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The Clearing
When Hannah Green's dog comes out of the woods carrying a sneaker that contains a partially decomposed foot, she thinks it's the worst thing that could ever happen to her. She is wrong. What is the strange old woman Mama Bayole hiding in her decrepit farmhouse? Why is the local librarian so determined to prevent them from researching town history? Who is following them around Hopedale, New Hampshire? Hannah and her friend Ashley make a shocking discovery about what has been happening in the woods behind Hannah's house. As they get closer to the truth, things take a dangerous turn, and they play a deadly game of cat-and-mouse that may end up costing them their lives.
- GenresMysteryHorrorYoung Adult
256 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2021
10 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Tom Deady
47 books235 followersTom Deady's first novel, HAVEN, won the 2016 Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. He has since published several novels and novellas. He has a Master's Degree in English and Creative Writing and is a member of both the Horror Writers Association and the New England Horror Writers Association. He resides in Arizona where he is working on his next novel.
Be sure to follow Tom on BookBub for the latest on sales: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tom-d...
Be sure to follow Tom on BookBub for the latest on sales: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tom-d...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 7, 2023
Overall Rating : D
Tweens doing what tweens do - stupid sh*t without parental supervision.
Tweens doing what tweens do - stupid sh*t without parental supervision.
June 12, 2021
A stellar, character-driven story that kept me riveted. Worth picking up. You won't be disappointed!
August 3, 2021
The Clearing is a YA horror based on a suspicious clearing in the woods.
When Hannah’s dog come running out of the woods carrying a shoe containing a decomposed foot, Hannah and her friend take it upon themselves to research who it could possibly belong too.
They had no idea who they were getting involved with. They learn the clearing is used for some sort of ritual sacrifice, but have no clue who in town is part of the cult. Will they be able to figure out who are the members of the group before it’s too late?
I really enjoyed this book. It is so action packed and the two young girls we follow are relatable. I love the summer setting and was on edge the whole time not knowing where the story was going to go. There were a couple timeline blips or small details that didn’t connect for me but overall this was a solid 4⭐️ read.
I would recommend for people who enjoyed books like IT and THE OUTSIDER by Stephen King. It is perfect to read this month to wrap up the Summer!
When Hannah’s dog come running out of the woods carrying a shoe containing a decomposed foot, Hannah and her friend take it upon themselves to research who it could possibly belong too.
They had no idea who they were getting involved with. They learn the clearing is used for some sort of ritual sacrifice, but have no clue who in town is part of the cult. Will they be able to figure out who are the members of the group before it’s too late?
I really enjoyed this book. It is so action packed and the two young girls we follow are relatable. I love the summer setting and was on edge the whole time not knowing where the story was going to go. There were a couple timeline blips or small details that didn’t connect for me but overall this was a solid 4⭐️ read.
I would recommend for people who enjoyed books like IT and THE OUTSIDER by Stephen King. It is perfect to read this month to wrap up the Summer!
August 9, 2021
Talk about creepy!! 😳 This book keeps you on your toes till the very end and will creep you out and never make you want to walk in the woods again... nope never again for me 🙈 but I'm a wimp so there's that 😂
December 31, 2023
Much like the novel "Boy's Life." I believe I would have enjoyed this story a lot more when I was younger. Please don't get me wrong! I really enjoyed the story. Perhaps I am just getting old and cynical and need more gore now-a-days 😁 Still, it had a great spooky setting. (Anyone who's ever been in the woods in New Hampshire would understand that.😬) And the characters all did their jobs properly, as in whether or not you were supposed to like them or despise them. And as with all of Mr. Deady's stories that I have read, it was entertaining and very well written. And I believe it was the first of a 3 part series. So, I will definitely be checking out the next two.
August 18, 2021
I may have spent a few nights reading this one and mentally creeping myself out at parts. Let's just say the exorcist came back to haunt me. There are some excellent throwback vibes to a few old school creepfest movies I enjoyed as a kid. Kept me turning pages itching to know how everything plays out.
The Clearing is a creepy mix of small town mystery and horror with two young adult main characters. Told from their alternating POVs, Hannah and Ashley are the epitome of best friends. There's an underlying theme of parental loss that gives more depth to Hannah and her father as they traverse life with a runaway wife and mother. Deady has a wonderful way of painting the eerie atmospheric scenes as the plot plays out. I highly enjoyed the intense scenes with the certain someone who lives on the farm. She absolutely turned up the heebie jeebie level.
There are some slower paced areas that focus on the type of runaway parental loss that Hannah is dealing with. Ashley has moments that focus on divorce. While these parts aren't for me, I can see how they can be important to other readers going through similar issues.
If you like that classic supernatural horror or current movies like Spell, than this is a read you'll enjoy with a young adult vibe. All of the thanks to Vesuvian Media for sending a gifted copy my way! True rating 3.5/5.
The Clearing is a creepy mix of small town mystery and horror with two young adult main characters. Told from their alternating POVs, Hannah and Ashley are the epitome of best friends. There's an underlying theme of parental loss that gives more depth to Hannah and her father as they traverse life with a runaway wife and mother. Deady has a wonderful way of painting the eerie atmospheric scenes as the plot plays out. I highly enjoyed the intense scenes with the certain someone who lives on the farm. She absolutely turned up the heebie jeebie level.
There are some slower paced areas that focus on the type of runaway parental loss that Hannah is dealing with. Ashley has moments that focus on divorce. While these parts aren't for me, I can see how they can be important to other readers going through similar issues.
If you like that classic supernatural horror or current movies like Spell, than this is a read you'll enjoy with a young adult vibe. All of the thanks to Vesuvian Media for sending a gifted copy my way! True rating 3.5/5.
August 23, 2021
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Catherine Lowe
Inspired in part by true events, Bram Stoker Award®-winning author Tom Deady’s new novel, The Clearing [Vesuvian Books, August 10, 2021] blends horrors of the past with today’s terrors—and a supernatural twist that will keep readers’ skin crawling cover to cover.
There’s good reason for those itchy sensations prickling along your skin, too—the buzzing terror of The Green Mile meets the unsettling atmosphere of The Skeleton Key in The Clearing. Deady is a master of ambiance; readers will find themselves ensnared in a web of despair from the moment they first enter The Clearing’s bleak, stifling, sodden New England summer. Even in the sunshine, the atmosphere is soggy, humid and heartbreak weighing down the air as Hannah Green spends her summer break suffering the two worst teenage terrors: a broken family—her mother seeming to have not just abandoned home but disappeared into thin air—and debilitating boredom. That is, until her dog comes out of the woods carrying a sneaker that contains a partially decomposed foot.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
Inspired in part by true events, Bram Stoker Award®-winning author Tom Deady’s new novel, The Clearing [Vesuvian Books, August 10, 2021] blends horrors of the past with today’s terrors—and a supernatural twist that will keep readers’ skin crawling cover to cover.
There’s good reason for those itchy sensations prickling along your skin, too—the buzzing terror of The Green Mile meets the unsettling atmosphere of The Skeleton Key in The Clearing. Deady is a master of ambiance; readers will find themselves ensnared in a web of despair from the moment they first enter The Clearing’s bleak, stifling, sodden New England summer. Even in the sunshine, the atmosphere is soggy, humid and heartbreak weighing down the air as Hannah Green spends her summer break suffering the two worst teenage terrors: a broken family—her mother seeming to have not just abandoned home but disappeared into thin air—and debilitating boredom. That is, until her dog comes out of the woods carrying a sneaker that contains a partially decomposed foot.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
August 10, 2021
I wasn't really sure about this book at first, with the opening scene being kind of philosophical, a girl in the woods with her dog, thinking about stuff, sittin' on rocks, etc. but then the foot!
The two main characters, Hannah and Ashley, I really liked them, which I usually never say. The mystery that the girls had to solve was very interesting to me, and involved a cult and possibly voodoo/hoodoo. Having a degree in Library Science and loving to do research, I was happy to see young people use the library!
These girls love Coke. Good thing they ride bikes to work off all that sugar. It was cute to see Hannah go out on her first date, her date being all shy and stuff. It is rated for 12 and up, but I would say PG-13, just because there is a shooting, kidnapping, disembodied body parts, etc. I'm not sure what the extra year would do, but 12 just seems little to me, lol.
Overall, this was a good book. It was an easy read, it took me I think 4-5 days but I could have easily read it in a weekend if I had had the time.
The two main characters, Hannah and Ashley, I really liked them, which I usually never say. The mystery that the girls had to solve was very interesting to me, and involved a cult and possibly voodoo/hoodoo. Having a degree in Library Science and loving to do research, I was happy to see young people use the library!
These girls love Coke. Good thing they ride bikes to work off all that sugar. It was cute to see Hannah go out on her first date, her date being all shy and stuff. It is rated for 12 and up, but I would say PG-13, just because there is a shooting, kidnapping, disembodied body parts, etc. I'm not sure what the extra year would do, but 12 just seems little to me, lol.
Overall, this was a good book. It was an easy read, it took me I think 4-5 days but I could have easily read it in a weekend if I had had the time.
August 10, 2021
This is a really great suspenseful story. This is a well written story about Hannah and her bestfriend Ashley and what happen when they find themselves in the middle of a mystery that seems to be decades old. What will happen when Hannah's dog comes out of the woods with a shoe but not just any shoe, a shoe that has a foot attached to it? This is where the story takes on a dangerous discovery that could just mean life or death. This is a fast paced story that is full of action and twists and turns. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the beginning. The characters made the story engaging as well as being connectable. They really made the story for me. I highly recommend this book.
Read
June 17, 2023Inspired in part by true events, Bram Stoker Award®-winning author Tom Deady’s new novel, The Clearing [Vesuvian Books, August 10, 2021] blends horrors of the past with today’s terrors—and a supernatural twist that will keep readers’ skin crawling cover to cover.
(full review to come in The Nerd Daily)
(full review to come in The Nerd Daily)
October 18, 2022
This book completely freaked me out and gave me the chills and creeps. Totally not what I was expecting at all. I was creeped out for a couple of days, even in broad day light. When Hannah's dog finds a shoe with a decomposing foot in it in the woods, Hannah decides not to tell her dad. She does, however, tell her friend Ashley so that the two of them can try and solve the mystery. But what they end up uncovering soon proves that they are way in over their heads. The book had a good pace, and the characters were solid. It's said to be YA, but I feel like it may be a little too mature for a younger audience, and better suited for a more mature audience. Add this to your list if you're looking for a spooky October or Halloween read.
June 10, 2021
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I'm going to preface this review with a little bit of a caveat: I read this book 2 months before its release, and because it was an early copy, some of the things I disliked about this book may or may not be fixed before it's release. Let's hope that's true.
To be honest, I didn't get very far into this book. By the end of the third chapter, I was ready to set it aside.
It wasn't all bad though. Though I didn't have time to get to know them well, what little I know of the main character and her friend, I liked. They seemed like okay characters, and didn't annoy me or make me mad. The writing was clear and easy to follow, and the author didn't skip trying to build the atmosphere. These are all things I really appreciate.
So what went wrong?
The characters had this odd habit of saying and doing things that just didn't make sense. It felt like the author was trying too hard to make the book scary and mysterious, but it just came across as incohesive and sloppy. It didn't make sense that the main character found part of a dead body and rather than tell the police, she didn't bring it up to anyone… not her dad, not even her best friend till much later in the evening.
And what was the friend's response? For them to keep it a secret for the next several months so they could investigate it themselves. I could understand it if they were maybe 8 years old or were often overdramatic and no one believed them... Or if they thought they might somehow get blamed…
or the body part went missing, but there was no logical reason for them to keep it a secret. It was incredibly odd behavior, and this wasn't even the only instance where their choices made no logical sense.
There were a lot of odd little moments like this, where the choices that were made, the things that were said, and the details the author chose to highlight stuck out as illogical, strange, or irrelevant. In the end, I gave up. I wasn't drawn into the story, I didn't love the characters, and despite the interesting premise for the plot, it wasn't enough to make me want to read more. Overall, I think the story would benefit from a strict content editor to clean things up and fill out the bits where the story lacks. Maybe that will be done before release. Let's hope so.
I'm going to preface this review with a little bit of a caveat: I read this book 2 months before its release, and because it was an early copy, some of the things I disliked about this book may or may not be fixed before it's release. Let's hope that's true.
To be honest, I didn't get very far into this book. By the end of the third chapter, I was ready to set it aside.
It wasn't all bad though. Though I didn't have time to get to know them well, what little I know of the main character and her friend, I liked. They seemed like okay characters, and didn't annoy me or make me mad. The writing was clear and easy to follow, and the author didn't skip trying to build the atmosphere. These are all things I really appreciate.
So what went wrong?
The characters had this odd habit of saying and doing things that just didn't make sense. It felt like the author was trying too hard to make the book scary and mysterious, but it just came across as incohesive and sloppy. It didn't make sense that the main character found part of a dead body and rather than tell the police, she didn't bring it up to anyone… not her dad, not even her best friend till much later in the evening.
And what was the friend's response? For them to keep it a secret for the next several months so they could investigate it themselves. I could understand it if they were maybe 8 years old or were often overdramatic and no one believed them... Or if they thought they might somehow get blamed…
or the body part went missing, but there was no logical reason for them to keep it a secret. It was incredibly odd behavior, and this wasn't even the only instance where their choices made no logical sense.
There were a lot of odd little moments like this, where the choices that were made, the things that were said, and the details the author chose to highlight stuck out as illogical, strange, or irrelevant. In the end, I gave up. I wasn't drawn into the story, I didn't love the characters, and despite the interesting premise for the plot, it wasn't enough to make me want to read more. Overall, I think the story would benefit from a strict content editor to clean things up and fill out the bits where the story lacks. Maybe that will be done before release. Let's hope so.
June 23, 2022
Excellent book with a great cast of characters and a very good setting. If you like spooky then this is a book to read. I've had it for some time and wonder why it took me so long to read. Might be the long to read stack of books I have.
August 30, 2021
Extremely Enjoyable ! Great Late Night Read
August 27, 2021
If you’re after a gateway horror novel for kids aged ten plus, then look no further than Tom Deady’s outstanding The Clearing which is perfect for the top end of primary to the early secondary years. Deady is clearly on fine form, as this roundup also includes his Of Men and Monsters, which although is adult has solid YA leanings, thankfully The Clearing does not feature the same bleak ending and is more in tune with Middle Grade fiction. This engrossing read had everything to get keen kids turning the pages; engaging characters, great pace, threat (but not too scary), a taste of early romance, and friendship which is all cleverly built around a snappy mystery, which develops supernatural overtones and conspiracy in the local community. I have already bought a copy for my school library. Bizarrely, something about it made me think of the 1970s cult film Race with the Devil where Warren Oates and friends are stalked by Satanists, who hide in plain sight. Set in a small and sleepy New Hampshire town, two young girls find themselves in danger after deciding to do a Nancy Drew and carry out their own investigation, instead of going to the police. It was the summer holidays, and they were bored, so who can blame them?
The Clearing has a super cool opening hook which is guaranteed to reel any young horror hound in right from the off. Hannah Green is out walking her dog when the pooch makes a grisly find, a decomposing foot. Instead of going to the police she calls her best friend Ashley, and they begin to snoop, which leads them into a decades old mystery which they connect to the disappearance of a local girl. As they begin to join the dots, other characters are introduced and suspicion falls on a reclusive old woman, Mama Bayole. There were not too many suspects, but this mystery was great fun, with the supernatural story convincingly backed by the friendship story between Hannah and Ashley. Another story strands involves Hannah and her father, who is struggling to cope (as is Hannah) with the disappearance of her mother the previous year. The crisp pace, kidnappings and red herrings ensure the intensity keeps up right to the end, which finishes satisfyingly for a potential sequel. As with most Middle Grade horror, it was very clear who were the ‘good’ and who were the ‘bad’ guys, but it was great fun accompanying Hannah and Ashley on their adventure. AGE RANGE 10-13.
The Clearing has a super cool opening hook which is guaranteed to reel any young horror hound in right from the off. Hannah Green is out walking her dog when the pooch makes a grisly find, a decomposing foot. Instead of going to the police she calls her best friend Ashley, and they begin to snoop, which leads them into a decades old mystery which they connect to the disappearance of a local girl. As they begin to join the dots, other characters are introduced and suspicion falls on a reclusive old woman, Mama Bayole. There were not too many suspects, but this mystery was great fun, with the supernatural story convincingly backed by the friendship story between Hannah and Ashley. Another story strands involves Hannah and her father, who is struggling to cope (as is Hannah) with the disappearance of her mother the previous year. The crisp pace, kidnappings and red herrings ensure the intensity keeps up right to the end, which finishes satisfyingly for a potential sequel. As with most Middle Grade horror, it was very clear who were the ‘good’ and who were the ‘bad’ guys, but it was great fun accompanying Hannah and Ashley on their adventure. AGE RANGE 10-13.
Read
November 5, 2021This book took me for a wonderfully twisted ride and kept me riveted to the pages. I find that I either really love stories like this one or I find myself quickly losing interest, so I was incredibly happy to find that this one fell into the former category. It’s that perfect blend of creepy, action, and mystery that just leaves you waiting to find out what comes next.
When I first read the synopsis I thought this story had the potential of being Stephen King kind of creepy/bizarre. And it did but with the authors own take on that and personal style of writing. Which I am incredibly glad for because we already have King so I wanted something new (you know?). And honestly this is just a really well written book that I think delivered on all of its promises.
So yeah, you should definitely give this book a go if you want some atmospheric but realistic creepy scenes. I can’t really say too much because I don’t want to give anything away, but I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
You can view my full review & giveaway on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!
Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/
When I first read the synopsis I thought this story had the potential of being Stephen King kind of creepy/bizarre. And it did but with the authors own take on that and personal style of writing. Which I am incredibly glad for because we already have King so I wanted something new (you know?). And honestly this is just a really well written book that I think delivered on all of its promises.
So yeah, you should definitely give this book a go if you want some atmospheric but realistic creepy scenes. I can’t really say too much because I don’t want to give anything away, but I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
You can view my full review & giveaway on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!
Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/
October 5, 2022
You should read Elatsoe instead. I spent the book waiting to see what the villainess--and we'll get back to her in a minute--provided her followers for them to help her torment children and the answer was: nothing. There was a hint she could get in your head and was "pure evil" so only the power of Christ could protect you, but that doesn't work for me. Also, besides a longer life, she barely got any benefits herself. She's still old--and believe me, my granddad complains enough about the pains of being old--and she lives on a broken down farm, barely making a subsistence living. Is being evil just that thrilling? Also, she's
Someone needs to explain bisexuality to Hannah so she can stop assuming her dad couldn't love her mother "that way" just because he ends up with a boyfriend.
Someone needs to explain bisexuality to Hannah so she can stop assuming her dad couldn't love her mother "that way" just because he ends up with a boyfriend.
October 11, 2022
When Hannah Green's dog comes out of the woods carrying a sneaker that contains a partially decomposed foot, she thinks it's the worst thing that could ever happen to her. She is wrong. What is the strange old woman Mama Bayole hiding in her decrepit farmhouse? Why is the local librarian so determined to prevent them from researching town history? Who is following them around Hopedale, New Hampshire? Hannah and her friend Ashley make a shocking discovery about what has been happening in the woods behind Hannah's house. As they get closer to the truth, things take a dangerous turn, and they play a deadly game of cat-and-mouse that may end up costing them their lives.
This horror young adult novel was the perfect read for the start of the spooky season. The two main characters are both strong female characters. The mystery of the book was exciting and had me finish this one in a day. There was the perfect amount of excitement and adventure. I highly suggest giving this book a read this fall season.
This horror young adult novel was the perfect read for the start of the spooky season. The two main characters are both strong female characters. The mystery of the book was exciting and had me finish this one in a day. There was the perfect amount of excitement and adventure. I highly suggest giving this book a read this fall season.
January 1, 2023
This author had the sweetest author letter I’ve read so far. With the signed books, @indiebookscene sends author notes with some novels and his was about why he writes: for his daughters. I certainly see this being a great book for a middle schooler or maybe highschooler. It’s well-written and you want to keep reading to find out what happens!
However, as an adult, this book didn’t capture my attention like I’d hoped it would. I think the main problem being my recently-found fascination with true crime. These two girls finding a literal body part and keeping it secret for any length of time had my anxiety up. Like that is evidence and you are ruining a crime scene! But if you go into it with the expectation of this being a book from a teenagers point of view with the target audience of teenagers, then it’s a great story. I recommend it if you like mysteries.
I will say that I didn’t like the antagonist being one of the only explicitly stated characters of color and falling into “voodoo priestess” villain stereotypes.
However, as an adult, this book didn’t capture my attention like I’d hoped it would. I think the main problem being my recently-found fascination with true crime. These two girls finding a literal body part and keeping it secret for any length of time had my anxiety up. Like that is evidence and you are ruining a crime scene! But if you go into it with the expectation of this being a book from a teenagers point of view with the target audience of teenagers, then it’s a great story. I recommend it if you like mysteries.
I will say that I didn’t like the antagonist being one of the only explicitly stated characters of color and falling into “voodoo priestess” villain stereotypes.
November 3, 2021
Okay, wow. Talk about creepy! I read this surrounded by people in broad daylight, and I was still on edge all day. Horror and thriller novels very rarely creep me out to this point, but this was an insane book - I mean, the ending (as well as the entire book) was nowhere near what I was expecting!
I loved the characters in this. Their friendship was amazing, and I just found myself happy to read about them. Seeing Hannah go on her first date was adorable! I also liked that there was some focus on their family issues as well. While it's not the exact same as Hannah's experience, I could connect with her because of the "just her and her dad" thing; it was nice to see that represented, despite the differences in our experience.
Disclaimer: I received a gifted copy of this book via JeanBookNerd Tours in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the characters in this. Their friendship was amazing, and I just found myself happy to read about them. Seeing Hannah go on her first date was adorable! I also liked that there was some focus on their family issues as well. While it's not the exact same as Hannah's experience, I could connect with her because of the "just her and her dad" thing; it was nice to see that represented, despite the differences in our experience.
Disclaimer: I received a gifted copy of this book via JeanBookNerd Tours in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2021
I was very intrigued with this story and could almost believe that a young teen would not tell her father that she found a human foot in the woods, but not quite. This will probably be a hit with the teen horror crowd. There are scary situations and side-mysteries to solve plus a little romance. So much excitement! The idea that the teens want to do all of the solving themselves is plausible. I was even there for the voodoo and rituals - supernatural events. I found some things I didn't quite believe (trusting certain adults, things that were said) that made me start questioning more about the story. But like I said, I think young horror fans will love it!
Thank you to Vesuvian Books for the review copy.
Thank you to Vesuvian Books for the review copy.
October 6, 2022
I mean can I say anything but “wow”?
This was a serious page turner from the start. Such a great story. I love reading about two teenage girls. It reminds me of when I was 14 or 15, walking around in the woods with my best friend at the time. Granted nothing to this extent ever happened.
One of my only complaints is that I didn’t know this was a paranormal book so that kinda took me by surprise. But overall a definite great read. I was able to relate to characters many times throughout the book which is something I love as a reader. It makes me feel more invested in the book as a whole.
This is a fantastic read if you are looking for paranormal thrillers this spooky season! This definitely is going to be on my list of books to reread.
This was a serious page turner from the start. Such a great story. I love reading about two teenage girls. It reminds me of when I was 14 or 15, walking around in the woods with my best friend at the time. Granted nothing to this extent ever happened.
One of my only complaints is that I didn’t know this was a paranormal book so that kinda took me by surprise. But overall a definite great read. I was able to relate to characters many times throughout the book which is something I love as a reader. It makes me feel more invested in the book as a whole.
This is a fantastic read if you are looking for paranormal thrillers this spooky season! This definitely is going to be on my list of books to reread.
October 17, 2022
Book Review
The Clearing
A Novel Written By Tom Deadly
Fiction - Mystery
Published 2021
265 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
When I read the synopsis for this book I was intrigued. I was ready to read a murder mystery, a thriller, something with suspense.
The main character, Hannah, chooses not to tell her dad or the police when her dog finds a sneaker with a decomposing foot in the woods behind her house. Instead she tells her best friend, Ashley. Together they go on a mission to solve this mystery. They uncover a cult in their town whose members may include the local police and the town librarian. This horror story held my interest until it took a turn toward the paranormal. This is not my cup of tea. This book is labeled as young adult fiction. I think that audience would enjoy this book.
The Clearing
A Novel Written By Tom Deadly
Fiction - Mystery
Published 2021
265 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
When I read the synopsis for this book I was intrigued. I was ready to read a murder mystery, a thriller, something with suspense.
The main character, Hannah, chooses not to tell her dad or the police when her dog finds a sneaker with a decomposing foot in the woods behind her house. Instead she tells her best friend, Ashley. Together they go on a mission to solve this mystery. They uncover a cult in their town whose members may include the local police and the town librarian. This horror story held my interest until it took a turn toward the paranormal. This is not my cup of tea. This book is labeled as young adult fiction. I think that audience would enjoy this book.
May 1, 2023
thank you vesuvian media for a copy of this one!
this is a solid 3 stars for me.
it's definitely YA horror- and i think i would have loved it as a young adult.
i wish i would have known exactly how old these girls were. i could never figure it out exactly. definitely like around 13, maybe? anywayyyy, they find a foot in a converse shoe and decide to solve the crime on their own. and it gets them into nothing but trouble. definitely good for all the horror lovers that love cults and witches.
the author describes the weather a lot. and i think the characters cry a lot. but i liked the girls even though they made bad choices 😆
this is a solid 3 stars for me.
it's definitely YA horror- and i think i would have loved it as a young adult.
i wish i would have known exactly how old these girls were. i could never figure it out exactly. definitely like around 13, maybe? anywayyyy, they find a foot in a converse shoe and decide to solve the crime on their own. and it gets them into nothing but trouble. definitely good for all the horror lovers that love cults and witches.
the author describes the weather a lot. and i think the characters cry a lot. but i liked the girls even though they made bad choices 😆
August 9, 2021
THE CLEARING is the newest engagingly horrific novel by always-on-target author Tom Deady, who presents a stunning portrait of adolescent best friends, both enduring family grief. Inseparable, Hannah and Ashley fall in danger beyond their capacity when Hannah's beloved Scout retrieves a sneaker in the woods adjacent to her rural home; but the sneaker still houses a foot.
Suffused with emotion both heartwrenching and heartwarming, with familial love, hope, and terror, THE CLEARING also includes nontraditional Spirituality and elements of the Supernatural.
Suffused with emotion both heartwrenching and heartwarming, with familial love, hope, and terror, THE CLEARING also includes nontraditional Spirituality and elements of the Supernatural.
October 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It gave me Nancy Drew vibes. The girls were smart and brave, but came off as realistic teenagers.
The other characters in the book were also well written and interesting. I liked seeing the relationship between Hannah and her dad as they navigated the tricky time of young adolescence.
The story moved along at a good pace and the author maintains a creepy atmosphere of anticipation all through the book. It’s a great book to read in October during the spooky season.
The other characters in the book were also well written and interesting. I liked seeing the relationship between Hannah and her dad as they navigated the tricky time of young adolescence.
The story moved along at a good pace and the author maintains a creepy atmosphere of anticipation all through the book. It’s a great book to read in October during the spooky season.
August 11, 2021
Mysterious, creepy YA horror.
June 9, 2022
Riveting from the first page to the last! I couldn't put it down!
November 25, 2022
Really really good book you won’t be disappointed.
January 6, 2026
I had a very good time reading this book. Being from new england i can say he 100% nailed the feel. Cant wait for part 2.
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