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Stay Away
Stay Away
- An amazingly original horror novel from Ike Hamill
Every small town has secrets. Some secrets can kill.
He always trades fair. Everybody says so.
Readers are saying:
"Runs from downright creepy to terrifying."
"…suffused with implacable horror, the kind that never stops giving…"
"This is a must read for Ike Hamill fans and for lovers of original horror."
Opportunity awaits. He’s always there, ready with a bargain. But maybe you should listen to the ghosts of those who have traded before, and Stay Away .
Every small town has secrets. Some secrets can kill.
He’s always been there, the old gentleman in the funeral suit, hanging around the big oak tree. Even before the cemetery was dug, the natives knew about him. He was just as much a part of the landscape as the rocks or the river. If you ever needed anything, especially if it was a matter of life and death, you could find him and make a trade.
He always trades fair. Everybody says so.
Eric is about to trade without even realizing it. He isn’t tricked. It’s only a mistake. “Caveat emptor,” some might say. Uncle Reynold would say, “Watch your butt, lest somebody kicks a new hole in it.”
Readers are saying:
"Runs from downright creepy to terrifying."
"…suffused with implacable horror, the kind that never stops giving…"
"This is a must read for Ike Hamill fans and for lovers of original horror."
Opportunity awaits. He’s always there, ready with a bargain. But maybe you should listen to the ghosts of those who have traded before, and Stay Away .
- GenresHorror
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2019
147 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Ike Hamill
54 books189 followersIke Hamill writes fast-paced horror novels with strong, relatable characters. His books have gained a steady following amongst readers who enjoy his blend of sci-fi, paranormal, occult, and suspense. Whether focused on a small family trying to survive the move to a haunted house, or following a band of angry rebels determined to withstand an apocalypse, his stories draw the reader into the lives of real people in crisis. Readers are always sad to leave the characters behind when the book is finished.
Reviewers compare Ike to Dean Koontz and Stephen King—two of his favorite authors. His narrative often jumps between interwoven stories, presenting readers with a fresh perspective and keeping them guessing until the last chapter. Most of Ike’s readers are repeat customers. Pick up one of his books to learn why.
Reviewers compare Ike to Dean Koontz and Stephen King—two of his favorite authors. His narrative often jumps between interwoven stories, presenting readers with a fresh perspective and keeping them guessing until the last chapter. Most of Ike’s readers are repeat customers. Pick up one of his books to learn why.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 1, 2019
STAY AWAY is Ike Hamill's newest novel, one which persuaded me to fear trees, barns, indoors, outdoors, and especially water supplies. I don't like HEA's because I think them unrealistic, and I sure didn't find that here. The one good result for me was some totally unexpected (possibly unrealistic) character evolution, and I will not specify which individual. Read for yourself and find out.
STAY AWAY is jam-packed with gore, so watch those sensitive stomachs. It's also suffused with implacable horror, the kind that never stops giving, even when [you think] it's over. I found it engrossing even though tragic. I wanted to fix everything and everyone.
STAY AWAY is jam-packed with gore, so watch those sensitive stomachs. It's also suffused with implacable horror, the kind that never stops giving, even when [you think] it's over. I found it engrossing even though tragic. I wanted to fix everything and everyone.
May 18, 2020
What I read was the sample of this book. It was alright as it gave you an idea of the people who are to be involved and the bare minimum of the story. I am not really that interested in reading the full book but what I have read was good and could definitely give another horror fan a jolt.
May 20, 2020
I wanted to like this book but it dragged on too much. It wasn't awful but it could have been half the length and been really good. I kept losing interest and coming back to it. I downloaded another book from this writer so I'm hoping I'll like it better.
September 21, 2022
Be careful what you wish for...
Excellent for anyone enjoying a fairytale-ish type, spooky read. I would also say this is a coming-of-age story where the teens and younger folk seem to have the upper hand...yet it is definitely for older readers.
Set in what appears to be a homey, small town where everyone knows everyone but for some odd reason cannot recall one important detail of their shared past. In this idealistic town is a very unusual house that room after room is constantly being added to but not quite ever finished plus nobody but the current occupants seem to like. Add to that the cemetery and old oak tree just up the street plus a genteel older man dressed in a well worn suit known as "The Trader"...that is if anyone can recall him or what he trades.
I found this book exciting, creepy never boring and very much looked forward to what would happen next plus thought it very unique. However, if you have a squeamish constitution you may find parts at the end of this story a bit gruesome and violent and life doesn't turn out as you expect or wish...but isn't this the case with the best fairytales?
Excellent for anyone enjoying a fairytale-ish type, spooky read. I would also say this is a coming-of-age story where the teens and younger folk seem to have the upper hand...yet it is definitely for older readers.
Set in what appears to be a homey, small town where everyone knows everyone but for some odd reason cannot recall one important detail of their shared past. In this idealistic town is a very unusual house that room after room is constantly being added to but not quite ever finished plus nobody but the current occupants seem to like. Add to that the cemetery and old oak tree just up the street plus a genteel older man dressed in a well worn suit known as "The Trader"...that is if anyone can recall him or what he trades.
I found this book exciting, creepy never boring and very much looked forward to what would happen next plus thought it very unique. However, if you have a squeamish constitution you may find parts at the end of this story a bit gruesome and violent and life doesn't turn out as you expect or wish...but isn't this the case with the best fairytales?
December 3, 2024
This was my first book by this author, and I'm happy to say it wasn't a disappointment. I've never read anything like it that I can recall and definitely understand the many comments of making it into a movie. I'd definitely watch it!
My only discouraging moments revolved around how long the book was...audiobook, that is. There was a lot of repetitive and/or non value fluff added in some parts. I mean, how many times do we have to witness trades to figure out something is not quite right there? The ending prior to the letters was a bit of a kick in the teeth, but I could come to terms with the loss after thinking it through. I'm trying to remain vague so as not to spoil any moments for anyone who hasn't read yet.
Mr. Hamill definitely had either an imagination meltdown overload or a hell of an acid trip when thinking up the plot of this book. It's way way out there like Scully and Mulder out there, minus the aliens. It's definitely worth a read or a listen, depending on your preference. Highly recommend! I guarantee it won't disappoint...as long as you're into the way way out there. 🤯😱👽🔮😶🌫️
My only discouraging moments revolved around how long the book was...audiobook, that is. There was a lot of repetitive and/or non value fluff added in some parts. I mean, how many times do we have to witness trades to figure out something is not quite right there? The ending prior to the letters was a bit of a kick in the teeth, but I could come to terms with the loss after thinking it through. I'm trying to remain vague so as not to spoil any moments for anyone who hasn't read yet.
Mr. Hamill definitely had either an imagination meltdown overload or a hell of an acid trip when thinking up the plot of this book. It's way way out there like Scully and Mulder out there, minus the aliens. It's definitely worth a read or a listen, depending on your preference. Highly recommend! I guarantee it won't disappoint...as long as you're into the way way out there. 🤯😱👽🔮😶🌫️
April 25, 2020
Gripping
I'm afraid I stayed up way too late reading this, I was only going to read for twenty minutes and then it was 3am all of a sudden, from 10 pm. I liked this book, it's scary and it omits enough information to cause wondering, the characters aren't perfect and the family is likable. I cannot imagine a trading tree, but I guess it's like a cross road that was never sealed. Legends always tell of a well dressed stranger at a remote cross road that can change a life for better, or for the worse. Ghost Rider movie is an example. Anyway, this book is well-written and fast paced. I see Ike Hamill has some other books out as well. This was very good, and took the edge off of waiting for work to start back up during this Covid-19 Pandemic, when our state has a stay at home order in place. This is not an overdone story, it's not an original idea story, but this is interesting all of the way through and action packed to the last page.
I'm afraid I stayed up way too late reading this, I was only going to read for twenty minutes and then it was 3am all of a sudden, from 10 pm. I liked this book, it's scary and it omits enough information to cause wondering, the characters aren't perfect and the family is likable. I cannot imagine a trading tree, but I guess it's like a cross road that was never sealed. Legends always tell of a well dressed stranger at a remote cross road that can change a life for better, or for the worse. Ghost Rider movie is an example. Anyway, this book is well-written and fast paced. I see Ike Hamill has some other books out as well. This was very good, and took the edge off of waiting for work to start back up during this Covid-19 Pandemic, when our state has a stay at home order in place. This is not an overdone story, it's not an original idea story, but this is interesting all of the way through and action packed to the last page.
February 22, 2022
Sometimes Evil Wins
This book was awesome! Sometimes there is no hero, no David who knocks down Goliath, and the bad guy wins and gets the girl (the witch, whatever). This is a rarity and so happy to see a story that gives the reader a shock at the end! Terrific story Mr. Hamill I really enjoyed it and recommend that anyone who loves your books read it. I am going to read Fieros Pizza next as you suggested.
This book was awesome! Sometimes there is no hero, no David who knocks down Goliath, and the bad guy wins and gets the girl (the witch, whatever). This is a rarity and so happy to see a story that gives the reader a shock at the end! Terrific story Mr. Hamill I really enjoyed it and recommend that anyone who loves your books read it. I am going to read Fieros Pizza next as you suggested.
January 27, 2021
Not as exciting as I hoped
I tried really hard to get into this book, but unfortunately I found the first eighty percent of it was a bit of a snooze fest and so when I got to the climax of story, which was good, I felt I no longer cared and just wanted to finish it. Shame as the book blurb sounded really interesting.
I tried really hard to get into this book, but unfortunately I found the first eighty percent of it was a bit of a snooze fest and so when I got to the climax of story, which was good, I felt I no longer cared and just wanted to finish it. Shame as the book blurb sounded really interesting.
August 14, 2021
Characterization is awesome
As usual, One,builds the characters that you care about. Then bam, he loosens the monsters. The ghouls are thing you do not expect, but just as scary and traumatizing as any other you have read about. These ghouls are totally unexpected and unusual. Great story, that scared the crap outta me.
As usual, One,builds the characters that you care about. Then bam, he loosens the monsters. The ghouls are thing you do not expect, but just as scary and traumatizing as any other you have read about. These ghouls are totally unexpected and unusual. Great story, that scared the crap outta me.
July 6, 2020
Made myself get through it
I hoped the ending would pay off,but I think the story was too long and without enough actual.information to be satisfying for me. If you like unhappy endings,knock yourself out.
I hoped the ending would pay off,but I think the story was too long and without enough actual.information to be satisfying for me. If you like unhappy endings,knock yourself out.
January 23, 2022
What a fantastic book. Seemed a little slow at first, but then picked up and I just couldn't put it down. Relatable, personable characters and very original story line. I love Ike Hamill's writing style, too. It was a nice surprise. I'm definitely going to read another of his novels.
March 13, 2022
Eerie Horror
Stay Away was a fantastic and horrific story. Great characters with individual stories make a page turning, nail biting horror story. Page after page will leave you wondering, and fearing what us next.
Stay Away was a fantastic and horrific story. Great characters with individual stories make a page turning, nail biting horror story. Page after page will leave you wondering, and fearing what us next.
January 17, 2020
Great creepy story!
Very good characters and great story. By an old tree down by the river lives an old man they call the trader.
Very good characters and great story. By an old tree down by the river lives an old man they call the trader.
May 23, 2020
This story was really good. It had the creep factor that I look forward to.
April 16, 2023
I loved this book!!! 5 stars just aren't enough for this book. Hands down one of the best books that I have read this year. Now I want to get my hands on everything that he has written!!
December 5, 2020
New fan
Great book. Easy to read and spooky at times. I am a Stephen King fan and don't regret having discovered this author, of whom I am becoming a fan too.
Great book. Easy to read and spooky at times. I am a Stephen King fan and don't regret having discovered this author, of whom I am becoming a fan too.
July 29, 2019
I felt like this book had an abrupt change in… sub-genre, I guess? part-way through. It went from this really neat exploration of what the Trader might want and how he operates to a relatively standard monster story. At this point some of the hints about what’s going on also fall by the way-side. (I never did figure out what on earth one part involving Wendell was supposed to lead up to, and what was with the fish?) It didn’t wreck the book at all, but it was disappointing. I couldn’t help feeling like the story could have been more than it was.
The characters are interesting. Can I tell you how nice it is to have a front-and-center male/female friendship that doesn’t involve sex or romantic feelings? That’s one cliché that Hamill neatly avoided. One of my favorite characters is Reynold, Eric’s uncle and Lily’s father. He has odd sayings that mostly serve to confuse his kids, and he’s just kind of an odd duck. His relationship with Zinnia, his wife, is also rather interesting. It isn’t a perfect marriage, but it isn’t a bad marriage either. It just has its ups and downs, the way most relationships do.
One of the reasons people keep leaving is that it’s such a dead-end town, but it’s also one of those places where the patina of time away (or perhaps the Trader’s influence) causes people to eventually forget how bad it was and come back. The story takes place in the 1970s–I guess Hamill wanted to do something different than the ever-rehashed 80s. The book has a great sense of place, right down to remembering that the characters have to stand up and go over to the television to change channels.
This isn’t a perfect story, but it’s a very good one, and I certainly enjoyed it. Note that it does include gore and violence.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/07/r...
The characters are interesting. Can I tell you how nice it is to have a front-and-center male/female friendship that doesn’t involve sex or romantic feelings? That’s one cliché that Hamill neatly avoided. One of my favorite characters is Reynold, Eric’s uncle and Lily’s father. He has odd sayings that mostly serve to confuse his kids, and he’s just kind of an odd duck. His relationship with Zinnia, his wife, is also rather interesting. It isn’t a perfect marriage, but it isn’t a bad marriage either. It just has its ups and downs, the way most relationships do.
One of the reasons people keep leaving is that it’s such a dead-end town, but it’s also one of those places where the patina of time away (or perhaps the Trader’s influence) causes people to eventually forget how bad it was and come back. The story takes place in the 1970s–I guess Hamill wanted to do something different than the ever-rehashed 80s. The book has a great sense of place, right down to remembering that the characters have to stand up and go over to the television to change channels.
This isn’t a perfect story, but it’s a very good one, and I certainly enjoyed it. Note that it does include gore and violence.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/07/r...
May 27, 2024
This is a must read for Ike Hamill fans and for lovers of original horror. This story is about wanting something but having to trade for it. Is the deal really worth it? And are you really getting what you asked for? When dealing with The Trader, you never know what exactly is involved until it`s too late. The characters in this story are great. The writing is excellent. This was hard to put down.
August 14, 2019
This book is a good example of why I read Ike Hamill books. It starts off (kind of) normal and eases you into just all out crazy, but never (totally) unbelievable crazy…well, maybe. I waited a long time for this book and it did not disappoint.
October 25, 2019
Wow
Different than anything I've read before. I loved the way the story was told. Can't put my finger on it, but this book hits all the right buttons. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Different than anything I've read before. I loved the way the story was told. Can't put my finger on it, but this book hits all the right buttons. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews