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Scalp
When parasitic head lice piggyback into a youth leadership conference, a group of teens is forced into a fight for survival. This one’s sure to make your stomach turn and your head itch.
Nitsy is excited to be invited to an exclusive leadership conference with her peers from across the globe. She’s even more thrilled her partner on this trip is her cute jock classmate, Robbie.
Hal is a new park ranger who’s taken the job because policing is all he knows, and since a tragic accident took his daughter away, he’s not too fond of guns, or people for that matter. Hal only wants to sit in the darkness and sulk in his sorrows.
Andre is out hunting in the woods of West Virginia. He’s one with his rifle. Yet, something ain’t right in the woods. It’s too quiet. Oddly still. Until... Andre eyes a buck that seems out of sorts, thrashing around wildly with lifeless eyes.
When he pulls the trigger and a bullet strikes home, there’s no blood. Nothing. Something else has already drained it, and it’s ready for a new host.
With the entire town falling prey to this head-munching malice, and all the students at the Stonewall Forge Leadership Conference in danger, only a few can fight back before these parasitic head lice wipe out Clydesville, West Virginia and spread across the rest of the world.
Nitsy is excited to be invited to an exclusive leadership conference with her peers from across the globe. She’s even more thrilled her partner on this trip is her cute jock classmate, Robbie.
Hal is a new park ranger who’s taken the job because policing is all he knows, and since a tragic accident took his daughter away, he’s not too fond of guns, or people for that matter. Hal only wants to sit in the darkness and sulk in his sorrows.
Andre is out hunting in the woods of West Virginia. He’s one with his rifle. Yet, something ain’t right in the woods. It’s too quiet. Oddly still. Until... Andre eyes a buck that seems out of sorts, thrashing around wildly with lifeless eyes.
When he pulls the trigger and a bullet strikes home, there’s no blood. Nothing. Something else has already drained it, and it’s ready for a new host.
With the entire town falling prey to this head-munching malice, and all the students at the Stonewall Forge Leadership Conference in danger, only a few can fight back before these parasitic head lice wipe out Clydesville, West Virginia and spread across the rest of the world.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2020
26 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Carver Pike
30 books330 followersMy name is Carver Pike. Since as far back as I can remember, I've been fascinated by everything horror. I'd sit cross-legged in front of the TV and watch The Texas Chainsaw Massacre while devouring a bowl of Kaboom cereal. I always wished the ghost at the end of each episode of Scooby-Doo wouldn't be just another man behind the mask. I wanted real ghastly ghouls, dastardly demons, and malevolent monsters.
At some point, I knew I couldn't sit back and keep watching this horror world from the stands. I wanted to be in the game. So, now I wield this virtual pen and sling ink onto this page with the hopes of someday being a major player. I want to create those worlds you visit, feed that fear that keeps you up late at night, and entertain you in ways only the greatest storytellers can.
Be advised, most of my books are very graphic in nature. Most contain strong violence, and some have very detailed sex scenes. I try to give you a warning in the book blurb.
Hopefully, we'll form a great author-reader relationship and you'll come to trust that Carver Pike will always keep you entertained.
Member of the HWA: Horror Writers Association
Participated in KillerCon2020
At some point, I knew I couldn't sit back and keep watching this horror world from the stands. I wanted to be in the game. So, now I wield this virtual pen and sling ink onto this page with the hopes of someday being a major player. I want to create those worlds you visit, feed that fear that keeps you up late at night, and entertain you in ways only the greatest storytellers can.
Be advised, most of my books are very graphic in nature. Most contain strong violence, and some have very detailed sex scenes. I try to give you a warning in the book blurb.
Hopefully, we'll form a great author-reader relationship and you'll come to trust that Carver Pike will always keep you entertained.
Member of the HWA: Horror Writers Association
Participated in KillerCon2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 31, 2023
Wow! This book was a bloody itchy mess!
A small backstory:
In the town of Clydeville, West Virginia, lice come calling! Not just any lice, but a different type that are in swarms and when they land on heads of the good people in the town they not only burrow in their hair, they want to become one with the person!
No one is safe in this town including pets and creatures of the forest. The townspeople try to fight and survive this pestilence, but it is hard as the lice are upon them before they can run away!
Where did the lice come from? What do they do to the person? Do the townspeople find a way to kill the lice? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book!
Thoughts:
This was an awesome bloody ride into terror and I was very impressed with the writing style of author, Carver Pike, as he was able to draw me into the story quickly!
There are lots of characters in this book so I won't be going into detail of each person, but the writing style of author, Carver Pike was superb as he was able to draw me into the story quickly and kept me attached to my kindle as I just could not put this book down!
I didn't sleep much while reading this book as I just wanted to see what would happen next in the story and I also did lots of scratching! lol As this book will make you "itch and scratch" as you careen through the story! So get your anti-itch cream ready to go or sit in a tub of anti-inch cream while reading this story as you are going to need it! Giving this book five "Twisted Lice Terror" stars!
For images/gifs of this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
A small backstory:
In the town of Clydeville, West Virginia, lice come calling! Not just any lice, but a different type that are in swarms and when they land on heads of the good people in the town they not only burrow in their hair, they want to become one with the person!
No one is safe in this town including pets and creatures of the forest. The townspeople try to fight and survive this pestilence, but it is hard as the lice are upon them before they can run away!
Where did the lice come from? What do they do to the person? Do the townspeople find a way to kill the lice? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book!
Thoughts:
This was an awesome bloody ride into terror and I was very impressed with the writing style of author, Carver Pike, as he was able to draw me into the story quickly!
There are lots of characters in this book so I won't be going into detail of each person, but the writing style of author, Carver Pike was superb as he was able to draw me into the story quickly and kept me attached to my kindle as I just could not put this book down!
I didn't sleep much while reading this book as I just wanted to see what would happen next in the story and I also did lots of scratching! lol As this book will make you "itch and scratch" as you careen through the story! So get your anti-itch cream ready to go or sit in a tub of anti-inch cream while reading this story as you are going to need it! Giving this book five "Twisted Lice Terror" stars!
For images/gifs of this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
August 6, 2021
This book gave me itchy balls. It's the only place I have hair.
October 5, 2021
Carver Pike is a very talented author. He has the ability to hook the reader right away with believable characters and terror filled situations. Scalp involves monster lice that enter their victims' brains and turn them into zombie-like beings. It is easy to get attached to the potential victims and really care about what happens to them. The attacking insects and their hosts are vicious, and they hunt and spread rapidly. I read this book as fast as I could to keep up with the survivors, cheering their tenacity and bravery. There is much tension and violence in this novel, and many gory attacks. If you are interested in an intense creature feature introducing single-minded attack insects and their ghastly hosts, this one is for you. The story is character driven, which ramps up the apprehension and takes control of your brain. More by Carver Pike for me!
February 24, 2021
Another page-turner from Carver Pike
The small town of Clydesville is hosting a leadership conference for teenagers from around the globe. The story follows a group of teens and townspeople now forced to fight for their lives. I was hooked from the start. It was original, the characters were realistic, and the threat was terrifying. Parasitic head lice, what could be worse than that? This was one wild ride that I can’t recommend enough. I can’t wait to read more from Carver Pike.
The small town of Clydesville is hosting a leadership conference for teenagers from around the globe. The story follows a group of teens and townspeople now forced to fight for their lives. I was hooked from the start. It was original, the characters were realistic, and the threat was terrifying. Parasitic head lice, what could be worse than that? This was one wild ride that I can’t recommend enough. I can’t wait to read more from Carver Pike.
May 20, 2022
Great characters, great story! I was so scared to read this because I hate being itchy and I hate bugs on me. I met Carver at an author convention and bought a couple of his books. There were many to pick from and I somehow let him convince me to get this one 🙄 He’s a convincing dude. I’m SO GLAD he did! It was phenomenal. Right from the beginning I was invested in the story, wanting to know what would happen. The ending did NOT disappoint!!
March 14, 2021
"These were his friends, and all he could do was stand there and watch them while he contemplated whether or not he needed to kill them."
Ok, my head is itching even while writing this review. I'm not the kind of gal who's afraid of bugs or other critters, but the ones that skitter? The tiny ones you can't always see but can feel on you? Yeah, those are the ones that creep me out. So why, do you ask, would I choose to read a book about parasitic head lice that take over the citizens of a small town? Because I love a good horror read - that's why. And this author is just deliciously brutal in telling the reader what exactly happens to a person when they become infected, and how, in glorious gory detail, they pretty much rip their own faces off before, in jerky, uncontrolled movements, they hunt down the next host.
I'm going to get anecdotal here for a second. I was sitting on the couch, reading this story, itching my scalp, and I got to yet another really intense part. Now, mind you, I had been on edge since page 2 of this book, so I was wound pretty tight. I chose that moment to decide it was late and I needed to get some sleep. So, I plug in my Kindle for the night, shut off some of the lights, and go to check the front door to make sure it was locked. It was then I noticed a box on my front porch. I swear to you, I was afraid to go out and get it. I turned on the front porch lights, which are still one green, one read from Christmas (no judging please), which only served to cast the porch in an eerie, muted green color. Not helping. I opened the door, grabbed the box, and slammed the door shut, locking it as quickly as I could.
I am 54 years old, and I was afraid to get a box off my own porch. If that doesn't sell you on this book, I don't know what would.
Oh, and the box? Nothing scary in there. Well, I'm at the end of my review and my head is still itchy. Needless to say, this is an intense read, and one of deliciously gory descriptive words. Itch, itch, itch, itch.......
Ok, my head is itching even while writing this review. I'm not the kind of gal who's afraid of bugs or other critters, but the ones that skitter? The tiny ones you can't always see but can feel on you? Yeah, those are the ones that creep me out. So why, do you ask, would I choose to read a book about parasitic head lice that take over the citizens of a small town? Because I love a good horror read - that's why. And this author is just deliciously brutal in telling the reader what exactly happens to a person when they become infected, and how, in glorious gory detail, they pretty much rip their own faces off before, in jerky, uncontrolled movements, they hunt down the next host.
I'm going to get anecdotal here for a second. I was sitting on the couch, reading this story, itching my scalp, and I got to yet another really intense part. Now, mind you, I had been on edge since page 2 of this book, so I was wound pretty tight. I chose that moment to decide it was late and I needed to get some sleep. So, I plug in my Kindle for the night, shut off some of the lights, and go to check the front door to make sure it was locked. It was then I noticed a box on my front porch. I swear to you, I was afraid to go out and get it. I turned on the front porch lights, which are still one green, one read from Christmas (no judging please), which only served to cast the porch in an eerie, muted green color. Not helping. I opened the door, grabbed the box, and slammed the door shut, locking it as quickly as I could.
I am 54 years old, and I was afraid to get a box off my own porch. If that doesn't sell you on this book, I don't know what would.
Oh, and the box? Nothing scary in there. Well, I'm at the end of my review and my head is still itchy. Needless to say, this is an intense read, and one of deliciously gory descriptive words. Itch, itch, itch, itch.......
July 30, 2021
Pike has a very realistic way of writing which draws you in and makes you feel very vulnerable. I took exceptionally long to read this book because I had to keep putting it down to scratch at my head. It played with my mind and creeped me out.
The characters are so likeable and so relatable. I absolutely loved them but well Pike has a way of stabbing you in the gut and pulling your heart out when it comes to characters.
Overall I loved the story and loved the ending, how creeptastic! I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good horror read that makes you itch.
The characters are so likeable and so relatable. I absolutely loved them but well Pike has a way of stabbing you in the gut and pulling your heart out when it comes to characters.
Overall I loved the story and loved the ending, how creeptastic! I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good horror read that makes you itch.
December 23, 2022
This book was provided to me, by the author in exchange for an honest review.
What can I say, except this is probably one of the most unconventional apocalyptic vibe books I’ve read in a while. Learning about the kind of damage these little head lice to do someone and the very uncommon way of stopping them (no spoilers) is just some thing I really think the author enjoyed creating and me as a reader enjoying experiencing. This book reads like a creepy pasta, which I grew up on and loved, and I couldn’t be more happy with how this came out! There are a few characters that show up but they all add something to the plot if nothing major it’s still fun to experience their little shine in the lime light. My score for this book is 4.5 stars, but on here 5 stars rounded up.
Thank you Carver for the chance to review this for you.
What can I say, except this is probably one of the most unconventional apocalyptic vibe books I’ve read in a while. Learning about the kind of damage these little head lice to do someone and the very uncommon way of stopping them (no spoilers) is just some thing I really think the author enjoyed creating and me as a reader enjoying experiencing. This book reads like a creepy pasta, which I grew up on and loved, and I couldn’t be more happy with how this came out! There are a few characters that show up but they all add something to the plot if nothing major it’s still fun to experience their little shine in the lime light. My score for this book is 4.5 stars, but on here 5 stars rounded up.
Thank you Carver for the chance to review this for you.
May 29, 2021
This is my fourth Carver Pike book.
The reader is drawn in right away into a parasitic lice nightmare that seems unstoppable. Great characters and settings. From hunters, to a trailer park, to a leadership training group, the lice only want one thing, control. From the smallest mouse to the largest cat, lice attach to anything with fur or hair. No one is safe. This book creeps into your brain and each page makes you scratch for more. I loved this book. Great feel, fantastic tone. Easy to read and an ending that will leave you wanting to take a shower. I hear that a lice origin story is in the works and I hope it’s true. I will be first in line to buy a copy. Thanks Carver for another great read.
The reader is drawn in right away into a parasitic lice nightmare that seems unstoppable. Great characters and settings. From hunters, to a trailer park, to a leadership training group, the lice only want one thing, control. From the smallest mouse to the largest cat, lice attach to anything with fur or hair. No one is safe. This book creeps into your brain and each page makes you scratch for more. I loved this book. Great feel, fantastic tone. Easy to read and an ending that will leave you wanting to take a shower. I hear that a lice origin story is in the works and I hope it’s true. I will be first in line to buy a copy. Thanks Carver for another great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2020
I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting a lot from this book. Insect horror isn't really my thing but I kept hearing a lot about Scalp. I was expecting a "gross me out" story that would leave me feeling itchy and slightly nauseous. I was really happy to find an actual story behind the insect invasion with characters I surprisingly found that I cared for. This was a fun, quick read that I would definitely recommend!
February 3, 2021
This was an amazing and entertaining book that kept the reader turning pages even when they were a tad grossed out. Mr. Pike turned the most unlikely of subjects into one of the most unique books I have ever read. It wasn't lost on me that in a story about murderous head lice one of the characters is named "Nitsy". This subtle bit of humor from the author is peppered throughout the story and just adds to what is truly a fun book to read.
April 5, 2021
I Was Itching To Read This 😉
Ok, another fab book from Carver Pike. It had me itching the whole time I was reading it, and even when I wasnt reading it. I suggest you cut your nails short before reading....and enjoy the itchy ride!! 😁
Ok, another fab book from Carver Pike. It had me itching the whole time I was reading it, and even when I wasnt reading it. I suggest you cut your nails short before reading....and enjoy the itchy ride!! 😁
June 11, 2021
This book has made it into my list of favorite books I've read this year.
The characters made me fall in love with them right away. Plenty of creepy crawly sensations while reading it.
The characters made me fall in love with them right away. Plenty of creepy crawly sensations while reading it.
October 19, 2022
I'm still itching, such a well thought out story, great ending. Totally smashed it. Definitely will be reading everything else carver pike writes.
October 14, 2020
This story is not what I expected, not at all. It is so much more than its synopsis alludes to. The key word there is “parasitic,” so keep that in mind.
Scalp by Carver Pike is almost a classic level of horror, in an extreme horror way. It has all the tense foreshadowing of an 80s movie (I swear you can hear that horror movie music change in your head as you read), the same level of characters and characterization as a bestseller, and the creepy, icky, vivid horror we expect from Carver Pike.
I want to ask Carver, “Why in the world did you write this!?” But he clearly had fun doing it. And, honestly, it is a fun read if you enjoy being creeped out, grossed out, and made to laugh in spite of it. Be warned, however, this story will give you the heebie-jeebies to the point of physical reaction—twitching, shuddering, scratching non-existent itches. Even more maddening, the characters really are engaging. And you become invested. And you know it’s horror. And you know Carver wrote it. And the tension is just maddening.
With Scalp, Carver Pike has twisted current subgenres and classic style into a horrific literary balloon animal that will entertain your dark side and give you messed up dreams. This creepy and compelling read is definitely recommended for daring readers.
Scalp by Carver Pike is almost a classic level of horror, in an extreme horror way. It has all the tense foreshadowing of an 80s movie (I swear you can hear that horror movie music change in your head as you read), the same level of characters and characterization as a bestseller, and the creepy, icky, vivid horror we expect from Carver Pike.
I want to ask Carver, “Why in the world did you write this!?” But he clearly had fun doing it. And, honestly, it is a fun read if you enjoy being creeped out, grossed out, and made to laugh in spite of it. Be warned, however, this story will give you the heebie-jeebies to the point of physical reaction—twitching, shuddering, scratching non-existent itches. Even more maddening, the characters really are engaging. And you become invested. And you know it’s horror. And you know Carver wrote it. And the tension is just maddening.
With Scalp, Carver Pike has twisted current subgenres and classic style into a horrific literary balloon animal that will entertain your dark side and give you messed up dreams. This creepy and compelling read is definitely recommended for daring readers.
December 13, 2020
Most Original Zombie Apocalypse Story I've Ever Read
Author Carver Pike has crafted an original tale in the zombie apocalypse genre. With monster lice raging war on the population of Clydesville, the way the zombies come to be is gripping. But the way the zombies are dealt with at the end? It's the most unexpected twist I've read out of almost any book. Let's just say that even monster lice have something to fear. Awesome book. I'll be reading more from this author in the future.
Author Carver Pike has crafted an original tale in the zombie apocalypse genre. With monster lice raging war on the population of Clydesville, the way the zombies come to be is gripping. But the way the zombies are dealt with at the end? It's the most unexpected twist I've read out of almost any book. Let's just say that even monster lice have something to fear. Awesome book. I'll be reading more from this author in the future.
October 14, 2020
Scalp by Carver Pike is a novel that took me sometime to digest prior to sitting down and writing this review. Scalp has so much material packed into it I felt I needed time to digest and process it as a whole properly. I must say I find myself hearing many comparing Scalp to Carver’s other horrific novel Grad Night. I have given this much thought, and I feel it is not proper to compare the two books whatsoever. Both novels shine in their own bright way! Grad Night was my first venture into the world and mind of Pike. Scalp is a completely different animal with a totally different formula! I cannot stress enough how impressed I was by Carver’s ability to be imaginative, fresh, and very diverse in what he writes! He is not a one trick pony so to speak. That much said I find it a bit ridiculous comparing these two novels. As it is ridiculous comparing apples to oranges. Anyways, let’s get on with my review of Scalp by Carver Pike!
I honestly, again as I felt with Grad Night, do not want to go into too many details because this book is a must read for horror fans! I felt that it incorporated many things I fear, maybe most of us do, body horror, blood sucking parasites, and what may very well be zombification. However, the last one you must read in order to truly comprehend my meaning. The one thing I found most disturbing is the one fear that I feel everyone has is at the heart… the loss of oneself, loss of oneself’s control, and the loss of oneself’s mind.
Scalp begins very simplex as two cousins are on a hunting trip in good old West Virginia. Andre an ex-military man, and his cousin Carl. They both enjoy the great outdoors, and especially the hunt. Andre prides himself on being a great shot. However, both men seem humble and down to earth.
Andre finally spots what he has been waiting for, and takes aim. The shot rings true and his target is hit. The odd thing that Carl is less savvy than Andre to notice is the deer simply dropped. No reaction, no running, and no need for the men to track a blood trail.
As the cousins approach the kill Andre feels something is quite wrong. There is hardly any blood, the animal looks diseased in some way, and it’s eyes are glazed over like it has been dead. Carl is very excited, but Andre insists to leave it be. Carl doesn’t listen when Andre compels him to not touch the beast and leave it alone. This is where the story begins.
Odd things transpire in the woods for the men. In the run for their life Andre attempts to help Carl, but little do either know the breadth and width of what is about to occur. Shortly on the road things begin to go south, and the men become involved in an accident.
Hal, short for Halogen, is the night park ranger, and finds a flipped vehicle. With it not being in his area the authorities are called to investigate. The hunt to find Andre Pete and Carl is on.
The story then shifts gears as a group of youths arrive at Stonewall Forge to attend a leadership conference. Nitsy, short for Natasha, (a little play here on words with the nickname I believe), and Robbie both are from the same school in Florida. They couldn’t be more different, but everyone holds their secrets. As they start to assemble for the leadership conference the students have no idea what is lurking just around the corner.
Then you have several other characters that play a part in the story. Other students, Phyllis, Bradley, and Lance to name a few. Leadership conference leaders Eggo and Mr. Dale to name a couple. The locals Sally, Grant, a boy named Thomas, and as mentioned Hal. The book is full throttle from the start, doesn’t let up, has a lot of surprises and twists, and is very hard to put down!
I cannot stress enough how admirable it is the small town community, and small town vibe Carver creates in Clydesville West Virginia! Pike also has packed this horrific work full of characters that feel real, have flaws, baggage, are majorly well fleshed out, and this blows my mind! Why? Because there are so many characters! Pike has a story for each character as well! Wow! That is not an easy task! Trust me, I only scratched the surface, no pun intended, on the characters you will encounter! Utterly mind boggling! Not to mention it doesn’t leave you feeling confused or bogged down with who is who.
Clydesville, WV is a beautifully illustrated community Carver fleshed out and created with his words. I am familiar with West Virginia to some extent, and I would say it is pretty spot on. A fabulous small town country feel!
As far as the gruesome horror? Well, I mentioned that a bit in the beginning. I felt that, yes, there was some brutal and bloody sequences. However, if you enjoy zombie stories there are similarities. I also feel that it really invokes on the major fear of losing control of yourself, and ceasing to exist. I feel this can be interpreted as almost psychological horror in this manner as well.
Overall, I have to say Scalp blew me away! I really think Carver is a exquisite author that has a broad spectrum as far as imagination goes, and he doesn’t pigeonhole himself into simply writing one type of book. That is talent folks! Plain and simple! I plan on picking up his Diablo Snuff series next, but Pike also has works drastically different under the author name Chris Genovese. I have yet to pick these up, but I have read good reviews about them as well. Especially the motorcycle club romantic suspense series. Also, they are a totally different ballpark involving romance if horror is not your cup of tea. Pike also has The Edge of Reflection series which is dark fantasy if you would like to dip your toes in there.
All in all, I enjoyed every minute of Scalp! I most definitely recommend this read! This novel will definitely leave you shaken, feeling the heebie jeebies, the hairs on your neck standing up, your skin crawling, and you will definitely feel love and pain for the characters. Some more so than others. I give Scalp by Carver Pike five stars out of five stars! For originality, suspense, horror, character building, painting a town with his words that is vivid, and making everything gel so well together! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Carver Pike, and what tricks he has up his sleeve for his next work!
I honestly, again as I felt with Grad Night, do not want to go into too many details because this book is a must read for horror fans! I felt that it incorporated many things I fear, maybe most of us do, body horror, blood sucking parasites, and what may very well be zombification. However, the last one you must read in order to truly comprehend my meaning. The one thing I found most disturbing is the one fear that I feel everyone has is at the heart… the loss of oneself, loss of oneself’s control, and the loss of oneself’s mind.
Scalp begins very simplex as two cousins are on a hunting trip in good old West Virginia. Andre an ex-military man, and his cousin Carl. They both enjoy the great outdoors, and especially the hunt. Andre prides himself on being a great shot. However, both men seem humble and down to earth.
Andre finally spots what he has been waiting for, and takes aim. The shot rings true and his target is hit. The odd thing that Carl is less savvy than Andre to notice is the deer simply dropped. No reaction, no running, and no need for the men to track a blood trail.
As the cousins approach the kill Andre feels something is quite wrong. There is hardly any blood, the animal looks diseased in some way, and it’s eyes are glazed over like it has been dead. Carl is very excited, but Andre insists to leave it be. Carl doesn’t listen when Andre compels him to not touch the beast and leave it alone. This is where the story begins.
Odd things transpire in the woods for the men. In the run for their life Andre attempts to help Carl, but little do either know the breadth and width of what is about to occur. Shortly on the road things begin to go south, and the men become involved in an accident.
Hal, short for Halogen, is the night park ranger, and finds a flipped vehicle. With it not being in his area the authorities are called to investigate. The hunt to find Andre Pete and Carl is on.
The story then shifts gears as a group of youths arrive at Stonewall Forge to attend a leadership conference. Nitsy, short for Natasha, (a little play here on words with the nickname I believe), and Robbie both are from the same school in Florida. They couldn’t be more different, but everyone holds their secrets. As they start to assemble for the leadership conference the students have no idea what is lurking just around the corner.
Then you have several other characters that play a part in the story. Other students, Phyllis, Bradley, and Lance to name a few. Leadership conference leaders Eggo and Mr. Dale to name a couple. The locals Sally, Grant, a boy named Thomas, and as mentioned Hal. The book is full throttle from the start, doesn’t let up, has a lot of surprises and twists, and is very hard to put down!
I cannot stress enough how admirable it is the small town community, and small town vibe Carver creates in Clydesville West Virginia! Pike also has packed this horrific work full of characters that feel real, have flaws, baggage, are majorly well fleshed out, and this blows my mind! Why? Because there are so many characters! Pike has a story for each character as well! Wow! That is not an easy task! Trust me, I only scratched the surface, no pun intended, on the characters you will encounter! Utterly mind boggling! Not to mention it doesn’t leave you feeling confused or bogged down with who is who.
Clydesville, WV is a beautifully illustrated community Carver fleshed out and created with his words. I am familiar with West Virginia to some extent, and I would say it is pretty spot on. A fabulous small town country feel!
As far as the gruesome horror? Well, I mentioned that a bit in the beginning. I felt that, yes, there was some brutal and bloody sequences. However, if you enjoy zombie stories there are similarities. I also feel that it really invokes on the major fear of losing control of yourself, and ceasing to exist. I feel this can be interpreted as almost psychological horror in this manner as well.
Overall, I have to say Scalp blew me away! I really think Carver is a exquisite author that has a broad spectrum as far as imagination goes, and he doesn’t pigeonhole himself into simply writing one type of book. That is talent folks! Plain and simple! I plan on picking up his Diablo Snuff series next, but Pike also has works drastically different under the author name Chris Genovese. I have yet to pick these up, but I have read good reviews about them as well. Especially the motorcycle club romantic suspense series. Also, they are a totally different ballpark involving romance if horror is not your cup of tea. Pike also has The Edge of Reflection series which is dark fantasy if you would like to dip your toes in there.
All in all, I enjoyed every minute of Scalp! I most definitely recommend this read! This novel will definitely leave you shaken, feeling the heebie jeebies, the hairs on your neck standing up, your skin crawling, and you will definitely feel love and pain for the characters. Some more so than others. I give Scalp by Carver Pike five stars out of five stars! For originality, suspense, horror, character building, painting a town with his words that is vivid, and making everything gel so well together! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Carver Pike, and what tricks he has up his sleeve for his next work!
September 28, 2020
From the twisted mind of Carver Pike comes his new book "Scalp" and it is cringeworthy and yet so good. It will leave you itching your head. Yup, it's an invasion on a whole other level that will leave you shaking your head while envisioning something like this in real life. Little bugs taking literally over full force...yikes! People go beyond insane and it takes a Mad Max mission to take them down. My favorite scene was the storming of Walmart. Absolutely brilliant and it made me laugh envisioning the store layout lol. There is truly no other like Carver Pike and his twisted mind. And idea, no matter how insane it is, pops into his mind and he runs with it. That's what I love so much about his writing. No book is alike and you just dont know what to fully expect once you start reading it. By the time you're 1 chapter in you are hooked and cant put the book down. Cringeworthy, twisted and so good.
May 7, 2022
This book started off quite interesting lice killing people. Then it got boring as every kill was the same. And it was a short introduction to the character then bye bye. So basically the whole middle part of the book was a yawn nearly want to give up as there is no extra details on the kill everyone was the same. The ending was good.
October 1, 2020
Scalp is a real page turner! I couldn't put it down, even when it creeped me out, so don’t expect to put it down once you’ve picked it up. It’s so well written, flowed easy and it’s creatively creepy. There were times my skin crawled, my head itched like crazy, and I was left shocked. Once again, I’m impressed with Carver Pike’s twisted mind and his ability to engross me his stories no matter the subject matter (even the creepy crawly ones!!). You need to read this book, it’s fantastic!
January 27, 2022
Everytime I picked up Scalp by Carver Pike it felt like it was Friday night, I had just got back from the video store, and the smell of Orville Redenbacher and RC cola was in the air.
Honestly, this felt exactly like a b-horror movie in all the right ways! It was gory, with a wholesome coming of age bent to it, and it was overtop right when it needed to be!
I'd been dreading reading this, cause the cover made me tingle so bad, but it really was worth every itchy minute!
LOVED IT!
Honestly, this felt exactly like a b-horror movie in all the right ways! It was gory, with a wholesome coming of age bent to it, and it was overtop right when it needed to be!
I'd been dreading reading this, cause the cover made me tingle so bad, but it really was worth every itchy minute!
LOVED IT!
November 9, 2021
This one will take you on a wild ride. I had put off reading it for probably the same reason others haven't yet, the lice. I have to say I am glad that I finally picked this one up and gave it a go.The writing is fantastic and the storyline is something new. I definitely recommend this one if you like horror reads.
October 1, 2020
Holy Freaking Hell!!!
This is my very first time reading Carver Pike.
Not my usual read, but this creepy twisted tale pulled me in.
This is the perfect read for October, that's for sure.
Now if I can just stop itching...
This is my very first time reading Carver Pike.
Not my usual read, but this creepy twisted tale pulled me in.
This is the perfect read for October, that's for sure.
Now if I can just stop itching...
December 6, 2020
Holy catballs Batman!!!
I thought his Diablo Snuff books were terrifying...nope! Nothing like this book! This is what the brothers Grimm would have written! Stephen King might need to step over because Carved Pike is serious competition with this book!!!
I thought his Diablo Snuff books were terrifying...nope! Nothing like this book! This is what the brothers Grimm would have written! Stephen King might need to step over because Carved Pike is serious competition with this book!!!
February 14, 2021
May cause itchy scalp.
I couldn't stop reading it. The book just draws you in, it's weird and creepy. I need to go wash my hair now. Parasitic lice, shiver! Lice is already creepy he just made it creepier and gross! Definitely worth a second read.
I couldn't stop reading it. The book just draws you in, it's weird and creepy. I need to go wash my hair now. Parasitic lice, shiver! Lice is already creepy he just made it creepier and gross! Definitely worth a second read.
September 17, 2021
Really enjoyed this! I went in blind which I think made it better, really different story line and I loved the character development! I loved the anticipation of the 'zombies' chasing and attacking, but the idea behind it was just so unusual I loved it!
March 10, 2022
Most Unique Zombie Story I've Ever Read
As a long-time fan of all things zombie, I can honestly say that I've never read anything quite like SCALP. It's the most unique spin on an old trope that I've ever come across. This is definitely a MUST-READ novel for all horror fans.
As a long-time fan of all things zombie, I can honestly say that I've never read anything quite like SCALP. It's the most unique spin on an old trope that I've ever come across. This is definitely a MUST-READ novel for all horror fans.
September 26, 2020
this was a crazy, creepy and cringeworthy book. I loved every twisted moment
October 23, 2020
I'm not much for long reviews. But it's 2 a.m., and I just finished this book, and now have to go shower and wash my hair for an hour and a half! Holy hell! Mr. Pike definitely doesn't disappoint
November 23, 2020
Never knew head lice was so vicious!! My head is still itching! Great book!!
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