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Stone Hill #0
Book of Crane
A prequel short story to the supernatural horror thriller Stone Hill novel series.
Pastor John can cure what ails you. For a price.
Pastor John can cure what ails you. For a price.
Pastor John. The pastor without a church. Or a prayer. But when fate presents an open door, what price will he pay to step inside?
26 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2020
54 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Dean Rasmussen
25 books153 followersDean Rasmussen grew up in a small Minnesota town and began writing stories at the age of ten, driven by his fascination with the Star Wars hero's journey. He continued writing short stories and attempted a few novels through his early twenties until he stopped to focus on his computer animation ambitions. He studied English at a Minnesota college during that time.
He learned the art of computer animation and went on to work on twenty feature films, a television show, and a AAA video game as a visual effects artist over thirteen years. He currently teaches animation for visual effects in Orlando, Florida.
Inspired by his favorite authors, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, and H.P. Lovecraft, Dean began writing novels and short stories again in 2018 to thrill and delight a new generation of horror fans.
He learned the art of computer animation and went on to work on twenty feature films, a television show, and a AAA video game as a visual effects artist over thirteen years. He currently teaches animation for visual effects in Orlando, Florida.
Inspired by his favorite authors, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, and H.P. Lovecraft, Dean began writing novels and short stories again in 2018 to thrill and delight a new generation of horror fans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 31, 2021
Evil!
Pastor John Crane is new in town. He has come to Stone Hill on a mission.
He is renting a church for the use of his followers. For a church, they spend a lot of time in their basement.
He has more than God on his mind. 🤔
Pastor John Crane is new in town. He has come to Stone Hill on a mission.
He is renting a church for the use of his followers. For a church, they spend a lot of time in their basement.
He has more than God on his mind. 🤔
November 14, 2021
This is a 3.5 star short story read.
August 16, 2020
'In the vein of Stephen King, Stranger Things, Dean Koontz, or H. P. Lovecraft.
Shadows creep beneath the sleepy, small town of Stone Hill.'
I wish people wouldn't do this. I almost didn't try it because of the Stranger Things - the third season was embarrassingly Russians bad cringe-worthy. Fortunately, Lovecraft won and I am glad I did read it.
This short story sets the stage for the series set in this town. I've read the summary of the first book and this story features the villain, pastor John, who stumbled upon an ancient evil underneath the basement of his church and decided to use it to 'heal' the town.
I'm interested.
Shadows creep beneath the sleepy, small town of Stone Hill.'
I wish people wouldn't do this. I almost didn't try it because of the Stranger Things - the third season was embarrassingly Russians bad cringe-worthy. Fortunately, Lovecraft won and I am glad I did read it.
This short story sets the stage for the series set in this town. I've read the summary of the first book and this story features the villain, pastor John, who stumbled upon an ancient evil underneath the basement of his church and decided to use it to 'heal' the town.
I'm interested.
January 3, 2022
Stone Hill: Book of Crane is a short horror story by Deam Rasmussen. Pastor Crane is behind on the rent, and Mr. Gilley, his landlord, has come to collect the rent money. What transpires next can only be described as Stephen King’s thing in the crate meets H.P. Lovecraft. There is more to Pastor Crane than meets the eye, and I am sure he does not serve the same deity that people assume he does.
Rasmussen’s writing is engaging and descriptive, and the story presented was nearly flawless. The only complaint I have is that there was little explanation provided, but that is given a pass since this story is a prequel to the Stone Hill series.
As a horror, it works well and relies on setting and action to tell the story rather than filling page after page with gore. This is a very nice, clean horror.
I will definitely be reading more of their works in the future.
Rasmussen’s writing is engaging and descriptive, and the story presented was nearly flawless. The only complaint I have is that there was little explanation provided, but that is given a pass since this story is a prequel to the Stone Hill series.
As a horror, it works well and relies on setting and action to tell the story rather than filling page after page with gore. This is a very nice, clean horror.
I will definitely be reading more of their works in the future.
September 29, 2022
This is a short story by an author I have not read in the past. While the story was alright I was not wowed by it in the least and actually was not sure at first whether I would even finish it, but I did. The characters have no type of definition and are only one-dimensional cutouts so far, maybe they are to be built upon more as the series progresses. There is no idea about their motivations or who they are as individuals. Even the town does not get a real description of what type of place it is and why the people would need to save.
Pastor John, also known as Pastor Crane can cure what ails you, for a price. The pastor is without a church or a prayer. When fate presents an open door will he step through and if he does what price will he pay?
Pastor John, also known as Pastor Crane can cure what ails you, for a price. The pastor is without a church or a prayer. When fate presents an open door will he step through and if he does what price will he pay?
September 20, 2021
Didn't like
Just did care for the story. I think it just need more details or more plot. (spoiler) It was just a creature eating two people.
Just did care for the story. I think it just need more details or more plot. (spoiler) It was just a creature eating two people.
March 25, 2023
“The arms of angels will carry you back up.”
We open in a church, with Pastor John Crane.
Crane has trucks out front, full of dirt, and men moving things all over the place. He really doesn’t want the neighbors getting suspicious.
Mr. Gilley, the landlord, comes over to collect the rent. Turns out it’s seven months behind.
Pastor Crane warns Mr. Gilley repeatedly not to go to the basement, but Gilley does anyway. And of course he has to check out the well, too.
Three months later, Reverend Fox shows up.
We learn that Reverend Fox is quite the hypocrite; he’s both a gambling addict and a charlatan healer.
Creepy, ominous tone. The prose could be sharper, but it’s still fairly snappy.
“Only God can help you now.”
We open in a church, with Pastor John Crane.
Crane has trucks out front, full of dirt, and men moving things all over the place. He really doesn’t want the neighbors getting suspicious.
Mr. Gilley, the landlord, comes over to collect the rent. Turns out it’s seven months behind.
Pastor Crane warns Mr. Gilley repeatedly not to go to the basement, but Gilley does anyway. And of course he has to check out the well, too.
Three months later, Reverend Fox shows up.
We learn that Reverend Fox is quite the hypocrite; he’s both a gambling addict and a charlatan healer.
Creepy, ominous tone. The prose could be sharper, but it’s still fairly snappy.
“Only God can help you now.”
May 16, 2021
Stone Hill: Book of Crane: A Short Horror Thriller Story is a short story that you can easily read in a single session. It is the prequel to the author's novel, Stone Hill. It can be enjoyed as a stand-alone short story and it is not necessary to read the novel.
I enjoyed the short story. A mysterious reverend who's digging a deep pit underneath his church that exposes an unknown temple. Who this temple was dedicated to remains unknown, but it is something primitive and unearthly. The story revolves around how the revevend reacts to it.
I enjoyed the short story. A mysterious reverend who's digging a deep pit underneath his church that exposes an unknown temple. Who this temple was dedicated to remains unknown, but it is something primitive and unearthly. The story revolves around how the revevend reacts to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2020
This is a great introduction into the Stone Hill series. I highly recommend reading this short story and the first novel. I listened to the first novel and was instantly addicted. I read this after and even then I enjoyed this short story so much. It is well written and very easy to read. If you are a fan of Lovecraft, King, and/or Koontz then this series will be right down your alley. It is horrifying and addictive!! Dean Rasmussen is an amazing author and I am excited to read more!!!
July 2, 2022
This is a fun short horror story.
I admire the rent collectors who so persistently try to collect their due from Pastor John. Of course, they get what is owed them and more.
The events are a little predictable, but I’d be interested in reading the following novel to find out more about Pastor Crane and what lies under his church.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy of this short story. I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I admire the rent collectors who so persistently try to collect their due from Pastor John. Of course, they get what is owed them and more.
The events are a little predictable, but I’d be interested in reading the following novel to find out more about Pastor Crane and what lies under his church.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy of this short story. I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 6, 2020
This was short and still managed to be interesting. I would’ve liked to see more in the way of the character of Pastor Crane/Pastor John, but as this is a prequel short story, it makes sense that characterization is limited.
It made me interested in what the hell is under the church so I might have to find out. Either way, the author is good at suspense!
It made me interested in what the hell is under the church so I might have to find out. Either way, the author is good at suspense!
July 17, 2020
Great short story!
This is a nice teaser into the stone hill series
I strongly recommend this series to everyone. If you are a fan of Lovecraft, King, and Koontz then this will be right up your alley. I listened to the first book and could not stop. It is horrifying and addictive. Dean Rasmussen is an amazing author and should be watched closely for his future master pieces.
This is a nice teaser into the stone hill series
I strongly recommend this series to everyone. If you are a fan of Lovecraft, King, and Koontz then this will be right up your alley. I listened to the first book and could not stop. It is horrifying and addictive. Dean Rasmussen is an amazing author and should be watched closely for his future master pieces.
October 21, 2020
4.8 stars for the prequel to the Stone Hill series.
Intriguing prequel to the series; real!y sucks you in and makes you want to read more. Since this is only the prequel, I can only imagine
How interesting, or more correctly terrifying the rest of the series is.
Don't skip the prequel since I am certain it will wet your interest. Enjoy!
Intriguing prequel to the series; real!y sucks you in and makes you want to read more. Since this is only the prequel, I can only imagine
How interesting, or more correctly terrifying the rest of the series is.
Don't skip the prequel since I am certain it will wet your interest. Enjoy!
July 30, 2023
A good start
A good start to a series, interesting enough to keep me reading the short story. I’m unsure if this is my type of book though.
I would have liked to know a little bit more about what is in the well and what Pastor John found in the basement. But it has the makings of an interesting series for some readers.
A good start to a series, interesting enough to keep me reading the short story. I’m unsure if this is my type of book though.
I would have liked to know a little bit more about what is in the well and what Pastor John found in the basement. But it has the makings of an interesting series for some readers.
January 4, 2024
Stone Hill: Book of Crane by Dean Rasmussen is a tale of faith and service to a dark deity. faith is a curious thing. it can take shape in many ways. Pastor Crane abandons his first love of the church, and embraces an ancient Lovecraftian deity and the results are devastating. Stone Hill hits all the required high notes that a horror story should have, but something is missing, something i can't quite put my finger on. that spark is missing, but hopefully, Rasmussen will find this in his next because his writing is excellent.
recommended.
4 stars out of 5
recommended.
4 stars out of 5
June 12, 2020
Yep by golly if greed doesn't getcha for sure the well-dweller will! A little spooky but a fun short read!! I will be getting the full version story cause this just peaked my tilted mind!!😁 Good job Dean, good job!!--P/
July 18, 2021
I’m Impressed
If the author’s intention was to whet my appetite for the remainder of the series, I confess he succeeded. Pastor Crane discovered something straight out of Lovecraft and I have to see where this goes.
If the author’s intention was to whet my appetite for the remainder of the series, I confess he succeeded. Pastor Crane discovered something straight out of Lovecraft and I have to see where this goes.
October 14, 2022
What in the world was that? Hidden temple, tentacles in a well that kill? Where’s the thrill? Where’s The horror?
I was NOT Scared at all by that! That was a mess.
24 pages of time I cannot get back! What was the point of that book?
I was NOT Scared at all by that! That was a mess.
24 pages of time I cannot get back! What was the point of that book?
November 24, 2024
Uhm… I’m not sure what I read here. The kraken? It’s a great idea but it would’ve made a better book vs novella. I have no answers. What was it? What was the whole excavated room? What was the purpose? I don’t feel like I had a purpose here.
June 29, 2020
A minister harbours a deadly secret in the cellar.
this prequel is short. It is an easy read but does not give much in the way of characterization or horror. It is okay.
this prequel is short. It is an easy read but does not give much in the way of characterization or horror. It is okay.
June 30, 2020
Loved it. Very H.P. Lovecraftian. I just may have to read this series.
June 30, 2020
Stone Hill
This prequel will leave you wanting to read the whole series. Supernatural fiction seems to be at its best here.
This prequel will leave you wanting to read the whole series. Supernatural fiction seems to be at its best here.
July 4, 2020
Great short story. Creepy. Can't wait to read the series
July 9, 2020
Interesting prequel. Now I ned to read the next book.
August 10, 2020
I really loved this short story. The mystery drew me right in. Unfortunately, I was not so in love with the next book, but that should not take away from this wonderful little tale.
August 20, 2020
Predictable
September 10, 2020
If Indiana Jones was written by H. P. Lovecraft...
September 19, 2020
Suspenseful throughout. Leaves you with many questions. Very well written short thriller.
October 22, 2020
A little garbled in who the characters are, but does set up an interesting enough premise that I'll look into the first full book in the series.
November 13, 2020
It's okay
It's okay for a short story an if you're wanting a quick read but it's not much more like an intro to a much longer novel. Perhaps the author will eventually.
It's okay for a short story an if you're wanting a quick read but it's not much more like an intro to a much longer novel. Perhaps the author will eventually.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews