s imagination go far and wide indeed.
In all, this is a 4 for me. I enjoyed this ride. Don’t ever stop writing Wol-vriey!
December 5, 2019
The Cleaverman by Wol-vriey is a brutal extreme horror novel. It is a supernatural slasher story that reads like topnotch horror movie. But it is more than a slasher story, much more.
In addition to the well-crafted main storyline, The Cleaverman has gruesome subplots woven expertly into the tale, creating a maddening pace and vexing unpredictability. This story will keep your mind and heart racing.
Wol-vriey’s characters and characterization make the story. He gives us colorful and striking characters with engaging backstories, as well as vivid and entertaining minor characters. I was duly impressed with the presentation of the minor characters and how it adds to the flow of the story.
Like other books I have enjoyed by Wol-vriey, The Cleaverman is both flowing and graphic, though this one is a bit more graphic and brutal than the others. I also noted subtle dark humor inserted in places I did not expect it, a bit of satirical slasher flick humor and character depth that makes horror fun to read.
I would like to add: while the cover art is excellent and impactful, it is also a tad misleading. The story has more depth, mystery, and suspense than that, however, one could consider it a composite of the overall ideal of the story.
I currently have The Cleaverman on Kindle, but this shelf-worthy novel is being upgraded to paperback soon.
Highly recommended for the extreme horror connoisseur.
In addition to the well-crafted main storyline, The Cleaverman has gruesome subplots woven expertly into the tale, creating a maddening pace and vexing unpredictability. This story will keep your mind and heart racing.
Wol-vriey’s characters and characterization make the story. He gives us colorful and striking characters with engaging backstories, as well as vivid and entertaining minor characters. I was duly impressed with the presentation of the minor characters and how it adds to the flow of the story.
Like other books I have enjoyed by Wol-vriey, The Cleaverman is both flowing and graphic, though this one is a bit more graphic and brutal than the others. I also noted subtle dark humor inserted in places I did not expect it, a bit of satirical slasher flick humor and character depth that makes horror fun to read.
I would like to add: while the cover art is excellent and impactful, it is also a tad misleading. The story has more depth, mystery, and suspense than that, however, one could consider it a composite of the overall ideal of the story.
I currently have The Cleaverman on Kindle, but this shelf-worthy novel is being upgraded to paperback soon.
Highly recommended for the extreme horror connoisseur.
October 31, 2019
I was asked to read this book and give an honest review.
For me, this was a hard book to rate, the story started off and immediately reminded me of “Candyman” or “Bloody Mary” and started to remind me old R.L. Stine book I read to my kids 30 years ago.
Then the sex and gore hit and it reminded me of all the teen horror movies that came out after the movie Halloween, where all the “immoral” people get their comeuppance.
I found the book interesting enough, but not very original, not suspenseful and pretty predictable.
Not for people who dislike kinky sex scenes, drugs or blood and guts.
I will try another read by this author.
For me, this was a hard book to rate, the story started off and immediately reminded me of “Candyman” or “Bloody Mary” and started to remind me old R.L. Stine book I read to my kids 30 years ago.
Then the sex and gore hit and it reminded me of all the teen horror movies that came out after the movie Halloween, where all the “immoral” people get their comeuppance.
I found the book interesting enough, but not very original, not suspenseful and pretty predictable.
Not for people who dislike kinky sex scenes, drugs or blood and guts.
I will try another read by this author.
December 6, 2019
Not since Opie shot agent Stahl (Sons of Anarchy if you are unfamiliar) have I experienced a death so satisfying as when Carl shot Bev (aka The wretched egg woman) I laughed, I cheered, there was even a fist pump or two in there.. Haha Sadly my celebration was short lived but anyone who has read anything by this author will quickly come to learn better then to expect anything (besides an uncanny ability to make you cringe so hard your grandmother feels it one second and laugh with delirious glee the next.) Not even death is a certainty.
I once read that Stephen King despises it when people ask where his ideas come from. I'm willing to bet Wol-Vriey gets that question a lot less then King. You dont really want to know. You just hope his twisted mind keeps on coming up with them, whatever dark scary place they ooze from. Speaking of twisted minds and at the risk of oversharing, the husband and I have this ridiculous and juvenile habit of trying to outgross each other. While trying to help pass the time on a long road trip I started reading Mr. Ugly aloud. He's been hooked since. Love that theres something we can enjoy together but I've definitely lost a little bit of an edge in our silly game.
I once read that Stephen King despises it when people ask where his ideas come from. I'm willing to bet Wol-Vriey gets that question a lot less then King. You dont really want to know. You just hope his twisted mind keeps on coming up with them, whatever dark scary place they ooze from. Speaking of twisted minds and at the risk of oversharing, the husband and I have this ridiculous and juvenile habit of trying to outgross each other. While trying to help pass the time on a long road trip I started reading Mr. Ugly aloud. He's been hooked since. Love that theres something we can enjoy together but I've definitely lost a little bit of an edge in our silly game.
August 21, 2024
Regretfully I went into this book with mixed feelings, on one hand I love horror/gore, but I was unaware of the author prior to the request to review the story and I had read some terrible stories in the past, written by new or unheard of authors, that made me hesitate to read the publication. As a negative nitpick, mass introductions ruin a character for me, as I feel it is better getting a chance to follow them in their chapters for a bit, to develop their personality more effectively and make them more memorable, before learning about a new character.
After the main first few chapters, I suddenly started to really enjoy the book because of the description and details on some of the characters’ lives. I could barely put it down. This is not an exaggeration, I became so invested with the story, it really does deserve prop's; the characters were both lovable and dislikable at the same time and the characters could even have their own spinoffs (even if just a short novella). Although the characters each had their own side story going this did not distract from the actual plot line, if anything it gave you a rather nice breather, let you take in some other set of scenario's, refreshing you to go back to the Cleaverman.
As for the gore that was promised. It certainly delivered! There were a couple of scenes I felt the need to grit my teeth and others were I reveled in the descriptive disaster of a scene but there is one particular repeated action by a particular character that although thankfully brief does make me need to stop eating or drinking and try to detach from it, you will know the one I mean. Not that this removes any enjoyment from the book. Gore, disgust and violent imagery are why you are considering reading this book after all.
I have been surprised and impressed at Wol-vriey's writing. The plot was unpredictable and the roads the characters took really surprised me. I have already happily perused Wol-vriey's list of published stories and added several to my to-read list. Happy day's and happy reading.
After the main first few chapters, I suddenly started to really enjoy the book because of the description and details on some of the characters’ lives. I could barely put it down. This is not an exaggeration, I became so invested with the story, it really does deserve prop's; the characters were both lovable and dislikable at the same time and the characters could even have their own spinoffs (even if just a short novella). Although the characters each had their own side story going this did not distract from the actual plot line, if anything it gave you a rather nice breather, let you take in some other set of scenario's, refreshing you to go back to the Cleaverman.
As for the gore that was promised. It certainly delivered! There were a couple of scenes I felt the need to grit my teeth and others were I reveled in the descriptive disaster of a scene but there is one particular repeated action by a particular character that although thankfully brief does make me need to stop eating or drinking and try to detach from it, you will know the one I mean. Not that this removes any enjoyment from the book. Gore, disgust and violent imagery are why you are considering reading this book after all.
I have been surprised and impressed at Wol-vriey's writing. The plot was unpredictable and the roads the characters took really surprised me. I have already happily perused Wol-vriey's list of published stories and added several to my to-read list. Happy day's and happy reading.
June 12, 2020
This book was spectacular.
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