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The Patience of a Dead Man #2
Dead Woman Scorned
She's back, and they’ll regret what they’ve done.
Mildred Wells had a miserable life that carried over to a lonesome death. In the end, they betrayed her - played her the fool. She was the last to know, but there's still time to catch up. She'll formulate her painful plan as they live their lives in blissful ignorance.
With no more family, only vengeance drives her; in fact, it’s all she has. She would have rather rested in peace, but for Mildred, dying isn't so easy.
This book is out of print but WILL RETURN as "The Legend of Mildred Wells."
Mildred Wells had a miserable life that carried over to a lonesome death. In the end, they betrayed her - played her the fool. She was the last to know, but there's still time to catch up. She'll formulate her painful plan as they live their lives in blissful ignorance.
With no more family, only vengeance drives her; in fact, it’s all she has. She would have rather rested in peace, but for Mildred, dying isn't so easy.
This book is out of print but WILL RETURN as "The Legend of Mildred Wells."
466 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2019
32 people are currently reading
1506 people want to read
About the author
Michael Clark
6 books200 followersMichael Clark is an author of horror fiction, having written the books Hell on High and The Legend of Mildred Wells.
He is also the author of "The Patience of a Dead Man" trilogy (including "The Patience of a Dead Man, "Dead Woman Scorned," "Anger is an Acid," and "The Patience of a Dead Man: COMPLETE"), which are out of print to make room for "The Legend of Mildred Wells," a retelling of TPOADM optimized as a standalone novel.
You can find him here:
sleek.bio/michaelclarkbooks
He is also the author of "The Patience of a Dead Man" trilogy (including "The Patience of a Dead Man, "Dead Woman Scorned," "Anger is an Acid," and "The Patience of a Dead Man: COMPLETE"), which are out of print to make room for "The Legend of Mildred Wells," a retelling of TPOADM optimized as a standalone novel.
You can find him here:
sleek.bio/michaelclarkbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 24, 2020
Brilliant!
In THE PATIENCE OF A DEAD MAN, we learned of Tim Russell who purchased a farm in New Hampshire to fix up after a messy divorce and who falls for his real estate agent Holly Burns. He hopes to make some quick cash with this fixer-upper, but he soon learns that the place is haunted by ghosts, specifically, one female ghost named Mildred, and she is an angry one.
Despite the scary haunts and the foreboding diary he found with Holly, they turn around the farmhouse in as quick of a time as possible and put it on the market.
This is where Dead Woman Scorned, book II in the trilogy picks up, but it does not seemingly continue where the first one left off. Instead, it tells the story of how Mildred, the scary ghost from the woods came to be and it is one engrossing tale!
As a young girl, Mildred was picked up by Gideon Walker, a man on a personal pilgrimage to find more and more victims for an occult. His target, widowed or single mothers with young children, poor and defenseless. His tactic, give them a roof over their heads, keep them safe, and provide meal rations in exchange for work on the farm. The women don't know about Gideon's affiliations and aspirations to learn real "magick" and the devil’s work.
Mildred is a clever one though at a young age, and when one child after another disappears, she picks up on what Gideon is doing and tries to concoct a plan that will sideline Gideon's business. Her endeavors take her through Antebellum America and into the 1970’s of Tim's and Holly's timeline. That is roughly 130 years of wrath brooding and developing, causing havoc in its wake.
HELL HATH NO FURY LIKE A WOMAN SCORNED
But Gideon is not beat so easily, though revenge will take all the patience he can muster. With lure and effrontery, Mildred will send him on a chase he won’t forget. The question is, who will win the vendetta and will Gideon make rank among the cult as he so much wishes for?
More so than in the first book, other elements sideline and intervene in Mildred's process. So, it turns out that the death of a child leads to Tim's farm and a radio program picks up on the myth of Mildred's ghost. As a tv crew for a spin-off of The Twilight Zone gets tangled up on top of that and a local police officer may not see the light of day again due to meddling with the case, Tim and Holly try to keep their cool.
It seems that there's one grand master to the story and....you guessed it, it is Mildred, and it will keep you at the edge of your seat!
Will Tim be able to sell the property before it all falls apart?
I’m afraid you may just have to pick this one up to find out :) Believe me, it is worth it!
***
THIS BOOK, THIS TRILOGY! I absolutely love it.
Mr. Clark threw me for a loop with this one since it was so amazingly instigated and crafted, I’m pretty speechless. I did not see the ritualistic elements of the cult coming and all the mix-ups surrounding Tim’s house. The myth’s and the police officer had me guessing and pulling my hair out! I still want to rattle Mike Clark for the suspense and also thank him for the amazing ride of DEAD WOMAN SCORNED.
If you are new to horror or a connoisseur of the genre, let me recommend this one for you. The tension and mystery behind this book are appealing to both types of readers I think, because of all the suspense behind it. Even a person who loves thrillers would find this novel riddling. So, do yourself a favor and pick it up, asap. It will be the perfect book or trilogy to cozy up to this fall.
Let me know your thoughts if you do!
Happy Reading!
I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for a voluntary review. All opinions are my own! Thank you.
More of my reviews here:
Through Novel Time & Distance
In THE PATIENCE OF A DEAD MAN, we learned of Tim Russell who purchased a farm in New Hampshire to fix up after a messy divorce and who falls for his real estate agent Holly Burns. He hopes to make some quick cash with this fixer-upper, but he soon learns that the place is haunted by ghosts, specifically, one female ghost named Mildred, and she is an angry one.
Despite the scary haunts and the foreboding diary he found with Holly, they turn around the farmhouse in as quick of a time as possible and put it on the market.
This is where Dead Woman Scorned, book II in the trilogy picks up, but it does not seemingly continue where the first one left off. Instead, it tells the story of how Mildred, the scary ghost from the woods came to be and it is one engrossing tale!
As a young girl, Mildred was picked up by Gideon Walker, a man on a personal pilgrimage to find more and more victims for an occult. His target, widowed or single mothers with young children, poor and defenseless. His tactic, give them a roof over their heads, keep them safe, and provide meal rations in exchange for work on the farm. The women don't know about Gideon's affiliations and aspirations to learn real "magick" and the devil’s work.
Mildred is a clever one though at a young age, and when one child after another disappears, she picks up on what Gideon is doing and tries to concoct a plan that will sideline Gideon's business. Her endeavors take her through Antebellum America and into the 1970’s of Tim's and Holly's timeline. That is roughly 130 years of wrath brooding and developing, causing havoc in its wake.
HELL HATH NO FURY LIKE A WOMAN SCORNED
But Gideon is not beat so easily, though revenge will take all the patience he can muster. With lure and effrontery, Mildred will send him on a chase he won’t forget. The question is, who will win the vendetta and will Gideon make rank among the cult as he so much wishes for?
More so than in the first book, other elements sideline and intervene in Mildred's process. So, it turns out that the death of a child leads to Tim's farm and a radio program picks up on the myth of Mildred's ghost. As a tv crew for a spin-off of The Twilight Zone gets tangled up on top of that and a local police officer may not see the light of day again due to meddling with the case, Tim and Holly try to keep their cool.
It seems that there's one grand master to the story and....you guessed it, it is Mildred, and it will keep you at the edge of your seat!
Will Tim be able to sell the property before it all falls apart?
I’m afraid you may just have to pick this one up to find out :) Believe me, it is worth it!
***
THIS BOOK, THIS TRILOGY! I absolutely love it.
Mr. Clark threw me for a loop with this one since it was so amazingly instigated and crafted, I’m pretty speechless. I did not see the ritualistic elements of the cult coming and all the mix-ups surrounding Tim’s house. The myth’s and the police officer had me guessing and pulling my hair out! I still want to rattle Mike Clark for the suspense and also thank him for the amazing ride of DEAD WOMAN SCORNED.
If you are new to horror or a connoisseur of the genre, let me recommend this one for you. The tension and mystery behind this book are appealing to both types of readers I think, because of all the suspense behind it. Even a person who loves thrillers would find this novel riddling. So, do yourself a favor and pick it up, asap. It will be the perfect book or trilogy to cozy up to this fall.
Let me know your thoughts if you do!
Happy Reading!
I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for a voluntary review. All opinions are my own! Thank you.
More of my reviews here:
Through Novel Time & Distance
October 8, 2020
DEAD WOMAN SCORNED follows THE PATIENCE OF A DEAD MAN in a trilogy of books by Michael Clark. It's this reader's opinion that Clark really upped his game with this one and I'm excited to share my thoughts on Book 2 with SCREAM fans since they have already heard my thoughts on Book 1.
I'm very eager to read Book 3. Full review to come!
I'm very eager to read Book 3. Full review to come!
March 4, 2021
Truly remarkable, dead woman scorned is the second book of this, amazing trilogy.
Michael clark really ups his game in this one, as we learn the shocking back story of Mary to Mildred.
Straight on to the last book for me, I have never read a trilogy book after book after book, I have Always read something else in-between,such is the seriously excellent story.
Michael clark really ups his game in this one, as we learn the shocking back story of Mary to Mildred.
Straight on to the last book for me, I have never read a trilogy book after book after book, I have Always read something else in-between,such is the seriously excellent story.
March 23, 2020
Clark expands on everything that made the first book so great, and crafts one of those rare sequels that surpasses the original work in every way. And this is saying a lot, since that first book was an amazing piece of tension building, character driven horror. So much more than your average ghost story. Clark weaves a backstory for Mildred Wells, his undead axe wielding antagonist, that’s every bit as compelling as the main story, maybe more so. The words jump off the page every time she makes an appearance.
Highly recommended, and that killer cliffhanger ending will make the wait for the third and final book even more painful.
Highly recommended, and that killer cliffhanger ending will make the wait for the third and final book even more painful.
December 3, 2020
Review of “Dead Woman Scorn” Patient of a Dead Man book 2 by Micheal Clark.
After finishing book 2, I am so amazed at how the author crafted this book. I expected it to pick up right where we left off in the first book but it didn’t. I was kinda sad at first not knowing immediately what had happened after the cliffhanger in the first book but in the end I was happy with the results.
Mildred is furious that her happily ever after was spoiled and she is seeking revenge on everyone that has ever crossed her. You better watch out cause this woman is scorned. She will make them regret everything that’s been done to her.
First off, the structure of events from the first book to the second book caught me off guard. We take a deep dive into Mildred’s dark and sad past. I was actually intrigued and slowly invested in learning more about this book that everyone is so hyped about. I hope we get to learn more about it in book 3. Secondly, the drama in this one is so over the top. I almost want to kill everyone for Tim. His ex-wife (what a bitch) and his nosey neighbor are literally the worst. I almost forgot about crazy ass Mildred causing even more problems. The plate just keeps filling up. I definitely feel for Tim because my stress levels are off the charts and it’s not even my problems. Lastly, the ending to this one left me scratching my head. I feel kinda slow that I’m not connecting the puzzle pieces right away but I’m hoping book 3 explains it to me. I gave this one 4 ⭐️! I’m jumping right into the 3rd book now!
After finishing book 2, I am so amazed at how the author crafted this book. I expected it to pick up right where we left off in the first book but it didn’t. I was kinda sad at first not knowing immediately what had happened after the cliffhanger in the first book but in the end I was happy with the results.
Mildred is furious that her happily ever after was spoiled and she is seeking revenge on everyone that has ever crossed her. You better watch out cause this woman is scorned. She will make them regret everything that’s been done to her.
First off, the structure of events from the first book to the second book caught me off guard. We take a deep dive into Mildred’s dark and sad past. I was actually intrigued and slowly invested in learning more about this book that everyone is so hyped about. I hope we get to learn more about it in book 3. Secondly, the drama in this one is so over the top. I almost want to kill everyone for Tim. His ex-wife (what a bitch) and his nosey neighbor are literally the worst. I almost forgot about crazy ass Mildred causing even more problems. The plate just keeps filling up. I definitely feel for Tim because my stress levels are off the charts and it’s not even my problems. Lastly, the ending to this one left me scratching my head. I feel kinda slow that I’m not connecting the puzzle pieces right away but I’m hoping book 3 explains it to me. I gave this one 4 ⭐️! I’m jumping right into the 3rd book now!
November 28, 2020
Edited as now live on STORGY.com
Every great story needs an origin story and what Clark has done here with Dead Woman Scorned (the follow-up book to his quite brilliant The Patience of a Dead Man) is something down right masterful.
Not only has Clark been able to develop and add to his existing story of Tim and Holly – he’s been able to expertly weave a tale that explores in depth, the origins of the ghost Mildred Wells that is mouthwateringly macabre and down right brilliantly brutal.
As this is a second book in the series, I’ll try to not spoil anything from the first outing in this review, so I may scoot around certain subjects or leave something a bit open-ended but I really don’t want to spoil anything for you if you’ve yet to discover this quite brilliant horror series. All roads are pointing to this being a five star series across the board.
The cast of characters that populate the original story (The Patience of a Dead Man) are all pretty much present in this second offering, it’s great to fill in some of the gaps from the time jump we had towards the end of the first book, and also to see what strange goings on happened in that slight time shift (the way that Clark pulls the reader back into this story is just astonishing).
We are also introduced to some new characters (one in particular Gideon) and some other odd creations from Clark’s pen which are called Revenants – these interesting characters and their interwoven narrative in Dead Woman Scorned take up a large proportion of the book and although I was pining to get back to the fully rounded and relatable characters of Tim and Holly, I couldn’t help but be bewitched by Clark’s use of these characters and the fabulous narrative and page time these revenants get in this second offering in the Dead Man Series.
What I really enjoyed about this offering was the chance to spend the majority of the book with Mildred Wells – one of the most scariest bloody characters I’ve ever read – Regan MacNeil from The Exorcist is a bloody kitten compared to this woman! We expertly see first hand the incidents that have lead Mildred to becoming the vengeful, horrific ghost that she is and why she is so scorned.
Clark paints a very sorrowful tale of her previous life, and we can’t help but to feel a twinge of regret for the hand she has been dealt – and the writing in this part is stunning, how Clark can make us feel anything (good) for this monster is remarkable in itself, but he does so with a flourish and with this strange turn of events it makes the horrors hit home harder than ever before.
There was one particular scene that had me salivating with its brilliance – Mildred returns to a farm where she once lived with a strange cult, where her childhood was robbed and where darkness seemed to reign freely. On her return as the Mildred we’ve come to fear in The Patience of a Dead Man – all bets are off with the carnage that is about to follow. This whole set piece was masterfully rendered, it had everything you wanted, gore, horror, creeping unease, tension, sympathy, hope, revenge – it was dripping with everything you could ever wish for and for me was put across in such attention to detail that you could visualize everything about it – this is a very cinematic book and a series actually and a film studio really needs to pick this book up and turn it into a film!
I’m going to leave the review there as I don’t want to elaborate too much more on the story in fear of giving something away and ruining the enjoyment of this masterful series to any new readers – but what I will say is revenge is a dish best served cold – and this offering is flipping chilling!
Dead Woman Scorned is a bloody marvelous piece of horror fiction, an origin story that expands this intrinsically macabre world that Clark has created, adding subtle layers to existing characters and also introducing us to new ones too. A deftly crafted and most beguiling ghost story, full of tension, horror and what makes monsters of men and women, and where all these winding narratives will lead to a brutal third act… and I for one can’t wait! Clark is quickly turning into one of those authors that I can’t get enough of, if you’ve not discovered Mildred Wells and the Dead Man Series or Michael Clark – now is the time!
Every great story needs an origin story and what Clark has done here with Dead Woman Scorned (the follow-up book to his quite brilliant The Patience of a Dead Man) is something down right masterful.
Not only has Clark been able to develop and add to his existing story of Tim and Holly – he’s been able to expertly weave a tale that explores in depth, the origins of the ghost Mildred Wells that is mouthwateringly macabre and down right brilliantly brutal.
As this is a second book in the series, I’ll try to not spoil anything from the first outing in this review, so I may scoot around certain subjects or leave something a bit open-ended but I really don’t want to spoil anything for you if you’ve yet to discover this quite brilliant horror series. All roads are pointing to this being a five star series across the board.
The cast of characters that populate the original story (The Patience of a Dead Man) are all pretty much present in this second offering, it’s great to fill in some of the gaps from the time jump we had towards the end of the first book, and also to see what strange goings on happened in that slight time shift (the way that Clark pulls the reader back into this story is just astonishing).
We are also introduced to some new characters (one in particular Gideon) and some other odd creations from Clark’s pen which are called Revenants – these interesting characters and their interwoven narrative in Dead Woman Scorned take up a large proportion of the book and although I was pining to get back to the fully rounded and relatable characters of Tim and Holly, I couldn’t help but be bewitched by Clark’s use of these characters and the fabulous narrative and page time these revenants get in this second offering in the Dead Man Series.
What I really enjoyed about this offering was the chance to spend the majority of the book with Mildred Wells – one of the most scariest bloody characters I’ve ever read – Regan MacNeil from The Exorcist is a bloody kitten compared to this woman! We expertly see first hand the incidents that have lead Mildred to becoming the vengeful, horrific ghost that she is and why she is so scorned.
Clark paints a very sorrowful tale of her previous life, and we can’t help but to feel a twinge of regret for the hand she has been dealt – and the writing in this part is stunning, how Clark can make us feel anything (good) for this monster is remarkable in itself, but he does so with a flourish and with this strange turn of events it makes the horrors hit home harder than ever before.
There was one particular scene that had me salivating with its brilliance – Mildred returns to a farm where she once lived with a strange cult, where her childhood was robbed and where darkness seemed to reign freely. On her return as the Mildred we’ve come to fear in The Patience of a Dead Man – all bets are off with the carnage that is about to follow. This whole set piece was masterfully rendered, it had everything you wanted, gore, horror, creeping unease, tension, sympathy, hope, revenge – it was dripping with everything you could ever wish for and for me was put across in such attention to detail that you could visualize everything about it – this is a very cinematic book and a series actually and a film studio really needs to pick this book up and turn it into a film!
I’m going to leave the review there as I don’t want to elaborate too much more on the story in fear of giving something away and ruining the enjoyment of this masterful series to any new readers – but what I will say is revenge is a dish best served cold – and this offering is flipping chilling!
Dead Woman Scorned is a bloody marvelous piece of horror fiction, an origin story that expands this intrinsically macabre world that Clark has created, adding subtle layers to existing characters and also introducing us to new ones too. A deftly crafted and most beguiling ghost story, full of tension, horror and what makes monsters of men and women, and where all these winding narratives will lead to a brutal third act… and I for one can’t wait! Clark is quickly turning into one of those authors that I can’t get enough of, if you’ve not discovered Mildred Wells and the Dead Man Series or Michael Clark – now is the time!
January 14, 2020
Fantastic book 2! The reader is given Mildreds torturous back story. A Pennsylvania cult takes a dangerous turn when the cult leader realizes he needs more, secrets of the dead and puts the whole cult/family in peril. Gideon brings his “family” to join another cult that harbors horrible rituals and can make the dead, undead. No spoilers, it would be to easy to do and ruin everything! The past moves forward to the present with Mildred seeking revenge and actually, some kind of acceptance as her reality is discovered. We come back to Tim and Holly as they try to sell a haunted house as chaos erupts around them. Mildred isn’t finished with righting the wrongs done to her..
I’m hooked! I need book 3 immediately! The ending of this story completely caught me by surprise and now I need to know what’s next! Add these books on your TBR immediately!
I’m hooked! I need book 3 immediately! The ending of this story completely caught me by surprise and now I need to know what’s next! Add these books on your TBR immediately!
April 10, 2020
Review to follow soon...
August 25, 2020
Strewth what a book! This is now building up to one epic countdown of a finale! This book is not scary but instead, the tension is palpable! We learn all about Mildred and her past and how she became what she is! That is some dark and brutal stuff! We are also back with Tim and Holly learning what happens before and after that open house of October 1972!
I always think there are two different types of endings with these books, the ending of the book which I loved and fully expected and bizarrely had me doing a little chuckle – believe me, I wasn’t expecting to feel like that. Then the epilogue ending which has a twist of fate which I DID NOT see coming and it has made me so excited for book 3!!
This is a dark book as mentioned before as there is so much brutality. When I first picked it up I was expected to be scared the bejesus out of, but Clarke decides to try and win some sympathy with Mildred, by showing us her background. Nope, sorry just can’t do it, she is one messed up MOFO and that’s all I am going to say.
I love the inclusion of new characters and TV crew, as it added more of a threat to Tim. It added more tension too because there are more lives now at risk, and who doesn’t love a bit of danger and risk! My heart was in my throat a lot because we are literally drowned in revenge and rage. You could feel it coming off the pages, there are some things and some people you do not mess with. I think I would be brave to an extent but more than likely I would be running for the hills. I just can’t see the light yet, it’s not clear how it will all end but I know it’s going to be bloody, harrowing but tantalisingly good.
I am fully invested in this series, I worry about the characters when I put the book down, there is no way you can not but worry. Plus, it doesn’t help when you hear flies swarming around you when you read it, the hair on your neck raises and it takes all your willpower not…to…look! I know I had a few moments of uncertainty with this book, a few moments where I was unsettled reading it and guess what, spoiler, I love that feeling. I do love a book (or film) that you become immersed in makes the lines of reality and fiction blur just a little bit.
I am excited but apprehensive about reading the last book Anger is Acid, mainly because I don’t what to end the series but also because I just know not everyone is going to make it out alive, especially if this book is anything to go by!!!
I always think there are two different types of endings with these books, the ending of the book which I loved and fully expected and bizarrely had me doing a little chuckle – believe me, I wasn’t expecting to feel like that. Then the epilogue ending which has a twist of fate which I DID NOT see coming and it has made me so excited for book 3!!
This is a dark book as mentioned before as there is so much brutality. When I first picked it up I was expected to be scared the bejesus out of, but Clarke decides to try and win some sympathy with Mildred, by showing us her background. Nope, sorry just can’t do it, she is one messed up MOFO and that’s all I am going to say.
I love the inclusion of new characters and TV crew, as it added more of a threat to Tim. It added more tension too because there are more lives now at risk, and who doesn’t love a bit of danger and risk! My heart was in my throat a lot because we are literally drowned in revenge and rage. You could feel it coming off the pages, there are some things and some people you do not mess with. I think I would be brave to an extent but more than likely I would be running for the hills. I just can’t see the light yet, it’s not clear how it will all end but I know it’s going to be bloody, harrowing but tantalisingly good.
I am fully invested in this series, I worry about the characters when I put the book down, there is no way you can not but worry. Plus, it doesn’t help when you hear flies swarming around you when you read it, the hair on your neck raises and it takes all your willpower not…to…look! I know I had a few moments of uncertainty with this book, a few moments where I was unsettled reading it and guess what, spoiler, I love that feeling. I do love a book (or film) that you become immersed in makes the lines of reality and fiction blur just a little bit.
I am excited but apprehensive about reading the last book Anger is Acid, mainly because I don’t what to end the series but also because I just know not everyone is going to make it out alive, especially if this book is anything to go by!!!
December 18, 2020
DEAD WOMAN SCORNED is book two of the PATIENCE OF A DEAD MAN trilogy by Michael Clark. We find ourselves back at the old haunted New Hampshire farmhouse once again not long after the events of the first book. Tim Russell is cautiously optimistic that his recent tormentor, Mildred Wells, is now gone for good and he can move on with his life. Little does he know that hell hath no fury like a woman’s scorn.
In book one, THE PATIENCE OF A DEAD MAN, Michael Clark delivered a unique take on the haunted house trope while crafting an atmosphere of spine tingling menace and dread. Book two, DEAD WOMAN SCORNED, does have some of those same look over your shoulder type moments but overall it has a vastly different tone and feel than the first entry in the trilogy. For me this was both unexpected and freshening that Clark had enough confidence in the story he was telling to go a different route and not just rehash book one all over again.
I loved the reveal we get about Mildred at the end of the first book. It was something so simple but did so much to make that book stand out among the hundreds of other haunted house stories out there. We learned that Mildred Wells isn’t a ghost or spirit. She isn’t capable of manifesting at will and then suddenly dematerializing before your eyes. There is no walking through walls or any other ghostly shenanigans.Mildred is a revenant, an animated corpse revived from death to haunt the living and usually fueled by vengeance. DEAD WOMAN SCORNED is Mildred’s story more so than anyone else's. We delve into her backstory and get to bare witness to the horrors she suffered through as a child. The events that formed her into the vengeful soul she is today. We learn how and why she is capable of doing certain things, how she became a revenant in the first place. Clark takes this villainous character that haunted and stalked the protagonist in book one and gives her a bit of humanity, something that the reader can sympathise with to a certain degree. That’s not to say that Mildred is innocent by any means, but there is more beneath the surface than a blinding rage.
I thought that this was a bold decision on Clark’s part. Not just humanizing the antagonist somewhat but to pull the curtain back and uncover a lot of the mystery surrounding the character of Mildred. I have said before that monsters are always the scariest when they aren’t fully revealed, when they are still lurking in the shadows and it is up to our imaginations to fill in those blanks. Giving the reader so much of Mildred’s backstory could have easily backfired in my opinion and really taken away from the disturbing creepiness of the character, but in fact I think it did the opposite. For me it doubled down on just how scary Mildred truly is because it shows the readers that Mildred knows exactly what she is doing and how powerful she is. Mildred isn’t some spirit going through the motions, reliving past events over and over. She is cold, calculating, and downright evil. Mildred is patient. It’s not a matter of if she is going to seek her revenge, only a matter of when. Time means nothing to the dead.
Clark infuses a bit of fantasy into the story this time around with black magick (yes magick with a K), spells, and rituals, adding a new and exciting dimension while still keeping the narrative firmly rooted in the horror genre. Bositering the cast are Sheila, Tim’s ex-wife, and Bob Simmons, the nosy next door neighbor, great side characters that you will love to hate. One other character introduced but who seems separate from the rest of the story is Andrew. I know that he has a role to play but we are not quite sure what that might be yet and I am curious to see how his inclusion will play out.
Captivating, thrilling, and grim. DEAD WOMAN SCORNED by Michael Clark is an intriguing glimpse behind the curtain into the beating heart of evil. The short chapters and compelling narrative make for a real page turner of a read. Combined with the explosive final events and cliffhanger of an ending this book leaves readers hanging on the edge to see how the final chapter, ANGER IS AN ACID will conclude. One of the best haunted house series I’ve ever read. I cannot wait to dive into the third and final book soon.
I received a copy of this book from the author for review consideration.
Video review: https://youtu.be/FM87pwzyzAk
In book one, THE PATIENCE OF A DEAD MAN, Michael Clark delivered a unique take on the haunted house trope while crafting an atmosphere of spine tingling menace and dread. Book two, DEAD WOMAN SCORNED, does have some of those same look over your shoulder type moments but overall it has a vastly different tone and feel than the first entry in the trilogy. For me this was both unexpected and freshening that Clark had enough confidence in the story he was telling to go a different route and not just rehash book one all over again.
I loved the reveal we get about Mildred at the end of the first book. It was something so simple but did so much to make that book stand out among the hundreds of other haunted house stories out there. We learned that Mildred Wells isn’t a ghost or spirit. She isn’t capable of manifesting at will and then suddenly dematerializing before your eyes. There is no walking through walls or any other ghostly shenanigans.Mildred is a revenant, an animated corpse revived from death to haunt the living and usually fueled by vengeance. DEAD WOMAN SCORNED is Mildred’s story more so than anyone else's. We delve into her backstory and get to bare witness to the horrors she suffered through as a child. The events that formed her into the vengeful soul she is today. We learn how and why she is capable of doing certain things, how she became a revenant in the first place. Clark takes this villainous character that haunted and stalked the protagonist in book one and gives her a bit of humanity, something that the reader can sympathise with to a certain degree. That’s not to say that Mildred is innocent by any means, but there is more beneath the surface than a blinding rage.
I thought that this was a bold decision on Clark’s part. Not just humanizing the antagonist somewhat but to pull the curtain back and uncover a lot of the mystery surrounding the character of Mildred. I have said before that monsters are always the scariest when they aren’t fully revealed, when they are still lurking in the shadows and it is up to our imaginations to fill in those blanks. Giving the reader so much of Mildred’s backstory could have easily backfired in my opinion and really taken away from the disturbing creepiness of the character, but in fact I think it did the opposite. For me it doubled down on just how scary Mildred truly is because it shows the readers that Mildred knows exactly what she is doing and how powerful she is. Mildred isn’t some spirit going through the motions, reliving past events over and over. She is cold, calculating, and downright evil. Mildred is patient. It’s not a matter of if she is going to seek her revenge, only a matter of when. Time means nothing to the dead.
Clark infuses a bit of fantasy into the story this time around with black magick (yes magick with a K), spells, and rituals, adding a new and exciting dimension while still keeping the narrative firmly rooted in the horror genre. Bositering the cast are Sheila, Tim’s ex-wife, and Bob Simmons, the nosy next door neighbor, great side characters that you will love to hate. One other character introduced but who seems separate from the rest of the story is Andrew. I know that he has a role to play but we are not quite sure what that might be yet and I am curious to see how his inclusion will play out.
Captivating, thrilling, and grim. DEAD WOMAN SCORNED by Michael Clark is an intriguing glimpse behind the curtain into the beating heart of evil. The short chapters and compelling narrative make for a real page turner of a read. Combined with the explosive final events and cliffhanger of an ending this book leaves readers hanging on the edge to see how the final chapter, ANGER IS AN ACID will conclude. One of the best haunted house series I’ve ever read. I cannot wait to dive into the third and final book soon.
I received a copy of this book from the author for review consideration.
Video review: https://youtu.be/FM87pwzyzAk
December 8, 2020
What began as a haunted house story in The Patience of a Dead Man takes on a whole new light in Dead Woman Scorned.
Dead Woman Scorned starts off with a completely different tone. It starts off at the beginning...the VERY beginning. We learn about Mildred's history: childhood, teenage years, marriage, and death. WHY she became the menace we met in the first book in the trilogy, the reasoning behind how she came to be a revenant. At first I wondered if I would like the history angle the book began with. It didn't take me long to realize I LOVED it. I LOVED knowing the *why* behind the madness, the explanation...the masterful character development of Mildred Wells.
In fact, it just made me that much more frightened because I realized something. Mildred was capable of so much more than what we say in the first book. Talk about increasing my level of dread...
Once the history was completed, we were brought back to present-day, returning to Tim and Holly. Every turn of the page had me looking for Mildred Wells to appear. My stomach was in knots. Would this be the chapter she would come back to the house? WHAT WOULD SHE DO WHEN SHE GOT THERE?
Guess you'll have to read and find out for yourselves....
Me? I need the third book right now. I have to know how this ends. Michael Clark has mastered the art of telling an intensely frightening story that takes you in its grip and doesn't let you go. I will read anything he puts out - with the second installment of this trilogy, Clark cemented his place at the top as my benchmark to measure a truly scary story.
Dead Woman Scorned starts off with a completely different tone. It starts off at the beginning...the VERY beginning. We learn about Mildred's history: childhood, teenage years, marriage, and death. WHY she became the menace we met in the first book in the trilogy, the reasoning behind how she came to be a revenant. At first I wondered if I would like the history angle the book began with. It didn't take me long to realize I LOVED it. I LOVED knowing the *why* behind the madness, the explanation...the masterful character development of Mildred Wells.
In fact, it just made me that much more frightened because I realized something. Mildred was capable of so much more than what we say in the first book. Talk about increasing my level of dread...
Once the history was completed, we were brought back to present-day, returning to Tim and Holly. Every turn of the page had me looking for Mildred Wells to appear. My stomach was in knots. Would this be the chapter she would come back to the house? WHAT WOULD SHE DO WHEN SHE GOT THERE?
Guess you'll have to read and find out for yourselves....
Me? I need the third book right now. I have to know how this ends. Michael Clark has mastered the art of telling an intensely frightening story that takes you in its grip and doesn't let you go. I will read anything he puts out - with the second installment of this trilogy, Clark cemented his place at the top as my benchmark to measure a truly scary story.
October 5, 2020
Dead Woman Scorned is Book Two in The Patience of a Dead Man series and takes a different run at the dark shadow that is Mildred Wells than Book One did. (Read my review of The Patience of a Dead Man here) While we already know that Mildred is more than a disembodied haunting, Clark takes us back to the beginning, revealing exactly how developed into what she is and how she acquired her power.
Surprisingly, the picture of Mildred Wells that comes into focus is one to be almost shockingly sympathetic towards. While there is no denying that she is this rage-filled vengeful creature, she might truly have reason to be. Her past was certainly not kind to her. In fact, you could almost say it purposefully molded her. As they say: Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Tim and Holly get a break from being the object of her furor as she absconds on a terrifying spate of revenge. All is not well, however, and Mildred's absence from the farmhouse is only a temporary respite.
Once again, the pace of the novel leaves no downtime for the reader to worry about getting bored. We are cast about from character to character, from past to present, as the story weaves strain and apprehension around everyone involved. There are even new characters to get to know—some more temporarily than others—like neighbor, Bob Simmons, police officer and relative to Elizabeth the writer of the scrapbook found by Tim in the farmhouse. While quite a chunk of the story focuses on the past, it's only setting the stage for when Mildred returns now that we are all fully aware of what she is capable of.
The departure from the farm house and Tim and Holly's story was a bit disorienting, especially after the abrupt ending of Book One. While this allows for fully explore Mildred's past, the nail-biting disquiet permeating Dead Woman Scorned wasn't felt as much here. I look forward to Anger is an Acid, which hopefully will bring Mildred's tale full circle.
Website | Twitter | Pinterest
Surprisingly, the picture of Mildred Wells that comes into focus is one to be almost shockingly sympathetic towards. While there is no denying that she is this rage-filled vengeful creature, she might truly have reason to be. Her past was certainly not kind to her. In fact, you could almost say it purposefully molded her. As they say: Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Tim and Holly get a break from being the object of her furor as she absconds on a terrifying spate of revenge. All is not well, however, and Mildred's absence from the farmhouse is only a temporary respite.
Once again, the pace of the novel leaves no downtime for the reader to worry about getting bored. We are cast about from character to character, from past to present, as the story weaves strain and apprehension around everyone involved. There are even new characters to get to know—some more temporarily than others—like neighbor, Bob Simmons, police officer and relative to Elizabeth the writer of the scrapbook found by Tim in the farmhouse. While quite a chunk of the story focuses on the past, it's only setting the stage for when Mildred returns now that we are all fully aware of what she is capable of.
The departure from the farm house and Tim and Holly's story was a bit disorienting, especially after the abrupt ending of Book One. While this allows for fully explore Mildred's past, the nail-biting disquiet permeating Dead Woman Scorned wasn't felt as much here. I look forward to Anger is an Acid, which hopefully will bring Mildred's tale full circle.
Website | Twitter | Pinterest
August 18, 2020
In book two of The Patience of a Deadman, Mildreds world is opened up and put on display for us, giving us a full view of her childhood and how she was neglected and abused. It’s the first time I feel some emotion towards Mildred and as she sets off on her path of revenge, I find myself drawn into the story, hoping some people might get what they deserve.
What I really loved from the first book besides the creepiness of Mildreds character, is that she wasn’t just a typical ghost, but a revenant; a reanimated corpse. She is very unique, possessing qualities of a witch, a ghost and the dead. Living with a cult and learning how to cast spells, we see how she has turned into the monster she is, and how she is able to transport herself around, becoming a killing machine. Mildreds lack of remorse and flat affect is, quite frankly, unsettling and not to mention, chilling.
The ending of this book gives the reader needing more, leaving us standing at the edge of that cliff, wanting to take that dive deep down to see what’s below. A perfect glimpse into the conclusion of this grisly trilogy.
Thank you to Michael Clark for sending this book to me in exchange for an honest review.
I give Dead Woman Scorned ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What I really loved from the first book besides the creepiness of Mildreds character, is that she wasn’t just a typical ghost, but a revenant; a reanimated corpse. She is very unique, possessing qualities of a witch, a ghost and the dead. Living with a cult and learning how to cast spells, we see how she has turned into the monster she is, and how she is able to transport herself around, becoming a killing machine. Mildreds lack of remorse and flat affect is, quite frankly, unsettling and not to mention, chilling.
The ending of this book gives the reader needing more, leaving us standing at the edge of that cliff, wanting to take that dive deep down to see what’s below. A perfect glimpse into the conclusion of this grisly trilogy.
Thank you to Michael Clark for sending this book to me in exchange for an honest review.
I give Dead Woman Scorned ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 16, 2021
Back to Lancaster Hill Road!
In the second book in The Patience of a Dead Man trilogy, we get to take a much, much closer look at who exactly Mildred Wells is, or was. This book did exactly what I feel the author set out to do though, show us that Mildred was once a person, a little girl and largely what happened to her, was not not entirely her fault. She wasn't always an absolute terror.
Do not read further if you want anything spoiled. Nothing entirely but, some of Mildreds backstory you may want to read yourself.
Mildred grew up in a community that screams CULT to all of us with our Netflix documentaries and reality television and such but, at that time, that is just what they had to do to survive. Mildred encounters the Book of Shadows by doing what every child at some point in their adolescence does, just snoops around. However, she starts studying it regularly and begins to pick up skills that were never meant for her.
This novel was fantastic. I am in awe how Clark can craft a story that tells me everything I need to know without feeling like my imagination has been stifled. I wish we would have gotten to spend more time with Tim and Holly however, what we learn in this novel is important moving forward.
In the second book in The Patience of a Dead Man trilogy, we get to take a much, much closer look at who exactly Mildred Wells is, or was. This book did exactly what I feel the author set out to do though, show us that Mildred was once a person, a little girl and largely what happened to her, was not not entirely her fault. She wasn't always an absolute terror.
Do not read further if you want anything spoiled. Nothing entirely but, some of Mildreds backstory you may want to read yourself.
Mildred grew up in a community that screams CULT to all of us with our Netflix documentaries and reality television and such but, at that time, that is just what they had to do to survive. Mildred encounters the Book of Shadows by doing what every child at some point in their adolescence does, just snoops around. However, she starts studying it regularly and begins to pick up skills that were never meant for her.
This novel was fantastic. I am in awe how Clark can craft a story that tells me everything I need to know without feeling like my imagination has been stifled. I wish we would have gotten to spend more time with Tim and Holly however, what we learn in this novel is important moving forward.
May 16, 2022
Two books in one! The first part of this book is like a prequel/origin story for Mildred Wells. Starting back in the 1840’s a huge man, Gideon Walker, forced and coerced people into a cult like following. There is lots of blood on his hands as he dips into the occult and tries to gain the secrets of The Book of Shadows. Mildred and her mother were just two of the unfortunate souls who were trapped on his farm.
The second half of the book is the sequel, bringing you back to Tim and Holly trying to fix up the farmhouse. With a neighbor vying to stir up ghosts and some odd occurrences in nearby towns, Tim is working on staying optimistic that the killer ghost Mildred is gone.
Lots of feeling in this one with tense scenes, frustrating characters, and even a bit of pity for Mildred. It is easy to judge what is going on when you are standing on the outside looking in. It felt like I was watching an 80’s slasher flick, yelling at the characters and telling them not to go in there.
Mildred went through hell to get where she is. Is she justified for all she does? Does she go to far? You tell me after you read the book.
On to book three, Anger is an Acid.
The second half of the book is the sequel, bringing you back to Tim and Holly trying to fix up the farmhouse. With a neighbor vying to stir up ghosts and some odd occurrences in nearby towns, Tim is working on staying optimistic that the killer ghost Mildred is gone.
Lots of feeling in this one with tense scenes, frustrating characters, and even a bit of pity for Mildred. It is easy to judge what is going on when you are standing on the outside looking in. It felt like I was watching an 80’s slasher flick, yelling at the characters and telling them not to go in there.
Mildred went through hell to get where she is. Is she justified for all she does? Does she go to far? You tell me after you read the book.
On to book three, Anger is an Acid.
April 26, 2020
What I loved about the first book was it was a ghost story but not, there was something different about it. This book goes about giving us the history of Mildred Wells and how she became the way she did after death. It touches on Salem, the occult, even briefly the civil war, tying history and supernatural horror together for a story that unfolded in a way that kept me turning the page. I felt sorry for Mildred after learning more about her past, but her rage knows no bounds and she goes farther than I can justify for her revenge, making me torn on how I view her. It's an incredible sequel that continues the story, and I can't wait to read the third one which I have on order. I have no idea how this is going to end, but I can't wait.
November 24, 2020
This is a sequel to The Patience of a Dead Man in which a recently divorced man sinks the last of his savings into a dilapidated old house, in hopes of fixing it up to turn a profit. Unbeknownst to him there is the ghost of a child and a bloodthirsty revenant on the property.
In part 2 we learn more about Mildred and her childhood, and how she came to be such an undead force to be reckoned with. This is a brutal tale of a cult leader, rituals, and supernatural beings. There is a wondrous gothic atmosphere and a touch of historical fiction well blended together in a mix of revenge from beyond the grave. I think it could read well as a stand alone novel but for best enjoyment I would suggest you read book 1 first.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
In part 2 we learn more about Mildred and her childhood, and how she came to be such an undead force to be reckoned with. This is a brutal tale of a cult leader, rituals, and supernatural beings. There is a wondrous gothic atmosphere and a touch of historical fiction well blended together in a mix of revenge from beyond the grave. I think it could read well as a stand alone novel but for best enjoyment I would suggest you read book 1 first.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
January 9, 2021
Review to come. Really enjoyed this sequel!
December 4, 2020
Review Coming
March 29, 2020
Dead Woman Scorned is another unsettling tale from Michael Clark filled with cults, the living dead, and a bloody quest for revenge.
This tale is the follow-up to The Patience of a Dead Man. I had finished the first book yesterday and dove into the second book immediately. Finishing it in just a few sittings… Now, I will anxiously await book three!
If you haven’t yet read book one, I definitely recommend starting there. While the author did a brief recap to catch the readers back up to speed on where things left off, knowing the entire backstory is critical here.
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
I was so thrilled to see that this story focused mainly on the backstory of our amazing, rage-filled, revenant queen, Mildred.
My heart absolutely broke for her time and time again during her upbringing. Her strength was awe-inspiring considering the torture she was going through… Of course, her upbringing doesn’t excuse the actions she took later in life, but it helped to paint a better picture of her mental state, that’s for sure!
Her revenge tour was filled with unabashed violence, lots of blood, and a bit of magick. Mildred certainly proved that she isn’t a force to reckon with.
When the story caught back up to current times, I was immediately nervous for Tim and Holly again. They were almost in the clear! Ugh!
But also in the current timeline, there were a number of new characters introduced that got my blood boiling. Man, if only people could mind their own business!
And remember my comment from my review of the first book, I found myself turning on an extra light in the house… just in case. Make that double this time around.
Yet again, another book I could go on and on about, but I’ll leave the grisly and exciting details for you to discover on your own!
Happy reading!
My Favorite Passages
It was still nearly impossible to think logically; there was too much emotion because everything was so fresh. The rug has been pulled out from under her feet, and chaos ruled her mind. The expression “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” was the closest phrase to the way she felt, but somehow it still didn’t seem strong enough.
“… I’m freakin’ whistling while I’m working. I’m half expecting Snow White to come out of the woods with birds on her shoulders.”
Despite their best hunter impersonations, the boys made sounds equivalent to a drunken moose walking through the woods, and all the squirrels knew it.
The woman’s hair, makeup, and manicure were perfect, yet overdone – she stood out like a plastic rose in a garden of weeds.
My Final Thoughts
Coming in at 453 pages, this is a book that I was so invested in, I read it in just a few sittings! I absolutely loved learning the spooky details about the cult and the living dead crew before jumping back into the mess that poor Tim finds himself in currently. I’m so anxious for a happy ending, but will there be one?!
Of course, this story was as wonderfully written as the first. Amazing characters that are both good and bad, a wicked engaging plot, perfect pacing, and plenty of terror.
Bravo, Mr. Clark! I cannot wait to dive into book three when it’s ready for the public!
This tale is the follow-up to The Patience of a Dead Man. I had finished the first book yesterday and dove into the second book immediately. Finishing it in just a few sittings… Now, I will anxiously await book three!
If you haven’t yet read book one, I definitely recommend starting there. While the author did a brief recap to catch the readers back up to speed on where things left off, knowing the entire backstory is critical here.
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
I was so thrilled to see that this story focused mainly on the backstory of our amazing, rage-filled, revenant queen, Mildred.
My heart absolutely broke for her time and time again during her upbringing. Her strength was awe-inspiring considering the torture she was going through… Of course, her upbringing doesn’t excuse the actions she took later in life, but it helped to paint a better picture of her mental state, that’s for sure!
Her revenge tour was filled with unabashed violence, lots of blood, and a bit of magick. Mildred certainly proved that she isn’t a force to reckon with.
When the story caught back up to current times, I was immediately nervous for Tim and Holly again. They were almost in the clear! Ugh!
But also in the current timeline, there were a number of new characters introduced that got my blood boiling. Man, if only people could mind their own business!
And remember my comment from my review of the first book, I found myself turning on an extra light in the house… just in case. Make that double this time around.
Yet again, another book I could go on and on about, but I’ll leave the grisly and exciting details for you to discover on your own!
Happy reading!
My Favorite Passages
It was still nearly impossible to think logically; there was too much emotion because everything was so fresh. The rug has been pulled out from under her feet, and chaos ruled her mind. The expression “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” was the closest phrase to the way she felt, but somehow it still didn’t seem strong enough.
“… I’m freakin’ whistling while I’m working. I’m half expecting Snow White to come out of the woods with birds on her shoulders.”
Despite their best hunter impersonations, the boys made sounds equivalent to a drunken moose walking through the woods, and all the squirrels knew it.
The woman’s hair, makeup, and manicure were perfect, yet overdone – she stood out like a plastic rose in a garden of weeds.
My Final Thoughts
Coming in at 453 pages, this is a book that I was so invested in, I read it in just a few sittings! I absolutely loved learning the spooky details about the cult and the living dead crew before jumping back into the mess that poor Tim finds himself in currently. I’m so anxious for a happy ending, but will there be one?!
Of course, this story was as wonderfully written as the first. Amazing characters that are both good and bad, a wicked engaging plot, perfect pacing, and plenty of terror.
Bravo, Mr. Clark! I cannot wait to dive into book three when it’s ready for the public!
April 25, 2020
It is once again Freakish Friday, My Fellow Book Dragons and this Friday is especially Freakish. Look at this Gem. It looks as though it is made of Ivory. A small cube, a die, carved with odd symbols. Hold it in your claw and it feels warm. Hold it too long and it cools the blood to ice. That’s it, yes, best to put it back in the black velvet bag it came from. But it’s not Ivory, it’s made from bone, human bone. It is formed of magick. This is Gem Maker and Dragon Feeder Michael Clark’s “Dead Woman Scorned” and is the second book in the ‘Patience of a Dead Man’ tale.
First, I want to let you know, at the end of this review there is a link to an interview with Michael about his third and final book in the series “Anger is An Acid”. You won’t want to miss it.
A first happened with ‘Dead Woman Scorned”. For the first time ever, in all my long years of reading, the sequel warranted a 5+! Unfortunately, my rating system only goes to a 5. Millie is unlike any antagonist I have ever read. I have never felt my heart strings pulled over a character as nasty as she is. Michael did it. He made me sorry for her.
Tim and Holly are finally free of Millie at the farm, or are they? Is this a respite or are they truly liberated? Will she let them live in the peace they have worked so hard to earn or will she decide that no one shall have peace?
The Simmons’ family is back in the picture as well. Seems Elizabeth has a great-grand nephew. Wonder how that ill turn out? He’s a police officer. Will he be the one to solve the case of Millie and his aunt?
Oh Book Dragons! What a lovely, horrible, cold, terrifying bit of book this is. Four hundred pages that flew by far too quickly! I stayed up far into the night and on into the next day to finish this one! And you will, too! And it’s currently available on Kindle Unlimited for FREE! And Amazon has KU for 60 days FREE! Now is the time to get your deal. If you are like me and love to keep and read books like this again and again, you will definitely want to pick up the paperback, which is definitely reasonably priced.
Now for the interview link I promised you at the beginning: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/inter...
Enjoy! Until tomorrow, I remain, your humble Book Dragon,
Drakon T. Longwitten
I received a review copy of this book from the author #MichaelClark . My opinions are my own.
First, I want to let you know, at the end of this review there is a link to an interview with Michael about his third and final book in the series “Anger is An Acid”. You won’t want to miss it.
A first happened with ‘Dead Woman Scorned”. For the first time ever, in all my long years of reading, the sequel warranted a 5+! Unfortunately, my rating system only goes to a 5. Millie is unlike any antagonist I have ever read. I have never felt my heart strings pulled over a character as nasty as she is. Michael did it. He made me sorry for her.
Tim and Holly are finally free of Millie at the farm, or are they? Is this a respite or are they truly liberated? Will she let them live in the peace they have worked so hard to earn or will she decide that no one shall have peace?
The Simmons’ family is back in the picture as well. Seems Elizabeth has a great-grand nephew. Wonder how that ill turn out? He’s a police officer. Will he be the one to solve the case of Millie and his aunt?
Oh Book Dragons! What a lovely, horrible, cold, terrifying bit of book this is. Four hundred pages that flew by far too quickly! I stayed up far into the night and on into the next day to finish this one! And you will, too! And it’s currently available on Kindle Unlimited for FREE! And Amazon has KU for 60 days FREE! Now is the time to get your deal. If you are like me and love to keep and read books like this again and again, you will definitely want to pick up the paperback, which is definitely reasonably priced.
Now for the interview link I promised you at the beginning: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/inter...
Enjoy! Until tomorrow, I remain, your humble Book Dragon,
Drakon T. Longwitten
I received a review copy of this book from the author #MichaelClark . My opinions are my own.
May 8, 2020
I read this straight after finishing the first in the series, The Patience of a Dead Man. I just had to find out what happened after the cliff-hanger of the first. While Dead Woman Scorned is a standalone, you will enjoy it much more if you read the first in the series (and why wouldn't you want to? It's fantastic!). Make sure you check out my review of The Patience of a Dead Man!
Also, as this is a sequel - there will be some mild spoilers to the first book in my review.
This book has a slightly different approach to the first book. The first 35% of the story goes into Mildred's life and how she became a revenant. It also shows some of her memories that she re-enacts. This gave perspective into what was happening during these moments — in the first book, Tim and Holly only saw her speaking (the 'goose memory' is no less horrifying, though). I didn't think it was possible for me to feel any kind of sympathy for her after the first book, but after that, I did start to feel for her.
As well as Mildred looking for revenge on Tim and Holly, she also gets revenge on a group of revenants that transformed her. Helms and the lifestyle of the revenants was quite an interesting side plot so I was a little disappointed when that section ended. It's well-paced and exciting, and makes Mildred all the more terrifying — you realise what she is capable of.
Tim and Holly meet their neighbour, Bob Simmons, a local cop and whose family has history with the Wells/Pike family. He is related to Elizabeth and Emma, who created the scrapbook that Tim found in the first book. I didn't quite understand why Tim was so reluctant to talk to Bob about what happened as he could have been a helpful ally. Yes, his past relatives were a bit nosy — but as it turned out, not without good reason! And why does his ancestors' personality reflect on Bob? But of course, they don't want to believe that Mildred might not actually be gone (and who could blame them?).
Despite the different approach, later in the book Dead Woman Scorned becomes just as tense and scary as the first. I couldn't put it down, skipping all my other plans for the day! Once again, Michael has crafted a detailed, immersive story that is an excellent follow up to the first book.
The third in the series, Anger is an Acid, has just been released and I will be reading it next! (Especially after THAT cliffhanger!)
Also, as this is a sequel - there will be some mild spoilers to the first book in my review.
This book has a slightly different approach to the first book. The first 35% of the story goes into Mildred's life and how she became a revenant. It also shows some of her memories that she re-enacts. This gave perspective into what was happening during these moments — in the first book, Tim and Holly only saw her speaking (the 'goose memory' is no less horrifying, though). I didn't think it was possible for me to feel any kind of sympathy for her after the first book, but after that, I did start to feel for her.
As well as Mildred looking for revenge on Tim and Holly, she also gets revenge on a group of revenants that transformed her. Helms and the lifestyle of the revenants was quite an interesting side plot so I was a little disappointed when that section ended. It's well-paced and exciting, and makes Mildred all the more terrifying — you realise what she is capable of.
Tim and Holly meet their neighbour, Bob Simmons, a local cop and whose family has history with the Wells/Pike family. He is related to Elizabeth and Emma, who created the scrapbook that Tim found in the first book. I didn't quite understand why Tim was so reluctant to talk to Bob about what happened as he could have been a helpful ally. Yes, his past relatives were a bit nosy — but as it turned out, not without good reason! And why does his ancestors' personality reflect on Bob? But of course, they don't want to believe that Mildred might not actually be gone (and who could blame them?).
Despite the different approach, later in the book Dead Woman Scorned becomes just as tense and scary as the first. I couldn't put it down, skipping all my other plans for the day! Once again, Michael has crafted a detailed, immersive story that is an excellent follow up to the first book.
The third in the series, Anger is an Acid, has just been released and I will be reading it next! (Especially after THAT cliffhanger!)
October 1, 2020
This is the second book in The Patience Of A Dead Man trilogy and I must say that I am continuing to be impressed!
In book 1, we are introduced to a recently divorced middle aged man that buys a farmhouse out in the middle of rural America nowhere. Strange occurrences coupled with the appearance of a very strange lady begin to take place and the events that unfold are dark, disturbing and strangely, not what we initially expect.
In book 2, the reader picks up right where book 1 left off and, thankfully, it provides refreshing info in the beginning to help propel us into the continuation story. Initially I was scared that I would not remember where things had left off (I have a horrible memory and read book 1 about a month ago). However, I was so happy that certain tid-bits were mentioned in the beginning. It didn't weigh the story down at all and I found it to be simply refreshing for my addle-brained memory.
Not only does book 2 continue the present events but it also takes time to give the reader an interesting look into the past and history of the antagonist, Mildred. I absolutely loved this insight!! It answered so many lingering questions and made the character really come to life for me.
This trilogy has it all. Revenants, witches, cults and ghosts. I devoured both books 1 and 2 and cannot wait to read book 3. This has quickly become my absolute favorite horror series ever.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, what are you waiting for??? This book satisfies the horror lover and the series lover in me. It's such a rare treat and I highly HIGHLY recommend it.
In book 1, we are introduced to a recently divorced middle aged man that buys a farmhouse out in the middle of rural America nowhere. Strange occurrences coupled with the appearance of a very strange lady begin to take place and the events that unfold are dark, disturbing and strangely, not what we initially expect.
In book 2, the reader picks up right where book 1 left off and, thankfully, it provides refreshing info in the beginning to help propel us into the continuation story. Initially I was scared that I would not remember where things had left off (I have a horrible memory and read book 1 about a month ago). However, I was so happy that certain tid-bits were mentioned in the beginning. It didn't weigh the story down at all and I found it to be simply refreshing for my addle-brained memory.
Not only does book 2 continue the present events but it also takes time to give the reader an interesting look into the past and history of the antagonist, Mildred. I absolutely loved this insight!! It answered so many lingering questions and made the character really come to life for me.
This trilogy has it all. Revenants, witches, cults and ghosts. I devoured both books 1 and 2 and cannot wait to read book 3. This has quickly become my absolute favorite horror series ever.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, what are you waiting for??? This book satisfies the horror lover and the series lover in me. It's such a rare treat and I highly HIGHLY recommend it.
October 7, 2020
”She used to hate spiders the most, but Holly’s greatest household fear was now the common housefly. Mother of the maggot and harbinger of Mildred Wells — she now ran when she saw them.” — DEAD WOMAN SCORNED, Michael Clark
While the first book of this series, THE PATIENCE OF A DEAD MAN, introduced Tim and Mildred and their “shared” farmhouse, DEAD WOMAN SCORNED veers away from the main story surrounding the house and the grove by putting readers inside Mildred’s head. Switching between her past and her present, her life is equal parts heartbreaking and unsettling.
The first book in this series relied heavily on the tried-and-true creepiness of a haunted house, this book once again takes another approach and relies on the mind of an unstable woman hellbent on revenge. What made this even more frightening is the solidness of Mildred. She isn’t the ghost everyone fears she is — she is something much more terrifying.
With this second installment, Clark once again proves his skill in masterfully injecting just the right amount suspense and tension to keep readers immersed and once he has your attention, he subtly lets the creepy in. I am pleased that Tim and Holly were no longer in the spotlight and instead Mildred took their place as the focal point, where she and her depraved mind deserve to be. 4 stars and I can’t wait to see how Mildred and Tim’s stories conclude in the final installment of this trilogy, ANGER IS AN ACID.
*Many thanks to R&R Booktours and the author for providing a copy for review.
August 19, 2020
4 Stars from me
Having previously read and loved The Patience of a Dead Man by Michael Clark I was delighted to be asked to join this blog tour.
I felt like Dead Woman Scorned was a satisfyingly long read with several sub-stories squeezed into it - you certainly get your monies worth from this book!
I was absolutely captivated by the early years and be little Mary learning the craft of magick. The book and all the little spells were fabulous.
Reading about cults - especially given that there are true ones out there even to this day - was equally fascinating and life on the farm was a great part of this story. The whole idea of the revenants was great too.
It was also interesting to re-live some of the Tim and Holly moments from Mildred's perspective and it was good to understand her character better. Although, I found the Andrew storyline stretched my powers of memory a little too much and, although interesting, I wasn't sure where this sub-plot fitted as much as the others.
The TV show, nosy neighbours, Tim's awful ex-wife and the ghost loving house buyers all worked to bring the story to life and I am intrigued to know where the next book in the series will take things!
Having previously read and loved The Patience of a Dead Man by Michael Clark I was delighted to be asked to join this blog tour.
I felt like Dead Woman Scorned was a satisfyingly long read with several sub-stories squeezed into it - you certainly get your monies worth from this book!
I was absolutely captivated by the early years and be little Mary learning the craft of magick. The book and all the little spells were fabulous.
Reading about cults - especially given that there are true ones out there even to this day - was equally fascinating and life on the farm was a great part of this story. The whole idea of the revenants was great too.
It was also interesting to re-live some of the Tim and Holly moments from Mildred's perspective and it was good to understand her character better. Although, I found the Andrew storyline stretched my powers of memory a little too much and, although interesting, I wasn't sure where this sub-plot fitted as much as the others.
The TV show, nosy neighbours, Tim's awful ex-wife and the ghost loving house buyers all worked to bring the story to life and I am intrigued to know where the next book in the series will take things!
April 27, 2020
OMG !! He did a great one keeping you hooked on book 2 . I can't wait until Book 3
October 25, 2020
Okay so this tied Mildred’s background into the story. I get her now....
March 1, 2023
Dead Woman Scorned picks up where Patience Of A Dead Man left off. Mildred is an angry undead woman who wants nothing more then revenge. In this book, we get her complete story and more of an understanding of why she is the way she is. It’s a mix of supernatural and black magic, with Salem roots. I really enjoyed the cultish vibes, and the little bits of spell magic. All of it adds to the darkness of Mildred.
While most of the book is Mildred’s story, it’s also Tim Russel’s story of struggle with renovating Mildred’s homestead. We wait with baited breath for the house to sell, wondering if Mildred is going to step in.
I’m excited for the third book. I’m hooked on Mildred, and strangely find myself rooting for her and not the humans that are living in her house…
While most of the book is Mildred’s story, it’s also Tim Russel’s story of struggle with renovating Mildred’s homestead. We wait with baited breath for the house to sell, wondering if Mildred is going to step in.
I’m excited for the third book. I’m hooked on Mildred, and strangely find myself rooting for her and not the humans that are living in her house…
March 31, 2021
I loved Patience Of A Dead Man and had such high hopes for Dead Woman Scorned. Unfortunately this one fell flat for me.
I really enjoyed learning some back information on Mildred’s story. But overall this book felt very info dumpy. It was missing the scary factor that I loved so much in the first book. Now I realize what the author was trying to accomplish in this novel being the second in the series. I will definitely be continuing the series and seeing where the Mildred Wells story takes us.
I have high hopes the author will pull through and bring this series to a bone shattering ending. I would still highly recommend this book and the whole series to you.
I really enjoyed learning some back information on Mildred’s story. But overall this book felt very info dumpy. It was missing the scary factor that I loved so much in the first book. Now I realize what the author was trying to accomplish in this novel being the second in the series. I will definitely be continuing the series and seeing where the Mildred Wells story takes us.
I have high hopes the author will pull through and bring this series to a bone shattering ending. I would still highly recommend this book and the whole series to you.
August 15, 2022
3.75 Stars
I absolutely loved the first half of this book which was like a prequel to the series with Mildred essentially. Exploring the magic and the lore behind the series as well as her story was fascinating. After that portion of the book was over though, the pacing really slowed down and my interest started to wane. I'm definitely excited to get around to Anger Is An Acid soon!
I absolutely loved the first half of this book which was like a prequel to the series with Mildred essentially. Exploring the magic and the lore behind the series as well as her story was fascinating. After that portion of the book was over though, the pacing really slowed down and my interest started to wane. I'm definitely excited to get around to Anger Is An Acid soon!
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