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Scratches
A mother and son with a strained relationship inherit a house following the sudden death of a family member with a violent past. When the son moves his bedroom into the basement he starts to experience an unexplainable and terrifying phenomena. After he uncovers a secret concealed in the house, they quickly learn that some truths are better left a mystery.
Can they overcome their differences in order to survive or will the darkness consume them both?
Can they overcome their differences in order to survive or will the darkness consume them both?
130 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2020
22 people are currently reading
791 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Marsella
8 books190 followersJOSHUA MARSELLA is a Maine native and self-published author of several popular titles within the horror genre including his connected novellas 'Scratches' and 'Severed', his debut collection 'Hunger For Death', and his middle grade novel 'Comic Book Chaos', book #11 in the beloved FrightVision Book series. His short stories have homes within the pages of Cemetery Gates Media, Silent House Press, Grinning Skull Press, and more.
Find his books on Amazon in ebook, paperback, and audiobook formats.
Find his books on Amazon in ebook, paperback, and audiobook formats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
February 15, 2021
Connor and his mother Janet move into the grandfather's former home. He recently died and Janet grew up in this house. Soon after Connor moved into the basement the hauntings begin. Why was his grandfather dishonorably discharged from the army? Why wants his mother to kill every memory of her father? A very disturbing, creepy and gripping story with links to Vietnam starts to evolve. There is much reference to horror comics (e.g. Tales From The Crypt) and it reads like one of the stories told in one of the episodes. Straight, to the point and well told. This is a classic horror story presented to you by the cryptkeeper Joshua Marsella. Couldn't put it down and really liked it. Highly recommended!
May 20, 2020
4.5 scratchy stars
When things go scratch in the night!!! Looks like Marsella got it right. 😊
This little dark tale of a novella is devised of all the right stuff that makes the hub go pitter-patter. If it’s in fright or moments of heart or shock, it is one of those stories you can’t put down.
Connor is home and on summer break. He and his mother, Janet, have just moved into the house they inherited from his deceased grandfather that also was her childhood home. Their life isn’t plush and Janet is exhausted after long hours on her feet working to provide food on the table. Conner’s father has been out of the picture all his life and he has learned to mind his mother’s ways, especially when she has had her drinks and tunes him out to watch her Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy after work.
In a moment of exactly one of those nights, Connor has a brilliant idea to move his furniture into the basement since it’s much cooler down there and it would give him a bit of more privacy. His mom doesn’t like the basement anyway so he would have free reign.
There’s not much left in Janet to argue, she is always so exhausted, and she lets her son be. The drinks do a fine job drowning out her childhood memories in this home she isn't ready to share with him yet.
Connor is a good kid, but the absence of a dad and the loss of a grandfather he never really knew, have him curious. When some scary things start happening around him in the basement and his mom becomes tight-lipped, he takes it on himself to investigate.
What he learns about this house, his family and himself is truly shocking and becomes hauntingly real when things go scratch in the night!
***
I was blown away by this debut novella…shock and awe in the best and some disturbing ways. It is highly readable and the overall writing style is kept conversational. There’s quite a big story tugged into the 130 pages of this novella that somewhere at midway became practically unputdownable.
There’s a bit of that Americana feel to it but it is broken, it hurts, and you can feel the characters' struggles. Conner is such a likable kid and despite his mother’s faults, she will grow on you as well. All of it in such a short time.
When the family mystery unfolds, it turns into quite a disturbing story all the while haunting elements are going on in the basement. Between all of the components that come together and added up right, I enjoyed all the nostalgia outside of the dark elements too.
If you need a break from longer books, try this nugget with a bite. You won’t be disappointed.
Happy Reading!
More of my reviews here:
Through Novel Time & Distance
When things go scratch in the night!!! Looks like Marsella got it right. 😊
This little dark tale of a novella is devised of all the right stuff that makes the hub go pitter-patter. If it’s in fright or moments of heart or shock, it is one of those stories you can’t put down.
Connor is home and on summer break. He and his mother, Janet, have just moved into the house they inherited from his deceased grandfather that also was her childhood home. Their life isn’t plush and Janet is exhausted after long hours on her feet working to provide food on the table. Conner’s father has been out of the picture all his life and he has learned to mind his mother’s ways, especially when she has had her drinks and tunes him out to watch her Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy after work.
In a moment of exactly one of those nights, Connor has a brilliant idea to move his furniture into the basement since it’s much cooler down there and it would give him a bit of more privacy. His mom doesn’t like the basement anyway so he would have free reign.
There’s not much left in Janet to argue, she is always so exhausted, and she lets her son be. The drinks do a fine job drowning out her childhood memories in this home she isn't ready to share with him yet.
Connor is a good kid, but the absence of a dad and the loss of a grandfather he never really knew, have him curious. When some scary things start happening around him in the basement and his mom becomes tight-lipped, he takes it on himself to investigate.
What he learns about this house, his family and himself is truly shocking and becomes hauntingly real when things go scratch in the night!
***
I was blown away by this debut novella…shock and awe in the best and some disturbing ways. It is highly readable and the overall writing style is kept conversational. There’s quite a big story tugged into the 130 pages of this novella that somewhere at midway became practically unputdownable.
There’s a bit of that Americana feel to it but it is broken, it hurts, and you can feel the characters' struggles. Conner is such a likable kid and despite his mother’s faults, she will grow on you as well. All of it in such a short time.
When the family mystery unfolds, it turns into quite a disturbing story all the while haunting elements are going on in the basement. Between all of the components that come together and added up right, I enjoyed all the nostalgia outside of the dark elements too.
If you need a break from longer books, try this nugget with a bite. You won’t be disappointed.
Happy Reading!
More of my reviews here:
Through Novel Time & Distance
May 7, 2021
Nothing makes me more happier than watching someone with a ton of enthusiasm in what they do, and Joshua Marsella has it in spades. He is super-supportive in the horror community and he genuinely cares as much about his own work as he does about everyone elses. It's not for gain. It's kindness. It's a rare thing.
Anyway, this novella has been around for a while now. The edition I read was the second edition, and that's exactly what I mean about him caring. Most folk would just be done and move on.
What I really liked about this novella was how it read. There was no thinking needed on my part whatsoever. I mean that in a good way. Sometimes I read a little too closely even for my own liking, and this one just had a genuine great flow. It read super fast. I honestly didn't care about finding too much fault. I cared about the story, the ideas, the potential.
Is it completely original? No. But it does play out well. It's got a little creepiness to it. I thought the characters and structure were fine. For this being a debut, it really is a great effort. Sometimes that's enough for me.
It's a 3 star read bordering on a 3.5.
Good job.
Anyway, this novella has been around for a while now. The edition I read was the second edition, and that's exactly what I mean about him caring. Most folk would just be done and move on.
What I really liked about this novella was how it read. There was no thinking needed on my part whatsoever. I mean that in a good way. Sometimes I read a little too closely even for my own liking, and this one just had a genuine great flow. It read super fast. I honestly didn't care about finding too much fault. I cared about the story, the ideas, the potential.
Is it completely original? No. But it does play out well. It's got a little creepiness to it. I thought the characters and structure were fine. For this being a debut, it really is a great effort. Sometimes that's enough for me.
It's a 3 star read bordering on a 3.5.
Good job.
May 12, 2020
A strong debut with haunting menace.
The uncanny is seen throughout this novella making for a very unnerving journey as we discover what makes monsters of men and women and how our scars remind us that the past is real and however much we want to move on, move forwards, something always pull us back!
The unease builds in this book to a haunting and troubling conclusion - eerie doesn’t even cut it, some visceral imagery with a black heart beating at its very centre.
The uncanny is seen throughout this novella making for a very unnerving journey as we discover what makes monsters of men and women and how our scars remind us that the past is real and however much we want to move on, move forwards, something always pull us back!
The unease builds in this book to a haunting and troubling conclusion - eerie doesn’t even cut it, some visceral imagery with a black heart beating at its very centre.
September 11, 2023
An uncomfortable tale of child abuse and loneliness meets one of things that refuse to stay still or in the dark. A quick read with compelling characters the only thing I didn't like about it was the way Connor talked which didn't seem quite right even for a somewhat parentified kid such as himself.
December 22, 2020
This is a debut, self-published novella and I'm really happy for Joshua Marsella--he did it, from soup to nuts. The cover (by Dave Dick) sets the tone. It's a creepy story, just what you want if you're into horror. For starters, the main character moves his bedroom into the basement. What could go wrong? We all want to take a "ride" on a horror story, and this is a pretty cool ride.
December 15, 2020
A very strong debut from Joshua Marsella that centers around the relationship between a mother and son. When the mother, Janet, inherits her father's house after his unexpected death, she and her son, Conner, move it. At the beginning of the story, Janet is distant, neglectful, and borderline abusive. The book opens with Conner moving his bedroom into the basement because his room is too hot. He's moving the furniture by himself while Janet watches Wheel of Fortune. That night, Conner experiences weirdness in the basement. The story revolves around what happens in the basement and also Conner and Janet's relationship.
My absolute favorite part of this book is the relationship between Janet and Conner. It's rare for an author to be able to so dramatically manipulate my opinion of a character as well as Marsella did. A story of a haunting was expected and while that part of the story was executed well, the characters of Conner and Janet are the true surprise and triumph of this book. There's a scene mid-book when my assumptions were challenged and my opinion shifted so rapidly that I had to set the book down for a bit. That scene managed to reframe the entire first half of the book so that each scene takes on new meaning. That is an accomplishment.
I look forward to following Marsella's career after this very strong debut.
My absolute favorite part of this book is the relationship between Janet and Conner. It's rare for an author to be able to so dramatically manipulate my opinion of a character as well as Marsella did. A story of a haunting was expected and while that part of the story was executed well, the characters of Conner and Janet are the true surprise and triumph of this book. There's a scene mid-book when my assumptions were challenged and my opinion shifted so rapidly that I had to set the book down for a bit. That scene managed to reframe the entire first half of the book so that each scene takes on new meaning. That is an accomplishment.
I look forward to following Marsella's career after this very strong debut.
February 24, 2022
Scratches went places that I did not expect. This is a dark emotional tale. Marsella's story borders on the extreme.
Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing ⭐⭐⭐
Horror⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters ⭐⭐⭐
Setting ⭐⭐
First of all I would like to say thank you to Joshua for his service for our country. I also would like to state that Iconsider him a friend in this community, he has always been supportive of me and my content. I have personally purchased this book twice. I finally got around to reading it and was surprised not by the execution but by where the book went.
The main character Connor is a young man who has recently moved into an old house with his mother. The house was previously his grandfather's. Connor is sick and tired of overheating in his bedroom upstairs and decides to move into the basement. At night he starts to hear sounds, and starts to feel uncomfortable in his new room in the lower level of his house. Any more plot points in this review would be spoilers so just know that there is triggers in this story. you should not read this book if you are easily offended.
I felt the extreme nature of the horror towards the end of the book was effective. I tend to only respond well to this style of horror when it is based on a true story. I do take a little pause at the fact that this was fictional and not a true story. But there is no denying the horror in the subject matter.
Overall 3.5⭐
Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing ⭐⭐⭐
Horror⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters ⭐⭐⭐
Setting ⭐⭐
First of all I would like to say thank you to Joshua for his service for our country. I also would like to state that Iconsider him a friend in this community, he has always been supportive of me and my content. I have personally purchased this book twice. I finally got around to reading it and was surprised not by the execution but by where the book went.
The main character Connor is a young man who has recently moved into an old house with his mother. The house was previously his grandfather's. Connor is sick and tired of overheating in his bedroom upstairs and decides to move into the basement. At night he starts to hear sounds, and starts to feel uncomfortable in his new room in the lower level of his house. Any more plot points in this review would be spoilers so just know that there is triggers in this story. you should not read this book if you are easily offended.
I felt the extreme nature of the horror towards the end of the book was effective. I tend to only respond well to this style of horror when it is based on a true story. I do take a little pause at the fact that this was fictional and not a true story. But there is no denying the horror in the subject matter.
Overall 3.5⭐
May 18, 2020
I had a blast with Joshua Marsella's debut novella! I love discovering self published authors who do their best to put out high quality material, both in terms of storytelling and prose. Marsella absolutely falls into this category. As an avid reader and writer of horror, I really appreciate it when an author goes all out with the content in their story. This is an essential component of the genre, and something which this author succeeds in doing! Without giving too much away, I felt Marsella did a fantastic job of mixing the supernatural with aspects of humanity that are arguably more horrifying. The pacing of the story was great, and the twists that occurred were hard hitting. I appreciated the unrelenting sense of dread that was present at all times. Overall, apart from a handful of awkward phrases and typos, this was a great read! I enjoyed this novella quite a bit, and look forward to whatever else Joshua Marsella releases in the future. [ Side note - I really dig the cover art! ]
July 15, 2020
Who would know more about a basement than a man who claims to be from one? Maybe Joshua Marsella also has a claim to the dank, dark places where our imaginations roam, fester, and regurgitate those fantastical and dark stories that never seem to stay underground for long.
With Scratches we are given glimpses of the nightmares that fill his head, and while not a story without its flaws, it is a story that will stick with you long after you’ve finished reading it. That’s because even through the inconsistent narrative and uneven relationships presented in Scratches there is a cerebral and gripping tale that begs for you to read more.
A solid debut and a fun little book, I look forward to whatever Joshua Marsella has in store for us in the future.
With Scratches we are given glimpses of the nightmares that fill his head, and while not a story without its flaws, it is a story that will stick with you long after you’ve finished reading it. That’s because even through the inconsistent narrative and uneven relationships presented in Scratches there is a cerebral and gripping tale that begs for you to read more.
A solid debut and a fun little book, I look forward to whatever Joshua Marsella has in store for us in the future.
January 29, 2021
Family can be deadly. Dysfunction doesn’t stop at death. A great debut novella 4.5 stars
December 12, 2020
I downloaded a copy of Scratches from the kindle store, after the author Joshua Marsella shared on Twitter that it was free for a limited time; I’ve been looking forward to reading his debut novella, but book funds flow sporadic. This moved it up my tbr wishlist, won’t have to wait until I can do a big enough buy from Amazon to qualify for the free shipping. What follows below is my honest review, freely give.
I rated this novella 4 stars.
Growing up in the states, after we moved back in ‘92 (army brat), we lived in a house my maternal grandparents “gave” my parents, while they moved to a richer, retirement type area. Now as a kid, I didn’t know that my parents did not really have a lot of freedom to make improvements or even simple decorative changes; my grandparents ruled with an iron fist. I was too concerned with the fact that the house we moved into was haunted af. If our house came with a basement, I think I would have rebelled, an attic was terrifying enough. So not really the same, but similar adjacent, because my mom drank a lot that first year back, while dad was still in Wales, and she was in that house with two small girls and a house full of her parents’ things, doors that kept opening, lights that turned on and off, and cabinets that would spit out our cup and plates at 0300.
So that’s what kept bobbing to the surface of my memories with almost any interaction between the son and mom in this novella. I think the author wrote a woman walking the edge of breaking down everyday very well. She loves her kid but is incapable of showing it most of the time, because letting any emotion out would start a deluge, and she is afraid she will break. Her father may be dead, but he casts a long shadow; I had my suspicions to how evil he could be, hoping I was wrong. I’m not going to spoil it by telling you either way.
The ending did resolve pretty swiftly, some might think too abruptly. Sometimes life is that quick, situations can change in an instant. And the more I think about the son, I'm not sure all is told there either. The author alluded to something (I think), how maybe in nature vs nurture, nature comes out on top sometimes? And similar to Becoming by Glenn Rolfe, that I read the same week as this, strange occurrences and deaths in the time of cable television makes it harder to keep them quiet to the masses. What happened at the end of this novella will garner attention, and could pave the way for another story.
I rated this novella 4 stars.
Growing up in the states, after we moved back in ‘92 (army brat), we lived in a house my maternal grandparents “gave” my parents, while they moved to a richer, retirement type area. Now as a kid, I didn’t know that my parents did not really have a lot of freedom to make improvements or even simple decorative changes; my grandparents ruled with an iron fist. I was too concerned with the fact that the house we moved into was haunted af. If our house came with a basement, I think I would have rebelled, an attic was terrifying enough. So not really the same, but similar adjacent, because my mom drank a lot that first year back, while dad was still in Wales, and she was in that house with two small girls and a house full of her parents’ things, doors that kept opening, lights that turned on and off, and cabinets that would spit out our cup and plates at 0300.
So that’s what kept bobbing to the surface of my memories with almost any interaction between the son and mom in this novella. I think the author wrote a woman walking the edge of breaking down everyday very well. She loves her kid but is incapable of showing it most of the time, because letting any emotion out would start a deluge, and she is afraid she will break. Her father may be dead, but he casts a long shadow; I had my suspicions to how evil he could be, hoping I was wrong. I’m not going to spoil it by telling you either way.
The ending did resolve pretty swiftly, some might think too abruptly. Sometimes life is that quick, situations can change in an instant. And the more I think about the son, I'm not sure all is told there either. The author alluded to something (I think), how maybe in nature vs nurture, nature comes out on top sometimes? And similar to Becoming by Glenn Rolfe, that I read the same week as this, strange occurrences and deaths in the time of cable television makes it harder to keep them quiet to the masses. What happened at the end of this novella will garner attention, and could pave the way for another story.
May 16, 2020
Scratches is an amazing debut novella from Joshua Marsella! For a short tale of just 67 pages, it sure gives the reader a one-two punch; one with spooky jump scares, and another with stomach-dropping terror.
This novella was organized so perfectly. Each chapter was written in a way that perfected finished that scene, but also made you really antsy to read more! I loved how each chapter built and built until a certain event… and from there it was all out intensity!
This is another one to pick up when you have an hour or so to just read it cover to cover; you will not want to put it down!
I absolutely loved the main character! While struggling with a mother that was a bit emotionally distant and who had suddenly developed a drinking problem, he was still able to stay strong. I also loved his curiosity as he worked to figure out two mysteries!
While he mainly kept to himself, he was able to lose himself in his favorite horror stories! I was so excited to see that he had posters of Pet Sematary, Hellraiser, and Friday the 13th on his walls and that he stayed up late to watch Are You Afraid Of The Dark? and read Creepshow comics!
The mother was also an interesting character. It was really difficult to see her struggling, but once you learned more about her history, it certainly all made sense.
As this tale had wonderful plot, great writing style, plenty of horror, and amazing characters… I cannot recommend this one highly enough! Go snag it today!!
My Favorite Passages
Warm beer was her least favorite kind, but she wouldn’t let a drop go to waste.
A couple hours later Connor was on a deep sleep before he was abruptly awakened by an ear-piercing scratching noise coming from somewhere in the darkness beyond the tattered sheets.
Horror movies and dark cellars are a perfect recipe for the heebie jeebies.
Some truths are better left a mystery.
A familiar sense of terror she hadn’t felt since she was a small girl hit her like the front end of a buick.
My Final Thoughts
I absolutely loved that this story seemed so innocent at first. But then we started to get these quick little spurts of sudden terror that were perfect jump scares! Soon enough, the tale spiraled into a tale that won’t let you put it down!
I can’t believe this was a debut novel! I’ll definitely be here for whatever Joshua writes next!
This novella was organized so perfectly. Each chapter was written in a way that perfected finished that scene, but also made you really antsy to read more! I loved how each chapter built and built until a certain event… and from there it was all out intensity!
This is another one to pick up when you have an hour or so to just read it cover to cover; you will not want to put it down!
I absolutely loved the main character! While struggling with a mother that was a bit emotionally distant and who had suddenly developed a drinking problem, he was still able to stay strong. I also loved his curiosity as he worked to figure out two mysteries!
While he mainly kept to himself, he was able to lose himself in his favorite horror stories! I was so excited to see that he had posters of Pet Sematary, Hellraiser, and Friday the 13th on his walls and that he stayed up late to watch Are You Afraid Of The Dark? and read Creepshow comics!
The mother was also an interesting character. It was really difficult to see her struggling, but once you learned more about her history, it certainly all made sense.
As this tale had wonderful plot, great writing style, plenty of horror, and amazing characters… I cannot recommend this one highly enough! Go snag it today!!
My Favorite Passages
Warm beer was her least favorite kind, but she wouldn’t let a drop go to waste.
A couple hours later Connor was on a deep sleep before he was abruptly awakened by an ear-piercing scratching noise coming from somewhere in the darkness beyond the tattered sheets.
Horror movies and dark cellars are a perfect recipe for the heebie jeebies.
Some truths are better left a mystery.
A familiar sense of terror she hadn’t felt since she was a small girl hit her like the front end of a buick.
My Final Thoughts
I absolutely loved that this story seemed so innocent at first. But then we started to get these quick little spurts of sudden terror that were perfect jump scares! Soon enough, the tale spiraled into a tale that won’t let you put it down!
I can’t believe this was a debut novel! I’ll definitely be here for whatever Joshua writes next!
July 3, 2020
This was a good debut novella by Joshua Marsella. It's about a 12 year old boy, Connor, living with his mother in her childhood home that has some dark secrets best left uncovered. Connor decides to move his bedroom down into the basement and things start to get a little creepy.
I gave this 4 stars, but it's really 3.5, it's 4 stars for the story, as it's a good story, and I think the characters and plot were interesting. However, the writing and dialogue had some issues, there was some awkward transitions in the narration and things of that nature, so I give the writing itself 3 stars, for an average rating of 3.5 stars. But overall I think Josh really did a fantastic job for a debut, it was a creepy story, and had a really good ending.
Josh is working on a prequel to this, and I'm looking forward to reading that. I would definitely recommend this if you like horror, it's a quick read and worth your time.
I gave this 4 stars, but it's really 3.5, it's 4 stars for the story, as it's a good story, and I think the characters and plot were interesting. However, the writing and dialogue had some issues, there was some awkward transitions in the narration and things of that nature, so I give the writing itself 3 stars, for an average rating of 3.5 stars. But overall I think Josh really did a fantastic job for a debut, it was a creepy story, and had a really good ending.
Josh is working on a prequel to this, and I'm looking forward to reading that. I would definitely recommend this if you like horror, it's a quick read and worth your time.
October 8, 2020
Wow. Just wow. I hated the mother throughout this book but by the end of it I felt so sorry for her. You understand where she is coming from. Her son, I felt so sorry for him but damn if he isn't braver than I am. This book definitely creeped me out and then by the end my hand was stuck to my face covering my mouth. I had to keep reading to know what would happen. I didn't expect the last half of this book! I was not expecting those grisly discoveries!
You start off with hating the mother and wanting to slap her to get her crap together. You feel sorry for her son. Then you're scared crapping your pants bc come on.... if that really happened to you you would have brown undies. Then the past is no longer a mystery and your stomach sinks while a twist is thrown at you and you're like whaaaaaat? And then terror sets in bc yeah... thats terrifying. Oh, lord. Maybe that won't be your reaction but that was mine. This book was way better than I expected. Holy crap.
You start off with hating the mother and wanting to slap her to get her crap together. You feel sorry for her son. Then you're scared crapping your pants bc come on.... if that really happened to you you would have brown undies. Then the past is no longer a mystery and your stomach sinks while a twist is thrown at you and you're like whaaaaaat? And then terror sets in bc yeah... thats terrifying. Oh, lord. Maybe that won't be your reaction but that was mine. This book was way better than I expected. Holy crap.
June 17, 2020
Where do I even start? I rarely bring myself to tears while reading, but this one got me!!This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me, a mixture of good, bad, and extremely ugly!! The combination of reality and supernatural in this book captivated me from the very beginning. I wanted to know more about their story but also wanted to know more about what was lurking in the dark...
As a mom, I could really feel Connors sadness and found myself being angry at his mother at first, but then she grew on me. My heart opened up, and I found a soft spot for Janet. I put myself in her shoes and thought of everything she'd been through, and came to the conclusion that she did the best she could, considering her hardships!! The author's character building was wonderful, and really had me hooked from the very first chapter!! This might be a short read, but it sure packs a punch!!!
As a mom, I could really feel Connors sadness and found myself being angry at his mother at first, but then she grew on me. My heart opened up, and I found a soft spot for Janet. I put myself in her shoes and thought of everything she'd been through, and came to the conclusion that she did the best she could, considering her hardships!! The author's character building was wonderful, and really had me hooked from the very first chapter!! This might be a short read, but it sure packs a punch!!!
February 19, 2021
An intriguing story that is well written certainly deserves praise, especially when it’s a debut novella, and I guess I found it compelling enough to read in one sitting. Unfortunately, it never really transcended just an intriguing story that was well written, and although I liked the mother child take that came out of it, I felt a little let down by the ending.
April 7, 2021
A first time reading for me of this author as it is his debut novella! For me an author is successful if he or she entertains. Mr. Marsella does that with his story of, I wouldn’t say haunted house but more of a horrible person coming back to terrorize his victims from the grave!
That being said, as a seasoned reader, I could tell this was written by a novice! Novice not being a bad thing, as it will be fascinating to be here while Joshua tunes, tweaks and grows within his art! Looking forward to more from him!
That being said, as a seasoned reader, I could tell this was written by a novice! Novice not being a bad thing, as it will be fascinating to be here while Joshua tunes, tweaks and grows within his art! Looking forward to more from him!
February 14, 2021
That Novella was pretty good! Even with its story build around some cliché in horror, self published Author Joshua Marsella has a real effective writting. Connor character was appealing and I even say to myself at some point in the story; "Wow! I did'nt see that coming ?! "
So yeah, for an effective quick horror story, Scratches is what you need! I will definitively read is next book Severed!
Loved it! 4 Stars!!
So yeah, for an effective quick horror story, Scratches is what you need! I will definitively read is next book Severed!
Loved it! 4 Stars!!
December 15, 2020
By Elizabeth Suggs
Scratches by Joshua Marsella is a horror novella about a mother and son who inherit a house after the death of a family member with a violent past.
This story, while horrific with fun horror elements, does touch on what true monsters are out in the world. In a way, it talks about what evil men and women are truly capable of in a safe space. We need more stories like this out in the world, detailing the worst of humankind, not to glorify it, but to shed a light on something that should be addressed. This story does that while maintaining the theme of a fun horror story.
Marsella has a unique writing style that kept me on edge the entire time with great pacing. Another great quality of the story is the depth of the characters. And in that depth, we learn of some deep-seated questions. To survive, the mother and son have to put aside their differences, but at the same time, can either mother or son learn to understand each other?
Here’s a fun quote that sent shivers up my spine:
Heavy lascivious breaths released an obnoxious odor from the gaping rot mouth of the figure that stood erect in the darkness to watch the mother sleep.
I read this story in an hour, so if you’re looking for a quick scare, read this story.
Scratches by Joshua Marsella is a horror novella about a mother and son who inherit a house after the death of a family member with a violent past.
This story, while horrific with fun horror elements, does touch on what true monsters are out in the world. In a way, it talks about what evil men and women are truly capable of in a safe space. We need more stories like this out in the world, detailing the worst of humankind, not to glorify it, but to shed a light on something that should be addressed. This story does that while maintaining the theme of a fun horror story.
Marsella has a unique writing style that kept me on edge the entire time with great pacing. Another great quality of the story is the depth of the characters. And in that depth, we learn of some deep-seated questions. To survive, the mother and son have to put aside their differences, but at the same time, can either mother or son learn to understand each other?
Here’s a fun quote that sent shivers up my spine:
Heavy lascivious breaths released an obnoxious odor from the gaping rot mouth of the figure that stood erect in the darkness to watch the mother sleep.
I read this story in an hour, so if you’re looking for a quick scare, read this story.
August 6, 2021
First up, let me say this was Joshua's debut and as such what it demonstrated to me was great promise. There were many moments when I thought, yes...this writer has the potential to go on and do great things, things that will have a wide appeal.
I whizzed through Scratches, it was an easy read in the best sense. Not once was I bored, the story-telling held my attention from start to finish. I found myself rooting for Connor (M.C.) all the way through.
The setting worked for me too (especially the spooky basement), as did the 80's/90's feel.
Look, I've got to know Joshua through social media and he's a kind, caring and supportive member of the community. That's not my reason for rating it 4 stars, the reason I'm mentioning it is because that emotion, that kindness, came through in the storytelling, helping the reader to engage with Connor's plight on an emotional level. Always a good thing.
I know Joshua has since written a prequel and I'm also certain his work will have gone from strength to strength.
Story-telling 4 stars; conventions 3.5.
I whizzed through Scratches, it was an easy read in the best sense. Not once was I bored, the story-telling held my attention from start to finish. I found myself rooting for Connor (M.C.) all the way through.
The setting worked for me too (especially the spooky basement), as did the 80's/90's feel.
Look, I've got to know Joshua through social media and he's a kind, caring and supportive member of the community. That's not my reason for rating it 4 stars, the reason I'm mentioning it is because that emotion, that kindness, came through in the storytelling, helping the reader to engage with Connor's plight on an emotional level. Always a good thing.
I know Joshua has since written a prequel and I'm also certain his work will have gone from strength to strength.
Story-telling 4 stars; conventions 3.5.
November 29, 2020
The world Joshua Marsella has created is as dark as the basement where most of this story takes place. I’d like to add why that is exactly but it’ll spoil the reveals. Suffice it to say, when reading this novella there are sections when it feels as if a cold hand has touched your skin, one that is decayed and with long blackened fingernails.
Recommended for those who like the hairs on their neck permanently upright while reading. And be warned, you may never venture down to a basement ever again.
Recommended for those who like the hairs on their neck permanently upright while reading. And be warned, you may never venture down to a basement ever again.
January 31, 2021
Much like descending into a dark and musty basement this story gets darker and more frightening as you progress. Descending into discoveries that just keep getting darker and darker and doesn’t let up. I was curious, then freaked out, then appalled, then angered, then scared for the characters life and my pulse quickened towards the culmination. Very well done with the atmosphere and the subtleties throughout.
January 25, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed Scratches. Joshua knows how to tell a tale, and it's evident how much fun he had writing the story. It had great suspense and all the necessary dread. Awesome debut!
November 1, 2020
I have to start this review by saying that I don't usually get creeped out while reading books, but there was something about Scratches that gave me really creeped out feels and had my heart beating quicker. The build-up to scary scenes was done really well, and I think that when scary things were actually happening this book really shines. I do have to say that some of the writing outside of the scary parts leant towards telling instead of showing, and I had a little trouble getting into it, but I was hooked after it got to the first scary section and read the rest of the book in one go.
August 5, 2020
If you love novellas that literally keep your hands glued to the book the entire time you're reading it, this ones for you!
From a brilliant writer comes a novella about a family with secret's and these uncoverings will leave the reader with chills, goosebumps and wanting more.
I highly recommend. A must read for all who love suspense and horror.
From a brilliant writer comes a novella about a family with secret's and these uncoverings will leave the reader with chills, goosebumps and wanting more.
I highly recommend. A must read for all who love suspense and horror.
July 12, 2020
The horrors that people do
This is an interesting horror novella based very much on the real life horrors that people do to one another.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel the emotional connection with the characters or the depth of such a disturbing situation as I would have liked.
This is an interesting horror novella based very much on the real life horrors that people do to one another.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel the emotional connection with the characters or the depth of such a disturbing situation as I would have liked.
March 31, 2021
Joshua Marsella so awesomely shipped me personalized and signed copies of both "Scratches" and "Severed." Naturally, I started with "Scratches." I fell in love with the cover, and by the end of it I was inspecting every detail and shadow carefully with newfound knowledge of what every part meant.
This dark and quick novella reads easily with a youthful feel. It is clear that Joshua Marsella remembers childhood and possesses the ability to look through those eyes at the world and then transcribe that sense on paper. The chapter lengths and wonderful spacing between lines made me nostalgic for "Goosebumps" books again. However, those gentle, rated Young Adult comforts do not permeate the actual content of this story. It is wicked, evil, and disturbing in many real ways.
This book contains very adult situations and issues mixed with the supernatural. I was repelled and absorbed with Connor and his mother's life and the family matters that were better left buried.
Personal story time! There was one part that really got to me and set my nerves on edge. Marsella wrote, "There were footprints in the soft ground appearing to walk away from the gravesite in the direction of the house." When I was a kid, my Grandma and I went to visit my Grandpa's gravesite in the middle of farmland. His grave sat at the back with only a large group of trees behind it. It was winter. When we arrived, we noticed there were footprints leading from the front of his gravestone into the woods with none returning. There were no footprints from the gateway of the cemetery to his grave -- just at them, and leading away. That was really scary for me and this book brought that memory back with a vengeance, although my Grandpa was actually a good man.
While dealing with some sordid topics, Marsella forces the characters and the reader to unearth dreadful realities that are hard to look at, but should not be ignored. He provides an entertaining and frightening read that will leave you feeling like you just slept in a filthy basement while something insidious watched.
This dark and quick novella reads easily with a youthful feel. It is clear that Joshua Marsella remembers childhood and possesses the ability to look through those eyes at the world and then transcribe that sense on paper. The chapter lengths and wonderful spacing between lines made me nostalgic for "Goosebumps" books again. However, those gentle, rated Young Adult comforts do not permeate the actual content of this story. It is wicked, evil, and disturbing in many real ways.
This book contains very adult situations and issues mixed with the supernatural. I was repelled and absorbed with Connor and his mother's life and the family matters that were better left buried.
Personal story time! There was one part that really got to me and set my nerves on edge. Marsella wrote, "There were footprints in the soft ground appearing to walk away from the gravesite in the direction of the house." When I was a kid, my Grandma and I went to visit my Grandpa's gravesite in the middle of farmland. His grave sat at the back with only a large group of trees behind it. It was winter. When we arrived, we noticed there were footprints leading from the front of his gravestone into the woods with none returning. There were no footprints from the gateway of the cemetery to his grave -- just at them, and leading away. That was really scary for me and this book brought that memory back with a vengeance, although my Grandpa was actually a good man.
While dealing with some sordid topics, Marsella forces the characters and the reader to unearth dreadful realities that are hard to look at, but should not be ignored. He provides an entertaining and frightening read that will leave you feeling like you just slept in a filthy basement while something insidious watched.
February 12, 2021
4.5 stars
Such a good debut! So much about this reminded me of being a kid, not sure if that’s a good thing or not given the subject matter lol. Definitely creeped me out a bit and that’s hard to do.
Such a good debut! So much about this reminded me of being a kid, not sure if that’s a good thing or not given the subject matter lol. Definitely creeped me out a bit and that’s hard to do.
January 22, 2021
Pretty awesome for a debut! Definitely enjoyed this and im looking forward to more horror stories from this author 👌🏽
Trigger warnings ⚠️
Body horror
Rape
Alcohol abuse
Trigger warnings ⚠️
Body horror
Rape
Alcohol abuse
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